L.A. Focus July 2022 Issue

VOLUME XXVII • ISSUE 5 •July 2022 > > W W W. L A F O C U S N E W S PA P E R . C O M

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CHURCH NEWS Atherton Baptist Church to Celebrate $3 Million Expansion

FOOTNOTES Quinta Brunson on the Success of Abbott Elementary

SEE PAGE 10

Up Front

Bonta Decision Gives New Life to L.A. Council District 10 Leadership Battle & the Legality of Herb Wesson Appointment SAVING GRACE Sheryl Lee Ralph

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contents

L.A. Focus Publications

July 2022

L-R: Mayor Eric Garcetti was joined by Councilmember Curren Price for a proclamation making Juneteenth a city holiday (Middle) State Senator Sydney Kamlager, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Tina McKinnor and Kellie T. Griffin take in a CA Black Women’s Collective event at CAAM (Right): Mary Mary, Anthony Hamilton, Michelle William pose together at the hollywood bowl after a sold-out concert featuring an all black symphony orchestra (Photo Credit: Ian Foxx, Craig T. Matthews/Matthews Imaging )

4 From The Editor

“Sometimes You Have to Encourge Yourself”

Commentary

God Help My Friendship With White Evangelicals After Dobbs

6 UpFront

Bonta Decision Gives New Life to L.A Council District 10 Leadership Battle & the Legality of the Wesson Appointment; California Black Chamber of Commerce Opens L.A. Resource Center; Bass Defeats Caruso by Seven in Final Vote Tally, Monkeypox Can Be Contained: Experts Urge Testing and Vaccination

8 Head 2 Head

10 Cover Story

Overturning Roe V. Wade: How the Supreme Court’s Consequential Ruling Impacts Black Women Everywhere

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California Mortgage Relief Program To Assist Struggling Homeowners

Biz News Briefs Melody Hobson to Become First Black Woman with Equity Stake in NFL Team; Tracy Ellis for Named 2022 Ambassador for Buy from A Black Woman

On the Money LeBron James Is Officially a Billionaire

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

Red Carpet Style Tony and BET 2022 Awards

22 Saving Grace Sheryl Lee Ralph

Overcomer Deluxe Edition, For Brent Jones Nothing Else Matters; The Return of Shekinah Glory

14 Game Changer

LA Dodgers Foundation’s Chief Executive is Making Baseball More Than A Game”

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Church News Atherton Baptist Church Celebrates $3 Million Expansion; L.A. Faith Community Celebrates Manuel Scott Jr.

17 First Lady Files Lady Laura Simon

L.A. Focus salutes L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl Osby who–after nearly four decades of service–has announced that he will retire effective July 30.

Appointed as Chief in 2011, Osby is the first Black to hold the post.

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.

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Apostle Beverly Crawford Lem Daniels Bob Blake

@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.

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

Cover Design: UpScale Media Group

L.A. Focus/July 2022

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

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21 In Good Taste

honorary advisors

staff

#LAFOCUS

Resurrection LA Church “Gain Some Weight”

Eye On Gospel

Money Matters

Photographer Advertising

Nisan Stewart

Lura’s Kitchen

Quinta Brunson

Headlines From Africa

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers

Back on the Market; Big Ballin’ ; Sweet Thunder

Footnotes

Fallout Over a Supreme Court Reversal

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Hollywood Buzz

18 Pastor Profile 19 From The Pulpit of

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Commentary

BRITTNEY COOPER Guest Columnist

“God Help My Friendship With White Evangelicals After Dobbs”

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have one or two white conservative Evangelical friends left. Our friendships mostly thrive in the environs of Facebook, as nostalgic vestiges of my high-school days, and my sense that despite significant political disagreements, these people are deep down fundamentally decent. When you grow up a Black girl in a predominantly white small town in the Deep South, you learn to see white people’s capacity for both humanity and oppression, early, as a matter of survival.

In the midst of my outraged lament over the Supreme Court’s devastating decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, one of these friends inserted herself into a Facebook thread to comment that it was not the Court’s decision that was “brutal.” Rather, she told us, “abortions are brutal for the unborn.”

While I am a Christian, a preacher’s kid, and a licensed minister – I never have time for white Evangelical bulls**t. I simply cannot abide it. I certainly do not have the patience of Job on a good day, and I definitely don’t on a bad day. But I engaged her in “Christian love” and exceeding patience because I guess I hold out hope that if some of these conservative white women would see the light, things could change for the better. So, I explained to her, for instance, that as a Black woman, with enslaved ancestors who were assuredly denied the right to control their reproduction, I do not have the luxury of a depoliticized theology that misses how political decisions impact the actual lives of real people.

When the first enslaved Black women arrived in this country, their womanhood became defined solely through their forced reproduction of enslaved, unfree offspring.

Forced reproduction cannot mean anything other than slavery to Black women. And it is our fundamental understanding of that, that inspired white women in the 19th century to consider their own condition as property.

I also tried to preempt some of the moral claims that those on the right make about abortion by pointing out that even God gives us choices. Mary explicitly agreed to birth the baby Jesus. People get to choose whether to fol-

low Jesus or not. Why should childbirth be different?

My friend thinks that all this decision does is keep people from “using abortion as birth control.” Because the right has, for decades, successfully conjured up images of damaged, mangled fetuses to traditionally feminine southern white women, whose primary understanding of womanhood is inextricably linked to motherhood. Because when you have had the protections of empire behind your family for your entire life, it’s hard to imagine that there are things more horrible than an aborted fetus.

Because it’s easy, in that context, to conclude that people are sitting in the clinic waiting room because they’ve simply been being promiscuous and unthoughtful about their reproductive capacity. Because, for them, it’s easy to conclude that those of us who believe in the right to abortion have no respect for the lives of the vulnerable.

But when you are one of the vulnerable ones, you see it differently. When you grow up as a Black girl in the same place as these willfully clueless white women with an entirely different experience of the world, one in which their whiteness became the pretext for racialized assaults on your body and life chances, you learn early that there are other horrors. I remember the girls who had babies because boys ran trains on them; the tween homegirl who confessed to me that she had been raped by her father; the girls who got pregnant because their dudes stealthed

From the Editor

them, taking off the condom without their knowledge, in order to force them to have babies they didn’t want. When you grow up in a world where your body, because it is not white, is not treated as sacred, you learn to value every protection, personal and political, against your violation.

And you have the good sense to mourn when those protections fall away. But when your view of the world is centered around the “truth” that heterosexual marriages between Christian folks can solve all the world’s problems, none of these things seem like horrors to you. They seem like the inevitable results of people’s refusal to “do things God’s way.” The problem of course is that this depoliticized understanding of the world allows white women to weaponize their white femininity and their protected, vaunted motherhood against the rest of us, while feeling morally superior in their choice to do so.

My standard of motherhood comes from my mother and my grandmother. My grandmother advocated for each of her four daughters to use birth control as soon as they reached adulthood because she did not have access to it. My grandmother explicitly told me she would not have had as many children if she could have gotten access to the Pill. My mother was her last child; her access to the Pill might mean I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have been any the wiser because she deserved the right to decide and she fiercely believed in my right to decide. Those of us who are the vulnerable, those of us who are Black and poor and queer and trans and femme and undocumented, know how much bodily autonomy matters. It is not our job to prove it or explain it to the willfully ignorant. We do not have to bow at the altar of their gods.

Ultimately, I stopped this back and forth. My stance with my friend is and remains simple: “I love Jesus and I disagree.” Bodily autonomy is sacred, and one can love God and believe in the right to abortion. I do.

Brittney Cooper is a Cut contributor, an activist, a cultural critic, an associate professor at Rutgers University and the author of the Times best seller Eloquent Rage. (This article was first published in “The Cut”).

LISA COLLINS Publisher

“ Sometimes You Have to Encourage Yourself "

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n a world turned upside-down, I am reminded that it is up to me to turn things right side up to foster a healthy mental perspective. Being a Christian, it comes part and parcel with the faith I have and the belief that God is always in con-

L.A. Focus/July 2022

trol.

It is not always easy in topsy-turvy world where the former President of the United States is found to have plotted a political coup while in office; where on January 6 gallows where hung at the Capital to hang a vice president in broad daylight; where 19 children are slaughtered in a classroom while an equal number of police stand just outside the door; where Black people are shot and killed in a Buffalo grocery store just because of their skin color; where the Supreme Court deems that women do not have the right to determine what happens with their bodies; where legislators– who know better–continue to spew a big lie; where Black men can still be murdered at the hands of white police; where a virus that has killed six million people worldwide continues to kill Americans daily; and where Black folks are being pushed out of Los Angeles as average rents top $2500. Oh, I could go on. (Need I mention the gas prices that are topping $7 at some stations).

Is it really any wonder that mental health has become a major concern. The American Psychological Association’s annual “Stress in America” poll found that 87% of Americans were greatly stressed by a "constant stream of crises without a break over the last two years,"–including more recently inflation and Ukraine.

In fact, depression rates more than tripled with the onset of the pandemic with seventy per-

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cent of U.S. public schools reporting an increase in students seeking mental health services. So much so that some schools are allowing students to take mental health days off.

Moments like these compel me to think of those things bigger than myself…to reach out of that stress zone and face the fact that a different world starts with me and the actions I take to foster solutions.

The words of a popular gospel song very often comes to mind, the title of which is “Sometimes You Have to Encourage Yourself.”

I have always lived with the understanding that for every problem I have or face, the solution starts with me and in many cases, it boils down to a matter of my perspective and the folks I choose to surround myself with. Those friends who remind me of my wins, not losses; my faith, not fears; my strengths, not weaknesses; and most of all my blessings.

Years ago, my brother–who had been a successful dancer on Broadway appearing in such productions as Cats, Aida, A Chorus Line and Ragtime– spent nearly a year in a hospital suffering from AIDS and meningococcal meningitis, as a result of which he lost his career and subsequently his marriage.

More concerned about his depression than his disease, my other two brothers and I devised a schedule where we rotated travelling back and forth to New York so that he was never alone. I even called on some of my New York buddies to check in on him and pray with him during his time in the hospital.

But he was still so depressed upon his release from the hospital that at one point he considered throwing himself onto the tracks of an oncoming subway train.

As I visited him shortly after, I said to him, ‘No matter

how bad things are for you–and I get it, they are bad–there is someone out there who would like to change places with you.

Somebody with HIV who would like to have had a family that had been willing to make such sacrifices, friends who faithfully came and lifted him up, and a beautiful daughter who adored him. I reminded him that although he’d almost died twice, he was a walking, breathing miracle with a great deal to be grateful for.

On the way out, I left him with song, a verse of which reads as follows: I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance, Never settle for the path of least resistance, Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin', Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin', Don't let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter, When you come close to sellin' out reconsider, Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance, And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance...

Today, years later, he is happily remarried, working successfully at another of his passions and in the best shape of his life with a clean bill of health.

Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time to every purpose under the heaven including, in verse 4, a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Keep the faith.

UpFront Bonta Decision Gives New Life to L.A. Council District 10 Leadership Battle & the Legality of the Wesson Appointment ttorney General Rob Bonta has sided with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Council District 10 residents in concluding that “substantial questions of law exist as to whether Wesson’s appointment to the Los Angeles City Council was lawful.”

Bonta’s published June 22 opinion paves the way for the plaintiffs to move forward in their lawsuit challenging the appointment of Herb Wesson by L.A. City Council President Nury Martinez to represent the Tenth Council District.

In February, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mary H. Strobel issued a temporary restraining order barring Herb Wesson from taking part in city council business until the court would rule on a lawsuit brought by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California and Council District 10 residents that had challenged his eligibility to serve in the seat held by suspended City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas due to term limits. Wesson–who represented the 10th District from 2005 -2020–has already served a maximum three terms.

However, a month later, Strobel declined to extend the temporary restraining order that prevented former L.A. City Councilmember Herb Wesson from filling

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the seat left vacant by suspended Tenth District City Councilman Mark RidleyThomas, effectively clearing the way for Wesson to serve through December 31.

Strobel ruled that the issue–brought in a lawsuit filed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California and a group of Tenth District residents–needed permission from the attorney general before being able to challenge Wesson’s appointment.

Bonta’s opinion determined that “the public interest will be served by allowing the proposed quo warranto action to proceed”, consequently granting them permission to move forward with the lawsuit, while also noting that the court found that there was “sufficient likelihood of success on the claim that Mr. Wesson cannot be appointed, or the order appoint-

LISA COLLINS Staff

ing him should be invalidated”.

Among those urging Bonta (via letter) to permit the SCLC and 10th Council District constituents’ to challenge the Wesson appointment were members of the South Los Angeles Clergy for Public Accountability (SLACPA), a network of pastors representing more than 50,000 congregants in South Los Angeles–including Bishops Charles Blake and Kenneth Ulmer, civil rights legend James Lawson and Pastors K.W. Tulloss, Xavier Thompson, Edward Anderson and Norman Johnson.

The letter to Bonta followed another letter signed by 12 pastors to City Council President Nury Martinez urging her to be more transparent about her motives and reinstate CD10’s duly elected councilmember, Mark Ridley-Thomas.

The Council “suspended” RidleyThomas last October less than a week after a grand jury handed down an indictment alleging criminal activity when he was on the Board of Supervisors in 2018.

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

California Black Chamber of Commerce Opens L.A. Resource Center AUSTIN GAGE CA Black Media The California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) stepped into a new chapter of its history as the organization held the grand opening of a resource center and office in Los Angeles County.

Located in Inglewood, the new center is one of the ways CBCC plans to integrate businesses and entrepreneurs in Southern California into its activities in Sacramento, the Bay Area and other parts of Northern California, leaders say.

“The opening of the new resource center means we are expanding our reach. We are going to create new partnerships and we are going to be a conduit and a connector from North to South,” said President/CEO Jay King.

King said the office is an asset that will prove to be greatly important for the chamber’s future, adding there is a way for everyone to get involved.

“Go to CalBCC.org and sign up. It’s reasonable, inexpensive, $100 if you’re a single person, $250 if you’re a small business. We make it easy, and we want to make the leap to us as easy and as effortless as possible.”

News Briefs Bass Defeats Caruso by Seven Points in Final Vote Tally

KISHA SMITH Staff

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n the final tally of votes for the L.A. Mayor’s race, released ongresswoman Karen Bass defeats Bob Caruso by seven percentage points. The final count released by the L.A. County Registrar has Bass at 278,511 votes (43.11%), maintaining a healthy margin between she and second place finisher Bob Caruso, who –with 232,490 votes– garnered 35.99% of the vote.

The latest count reflects the strong showing Bass’ camp had predicted despite being outspent by Caruso, whose $40 million failed to secure him the victory.

Still, Bass–who spent just $3 million and who would make history the first Black woman to be elected mayor of L.A., and just the second Black hold the post – is hardly resting on her laurels, fully understanding that November is a whole new ballgame.

“We’re almost at a 50,000 vote lead which is really astronomical given what we’ve been up against, but we’re staying focused on the general election because that’s the election that matters the most,” said Kerman Maddox.

Caruso, who–say insiders– will likely reach deeper into his pocketbooks and restructure his campaign, has recruited some pretty heavy hitters along the way–Elon Musk among them.

For the moment, however, the momentum is with Bass.

“Where she is likely to reap the most benefit is with potential donors, who were somewhat reluctant given Caruso’s money and dramatic rise in the polls,” veteran political fundraiser/consultant Lena Kennedy observed. “It will increase donor participation, but what I like about

Deal Reached on California Tax Rebate: How Much Will You Receive?

Staff

Karen is that she has connected on every level, including grassroots with a proven track record that demonstrates her care for all.

“I hope the voters are smart enough to see that Caruso did not need to be mayor to make a dent in the homeless population,” Kennedy continues. “He could have put his money into the passion he’s saying he has now for the homeless. I have yet to see a building with his name on it to house the homeless. Instead, he has built are big elaborate shopping centers where you will find no homeless people. Clearly, he wants the status and the power of being mayor.

“Instead, Karen Bass has been galvanizing, organizing and energizing her base all along. That’s what delivers the votes, and they dictate who will be the next mayor, not a billionaire.”

A tentative deal between California legislators has been reached to provide some measure of relief from skyrocketing gas prices and inflation, with some families set to have $1,050 deposited into their bank accounts this fall.

California households earning less stand to receive the most as funds would be provided on a sliding scale with those earning up to $75,000 a year receiving $350, which for joint filers would double to $700 and if dependents were claimed, they would receive the maximum refund of $1,050.

The next tier includes those earning up to $125,000 and would receive a $250 refund. Filed jointly would double that amount to $500 with an extra $250 for children or dependents for a total of $750.

The final tier is comprised of individuals making up to $250,000. They would receive $200,–$400 if filing jointly; and with dependents an additional $200 for a grand total of $600.

Those making above $250,000 would not qualify for the refund.

Of course, the big question for those eligible to receive the refunds is exactly when those monies–to be issued by direct deposit– would hit their bank accounts and there is no definitive answer to that question at the moment. The best guess for now is late October with all payments to be issued by early next year at the latest.

California is one of a growing number of states approving legislation to get tax rebates to their residents, with Maine offering the biggest direct relief payment of $850 to individuals with a federal adjusted gross income of less than $100,000.

Monkeypox Can Be Contained: Experts Urge Testing and Vaccination

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ture,” said Dr. William Schaffner, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, during a briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services.

The virus was spread initially among gay and bisexual men at gay pride events in Europe. “At the moment it is a viral infection rather confined to a distinctive group of people (who) should be very careful about their current sexual practices, avoiding anonymous sex, and being personally clean, inspecting themselves and their partners to see whether they have lesions,” said Schaffner.

“This is a virus which is spread through close personal contact, usually skin to skin contact among humans. It can be spread via droplet transmission, if people are very close within three feet, usually over a long period of time, or through contaminated towels and perhaps bedding or sex toys… The incubation period could take up to two weeks.”

Even though it found an epidemiological opportunity to spread among men who have sex with men, “monkeypox is not a gay disease,” stressed Dr. Gregg Gon-

Ethnic Media Service

salves, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the Yale Institute for Global Health.

The virus has been growing in places with less access to testing and fewer hospitals that can confirm the numbers, which are almost certainly underreported. The recommendation from experts is to get tested through a PCR, a similar test to the one used to diagnose COVID. The CDC is working on expanding the number of locations where testing can take place.

There is also a vaccine available for the prevention of monkeypox in people ages 18 and older — the Jynneos vaccine — approved in 2019 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It requires two doses, four weeks apart, but doctors noted that the supply worldwide is not robust.

The medication tecovirimat (TPOXX) has also proven to have some effect in protecting people.

“Infectious diseases are always going to be with us, but epidemics are a human creation, which means we can stop them,” said Gonsalves, from the Global Health Justice Partnership.

Once a rising star in the Democratic party who lost a highprofile Florida gubernatorial bid to Governor Ron DeSantis by razor-thin margins, Andrew Gillum, 42, now awaits trial for alleged fraud tied to the 2018 campaign.

A 26-page indictment charges Gillum and longtime advisor, Sharon LettmanHicks with 19 counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Gillum was additionally charged with one count of lying to the FBI. The indictment alleges that between 2016 and 2019, Gillum and LettmanHicks conspired to commit wire fraud, by unlawfully soliciting funds through false and fraudulent promises and representations that the funds would be used for a legitimate purpose. The Indictment further alleges the defendants used third parties to divert a portion of those funds to a company owned by Lettman-Hicks, who then fraudulently provided the funds, disguised as payroll payments, to Gillum for personal use.

Gillum proclaimed his innocence, stating: “I have spent the last 20 years of my life in public service and continue to fight for the people. Every campaign I’ve run has been done with integrity. Make no mistake that this case is not legal, it is political. There’s been a target on my back ever since I was the mayor of Tallahassee. They found nothing then, and I have full confidence that my legal team will prove my innocence now.”

R. Kelly Sentenced to 30 years in Federal Prison He famously sang, “I can believe I can fly,” and many of his devoted fans believed him. But a federal judge clipped the wings of music superstar R. Kelly sentencing him to 30 years in prison for racketeering and sex trafficking charges that stemmed from years of assaulting numerous young girls in several states.

“You left in your wake a trail of broken lives,” Federal Judge Ann Donnelly told Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly. The judge conceded that the abuse Kelly suffered as a child may have contributed to his crimes.

“It may explain, at least in part, what led to your behavior,” Donnelly said. “It most surely is not an excuse.”

Kelly’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, said her client accepts that “he is a flawed individual.”

“But he is not this one-dimensional monster that the government has portrayed, and the media has portrayed,” Bonjean asserted.

Following sentencing, authorities planned to move Kelly from New York to Chicago, where he’s facing another federal trial later this summer on charges of child pornography and criminal obstruction.

“We were prepared for it,” Bonjean said of the sentence. “We are now prepared to fight this appeal.”

L.A. Focus/July 2022

lthough the monkeypox virus does not spread as widely and rapidly as COVID-19, medical experts stress that the only way to avoid a new epidemic is through an early response from health authorities and the public.

Key steps are getting tested, vaccinated and sharing information through public health campaigns.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4,000 cases of monkeypox have been detected in 44 countries around the world, including 200 in 25 states in the U.S. California, New York, Florida, and Illinois are the most affected. No one has died of monkeypox in the country, according to the CDC, but in Africa, the virus has claimed the lives of 73 people.

The virus’ most recognizable symptom is a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, appendages, and the genital area.

Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and backaches, and swollen lymph nodes.

“98% of the cases have occurred in men and that's a striking epidemiologic fea-

JENNY MANRIQUE

Once Rising Democratic Star Andrew Gillum Indicted for Fraud

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HeadToHead Fallout Over A Supreme Court Reversal

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ast month, the Supreme being of the patient."

Liberal Court reversed Roe v. Wade, If there is any doubt that the Court Tolerance on the 1973 decision that outexpected Roe to change little about Display After Relawed state anti-abortion laws abortion, the day of the Roe deciversal of Roe v. and federalized an issue that, for sion, Chief Justice Warren Burger Wade all but the last 50 years of our hissaid, "Plainly, the court today retory, was decided by the states. jects any claim that the Constitution reCritics falsely claim that Roe "legalized" quires abortion on demand." abortion, when pre-1973 abortion was legal After the Roe reversal protests erupted in the states where a majority of the pop- all across the country, with the largest in ulation resided. It is now falsely claimed New York, Chicago and that Roe's reversal "outlaws" abortion, when Los Angeles – cities in – again – this latest decision places that states with virtually legal abortion decision back in the hands of zero probability that state lawmakers and their voters. their lawmakers will Interestingly, the justice who wrote Roe, pass laws restricting Harry Blackmun, expected the ruling to abortion. have limited effect and never intended for it On social media, to be construed as giving women a "right" to some called for the asan abortion, let alone one on demand and up sassination of Justice Larry Elder to and including the third trimester. We Clarence Thomas. Neil know this because years after Blackmun's Mackay, a Glasgow Herald journalist in death, his personal writings became public. Scotland with 24,000 followers, tweeted, "If Blackmun, a former general counsel for I was a woman in America I'd burn the Suthe Mayo Clinic, wanted doctors to deter- preme Court to the ground." mine what Blackmun anticipated would be Anticipating Roe's reversal two months rare instances in which an abortion would ago, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said, be medically necessary, as determined by "This is about controlling women." Never the woman's doctor. In 2005, the Los An- mind some polls showing that a greater pergeles Times wrote about the release of centage of women are pro-life than men, inBlackmun's private papers in an article cluding a 2015 Vox poll that found "women called "Roe Ruling: More Than Its Author are slightly more likely than men to describe Intended." Staff writer David Savage wrote: themselves as pro-life."

"Blackmun proposed to issue a news release President Joe Biden condemned the Roe to accompany the decision, issued Jan. 22, reversal, but as recently as 2006 he had a 1973. 'I fear what the headlines may be,' he very different view: "I do not view abortion wrote in a memo. His statement, never is- as a choice and a right. I think it's always a sued, emphasized that the court was not tragedy. And I think that it should be rare giving women 'an absolute right to abortion,' and safe. And I think we should be focusing nor was it saying that the 'Constitution com- on how to limit the number of abortions." pels abortion on demand.'"

The Mississippi law the Supreme Court Blackmun wrote that abortion "must be considered in striking down Roe made aborleft to the medical judgment of the pregnant tion illegal after 15 weeks. But in France woman's attending physician" based upon a and Italy, for example, elective abortion is doctor's consideration of "all factors – phys- lawful up to 12 to 14 weeks. Great Britain ical, emotional, psychological, familial and allows abortion up to 24 weeks, but requires the woman's age – relevant to the wellLarry Elder continued to page 20

Headlines From Africa Angola: Angola has signed a $2 billion contract with two American companies to implement various solar-powered utilities including solar mini-grids, solar phone booths, and homepower kits in four southern Angola provinces by 2025.

Burundi: Burundi scored 100% in ensuring its people’s right to health in the Human Rights Measurement Initiative’s latest update to its Rights Tracker. It’s the only country out of 144 to achieve this perfect score, despite having one of the lowest per capita incomes globally. Its 2020 per capita income was $731.

Cameroon: Cameroon has deployed hundreds of troops along its border with Nigeria after attacks by Boko Haram forced more than 40,000 villagers over the past two months to flee.

Central African Republic: Last month, the Central African Republic became the second country in the world (after El Salvador) to adopt bitcoin as legal tender for use in regular commerce and for paying taxes. In a tweet, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra affirmed the move as “the right path during hard times.”

L.A. Focus/July 2022

Congo: The Democratic Republic of Congo's army has been locked in heavy fighting with the M23 rebel group. The conflict has sparked a diplomatic crisis between Congo and Rwanda, who they accuse of backing the rebels, including by sending its own troops into eastern Congo. Rwanda is denying involvement.

Ethiopia: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's ruling party has said that only the African Union could broker potential peace talks with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) -- a proposition the rebels have rejected. The rebels want negotiations hosted by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, stating that there was already an "existing agreement" to meet in Nairobi.

Kenya: With elections in Kenya set for next month, voters worry about the resurgence of the violent Mungiki gang that unleashed ethnic violence across the country after the disputed 2007 election that left an estimated 1,300 dead in the clashes that followed.

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Lesotho: The World Bank Group approved a $26.5 million loan for Lesotho to improve the efficiency

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ast month, the Su‘substantive due process’ is an The Constitution preme Court evisceroxymoron that ‘lack[s] any Was Literally ated a woman’s right to basis in the Constitution,’” he Written by Slaabortion, undermined Miwrote. He also said that it’s veowners. Why randa rights, expanded gun “legal fiction” that is “particuis America Obrights and allowed border palarly dangerous.” Even more sessed with Uptrol agents to operate with ironically, how is it up to the holding It? even further impunity. states to decide a woman’s Today, it ruled that a former Washing- right to abortion yet not interfere with ton state high school football coach can a person’s right to carry a concealed pray on the field firearm? immediately after In Justice Samuel Alito’s concurgames–regardless rence, he stated: “Does the dissent of the religious think that laws like New York’s prebackgrounds of the vent or deter such atrocities? How does students. the dissent account for the fact that one The mostly conser- of the mass shootings near the top of its vative justices are list took place in Buffalo? The New using the Constitu- York law at issue in this case obviously Candace McDuffy tion as a smoke did not stop the perpetrator.” screen for their rulings–which will Does Alito realize that by that line continue to demolish even more human of reasoning, abortion laws won’t stop rights. The governing document was abortions from happening? constructed during the Constitutional Seven of the nine Supreme Court Convention that occurred in Philadel- justices were put there by presidents phia from May 5, 1787 to September from a party who haven’t won a pop17, 1787. ular vote more than once in three decThe primary authors consisted of: ades.

Shouldn’t the Twelfth John Adams, Thomas Paine, Thomas Amendment, which established the Jefferson, and James Madison. The electoral college, be revisited? last two men on that list owned slaves.

The Fifteenth Amendment gave How can this set of laws still guide a Black people the right to vote. Honation when it was concocted by white wever, last year nineteen states passed men who looked at Black people as laws that restricted access to voting. property and not as human?

The Thirteenth Amendment outlawed The fact that a Black man–Justice slavery and involuntary servitude, but Clarence Thomas–is working to erode America’s mass incarceration problem the rights of millions of people is more proves this as untrue. than ironic: it’s downright pathetic. In Why isn’t the Supreme Court clama concurring opinion Thomas wrote oring to restore these rights or rectify Friday, he claimed that the Supreme systems that fail the people?

Court’s controversial June decisions It’s clear that the right will continue aimed to weaken substantive due pro- to twist and contort anything they can cess which protects certain rights even to carry out their agenda–an agenda if they’re not listed in the Constitution. that has and will always harm this “As I have previously explained, Candace McDuffie continued to page 20

A look at current news from the continent of Africa and equity of selected social assistance programs and strengthen the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable households in selected communities.

Nigeria: Nigerian churches are introducing armed security and entry searches after a deadly attack on a Catholic church blamed on the Islamic State. Security experts fear the attack in Nigeria's southwest Ondo state means the threat of terrorism is spreading.

Senegal: The Senegalese government’s decision to exclude opposition members from upcoming legislative elections has prompted unrest in the run up to the July 31 elections, increasing political uncertainty and the risk of economic crisis. Violence between protesters and police broke out last month after the government’s decision to bar a list of candidates for the legislative elections.

Sierra Leone: Young women are defying mothers and grandmothers by refusing to undergo the procedure of genital cutting in one of the new nations that have not banned it. While still practiced, it has become the subject of intense debate.

Somalia: Somalia's parliament has unanimously endorsed Hamza Abdi Barre as new prime minister, paving the way for the creation of a new government Barre says would focus on "creating inclusive political stability.

Tanzania: Fearing that a landmark case on Tanzania’s discriminatory ban against students who are pregnant, married, or are mothers at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights could impact the rights of girls across the continent, Africa Human Rights Watch—along with the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa and Women’s Link Worldwide—have filed a joint case against the government to overturn the ruling.

Uganda: Uganda has increased interest rates to counter rising inflation and support the weakening shilling.

Zambia: Zambian officials met with an official committee of the country’s international creditors in an effort to negotiate a deal to restructure its unsustainable debt load and unlock funding.

Money Matters California Mortgage Relief Program To Assist Struggling Homeowners

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ith inflation hitting record highs, a recent survey found that more than one-third (36%) of U.S. workers earning $100,000 or more a year are living paycheck to paycheck.

Additionally, more than half of workers earning less than $50,000 (52%), single parents (53%) and those in poor or fair health (57%) are also living paycheck to paycheck.

More than one-fifth of respondents said they that they found it difficult to access or pay for housing and 36% reported not being able to pay their mortgage, rent or utility bills.

The double whammy of a pandemic followed by inflation created a growing housing crisis that has struck at all income levels and as a result In December 2021, the state launched the California Mortgage Relief Program to provide assistance to homeowners who fell behind on their housing payments due to financial hardships they experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its launched the program has distributed more than $68 million in one-time grants to more than 1,957 homeowners.

“Homeowners who have had their mortgage payments paused during the pandemic are now facing the end of those forbearance periods,” said Tiena Johnson Hall, Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency, “The California Mortgage Relief Program will alleviate some of that anxiety and give eligible homeowners a chance to get caught up on those housing payments and regain that sense of security.

“Now, with our California Mortgage Relief Program, we are extending that relief to homeowners.”

The California Mortgage Relief Program will help an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 struggling homeowners, with funds reserved for homeowners in socially disadvantaged and underserved communities often hit hardest by the pandemic.

With the program, homeowners who have missed at least two payments before June 20, 2022 and are currently delinquent, may now be eligible for full reim-

On the Money LeBron James Is Officially a Billionaire

GERALD BELL Contributor

bursement for missed housing payments up to $80,000.

“We are committed to supporting those hit hardest by the pandemic, and that includes homeowners who have fallen behind on their housing payments,” said Governor Newsom in December.

“No one should have to live in fear of losing the roof over their head, so we’re stepping up to support struggling homeowners to get them the resources they need to cover past due mortgage payments. Our Housing is Key program has already provided renters and landlords with the assistance and resources they need to stay afloat.

The program – funded by the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeowner Assistance Fund and administered by the California Housing Finance Agency Homeowner Relief Corporation–is now expanding to help homeowners who may be current on their mortgage payments but are delinquent on property tax payments.

Homeowners can check their eligibility, apply for property tax relief, and obtain information in several additional languages at www.camortgagerelief.org. For additional assistance, they can contact (888) 840-2594 or info@camortgagerelief.org.

Locally, the office of the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector has announced a state program to assist homeowners who are behind on property tax payments of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible homeowners could receive up to $20,000 to cover past-due property tax payments.

There is no cost to apply, and the funds never have to be paid back.

Applicants seeking property tax relief must meet all of the following criteria: •Faced a pandemic-related financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic after January 21, 2020.

•Household income at or below 100 percent of their county’s Area Median Income. In Los Angeles County, the median income is as follows for various household Money Matters continued to page 20

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orbes Magazine is reporting that LeBron James is now officially a billionaire. Appears that another year of earnings topping $121 million did the trick. What’s more, James is the first active NBA player to make the list.

Michael Jordan didn’t become a billionaire until well after he’d retired. James is not only the highest paid player in the NBA, but is the second highest-earning athlete in the world. That, thanks to endorsement deals from the likes of AT&T, Pepsi, Walmart, investment deals with start-ups like Blaze Pizza, equity in the rideshare company Lyft and home gym brand, Tonal and a lifetime pact with Nike from which he rakes in tens of millions annually.

With his production company, Springhill, he made waves at the box office as a co-producer of Space Jam: A New Legacy, which grossed $163 million and the HBO Documentary What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali. The company is set to release a remake of the 1990 hit film, House Party and is prepping a biopic about James.

Then there is his real estate portfolio of three homes–a $10 million mansion in Ohio; an eight bedroom home in Brentwood that he bought for $23 million five years ag and a 13,000 square foot hilltop home in Beverly hills that he paid $36.75 million for.

Even all that doesn’t cover all the business transactions that have landed James in the billionaire club, a milestone he once said would be his biggest.

Ironically, James ranks number six on the list of top NBA player salaries as seen below: Top 2021-2022 NBA Player Salaries Stephen Curry James Harden John Wall Russell Westbrook Kevin Durant LeBron James Giannis Antetokounmpo Damian Lillard Kawhi Leonard Paul George

$45,780,996 $44,310,840 $44,310,840 $44,211,146 $42,018,900 $41,180,544 $39,344,970 $39,344,900 $39,344,900 $39,344,900

Biz News Briefs Melody Hobson to Become First Black Woman with Equity Stake in NFL Team

The sale of the Denver Broncos for $4.65 billion to a group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton–that includes finance industry leader Mellody Hobson–is a done deal. The agreement makes the 53-year old influential business leader and philanthropist–who is married to billionaire filmmaker and Star Wars creator George Lucas– the first Black woman with an equity stake in an NFL team.

The deal comes after a bidding war that included competing offers from Byron Allen, billionaire Robert F. Smith and a group that included Magic Johnson. The winning bid is higher than expected and represents the highest sum ever paid for a professional sports franchise. It had been valued by Forbes at $3.75 billion last year.

“Beyond her role at Ariel, Mellody is an influential leader in corporate and civic organizations across the nation,” Walton said.

“Mellody currently serves as Chair of the Board of Starbucks Corporation and is also a director of JPMorgan Chase. We know she will bring her strategic acumen and leadership perspective to our team.”

The size of Hobson’s stake was not disclosed.

Tracy Ellis Ross Named 2022 Ambassador for Buy from A Black Woman Actress Tracee Ellis Ross has been named the 2022 ambassador for Buy From A Black Woman (BFABW), an Atlanta-based non-profit founded in 2016 by Nikki Porcher that connects hundreds of Black Woman owned businesses across the United States–and has teamed with H&M USA– provides a community of support with the goal of helping their businesses flourish.

Ross, who launched her own hair care brand, Pattern, in 2018, will serve to amplify the non-profit's mission of helping other Black Woman owned businesses flourish through a community of support and resources.

"I am proud to help support Buy From a Black Woman and the incredible network of business owners they've brought together," says Ross. "Black women and their

contributions are often overlooked, which is why it's crucial for us to come together to build, strengthen and create our own opportunities for success."

Now in the second year of partnership, H&M USA will continue its support of Buy From a Black Woman through a variety of activities and support aimed at continuing the growth and success of the business owners.

Kevin Hart Expands into Fast Food Industry Kevin Hart’s business empire is expanding into the fast food industry with two restaurants offering healthy options. Dubbed Hart’s House, the 100% plant-based menu–containing no antibiotics, hormones, artificial colors, preservatives or high-fructose syrup–features plant-forward sandwiches, vegan burgers, salads, nuggets, fries, tots and milkshakes.

“I founded Hart House to create a good experience that combines the joy of coming together over food, with the power of purpose,” the actor shared on the Hart House website. “Our amazing chefs and team members have crafted a 100% plant-based menu that delivers ‘can’t-believe-it’ flavor in every bite.”

The restaurants are set to open later this summer with one location in Westchester and the second, in Hollywood with plans to expand to other locations.

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he impact of the Supreme Court’s historic reversal of Roe V. Wade was immediate with Planned Parenthood and abortion clinics in at least nine states– Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Utah – turning away women seeking planned abortions and sending shockwaves throughout the nation.

Simply put, the court –in a 5-4 decision, ruled that the Constitution did not protect the right to abortion, and instead–after half a century– placed the decision squarely in the hands of state lawmakers.

“We hold that Roe and [1992’s Planned Parenthood vs.] Casey must be overruled,” read the 79-page opinion written by Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. and joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. “The Constitution,” Alito continues, “makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision, including the one on which the defenders of Roe and Casey now chiefly rely – the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.”

“Roe,” Alito contends, “was on a collision course with the Constitution from the day it was decided.”

“The Court’s decision to overrule Roe and Casey is a serious jolt to the legal system,” wrote Roberts, who joined the courts three liberal justices– Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan in dissenting.

“Because laws in 1868 deprived women of any control over their bodies, the majority approves States doing so today. Because those laws prevented women from charting the course of their own lives, the majority says States can do the same again. Because in 1868, the government could tell a pregnant woman – even in the first days of her pregnancy – that she could do nothing but bear a child, it can once more impose that command,” they stated.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the court’s action “a slap in the face to women about using their own

LISA COLLINS Staff judgment to make their own decision about their reproductive freedom.”

Kamala Harris called it a direct assault on freedom on the fundamental right of self-determination to which all Americans are entitled.

Reverend Al Sharpton dubbed it as “a blatant attempt to bring us back to the dark ages.”

What’s clear is that the resounding decision has sharply divided the nation as conservatives who have been working to reverse Roe V. Wade for decades and played a key role in getting President Trump to commit to appoint Supreme Court justices who oppose abortion–are not only pushing for abortion bans in every state but are hinting at a national ban if they retake Congress in November.

Despite the fact that opinion polls show that most Americans support access to abortion particularly in the early months of a pregnancy, in 2022 alone, almost 550 abortion restrictions have been introduced across more than 40 states. Twenty-two states have enacted measures to ban abortions and four additional states already restrict abortion and are likely to have bans in effect soon. Louisiana has even advanced a bill that would classify abortion as a homicide and there is even concern surrounding the collection of data from menstrual cycle tracking apps in states where abortions have been banned.

Experts agree that for women of color, who have fewer resources and are already struggling to cover basic needs such as childcare and housing and may be without transportation or disposable income– the ruling is particularly devastating.

“It is women who cannot afford to do [travel] who will suffer most,” wrote dissenting justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Breyer. “These are the women most likely to seek abortion care in the first place.”

“Make no mistake, this is not just an attack on women’s autonomy: this is class warfare, sexism and systemic racism at work,” said Melanie Campbell, President & CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable. “Who pays the price when abortions are

outlawed? Poor women, women of color, women & girls who have been raped or molested and the millions of women who already have limited access to high quality healthcare.”

In a great many cases the clinics that offer abortion services are also the first choice for general gynecological care as well as cancer screenings and the like. The ban on abortions is already impacting miscarriage care, given that when a woman suffers a miscarriage, she needs to take medication to empty the uterus and eliminate risk of infection utilizing the same medication used for medication abortion. It could also have an impact on access to IVF. Unlike 1972 when Roe V. Wade was being argued in the Supreme Court, women in the early phase of pregnancy can safely administer abortion at home using either a combination of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, or misoprostol alone, though checkups from a health professional are recommended before and after.

Antiabortion groups are working to block the distribution of abortion medication through the mail–and compelling women to carry a pregnancy to term even in cases where it is clear the fetus would not survive, while also seeking to file civil lawsuits against those who fund abortions or offer practical support to women seeking abortions.

Beyond the physical, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen maintained that restricting access to abortions would have "very damaging effects on the economy."

"Access to reproductive health care, including abortion, helped lead to increased labor force participation," Yellen said. "It enabled many women to finish school.

That increased their earning potential. It allowed women to plan and balance their families and careers."

In the wake of the decision, corporations like Amazon, Yelp, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, EBay and the Walt Disney Company have been stepping up, vowing to help employees in need of abortions with some firms offering as much as $10,000 to cover costs associated with the procedures, including travel.

States have become the battle zones as one’s access

to abortion now depends on where they live or as California Governor Gavin Newsom as dubbed it: the red states against the blue states. Unfortunately, the practice of gerrymandering voting districts gives the edge to Republicans even in some states where Democrat have the highest numbers.

On the heels of the consequential ruling, Gov. Newsom signed legislation to help protect patients and providers in California against radical attempts by other states to extend their anti-abortion laws into California, joining with Governors Kate Brown of Oregon and Jay Inslee of Washington in a multi-state pact to defend access to reproductive health services and contraceptives.

“We know from history that abortion bans don’t end abortion,” said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon.

“They only outlaw safe abortions.”

California law allows a woman to have an abortion until it is determined by a physician that there is a reasonable likelihood of the fetus’ survival outside the uterus without extraordinary medical measures” or if the procedure is necessary in order to protect the life or health of the mother.

“California must do everything it can to protect the fundamental rights of all women — in California and beyond,” said Newsom, in reference to California Senate Bill 1142 creating a fund for private donations to cover abortion care. “We know that states like Missouri are already targeting women seeking abortions in states like California where abortion remains legal.

“We will in no way shape or form, support, enable, investigate, resource, any of those activities or energies,” he continued.

“This legislation seeks to protect women and care providers from civil liability imposed by other states and sends a clear message that California will continue to be a safe haven for all women seeking reproductive health care services in our state.”

An estimated 8,000 to 16,000 may just take Newsom up on the offer, according to a recently released report from UCLA’s Center on Reproductive Health.

“You have the right to an abortion here,” said California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta. “You have the right to an abortion before viability without a reason. You have the right to an abortion after viability to protect your life or your health. You have the right to obtain an abortion without parental consent. I will not back down from defending these rights, expanding them and keeping our clinics accessible and safe, because in California, we refuse to turn back the clock and let radical ideologies exert control over your body.”

In November, California voters will decide whether the state will enshrine the legal right to an abortion and contraception with a constitutional amendment, that would settle the matter for good. If a poll conducted earlier this year by the Public Policy Institute of California is any indication of the outcome, the amendment will surely pass.

Nationally, President Biden is calling on Congress

It is no accident that the states pushing cruel and oppressive anti-abortion legislation are the same states approving laws that brazenly disenfranchise and suppress the vote of the working poor and communities of color. This decision will only enable these states to further destabilize the pillars of our democracy while impeding our basic civil rights.

“

to pass legislation restoring a nationwide right to abortion and also reportedly considering what, if any, executive orders he can take to protect abortion access.

Some democrats have called on Biden to issue orders that could remove restrictions on medication abortion or provide travel vouchers for women seeking an abortion outside their home state.

To be sure, Roe V. Wade will weigh heavily in the political discourse surrounding the mid-term elections.

“Black women are standing together to make clear that we will not go back to a time when politicians controlled our bodies and our most personal health decisions,” a statement from the Black Women’s Leadership Collective read. “Reproductive freedom and the fundamental right to control our bodies are on the ballot in November, along with protecting our right to vote and the health and safety of our communities.

We are organizing, mobilizing, and leveraging our collective power in support of candidates who support our rights and will fight for the needs of our communities.”

For activists like Melanie Campbell, the consequences are even more far reaching.

“It is no accident,” she said, “that the states pushing cruel and oppressive anti-abortion legislation are the same states approving laws that brazenly disenfranchise and suppress the vote of the working poor and communities of color. This Supreme Court decision will only enable these states to further destabilize the pillars of our democracy while impeding our basic civil rights.”

A concern that was validated–at least in part– in a concurring opinion written by Justice Clarence Thomas, suggesting the Supreme Court reconsider rulings that rely on the same legal reasoning as Roe vs.

Wade, including ones that protect gay sex, same-sex marriage and married people’s use of contraception.

And while Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Holly Mitchell declared L.A County “a sanctuary county,” she cautions against any woman– regardless of where they live feeling totally safe.

“We should all be concerned because given the word of Justice Thomas, this is the beginning of rolling back all rights. It’s the beginning of a slippery slope. People

should step outside o fhte narrow perspective of abortion rights. It’s about self-determination.

Said comedian/actress Yvette Nicole Brown, “I hope people finally get that voting matters! A corrupt, racist, money and power hungry imp got to put three Supreme Court justices on the bench. Those three said they would protect precedent knowing their goal was to overturn every right they deemed inappropriate.

This all happened because not enough people care enough to vote. And not enough people who do vote choose leaders that care about everyone–not just the people who think, love and look like them.”

Michelle Obama viewed the decision as a wake-up call.

“I know this is not the future you chose for your generation,” she wrote in a lengthy post, “but if you give up now, you will inherit a country that does not resemble you or any of the values you believe in.

“This moment is difficult, but our story does not end here. It may not feel like we are able to do much right now, but we can. And we must.

“I encourage you to channel your frustration and anger into action by getting involved,” she continued.

“Organizations like Planned Parenthood and the United States of Women, among many others, have resources you can look to if you want to help others or you need to help yourself.”

Some cities in states where bans have been put in place are pushing back. Durham, North Carolina has passed a resolution declaring the city a “sexual and reproductive health care safe zone. Raleigh is considering a similar action that would also block police from collecting data stored on menstrual tracking apps.

Members of the Tucson, Arizona City Council voted to order its police department not to arrest people violating state anti-abortion laws. At press, Austin, Texas was voting on a resolution and would deprioritize the investigation or enforcement of any charges related to abortion and South Dakota has announced that they won’t bring criminal charges against women who get abortions.

Those decisions, however, could put those cities at odds with state law and officials. In the final analysis, the real test will come in November.

Emily’s List, an American political action committee founded in 1985 to help elect Democratic female candidates in favor of abortion rights to office, is set to spend $150 million on the midterm elections to make sure voters know who’s standing with them and who is promoting national abortion bans.

“There’s a lot at stake,” said Emily’s List president Laphonza Butler. “What Emily’s list is focused on is making sure that we elect democratic pro-choice women up and down the ballot because in our states it matters, in Washington it matters.

“I am convinced that the American people stand in favor of protecting these rights. They stand in favor of the protections that are enshrined in Roe and I think that they’re going to show up and make their voices heard this November.”

L.A. Focus/July 2022

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HO L LY W OOD SPOT LIGHT Chez Hadley “Mr. Malcolm’s List“ Characterized as “Bridgerton meets Pride & Prejudice”, Mr. Malcolm’s List is a romantic period piece about a wealthy and elegant suitor– played by British Nigerian actor Sope Dirisu– looking for a bride who meets all the qualifications he has on his list. When he rejects one woman who has failed to meet all of the ideals on his list, the woman (Zawe Ashton) conspires with a friend, Selina (Frieda Pinto) in a plot to get revenge.

Following what she sees as a humiliating rejection, the young lady has her friend, Selina, presented to Mr. Malcolm as the perfect wife only to have the plan backfire as the would be enemies turn lovers amid the film’s

creative twists and turns.

Once first time feature filmmaker Emma Holly Jones knew from the moment she met Jones–who cut his professional teeth in the Royal Shakespeare Company and on a number of British TV series including “Gangs of London” and “Undercover” and such films as “Criminal” and “The Hunts-

man: Winter’s War”–that she had found her “Mr. Darcy.”

“Many young, white British actors would leave drama school and get a period drama, and that would be their route to success,” Dirisu told Vanity Fair while noting that, “There were no stories of color being told in those films”.

That is until now.

The seemingly perfected matched cast is rounded out by Theo James, Ashley Park and Oliver JacksonCohen.

The film–based on the book of the same name–is set for release on July 1 with high hopes for breakout success given the popularity of “Bridgerton.”

OUT THIS MONTH

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

Thor: Love and Thunder July 8 Back on the Market

L.A. Focus/July 2022

One of Hollywood’s hottest commodities, Michael B. Jordan is once again single following his recent high profile break up from Lori Harvey. Neither has said much about the breakup.

But if actions speak louder than words, the actor deleted any evidence of Harvey from his Instagram, after she’d done the same two weeks prior. Hmm… Steve Harvey confirmed his daughters break up on air last month, stating “I’m team Lori, 1000 percent.

She’s my daughter. I love her, I support her. Things happen. It's hard to be young and in the limelight and have a succ e s s f u l relationship”…In other matters of the heart, Nene Leakes–who sued Bravo and Andy Cohen in April for a hostile and racist work environment–now finds herself on the receiving end of a lawsuit.

This one brought by the estranged wife of her new boyfriend who is alleging that the former Atlanta housewife broke up her marriage. Malomine Tehmeh-Sioh is maintaining that life was good with husband, Nyonisela Sioh, before Leakes

12

Nope July 22

D.C. League of Super Pets July 22

Bullet Train July 29

came along and for the emotional distress, humiliation and loss of affection she is seeking $100K. She claims that Leakes was intimate with her husband while he was still in a relationship with her.

change the conversation. This is where they have the guts to tell the stories that resonate on the deepest level,” added Porter. The FX team is fearless and I can’t wait to break new grounds together.”

Big Ballin’

Sweet Thunder

Seems big business is the next frontier for Idris Elba to conquer. The actor– who runs his own production company, Green Door Pictures–is reportedly part of a joint bid to acquire British broadcaster, Channel 4 for upwards of $1.4 billion. The British government is set on selling the state-owned Channel 4 to allow it to better compete in the digital era, though the controversial plan has been opposed by some in the industry….Also making big moves is Pose star Billy Porter who recently signed a first-look deal with FX to develop content through his newly launched production company, Incognegro.

“Billy has excelled as a writer, director and so much more – and we are excited to help him produce bold new stories that reflect his vision and unmatched style,” said FX President of Original Programming Nick Grad.

“I’m so glad I’ve been blessed to live long enough to see this day.

The day where my queerness was my liability, to now where it grounds my work in personal authenticity and power. This is where we

He was a convincing Martin Luther King with his portrayal of the civil rights legend in Selma. Now David Oyelowo is planning to be just as convincing as another legend–Boxing Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Robinson.

The star is also writing the film–titled Sweet Thunder–which he will also produce. He has his work cut out for him as Robinson– once regarded as the greatest boxer of all time–was known for his hand speed and dazzling footwork. In the meantime, Oyelowo is gearing up to star as Bass Reeves, believed to be the first black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River, and is co-starring in See How They Run which hits theaters in September.

Briefly: The new face of Armani Code is Rege-Jean Page, who is set to hit theaters on July 15 in the action thriller “The Gray Man”. The Bridgerton sex symbol is the latest box office sex symbol to represent the fragrance line, following the likes of Ryan Reynolds and Chris Pine…Finally, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2023 honorees for the Hollywood Walk of Fame and those selected to potentially receive stars on the celebrated “Walk of Fame” include Ludacris, Martin Lawrence, Sheila E, Lenny Kravitz, Charlie Wilson and Paul Walker (posthumously).

Footnotes Quinta Brunson Hometown: Philadelphia Age: 32 Big Break: “Abbott Elementary” The writer, actor and creator of ABC’s hit breakout freshman sitcom about a group of teachers trying their best at an underfunded Philadelphia elementary school has been obsessed with comedy since she was a teen, subsequently dropping out of college to take classes at the famed Second City in Chicago.

Before Abbott Elementary, she developed and sold pilots; became somewhat of a viral sensation with comedic videos posted to her Instagram, a show posted on facebook watch and videos she produced and starred in for BuzzFeed; as well as key roles in TV shows like HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show.

Debuting in December of 2021, Abbott Elementary has become the most popular comedy on ABC and has been hailed by many as the best show on TV. On Abbott Elementary being inspired by her mom: My mom is a teacher, so that informed a lot of it. I was in her kindergarten class and I went to the school where she taught from first to fifth grade, and so I would ride with her to school in the mornings and go be with her after school and just view a lot of her experience. My mom is even surprised about how much I had taken in because when she sees the shows, she’s can’t believe certain things that are in it because she hadn’t realized I was paying that much attention. I was telling her about it the whole time and told her that the character of Barbara was based on her, and I was expecting her to have lots of critiques. She had none. She loves it.

On always being the performer of her family: They kind of looked at me for entertainment. They peddled me around the house and around their friends and had me do little dances and little impersonations.

On being 4’11”: “When I got to LA and I started really thinking about whether or not I could be an actress, I was like, ‘Oh, dang, nobody is 4’11”… For most of my life, I did not feel self-conscious about being short.

If anything, I looked at it as like a superpower. It was something very interesting about me and people thought I was cute and funny, and when I started doing standup, it was just another thing to be funny about. I still think I've become more, more aware of it recently. Recently, I'm like, man, I am not giving "grown woman" to people. I kind of would like to give full grown adult, but it's not giving that.

And now I'm in this space of producer/showrunner, I want to appear as big as I feel on the inside. I'm just not sure I do.

On the diversity of Abbott Elementary?

It feels wonderful that people are feeling represented in this show. But, I will say that in creating Abbott, weirdly, my goal was not diversity. It was just, ‘These are the people that make up Abbott Elementary. These are the people who work at this school as a predominantly Black teaching group and a predominantly Black student body popcontinued to page 20

RedCarpet Style

RUTH NEGGA

CHLOE BAILEY

turned heads in this Armani Privegown at the Tony Awards

is all grown up in this black sequin cut-out Nicolas Jebran gown at BET

The stars walked the red carpet last month at the Tony Awards and the BET 2022 awards recognizing excellence in the performing arts. Here’s some of the stars who lit up the red carpets.

RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY stunned in this shimmery reddish/ plum asymmetric gown

MARSAI MARTIN

ARIANA DEBOSE

sparkled in this diamond fringed spaghetti-strap Dolce & Gabbana gown

commanded the red carpet in this bold cut-out black sequin creation from Boss

Eye On Gospel Overcomer Deluxe Edition Grammy award-winning recording gospel artist Tamela Mann–who recently made history as the first gospel artist to chart nine No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart, with her most recent single “He Did It for Me”– is rolling out a new deluxe edition of her latest hit album, Overcomer. Heralded as some of the superstar’s best work, Overcomer: Deluxe Edition builds upon the original version’s themes of resilience, strength, purpose and the beauty of faith, with an offering of both all new tracks and intimate live renditions of fan favorites.

Overcomer: Deluxe Edition will no doubt resonate with fans of Tamela’s music, as she reminds listeners that with faith one can overcome the challenges before them, receive healing and find hope. Her awe-inspiring vocals and profound lyrics on the album are supported by a prolific group of special guest features including the breathtaking new ballad “Superheroes Prayer” with Yolanda Adams, the uplifting and joyous “Hello God” with Wyclef Jean and Kirk Franklin, the powerful track “Finished Work” with Todd Dulaney and stunning new live renditions of

“Help Me” with Tim Rogers and The Fellas and “Finished,” which is written by Travis Greene.

The original version of Overcomer made a splash on the charts, immediately entering the Top Gospel Albums upon release and earning Tamela her seventh No. 1 spot in Billboard’s Gospel Airplay charts with the debut No. 1 single, “Touch From You.” The follow-up single, “Help Me,” notched Tamela’s eighth No. 1 single on the Billboard chart and the current single, “He Did It For Me” is No. 1 on the chart for a second week. Marking her ninth single to take the top spot on the chart, Tamela is making history as the first gospel artist to achieve this.

Overcomer: Deluxe Edition takes what made the original version great and turns it into a new masterpiece.

Listeners will hear Tamela elegantly proclaim her faith, lead worship, and deliver heavenly music in the magnificent way she knows how.

“These songs are a true expression of my heart and reflect where I’m at these days on my spiritual journey,” says Tamela of the project that will be available on July 22. “We’ve all been through so much and we’ve made it through. I want to encourage people, God helped us overcome this far, and with His help, we can keep conquering anything that comes our way.”

For Brent Jones Nothing Else Matters Grammy & Stellar winner Brent Jones is back in a big way with his new smash hit single “Nothing Else Matters (Instead of Complaining, Praise Him)”.

The highly anticipated follow-up to "Open Your Mouth and Say Something", which topped the Billboard charts for over 54+ weeks, earning widespread critical acclaim and multiple award nominations including Dove and Stellar Awards, "Nothing Else Matters is a classic up-tempo Brent Jones choir jam.

Featured in the blockbuster DreamWorks movie “Trolls World Tour” (starring Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick & Mary J. Blige), a hit song collaboration

"Time" with pop star Ariana Grande, and a recent Billboard #1 plaque for his musical contributions to the Trolls World Tour movie soundtrack, Brent Jones was also recently awarded Gold & Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) - to certify over a million albums sold of “Awaken My Love”, his critically acclaimed collaboration with rap superstar Childish Gambino (who made history as the first rapper to win Record of the Year & Song of the Year at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards).

The Return of Shekinah Glory The platinum-selling praise and worship ensemble, Shekinah Glory Ministry, has teamed with veteran producer Ray Bady, and newcomer, Jazmine Lynn Jones, on the inspiring track, “He Always Wins”, described as a big burst of adrenaline similar in style to Shekinah Glory Ministry’s up-tempo congregational singalongs such as “We Magnify Your Name” and “Come On.” The collaboration comes at a time of transition for Shekinah Glory Ministry’s home church, Valley Kingdom Ministries International. The pastor, Apostle H. Daniel Wilson, has stepped down and appointed Ray Bady as the new leader. “For 38 Years, I have served as Senior Pastor of VKMI,” he says. “God is now preparing me for my next assignment, He has chosen Pastor Ray Bady to continue the work that’s taken place over the last few decades.”

“We are excited about what God wants to do with this next chapter of our lives, the life of The Valley, and the surrounding community,” says Bady — a Chicago native who began his career as a drummer for the likes of Marvin Sapp and Yolanda Adams.

For the last 20 years, Shekinah Glory Ministry has been hailed as urban worship music pioneers with five R.I.A.A. gold and platinum certifications for projects featuring signature songs such as “Praise is What I Do,” “Jesus,” and “Yes.”

GameChanger “The L.A. Dodgers Foundation’s Chief Executive is Making Baseball More Than A Game”

I

n her nine years with the awardwinning Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), Nichol Whiteman has committed to utilizing the resources of one of the city’s most beloved institutions to improve the lives of people all across Los Angeles. Since first starting at LADF in 2013 as an Executive Director— and now as Chief Executive Officer— Whiteman has advocated for LADF to be a strong charitable partner for nonprofits throughout the community which tackle some of the city’s thorniest issues such as improvements to education, health care, homlesness and social justice. In all, the partnerships Whiteman has cultivated have resulted in more than $40 million in the form of direct programing and grant making, impacting over 2.3 million children.

Along with their charitable partnerships, under Whiteman’s lead LADF’s many direct programs have expanded to reach more young Angelenos than ever before. The successes include Dodger Dreamteam (formerly Dodgers RBI) which makes baseball accessible to over 12,000 low income families through their 51 revitalized Dodgers Dreamfields, engaging 16,000 youth in their L.A. Reads literacy initiative, and supports STEM curiosity in over 9,000 students through LADF’s Science of Baseball curriculum.

Though LADF is a proud highlight of the L.A. Dodgers organization, White-

Dr. Manuel Scott Jr.

man is committed to living out LADF’s motto “Bigger Than Baseball” and extending the foundation’s reach far beyond the baseball audience.

“When people first hear about [LADF], at least from a marketing perspective, it feels like it’s all baseball and softball,” Whiteman tells L.A. Focus. “But once they dive deeper they gain a better sense of all the offerings we have like our educational resources which include financial literacy, college access and literacy success, health and wellness with our partners providing health screenings including vision and dental along with fitness and nutrition clinics, and helping support parents with our parent workshop series and coaches trainings– just to name a few.”

For Whiteman, the work LADF does is more than just a job but her deeply personal life’s work.

“I tell people that I wake up every single day and do this work I’m passionate about because I see myself in the child we serve,” says Whiteman. “I’m a first generation college graduate, first generation American and my parents instilled in me certain values such as hard work, excellence and leadership which I carry with me every day. I feel really privileged to have had amazing mentors and frankly, to have been part of amazing nonprofits.”

Raised in New York City, Whiteman’s philanthropic mindset was born from her experiences receiving support from charitable institutions which she has been determined to pay forward.

“I received a Better Chance Scholarship to go to high school and a Jackie Robinson Foundation and UNICEF Scholarship to go to college,” says Whiteman.

“Without those three organizations this version of Nichol Whiteman wouldn’t be possible— I received a

GERALD BELL Contributor

“

I know that in this space, as a black woman and executive in baseball, representation matters. I'm doing this, in part because it's so important for the next person to see that you can, which is why mentoring youth is important to me. And that is why speaking and being present and visible, especially to the black community here in Los Angeles, is really important to me. I want people to know it's possible. I want people to know it's achievable... and how we got here major network from each organization, along with leadership development and mentoring skills.”

After receiving her degree in economics from Spelman College, she chose to pursue her childhood goal of working in finance with a full-time offer from JP Morgan Chase— but after a year and a half, realized it wasn’t for her. According to Whiteman she then found her footing in the publishing world working for Black Enterprise Magazine, which brought her to Los Angeles. Whiteman’s career trajectory would change again after meeting the CEO of the Jackie Robinson Founda-

tion (JRF) at a conference and was recruited to be part of the leadership team for JRF’s new L.A. satellite office.

“I never thought about working in the nonprofit space or philanthropy,” says Whiteman. “But after a few months of talking it over I agreed that as a product of the Jackie Robinson Foundation it would be an amazing opportunity for me to sit as a full-time employee— helping to recruit sponsors and recruit additional scholarship recipients, while telling my own story.”

From there, Whiteman began to understand L.A. on a deeper level, taking a role in public school reform and working for the L.A. Promise Fund. Then in 2013 she was recruited to come to LADF where she helped kickstart their grantmaking program which is responsible for increasing their annual giving to over $2 million per year and supporting an average of 100 different nonprofits annually.

While the volume of work Whiteman and LADF does can be intense, the gratitude for her position is not lost on her.

“I truly believe every single day I'm working my dream job,” says Whiteman. “I walk into Dodger stadium and I take a pause sometimes and I look up at the sign, and I'm like, ‘am I walking in here? Is this me?’

And I really think I'm narrowly grateful and blessed. I know that I've worked hard and I deserve it. I know that every single day I'm a living example— and I think that was the dream, to become this living example. It was to become the first to show other people that you can do it too.”

And for Whiteman, living by example is her personal mission.

“I know that in this space, as a black woman and

executive in baseball, representation matters,” says Whiteman. “I'm doing this, in part because it's so important for the next person to see that you can, which is why mentoring youth is important to me. And that is why speaking and being present and visible, especially to the black community here in Los Angeles, is really important to me. I want people to know it's possible. I want people to know it's achievable and I can help tell you my story and that of others I know and how we got here.”

Nichol Whiteman with Magic Johnson, the widow of the late Jackie Robinson and her family

L.A. Focus/July 2022

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ChurchNews Atherton Baptist Church Celebrates $3 Million Expansion

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

I

t’s easy to miss the church tucked away in a quiet residential area bordering Hawthorne and Los Angeles, but what’s hard to miss is the $3 million expansion and renovation expansion the 1,200-plus member church is set to celebrate with the official dedication on July 30.

In the 20-plus years since Senior Pastor Larry Weaver took the reins at Atherton Baptist Church, it has grown six-fold from a couple of hundred members, thanks in part to his transparency, commitment to the word, expository preaching and community outreach.

A practical man, Weaver –paid off the church while adding two more pieces of property over ten years ago, but with his latest expansion the church grounds got a facelift.

“Our vestibule had been very small,” Weaver explained. “This way, it creates an atmosphere for more fellowship and opportunities for other activities. It’s been a part of my vision for the church to have a space for fellowship and for us to have a more modern look.

For us to get away from traditional for the young people, plus we installed some needed updates.

“We actually extended the front of the building about 3000 feet and then we enjoined the buildings, added an elevator and redid our education building and all the bathrooms. It was a major overhaul.”

Weaving couldn’t be more pleased with the results and the response of his thriving congregation. He credits his success in part to the skills he learned in Corporate America with regards to administration and dealing with people.

“God took corporate and he took Christian principles and combined them together. I would say that is what our success is based on.”

Church from 1977 to 1982,” Scott recounted.

Morning Worship: 11:00am Scott, who says he was born to do evangelism, is the Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word son of legendary pastor, Manuel Scott Sr., who was Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South L.A. twice named to Ebony Magazine’s list of "America's 15 10905 S. Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059 Greatest Black Preachers".

(323) 566.5286 “Most sons of legendary preachers do not make it.

Pastor Alvin Stafford Jr. Sunday School: 9:30am What happens is the son tries very unwisely to comMorning Worship: 10:30am pete with the legend of their father. But,” notes Scott, Book by Book Bible Study (Wed.): 6:30pm “I'm very independent. I've always wanted to make it Sunday service broadcast on Facebook live on my own. The name didn't hurt me. In fact, it opened Sunday school and Book by Book Bible Study so many doors, but I had to do my due diligence to keep services are conducted on Zoom the doors open.”

For more information, visit Not only did his work open doors in the national www.bethelsola.com Baptist community but expanded to other denomiBethesda Temple Apostolic Faith nations as was reflected in the crowd that gathered 4909 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043 last month at the Praises of Zion Baptist Church to (323) 299-2591 • thevoice4904@att.net honor him.

And Scott is .

Pastor Kyron S. Shorter Sunday Morning Prayer: 9:00am “This really signals chapter two,” Scott said. “I’ve Sunday School: 9:30am got too much to do, particularly now that the pandemic Morning Worship: 11:00am for the most part is subsiding, things are opening up Children’s Church: 11:00am and my calendar looks like it used to look prior to the Sunday Evening Service: 6:00pm pandemic averaging anywhere from 55 to 61 revivals a year and I had not missed preaching on a Sunday morning in 15 years.”

Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church

South L.A. Residents Get $20,000 in Free Gasoline Courtesy of Local Church Upwards of 450 South L.A. residents were blessed with $50 worth of free gas last month courtesy of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church last month. Cars were backed up on Slauson from Crenshaw to Rimpau by those seeking temporary relief from surging gas prices.

It was be first come, first served for residents who began lining up as early as 5:30am to receive $50 worth of gas at the Shell station located at 5805 Crenshaw Blvd (at the intersection of Crenshaw and Slauson).

L.A. Focus/July 2022

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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

L.A. Faith Community Celebrates Manuel Scott Jr. As the first full-time, Ivy League trained national evangelist to come out of the Black Baptist church, Manuel Scott, Jr. is somewhat of an anomaly. His gifting has fueled an appeal that has led him to conducting well over 1000 revivals and workshops and resulted in thousands receiving salvation.

Last month, the L.A. faith community came together to honor the man they have dubbed as a legend among them. The event–keynoted by Dr. R.A. Williams and bringing together upwards of 800, including upwards of 100 pastors– celebrated Scott’s four decades as a full-time evangelist –a feat he says has never been done in the Black Baptist church.

“The Black Baptist tradition historically has not supported the notion of someone being a fulltime evangelist,” Scott explained. “All of your “evangelists” have always been pastors.”

Which is not surprisingly how Scott started out.

“After I finished Princeton Seminary in New Jersey and returned to Los Angeles, I worked out in San Bernardino, New Hope Church for two years before being called to pastor Park Windsor Baptist

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

“What sparked this idea is the need,” said Pastor Joshua Daniels. “We believe that where there’s a need, God wants the church to meet that need. Right now, gas prices are exorbitant, and we believe that this will be a way to help a lot of families and to just show the community that Jesus cares.”

The event was part of the church’s “Zion Cares” outreach and is the second effort Daniels has undertaken since being called as the church’s senior pastor last October. In December, the church fed 1,000 people over the Christmas holidays.

“Mt. Zion has been involved in missions and outreach for decades, most notably under the leadership of Dr. E.V. Hill,” adds Daniels. “We’ve rebranded as Zion Cares because we want our city to know us as a church that cares about community.”

In other church news, Joel and Victoria Osteen are slated to return to Yankee Stadium on August 6 for "Come Home to Hope." The event will include special guests, inspirational speakers, and praise and worship music from award-winning artists including Cece Winans and Tauren Wells.

Finally, the Los Angeles Urban League honored civil rights leader and former Holman United Methodist Church pastor, the Rev. James Lawson, with its prestigious Whitney M. Young Jr. Award.

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 • www.faithdome.org Dr. Frederick K. Price, Jr. Sunday Service: 10:30am Bible Study (Tues): 11:00am & 7:30pm at faithdome.org, Facebook, Roku, YouTube and the EIFM app (download in Apple Store and GooglePlay) 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

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

FIRST LADY FILES

Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Pastor Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm

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

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

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

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

Contributor

Laura Simon

Reappointed to Grant AME Church Los Angeles Rev. Dr. James A. Rumph

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

KAREN A. BROWN

Covenant City Fellowship

L

ady Laura Simon is a wife, mother, and First Lady of the Covenant City Fellowship (CCF) Church, a progressive ministry pastored by her husband, Rev. Tony Si- mon in Orange County, California. This native of the OC is also the new author of “Did She Say That Out Loud?”, a book which will be released in October 2022.

A transparent and transformative leader, Lady Laura is making a difference in the lives of women in the Orange County area. She serves the women of CCF as the women’s leader of Wild Women Wednesday and Live Late Night Lattes, Laughter and Life with Lady Laura.

With authenticity and creativity at the center, both of these ministries give women the opportunity to share their truth while learning from the Word of God. An advocate for young adults too, Laura, has been sought after to have the “hard conversations” that other leaders aren’t willing to have. She brings a real and relevant style that resonates with the younger generation.

This mother of four knows first hand what they are experiencing in today’s post pandemic world. “Trans- parency will bring the young folks back to church,” said Lady Laura.

Having met her husband when they were only five years old, the two have been growing together over the years. Today they serve as partners in ministry and in life. “The first ten years of the ministry, I wore all those big hats and shiny suits but my husband didn’t like it. So, my thing is for other pastor’s wives, Be you.”

She also teaches bible study on Wednesday evenings along side her husband, which initially started on Zoom during the quarantine.

This ministry has grown un- der her co-leadership.

Lady Laura Simon is a woman of influence, instruction and inspiration.

She is a delightful personality that loves her the Lord and the assignment that He has given her.

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

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

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

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:30am Sunday classes following morning service Tuesday Evening Family Hour Prayer Line 6:30pm Wednesday Noon Day Hour of Power Prayer line Wednesday Evening 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: 10:00 am YouTube: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud Sunday Radio Broadcast KJLH-FM: 9am Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7pm (Log into zoom.us,click“join in a meeting” enter meeting ID: 480-271-5449.

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

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

West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3600 W. Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 • www.westa.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., Senior Pastor Charles E. Blake II Co-Pastor Sunday Service: 10:00am Sunday Radio Broadcast: KJLH 102.3 FM: 10:00am Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus) Service Time: 10:45 Virtual Worship: Youtube Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm) Dr. Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Online Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm FB: GreaterZionChurchFamily IG: GZCFamily www.gzcfamily.com

Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 • F: (310) 537-3149 Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Sunday School: 9:45am & 10:15am Early Morning Worship: 7:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11:15am New Members’ Class: 9:45am Communion (1st Sunday): 7:30 & 11:15am Mid-Week Prayer & Bible Study (Wed)- 7pm Broadcast (KALI 900AM - Sunday): 2pm3:00pm Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5449, Compton, CA 90224 Apostle Ronald C. Hill, Sr. Founder and Pastor Live Stream Sunday Worship:10am/6:30pm Live Stream Bible Studies: Wed 7:30am & 9:00am Live Stream Prayer w /Apostle Hill: Fri: 9:00am Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact Televison Network: Mon-Fri PST 6:30am The Word Network EVERY FRIDAY @ 12:30pm The City of Refuge 14527 S. San Pedro Street, Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 516-1433 Bishop Noel Jones

In Gardena

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

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

In Hawthorne

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

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

Service Times: 8:00am & 10:00am Watch Via: Facebook|YouTube|Live Stream Closer To People...Closer To God! www.GO2Hope.com

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

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

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

Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc.

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

Pastor Profile: Nisan Stewart Church: Greater Emmanuel Temple How Long at church: 10 years Hometown: Los Angeles Family: Wife Latoya and three children You took over the church from your Dad, were you groomed to follow him?

I think it was a desire of his for me to do it, but he and I had clear conversation that I don't believe strictly in nepotism. I think that's where a lot of leaders fail– trying to keep it in the family. Although I knew God was preparing me for something of a leadership role in ministry, I was open to whatever God had for me and I told my father if I'm not the one, don't give it to me because I'm over here doing great in the entertainment business. And I'm the type of guy who’s got their hands in about 20 different things, so I deal with what's in front of me. Pastor wasn't in front of me.

Having recently celebrated ten years as pastor, when did you finally make the choice?

In 2004, I was in Miami working with Missy Elliott and I got summoned to come back home as my mother was transitioning from cancer. I was on a plane ride back to Los Angeles during which I had a conversation with God and on that plane, I accepted the call to the ministry.

Sounds like you made a deal with God, like if you save my mom…

Exactly. I was on the plane crying and I asked the Lord, if you heal my mother, I will go ahead and preach the gospel even though my music career had started happening. I was a drummer in the city and I just developed in the music business and toured and traveled.

Being one of the most respected and in demand drummers in the industry– having worked with everyone from Kanye, Beyonce, and New Edition to Mary

Mary–how do you balance that against your ministry?

It’s easy because I set my own schedule. A lot of times I'm doing consulting and musical directing, and I give a lot of opportunities to a lot of other musicians. I've been fortunate to do that.

Is there ever a time when people are doing stuff on stage where you question being there?

Listen, there's a time when people are doing all lo a lot of things everywhere. At the end of the day I know that subject is touchy, but it doesn't bother me as much as it bothers some. Music is music and I know it ain't for everybody. If you can't handle yourself, there's a lot of things that can pull you into dark places, but there's the same things in sports, in law and politics–crazy things happen. I had to have that conversation with my father, and I said at some point you have to trust what you teach and that it is being deposited.

People would actually call my father and say I see your son on the Tonight Show playing with this one or that one and he'd be like, ‘Yeah, and he came right back home and paid some good tithes too.

Is there anybody you won't work with because of what they represent?

Some people I won't work with, but it probably wouldn't be because of their music. There’s one person I probably wouldn't work with because of something they're into that I'm totally against. At the end of the day, nobody has to answer to God for me. I'll answer to God for myself and I am filled with the Holy Spirit.

I believe it is what will lead me and guide me. Remember, the Bible says, wherever sin abounds, His grace exists there too.

Every leader has to lead how they feel they're being led.

Do you glean anything from those experi-

ences on the road as music director for Jamie Foxx or a 50 Cent that help you in ministry?

Absolutely. I have a different type of love and appreciation for people outside of the church culture. Some people only know their culture and sometimes that may be good, and sometimes I believe that's bad, but I've always asked God to broaden my mind when it comes to people. All of that helps shape the way I do things, which is a change in speaking of the transition from my father and myself.

How would you describe your preaching style?

I wouldn't call myself a traditional flatfooted preacher, I'm more of a teacher. I like to get to the heart of the matter. I like to get people to understand what God is saying to them according to their situation. Everybody coming to church is dealing with something different. You’ve got older people who've been in church forever and this young generation that don't understand a lot of things from the previous culture. I want to reach all of them, so I'm more a teacher/preacher.

Is that what you believe is your biggest appeal to people?

I think it is. I really just try to be myself.

I told my father when I first started, ‘Man, I don't preach like you and that's hard. People are used to hearing that.’ He said, ‘Well, God didn't call you to sound like me.’ Then too, a lot of people are broken because of bad experiences in church. So, I feel like some of it is that I'm a cleanup man.

What particular charater trait stands out as one of your strengths in ministry?

Humility might be my thing, because I'm a big guy. I'm 6’6”, 270 pounds. I don't need a big chair on the pulpit to say I'm the man of God

for the hour. I think that’s what makes my leadership style attractive to those around me.

Tell me about your new album.

When I became the pastor in 2012, I thought I was going to kind of segue out of the business until a funny thing happened shortly after I became the pastor.

I thought I’d done my last tour, but I got a call from Ray Chew, musical director to the Stars and he asked me about working on Dancing With The Stars so I've stayed around and let things happen. Then at our church, we are blessed to have amazing singers, songwriters and musicians, so during the pandemic, we did a virtual concert. There was one song that had me get up and ask our music ministry leader, Deonte, ‘Whose song is that?’ He said I wrote that song for the church. When I went home, I felt something tell me, you’ve got to record that song. That was the first song we recorded. We’ve recorded about nine songs since.

When I first heard the song that's released now– which is called “Wait for You”–it would not leave my head and I was like, man, let's just do it. We did the song, and we are letting everything

Pastor continued to page 20

From the Pulpit: Resurrection LA Church “Gain Some Weight”

T

here is a famously riveting scene in Godfather III that accurately captures how I’m feeling right about now. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the Godfather trilogy (Shame on you! I’m going to pray for you LOL), let me give you a quick overview.

So…. the main character is named Michael Corleone and is the son whom his father hoped would avoid a life of crime and bring honor to the family name. But when his father is shot by some rival gangsters, Michael joins the family business, becomes its leader, and in so doing loses his soul. By the third installment of the series, he is on the verge of becoming a legitimate businessman but is forced to enter a dispute that will further enmesh him in criminal activities. He also correctly senses that this final action he must take will seal both he and his family’s fate.

Now an old man, Michael is so frustrated by his ability to move beyond the clutches of his past, that he says “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”

That’s exactly how I feel about COVID: Just when I thought the pandemic was over; Just when I thought our lives would resume some degree of normalcy; Just when I thought my favorite stores and restaurants would reopen, have everything listed on the menu, have what I want in my size, and be fully staffed; Just when I thought I could go back to the movies and even a concert or two; Just when I thought I could travel with ease and comfort without the fear of sudden cancellation; And just when I thought we could resume our weekly in-person worship serv-

ices without fear of jeopardizing anyone’s health; Just when I thought we were almost out, Omicron pulled us back in! Then, Delta. Now, long COVID. I’m laughing while I write this, but let’s be clear: this is no laughing matter.

We are entering the third year of this crisis, and all of us are tired: we are zoomed out, door dashed out, and HBO Maxed out. It may take years for the full emotional and physical impact of this pandemic to be known. But it has affected each of us deeply, in all kinds of ways.

But in spite of all of its negative effects, I remain convinced that this crisis has also been a gift. Yes, you read that correctly. I derived this insight from a scintillating passage of scripture. Here is what it says: Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way James 1:2-4 (MSG) When we are bombarded from all sides with the tests and challenges of life, James instructs us to consider it a gift!

Wow! Viewed from this perspective, this pandemic is a present! Seeing the crisis from this lens profoundly challenges and changes how best to view it and how to function in it. Understanding the pandemic from this vantage point, teaches me that even in the midst of this challenge, God is up to something.

But what exactly IS God up to? Among other things, he is causing us to gain some WAIT. Now almost everyone has gained some WEIGHT over the past few

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

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

In Long Beach

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

years. I recently read that the average American gained 29 pounds during the past two years. I don’t know if my weight gain was in the double digits, and I refuse to get on a scale to find out. However, earlier this week, I did have a conversation with my stomach.

ME: Is it me or are you getting bigger?

MY STOMACH: No comment.

According to the Centers For Disease Control, In the past year, four additional states have joined the existing 16 in which 35% or more of the population is obese.

An increase in sedentary behavior, job and relationship related stress, income loss and mental fatigue are some of the factors driving this unfortunate trend.

Gaining weight in our physical bodies is just one of the devastating effects that his pandemic has wrought.–and we all need to be better stewards of our physical health. I heard one wise preacher say that even though the scripture says that body exercises profit us little (1 Timothy 4:8), we ought to get the little that it profits. LOL But God has been working on another agenda during this crisis: I believe God has been helping us gain some spiritual wait. More than ever, I am convinced that one of things that God is producing in his children and in his church during this pandemic is the spiritual fruit of patience.

This crisis has forced most of us to change our plans, alter our routines, and become comfortable with setbacks, shortages, and scarcity. I called one airline this week to make some changes to a ticket, and was told that I didn’t have to wait, but that a customer service associate would call me back in 8 hours.

LOL. This crisis has forced all of us to spend some time in the waiting room.

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

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

In Lynwood

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

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

I’ve spent a lot of time in waiting rooms. Whether it was waiting for my car to get fixed or for a loved one to come through surgery, they all look the same.

And…. you can’t do anything. Most people try to read, but usually wind up taking a walk or going to get something to eat. Most of us don’t know how to wait.

But as much as we all hate to wait, waiting is an essential component of any victorious life. It is a fruit of the Spirit, evidence of sanctified character, results in better decision-making, better relationships, better results, and long-term success.

The old folks used to say that the Devil is always in a rush. Part of what they meant is that it’s hard to achieve or experience anything worthwhile while hurrying about. You can’t get a filet mignon in a drive through restaurant. And if you do, be very concerned.

One of the gifts that God has given all of us during this crisis is that it has forced us to wait. One translation of this scripture says that we should let p a tience have h e r p e r f e c t work!

Continued to page 20 In-

Pastor Joseph Carlos Robinson

Arise Christian Center In Westchester 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C,Westchester, CA,90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com Pastor Ron Taylor Morning Worship: 9:00am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Thursday:11:30am-12:30pm The Liberty Church 14725 S. Gramercy Place, Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 715-8400 Pastor David W. Cross Morning Worship/Livestream: 10:00am Hispanic Ministry Worship/Livestream:12Noon Word Power Wednesday/Livestream: 7:00pm The CROSSWORD with Pastor Cross: YouTube

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

Larry Elder continued from page 8 the authorization of two doctors.

In a debate during the 2020 presidential contest, Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., rejected making abortion illegal at any stage during pregnancy, a position held by other leaders in his party. But a 2021 Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found 80% of Americans think third trimester abortion should be illegal.

The Supreme Court should never have federalized the issue of abortion and has now properly returned it to the people and to the states.

Larry Elder is a best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. To find out more about Larry Elder, visit www.LarryElder.com.

Candace McDuffie continued from page 8 country’s most marginalized and vulnerable populations. And honestly, the Constitution will always be a hell of an excuse to oppress Black folks on behalf of white supremacy.

Candace McDuffie is a respected cultural critic whose work has been featured in publications such as Rolling Stone, MTV, NBC News, The Boston Globe, Newsweek, SPIN, Glamour, Essence, Paste and more.

Money Matters continued from page 9 sizes: –Family of one — $125,100 –Family of two — $142,950 Family of three — $160,800 Family of four — $178,650 Family of five — $192,950 •Missed one property tax payment before June 13, 2022.

•Only own and occupy one property in California as their primary residence.

•Own a single-family home, condominium, or permanently affixed manufactured home.

Both of the above initiatives are among a number of programs working to help keep people in their homes.

Homeowners are urged to be proactive and not wait until they have missed a payment to reach out to their loan servicer for potential loss mitigation options even

though some of them require homeowners to be at least 60 to 90 days late before they can access financial resources.

The best source of assistance for identifying and sorting through programs and options is the Housing Stability Counseling Program, a federally funded program designed to provide counseling for households facing instability, such as eviction, default, foreclosure, loss of income or homelessness.

Program counselors help homeowners sort through the many federal and state programs that may offer assistance for their particular circumstances, including mortgage delinquency and default.

over the place and we're figuring things out. We're about 90% done with our album and we have a record I believe is going to seriously bless the world. Five of the nine of us– Warryn Campbell, Gerald Hadden, David Hadden, John Terrace Tate and myself–are pastors.

Footnotes continued from page 12 ulation.’ Ultimately, I feel that the key to more diversity in television is not just sticking characters into a white world, but actually green-lighting the stories that naturally bring those people to the forefront.

How much of the success of your church is based on preaching vs. service?

For me, preaching may be about 10% of what pastoring is. It's the other stuff. So, anybody that's trying to get into ministry, first of all, you’ve got to love people. A lot of people love the mic. They love hearing themselves, watching themselves on TV. That doesn't excite me because I've been on television consistently since 2001.

The rest is serving that community. We have communities that need our help and when you show people how you serve the community, people gravitate to that.

They'll be like, ‘Oh yeah, this is the type of church we want to be at’.

On the secret to her success with the show: This is a craft like any other profession. And what I kind of always tell people who want to do this is that they need to study television and film. One of the things that really made it work for me was that when I was at Temple, studying television and film, I also studied advertising – the real business of network TV. If you know how to make a show and sell a show, you are bulletproof.

Pastor continued from page 18 happen organically.

I believe the song is going to help individuals right now in this season because many of us are at crossroads.

We're in challenging times…with the gas prices, politics. Things are changing in our culture. For those who are believers, Jesus taught us how to pray, right? We have to say like in the Lord's prayer, your kingdom come, your will be done. And so that's why that song exists. That's why we're here.

What's going on with your group, The Soul Seekers and how many in the group are pastors?

The Soul Seekers are nine individuals that we are all

What’s in store for Greater Emmanuel?

There's a resurgence in leadership in terms of our ministries and we're looking to create new and different ministries to service the community. We are going to serve the community and we're trying to do it in exceptional ways in Lynwood, Southgate, Compton, –partnering with our church brothers and sisters around us and just really trying to be the light in that community.

From the Pulpit continued from page 19 stead of letting the pandemic work on you, realize God is using it to work for you! God sends tests and challenges to work for us in 3 ways: 1. God works on us through test and challenges.

2. Then, God works in us by using the tests and challenges to develop much needed character traits.

3. Finally, God works through us by putting us in situations to showcase the new strength that he forged inside us during the tests and challenges.

In every test, God is at work In every challenge, God is at work.

Through COVID, God has been at work.

God has been helping all of us gain some WAIT. You should thank him.

For newspaper delivery Must have own truck For more information Call Kisha

(310) 677-6011

InGoodTaste

Snickerdoodles Ingredients:

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L.A. Focus/July 2022

21

SavingGrace

I

L.A. Focus/July 2022

t has been reported that as Abbott Elementary creator/star Quinta Brunson handpicked the cast for her smash hit ABC sitcom, that she looked at Sheryl Lee Ralph and said, ‘We need a queen, Ms. Ralph, and you’re that queen.’

It couldn’t have been better casting for the show deemed by critics as the best new network sitcom of the season.

“I think Quinta [Brunson] is a bit of an alchemist,” says Ralph, who was sold on the script the first time she read it. “She can put her hand on magic and spread it around, and she hand-picked everybody for these roles. She took time doing it, and it has been a journey worth taking. We fit together like a zipper, and we don’t have to work hard at it.”

Ralph plays elementary teacher Barbara Howard, who is a dedicated, formidable and no nonsense, old school teaching veteran –the kind of standout teacher most knows someone like, including Ralph.

“I have been around so many Barbara Howards in my life, wonderful women who have stood the test of time,” Ralph says. “They’ve been churchgoers, teachers, friends. I knew this woman and I was so happy that she was given to me to give life to.”

The life she gave to her character has now given life to Emmy buzz for the Tony nominated actress, singer and activist as industry insiders predict that the sitcom could score record-breaking Emmy nominations for Brunson and the cast.

While the show’s success may be introducing her to a younger generation, most know the wealth of work Ralph–who is the original Broadway dreamgirl –has done on stage, the silver screen in films like “Sister Act 2” and on television. Abbott Elementary is the latest in a string of hit TV series Ralph has had starring or recurring roles in, including Ray Donovan, Instant Mom, Designing Women, It’s A Living and perhaps most notably, Moesha.

Ralph is having the time of her life and leveraging the popularity to her passion for divas–"DIVAS Simply Singing! that is. Now in its 32nd year of service, the platform she created to bring awareness to AIDS, is still going strong.

For Ralph, celebrity is about giving back to the community and so affected was she by the plight of those with the disease that in 1990 she launched the annual benefit concert to help assist people living with AIDS and HIV. “As I stepped into the bright lights of Broadway as an original company member of ‘Dreamgirls,’ AIDS made an entrance that would be devastating up and down Broadway blowing out the flame of life like candles on a birthday cake!” recalled Ralph, who lost a great many friends to AIDS. “As a young person, I was forever changed standing witness to such an ugly time in America. Seeing how marginalized people were left out of the AIDS conversation.”

For her work on the AIDS/HIV front, Ralph will be honored–alongside Charlize Theron– with the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award for their commitment to raising awareness of HIV at the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS in Sep-

22

Sheryl Lee Ralph This has been an amazing journey. I’ve said it before – it’s like capturing the golden ticket.

Every actor would like to have this. We got it, and it feels so good.

I always say God knows what he is doing.

I am a woman of faith. I live by faith. I believe in things I cannot see. I know I serve a higher power. It is just part of who I am.

“

tember.

Balancing her art and activism with her role as wife to Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes and the mother of two adult children sometimes poses a bit of a challenge for Ralph, who has come to rely on God to see her through.

“I believe you’re not given more than you can handle,” Ralph notes. “Part of my prayer every day is ‘Lord help me to be a better person. Help me to be more patient, help me to see what other people are seeing so I can empathize a little bit. Those are some of the challenges for me–patience with myself, with my kids, with my job.”

The eldest of four born to a college dean and a fashion designer in Connecticut and reared between Long Island and Jamaica, Ralph headed to Rutgers University where she was pre-med until landing a scholarship from the American College Theater Festival. And though she was crowned first runner up in the Miss Black Teen USA Contest, she ended up graduating with a degree in English Literature (and a minor in Theater Arts) when she was just 19.

Within weeks of her graduation in 1977, Ralph was in Hollywood. Her first week there, she auditioned for Sidney Poitier’s film “A Piece of the Action” and got the part. A few years later, after a number of television commercials and a few roles in sitcoms, Ralph noticed the scarcity of roles for Black women and decided to head back to New York where the 23-year-old beauty would find herself in the Broadway hit “Dreamgirls”.

After the production ran its course, Ralph headed back to Hollywood where she found TV work in sitcoms like “It’s A Living.” Her first major film role came in 1989 opposite Denzel Washington in “The Mighty Quinn.” Other film credits include “Mistress” with Robert DeNiro, Eddie Murphy’s “The Distinguished Gentleman” and “To Sleep With Anger” with Danny Glover for which she won the 1991 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress.

In 1992, Ralph talked her way into a role on the show “Designing Women” after convincing the producer that the white women on the show should have a black friend and for six seasons, she graced the small screen as Dee Mitchell, the sweet and sexy step-mother to R&B star Brandy on UPN’s hit sitcom “Moesha” Though she’s managed to carve out a name

for herself, the 65-year old actress– who plays President of the United States in Freeform’s “Motherland: Fort Salem”–says the most important thing is being content with the roles she chooses and happy with the work she produces.

Fact is, being a Christian plays an even greater role in how this daughter of a minister of music conducts herself. Growing up in a home that stressed the importance of church, Ralph says she made a personal commitment to Christ while in college.

“We went to church every Sunday,” she recounts.

“On Sundays you did not dance, and you did not listen to your favorite radio station because it was time for church. In college, when I didn’t have to go to church every Sunday because I was on my own, I remember just clearly saying I’d like to find a church.”

Rather than viewing being a Christian in Hollywood as a challenge, Ralph says her choice is made easier by the fact that she chooses to live differently.

“Everybody has their temptations, everybody makes their mistakes,” she points out, “and I’m not the one to throw the first stone so I live my life the best I can and set the best example I can for my kids.”

For Ralph the success of Abbott Elementary validates that she has done exactly what she was supposed to do and that she is right where she wants to be.

“I had every expectation that this was going to be a great show,” Ralphs says of the show about the struggles teachers face in an underfunded, urban elementary school.

“How great it would become? I don’t think I was ready for that. This has been an amazing journey. I’ve said it before — it’s like capturing the golden ticket.

Every actor would like to have this. We got it, and it feels so good.

“I always say God knows what he is doing,” Ralph states. “I am a woman of faith. I live by faith. I believe in things I cannot see. I know I serve a higher power.

It is just part of who I am.”