L.A. Focus On The Word ISSUE 10 October 2015

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People’s Independent Celebrates 100 Years PAGE

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Red Carpet Style: Stars Shined At Emmy’s PAGE

SEE PAGE

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>> Now touring the country, “Madea On The Run” One On One With Iyanla Vanzant

will stop at the Dolby theater for three nights only starting October 23...

COMES TO L.A.’S DOLBY THEATER

SEE PAGE

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contents

L.A. Focus Publication

October 2015

(Left): President Obamaa and first lady Michelle Obama welcome Pope Francis to the White House before a cheering crowd of thousands; (Middle): Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas holds up a copy of L.A. Focus next to L.A. Focus Newspaper Editor Lisa Collins; (Right): Forescee Hogan-Rowles, RISE Financial Pathways President/CEO, Dr. Elaine Batchlor, CEO of Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital and Dr. Roslyn Blake, CEO of M.B. Ellison, Inc. attend RISE Financial Pathways event honoring Women CEO’s in Southern California hospitals.

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Commentary “Spike in South LA Violence: We Need to Focus Our Attention on Black-on-Black Violence?”

From The Editor

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Lisa Collins

Upfront

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Calendar/Around LA

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Inside Hollywood

Eye On Gospel

23 24 In Good Taste 25 Saving Grace 26 Finding Your Pretty With Bro Steve

Nicki Minaj To Executive Produce And Appear In New ABC Show

One On One Iyanla Vanzant

Through The Storm 17 Head To Head 8 Church News Headlines From Africa 18 First Lady Files 10 Feature Story 19 12 Money Matters 20 Pastor Profile 13 Red Carpet Style 21 From The Pulpit

The Tale of A Breast Cancer Survivor

Laray Fowler

Quad Lunceford-Webb

With Chez

People’s Independent Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Changing The Narrative: Mayor Aja Brown’s Plans For Compton

Uber Becomes A $10 Billion Company Amid Uphill Battle

2015 Primetime Emmy Awards

staff Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Asst. Editor Articles Editor Staff Writers Contributors

Photographers Advertising

Lisa Collins Tatiana Rivera Emma Gannon Stephen Oduntan Larry Elder Bill Jones, Ian Foxx Kisha Smith

Kim Ervin—Church One Ministries

Pastor Theo Wilkins—Three Oaks Baptist Church

American Crime star Regina King won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie at the Primetime Emmy Awards. It was her first Primetime Emmy Award nomination and first win.

of Faithful Central Bible Church

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Marc T. Little

Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co.

On The Cover:

Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church Law Offices of Marc T. Little

honorary advisors Bishop Charles Blake Bishop Noel Jones Paradise Baptist Church Dr. Aaron D. Iverson Southern MBC Rev. Xavier L. Thompson F. A.M.E. Church Dr. Cecil Murray Faithful Central Bible Church Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Rev. Melvin Wade Mt. Zion MBC Rev. E.V. Hill II West Angeles C.O.G.I.C. City of Refuge

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

Address all correspondence to: L.A. Focus, 333 W. Florence Ave., Suite 315C Inglewood, CA 90301 • (310) 677-6011 Fax: (310) 677-2338 Subscription rates $25.00 per year.

Copyright, January 1995 by L.A. Focus Publications. All rights reserved. Unsolicited manuscripts/photographs are not accepted, nor shall any responsibility for them be assumed.

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Commentary Why Have Elections?

Thomas Sowell Guest Columnist

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e’ve seen this far too often. The tragic death of an innocent young black male whose life was taken too soon at the hands of an ill-timed police shooting eliciting a mass protest and a passionate plea by black leaders to reform our criminal justice system and combat the structural racism that is embedded in police departments across the nation.

This summer in cities across the country and here in Los Angeles, we are also seeing a dramatic increase in homicides in our community. We need to take a serious look at the disproportionate murders of black men caused by gang violence, and move to sound prevention and interventions strategies that will save lives.

LAPD’s 77th Division, which is located in the district I represent-Council District 8-has reported the highest number of homicides with forty-three murders. Almost all of the victims of these shootings were young black men who died at the hands of other black men. Nationally, the FBI found that black-onblack violence accounted for 91% of homicides, versus only 9% for white-onblack violence and black violence that involved other groups.

After years of a steadydecline in crime, by early September, LAPD reported a 7% increase in the number of people who have been killed in Los Angeles in comparison to last year.

Yet on a national level, other major cities have outpaced Los Angeles with year-to-year sharp increases in murder rates as high as 56% in Baltimore, and 60% in St. Louis. Experts have said high rates of violent crimes are directly correlated to unemployment and a lack of opportunities for youth.

While homicide rates in Los Angeles have been significantly lower than other major cities, we must do more to prevent the bloodshed on our streets.

Nationally, and in Los Angeles, it’s time to rethink our approach to urban violence. I am proposing larger investments in proven programs that prevent crime as well as effective interventions when we see troubling trends emerging. Equally important is engaging community members where the problems are and gathering information from those most affected by the violence.

Two weeks ago, I convened an emergency meeting of more than 400 South L.A. residents to talk about the surge in shootings. Families who have lost loved ones, intervention workers, LAPD, and clergy all gathered to talk about how the recent homicides have affected their

sense of safety, a need for new policing measures to be implemented, and how they can be a part of the solution- this was a true cry for action and leadership on this issue.

With respect to thecity’s crime levels, one ofthe reasons our city has been able to maintain lower homicide rates, is the city’s gang intervention movement. Peace keepers on the front lines who can suppress disputes between gangs in ways that police are unable to, intervene when tensions run high. Their immeasurable impact is so critical to restoring peace in our streets and we must do more to expand their impact.

Along with gang interventionists, there’s been a long history of activism in the community with individuals like Gerald Thompson and Khalid Shaw, who have been on the front lines and have worked with South LA youth to reduce violent crimes altogether. These community heroes do not always garner a great deal of press coverage, but should be heralded in the community for their work.

The city as a whole needs more resources in order to target programs that save lives. Some successful community-based policing programs have made a significant impact in the past 25 years such as LAPD’s Community Safety Partnership (CSP).

This program is an intensive experiment in community oriented policing in four housing developments that reduced crime and is supported by law enforcement and commun ty members. I was told these programs can come at a high cost for taxpayers, but for me, there’s no dollar amount that is more significant than saving a life.

To begin this dialogue, I’ve asked that the LAPD, City Attorney and Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) provide a report with comprehe sive recommendations to stop these shootings as well as how we can incorporate community-based policing strategies more broadly throughout the effected communities. I’ve also asked that our intervention agencies convene monthly to provide progress reports and report on additional strategies that need to be employed.

To further prevent any more loss of life from occurring in our community, it will take an innovative and holistic approach where law enforcement, interventionists and the community work in tandem with each other to rebuild South LA. Los Angeles City Councilmember, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, represents Council District 8, which encompasses parts of South Los Angeles. He is the Co-Chair of the Homelessness and Poverty Committee and Vice-Chair of the Planning and Land Use Management Committee.

From the Editor LISA COLLINS Publisher

“Celebrating First Ladies”

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first ladies represent fundamental values that have for decades reflected the soul and spirit of our progress, successes, strengths and humanity.

On the note of exceptional women, our cover story profiles one of the region’s most exciting and dynamic young leaders, Mayor Aja Brown. At just 33, she is changing the narrative in Compton. (See page 10).

As October is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” our Through the Storm (on page 17) spotlights First Lady Betty Price’s victory over cancer. A victory that came with a great deal of insight over what she could do to fight the disease, particularly changing her diet to include fruits, vegetables, more healthy food choices and increasing the amount of water she consumed.

I encourage all women to take note of what they can do to lower their chances of getting breast cancer, including mammograms and better diet choices.

Finally, congratulations to our High Tea essay winner, 15-year old Kari Brown of Liberty Baptist Church, who went one step further than writing on the theme, “Black Voices matter” —but living it, writing the following in her essay: “I attend a private school in Hollywood with only four African American students, all female. When important issues in our black community came up, the topics were completely looked over by my school. There was one African American teacher who specifically asked if he could give a talk about these encounters with black lives, and they responded with a simple “no.” I felt compelled to do something and spoke to the Dean of Students. Weeks later, I led a talk in front of the school. Although it was clear that a lot of people did not have a true appreciation for what I was talking about, they could see that I did and they respected that. Now, I have formed a diversity committee at my school. It all starts by recognizing that our voices really do matter.”

And there’s not really much more I can add. Keep the faith.

Kari Brown

L.A. Focus/October 2015

rowing up a pastor’s daughter, I got my fill of church and could have never imagined today being in the position I am as publisher of a newspaper that gets its highest distribution in churches across the city and as creator/producer of the First Ladies High Tea. But God had different plans.

I should have known better given that as a child, I was privileged to be in the company of such greats as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ambassador Andrew Young and Xernona Clayton— through my Dad’s work as executive director of the western branch of King’s SCLC— and was inspired to dream big. (Clayton went on to be the highest-ranking black woman at CNN and to establish the nationally televised Trumpet Awards).

But what I have never stopped having a passion for was the power of the church— the power to uplift; to rally; to make an impact in our daily lives and to shape the next generation.

We must always remember that the church and its leadership reflect the faces of the people it represents and we must—as Pope Francis recently said in his address to Congress—“aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals …We must move forward together, as one, in a renewed spirit of fraternity and solidarity, cooperating generously for the common good.”

Women play a key role, which is why we established the First Ladies High Tea back in 1998—to honor all that they do to support and advance the communities they serve. And today, more than ever, they are just as diverse as the communities they serve. From homemakers to noted authors to esteemed professionals, entrepreneurs and pastors themselves, they represent the best the church has to offer.

We celebrated their passions, accomplishments and their lives, with awards going to Kera Tulloss (The Historical Weller Street Baptist Church); Rinnita Thompson (Southern Missionary Baptist Church), Norma Fisher (Greater Zion Church Family and Lavette Gibson (Life Church of God In Christ in Riverside). At their best,

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“It was so easy!“ L.A. Focus Columnist Chez Hadley lost 19lbs in 21 days

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UpFront Ben Carson Surges in the Polls, But For How Long?

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n Sept. 16, 22.9 million American viewers watched CNN’s primetime debate between 11 leading candidates for the Republican presidential nomination.

The three-hour highly anticipated slugfest at the Ronald Regan library in Simi Valley, however, was nothing like the “Thrilla in Manilla.”

In fact, frontrunner and real estate mogul Donald Trump was less combative with his fellow debaters than expected.

But while the presidential debate did not live up to the hype and has been aptly described by Politico as “an empty calorie joy ride,” Ben Carson—despite his lackadaisical performance— continues to surge in the polls.

Carson, who post-CNN debate saw his numbers

plummet, has more recently experienced a sudden spike in the polls. The surge has left pundits scratching their heads considering the retired neurosurgeon has made multiple gaffes pre/and post debate.

The 63-year-old recently came under fire after he made controversial Muslim comments.

“I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nations,” Carson said.

His remarks outraged the Council on American-Islamic Relations, who demanded Carson withdraw his candidacy.

As the days ensued, Carson’s campaign pushed back against outrage over his comments, saying there was a “huge gulf” between the Muslim faith and “American values.”

Fox News media analyst Bernie Goldberg criticized Carson for his “pathetic disingenuous explanation”— saying that this is “only the latest ridiculous comment he’d made,”—alluding to several other controversial comments Carson made in the past.

Carson catapulted to stardom in the ultraconservative precincts quickly after the Detroit native used his 2013 National Breakfast Speech to launch a ferocious attack on Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. “Obamacare is really I think the worst thing that has happened in this nation

STEPHEN ODUNTAN Staff Writer

since slavery, “ Carson said. “And in a way, it is slavery, because it is making all of us subservient to the government, and it was never about health care. It was about control.”

Carson’s critics point out that Republicans like Carson have often appealed to largely white voters. “Like giddy teenagers, Republicans have fallen for another charming, personable and accomplished black conservative,” said Cynthia Tucker Haynes, a Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist.”

Fox news anchor Sean Hannity said that he’d vote for Carson for president “in a heartbeat.”

Rep Hank Johnson (D-GA) lambasted Carson and called him an African American trying to gain support from the ignorant. The problem, Johnson contends, are ignorant black men like Ben Carson and his supporters who act “like a lynch mob” towards the president.

UCLA political science professor Joel D. Aberbach told L.A. Focus he doesn’t think Carson stands much of a chance at winning the election.

“I don’t think he will attract enough of the Republican primary voters to win the nomination,” Aberbach said. Carson comes with “too much baggage” to be a viable option for most Americans.

“Carson has a whole bunch of questionable political views that I think would make it difficult for him to win a Ben Carson continued on page 22

Mayor Enacts Policies To Combat Illegal Dumping STEPHEN ODUNTAN

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The battle to squash old stereotypes about African Americans gained new momentum, according to a new Nielsen study.

In a study titled, “Increasingly Affluent, Educated and Diverse: African-American Consumers—the Untold Story, finds that the nation’s black population—45.7 million, saw a 17.7 percent increase from 2000 to 2014. In raw numbers, the black population surged 35 percent faster than the total population and doubled the 8.2 percent growth rate of the white population.

Moreover, the foreign-born black population in the U.S., predominantly from Africa, Caribbean, and Europe, has quadrupled since 1980.

Thus, the presence of blacks from other countries has benefited the African American community with supplying increased income from having 30 percent more in their median household income than U.S.-born blacks.

“The size and influence of affluent AfricanAmericans is growing faster than that of nonHispanic Whites across all income segments, and the impact is being felt across industries,” Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Senior Vice President, U.S. Strategic Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement, Nielsen, said in the release. “These larger incomes are attributed to a number of factors including youthfulness, immigration, historic educational attainment and constant, relevant dialogue across various social media channels that have an impact on AfricanAmericans’ decisions as brand loyalists.” and ambassadors. Savvy marketers are taking notice.”

lic he has devoted new attention and money aimed at handing complaints from residents.

The approach differs from the city’s previous reliance on a complaint-based system in which residents were expected to dial 311 to report bulky items discarded on the streets. That strategy fell short because Angelenos, for the most part, were not even aware of the existence of a telephone hotline for making complaints, officials said.

Garcetti, who urged residents to monitor their neighborhoods for trash and illegal dumping, signed an executive order and laid out the framework of a $9.1-million “Clean Streets Initiative.” It includes a three-pronged approach by Illegal Dumping continued on page 22

Mayor Eric Garcetti signed an Executive Directive ordering city departments to coordinate efforts against domestic violence, taking unprecedented action to mobilize resources against a crime that strikes at the heart of our communities.

“Every child has a right to grow up free from violence, and no Angeleno should live in fear of what awaits at home,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Domestic violence is a crime that lives in the shadows, and a tragedy that tears at the fabric of our neighborhoods. Today, we are summoned to action. City Hall is joining hands with communities across L.A. to protect innocent victims, strengthen families, and end painful cycles before they take hold in future generations.”

Issued on the first day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the twelfth Executive Directive of Mayor Garcetti’s administration establishes the Mayor’s Working Group Against Domestic Violence.

Made up of representatives from each city department, the group is charged with coordinating efforts to support victims, and raise awareness of prevention and intervention services available to the public.

L.A. Focus/October 2015

office in 2013. But significant disparities continue to be huge, depending on your zip code.

“What amazes me,” continued Millsap, “the city only began to get their act together following intense news coverage of a young lady that had a baby in the alley behind my house. All of a sudden they made neighborhood cleanliness a priority.”

Millsap was referencing a story that made headlines earlier this year of a baby girl delivered in a homeless encampment in an alley behind a church in South L.A. “The same alley that I complained to the city about for years has since been kept immaculate,” Millsap said.

Meanwhile, Garcetti ensured the pub-

Blacks See Noticeable Gains In Education, Income, Media

Garcetti Signs Domestic Violence Order To Protect Children

Staff Writer or years, South Los Angeles residents have voiced frustration with people illegally dumping their trash in the city’s alleyways.

The phenomenon is a chronic problem in many low-income communities, often perpetuated by trash pickup disparities between neighborhood services.

Inasmuch that residents in Northeast, Central and South L.A received the worse service for illegal dumping pickups than other parts of the city, according to a recent report.

In some neighborhoods, residents complained that rubbish festered for weeks, becoming a magnet for more illegal dumping.

Hampered by piles of old clothes, mattresses, discarded furniture, abandoned large items, and the brutal stench of urine, right next to businesses and people’s homes.

“Oh my God! It’s filthy. This is why we have a rodent problem around here” said Tamelia Price Millsap, a longtime resident of the surrounding South L.A. neighborhood. They dump just about everything in the alley.

“I called city officials numerous times.

They kept telling me due to budget cuts they couldn’t afford dispatching a sanitation crew to clean up the mess.”

According to reports, many lowincome communities in L.A. saw request for cleanup service answered at dramatically lower rates than more affluent neighborhoods.

On average, response rates have improved since Mayor Eric Garcetti took

News Brief

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Two Views On The ‘Black Lives Matter’ Movement espite the lack of eviHispanic and 2 percent were dence that there is an Asian and other races. "The 'Black Lives Matter' data doesn't indicate which increase in cops Movement Getting shootings are justified (the shooting blacks, let alone shooting blacks unlawfully, a vast majority) and which are Blacks Killed few recent killings of blacks cold-blooded murder (not by cops has spawned the somany, but some)," Moskos called Black Lives Matter movement. But wrote on his blog. "And maybe that would over the past 45 years, per the Centers for vary by race. I don't know, but I doubt it."

Disease Control, police killings of blacks Adjusted to take into account the racial are down 75 percent. What are on the breakdown of the U.S. population, he said increase, year-to-year, are cop killings. black men are 3.5 The No. 1 preventable cause of death of times more likely to young black males is homicide — usually be killed by police at the hands of other blacks. The primary than white men. But cause of preventable death among young also adjusted to take white males is auto accidents. into account the racial Predictably, the Democratic National breakdown in violent Committee recently adopted a "black lives crime, the data actumatter" resolution. It promotes the phony ally show that police narrative that blacks remain victims of are less likely to kill racism. If Democrats truly want to help, black suspects than Larry Elder they would rethink their welfare state poli- white ones. cies that have decimated black families. In “If one adjusts for 1950, only 18 percent of blacks were born the racial disparity in the homicide rate or outside of wedlock. Today, that number is the rate at which police are feloniously over 70 percent. killed, whites are actually more likely to be Left-wing-driven welfare state policies killed by police than blacks," wrote have incentivized women into marrying Moskos. "Adjusted for the homicide rate, the government, and men into abandoning whites are 1.7 times more likely than their financial and moral responsibility. blacks (to) die at the hands of police.

Obama once said a kid growing up without Adjusted for the racial disparity at which a father is 20 times more likely to end up in police are feloniously killed, whites are 1.3 jail. times more likely than blacks to die at the Where is the Black Lives Matter move- hands of police." ment on that?

Moskos speculates as to an explanation: In Chicago alone, an average of 35 to 40 "1) cops in more minority cities face more people are killed each month, most of them political fallout when they shoot, and thus black, almost all by the hands of other receive better training and are less blacks. And most of the cases are unsolved! inclined to shoot, and 2) since cops in more Nationally, in 2013, 90 percent of black dangerous neighborhoods are more used to homicide victims were murdered by other danger; so other things being equal blacks. (though they rarely are), police in highWhere is the Black Lives Matter move- crime minority areas are less afraid and ment on that? thus less likely to shoot."

Peter Moskos, associate professor at the Year to year, murders in many cities John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the are up. As always, many factors affect the City University of New York, extrapolated crime rate. But the "Ferguson effect," causfigures between May 2013 and April 2015 ing officers to be less proactive, appears to from the website Killed by Police — be one of them. Crime is up in places like although he noted that 25 percent of the Baltimore, New York City and Camden, website's data, which is drawn largely from New Jersey, as officers — feeling under news reports, failed to show the race of the siege and falsely accused of racial profiling person killed.

— have pulled back and arrests are down.

Based on the site's data, Moskos found NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael that roughly 49 percent of those killed by Ramos were literally executed — gunned officers were white, while 30 percent were down while sitting in a police cruiser — by black. He also found that 19 percent were Elder continued on page 23

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Headlines From Africa Angola: Angola’s long-term foreign currency sovereign credit rating has been downgraded by one notch to “B+”; mostly due to the nation’s dependency on crude oil, the low prices for which have resulted in rising debt, falling reserves and weakened growth.

Burundi: Deadly violence continues to rule the streets following the controversial reelection of President Pierre Nkurunziza, who defied the nation’s constitution, which stipulates that a president can only be elected twice. Critics say his third-term went against a peace deal that helped end the war.

L.A. Focus/October 2015

Botswana: Botswana President Ian Khama reported that while the country has succeeded in keeping its inflation under control, its economic growth has suffered due to downturns elsewhere in the world that have had negative impact on their mineral revenues —most notably their diamond industry, which fell 15% in the first six months of the year.

Congo: Tens of thousands of Congolese took to the streets of the capital Brazzaville to voice their opposition to possible constitutional changes that would allow Sassou Nguesso to extend his rule in elections next year. The 71year old leader announced plans to scrap the two-term limit and raise the maximum age for presidential candidates.

Kenya: Kenya has been ranked one of the most unsafe places in the world, after Sudan and Somalia, in the Global Law and Order 2015 report by Gallup Analytics, with most people feeling it unsafe to walk alone at night, in the city and their neighborhoods.

Ghana: Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has called for increased commercial and trade relations between Ghana and Cuba, stating that while the two countries have had cultural ties, that is was time they deepen commercial and trade relations for the benefit of their people.

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Liberia: Amnesty International stated that deficiencies in the Liberian judicial system lead to prolonged pre-trial deten-

lack people do not need The governor urged lectures; they need jus- Attention politicians: everyone to “turn down the Black Lives Matter tice. volume level,” as some people At a press conference at activists need justice, “think that you have to yell the National Press Club, not lectures about and scream in order to make Haley, the Republican govera difference.” ‘ tone’ nor of South Carolina covered How condescending it is for a a number of things, including how South politician to tell suffering, oppressed peoCarolina and the South in general are not ple how to respond to their victimization, racist, and how she believes black protest that they should engage in their activism is endangering black lives. in a docile, peaceful, and non-threatening “I tell you that now to manner — to white folks, that is. Often, it say this: long before is the purpose of politicians such as Gov. the racially charged Haley — one of a few faces of color in a events of this sum- hostile Republican Party — to appease mer, I would not have white privilege by insisting racism does been elected not exist, and blaming the victims for any Governor of South misfortunes they face.

Carolina if our state America remains a hostile environment was a racially intoler- for black people. The South Carolina of ant place. And I which Nikki Haley speaks is home to a would not have won host of hate groups, including two chapDavid A. Love the Republican pri- ters of the Ku Klux Klan, four white mary if we were a nationalist groups, and various neo-Nazi racially intolerant party,” Haley said. and neo-Confederate groups, according to “Today there truly is a New South. It is the Southern Poverty Law Center. And the different in many ways, perhaps most South is still a place where black women especially in its attitudes toward race, “ such as Sandra Bland are arrested for she added. nothing in particular and wind up dead in What really stood out was the gover- a jail cell, and black men such as Walter nor’s comments on the unrest following Scott are shot in the back like a runaway the killing of unarmed black men in slave.

Ferguson and Baltimore. She seemed to Ironically, Haley’s statement is a prime care more about the fact that there was example of why black people are shouting “senseless” rioting than the fact black men in the first place and refuse to remain — in this case Michael Brown and Freddie silent. But she is by no means alone in Gray — had been killed. talking down to this new movement, as “You know what: black lives do matter,” many politicians have fallen into the same Haley said. “Most of the people killed or trap. injured in the riots in Ferguson and For example, Ben Carson wrote in USA Baltimore were black. Think about it.”

Today that #BlackLivesMatter is focused “Most of the small businesses or social on the wrong targets, to the detriment of service institutions that were destroyed the black community. Other Republicans, and looted in Ferguson and Baltimore such as Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and were either black owned or served heavily Sen. Ted Cruz are blaming the movement black populations,” she said. “Most of the and even President Obama for anti-police people who now live in terror because local rhetoric that they say is endangering and police are too intimidated to do their jobs even killing police officers. Donald Trump are black.” even welcomed a physical confrontation According to Gov. Haley, “Black lives with black activists. do matter, and they have been disgracefulOn the Democratic side, Hillary ly jeopardized by the movement that has Clinton was accused of victim-blaming and laid waste to Ferguson and Baltimore.” lecturing #BlackLivesMatter activists who She used South Carolina as an example, were shut out of a New Hampshire camwhere there were no riots following the paign event. And Martin O’Malley and removal of the Confederate flag after the Bernie Sanders have had their confrontaCharleston massacre. “We didn’t have vio- tions and missteps with black activists as lence, we had hugs,” she argued.

Love continued on page 23

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A look at current news from the continent of Africa tion and impunity for sexual and gender-based violence. "Amnesty International urges Liberia to improve the conditions of detainees in all places of detention, in line with international standards, and to ensure access to gender-specific medical care, adequate food, hygiene and exercise.

Malawi: Government officials revealed that more than 2.8 million people will possibly face hunger in the coming months and said it will be the worst food crisis in a decade. According to the United Nations World Food Program, a staggering four out of every 10 children suffer from stunting. In a nationwide address, President Mutharika appealed for international assistance to meet the crisis.

Mozambique: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will grant Mozambique US$1.9 million to finance a programme to improve the business climate in the country.

Nigeria: At a United Nations summit led by President Obama, Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, asked for more international support of their efforts to stem the spread of Islamic extremism calling for an “all hands on deck” response to groups like Boko Haram.

Rwanda: Jeanne D’Arc Girubuntu—dubbed “Rwanda’s Joan of Arc”— became the first Rwandan woman to ever race in a world competition when she competed at the 2015 Union Cycliste Internationale (International Cycling Union) Championships in Richmond, Virginia.

Somalia: Hundreds of British troops are being deployed to Somalia and South Sudan to help tackle conflicts that are facilitating the rise of terrorist groups in Somalia and prompting mass migration from South Sudan, where 2 million people have been displaced by the battle between the government and rebels.

South Africa: As the number of violent deaths continue to rise to the level of a nation at war (49 deaths on average a day), politicians and religious leaders point to poverty, unemployment and social cohesion and inequality as major factors. The murder rate among young black men in some communities is 300 to 400 per 100,000.

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STEPHEN ODUNTAN Staff Writer

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hirty-one years old and a newcomer to politics, Aja Brown may have looked to be an unlikely candidate in Compton’s 2013 mayoral race. But she won the election and by a landslide, defeating both incumbent Mayor Eric J. Perrodin and former Mayor Omar Bradley.

But Brown had no time to celebrate her victory. The untested politician inherited a city that was in shambles, teetering on the brink of financial collapse. That, coupled with an even greater responsibility of transforming a city that has all the issues synonymous with urban decay, and what many still consider one of America’s murder capitals.

However, as the old African saying goes, “When deeds speak, words are nothing.” That proverb certainly holds true for Brown, a Compton native, who since the changing of the guard has made significant progress towards overhauling the city’s image.

In the two years since she was sworn in as Compton’s youngest serving mayor ever, Brown has brought millions of dollars in investments and economic development projects to her hometown.

This, says Brown, marks the beginning of significant changes to the landscape.

“Shortly after I was elected, several companies and investors contacted me; vowing to expand businesses throughout Compton,” said the 33-year-old mayor.

Prior to taking office, Brown campaigned on “making life healthier and palpable for Compton’s” 98,000+ people.

It includes increasing the availability of more organic grocery stores in the community.

Spearheading the “Healthy Compton Initiative” as part of an effort to “de-medicate” Compton’s population and ease chronic diet-related problems by providing more healthier food options, she said Compton residents —in search of groceries—would see a greater range of options, “As a city, it’s important we focus on providing our residents with opportunities to purchase fresh and healthy vegetables,” she stressed. “We will be opening a Farmers Market [this month] right in front of the Compton courthouse.

Also, this month Smart & Final, one of the longest

operating food retailers in the U.S., expanded its footprint by opening one of its stores in Compton. This, Brown said, “translates into job growth for Compton residents”.

One of Brown’s primary goals was to reduce unemployment to the single digits by next year. When Brown entered office, Compton’s unemployment rate was at 17.8 percent; now it’s 11 percent.

“Fortune 500 companies are relocating to Compton.

New industrial and furniture companies have also relocated. We’re anticipating an additional 1,800 jobs in the pipeline from economic development.”

She said creating opportunities and consolidating premier businesses were initiatives she’d envisioned as a candidate.

“I came into office with a twelve-point plan that focused on quality of life and positioning the city from an economic development standpoint. I felt this was the best approach to creating jobs and ultimately economic mobility for the community.”

A graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in urban planning, Brown says her passion for helping people less fortunate stem from having worked in economic development for local cities like Gardena and Inglewood.

While working in city government she became inspired by not only the potential she saw in her community but also the injustices and missed opportunities.

Said Brown, “It came to a point where I was disappointed and angry, but I realized that if I really wanted to see a change in my community, I had to be the person to step up to tackle some of Compton’s biggest problems.”

It was that sense of urgency that compelled her to get into politics.

“I desperately wanted to provide some tangible solutions that would move the city forward and restore Compton’s cultural integrity.”

Compton had become a symbol of street gangs and rampant violence around the late- 1980s/early 90s with the rise of the rap group N.W.A.—short for “Niggaz With Attitudes.”

Their violent and viciously uncensored lyrics attracted national and global attention, which exposed viewers to the harsh realities of the inner-city, most notably Compton.

Cube’s colleague, hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre, recently announced he would donate all of the royalties from his latest album “Compton” to help fund a youth performing arts center in Compton.

"I feel it's the right thing to do," said the 50-year-old billionaire rapper. "We've reached out to [Compton Mayor] Aja Brown quite a few times in the last month or two. I've been really trying to do something special for Compton and just couldn't quite figure out what it was.

She actually had this idea, and she was already in the process of working on it. I said, 'Boom, this is what we should do.”

Brown said she was “honored” Dre decided to make a significant investment in the community he was raised in.

“Providing opportunities for the younger generation plays an important role in their overall growth and development,” she told L.A. Focus “Young people are our future,” Brown continued. “We have a responsibility to make sure they have every opportunity to succeed. It’s imperative we provide a safe and structured environment for them.”

Compton wasn’t always plagued with violence, despair – and all too few silver hopes. In the 1950s, it was the ultimate Los Angeles area and a beacon of black success.

Brown, the daughter of a single mother who raised her and her twin brother, grew up in Altadena, California.

“My mother never told us anything negative about Compton,” Brown recalls. “She was really proud to have come from there and always shared memories with us about how awesome a place it was to live.”

Compton that clearly evoke nostalgic feelings. As mayor, Brown hopes she can recapture the city’s glory days.

Moreover, as Brown moves on multiple fronts, she heightened new public awareness—with public safety initiatives—of human trafficking.

Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:34 AM Page 11

Mayor Aja Brown, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, District Attorney Jackie Lacey and Saving Innocence Executive Director Kim Biddle at a human trafficking meeting; Mayor Aja Brown Joins the 2015 HOPE Global Forum as Featured Speaker; (Right): Sen. Mitchell, AG Kamala Harris, Rep. Karen Bass, & Mayor Aja Brown at a Community Swearing-In Ceremony

“We formed a community policing task force that brought every level of law enforcement together.”

With memories of her mom’s early years in Compton rekindling nostalgic feelings, Brown remains hopeful that she can recapture the city’s glory days.

Moreover, as Brown moves on multiple fronts, she has heightened new public awareness to other key issues that impact public safety initiatives, including human trafficking.

“We formed a community policing task force that brought every level of law enforcement together.”

The collaborative approach, she noted would combat all forms of human trafficking, including opening a dropin center on Long Beach Boulevard for intervention and counseling.

“We will no longer tolerate human trafficking in our community, focusing on human trafficking and street prostitution on Long Beach Boulevard,” Mayor Brown said.

As a result of ongoing efforts in combating the illegal trade, the city began to see increased statewide attention that has led to an onslaught of new laws/reforms to reclassify human trafficking.

Human trafficking touches an emotional chord with L.A.’s first female mayor.

She said ninety percent of young men and women engaged in prostitution were minors. By law, they cannot consent to sex with an adult.

“I’d often say to myself, what if this was my child,” lamented Brown. “Society doesn’t place the same value on human life. It’s a huge travesty.

“Many of the victims are people of color,” Brown added. “I’m pleased we’ve supported recent city diversion programs. We are working directly with a special court called the STAR (Succeeding Through Achievement and Resilience) Court to provide services for sexually exploited minors.”

The Brown administration has also made serious efforts to tackle Compton’s stubborn gang violence for the first time in decades.

Over the years, Compton, like many other major cities, became a fertile breeding ground for gang bangers.

There’s never enough money to hire police officers to keep up with gang-related crimes, Brown acknowledged.

Therefore, she decided to take an unorthodox approach and go directly “to the heart of the issue,” launching a gang intervention and community-policing program,—an effort to smooth out decades of mistrust between rival gangs.

“The gang intervention program,” said Brown, “focused on reducing conflict between local gangs.

“About a year ago, we had a sit-down with many representatives of the gangs. Through dialog, I implored peace for the benefit of our kids. Let’s leave them with a different legacy than we were given,” she told them.

The response has been positive. Through a grassroots program, called Compton Empowered, several hardcore gangs meet to discuss peaceful options at a local community center.

“After holding meetings twice a week for the last year, we’ve seen a significant change,” Brown said. “Some of them hadn’t spoken for years. We literally have Bloods and Crips doing programs together and making a positive difference.”

Compton resident Sylvia Nunn Angels, who runs a

nonprofit organization aimed at reducing gang violence, praised the mayor’s gang intervention program.

“She has cut crime down a lot,” but added, “she can only do so much. Just like Obama, who came into office facing a mess, so did the mayor as well. But she’s all right with me. She’s a strong black sister.”

However, there are some who say Brown’s gang intervention program is ineffective.

Former gang member Michael “Bulldog” Green, who attended some of the meetings, commended the mayor’s genuine and good-hearted effort but said it would be impossible to broker a truce between rival gangs who’ve been at war for years.

“

I was the only mayor in Compton that had prior experience in working for the city.

I was very experienced in terms of being a practitioner.

”

“The mayor had some hard hitters (high ranking gang members) attending these meetings,” said Green. “But these gang members were just playing her. They weren’t about no [sic] peace.”

Moreover, Latino gangs have emerged as the city’s most dominant criminal element in recent years. With two-thirds of Compton now Latino, racial tension has bubbled up as a result of the demographic shift. Frequent attacks on African American residents have widely been reported—in some cases expelling them from the town.

“It’s crazy; we’re killing ourselves at a worst rate than ever. But it’s the Hispanic gangs who are our biggest threat”, Green said.

Meanwhile, Brown has also faced criticism for allegedly exaggerating the city’s progress in crime, when in actuality violent crime has spiked, according to various sources.

Brown responded to her critics saying, “Statistics don’t lie. When I first came into office, we experienced a huge spike in crime. We’ve seen statistically a reduction of over 30% of homicides in the two years since I’ve been in office.”

The statistics shows a dramatic difference between Compton of the 1980s/early 90s and now. As of our interview, she says, the city only had 11 homicides this year, a stark contrast from 1991’s recorded 87 homicides.

Pushing forward to the first half of 2015; Compton experienced a 5% decrease in overall crime even as the city of L.A. experienced a 12% jump, said L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

That’s good news for Compton residents, who have not only had to grapple with violence but also a city’s image, tarnished in recent years by negative press involving elected officials. Of the city’s last two mayors, one served time in prison on corruption charges; the other was the subject of a recall campaign by disgruntled voters.

Brown says reestablishing relationships and credibility is paramount.

However, a scathing report published in the L.A. Times alleged Brown and others inflated their pay for commission meetings that sometimes lasted only about a minute.

The mayor adamantly denied any wrongdoing and stressed that if the allegations—based on an L.A. Times op-ed article—truly had merit it certainly would have been addressed by law enforcement.

“We reduced [our] HUD debt by $4.3 million and repaid approximately $8 million in outstanding debt to the State of California,” said Brown.

Prior to taking office, Brown was working with a nonprofit organization, which she explained, “focused on creating a vehicle to bring resources to help young people in the city.”

She said, “It’s unfortunate that sometimes people will take something that is as pure and really intentioned in a great way and try and paint it in a negative light.

“I don’t think this is the first time that an African American leadership has been characterized as possibly being corrupt.

“I’ve never in any way been compensated from this nonprofit; even before I was elected. In fact, no one on my staff has ever been paid a salary from this nonprofit. The most important thing is that people need to pay attention to the facts.”

Compton community activist Joe Paul Jr., who leads a private nonprofit organization, expressed his confidence in the mayor’s integrity.

“She has done a lot to galvanize the city considering the short amount of time she’s been in office.

“There was so much corruption in Compton,” he continued, “that someone with an honest heart would have been looked at as a foreigner. And so, if [Brown’s] guilty of anything, it would be not exposing what she has had to deal with trying to move the city forward.”

Paul partnered with Brown under the My Brother Keeper’s initiative—a national initiative launched by President Barack Obama that champions opportunity/addresses persistent disparities faced by boys and young men of color. Thus far, the groundwork is still in the development stage said Paul but it’s slowly gaining traction.

Ironically, two years ago, while campaigning for the mayor’s office, Brown’s opposition often characterized her as too young and inexperienced.

Looking back, Brown chuckles at the attacks that were used against her to try and discredit her credibility.

“I was the only mayor in Compton that had prior experience in working for the city. I was very experienced in terms of being a practitioner. One of the chief roles of a mayor is to change the dialogue about the city.

“In my two years as mayor, I can say the dialogue of Compton has definitely changed.”

Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:34 AM Page 12

MoneyMatters Uber Becomes A $10 Billion Company Amid Uphill Battle

T

he past few months may have been a PR (public relations) nightmare for Uber. The ride-hailing company has spent more time in court than on the road fending off legal battles.

This, following a San Francisco federal judge that granted a class-action status to a case over labor laws in classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.

And if that isn’t enough, Uber has also come under increased scrutiny from lawmakers following reports the company does not adequately screen criminal background checks on drivers that apply for work.

Despite the number of lawsuits piling up against Uber, the company continues to experience phenomenal growth.

The company that made a name for itself offering steep discounts, announced plans to spend $1 billion in China and another $1 billion in India to grow its business.

Uber, which currently operates in more than 60 countries, has reportedly created over 160,000 jobs in the United States, and plans to create over a million more in the next five years.

Reports also show the company went from $688 million in 2013 to a projected $10.84 billion this year and $26 billion next year. That’s almost 38 times bigger in just four years.

Measuring the pace of its unabated growth, the company said roughly half, or 8.6 million, of the 17 million customer service requests it’s resolved over the last five years have come just this year alone.

In addition, despite stiff opposition, Los Angeles officials recently voted to allow Uber and Lyft—Uber’s most direct competitor—to pick up passengers at LAX, the largest U.S. city to grant full airport access to the rapidly growing app-based companies.

However, despite Uber’s formidable dominance on the roads, it remains to be seen whether or not they will be a changing-of-the-guard in California as seen in New York where Uber cars now outnumber city cabs. According to latest figures released by the New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission, there were 14,088 registered Uber cars compared with 13,587 yellow cabs.

Currently L.A. has more than 20,000 Uber drivers, according to 2014 figures released by Uber. That compared with 2,300 cabs that L.A. allows, parceled out across several different companies.

Critics say Uber’s success has come from creatively exploiting regulatory loopholes. The effect on taxis has been swift and costly.

“Everybody welcomes a little bit of competition, but unfortunately [Uber] is playing by a different set of rules,” said Michael Giler, the operations manager at Taxi Money Matters continued on page 23

On the Money Obama Takes $1 Billion Presidential Library To Chicago With less than 500 days remaining in office, President Barack Obama intends on preserving his legacy as the nation’s first black president in Chicago.

The Barack Obama presidential library, which beat out rival proposals from Hawaii and New York, will be associated with the University of Chicago and built on the infamous South Side.

“That’s where I met my wife; that’s where my children were born; and the people there, the community, the lessons I learned, they’re all based right in this few square miles where we’ll be able to now give something back and bring the world back home after this incredible journey,” President Obama said in a video.

Estimated to cost $1 billion—double what George W. Bush raised for his library at $300 million—the presidential library would be a “digital-first,” loaded with modern technologies and having a worldwide reach.

A study found that the library, which will be near one of the epicenters of the city’s gun violence epidemic, will attract 800,000 visitors a year, create 1,900 permanent new jobs and generate $220 million in annual revenue.

“Not only will we be able to encourage and affect change locally, but what we can also do is to attract the world to Chicago,” he said.

A nationwide search for an architect has just begun with plans to open the library in 2020.

Biz NewsBriefs Deborah Ale Flint Becomes First Black Woman To Run LAX

The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously elected Deborah Ale Flint, formerly the Oakland airport executive, as the new Executive Director of Los Angeles World Airports, which includes LAX, Ontario and Van Nuys airports.

Specifically, her responsibilities involve managing LAX’s multibillion-dollar overhaul—the largest public works project in the history of L.A. "I am honored by the opportunity to join Mayor Garcetti's administration,” said Flint, who holds a B.S.

degree in business administration from San Jose State modern, tailored, stylish take on things...and quality is University. “I am looking forward to working with him, the also important. We want the young professionals who want commissioners, the entire LAWA team and our neighbors to look good." to shape the future of air transportation for Los Angeles and the greater region."

Judge Dismisses Aunt Jemima Heirs' $3 Billion

JcPenney Suits Up With Line By Michael Strahan

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Strahan’s collection features tailored suit separates, sport coats, dress shirts, neckwear, belts and accessories.

“Yes, it's JC Penney, but no, this is not your dad’s suit, he continued. “It was very important to have something that I would actually wear. I like to be classic, but have a

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Lawsuit Against PepsiCo

A judge has shot down a $3 billion lawsuit filed by two men who claim to be the heirs to the "Aunt Jemima" fortune. In August, D.W. Hunter and Larnell Evans Jr. filed claims against Quaker Oats, its parent company PepsiCo — as well as Pinnacle Foods and Hillshire brands — for failing to pay royalties for the use of Anna Short Harrington's likeness.

The lawsuit was filed last year in Chicago by Green’s heirs and descendants, claiming they are entitled to a share of an estimated $2 billion fortune and a future share of revenue from product sales. Quaker Oats, the company that owns the Aunt Jemima brand, claims the character was never real.

U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang dismissed their claims for lack of proof.

Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:34 AM Page 13

Re d Carpet Style

Red Carpet Hits by Tatiana Rivera Held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, stars posed on the red carpet for the 2015 Emmys looking gorgeous despite the 100 degree heat.

TARAJi P. HENsoN

KERRy WAsHiNGToN

VioLA DAVis

PoRsHA WiLLiAMs

ANGELA BAssETT

The best actress nominee stunned in custom made Alexander Wang dress

The TV star wowed in a straight-offthe-runway Marc Jacobs gown

made history as the first black to win best actress in a drama wearing a Carmen Marc gown

The “RHOA” star showed off her Southern flair n a satin and lace full skirted dress

looked glorious in a Elisabetta Franchi robe dress paired with gold accents

Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:35 AM Page 14

Calendar of events

“Blackish” actress Tracee Ellis Ross looked pretty in pink at this year’s Primetime Emmy’s

Ongoing

Saturday, October 3

Cerritoscenter.com

Kirk Franklin Presents Gospel Brunch at House of Blues (Select Sundays) Ticket includes Southern-inspired brunch buffet.

11am • $46 1530 South Disneyland Dr Anaheim Contact: (714) 778-2583 Houseofblues.com

L.A. Focus’ 18th Annual First Ladies High Tea Hosted by Bobby Jones, featuring Byron Cage, Brian Courtney Wilson, honoring Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas & more.

Noon–3pm • $80-$105 The Beverly Hilton Hotel 9876 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills www.firstladieshightea.com

Protect Your Church Conference Legally protecting your church status, understanding 501c & more. • Free Abundant Harvest Christian Center • 2387 N. Lake Ave Altadena RSVP: (626) 797-6056

On Stage: The Gospel At Colonus (Through October 4) Starring Tony Award Winner Roger Robinson 8pm • $25- $35 Nate Holden Performing Arts Center 4718 W Washington Blvd ebonyrep.org Boo at the Zoo Zoo is transformed into themed areas for trick-or-treaters for day of performances, treats, crafts, music, and creepy crawlers.

(Through Oct. 31) 10am–4pm $15 (children) $17 (seniors) $20(adults) Los Angeles Zoo • 5333 Zoo Dr Info: (323) 644-4200 lazoo.org

L.A. Focus/October 2015

Cancer Support Group Second Saturday of every month 9:45am Faithful Central Bible Church Trinity Building 333 W. Florence Ave. Inglewood Contact: Nia (713) 492-6313 faithfulcentral.com

14

e Regal ops by th st g od in d o o e Rosewo Omar G Live for th . .A L t g a enin Cinemas ress scre VIP and p

On Stage: Isango Ensemble's uCarmen In association with South African Tourism (Through Sat., Oct 10) 2pm & 7:30pm • $60–$80 Santa Monica Performance Arts Center 1310 11th St • Santa Monica Box Office: (310) 434-3200 thebroadstage.com Special Needs Network Presents 10th Annual Evening Under the Stars Awards Show and Gala Fundraiser honoring Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

6:30pm • $1,500 & up Sony Pictures Lot 10202 W. Washington Blvd.

Culver City Contact: (323) 291-7100 snnla.org In Concert: Mavis Staples & Joan Osbourne 8pm • $35 & up Cerritos Center 12700 Center Court Dr Tickets: (562) 467-8826

wood Los int attends Rose Lorraine Toussa at Regal g in en d press scre Angeles VIP an Live Cinemas at L.A.

Sunday, October 4 Shepherd’s Month 2015 Celebrating Senior Pastor & Mrs. Xavier L. Thompson (Every Sunday in October) 10am-4pm Southern Church 4678 West Adams B Divine Deliverance Ministries presents 5th Anniversary Celebration & DDM Choir Concert Hosted

by Greta Knox, featuring American Idol Finalist Jacob Lusk, the City of

Refuge Spirit of David Choir and the Faithful Central Bible Church Choir. • 3pm • Free Divine Deliverance Ministries 4120 11TH Ave. Contact: erica@ddm-inc.org

Monday, October 5 WHW Methods Of Expository Preaching & Teaching Conference Honoring Dr. Melvin Wade (Through Oct. 9) • $60 Hilton LAX 5711 W Century Blvd Info: (800) 445-8667 whwministries.com

Friday, October 9 On Stage: Ghost In The House The life and times of Jack Johnson starring Tony Todd (Through Oct. 11) $25+ UCLA's Schoenberg Hall 2539 Schoenberg Music Bldg Contact: (323) 5218600

EVEnt SPOtlIgHt Saturday, October 17 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour Featuring, Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark Cole, Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence, Tasha Page Lochart & more.

At a Taste of Soul Festival • Crenshaw Blvd. between Stocker St. and Rodeo Dr. • 1pm–4pm Free 365black.com

Queen La tifah 2015 Emm stops by HBO's Off icial y After Part y at The P laza

Anika Noni Rose attends HBO's Official 2015 Emmy After Party at The Plaza

Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:35 AM Page 15

(Left): The stars of film “The Perfect Guy,” Michael Ealy, Sanaa Lathan and Morris Chestnut attend the world premiere in Beverly Hills; (Right): Tichina Arnold, Reverend Al Sharpton, Tyrese Gibson and Estelle pose together at the red carpet of the 2015 Triumph Awards held in Atlanta.

Ghostinthehouse.org

Sunday, October 11 Target Sundays: Harvest Festival 1pm–5pm Calif. African American Museum 600 State Dr. Exposition Park Info: (213) 744-7432 caamuseum.org

Friday, October 16 The Shift: The State Rally Begins With Bishop Joseph W. Walker III, Bishop Johnny R. Withers, Jr. & more • 7pm Unity Christian Fellowship 16133 S. Atlantic Ave Compton In Concert: Janet Jackson 8pm • $70–$265 The Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd Inglewood In Concert: Oleta Adams (Through Sunday) 8:30pm • $35–$40 Catalina Bar & Grill 6725 W. Sunset Blvd catalinajazzclub.com

Saturday, October 17 Center of Health Expo Health screenings, massages, juicing and cooking demos, yogo, dancercise & more • 9am-3pm 9550 Crenshaw Blvd Inglewood Contact: (323) 757-1804 10th Annual A Taste Of Soul Family Festival Food vendors and live entertainment 10am–7pm • Free Crenshaw Blvd. between Stocker St. and Rodeo Dr. tasteofsoul.org 3rd Annual Dream Builders Awards Luncheon honoring four women Entrepreneurs 11am–2pm • $45 Tickets: (415) 663-6737 fosdp.com

Thursday, October 18 20th Annual LAMPS International Conference “The Spirit of Truth.

Hosted by Dr. Beverly "Bam" Crawford. (Though Oct. 21)

7:30pm • $85 Bible Enrichment Fellowship Church 400 E. Kelso St. Inglewood Info: (310) 330-4700 regonline.com/lamps2015 Divine Deliverance Ministries presents 5th Anniversary Celebration Service With guest speaker Bishop Dreyfus Smith ,Wings of Faith and Prophetess Nicole Armstrong of Atlanta Divine Deliverance Ministries 4120 11TH Ave.

catalinajazzclub.com

Saturday, October 24 Black Women’s Network presents Business/Career & Networking Breakfast Forum Panel, Booths, networking opportunity, marketplace & more • 9am–1pm • $55 11022 Aviation Blvd Register: (323) 964-4003 blackwomensnetwork.net

On Stage: Tyler Perry’s Madea On The Run (Through Sunday, Oct. 25) 8pm (see times) $59–$109 Dolby Theater 6801 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood tylerperry.com

Scarium of the Pacific (Through Sunday) Children’s costume contest, creepy coloring contest, face painting, magic shows, underwater pumpkin carving, spooky storytelling & kooky crafts. • 9am–5pm $14.95 (children) $25.95 (seniors) $28.95 (adults) Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach Info: (562) 590-3100 aquariumofthepacific.org

In Concert: Thelma Houston (Through Saturday) 8:30pm • $35–$50 Catalina Bar & Grill 6725 W. Sunset Blvd

37th Annual Wisdom From Above Luncheon with Dr. Betty Price 10am • $75 JW Marriott at LA Live 900 W. Olympic Blvd

Friday, October 23

Contact: (323) 758-3777 x4297 • Faithdome.org Peace Apostolic presents Annual Missionary Prayer Brunch 10am Double Tree Hotel 21333 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance Info: (310) 212-5673 peaceapostolic.net Ladera Heights 2nd Annual Community Faire & Car Show Health fair, jazz concert, classic car show, food trucks, entertainment for children & more.

11am–4pm Parent Elementary School 5354 W. 64th St Contact: Ernest (310) 2153127

Sunday, October 25 Southeast Symphony presents Masterworks No. 1 • 4pm • First Congregational Church 540 S. Commonwealth Ave Info: (310) 673-7372 southeastsymphony.org

around los angeles

Friday, October 30 Career Fair for Veterans & Persons with Disabilities 9:30am–2pm • CSULA Golden Eagle Building 5151 State University Dr Register: (323) 343-3140

Saturday, October 31 Center of Hope Harvest Festival An alternative to celebrating Halloween featuring games, food and attractions • 10am-4pm 9550 Crenshaw Blvd Inglewood Contact: (323) 757-1804

Thursday, November 5 Small Business Expo 20+ business critical workshops 9:30am–4pm • Free–$99 110 E. 9th Street Register: eventbrite.com

the 2015 Creative Arts Rashida Jones attends soft Theater Emmy Awards at Micro

Naomi Campbell attends the Fox Primetime Emmy Awards after party

Keke Palmer arrives at the premiere of FOX TV's "Scream Queens" at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre

L.A. Focus/October 2015

Ejiofor o and Chiwetel David Oyelow n's da NCO Foun tio attend The GEA r in ise ra nd fu ollywood Impact Africa H d oo Hollyw

The Association of Black Women Physician's 34th Annual

Charity Benefit “Celebrating Our Champions” 11am-2pm • $175 JW Marriott LA Live 900 W. Olympic Blvd Contact: (310) 321-8688 blackwomenphysicians.org

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Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:35 AM Page 16

InSIDE HO l lY W OOD with Tatiana Rivera Coming in at second place on Forbes’ list is Jay Z, who collected $56 million through his “On the Run” tour with wife Beyoncé, and his Roc Nation entertainment company.

Drake rounded out the top three with earnings of $39.5 million, mostly through the 50 shows he performed for almost $1 million a night. Dr. Dre and Pharrell close out the top five with $33 million and $32 million, respectively.

Nicki Minaj To Executive Produce And Appear In New ABC Show Based On Her Childhood Nicki Minaj is taking her lyrical beats to primetime TV! The multi-platinum rapstar is set to executive produce and appear in a scripted comedy series for ABC Family based on the 32year-old’s life growing up in Queens, New York.

“This is one of the more unique adventures I’ve ever embarked on,” said Minaj. “I couldn’t be more proud and excited to team up with an amazing group of people to give the world something really special.”

“Nicki is an international superstar, yet not everyone knows how inspiring and hilarious her true story is, and we can’t wait to share it with the world,” said ABC EVP Programming and Family’s Development Karey Burke.

The show, set in the early 1990s soon after her family's immigration from Trinidad, “will focus on Minaj’s growing up in Queens in the 1990s with her vibrant immigrant family and the personal and musical evolution that lead to her eventual rise to stardom.”

The series will start filming in Queens this winter. Minaj is launching a nationwide search to find an actress to play her younger self.

Diddy Is 2015’s Highest-Earning Hip-Hop Artist Sean "Diddy" Combs has been officially crowned the No. 1 Cash King of 2015 by Forbes magazine having earned a whopping $60 million this year.

Mariah Carey Teams Up With MAC To Launch Holiday Lipstick Mariah Carey and MAC Cosmetics has a big collaboration on the way.

The cosmetic giant has asked the music icon to create a lipstick and since it is a well known fact that Mariah loves Christmas, this December we can expect her Christmas lipstick “All I Want.” Short for one of her most popular songs, “All I want for Christmas is you” her “All I Want” liptsitck is what Mariah describes as a beautiful champagne shimmer.

“I wanted something different for the holidays.

I’ve always loved the frosty lip for Winter, because I think it blends in with the tone of the season, Carey told Pop Sugar. “And I don’t look good in a red lip, and I wanted to be able to wear the color. I know a lot of people who don’t care for red lipstick, either.

“Mariah is the over-the-top pop and beauty icon,” said MAC Creative Director James Gager. Her Beauty Icon collection will be everything you think of when you think MAC and Mariah.”

And what started with a lipstick has turned into a full MAC Beauty Icon collection is coming later in 2016.

RAVEREVIEWS

Will to love

Pan

Woodlawn

Beasts of no nation

A CEO of a million dollar company has to find a wife in order to inherit his grandfather's company and his estate. Starring Keshia Knight Pulliam, Marques Houston, Draya Michele. Available on DVD Oct. 6.

The story of an orphan who is spirited away to the magical Neverland.

There, he ultimately discovers his destiny -- to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan. Starring Hugh Jackman. In theaters October 9.

A faith based film about love and unity in a school torn by racism and hate in the 1970s. Starring Jon Voight Sherri Shepherd.

In theaters October 16.

A drama based on the experiences of Agu, a child soldier fighting in the civil war of an unnamed African country. Starring Idris Elba. In theaters October 16.

Tyler Perry's 'Madea on the Run' Comes To Los Angeles Listen up Madea fans, Tyler Perry is bringing his saucy, callous grandmother to a Los Angeles stage near you.

Now touring the country, “Madea On The Run” will stop at the Dolby theater for three nights only starting October 23.

Starring Tyler Perry as Madea, and Cassi Davis as Aunt Bam, “Madea On The Run” delivers a couple hours of pure joy and laughter.

Perry, who descibes the play as a “live comedy” as well as a “traveling concert tour” told amNewYork, "Madea On The Run" is about just that -- her running from the law, again, and hiding out at her friend's house for a few days.

“That friend's family is having a lot of very real problems that plague our society today, and helping get families in order is what Madea has her own way of doing. So she does that.”

With brand new music written by Tyler Perry, the show delivers a finger snapping and inspirational evening of live theater.

“What I love about Madea's evolution is that it's slow and old school and not politically correct,” Perry continued “That's where it stands. She's older, but still as brash as ever.”

Madea On The Run will be showing at the Dolby Theater, located at Hollywood & Highland, from Oct. 23 to 25. Ticket prices start at $59. Visit www.tylerperry.com for more info.

Q&A IyanlaVanzant She first came to fame dishing out tough love on The Oprah Winfrey Show and went on to become a household name in the black community as the host of “Iyanla: Fix My Life”—the number one reality show on the OWN network—but the Brooklyn, New York native is also a lawyer, accomplished author, life coach and relationship expert. The author of 15 published books, five of which are New York Times best sellers translated in 23 languages, is currently on Season 5 of her highly rated series.

Q: Congratulations for making it this far, what is your goal for the rest of season 5?

A: I’m really excited about this season. Hopefully one of the things that ‘Fix My Life’ will do and that you can help us do, is create conversation, because one of the things we don't do enough of in this society is, we don’t have conversations. We have opinions—everybody has got an opinion. But do we have conversations? Are we comfortable putting out what we think and what we feel and what we want to know? We don't ask questions anymore. It has to be presented in a way that the viewer can learn something when they walk away. So, I believe this is one of our most controversial seasons.

Q: Is it disappointing when people don’t apply the advice you give them?

A: All I know is forgiveness works. If they want to heal I provide them with the information, if they don’t that's on them. I never leave feeling I didn't do the right thing or I didn't say the right thing. They come to me. I can’t be invested in nobody’s healing. I don't have a personal stake in their outcome. What I’m invested is in serving God and asking the Holy Spirit to guide me. I don’t deal with people. The Holy Spirit deals with people.

All I can do is be a demonstration for what is possible for a black girl from the projects in Brooklyn—a teenage mother, a sexually abused survivor. I can just share what I’ve learned. I can't fix your life directly but what I can do is provide you with the information.

Q: You’ve said your mission is helping people to live authentic lives, was it a calling for you? How did you know?

A: I knew because I spent $54,000 in law school to become the black female Perry Mason, and while I was practicing Criminal Law in Philadelphia, I was absolutely miserable. So the day the Holy Spirit said leave here and don't ever come back, I did. I didn't know what I was going to do but I began teaching women on public assistance in a job re-entry program. I started teaching them the life skills I learned while I was on public assistance.

And the workbook I created for them became my first book: Tapping The Power Within.

Q: What are your main methods of helping people overcome difficulties in their lives?

A: I’m very careful not to put out this formulaic diagnosis because it’s very different for everybody. I just know heal and forgive.

Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:35 AM Page 17

T h r o u g h t he Storm

A

The Tale of A Breast Cancer Survivor

s the wife of Dr. Frederick K.C. Price, pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center, Betty Price is no stranger to a busy schedule. Sow when she started experiencing pain in her leg while on a ministry to Texas, she assumed it was a sign to slow down and rest.

Little did she know that she was in for the biggest fight of her life.

Following doctor’s orders she went to see an internist who immediately referred her to a doctor upon her return home.

"As it happened,” Price recalled, “a doctor lived next door to me so the internist called him to come over and check me out. He said that I needed to go to the hospital that night. I had no idea what was wrong but I was admitted that night. Later, while lying in bed, these words came to me: ‘this sickness is not unto death, but that the son of God may be glorified.’”

“I thought I just needed some rest,” she continued. “So I said, ‘I’ll be back in a couple of days.’ But I was hospitalized for two weeks before the doctor found out what was wrong. And when they discovered it was a growth in my pelvic area, they still didn't know that it would be cancerous."

A surgical procedure was scheduled to remove the tumor, but the attempts of the surgical team were thwarted and the procedure aborted when doctors discovered that the tumor had connected itself to vital blood vessels and could not be removed. Hours later, Price was given the grim news: the tumor was malignant.

That her initial response to the news was composed says a great deal about who Price is. But in listening to her perspective you come to find that for the then-62-yearold wife and mother of four, it says a great deal more about who God is. In fact, she was more concerned about the reaction of her husband and daughter, who were with her when she got the news.

"My husband was absolutely devastated,” recounts Price. So I had to minister to all of the family and say that cancer is not harder than anything else for God." The response was a matter of faith for Price, who has long been active in the ministry that has made her husband a household name in religious circles across the country. And it is faith that has shaped the Mississippi native’s life.

Married over 60 years ago, Price and her husband Fred met while students at Dorsey High School. Price had been saved at an early age, however, it was while they were newlyweds that Fred was saved and called to the ministry.

Few issues are as personal as cancer, however Price is accustomed to living out private pains in the public eye.

Her sister died of stomach cancer, and nearly 55 years ago she faced what she says was the hardest trial of her life when her 8-year-old son died after being hit by a car on his way home from school.

“Back then I had a strong belief in God, but I really didn't know how to believe God for healing our hurt, so we just kind of suffered though the whole ordeal.”

“When I speak, I tell people you have to be in the Word b e f o r e something hits you, so I k n e w t h a t whatever w a s wrong

with me, I was going to come through it. You have to know God enough to know He’s true to His Word, otherwise you would give up to the things that face you. Naturally, I didn't want it to be cancer. But I said, ‘nothing is too hard for God.’” Initially, Price wanted to believe God for healing, so she rejected the traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

"For eight months that tumor just kept growing. I could see it and feel it. It got so huge until I couldn't walk and had to be in a wheelchair. I could just barely go from my bed to the bathroom. By that time, I felt I wasn't getting a miracle and that 's what I wanted, because we all want miracles."

With an actively growing tumor still in tow, Price had a change of heart. Just maybe, she thought, God might use those treatments to bring about her healing.

After eight months of going without treatment, Price began chemotherapy once a week for 12 weeks. Within one week the tumor began shrinking. The chemotherapy was followed by five weeks of radiation therapy.

Although the curative measure was deemed successful by doctors, the treatment began to take a toll on her body.

And the slow-down that came with it was indeed a change for Price who was used to being very active in the ministry. At the time she was responsible for establishing several programs at Crenshaw Christian Center including the CCC Women’s Fellowship and a drug abuse and codependency program.

“There were times when it really got dark,” says Price, who freely admits to being weak in body, but never in spirit.

She was so weak it would take her an hour to eat a piece of toast. She had missed three months of church and her hair had fallen out. But Price stood on God’s Word.

"I thank God for His Word because that's what I held on to when it looked like I was going through this dark tunnel and couldn't see the light anywhere.”

But after chemotherapy and radiation, came another hit.

Price was informed that she needed to have major surgery to replace nerves in her leg and her hip, which had been damaged by the tumor and subsequently caused her to limp. She had already endured a year of turmoil and did not want to deal with it.

But the pain got so bad that she

went ahead with the surgery in March of 1991.

With success of the surgery the hardest part was behind her. Two years passed before Price understood why she wasn't miraculously healed. Someone sent her a book called "Fit For Life". Upon reading the book she began to see that it was her own eating habits that brought on the cancer. A heavy coffee drinker, Price says she never drank water or ate fruit and vegetables because as a child growing up in a poor family, she never ate those foods.

"My body was just full of toxins and they had no way to get out so they just formed a tumor, " she said. "That why I never got a miracle because if had I would have never changed my eating habits and it would have happened again.”

In October of 2015, Price celebrates 24 years of remission. Since then, she has shared her experience with women’s groups and organizations to encourage them.

“A lot of people don't understand faith. They think that the’yre going to get healed right away, that's not faith healing,” she explains. “Faith is believing you receive it and then see that you have it. What most people want to do is see that they have it and then they will believe it. That was my confession of faith everyday until healing manifested.

“You have to know God enough to know that He’s true to what His Word says, otherwise you will give up the things that face you. I had His Word and I had to believe that.”

Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:35 AM Page 18

ChurchNews People’s Independent Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary

T

his month, one of Los Angeles oldest black churches, People’s Independent Church of Christ, celebrates its 100th anniversary. In its history, the storied church—which launched in 1915 with 47 members as a result of a split from First A.M.E.— can claim among its members or has had been affiliated with the likes of Nobel Peace Award Winner Ralph Bunche, Councilman Bishop Craig A. Worsham Gilbert Lindsey and musicians Thurston Frazier and Albert McNeil.

At its peak, it was one of the most popular churches in the city, with a edifice that seated 1,000 to accommodate the crowds.

“This 100th Anniversary is a testament of God's faithfulness to those who manage well,” said Bishop Craig A. Worsham, senior pastor. “100 years of making the Word of God become flesh through, outreach, housing, feeding, clothing and services.”

People’s Independent Church became well known to the world with its community involvement and a force for social change. With youth, energy and new ideas, they introduced the concept of a boys home, a girls home, free employment office in the church, the Victory Food Markets at 43rd and Central Ave., youth leaders, scholarship fund, radio broadcast, and a civil rights division that organized the march on the RTD to make demands that minorities be hired as bus drivers, which resulted in many black drivers being hired.

The church’s long list of illustrious pastors includes Reverend Clayton D. Russell, founding pastor Napoleon P. Greggs, Rev. William Naylor, Rev. Vincent Morris and Pastor Maurice Dawkins, under whose leadership the church constructed Independent Square, a seven-story housing complex on Adams Boulevard and St. Andrews Place.

But to its faithful members, the church has meant so much more.

“Being a member for eighty-four years observing and participating in the positive outcome of the struggles of the church and within the community has strengthened my Faith, Spiritual Growth and my Daily Walk”, observed Deacon Vaal French.

Adds Worsham, “People's Independent Church holds a special place in my heart not just because I serve as Pastor, but because we are a church that demonstrates God's love and are resolutely committees to promoting Faith, Family & Fellowship.

L.A. Focus/October 2015

New Home For Full Harvest International The congregation of Full Harvest International Church, under the leadership of its founder, Bishop Clarence E. McClendon is gearing up for a big move. The church, “dubbed the Place of Grace”, which had been holding services in the Gardena area—has new digs. The new facility, once home to a Staples Office Supply store, is located at 1830 S. La Cienega. No word yet on when they will officially begin holding services there.

Congratulations to Bishop McClendon and the Full Harvest Church International family.

In national church news: Armed with new ideas and stating that there was “no time better than now to shift the pendulum in America,” Jamal Bryant—senior pastor at Baltimore’s Empowerment Temple and a sought after speaker on the religious circuit just a week after stating that he announced that he would run for Congress,—announced that he would run for Congress, seeking to replace Rep. Elijah E. Cummings. But just one week later, the pastor/activist ended that bid, tweeting, “Our representative will continue to serve us in the House & I will continue to advocate in the sanctuary & in the street.”

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Amen L.A. (Affirming Ministry Enlightening Nations) 1455 W. 94th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 229-9351 • www.amenla.org Rev. Dr. DiAnn L. Johnson Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30am-10:30am PTP / Preach the word- Teach the word practice the word

Bethel AME Church of Los Angeles 7900 South Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 750-3240 • www.bethelamela.org Rev. Kelvin T. Calloway Early Worship: 7:45 am Morning Worship: 10:45am Mid-week “Hour of Power” (Wed): noon

Bethesda Temple Church Apostolic Faith 1101 W. Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 299-2591 Interim Pastor Robert Lockett Sunday School: 9:40am Morning Worship: 11am Evening Worship: 6pm Bible Study (Wed): 7pm Prayer (Sat): 7am Evening Prayer (Mon.): 6:30pm

First AME Church (FAME) 2270 South Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 730-7750 • F: (323) 735-7829 • www.famechurch.org Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, Senior Pastor/CEO Sunday School: 10am Worship: 8am, 10am, Noon Youth Church (Fame Renaissance): Noon Wed. Prayer Service: Noon Wed. Bible Study: 7pm Radio: 10:30am on KJLH-102.3FM First AME is the oldest Black Church in the City Grace United Methodist Church 4112 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 294-6653 • F: (323) 294-8753 • graceumc1@earthlink.net Rev. Pastor Paul A. Hill • www.graceumcla.com Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Sunday School: 9:45am Morning Worship: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 7pm Fri. Alcoholic Anonymous: 7pm Tues. Prayer Fellowship: 6:30pm Super Seniors (Thurs/Bi-Monthly): 10:30am Follow us on Facebook Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 Dr. Solomon Drake 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

Bethlehem Temple Church, INC. 958 East 52nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 232-8429 • F: (323) 232-8660 Pastor Elder Gentry Richardson, Jr. Sunday: Christian Education: 9am Morning Worship: 11am PYPU (youth services): 4:30pm Evening Worship: 6pm (5pm 5th Sun.) Monday Prayer Revival: 7pm Wednesday Ministerial/Teacher’s Prep. Class: Noon; Bible Class: 7:45pm

Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-7285 • F: (323) 731-2609 • www.holmanumc.com Rev. Kelvin Sauls

Christ The Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 3303 W. Vernon Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 295-4139 • F: (323) 295-4681 Rev. Joseph Oloimooja Sunday School: 10am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10am Mon. Centering Prayer/Meditation: 6:30pm Mon. Overeaters Anonymous: 7pm Wed. Bible Study & Eucharist: 7pm Wed. Alcoholic Anonymous: 7:pm E: cgshepherd4041@sbcglobal.net

Lewis Metropolitan CME Church 4900 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 292-0179 Pastor & Presiding Elder Wendell M. Oldham Jr. Sunday School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:30am Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm Wed. Youth & Young Bible Study: 7pm Ministry to Men (3rd Sat.): Noon - 1pm Ministry to Women (3rd Sat.) Older/ 11:30am 1:30pm & Younger/ 2pm - 3:30pm

Church of Jesus Christ International 3719 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-1106 Pastor Michelle Beal

Liberty Baptist Church 1500 West 51st Place, Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 295-3866 • F: (323) 295-0366 • E: LBCwim@aol.com Rev. Terry Lovell Brown Sr.

Sunday Morning Glory Service (2nd & 4th): 8:30am-9:30am Christian Education Classes: 9:45am-10:45am Sunday Morning Worship: 11:15am Tuesday Prayer: 7pm Wednesday Bible Class: 7pm 1st Sunday Nights: 7pm Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 • www.cccf-ucc.org Pastor James K. McKnight Sun. Early Worship: 8am Prayer Meeting: 10:30am Morning Worship: 11am Wed. Afternoon Bible Study: 1pm Wed. Prayer Meeting: 6pm Wed. Evening Bible Study: 7pm View Pastor McKnight’s Sermons on YouTube Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Rev. Frederick Price Jr. Sunday Service: 10am Bible Study (Tue): 11am & 7pm Tue. Night Kidz Unlocked: 7pm Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7pm Intercessory Prayer (Wed.): 7:30pm Prayer & Praise (Thurs.): 6:30pm

Sunday School: 8:00, 9:45 & 11am Fuse Worship (Sunday): 6pm Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 11am Bible Study (Thurs.): Noon Sun. Radio: KJLH 102.3FM: 11am E: Holman@holmanumc.com

Sunday Church School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:30am & 12:30pm Wed. Bible Study: noon & 6:30pm Prayer Meeting: 6pm Follow us on Twitter @dacrossculture www.thecrossculture.org Macedonia Baptist Church of Los Angeles 1751 East 114th Street Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 569-9561 • Macedonia.baptist114@gmail.com Pastor Shane B. Scott Morning Worship: 10am Sunday Small Group: 8:45am Tues. Mid-Day Bible Study: 11am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: 6:30pm www.macedonia-la.org Miracle Center Apostolic Church 2638 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-5121 or 735-5122 Dr. Roy S. Petitt • Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 8am, 11am & 6pm Tues. Prayer & Bible Class: Noon Rights of Passage: 7pm Wed. Bible Study: 8pm Thurs. Prayer/Bible Class: Noon Fri. Faith Seminar: 8pm Radio KTYM-1460AM: (M-Fri.) 8am - 8:15am

Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:35 AM Page 19

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of LA, Inc. 4269 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 Rev. Melvin V. Wade, Sr. Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:45am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Mid-Week Worship (Wed): 7pm Bible Study (Wed.): 8pm

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

F: (323) 291-1133 • msmbc-la.org • mt.sinai@msmbc-la.org Pastor George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am, 10am Noonday Worship (1st Sun): Noon Sunday School: 8am, 10am Noonday Prayer (Mon): Noon Noonday Bible Study (Tues): Noon Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Our Goal: To win more Christians & develop better Christians to the glory of God. (Matt. 28:18-20) Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church 6614 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 753-3189 • F: (323) 753-1018 • www.mttabormbc.org Dr. Ticey M. Brown, D. Min. Pastor/Teacher Early Morning Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid Morning Worship: 11am Tues. Bible Study: 10am & 7pm Meeting/Bible Study: 6:30pm–8pm First Sun. Communion: 11am & 5pm Baptism First Sunday

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

Paradise Baptist Church 5100 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 231-4366 Dr. Aaron Iverson Pastor’s Bible Class & Sunday School: 8am Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Prayer: 7pm Tues. Bible Study: 8pm

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

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

People’s Independent Church of Christ 5856 West Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 296-5776 Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Sr. Pastor

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

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

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

New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 402 E. El Segundo Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90061 (310)324-0644 • F: (310) 769-1287 Rev. Sonja Dawson, Senior Pastor • Rev. Lonnie Dawson, Sr., Founder (1962 - 2010) Morning Worship: 7:30am & 10:45am Sunday School: 9:45am Wed. Prayer/Bible Study: Noon Pastor’s Bible Study: 7pm

New Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church 9537 South Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 755-1130 or 755-1139 • F: (323)755-8961 Rev. Melvin Hill, Pastor Worship Services: 8am & 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Prayer Meeting(WED): 6:30pm Bible Study(WED): 7pm

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

St. Matthew Tabernacle of Praise “The S.T.O.P.” 3770 Santa Rosalia Dr. Baldwin Hills, CA 90008 (323) 291-1115 • F: (323) 293-0471 Rev. C.Barry Greene, Pastor Morning Worship: 8am Church School Hour: 10:15am Tuesday Hour of Power: 7pm

www.pleasanthillbaptistchurch.org Praises of Zion Baptist Church (“Praise City” 8222 So. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003 (323) 750-1033 • F: (323) 750-5458 • www.pozlive.com Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, Sr. Pastor Early Morning Worship: 6:45am Educational Hour: 9:15am Mid-Morning Worship: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 7pm Sunday Broadcast: 7pm

Price Chapel AME Church 4000 W. Slauson Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-2406 • pricechapel@sbcglobal.net Rev. Benjamin Hollins Sunday Worship Service: 10am Sunday School: 8:30am Power Lunch Bible Study (Wed): 11am Praise & Worship Bible Study (Wed): 6:30pm

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Rev. Dr. Lovely Haynes Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Mon. Night Bible Study: 7pm Mon. Tutorial Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Prayer: Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7pm • Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7pm Thurs. Evangelism: 7pm (enrollment required)

Salem Missionary Baptist Church 729 S. Park View St. Los Angeles, CA 90057 (213) 738-1077 • jranniew@gmail.com Pastor J. Williams Sunday School: 10am Morning Worship: 11:15am Ministry For Alcohol & Chemical Addiction Wednesday: 5:30pm Bible Study Thursday: 7:30pm Office Hours: Mon 1:30pm-5:30pm; Thurs 2:30pm-7:30pm St. Paul’s Mission Fellowship Church 4816 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90018 Cell: (760) 214-8282 • burtcj@cox.net Rev. Dr. Charles J. Burt, Senior Pastor Morning Worship: 11:30am

“Join us for worship–you will be blessed!”

St. Rest Missionary Baptist Church 709 W. Manchester Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323)752-6179 Rev. Torrey Collins, Pastor Sunday School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:45am Evening Worship: 3:30pm Tues. Bible Study: 7pm Wed. Bible Study: 11am Choir Rehearsals (Wed. & Fri.): 7pm Southern Missionary Baptist Church 4678 West Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 731-2703 • F: (323) 737-5202 • smbcla@gmail.com Rev. Xavier L. Thompson, Sr. Pastor L.I.F.E. Groups Sundays: 8:30am Morning Worship: 10am Baptism & Communism (First Sunday): 5pm Word Wednesday: 6:45pm “One Church For All Generations”

L.A. Focus/October 2015

Sunday Worship: 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Wednesday Bible School: 6pm Men’s Ministry Meetings 2nd Tues: 6pm Youth Mentoring Program 3rd Sat: 10am-11am

Newlyweds Kim Ervin and Bishop W. Todd Ervin were longtime members of a very traditional baptist church when they announced they were leaving to start a non-denominational church.

“My husband felt a different type of call on his life,” says Ervin, the CoPastor of Church One Ministries in Long Beach. “It was more to people who were ‘un-churched,’ people who didn't have church clothes and church etiquette, but were interested in going.

“There was just a strong pull to start a church, a place where people could come and feel comfortable. We are a ‘come as you are church.’ That's basically how we started. It didn't matter how you come dressed. We just wanted people to come,” she continued. “The motto of our church is we are a down to earth church with a heaven bound ministry.”

Since then, the former Crenshaw High School teacher and mother of four has launched many ministries including their Precious Jewels Women’s Ministry and their 2B1 Marriage Ministry, which encouraged her to get a Masters.

“I even went back to school to become a Marriage and Family therapist because of my love for that.”

One of her proudest accomplishments is the work of My Girlfriend’s Closet, an outreach ministry that provides clothing, shoes and other items to women throughout the community who are working towards rebuilding their lives.

“God has grown me. I saw myself as a very quiet and shy person early on in my life and now I see myself as a bold soldier for Christ and I’m just enjoying it.

www.thechurchstop.org E: thechurchstop@yahoo.com pastorcbgreene@aol.com

The Church where “It pays to be nice”.

New Shady Grove Baptist Church 1509 W. Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 753-0198 • www.newshadygrove.com Rev. Jewett L. Walker, Jr.

first lady files

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The First Saint John Bible Church 11030 S. Willowbrook Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 566-5055 • F: (323) 566-0219 Pastor/Teacher: Bishop Michael A. Brass, Jr.

UpLift Christian Fellowship 4745 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90056 (310) 927-3476 Pastor Anthony Thompson

Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center 2556 N. Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001 (626) 797-3585 • F: (626) 797-3233 • www.lifelinefcc.org Pastor Charles D. Dorsey

Sunday Worship: 10am Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm

Sunday School: 9am Early Worship (Glory Prayer): 8am Morning Worship: 10:30am Evening Worship (1st & 2nd Sun.): 5pm Wed. Bible Study: 7pm

Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 11am Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm

Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church 9702 Holmes Ave. Los Angeles CA 90002 Cell: (323) 566-1202 • burtcj@cox.net Rev. Marcus A. Murchinson, Pastor

Weller Street Baptist Church 129 S. Gless St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 261-0949 Pastor K.W. Tulloss

In Carson

Judson Baptist Church 451 E. 223rd St, Carson, CA 90745 (310) 834-2630 • F: (310) 513-0943 • www.judsonbc.net Dr. Johnny V. Baylor, Pastor/Teacher

Sunday School: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 9am Evening Worship: 6pm Tues. Bible Study: 5pm

Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Service: 11am Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30am Children’s Church (Except 5th Sun): 9:30am 2nd & 4th Sun. Speak Life Youth Ministry: 12:30pm Wed. Bible Study: Noon Streaming live at judsonbclive.net

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

Trinity Baptist Church 2040 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-0044 • F: (323) 735-0219 Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr

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

Sunday Worship: 7:30 & 10:30am Sunday Church School: 9am Radio Broadcast KJLH FM: 9am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: Noon-7pm www.trinitybaptistchurchofla.org

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

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

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

Pastor Profile: Pastor Theo Wilkins • Three Oaks Baptist Church When did you receive the call to ministry?

I was called to ministry at the age of 13. I’ve been preaching 20 plus years and pastoring 11 years now.

How did you get saved?

Being saved was not an option growing up in my parents’ house. It definitely was a mandate and I had no other choice but to accept Jesus as my personal savior. But I didn’t feel pressured at any point. They started teaching us at an early age, so once we came into the full mature knowledge of Christ it wasn’t foreign to us, it was really natural because that was just how we grew up.

What was life like growing up for you?

Life for me definitely revolved around family and church, I’ve been in church all of my life, and church is the majority of what I know.

All I

Name: Pastor Theo Wilkins Church: Three Oaks Baptist Church Hometown: Los Angeles California Education: Bethany Bible College, USC (programs), Los Angeles Bible College Family: Divorced, 3 children

do is church.

How did you get connected to Three Oaks?

The Lord called me to Three Oaks church at a time when they were in need of spiritual leadership and a pastor.

L.A. Focus/October 2015

What were you doing when you received the call from Three Oaks?

Funny thing is, I was at church. It was the moment I was getting ready to dismiss church and I received a call from Three Oaks Church saying that I was the new pastor, and it was definitely a moment I will never forget. Growing from where he called me to where I am now is definitely one of the greatest experiences in my life.

20

Do you have a theme that you use during preaching?

My theme is simple: stay committed, connected and consistent to God and His church. I came up with the theme because I notice we had a lack in church. We have a lack of commitment, we have a lack of consistency and we have a lack of connection. So those were the three areas that the Lord assigned

me as a pastor to work on in the local church.

So what is your preaching style?

I’ve been known to be very charismatic, very radical and out of the box, as they call it, but I thank God for that. God blessed me to be universal in my preaching. I know how to affect and cater and serve any crowd, whether its babies to teenagers to young adults, middle age to senior citizens. At Three Oaks, every age group is covered, so my preaching style is very universal.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a preacher?

There are many challenges, especially being a single pastor in Los Angeles.

One of the [personal] challenges I face is discipline. You have to study and you have to be consistent and sow what you are studying, making sure I stay reading, so I can rightly divide the word of truth.

What you practice becomes a habit so I make sure that I always have a book, my Bible and my iPad. I preach a lot. I’m always somewhere preaching, so I make sure I stay studying.

What would you characterize as your greatest strength?

My greatest strength is praise. Praise is easy for me to do, I love praising God, I love teaching about praise. I love preaching about praise. That’s my greatest strength. Generally people know me as the praising preacher.

What have you accomplished as a preacher that you wouldn’t have otherwise?

Reaching people, being influential in our community and being a pastor have definitely opened doors. Pastors are very influential people in the community so I know that God has placed me on a platform where I am able to reach people. Being on that platform and the respect that people have for pastors has definitely opened a door.

What is a defining moment in your life?

When I preach in any setting and somebody, not matter who it is, comes to me and tells me that the sermon changed their life. To see other lives changed, definitely changed my life.

Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:35 AM Page 21

From The Pulpit: of Faithful Central Baptist Church -- “Know Your Limitations” Exodus 33:1

L

ast summer I was called to audition for a national television talk show where a panel of pastors from all of the country who would discuss topics of the day similar to The View. I knew a cople of guys there, but the producers were matching us up to see who had chemistry.

The night before I wrote in my journal and I said to the Lord, ‘Lord I want this, but with three stipulations. Number one, I only want it if it’s a platform for your glory and for your kingdom. Secondly, I only want it if it will not interfere with the calling on my life to pastor the Faithful Central Bible Church. Thirdly, I only want it if I am not enticed by the money and it will not change my lifestyle.

After a long day, they eliminated me, and six others. Here’s where I’m going with this, whenever you go into the world’s systems, you must go in with limitations or non-negotiables.

W h e n P a u l

Bishop Kenneth Ulmer

speaks of the will of God in the book of Ephesians, Paul says the will of God is the boundary that He set beforehand. If you don't set those boundaries going in, you will struggle with being double-minded in order to get what you want.

This principal applies to whatever your field is. You must have your mind set on what you will and will not allow into your life and what you will and will not participate in just to get the job. At the end of the day, I wasn't the best fit for the group, but I knew going in I had three criteria that I trusted God not to allow to be violated. My heart was fixed.

If you get nothing else of what I say today, know your limits. Look at a man by the name of Moses in book of Exodus: 33.

“Then The Lord said to Moses, ‘Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the Land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, I will give it to your descendants.’ The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

And Moses said,” If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

Non-negotiable Number 1: The driving force of every move in your life is a desire to be in the will of God. “Lord, I want this, but I only want it if it glorifies you, if it’s a platform for your glory.”

Moses said, “We don’t want to go if your glory is not going.” You may have to grow into this one. Let me

Resurrection Church L.A. 1135 East Janis St. Carson, CA 90746 Office Address: 1143 East Janis St. Carson, 90746 (310) 626-4864 • www.resurrectionchurchla.org Pastor Joseph Carlos Robinson

move to this place, this job, this assignment, but only if it’s a place to stand that will demonstrate and manifest your glory.

The catch is you don't always know that God’s glory is being manifest. You go in by faith with your heart fixed and motives pure. Moses said to God, ‘Show me your Glory’, and God said ‘You can’t handle all my glory, but I need you to know I’ll be there.”

Sometimes you don't know that God was there until after He’s been there.

That’s why you must go by faith. There’s something better than you seeing God,— it’s the confidence that no matter where you are, God always sees you.

Are you at a place where you can say, ‘Lord if you’re not in it, I don't want it’?

God will give you discernment to let you know He ain’t in it. My faith has to be that God can see further than I can and knows what’s down the line before I get there.

It is a part of the very definition of the love of God that He desires only what is best for me. If I struggle with whether God wants my good, I’ve got a problem before I get in.

Go to Deuteronomy 3: It must be settled in my mind that my faith is in a good God. God takes Moses to the top of a mountain to look over into the land he just told him he was going into. He says look North, South, East and West—you will never cross over into it.

I must also understand that the goodness of Christ can contain a no. My faith in the goodness of Christ must allow that if He’s always good and He’s good all the

Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, P.O. Box 5449, Compton 90220 (310) 604-5900 Fax: (310) 604-5915 Dr. Ron C Hill

Service times: 8am, 10am, 12:15pm Communion: every 5th Sunday Tuesday Bible Class: 7:30pm

In Compton

Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus) Sunday School: 9am Morning Service: 10:45am Wed. Mid-Week Bible Study: 7pm Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • E: GreaterZionCF@gmail.com Reverend Michael J. Fisher & Dr. W. Jerome Fisher, Pastor Emeritus Sunday Morning Worship: 9am, 11am & 5pm Wed. Bible Studies: Noon-7pm www.greaterzionchurchfamily.com

Early Morning Worship: 7:30am Sunday School: 9:45 & 10:15am Mid Morning Worship: 10:45 am 1st. Sun. Holy Communion: 7:30 & 10:45 am Sat. Broadcast KTYM 1460AM: 10-11pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer & Bible Study: 7pm

Sunday G.I.R. Up Leadership Class: 8am Morning Worship Tuesday: 10am Teaching Empowerment Night: 7:30pm

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

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

In Hawthorne

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

Victory Institutional Baptist Church 4712 West El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250 (310) 263-7073 • www.vibconline.com Pastor Richard Williams, III

Unity Christian Fellowship 16133 S. Atlantic Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 604-0234 • F: (310) 886-0198 Bishop Johnny R. Withers, Jr., Senior Pastor

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

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 Gardena

Sunday Morning Worship: 9am Sunday Evening Worship: 6pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7pm Bible Study Tuesday: Noon & 7pm

Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford

In Inglewood

Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer: 5am, Noon & 7pm Wednesday Pathway: 7pm

Faithful Central Bible Church 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035 Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher Services at The Tabernacle: Sunday Services: 7am & 10am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7pm The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood

L.A. Focus/October 2015

Holy Chapel Baptist Church 1016 East Rosecrans Ave. Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 Rev. George L. Thomas

Sunday Morning Worship: 8am & 11:30am Sunday Evening Worship: 6:30pm Bible Studies: Wed. 7:30pm & Sat. 9am Food for Your Soul Radio & Television Ministry: KTYM 1460AM: Mon - Fri. 6:30am Church Channel: Tues. 5:30pm & Fri. 2:30pm

time, I must allow God is even good when He says no.

Some of you have had your faith polluted by a contemporary theology that suggests that God is always a yes man. A no is not always a negative confession. My faith in the goodness of God acknowledges the sovereignty of God and the sovereignty will always include the option of a no.

How do you handle a sovereign no? For 25 years Moses served God knowing he wouldn't go in. My fear for most of you is that you’re one “no” away from leaving God. Has anyone, other than me, ended up thanking God for saying no? God says you cannot imagine the things that I have for you. You have to learn to trust me even when I love you enough to tell you no.

Does it end with a no?

In Luke Chapter 9: Jesus is praying on Mount Tabor,—the land God promised Moses was going to, but never went to.

And as Jesus was praying, the appearance of His face was transformed and His clothes became dazzling white and Moses and Elijah appeared.

Moses died at 120 years old. They never found his grave. The last time you see Moses, he’s climbing on the hill and walking into a mist. And when Jesus goes to the top of the mountain, Moses was standing in the presence of Jesus transfigured. He’s where he wanted to go in a different form.

God will bless you according to His own will. It’s a heart issue, it’s a soul issue, a mind issue and a spirit issue, you have to be sold out for Jesus and trust Him.

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Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:35 AM Page 22

Strait-Way Church 102 E. Kelso St., Inglewood, CA 90301 • (310) 412-7475 Bishop Charles C. Queen Sunday School: 9am Early Hebrew Studies: 9am Morning Worship: 10am • Evening Worship: 5pm • Intercessory Prayer (Tues.): 5:45pm Bible Study (Tues.): 6:45pm Bible Study (Wed.): Noon Radio Broadcast (Daily): 10:30-10:45am KTYM 1460AM

New Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church 434 S. Grevillea, Inglewood CA 90301 (310) 673-6250 Office • (310) 673-2153 Rev. Dr. Phillip A. Lewis, D. D., D. Th., Senior Pastor Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 11am First Sunday Evening Worship: 5pm Mid-Week Bible Study Wed.: 7pm Radio: KTYM 1460 AM on Saturdays at 8pm & Mondays at 7pm

In Irvine

Christ Our Redeemer AME Church 45 Tesla, Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 955-0014 • F:(949) 955-0021 • www.corchurch.org Pastor Mark E. Whitlock, II

Crusade Christian Faith Center 801 S. La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8535 Bishop Virgil D. Patterson Sr.

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 First Church of God Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 • (323) 757-1804 Pastor Geremy L. Dixon Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Wed. Mid-Week Service: Noon Wed. Teaching Ministry: 7pm 1st Sunday Communion 5th Sunday Baptism

Antioch Church of Long Beach 1535 Gundry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 591-8778 • F: (562) 599-6048 Pastor Wayne Chaney Jr.

In Long Beach

Worship Services: 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am Elements Bible Study: 8am & 10:15am Spanish Worship Service: 3pm Family Night Bible Study (Wed.): 7pm

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

Gospel Memorial Church of God In Christ 1480 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 599-7389 • F: 562-599-5779 • gospelmemorial@aol.com Bishop Joe L. Ealy Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Intercessory Prayer: 7pm Wed. Pastoral teaching adults: 7:30pm Wed. Youth Ministry Boot-Camp; Youth Bible Study: 7pm & Choir Rehearsal: 7:30pm

Miracle Temple Church of God Pentecostal 733 S. Grevillea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 419-7335 • info@cogpinglewood.org Bishop Johnny J. Young, Ph.D., Senior Pastor Elder Jonathan J. Young, Executive Pastor Sunday School: 8:30am Morning Worship: 10:15am Thursday Praise & Bible Study: Noon & 7pm Weekly Prayer: Noon Monday-Friday Early Morning Phoneline Prayer: 5am Fridays *(209) 255-1000 Access code = 100061# "Where the Difference is worth the Drive"

Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com • www.grantamelb.org Rev. Michael W. Eagle, Sr.

L.A. Focus/October 2015

22

In Pasadena

Bethlehem Church 1550 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 794-5211 • F: (626) 794-6592 Pastor Christopher A. Bourne Sunday School: 9am Sunday Worship: 10am Tuesday Bible Study: 7pm Mid-day Worship Thursday: Noon www.bethlehemcoch.org

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

Spirit of Zion Fellowship Church 10853 Victory Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 (805) 517-1907 • www.mtzionla.org Pastor E.V. Hill II

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

Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc.

1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90303 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760 Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr. Sunday School: 10am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm KYTYM 1460AM (Sunday): 11:30am www.jacobladderschurch.com

Illegal Dumping continued from page 7

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

Sunday Worship: 8am, 10:30am New Generation Praise Service: 10:30am Sun. Bible Univ.: 9:30am Tues. Interactive Bible Study: 7pm Wed. Pastor's Bible Study: Noon, 7pm Thurs. Bible Study: 7pm Fri. Singles Bible Study (1st Fri): 7pm

Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7pm Sunday School: 9am Sunday Worship: 10:30am

adding thousands of trash cans, assigning teams to report abandoned furniture and relying on more data to identify notoriously blighted areas.

The program was funded beginning in the last fiscal year with additional funds provided for expanded services in this fiscal year as well.

“LA Sanitation [have] implemented the Clean Streets Initiative to combat abandoned waste throughout the city,” sanitation officials wrote in a statement emailed to LA Focus.

Nearly seven and a half thousand tons of wastes have been collected in Council Districts 1, 8, 9 and 14 combined,” the statement added.

Wilson Poon, a senior administrative analyst for the city said as a result of the city’s illegal dumping prevention

In Monrovia

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

Sunday Worship: 1pm Children's Church: 1pm

In Arise Christian Center 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C, Westchester, CA 90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com Pastor Ron Taylor

Westchester

Morning Worship: 9am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Intercessory Prayer Thursday: 11:30pm - 12:30pm Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • E: GreaterZionCF@gmail.com Reverend Michael J. Fisher & Dr. W. Jerome Fisher, Pastor Emeritus

Sun. Worship Experience: 10:45am 3rd Sun. Healing & Annointing: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 6pm Mothers of Murdered Youth & Children: Thurs. by appt • On/off Parole, Now What?: Thurs. by appt

program, they’ve seen improvements, but stressed more needs to be done.

“Despite massive cleanup efforts, illegal dumping remains a huge problem,” said Poon. “Since the program was implemented,” he added, “we found that most of the stuff illegally dumped was construction debris.”

He revealed construction workers commonly referred to as, “bandit contractors” are notorious for placing trash and junk haul off-same day pick-up adds on craigslist. But they end up dumping the waste along freeways and in alleys.” For this reason said Poon, it is important that the city beefs up enforcement.

Councilman Gil Cediillo, who decided to make trash pickup a priority after seeing refuse and abandoned bulky items cluttering up the district’s streets while he campaigned for a seat on City Council, called

In Van Nuys

illegal dumping one of the most “vexing problems” in the city.

“It’s so important for us to have a clean city,” he said. “This large urban area… we’re more dense than many other cities, and as a result we have more trash.”

Bottom line said Mark Thomas, a Trash Expert, who was hired by the city; people need to be more responsive to the trash around them. Residents and the city workers, he added, need to employ a-see-something-say-something approach to eliminate the problem.

“If you see trash in the streets, call 311 for pickup.”

Ben Carson continued from page 7

general election.”

Meanwhile, NAACP L.A. Chapter President Minnie Hadley-Hempstead said though she never thought America would

Sunday Morning Worship: 9am, 11am & 5pm Wed. Bible Studies: Noon-7pm www.greaterzionchurchfamily.com

elect an African American president in her lifetime, she doesn’t think Carson will be the second African American president.

She said while American politics can be unpredictable—referring to Obama’s election—Carson’s chances of winning are slim to none.

“I don’t think Ben Carson will win because of the country we live in,” Hempstead said. “A lot has changed since Barack Obama became president. The country is so divided right now. I remember not too long ago when your country came before your political affiliation. But I don’t see that anymore.”

Hempstead added Obama’s presidency brought race relations to the forefront of the national conversation, and revealed how much the country remains divided.

Carson, on the other hand, said he does not see racial issues as being much of a Ben Carson continued on page 23

Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:35 AM Page 23

Laray Fowler

usiness owner, Laray Fowler remembers rushing home from school to start preparing a pot roast, which his mother would later finish when she returned from work.

“I didn’t know what I was doing. I would just watch and follow what my mother said,” Fowler noted. “As a young child it was something I loved to do.”

Following his mother’s example, Fowler created his own style of cooking.

“I kept building on it and once I conquered that, I learned how to mix flavors. Eventually I joined California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena and graduated in 2005,” he said.

After a few years working as a chef at the Home Depot Stadium and at a club house, Fowler, a Faithful Central Bible Church member, launched All

B

Seasons Catering Service in 2010.

“Culinary school cost me so much and I learned that I couldn’t advance working for other people. So I thought why not start a catering service? That way I could create my own avenues of finance.”

According to his customer’s preferences, his specialties include fried chicken and catfish.

“That’s the popular thing right now for me. Catfish and fried chicken,” Fowler said.

When not in the kitchen preparing scrumptious meals for any occassion, Fowler is also a fulltime hairstylist/ barber at his own barber and beauty salon where his motto for both businesses is to “strive for excellence” for his customers.

For All Seasons Catering contact LaRay Fowler at (310) 350-6035.

Grilled Smoked Salmon Ingredients: 1lb. salmon filet 2 tablespoons sm oked salt 2 tablespoons fre sh rosemary (fine ly chopped) 2 tablespoons th yme (finely chop ped) 1 lemon 3/4 cup lemon in fused oil 1 fish grill pan Directions: 1. Preheat grill to 350*F. In the Fish Grill Pan, both sides of fil oil et with lemon oil, then sprinkl both sides with e smoked salt as well as herbs (Rosemary and Thyme).

2. Let stand 6 minutes on gr ill until salmon releases white juices, their turn on opposite sid for another 6 m e inutes, then rem ove.

3. Drizzle with Lemon juice an d serve.

Ben Carson continued from page 24 problem for America as other social problems, including education inequalities and a breakdown in values.

“As I travel around the country, north south, east west, humongous crowds are very enthusiastic,” Carson said. “I don’t get any indication that color means that much to them.

“We need to de-emphasize race and emphasize respect for each other,” Carson added. “If we respect people, we can begin to understand them.

“Our strength is in our unity.”

Money Matters continued from page 12 United.

Giler told LA Focus Uber isn’t regulated to the same strict standard taxi companies are, saying, “our meter rates are regulated and so we can’t give discounts even if wanted to.”

Riders have for generations relied on city cabs, but Uber has made “competition impossible” Giler added.

“There’s no limit on the number of people that can sign up to be an Uber driver.

All you need is a car. But taxi companies have a limited supply of cabs available,” he said.

Uber CEO Travis Kalanick argued quite the contrary. Kalanick said the company “has faced resistance every step of the way.”

Standing before a room filled with Uber employees, drivers, investors and press during an address last June celebrating the company’s fifth anniversary, he outlined a list of attributes that make Uber “the right choice for cities” around the globe.

Reducing traffic congestion, cleaner air, and more jobs he said.

“Less pollution and more prosperity are part of the company’s long-term vision.”

This, Kalanick, argues is something to applaud, not to denounce.

Elder continued from page 8 a black man who wrote on Facebook about his anger over the shooting in Ferguson, Missouri.

A piece about Baltimore officers in The Atlantic captures the mood of the city's cops: "The (Fraternal Order of Police) offers a bleaker, though related, rationale for the decrease in arrests: Officers are afraid, its leader says. On the one hand, they're beset by hostile citizens who carefully monitor every arrest, crowding around officers who are just trying to do their jobs and capturing the detentions on camera, lest they turn into another Freddie Gray situation. On the other hand, police are also afraid a prosecutor will haul them in front of a jury. ... They say that they don't know when they might be charged with a crime, just for doing their jobs."

Nice work, Black Lives Matter, nice work.

Larry Elder is a best-selling author and radio talk-show host. To find out more about Larry Elder, or become an "Elderado," visit www.LarryElder.com.

Love continued from page 8 well.

The #BlackLivesMatter movement seeks policy proposals and platform agendas, partnerships and empathy from others. Black protesters have put police violence on blast, and they want fundamental change to a system that preys on their community, unresponsive and unaccountable. Law enforcement can only benefit from reforms that improve police-community relations. These activists do not need lectures about their tone or approach.

Follow David A. Love on Twitter at @davidalove

Focus 10.15 NU_Focus 7-04 10/7/15 11:35 AM Page 24

Eye On Gospel Industry Buzz with Bro. Steve First of all stay connected to the industry TEXT MUSICBIZ to 24587 and enjoy a bonus gift. It’s fall 2015 here in LA and we love the fall season. It’s also the kick off of award show season and sweeps. You’ll see all the new shows coming out this fall and the mid season replacements, which means EVERYONE is competing for rating and distribution of new shows. Speaking of award shows..The Stellar Awards date is officially set now for February 20, 2016 from Las Vegas, Nevada..make your plans now to attend the entire weekend.

Congratulations Pastor Dre…no not Dr. Dre….pastor Andrea Humphrey pastor of Hope’s House Church in Granda Hills..on your new book release. “More Than Just His Wife” you have got to get this book, it is off the chain and written from a brilliant leader, mother,motivational speaker, wife and co-pastor. The audio, video and book is something you gotta add to your library collection. It’s not just for every woman but theres few things a brother can learn as well too.

The Emmy Awards kicked off the award show season here in Hollywood, so get ready for awards shows for the next 6 months non stop. This months industry tip is distribution. Before we talk about that, lets talk about the new media outlet in the country. For artist, churches and motivational speakers who want to generate income and be seen all over the world, check out NDEBoxx.com. This is live streaming on steroids. Now you can stream your concert, church service or event and monetize it to the max. Israel Houghton kicked it off with his live concert on September 11th and all his fans were not disappointed. Not only can you stream but promote your brand and products online today. You’ll love it. Speaking about streaming, we all love NetFlix but get ready for PureFlixx.com. That’s right, the faith based version of Netflixx online live right now. Family friendly faith based movies, TV shows and quality content available now. Just think, Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell, Israel Houghton, Hezekiah Walker and more in one night on stage…yes..yes its happening now. The biggest gospel tour in the country from now until December 2015..its the Festival of Praise Tour”. I’m talking a 50 city tour..my my they are singing in a new city almost every night. There are a few other artist added to the tour in various as cities as well. We hope they turn that bus around and add the Los Angeles.

For more information log on to

Pastor Andrea Humphrey

FestivalofPraiseTour.com.

Speaking about tour bus..Pastor John P. Kee will be back in LA again in November get ready. Kee recently released his new album, Level Next. The CD hits all the right notes for both longtime fans and newcomers and finds Pastor Kee going back to a formula that has worked so successfully. It is diverse while at the same time definitive in style.

From the beautiful and worshipful "Amazing Your Grace," the memorable praise and worship tune "Great God You Are," to "Oooooaaay" a fun addition that is a bit go-go and praise dance all at the same time. Kee says his ability to stay relevant "has more to do with the message as opposed to the music." "My passion is genuine," said Kee. His signature is clearly evident on his current radio single and title track "Level Next."

Perfectly modulated, the lyrical and singable tune is wholly suited for Sunday morning. "I don't know if it was something about that season, but it seemed like everything was going crazy. I was on vacation and I just started singing the hook to myself ... 'let's go higher,' said John. "I was making sure that I became the David in the scriptures that encouraged himself."

Instead of a comeback, it is much more a continuation of a life-long music ministry that has served as gospel music's foundation. Kee has plans for a fall and winter tour along with several more creative projects in the works including a concert video and more new music.

Industry Tip of the month: The tip of the month is distribution.

You can create a great CD but if nobody knows about it, you are singing to the choir in the dark. You have to find creative ways to get it out to the public.

Don’t get caught up in trying to get your CD in Walmart, nothing against Walmart at all, but I’d rather have 500 CD’s out in the stores, gas stations, bakeries, and more than 25 at your local Walmart. Be creative. There is iTunes, TuneCore, Spotify, SoundCloud and hundreds of distribution outlets. Find local church bookstores around the country to place your music or product in. Consider P.O.P. spots. Yes “Point of Purchase”. Don’t think the CD’s, candy and gum you see at the cashiers is there because they have no place to go ….oh no they pay for those slots. The online distribution world is growing more and more. What makes your CD or product sell more is your social media audience. Grow and build it, more fans covert into more sales. The United States is just a small percent of the people looking for Gospel music and products. Japan and Africa are hungry for good music and products. Do your research online and watch God move on your behalf.

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SavingGrace

Quad Lunceford-Webb

S

am. I’m quite consistent in my behavior and how I treat people,” she explains.

“The Bible say do unto others, as you would have them to do unto you. God has blessed me in so many other ways.”

Among those blessings is Picture Perfect Pups, a premier luxury fashion brand for dogs, which the fashionista started in 2014, after the frustration of not being able to find quality clothing for her pets to wear in her wedding. The signature collection of Picture Perfect Pup includes a $150 satin ivory wedding dress bejeweled with pearls and Swarovski crystals and a $60 “I Do” tuxedo vest assembled in Denim and velvet.

Fashion forward, Quad most recently became the brand contributor for BCBG Max Azria Brand Ambassador.

For all of her success, her saving grace is prayer.

“Reality TV is not easy because we know that these shows are numbers driven,” Lunceford says. “Everybody is fighting to be number one. Everybody is looking for ratings. You get pressure from all over, but for me I know who I am when I leave my house and when I return. And I know what is instilled in me in my faith so although I’m tested, only the strong survive and I’m the survivor of the fittest. They can all come up against me and they won’t win, because I know I’m a child of God and I’ve got favor over my life.”

L.A. Focus/October 2015

he is mostly known by her first name and in the two years since she debuted on the Bravo TV hit reality show, “Married To Medicine”— chronicling the lives of seven Atlanta socialites who are either doctors or married to doctors—she has become one of the show’s breakout stars.

At the time of its debut, “Married to Medicine” was the network’s highestrated series premiere since “Bethenny Getting Married?”, and the most watched non-spinoff series premiere in the network's history with the first season garnering upwards of 1.8 million viewers.

A graduate of Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and minor in chemistry, Quad Webb-Lunceford, dubbed “the Black Barbie,” worked for 10 years in medical sales and was in the top 10% of her colleagues before joining the cast of Bravo’s Married to Medicine in 2013.

Known for her outspokenness and wit, Quad was recruited by best friend, Mariah Huq, who shopped the show to networks for three years until it was finally picked up by Bravo.

She said yes, believing the show might be a stepping stone to something bigger.

“For me, I just looked at the greater platform it would give me,” Quad has said. “Ultimately I would like to be an actress. I saw this as possibly getting me there and then opening up many different avenues for entrepreneurship and writing my book, which is going to be hilarious”.

But the rising reality star got a taste of what reality TV is all about this season when an altercation with one of the show’s co-stars (Lisa Nicole Cloud) got physical, resulting in the Memphis native filing a report with the Atlanta police department, the possibility of criminal charges, and—for a time—speculation as to her future involvement with the show.

"This is real life, not just a reality show," Webb-Lunceford says. “I was livid.

I’ve never had anyone throw anything in my face in all of my years working as a professional. It was very humiliating. No one has ever disrespected me to that magnitude and I wasn’t expecting to be the target of someone‘s aggression.”

Clearly, it was not what she signed up for.

“It’s a challenge,” Webb-Lunceford reveals. “People think that it’s so easy and so glamorous and that there is no heartache or pain with it.

“This has definitely been one of my most challenging seasons and I’m hoping to God that I’m not going to have another one like this, because I’m not going to stay around for that type of behavior.”

Ironically enough, she understands that some of the aggression comes with the turf.

“Being the star of a reality show seems to get you a big target on your back.

People who are less entertaining feel as if they come up against “the star” then they will get that visibility that they are yearning for and they try to manipulate you to get into some form of a confrontation with them.”

Webb Lunceford has never done all that well with manipulation.

“I do not like the manipulation. I just feel like you should be who you are always. I don’t understand how people change like night and day. Once the red light comes on the camera it’s like they are a completely different person,” she continued. “You don’t even identify with these people anymore. Something about wanting the fame of being a reality star can make a librarian turn into a vicious monster.”

Through all the negativity, Lunceford is determined to not let anyone or anything get in the way of her success. A big part of that resolve is her faith in God, which has provided the best foundation for what life has to bring.

Raised in church, her mom taught her about God and the Bible while stressing that she needed to be responsible for her own actions on this earth and for where she was going to go after. So, in the 4th grade the future reality star decided on her own to accept Christ as her Lord and Savior and get baptized.

“In my time of peace, I know where my refuge is and that’s with God,” Lunceford reports. “My sanity is always with God no matter what comes up against me. You know no weapon formed against me shall prosper.

“I can’t be on TV fighting a person and I want to be more than a reality star.”

It is that very resolve that kept her from striking her co-star back.

“I’ve always remained strong and don’t change for the cameras. I am who I

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Finding Your Pretty with Chez

couple of A months ago I was at LAX waiting for the redeye to my very first family reunion in T u l s a , Oklahoma, when I spotted red lips from about 30 feet away w a l k i n g towards my gate.

I thought “who is that diva looking fabulous at 11:30 at night?” As the popping red lips got closer I quickly realized it was none-other than Ms. Tamar Braxton. I couldn’t tell you what she had on, I couldn’t tell you her hairstyle but I

can tell you that those fire engine red lips were everything and it made her look polished at LAX Airport in the middle of the night.

Red lipstick is classic and it dates further back than you think. Way back to 3000 BC, ancient Mesopotamian women are the ones often credited as the first women to invent and wear lipstick, using crushed gemstones to decorate their lips.

Even Cleopatra VII would crush ants and carmine in a base of beeswax to color her lips a red shade. To the early 1900s when film actresses would paint their lips deep red to be noticed on the black and white film. The beautiful Elizabeth Taylor was notorious for her bright red lips and is often remembered for saying, "Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together."

Some people think red lipstick ages you and some believe it’s only for night time or special occasions but Tyra Banks the

BE BOLD

YOU GOTTA GET THIS RED lIPStICk

OlD HOllYWOOD glAm Go old Hollywood glam with the classic Marilyn Monroe look and pair your red lips

Savvy- Wet n’ Wild MegaLast lipstick “Stoplight Red” - $2, drugstores

Splurge- Mac Russian Red: $17.00, Macy’s

super model, business woman, and my big sister (in my head), taught us on her talk show – which I used to watch religiously that we don't have to save red lips for nighttime be bold and wear it in the day!

And when someone like Tyra speaks on makeup I listen and I often wear red lips with my jeans and white tee while the sun is shining. My favorite red lipstick to swipe across my lips is Russian Red by MAC. It’s very bold and bright. No orange or purple tint here! When I wear it, it instantly boosts my confidence and makes me feel empowered, strong, stunning and like a woman. So, throw your red lipstick fears and phobias out the window and think of the women in 3000BC, Cleopatra smashing red ants, and the chanteuses and the leading ladies of the 20’s. Know that it looked gorgeous on them and it looks gorgeous on you! Red lipstick is timeless, it’s classic, and it’s never going out of style

with white eye shadow, black and eyeliner lashes.

(L): Tyra Banks (R): Dorothy Dandridge

So Who Does Your Hair...

Doris Mosely says she enjoys styling hair because it makes her feel good. “It makes me feel good by making my clients look good on the outside, it lifts their spirits on the inside. The stylist of over 40 years believes in order to promote healthy hair you have to keep a healthy scalp and Doris does just that for her clients by providing a scalp facial and recommends one at least once a month.

Must have product: La Ran professional hair care product.

Price range: $50 and up Wait time: varies, No appointments, first come first served bases.

Location: ABS SALON 1047 N. La Brea Inglewood Contact: 310.920.3065

Showcase your hairstyle, salon, retail outlet or hair/skincare product

Ask For Kisha

L.A. Focus/October 2015

(310) 677-6011

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