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CHURCH NEWS: Brooklyn Nets Allen Crabbe Saves Price School From Closing PAGE

After A Year of “Sleeping In The Shadow of Death” HOLLYWOOD BUZZ: The Good, The Bad & Mary J. Blige PAGE

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UPFRONT

L.A. Pastors Unite Behind Maxine Waters >>

Tempers flared last month as California Congresswoman Maxine Waters and President Donald Trump engaged in a war of words over the Trump administration’s immigration policies of separating the children from their families at the border and her calls for impeachment...

SAVING GRACE: Omar Epps Works To Inspire A New Generation of Parenting

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contents

JULY 2018

L.A. Focus Publications

Left: Alicia Keys speaks out about the Trump administration's Zero Tolerance immigration policy at the Families Belong Together Rally last month; Middle: (L to R) Dr. Benjmin F. Chavis (President & CEO of NNPA) —along with Dorothy R. Leavell (NNPA Chairman)— presents Jesse Jackson with the 2018 NNPA Lifetime Legacy Award; Right: Prudential Insurance VP Dorinda Walker celebrates the release of her book, “Protected by Purpose”.

Commentary

America Divided Against Itself, Again

From The Editor Thank You, Jesse Jackson

Upfront

12 Hollywood Buzz 14

Calendar/Around LA

Terry Crews Shares His Story of Sex Assault on Capitol Hill; Eddie Murphy is Dolemite; The Good, the Bad & Mary J. Blige; Terrence Howard Teams With Wesley Snipes

Maxine Waters Maintains that She Supports the Right to ‘Peacefully Protest’ In the Face of Trump’s ‘Lies’; Inglewood Chamber of Commerce VP Sues Inglewood Mayor James Butts Over Claims of Threats and Intimidation

Head to Head

Criminal Behavior, Not Racism, Explains 'Racial Disparities' in Crime Stats; Them vs. Us: How Black Cops View Policing in America

One On One Omari Hardwick

Headlines From Africa Money Matters

Eye On Gospel Big Summer For Koryn Hawthorne; Nothing Hurts Like Family Hurt ; L.A.’s Own Brent Jones Releases New Project; Israel Houghton Gears Up For Fall Tour; The Campbells Hit The Red Carpet

First Lady Files

Kimberly Johnson-Mason Christian Fellowship of Los Angeles

In Good Taste Sandi’s New Year’s Gumbo

Through The Storm

Rayshon Lamarr’s Miracle Comeback

Saving Grace Omar Epps

Red Carpet Style The 72nd Annual Tony Awards

California Seeking To Pass Net Neutrality Legislation

Feature Story

Insurance Startup; Apple Inks Multi Year Deal With Oprah Winfrey

Church News

Biz News Briefs Jay-Z, Will Smith and Kevin Durant Invest In Life

Back In The Pulpit: Fred Price Jr. Returns After A Year of “Sleeping In The Shadow of Death”

staff

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers Production Photographer Advertising Social Media

Lisa Collins Keith DeLawder, Kisha Smith Britney Westbrook Ian Foxx, Rickey Brown Leatha Davis Jazmin Young

L.A. Focus–On the Word, is published monthly. 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.

Big Changes For United Methodists Grace and Holman to Get New Pastors;West Angeles Breaks Ground On New Senior Affordable Senior Community

Pastor Profile

Craig Worsham- Agape Church of Los Angeles

honorary advisors West Angeles C.O.G.I.C. City of Refuge Greater Zion Church Family Paradise Baptist Church Southern Saint Paul Church Faithful Central Bible Church Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Mt. Zion MBC

Bishop Charles Blake Bishop Noel Jones Pastor Michael Fisher Dr. Aaron D. Iverson Rev. Xavier L. Thompson Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer Pastor Emeritus Melvin Wade Rev. Edward V. Hill II

advisory board

Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Lem Daniels Bob Blake

Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co. Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church Morgan Stanley Bob Blake & Associates

SHOWTIME: The L.A. Lakers sign LeBron James to a fouryear, $153.3 million deal. The four-time MVP and 14-time all star already had two homes in L.A.

Cover Design: UpScale Media Group

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Commentary

Star Parker Guest Columnist

America Divided Against Itself, Again

n May 22, 1856, Representative Preston Brooks entered the floor of the United States Senate, approached abolitionist Senator Charles Sumner, and beat the senator with a cane, almost taking his life. Brooks was provoked by a passionate anti-slavery speech that Sumner had delivered in the Senate three days earlier, in which he assailed Senator Andrew Butler of South Carolina, a relative of Brooks, for his pro-slavery stance. This sad and gruesome history is related on the website of the U.S. Senate, which concludes saying, "The nation, suffering from the breakdown of reasoned discourse that this event symbolized, tumbled onward toward the catastrophe of the civil war." We ought to be concerned that again, today, the nation appears to be flirting with this uneasy territory where "reasoned discourse" is breaking down. The president's press secretary, Sarah Sanders, was asked to leave a restaurant in Lexington, Virginia, where she was having dinner because, well, she works for Donald Trump. Stephanie Wilkerson, owner of the Red Hen restaurant, said she asked Sanders to depart because "there are moments in time when people need to live their convictions. This appeared to be one." But what exactly are the "convictions" that Wilkerson was living in this incident? That you refuse to talk, associate, do business with anyone you disagree with? This is America? A few days before, Homeland Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was harassed in a D.C. restaurant and then at her Northern Virginia home. Longtime Congressional Black Caucus member Maxine Waters followed, calling for all out warfare on the Trump administration. "If you see anybody from that Cabinet in a restaurant , in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd and you push back on them, and you tell them they're not welcome anymore, anywhere," Waters told a crowd in Los Angeles. According to the vision statement of Waters' Congressional Black Caucus Foundation: "We envision a world in which all communities have an equal voice in

From the Editor

public policy through leadership cultivation, economic empowerment, and civic engagement." Another dose of liberal hypocrisy. "Reasoned discourse" can take place only between parties who share the same values and a similar worldview. This is what broke down in America in the 1850s and brought the nation to a horrible civil war. Reasoned discourse is not possible between someone who thinks it is acceptable for one race to be enslaved to another and someone who finds this abhorrent. President Lincoln reached into the Gospel of Matthew and prophetically observed, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." America in 2018 is becoming again a house divided. The world views of liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, secular humanists and Christians, regarding what America is about, regarding what life is about, are so entirely different that all common ground seems lost and we appear to have arrived again to the "breakdown of reasoned discourse." Half the country is on one page and half on another. We can't seem to talk to each other, let alone respect each other anymore. Certainly, I am not predicting another civil war. But I am predicting that the kind of civil discourse that is essential for a country like ours to function as intended is becoming increasingly impossible and something will have to give. Florida's Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi required a police escort to protect her from screaming thugs while exiting a movie theater in Tampa, Florida. White House adviser Stephen Miller was called a "fascist" while eating in a Mexican restaurant in Washington. We may not be in a hot war. But we are in a cold war. The election of Donald Trump was about pushback. He himself is regularly criticized for lack of civility. But maybe this is why he won. He understands that today, this is the game. Star Parker is an author and president of CURE, Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Contact her at www.urbancure.org. To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

LISA COLLINS Publisher

Thank You, Jesse Jackson

will and divine inspiration -- can lead us out of the crisis in which we find ourselves. Leadership can mitigate the misery of our nation. Leadership can part the waters and lead our nation in the direction of the Promised Land.” Fact is, despite what one thinks of his leadership attributes, no one can say that the Rainbow Coalition founder doesn’t have a gift for words and eloquence in delivery. His timing hasn’t always been perfect though and many of his missteps have been public. Many in the Jewish community have never forgiven his “Hymietown” remarks in 1984 and then there was that highly public revelation of adultery. But back in that 1988 speech, he said this: “If, in my low moments, in word, deed or attitude, through some error of temper, taste, or tone, I have caused anyone discomfort, created pain, or revived someone's fears, that was not my truest self. If there were occasions when my grape turned into a raisin and my joy bell lost its resonance, please forgive me. Charge it to my head and not to my heart. My head -- so limited in its finitude; my heart, which is boundless in its love for the human family. I am not a perfect servant. I am a public servant doing my best against the odds. As I develop and serve, be patient: God is not finished with me yet.” They are words we all can identify with and as he accepted the legacy award from black publishers around the country, I stood with them in a standing ovation to a man who had stood in service to others to better humanity; to foster a greater understanding of how blacks could prosper economically in their support of each other; to forge a political might for those who have been disenfranchised; and a man who had fought tirelessly for children and the poor. A man who—despite differences—has earned my respect and gratitude. Even as he battles Parkinson’s, Jackson has continued to take on Trump, working to register four million unregistered black voters in the South and writing these words in a recent Chicago Sun Times column, Trump does make the stakes this fall clear. If Republicans — almost universally cowed into echoing the president — sustain their majorities, we’ll get more of the same: action that serves the rich; rhetoric that divides the rest. If instead Trump’s foul politics rouse more opposition than support, the rebuke will attest to what kind of country we are… Donald Trump may find out that we are a better people than he assumes. Thank you, Jesse Jackson. Let’s keep that hope alive.

L.A. Focus/ July 2018

o say that I have not always agreed with civil rights leaders like Rev. Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton would be an understatement. In fact, I have been more than upfront on occasion with the sentiment that they didn’t speak for me, particularly in light of the seeming notion that blacks marched in lock step to their words, wishes, actions and beliefs. And I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say that there had been times where they have appeared to have been self-serving or opportunistic. But all that went away when I witnessed first-hand the toll Parkinson’s Disease was taking on the 76-year old civil rights leader as he was on hand to receive a legacy award from the National Newspapers Publishers Association in Norfolk, Virginia last month. A video reel of the highlights of his life documented his days with Martin Luther King Jr. to his presidential runs and all that he had accomplished since. As he made his way to the stage, all I could think of was the sacrifices he made; the heights to which he had risen since being born the bastard son (his own words) to a 16-year old, Greenville, South Carolina teen in a house without hot or cold running water; and the moment back in 1988 when I listened intently while sitting on the floor in front of my TV listening to him give what I believed then—and still do now—to be one of the best political speeches I’ve ever heard before a capacity crowd at the Democratic National Convention. It is best remembered at least for me as Jackson’s famed “Keep Hope Alive” speech and it came as he had captured 6.9 million votes and won 11 contests; seven primaries (Alabama, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico and Virginia) and four caucuses (Delaware, Michigan, South Carolina and Vermont) in his 1988 candidacy for the presidency as America’s first viable black candidate. “As a testament to the struggles of those who have gone before; as a legacy for those who will come after; as a tribute to the endurance, the patience, the courage of our forefathers and mothers; as an assurance that their prayers are being answered, that their work has not been in vain, and, that hope is eternal, tomorrow night my name will go into nomination for the Presidency of the United States of America,” Jackson stated. Speaking before the convention four years earlier in his first White House run, he had said, “No generation can choose the age or circumstance in which it is born, but through leadership it can choose to make the age in which it is born an age of enlightenment, an age of jobs, and peace, and justice. Only leadership -- that intangible combination of gifts, the discipline, information, circumstance, courage, timing,

UpFront

News Briefs

L.A. Pastors Stand In Defense of Maxine Waters

empers flared last month as California Congresswoman Maxine Waters and President Donald Trump engaged in a war of words over the Trump administration’s immigration policies of separating the children from their families at the border and her calls to impeach him. At a rally in Los Angeles, Waters call on people to publicly protest members of the Trump administration, stating “Let’s make sure we show up where ever we have to show up. And if you see anyone from that cabinet in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd and you push back on them and you tell them they’re not welcome anymore!” Trump then fired back with an insulting and vaguely threatening tweet: "Congresswoman Maxine Waters, an extraordinarily low IQ person, has become, together with Nancy Pelosi, the Face of the Democrat Party. She has just called for harm to supporters, of which there are many, of the Make America Great Again movement. Be careful what you wish for Max!” The days that have followed have seen a spike in death threats towards the Los Angeles-based Congresswoman who was forced to cancel several dates out of concern for her security. In response local faith leaders, have banded maintaining that the words and intensions of the congresswoman have been mischaracterized and taken out of context and that the harsh rhetoric from the White House is being used to energize Trump supporters for the mid-term elections. “This administration has created an atmosphere of divisiveness to satisfy the base, and not represent all people in the United States of America,” said Organizer/Pastor Shane Scott of the

Macedonia Baptist Church. “What we are saying today is that President Trump has crossed the line and it will not be accepted. We are standing with Maxine Waters. We are going to vote in record numbers in the midterms and we are looking forward to his impeachment.” “We must understand if black people and brown people did not speak up…did not speak truth to power, we would still chopping cotton in Mississippi,” added Ward AME Senior Pastor John Cager III. “They are trying to sit down and shut up Maxine Waters, but we all declare Maxine, don’t sit down and don’t shut up”. The press conference and subsequent meeting with the congressman drew more than a dozen pastors and denominational leaders including Bishop Noel Jones, Rev. K.W. Tulloss, Pastors Welton Pleasant, L.A. Kessee and Francine Brookins. “We need more voices like Congresswoman Waters,” observed Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., the interim pastor of Holman United Methodist Church. “She must always be provocative in her voice and her call for justice and inspire us to stand with her in every way we can. “Those who refuse to exercise their responsibility to uphold and defend the constitution of the United States become enemies of that constitution and that must not be tolerated by any of us, so let us stand together, work together and

L.A. Focus/ July 2018

Los Angeles County District attorney to have violated the Brown Act by ejecting from a City Council meeting an Inglewood resident critical of Butts; (3) he has been accused of cronyism in the award of various city contracts; (4) he has been accused of supporting excessive pay for his own assistant who makes as much as the City Council combined, and (5) he has been accused of conflict of interest relating to a $100 million waste management deal entered into by the City of Inglewood. In addition, Butts is commonly referred to as a “bully”, “intimidating” and “dictatorial”.” Little, who also serves as legal counsel to Faithful Central Bible Church, told 2UrbanGirls: “Mayor Butts is a bully,” Little declared. “In the face of such success in the City of Inglewood, as a longstanding Inglewood stakeholder, it grieves me to have filed a lawsuit in order to combat his personal assault against me and to stand against what has become a blatant abuse of power by Mayor Butts, Melanie McDade-Dickens and the city itself. Power must be used for good and not for harm. There are too many tales of threats and intimidation against good people and nonprofits, including the Inglewood Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, from Mayor Butts and company that must not stand. My lawsuit

Staff

never be quiet until the laws of oppression that imprison children at the borders and children in our cities and try to divide into different communities so that we cannot pull together.” And while Waters' remarks did prompt criticism from Democratic leaders such as Nancy Pelosi, the Congresswoman contends that she wasn’t calling for people to "harm" his supporters, as Trump tweeted, but to publicly protest his Cabinet members. "I believe in peaceful, very peaceful protests," she said. "I have not called for the harm of anybody. This President has lied again when he's saying that I've called for harm." “Our members of the Democratic caucus are talking about civility, but protest is civility. Protest is about peaceful resistance to the kind of actions that we are experiencing. "I have nothing to do with the way people decide to protest. I have no way of telling people how to protest, what they should protest. Again, it started with the restaurateur, it started with people in a restaurant. I did not create that, I did not design that, but I support their right to protest."

Inglewood Chamber of Commerce VP Marc Little Sues Mayor James Butts Over Claims of Intimidation et another lawsuit has been filed against Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, this time by Inglewood Airport Area Chamber of Commerce ( I A A C C ) Immediate Past Chair Marc T. Little. The lawsuit details how Butts uses his Executive Assistant Melanie McDadeDickens, who was also named as a defendant, as an intermediary to intimidate members of the community. Members of the IAACC had previously sent Butts a scathing anonymous letter listing threats made by Mayor Butts. The 57 page complaint pictures Butts as a bully and refers to a list of recent controversies surrounding his administration since he took office: “(1) he was accused of suppressing free speech (by, among other things) initiating a suit brought by the City of Inglewood against a citizen who criticized Butts and used video recordings of Inglewood City Council meetings to do so, claiming that the video recordings of the public meetings were copyrighted; (2) he was found by the

KISHA SMITH

KEITH DELAWDER Staff

will expose these abuses of power and more.” In the suit, Little is claiming that Butts and McDade-Dickens pursued a course and pattern of written and verbal threats, under color of authority, to force Mr. Little to resign from his decades-long role as a director of the Inglewood Airport Area Chamber of Commerce in order to control the Chamber’s Board of Directors and its hiring practices; and defamed Mr. Little in order to destroy his reputation in the community and to retaliate against Mr. Little for properly discharging his duties as a fiduciary to the Chamber. In addition, the City, through Butts, directly and intentionally contacted Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Mr. Little’s employer, in an attempt to interfere with Mr. Little’s employment with the City’s largest church, Faithful Central Bible Church, and to diminish Mr. Little’s presence and influence within the City.” Mr. Little is represented by one of Los Angeles’ most respected litigators, Johnny Griggs, in the case which is filed in the United States District Court for violation for Mr. Little’s civil rights under the U.S. and California Constitutions, for defamation, for tortious interference with contractual relations, and other torts.

Three Black Senators Introduce AntiLynching Legislation Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Tim Scott (R-SC) have introduced a bill to make lynching a federal offense. The Senate’s only black legislators introduced the bill on Friday, June 29. If passed, the law would make lynching, defined as "the willful act of murder by a collection of people assembled with the intention of committing an act of violence upon any person," punishable as a hate crime. According to Harris, Congress has tried and failed to pass 200 lynching laws over 100 years. The closest the Hill has come was a 2005 resolution apologizing to lynching victims. The bill is sponsored by Anti-Defamation League, the Equal Justice Initiative and the NAACP. So far, Scott is the only Republican to support the bill.

Kamala Harris

Cory Booker

Tim Scott

Services Set for John Mack John W. Mack, who worked to even the playing field for blacks in Los Angeles at the helm of the L.A. Urban League for nearly 37 years (1969 – 2005) past away last month at the age of 81 after battling cancer. With Mack as president, the Los Angeles Urban League became one of the country’s most successful non-profit organizations, generating an annual budget of $25 million while promoting issues of employment, education and economic development. While Mack’s legacy is forever tied to the L.A. Urban League, the Kingstree, South Carolina native born to a Methodist minister and school teacher on January 6, 1937, was appointed President of the Board of Police Commissioners of the Los Angeles Police Department by Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa in 2005. Services for Mack are set for Tuesday, July 10 at 11a.m at the West Angeles Church of God In Christ, located at 3045 Crenshaw Blvd. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to: The Los Angeles Urban League John Mack Fund 4401 Crenshaw Blvd #201 L.A., CA 90043

Metro to Open Transportation School at Vermont and Manchester In May, L.A. County took possession of the blighted property at the intersection of Vermont and Manchester, after a judge approved its use of eminent domain, for the use of Metro’s Transportation School and boarding academy. The tuition free school is the centerpiece of a larger Workforce Development Initiative that Metro has created to address the transportation industry’s need for a skilled workforce. This educational and vocational program expands Metro’s existing career pathway programs to include more high-school age youth, including those at-risk from underserved communities. Metro CEO Phil Washington describes a “cradle to grave career pathway” focusing in on at-risk and foster kids that would create a new middle class—the cradle being the transportation academy and the grave being the CEO position.

HeadToHead

new study on racial disthe arrested matches the percentCriminal parities in police conduct Behavior, Not age given by victims. So unless found that differences in victims are lying about the race of Racism, offending by suspects, not racism, Explains 'Racial their assailant, unconcerned explains officers' responses. about whether he gets caught, Disparities' in In the study "Is There blacks are not being "overarrestCrime Stats Evidence of Racial Disparity in ed." Police Use of Deadly Force?" professors A reasonable discussion about blacks from Michigan State and Arizona State and police practices cannot take place universities analyzed officer-involved fatal without acknowledging the disproportion shootings in 2015 and 2016. The report's amount of crime committed by blacks. abstract says: "We benchmark two years of According to the Department of Justice's fatal shooting data on 16 crime rate esti- "Felony Defendants in mates. When adjusting for crime, we find Large Urban no systematic evidence of anti-black dis- Counties, 2009," in the parities in fatal shootings, fatal shootings country's 75 largest of unarmed citizens, or fatal shootings counties, blacks cominvolving misidentification of harmless mitted 62 percent of objects. ... Exposure to police given crime robberies, 45 percent rate differences likely accounts for the of assaults and higher per capita rate of fatal police shoot- accounted for 57 perings for blacks, at least when analyzing all cent of murder defenshootings. For unarmed shootings or dants. Larry Elder misidentification shootings, data are too The No. 1 cause of uncertain to be conclusive." preventable death for young white men is Two recent studies found cops more accidents, such as car accidents. The No. 1 reluctant to use deadly force against cause of preventable death for young black blacks, including one by a black Harvard men is homicide, usually committed by economist. Professor Roland G. Fryer Jr. another young black man, not a cop. In concluded: "On the most extreme use of 2016, according to the latest data from the force — officer-involved shootings — we FBI's Uniform Crime Report, 7,881 blacks find no racial differences in either the raw were killed. data or when contextual factors are taken The courageous Manhattan Institute's into account." Heather Mac Donald, who writes extenBut aren't blacks routinely "racially sively about police practice, asked: "Who is profiled" by cops? Not according to the killing these black victims? Not whites, Police-Public Contact Survey. Produced and not the police, but other blacks. In every three years by the Department of 2016, the police fatally shot 233 blacks, the Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics, the vast majority armed and dangerous. ... survey asks more than 60,000 people about Contrary to the Black Lives Matter narratheir interactions with the police. It asks tive, the police have much more to fear respondents' to provide age, race and gen- from black males than black males have to der. It asks them whether they had any fear from the police. In 2015, a police officontact with the police in the last year; cer was 18.5 times more likely to be killed what was the experience like; how were by a black male than an unarmed black your treated; was there a use of force and male was to be killed by a police officer." so on. Turns out, according to a September In 2012 in the city of Rialto, California, 2017 National Review article, black men population approximately 100,000, cops and white men are about equally likely to were randomly assigned body cameras have a contact with a cop in a given year. based on their shifts. Over the next year, As to multiple contacts, defined as three or use-of-force incidents on the shifts that more with the police in a given year, 1.5 had cameras were half the rate of those percent of blacks vs. 1.2 percent of whites without cameras. But something rather fall in that category. Not much difference. extraordinary also happened. Complaints There's also the National Crime against all Rialto police officers with were Victimization Survey, which questions vic- down almost 90 percent from the prior tims of crimes, whether or not the criminal year. was captured, as to the race and ethnicity It turns out when civilians knew they of the suspect. It turns out that the race of continued to page 21

Headlines From Africa Angola: Marking a major breakthrough to its conservative tradition, Angola recently granted legal recognition to one of two gay rights groups in the county. While Angola has not anti-LGBT legislation, gays had complained of discrimination in the past. Botswana: President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced that the Government was developing some potentially high production areas for arable agriculture with the expectation that “such land will be allocated to potential investors to help boost production base, which will ultimately contribute to food security." Burundi: In a surprise move last month, Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza—who was first elected in 2005— announced he would step down in 2020, despite widespread belief he backed a new constitution (passed in a May referendum) extending term limits in a bid to cling to power. It was Nkurunziza's decision to run for re-election that plunged Burundi into a deadly political crisis in 2015 that has left 1,200 dead, forced 400,000 to flee their homes and triggered an investigation by the International Criminal Court. Ethiopia: The leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea have agreed to meet for the first time in nearly 20 years, a surprising sign of a diplomatic thaw between the neighboring nations. The meeting was announced after reports that Ethiopia would cede territory it has held since the 19982000 conflict over a border dispute that killed more than 80,000. Kenya: The lush suburb of Karen—named after Out of Africa author Karen Blixen—has been ranked in the top ten luxury home hotspots in the 'Wealth report 2018' by Knight Frank. Meanwhile, the National Drought Management Authority has issued an early warning of an impending drought advising citizens to store food and farm produce to last through the dry spell. Lesotho: Local contractors have united to fight what they describe as biases in the awarding of major government construction projects to Chinese companies, particularly in instances where they were better positioned to do the work. Liberia: A promise by Liberian President George Weah to change laws that discriminate against women is spurring campaigners to push for legal reform to protect wives' land rights. Activists maintain that improving women's land right is critical to reducing poverty and exposure to domestic violence, as well as providing collateral for loans and security in old age, campaigners say.

In our attempt to find out Them vs. Us: How A lot of black officers have conwhat police officers think Black Cops View tempt for Black Lives Matter about patrolling black comand will tell you “Blue Lives Policing in munities, The Root examined Matter.” But what happens America recent studies, polls and surveys when they take the uniform off? of law enforcement agencies across the “Why is it that black people are 40 pernation. We also spoke with two veteran cent of the incarcerated and only 13 perpolice officers and activists who were will- cent of the population, yet we have black ing to tell it like it is. officers who don’t speak up? When you go Stan Mason, a 25-year veteran of the home and take that uniform off, you can be Waco, Texas, police department, hosts a Tamir Rice. You can be Alton Sterling. You weekly radio show, Behind the Blue can be Philando Castile. They can’t see Curtain, on which he your badge. exposes the secrets In a national survey of sworn law behind the badge. enforcement officers, Pew Research found Officer Stevens, who that 91% of black officers and 95% of white asked that his first copsbelieve that anti-police bias is a name be withheld, motive for protests. 72% of white officers worked as a police offi- believe fatal encounters between blacks cer in St. Louis for and police were isolated incidents, while more than a decade 57 percent of black cops believed they were before leaving to pur- symptoms of a larger problem. Michael Harriot sue a divinity degree “They see the same thing you see,” and become a Baptist minister/activist. Stevens said.”But that’s what happens Although both men are outspoken when you become a cop. It’s almost like about revealing the truths behind the you’re not human anymore. If the killer is “blue wall of silence,” whenever they spoke a cop, you actually sympathize with the about policing and the communities they murderer. Even when the person they patrolled, they often referred to their fel- murder looks like you. It’s a weird kind of low police officers as “us” and “we.” They brainwashing.” described the public as “you” and “they.” “You get all caught up in trying to prove “It’s like being in a fraternity,” said a case instead of stating what you know,” Stevens. “When you button up that blue Mason explained. “And in trying to prove shirt and put on that badge, you realize no it, the community stretches and reaches one has your back except your brothers.” and loses the ability to be legitimate in any I posed the same questions to both men conversation on police reform. They never to see if they, along with the available data say ‘Well when you all do this, it makes us (including Pew Research’s nationwide sur- feel this way.’ They just complain. vey of sworn police officers), could offer a “The flip side of that is, when you see better perspective on how cops actually the videos, did something happen in the feel about policing black communities. video that would make you afraid? If it Aside from the ability to earn a decent wouldn’t make you afraid then it wouldn’t living with relatively low training (the make him afraid? Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the “Tamir Rice was executed less than median income for the average police or three seconds after arriving on the scene sheriff’s officer is $64,490 compared to because they said he was a threat. Why $36,344 for high school grads), both men would you ride up 50 feet close to a threat? The Root spoke with agreed that the job is Why wouldn’t you send your senior disheld in high esteem in many communities. patch notice? Why wouldn’t you use that Both men were critical of their fellow big P.A. system taxpayers paid for? You cops’ tendency to turn their backs on their have no problem using it with white folks. communities and “hide behind the badge,” “It’s more “us” vs. “them” and it’s time a term Stevens repeatedly used to describe to change that,” said Mason. the silence of blacks in law enforcement. “Policing is a very brutal, one-size-fits“The first thing you learn as a black cop all concept. It is a “we know better than is to shut up and don’t say shit. No one you” approach. We’re the only profession in cares how you feel inside as long as you the world where we, the employee, [are] keep it inside. That’s what these scared not accountable to you, the employer. If black cops are taught to do. continued to page 21

A look at current news from the continent of Africa Mozambique: Mozambique has been shaken by brutal attacks linked to an Islamic extremist group in the northern part of the country leading the U.S. Embassy to issue a security alert, warning U.S. citizens to avoid visiting the Palma district in Cabo Delgado province and advising those already there to get out. Niger: A new terrorist threat has been borne as a consequence of the European-sponsored crackdown on migration, according to local leaders in Niger. Nigeria: Amnesty International has blamed the wanton killings in clashes between farmers and herders across the country on the failure by the Federal Government to "hold murderers to account." By so doing, "Nigerian authorities are encouraging impunity that is fueling rising insecurity across the country." Rwanda: Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame—who presently serves as president of the African Union—called for the promotion of free trade in Africa at a recent summit on free trade held by the AU. If all 55 member nations agree, it would not only create a bloc with a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion covering a market of 1.2 billion people, but it might also lead to a single currency, while removing tariffs and boosting inter-continental trade. The summit also focused in on corruption as well as the ongoing security and humanitarian crises the continent is facing. Senegal: Akon has said he is planning to build a futuristic city in Senegal and base its entire economy around a new cryptocurrency named after himself, AKoin. The proposed city — located outside Dakar— will feature everything a modern city needs, including universities, light manufacturing facilities and developed technology as seen in the film, the Black Panther. Seychelles: A doubling of the number of days new fathers get for paternity leave places Seychelles second behind Kenya in terms of paid paternity leave. Sierra Leone: Despite the nation’s efforts, The National Coordinator for the Sierra Leone Network on the Right to Food has noted that an estimated three million people were food insecure in the country, represents 49.8% of the population. Tanzania: Still ranking at number one in Africa, Tanzania remains the most preferred destination by foreign visitors during leisure travels on the continent, topping the bill in the latest ratings compiled by 'Safari Bookings'.

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On the Money The Skyrocketing Cost of Pet Care

California Seeking To Pass Net Neutrality Legislation

tates around the country are rushing to restore the net neutrality rules developed under President Obama and rolled back by the Trump Administration. In California, State Senator Scott Wiener's legislation, SB 822, would restore internet confor safeguards nection Californians that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reversed at your expense by shifting the cost from wealthy internet providers to consumers. This is particularly concerning because it hurts those who can least afford an increase in their cable bills, expands the current wealth inequity, and impedes access to technology. “We believe we have a strong argument that California under our police powers has the ability to protect consumers,” said Wiener (D- San Francisco), who sponsored the bill. “This is a comprehensive and aggressive bill in terms of protecting net neutrality. We’re trying to adopt the protections that the FCC abandoned.” According to Fight for the Future, a pro-neutrality advocacy organization, more than 53,000 California residents petitioned their representatives to approve the SB 822. More the 200 small businesses and 60 tech startups also signed petitions urging state legislatures to take action. The bill passed through the senate with a vote of 2312, with ISPs like Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T are fighting aggressively to defeat the measure, spending nearly $1 million during the first quarter to lobby against SB 822 and other bills in California. The bill now advances to the State Assembly, where a vote is expected this fall. Assemblyman Miguel Santiago characterized the net neutrality issue as a way to resist the Trump’s administration policies. “At no time in history, do we need an open and free internet like we need it now. Now more than ever, we need to be able to tell stories and empower people with information that is accurate.” Adding that “denying freedom of information is a direct attack on our democracy, and it’s essential we fight back.” The original goal of "net neutrality" was that internet service providers and governments would treat all data on the internet equally and not discriminate or charge differently based on the user, services, website, application, or device – in other words, it would provide an open internet. The bill has been met with some skepticism though, one of the bill’s provisions would ban popular free data

offers, like streaming movies and music that do not count against data plans. These free data plans, also known as zero-rated plans, are discounts used by millions of consumers to stream popular online content like video or music. Data shows that this act disproportionately hurts poor to middle-income earners who have a significantly higher reliance with their smartphone as their only form of internet access. These consumers will get hit with higher monthly costs when they exceed their data caps, or they’ll have to throttle their own internet use. The problem is that consumers rely on their internet access to get jobs and healthcare information and whether consumers pay an extra $10, $15, or $20 per month, it’s not affordable for many low-income people. This amounts to a regressive tax, which wasn’t in the Obama net neutrality rules. On the positive side, budding entrepreneurs and small businesses with limited financial resources would still be allowed to build an online presence for little to no additional cost, and local governments would be authorized to service and protect their residents. Currently the bill is going through committees in the Senate where controversy has risen around the integrity of the bill in its current state, as lawmakers go back and forth adding and subtracting amendments, which critics say, “weakens the bill.” “The legislative process always has twists and turns,” Wiener commented. “It’s never a completely linear process. All that matters is that we get to the right place.” Lawmakers have since returned to the bargaining table and negotiations have again closed gaping loopholes through which internet service providers could theoretically block web traffic and excise exorbitant fees, aided by Assemblyman Rob Bonta of Oakland and Sen. Kevin de Leon of Los Angeles. Notably, S.B. 822 once again prohibits ISPs from charging unreasonable “access fees” and stops them from congesting web traffic at the point of interconnection. It also prohibits ISPs from enabling companies like AT&T (which now owns CNN) from choosing which online services subscribers can use without impacting their data limits. While significant hurdles have been overcome, a considerable challenge awaits the lawmaker’s efforts to ensure net neutrality for every Californian. “It’s going to be a dogfight,” Wiener says. “Internet service providers, telecoms, cable companies, they are fierce advocates.” He added, “They’re absolutely going to fight us to death on this bill.”

You only need to have a pet to know that the cost of animal health care has soared over the past two decades. Experts say it’s jumped about 60 percent, which is at a faster rate than for humans. According to an annual survey by the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent $15.4 billion on veterinary care in 2015 for anywhere from an average teeth cleaning, that can set an owner back anywhere from $200 to $700 depending on the condition of the dog’s teeth to a simple stomach upset ($268). But that’s just the small stuff. Three days after one woman adopted an adorable six-week old rescue, the pup was diagnosed with Parvo and hospitalized. A week later, the owner was finally able to take the dog home after paying a whopping $1700. Diseases such as Cancer and Diabetes management for dogs can range anywhere from $5,000 to upwards of $30,000 and with an estimated 62% of all American households owning at least one pet,the total American pet industry expenditure in 2017 reached $69.36 billion. That’s up from $66.75 billion in 2016. Why so high? Industry insiders attribute it to rising veterinarian costs (incomes), advanced and more costly medical treatment and then there’s the growing number of owners who consider their pets as members of the family and not property. There is however a limit to what most pet owners will shell out in medical fees before opting to have their pets euthanized. That number was $1704 in 2012. Ironically, the ASPCA estimates that the annual cost of owning a dog now averages as much as $1,843. Listed before are the top ten surgical conditions in dogs and the average cost to treat them.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Benign skin mass -- $999 Skin abscess, inflammation, or pressure ulcer -- $458 Tooth extraction -- $829 Torn cruciate ligament/cartilage -- $2667 Malignant skin mass (cancer) -- $1434 Cancer of the spleen -- $1875 Cancer of the eyelid -- $717 Bladder stones -- $1231 Cancer of the liver -- $8539 Aural hematoma (blood filled ear flap) -- $296

Biz News Briefs Jay-Z, Will Smith and Kevin Durant Invest In Life Insurance Startup

Hip-hop superstar and business mogul Shawn Carter aka Jay-Z is adding another business to his already impressive portfolio of investments. His entertainment company Roc Nation along with the family funds of actors Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr., and recent NBA Champion and Finals MVP Kevin Durant have participated in a new round of funding for the life insurance startup, Ethos, led by one of the world top venture firms, Sequoia Capital, in a total offering worth $11.5 million. Licensed in 49 states, Ethos bills itself as a company that is making life insurance accessible, affordable and simple with its availability to consumers who have college debt, mortgages, spouses and children. Ironically, since 1989, the number of life insurance poli-

cies have dropped 17% nationwide. Whether it’s because no one trusts companies to actually pay out or because Americans are putting their faith in anti aging technologies, people are just not buying life insurance the way that they used to. When potential investors see this type of decline, the assumption is there is room for new companies to come in and provide a better service to the market. Ethos’ aim has been to make the life insurance process much more seamless. Whereas it traditionally takes up to ten weeks to get approved, people can apply and qualify for an Ethos policy after a ten minute application. The platform also provides a non-commissioned licensed agent available to give unbiased guidance, and unlike other life insurance plans, more than 99% of Ethos customers have required not medical exam or blood tests to get a policy. “Life insurance is critical for families, but the process is broken for those who want and need it,” says the companies co-founder, Peter Colis. “We are consumer advocates, intensely focused on expanding life insurance accessibility to the millions of U.S. families who have college debt, mortgages, spouses and children to care for, and who want to be financially empowered to live their lives without worry.” Ethos has already acquired thousands of applicants.

Apple Inks Multi Year Deal With Oprah Winfrey The latest expansion in Oprah Winfrey’s media empire—which already includes the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), O Magazine and Harpo Productions (Dr. Phil Show)— is a multi-year content partnership with Apple to create original programming to be released as part of Apple’s content lineup. While Apple’s existing content can be streamed on Apple Music, the new original content will be available either through Apple Music or Apple TV. Apple has already reportedly inked deals with Octavia Spencer, Reese Witherspoon and Steven Spielberg for original programming. According to an Apple news release, the esteemed producer, actress, talk show host, philanthropist and CEO of OWN (one of the fastest growing cable networks among women) ”will create original programs that embrace her incomparable ability to connect with audiences around the world.” The deal will include film, TV and books and Oprah will not only create original programming but is expected to make on camera appearances as well. Some of the new content is expected to become available to Apple’s nearly 50 million subscribers sometime next spring.

After A Year of “Sleeping In The Shadow of Death” LISA COLLINS Editor In Chief n Sunday July 1st, Frederick Price Jr. took the stage at the Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) for the first time in over a year, holding hands with his wife Angel, in a show of solidarity. “I haven’t taught the word in thirteen and a half months, but I’ve been teaching sermons in my head everyday for the past year,” said Price Jr. as he began his sermon. "Once again, I just want to say thank you to all of you. Truly, I have felt in a tangible way, your love. I have felt your care and I have felt your concern and it means the world to me that you still are okay with seeing me in this position." Price would go on to preach about the restorative power of God’s grace, which he says, got him through the past year. “Grace is given to you as a result of humility,” Price said. “Now this word humility means to humble oneself. It means humbleness of mind or lowliness of mind. But it also means humiliation. I’m here to tell you, in life you are going to be humbled in one of two ways; either you’re going to humble yourself or your going to be humiliated. And I can speak from experience, I’ve experienced both. And the humiliation i s n ’ t fun, it hurts.

L.A. Focus/July 2018

Actually humbling yourself hurts too. Humbling yourself requires a level of maturation, because most of the time people want to be right. They want to hold fast to their position, whatever it is-- even if their position is wrong. They want to hold on to their wrong position for as long as they can before of admitting that they’re wrong. It takes a meek person to humble themselves, but if you don’t humble yourself, humiliation will humble you.” Price stepped down as pastor of one of the city’s largest congregations in June of 2017, citing missteps in his personal life. “I have struggled with serious personal misjudgments which have affected my life and my family,” Price announced to a shocked congregation. “Therefore I’m going to step down as pastor and submit myself to the father’s and the apostle’s plan of restoration. I have betrayed the trust of God, myself, my wife, my family and you, my church. I am so sorry.” The announcement blindsided the CCC faith community of over 10,000 strong, not including a TV market that reaches over 15 million households each week in 15 of the nation’s largest markets. Beloved to this congregation, Price was elevated to pastor in March 2009, following in the footsteps of his famous father, Apostle Frederick K.C. Price. The senior Price, who founded CCC in Los Angeles with 300 congregants in 1973, built an international ministry resulting in thousands of members, multiple schools, the massive Faithdome sanctuary and CCC New York. He also gained millions of followers through books, radio, TV, live streaming and social media. Part of Price's restorative process has been attending weekly services with his wife and children during the time he was not in the pulpit, and taking time to mend his strained family life. "I really want to say thank you to those that have stood with me and stood by me

I really want to say thank you to those that have stood with me and stood by me and those that have interceded.“To those that have stood in the gap. You didn't know much. You just knew that I was away and I appreciate you not needing to know all of the details. Just know I've pretty much been sleeping in the valley of the shadow of death, and well, I'm no longer there.

NBA Star Allen Crabbe Saves Frederick K.C. Price III Christian School

and those that have interceded,” Price said during service, which was broadcast on Facebook Live. “To those that have stood in the gap. You didn't know much. You just knew that I was away and I appreciate you not needing to know all of the details. Just know I've pretty much been sleeping in the valley of the shadow of death, and well, I'm no longer there. “When you’re humiliated or when you’ve humbled yourself, you’re not thinking of accessing anything. You’re not trying to look for anything, but praise God, he gives grace to the humbled,” Price said of a year in which rumors of what took him out of the pulpit were rampant. “Shoot, I found out this year that I was gay. I didn’t even know. All kind of stuff just went floating around,” Price joked of one of the rumors circulating in the wake of his absence like a man so at peace with who he is that he is not looking for anyone’s validation nor affected by what is said, no matter how farfetched. A man assured of his purpose. Fact is, Frederick Price Jr.’s rise to pastorship began arguably before he was even born. While still being carried by his mother Betty Price, famed Christian leader Kenneth Hagin prophesied that the child she was carrying would be a boy, and the greatest benefit to the elder Price in his life. Price and his wife had already suffered a devastating tragedy in the loss of their first son, Frederick K.C. Price III in 1962 after being hit by a car at the age of eight. The announcement that Betty, who was the 45 years old at the time, was pregnant came as a shock to the senior Price. At 47, his youngest child was nearly 12 and he did not wish to start over as a father. “I came out of a very dysfunctional home and was determined my family would never be like that because I would be a good father, and it cost me a lot to be a good father, “ said Price. “ At the time the time my wife got pregnant, our youngest child was almost 12 years old, so for 12 years I had been free from having to be a developing parent, as it were.’ Apostle Price says he was a ‘changed man’ after he heard the prophecy and immediately went home to fix up the room for a boy. As his youngest boy grew up, Price II reserved his expectations for his son to fill his shoes. “I’d seen so many ministers who pushed their sons into ministry and then they flopped. I wanted to be sure that if Freddie is called to the ministry, God called him and not me,” said Price. Price Jr. was raised knowing little of the prophecy that had marked his course to ministry before he was born. Quiet and shy, he didn’t want the spotlight that came with being the son of one of the most influential men in the modern ministry today. “There was 13 million people calling you to ministry,” Price IV says. “I definitely didn’t want to hear that. Some people asking me little things like, ‘Fred, come lead us in prayer,’ and I would say ‘No, I don’t want to.’ “I’m curious as to who genuinely in their heart knew I was called, as opposed to just lip service-- something good to say because you're the pastor's son, but it came with the territory.” Price Jr. recalls vividly when he was 17 years old, the moment he himself realized that ministry would be his purpose in life. “Dr. Creflo Dollar was teaching in the Faith Dome, and I said to myself, ‘this is what you’ll be doing.’

“I told my father and he basically told me to go from reading my daily scriptures to studying the bible, that my prayer time needed to increase, and then be prepared to hear from God.” Three years would pass before Price Jr. actually stood before a group of individuals to speak. “I didn’t even start taking it seriously until I was 20,” Price recounts. “So all that studying I was supposed to do, I wasn’t. All the increased prayer time, I didn't, because I was still kind of running fearful.” Not surprisingly, the greatest fear was filling his Dad’s shoes. “Being in front of people wasn’t the issue,” Said the Los Angeles native who was already performing as part of a Christian rap group,called Seven Nine. “I didn’t mind speaking in front of people, but I needed a script. Ministering was something I wasn’t sure I was ready for.” But with time and a lot of practice, including a phenomenal Father’s Day speech in front of the congregation in 2002, Price Jr. hit his stride. “He has his own personality and mannerisms and yet, he’s got a gift of teaching like my Dad. When we first heard him we were like, ‘wow where did this come from?’ I was amazed,” said Angela Evans, the oldest of the three Price girls and CEO of the CCC. “We used to call him “vegetable boy” because he had this interesting little quirk. No lengthy conversations. Not very demonstrative and communicative as a teen, so we’d be thinking, my God, what are you going to do in life?” Price Jr. was ordained in February 2003 and replaced his father as Pastor in 2009 on a platform of expanding CCC’s outreach to the surrounding community along with attracting more millennials without alienating the baby boomers that comprise a large part of his congregation. He also expressed a desire to engage the growing number of Latinos living near his South L.A. church. “To follow in the footsteps of my father, the apostle of faith, is a privilege and a challenge I look forward to taking on,’ said Price in 2009, before taking the CCC mistestry over from his father. “Fear isn’t an option Failure is not an option. In five years, Crenshaw Christian Center will have the impact it had when CCC first started in 1973. There will be challenges, but I have the victory and I believe it all has to do with the way my father trained me.” Price’s return to the pulpit was marked by an introduction from his mother that was both telling and touching. “And now,” said Betty Price, “my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." The next voice was that of Angel Price who held the microphone as she walked in hand in hand with her husband. "Good morning Crenshaw Christian Center. We are so excited to be back. We love you guys and we just want to thank you for all the love that you have shown us. We are home," Angel Price declared. After the service that drew family, friends and special guests including Pastors Michael and Dee Dee Freeman of the Washington D.C.-based Spirit of Praise Christian Center, parishioners lined the aisles to shake hands with Price and wife, Angel and personally welcome him back. Noted one, “He’s been through a lot, but it has only made him stronger and I believe that the church will be better for it. If you heard him today, he’s sounding more and more like his father. We are excited for what the future holds for our pastor and for Crenshaw Christian Center.”

Just days after Angela Evans, founder of the Frederick K.C. Price III Christian School, announced they were going to have to close its doors after 33 years of service to the community, the institution was saved by Brooklyn Nets Forward and former student Allen Crabbe in the form of a six–figure donation, saving the more than 175 current Price students from having to find a new school and a staff of over 30 employees from having to find new jobs. Crabbe, who is the grandson of school founder, Apostle Frederick K.C. Price, says the act was a nobrainer. “I was at that school practically my whole life. I’m just happy and feel blessed to be in a position now to do this.” Crabbe, who started going to Price at just 12 weeks old, graduated from in 2009 after winning the school a men’s basketball Division IV State title. He was also named California State player of the year, Gatorade California player of the year, ESPN’s Mr. Basketball, Parade All-American, an received the John Wooden Award. Crabbe moved on to play three years at UC Berkeley and was drafted 31st overall in 2013, playing his first four years with the Portland Trailblazers before joining the Nets last season. The school, which is the only Christian private school in the area, had announced earlier this year that it needed to enroll 60 more students in order to be finically viable for the coming 2018- 2019 school year—and they had exhausted all attempts to make up for the financial deficit, including raising tuition. “This is the stuff that dreams are made of,” said Evans, who is Crabbe’s aunt. “Allen’s success story is one of the many to come out of Price. Our school, through its high academics coupled with our emphasis on spiritual, Bible-based values and nurturing, effectively shapes lives and launches contributing members of society into the community.” Since 1985, Price’s teachers and administrators have enhanced and strengthened local students’ lives through the school’s powerful combination of strong academics, small class sizes, stellar athletics program and Christian character-building experiences. Approximately 60% of Price students are enrolled in Honors/Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) and Advanced Placement (AP) classes in middle and high school. Price has maintained a 100% graduation rate since its charter class, with 98% of graduates accepted into 4-year colleges and universities all over the country Lauren Hopkins, a Price alumna and school development coordinator, credits the school for providing her with a solid foundation for success. “Price fostered my relationship with God and a strong cultural identity that I was able to use to keep me grounded in college, law school and employment,” she said. To date, more than 10,000 students have benefited from the exemplary values-based education provided at Price.

Angela Price gives nephew, Brooklyn Nets forward Allen Crabbe a big hug for saving school.

Calendar of events

Ongoing

Wednesday, July 4

Exhibition: “How Sweet The Sound: Gospel Music In Los Angeles (Thru August 26) Also “Nicole Miller: Athens, California” 3-channel video installation weaving together interviews and accounts from a diverse range of students from one of the region’s most dangerous neighborhoods (Thru September 9) Tues-Sat: 10 – 6pm; Sun: 11am – 6pm Free (Parking = $12) California African American Museum 600 State Drive Info: (310) 676-7300 caamuseum.org

Queen Mary’s All- American 4th of July Celebration Admission includes games, entertainment, firework, live performances and crafts 2:00pm – 10:00 pm • $24- 44 Grand Long Beach Events Center 1126 Queens Highway Info: (877) 342-0738 Queenmary.com

BFit Yoga Class On the Macy’s Bridge Free •10 -11:00am Saturdays Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 3650 W. King Blvd Info: (323) 290-6636 Baldwinhillscren-shawplaza.com

Sunday, July 1 Annual ICYOLA Year End finale Concert (Through Sunday, June 17) 3:00pm • $10 - $15 Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave Info: (213) 788 - 4260 www.musiccenter.org

92nd Annual Americafest at the Rose Bowl World renowned fireworks show 2:00 pm- 9:30pm • $15-30 Rose Bowl Stadium 1001 Rose Bowl Drive www.rosebowlstadium.com 4th of July Block Party Featuring picnicking, games, artmaking, music, dancing and a stunning fireworks show above Downtown L.A. 3:00pm- 10:00pm • Free Grand Park & Music Center 200 N Grand Ave musiccenter.org

Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. 51st Farwest Regional Conference (Through July 8) Pasadena Contact: (818) 371-4096 dstfarwestregion.com

Friday, July 6 In Concert: Jennifer Hudson with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (Through July 7) 8PM • Prices vary Hollywood Bowl 2301 North Highland Avenue www.hollywoodbowl.com

Saturday, July 7 Summertime In The LBC Music festival with Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, The Game, The Isley Brothers and more 11:00AM-11:00PM • $85$200 Queen Mary Events Park

1126 Queens Highway www.queenmary.com

Sunday, July 8 Power Up L.A: Speak Young Queen Conference Series Designed to educate & empower young black & brown teens 11:00AM – 3:00PM • Free Dancer 4 Life LA 210 South La Brea Avenue www.YFSLife.com

Wednesday, July 11 L.A. County Parks Department hosts Free Summer Lunches & Snacks Program (Through August 10th) Free Lunches to Kids and teens ages 1 - 18 at over 100 parks Info: (818) 546-2384 Laparks.org/foodprogram

Thursday, July 12 Marina Del Rey Summer Concert Series featuring

Thursday, July 5 Liturgical Dance Conference 2018 (Through July 7) Classes on everything from religious choreography to gospel karate and sign language Citizens of Zion MBC 12930 South Lime Street • Compton $45-50 Registration: (562) 230-8962 theeliturgicaldanceconference.org

EVENT SPOTLIGHT Friday, July 27 Frankie Beverly and Maze at the Greek 8:00PM • $45 - $225 The Greek Theater 2700 N. Vermont Ave lagreektheatre.com

L.A. Focus/July 2018

Actress Zendaya at the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards where she presented the “Best Performance in a Movie” Award

launch nds the e tt a n o Johns air care Beverly ALEE h for TOT

s honored at the Angela Bassett wa al tions’ 10th Annu Ladylike Founda heon nc Lu ds ar nce Aw Women of Excelle

Queen Su gar and stepm co-star Bianca La wson other Tin a Knowle son atten s-Lawd Ladylik e Fo 10th Ann ual Award undations’ s Luncheo n

Samuel Jackson and wife LaTanya Richardson were all smiles at The Incredibles premiere last month

(L-R): Goo Goo ATkins, Erica Campbell, Zaya Campbell, Warryn Campbell, Warryn "Wozy" Campbell III, Krista Campbell, JoiStarr, and Sandra Campbell at the "We're The Campbells" Red Carpet screening in Los Angeles. (Photo Credit: Earl Gibson III for TV One)

Rihanna arrives at the New York premiere of Ocean’s 8

Lalah Hathaway 7:00PM • Free Burton Chace Park 13650 Mindanao Way Info: (424) 526 -7900 Visitmarinadelrey.com

Friday, July 13 Rally for Victims of Gun Violence Led by Assemblymember Mike Gipson 6PM • Corner of Manchester & Vermont Contact: (310) 324-6408

Saturday, July 14 March For Stolen Children March across the Globe in support for inhumane conditions for children 7:00PM – 10:00PM • Free Sherman Oak Galleria 15301 Ventura Blvd occupyyourself.org/ Grammy Salute to Music Legends: Honorees include Tina Turner Appearances by Angela Bassett, Ledisi, Herb Albert Alpert and more 7:30PM • $25 - $80 Info: (323) 308-6300 Dolby Theatre 6801 Hollywood Blvd www.dolbytheatre.com

In Concert: Brenton Wood, The Dramatics, the Floaters, Midnight Star, GQ, Tierra & More 6:30PM • $82-$235 The Greek Theatre 2700 N. Vermont Avenue lagreektheatre.com Info: (844) 524-7335 BeautyCon LA Festival Two-day beauty convention with Kim Kardashian Noon -6:00PM • $49-1,999 L.A. Convention Center 1201 S. Figueroa St lacclink.com David Cunningham Jr’s Jazz in the Sky III Welcomes living jazz legends: Mary Bogue & Les McCann, Mikal Majeed, Jacques Lesure, Charles Owen & Donald Dean 8:00pm-11:00pm • $25-$35 City Club LA 555 S. Flower St., 51st fl Los Angeles, CA 90071 RSVP (213) 620-9662

Wednesday, July 18

Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Court microsofttheater.com In Concert: Seal with Corinne Bailey Rae (Through July 7) 8PM • Prices vary Hollywood Bowl 2301 N. Highland Avenue www.hollywoodbowl.com

Friday, July 20

Book Signing: Metta World Peace (“No Malice: My Life in Basketball) 7PM • Free Barnes & Noble 189 The Grove Drive Contact: (323) 525-0270 barnesandnoble.com Workshop: Sexual Harassment Free • Noon – 1pm L.A. Law Library 301 West 1st Street Contact: (213) 785-2516 lalawlibrary.org/classes

Thursday, July 19 Comic Con Internat’l 2018 (Through July 22) Multi-genre entertainment and comic convention 9:30AM – 7:00PM • $60 San Diego Convention Ctr 111 W. Harbor Drive www.comic-con.org

In Concert: Gentlemen of Soul Featuring The Whispers, Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewett 7:30PM • $49.50-125 Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Court microsofttheater.com

Saturday, July 21 34th Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (Through Sunday, July 22) Bare Back Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping & More 6:30pm • $20-40 Industry Hills Expo Center 16200 Temple Ave City of Industry Info: (310) 674-6700 www.billpickettrodeo.com Freestyle Summer Festival With Salt’n Pepa, Lisa Lisa, The Village People & more 7PM • $60-$225 The Greek Theatre 2700 N. Vermont Avenue lagreektheatre.com Info: (844) 524-7335

for Athletes with Physical Disabilities, Games & Gala (Through July 24) 9:00AM- 6:00PM • Donation based without registration UCLA Drake Stadium 340 Charles E Young Drive www.angelcitygames.org Aladdin: Let your dreams take flight 5:00pm (doors open at 4:00pm) • $20-$40 The Tabernacle 321 N. Eucalyptus Avenue Inglewood, CA 90301 faithfulcentral.com

Thursday, July 26

Don Lemon and Jussie Smollett greet each other at the 2018 Ailey Spirit Gala.

California Pizza Festival (Through Sunday) Enjoy pizza styles from all over the world Noon -8PM • $45 - $89 LA Center Studios 450 S. Bixel Street Calipizzafestival.com In Concert: Maxi Priest $24-$38 • 9PM The Rose 254 E. Green Street Pasadena, 91101 Info: (888) 645-5006 http://roseconcerts.com

Saturday, July 28

Monday, July 30

23rd Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival (Through July 29) Jazz Performances, Ethnic Cuisine and arts 11:00pm – 7:00pm • Free Central Ave between 42nd

ila Star and Jessie Diddy’s daughters, D’l er modeling at the aft er James pose togeth luncheon in Beverly Ladylike Foundation Hills

Jam Session: Afro Cuban Dance 7pm • Free Ford Theatre 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard Info: (323) 461- 3673 www.fordtheatres.org

Regina Hall presented the Best Collaboration Award and Snoop Dogg performed at the 2018 BET Awards

L.A. Focus/ July 2018

Nicolas Kodjoe Actor Boris Kodjoe, the premiere at and Sophie Kodjoe 3 Summer nia va syl for Hotel Tran Vacation

Annual Angel City Games Adaptive Sports Festival

Divine Fellowship Community BaptistChurch 2nd Annual Block Party Worship@8:30am Block Party@ 11am Gonzalez Park•Free Rev.Raphael Irving MDiv

Los Angeles Career Fair Meet/interview with the top hiring L.A. companies 11:00AM- 2:00PM • Free Crown Plaza LAX 5985 W. Century Blvd besthirecareerfairs.com

around los angeles Annual ESPY Awards Top Celebrities from sports recognize the year’s major achievements 5:00PM • $125-700

& 43rd Street Centralavejazzfest.com

INSIDE HO L LY W OOD with Neily Dickerson Luke Cage Season 1 was good, but BayBeeee this Season 2 is on a whole other level.Cage, played by Mike Colter, and the surrounding cast have turned up the heat. Luke is Harlem’s Super Hero who is beginning to own his place as savior of the neighborhood. Cage has to fight two nemeses— “ B l a c k Mariah” and “Bush

Master”. Played ever so brilliantly by Alfre Woodard, Mariah, is determined to run Harlem her way and make everyone, abide by and bow down to her rules. She’s carrying on the legacy of family and will do whatever it takes to make sure she comes out on top. And be prepared, this is a side of Alfre Woodard you’ve never seen before. His second adversary is, Bushmaster (Mustafa Shakir), who as the show evolves, Luke discovers he too wants to stabilize Black Mariah. The cast includes one of L. A.’s favorite and friend Chazz Shepherd. Chazz plays, Piranha, a high roller with no filter. Other stand out performances are

from Luke’s would be partner/sidekick, Misty Knight (Simone Missick), Ron Cepheus Jones (This Is Us), Theo Rossi, Gabrielle Dennis, Reg E. Cathey, LaTanya Richardson Jackson (and honey she’s taking no prisoners), and Rosario Dawson is back. There’s also a soundtrack that includes performances from artists like, Joi, Gary Clark Jr, KRS One, Jadakiss featuring Faith Evans, Stephen Marley, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. If you want action & drama mixed wit’ a lil’ ratchet & community consciousness add Netflix’s “Luke Cage” to your list of shows to watch. It’s good TV with a retro feel.

DUE IN THEATERS THIS MONTH

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

SORRY TO BOTHER YOU July 6

SKYSCRAPER July 13

Terry Crews Shares His Story of Sex Assault on Capitol Hill Speaking before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill last month actor Terry Crews said he was honored to use his platform and story to help create additional civil rights protections for survivors under the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights.” Crews had been outspoken about a 2016 incident in which while at a party he was sexually assaulted by a successful Hollywood agent who groped his genitals twice, leading to his subsequently becoming a powerful voice in the #metoo movement. “The assault lasted only minutes, but what he was effectively telling me when he held my genitals in his hand was that he held the power. This is how toxic masculinity permeates culture,” he said. “What happened to me has happened to many, many other men in Hollywood,” he said. “And since I came forward with my story, I have had thousands of men come to me and say, ‘Me too; this is my story. But I did not have the confidence, or I did not feel safe enough, to come out. Because what happens is, you get blacklisted, your career is in danger—after that, no one wants to work with you.” And with that the 49-year-old Brooklyn Nine-Nine star and former NFL football player pressed for Congress to enact the bill in all 50 states, which would provide survivors access to a fully government-subsidized rape kit to alleviate the financial burden of seeking justice, while also giving them access to police files and sex assault counselors.

EQUALIZER 2 July 20

Eddie Murphy is Dolemite Eddie Murphy has signed on to co-produce and star in Netflix’s “Dolemite Is My Name”, based on the life of actor/comedian Rudy Ray Moore who starred in a string of Dolemite movies during the heyday of Blaxploitation movies. Moore fashioned the Dolemite character from stories about a pimp and a hustler that would ultimately become the cornerstone of his nightclub act and the legend that spawned the successful cult movie and following it inspired. Production is underway. The Good, the Bad & Mary J. Blige Mary J. Blige’s financial woes just won’t seem to go away. Aside from the $5 million she and her former husband, Kendu Isaacs (with divorce officially finalized last month), are said to owe in IRS tax liens, they are also reportedly being sued by a New Jersey bank to foreclose on properties the couple had owned in the New Jersey townships of Cresskill and Saddle River. The combined value of the estates is believed to be in the neighborhood of $20 million. But the news concerning Blige isn’t all bad. The ninetime Grammy award winner who earned a best supporting actress Oscar nod for her breakout role in “Mudbound” has been cast to star in t h e upcoming horr o r thriller, “Body C a m ” . With a twist on the timely, the plot centers

BLINDSPOTTING July 20

around LAPD officers haunted by a malevolent spirit tied to the murder of a black youth by two white cops caught on a body cam video that was subsequently destroyed in a cover up. Blige is also set to star in the upcoming The Umbrella Academy, a liveaction series adaptation of the comic book series slated for release next year via Netflix. Terrence Howard Teams With Wesley Snipes Empire star Terrence Howard is teaming up with Wesley Snipes to lead the all-star cast of Cut Throat City, which will also feature T.I., Kat Graham, Demetrius Shipp, Jr. and Denzel Whitaker and is directed by Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA . The story, set in New Orleans, keys in on four friends raised in the Lower Ninth Ward, who return to the city after Hurricane Katrina only to find their homes destroyed with no assistance and no work. They come up with a plan to pull off a daring heist, targeting the city’s casinos with two idealistic police detectives and one neighborhood warlord right on their tail. Briefly: Nicole Ari Parker just got a promotion. Her recurring role on Empire will become a regular one for the upcoming fifth season of the hit TV show. She’ll also reportedly have a surprising love interest… And while NBC may have passed on L.A.’s Finest, the Bad Boys spinoff starring Jessica Alba and Gabrielle Union as two not so agreeable LAPD detectives who find common ground hunting dangerous criminals, Charter Communications snatched it up for a 2019 premiere as the first major original series on Charter’s Spectrum platform. Ernie Hudson and Duane Martin also star.

Q&A

Omari Hardwick

Season five of the Starz hit show, Power, is one of the most anticipated series on cable with a loyal viewership that has garnered on average 8.8 million viewers per episode. A dream come true for its star, Omari Hardwick, who has had more than his share of challenges in a career that has included three TV series (including Being Mary Jane) and some notable home runs at the box office (For Colored Girls, The A Team, and Sparkle among them). Hardwick has two films out this year—Sorry To Bother You and “A Boy. A Girl. A Dream: Love on Election Night”, but it is “Power” that fans most want to know about. How are you feeling about the new season of Power? It’s more emotionally difficult and physically taxing for me. We’re physical guys, but this season, in particular, is the hardest. Ghost is a complicated guy already but he’s going through a lot this season. How would you describe the character Ghost you play in “Power” and how much do you have in common with him? There’s a good angel on the right shoulder and a bad angel on the left shoulder and they’re competing. People root for Ghost because wants to do right so bad. Although I never did anything that would follow through time and bite me, I did receive the nickname ‘Devilish Angel’ and lived up to the reputation. What about those rumors of a “Power” movie? I’ve heard the rumors and there’s been discussions. Curtis has talked about it. I think it would be a really cool homage to the fans in terms of the loyalty the fans have given us in terms of fans in 176 countries and 9 million viewers consistently making it the #2 paid show on pay cable. They just need to tell me when and where to be and I’m good. It was a love of football that fueled your passion growing up, how disappointing was it to have an injury sideline your dreams? “It was hard to tell my Pops that I wasn’t going to be the star football player he imagined me to be. I remember going to him and my mom hesitantly and letting them know that I would be pursuing acting, something I had minored in while in school. My pops took it better than I thought he would, but the disappointment was still there. It was my Mom that really embraced my decision and gave me the confidence to pursue this new dream.” Poetry has played so much a key role in your life that you founded the Omari Hardwick Bluapple Poetry Network? Poetry has, in a way, been my bridge to my acting career. It has been both a spiritual and creative outlet for me and it feels very good for me to be attached to something kids benefit from. So I partnered with my good friend Jason Taylor and we partnered with the school district in Broward County, Florida to launch the Bluapple Poetry Network to use poetry as a vehicle of self expression and an outlet for their beliefs, opinions, and emotions. It has grown to 300+ kids and 50 schools. What’s next for you? I’m doing a one man show soon. The world knows me as an actor, but I’m so many other things with the poetry, the music and activism. To what do you credit your success? “It wasn’t that long ago I was sleeping in my car, now I live in a beautiful house. Dreams are so qualified, but God has to be there first and foremost.”

Eye On Gospel Big Summer For Koryn Hawthorne Chart-topping break out recording artist and former "The Voice" top 4 finalist, Koryn Hawthorne has always had a reverent appreciation for the legends that paved the way for artists like her. In a Black Music Month salute, Hawthorne paid homage to the songstress Lauryn Hill, singing a snippet of “Ex-Factor”, demonstrating her vocal maturity, range and skill as an artist. The 20-year-old, RCA Inspiration recording artist, recently announced the release of her first full length album Unstoppable which is currently available for preorder and is set to release on July 13th. Featuring the exuberant #1 hit anthem “Won’t He Do It” as the lead single – which has topped multiple gospel digital and airplay charts – Hawthorne’s album also includes the title track“Unstoppable,” “Down Goes Rome,” “Speak the Name” (feat. Natalie Grant), and more. Recording with GRAMMY®-winning and nominated producers Warryn Campbell, Bernie Herms, Makeba Riddick-Woods, Johnta Austin, among others, Unstoppable encapsulates Hawthorne’s perseverance and resilience to rise above the “nay-sayers” and inspire others to have faith, be fearless and endure through any obstacle. Fans can catch Koryn performing her album live this summer, hitting the stage on the Summer Lights Tour in July and making a second appearance on OWN’s Greenleaf this Fall. Nothing Hurts Like Family Hurt In what was characterized as a “rough week”, Kirk Franklin revealed on social media that his sister—who’d previously served 10 years in prison on a drug offense—has now been sentenced to 30 years in a separate unnamed incident.

“My sister was just sentenced to 30 years in prison...I now feel the weight of wondering if I could have done more," gospel music’s all time biggest selling artist posted in a statement on his social media. In a 2015 interview, Franklin had said that his younger sister had been incarcerated in Texas for selling drugs after being involved with a drug dealer, who not only turned her on to selling drugs, but using them as well. After her release, Franklin said that she’d started using again and “becoming very reckless with her body, which turned into her using it as a means to pay for her habit.” Franklin’s latest revelation—shared with his nearly 2 million followers on Twitter—was accompanied by the statement, “nothing hurts like family hurt”. L.A.’s Own Brent Jones Releases New Project Grammy & Stellar Award winner Brent Jones is back. The highly anticipated follow-up to his mega hits “He Rose”, "Don't Wait Till Midnight" (featuring Coko from SWV) & the urban AC smash "Goodtime", which topped Billboard for 47+ weeks, “Open Your Mouth and Say Something” is yet another choir jam classic from Jones. The new 10-song album features a wide variety of music from traditional gospel, praise & worship, contemporary gospel, to urban and more. “My call”, says Jones, “is for the people who do not go to church. I listen to my early stuff of {Brent Jones & the TP Mob) and that stuff was so before its time. Now I can play that stuff now and people get it.” Jones thanks God for age. “I feel like I got a little sexy left. When we first started and I’d hear people say it was too radical I would get all bent out of shape and people would pray for me, but you don’t have to pray for me about that anymore. I’m going to do the music that my audience gets.”

Re d Carpet Style

YOLANDA ADAMS, RODNEY EAST, TAYLOR CRAWFORD mother and daughter wore metallic, while East chose blue

UZO ADUBA was stunning in this shimmering gold number

Israel Houghton Gears Up For Fall Tour Six-time GRAMMY® winning artist ISRAEL HOUGHTON has announced that he will kick off “The Road to DeMaskUs Tour,” this fall. The twelve-city tour—which gets underway in Chicago September 27 and continues to eleven additional cities winding down October 13th, is in support of his upcoming solo album, Road to DeMaskUs due September 21. The criticallyacclaimed artist, songwriter, producer, filmmaker, and worship leader creates a more intimate setting of worship with listeners on this latest tour, which will include a mix of solo outings and performances with New Breed. Featuring the lead single “Reckless Love,” Houghton created the Road to DeMaskUs album and tour to be about freedom. Crafting a wide musical palette across genres from contemporary Christian to gospel and worship that has established Houghton as one of the most influential artists today, the Road to DeMaskUs reveals a personal, powerful, and transformational project that has been years in the making. The Campbells Hit The Red Carpet TV One pulled out the red-carpet for the premiere for their brand new docu-series “We’re The Campbells,” starring gospel music superstar Erica Campbell and her pastor/producer husband, Warryn Campbell. Those in attendance included Erica and Warryn’s children Krista, Wozy and Zaya, GooGoo Atkins, JoiStarr (Warryn’s sister), Sandra Campbell (Warry’s mother), Ms. Honey Atkins (Erica’s mother), Alana Jamison (Erica’s sister), Shanta Atkins (Erica’s sister) and Desmond Jamison (brother-in law). VIP’s in attendance at the premiere included: Shanice Wilson, Dorien Wilson (“In The Cut”) and more. The nine-episode docuseries gives viewers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the couple’s lives as they tackle the everyday struggles that come with balancing family and work, nurturing their marriage, building their individual careers, and fostering their faith; all while raising their three children. The show premiered June 19 on TV One.

They might not have walked off with any awards, but the women —and one man— spotlighted below sure knew how to light up a red carpet at The 72nd Annual Tony Awards in New York City last month.

TIFFANY HADDISH sparkled in this Michael Kors jumpsuit her hair pulled back

CONDOLA RASHAD KERRY WASHINGTON is gorgeous in this is both trendy and dramaCarolina Herrera gown with tic in this silver Atelier Fred Leighton jewels Versace jumpsuit

ChurchNews Big Changes For United Methodists Grace and Holman to Get New Pastors

Wayne Chaney Gears Up For Los Angeles Location Pastor Wayne Chaney is gearing up for expansion with the launch of a second campus in downtown Los Angeles. For now, services will be held once monthly services on Wednesday nights at 7pm under the banner of “Summer Night Worship in Word”. Services are held at 1319 West 11th Street near L.A. Live with the inaugural service taking place on June 27. “It was amazing”, said Senior Pastor Wayne Chaney. “We had about 350-400 people for the first service and it was just a great night. Afterwards, we had some refreshments and fellowshipped.” Chaney said the church decided to establish a second campus to accommodate the growing number of people who were commuting from the area to Long Beach for weekly Sunday services.. “We wanted to do something closer for them and their family and friends who say they love our unique church experience, but it is too far for them to come.” Chaney says the church will bring a new expression of ministry to the area. “There are so many unique ministries in Los Angeles and we all help to make up the kingdom expression and we wanted to play our small part by adding our unique contribution to that spiritual tapestry.” The next service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 25th at 7pm.

West Angeles Breaks Ground On New Senior Affordable Senior Community Elected officials, community leaders and executives were on hand for a groundbreaking ceremony for The Curve@ West Angeles, Crenshaw’s newest mixed-use affordable housing community for seniors. Developed in co-partnership by Related California and West Angeles Community Development Corporation (WACDC), The Curve @ West Angeles will consist of 70 apartments for low and very low-income seniors, plus 2,000 square feet of neighborhood serving retail further revitalizing the Crenshaw Corridor. The development — consisting of 24 studio apartments, 45, one-bedroom apartments and 1, two-bedroom manager apartment— will also offer an on-site social services office that will provide residents with connectivity to local services, host events and field trips, and provide educational classes and healthcare screenings. Rents will range from from $473-$946 for studio apartments and $507-$1,014 for one bedrooms at the development which will be within walking distance to the future Hyde Park stop of the Metro Crenshaw/LAX Line.

Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center Consolidated Plaza: 3725 Don Felipe Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90008 Corprate Office: 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 2A, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 295-5571 www.agapela.org Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Founder & Senior Pastor Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word Bethany Baptist Church of West LA 4115 W. Martin L. King Jr. Bl • LA 90008 (323) 296-7223 Dr. L.A. Kessee, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 8am •11:00am Sunday School: 9:45am Communion, First Sundays 6:00pm Prayer Service: 10:00am www.bethanywla.com

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South L.A. 10905 S. Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 566.5286 Pastor Reginald A. Pope Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 8am • 11am Children’s Church: 11am (2nd/4th Sundays) Evangelism Training/Bible Study/Independent Prayer: (Mon): 7:29pm Mobile Prayer/Bible Study: (Wed) 11am Book by Book Bible Study (Wed.): 6:30pm 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

Christ The Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 3303 W. Vernon Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 295-4139 • F: (323) 295-4681 Rev. Joseph Oloimooja Sunday School: 10:00am Early Worship: 8:00am Morning Worship: 10:00am Mon. Centering Prayer/Meditation: 6:30pm Mon. Overeaters Anonymous: 7:00pm Wed. Bible Study & Eucharist: 7:00pm Wed. Alcoholic Anonymous: 7:00pm E: cgshepherd4041@sbcglobal.net 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 Sun. Early Worship: 8:00am Prayer Meeting: 10:30am Morning Worship: 11:00am Wed. Afternoon Bible Study: 1:00pm Wed. Prayer Meeting: 6:00pm Wed. Evening Bible Study: 7:00pm View Pastor McKnight’s Sermons on YouTube Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Frederick K.C. Price Jr., Pastor Sunday Service: 9:45am Bible Study (Tue): 11:00am & 7:00pm Tue. Night Children’s Ministry: 7:00pm Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7:00pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7:00pm

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

Grace Temple Baptist Church 7017 South Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192 Sunday L.I.F.E Group: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service: 9:30am Wednesday Intercessory Prayer: 6:30pm Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm E-Mail: gtbcla@gmail.com

Grace United Methodist Church 4112 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 294-6653 • F: (323) 294-8753 • graceumc1@earthlink.net Rev. Pastor Paul A. Hill • www.graceumcla.com Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Sunday School: 9:45am Morning Worship: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 7:00pm Fri. Alcoholic Anonymous: 7:00pm Tues. Prayer Fellowship: 6:30pm Super Seniors (Thurs/Bi-Monthly): 10:30am Follow us on Facebook Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 Rev. DeNon Porter Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-7285 • F: (323) 731-2609 • www.holmanumc.com Rev. Kelvin Sauls Sunday School: 9:30am(Youth) & 9:45(Adult) Sunday Worship: 8am and 11am Morning Worship: 11:00am Bible Study (Thurs.): Noon Sun. Radio: KJLH 102.3FM: 11:00am Praise and Worship: 2nd Wednesdays 6:30pm8:00pm Jazz for the Soul: 4th Wed’s 6:30pm-8:00pm Gather, Grow, Go and Live The Gospel Jesus Christ

Liberty Baptist Church 1500 West 51st Place, Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 295-3866 • F: (323) 295-0366 • E: LBCwim@aol.com Rev. Terry Lovell Brown Sr. Sunday Church School: 9:00am Morning Worship: 10:30am & 12:30pm Wed. Bible Study: noon & 6:30pm Prayer Meeting: 6:00pm Follow us on Twitter @dacrossculture www.thecrossculture.org Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of LA, Inc. 4269 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 Rev. Melvin V. Wade, Sr. Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:45am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Mid-Week Worship (Wed): 7:00pm Bible Study (Wed.): 8:00pm

L-R:Bill Witte, CEO of Related CA; Lula Balton, Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas, Bishop Charles Blake and Dr. Belinda Allen (West A CDC)

Briefly: Holman UMC welcomed Bishop Warner H. Brown as its interim pastor. A retired bishop of the United Methodist Church, Brown most recent role (2008 – 2016) was as resident bishop of the California-Nevada Annual Conference leading some 360 ethnically and culturally diverse United Methodist congregations and ministries in the northern two-thirds of California and Northern Nevada. In May of 2014, the Baltimore native served for two years as President of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church.

First AME Church (FAME) 2270 South Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-1251 • F: (323) 735-3353 • www.famechurch.org Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, Senior Pastor/CEO Sunday School: 10:00am Worship: 8:00am, 10:00am, Noon Teen Church (2nd Sundays):Noon,Allen House Wed. Prayer Service: Noon Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm Radio: 10:30am on KJLH-102.3FM First AME is the oldest Black Church in the City

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 291-1121

F: (323) 291-1133 • office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church Pastor George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8:00am, 11:00am Discipleship Hour (Sun): 9:37am Noonday Prayer (Mon): Noon Noonday Bible Study (Tue): 12:00pm Tuesday Night in the Truth: Email: office@sinai.church •www.sinai.church Our Goal: To win more Christians & develop better Christians to the glory of God. (Matt. 28:18-20)

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1300 E. 50th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 235-2103 • F: (323) 235-3177 • www.mtzionla.org Dr. Edward V. Hill, II, Pastor Sunday Intercessory Prayer: 9:15am Morning Worship: 9:30am Children’s Church: 9:30am Sunday School: 11:30am Baptism: 2nd Sun. & Lord’s Supper: 1st. Sun. Tues. Pastor’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Wed. Noon-day Prayer: Noon

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

New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 Elder Jeffrey M. Lewis

People’s Independent Church of Christ 5856 West Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 296-5776

Sunday Early Morning Worship: 8:00am Sunday School: 9:30 am Morning Worship: 11:00am Tuesday Prayer and Bible Band: 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30pm Wednesday in the Word: 7:30pm

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

Sundays: Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study & Mid Week Worship: Noon & 7:00pm Prayer Meeting: 6:30pm

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Rev. Dr. Lovely Haynes Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed: Prayer Bible Study: 6:00 - 6:55 pm Mon. Night Bible Study: 7:00pm Tue Choir Rehersal Wednesday Prayer: Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7pm Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7:00pm Thurs. Evangelism: 7:00pm (enrollment required) St. Matthew Tabernacle of Praise “The S.T.O.P.” 1740 West 59th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90047 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 56608, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 291-1115 • F: (323) 293-0471 Rev. C.Barry Greene, Pastor Sunday Worship Service: 8:00am PrayerLine: (Tuesday & Wednesday): 6:00am WordLine (Tuesday): 7:00pm ( (712) 775-7031 Access Code: 814352108) E: thechurchstop@yahoo.com pastorcbgreene@aol.com

CHURCHES CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES AND REVIVALS OR OPPORTUNITIES

Sound Technician Needed Southern Saint Paul Main Campus is looking to add an experienced sound technician to our worship team to ensure the church accomplishes her mission through the production of creative and inspiring worship services. Primary worship services are Sundays with weekly rehearsals. The right person will be a Christian with a lifestyle that reflects that commitment. Must have experience using a digital console to run front-of-house mix and stage monitor mix. Knowledge on sound boards and sound equipment is a must! Preferred candidates will have experience in live sound/professional recording studio including live worship; in-depth knowledge in sound engineering technologies; knowledge of signal flow, routing, troubleshooting, microphones and stage set-ups; and effective trouble shooting and problem solving skills.

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 Compton Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90011 Ready To Relocate Out of California?

Call Loretta R. Theus Realtor 1845 Precinct Line Road #206 Hurst, TX 76054 (469) 744-6836 (Cell) (817) 577-9004 (Fax) lorettatheus54@gmail.com

Seeking A Musician For An Interview Call 323-231-1040

Interested candidates should submit resume and at least three references to smbc@smblca.org as soon as possible. Xavier L. Thompson, Senior Pastor/Teacher 4678 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles (323) 731-2703 New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 402 E. El Segundo Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90061 (310)324-0644 • F: (310) 769-1287 Rev. Sonja Dawson, Senior Pastor • Rev. Lonnie Dawson, Sr., Founder (1962 - 2010) Morning Worship: 7:30am & 10:45am Sunday School: 9:45am Wed. Prayer/Bible Study: Noon Pastor’s Bible Study: 7:00pm

One Church International 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • www.onechurchla.org Sr. Pastor Toure’ Roberts Sunday Worship: 9:00am, 11:00am & 1:00pm Wednesday Midweek Service: 8pm www.Channel1Live.tv—View live streaming

Pastor’s Bible Class & Sunday School: 8am Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Prayer: 7:00pm Tues. Bible Study: 8:00pm

www.pleasanthillbaptistchurch.org

Praises of Zion Baptist Church (“Praise City”) 8222 So. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003 (323) 750-1033 • F: (323) 750-5458 • www.pozlive.com Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, Sr. Pastor Early Morning Worship: 6:45am Educational Hour: 9:15am Mid-Morning Worship: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 7:00pm Sunday Morning Broadcast: 5:30am Live Streaming Sundays: 12:00pm Price Chapel AME Church 4000 W. Slauson Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-2406 • pricechapel@sbcglobal.net Rev. Benjamin Hollins Sunday Worship Service: 10:00am Sunday School: 8:30am Power Lunch Bible Study (Wed): 11:00am Praise & Worship Bible Study (Wed): 6:30pm

Southern Saint Paul Church 4678 West Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 731-2703 • smbc@smbcla.org Rev. Xavier L. Thompson, Senior Pastor/Teacher Corporate Prayer: 8:30am L.I.F.E. Groups: 9:45am Morning Worship Service: 11:15am Baptism & Communion (First Sunday): 4:00pm Pastoral Bible Study (PBS)Wednesdays:7:00pm North Campus: Worship Service: 8:00am 11137 Herrick Av • Pacoima 91331 (818) 899-8031 st.paul@smbcla.org •“Loving People Making Disciples” Trinity Baptist Church 2040 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-0044 • F: (323) 735-0219 Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship: 7:30 & 10:30am Sunday Church School: 9:00am Radio Broadcast KJLH FM: 9:00am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: Noon-7:00pm www.trinitybaptistchurchofla.org UpLift Christian Fellowship 4745 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90056 (310) 927-3476 • www.upliftla.org Pastor Anthony Thompson Sunday Worship: 10:00am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm

L.A. Focus/ July 2018

Paradise Baptist Church 5100 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 231-4366 Dr. Aaron Iverson

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church 2009 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 293-6448 • F: (323) 293-6605 Dr. Sylvester Washington Sunday School: 8:00am Morning Worship: 10:00am Tues. Bible Study: 11:00am Wed. Evangelism Class: 6:30pm First Sun. Holy Communion Service: 4:00pm

Victory Baptist Church 4802 South McKinley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 231-2424• Pastor Dr. W. Edward Jenkins Sunday School: 10:45 am Morning Worship: 9:00am Bible Study Wednesday:Noon Radio Sundays: KPRO 1570AM: 9:00pm

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 “We have not walked this way before” Joshua 3:1-6

West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3045 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 Bishop Charles E. Blake

www.westa.tv

Sunday School: 8:00am & 10:30am Early Worship: 8:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Evening Worship (North Campus): 7:00pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7:00pm Sun. Radio Broadcast KJLH 102.3FM: 10:00am

Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center In Altadena 2556 N. Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001 (626) 797-3585 • F: (626) 797-3233 • www.lifelinefcc.org Pastor Charles D. Dorsey Sunday School: 9:00am Early Worship (Glory Prayer): 8:00am Morning Worship: 10:30am Evening Worship (1st & 2nd Sun.): 5:00pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm

Peace Apostolic Church 21224 Figueroa Street, Carson, CA 90745 (310) 212-5673 Suff. Bishop Howard A. Swancy

In Carson

Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:45am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Noon Day Bible Class: 12:30pm Wed. Bible Class: 7:30pm

Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church 1249 East Carson Street • Carson, CA 90745 (424) 287-2809 Pastor Quentin T. Oden Sunday School: 9:00am Sunday Worship Service: 10:00am Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Facebook live Sundays at: Triedstonembcla 11:15am “Where the father leads, we will follow...” www.triedstonembcla.org

Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus) Sunday School: 9:00am Morning Service: 10:45am Wed. Mid-Week Bible Study: 7:00pm

Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • E: GreaterZionCF@gmail.com Reverend Michael J. Fisher & Dr. W. Jerome Fisher, Pastor Emeritus Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am, 11:00am & 5:00pm Wed. Bible Studies: Noon-7:00pm www.greaterzionchurchfamily.com

Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, P.O. Box 5449, Compton 90220 (310) 604-5900 Fax: (310) 604-5915 Dr. Ron C Hill Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:30am Sunday Evening Worship: 6:30pm Bible Studies: Wed. 7:30pm & Sat. 9am Food for Your Soul Radio & Television Ministry: beblessedwebradio: Mon - Fri. 6:30am Church Channel: Tues. 5:30pm & Fri. 2:30pm

Pastor Profile: Craig Worsham Church: Agape Church of Los Angeles How Many Years At Church: 1 Home Town: Los Angeles Family: Daughter Kennedi, 11 When did you know you were going to be a pastor? When Bishop T. Larry Kirkland baptised me as a baby, he lifted me up in the air and said to the church, ‘This boy is going to be a preacher. Well, he was right, but I really started to feel that preaching was my calling in 1998, my senior year of high school, when I got up and gave a youth message one Sunday at church service for the youth program. I just said, ‘Wow, I could really do this.’ And I did it again. You’ve just started your own church, the Agape Church of Los Angeles, describe how that came to be. I’ve always considered myself a planter, and always had a passion to church plant. So after college while I was a youth pastor at FAME Church of Los Angeles (where I was born and raised), I was taking church planting classes at Azusa Pacific Urban Youth Workers Initiative. They were moving youth pastors into church planting, but my Bishop wanted me to get my feet wet into pastoring first so I accepted my first appointment at Mt. Olive Church in St. Louis, Missouri. I was 25 years old. It was an older congregation of 250 members at a 154year old church-- but after a few years I left Mt. Olive because I wanted to plant. So I took a step of faith and moved to Plano, Texas to plant my first church — the Trinity Church of North Dallas. While I was pastoring at Trinity Church, I connected with another young pastor and together we were able to plant a second church, the Trinity Church at Prairie View. I pastored at Trinity for three years, but then right when my mind was saying, ‘I want to come home’, the opportunity to presented itself to come to People’s Independent Church in Los Angeles. As I talked to a couple of my mentors about the situation and learned the history People’s has had with their community engagement, I saw it as a good opportunity to grow, learn more and get my foot in the door to come back home. I applied for the church and they called me a year later to pastor. People’s operates off a four year contract and I served there for one term. It’s a great church with great people and an amazing history and heritage, but it seemed like my style and theirs didn’t seem to mesh. I’ve

been trained that as a pastor your ministry is beyond the walls of the church, and so I was met with a lot of resistance and felt like I was getting lost in my pastoring. There is no bad blood there at all, it just wasn’t the best fit. So as I remained a church planter at heart, I felt called to start my own church and Agape was born. What were some of the goals you had in mind when you started Agape Church of Los Angeles? I wanted us to be a church that not only has services, but I wanted us to be a church that demonstrates the love of God. So our motto is, "Loving, lifting and liberating humankind through the Word." I want us to be a church that extends our hands by giving a Godly love-- to the drug dealers, prostitutes, gang bangers, the incarcerated, and the mother with child alike-- I wantus to be the place that extends love that becomes a place for everybody. We are a giving church. We believe in creating a new narrative, and I wanted our worship style to be a little more liberating, a little more free-- a balance between the traditional and the contemporary. How do you see Agape Los Angeles impacting the surrounding community? I'm in the frame of mind that If we continue as a church to contain ourselves to the production of worship and what we do within the walls, while disregarding the need that is in the community, our churches are going to become irrelevant. I feel that the fanfare and the showtime of worship-- all the stuff that was a fad for a season, but was drawing people, in gradually coming to an end because after the fanfare, our people are still going home to eviction notices, they’re still going home to foreclosures. It burns me up when I see churches that are packed on Sundays, many of which have been blessed with great facilities and unused land, and I look at the communities that they’re in and you can tell that they’re impoverished and closed up. Where can the people go if they need foreclosure prevention? If they want to buy a house? I want the church to be a resource where people can go to improve their economic well being. I think pastors coming together, coalescing resources and coalescing efforts is what's going to make the black church

powerful again in this nation. If I came to your church week after week what would I get tired of you preaching about? If you were to ask my church members, ‘What are you tired of hearing?’, they would say to you, ‘We're tired of him telling us to get in the Word, that Word I have hid in my heart.’ They would get tired of me saying to them, ‘If you want to know Him, get in the Word." I just said that on Sunday, in my message about everywhere you go-- get the Word in your heart. What do you hope your church accomplishes in the next 510 years? My number one my focus at this moment is on saving souls. I'm looking more to build the people of the church than I am to build the church itself. I want to empower them. I want them to be at a place spiritually, emotionally, physically, and economically where they can soar. For me, at Agape, I'm looking to secure the church's financial sustainability for the years to come, so I can bring a pastor in and say ‘run with this’, because I will not be here forever.

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

In Gardena

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

The Liberty Church 14725 S. Gramercy Place, Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 715-8400 Pastor David W. Cross Early Worship: 8:30am Morning Worship: 9am & 11am Children’s Church: Both Services Word Power Wed.: 7-8pm www.thelibertychurch.com

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

In Hawthorne

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

Victory Institutional Baptist Church 4712 West El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250 (310) 263-7073 • www.vibconline.com Pastor Richard Williams, III Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am Sunday Evening Worship: 6:00pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7:00pm Bible Study Tuesday: Noon & 7:00pm

In Inglewood Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer: 5am, Noon & 7:00pm Wednesday Pathway: 7:00pm Thurs Bible Study: 10:00am Sat Marriage & Family Prayer: 7:30am Blessed Family Covenant Church 325 North Hillcrest Blvd, Inglewood, CA, 90301 (310)-674-0303 • F: (310)-674-0303 • blessedfamilycovenant.org Rev. Wendy Howlett Sunday School: 8:30am Morning Worship: 9:30am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: 7:00pm

Crusade Christian Faith Center 801 S. La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8535 Bishop Virgil D. Patterson Sr. Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7:00pm Sunday School: 9:00am Sunday Worship: 10:30am

Faithful Central Bible Church 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035 Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher Services at The Tabernacle: Sunday Services: 7:00am, 9:30am & 11:45am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7:00pm The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood www.faithfulcentral.com

First Church of God Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 757-1804 www.go2Hope.com Pastor Geremy L. Dixon

First Lady Files

Kimberly Johnson -Mason

Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wed. Mid-Week Service: Noon Wed. Teaching Ministry: 7:00pm 1st Sunday Communion 5th Sunday Baptism

Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc. 1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90302 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760 Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr. Sunday Fresh Start & Prayer 9:00am Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7:00pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm www.jacobladderschurch.com Leap of Faith Community Baptist Church 3502 W. Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303 (310) 695-9925 Rev. Artis Glass Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Bible Study: Wednesdays Noon and 6PM

New Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church 434 S. Grevillea, Inglewood CA 90301 (310) 673-6250 Office • (310) 673-2153 Rev. Dr. Phillip A. Lewis, D. D., D. Th., Senior Pastor Early Worship: 8:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 11:00am Mid-Week Bible Study Wed.: 7:00pm Afternoon Bible Study Thur.: 1:00pm

True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 7901 South Van Ness Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 750-7304 Rev. James A. Perkins Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:45am Bible Adventure Hour (Tues): 6pm Bible Study (Tues): 7pm Bible Study (Thurs): Noon Christ Our Redeemer AME Church In Irvine 45 Tesla, Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 955-0014 • F:(949) 955-0021 • www.corchurch.org Pastor Mark E. Whitlock, II Sunday Worship: 8:00am, 10:30am New Generation Praise Service: 10:30am Sun. Bible Univ.: 9:30am Tues. Interactive Bible Study: 7:00pm Wed. Pastor's Bible Study: Noon, 7:00pm Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Fri. Singles Bible Study (1st Fri): 7:00pm St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church 1720 N. Walnut Avenue, La Puente, CA 91744 (626) 918-3225 • F: (626) 918-3265 Pastor Tony Dockery

In La Puente

Sunday School: 9:30 AM Early Worship: 8:00 AM Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Spanish Service: 9:30AM Bible Study: Every Wednesday 7:00 PM www.stsbc.org Antioch Church of Long Beach 1535 Gundry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 591-8778 • F: (562) 599-6048 Pastor Wayne Chaney Jr.

In Long Beach

Worship Services: 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am Tuesday Youth Bible Study: 7:00pm WednesdayBible Study: Noon

Christian Fellowship of Los Angeles’ First Lady Kimberly Mason believes that while style may be important in our culture and lifestyle, “It will not buy you a ticket for salvation!” “The most important thing is your relationship with Christ and to fulfill your purpose in life by fearing God and keeping his commandments,” says the First Lady, who makes sure that she reflects her primary purpose --her relationship with God and her husband, Pastor Marcus Mason. When noting her modest or ultra-modern style, Kimberly credits her mother. “What we see on the outside should reflect the inner quality of beauty, poise and love.” Active in church, Kimberly is president of the Women's ministry and works at creating a stronger church involvement with the young people in her congregation. In ministry with her husband at Christian Fellowship for three years, Mason works closely with their non-profits “Disciples on the Move”, serving the homeless at Venice Beach with food, clothes, and other basic needs; and the “Let it Be Foundation” which focuses in on children with cancer. While her family are New Orleans natives, she grew up in Inglewood and Montclair, California. Weekdays, Mason is a full time account sales representative for a local nationally-known egg distribution company and holds an active real estate license. With a renewed focus on health conscious, Mason has changed her habits to build her “mind, body and soul.” Word of advice she offers her congregants? “Life is short. Focus on what matters and let go of what doesn't.” 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: 7:00pm

Family of Faith Christian Center 345 E. Carson Street, Long Beach, CA 90807 (562) 595-1222 • F: (562) 595-1444 Pastor: Sherman A. Gordon, E.D. Min Sunday School: 9:00 AM Early Worship: 7:30 AM Morning Worship: 10:00 Am Bible Study: Every Wednesday 12 (Noon) & 7:00 PM Radio: 7:00 PM (1st & 3rd Sunday) Station: KJLH Gospel Memorial Church of God In Christ 1480 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 599-7389 • F: 562-599-5779 • gospelmemorial@aol.com Bishop Joe L. Ealy Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Intercessory Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Pastoral teaching adults: 7:30pm Wed. Youth Ministry Boot-Camp; Youth Bible Study: 7:00pm & Choir Rehearsal: 7:30pm

Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com • www.grantamelb.org Rev. Michael W. Eagle, Sr. Sun. Worship Experience: 10:45am 3rd Sun. Healing & Annointing: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 6pm Mothers of Murdered Youth & Children Were all receive a little attention, affection and love. New Philadelphia A.M.E. Church 6380 S. Orange Avenue, Long Beach, Ca 90805 (562)422-9300•F: (562) 422-9400 Pastor Darryl E. Walker, Senior Pastor Worship: 9:00am —1st & 5th Sunday Sunday School/New Member Classes: 8:00am 2nd thru 4th Sunday Worship:7:30 am &10:00am•Sunday School New Member Classes: 9:00am Sunday worship services streamed live on the web Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday Eve 7:00pm Mid-Week Bible Study: Thursday 12:00 noon www.nuphilly.org

In Bethlehem Church 1550 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 794-5211 • F: (626) 794-6592 Pastor Christopher A. Bourne

Pasadena

Milestones: The Ulmer Institute Partners With The Compton Unified School District

Sunday School: 9:00am Sunday Worship: 10:00am Tuesday Bible Study: 7:00pm Mid-day Worship Thursday: Noon www.bethelemchurchpasadena.org Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church 980 Rio Grande Street, Pasadena, CA 91104 *Mailing Address: 1416 N. Mentor Ave. Pasadena, 91104 (626) 794-4875 • F: (626) 794-7815 Pastor W. Harrison Trotter Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Worship: 10:00am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer (Fourth Wed.): 7:00pm Christians Uniting To Make A Difference -Eph. 4:13

Second Baptist Church 925 S. Shamrock Avenue • P.O. Box 479, Monrovia, CA 91017 •(626) 358-2136 •F: (626) 303-2477

In Monrovia

Bishop W.M. Larue Dillard, Phd. Sunday Worship: 7:45am, 10:45am, 4:45pm Ministry Worship to Children/Youth Sunday: 9:45am - 10:45am Prayer/Academy of Biblical Studies (Wed): 10:45am - 6:45pm www.second-baptistchurch.com

Arise Christian Center In Westchester 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C,Westchester, CA,90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com Pastor Ron Taylor Morning Worship: 9:00am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8 - 8:45am Intercessory Prayer Thursday:11:30am12:30pm

The Ulmer Institute (TUI) has announced that it is partnering with the Compton Unified School District to train youth, who will eventually be trained as “Mental Shield” providers to respond to trauma within their communities. TUI’s founder, Dr. Kenneth C. Ulmer, has focused much of his work on the healing of his community and the bringing together of diverse leaders of Los Angeles to address social challenges and traumas that afflict members of his congregation. Ulmer’s vision for TUI is to become the world’s leader in addressing urban psychological trauma through and Prevention, Education, Training, while also providing research in the field of urban psychological trauma treatment and trauma-focused support and treatment for victims of physical and sexual assault crime-related trauma, gunshot violence, and other traumatic events. “Violence and trauma have torn apart our communities, our nation

First AME Church Santa Monica In Santa Monica Divine Fellowship Community Baptist Church In Compton 1110 N. Dwight Avenue,Compton, CA 90222 1823 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404 • P:(800) 715-1240 • F: (800) 878-6882 (310) 450-0331 F: (310) 450-4680 Rev. Raphael Irving, MDiv, Senior Pastor Rev. Reuben W. Ford, Pastor Sunday Worship Serive : 8:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Summer Food Service Program Sunday Worship: 11:00am (June 11th - August 10, 2018, Youth ages 1-18 ) Bible Study/Prayer Meditation: Thursday 6pm Monday-Friday: 9:00am-11:00am (Breakfast) “The Church In The Heart Of The Community 12:00pm -2:00pm (Lunch) with The Community at Heart” Email:famecsm@verizon.net Email: Pastor@DivineFellowship-Inc.com Facebook: First AME Church Santa Monica

InGoodTaste

ar’s Gumbo Sandi’s New Ye

Saundra Hamilton

L.A. Focus/ July 2018

ies •Parsley r (to sauté vegg •Onions, 2 sticks of bette Wondra Gravy below) ry, Gumbo file ele •C green, and yellow) •Bell pepper, (red,

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and our world,” said Ulmer. “Now is the time to stand together, in unity, towards the goal of addressing the challenge of trauma once and for all.” Nearly 62% of all the people experiencing PTSD are children. Studies show that about 15% to 43% of girls and 14% to 43% of boys go through at least one trauma. Of those children and teens who have had a trauma, 3% to 15% of girls and 1% to 6% of boys develop PTSD. Additionally, children and teens that go through the most severe traumas tend to have the highest levels of

PTSD symptoms. The PTSD symptoms may be less severe if the child has more family support and if the parents are less upset by the trauma. Lastly, children and teens, that are farther away from the event report less distress. Ulmer’s vision for TUI began in Israel, where a rocket exploded in Tel Aviv directly over his head. Both he and his team witnessed the terrifying power of terrorism and the incredible resilience of the Israeli people in response. Dr. Ulmer quickly learned there is something profound and unique about the methods Israel utilizes to manage community psychological health and resiliency. Upon his return to the United States, Ulmer connected with IDF Eyal Dr. Psychologist Chief Fruchter, whom has since become a trusted advisor and partner in translating Israeli hope and health solutions to some of the most psychologically traumatized communities in the United States.

Through the Storm

KEITH DELAWDER Staff Writer

Voice star Rayshon Lamarr’s Miracle Comeback

ans of NBC’s The Voice know Rayshun Lamarr as a radiantly infectious force of positive energy-from his shining ear-to-ear smile, contagiously expressive stage presence, and of most of all, the power of his rafter-shaking soulful voice with which he crooned and belted his way into the final eight [contestants] on the last episode before the season 14 finale. Lamarr put it all on the line electrifying audiences with his soaring vocals and singing as if there was no tomorrow. It is a feeling the 33-year old singer knows well. Less than five years prior to making it on one of America’s brightest stages, Rayshun was fighting for his life-- diagnosed with a rare lymphoid disorder called Castleman’s disease, he underwent chemotherapy which took from him parts of his hearing and sight, and most devastatingly, the smooth yet powerful voice he had been crafting since he was a child. Only through the grace of God and the sheer will of someone who wouldn’t stop believing in his dreams could Rayshun shake the notion that he would never sing again and mount the comeback of a lifetime. Music began in a very close place for Rayshun-- his family. Brought up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina Lamarr began singing gospel songs with his aunt’s choir groups. “We would go to her house and have groups come together-- just family singing together.,” says Rayshun. “And that is how I started. I knew I loved music from then on.” He felt the calling to music so much that at a fairly young age he made an artist’s biggest step-- dedicating his life completely to his craft, first in the form of music education. Lamarr moved to Washington D.C. for his formative years attending high school at the famed Duke Ellington School of the Arts, followed by college at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He left University of the Arts early for a chance to be in the Broadway production of The Lion King, but was cut at the final round of auditions. Despite the setback, Lamarr found his first professional job singing for the ten piece agency band, Sound Connection. While it may not have been his dream job, playing with Sound Connection accomplished a lot for Lamarr, including one of the most difficult challenges for a young

musician: staRight after my legs go out, my disease, a rare The bility. disease of the vision went out...so I get rushed to lymph band powered nodes the main hospital. When I woke that acts much through renditions of there were doctors surrounding me and I’m like a cancer party-popping would and able to make out my mom standing at the require immecover songs at weddings, end of the bed. I hear the doctors tell my d i a t e parties, and chemotherapy mom, ‘You’ve got to call your immediate fam- treatments. corporate ily because we’re not sure if he’s going to events, buildT h e ing a reputachemo took a make it overnight. tion for themserious toll on selves locally Rayshun as the as a top notch professional group. All the physical effects of the harsh treatment while, Lamarr was developing his craft as robbed him of his livelihood-- his voice. a frontman, gaining comfort and style in “While I was taking chemo, my voice just his stage presence and perfecting super completely went away-- I couldn’t sing at tight cohesion with his supporting musi- all,” Lamarr recounted. “Then, I couldn’t cians in learning how to be a pro. After hear out of my left ear and my vision two and a half years, his skills were at started to get blurry. I’m like, ‘This is my their highest level yet and the band life, I sing and I act-- that’s all I really stayed busy, traveling all around the know! Without my voice what am I able to world to play shows. do?’” But right as it seemed he was really Ultimately it was music, and a strong making it, Rayshun started to feel ill. The faith in God, that helped Rayshun energy that he enjoyed drained as he through his despair. became weak and fickle, feeling really “I remember sitting there praying every cold but hot at the same time. single day. Also, waiting in the hospital I “I don’t like to see the doctor,” would listen to music and I would always Rayshun admits. “But it got to the point play “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. It where I’m like, ‘I’ve got to go to the hospi- really helped me through, encouraging me tal and see what’s going on.’ So they run a to stay positive even though seemed like it bunch of tests on me and draw blood. I’m was the end.” really weak at this point and when I get For about seven months Rayshun up, I take about seven steps, and my legs battled through chemo and the distortion go out-- I fall to the floor! of his senses, with nothing “Right after my legs go out, my vision but his faith allowing went out-- I go completely blank! So I get him to believe things rushed to the main hospital, wheeled in would get better. the back, and I just pass out. When I woke “I prayed and payed, there were doctors surrounding me and and then eventually I’m able to make out my mom standing one day I remember I at the end of the bed. I hear the was sitting on the couch doctors tell my mom, ‘You’ve watching TV and my left got to call your immediate ear just opened up, it family because we’re not just unclogged! I sure if he’s going to was like, ‘Please make it overnight.’ I God, don’t be pass out again and p l a y i n g when I wake up, I’m in tricks on ICU where I spent a me, let few weeks before I get released, but they still haven't figured out what’s this going on.” be real!’ It would be weeks And then of uncertainty before Rayshun slowly-- ever so was called to receive his diagnoslowly-- my voice sis-- Multicentric Castleman’s started coming back.

“

“I was super excited about it but at the same time I was still afraid to get back on stage because I was like, ‘I don’t have my voice, my voice is short.’ My personal physical appearance has changed. I was afraid to go out into the public-- I was afraid of what people were going to say about me.” Eventually things would return to a state of normalcy for Lamarr. His voice would return to full strength and he got a job as Minister of Music at his home church, Victory Fellowship, while regaining the confidence to rejoin his band. Fast forward a few years, and Rayshun is back on stage performing at an open mic. A video of his performance makes its way to Facebook which leads to one of the most unlikely calls he’d ever received. “I pick up the phone and it’s one of the producers from The Voice! The funny thing is, I had auditioned for The Voice three or four times already and every time they said the same thing, ‘You have a great voice, but it’s not what we’re looking for this season.’ “I actually chose not to audition this year because I couldn’t afford to take off to do it. And now this guy is telling me I can skip the cattle call and come straight to L.A., but It didn’t feel real until I got my plane ticket!” In L.A., Lamarr geared up for his big moment, the ‘blind audition’, in front of the judges, his family, and all of America with none other than the song that helped him battle through his darkest moments, “Don’t Stop Believing”. On stage, after he’d sung the iconic first line, “Just a small town girl..”, Adam Levine turned around, signaling that he would take him on as coach. After another line, Alicia Keys would do the same. And the rest is history. Now, Lamarr stays busy with a run as lead in the production of “Fool in Love”, and with a new band with whom he is set to cut a record that is modern take on soul music, while reminiscent of the likes of Otis Redding and Al Green. As he reflects on his life’s unlikely wild ride, and the blessings he’s been sent, Lamarr feels secure in his purpose. “Coming from my near-death battle, to making it to ‘The Voice,’ it means that I’m here for a reason,” he says. “There’s nothing that can stop me. If you believe in whatever it is that you’re here to accomplish and do, then you’re gonna do it.”

www.lafocusnewspaper.com Elder continued from page 7 were being recorded, they — not the cops — behaved better and stop making false accusations. The use of force by cops also declined, but, again, not because the police changed their conduct. No, the cops continued performing as they'd been trained. Civilians, aware that they were being taped, were less confrontational and were more likely to cooperate and follow instructions. As a result, cops needed to use force less frequently. Still, when actor Jesse Williams gave a four-minute rant at the 2016 BETAwards about what he considered racist police practices, he claimed, "What we've been doing is looking at the data, and we know that police somehow manage to de-esca-

late, disarm and not kill white people every day." Larry Elder is a best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. To find out more about Larry Elder, or become an "Elderado," visit www.LarryElder.com. Follow Larry on Twitter @larryelder. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers, visit the Creators Syndicate at www.creators.com. Harriot continued from page 7 you question me as a police officer, I can tell you that you don’t know what you’re talking about. Imagine going to your job and telling your boss that. How long would you have your job? But we can do it because society gives us that trump card.

“I didn’t learn about subconscious bias until after I left the force,” adds Stevens. “Most white people don’t think they’re racist and most police officers don’t think they’re biased. In the academy, you spend so much time on shooting and tactical stuff, they rarely taught de-escalation training and how to diffuse a situation—at least they didn’t when I was in the academy. We spend so much time learning how to kill that no one should be surprised when a police officer kills someone. We’re literally trained to do it. What we really need to do is up the standards for police officers. One of the things y’all don’t realize is that most police officers are dumb. And we give

them guns and ask them to solve complex situations. Then, we take the smart ones off the street and make them detectives and supervisors. What do you think is going to happen? Police recruits across the country spend an average of 58 hours on weapons training versus 8 hours in de-escalation training. According to Pew Research, while 69% of black cops say America needs to continue to make changes, 92% of white police officers say this country has made enough changes to give blacks equal rights with whites. Michael Harriot is a poet, a columnist at The Root and a self-described worldrenowned wypipologist.

SavingGrace

KEITH DELAWDER Staff Writer

Omar Epps

L.A. Focus/July 2018

esides being an award winning actor/writer/producer with a career spanning over 25 years, including an eight year run on one of the most popular TV shows of the previous decade, “House M.D.”, Omar Epps is a proud family-man and father of three. The latter is a role he doesn’t take lightly. From growing up in a single parent family like all too many kids in his generation, Epps has made fatherhood his saving grace as a means of making the future a better world than the one he grew up in. And that is the inspiration for his new book, “From Fatherless to Fatherhood”, decompacting the challenges one faces in becoming a parental role model and ending the cycle of fatherlessness. According to Epps, the motivation for the book came from an honest moment he had with his son that sent him on a journey of self reflection and left him with this question: had growing up fatherless somehow crept into my fatherhood? “It was kind of a startling thought at the time, and made me question myself as a father because I don’t have that kind of barometer,” Epps explained. “I wasn’t given that blueprint at home growing up so as a man with my own kids, I can read all the books I want, but it’s nothing like a hands on experience. It made me wonder if I was I missing certain things, because I’m just learning as I go.” Not only was Omar’s father not present in his life, but in his neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, this scenario was the norm. “I only knew two dudes who knew their father,” says Epps. “And we used to look at them like they weirdos! All these years later I look back on that thought as bizarre. Since then we've made strides, specifically as a black community, but just in terms of family, but we've got a long way to go because singleparent households have become normalized. “Part of the reason why I wrote the book because a lot of times you hear people say, ‘Oh we've got to take back the community,’ but we can't take back the community if we don’t take back our families first. I’m trying to spark the conversation that will lead to a change of action, and to change the narrative especially with these young kids now. “It’s not cool to not take care of your kids!”, Epps continues. “When you’re in the barber shop talking and you know someone is slacking, you need to be on them. That’s what should become the new normal.” For Epps, it all boils down to the power of choice. “It sounds really simple, but it really does come down to that. There're so many different scenarios of how things can come to be, but at the end of the day, once a child comes into the equation both parties have to keep the betterment of the child first. But when you add on emotions and the emotional baggage, it tears apart a lot of situations. “I tried to I try to speak on that from a human level, like the power of forgiveness and ultimately that nothing else matters because the power is within your hands to make the right choice at

“

I only knew two dudes who knew

their father and we used to look at them like

they weirdos. All these years later I look back on that thought as bizarre. Since then we've

made strides, specifically as a black community, but just in terms of family, but we've got a long way to go because single-parent households have become normalized. all times for your child.” Epps credits other men within his community for supporting him as ‘father figures’, but most of all it, was his mother Bonnie Maria Epps, that did the heavy lifting in his upbringing. “It all starts with my foundation, which is my mom who's my superwoman, and a superhero still to this day. She's just incredible and I wouldn't be here without her,” says Epps. “But I certainly did have ‘father figures’ growing up in my life. Marlon Wayans’ father is one of them, my other best friend Mitchell Marchand’s Uncle Bob was too. I was able to gain the proper information in seeing those guys be there for their families and work hard to raise their kids right.” A lifelong educator, Epps mother Bonnie ascended from teacher to principal at an elementary school and then eventually to school superintendent. Omar turned into a talented child with many passions, the first of which was writing. "I've been writing since I was a kid, says Epps “Short stories and poetry. Acting is just an extension of that. It just came naturally." Epps would attend Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where he studied theater. In addition to writing and acting, Epps also excelled at music and dance. At age 17, he toured briefly with Queen Latifah as a backup singer and dancer, and a year later, in 1991, he formed a rap group called Wolfpack. The following year Epps made his big

screen debut alongside hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur in the now classic film “Juice”. Omar’s acting career took off from there, and he has enjoyed a continuous string of rolls in hit movies and television, most notably: “Love and Basketball”, a stint in “ER”, and “House M.D.” In making it out of his neighborhood and onto a path of success, Bonnie Epps also instilled into his son a sense of self-worth. “One of the biggest things that my mom had instilled in me from very young was a sense of selfworth. “I knew that I had potential that was greater than any statistic or even my environment could dictate. I always carried that with me and I still carry it with me to this today. Hopefully, I will instill that into my own children because I think that a lot of times with kids when they’re younger they just don’t feel worth, whether it's their surroundings or economics or it's just the way society at large looks at them. “People from lower income households are inundated with imagery of a music and culture where the child feels like that’s all they’re ever going to be. So when they feel that way, they're [prone] to just do whatever because they don't feel worthy of being in certain situations or going down certain roads.” Ultimately it’s faith that Epps uses as a guiding light in all aspects of his life. “Faith absolutely plays a big part in my life,” Epps reveals. “I consider myself more spiritual than religious, because while I consider myself a Christian, I give credence to Islam and Judaism, and even Hinduism as well. I try to take what I can from all of them because ultimately I believe there's one God. Specific religions are supposed to speak to different people because we can’t all be in the same color and speak the same language. But for me in my fatherhood, and in my life in general, faith definitely keeps me anchored.” These days, Omar stays continuously busy, working to evolve more as an artist behind the camera as a writer/producer and ultimately director, while enjoying the success of his acting, including season three of the thrilling USA Network series, “Shooter” which is airing all summer long. Off screen, he hopes that sharing his stories in, “From Fatherless To Fatherhood”, can help inspire a new generation of parenting. “One of the pinnacles of being alive is to be able to help create a life and raise a child to a productive citizen. In midst of writing the book I realized that, ‘Hey maybe my story can become a tool of learning, and ultimately of inspiration, and even for some a guide. Maybe I can say something here that might spark someone who's fallen by the wayside in fatherhood to rise up, or to put some jewels into someone who hasn't had a kid yet, or even the men who are active in their fatherhood,— to keep encouraging them." “From Fatherless to Fatherhood” is in bookstores everywhere. “Shooter” airs on USA Network, Thursdays 10pm PST.