L.A. Focus Newspaper December 2022 Issue

VO LU M E X X V I I • I S S U E 10 • D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 2 > > W W W. L A F O C U S N E W S PA P E R . C O M

L.A. FOCUS

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CHURCH NEWS Is Carson the site of the next home for City of Refuge?

SEE PAGE 10

Hlollywood Buzz Viola Davis Goes for an EGOT with Grammy Nomination

Up Front SAVING GRACE Kevin Hart

Michelle Obama Sparks Viral Frenzy with Recent Remarks Concerning Her Marriage

>> SEE PAGE

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contents

October 2022 December 2022

L.A. Focus Publications

(Left): Mayor-Elect Karen Bass posing with LA Pastors who prayed with her on election day; Congresswoman-Elect Sydney Kamlager takes a moment to pose with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries; Legendary entertainers Patti LaBelle(L) ,Gladys Knight(C) and AHF President Michael Weinstein, together at The Kennedy Center during a free concert hosted by AHF to commemorate World AIDS Day; Actress Kerry Washington shares a merry moment with Daisy Duck at Disneyland Park in Anaheim.

4 From The Editor

12 Hollywood Buzz

Viola Davis Goes For EGOT Status; Will Smith Hopes Angered Fans Won’t Take Out Their Wrath by Not Supporting His New Film

“Life Lessons”

Commentary

Footnotes

“There Is Good in This Divided Country”

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Octavia Spencer

UpFront Mayor-Elect Karen Bass Victory by The Numbers; Hundreds of Black and Mexican Families File Racial Reparations Claim against City of Palm Springs; How Organized Hate Groups are Thriving Right Here in Southern California

8 Head 2 Head

Fit or Unfit: The Herschel Walker Debate

Headlines From Africa

9 Money Matters

13 Red Carpet Style Favorite Looks

Eye On Gospel Doug Williams Launches New Label; Pastor Mike’s Season; Lecrae Releases Church Clothes 4; The 2023 Class of Gospel’s Grammy Nominees

14 Game Changer

“Afro Unicorn: First Black Women Owned Brand Licensed In Major Retail Stores”

16 Church News

A Time To Give

Biz News Briefs Diddy Gets in on The Weed Game with $185 Million Deal; Jay-Z, Byron Allen Bid to Acquire WashingtonCommanders

On the Money “Crypto Chaos”

Is Carson the Next Home for the City of Refuge?; LA Baptist Community Mourns Pastor Kelly Taylor

17 First Lady Files Michelle Clease

10 Cover Story

Murder In Mexico Why The Murder of Shanquella Robinson Has Captivated So Many

Photographer Advertising

Pastor Profile

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

Chef Nyesha Arrington

Kevin Hart

Fans and entertainment industry insiders are remembering Oscar and Grammy winning singer and actress, Irene Cara.

Best known for the theme songs of “Fame” and “Flashdance”,and her performance as the original “Sparkle”, Cara passed away last month.

Tim Coston

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

@L.A.Focus

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

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Apostle Beverly Crawford Lem Daniels Bob Blake

@Lafocusnews

21 In Good Taste 22 Saving Grace

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

Cover Design: UpScale Media Group

L.A. Focus/December 2022

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

#LAFOCUS

Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church- “The Sorrowful End of the Unsaved Christian”

honorary advisors

staff Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers

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19 From The Pulpit of

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Commentary

ARMSTRONG WILLIAMS Guest Columnist

“There Is Good in This Divided Country” olitics is a polarizing sport that pits one side against the other, and there is a lot of mudslinging going on, which is tragically amplified by the mainstream media. The current state of the United States is accompanied by a series of negative feelings, including anger, distrust and resentment; yet, as the holiday season draws closer, I can't help but think of the positive elements of our country. Is there anything good left? Are we not looking hard enough for it?

The Democratic and Republican parties have both competed to the best of their abilities, debating ideas, policies and the current state of the U.S. Each side did its best, and although neither the left nor the right will accept the other, I'm calling on all Americans to set aside our political and ideological differences and search for the positive qualities that exist in one another. This is a step toward bringing our nation together and putting an end to the tribalism that has kept us apart in ways that this country has not seen in over a century.

Taking the initiative to seek the kindness in folks, no matter their ideological views, can serve as a reminder that humanity can be found even in those who are different from us. It enables all of us to take a moment to reflect and acknowledge that the other person is not an adversary or an enemy, but rather a fellow citizen. It's possible that we won't agree on a lot of things; in fact, it's possible that we won't agree on anything. Yet, there is one thing on which we must never disagree: the idea of America.

The principles of independence, liberty and individualism that have helped to establish the U.S. as a great example of opportunity and hope for people the world over.

Politicians, celebrities and the wealthy incur much criticism for their remarks and acts. Undoubtedly, some of it is justified, but the hatred that arises from their adversaries is unjustified. Even among those we perceive to

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be evil, we must search for the positive.

When the husband of Nancy Pelosi was viciously assaulted, we should have prayed for him and for her, not propagated falsehoods and acted as if the crime was justifiable. When Donald Trump and Joe Biden contracted COVID, we should have prayed for their recovery rather than longed for their demise. And when a politician sends us a message of optimism wishing us health and happiness, we should embrace it and carry it forward.

Freedom, that which is safeguarded and guaranteed by the Constitution, is the greatest gift that anyone could ever hope to receive, and we have all inherited it. We must do all in our power to preserve the protections that enable us to publicly disagree with one another to such an extreme degree and to publicly question one another.

These experiences instill in us the significance of seeing beyond ourselves and recognizing that, despite our differences, we are all Americans who want the best for our own lives, the lives of our families and the communities in which we live.

During heated political elections, accomplishing that goal can feel like an uphill battle at times. When both po-

From the Editor

litical parties view each other as adversaries, and when we're persuaded to believe that we're so far apart from one another that we can't share this country together, that is when we need to realize that we have a problem.

The fact that every one of us values our own families so highly is indicative of a set of admirable attributes that we are all able to acknowledge as being inherently good.

Could it also be the case that, despite the fact that we are all so unique, we each have the best of intentions?

Could we join in that idea and even come together to fight to preserve the individual liberties of each person?

The vast majority of us simply want to safeguard our way of being, which is, at its core, what each and every one of us wants and desires; therefore, it is possible for us to do so. It's possible that we're all looking for the same thing, including a high quality of life, success, independence and happiness, as well as the opportunity to age in serenity within communities that are at peace with one another. Both Democrats and Republicans, in my opinion, would provide an unequivocal affirmative response to those desires. I'm ready to bet on that.

Take some time as the holidays approach to not just have a casual conversation with a family member, neighbor or friend who may have a different point of view, but rather to learn about their inner desires because that is a moment of truth that reveals the good that is in each of us. Take a step back and watch how a person interacts with other people, both in how they speak to them and how they treat them. In any event, you should take a step back and give yourself the opportunity to separate the political from what very well may be a large number of good people who, at their core, may desire the same things that you do. The difference may come down to the vehicle you seek to choose in order to arrive at that final destination, and that should no longer be something that divides us.

LISA COLLINS Publisher

“Life Lessons"

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L.A. Focus/December 2022

n L.A. Focus’ more than 27 years, I can’t think of a single time we’ve had a true crime mystery on the cover, but the death of 25-year old Shanquella Robinson at the hands of so-called friends in a luxury vacation rental in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on October 29 has so captivated and consumed many Americans–Black and white alike, while sparking national headlines, that we couldn’t help but examine why the details of her death have consumed so many.

For some, it says a great deal about where we are as a society and what’s wrong with our youth as well as our justice system. Some are angered about the way in which her death is being handled and the harm to Robinson’s mother while others are enthralled by the mystery surrounding her death and questions that remain unanswered despite the release of a viral video trending online that shows the fatal beating in graphic detail.

Six people know the real story of what led up to the tragic assault of Robinson in that hotel room, with at least three to four of them watching a girl they called a friend get beaten to death. One of them telling her to at least fight back.

More than a month later, not one of them has been arrested. (I hate to always say it, but would that have been the case had the girl been white?) I think not.

There are certainly a lot of lessons to be learned from the tragic incident. Not the least of which is that the people we choose as friends can not only sometimes be toxic, but dangerous. Instead of having her back, the six so-called friends she travelled with–and in conflicting reports, may have even hosted– appeared to be more interested in fighting for sport even as she refused to fight back.

I can’t stress enough to young people how

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much better life is with friends who genuinely care, who encourage you, who inspire you (and you are inspired by), who lift you up when you are down and who genuine wish the best for you.

In this month’s Saving Grace on page 22, Kevin Hart keys in on a very valuable point. Rather than being jealous of others’ success, he uses their examples as fuel to work harder, stating “I’m not doing as much as I could, because these people are proof that the things I want to do can be done.”

When I look at all of the hate speech and negativity circulating in our world today–and God knows there’s enough of it, I immediately think that the people who spout hate, negativity and want to get physical with others (without provocation) tend to be people who are not doing enough with their own lives.

Success and purpose tend to refocus people. It sharpens the vision to what can be accomplished and more importantly to the value of time. Successful people put a high value on their time, understanding that time is their most valuable asset, so they do everything they can to maximize results.

Like billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates, I am a fan of “timeboxing” where I will give myself a list of goals or just one thing to accomplish in a finite amount of time. Focusing in on that goal keeps me not only from outside distractions, but also from wasting too much time on one task.

Never on my schedule would there be any time to watch two friends of mine fight in a hotel room. I’ll save that for the Real Housewives of the Potomac and they’re getting paid. And you best believe that in the time it takes for me to watch that–and I must confess I do– I’m getting something else done.

It reminds of a time when I was seven or eight and –with four brothers–somewhat of a tomboy. At any

rate, I got into an altercation with another kid down the block and when I came back into the house and was recounting to my grandmother–a highly educated and accomplished woman–what happened.

She shook her head and said, ‘You spent all that time and didn’t make a cent for the energy you expended”. Then she left her room, still shaking her head. As you can see, her words stayed with me and I am very careful about how I spend–and waste–my time.

Well, enough about that. The holidays are a season for gratitude and there are plenty of people I need to thank, beginning with those of you who support the paper and have become my friends unknown. There is no L.A. Focus without you. So, for all the love and support you’ve shown, thank you.

Now, more than ever, at a time when hearts and spirits the world over stop to celebrate the birth of one who died on a cross some 2,000 years ago–we would do well to remember the difference we can make in the lives of others. An annual tradition for L.A. Focus is to provide a listing of agencies that provide help over the holiday season in hopes that you will reach out to those in need. It is included on page 9. With that, the staff of L.A. Focus wishes you a safe and blessed holiday.

Keep the faith.

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UpFront

News Briefs

Mayor-Elect Karen Bass’ Victory by The Numbers

ayor-Elect Karen Bass not only beat billionaire real developer Rick Caruso, but it was a most decisive win with Bass holding a new ten point margin over Caruso and almost 55% of the vote. What that means in terms of numbers at last count on November 30 (the election won’t be certified until December 5), Bass had 509,621 votes to Caruso’s 419,765, a difference of nearly 90,000 votes.

What makes the victory so much sweeter for Bass is that it came despite the fact that Caruso outspent her more than ten to one. What has been a fierce battle also turned out to be the most expensive race in L.A. history and certainly one of the most expensive mayoral campaigns on record with Caruso shelling out

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a reported $104,848 million to Bass’ $7 million.

According to the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, Caruso spent $160.42 for each vote he received in his bid to become mayor. By contrast, Bass spent just $10.15.

With the win, Bass makes history as the first Black woman–and the first woman– to lead the nation’s second largest city as Mayor.

“You can buy television, radio, newspaper and social media advertising but you can't buy trust and credibility and that's the connection Karen Bass has with the majority of voters in Los Angeles,” said Kerman Maddox, who served as Chair of the Bass 4 Mayor Campaign Finance Committee,

“At the end of the day her years of commitment, service and track record of delivering for the community, allowed her to overcome the $100 million spent by her opponent to mislead voters about her record.”

Caruso characterized his campaign as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

“While we came up short,” he said in a statement, “we made an indelible impact on this city and its people that will last far beyond the campaign trail or Election Day. There will be more to come from the movement we built, but for now, as a city we need to unite around Mayor-elect Bass and give her the support she needs to tackle the many issues we face. Congratulations, Karen, and God-speed."

Caruso has also urged his followers to give her the support she needs as she tackles some the the city’s many issues.

“No matter who you voted for, no matter where you live, I will be a mayor for you,” Karen Bass said in her first press conference as Mayor-Elect. “Mark my words,” Bass declared. “We will get big things done together.”

"This is my home, and with my whole heart, I'm ready to serve, and my pledge to you is that we will hit the ground running on Day One.” Bass will be officially sworn in on Sunday, December 11 and will assume the office on December 12.

Hundreds of Black and Mexican Families File Racial Reparations Claim Against City of Palms Springs

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L.A. Focus/December 2022

alm Springs has a problem.

A square mile east of downtown Palm Springs is an area known as Section 14. While it is presently owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and its members, it was for decades the only place Black and Mexican Americans could build homes due to racially restrictive covenants prohibiting people of color from living in white neighborhoods.

But over a 10-year span from the late 1950s through 1967 as the city of Palm Springs sought to secure the prime downtown real estate, officials hatched a plan to demolish Section 14 for the purposes of developing it into more lucrative commercial enterprises.

In carrying out the plan, evictions were issued, and the city hired contractors to bulldoze the privately-owned houses, often with personal property and belongings inside, and then the city sent the Palm Springs Fire Department to burn the destruction. Black and Mexican residents were often forced to flee Section 14 with only what they could carry.

This week in Los Angeles, hundreds of Black and Mexican families forcibly and illegally evicted by the City of Palm Springs from their privatelyowned houses in the Section 14 neighborhood in the 1950s and 1960s, announced the filing of an amended claim that asserts Palm Springs caused up to $2 billion in harm to the

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Attorney Areva Martin with Section 14 survivors

families.

The action comes 14 months after the city formally apologized to the survivors for its horrific behavior — apologized but remained silent and largely disengaged.

“This was an atrocity,” said attorney Areva Martin, who represents the Section 14 families. “Until now it has largely been a shameful secret confined to the city limits of Palm Springs, but “Section 14” should be mentioned alongside Tulsa, Rosewood, and Bruce’s Beach. Palm Springs literally bulldozed and burned out its Black and Latino residents because it wanted the land where they lived.

Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton has publicly stated that the city had an obligation to those who were displaced, “but” she added, “also to its residents, businesses and taxpayers, to thoroughly investigate the history as it develops remedial programs that are fair to every-

Yvonne Wheeler Elected President of L.A County Federation of Labor

KISHA SMITH Staff

one."

The Section 14 families retained renown reparations expert, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, noted economist, Cal State LA Dean of Ethnic Studies, author, and president emeritus of Bennett College, to conduct a preliminary harm assessment on their behalf. Her calculations estimate the damages caused by the city of Palm Springs to survivors and their descendants to fall between $400 million to $2 billion dollars. To reach this figure, Dr. Malveaux utilized a model widely employed by economists when calculating destruction to communities caused by natural disasters such as wildfires, neighborhoods and tornados, or other calamities that have obliterated entire neighborhoods.

Just last week the city posted a request for proposals to research the historical context of the displaced residents and assist the city in developing a reparations program to address those affected.

That process alone was estimated to take a year.

“To be clear: there has been no restitution, no assistance, no help — only fear, intimidation and fire,” Martin said.

“These facts are not in dispute. So, it is unconscionable that Palm Springs is not engaging with all its energy on making these families whole. How much longer should they wait? Many of the survivors of these events are in their 70s, 80s and even 90s. They can’t wait.”

Yvonne Wheeler was elected the new President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, (LA Fed) Nov. 21. The historic unanimous vote by her peers makes Wheeler the first Black woman to hold the title and makes her one of the most influential people in L.A. politics.

The LA Fed, the second largest central labor body in the nation, is a federation of over 300 affiliated union and labor organizations, representing over 800,000 members and known for fighting for better wage; establishing respect in the workplace; and for the vast political influence their endorsements hold.

Wheeler’s election comes in the wake of a political scandal involving former LA Fed President Ron Herrera and three City Council Members — former President Nury Martinez, Kevin de León, and Gil Cedillo.

Herrera stepped down from his position as president the day after the LA Times released their initial report on the racist recording. The LA Fed’s decision to elect Wheeler shifts attention from the scandal and directs focus on its mission of representation and inclusivity for the diverse workers they represent.

“I am honored to be elected to lead during such a critical time for workers,” said Wheeler. “In a post-COVID reality, we have to rebound, restabilize and reimagine from the perspective of workers to ensure we are on the right path, and that has to be our priority.”

Michelle Obama Sparks Viral Frenzy with Remarks Concerning Marriage Was she selling books or just being honest and candid?

Over the weekend former First Lady Michelle Obama–who is in the midst of promoting her second book, “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times”– opened up about the challenges of marriage and the discord and discomfort that come with it on social media.

“As an adult, I’ve lived in a number of places, but...I’ve only ever had one real home,” Obama wrote. “My home is my family. My home is Barack. But here’s the thing–our marriage has never been perfectly 50-50. One of us is always needing more or giving more. We have to be willing to listen to each other, honestly and without defensiveness. Only then, can we evolve together.

“Over the years a lot of young people have asked me about marriage and my response usually goes something like this: You have to prepare yourself for long stretches of discord and discomfort.

You have to learn how to make real compromises in the way you’ve lived as an individual. Glamorizing a relationship while you’re dating will lead you straight to difficulty once you’re married. You can’t paper over problems when you’re living with someone day in and day out.”

“You’ve got to ask yourself: What are you trying to get out of this relationship?

Have you truly thought it through? Do you want a wedding or a lifelong partnership? Those are two very different things.

How Organized Hate Groups are Thriving Right Here in Southern California hen the husband of House Speaker and California’s own Nancy Pelosi was recently attacked and severely beaten with a hammer, it was reported the assailant David DePape had a reputation for posting racist remarks online, including content that questioned the results of the 2020 election, he defends former President Donald Trump, and echoes of the conspiracies of extremist group QAnon.

This attack—along with others like the 2020 murder of George Floyd and the January 6 Capitol attack—are what organized hate groups use as a basis to fuel their blaze of threats, violence, terror, vandalism, and even murder hoping to fulfill their agenda for power and dominance.

As of 2021, a reported 65 organized hate groups were tracked in California by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). Groups like the Proud Boys, AC Skins, Great Millstone, Folk Front, American Freedom Party, and Californians for Population Stabilization are among the more prominent across the state being monitored by the SPLC. “Enough is enough is enough,” insisted President Joe Biden regarding the attack on House Speaker’s husband Paul Pelosi. “There’s too much violence, political violence. Too much hatred. Too much vitriol. What makes us think it’s not going to corrode the political climate?”

Biden went on to argue, “these groups have no place in America.”

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Bearing controversial labels such as Neo-Nazi, Anti-black, Anti-Muslim, Antiimmigrant, Anti-LGBT, White Supremist, Skinhead, and more, hate groups espouse a variety of unique extreme doctrines and beliefs with their main conclusion being that white people are superior to other races and thus, should dominate them. They also believe in maintaining and defending any power and privilege held by white people — which is embedded in a political ideology that imposes cultural, social, political, historical, and institutional domination by the white race.

According to the Cal State San Bernardino Center for Study of Hate and Extremism (CSHE), in 2021 anti-Black hate crime remained the most common in major U.S. cities. CSHE also reported that in the same year, African Americans were derisively stereotyped as being responsible for a “stolen election,” increases in the crime rate, and the imposition of critical race theory in grade schools.

“These false notions against the black race have increasingly infiltrated the mainstream of American political and cultural discussion with poisonous results,” says CSHE director Brian Levin.

“One must look no further than former President Trump for stirring up very toxic and dangerous dialogues.”

“The belief that one “out group” of people is inherently harmful to your own is foundational to extremism,” the SPLC maintained in their 2021 publication,

The Year in Hate and Extremism. “Hostile actions against an outgroup can take the forms of violence like terrorist attacks, but it can also include conduct like abusive language or discriminatory and dehumanizing legislation.”

The SPLC is the premier U.S. organization monitoring and exposing the activities of domestic hate groups and other extremists — including the Ku Klux Klan, white nationalists, antigovernment militias, and others. Last year, they reported that with the uptick in hate rhetoric and division,“44% of Americans believe the U.S. seems headed toward a civil war in the near future. 53% of Republicans and 39% of Democrats hold that belief due to the partisan divide exacerbated by Donald Trump and the influence of hate groups in America.

“At a time when hate pervades the public discourse and violent extremism threatens our communities, it’s critical that we take a clear, strong stand against bigotry in all its forms,” said Governor Gavin Newsom when signing AB2282 into law that increases restrictions and penalties for use of hate symbols. “California will continue to lead the fight to stamp out hate and defend those under attack for who they are, how they identify, or what they believe in.”

One hate group California will have to contend with is the Rise Above Movement (RAM). This Southern Californiabased racist of violent neo-Nazis and fascists rose to prominence in 2017 and

GERALD BELL Contributor

often show up (and are photographed in bloody confrontations) at protests where Blacks and or Asians are seeking to make their voices heard after their community has been wronged.

“In our view, RAM is essentially serial rioters,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas Cullen, who has brought charges against four leaders of the group that he calls “violent”.

More disturbing is the fact that there are people in public positions such as police officers, school board members, and even members of city council with have deep allegiances to hate groups. They have thrived when allowed to function and influence decisions that strengthen their oppressive agendas.

With 44% of the nation’s hate groups having either 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) tax status in the US, the looming question many have is where do these groups get their money from?

The Chronical Review reported last year that at least 351 donor organizations have given millions of dollars in grants over the past seven years to nonprofits designated by the SPLC as hate groups. Most of the money came from a small number of larger funds managed by community foundations or commercially affiliated organizations such as banking institutions.

In addition, most organized white supremist groups raise funds through membership dues, crowdfunding, the Hate ontinued to page 20

HeadToHead

Fit or Unfit For Office: The Herschel Walker Debate

o, New York Times writer are completely irrelevant. Any New York Ian Prasad Philbrick did old celebrity will do, right? not call Georgia U.S. Sen- Times' Racist Why isn't Philbrick depressed Attack ate candidate Herschel that blacks are denying themWalker, as I was called by a Los Against Her- selves the opportunity to hear Angeles Times writer, "the black schel Walkerl Walker's central message: that face of white supremacy" – but children need fathers in the Philbrick came close. home? Maybe the white man who Philbrick wrote: "For a lot of African walked up to Philbrick "seemed to unAmericans, Walker puts on display a lot derstand" that 70% of black kids are of the worst stereotypes that white con- born to unmarried servatives in the South harbor toward women and conthem: that his talents are only in ath- siders it tragic letics, and that he is, in his own telling, blacks weren't there 'not that smart.' If a candidate as contro- to hear Walker's versial as Walker wins, the takeaway message. will be that if you have enough star How many blacks power, speak the language of the party's are supposed to be base and have Trump's backing, you too at a Walker rally? can be in the Senate.

Should Walker kidLarry Elder "I was with Walker about three weeks nap them and force ago in a heavily conservative, heavily them to hear him speak? Is there some white northern Georgia county. When I barrier preventing blacks from attending follow Walker to those kinds of events, his rallies – a secret password, a fraterwe're really the only two African Ameri- nity handshake or an initiation fee? Apcans there. A white man walked up to parently, blacks, who remain overwhelme and was like, 'Where are all the black mingly Democrat, are not buying what people?' He seemed to understand that Walker's selling. Should he renounce the Walker was a black candidate who was Republican Party and become a Demonot garnering much black support in a crat to attract more black faces? state where you actually need at least a Philbrick sniffs that Walker advances little bit to win. I've even talked to black the "worst stereotypes that white conserconservatives who are shaking their vatives in the South harbor." All "white heads in disappointment. Though not on conservatives"? Not some bigoted white the record, of course." conservatives? How is this any different Let's start with "we're really the only than Kanye West, rightly accused of antwo African Americans there." I know tisemitism, when he recently tweeted nothing about Mr. Philbrick's racial about his plan to "go DEFCON 3 on Jewbackground, but from his photo he looks ish people"? Not just those with whom about as "African American" as Mitt West may have had disagreements. No, Romney. Philbrick attended Greeley all Jews.

High School in Cumberland, Maine, not Philbrick should listen to the secretly exactly the 'hood. The student body is recorded tape of four non-Southern Lat92% white, 2% black. But Philbrick's inos, all liberal Democrats, three of keeping it real at The New York Times. whom are members of the Los Angeles Walker, you see, brings nothing to the City Council. They compared a black table, other than "star power" and sup- child to a monkey, made racist comporting former President Donald Trump. ments about whites, disparaged Jews, Elder continued to page 20 Things like likeability and relatability

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Headlines From Africa Angola: Isabel dos Santos, daughter of late president Jose Eduardo dos Santos - and once considered the richest woman in Africa, is now the subject of an international arrest warrant for alleged corruption.

According to reports, she built her estimated $2 billion fortune on the back of insider deals.

The U.S. sanctioned Dos Santos in 2021.

Congo: A cease-fire between Congo and Rwanda could mean the withdrawal of M23 rebel group fighters from the major towns they have seized, including Bunagana, Rutshuru and Kiwanja. While the rebel group has said it will accept the cease fire, it wasn’t confident that the Congolese government would actually end hostilities.

Ethiopia: According to eyewitness reports, allies of Ethiopia’s military are carrying out mass detentions in Tigray while also looting stores and property more than three weeks after a truce to end suffering and bring peace to the region was signed.

Eritrea: 98 Christians arrested during a raid on an underground church in September are still being held in custody by Eritrean authorities. That brings the number to over 300 Christians believed to be imprisoned for their faith. Many have been detained indefinitely, without charge and without trial. Some, who have refused to renounce their faith, have been kept behind bars for upwards of 15 years.

Ghana: Cocoa growers in Ghana and the Ivory Coast (who account for 60% of the world’s cocoa are escalating their fight to improve pay to farmers—and fight poverty—by demanding that buyers pay a premium.

They are also threatening to punish corporations by barring them from visiting plantations to estimate harvests—a key factor in forecasting cocoa prices.

Kenya: Because of doping reports officials say are at “crisis” level, Kenya is at risk of being banned from international athletics. Kenya’s sports ministry said it is working to solve the problem to circumvent the ban.

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Despite Democrats locking presser: up control of the U.S. Senate Stud Farms, Sex The woman also provided what ahead the Dec. 6 contest Puppies And Tax she says is further evidence of against incumbent Sen. Raphael Breaks: Herschel her six-year extramarital affair Warnock, it still matters Walker's Senate with Walker, including a jourwhether the party has the slim- Campaign Can't nal entry, letters, and two mest possible margin or the Get Any Wilder pieces of audio–a recorded cushion of an extra vote that a Warnock phone call in which both said they loved win would provide. And it’s not that each other, and an answering machine Walker’s provable lies and bizarre behav- tape where a man Allred identified as ior are less con- Walker says, “Ah you, this is your stud sequential than farm calling, you big sex puppy, you.” they’ve ever been as The comedy of it almost obscures the sevmuch as there’s just erity: in addition to having the worst flirWalker fatigue. tation skills in America, and to being a There just ain’t hypocrite for advocating abortions in his many more ways to personal life while claiming he wants say, “this guy’s ridic- them banned for everyone else, consider ulously unqualified that Walker also has a documented hisKeith Reed for public office,” tory of domestic violence accusations and than we’ve already written. mental health issues. That matters beBut every once in awhile, ol’ Herschel cause among the other claims the woman finds a way to make us care again. Today made was that Walker threatened to it’s over the issues of abortion and taxes. harm himself if she didn’t go through But, say, a substantive policy debate over with terminating the pregnancy. tax policy or him explaining his opposi- Visibly overcome and fighting back tears, tion–as a man whose body it will never she read aloud from one journal entry. effect–to abortion with no exceptions. In- “Herschel has about gone off the deep end stead, today we’re back to discussing one over this whole thing. He thinks that havof the two women who have accused ing the baby will keep him in so deep with Walker of pressuring them into actually [his wife’s] family that he’ll never get out. aborting pregnancies they conceived to- He talks about how it would be fine for gether. The second woman appeared at a the baby, and I, if he would just ‘dispress conference with lawyer Gloria All- appear.’ But I know what that means,” red with receipts that she says refutes she said. (Walker, who claims to have Walker’s denial that he even knows her. played Russian roulette more than halfOf course, we’ve been down this path be- a-dozen times, was hospitalized for carfore, when the first woman who Walker bon monoxide poisoning in 1991, after allegedly conceived a pregnancy that he reportedly falling asleep in his car while then allegedly gave her money to abort it was running in his garage.) actually produced the check that he wrote If that’s not bad enough for you, try this: in his own handwriting for the whole Early on in his campaign there was the thing. He doesn’t deny that the check, issue of whether or not he’d actually be written to a woman with whom he has able to represent Georgia because, well, another child, was his but he still denies he lived in Texas. Federal election law althat it was written to pay for an abortion. lows him to run for a seat in another state In this latest instance, the receipts are a as long as he moves to that state before little bit more saucy, according to the taking the oath of office. Walker wouldn’t Johnson continued to page 20 Daily Beast’s account of yesterday’s

A look at current news from the continent of Africa Liberia: The U.S. government is warning individuals and financial institutions against doing business with current and former officials of the Government of Liberia who have been sanctioned by its Treasury Department ahead of Liberia’s 2023 general and presidential elections.

Mali: Mali has announced a ban on aid groups funded by France in what is the latest attempt by the coup leader in charge to distance the West African country from its one-time colonizer and former ally in the fight against Islamic extremism.

Niger: Officials credit community and religious leaders with the success of their COVID vaccinations, given their influence in combating misinformation about vaccines being circulated on social media. 28% of the adult population is fully vaccinated and a current vaccination campaign aims to vaccinate two-thirds of the over-18 population by year’s end.

Nigeria: Until regulators can agree on standards that protect investors, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission says it will not include cryptocurrencies in a plan to improve trading in digital assets.

Sierra Leone: Representatives from the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) recently came to blows—and were captured on video fighting and throwing chairs—sparked by the West African nation´s electoral commission suggestion of switching to a proportional representation system for coming year´s local and parliamentary elections excluding presidential polls.

Uganda: Health ministry officials have confirmed 141 Ebola cases and 55 deaths in what is its deadliest Ebola outbreak in more than a decade with officials set to close schools national to stave off the outbreak.

Money Matters

On the Money

A Time To Give

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hristmas the season of giving not only to those we love but a time as well to share the holiday spirit and brighten the lives of those who are less fortunate and underserved. As the holidays near, many charitable organizations in the community make special fundraising appeals in their efforts to provide food, clothing and toys to those in need.

Americans gave a record $484 billion to charities in 2021 and while approximately 77 million Americans volunteer their time, talents and energy to make a difference, money is the most preferred method of giving, with about $574 being the average amount people give to charity and $128 being the average online donation.

Whether it’s your time, toys or money, there are countless ways to donate. Food, clothing and toy giveaways are an annual tradition for many churches and local businesses. Elected officials also do all they can to assist in providing referrals to those in need.

Some churches offer programs where you can adopt a family in need for Christmas and provide them with a range of needs from groceries to winter coats.

If you are in need this holiday season or just want to help others in need, listed below are some of the worthwhile programs you can tap into. Be sure and check with your church for what they are doing or for referrals.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: Holidays from the Heart Program aims to make the holidays a little happier for chronically ill children and their families. You can sponsor a family, as well as provide toys and monetary donations. Visit wwwchla.org for more information.

Department of Public Social Service's (DPSS) Adopt-A-Family Program: This program assists lowincome families with toys, clothes and food during the holidays. Fill out a sponsor form no later than Dec. 13 and coordinators will match you with the perfect family to assist personally. Grocery gift cards, meals and gifts are also welcome. For information, call (213) 744-4590.

Homeless Housing Placement Agency: Requests for services increase greatly during the holiday season. Donations are gladly accepted for clothing for children and adults as well as canned and non-perishable items. Call (213) 484-2150 for more information.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Food banks across

the county are stretched thin at Christmas, so in addition to food and monetary donations, the mission will accept gift cards for local grocery store chains in the Los Angeles area. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare, serve and feed the hungry and homeless. Visit www.lafoodbank.org Operation Gratitude: Since 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have lovingly packaged and shipped care packages containing letters, holiday cards and goodies from home to servicemen and women deployed overseas.

For more information, call (818) 960-7878 or visit www.operationgratitude.com.

Project Angel Tree: Prison Fellowship Los Angeles reaches out to children with incarcerated parents by getting churches and other groups to purchase Christmas toys, bikes, clothing and books for children and youth.

Contact (800) 55-ANGEL (2-6435) Salvation Army: The Salvation Army provides a vast range of services to youth, the homeless, seniors, veterans with your monetary donations. Additionally, the Salvation Army has family stores located across Los Angeles that accept donations of clothing, furniture, appliances and toys. If you have time to spare, the Salvation Army is also signing up volunteers. Call 1-800-725-2769 Special Needs Network: SNN– a nonprofit grassroots organization responding to the crisis of autism and other developmental disabilities in underserved communities– brings hundreds of families, community partners, and stakeholders together for a festive and memorable holiday celebration. This event provides the county’s most vulnerable families with an opportunity to celebrate with others. Families receive health-related referrals and resources, food, music and a toy giveaway.

For information, call (323) 291-7100.

Toys for Tots: With a mission to collect new, unwrapped toys throughout the holiday months for children in need, the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots program is by far one of the most popular. And, for good reason: helping children in need during the holidays is a true gift, so help make a difference this year and play an active role in your community by donating toys at the various drop-off locations. To find a location near you, go to http://www.toysfortots.org

“Crypto Chaos”

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n October, FTX–ranked as the third largest crypto exchange by volume in 2021–was valued at $32 billion, but last month it plunged into bankruptcy, leaving its more than one million creditors holding the bag and capping off a year that has thrown the crypto industry into chaos.

Bitcoin, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency, has plummeted about 65% this year. Ether, the world’s second most valuable cryptocurrency, hasn’t fared much better, down more than 50% from its all-time high in 2021. In fact, since last November, the market capitalization of all crypto assets has reportedly dropped from a combined $3 trillion to around $900 billion.

The implosion of FTX has also brought lawsuits against celebrities who endorsed the crypto exchange including Shaquille O’Neal and Steph Curry. In the wake of crypto volatility, lawmakers are trying to figure out how to establish guidelines that will make cryptocurrency safer for investors and at the same time less attractive to cybercriminals.

President Joe Biden signed an excutive order earlier this year that called on government agencies to study the “responsible development” of digital assets.

The biggest problem, say experts, is that crypto is unregulated for the most part, making it a risky investment.

Experts recommend keeping any cryptocurrency investments to less than 5% of your total portfolio and to never invest more than you are comfortable with losing.

Also, to steer clear of depositing money from a credit card, as it can not only be risky, but expensive as credit card companies process cryptocurrency purchases as cash advances which makes them subject to higher interest rates than regular purchases, and you’ll also have to pay additional cash advance fees.

Biz News Briefs Diddy Gets in on The Weed Game with $185 Million Deal

vides the immediate scale and impact needed to create a more equitable future in cannabis,” said Combs, Chairman and CEO Combs Enterprises. “Owning the entire process – from growing and manufacturing to marketing, retail, and wholesale distribution – is a historic win for the culture that will allow us to empower diverse leaders throughout the ecosystem and be bold advocates for inclusion.”

Jay-Z, Byron Allen Bid to Acquire Washington Commanders?

Jay-Z, Byron Allen, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Matthew McConaughey, Robert Griffin III and Red Sox owner John Henry are among those being reported as potential bidders for the Washington Commanders football team (formerly known as the Washington Redskins).

Earlier this month, Dan Snyder, who has owned the D.C-based NFL team since 1999, hired Bank of America Securities to consider potential transactions. The purchase price being bandied about is somewhere in the neighborhood of $5 — 7 billion dollars, though it is unclear as to whether or not the bids are for a minority stake or ownership of the entire team.

According to multiple reports Jay-Z may be partnering with Bezos on a bid. The two were recently seen together at a swanky Hollywood restaurant presumably to talk “Commanders” business.

A-list actor Matthew McConaughey is also reportedly looking to get in on the action with an offer according to the Washington Post. McConaughey–a longtime fan of the team–would either join an existing investment group or form his own.

Byron Allen–who had hoped to acquire the Denver Broncos earlier this year in a move that would make it the NFL’s first Black-owned team–is also preparing a bid.

Chris Paul’s “Good Eat’n” NBA All-Star Chris Paul is getting into the food industry with the launch a new line of vegan snacks. Passionate about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Chris Paul hopes to transform the “snack aisle” with Good Eat’n — a new line of flavor-forward, plantbased products that include a unique selection of snacks including Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donut Puffs, Nacho Cheeze Tortilla Chips, Big Dill Ranch Tortilla Chips, and Classic BBQ Porkless Rinds.

“As someone with a plant-based diet who loves flavorful foods, I know first-hand that it can be difficult to find delicious and approachable plant-based alternatives to your favorite snacks,” said Paul. “I’m thrilled to announce this new brand with Gopuff that makes plant-based snacks easily available with flavors that appeal to the masses.”

L.A. Focus/December 2022

Cresco Labs, the No. 1 U.S. wholesaler of branded cannabis, has announced the signing of a deal valued at $185 million to divest certain New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts assets to a business entity owned and controlled by Sean “Diddy” Combs.

The Transaction is Combs’ first investment in cannabis, the fastest growing industry in the U.S., and upon closing, will create the country’s first minority-owned and operated, vertically integrated multi-state operator. This industry-changing transaction is rooted in Cresco’s vision to develop the most responsible, respectable and robust industry possible, and advances Combs’ mission to open new doors in emerging industries for Black entrepreneurs and other diverse founders who are underrepresented and underserved.

“My mission has always been to create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in industries where we’ve traditionally been denied access, and this acquisition pro-

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D.T. CARSON Staff

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t has all the markings of the quintessential true crime story. Young girl found dead at a Mexico resort while vacationing with friends, all of whom have a conflicting story of exactly what happened to her.

Then a video surfaces that becomes a mother’s worst nightmare, depicting one– perhaps even two of her traveling companions beating her senseless with injuries that hours later she would tragically succumb to.

So, who leaked the video and why? Did one or more than one person take part in what is now classified as a brutal murder? Was it a set up? Why haven’t any or all of them been arrested? What role is the FBI playing?

What are her so-call friends saying?

All are questions circulating in what has become a viral phenomenon online with online reports and blogs posting every update to quench the thirst for answers and information of the tens of thousands who are closely monitoring the story on Twitter, Facebook and TikTok with the hashtag #JusticeFor Shanquella.

In fact, it was the internet frenzy surrounding the story that sparked headlines in every major media outlet across the country, from the Washington Post and New York Times to CNN. While it surely isn’t the only murder of an American woman to be found on Mexican story, this story has captivated Americans like none other recently as misinformation shrouds the investigation and amplifies the mystery of it all.

For those like Veda Brown, owner of an online digital marketing firm, “it reveals just how unsafe children can be even with so-called friends.

Said Brown, “It also concerns me because of the brutality of the fight and then out of five people, all of them could have a peace about going home and leaving her there and lying to her mother. It’s shocking that none of them had a conscience or compassion. It begs the question where as parents…as a society drop the ball.

Congresswoman Karen Bass

It’s the evilness in this world but even this group who had no conscience…no compassion.” @prebeautyana commented, “Things like this make you not want to trust anybody. This is evil. I can’t imagine something like this happening to my children. We live in a treacherous world.” @wumi91 said, “Don’t be friends with people you are doing better than ever.”

“I just want answers. I guess I really just want to know why they beat her like that and what really happened in that hotel room,” said Tiffany Brown.

Well, Tiffany, here is the most accurate and up-todate accounting of the events to date.

On Friday, October 28, 25-year old Shanquella Robinson and six of her college friends arrived in San José del Cabo, which is 20 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas, to celebrate a birthday. They had reserved a rental villa in Fundadores, an exclusive gated community with vacation homes and a private beach club.

According to her mother, Salamondra, who spoke to her that morning, things were going well. “She seemed pretty happy,” her mother recounted in an interview, who added that there was no indication of trouble.

There was even a video showing Robinson walking through the villa excitedly looking for her friends.

That would be the last time she spoke to her daughter. The next call she would receive from Mexico came from Robinson’s friends the very next day on October 29 saying that Shanquella wasn’t feeling well and that it was alcohol poisoning.

At the time of the call, Salamondra said, she repeatedly told Shanquella’s travel mates,to take her to a doctor, but they told her the villa’s manager was coming over with a medic.

“I’m not sure if anyone ever arrived, because I was never allowed to talk to them,” Salamondra said. “I asked them to let me speak to the doctor when they arrived, but they told me that the doctor was busy with Shanquella,” Sallamondra Robinson told WSOC-TV.

She waited for what seemed an eternity for status on her daughter and her heart sank when they did call back to tell her that her daughter was dead.

This is where the facts become blurred.

According to one account, a local doctor from a nearby hospital was called and treated Robinson for close to three hours before she was pronounced dead with the following timeline: • 2:13 p.m. – Wenter Donovan, one of six friends who traveled with Robinson, called for medical help at Villa Linda 32, a property run by company Cabo Villas.

• 3:13 p.m. – Dr. Karolina Beatriz Ornelas Gutiérrez, from a local hospital, arrived to treat Robinson. According to the Charlotte Observer, Gutiérrez says she was told that Robinson had “drunk a lot of alcohol” and needed to “be given an IV.” Gutiérrez says Robinson had stable vital signs but was dehydrated, unable to communicate verbally and appeared to be inebriated. The report said Gutiérrez believed Robinson needed to be transferred to a hospital, but her friends insisted that she be treated in the villa.

• 4:13 p.m. – Robinson begins having a seizure. The convulsions from the seizure lasted less than a minute.

•4:14 p.m.: Gutiérrez requests that the friends take Robinson to the hospital. They decline and insist on her being treated at the villa.

• 4:45 p.m. – Wenter Donovan calls 911 for an ambulance while doctor administers CPR. • 5:25 p.m. – Police arrive.

• 5:30 p.m. – Paramedics arrive and administer 14 rounds of CPR, five doses of adrenaline and six discharges (AED shocks) without success.

• 5:47 p.m. – Shanquella declared dead.

The very next day, Sallamondra Robinson, says her daughter’s traveling companions returned home from

Mexico and came to her house to bring some of Shanquella’s personal belongings and their condolences.

Still, the idea of Shanquella dying as a result of alcohol poisoning just didn’t sit well with her.

Over the next two days, her husband Bernard Robinson struggled trying to find someone who spoke English to assist him with the process of transporting his daughter’s body back to Charlotte before finally connecting with a woman on the villa’s management team who spoke English.

“She is an angel. She’s the one who first told us the truth,” Robinson said. “She said: ‘Mr. Robinson, your daughter didn’t die of alcohol poisoning. She died of a broken neck.’”

The death certificate would subsequently confirm what she’d told him.

Grave injuries to her back and neck were determined to have cause her death after an autopsy by officials in Mexico officially listed "severe spinal cord injury and atlas luxation," the latter being a traumatic dislocation of the neck. The police report revealed that she’d also suffered cardiac arrest and that Shanquella was dead approximately 15 minutes after being injured.

On neither report was there any mention of alcohol.

The document was a gamechanger for the Robinsons, who were at the time, still in touch with some of those who’d traveled to Mexico with their daughter but had become more and more suspicious as their stories about what happened that fateful day kept changing.

On a subsequent visit she turned to them and asked, “What did you all do to my child?”

She recalls that after being confronted one of them broke into a sweat and immediately left. She has heard nothing from them since.

Just as frustrating for the Robinsons was the response from officials. The United States State Department initially released a statement saying there was no clear evidence of foul play.

But on November 9, came the biggest twist of all when a video surfaced on a social media outlet showing a naked woman–who appears to be out of it– being hit and punched in the face multiple times by another woman until she falls to the ground as others in the villa record the scene.

Sallomondra immediately recognized the woman being violently attacked in the short clip as her daughter and the people in the video footage as those who had traveled with her daughter to Mexico.

In the video a man is heard saying “Quella can you

at least fight back?” And while there are reports that more than one of them took part in beating Shauquella, what is clear is that no one intervened to help her or to stop the beating.

At one point in the video, Shanquella slumps down motionless.

"She did not deserve to be treated like that," says her mother. "It was never a fight. She didn't fight. They attacked her.”

Still, officials were slow to take action, that is until the video went viral and was downloaded and reposted a thousand times over on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, sparking headlines and putting a national spotlight on the story. Now, not only Shanquella’s parents wanted answers but so did thousands who’d seen the video and countless others who learned of Shanquella on CNN and other TV news programs and questioned why no one was being held responsible.

By the time, Mexican officials opened an investigation, the six had returned to the U.S. and despite the national media coverage have not spoken publicly on what happened. And while an arrest warrant has been issued for one of the six, no one has been taken into custody or charged in the case and authorities have not released the names of Robinson's friends.

To this day, misinformation continues to be the rule.

Even officials just can’t seem to get the story right.

Mexican authorities have said the death occurred in San José del Cabo. The FBI said it occurred in nearby Cabo San Lucas. And while the official death certificate notes the approximate time between injury and death as 15 minutes, what of the report that a doctor treated her for three hours.

Now, nearly one month after the death, Mexican prosecutors who’d issued an arrest warrant are seeking to extradite one of Robinson's friends as a suspect in the case. The prosecutors said they were working on extradition proceedings with Mexico's attorney general and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

"There is already an arrest warrant issued for the crime of femicide," or the killing of a woman because of her gender, said Daniel de la Rosa, a local prosecutor adding that "a friend" of the victim was allegedly responsible for the death.

The death did not result from a "quarrel" but from "a direct aggression that this person made," de la Rosa stated.

Being that both the victim and the perpetrator are Americans, there is also an outside chance that the

U.S. could prosecute. The FBI’s Charlotte field office has officially opened an investigation into Robinson’s death.

With the latest developments, the Robinsons finally believe they’re on track to getting the truth about what happened to their daughter.

“It feels good. My stomach doesn’t feel so empty.

Feels like we are getting somewhere,” Robinson told a reporter.

“I just want justice for my daughter,” said her father, Bernard Robinson.

In the meantime, Shanquella’s sister launched a GoFundMe page with the goal of raising $350k to help with burial and legal expenses.

“My beautiful sister #ShanquellaRobinson, recently went on a trip to Cabo, Mexico, with people she believed were her friends,” she wrote. “During this trip, she was found dead. Her associates claimed she died of alcohol poisoning, but the death certificate from the Mexican government contradicts this statement as it reveals a broken neck and cracked spine...

“We face a tremendous unexpected financial burden and a great deal of pain as we prepare to lay my sister to rest. Any support you can contribute to our legal fees and other critical expenses is greatly appreciated.”

As of this printing, the page had raised nearly $400,000 from over 5000 donors, including a Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving, who contributed $50,000.

While there are plenty of life lessons to be learned from Robinson’s death.

“The saddest part is that this was a girl who was going somewhere, and I believe they might have been jealous of her early success. It shows the importance of those we choose as friends,” said Brenda Fisher. “It makes you wonder about your own kids and the decisions they are making about who to trust.”

Robinson's parents described their late daughter as a hardworking business owner who had a "great heart.

In fact, it has been reported that it was Shanquella who paid for the villa they all stayed in. At 24, had run two businesses. There was Exquisite Babies, where she created intricate hair braiding designs for children and the Exquisite Boutique, which sold clothes.

Shanquella Robinson was laid to rest on November 19 in a funeral attended by hundreds with loved ones wearing pink, her favorite color. But her parents and a growing community of supporters say they will never rest until they find the truth of what really happened to Shanquella Robinson.

L.A. Focus/December 2022

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HO L LY W OOD SPOT LIGHT Chez Hadley “Emancipation” They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That’s apparently the case with Will Smith, whose forthcoming film, Emancipation, was inspired by a photo of the scarred back of a real life slave dubbed "Whipped Peter," taken during a Union Army medical examination, and served to magnify the brutal reality of slavery for the world to see when it was published in Harper’s Weekly in 1863.

One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” helped to fuel growing public opposition to slavery.

“Emancipation” tells the triumphant story of an escaped slave, Peter (Will Smith), who relies on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love of his

family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana in making his way north where he joins the Union Army to fight in the Civil War. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the powerful action thriller features disturbing images and strong racial vio-

OUT THIS MONTH

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

Avatar: The Way of Water December 16

Mindcage December 16

Viola Davis Goes For EGOT Status

L.A. Focus/December 2022

She’s earned two Tony awards, a lead actor Emmy for her work in “How to Get Away With Murder”, an Oscar for her role in “Fences” and last month Viola Davis scored a spoken word Grammy nomination for 2022 memoir, “Finding Me”. If she wins, she will become only the third Black woman (behind Whoopi Goldberg and Jennifer Hudson) to achieve EGOT status having earned awards on TV (Emmy), record (Grammy), film (Oscar), stage (Tony). But it may not be that easy given the stiff competition she’s up against, including Jamie Foxx for his audiobook “Act Like You Got Some Sense”, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Questlove’s “Music Is History.”

G u e s s we’ll all just have to wait u n t i l February 5 to see.

In the meantime, Davis has five projects

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lence in its depictions of the horrors of slavery.

“Throughout my career, I’ve turned down many films that were set in slavery. I never wanted to show us like that. And then this picture came along. And this is not a film about slavery. This is a film about freedom.

This is a film about resilience. This is a film about faith.”

Will Smith is masterful in the lead role with a standout cast that includes Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Steven Ogg, Jayson Warner Smith, Imani Pullum, Mastafa Shakir and Aaron Moten.

The film is set to bow in theaters on December 2 and on Apple TV+ December 9.

I Wanna Dance With Somebody • December 21

on tap including the films, “Air Jordan” and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”.

Will Smith Hopes Angered Fans Won’t Take Out Their Wrath by Not Supporting His New Film (But understands if they don’t’ want to see it) Will Smith is understandably concerned about the December 2 release of “Emancipation”, his first film since the Oscars slap felt around the world, and while he has taken responsibility for his actions , he is not all that sure of where he stands with America’s filmgoing public. “I completely understand – if someone is not ready, I would absolutely respect that and allow them their space to not be ready,” Smith told Fox 5’s Good Day DC journalist Kevin McCarthy. “My deepest concern is my team — Antoine [Fuqua] has done what I think is the greatest work of his entire career. The people on this team have done some of the best work of their entire careers, and my deepest hope is that my actions don’t penalize my team. At this point, that’s what I’m working for.”

Emancipation tells the story of a runaway slave –whose photographs were circulated to illustrate the brutality of slavery–and his harrowing escape through the Louisiana swamps to the north.

Meeting of the Mindless You’ve probably heard Kanye West is running for president, even tapping Milo Yiannopoulos who’s believed to be a white supremacist as his campaign manager. But that not the craziest part of it. Instead, who wouldn’t have wanted to be a fly on the wall

White Noise December 30

when “Ye” asked Trump to be his vicepresident. “When Trump started basically screaming at me at the table telling me I was going to lose – I mean has that ever worked for anyone in history,” West said, recounting Trump’s response. “I’m like hold on, hold on, hold on, Trump, you’re talking to Ye.” Trump’s view of the conversation was just as crazy, stating: “So I help a seriously troubled man, who just happens to be black, Ye (Kanye West), who has been decimated in his business and virtually everything else, and who has always been good to me, by allowing his request for a meeting at Mar-a-Lago, alone, so that I can give him much needed “advice,” he begins. “He shows up with three people, two of which I didn’t know, the other a political person who I haven’t seen in years. I told him don’t run for office, a total waste of time, can’t win!”

Snoop Biopic in The Works It has been a long time coming but Snoop will finally have his day as his life story is set for the big screen. The forthcoming biopic will be co-produced

by Universal Pictures and his newly formed company, Death Row Pictures.

“I waited a long time to put this project together because I wanted to choose the right director, the perfect writer, and the greatest movie company I could partner with that could understand the legacy that I’m trying to portray on screen, and the memory I’m trying to leave behind. It was the perfect marriage,” said the Grammynominated rapper. And of course, the film is going to feature some of his top hits.

Footnotes OctaviaSpencer Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama Age: 52 Breakout Role: “The Help” Current Projects: “Truth Be Told”, “Spirited” Upcoming: “The Bobby Love Story”; “Feds” Born with Dyslexia, Octavia Spencer graduated from Auburn University as an English major with a double minor in journalism and theater. Though she made her film debut in 1996 with a bit part in “A Time To Kill”, 15 years would pass before her breakout role in “The Help”. Critically acclaimed roles in “Fruitvale Station”, “Hidden Figures”, “Get On Up” and “Self-Made” followed along with a recurring role in the CBS sitcom, Mom. To her credit are three SAG Awards, a Golden Globe award and an Oscar. In 2019, she got the role she wanted the most as producer when she launched her own production company, Orit Entertainment.

On her Apple TV series,"Truth Be Told”: I like that Poppy is a journalist and skates between the criminal element that is her job and the criminal element her father sort of foments. I've been so used to my character’s lives not being fully realized.

Being able to show all aspects of Poppy and make this woman a whole person has been amazing.

On how she chooses her roles: Every character has a set of skills, and if you, the actor, don’t have them already, you have to do your research. I’m guided by roles that resonate with me personally. If I take on projects based on the social impact that I think they’ll have and it backfires, I lose my sense of self.

On being a producer: I always wanted to produce but acting happened first. I’m dyslexic, so every morning the first thing I have to do is wake up my brain with puzzles and brain teasers. I see producers as the people who fit all the pieces together. I always felt that if I relied on other people to get me work, then I’d be out of work rather quickly, because people only see you in these archetypal roles. By producing, I get to hold the reins a bit tighter while providing opportunities for other marginalized storytellers.

On what her mother taught her: I had a very strong mom who made me and my sisters understand that there were no limitations on our lives except what we placed on ourselves. I think she gave me the necessary foundation to be able to do what I do. You have to have blind faith in yourself and your ability–to not know that there’s a wall there because if you’re constantly looking for barriers, then they will be there.

On her 6-part docuseries about the FBI for ID: “As viewers, we have never been as inside the case as we are in this series. Being a true crime follower myself, speaking to active special agents with the FBI has been a thrill, and I could not be more excited to share Feds with the ID audience.”

On her self-care philosophy: Don’t be in such a hurry; it’s important to have a strong work ethic, but enjoy the little moments in between. Take vacations, take staycations.

RedCarpet Style

KELLY ROWLAND turned up the heat at the American Music Awards in this animal print creation from Nicolas Jebran

GABRIELLE UNION was daring in this sheer black floral lace gown from Prada

are some of our favorite looks from the red carpet last month. Kelly Rowland wowed at the American Music Awards, while A-list screen stars lit up the red carpet at the 2022 Governor’s Awards in Century City the night before.

ANGELA BASSETT was fierce in this white showstopper from Giambattista Valli

VIOLA DAVIS was striking in this multicolored Christopher John Rogers halter gown

JANELLE MONAE was a standout in this black pleated gown by Giambattista Valli

Eye On Gospel Doug Williams Launches New Label Doug Williams of the Williams Brothers has announced the launch of his new label, DLW Music Group, and its first release will be a new holiday single featuring Gerald Albright.

“I started to feel a tug in my spirit in 2020 during the pandemic that it was time to start my own label,” says Willams. “I had recently retired from Blackberry Records, so I was reluctant at first, but the Holy Spirit kept prompting me to move and I was obedient.”

Williams’ also began writing songs and eventually enlisted long-time co-producer Stan Jones to help bring them to life. Their unmistakable musical alchemy resulted in an album that will be released on DLW Music Group in 2023, as well as “An Unusual Child” - the new single available for the 2022 holiday season.

“I want people to be uplifted and encouraged during this Holiday season just knowing that we have a Savior who’s continuously working on our behalf,” says Williams. “I heard a preacher speaking about ‘an unusual child’ and that sparked the whole concept inside of me. He was an unusual child with an unusual assignment, and we are blessed that God gave us a Savior through His son Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Mike’s Winning Season “ W e l come to winn i n g season”, Pastor

Mike Jr., recently posted on Instagram and winning season it is for the 11x Stellar Award Winner, affectionately known as PMJ. Dubbed “The New King of Urban Inspiration,” Pastor Mike has scored three consecutive number-one singles (“B!G,” “I Got It,” and “Amazing”) on Billboard’s National Gospel Airplay chart. His breakout single “B!G” was recognized as Billboard’s #1 Gospel Airplay Song of 2020. He serves as the Senior Pastor of Rock City Church in Birmingham, AL. His brand-new EP, Winning, features 8 stand-out tracks of encouragement with Pastor Mike’s signature sound, trap music cadences, and lyrical mastery. The title track, “WINNING,” is a declaration of positive affirmations, while the EP’s lead single, “impossible”–featuring James Fortune–has captured the hearts of so many over the last three years during moments of spontaneous worship.

“In my life, I’ve always wrestled with anxiety and sometimes depression, so I overthink and don’t know how to live in the moment. Now, for the first time in my life, I am living in the moment and I’m grateful for all God is doing - it’s winning season!” Pastor Mike shared.

Lecrae Releases Church Clothes 4 In the ten years since Reach Records' president & cofounder, Lecrae, initially released Church Clothes, he has evolved from an artist into a New York Times bestselling author, investor, thought leader, entrepreneur, activist, financial educator, and philanthropist. Yet, his mission remains the same, to represent faith and hiphop with an unashamed edge! On November 4th, he released “Church Clothes 4”, the last in the mixtape series with 13 songs. In the final chapter of Church Clothes, Lecrae reveals that he's "righteous but ratchet," explaining, "I'm a child of hip-hop. I grew up with rap music, and God transitioned and transformed me when I became a believer! After that, people felt I didn't belong in hip-hop anymore. The Church Clothes mixtape series

helped them understand there's a place for artists like me.

In the first single from the final installment of Church Clothes, "Spread the Opps," Lecrae isasking God to spread the opposition out. "There's always going to be opposition when you bring truth and reality. The Church Clothes series brings both, so I expect to face opposition. But I'm standing on what I believe in and letting God do the rest.”

"I'm at a place now where I'm building the framework for the future of CHH and hopefully expanding faith in hip-hop globally. I'm also putting some skin on my faith.

Martin Luther King Jr. put skin on his faith. He didn't just say I love God; he got out in the streets and ensured people were eating and protected their rights. In this post-George Floyd era, I can talk about the realities that affect Black and Brown people inside and outside the church and challenge my white brothers and sisters to pay attention to our voices. It's me putting skin on my faith. When you listen to Church Clothes 4, no side has it all figured out. It begins with listening. For us to work together, we gotta listen to each other! Church Clothes is just me challenging people to listen."

The 2023 Class of Gospel’s Grammy Nominees Congratulations to Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, Doe, Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin, PJ Morton, Tye Tribbett, Maranda Curtis, Ricky Dillard and TobyMac, all of whom earned Grammy nominations for their latest projects…Finally, Grammy®-winning artist Regina Belle is getting into the holiday spirit with the release of My Colorful Christmas, her first holiday album.

Belle’s refreshing take on Christmas includes beloved favorites like “The First Noel,” “Silent Night,” and songs of remembrance like “Auld Lang Syne” and a duet with her daughter Sydni Battle on “A Baby Changes Everything.”

GameChanger “Afro Unicorn: First Black-Woman-Owned Brand Licensed In Major Retail Stores”

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L.A. Focus/December 2022

hen Afro Unicorn creator and CEO April Showers came up with her now multimillion dollar lifestyle brand, she did it with the intention to remind women and children of color how unique, divine and magical they truly are— and though the outspoken and savvy businesswoman always embraced her own personal magic, the irony is that at the time she wasn’t familiar with unicorns.

Before Afro Unicorn was conceived in May of 2019, Showers— an L.A. native— was a busy entrepreneur and single mother, running her insurance agency and real estate business while raising two young boys— which prompted her close friend to start calling her a unicorn.

“I had to ask him, ‘why do you keep calling me a unicorn?’, and he said it was because I can manage it all. And I was like, ‘well that’s just what women do’.

And he said, ‘No, April you do it at an extraordinary level’,” Showers tells L.A. Focus.

But before Showers could embrace the compliment, she had to first really understand it.

“I really didn’t know what unicorns were, I didn’t grow up with that kind of stuff,” says Showers. “So, I Googled it. I saw that they were magical, they were unique. I'm like, okay, I'm black girl magic and definitely unique. I'm going to identify as this unicorn.”

From there Showers ran with it and began using the unicorn emoji on her phone as a sign-off on her texts, until it dawned on her that every unicorn that she had ever seen depicted was white.

“One day it hit me, I said, ‘why is it that the image that's supposed to represent who I am, is white? Who determined that unicorns were supposed to be white?,” recalls Showers. “At that moment it no longer res-

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onated with me. I went to find one that looked like me and I couldn't, so instead of complaining about it, I just decided to be the change I wanted to see. That's why I created Afro Unicorn.”

With the desire to create an icon that would represent the black girl magic she embodies and make something that can inspire young girls to embrace their power, Showers began working on a t-shirt design. She would come up with a unicorn logo with three distinct skin tones— mocha, caramel and vanilla to reflect the different complexions of her customer base— with flowing curly afro manes above her tagline: Unique. Divine.

Magical.

“My goal from the beginning was to normalize black beauty, to give our black and brown girls a unicorn that represents them and also encourages them to love the skin of theirs and embrace the crowns on their head,” says Showers.

Showers began building Afro Unicorn from the ground up, collaborating with other entrepreneurs and finding success in establishing a grass roots customer base of young girls and mothers who were glad to find a brand that allowed them to project self-confidence and power in their identity.

Fate would strike in the form of a viral video which made all of Showers’ hard work pay off in the biggest way. The video was of a little girl wearing her Afro Unicorn shirt out in public taking pictures, when a passerby commented that they liked her hair. Without missing a beat, she responded with the most enthusiastic smile, “Thank you! It’s an Afro!” The adorableness

of the video caused it to get millions of views as well as shares from celebrities such as Viola Davis, Tina Knowles— and then the biggest celebrity of them all— Oprah.

After Oprah’s share, Showers would receive an email from Walmart asking if she would be interested in doing a line of Afro Unicorn party supplies for their stores.

Showers struck a deal with Walmart, making Afro Unicorn the first black woman owned brand to be licensed in a major retail store. They currently have 44 individual products on Walmart shelves, 22 party supply products and 22 other assorted products from their signature apparel to makeup and beauty items and everything in between— now even Afro Unicorn birthday cakes.

And according to Showers, from the very beginning

it would seem that Walmart had a big vision for her brand.

“Going into the Walmart deal I reached out for advice from an old mentor who had a brand at Walmart, and she told me to ask them for the door count, or how many different stores they would be testing the product in,” said Showers. “She said 50 to 200 would be great.

But when it came up in the meeting they said a minimum of 1,000! I ended up in nearly 4,000 which is almost all of the Walmarts in the country.”

And because Afro Unicorn is licensed through Walmart they have access to all of Walmart’s partner brands, as well as manufacturing and distribution powers so quantity is never a problem. Showers says that most of her orders are now in the millions of units in each category.

Along with Walmart, Afro Unicorn products are now in Target, Kohls, and soon to be in JCPenny and Macy’s as well. The Afro Unicorn brand, which Showers says is modeled after Hello Kitty, has “four quadrant” appeal, or markets in demographics from babies to grandmothers, and has seen a rise in popularity thanks to endorsements from celebrities such as Tiffany Haddish, Alicia Keys, and Sherri Shepherd.

While the brand has seen sky-rocketing success, Showers says one of the biggest challenges she’s facing in continuing the growth of the brand is having content attached to her brand that people can consume and relate to.

“I have no content,” says Showers. “We’re competing in the same aisles as Disney princesses and Star Wars which all have stories being told and sold about them while Afro Unicorn is just the property itself. Traditionally you have content, you have a story, and then merchandise comes from that story— we’re definitely doing it the opposite way.”

To satisfy this issue, Afro Unicorn recently signed

a production deal to create an animated episodic TV series as well as a future feature film.

While much of Showers’ success comes from the determined grit it takes to carry her vision, she is a strong believer in the power of lifting up those around her.

“If you’re helping enough people get to where you want to be, you’ll get to where you need to be,” says Showers. “I spend a lot of my time investing in other people and pushing them in whatever they have going on at Afro Unicorn. As a result of that hard work and those seeds we planted, the growth happens naturally.”

And even though her big break— the viral video of the little girl— may on the outside seem like pure luck, it speaks to the power of creating networks of opportunity and empowerment through her work.

“It’s interesting that a year before that video was made, the mother of that little girl sent me a birthday card that read, ‘I hope that one day we can impact your life as much as you’ve impacted ours,’ and then a year later they impacted my life in a way I can’t even put into words,” says Showers. “I really believe that investing in people is how you create opportunities for yourself. I know that if I can get you into a place where you become the gatekeeper, it makes it easier for me to access those doors.”

Beyond that, Showers says it’s her faith that guides her and has a daily routine of prayer and gratitude is one of her secrets to success.

“Every day I write down ten things that I’m grateful for because there is something powerful when you release gratitude— you are telling God what gifts you are thankful for. So, I write down my master goals and I write ten things I am grateful for currently. When you write it down and go back through it, it becomes your bible. Every quarter I go back through what I’ve written and check what I’ve done— and in the long run I almost always get them all done.”

Chris Thompson Named Chief of Staff to MayorElect Karen Bass With little more than three weeks to pull an administration together and her swearing in set for December 12, the top priority of Mayor Elect Karen Bass assembling a team focused on bringing unhoused individuals indoors and making L.A. safer and more affordable.

“My number one priority is assembling a team that will be ready on day one to move our city forward. With his vast leadership experience and shared vision for our city, Chris is the right person to serve as my chief of staff and work with me to lead our agenda for Los Angeles’ future,” Bass said in a statement. “Though this is an unprecedented three-week transition, make no mistake — change is coming, and we will hit the ground running.”

With the announcement this week of Chris Thompson as her Chief of Staff, a key part of that job is now behind her.

“The people of this city spoke loud and clear when they delivered a decisive victory for Mayor-elect Bass," said Thompson. "She has laid out a clear vision and plan to confront the crisis of homelessness and to make our city safer and more affordable for all. I look forward to helping her execute that vision.”

A seasoned leader in both the private and public sectors, Thompson–who currently serves as Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games working with local, state and federal officials and agencies to ensure a successful 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles– will bring a fresh perspective and new direction to the mayor’s office and City Hall.

ChurchNews Is Carson the Next Home for the City of Refuge?

L.A. Baptist Community Mourns Pastor Kelly Taylor heal.”

Latricia Mitchell, president of the Los Angeles branch of the NAACP, directed her comments specifically to DeLeon.

“Everyone in the United States knows your name, Mr. de Leon. The mask you were wearing has now come off,” Mitchell said. “We know who you really are.

You are not helping the people in Council District 14 because you are not at the Council meeting. You said, ‘No, I will not resign because there is a lot of work ahead.’ Yes, there is work, but you are no longer the person to do that as an elected official. If there is work to do, you can do it as a community member. It is time

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ishop Noel Jones is not saying for sure, but it seems as if Carson could possibly serve as the next home for the City of Refuge, which finalized the sale of its Gardena property earlier this year and has until June of next year to move.

Compton had been discussed as a potential choice, but it now looks as though Jones is setting his sights on Carson.

Jones’ sweetheart sale has put the church in a great position financially, though the sum of the sale has not officially been disclosed.

“We came in at minimal and we n moved it out to ten times the amount of money,” is all Jones would say.

“What we would like to do now is to acquire at least 15-17 acres–no less than 10 acres–and build out a boxing gym, basketball gym for our community. Make it a no-gun zone. Do church because we’re only doing church live two hours a week.

“We want to focus every night on something,” he continues. “Right now, we’re doing real estate classes.

We want to teach truck driving because transportation becomes critical in a time like now. We want to do a commercial kitchen and teach people how to cook properly–the right kind of food. We want to partner with people who develop low income housing. We want to be able to feed people who are hungry…to put porta potties and showers on our parking lot and have guards so people who are living in their cars can be on a piece of property and be safe throughout the night and be able to refresh themselves and get back to wherever they work. That’s the kind of thing we want to do. At the same time continue to do the spiritual work God has called us to do.”

Faith Leaders Reiterate Calls for Councilmembers DeLeon and Cedillo to Resign

L.A. Focus/December 2022

In the wake of L.A.’s newly elected leadership and in an effort to move past the city council scandal sparked by leaked racist tapes, a coalition of faith and community leaders gathered this week to echo the call for the resignations of Councilmembers Gil Cedillo and Kevin de Leon. They say the resignations of past council president, Nury Martinez and L.A. County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera,are not enough given the chaos created by their actions.

“We have joined the voices of unity, in unity, in a call for clarity, demanding that Gil Cedillo and Kevin de Leon resign from the office and resign immediately,” Pastor J. Edgar Boyd of First AME Church stated.

“Mr. Cedillo, Mr. DeLeon, both of you have irreparably destroyed and betrayed the trust between you and your voters, the voters who are constituents in your district. You have shamed your constituents.

You have disgraced the City of Los Angeles. You have outrightly attached a colleague, a fellow member, with the racist references that you made against him and his minor child. Your actions have created racial and ethnic rifts across communities, across Los Angeles. Your actions have made you unfit for public office... Do the right thing and resign your office and allow the City to begin to

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for you to resign.”

SCLC Los Angeles chapter president, Rev. William Smart was among those who are concerned about the negativity “brewing in the community” following the fallout from the closed-door meeting.

“It is very important that as we establish and move forward in a beloved community, that we have people that understand unequivocally that you have and say the right words, even behind closed doors,” Smart observed. “Even though Kevin de Leon has two more years, we cannot afford to move forward with him on the City Council. “Resign Kevin, resign.”

L.A. Baptist Community Bids Fond Farewell to Pastor Kelly Taylor No one expected his death at just 51 years old, but on October 28, Pastor Kelly Taylor, who pastored the New Congregational Missionary Baptist Church where he founded Xpand CDC, passed away after suffering a stroke while on the freeway.

And last month, over 500 of his colleagues, family, friends and parishioners packed into the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church to honor Kelly, who served in Christian ministry over four decades in Los Angeles.

The program was officiated by Pastors Henry Brown, Terry Brooks and Eric Phillips, with Dr. R.A. Williams delivering the eulogy.

“Every time I think about Kelly, I think about the name that I gave him–I called him “Mini Me”, said Williams. “How God used him in a tremendous way to preach the gospel. We loved him dearly.”

Said Pastor E. Wayne Gaddis, “He made everyone feel like they were his best friend.”

As a youth who played piano while growing up at Friendly Friendship Baptist Church where the Pastor told him, ‘When you grow up, you’re going to play for the adult choir, to which Kelly replied, “no, when I grow up, I’m going to have your job.”

Taylor’s wife of 28 years, First Lady Myesha Taylor, spoke of the sacrifices he made in ministry.

“Some of you appreciated it. Some of you didn’t, but ultimately, I know God used him to make a difference.

Everything we went through was for a reason and a purpose and for somebody else’s life to be changed.

“I decided…our church decided…our friends and family decided that his legacy will continue, not because it is about a building. Not because it’s about what things you can accomplish, but he gave his blood [for this].”

Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center 4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 Corprate Office: 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 2A, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 295-5571 www.agapela.org Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Founder & Senior Pastor Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word Bethesda Temple Apostolic Faith 4909 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 299-2591 • thevoice4904@att.net Pastor Kyron S. Shorter Sunday Morning Prayer: 9:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 11:00am Children’s Church: 11:00am Sunday Evening Service: 6:00pm

Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church 3719 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-5610 • www.bkcamechurchla.org Rev. Mary S. Minor, DMin,Pastor Worship virtually: Facebook Live at Brookins-KirklandCommunity AME Church For prayer: Call or email to be added to the prayer list Bible Study Thursdays: 6pm Via Zoom call or email office:bkcamechurchla@gmail.com

Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082 Pastor Dwaine Jackson Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:15 am Bible Study (Tues): Noon Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 6:00pm

Calvary Baptist Church 4911 W. 59th Street,Los Angeles, CA,90056 (323)298-1605•F: (310) 568-8430 • calvarybaptistla.org Rev. Dr. Virgil V. Jones Sunday Prayer: 8:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 12:00pm & 7:00pm We are the Church on the Hill where the Light Shines Bright!

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

God’s Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ/ Prayer Clinic & Deliverance Ministry P.O. Box 561368, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 293-7566 • www.gfdjc.org •gfdjc@att.net Dr.Ruby I. Cottle, Ph.D., Pastor/Teacher Services every Friday: 7:00pm We meeet at: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, Ca 90018 Watch Dr. Cottle on HBN TV Wed’s 7:30am Channel 886 Dish,Smart TV Local Channel 35.2 Listen to Dr. Cottle Sundays on KJLH at 5:00am

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

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 Rev. DeNon Porter Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 703-5868 • www.holmanumc.com Email: holman@holmanumc.com Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday Radio: KJLH 102.3FM at 11am Sunday School: 9:30am (Children/Youth) & 9:45am (Adults) Bible Study: Every Thursday @ Noon We Gather,Grow,Go and Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ McCarty Memorial Christian Church 4103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-4131 • www.mccartychurch.org Senior Pastor Edward Anderson Sunday Worship: 10:45am Bible Study: Tues @12:30pm/Wed @6pm Zoom Call: (605) 472-5454 Access:188857 Online Stream Live: Sundays@10:45am to www.mccartychurch.org Give: Text 77977 Instagram@mccartyconnect Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964 Rev. Johnteris Tate-Pastor Sunday Church School: 8:00am Worship Service: 9:15am Baptist Training Union: 7:00am Tues. Bible Study/Prayer: Noon & 7:00pm

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

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

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1300 E. 50th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 235-2103 • Rev. Joshua Daniels, Pastor Morning Worship: 10am (In Service and Online Live Stream Worship) Sunday School: 8:45am Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm www.mtzionla.org New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 • www.newantiochcogic.org Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis Sunday Early Worship: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Tuesday Bible Study: 11am Wednesday In The Word: 7pm All services streamed: Facebook and YouTube @New Antioch Church of God In Christ

ONE LA Potter’s House Church 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • hello@one.online Pastor Touré and Sarah Roberts The ONE Experience Online: Sundays: 7A |9A |11A |1P |6P Thursdays: 5P |8P (PST) @toureroberts @sarahjakesroberts @one.online ONE.ONLINE

FIRST LADY FILES

KAREN A. BROWN Contributor

Michelle Clease

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New Life Christian Center

er husband–Pastor Todd Clease– can remember what she was wearing the first time he saw her and it is that kind of adoration that has fueled their 31+ year marriage and the couples ministry he and First Lady Michelle Clease foster as the lead pastors of the New Life Christian Center.

It was Michelle’s early commitment to Christianity that first drew her husband to God while also marking the start to a much deeper relationship between the two, who at the time were just friends.

Recalls Michelle, “I shared with him what I had learned about the holy spirit and he was seeking and hungry and he ended up getting filled and to thank me, he was like, let's go out to dinner. That's how we started.”

The L.A. native credits the success of their marriage to them both wanting to be pleasing to God together.

“I knew I was going to be married to a pastor in my heart, but I think making the commitment was really hard when I saw it starting to come into vision,” said the mother of two adult children. She, however, wasn’t quite as sure being a First Lady when they took of the pastorate at New Life LA a decade ago.

“I just never could see myself in the first lady role the way I knew church and I was like, ‘Lord, you’ve got to help me with this, because that's not me.’ Then he just really confirmed in me that, ‘I want to use you the way you are’. That helped to release me.”

Like her husband, she has a passion to see the lost won for Christ and to see marital relationships restored.

Says Michelle, “I know that I don't have to have that traditional role of the first ladies I saw sitting on the front pew. Instead, I know how to just be me and to care about people.

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

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

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

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

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

West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3600 W. Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 • www.westa.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., Senior Pastor Charles E. Blake II Co-Pastor Sunday Service: 10:00am Sunday Radio Broadcast: KJLH 102.3 FM: 10:00am

In Compton Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus) Service Time: 10:45 Virtual Worship: Youtube Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm) Dr. Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Online Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm FB: GreaterZionChurchFamily IG: GZCFamily www.gzcfamily.com

Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 • F: (310) 537-3149 Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Sunday School: 9:45am & 10:15am Early Morning Worship: 7:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11:15am New Members’ Class: 9:45am Communion/1st Sunday: 7:30am/11:15am Mid-Week Prayer/Bible Study (Wed)- 7pm Broadcast (KALI 900AM - Sun:2-3:00pm Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5449, Compton, CA 90224 Apostle Ronald C. Hill Sr., Founder/Pastor Live Stream Sunday Worship:10am/6:30pm Live Stream Bible Studies: Wed 7:30am & 9:00am Live Stream Prayer w /Apostle Hill: Fri: 9am Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact TV Network: Mon-Fri PST 6:30am The Word Network Fridays @ 12:30pm

Pastor Profile: Tim Coston Church: Grant AME Church How Long at church: 2 months Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska Family: Wife Karen of 24 years, five children You were recently appointed to lead Grant AME, one of the most storied churches in Watts–why do you think you were the right fit for Grant AME? I'm just speculating, but my wife and I have been very active in the conference when it comes to the young people. We have given of ourselves and our resources so that the young people can be ministered to and I think what the bishop may have seen is that we are willing to give of ourselves and our resources unselfishly when we see a cause we believe in. Grant for me is a cause I believe in.

All you up for the challenge of restoring Grant to its former glory?

The first week I was in the office, I realized Grant is where I'm supposed to be. I love a challenge and we're in a challenging mode right now and we're going to be all right. I have a five-hour commute round trip every day, and it's okay. When I look at it, God has been preparing me for Grant since day one. Everything I've been through–including the military has designed me for this moment right here at Grant. I believe the bishop saw that. I think the presiding elder saw it, and that's why I'm there.

I understand you preached your first sermon at 12 years old?

Yes, first sermon at 12 years old, but I think the first thing I ever did in the church where I was portraying a preacher was a Tom Thumb wedding to raise money for some organization. But I never imagined I'd be a preacher or a pastor.

What did you grow up wanting to be, if not a pastor?

I wanted to be a doctor but I must have changed my mind a million times. I received the call at 18, but I ended up joining the military and stayed 20 years in the Marine Corps–a veteran of the Desert Storm War. Wait a minute, you receive your call at 18, but decide to go into the military first?

Well, I was a little bit indecisive there for a couple of years. I went to Japan and that kind of took me out of the loop for a while. But when I came back, I made up my mind that I was going to complete my ministerial classes and finish up my ministry. And so, I started back heavily with my ministerial classes, and I was stationed in 29 Palms. I got my first church in 1999, and I retired from the military in 2004. So, the last five years of my military service, I was also pastor.

So, you're thinking about ministry and in a war zone, what is that like?

I looked at it like this: that God was with me there, just like He was with me stateside when I was and wasn't in an actual conflict. I think it increased my faith. I remember going to an Easter Sunrise service in Saudi Arabia just sitting out there in the open. So, my faith didn't shake, and I didn't have any reservations about what I was doing or why I was there. I understood what my mission was on the military side, but I also thought about all of those persons in the Bible that God was with in battle.

Did you learn anything about yourself in the military that has helped you in ministry?

Yes. A lot of what I’ve done as a pastor comes from my military training. The self-discipline to get a job done, the ability to lead people and be the example in leadership and to be at the forefront whenever anybody gets ready to do something. Also, I was a computer technician in the military, so a lot of that transitioned over into my ministry as far as practical application when it came to teaching and administrative tasks. And I had to learn how to deal with all different types of

people from all over and to accept everybody and understand that everybody brings something a little different, but it doesn't mean we can't all be on the same team and still accomplish the mission.

I imagine Dessert Storm was tough, was that your most challenging time?

No, I think struggling with my call was probably one of my biggest challenges more so because I was young. It was while I was in the military that I got focused and realized my calling to the ministry was what I was supposed to do, and I haven't looked back.

What was the deciding factor in your going all in?

When my first marriage didn't work, that was one of my biggest trying moments, probably the biggest. That made me think about who I was as a person, who I was as a father, and about the calling that I had. How was I fulfilling it? So, I started getting serious about finishing up my classes and completing my ministry. I didn't have the slightest idea I was going to be assigned as a pastor at the same conference I got ordained at. Normally that doesn't happen, but as soon as I got ordained, I got sent to a church.

What are your strengths and how do you think you've evolved as a pastor?

My work ethic, my leadership skills when it comes to leading people trying to do what's right, I always want to do what's right and fair by the people and by anyone.

And I think I have grown by leaps and bounds when it comes to interacting with people. I used to kind of shy away from any type of conflict, but I’ve learned that conflict doesn't always mean aggression. That took me a while to figure out and to understand it’s okay to disagree with somebody. That it doesn't mean that it's going to escalate. Because of that, I'm able to listen and not take things personal and be able to say, okay, what would you like to see? I have a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, and I’ve learned how to listen to people when they talk.

What is the biggest mistake you’ve made?

One of them was taking people at their word and then finding that maybe they didn't have my best interest or the church's best interest at heart. Now, as a pastor, I really look to that shepherd mentality God has placed in me. The church is full of awesome folks but one of my pet peeves is when people try to come and take advantage of their trust and faith. So, I believe God has placed me at Grant for this particular season in my life and for the season at Grant, to be able to protect them and to help them to get back to that former glory. I look forward to being the pastor of everybody at Grant, and learning from them, working for them. And I don't say I'm going to the church; I just tell myself I'm getting up and going to work.

Why is that?

Because I'm there to do a job and I believe in that job and I'm thankful that the job is to help people, to bring people to Christ, to help edify the church and to help the community. I believe I can and will do that.

If you had a philosophy or scripture you live by, what would it be?

Psalm 121:1, “I will look to the hills from when's coming into my help. My help is coming from the Lord.” Every morning I stand out in my backyard and God has blessed me to have a beautiful view where I see nothing but rolling hills and I look at those hills every morning and say, Psalm 121:1. Also I Corinthians 2: 45, “My message and my preaching was not with wise or persuasive words work, but with the demonstration of the spirit's power that your faith might not rest in human wisdom, but in God's power.” That speaks to what I say every time I get up there on Sunday morning.

It's not about Tim. It's not about how theatrical or impressive Tim can be, it's all about God and giving God glory.

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

In Gardena

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

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

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

Hawthorne

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

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

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

Faithful Central Bible Church 333 W. Florence Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035 Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher Sunday Services: 7:00 am & 9:30am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7:00pm The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood www.faithfulcentral.com Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc.

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

From the Pulpit: Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church “The Sorrowful End of the Unsaved Christian”

S

ometimes in our effort to make the gospel simple we have taken away crucial and pivotal elements of the gospel truth. We have, in other words, dumbed it down. Some call it easy-believism.

This is how it plays out in some of our churches. After the preacher finishes [his sermon], he says something like this, ‘Every head bow and every eye closed. If you're here and not sure you're going to heaven, I want you to slip that hand up right where you are. ‘I see you, sir. I see you, ma'am. Okay, I want you to repeat after me.

And if you pray this prayer and you mean it, you're saved.’

There is no mention of holiness, no mention of sin or the need for repentance. No mention of denying yourself and picking up your cross daily, which Jesus declares is necessary if you want to be his disciple. No cost counting at all.

I was in a meeting where when it was over, the preacher declared, “You're saved now and don't let anybody tell you different.”

So, we got folks getting saved, but they don't know what they're saved from or for. And a lot of times what we have is people who want to be saved from hell, but not sin. And if you can make a deal where they can avoid hell but keep their sin, they're all in.

So, we got folks getting saved, but they don't understand anything about the true nature of salvation. We tell them just sign on the dotted line and get your ticket to heaven.

We tell these non-converted unregenerated, unsaved Christians–with no follow up, no investigation to see if they even really understand what they claim to believe.

We don't connect them to a church or a community of believers who can instruct them, encourage them and confirm that they truly are born again.

Doesn't matter if you never set foot in church again, you're saved. Doesn't matter if you continue to pursue a life of sin, you're saved. Doesn't matter if you exhibit zero love for Christ or His people, you're saved and don't let anybody tell you different.

It's what one theologian called cheap grace. It makes a mockery of the true and amazing grace of God. It holds the cross of calvary in contempt and is quite frankly sending multitudes to hell because we teach as long as you came down that aisle once upon a time, it doesn't matter how you behave– once saved, always saved.

That brings us to the 11th article of the Baptist Articles of Faith of Perseverance of the Saints. It says, “We believe that such only are real believers as enduring to the end, that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors.”

The unsaved Christians are the ones we want to look at today and it's my prayer that if any of us recognize ourselves as we go through this passage that we will be

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

In Long Beach

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

Lord and be held accountable for what they did in the body if their names are not written in the lamb's book of life.”

Jesus says “many” are going to have this experience and it is the burden of my heart that no member of this congregation be found among the many. That nobody in this ministry is operating under the illusion that they are in the number only to discover on the last day they were self-deceived.

They'll say, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, done many wonders in your name.

Notice the ones making this plea are not your run of the mill Christians. No, these are superstars, right– people who have prophesied and cast out demons in Jesus' name. Done many wonderful works in Jesus' name. But Jesus says, whatever they did, no matter how spectacular, was not the will of the Father.

Why? Because it did not include true conversion and salvation.

This should remind all of us that just because we did something in Jesus' name does not mean it was the will of the Father even if it appears to be successful.

In fact, the whole “Raise your hand and repeat after me” style of evangelism has been very successful. Those who engage in it report the many thousands of people they’ve seen converted.

The question is, were they really converted? Were they really raised from spiritual death to life? Did the Holy Spirit really take up residence in their hearts? Or did they just respond to a clever sales pitch? Were they just manipulated emotionally?

There's a declaration to be heeded. There's a deception to be rejected. Finally, there is a destination to be rejected. In verse 23, Jesus says, “And then I will declare to them, I never knew you.”

Imagine believing that you are in the grace of God, that you are among those that God has extended his eternal favor– only to discover on that day Jesus never knew you. That's why as good as it is to know Jesus, it's better to be known by Him. I know some of you’ve got connections.

You're known in the room where it happens. But does Jesus know you?

Jesus says to the unsaved Christian, ‘You went through the motions. You said the words, but I never knew you.’ Then He is going to say, ‘Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.’

The Greek word here literally means without law. It speaks to a disregard of God's law and God's truth. There are some who

Pastor DeNon Porter

Christ Second Baptist Church 1471 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 599-3421 • Fax: (562) 599-6175 • www.csbclb.org Rev. Welton Pleasant II, Senior Pastor Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service: 9:40am Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wed Youth & Young Adult Ministry: 7pm

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

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

Norwalk

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

Call 310.677.6011 Ask for Kisha

L.A. Focus/December 2022

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

convicted and in humility– regardless of our status, standing, or long years in church–we would determine to truly repent from sin, receive salvation and be delivered from unsaved Christianity.

There is a difference between those who have truly been converted, redeemed and regenerated, and those who've just been in church a long time and if we don't know the difference, this message is for us.

The first thing we see in the text is that Jesus makes a declaration to be heeded. He's wrapping up the sermon on the mount and says in verse 21, “Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Not everyone who talks to talk. Not everyone who knows who to give honor and reverence to. Not everyone who's got a gospel song in their playlist or a scripture in their bio. Our fore parents used to sing a song that said, “Everybody talking about heaven ain't going there.”

If that doesn't shake you up, I don't know what will.

I don't mean any harm, but I feel some kind of way when I hear those who’ve made no profession of Christ and exhibited no love for Christ drop a “look at God” in the middle of their ungodly conversation.

I'm getting weary of folks who have no affiliation with the church, but they're talking about won't He do it? No brother, He won't do it, if you don't know Him. To see this in real time, all we have to do is tune in to the next BET awards. What you will see is a parade of performers who have been made millionaires making music that glorifies violence, objectifies women, promotes greed and materialism, but will get on stage and say, “I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Hold on, ma'am. Hold on, sir. Let's make sure you've got your business straight with Jesus before you put His name in the middle of the nonsense you’re spewing out.

Don't be a fool. Jesus says, “Not everyone who says Lord, Lord, shall into the kingdom of heaven.” His declaration is that only the ones who do the will of the heavenly Father enter the heavenly kingdom.

So, what is the will of the Father?

Well, we know from scripture there are several components to His will. The first and foremost is that we be born again. That's the first order of business.

We also see in verse 22, there's a deception to be rejected. Verse 22 says, “Many will say to me in that day (the day of judgment). That's where all will stand before the

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Hate continued from page 7

sale of logo-wear and merchandise, and hosting big events like concerts where the ticket prices are twice (or more) than what is normally paid to see a band. The Chronical Review also noted how some groups have launched independent record labels to sale what they called “white power music” and have earned millions. Others are beneficiaries of the wills and estates of deceased wealthy allies.

Despite the media coverage, the war against hate groups is gaining ground, and the SPLC is one of many fighters to be credited for remaining on the frontlines until results are seen.

“We have crippled or destroyed some of the country’s most notorious hate groups,” the SPLC report confirms. “[That includes] the United Klans of America, the Aryan Nations, and the White Aryan Resistance. We’ve sued them for murders and other violent acts committed by their members or by exposing their activities.”

Just last month there was yet another victory with the recent guilty verdicts of the far-right anti-government militia group, the Oath Keepers, whose leader, Stewart Rhodes now faces a maximum of 60 years in prison.

Elder continued from page 7

called a gay man a "little b–-" and even made a racist slur against Mexican immigrants. So "white southern conservatives" do not have a monopoly on racism and bigotry. Why, one can even find racism and bigotry at The New York Times.

I once heard country singer and pianist Charlie Rich at the Michigan State fair in Detroit. I was about the only black in a crowd of maybe 3,000. Given the insufficient number of blacks to keep me company, perhaps I should have stayed home and listened to "Behind Closed Doors" on the radio. As for Walker saying, "I'm not that smart," what of President Joe Biden? During the 2008 presidential campaign, Obama reportedly said of his running mate, "How many times is Biden going to say something stupid?"

But at least "African Americans" show up at Biden rallies.

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 and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.

Reed continued from page 7

be the first person to take advantage of this loophole.

The question is: has Walker actually changed his residency yet? Campaign finance filings show that he has at least one house in Georgia, but a new report from CNN shows Walker still claiming a tax exemption in Texas that’s only supposed to apply to a primary residence. Most states offer the so-called homestead tax exemption, which allows homeowners a small break on local taxes for the privilege of living in the jurisdiction.

Walker, CNN reports, took the exemption last year and this year, despite registering to vote in Atlanta in 2021, where his wife also voted in 2020. One of the 15 qualifications the state of Geor-

gia looks at in considering whether someone is legally eligible to run for office representing the state is where they take their homestead exemption, CNN notes. For Walker, that would be damn near 800 miles from the Georgia capital.

Keith Reed is a writer, former editor at ESPN, commentator and a contributor to theroot.com, which is where this oped was initially published.

Pulpit continued from page 19

have the idea that as long as they're not anti-God, that they are okay with God. This word lets us know that we don't need to be opposed to God's word or God's way to inherit a regrettable destiny, because if we are simply disregarding God's will, that will be enough to condemn us on the last day.

In Matthew 12:30, Jesus says, “He who is not with me is against me and he who does not gather with me scatters abroad.”

He says if you're not working with me, you're working against me. If you're not representing me, you are pulling me down. He says, “If you practice lawlessness, your ‘Lord, Lord’ does not matter.”

This I would submit is the essence of the unsaved Christian. They say they are Christians, but their profession does not match their practice. And just like faith without works is dead, so profession without practice is dead.

Now, I don't want anybody to think that what we say about Jesus does not matter. What we profess about our love for Christ and our commitment to His truth does matter. It’s empty professions that don't matter. If all we do is profess and not practice, we are talking loud and saying nothing.

This also is not a call for you or I to try to work harder or to do more. That's not the point. The ones saying, Lord, Lord, to Jesus were casting out demons, prophesying,–they were doing the most, but they were still condemned.

This is a call to be known by Jesus. To have a vibrant relationship with Jesus that begins with repentance from sin and calling on the Lord in faith. That the works that we do will then flow out of our supernatural relationship with God in Christ as our savior and Lord.

So, what is the destination to be lamented for the unsaved Christian?

Friend, if the Lord says depart from me to you on that day, understand it will not be because He is rejecting you. It will be because you have rejected Him and there will not be an abundance of places for you to go. The only place left is the place Jesus declared was prepared for the devil and his angels. In Luke 13, he says it's a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.

You can't be reincarnated into a dandelion or a dolphin. There is no purgatory. No waiting room for heaven where you can hang out for a couple of millenniums while your sins are purged.

No house for you to haunt.

But there is another option. If you come to Him while the blood is running warm in your veins, in repentance and faith, trusting Him as your savior and living by His grace in gratitude and love, on that day, the Bible says, He'll say, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

You have done the will of your Father.

You have fought a good fight. You have finished your course. “Enter into the joy of the Lord.’

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21

SavingGrace Kevin Hart

L.A. Focus/December 2022

L

ast month, the Hollywood Reporter named Kevin Hart as the celebrity entrepreneur of the year for the booming $450 million-plus business empire he built while rocketing to superstardom over the past decade with a string of box office successes–including Jumanji, Central Intelligence, Think Like A Man, Ride Along, The Upside and most recently Me Time–becoming one of the film industry’s hottest commodities and generating a social media following of 158 million followers.

Of Hart, the Hollywood Reporter wrote, “Stardom today is a commodity, more monetizable than ever, and few have figured out how to leverage it more effectively than Hart, who in parallel with his comedy career has built a business empire so diversified, it’s nearly impossible to categorize, ranging from film and TV to health and fitness, consumer packaged goods, spirits, sportswear, fintech and biotech.”

Aside from endorsement and or partnership deals with the likes of Sam’s Club, JP Morgan Chase, AT&T, Samsung, and Wrangler, Hart has an ownership stake in Hydrow rowing machines, Blackowned comic publishing house, Black Sands Entertainment and Fabletics with which he launched the Fabletics Men Line.

That doesn’t include his own very successful brands–the LOL (Laugh Out Loud) and Hartbeat Productions.

In May, Hart introduced his premium tequila, Gran Coramino and in August, he celebrated the opening of the first location of Hart House, his plantbased fast-food chain with two more locations currently under construction and is planning to open as many as ten restaurants over the next twelve months.

Quite a feat for a man who had made his bones off comedy. But perhaps the biggest part of Hart’s secret sauce for success is that he is willing to bet on himself, self-financing several of his early stand-up specials. He spent $750,000 to produce and release his 2011 special Laugh at My Pain in theaters, and in turn grossed upwards of $7 million.

"Knowing your self worth is extremely important.

I worked very hard to get where I am today. I look at myself as a brand and because of that I will never allow myself to be taking advantage of. I own my brand…I make smart decisions for my brand…I protect my brand…which is why I'm able to brush ignorance off of my shoulder and continue to move forward. I refuse to be broken people…with that being said, it's now time for me to get back to building this empire that I've always dreamed of!"

Hart admits that starting out, he knew nothing about the business side.

“I was a sponge, and I soaked up a bunch of information from being around people that were doing the things that I wanted to do,” Hart said.

Early on, Hart had at least two things going for him apart from his talent and drive: his mother,

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Nancy Hart support and his faith.

Nancy Hart–who passed of ovarian cancer in 2007–struggled mostly on her own to raise Hart and his older brother. A strict disciplinarian, she made sure to keep him busy and out of trouble. Devoutly religious, she instilled in her son a love for God. Hart has famously recalled that in his early years as a struggling comedian, it was his mother who provided financial support, but it was contingent upon one thing: that he read his Bible.

On one occasion, when the rent due date had passed, he called to remind her about the rent and her only response was to ask him if he had been reading his Bible. He hadn’t and the next week when he once again pressed his mother for the rent assistance, she told him, ‘When you read your Bible, then we'll talk about your rent.’

Finally, the comedian received an eviction notice.

Frustrated, he called his Mom, who this time asked if he’d looked in his Bible. When he did, to his amazement, six months of rent fell out.

It was the faith she instilled in him that Hart says helped him through his early days as a breakout comic in his native Philadelphia, getting booed off stages and at one point being told that he didn’t have what it took to be a successful comedian.

After a slow start, however, he found his own rhythm and unique style, and enjoyed his first breakthrough success in 2001 when Judd Apatow cast him in a recurring role on the TV series, “Undeclared”.

Ironically, it was subsequent film roles in “Soul Plane”, “Scary Movie 3 and 4”, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Little Fockers” and “Think Like A Man” that laid the groundwork for his successful comedy tours, beginning with “I’m A Grown Little Man” in 2009.

Hart had decided that he didn’t want to sit around and wait for Hollywood to give him roles, instead focusing in on his comedy.

“Over the course of like three and a half, four years, I built my fan base up,” Hart recounted in a 2019 interview with LinkedIn. “My fan base was now selling out all shows, so now I don’t have to do comedy clubs. Now I can do little theaters. Now I’ve built all this up by just being persistent and saying “Idle time is idle mind.”

In 2015, Chris Rock called him America’s “biggest stand-up comedian” and by 2016, he was named by Forbes Magazine as the successor to Jerry Seinfeld as “the king of comedy” with one recent report approximating his career touring gross earnings at nearly $190 million.

Hart credits his success to God and believes that everything happens for a reason, once posting “don’t laugh at my pain, because God has a plan for me.”

When in September of 2019, he nearly lost his life in an automobile accident, he believed the accident occurred as a result of God trying to get his attention.

"When God talks, you gotta listen," he wrote in a social media post. "I swear, life is funny, because some of the craziest things that happen to

you end up being the things you needed most."In this case, I honestly feel like God basically told me to sit down," the 40-year-old continued. "When you're moving too fast and you're doing too much, sometimes you can't see the things that you're meant to see. But after my accident, I see things differently. I see life from a whole new perspective.”

For Hart–who was advised by his mother, “You only get one life, and you’re only gonna get out of it what you put into it”–everything boils down to hard work and in most cases, overworking and over delivering. And rather than being jealous of others’ success, he uses their examples as fuel to work harder, believing, “I’m not doing as much as I could, because these people are proof that the things I want to do can be done.”

What he is not fond of is people who don’t put action behind their words.

“So many people love to voice it just so they can hear themselves say it,” observes the happily married father of four. “It's so hard for some people to follow through and actually put action behind the words.

So,my advice is to not be a talker because you can. Be the person that actually puts action behind it. And when you know that you're that person, then start picking people apart for advice and direction and what to do, what not to do because you know that you're gonna take it and you're gonna apply it. But when you don't know if you're even capable of taking information and going and using it, don't ask for it.”

In a recent shout out to all of what he’s dubbed as his life warriors, he said, “This thing called life ain’t easy. It’s hard as hell, but best believe there is a light at the end of every tunnel. It gets better people…keep grinding and keep believing…be a warrior.”

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