LA FOCUS NEWSPAPER February 2024

VOLUME XXIX • ISSUE > > W W W. L A F O C U S N E W S PA P E R . C O M

•February 2024

L.A. FOCUS

@LAFOCUSNEWS

<<

CHURCH NEWS Gala Celebration to Mark Dr. Betty Price’s 90th Birthday

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ Colman Domingo to Play Nat King Cole

SEE PAGE 10

Upfront

Hip-Hop Community Rallying Behind Trump as Pivotal Election Divides Young Black Voters

SAVING GRACE Teyana Taylor

>> SEE PAGE 6

contents

October 2022 February 2024

L.A. Focus Publications

(Left) L.A. County Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis join with Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove in congratulating Tennesee State Rep Justin Pearson on being honored at the L.A. Federation of Labor breakfast; Middle: KBLA owner Tavis Smiley and Spectrum News One Anchor Giselle Fernandez share the stage at the 32nd Annual Empowerment Congress Summit at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine; (Right) Supervisor Holly Mitchell waves to the crowd as she cycled the King Day parade route (Photo credit: Martin Zamora).

4 From The Editor

Upholding The Legacy of Our Ancestors

Commentary

Yolanda Renee King Continues Her Family Legacy

6 8

Colman Domingo to Play Nat King Cole; Ryan Coogler & Michael B Jordan Set to Reunite; Charlie Wilson Gets Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame; New Role for Taraji P. Henson

Footnotes

UpFront Hip-Hop Community Rallying Behind Trump as Pivotal Election Divides Young Black Voters; Building Toward Justice: California Legislative Black Caucus Pursues Ambitious Agenda; Convictions Cannot Stand” State Lawyers in their Appeal of Mark Ridley-Thomas Case; Groundswell for Water Justice Unites with Civil Rights Leaders; Tackling AI's Role in Hate Speech and Misinformation Campaigns

HeadToHead The High Cost of Freedom & Global Peace

Headlines From Africa

10 Cover Story

Spotlighting Key Figures and Landmarks in L.A.’s Often Understated Black History

12 Money Matters

Super Bowl LVIII: A Monumental Payday

Biz News Briefs Cynthia McClain Hill Steps Down as LADWP Board President; LeBron James Signs Deal with Fanatics; Byron Allen Makes $30 Bid to Acquire Paramount

On the Money Rent Hikes Capped by Local Municipalities, Check Yours

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers Photographer Advertising

Lisa Collins Gerald Bell, Quita Bride, D.T. Carson Ian Foxx J.T. Torbit

18 19 Eye On Gospel

Red Carpet Style Award Season Fashion

Kim Burrell Goes Viral After Rebuking a Woman for Singing Along During Her Solo in Church Service; Rance Allen Group Earns its First RIAA Certified Gold Record; Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary to Headline the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration with Earth, Wind & Fire

20 Church News

Historic Gathering of Black Baptist Conventions Addressed Critical Societal Issues; County Board of Supervisors to Explore Creating An Office to Partner with Houses of Worship

21 First Lady Files Shonta Hilton

22 Pastor Profile Kyron Shorter

L.A. Honors Rev. James Lawson's Enduring Legacy with Adams Boulevard Dedication; Gala Celebration to Mark Dr. Betty Price’s 90th Birthday; Asm. Tina McKinnor Elected Chair of L.A. Delegation to Legislature

25 In Good Taste Patrick Clark

26 Saving Grace Teyana Taylor

The Wiz is onstage at the Pantages through Feb. 24, but this month the Broadway and entertainment community paused to pay tribute to three-time Tony Award winning actor and dancer, Hinton Battle, who is best remembered for originating the role of “Scarecrow” in “The Wiz” in 1975.

Battle went on to appear in “Dreamgirls,” “Sophisticated Ladies,” “The Tap Dance Kid” and “Miss Saigon,” and worked as a choreographer on the 65th and 66th Academy Award. He passed away on January 30. He was 67.

@L.A.Focus

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

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

Cover Design: UpScale Media Group

advisory board

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

CORRECTION: the name of First Lady Wendy Fletcher’s Church was incorrectly titled in our January issue. The correct title is New Life Ministries Church International.

L.A. Focus/February 2024

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

@Lafocusnews

Sterling K. Brown

23 People

honorary advisors

staff

#LAFOCUS

17 Hollywood Buzz

3

Commentary

JESSICA JOHNSON Guest Columnist

“Yolanda Renee King Continues Her Family Legacy ” happened to catch the recent "CBS Mornings" news interview of Yolanda Renee King, the only grandchild of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. While promoting her new children's book honoring her grandparents titled "We Dream a World," Yolanda gave a profound answer when asked what she would say to them if they were alive today. "I think I would first start off with an apology," she said, which was surprising to CBS host Nate Burleson, who immediately asked the young activist what she meant by her response. Yolanda continued, "An apology to where we are right now, as a nation and really as a world."

Yolanda is only 15 years old, and it is evident that she has a deep understanding of what her grandparents fought for as leaders of the civil rights movement. In August of last year, during the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Yolanda boldly declared that her generation would "be defined by action, not apathy."

As Yolanda is growing up before our eyes, she has the youthful exuberance of her grandfather's resolve and displays the dignified grace of her grandmother. Yolanda saying she would apologize to her grandparents for our nation not yet reaching the potential they believed in should make us thoughtfully reflect on how Dr. King also warned about becoming apathetic.

Many people, as King once said, are "[t]oo unconcerned to love and too passionless to hate, too detached to be selfish and too lifeless to be unselfish, too indifferent to experience joy and too cold to express sorrow, they are neither dead nor alive; they merely exist." Apathy is a brutal paralyzer of life. It can cause us to be ensnared in a dangerous mode of stagnation emotionally,

I

spiritually, and sometimes physically.

Apathy also triggers entitled disinterest in our society. In 2021, Tom Nichols, an instructor at Harvard Extension School and the U.S. Naval War College, asserted in an interview with The Harvard Gazette that "narcissism and nihilism" are the primary threats to our country's democracy and societal relationships. Elaborating on the latter, Nichols said that many people ask why our society is "so mean and heartless and awful," but many of them do not contribute anything to make their communities better, or they will vote against policies that affect their well-being due to "narcissistic beefs."

"We have become surly villagers," Nichols maintained, "me, my family, my little plot of land, and everybody else can go to hell." This type of sullen attitude is what Yolanda is urging our country to overcome as she is an emerging voice on critical issues such as gun violence and homelessness.

From the Editor

As Yolanda continues to attentively study the Godly principles that enabled her grandfather to be that drum major for justice who changed the course of our nation, I am reminded of two of his sermons where he encouraged his followers to live with purpose and passion and to shower others with Christian love. The first sermon is titled "But If Not," a 1967 message that King delivered at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church.

King expresses that the "ultimate test" of our faith is when we get to a "but if not" moment in life, a moment where we have to travel along an arduous journey with no other option but to lean on God's promises. This passage stands out to avoid being gripped by apathy during a spiritual test: "... somewhere along the way [in life] you should discover something that's so dear, so precious to you, that is so eternally worthful, that you will never give it up." The second sermon is "Levels of Love," an Ebenezer address King gave in 1962. He implored the congregation to "rise to agape, to Christian love" because "[t]he greatness of it is that you love every man, not for your sake but for his sake. And you love every man because God loves him."

It is remarkable that Yolanda exemplifies the love and compassion her grandparents demonstrated as she diligently works to uplift others. She is blazing her own path, and it is truly inspiring to watch it unfold. She probably has not had a "but if not" moment yet in her young life thus far, but I have no doubt she is developing the character and strength to face the challenges she knows are coming.

Dr. Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University's Lima campus.

Email her at smojc.jj@gmail.com. Follow her on X: @JjSmojc.

LISA COLLINS Publisher

“Upholding The Legacy of Our Ancestors”

L.A. Focus/February 2024

n weaving the history and tapestry of civic engagement within the African American community, the words of Martin Luther King Jr. resonate with compelling force for me: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Voting is not merely a constitutional right; it's a cornerstone of our democracy and a tangible expression of our voices and our choices. Moreover, the integrity of the voting process and equal access to it are crucial in ensuring that all voices are heard, preserving the essence of self-determination in a democratic society.

The ongoing battle for voting rights underscores the stark reality that the fight for equitable access to the ballot box continues. Efforts to suppress votes in various communities–most notably, our communities– serve as a reminder of the struggles overcome and the strides yet to be made and why the expression of our voices matter so much.

Barack Obama eloquently captured the essence of participation when he urged, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." Each vote cast is a pledge for the future, a declaration that the very act of voting is an act of hope and expectation for a more just and equitable society.

Frederick Douglass, with timeless wisdom, asserted, "Power concedes nothing without a demand.

It never did and never will." Every election presents a new opportunity–a demand for change, for progress, and for the safeguarding of our hard-won rights.

In the current political climate, where misinformation looms large, voters face the critical responsibility of due diligence. It's imperative to do our own homework on the candidates, to discern their intentions, policies, and their commitment to serving the public good with integrity. When we cast our vote, it must be informed and inten-

4

tional, mirroring the legacies of those who fought tirelessly for this fundamental right. It must honor the past while investing in our collective future.

Because voting is a direct expression of self-determination, allowing us to choose representatives and shape policies that align with their own aspirations and interests, it is also a personal endeavor.

In this week’s issue, we delve into an unsettling and complex phenomenon that is emerging within the Black youth demographic–an increasing number who are declaring their support for Trump, with hip hop celebrities like Snoop Dogg leading the charge (see full story on page 6). The discourse surrounding this trend is intensifying, as the factors implicated in this political shift come into question. As with anything to do with people, the answers are multifaceted; spanning from economic empowerment and skepticism of traditional Democratic policies regarding African Americans that have prompted a departure from monolithic party allegiance to the desire for sweeping change, the impact of social media or personality.

Admittedly, it's hard for those like me to reconcile how young voters can throw their support a man who freely propagate falsehoods; incited a deadly insurrection; consistently displayed a lack of the most basic decorum; introduced turbulence and discord during his previous tenancy in the Oval Office; and whose reelection could entail the arduous task of unseating him again when his term is up.

Yet, the freedom to choose is their basic right. What this trend undeniably signals is a pivotal transformation within the political landscape. It's a wake-up call for the Democratic Party to reevaluate how they engage with young Black voters and to acknowledge the weight and worth of their ballots. Although it’s unpalatable for many Americans to confront the limited appeal of this year’s presidential options, the exercise of voting remains crucial–especially in local elections

where the outcomes can have a direct and immediate effect on the community.

In a compelling twist, Mark Ridley-Thomas's legal representatives have lodged an appeal against his 2023 conviction on charges of bribery and honest services fraud. For further details, refer to our coverage on page 7. The statement from Attorney Paul Watford, an Obama appointee who served as a circuit judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2012 to 2023 and is part of Ridley-Thomas’s legal team, asserts vigorously, “Dr. Mark Ridley-Thomas is not guilty of either federal-programs bribery or honest services fraud. The government’s prosecution of Dr. Ridley-Thomas involved none of the hallmarks of traditional bribery: no private enrichment, no intent to be influenced, and no deception material to the would-be victims. His convictions cannot stand."

It's worth noting the stark silence from the L.A. Times which, previously fervent in its coverage that arguably marred the veteran lawmaker’s standing with prosecution-leaning reports, has yet to acknowledge the appeal’s initiation, its substantiations, or Judge Dale Fischer's oversights. This omission is intriguing, to say the least.

Of course, this is Black History month, and ours is a history full of injustices and yet just as reflective of the resilience of a people who have triumphed and excelled against the odds.

Keep the faith.

UpFront

News Briefs

Hip-Hop Community Rallying Behind Trump as Pivotal Election Divides Young Black Voters

I

n a surprising development, Snoop Dogg threw his support behind Donald Trump as a pivotal election season looms, remarking, “He (Trump) has done nothing but great things for me.”

Previously, Snoop Dogg was critical of Trump following his 2016 presidential victory.

The notable shift in the famous rapper's attitude is attributed to his connection with Michael Harris, a co-founder of Death Row Records, which Snoop Dogg is associated with. Harris, who was serving a sentence for drug trafficking and attempted murder, was granted clemency

by Trump in January 2021, earning the rapper's gratitude.

"He’s never wronged me. He's done nothing but good for me by pardoning Michael Harris," Snoop Dogg stated.

The endorsement arrives amidst a trend of hip-hop industry figures backing the former president's potential return, clashing with Joe Biden's reelection campaign.

The hip hop mogul is hardly alone as a growing number of hip hop artists–and young Blacks– say they will lend their support to the former president in the 2024 White House bid. Internet celebrity and rapper Sexyy Red lauded Trump for his acts of clemency, such as pardoning

Lil Wayne, and for rolling out stimulus payments during his term from 2017 to 2021.

"I'm a fan of Trump," Sexyy Red expressed. "He's got support in the neighborhoods. Initially, people doubted him, suspecting racism and sexist remarks.

But when he began to take action for the African American community and distributed that stimulus money–oh, people's perspectives changed. They’re saying, 'We need Trump back.'"

Benny The Butcher, a rapper from Buffalo, declared his vote for Trump in the next election despite arising from a city with Democratic leadership, "Trump's got my vote in 2024," he announced on X, once known as Twitter.

ELGIN NELSON Staff

Even YG, who famously denounced Trump in his track "FDT," has reconsidered, citing Trump-supported initiatives like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as pivotal to changing perceptions within the African American community.

A.D. Carson, Ph.D., known as both a performance artist and an associate professor of hip-hop at the University of Virginia, opines that Trump's image as a non-conventional figure resonates as inspiring for those attracted to the culture of being an outlier.

"Trump’s perceived role as an outsider, which seems counterintuitive, entices hip-hop aficionados and the general populace alike," Carson explained.

Currently, polls indicate a shift among young African American voters, predominantly consumers of hip-hop, away from Biden, stirring concern in Democratic heavyweights like Rep. Jim Clyburn.

"Do we want a leader who repeatedly exhibits misogyny and racism?" Clyburn questioned rhetorically.

It’s evident that youthful voters are distancing themselves from traditional leadership cues, opting instead for guidance from cultural icons, online personalities, community activists, and urban radio.

Officials within the Biden administration Hip Hop continued to page 24

Building Toward Justice: California Legislative Black Caucus Pursues Ambitious 2024 Reparations Agenda ollowing the release of the groundbreaking Reparations Task Force Report last summer, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) recently announced an ambitious legislative agenda for 2024 with its introduction of “the Reparations Priority Bill Package”.

It is the first step in what the caucus says will be a multi-year effort to implement its legislative recommendations.

"While many only associate direct cash payments with reparations, the true meaning of the word, to repair, involves much more! As laid out in the report, we need a comprehensive approach to dismantling the legacy of slavery and systemic racism, said Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. ' The legislative initiative spans crucial areas, such as criminal justice reform, property redress, education, civil rights, and food justice–all aimed at correcting historical injustices faced by Black Californians.

“The Caucus is looking to make strides in the second half of this legislative session as we build towards righting the wrongs of California's past in future sessions. One of the most powerful aspects of the Reparations Tasks Force Report was the detailed discussion of how laws in California were crafted to directly cause harm to its Black residents”, Wilson continued. “That harm touched every aspect of their lives and many of those harms are still felt by Black Californians generations later.”

F

C o n sequently, the Caucus intends introduce a bill calling for an official apology from both the governor and the legislative body for California's involvement in the human rights abuses and atrocities committed against African slaves and their descendants.

"As a member of the Reparations Taskforce, I am proud of the two-year study that resulted in two separate reports totaling over 1,600 pages,” said Assemblymember Reginald Byron Jones- Sawyer, Sr. These reports contain the most comprehensive empirical data and historical evidence ever collected on the issue of chattel slavery. There is no doubt about the far-reaching negative impacts of bigoted laws born from the end of slavery in our country. Hundreds of legislative and budgetary reparatory recommendations were made within the final report and I, along with the members of the Black Caucus, look forward to working with our legislative colleagues to achieve true reparations and justice for all black Californians."

Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber applauded the group’s efforts.

Three Black U.S. soldiers killed in the overnight drone attack on a U.S. military outpost in Jordan were recently identified as their deaths raise further concern over a broader conflict breaking out in the Middle East. Tributes poured in for the three soldiers–Sgt. William Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Specialist Kennedy Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia–who were killed as they slept Republican lawmakers spoke out to criticize President Joe Biden's approach to Iran following the casualties, where some called for direct action against the country.

“We are saddened by the loss of three American heroes in Jordan, and we are praying for their families– but America must send a crystal clear message across the globe that attacks on our troops will not be tolerated," House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., wrote on X, formerly Twitter In addition to the three deaths, more than 30 service members were injured in the attack.

Biden responded by vowing that "We shall respond. Have no doubt–we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing."

D.T. CARSON Contributor Kennedy Sanders

William Rivers

Breanna Moffett

Biden Takes Aim At Excessive Bank Chargers, Proposes Significant Reduction in Overdrawn Account Fees

"As the author of AB 3121, I am pleased that the California Legislative Black Caucus has picked up the baton and is moving the state forward in addressing the recommendations delivered to them seven months ago,” Weber stated. “I am optimistic and encouraged by the work and look forward to amazing and groundbreaking outcomes. The nation is waiting for us to lead. And as California always does, we will lead in addressing a delayed justice called Reparations."

The following 14 measures have been or will be introduced from the 2024 CLBC Reparation Priority Bill Package. For information on each measure, please reach out to the respective legislators' office.

AB 1929 (Tina McKinnor) - Expand access to career technical education by creating a competitive grant program to increase enrollment of descendants in STEM-related CTE programs at the high school and college levels.

CLBC continued to page 24

President Biden has announced a proposal to dramatically reduce the cost of overdrawing a bank account. The initiative targets what it views as unnecessary financial burdens on consumers, particularly those living paycheck to paycheck.

The proposed regulation could cap the overdrawn account fee at $3, which would represent a significant difference from the current banking landscape where fees can soar to as much as $39.

“When companies sneak hidden junk fees into families’ bills, it can take hundreds of dollars a month out of their pockets and make it harder to make ends meet,” Biden stated. “That might not matter to the wealthy, but it’s real money to hardworking families–and it’s just plain wrong.”

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) outlined two approaches for banks to calculate overdraft fees. The first requires banks to charge customers only the cost of overdraft services, with a mandate to disclose the costs to the CFPB transparently. The proposed rules would apply to banks with assets exceeding $10 billion, impacting approximately 175 large financial institutions. Should the rule be adopted and withstand political and legal challenges, the new regulations could take effect late in 2025.

ELGIN NELSON Staff

“Convictions Cannot Stand” State Lawyers in their Appeal of Mark Ridley-Thomas Case

D

r. Mark Ridley-Thomas is not guilty of either federal-programs bribery or honest services fraud. The government’s prosecution of Dr. Ridley-Thomas involved none of the hallmarks of traditional bribery: no private enrichment, no intent to be influenced, and no deception material to the would-be victims. His convictions cannot stand,” stated Paul Watford, on behalf of the legal team representing the former L.A. City Councilmember in filing its appeal of RidleyThomas’ March 30, 2023 conviction with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The appeal details how the U.S. Attorney created a novel theory of what constitutes bribery and honest services fraud. Additionally, the prosecution used two preemptory strikes to eliminate all Black women from the jury. Dr. Ridley-Thomas’ legal team, led by former Appellate Court Judge Paul Watford, now a partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, UC Berkeley School of Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, and Alyssa Bell and Michael Schafler, partners with Cohen Williams LLP, contends the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals must either reverse the convictions or grant a new trial based on the arguments made in the brief.

The legal brief states that Federal District Court Judge Dale Fischer misapplied the law, erred in instructing the jury, and in rulings during jury selection, and details the many ways in which those errors inhibited Dr. Ridley-Thomas’ ability to obtain a fair trial.

Further, that the U.S. Attorney used a bribery theory that was not only incorrect but also chills legitimate policy making. Dr. Ridley-Thomas’s prosecution rests on the theory that Dean Flynn’s assistance in funding PRPI (Policy Research & Practice Initiative) was a “thing of value” that serves as the quid in a quid pro quo bribery scheme. But Flynn’s assistance cannot be a quid as a

matter of law because it did not personally enrich Dr. Ridley-Thomas. The appeal also challenges the honest services fraud counts on the ground that the government failed to prove that Dr. Ridley-Thomas engaged in deception that was material to his constituents. At trial, the government argued that Ridley-Thomas deceived USC, but fraud on the public cannot be proven by means of deceptive material to USC. The legal team maintains that the government’s theory is not only unprecedented but also risks turning ordinary exchanges critical to representative government — from ribbon cutting ceremonies to honorary degrees — into grounds for federal prosecution and unless overturned, would have a chilling impact on routine government operation.

“The United States Supreme Court has greatly limited the use of the federal fraud statutes. The verdict in this case is clearly inconsistent with these precedents,” stated Erwin Chemerinsky, dean, UC Berkeley School of Law. “This decision, unless overturned, threatens to

give enormous power to federal prosecutors over local governments across the country.”

Additionally, the government’s case rested on the theory that Ridley-Thomas took a “thing of value” and the so-called “funneling” of money to the non-profit was the same as taking a cash bribe. Under the government’s theory, USC School of Social Work Dean Marilyn Flynn’s assistance was valuable to Ridley-Thomas because it avoided the “nepotistic optics” of a direct donation to his son’s non-profit (PRPI), and thereby protected Dr. Ridley-Thomas public image and enhanced his future electability. The U.S. Attorney’s office referred to this act as a “thing of value.” But lawyers maintain that in Dr. Ridley-Thomas’ case, a “thing of value” can be no broader than property, not the right to control information.

Yet another area of contention was the government’s use of an unprecedented bribery theory that Attorney Alyssa Bell says chills legitimate policymaking.

“A hallmark of traditional bribery is private enrichment at the victim’s expense,” Bell states. “In this case, there was no private enrichment. The so-called ‘secret funneling’ is not a thing of value.

“What should have begun and ended as an internal investigation at USC resulted in a prosecution untethered to federal precedent,” added Bell. “Mark RidleyThomas did not line his own pockets. Quite the opposite — he donated $100,000 of his own ballot committee funds so that PRPI could hire a fulltime staff member and begin its work of polling Black Angelenos about their legislative priorities. This is the first prosecution ever to proceed on such a theory.”

Finally, Dr. Ridley-Thomas’ legal team argues that, during jury selection, the government used two of its continued to page 24

HeadToHead

The High Cost of Freedom & Global Peace

O

ne picture worth a thouThree U.S. Army reserve soldiers sand words is a graph on Freedom Is were killed in Jordan by a drone Not Free the U.S. Department of attributed to an Iran-backed miDefense website showing U.S. an- litia in Iraq. As the daughter of an Air nual Defense spending as a percentage of Force retiree, I find this particularly emoGDP, going back to 1953. Two things tionally painful. Ships are being attacked jump out. in the Gulf of Aden area by Iran-backed First, the lowest over the 70-year Houthi rebels in Yemen. And there was period was in 1999, at the end of the Clin- the horrible, savage attack on Israeli civton administration, when it stood at ilians on Oct. 7 by Iran-supported 2.7%. This is a little more than half the Hamas. previous low, which stood at 4.5% 20 A backdrop to all of this is the conyears earlier, in 1979. flict raging in UkA little over a year after this historic raine, the result of low point in defense spending, our nation aggression by Rusexperienced the worst attack on its home- sia. The headline is land in its history on Sept. 11, 2001. that we have The second thing I notice is that the enemies, and these forecast for 2024 shows that Defense enemies are enerspending as a percentage of GDP will be gized when they per2.7%, matching the 1999 low point. ceive the United Star Parker However, the 2.7% in 2024 implies a States as weak and far lower national priority for Defense confused. There is a lot of rhetoric now spending than the 2.7% in 1999, because about so-called "globalization" and "endin 1999, overall federal spending as a less wars." percent of GDP stood at 17.7% compared Some call for a retreat inward by our nato 23.4% in 2024, according to the CBO tion and want to label international enforecast. gagement as not "conservative." But it is So as a percent of the federal budget, just the opposite. in 1999, Defense spending stood at 15.3% A conservative worldview recognizes compared to 11.5% in 2024. The 2024 there is truth and that for every right we Index of Military Strength published by claim there is a corresponding responthe Heritage Foundation rates the state sibility. The universal rights the founders of military power by branches of service of our nation claimed in our Declaration from "very weak" to "very strong."The re- of Independence have corresponding unisults: Army, "marginal"; Navy, "weak"; versal responsibilities.

Air Force, "very weak"; Marine Corps, We must remember the quote attrib"strong." uted to Alexis de Tocqueville, "America is The report summarizes saying "In great because America is good. If Amerthe aggregate, the United States' mili- ica ever stops being good, it will stop tary posture must be rated as 'weak.' ... being great."

As currently postured, the U.S. military This does not mean that our nation is at significant risk of not being able to should take on the impossible task of defend America's vital national interests being the world's policeman. But as we with assurance." saw, and too soon have forgotten, on the We look to the Middle East now and horrible day of Sept. 11, 2001, there are see increased aggression from proxies of evil people in this world hostile to us who Iran.

Star Parker continued to page 24

Headlines From Africa Botswana: Morocco and Botswana ranked at the top of the Africa’s real estate market attractiveness ranking according to a new report by Estate Intel.

Burkino Faso: Previously suspended from the Economic Community of West African States for not adhering to democratic norms, the junta-led nations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Mali have resisted pressure and asserted their sovereign choices to withdraw from the block rather than return to democracy.

Burundi: Tensions rise as Burundi closed its border with Rwanda after accusing the East African nation of supporting rebels who carried out attacks on its soil.

Congo: The Democratic Republic of Congo—the world’s largest producer of cobalt and the third-largest producer of copper—is set to receive $7 billion in financing through a revamped minerals-for-infrastructure deal with China.

L.A. Focus/February 2024

Djibouti: Plans are underway to build a national cancer center in Djibouti, marking the first of its kind in a country with no access to radiotherapy, proven to be life-saving in about 50% of all cancer cases.

Ethiopia: Ethiopia’s public demand for sea access and a controversial Memorandum of Understanding with Northern Somalia’s breakaway region are raising alarm. This move is seen not just as a quest for geopolitical advantage but a potential steppingstone towards annexation moves.

Gabon: After four months in power, Gabon’s junta leader/transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema struggled to both justify his government’s August 2023 coup d’état and allay fears that he plans to hold on to power indefinitely as he tries to make the case for readmission into regional and global institutions.

8

Ghana: Ghana joins the growing list of African nations who realize the importance of dismantling barriers with plans to implement visa-free entry to all African visitors by the end of the year.

n the shadowed corners of China, and Russia. Iran in parthe Middle East, where an- The Complex ticular has emerged flush with Dynamics of cient trade routes twist like cash, a consequence of the U.S.' America's Mid- own faltering steps – from the serpents through the desert, dle East Enlies an obscure outpost in Jordan Obama administration to Dongagement called Tower 22 (T-22). This ald Trump's tenure – that inadnewly discovered outpost and the name, vertently bolstered Iran's economic now a glaring testament to the convoluted resilience. and often opaque nature of modern warSanctions, once the sharp sword of fare and foreign policy, became known to U.S. foreign policy, have been blunted. most Americans in the first press releases The reliance on the U.S. dollar as the priaddressing the Jan. 28 attack on the base. mary currency in global trade has been The retreat of U.S. eroded by alternative systems such as forces from al-Qaim BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and and the tiny outpost South Africa), which challenge the dollar's that preceded Tower supremacy. Moreover, Iran's deep roots in 22 in 2004 marked ancient trade networks and its adept use the beginning of a tu- of traditional barter systems and undermultuous period, a ground financial networks like Hawala prelude to the rise of and Siraj further dilute the effectiveness al-Qaida and ISIS. of traditional economic sanctions.

Armstrong Williams Today, the vastly exAs the toll of the attack in Jordan panded base, reportedly home to 350 climbs, questions arise about the impact Americans and visible on Google Earth, of U.S. financial policies on Iran's military stands not as a symbol of strength but as capabilities. The strategic landscape is a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities reminiscent of a George Carlin skit – and contradictions inherent in America's tragically comical in its absurdity where military engagements in the shadows and the U.S., in its bid to exert economic presmirrors of the Middle East and Arabia at sure, ends up undermining its own curlarge. rency and, inadvertently, empowering its The attack on T-22, a costly reminder adversaries. of the perils of such exposed positions, Meanwhile, the situation in Iraq is raises fundamental questions about the evolving toward "Lebanonization" of the transparency of U.S. military operations. entire nation, with Iran extending its inThe Pentagon's penchant for secrecy, os- fluence through well-equipped militias tensibly to protect national security, has and Iraq itself negotiating the departure ironically left the American public in the of American troops, including from the dark, while those with malevolent intent Kurdish regions. This development, tied seem to be steps ahead, armed with metic- to a one-year ticking clock on the withdraulously assembled "target packages" on wal decision that aligns with the U.S. "secret" facilities throughout the region. presidential inauguration in January The root of this strategic quagmire lies 2025, suggests that a crucial strategic in the shifting sands of international pol- decision will fall either at the twilight of a itics and economics. The U.S. govern- presidency or at the dawn of a new adminment's policy, which currently appears to istration – a timing as precarious as it is lack direction, is being exploited by oppor- significant. tunistic global players such as Iran, In this complex geopolitical chess Williams continued to page 24

I

A look at current news from the continent of Africa Kenya: Thousands took part in demonstrations across major cities in Kenya to protest against the rising cases of femicide and other violence against women following a series of gruesome murders.

Mali: Mali’s ruling junta has scraped a vital pact with northern rebels, increasing the potential for violence escalation and destabilization of the West Africa country. .

Nigeria: Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently expressed the determination of the United States to remain a strong security partner for Nigeria, whose military is backed by the U.S., Britain and other allies in a long war against Islamist insurgents.

Senegal: The election authority in Senegal has excluded two top opposition leaders— Ousmane Sonko and Karim Wade—from the final list of candidates for the nation’s presidential election this month. The move was dubbed by some as a “dangerous precedent”.

Sierra Leone: A U.N. report highlighted severe threats to a national park in Sierra Leone—including land encroachment, charcoal production and the cultivation of marijuana.

The park is a crucial source of clean water for the country's capital, Freetown.

Sudan: The International Organization for Migration reports that conflicts in Sudan have displaced 10.7 million people, with nine million of these still in the country and is urging an immediate, scaled-up international humanitarian response to the global leading displacement crisis.

Tanzania: Thousands recently took to the streets in protest against proposed changes to electoral laws.

Zambia: Schools have closed and a soccer stadium has been repurposed as a treatment center as Zambia grapples with a severe cholera outbreak with over 400 deaths and more than 10,000 infections. The government has initiated a mass vaccination program.

UpFront

ELGIN NELSON Staff

D.T. CARSON Groundswell for Water Justice Unites with Civil Rights Leaders Contributor

A

resounding call for immediate action echoed across the State Capitol in Sacramento on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, as over 400 advocates from social justice, labor unions, construction, community-based organizations, housing, and water advocacy groups united in a powerful demonstration of solidarity.

Influential national and California leaders –including Marc Morial, CEO and President of the National Urban League, stood shoulder to shoulder with California leaders, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and CA Superintendent of Education Tony Thurmond–took the stage, urging legislative leaders to urgently confront the State’s escalating water and housing crisis. Together, they emphasized the crucial importance of clean water as a fundamental human right, accessible to all Californians, irrespective of their background or community.

The statewide coalition behind the event, named Groundswell for Water Justice, comprises over 1,500 community, civil rights, labor, and infrastructure leaders. Prompted by the 2021 CA State Auditor’s report, which revealed that nearly 1 million Californians, with 65% being people of color, lack access to clean water, the coalition vowed to address the issue head-on, noting that the water crisis was accentuated by cli-

mate change-induced extreme weather events such as atmospheric rivers and heatwaves occurring at an alarming rate.

Leaders also pointed out that California’s water infrastructure was built over a century ago for a population of 20 million and is ill-equipped for the Former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa addreses the crowd. current population impacted by this issue of clean safe of 40 million. The coalition emphasized drinking water joined us to raise their the necessity to capture, purify, and con- voices towards a clarion call for justice vey water to areas in need, addressing for the have-nots to share in the same not only drinking water needs but also privileges of the haves when it comes to crucial housing mandates. water,” Sausedo said.

Acknowledging the importance of con“The goal now is to continue moving servation, the coalition emphasized the forward in our efforts to organize the need for a dual approach: both conserva- state and bring on more organizations to tion and construction are vital to effec- participate with the 52 organizations actively address the water crisis. ross the state that are currently involved Groundswell co-founder Robert and advocate for those who are too often Sausedo–who has referred to equity in overlooked and to ensure that both state the water crisis as “the civil rights issue and federal legislatures continue to do of our time”– was more than pleased the right thing for those who are disenwith the turnout and the event’s success. franchised when it comes down to one of “Several 100 people who are directly the most critical needs –clean water.”

Manipulated Realities: Tackling AI's Role in Hate Speech and Misinformation Campaigns

T

he ascent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ignited a heated discourse and apprehension throughout the internet and cyberspace, raising crucial concerns over the potential weaponization of this rapidly evolving sphere of intelligence.

Techniques such as AI-synthesized voice technology have even been employed in deceptive robocalls impersonating political figures, exemplified by a false message discouraging New Hampshire Democrats from voting allegedly under the guise of President Joe Biden.

And in recent news prominent individuals like Sean "Diddy" Combs, Steve Harvey, Denzel Washington, and Bishop T.D. Jakes have been targeted with spurious disinformation campaigns. YouTube has become inundated with misleading videos featuring a blend of artificially generated and altered media portraying well-known Black celebrities in a false light.

YouTube has responded to the situation by issuing a statement through a spokesperson to NBC News, detailing the actions taken against the violative–as well as hate–content, including terminating channels and removing videos in violation Hate Speech continued to page 24

KEITH DELAWDER Contributor

I

L.A. Focus/February 2024

The tapestry of Black history in the United States is rich with pivotal moments of collective courage and the luminescence of towering figures from every corner of the nation. When one reflects on this history, images of the marches in Washington D.C. and boycotts in the Southern states often emerge. However, notably absent from this narrative are the critical contributions from the West Coast, particularly Los Angeles. The reasons for this omission remain unclear, but the city's identity as a vibrant multicultural nexus sometimes overshadows the stark reality: Black Angelenos have waged persistent battles for their liberty and prosperity amidst the harsh realities of segregation, discrimination, and prejudice.

It was, in fact, the allure of a more liberated and affluent life that motivated thousands of Black individuals to migrate westwards in the first half of the 20th century. And upon arrival, they dared to dream bigger and achieve more than preceding generations could have imagined possible.

Take for example the story of Biddy Mason who was born into slavery in Mississippi in 1818 and migrated west to California by way of Utah with her owner and the Church of Latter Day Saints. Once in California she was able to petition for her freedom and move to Los Angeles where she became the first black woman to own property— whereby she took her life savings of $250 and turned it into a small fortune as a real estate entrepreneur. She would then go on to establish the First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in 1872— the oldest church founded by blacks in L.A. Her legacy of black wealth, excellence, and philanthropy would continue with her grandson Robert Owens. Throughout the Progressive Era at the turn of the 20th century, Owens’ social, political, and economic influence— which included land holdings worth over a quarter million dollars— made him

10

one of the wealthiest and most powerful African Americans on the west coast. He became the first black man to attend the California State Republican Convention and served on the Los Angeles County Executive Committee, as well as contributing greatly to his idol Booker T. Washington’s Tuskegee Institute and often provided funding for poor students.

It was around this time when the scholar and activist W.E.B. Du Bois first visited Los Angeles and left with an image of black prosperity that was unmatched at the time.

“One never forgets Los Angeles,” he wrote of his trip in 1913. “The sensuous beauty of roses and orange blossoms, the air and the sunlight and the hospitality of all races linger long.”

Du Bois seemed enamored with the material comforts some black migrants were able to achieve in Los Angeles, including photographs in his article of handsome homes with manicured lawns, successful blackowned businesses, and respectable middle-class families— saying that black Angelenos were ‘without a doubt the most beautifully housed group of collared people in the United States.’

Just four years after his visit, Frederick Madison Roberts, the great grandson of President Thomas Jefferson and his slave, Sally Hemmings, would become the first Black member of the California Legislature, winning a mostly white Assembly district against a candidate whose campaign consisted of handing out cards reading, “My opponent is a n–.”

It's somewhat paradoxical how Black history in Los Angeles is frequently overlooked, especially given the fact that individuals African heritage were among the city founders..

In 1781 when the Spanish Empire set up its second pueblo in California, Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Ángeles de Porciúncula— or Las Angeles for short, 46 settlers know as “Pobladores” were half-persuaded and half-prodded to move from Sonora, Mexico to start the

new colony— 22 of those original settlers were of mixed African heritage. California would become a Mexican province in 1821 after winning its independence from Spain, and even though settlers of African origin suffered subordinated status with many injustices, few racial restrictions were imposed on them compared to the rest of the United States, with some achieving leadership positions and becoming wealthy.

One of those early leaders was Don Pio de Jesus Pico who became Governor of Alta California and named Los Angeles as the capital of the province. Pico was one of the wealthiest men of his time and his prestigious Pico Family of California would be influencers and power brokers in the region for generations leading to numerous places named after him including Pico Boulevard, the city of Pico Rivera, and Pio Pico State Historical Park.

The greatest leap forward in black prosperity came during the 40’s, starting when the U.S. entered World War II. During the war, the manufacturing potential of Los Angeles led to the city receiving a large share of government defense spending contracts— and black people were posed to take advantage of these new opportunities.

In previous decades blacks had been shut out of high paying union work and relegated to service industry jobs, but this time organizations like the Negro Victory Committee and the Urban League refused to let that happen. They contested discrimination and demanded equal opportunities in employment which would eventually lead President Roosevelt to sign Executive Order 8802 which prohibited discrimination in defense employment and established the Fair Employment Practices Committee to enforce the measure. For the next 20 years, black Angelenos experienced their greatest period of economic advancement as they steadily increased union membership, purchased homes, and enjoyed a middle-class standard of living that had previously only been accessible to whites.

Pio de Jesus Pico

Noble Johnson

Charlotta Bass

As black families began to flourish in the 1940’s so too did the arts and business district on the Central Avenue corridor, referred to as the “black belt of the city”. Dubbed a “little Harlem”, Central Avenue was the heartbeat of black Los Angeles, home to thriving black owned businesses, churches, entertainment, and other enterprises.

The district was anchored by the ritzy Dunbar Hotel, which quickly became Central Avenue’s unofficial town hall/country club. Opened in 1928 as Hotel Sommerville by John and Vada Somerville— who also happened to be the first two black people to graduate from USC— the hotel was a haven for black tourists who were not welcome in most hotels in the city.

Called the “Waldorf Astoria of Black America”, the hotel grew into the go-to for any black celebrities passing through including Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Thurgood Marshall, and W.E.B Dubois who called it “a beautiful inn with soul.” As a young boy, future Mayor Tom Bradley said he would hang around the entrance to spot celebrities.

In 1957, ownership of the hotel passed to Celes King III, a former Tuskegee Airmen pilot who years later would be instrumental in renaming Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and founding the King Day parade.

Another Black owned business that was thriving at the time was Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company which provided a financial lifeline to the black community when others would not. Founded in 1925 by Norman O. Houston, Golden State Mutual would quickly become the largest black owned business west of the Mississippi. The business grew so quickly that in three years they would need more office space. For this, Houston hired prominent architect Paul Williams to design a state-of-the-art new building on the corner of Adams Blvd. and Western Ave. Along with designing the iconic Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building, Paul Williams'-50-year career left a mark on L.A. more than almost any other individual. He designed over 2,000 homes and commercial spaces and played a major role in shaping Southern California’s signature architectural style. Williams, who became the first black member of the American Institute of Architects in 1923, became known as the “architect to the stars” for designing the homes of an array of celebrities including Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, and Barron Hilton. Williams is also the mind behind the iconic, space-aged Theme Building at the Los Angeles International Airport.

Fatburger founder and L.A.’s first “Black Burger Queen”, Lovie Yancey was another Black Angeleno who saw the lasting influence of her work for years to come.

Using leftover materials from her partner's business, Yancy built a three-stool hamburger stand in Jefferson Park in 1947. Yancy worked tirelessly, often pulling 16hour days to ensure quality control in the kitchen. In 1952 Yancy bought out her partners and kept full operating control of her 2 locations until 1990. Now there are over 150 Fatburgers across North America.

In 1986, the astounding success of the Fatburger franchise allowed Yancy to establish a $1.7 million endowment at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte for research into sickle-cell anemia.

Yet another prominent businessman and advocate for Blacks was H. Claude Hudson, best known for helping to found the Broadway Federal Savings and Loan Association. The first African American graduate of Loyola Law School, Hudson and his family moved to Los Angeles in 1923, where he helped integrate the public beaches. He also served as the president of the Los Angeles Chapter of the NAACP. Though the Black press has always been influential

Paul R. Williams

Norman O. Houston

Lovie Yancy

L.A.’s Black History Landmarks The Watts Towers The Watts Towers is perhaps the nation's best-known work of folk art sculpture. Architect Simon Rodia spent 20 years using simple hand tools and cast-off materials (glass, shell, pottery pieces and broken tile) to build them as a monument to the spirit of individuals who make their dreams tangible. For more information, visit: wattstowers.org.

Ralph Bunche Home This modest Victorian bungalow duplex at 1221 E. 40th Place is the boyhood home of Dr. Ralph J. Bunche, the first person of color to win the lauded Nobel Peace Prize for his late 1940s work as a United Nations mediator in the Palestine conflict. The house is also known as the Ralph Bunche Peace & Heritage Center.

Lincoln Theater It was referred to as the "West Coast Apollo", and for more than 30 years (from the 1920’s-1050’s), the Lincoln—at 2300 S Central Ave— featured live theater, musical acts, talent shows, vaudeville, and motion pictures, including live performances by the leading African American performers of the era, including Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, the Nat King Cole Trio, and Billie Holiday.

LAX Theme Building Designed by a team of architects that included Paul R Williams, the Theme building is considered an architectural example of the Space Age design style. The Los Angeles City Council designated the building, which lies in the center of the Los Angeles International Airport, a historic-cultural monument in 1993.

First AME Church The church was established in 1872 under the sponsorship of Biddy Mason and is currently located at 2270 South Harvard Boulevard.

Hattie McDaniel Residence Born in 1895 to two former slaves, McDaniel became the first black American to win an Academy Award in 1939. The home is located at 2203 S. Harvard Blvd, in an area once known as “Sugar Hill”. Other notable residents included Joe Louis, Little Richard, Ray Charles, and "Sweet Daddy" Grace.

Paul Revere Williams Residence In 1952 Paul R. Williams designed and built this home for his own family in the upper-middle-class Lafayette Square neighborhood of Los Angeles at 1690 S Victoria Ave. Though known as an "architect to the stars", working in many exclusive Los Angeles neighborhoods, the African American Williams built his own house in a neighborhood free of racial restrictions.

Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company Building Home of one of the flagship black owned businesses in L.A., architect Paul R. Williams was commissioned to design the building in the West Adams district located on the northeast corner of Western Avenue and Adams Boulevard.

CAAM– California African American Museum Located in Exposition Park, the museum focuses on enrichment and education on the cultural heritage and history of African Americans.

Admission is free to all visitors. Their mission statement is "to research, collect, preserve, and interpret for public enrichment the history, art and culture of African Americans with an emphasis on California and the western United States.

African American Firefighter Museum Founded by Arnett Hartsfield Jr., a Black firefighter who served there when it was one of the city’s two segregated stations, the AAFFM— located at 1401 S. Central Ave— is dedicated to collecting, conserving, and sharing the heritage of African-American firefighters.

Frederick M. Roberts

Augustus Hawkins

in Los Angeles, The California Eagle –founded in 1879–was the West’s oldest African American paper.

In 1912, Charlotta Bass took control of the paper, becoming the first African American woman to own and operate a newspaper in the United States.

As business boomed in the 40’s, so too did the arts with Central Avenue becoming ground zero for a renaissance in jazz music which was pivotal in the development of West Coast Jazz. Due to the influx of jazz musicians from New Orleans, Central Avenue became a blossoming jazz scene with countless nightclubs such as The Casablanca, the Downbeat, the Apex Club and the Flame lining the strip. Any given night live music could be heard echoing into the streets from legendary musicians such as Dexter Gordon, Benny Carter, and Lionel Hampton as well as local luminaries Charles Mingus, Big Jay McNeely, and Eric Dolphy who were active in the scene.

Thanks to Samuel Brown, the first black music teacher in the Los Angeles public school system, nearby Jefferson High School also became a breeding ground for local music talent, producing more jazz musicians than any other school west of the Mississippi. Musical standouts from the program include legendary soul singer Etta James and Richard Berry.

And long before representation in Hollywood was a hot topic two determined brothers made it their goal to combat the misrepresentation of black people. In 1916, Noble and George Johnson started the Lincoln Motion Picture Company focused on dispelling the racist, offensive, and harmful stereotypes mainstream cinema was producing by making movies by black people and for black people.

The sixties and seventies ushered in a new generation of black political leadership in L.A., with leaders like and Yvonne Burke, who became the West Coast’s first black congresswoman and Gilbert Lindsay, who worked his way up from Los Angeles City Hall janitor to becoming the L.A.’s first Black City Councilmember and one of its most powerful elected officials. Serving 27 years on the City Council, he proclaimed himself “Emperor of the Great 9th District.

Augustus Hawkins, who had served in the State Assembly since 1935 before becoming a congressman, helped found the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971 and served as vice chairman during its first term. Over the course of his career, Hawkins authored more than 300 state and federal laws, the most famous of which are Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the 1978 Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act. He was known as the "silent warrior" for his commitment to education and ending unemployment.

Though L.A. has a history of black political leadership that stretches from Pio Pico to Mayor Karen Bass, the city would not get its first black Mayor until Tom Bradley defeated the race-baiting, conservative threeterm incumbent Sam Yorty in 1973. The change in power would be emblematic of L.A.’s development as a city under Bradley’s 20 years of service, transforming from a conservative, white urban center into one of the most diversified and important cities in the world with a new skyline, vibrant downtown and revitalized financial and business districts.

These examples of black excellence only scratch the surface of the people, places and businesses that have influenced the city which has changed the world. For black Angelinos— much the same as black Americans everywhere— the freedoms and prosperities enjoyed have not been handed out by the land of the free but earned by the hard work of successive generations that have refused to settle for less.

Money Matters Super Bowl LVIII: A Monumental Payday he anticipation is electric for Super Bowl LVIII, scheduled for Sunday, February 11, 2024, at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is expected to be a financial bonanza, whether you are among the lucky few attending in person, or, like most Americans, watching from the comfort of your living room.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts that consumer spending nationwide will surpass a staggering $16.5 billion or $85.36 per person. This figure, which includes expenditures on food, drinks, apparel, and decorations, marks a significant increase of $1.9 billion from 2022's total of $14.6 billion.

The economic impact on the host city, Las Vegas, is projected to exceed $700 million, a conservative estimate considering last year's Super Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona brought $1.3 billion in the region.

Rooms at the top hotels have sold out with average prices on the Strip reaching $856.19 a night and highend establishments like Wynn, Encore and Caesar’s Palace (the host hotel) commanding up to $3,000 a night with taxes and fees. Location is also king as a Motel 6 near the stadium is asking $509 a night.

Any number of star-studded A-list parties all over the city will also garner big bucks. Lil Wayne who will perform at the Michelob Ultra Country Club for an allstar celebrity golf shootout. The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration will feature Earth, Wind & Fire, Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary. There is even a culinary experience, Taste of the NFL, that will spotlight such culinary superstars as Carla Hall.

Then there’s game day. Listing prices for tickets at the 65,000-seat stadium ranged from $6,327 to a whopping $34,160 at VividSeats and will set you back anywhere from a low of $8,838 to $53,500 on Ticketmaster.

Stubhub offered nose-bleed seats starting at $6,399 while four Allegiant stadium suites were being sold for between $600,000 and $2,600.000 last month. And seats aren’t the only big-ticket item at the stadium, concessions will also be at a premium.

T

D.T. CARSON Contributor

On the Money Rent Hikes Capped by Local Municipalities, Check Yours

The halftime show, a highlight of the event, will be an unpaid gig for Usher as per NFL policy, halftime performers don’t get paid. The league will however pick up all the production costs tied to the 13minute performance.

What is a lucrative source of income for celebrities are Super Bowl commercials earning them anywhere from $500,000 to $2 million, depending on the commercial and the star. Meanwhile, the cost of a 30-second ad, a coveted spot, remains firm at $7 million, contributing to a total ad revenue of $600 million in 2023.

And what about the players?

Well, incentives and perks are the play here as winners from the 2024 Super Bowl will reportedly pocket an additional $164,000, while the losing team players will earn $89,000 each. Players on teams making the divisional round earned $50,500 and those on wild card teams bagged $45,000. Those making the conference championship games scored $73,000.

Then there are the performance bonuses contained in player contracts often contain, adding another financial angle to the game. For example, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes stands to earn $1.25 million if Kansas City makes it to the Super Bowl since his offensive playtime during the regular season was at least 50%. Lions quarterback Jared Goff could increase his 2024 base salary of $22,950,064 by as much as $1.89 million as being named Super Bowl MVP and participating in 1% or more of Detroit's offensive plays in a Super Bowl win are each worth $945,000.

Despite the gargantuan amounts involved, the biggest winner of all is still the NFL. In 2022, the league earned about $11.9 billion in national revenue generated from TV deals along with merchandising and licensing contracts, evenly divided among the 32 teams with each team receiving $374.4 million.

Super Bowl LVIII is not just another game–it's an economic powerhouse. And as the countdown begins, Las Vegas is poised to reap the benefits, further solidifying its reputation as a thriving sports city.

os Angeles is notorious for some of the highest rents nationwide, making it challenging to find affordable living accommodation. However, this is only part of the struggle, as landlords are permitted to raise your rent annually. The Tenant Protection Act in California imposes a cap on these increases for the majority of tenants. Landlords are restricted from increasing the rent by more than 10% total or 5% plus the cost of living adjustment — whichever is lower — over a year.

In Los Angeles County, a rent hike of more than 8.8% is not allowed until August 1, 2024, when the cap will be reassessed. The specific rent increase, though, depends on local jurisdiction rules.

In cities with rent control laws, the annual increments are set. For instance, starting this month, landlords within Los Angeles city boundaries may raise rents by 4% for tenants protected by the city's rent control law. Additionally, landlords who cover the tenant's gas and electricity expenses may increase rents by an extra 1% for each utility. This law generally applies to rental units constructed before October 1, 1978, with single-family homes and condos typically exempt.

The City of Inglewood, on the other hand, allows annual rent escalations up to 10%. The actual increase might be lower, depending on the number of apartments in your building and your current rent. For example, if you live in a building with five or more apartments, the maximum rent increase allowed is 3.8%. However, if you live in a rent-controlled building with four or fewer units, your landlord can currently raise your rent by 8.8%.

financially vulnerable customers; and the launch of programs to help individual residents and working families withstand conditions of extreme heat made worse by climate change,” McClain Hill stated.

"Cynthia McClain-Hill leaves a legacy at LADWP, impacting climate justice, worker's rights, and diversity initiatives," says Mayor Bass's press secretary, De'Marcus Finnell. Her notable initiatives include the LA100 Equity Strategies for carbon-free energy and Project Powerhouse to expedite LADWP approvals and reduce development costs. She also led efforts to aid customers with unpaid utility bills during the pandemic and bolstered LADWP's diversity and equity with her Racial Equity Action Plan.

his high school uniform alongside his son Bronny in his USC kit. Financial terms of the deal, which experts suggest could exceed $5 million annually, weren't disclosed

by Fanatics.

L

Here are some of the rental caps in other nearby cities: Pasadena: 2.75% (applies to rental units built before February 1, 1995 Santa Monica: 2.8% with a maximum increase of $67 (applies to rental units built before April 10, 1979) West Hollywood: 2.5% (applies to rentals with two or more units that were first occupied before July 1, 1979) Beverly Hills: 3.2% in most cases; 3.9% on those who moved into their housing units at rents of $600 or less, and who live in buildings constructed before Sept. 20, 1978.

Culver City: 4% (applies to rental units built before Feb, 1995.

Unincorporated L.A. County: 3% (applies to rental units built before Feb. 1, 1995) Check your municipalities website for more information on rental hikes and exemptions.

Biz NewsBriefs Cynthia McClainHill, the first Black woman to lead the nation’s largest municipal utility, submitted her resignation to Mayor Karen Bass as President of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners. Viewed as a game changer, McClainHill leaves a legacy of work surrounding climate justice, worker’s rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

“I am proud of the good governance reforms and forward-looking public policy initiatives that have been accomplished during my tenure as Board President, including the adoption of the strongest customer protections related to utility service access in our nation; securing and disbursing hundreds of millions of dollars in utility debt relief to our most

L.A. Focus/February 2024

Cynthia McClain Hill Steps Down as LADWP Board President

12

LeBron James Signs Deal with Fanatics LeBron James has ended his 20-year partnership with Upper Deck to sign a multiyear deal with Fanatics for trading cards, marking a significant shift in the NBA star's memorabilia market - a sector that has seen his items fetch millions in auctions recently. Fanatics Collectibles will offer a fresh set of signed cards from James, featuring a unique collection launching on January 19th. This includes a special card showing James in

Byron Allen Makes $30 Bid to Acquire Paramount In what is Byron Allen’s latest attempt to expand his growing empire, the comedian turned studio mogul has submitted a $30 billion bid to buy Paramount Global entertainment conglomerate with $14.3 billion covering the outstanding shares and $15.6 billion to assume the company’s $15.6 billion debt load.

“Mr. Byron Allen did submit a bid on behalf of Allen Media Group and its strategic partners to purchase all of Paramount Global’s outstanding shares. We believe this $30 billion offer, which includes debt and equity, is the best solution for all of the Paramount Global shareholders, and the bid should be taken seriously and pursued,” the Allen Media Group said in a statement.

Shares of Paramount stock rose 8% following Allen’s $30 billion offer.

Last month, it was reported that Paramount executives met with Warner Bros to discuss a possible merger.

ADVERTORIAL

ADVERTORIAL

L.A. Focus/January 2024

15

ADVERTORIAL

ADVERTORIAL

HO L LY W OOD SPOT LIGHT “Bob Marley: One Love ” "One Love" is an evocative tribute to an emblematic figure whose music and message of love have resonated across generations. For the first time on the big screen, audiences will delve into Bob Marley's inspiring story of perseverance and the profound journey that shaped his transformative music. Ziggy Marley, Bob's son, expressively states, “Nothing takes place before its appointed time, and the moment is now ripe for a biopic theatrical release.”

Delving beyond his music, this film sheds light on Bob Marley's trials and triumphs, bringing audiences closer to understanding the experiences that molded him.”

The film captures a poignant moment in December 1976, when Mar-

ley, in the sanctuary of his home with his wife and children, faced an assassination attempt, exclaiming, “No firearms can silence this message.”

"One Love" not only traces Marley's rise to stardom but underscores his 1978 performance at the One Love Peace Concert in Kingston, embodying his vision to mend the rift between Jamaica’s two leading political rivals.

Acclaimed actor Kingsley Ben-

Adir, known for "One Night in Miami", was approached by Ziggy Marley to portray his late father. Despite initial reservations due to his lack of singing skills, Adir’s acting won him the role. The dedicated actor immersed himself in understanding Bob Marley, drawing from over 50 exclusive archival interviews to master his distinctive conversational style.

In a delightful twist, Ben-Adir learned to sing to embody his role, his voice harmoniously blending with Marley's in the film. The movie also features stellar performances by Lashana Lynch, who plays Marley's wife Rita, and James Norton as Island Records Founder Chris Blackwell.

"One Love" is scheduled to bow in theaters on Valentine's Day.

Footnotes Sterling K. Brown

Age: 47 Hometown: St. Louis First Break: “Army Wives” Breakout Role: “American Fiction” Family: Wife, actress Ryan Michelle Bathe, two sons In 2018, Sterling K. Brown became the first African-American actor to win a Golden Globe in the Best Actor in a Television Drama category for his work in “This Is Us” and his portrayal of Christopher Darden in the critically acclaimed miniseries, “The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”, earned him one of his three primetime Emmy Awards. Now with his most recent film, American Fiction, Brown is fielding Oscar buzz.

On acting: Since I was 14, I loved acting. Didn’t think it was practical, but I loved it. I had great grades in math and economics, and all roads led to a very stable life in corporate America. Everyone thought I was making all the right choices for my life, [but] my soul The Chosen Marmalade Mr. and Mrs. Smith Ordinary Angels would become alive every time I was on stage. It February 1 February 9 February 2 (Prime) February 23 took some time before the internal voice of knowing Colman Domingo to Play Nat and personal struggles to his undeni- achieving monumental success with outweighed the external voices of expectancy. able creative genius, exemplified by his Marvel Studios debut, "Black PanKing Cole On his American Fiction character, Cliff: Colman Domingo, 54, is set his most iconic performances…In ther," which has since grossed $1.34 He’s a stable family man who always does the right to star as the legendary other casting new, unofficial reports billion globally and earned a best pic- thing. Until he doesn’t. That part is fun. And it’s an crooner, Nat King Cole, in a are that the role of “Kang The ture nomination in the comic book aspect of my own person, but it’s not the totality of movie musical from a script Conqueror” could be going to John genre. who I am. So, it’s nice to get a chance to express all he co-wrote. Domingo will David Washington following the conaspects of personality through character.

Charlie Wilson Receives Star on Hollyalso make his directorial viction of Jonathan Majors.

On the importance of American Fiction: wood Walk of Fame debut in the project. DomRyan Coogler & Michael B Jordan Set For a long time, the kinds of stories that seemed to Charlie Wilson was awarded with a ingo is also set to play Mistar on the Hollywood Walk of Fame be open for mainstream consumption had to deal chael Jackson’s father, Joe to Reunite for ‘Mystery’ Film Project Jackson, in the biopic, “Mi- Hollywood has been thrown into a last month. The Grammy-nominated with Black pain — whether it had to do with innerchael”.…Nia Long is set to frenzy as the dream team of Ryan co-founder and lead singer of the Gap city stories of drug dealers or strung-out mothers portray Katherine Jackson Coogler and Michael B. Jordan are re- Band received a BET Lifetime or single mothers who can barely deal with keeping in the biopic “Michael,” di- uniting for a new project, with the plot Achievement Award in 2013 and has it together. Seeing us in anything else felt not as rected by Antoine Fuqua. currently being held under wraps. been nominated for 13 Grammy commercially viable. American Fiction is a story But you will have to wait a The latest project from filmmaker Awards during his career and has also that isn’t typically told, populated with Black faces. year before you see it as the Ryan Coogler, acclaimed for his work received a Soul Train Icon Award and It made me excited in terms of how it could expand film–currently in produc- on "Black Panther" and “Creed" is an NAACP Music Makes a Difference the breadth of representation for our community. generating significant anticipation Award. The 71-year-old R&B crooner, tion–is being On the podcast he and his wife have started: among studio and streaming ex- “affectionately dubbed “Uncle Charslated for a worldIt’s called “We Don't Always Agree with Ryan and ecutives. The yet-to-be-titled film, lie” was diagnosed with prostate wide release on Sterling”, because after 18 years of marriage, you which Coogler has written and will di- cancer in 2008, but thanks to early deApril 18, 2025. don't always agree, but you figure it out. You make rect, marks the reunion with tection and treatment, he has been Jackson’s a decision each and every day to say yes to your frequent collaborator Michael B. cancer-free for 16 years. nephew Jaafar partner. You’ll see how we sort of approach things Jordan, known for his roles in Jackson is set to slightly differently. She has a different perspective the Black Panther series, Taraji P. Henson Joins Cast of New star as the late as a black woman and I as a black man, in this "Creed," and "Fruitvale Sta- Peacock limited series 'Fight Night.'

King of Pop. business; parenthood; relationships; politics; etc. tion." The project is being Taraji P. Henson (The Color Purple, Jaafar is the described as a "genre" fea- Hidden Figures) joins Peacock's 'Fight On living life to the fullest: son of Jerture. While the feature Night: The Million Dollar Heist' as Some of us are just existing. And not all of us are maine Jackfilm is set to explore gen- series regular Vivian Thomas, a really living and in the words of Andy Dufresne (in son and res such as horror, shrewd businesswoman and mistress Shawshank Redemption), ‘You either get busy livAlejandra thriller, science fiction, to Chicken Man (Kevin Hart). The ing or get busy dying.’

Genevieve and fantasy, sources series reunites Henson with Hart, On finding one’s personal path: Oaziaza. The have hinted at a period Terrence Howard, and Craig Brewer, You will discover that not everything is for you. You film presents element within the sto- known for collaborations on projects may discover that ‘your people,’ the individuals his triumphs ryline.

As anticipation like Think Like a Man and Empire. with whom you share the most common ground, and tragedies grows for this mysterious Set in Atlanta, 'Fight Night’recounts aren’t just of your ethnicity, religion, political affilon an epic, cin"genre" feature, Coogler's the infamous 1970 armed robbery iation, gender or sexual orientation. They may or ematic scale track record speaks for itself during Muhammad Ali's comeback, may not share a similar occupation or hobbies. But – from his from reinventing the Rocky altering one man's fate and shaping my only concern is whether or not the comhuman side franchise with 2015's "Creed," the city's destiny. pany I keep bears good fruit.

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

OUT THIS MONTH

17

RedCarpet Style

Oprah Winfrey proved purple was her color in this stunning fitted Louis Vuitton gown

iSSa rae was a winner in this sparkly gold pamellla rolland Gown

The stars were out in full force last month as the Golden Globes, the Emmys and the Critic’s Choice Awards took center stage. Here are some of our top choices for who were the big winners on the red carpet.

TraCee eLLiS rOSS slayed in this classic off the shoulder gown from fendi haute Couture

aJa naOMi KinG was pretty in pink in a Oscar de la renta gown with front facing bows

ayO eDeBiri wowed in this strapless chic black leather Louis Vuitton dress

Eye On Gospel Kim Burrell Goes Viral After Rebuking a Woman for Singing Along During Her Solo in Church Service Grammy-nominated gospel singer Kim Burrell recently went viral when she asked someone in her church congregation not to sing while she was performing a solo. When a woman in the crowd began to sing with Burrell, the singer said, “It’s a solo. God’s using me. Don’t sing with me right now.” Later, as Burrell was leading the close of her sermon, she began to sing the hymn, “Thank You, Lord,” one of the more popular songs in the Black Church, and was interrupted again. She responded, “I’m thinking that I’m in a solo, and you always got that one, that has to join ‘ya,” said Burrell. The viral moment took the internet by storm, with several people taking offense to Burrell’s actions. On X, formerly known as Twitter, one commentator wrote, “She’s wrong because if my spirit is telling me to sing, so be it. Please.”

After Six Decades the Rance Allen Group Earns its First RIAA Certified Gold Record The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) closed 2023 with an armful of new gold and platinum certifications by the likes of Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Bobby Darin, and Justin Bieber.

Among those new awards was a firsttime certification for the Rance Allen Group’s classic track “Something About the Name Jesus” (Tyscot Records), which was certified gold for 500,000 sales on December 27, 2023. The song hails from the legendary gospel group’s 2004 GRAMMY® Award nominated album, The Live Experience (Tyscot Records).

Rance Allen’s brothers Steve and Tom Allen; longtime producer, Chris Byrd; and Murdella Wallace sister of the group’s longtime road manager, Cecilia Wallace) recently accepted the gold plaques during a Sunday morning service at the New Bethel Bountiful Blessings church in Toledo, OH where Allen was the pastor for from 1985 until his sudden death on October 31, 2020.

“Something About the Name Jesus” was written by Kirk Franklin with Rance Allen in mind. It was originally

featured on Franklin’s 1998, The Nu Nation Project, that featured the megahits “Revolution” and “Lovely Day.” That studio version featured Allen performing the tune alongside Isaac Carree and Lowell Pye. After a few years passed, the Rance Allen Group invited Franklin to open their own live rendition of the song which became just as big as the original version.

“Kirk was the artist of that time when he called and asked me to sing,” Allen recalled in a 2010 interview. “I had already decided that I wasn’t going to sing on anybody else’s project. When he called, I all of a sudden had a change of mind and said to myself, `Let me see what song he has for me.’ So, he sent me the song, `Something About The Name Jesus.’ When he sent it to me, the song didn’t have any verses. So, I’m listening to the chorus line, and I got back with him and said, `It doesn’t have any verses.’ He said he’d write them when I got there and that’s when he wrote the verses.”

Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary to Headline the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration with Earth, Wind & Fire Earth, Wind & Fire, Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary are set to headline the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary (previously known as the “Super Bowl Gospel Celebration”) on Feb. 7, at the Palms Casino Resort Pearl Theater in Las Vegas.

For a quarter-century The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary, which was founded by Atlanta businesswoman Melanie Few, has captured the hearts of millions through the shared love of music, faith and the exhilaration of football. Bridging cultures and igniting inspiration, the Super Bowl LVIII sanctioned special brings together NFL players with award-winning artists and acclaimed musicians from diverse genres onto a single stage.

The one-hour music special, in partnership with the NFL, is set to air on Saturday, Feb. 10 on CBS, streaming on Paramount+ (live for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on demand on Pluto TV and cbs.com the day after the special airs)*.

Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold of CBS’ The Neighborhood are set to host.

“I’m thrilled to return to the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration stage in Vegas as co-host of the 25th anniversary broadcast on CBS with my dear friend and The Neighborhood co-star Tichina Arnold,” said Cedric the Entertainer.

Finally, congratulations to Donald Lawrence, who is among the honorees at the 2024 “Urban One Honors”. Acclaimed for his Inspirational Impact, Lawrence was honored last month at the show, who theme was “best in Black”. 20, 2024 in Atlanta. The theme for the two-hour telecast is “Best in Black” and is set to premiere on Sunday, February 25, 2024, on TV One as part of the network’s Black History Month programming....Congratulation as well to Renee Spearman whose hit single “Tap Into It" featuring Kim Burrell, soared to #1 on Billboard.

ChurchNews

Historic Gathering of Black Baptist Conventions Addressed Critical Societal Issues

L

From January 22—25, 2024, four leading Black Baptist conventions–representing millions of churchgoers across the nation–gathered in a historic joint session in Memphis. The session, which brought together the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC), the National Baptist Convention of America International (NBCA), the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., (NBCUSA), and the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America (NMBCA)–came almost two decades after the groups first jointly convened in 2005 to establish a collective agenda for African American Baptists.

The presidents of these conventions, including Rev. Dr. David R. Peoples, PNBC president, Dr. Samuel Tolbert, NBCA president, Dr. Jerry Young, NBCUSA president, and Dr. Anthony Sharp I, NMBCA president, discussed the need to address urgent issues impacting African Americans, including police brutality, voter suppression, and economic disparities. Reverend Dr. Gina Stewart, the first woman elected president of a US-based Baptist convention, will play a prominent role in the 2024 expansion.

As Reverend Wade Bryant stated, the conference will provide "intensive training on every subject," ranging from homelessness to mental health and the role of the church in these matters. "Considering the climate of our country, and the state of affairs here in Memphis, I thought this was a word from the Lord," he said. This assembly underscores the belief that "we are better together" and that Black Baptists are the social conscious of this country.

In related news, the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) publicly endorsed calls for a ceasefire

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

in Israel-Gaza. Speaking during a press conference at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination in 1968, PNBC president Rev. David Peoples, connected the call for a ceasefire to their concern for Black lives in the United States “We the Progressive National Baptist Convention, we not only are concerned about our brothers and sisters and the killing that’s taking place in the streets and even in our own communities. We are not only concerned about the havoc that’s taking place in our families around this country. We’re not only concerned about the economic pressures that people are feeling,” he explained. “We are concerned not only about this country, but we’re also concerned about affairs on the waters and across the seas. We are concerned about what is taking place in Gaza.”

County Board of Supervisors to Explore Creating An Office to Partner with Houses of Worship Locally, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion directing the County’s Chief Executive Officer to explore creating an office to exclusively coordinate Los Angeles County’s work and partnerships with houses of worship and other faithbased organizations.

“Faith-based entities are essential and trusted partners that can quickly help the County reach those who are most in need,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I’m convinced that when we work together, the County is able to support and uplift communities more efficiently.

This is about standing shoulder to shoulder with the organizations that are already serving their communities and working smarter.”

"Our faith and community-based organizations are treasured, trusted parts of the communities that they serve,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “As a safety net for our most vulnerable residents, the County's work is complimented and enriched by the collaboration of these groups, and I look forward to deepening our engagement with them through this office. It's a natural partnership and one we haven't taken enough advantage of."

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

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

offer technical assistance to help houses of worship do business with the County.

In other national church news, the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the U.S. has seen a substantial decrease in its congregation with 7,600 churches, constituting 25% of its nationwide presence, disaffiliating.

This figure exceeds initial predictions that projected a 6-10% departure.

The majority of departing churches are predominantly white, located in the southern U.S., and have chosen to remain independent. Among churches where people of color formed the majority membership, mostly Black churches had the highest percentage of disaffiliations, 1.6% of the total 7.6% Black membership in the U.S. The significant shift occurred following the 2019 General Conference, which allowed churches to exit the UMC for issues of conscience, primarily pertaining to the UMC's restrictions on same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy.

Final disaffiliation statistics were gathered by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and published on January 17. Bans on same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly practicing gay clergy remain in effect across the entire denomination. The authority to change these rules lies solely with the General Conference, which is scheduled to convene from April 23 to May 3.

Recently installed First AME Pastor Robert Shaw and his wife, Ann were officially welcomed to Los Angeles by the congregation and special guests last month including Congresswoman Maxine Waters and L.A. City Councilwoman Heather Hutt (shown above).

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

Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 www.christianfellowshipla.org Pastor James K. McKnight Sunday LiveStream: 10:00am (facebook.com/christianfellowshipla) Sunday Conference Call: 10:00am (310-372-7549 / code: 342408) Tue/Thurs Morning Word & Prayer: 7:00am Wed. Bible Study w/ Elder Stephen Brown (701-802-5001 / code: 825252# God’s Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ / Prayer Clinic & Deliverance Ministry P.O. Box 561368, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 293-7566 • www.gfdjc.org •gfdjc@att.net Dr.Ruby I. Cottle, Ph.D., Pastor/Teacher Services every Friday: 7:00pm We meeet at: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018 Watch us on KXLA Thur’s @ 9:30am on Chanel 44, HBN TV Mon’s @ 7am & Wed’s @ 7:30am on Chanel 35.2 WNAH Nashville Tennessee Sunday @ 8:30 AM

Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027 Rev. Dr. Timothy o. Coston, Jr. Sunday School: 8:00am Worship: 9:30am Wednesday Bible Study: 11:30am & 6:00pm

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

Call for any pandemic-related questions.

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

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

FIRST LADY SPOTLIGHT

Shonta Hilton

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

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

Greater St. Augustine Missionary Baptist Church 8704 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003 (323) 758-1153 Rev. E. Wayne Gaddis, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship Service: 10am Bible Study: Tuesday nights online: 7pm Senior Saints: Wednesday 11am

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 House of Refuge Church of God in Christ 1446 W. 36th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323)515-9022•Email:info@horcogic.org•www.horcogic.live Pastor: Dr. Pierre Codio First Lady Shavon Codio Sunday Services:11:00am Sunday School: 9:00am Thursday Online Bible Study:7:00pm (via Facebook & YouTube) Friday Morning Online Prayer:10am Prayer call-in # : (516) 259-9968 Tuesdays Substance Abuse Counseling:6pm McCarty Memorial Christian Church 4103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-4131 • www.mccartychurch.org Senior Pastor Edward Anderson Sunday Worship: 10:45am Bible Study: Tues @12:30pm/Wed @6pm Zoom Call: (605) 472-5454 Access:188857 Online Stream Live: Sundays@10:45am to www.mccartychurch.org Give: Text 77977 Instagram@mccartyconnect Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964 Rev. Johnteris Tate-Pastor Sunday Church School(In-Person): 8:30am Sun. Baptist Training Union:7:30am Worship Service(In-Person): 10:00am Tues. Refuel/Bible Study/Prayer: 12Noon (Conference Call: (330) 207-7446) Weekly Mission Assembly/Bible Study:7:00 (Conference Call: (339) 207-7446

Brister Memorial Baptist Church

F

irst Lady Shonta Hilton's journey is reminiscent of a fairytale. Her romance blossomed with her high school love, Dr. Jawane Hilton, pastor of Brister Baptist Church in Compton, culminating in marriage shortly after their college years.

Raised in a church led by her father, Lady Shonta was no stranger to the service and sacrifice required in ministry and is set to be honored this year at L.A. Focus’ First Ladies High Tea for her commitment to service.

In her present role, Lady Shonta remains steadfast in her commitments to her church, community, family, and husband. She actively contributes to the choir and praise team and is especially devoted to leading the women's ministry, organizing and facilitating various activities.

"I find this work both fulfilling and rewarding," says Lady Shonta, whose husband also holds the position of Mayor Pro Tem in the city of Carson. Juggling her responsibilities as a mother to three daughters, a fulltime corporate professional with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and an engaged member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Lady Shonta emphasizes the importance of balancing personal, family, and professional life. "Having the support of my family and church community is my greatest blessing," she notes.

Lady Shonta considers her mother her spiritual mentor and guiding light. She encourages other first ladies to embrace their true selves, sharing her experiences to inspire others.

"Each church has its unique needs, and it's vital to address them," she advises. Above all, Lady Shonta believes that supporting her husband is paramount, regarding it as her primary ministry.

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

New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 • www.newantiochcogic.org Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis Sunday Early Worship: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Tuesday Bible Study: 11:00am Wednesday In The Word: 7:00pm All services streamed on: Facebook and YouTube @New Antioch Church of God In Christ 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 Wednesday Virtual Bible Study : Noon & 7:00p Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am

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

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

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

Union Missionary Baptist Church 1812 E 110th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323)457-9921•Fax: (323)457-9256• Pastor: Adell McDaniel First Lady Nancy McDaniel Sunday Services:11am Sunday School: 5:30pm Call-in #: (530)881-1000 Code: 811-160 Wed. Online Bible Study:7:30pm Call-in: (716) 427-1082 Code: 584-349

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

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

In Compton Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 12930 S. Lime Ave, Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • email: citizensofzionmbc@gmail.com Rev. Bobby L. Newman, Jr. Pastor Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 10:45am (In-person & Virtual YouTube) Wednesday Bible Study: 12pm (In-person or dial in at:(774)267-8085) Wednesday Evening Bible Study: 7:00pm (via Zoom (Call church office for information)

21

PastorProfile: Kyron Shorter Church: Bethesda Temple Apostolic Faith How Long at Church: One year Hometown: San Diego Family: Married to wife Terrah, three children Did you always know you were going to be a pastor?

Well, I grew up in a Christian home, a God-fearing home and was reared in the church where we had a lot of different youth activities. so I always enjoyed working with youth ministry. My parents really instilled in us balance and we definitely were in church (Greater Apostolic Faith Temple Church) every Sunday, but more importantly, they were very responsible for helping us navigate San Diego during a rough period of time when gang violence was very prevalent. They really taught the value of a relationship with God and being rooted in church was the stepping stone that made me interested in ministry.

When did you start preaching?

I was called to preach at the 13 and as a young preacher, I would travel up and down California and throughout the West Coast preaching and ministering and participating in a lot of conferences. It started there and I began to feel the burden to lead. As I began to grow in the church and get increased responsibilities, I saw God expanding me in our organization internationally. I really felt a call to pastor, but it wasn't until I was 34-35 that I was blessed with the opportunity to be considered, recommended and subsequently installed as the pastor for Bethseda.

Is this appointment what brought you to L.A.?

Yes. I've done a lot of work in LA, mostly youth ministry down through the years, but this appointment put me right there in the heart of it all. They call it the black Beverly Hills, right next door to Crenshaw High School with a chance to really impact the community.

And the ministry is growing leaps and bounds since I've been there. People can resonate with me being a transgenerational leader who can connect with old school as well as attract the millennials.

In the years before you arrived the church suffered a massive fire and had lost its founding pastor, the late Elder Ernest Alexander, as well as the pastor that followed him (Rev. Robert Lockett)–how challenging was it for you to take on a congregation that had been through so much?

Extremely challenging, because Elder Alexander was a true leader, so I had to be sensitive to the latent magnitude of this great visionary who’d spent a great portion of his life serving. That was a big challenge. Trying to not only identify with a new voice but also trust a new voice given that the church had been through a lot.

And it was not just the burning of the building, but some internal things that had to be worked out as it related to me being placed in position to be ratified and approved as the new pastor. So there was a lot of growing pain, a lot of hurt. One of the things that my wife and I tried to do is to foster the sense of community again and repair the spirit of love and unity as we moved forward.

Were you surprised they chose you given your age?

Yes, I'd be the last person to ever have thought that this whole ministerial assignment would be a reality. I figured they’d go with someone that was more familiar than making a decision of faith, but God blew my mind. And we spent the first year doing our best to honor the and to try to heal and to mend and to really get back to the basics of ministry and that's love, the love of Christ and placing the focus in effort in ministry on the development of people. It certainly was challenging at first as with all transitions.

Transition also meant a new opportunity with a beautiful

facility right in the middle of a thriving community less than one block from Crenshaw High?

Absolutely. One of the first things I did when I came in was introduced myself to the administration at Crenshaw High School to make myself available. We have grown as a ministry with millennials and with us having a new repurposed facility, it affords us so many opportunities to do meaningful ministry and help with family enrichment efforts. I'm overwhelmed by the millennials and the youth and young adults and that have come to be part of the ministry as well as those who are the seasoned saints.We introduced ourselves to the community, not just as the church that burned down but to let them know, we're still a church on fire. We're still a church that has the desire to motivate and equip, to encourage, to empower and inspire a new generation as well as a whole demographic that has changed. So it's been a challenge, but also a blessing.

When you talk about the growth, what does it look like?

When my wife and I joined the ministry, our congregation was at about 60 members or so. Our children's ministry and youth ministry have tripled in size and that's just what we have on our roster. Even more people are coming –somewhere around 200 people that are joining us weekly in our worship services and that's been exciting.

You said the church is still on fire. Is that your motto?

Yes. As a ministry I’ve wanted to embrace the story of Bethesda. It's a story of survival. It's a story of overcoming. When you lose your pastor and then a fire with the entire congregation left literally in ashes, – there's not a lot of ministries that survive that.

There are not that many ministries that survive pastoral transition. Pastor Alexander died on Valentine's Day in 2014 and for this church to stay afloat, to stay encouraged, to stay empowered for five years until God brought a Joshua. That says a lot about the members of Bethesda, the culture of Bethesda, the commitment of Bethesda. People who rallied in the midst of great tragedy and I think that's a testament to the leadership of Pastor Alexander and the spirit of the ministry that says, "Despite all of the hardships, we're not going to let the fire go out. We're going to keep pressing. And they fellowshipped in the house until God resurrected this new edifice. That's the narrative of Bethesda. We keep overcoming. In fact, in June of 2019, we had another attempt to set the building on fire. I wasn’t even in the ministry six months before someone else tried to come in and vandalize our facility.

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 1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 • www.holychapelbc.com Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Morning Worship: 8:00am Sunday School: 10:30am Wed. Mid-Week Bible Study: 7:00pm Sun. New Members’ Class: 10:45am Communion/1st Sunday: 8:00am Broadcast KALI 900AM - Sun:2-3:00pm Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5449, Compton, CA 90224 Bishop Ronald C. Hill Sr., Founder/Pastor Sunday Worship:10am/6:30pm Wed. Bible Studies: 7:30pm Prayer w /Bishop Hill: Fri: 9am Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact TV Network: Mon-Fri PST 6:30am The Word Network Fridays @ 12:30pm

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

In Gardena

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

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

What was the cause of the first fire?

We don't know to this day, but this last one was arson.

It just so happened I was in Los Angeles for work. Got a phone call, "You got to come to the church right away.

The church is on fire." I'm like, wow.

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

You said you are a transgenerational leader. What does that mean in a church like Bethesda?

I'm a millennial myself and I think one of the greatest mistakes people make is to box them into one type or to make everything for millennials. God has given me the ability to be able to reach all demographics. I'm not old, so I definitely can connect with the young working professional. I was reared with great respect and appreciation for the seasoned saints, so I still have a voice that is a safe place for them. At the same time, there's diversity. There'd be some Sundays we come in and wear jerseys. So, it’s about finding places to meet all people, but allowing the anointing of God and the power of God to rest in a tangible way that meets every demographic, every walk of life in a different, meaningful manner with the same power, excitement highannointing and demonstration of the Holy Ghost that has everybody feeling connected.

Everybody feeling like, this is the ministry for me and that's exciting.

Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00 & 11:00 am Sunday Bible Enrichment Class: 9:45am Mon.-Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12:30pm & 7:00pm

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

Blessed Family Covenant Church 325 North Hillcrest Blvd, Inglewood, CA, 90301 (310)-674-0303 • F: (310)-674-0303 Pastor Wendy Howlett Sunday Morning Worship & Word: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study: 7:00pm View Sunday Worship: www.youtube.com (Under Blessed Family Covenant Church) www.blessedfamilycovenant.org

People at Woolworth’s lunch counter, the Freedom Rides in 1961, and throughout the 1960s continued to organize nearly every major student sit-in, march, and protest. He taught “Nonviolence and Social Movements” at UCLA for more than 20 years and established a strong relationship with Cal State Northridge through his involvement with the university’s Civil Discourse and Social Change Initiative.

The one mile stretch on Adams Boulevard will extend from Crenshaw to Arlington and will include the Holman United Methodist Church where Lawson served as senior pastor for 25 years.

Last year, the City Council honored the civil rights, three days ahead of his 95th birthday, by declaring Sept.

22 as “Rev. James Lawson Jr. Day” annually in the city.

“Rev. Lawson’s leadership throughout the decade was instrumental in the desegregation of the South, and his teaching on nonviolence practices and civil disobedience continue to inspire generations of civil rights leaders acOn January 11, L.A. City Councilwoman Heather ross the country,” a city resolution read.

Hutt dedicated “the Reverend Lawson Mile” on Adams Boulevard. This commemorative event will pay homage Gala Celebration to Mark Dr. to the iconic Civil Rights Leader, Reverend James Morris Lawson Jr., who led the Civil Rights Movement through Betty Price’s 90th Birthday the development and teaching of nonviolent protest techOn February 9, 2024, Crenshaw Christian Center niques. These techniques were passed down to many inwill celebrate the 90th Birthday of Dr. Betty R. Price; affluential leaders, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fectionally known as Dr. Betty. Price, who was married "I'm deeply grateful," Lawson told the crowd. “You and I to Apostle Frederick K.C. Price, co-founded the 8,000are gathered here to recommit ourselves to the nonviomember CCC with her late husband. The Mississippi lent revolution throughout the United States that will native was bestowed an honorary Doctor of Divinity dechange you and change the whole world.” gree in January 1992 and was ordained to the ministry Throughout his life, Reverend James Lawson fought of the Gospel in January 1994 and is the author of six tirelessly for civil rights, becoming an active participant books on the power of faith. in the Labor Movement, working with the American “What Dr. Betty Civil Liberties Union, and championing the movements means to Crenshaw for reproductive, LGBTQ+, and immigrant rights.

Christian Center is tan“Love is a great power that we have just now discovtamount to a steadfast, ered, a great leap of intellectual, spiritual power that is caring and loving, in each of us,” Lawson said. “You cannot counter violence mother and spiritual covwith anger, it can only be conquered through love and ering for the many concompassion. have who gregants Hutt, who introduced the motion extending the honor graced the sanctuary last year, was joined by AFL-CIO President Yvonne and grounds of our Wheeler to unveil the street sign, following a peaceful church over the last 50 march paying homage to Lawson and his teachings of years,” said eldest daughter Angela Evans, who also unity. Community leaders, activists, and members of the serves as CEO of Crenshaw Christian Center. “She is the faith community were also in attendance. consummate, ever faithful and endearing First Lady of Lawson helped lead the historic 1960 Nashville sit-in First Ladies who loves her parishioners with an un-

L.A. Honors Rev. James Lawson's Enduring Legacy with Adams Boulevard Dedication

Center of Hope LA 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 #centerofhope•#cohla•Info@GO2HOPE.com Give: Text COHLA to (833) 246-7144 Pastor Geremy L. Dixon Service Times: 8:00am & 10:00am Watch Via: Facebook|YouTube|Live Stream Closer To People...Closer To God! www.GO2Hope.com

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

Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:45am Bible Adventure Hour (Tues): 6pm Bible Study (Tues): 7pm Bible Study (Thurs): Noon

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

In Long Beach

Online Services Stream live: Sun 10:00am at antiochlb.com Give: text antiochib to 77977 Social Media: facebook.com/antiochlb instagram.com/antiochlb youtube.com/antiochlongbeach Christ Second Baptist Church 1471 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 599-3421 • Fax: (562) 599-6175 • www.csbclb.org Rev. Welton Pleasant II, Senior Pastor Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service: 9:40am Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wed Youth & Young Adult Ministry: 7pm

Asm. Tina McKinnor Elected Chair of L.A. Delegation to Legislature

On Jan. 24, the members of the Los Angeles County Delegation (LACD) to the California Legislature elected Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) as the group’s chair.

McKinnor will lead the 39-member body, which is comprised of 15 State Senators and 24 State Assemblymembers representing various areas of L.A. County and 10 million residents.

“I am grateful for the trust legislators from the Los Angeles County Delegation have placed in me to serve as its next Chair,” said McKinnor in a statement.

LACD Vice Chair, Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), said the body, which collectively represents about 10 million people in California’s populous county, is the largest, bi-partisan, and most diverse delegation in the California Legislature.

Grant AME Church 1129 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 437-2567 • Fax: (562) 599-6175 • www.csbclb.org Rev. Dr. Michael W. Eagle,Sr.,Ed.D, Community Activist Sunday School: 9:00am Worship Service Sundays: 10:45am (On Facebook Live, YouTube) Free Conf Call: 857 232 0156 877511 Zoom:438 996 2703 Where all receive attention, affection & love Walking In The Spirit Ministries In Norwalk Double Tree (Sonoma Grill) 12623 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk CA 90650 (213) 248-6343 P.O Box 1597 Norwalk CA,90651 Tim & Leshia Brooks Morning Worship: 11:00am Services Held Every 2nd & 4th Sunday and Free Breakfast Is Served Bible Study: 8:30am (Every 5th Friday)

Your Church Listing Belongs Here For more information

Call 310.677.6011

L.A. Focus/February 2024

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

True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 7901 South Van Ness Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 750-7304 Rev. James A. Perkins

feigned and enduring love. Her 90th Birthday Party promises to be a glorious, grand and magnificent celebration of a woman so dearly and deeply loved by so many.”

Dr. Betty continues to play a vital role in the ministry she and her husband created, as well as in the operation of the church. Dr. Betty also shares her personal testimony, along with the Word, with women’s groups and organizations. Her love and concern for others have led to the establishment of numerous programs and groups at CCC to uplift those dealing with a number of challenges including addiction, grief, cancer and homelessness.

23

Hip hop continued from page 6 have noted a growing disenchantment with the electoral choices the current generation faces, particularly the young, many of whom are first-time voters.

“It's disheartening, as a first-time voter, to feel as though you're caught between two flawed options,” lamented an HBCU undergrad.

In an attempt to regain lost ground, the Democratic National Committee has, since the midterms, bolstered efforts to engage African American voters through extensive outreach efforts including millions of calls and texts. The Biden campaign has also committed significant investment for targeted media efforts within African American communities.

The effectiveness of these strategies in staving off a Trump resurgence remains to be seen as the election approaches.

CLBC continued from page 6

AB XXX (McCarty) - Career Education Financial Aid for redlined communities Civil Rights ACA 7 (Jackson) - Amends the California Constitution to allow the State to fund programs for the purpose of increasing the life expectancy of, improving educational outcomes for, or lifting out of poverty specific groups.

ACR 135 (Akilah Weber) - Formally recognizes and accepts responsibility for all of the harms and atrocities committed by representatives of the state who promoted, facilitated, enforced and permitted the institution of chattel slavery.

AB 1815 (Akilah Weber) - Prohibit discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles in all competitive sports by extending the CROWN Act to include competitive sports within California.

SB XXX (Steven Bradford) - Property takings: Restore property taken during racebased uses of eminent domain to its original owners or provide another effective remedy where appropriate, such as restitution or compensation.

AB XXX (Reggie Jones-Sawyer) - Issues a formal apology for human rights violations and crimes against humanity on African slaves and their descendants.

ACA8 (Lori Wilson)-Amend the California Constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude for incarcerated persons.

AB 1986 (Isaac Bryan) - Eliminate the CDCR practice of banning books without oversight and review.

ABXXX (Reggie Jones-Sawyer)-Fund community-driven solutions to decrease community violence at the family. school and neighborhood levels in African American communities by establishing a statefunded grant program.

AB XXX (Chris Holden) - Mandela Act: Restricts solitary confinement within CDCR detention facilities.

AB 1975 (Mia Bonta) - Make medically supportive food and nutrition interventions, when deemed medically necessary by healthcare providers, a permanent part of Medi-Cal benefits in California.

SB XXX (Smallwood-Cuevas) - Address food injustice by requiring advance notification to community stakeholders prior to the closure of a grocery store in underserved or at-risk communities.

AB XXX (Mike Gipson) - Eliminate barriers to licensure for people with criminal records and prioritize African American applicants seeking occupational licenses, especially those who are descendants.

Ridley-Thomas continued from page 7 pre-emptory challenges in a discriminatory manner to purposefully exclude two Black women from the jury — a Batson challenge. As stated in Batson v Kentucky, “Purposeful racial discrimination in selection of the jury panel (venire) violates a defendant’s right to equal protection because it denies him the protection that a trial by jury is intended to secure.”

Black women face discrimination on two major counts — both race and gender — and their lives are uniquely marked by this combination. Their exclusion deprives the jury of a perspective of human events that may have unsuspected importance in any case that may be presented.

“The L.A. County Telehealth contract focused primarily on low-income, minority children,” added Schafler. “The prosecution’s use of race and gender as proxies for juror competence and reliability violated Ridley-Thomas’s right to a fair trial.”

“The Ninth Circuit has yet to recognize an intersectional race and gender class for Batson purposes. It’s beyond time that they do so,” concluded Schafler.

Parker continued from page 8 celebrate death to advance their own power. Israelis saw it in the vicious Hamas attack last Oct. 7.

When those who love to kill to advance their own power see Americans retreat, when they see demonstrations at America's leading universities celebrating terrorism, who condemn those in our country and abroad who live free and responsible lives, so we encourage and empower evil. As good retreats, evil advances, it is a natural truth. Let's not forget what is written at the memorial to the Korean War in Washington, D.C.

"Freedom is not free."

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. For more on Parker, visit www.creators.com.

Williams continued from page 8 game, where ancient trade routes intersect with modern warfare and economic strategies, the U.S. finds itself at a crossroads. Its technological prowess, once a formidable advantage, now seems less decisive against the backdrop of age-old barter systems and hidden financial networks. As the U.S. grapples with these challenges, the future of its engagement in the Middle East and the safety of its personnel stationed there hangs in a delicate balance, a narrative woven with threads of irony, tragedy, and the enduring complexities of global power dynamics.

The unfolding scenario at the T-22 base in Jordan is more than a tactical blunder; it reflects a broader strategic myopia. It raises critical questions about the efficacy of U.S. foreign policy and military strategy in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The ancient wisdom of the Middle East, where history is written in the sands and whispered in the winds, stands in stark contrast to the technological might and economic power of the West. Yet, in this age-old battleground of empires, it's the unseen currents of culture, tradition, and covert finance that often dictate the outcomes of conflicts.

The U.S., in its pursuit of global dominance, must adapt to these realities or risk being outmaneuvered in a game where the rules are as fluid as the shifting sands of the desert.

Armstrong Williams is owner of Howard Stirk Holdings I & II Broadcast Television Stations and the 2016 Multicultural Media Broadcast Owner of the year. To find out more, visit www.creators.com.

Money Matters continued from page 9 of their Terms of Service.

Angelica Nwandu, CEO of The Shade Room, has noted a troubling rise in phony AI-manipulated stories about African American celebrities, misleading their audience and prompting unfounded inquiries about their validity.

“We’ve seen these pages that pop up on YouTube or TikTok, and they will have an AI-generated picture of Rihanna crying over A$AP [Rocky] going to jail, and it’s completely fake,” Nwandu told NBC News. “Our audience will DM and say ‘Why aren’t you posting this news?’ ‘Why aren’t you covering this story?’ Because they believe these pages.”

With AI platforms captivating upwards of 100 million users, and tech giants like Google on the cusp of releasing their AI ventures (with projections suggesting the possibility of attracting over a billion users), one expert suggests that they are only "scratching the surface of potential applications. Also on the rise is the trepidation that its malevolent uses could soon overshadow current benefits.

According to multiple reports, AI is being exploited by extremist groups amid conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war, and even spreading misinformation here in the United States. These hate groups are targeting vulnerable communities that may be susceptible to these threats.

The most prevalent tool used by these hate groups is memes, which only amplify these messages across various social media platforms. Some groups are manipulating technology to disrupt public meetings, city council gatherings, or online events, injecting hate speech or rhetoric into these spaces.

A recent survey by the Anti-Defamation League shows that over half of American adults reported being harassed online at some point in their lives– and over a quarter have experienced online harassment just within the last year.

“Overall, reports of each type of hate and harassment increased by nearly every measure and within almost every demographic group,” the survey finds.

However, there is a glimmer of hope, as researchers at the University of Michigan have unveiled Rule by Example (RBE), a novel tool that utilizes deep learning algorithms to sift through and identify hate speech. It contrasts standard text against a database of identified hateful content exemplars.

Researchers believe that as RBE and similar tools advance, they will offer greater defense against online hate speech and misconduct.

Note: This article is part of a series to encourage the reporting of hate crimes, to provide services to victims and to educate populations who have experienced or are at greatest risk of experiences hate crimes.

Funding has been provided from the California State Library and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA). Note that he views expressed in this series produced by L.A. Focus do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CSL, CAPIAA or the California government.

Learn more at capiaa.ca.gov/stop-thehate".

InGoodTaste

Chops ecued Lamb rb a -B rd a st u ’s M Patrick Clark Ingredients: all red onion

Spotlight Patrick Clark

ic 7 cloves of garl mary se ro h es fr of 2 sprigs e ym th 2 sprigs of fresh o an eg or d ie 1 tablespoon, dr s rn co er pp pe k 20 blac l 1/2 cup, olive oi s op ch p 12 Rib lam oil la no ca , on 1 tablespo

1 sm 1/2 carrot 2 1/ serrano chili e vinegar cu 1/4 p, red win hup tc ke 1/2 cup, n mustard ijo D , on po 1 1/2 tables ney ho 1 tablespoon,

casing his andela, show M n so apeo Directions: ed), rosethe ster Chef, and was on Ir on s rlic (peeled/slic e once said of ill ga sk of lin es s C ov ef cl ill ch 5 B t Black esiden combine ) and olive oil. types against proached by Pr corns (cracked n a small bowl, . er ef •I pp ch an pe ic se a ziploc fr o, ou “A H an eg te e er dried or baking dish or rve as Whi that there w mary, thyme, h in t in a shallow ew ton to se at fa kn de of y ed ho el w m m e ti im er tr un s t th t.

Before his Addd lamp chop Americans ou e sigbs, gerate overnigh n more than ri Clark had mad marinate. Refri , at, add red onio to 42 ok he g co at ba gh to 98 hi tic 19 m w as iu pl ho ew led N e m co , d ic th er rl an to ov , ga ns as an saucep eyed pe ntributio 2 cloves of •In a medium chicken, blackd & diced) and er nificant co as the le re w ee d) ca e (p de H a ot ee e. rr (s in en ca ili d sc an 1/2 ano ch linary (peeled/diced), lard greens," utes. Add serr d fine ick York cu d. Saute 3 min decades Patr the city to blen ketchup, he o in us dd tw ef A cr ch e. & ng st ut ni ed in fir el an pe sp e Odeon in ir 1 more m it.

Th St e r. at ov ga ro pr st ne w heat. to bi vi lo d e on t on in dining an 25 min. e and red w Clark wen also among th honey. Simmer meals at the d as d w an 25 re , r e te fo rd H ca d ta a. ee us ec rk Cla dijon m been saut at Trib apply sauce that has rved as a chef an chefs to ic se ith , in er w se th m t A d ou ou H an st ap te in fir w •S Whi ning r. Stra otel que to burgeo Hay-Adams H puree in blende French techni min. Cool and the prestigious m co e. . in d ed is ed an cu ne ., al n D.C ater if region with a little w in Washingto b chops berk American ch as ade off the lam hen at New Yo lar dishes, su in tc pu ar ki m po e e th is th d H e de ip •W man neeat the Lamb with Pi e grill. Grill m d Tavern on Roast Rack of re placing on th in fo City's renowne rs st te fir ys e O th d ie as , Fr , he w rare.

Nut Herb Crust until medium Green. Notably uail chef to win the Barbequed Q e before an e, ut ic uc in er m Sa m a A il ut an as B •Abo Afric d Mushard. an aw to rd ta ea B , brush Po es ne t with Swee the lamb is do esteemed Jam y Crab Cakes linary joursp the cu ri s C ith hi w h, s ng as de ni H Begin room con both si ter, White Cho k ne, Clark drew ut oo ni B C o of e. e at uc m ag sa e To th rd musta ney at e anda chef with Pi , er am th re fa C s ch hi a ea an 4-5 minutes on inspiration from tel olate Ban de are all ld visit in ho th Salmon Roula ed ar Se ng side. Spread bo whom he wou ki book "Coo ok oklyn native– co ro ad B e e e th th Th of . ith ns sides w kitche e to ri- part Clark: A Tribut New York to B k ic e. in tr d uc Pa sa ne l ai ith tr na W ditio who nor d His Cuisine." ce–had the ho tain and Fran - the Man an el N r fo er nn ate di of cooking a st

H

L.A. Focus/January 2024

25

SavingGrace Teyana Taylor

S

L.A. Focus/February 2024

he speaks about her love of God freely from podcasts with Christian influencers and interviews with high profile media outlets to in-person appearances. In fact, one of the biggest constants in Teyana Taylor’s life is God. So much so that she characterized her pivot from music to acting as a “real-life faith walk” in a New York Times profile.

And thus far, trusting God has been good for Teyana Taylor whose star in Hollywood is on the rise thanks to her breakout role in the indie film, A Thousand and One (currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video). Her gritty portrayal of a desperate single mother fresh out of jail who kidnaps her son from the foster care system in hopes of making a better life for them in Harlem’s mean streets (considered Oscar buzz worthy in some circles) helped the film win the grand jury prize in the U.S. dramatic competition at the Sundance Film Festival last year and earned her an Independent Spirit Award for Best Lead Performance.

It is one of a handful of films the R&B singer and fashion influencer/choreographer turned actress has made in the three years since she retired from the music industry at the plum age of 30 after choreographing music videos for Beyoncé, appearing in music videos alongside the likes of P Diddy and Doja Cat; collaborated with Ye; notching three studio albums that have charted on Billboard’s 200, and scoring a hit single, “Gonna Love Me” that has been streamed more than 167 million times on Spotify.

Variety Magazine has named Taylor as one of 10 actors to watch in 2024, Harper’s Bazaar crowned her as one of their 2023 icons and she was honored with the Breakthrough Actress Award at the Critics Choice Celebration of Cinema and Television.

She and her estranged husband–former Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard turned actor Iman Shumpert (The Chi) had a short-lived reality TV series on E! titled We Got Love Teyana and Iman, and were featured in a SKIMS campaign.

She’s presently co-starring alongside LaKeith Stanfield in “The Book of Clarence” and has multiple projects in the works including “The Smack”, with Kathy Bates, Casey Affleck and Marisa Tomei. And as if that’s not enough, she is gearing up to star in a biopic of six-time Grammy Award-winning singer, Dionne Warwick after reportedly being handpicked by Warwick herself.

Last June, Taylor joined the Jordan Brand with the release of her Teyana Taylor x Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 "A Rose from Harlem" sneaker. She refers to the shoe as a love letter to “all the roses who grow out the concrete, from their own hoods, really making it out and putting on for their city, putting on for

26

their neighborhood” to make the hood proud.

With all that is happening in her life, she believes that is just what she has done–made the hood proud.

“This is doing everything that I prayed for, everything I wanted it to do,” she said. “People see me now.

They’re showing up for me now. They’re appreciating me now, and it’s from what I was able to put on screen.

“Coming from music, it’s a popularity contest,” she added. “But in acting it’s a different level of appreciation because it’s either you got it, or you don’t. They acknowledge the work, not the person, not the personality or the popularity of this personality.”

Prior to being cast in A Thousand and One, Taylor says she was getting offers for roles that weren’t serious or were cast in the hot chick mode. She turned them down, opting instead for a role where people would take her seriously.

Acting had always been in her career trajectory.

She’d landed some small film roles in “Stomp The Yard”, “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” and on TV in “Hit The Floor” and “Star”. But they were hardly the kind of roles that would highlight the range of her acting prowess.

Then again, the role wasn’t all that far from home for the Harlem, New York native who knew firsthand New York’s tough streets. Growing up from Harlem, the 33-year old actress says that she had seen a lot and struggled as her single mother worked to make a living for them.

“I remember receiving the script, and right away thinking, I need to be a part of this,” Taylor says. Not only was this girl from Harlem, New York–me–she had a story to tell. She reminded me of a lot of the women in my life.”

Though Taylor recalls always being dramatic, it was music that would pave the way for her entry into the entertainment industry. She honed her singing skills while participating in national competitions and in 2006 appeared in the Ring Alarm music video, Beyonce’s hit single, catching the eye of Pharrell Williams who signed her to a record deal when she was 15. In 2008, she released her debut single, Google Me. Music videos is where she showcased both her acting and directing skills before landing her first acting role in 2010 Stomp the Yard. And while she officially retired from music three years ago, she just recently previewed new music on social media to the delight of her more than 17 million followers.

She credits all of her successes to answered prayers.

“I just have random, random times of the day that I just have to stop and give thanks and give praise because this is everything I prayed for,” says the mother of two.

All part of her own grace walk.

“Rather than stumble around in our own weakness, we can choose to hold our heads up, adjust our crowns and walk in divine grace. And let me tell you something about that little thing called grace, God ain’t ever played about the ones who walk in it. He will continue to expose Satan’s plan to discourage, distract, desensitize, discredit and disable us, but guess what...Satan won’t win.”

In finding her own voice, she has leaned into the power of her strength, words, actions and influence, deriving satisfaction in uplifting others and understanding that “You never know who you are inspiring.”

In December as she turned 33, Taylor posted these words as part of a prayer to God: “I humbly submit to you with a thankful heart. Thank you for reminding me that your love and blessings don’t come with conditions and as the flames dance upon 33 candles, I find myself immersed in the profound reflections of a journey shaped by growth and artistic evolution.

Embracing the present, I stand at the threshold of the unknown, ready to inscribe new chapters in the book of life. Here’s to the intricate dance of time and the wisdom it unfolds.”