L.A. Focus On The Word April 2017

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GRACE: Empire’s Phylicia Rashad PAGE

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Eye On Gospel: Tamela Mann’s Big Night At Stellar Awards PAGE

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Founder Angie Evans and students at the Frederick K.C. Price III Christian Schools

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UPFRONT:

Compton mayor SetS Stage for re-eleCtion

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Storm: Noted Doctor Launches Church Health Network To Cure Community Ills

In preparation of the release of her highly anticipated three-year report entitled A New Vision for Compton, Compton Mayor Aja Brown has released a progress report for residents and stakeholders detailing performance metrics under her leadership in working towards key priorities for the city....

SEE PAGE

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contents

April 2017

L.A. Focus Publication

Left: Pastor Wayne Chaney addresses the audience at his book signing at the Grove early last month.Center; John Gremer from Walgreeens, Tracy Alston of Danielle Ashley Group, Dr. Betty Price, Apostle Frederick K.C. Price, First Lady Angel Price and Pastor Frederick Price, Jr. are honored for their work at the 6th Annual First Ladies Health Day; Right: Dexter A. Henderson, Executive Director of SCLARC, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. Pastor of West Angeles Church of God in Christ,Dr. La Doris McClaney, President & CEO of McClaney Properties; Clifton L. Johnson, Vice President/Manager (Retired) Union Bank;Martin Ludlow, President & Chief Executive Officer, Bridgestreet, Inc and Thomas Parker at dedication of The McClaney Family Resource Center.

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One On One

Commentary “Called To Empower All Of God’s People”

From The Editor Upfront

Compton Mayor Aja Brown Sets Stage for Re-Election; Calls For Police Accountability A Year After WaKiesha Wilson’s Death

Head to Head

7 Headlines From Africa The Curious Case of Trump’s Roussian Roulette

Money Matters

9 Biz News Briefs

Proposed Tax On Services Could Hurt Small Business Owners Robert Smith Honored At American Journey Awards;Google Teams With Howard University;Jay Z Announces New Venture Captial Firm

On The Money Wendy Williams Growing Empire

10 Inside Hollywood 13 Feature Story

Gaius Charles

14 Calendar/Around LA 16 Red Carpet Style Eye On Gospel 17 Church News 18 Pastor Profile 20 First Lady Files 21 The 32nd Annual Stellar Awards2017

Travis Greene Comes Out On Top at 32nd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards;CeCe Winans To Hit The Road

staff

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Editorial Coordinator Contributors Photographer Advertising Social Media

Lisa Collins Antracia Moorings Gerald Bell, Emma Gannon, Stephen Oduntan Ian Foxx, Rickey Brown Leatha Davis , Kisha Smith Jinoye Henry

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

Address all correspondence to: L.A. Focus, 333 W. Florence Ave., Suite C333 Inglewood, CA 90301 • (310) 677-6011 Fax: (310) 677-2338 Subscription rates $25.00 per year.

Pastor Calvin Rhone- Hope of Glory Christian Center

Teresa Pleasant Christ Second Baptist Church Long Beach

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From The Pulpit Changing a Generation FGBC Bishop Paul S. Morton

@Lafocusnews

@L.A.Focus

Tia Mowrey

Phylicia Rashad

Congratulations Areva Martin on being one of 6 attorneys on the show “We the Jury”. The first show airs Friday, April 7 on FOX.

Photo Credit: Russell Baer

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Marc T. Little

Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co. Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church Law Offices of Marc T. Little

honorary advisors West Angeles C.O.G.I.C. Bishop Charles Blake City of Refuge 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 Copyright, January 1995 by L.A. Focus: Unsolicited manuscripts/photographs are not accepted, nor shall any responsibility for them be assumed.

#LAFOCUS

Noted Doctor Launches Church Health Network To Cure Community Ills- Dr. Randall Maxey

Darryl Barnes Appointed Acting Pastor of Paradise Baptist Church;Power Struggles Sparks Rift at Oxnard’s St.Paul Baptist Church;Churches Host 6th Annual First Ladies Health Day

Top Picks For The City’s Best Schools

Eye For An Eye; Looks Like Nene Leakes Is Heading Back to Atlanta Housewives;Casting News

23 In Good Taste 25 Saving Grace 26

Through The Storm

Cover Design: Feature Image: Upscale Media Group and students atFounder Angie Evans the Price III Chris Frederick K.C. tian Schools

firSt CHUrCH of goD Center of Hope 9550 CRENSHAW BL â&#x20AC;¢ INGLEWOOD 90305

Commentary Rev. Mark Whitlock Executive Director of the USC Cecil Murray Center for community Engagement

“Called to Empower All of God’s People ”

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ome religious institutions have a dark hidden secret. It has been a secret for centuries. The secret - some religious institutions enable rather than empower suffering people to change. The church does quite well with people without problems, but not well with people who have problems.

We do a wonderful job praying for the poor. Prayer is good, but services to assist recovery from substance abuse, hunger, homelessness, poverty, and unemployment is better. Some houses of worship are so heavenly-bound that they are no earthly good. Yet, the church is called to empower God’s people.

Holy Scriptures command us to care for the poor. The Bible says, Deut. 15:11 “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.” There is, however, a difference between empowering the poor and enabling them. Far too often, churches focus on paying off a mortgage, repairing stained glass windows, and purchasing new artifacts. Most people do not care about the buildings or new artifacts. Rather, they focus on social causes! Most churches spend more time entertaining dues-paying members than suffering souls. Religious Institutions are spiritual places, but they are also social service agencies. Religious Institutions are called to give people fish to eat, but they must teach people how to fish and ultimately own the pond from which they fish.

The Millennial Generation is tired of Religious Institutions promoting values and doctrines but failing to meet the needs of the community. Richard Flory, Senior Director of Research for the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture says, “Based on our data, evangelical Millennials are decidedly not moving into mainline Protestant or Catholic churches in any significant numbers.” Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple is equally concerned with the absence of Millennials in synagogues throughout America.

We have experienced a drop in Millennials attending COR Church. Millennials are interested in espousing a cause not religious dogma. There has been an increase in

From the Editor

heroin addiction, racism, hate crimes, police abuse, bullying and no faith in governmental leadership since the recent presidential election. The church must meet the social needs of suffering people. The church must listen more than just preach!

Most people in low- to-moderate-income communities have used the church for money and resources, but people suffering from addiction often go ignored. The substance abuse community distrusts the church. They feel judged and often misunderstood. The church must first open its hearts, minds, and souls to serve the least in the community. The church needs tools to meet the “felt needs.”

Religious Institutions have a rich reservoir of the most talented and successful people in the community. There are thousands of people attending Religious Institutions willing to volunteer their knowledge, money, and time to help people in need. The religious community may learn to partner on social service agencies for recovery programming, empowerment workshops, and dismantle ideological differences for the betterment of all communities.

A long-term vision is for Religious Institutions to become centers of empowerment for the least of these — not limited by cash assistance but through the dissemination of training, sharing of resources, cause funding, and becoming advocates for the poor.

Poor people need Religious Institution to work with them to create jobs, housing, sober living homes, drug and alcohol treatment facilities, and offer a moral platform where all people are accepted. Religious Institutions may form partnerships with other Religious Institutions, government, social service agencies, drug recovery programs, financial institutions, and medical centers to offer free social service programs, financial tools, teachers and services to all interested participants. Let us stop keeping secrets. We are called to empower all of God’s people.

Rev. Mark Whitlock, Executive Director of the USC Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement and Senior Pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, Irvine

LISA COLLINS Publisher

“Ready Or Not, Here We Come”

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could work, citing the recent Women's March on Washington.

"There were plenty of people, as you might expect, who wondered whether that level of energy and enthusiasm would be sustained and whether it would make any difference," Clinton said. "I'm here to tell you, we saw the first indication that the answer to both of those questions is yes."

Now, that’s democracy that works.

While our head to head on page 7, examines both sides of the Russian scandal that has clouded the White House, many of us need to also turn that engagement to local elections, where perhaps the biggest differences can be made.

For the last four years, Aja Brown who at 31, made history as Compton’s youngest mayor, has been working not only to change the perception of Compton, but launched a "12-Point Plan" designed to strategically advance it. And while folks wondered if she was seasoned enough, old enough or tough enough, she has more than risen to the occasion doing her best to reduce violence, revitalizing communities and bring new businesses and jobs into the city.

This month, Compton residents will get to decide whether or not her best is good enough and as history was rewritten four years ago, the stakes of those who vote will no doubt be more tied to their own personal agendas this time around. (See our upfront story on page 6).

I don’t make many endorsements, but I believe Aja Brown represents the best of Compton and her efforts and passion to grow the city’s programs and redefine its imaging are unmatched.

Politics, she said, was never her plan, but God saw things differently. I think I’ll stick with God’s vision for leadership in Compton. Go Aja Brown!

Our feature (on page 10) looks at some of the exciting things going on in some exceptional schools in our own community that folks need to know about, but what most excites me is the mission Dr. Randall Maxey has taken on to empower African Americans through the redirection of the dollars they spend on healthcare back into the community. Be sure and read his “Through The Storm” on page 23.

Keep the faith!

L.A. Focus/April 2017

ges ago, I had a best (guy) friend who dated this girl who for all intensive purposes appeared to be crazy. Eventually I realized he must be just as crazy for liking her, but she would do all sorts of crazy things to get his attention, and when they first met he was in a long term relationship with someone else.

She would call his house non-stop day and night; she seemed to live for face to face confrontations with his then girlfriend; and in what I thought would be the last straw, one day he returned home to find something off colored painted in red on his garage for everyone to see.

To my surprise, instead of totaling ending things with her, the girlfriend left and like that, she—let’s call her Sandra (not her real name)—was in. While her antics didn’t totally end, they did somewhat calm down and I actually got to know her. So a few months later, I asked her why she’d acted so crazy. Her response? “Whether they like or hate what I do,” she told me, “they are always thinking about me and no one else.”

Kind of reminds me of our 45th president and his tweeting which has Americans and the media thinking —and talking—about him nonstop. People who were never political before seem to be watching for what Trump will do next.

Fact is, whether you love or hate Trump, one can’t deny that he has done one thing good for our nation and that’s to get Americans more politically engaged. Of course, it’s probably not the “making America great again” result he was looking for, but it’s music to my ears.

Ready or not, everyday Americans are finally partaking in the kind of grassroots politics that move the needle and the proof of that was last month’s defeat of Trumpcare, courtesy of thousands of citizens who showed up at town halls around the country to let their elected officials know exactly what they thought of what was going on in Washington. And to let them know that there with their votes came consequences.

Finally, ordinary citizens are stepping up to the plate and demanding more of the nation’s lawmakers—more accountability, more respect and more sticking to the issues that concern them. With the mid-terms just around the corner in 2018, the stakes are high and that synergy has fueled political engagement and resistance movements around the country, with voters more determined than ever to have their say and be heard.

In a rare appearance, Hillary Clinton called the withdrawal of the Trump’s health care bill last month a sign that efforts to organize in opposition to Trump's agenda

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UpFront Compton Mayor Aja Brown Sets Stage for Re-Election Aja Brown says‘promises made, promises kept’ and asks residents to ‘let’s finish the work’ ’n preparation of the release of her highly anticipated three-year report entitled A New Vision for Compton, Compton Mayor Aja Brown has released a progress report for residents and stakeholders detailing performance metrics under her leadership in working towards key priorities for the city. The snapshot is a one sheet that outlines the advances made since Brown took office in 2013 and sets the tone for her re-election campaign–“promises made, promises kept” and her re-election campaign slogan “Let’s finish the work!”

At 31, Aja Brown made history as Compton’s youngest elected Mayor. A national trailblazer, Mayor Brown’s New Vision for Compton is a revitalization strategy centered on 12-key principles that focuses on family values, quality of life, economic development and infrastructural growth.

“During my inaugural State of the City address I shared our community’s vision for Compton and my plans to uplift and strengthen all residents,” explained Mayor Brown. “I promised to push forward initiatives and an agenda that put Compton first.”

She continued, “When I took office in 2013, I inherited a $43 million general fund deficit. The City’s employees were on furloughs in the aftermath of massive employee layoffs in 2011, which reduced the workforce by approximately 200 workers. With fewer employees, growing residential and business service demands, an aging infrastructure and a host of financial and regulatory challenges, I assumed office with a massive mission—to stabilize our community.

“Over 90% of the City’s streets hadn’t been repaved in nearly 30 years, while some streets hadn’t been paved in half a century. The City lacked the basic tools to begin to address its failed infrastructure system. There was no Capital improvement plan or infrastructure assessment report on file to even understand the magnitude and cost of the issue.

“Citizens were angry, businesses were

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A Snapshot of Progress

By The Numbers Unemployment & Economic Development Since taking office, unemployment is down 10% to 8%. The city has collected an additional $4 million in tax revenue and 4,824 new companies are doing business in Compton. When a big box retailer opened, over 37% of the employees were Compton residents as a part of a new city ordinance requiring city supported development projects to make residents at least 35% of their workforce.

Public Safety “ Reducing crime in Compton has always been a challenge,” commented Mayor Brown. “ But over the past three years weve worked with the L.A. County Sheriffs and other agencies to create new programming and bring federal resources to Compton, including the Violence Reduction Network, town sheriff’ s program, eliminating hourly motel rentals, a new gang intervention program and major arrests for human trafficking.”

Youth Development Between 2013 and 2015, 562 Compton youth were hired for jobs. Compton youth were also chosen to participate in an exploratory program inspired by President Obama. Mentoring and educational activities were made available over 400 young people in Compton in partnership with Compton’ s My Brother’ s Keeper program—a program that Compton youth visit the White House in 2016.

A Healthier Compton Over 300 pounds were lost as a part of Mayor Brown’ s Healthy Compton initiative that saw the City’ s first citywide community health challenge. A new playground was built at South Park, basketball courts repaved at Kelly Park and the Court of Champions christened and Venus and Serena Williams at Lueders Park.

Giving Back For the past three years over 3,000 families have been served at various holiday giving community events.

Back to Basics – Fixing our Streets One of the most significant investments in Compton’ s future was the passage of Measure P by voters in June.

weary and to top it off, the City had lost its credit rating. Compton was in poor standing with many vendors and owed outstanding debts to outside agencies due to poor internal operations and a lack of continuity in key governmental positions.

“With all of these challenges, I looked to our residents months before assuming office on where to begin. I held focus groups and heard directly what the residents of Compton wanted for our community. Because of their insight, I was well equipped with a game plan built on the values of the Compton community and one that provided a vision.”

In 2014, Mayor Brown introduced the idea of bringing forward a ballot measure to fix city streets, add street lighting, restore parks and improve overall public safety.

Known as the Vital City Services and Neighborhood Protection Measure, Measure P was passed by Compton residents in June of last year, providing critical funding to repair every street, repave our main thoroughfares, and establish a street maintenance fund. The Measure will also increase lighting, strengthen public safety and stabilize basic city services.

Measure P is projected to generate $8 million in 2017 to improve streets, parks and public safety.

“After completing a full analysis on the most effective and cost-efficient way to utilize the funds and to have the greatest impact while paving the largest number of streets as quickly as possible, our city manager introduced a plan to use approximately $3.5 million of the $8 million received annually, to generate $70 million to pave all of Compton’s major thoroughfares.

This would include Wilmington Ave., Compton Blvd., Long Beach Blvd., Artesia Blvd., Santa Fe Ave. and Alameda St. and repairs to residential streets beginning in the summer of 2017. Under this plan, we would still have nearly $5 million per year to fund other infrastructure projects encomAja Brown continued to page 24

Calls for Police Accountability A Year After Wakiesha Wilson’s Death

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L.A. Focus/April 2017

haracterizing herself as a “mad, black woman” who had been misled by police, Lisa Hines demanded justice in the death of her daughter, Wakeisha Wilson.

“That was my only child,” said Hines.

“They killed my baby and then lied about it. Three different reports came out and each one of them contradicts the other. I want the police to be held accountable.”

The family of Wakiesha Wilson joined Black Lives Matter Los Angeles and OneUnited Bank CEO and Chairman Kevin Cohee in a march and rally at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee to mark the one-year anniversary of Wilson’s death. In 2016, Wilson never showed up for her scheduled court appearance after being arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department. Days later, her mother Lisa Hines—who was not told about her daughter's death--was directed to contact the coroner's office.

The coroner's office later determined Wilson committed suicide in her cell. A 10-month investigation by the Police Commission concluded officers did not use force against

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her.

Relatives, however, tell a different story.

“We're calling on the firing of Charlie Beck,” stated Sheila Brown, Wilson’s aunt.

“I have a report that he has given out at the police commissioners meeting and on this document, it says that 20 minutes of footage is missing from the videotape. After a whole year, we have not seen a video that will answer our questions. What happened to those 20 minutes that they had to edit, that they had to take out?

“We want the names of who stood over Wakiesha’s body and they did not resuscitate her. She died at the hospital so they were capable of helping her but they stood there over her body and left her there after killing her. We know the story and we’re not going to give up.”

Congresswoman Karen Bass plans to introduce 'Wakiesha’s Law,' a bill that would require police to immediately notify family members whenever there is an in-custody death.

Kevin Cohee, the chairman of OneUnited Bank, joined Ms. Hines and announced a $10,000 scholarship fund for the son of Wakiesha Wilson that will be used for his education.

A multi-million dollar lawsuit has been filed by Attorney Carl Douglas on behalf of Wilson’s mother, Lisa Hines, for wrongful death, assault and battery, negligence in several different respects, false imprisonment, conspiracy, violation of civil rights and state anti-discrimination laws. A separate lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Wilson’s son.

News Briefs Economic Hardships Drive Black Workers Out of L.A. A new report, Ready to Work, Uprooting Injustice: Black Workers in Los Angeles County has found that the black community is facing a crisis that impacts every area of life.

An increasing gap in inequality, growing housing costs and a shortage of opportunity have led to a critical shortage of jobs for blacks that has hit an all-timer low, according to a new study from researchers at UCLA. The study was conducted by the UCLA Labor Center and the Los Angeles Black Worker Center.

Los Angeles was once teeming with thriving blacks, but economic hardships are driving them out of the area. Since the 1980s the black population in Los Angeles County has dropped by about 100,000 while the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino counties) has gained some 250,000 black residents.

Other findings from the study: • Black workers with a high school or less education experience unemployment at almost double the rate as white workers at the same education level.

• Black people in L.A. County are more educated than ever before, yet they face lower labor participation rates than other groups.

• Black workers earn about 75 percent of what white workers earn on average. The gap is even higher for black women.

• Whether working full or part time, Black workers earn only three-quarters of what white workers earn. For Black women, the wage gap is even worse.

Maxine Waters Soars In Popularity Among Millennials Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ in your face approach has caught the attention of the millennial generation. They have helped Waters’ words go viral on social media by retweeting her. "Get ready for impeachment," she recently tweeted, raking in 104,000 likes.

Waters' tweet came after FBI Director James Comey's testimony in front of Congress about the Trump campaign being investigated for their ties with Russian government officials.

This isn’t the only headline Waters is making. She appeared with MSNBC primetime host Chris Hayes to respond to Fox News Channel primetime host Bill O’Reilly who remarked on her comments about President Donald Trump by saying that her hair was a “James Brown wig.” O’Reilly apologized, but continued with the insults days later.

“I’m a strong black woman. I cannot be intimidated, countered the 78-year-old congresswoman who was first elected to Congress in 1991 and is now the most senior black woman in Congress.

“I cannot be undermined. I cannot be thought to be afraid of Bill O’Reilly, or anybody,” she told Hayes. “I’d like to say to women out there everywhere, don’t allow these right-wing talking heads, these dishonorable people, intimidate or scare you.”

“When a woman stands up and speaks truth to power, there will be an attempt to put her down,” Waters continued. “I’m not going to be put down, I’m not going to go anywhere.

I’m going to stay on t h e issues.”

The Curious Case of Trump’s Russian Roulette mid the political schadenRepresentatives. Then the freude derived from watching Trump’s Game of case goes to trial in the Russian Roulette the Trump administration Senate; the president can burn, there is a worrisome feeling Could End in 1 of be removed only by a conThese 3 Ways one can’t quite shake. Namely, how viction there. Does anyone does this [Russian] scandal actually end? actually believe that House Speaker Paul And when it does, will that be any good for Ryan would ever get around to impeaching anybody? No matter how you slice it, the Trump, let alone Senate Majority Leader answer seems to be not anytime soon and Mitch McConnell holding a trial? Ryan no. knows that from now to the 2018 midterms The Russian timeline with the Trump is his window to turn America into an Ayn administration is pretty clear. Last spring R a n d / H e r i t a g e the Russians hacked the Democratic Foundation wet National Committee and Hillary Clinton dream, and there’s no campaign Chairman John Podesta’s way that happens if emails. Damaging information from the Trump isn’t in office emails were put out through the world’s to distract “workingpawn shop, WikiLeaks. Information came class whites” with stoout at just the right time to damage and ries of Mexican distract the Clinton campaign when it had rapists while Ryan momentum. and Congress snatch Jason Johnson So where do the almost half dozen mem- their health care. bers of the Trump campaign who met with A Donald Trump who got impeached but Russian agents and ambassadors come in? stayed in power would be a danger to Common sense suggests that the everyone: He’d be even more unhinged Russians either shared the leaked docu- than he is now, and we’d still have the ments or coordinated the leaked informa- same horrible actors in Congress. The econtion with what the Trump campaign want- omy would tank because of instability, and ed out there. It doesn’t matter how good foreign powers would be even more aggresRussian intelligence is—only the sive, sensing that the U.S. is in absolute Republicans would know exactly what was chaos. Not a good look all around. the best, most damaging information to Scenario 2: Congress Does Nothing drop on Clinton and when. And with the What we see happening now in Congress help of Steve Bannon and the Breitbart is what I refer to as “end of empire.” When website, they’d know exactly which far- a domestic political group is more conright sites would pick up and normalize the cerned with its power than with the actual information. sovereignty of the country, then you know The intelligence community in the the empire is crumbling from within.

United States knows this, and it has been The Republican Party cares more about following Trump and his whole campaign pushing through its policy agenda than for months. It already took out Michael about the fact that the nation has been Flynn; now it has vote-suppressor-in-chief compromised by Russian intelligence, Jeff Sessions, and it’s only a matter of time white nationalists and people who literally before Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, want to start World War III. But hey, we is busted. The scandal will eventually gotta stop Obamacare, right? make its way to Trump, which gives us It is possible that Congress does three possible scenarios. absolutely nothing and continues to scream Scenario 1: Trump Gets Impeached “Nothing to see here” while every Jason Congress appoints a special prosecutor, Bourne on the U.S. payroll is handing out puts together a bipartisan commission on Russian receipts like it’s Black Friday. This Russian hacking in the 2016 election, and would erode trust in the U.S. government decides that Trump’s behavior and involve- by all but a few million maniacal rightment with Russia rise to the level of “trea- wing bigots scattered across the nation, son, bribery and other high crimes and mis- and lead to even more aggressive actions by demeanors.” At this point Trump would be our national security agencies. impeached and could be forced to leave the How aggressive? Just bear in mind, the presidency. There are several problems spymasters behind this country are more with this scenario, however. patriotic than partisan (not including FBI First, a little Schoolhouse Rock civics les- Director James Comey). They are more son: A president can be impeached only by concerned with the future of American sova majority vote in the House of Johnson continued to page 24

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Headlines From Africa Botswana: The Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology moves to tighten screws on tertiary institutions that offer courses not recognized by the Botswana Qualifications Authority. This follows the completion of the ministry's five-year strategic plan focused on transforming the country's economy into a knowledge-based one.

Congo-Kinshasa: 42 police officers were decapitated by a Congolese militia group after being ambushed. The Kasai region has seen months of violence amid local power struggles. Six policemen were spared because they spoke the local Tshiluba language.

Gambia: Senegal President Macky Sall thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his intervention in the Gambian impasse that led to the restoration of democracy. When former President Yahya Jammeh balked at handing over power to Adama Barrow, winner of an election held last year, Buhari insisted Jammeh quit at the end of his term in January and he did.

Liberia: Government officials announced the increase in prices of gasoline and diesel fuel on the Liberian market, with new prices indicating that a gallon of gasoline has increased from US$3.16 to US$3.26.

Mozambique: Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi argued that Mozambique enjoys all the necessary conditions to cease being a mere consumer of agricultural produce and to become a major producer. He called the poor state of rural roads a key hindrance to effective marketing, and pledged the government would continue to invest in transport and communication infrastructures to ensure crops reach market in good condition.

Malawi: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Malawi to tame its propensity for domestic debt. The team also underscored the need to clear past arrears, implement expenditure commitment controls to prevent their re-emergence and to safeguard debt sustainability in light of the increase in the level of domestic debt.

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A look at current news from the continent of Africa Namibia: Traditional leaders and their lawyers met with a U.S. judge to discuss whether a possible class-action suit can be lodged against Germany for the genocide of the Herero and Nama people.

Nigeria: Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari reports that most states in Nigeria would have collapsed if not for bailout funds from the federal government. The governor went on to commend President Buhari for assisting the states in their trying times, saying no president in Nigeria had been able to do what he’d done so far.

Rwanda: A meeting between Pope Francis and Rwandan President Paul Kagame last month, in which the Pope acknowledged the church's failures in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, ended more than two decades of disagreement.

Senegal: Girls sent by their parents or trafficked from neighboring countries to Islamic schools, called daaras—where they are expected to receive food, shelter and teachings from the Koran—are instead prey to sexual abuse while male pupils are sent to beg in the streets to make money for Koranic teachers (or be beaten), a child rights group has reported.

Swaziland: Swaziland wants to annex large parts of South Africa and Mozambique on behalf of the kingdom's autocratic ruler, King Mswati III. The territory it seeks includes the administrative capital Pretoria. The Border Determination Special Committee said large areas of South Africa belonged to the Swazi nation and had been taken while the region was under British rule.

Uganda: Organizations advocating against child sacrifice have appealed to government to implement existing laws on child sacrifice to curb the macabre crime. The call follows reports of two child sacrifice cases in February 2017 where children were murdered with their tongues and genitals removed before their bodies were dumped in the bush.

Zimbabwe: Former vice president Joice Mujuru has reportedly blamed Zimbabweans for "allowing President Robert Mugabe to hold them 'hostage'", as the southern African country's economic situation continues to deteriorate. She added that the decay of Zimbabwe's health delivery system was a sign the 93-year old president did not care about the plight of citizens.

L.A. Focus/April 2017

Madagascar: China and Madagascar agreed to synergize development strategies as part of major plans for ChinaAfrica cooperation. China has supported Madagascar playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs, and is willing to enhance communication and coordination with the country on climate change, the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development as well as peace and security of Africa.

emocrats (and perhaps Democrats would have it, it’s even a politically-moti- Democrats Trump illegal and tantamount to treaUp a ‘Red Scare’ vated FBI) are trying to son, for American officials to create a mountain out of molehill talk to Russians. At the time, Trump had when it comes to President Donald Trump won the GOP nomination and then-senaand Russia. tor Sessions was a senior member of the A recent “red scare” was aimed at U.S. Senate Armed Services committee, as well Attorney General Jeff Sessions. as a Trump supporter. So, yes, it’s not surAccording to the Washington Post, “jus- prising that Kislyak and other ambassatice department officials” revealed that dors would want to chat with Sessions.

Sessions met with Russian Ambassador The other meeting occurred in Sergey Kislyak twice September 2016, when Sessions met with before the 2016 elec- the Russian ambassador as part of his job tion, but did not dis- serving on the Armed Services Committee. close it during his Sessions had more than 25 conversations confirmation hearing. with foreign ambassadors in 2016.

Once again, FBI Because of Sessions’ dual role as a senofficials appear to be ator and a Trump supporter, and the fact leaking intelligence that the federal government was investiinformation to the gating Russia’s hacking of the Democratic media, as retribution National Committee e-mail at the time, Crystal Wright for Trump’s public dis- the attorney general was smart to clarify dain of the nation’s spy agencies. the facts at Thursday’s press conference.

Don’t believe the liberal hype.

But what is worrisome — on a grander “My reply to (Democratic Sen. Al) scale — is this liberal witch hunt against Franken was honest and correct at the Trump’s cabinet; one that is eerily remitime,” Sessions told reporters, at a press niscent of McCarthyism. conference Thursday about the trumpedOn Feb. 9, 1950, Sen. Joe McCarthy up allegations. gave a speech declaring that hundreds of Franken asked Sessions during the state department officials were members Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation of the Communist Party. Later that hearing: month, the Senate invited McCarthy to “If there is any evidence that anyone testify. His claims were unfounded as the affiliated with the Trump campaign com- Senate investigated 81 cases, but found municated with the Russian government nothing. in the course of this campaign, what will Undeterred, McCarthy accused memyou do?” bers of the U.S. Army of being communist “I’m not aware of any of those activities. spies. More hearings were held, during I have been called a surrogate at a time or which the lawyer representing the Army two in that campaign and I did not have asked McCarthy, “At long last, have you communications with the Russians,” no sense of decency left?” replied Sessions.

The icing on the cake: House Minority During a press conference, Sessions Leader Nancy Pelosi declared Sessions added that he “never had conversations isn’t “fit to serve,” and demanded he resign with Russia about the Trump campaign.”

— even though she has no evidence he Further, in order to remove any doubts committed a crime.

— and to placate Democrats’ carping My question is do Democrats have any about a Russia conspiracy, Sessions decency left? announced that he recused himself “from Crystal Wright is the editor and publisher any investigations in the Trump cam- of the blog, Conservative Black Chick. For paign.” more, visit conservativeblackchick.com In July 2016, Sessions attended an event hosted by the Heritage Foundation, during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. About 50 ambassadors were invited to the event, including Kislyak.

After Sessions spoke at the event, “a small group of ambassadors approached him as he was leaving the podium.”

So, let me get this straight: As the

7

MoneyMatters

On the Money

Proposed Tax On Services Could Hurt Small Business Owners MANNY OTIKO Contributor A proposed state bill designed to restructure California’s tax system could end up hurting small businesses. Senate Bill 640, which was introduced by State Sen. Robert M. Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles,) would raise taxes on services such as haircuts, and beauty shop and veterinary visits.

According to the bill, the funds raised would also help offset a downturn suffered from the Great Recession during which state revenue to the general fund dropped by $20 billion annually.

Andrew LaMar, a spokesperson for Hertzberg, said the senator wants to make California’s revenue system more broad-based and less dependent on personal income taxes. Revenue from income taxes currently makes up about two-thirds of state income.

However, during a YouTube video titled “Talking Taxes” filmed at a black-owned barbershop in Sacramento, Board of Equalization Vice Chair George Runner said this new tax could actually hurt small businesses. Runner blamed the reason for the proposed bill on the size of government, which only seems to be increasing.

“The problem is government keeps getting bigger and someone’s got to pay for it,” said Runner.

Keith Moore, one of the barbers at CeCe's Cutz, where the YouTube video was filmed, said that any tax increase would likely force him to pass the costs on to his cus-

tomers.

Owner Heidi Jenkins was particularly upset with the proposed bill because she would get hit twice, since she is an owner and booth operator.

“The price on the service will definitely go up,” she said. “It could cause us to lose business. I don’t think it’s fair.”

Runner said the legislature should ponder how any proposed tax increases affect working people.

“The Legislature is considering a number of tax proposals that would have a very real impact on working Californians and business owners,” Runner said.

After his barbershop visit, Runner said he enjoyed interacting with the public and hearing their opinions in a different setting.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to dialogue in a place where Republican officials normally don’t go. Conservative values reach across all cultures. The haircut and conversations were great.”

Wendy Williams Growing Empire As #6 on the ThoughtCo.com’s annual listing of TV’s Richest Daytime Talk show hosts, Wendy Williams—at $60 million, beats out Whoopi Goldberg (#8 at $45 million) and Michael Strayhan (#9) also at $45 million. She trails Steve Harvey (#5) at $100 million. A major force in daytime TV, her syndicated talk show—which has been renewed through 2020—attracts an audience upwards of 1.7 million daily. The robust ratings Williams has enjoyed over the last eight years make her a power player in daytime television.

The former shock jock—whose ratings have been fueled by very public feuds with the likes of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Nene Leakes and even Beyonce—is also a successful author with a best-selling autobiography and six other mostly fiction titles.

Then there is the fashion line she launched in 2015 with the Home Shopping Network, which was nominated for Best Brand Launch of 2015 and has enjoyed a 75% growth in sales.

Her recently launched March collection includes an array of easy knit fabrics, beautiful Tencel, a nod to nautical and comfortable footwear. The apparel deemed, "effortless and chic," includes essential springtime and travel pieces including dresses, bombers, wide leg pants and off-the-shoulder blouses and is intended to provide solutions to the everyday woman's most common fashion problems, including sizing and affordability.

Biz NewsBriefs Robert Smith Honored At American Journey Awards

Billionaire philanthropist Robert F. Smith, the founder/CEO of Vista Equity Partners; and Terence Carter, Senior Vice President and Head of Drama Development at Fox Broadcasting were among the honorees at the American Journey Awards, which celebrated 20 years of the Ron Brown Scholarship Program.

“We’re living in a world of science and technology.

We’re about the fourth largest software company in the world,” Smith told the crowd of 500 in Washington D.C. “This is the first time in the histo-

ry of man that wealth can be created without having resources. The new generation of young people have access to infinite computing power, infinite memory…and what you need to do is focus on the scholarship of your mind’s development and think about how to create wealth in your communities either through knowledge or create that wealth in capital and drive that in your community, because it is only now that it exists on this planet and I guarantee you that it will not last forever. At some point in time the resources that created that wealth will be redistributed in a way that if you were not a part of it, you will no longer have access to it.”

The Ron Brown Scholars program honors the legacy of the late Secretary of Commerce who served during the Clinton Administration and was killed in a 1996 plane crash. Each year, a $40,000 scholarship is granted to an elite group of high school seniors. To date, the program has sent nearly 400 students to college.

Google Teams With Howard University In a new initiative dubbed “Howard West”, Howard

University students will receive coding instruction and immersion courses to expose them to the fast-growing tech culture at Google’s Mountainview, California campus. The program—set to launch this summer—will afford 25 of Howard’s computer science major “This partnership expands Howard’s presence to the West Coast and is a major step forward for Google’s efforts to recruit and retain diverse technical talent," Crystal Brown, Vice President & Chief Communications Officer at Howard University, told The Network Journal.

The initiative marks a big step in Google’s efforts to diversify and interact with black tech influencers.

Jay Z Announces New Venture Capital Firm Jay Z recently announced his latest venture, Arrive, a venture capital firm that will focus on building up brands, something that consumer-focused companies will be able to leverage for their own startups. Additionally, Jay Z has partnered with The Weinstein Company to release a film and television series about Trayvon Martin. The six-part docuseries will also be produced by Jay Z.

310-677-6011

L.A. Focus/April 2017

EXCELLENT RATES • JUST THREE DAYS A MONTH MUST HAVE TRUCK FOR DELIVERY FOR INFORMATION, CALL KISHA

9

GERALD BELL Contributor

L.A. Focus/April 2017

While the education of children continues to be a politically charged and socially divisive conversation around the nation, in Los Angeles a number of African American students are gaining the tools needed for success in some of the city’s top ranked schools – regardless of the narrative pundits are telling.

It could seem oxymoronic that a school which attracts students from mostly low income families could claim a 100 percent graduation rate, rank number one for academic achievement or is matriculating students to top Ivy League institutions. These, however, are only a few of the impressive outcomes giving a boost to the validity of public charter schools in Los Angeles.

The way a charter school works to improve student achievement is by adjusting curriculum to meet student needs. A charter school can break up the day to provide students with more time on the core subjects they need most. Charter school teachers have a say in the curriculum they teach and can focus the student’s attention on subjects that matter most.

“We have to provide the guidance to keep them interested in the subject we’re teaching so we try to minimize discipline issues,” said Eugene Fisher of the Watts Learning Center (WLC). “When a child is no longer interested in what’s being taught, they begin to fool around— that’s when they receive individualized care.”

Fisher and his wife Saundra, founded the Watts Learning Center in 1997 and have already proved how a school and a community, working hand-in-hand, can change each other for the better. With an Academic Performance Index of 852 – despite a high student poverty rate – WLC has not only surpassed average test scores from surrounding schools, but is now on par with many schools in affluent, white suburbs of Los Angeles.

“Learning doesn’t take place overnight,” asserts Fisher. “Learning takes place over a period of time where you have the focus, the interest and the relevance of what’s being taught. Part of what we do is have the parents commit to working with their children even [when] they’re out of school.”

Charter schools foster a partnership between parents, teachers, and students. They create an environment in which parents can be more involved, teachers are allowed to be innovative, and students are provided the structure they need to learn.

There are approximately 700 students enrolled at LaTijera K-8 Charter Academy of Excellence in Inglewood. Classroom sizes are kept under 30 students and every month students are recognized for their accomplishments with an awards ceremony.

“Our kindergarteners are doing algebra,” says Sabrina Miller, Community Liaison for the LaTijera K-8. “What makes our charter school different is the team-teaching approach that we have. We’re contin-

10

We can’t rely on the government to edcuate our children.Our students develop a plan for what they want to do in life...In reality, my competition is Jay Z, Puff Daddy and the drug

dealer.

uously doing benchmarking to see how the students are progressing.”

Miller said that at LaTijera K-8 they emphasize keeping scores high and “we help parents to understand how to best help their kids study. Parent participation is required.”

Charter schools are some of the top-performing schools in the country. Many are regarded for closing the achievement gap and raising the bar of what’s possible and what should be expected in public education.

“We can’t rely on the government to educate our children we have to do it ourselves,” exclaims Omar McGee, founder of Executive Preparatory Academy of Finance.

“Our [students] develop a plan for what they want to do in life. And we put them in front of people they would not ordinarily see like black lawyers and doctors who drive Lamborghinis. In reality, my competition is Jay Z, Puff Daddy and the drug dealer.”

The mission at Executive Preparatory Academy (EPA) is to close the financial literacy gap for minority kids living in low-income areas; to have a stellar 100% graduation rate; and to provide a foundation for success that many inner-city youth lack.

At EPA, students learn about the stock market and managing money by opening student bank accounts, acquiring after school jobs, and grading them on how they manage and save their money. McGee wants his students to know they have options when it comes to their futures.

“I run a very tight ship when it comes to educating our children,” he says. “We’re eliminating every option to fail.”

It took McGee learning from his own financial life lessons to launch this academy over five years about which is currently the number one high school for educating AfricanAmerican kids in the state of California. “I had to learn by messing up my credit and making a lot of stupid mistakes,” McGee admits. “As African Americans, finance is not something discussed in our households. We don’t know the importance of credit. We don’t know the importance of saving and how powerful pennies are when you actually add them up.”

At Wilder Preparatory Academy Charter School (WPACS) there is a heavy focus on assessments to determine what is lacking and to try to improve upon those deficient skills. The school was just awarded the 2017 School of the Year Heart Vision Award presented by the California Charter School Association. In addition, they were ranked number one for Academic Achievement. Such accomplishments may explain why there is a waiting list for the K-8 school.

“We believe in academics and we believe in our teachers expecting nothing less than the best from our students. It’s a lot of work for the kids but it pays off for them in the end,” says Ramona Wilder, CEO of Wilder Preparatory Academy “Our program probably isn’t any

Left: Executive Prep founder Omar McGee gets some support from his students; Right: Students at Wilder’s Preparatory Academy. different. It’s just the commitment of the teachers.”

“We have a very defined path for instruction,” Wilder continues. “We also have intervention teachers who assist with students who may be underperforming or excelling and they take those kids out in small groups or provide more assistance in the classrooms.”

WPACS has three computer labs and there is a big emphasis on technology, coding, dance, film, and student council – which they believe help to make the child more well-rounded. In addition, the school has established partnerships to assist students in getting into high schools that are a good fit for them. “Last year, we had students who received scholarships of up to $38,000 per year for exclusive private high schools,” Wilder says.

It’s been reported that a higher percentage of charter students are accepted into a college or university than those that are educated in public schools.

That statistic may be easily supported at the Frederick K.C. Price Christian School where they boast of a one hundred percent graduation rate since 1996, coupled with

a one hundred percent acceptance rate to 4-year colleges or universities for its graduates.

This level of performance is attributed to the school’s strong values-based academics, standards based instruction and rigorous honors and AP courses offered in English, History, Mathematics, Science, and Performing Arts.

Aligned with the school’s academic rigor – the involvement of parents is also key to its success. “I used to say to the parents, this is not a situation where you pay your tuition and you come and drop your kids off at school. We need the parents because the parent is a part of the team,” asserts Angela Evans, co-founder of Frederick K.C. Price Christian School.

Evans says she continues to ramp up parental involvement because it’s critical to not only student achievement but for the success of any private school.

“We are a cut above because we have AP courses, advanced courses and other kinds of enrichment courses that will keep our kids competitive,” remarks Evans. “Our

kids, often-times, over perform. We’ve had kids transfer to another school and the information always comes back at how impressive how our kids perform in their entrance exam and how they perform above other students.”

The charter school system continues to rethink how to develop next-generation learning models that will positively impact the child’s learning capacity and there is also work being done on how to develop an excellent teacher.

From Watts to Inglewood to South Central LA, students in the top performing charter schools are becoming agents of change without having to leave their community.

“We have students that are straight out of Compton who were once struggling academically, but are now receiving letters of admission from Howard University and other reputable higher learning institutions,” McGee said. “When you know your video matches your audio— it’s really hard to deny the success and the impact it has on kids.”

OUR TOP PICKS (Based on test scores, parent reviews and education professionals and listed in alphabetical order Avalon Gardens Elementary 13940 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90061 (310) 532-8540 www.avalon-lausd ca.schoolloop.com

7901 South Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 565-4199 www.priceschools.org

Executive Prep Academy of Finance (Waiting List) 2814 W. Manhattan Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249 (323) 756-1426 www.executiveprep.org Frederick K.C. Price III Christian Schools (Open Enrollment)

Kipp Empower Academy (Open Enrollment) 3601 East First Street Los Angeles, CA 90063 (213) 489-4461 www.kippla.org/empower Kipp Scholar Academy (Open Enrollment) 1729 W. Martin Luther King Bl Los Angeles, CA 90062

(323) 292-2272 www.kippla.org/scholar La Tijera K-8 Academy of Excellence Charter School (Waiting List) 1415 N. La Tijera Boulevard Inglewood, CA 90302 (310) 680-5260 www.latijera.myiusd.net Today’s Fresh Start Charter School (open Enrollment) 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 293-9826 www.cde.ca.gov

Watts Learning Center 310 W 95th St. (K-6) Los Angeles, CA 90003 8800 S. San Pedro St. (Middle) Los Angeles, CA 90003 (323) 893.4973 www.wattslearningcenter.org Wilder’s Preparatory Academy Charter Middle School (Open Enrollment) 830 No. La Brea Avenue Inglewood, CA 90302 (310) 671-5578 www.wpacs.com .

SOuTH L.A.’S OnLY nOnDEnOMinATiOnAL, CHRiSTiAn K-12 PROGRAM As the only nondenominational, Christian, preschool through 12th grade college-preparatory program in South Los Angeles – for more than 30 years the Frederick K.C. Price III Christian Schools (FKCPCS) as been blazing trails, raising the bar and being lauded as one of the top schools to receive a Christian education.

The mission of FKCPCS is to provide high academic learning in a disciplined, well-organized, safe, Christian environment. The school offers a biblically based college preparatory curriculum with personalized attention for all students. FKCPCS also provides strong athletic and enhanced extra-curricular programs that promote high social and spiritual standards.

The private school enjoys the acclaim that has come to its award-winning athletic and performing arts programs. The boys basketball program has captured nearly 50 firstplace championships in state, region, section, and league and tournament

divisions since 1997 – including six CIF state championships. There is also a robust performing arts department, that includes dramatic arts and recording arts; out of which has come student-composed and produced screenplays and soundtracks.

What began as a Christian child care center in 1985 is now known for delivering a wellspring of medical professionals, lawyers, engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, and community servants. “At the beginning, I opened the school with the idea that I would make affordable Christian education available to [Crenshaw Christian Center] members,” reflects Angela Evans, who co-found the school with her parents, Apostle Frederick K.C. Price and Lady Elect Dr. Betty Price.

Soon after, in the fall of 1986, The Frederick K.C. Price III Elementary School was established and the Middle School and High School followed in 1987 and 1992, respectively. In 2013, “Christian” was added to the school’s name to fully encompass the schools’ Christian mission and curriculum.

Evans acknowledges that many of the early enrollees were not all from the church but a significant number of students came from the surrounding community.

“Unbeknown to me, I learned that we have enrolled students of different spiritual persuasions and I’ve never got any complaints,” she said. “When you come in the door you know that it is a Christian school. You’ve got other schools out there that are not spiritual so that

would be the place to go if you wanted your child not to have a Christian education.”

With a current annual budget of approximately $2 million, Evans shared how there were many days she contemplated closing the doors and it wasn’t for lack of financial support but due to declining enrollment. “It always been a challenge but [financially] it wasn’t so noticeable when you have the church subsidizing,” she reflects. “But we’re doing well now. It is an amazing school and we are really proud of it. I still have work to do. I need more people to know that we have this amazing school here and that they should send their children to this amazing school.”

With a one hundred percent of the students graduating and being accepted to college, FKCPCS has successfully educated over 10,000 students in the South Los Angeles area and has received over $900,000 in college scholarships for its graduates. What’s more is that over 10 percent of its alumni return to FKCPCS as teachers, coaches, mentors, and parents. “I just met with my principal today and I would say we have been really blessed,” said Evans.

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INSIDE HO L LY W OOD with Neily Dickerson In keeping with the spirit of the Easter season, this month’s review is about a movie that looks at God / Jesus and Christianity from an investigative point of view, THE CASE FOR CHRIST. Set for an April 7th release,"The Case For Christ" is the true story about award winning investigative reporter, Lee Strobel played by Michael James Vogel ("The Help”).

Strobel and his wife, Leslie, live a pretty normal life that includes ~ family, work, and the regular day-to-day duties. One thing their lives do not include is God or consideration for Him. However, after Leslie, played by Ericka Christensen ("Parenthood”), has a Christ encounter, she unapolo-

Lee’s a committed atheist so people who believe in Jesus challenge his legal and journalistic background.

He’s a facts man who needs proof that the beatings, crucifixion, and resurrection were real and survivable. So Strobel begins the investigation of and for his life.

The “ Case" casts includes film icon Faye Dunaway (Bonnie & Clyde), Robert Forster (London Has Fallen), Frankie Faison (Luke Cage), L. Scott Caldwell (Concussion) and a host of other familiar faces.

No matter what you believe, I appreciate Strobel’s challenging and building his case for Christ. After you see it, I wonder if you’ll agree with his findings.

getically begins her relationship with God, with the hopes that her husband will be open to an introduction and connection as well. Lee is not having it and sets out to prove everyone who believes in this Christ is crazy / out of touch.

DUE IN THEATERS THIS MONTH

Going In Style April 7

Fate of The Furious April 14

Eye For An Eye

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

You come for me, I come for you.

Eye for an eye! That’s one of a slew of posts Terrence Howard tweeted in response to the reaction of readers to his People Magazine article in which he claimed he had never abused anyone despite having being accused of assaulting multiple former partners.

"When I say that I've made mistakes, it is not regarding violence but judgment," he tweeted. "Trusting the wrong people!" He added that "for years, ever since these allegations have been brought against me I have been told not to address it. I can't remain quiet". The claim flies in the face of an interview Howard did with Rolling Stone magazine in 2015 where he admitted that he had slapped his first wife. (According to the police report of the 2001 incident, he’d "punched her twice with a closed fist").

Still, the Empire star went on to maintain that there was a double standard with regards to domestic abuse.

“This double standard that has permitted abusive women to feel that they can assault a man and not reap where they have sowed is wrong,” Howard tweeted. "I firmly believe that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.”

In the meantime, with Empire wrapping its third season, Howard has been cast alongside Paula Patton and Mike Epps to star in a dramatic crime thriller, .38. The film follows a rookie cop on the mean streets of St. Louis as he spends his first night on the job and, after a brutal killing occurs, sees up close the bonds of loyalty, work and family that bind together the

Q&A Gaius Charles

Unforgettable April 21

cops, both black and white. Howard will play a detective whose daughter goes missing on the fateful night.

Production is slated to get underway next month in Thomasville, Georgia.

Looks Like Nene Leakes Is Heading Back to Bravo’s Atlanta Housewives With the ninth season of the Real Housewives of Atlanta winding down, talks of who will join the cast for the tenth season are heating up and surprise, surprise—it appears Nene Leakes will be back as well as another original caster, Kim Zolciak.

Leakes is reportedly angling for more money than Zolciak to return.

Leakes was reportedly making u p -

wards of $1.5 million when she left.

Speaking of reality shows, you can that there will be fireworks as season 6 of Basketball Wives welc o m e s b a c k Evelyn Lozada a n d t h e addition o f Nene Leakes

Sleight April 28

newcomers Keonna Green (the mother of Nick Young’s baby), Aja Metoyer (Dwayne Wade’s baby mama), alongside her sisters Cristen and Melissa and Bonnie-Jill Laflin, the league’s first female scout. Not returning are Angle Brinks, Angel Love and DJ Duffey. As to whether or not Brandi will return, you will just have to tune in to see…In what could be a real life reality show, Katherine Jackson ended her nearly 2 month stay with daughter Janet Jackson and her new baby boy to be in court last month to testify against her nephew who she has accused of elder abuse. TMZ reported that sources connected to her nephew, Trent Jackson, maintain that he was ready and willing to walk away if that's what Katherine wanted.

Casting News Tika Sumpter has been cast in The Old Man And The Gun, co-starring opposite Casey Affleck, Danny Glover, Sissy Spacek and Robert Redford, who is attached to produce. Sumpter will play Affleck’s wife…Former The Wire star Sonja Sohn (best known as Detective Kima Greggs) has landed a recurring role opposite Jason Mitchell on Showtime’s hour-long drama The Chi, a coming-of-age story following a group of characters in Chicago’s South Side…”Fences” co-star Mykelti Williamson has been tapped to join Empire’s Bryshere Gray, Harry Lennix and Mekhi Phifer in the forthcoming indie drama, Canal Street, which explores deep-rooted divisions in the city of Chicago...Finally, a movie musical about the life of superstar producer/singer Pharrell Williams is reportedly in the works from Fox. The film is inspired by 43-year-old producer’s childhood in Virginia Beach.

Williams, who owns a media venture that encompasses entertainment, music, fashion, and art called I Am Other, was one of the producers of Hidden Figures.

Hometown: Los Angeles Big Break: Friday Night Lights Other Notable Roles: Salt, Grey’s Anatomy, The Stanford Prison Experiment Current Project: Taken From playing Dr. Ross on Shonda Rhines’ Grey’s Anatomy to Bunchy Carter on the TV series Aquarius, Gaius Charles is building an impressive resume. The actor returns to Monday night TV as John on NBC’s Taken. The show is a sequel of the 2008 movie “Taken” which starred Liam Neeson and depicts how Bryan Mills develops his skills before becoming the father and super agent known to the public.

How would you describe your character?

My character’s name is John and he is the head of the black ops team that Bryan Mills joins when he’s recruited by Christina Hart, played by Jennifer Beals.

John is smart and strong. He is the guy Christina Hart calls on to get the job done and also to help Bryan transition onto the team and learn how we operate.

Are you anything like John?

There are certain elements we share. When I look at a script I don’t necessarily try to make the character limited to just my own personality. I go by what the writer has written to bring that story to life.

How is it different or similar to any roles that you’ve played previously?

When you look at John, you’ll see some of the toughness and swagger people might remember from from Smash on “Friday Night Lights”. To be honest, each character I’ve played stands on its own. As an artist I’m always looking for something new and something deep. I think what John brings is the sense of great leadership and strengths and those are some of the things that make it hard to play.

As an actor, what are some of the highs and lows you’ve had to encounter?

I once heard an actor say years ago that one of the keys to managing the journey is to find the balance, so that when you have really great things you can celebrate them and you can rejoice and all that, but you don’t let it go to your head. When you have days that are more challenging you don’t get too low. So, it’s about finding the equilibrium in the highs and the lows and learning to enjoy the experience.

What was most challenging about this project?

The show is really action heavy, so it just a lot of action scenes as you might see from watching the last episodes. Chasing cars, shooting bad guys, things exploding and there was a lot of fight choreography to learn and just the pace that you work at. Usually with an action film you’d have months to work on those elements. We have much less time so you don’t really have that much time to do different action sequences. But it’s exciting to see how it all came together as I watch the first season with everyone.

What’s next for Gaius Charles—what other rjects continued to page 24

Calendar of events

Ongoing Photo Exhibition: “No Justice, No Peace” An exhibition that examines one of the most notorious episodes of urban unrest in American history.

(Through August 27) Tues - Sat 10:00am-5:00pm; Sun 11:00am-5:00pm California African American Museum 600 State Drive • Exposition Park RSVP preferred (213) 744-2024 www.caamuseum.org

Saturday, April 1 2017 Young African American Women's Conference Keynote Speaker: Blackish co-star Yara Shahidi Featuring workshops, bully skit forum, civic engagement and more 7:30AM – 3:30PM • $7 Pasadena City College 1570 E. Colorado Blvd.

Pasadena 91106 www.dstpasadena.com

Sunday, April 2 17th Annual Star Eco Station’s Children’s Earth Day Featuring celebrity guests, live performances, crafts, exotic wildlife, environmental experts and vegetarian cuisine 10am - 4pm • Free Star Eco Station 10101 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City (310) 842-8060 www.childrensearthday.org Class: Vegan Made Easy and Cheap $15 • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Pastor Toure Roberts and First Lady Sarah Jakes-Roberts on the red carpet at the premiere of “Shots Fired”.

Green's Center for Plant Based Nutrition and Gluten Free Education The basics of the vegan diet; how to grocery shop and basic substitutions 4906 East Olympic Boulevard East Los Angeles Contact: (323) 422-5762 www.greenscenter.com

Thursday, April 6 Oprah Winfrey Presents: SuperSoul Sessions (Series 3) With Tony Robbins, Pastor John Gray, Angela Davis, five time AllAmerican track and field athlete, fitness evangelist and motivational coach at SoulCycle and more 9am – 4pm (Lunch Included) 9AM – $99 / $250 / $399 UCLA Royce Hall 340 Royce Drive Westwood www.roycehall.org

Friday, April 7 Special Needs Network’s 11th Annual Tools for Transformation Conference The largest comprehensive free autism/ADHD/LD conference in Los Angeles with workshops by s renowned experts, giveaways, book signings, networking functions and an awards luncheon Special reception for newly elected LA School Superintendent Michelle King (Through Saturday, April 8) Free • Friday: 7:30am – 6:00pm • Saturday: 7:30am – 2:30pm California African American Museum 600 State Drive, Exposition Park Information: (323) 291-7100

specialneedsnetwork.org

Saturday, April 8 Black Love Brown Pride Tech Conference Bringing together tech professionals and young men of color for inspirational workshops and talks about careers in the tech industries Organized by Teens Exploring Technology Free • 10AM – 4PM USC exploringtech.org

Sunday, April 9 In Concert: Richard Smallwood $35-45 • 5:30PM Trinity Baptist Church 2040 West Jefferson Boulevard Information: (323) 7350044

Concert: Barbara Morrison’s Tribute To Ella Fitzgerald 7:30PM • $20 Dinner or two-drink minimum required in addition to tickets The Catalina Jazz Club 6725 West Sunset Blvd.

Contact: (323) 466-2210 http://www.catalinajazzclub.com

Monday, April 10 Workshop: Help With Becoming An Adult’s Legal Conservator Free • 10am – 1pm L.A. Law Library 301 West 1st Street Call: (213) 785.2516 www.lalawlibrary.org/classes

Tuesday, April 11 Workshop: Help With Clearing Criminal Records Free • 5:30pm – 8pm

EvENT SPOTLIGHT Saturday, April 8

In

Forgiving for Love,Inc. 10th Anniversary Awards Brunch & Auction 11:00 a.m.-2:00p.m. • $150 Honorees include Honorable Holly J. Mitchell Beverly Hills Hotel 9641 Sunset Blvd Information: (951) 313-4732

L.A. Focus/April 2017

Tyra Banks turns the heat up in this black sheer lace suit at the season 12 launch of America’s Got Talent

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ters h daugh oway’wit ony. ll T a d C n a sa Vanes , & husb ra d n a x Ale Ashley,

iere of at the L.A. prem Morris Chestnut . st month “Shots Fired” la

Regina H all came out to sup friend Sa port good naa Lath am at the premiere L.A. of Shots F ired

Christina Milian last month at the premiere of “Kong Skull Island.”

Newlyweds Adrienne BailonHoughton and Israel Houghton on the red carpet at the 32nd Annual Stellar Awards

(Interested individuals should call (800) 399-4529 to be pre-screened) L.A. Law Library 301 West 1st Street Contact: (213) 785.2516 www.lalawlibrary.org/classes

Wednesday, April 12 In Concert: Lupe Fiasco 8PM • $29.50 - $35.80 The Novo 800 W Olympic Blvd Info: (213) 765-7000 www.thenovodtla.com A Lenten Revival Experience Revivalist: Rev. Kelvin Sauls 7PM • Free Word of Encouragement Community Church Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith Pollard, Senior Pastor 1153 Valencia Street Contact: (323) 731-7285

Thursday, April 13 Conversation and Booksigning with Terry McMillan (Waiting To Exhale) McMillion will discuss her new novel, I Almost Forgot About You Free • 7-9PM California Afro American Museum • 600 State Dr•Exposition Park RSVP: (213) 744-2024 www.caamuseum.org

Workshop: Your Divorce Options: What You Need To Know $10 • Noon – 1:30pm L.A. Law Library 301 West 1st Street Call: (213) 785.2516 www.lalawlibrary.org/classes

Saturday, April 15 Inglewood’s 6th annual Earth Day Jazz Fest With performances from Lenny Williams • Elaine Gibbs (X Factor) & Nusoul Band • Ronee Martin (America's Got Talent) Jacob Lusk (American Idol) • Jesse Campbell (The Voice) & more Free • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Inglewood City Hall 1 West Manchester Boulevard Contact: (323) 952-7363 www.sjli.org/events

Sunday, April 16 In Concert: Tech N9ne 7PM • $35 House of Blues Anaheim 1530 So Disneyland Drive Anaheim Tickets: (714) 778- 2583 www.houseofblues.com

House of Blues Anaheim 1530 So Disneyland Drive Anaheim Tickets: (714) 778- 2583 www.houseofblues.com

Friday, April 21 The L.A. Urban League’s 43rd Annual Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards Honoring Earvin “Magic” & Cookie Johnson $500 • 6PM Ray Dolby Ballroom – Hollywood & Highland Ctr Contact: (323) 299-9660 www.laul.org

Saturday, April 22 Hack Party: The Art of Collage in the 21st Century (A collage workshop) Free • 2-3:30PM California African American Museum 600 State Dr• Exposition Park RSVP (213) 744-2024 www.caamuseum.org

1126 Queens Highway Long Beach Information: (800) 928-2181 L.A. Times Festival of Books (Through Sunday, April 10) Featuring Exhibits, book signings, seminars and kid’s activities Free • Parking: $10 USC Campus www.latimes.com/festivalofbooks

mum in addition to tickets) The Catalina Jazz Club 6725 W. Sunset Blvd Contact: (323) 4662210 www.catalinajazzclub.com

93.5 KDAY Presents Krush Groove with Bone Thugs-NHarmony, Ja Rule & Ashanti, DJ Quik feat. Suga Free, Warren G and more 6:30PM • $37 - $125 The Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd Contact: (310) 330-7300 www.fabulousforum.com

Conference: Lessons Learned About The Impact of Child Abuse Skills, policies, procedures and community organizing utilized to protect children Featuring leading experts 9AM – 3:30PM • $50 (Includes continental breakfast and lunch catered by Dulan’s) Calvary Chapel Christian Church-Crenshaw 4528 Crenshaw Blvd Contact: sjguine@gmail.com

Wednesday, April 26

Saturday, April 29

In Concert: DMX, Too $hort & Ying Yang Twins 8PM • $39.50 - $49.50 The Novo 800 W Olympic Blvd Information: (213) 765-7000 thenovodtla.com

Holman Prayer Breakfast with Guest Speaker Bishop Frank M. Reid, III MC: Areva Martin $50 • 9AM - Noon Holman United Methodist Church 3320 West Adams Blvd www.holmanumc.com

around los angeles Wednesday, April 19

In Concert: Lil Wayne 9PM • $59.50 - $70.00

12th Annual Freestyle Festival Sunday Featuring performances from BBD, Lisa Lisa, Stevie B., House of Pain, Naughty

By Nature, Arrested Development and more 3PM • $50 - $1,000 The Queen Mary Park

Vanessa Williams (Soul Food) and her sons at the premiere of “Shots Fired”

In Concert: Rachelle Ferrell (Thru Sun., April 30) Call for times and prices (Dinner or two-drink mini-

Black Writers on Tour & Southern California Black Business Expo Featuring exhibits, work-

fe Dewanda Wise Alano Miller and wi the premiere of at t ou enjoy a night “Shots Fired”.

City of Lights Jazz Festival (Through Sunday, April 30) Performers include Brian Culbertson, Will Downing, Anthony Hamilton, Gerald Albright, Lalah Hathaway, Eric Benet, Tank and more $100+ Clark County Government Amphitheater 500 Grand Central Parkway Las Vegas www.yourjazz.com KJLH Annual Women’s Health Forum Panel of medical experts, free health screenings, free massages, exercise, gift bags, healthy food samples & more Free • 7am—3pm Long Beach Convention Center 300 E. Ocean Blvd www.kjlhradio.com

Samuel L. Jackson an d wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson at the L.A. premiere of Kong Skull Isl and.

L.A. Focus/April 2017

way at her 60th Vanessa Bell Callo n at the birthday celebratio st.

Regency We

Thursday, April 27

shops and keynote speaker Dr. Boyce Watkins $50 – 100 • 9am—6pm Carson Community Center 801 E. Carson St. 90746 Contact: (323) 750-3592 www.blackwritersontour.com

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Re d Carpet Style

GOO GOO ATKINS is showing us curves in a black lace dress

DEBORAH WINANS is all smiles in a off the shoulder black lace trim dress

The stars were fierce on the red carpet at the 32nd Annual Stellar Awards held at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada March 25.

Photo Credit:Earl Gibson, Maury Phillips & Arnold Turner(Courtsey of Central City Productions/TV One)

LORETTA DEVINE is fabulous in a black and white open shoulder dress

ERICA CAMPBELL rocks in this black studded sleeve dress

TAMMY FRANKLIN is keeping it classic in a black and white ruffle collar dress

Greater Zion Church Family Presents Resurrection Week

2017 A Night at the Cross —Wednesday, 4/12 12pm & 7pm Poets Crucified —Thursday, 4/13 • 7pm Hell is REAL —Friday, 4/14• 7:30pm

EASTER SERviCES

L.A. Focus/April 2017

Sunday, 4/16 6:30am, 9am, 11:30am

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Greater Zion Church Family 2408 N Wilmington Ave Compton, CA 90222 www.greaterzionchurchfamily.com (310)639-5535

Eye On Gospel Travis Greene Comes Out On Top at 32nd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Travis Greene and his chart-topping project The Hill took top artist honors at the 32nd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, collecting the most awards this year with 7 wins, including Song of the Year (“Made A Way”), Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year, Recorded Music Packaging of the Year (Art Dir: Annie Stoll), and Praise and Worship CD of the Year.

The night also belonged to Tamela Mann as she picked up five of the nine awards she was nominated for, including “Artist of the Year”, “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Traditional Female Vocalist”. Other multiple winners included Myron Butler & Levi, named group/duo of the year and Bri (Briana Babineaux, who was named “New Artist of the Year”.

Spencer Taylor & The Highway Qc's received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award, while the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award was

Photo credit: Maury Phillips

awarded posthumously to Rev. Clay Evans and the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award went to Harvey Watkins, Jr. and the Canton Spirituals.

Stellar Honors Hall of Fame inductees included Dr. Leonard Scott, founder of Indianapolis-based Tyscot Records, Fred Hammond and the Mississippi Mass Choir.

Multiple Stellar Awards and Grammy Award-winning solo artist, nationally-syndicated radio host and television personality Erica Campbell joined Anthony Brown to co-host the two-hour show that featured performances

by Travis Greene, Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Donnie McClurkin, JJ Hairston and Tamela Mann.

19-year-old Jekalyn Carr, dubbed a young Shirley Caesar, teamed with the 78-year-old gospel legend herself for a duet. Kirk Franklin led a star-studded performance marking the live television debut of his latest hit single “My World Needs You”, delivering vocal fireworks with appearances from Sarah Reeves, Tasha Cobbs, and Tamela Mann, who are featured on the album track.

The show will air for the first time at 3 p.m.

April 9, on TV One and then air in national broadcast syndication April 15-May 7, 2017.

A complete list of winners is as follows: Artist Of The Year: Tamela Mann Song Of The Year: Made A Way, Travis Greene Male Vocalist Of The Year: Travis Greene, The Hill Albertina Walker Female Vocalist Of The Year: Tamela Mann (One Way) Group/Duo: Myron Butler & Levi (On Purpose) New Artist Of The Year: Bri (Briana Babineaux) (Keys To My Heart) CD Of The Year: The Hill, Travis Greene Choir Of The Year: Hezekiah Walker (Azusa: The Next Generation 2) Producer Of The Year: Myron Butler, Tamela Mann, Kirk Franklin, Timberland, Eric Dawkins, King Logan, Shaun Martin & David Mann (One Way—Tamela Mann) Contemporary Group/Duo: Myron Butler & Levi (On

Purpose) Contemporary Male Vocalist: Travis Greene (The Hill) Traditional Male Vocalist: Donnie Mcclurkin (The Journey) Contemporary Female Vocalist: Bri (Briana Babineaux) (Keys To My Heart) Traditional Female Vocalist: Tamela Mann (One Way) Contemporary CD: The Hill (Travis Greene) Traditional CD: One Way (Tamela Mann) Urban/Inspirational Single Or Performance: God Provides (One Way—Tamela Mann) Music Video: Wanna Be Happy (Kirk Franklin) Traditional Choir: Chicago Mass Choir (We Give You Praise) Contemporary Choir: Hezekiah Walker (Azusa The Next Generation 2) Special Event CD: WOW Gospel 2016 (Various Artists) Rap Hip Hop Gospel CD: I Am Justice (Canton Jones) Youth Project: Joshua's Troop (It's My Time) Quartet Of The Year: Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson, (Timeless Music Movement, Vol. 1) Recorded Music Packaging: Annie Stoll (The Hill— Travis Greene) Praise And Worship CD: The Hill (Travis Greene)

CeCe Winans To Hit The Road Ten time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinumselling artist CeCe Winans will follow her recently released number one album “Let Them Fall In Love,” with a national tour. The Fall In Love Tour presented by Medi-Share is Winans’ first solo tour in a decade and will kick off on May 31 in New Orleans with eight additional dates across the country, including stops in Washington D.C., Atlanta, Dallas, Cincinnati and her hometown, Detroit.

Winans is the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time and is credited as one of the most accomplished and celebrated women in modern music history. Her current release ‘Let Them Fall In Love’ debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard Top Gospel albums Chart.

ChurchNews Darryl Barnes appointed acting pastor of paradise Baptist Church ith his recent appointment to acting pastor of Paradise Baptist Church, Darryl Barnes—who grew in the church—has come full circle.

“I started at Paradise under A.D.’s dad, (A.J. Iverson) when the assistant pastor was E.E. Stafford, my uncle. When he left in 1977 to lead Mount Tabor, we followed him and I was there until two years after his passing.”

Last year, out of the blue, Barnes got a call from Paradise Senior Pastor A.D. Iverson.

“He said he was just looking for some more help with the church, including some audio and video issues,” Barnes said. “I’m electrical engineer by trade, so I said okay and helped with the audio and video and with preaching, when asked. Several months later, we had a conversation about how God had led him to ask me to be the acting pastor.

“Now, I take on most of the day-to-day things which allows Pastor Iverson to focus more on his health and—as per his plan—we work on this transition.

The Compton native understands all too well the difficulty people have with change.

“Pastor Iverson’s and my style is different,” Barnes notes. “That’s not a challenge for me, but may be a challenge for members, so I’m conscious of taking this transition slow to give people a chance to adjust to me a little more and to Pastor [Iverson] not being there as much.

"I’m learning Sunday by Sunday the challenges I wasn’t privy to because I’ve been gone 30-40 years. So as I meet with the trustees I often say I don’t look at things as problems, but as challenges and opportunities. I’m very excited about the opportunity to see with all this effort we put in, where God takes us.”

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

W

Power Struggle Sparks Rift At Oxnard’s St. Paul Baptist Church Accusations that the Bishop Broderick A. Huggins has mingled personal and church finances that have put the church in financial jeopardy have divided the congregation of Oxnard’s storied St. Paul Baptist Church, sparking headlines in the city’s local newspapers. Though Huggins has denied the charge, eight deacons say they signed a letter relieving Huggins of his duties. Huggins, countered that they did not have the power to fire him from the pulpit of Ventura County’s oldest black church.

Huggins contends that not only has he not taken money from the church, but has loaned the church money and that the church raised the monies necessary to offset a default jeopardy created by construction project fees that cut into savings. After a vote taken at a meeting of upwards of 100 members, a mediator was called in to see if the stalemate can be settled.

Southland Churches Host 6th Annual First Ladies Health Day Thirty southland houses of worship—including Crenshaw Christian Center, First AME Church, Pasadena Community Christian Fellowship, and Antioch Church of Long Beach—participated in the 6th Annual Walgreens-sponsored First Ladies Health Day. Free health tests and medical screenings were provided for the entire family to address preventative illnesses which disproportionately affect African Americans and Hispanics.

Medical healthcare partners from Walgreens and more than 50 health organizations provided medical advice and counseling, as well as screenings for hypertension, HIV/AIDS, glucose, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and certain forms of cancer.

Pastor Edgar Boyd and First Lady Francis Boyd welcome Tracy Alston and John Gremer of Walgreen’s to First Ladies Health Day at First AME.

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

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South L.A. 10905 S. Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 566.5286 Pastor Reginald A. Pope Sunday Worship: 8:00 & 11:00am Sunday School & C.B.T.: 9:40am Monday Evangelism Training: 7:00pm Wednesday Prayer: 11:15am Sunday Radio KALI 900am @ 7:30am www.bmbcla.com

First AME Church (FAME) 2270 South Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-1251 • F: (323) 735-3353 • www.famechurch.org Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, Senior Pastor/CEO Sunday School: 10am Worship: 8am, 10am, Noon Teen Church (2nd Sundays):Noon,Allen House 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 Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027 Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Senior Pastor Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm

Grace Temple Baptist Church 7017 South Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192 Bishop Miquail M. Broadous Sr., Senior Pastor Sunday School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:00am Wednesday Worship: 6:45pm E-Mail: gtbcla@gmail.com

Bethlehem Temple Church, INC. 958 East 52nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 232-8429 www.bethlehemtemplela.org 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

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

Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082 Rev. Dwaine A. Jackson

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 Rev. DeNon Porter

Sunday School: 10am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:30 am Bible Study (Tues): Noontime Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 7pm

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

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

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

Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 •F: (323) 731-0851 www.christianfellowship.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

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.

Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Rev. Frederick Price Jr.

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of LA, Inc. 4269 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 Rev. Melvin V. Wade, Sr.

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 Jazz for Soul 2nd & 4th Thur: 6:30 pm 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

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 • office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church Pastor George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am, 11am Discipleship Hour (Sun): 9:37am Noonday Prayer (Mon): Noon Noonday Bible Study (Tue): 12:00pm Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Email: office@sinai.church •www.sinai.church Our Goal: To win more Christians & develop better Christians to the glory of God. (Matt. 28:18-20) Mt. 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: 8am & 11 am Baptism First Sunday

New Pilgrim Baptist Church 8225 So. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003 (626)215-5175 • Office: (323) 789-6218 Bishop R. A. McKinley, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 11am Second Location Golden West Baptist Church 4856 Golden West Ave, Temple City, CA 91780 Sunday Worship: 9am

People’s Independent Church of Christ 5856 West Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 296-5776 Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Sr. Pastor Sundays: Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Wednesday Bible Study & Mid Week Worship: Noon & 7pm Prayer Meeting: 6:30pm

BishopR.A.Mckinley@hotmail.com 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 & Noon The Church where “It pays to be nice”.

“You can end your search for a friendly church”

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 www.pleasanthillbaptistchurch.org

CHURCHES CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES AND REVIVALS IN MARCH:

GREATER EBENEZER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 2017 CONVOCATION APRIL 19 -21

SHOWCASE YOUR CHURCH ANNIVERSARY OR REVIVAL HERE

Theme: “Opened Bible, Lifted Hands” Nehemiah 8: 5-8

HOLMAN PRAYER BREAKFAST Saturday, April 29 • 9AM - Noon

For information, call (323) 759-4996 5300 Denker Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90062 www.gembcla.org

Or $99 1.5” X 4.8” Guest Speaker: Bishop Frank Reid III $50 For information, call (323) 731-7285 Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd • Los Angeles, CA www.holmanumc.com

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

One Church International 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • www.onechurchla.org Sr. Pastor Toure’ Roberts

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

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

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

Morning Worship: 7:30am & 10:45am Sunday School: 9:45am Wed. Prayer/Bible Study: Noon Pastor’s Bible Study: 7pm

Sunday Worship: 9am, 11am & 1pm Wednesday Midweek Service: 8pm www.Channel1Live.tv—View live streaming

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

For information, call 310.677.6011

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

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Rev. Dr. Lovely Haynes Sunday Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed: Prayer Bible Study: 6pm - 6:55 pm Mon. Night Bible Study: 7pm Tue Choir Rehersal Wednesday Prayer: Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7pm • Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7pm Thurs. Evangelism: 7pm (enrollment required) 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

L.A. Focus/ April 2017

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)

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER of just $199 Specs: 3.4” X 5”

Pastor Porter and the church family are pleased to invite the greater Los Angeles community to join us in our annual Convocation, the nights of Wednesday through Friday at 6:30pm to be refreshed and nourished through the word of God enabling all who receive and believe that only “Jesus” can truly satisfy mind, body and soul.

There will be classes designed with you in mind for all ages 2 and above. Christian men and women prayed up, prepared and eager to share the Word of God with understanding.

with our

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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

UpLift Christian Fellowship 4745 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90056 (310) 927-3476 Pastor Anthony Thompson Sunday Worship: 10am Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm

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

Southern Saint Paul 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: 8:00am Saint Paul Campus:9:00am Baptism & Communion (First Sunday): 5pm Word Wednesday: 6:45pm “One Church For All Generations”

Trinity Baptist Church 2040 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-0044 • F: (323) 735-0219 Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship: 7:30 & 10:30am Sunday Church School: 9am Radio Broadcast KJLH FM: 9am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: Noon-7pm www.trinitybaptistchurchofla.org

Weller Street Baptist Church 129 S. Gless St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 261-0949 • F: (323)264-6601 • www.wellerstreetlive.com Pastor K.W. Tulloss Sunday School: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 9am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm www.wellerstreetlive.com “We have not walked this way before” Joshua 3:1-6

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

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

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

Carson

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: 12pm Every 1st Wed Mid Week Worship: 7pm Streaming live at judsonbclive.net Peace Apostolic Church 21224 Figueroa Street, Carson, CA 90745 (310) 212-5673 Suff. Bishop Howard A. Swancy 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: Calvin Bernard Rhone Church: Hope of Glory Christian Center How Long: 37 years Hometown: Los Angeles Family: Divorced, two adult sons Other: Newly appointed Los Angeles chapter rep of the Gospel Music Workshop of America

That must have been a great honor?

It was. Musicians from around the country would travel to Los Angeles to play with him and he sent hundreds back home whereas he called me and asked if I would travel with him and the Cleveland Singers as a pianist. It continued until the day he died. He was my platform to the national exposure I received through the GMWA.

Being that you’re such a noted artist, does your ministry get lost in your gospel notoriety?

At one time, it did. For example, the years that I travelled with Rev. James Cleveland as his musician, most people did not know I was a pastor, but now I don’t think so, because I spend more time preaching and pastoring.

How long did you work with Rev. James Cleveland?

I left the Messengers/the Cleveland singers two years before he died. I needed to spend more time pastoring my church as well as developing my own music ministry.

After I left he would still call me for recordings. I remember the Messengers had an opportunity to do the Arsenio Hall Show and he called me and said I need you to meet me at the studio because I know you can go right in and lead that song.

When did you become a pastor?

I organized Hope of Glory Christian Center at 19 years old in 1980 and we will be celebrating 37 years this June.

You’re as well known as a writer as you are a singer?

As a matter of fact, professionally porbably even to this day, more known for my writing than anyone else.

Did you always know you were going to be a pastor?

I did not know I was going to be a pastor, because I wanted to travel the world singing.

What you believe are your most classic hits?

For choirs it’s “Jerusalem”. Also “Oh Come Let Us Sing Unto The Lord”. My most financially successful hit was “God Is the Strength of My Heart”. Donald Lawrence called me and asked for the song and he put it on the finale for the Tri City Singers as well as Dwayne Woods CD. The very first album I did in 1983, I entitled it “Intimate Friends”. Just last year, a company in France found the album and decided to take those three songs and re-release them in Paris.

How long have you been preaching?

I have been preaching since I was 15

What happened?

I ran from preaching for a year. I was called when I was 14 years old visiting my relatives in Shreveport, La. And while I was there I heard God’s voice and it said, go preach my gospel winning souls to me. Then at the age of 15, I went to my pastor and said I believe God is calling me to preach and I believe he knew it before I did. He scheduled my first sermon and the rest is history.

L.A. Focus/April 2017

Were you already singing?

I began singing gospel music professionally at eight years old at the Embassy Auditorium downtown. I was asked by my minister of music to be a guest vocalist. I did and he paid me. From then on, the doors of opportunity just kept opening. I wasn’t requesting anything but people were just blessing me with finances and my father— who was a quartet singer— became my first manager.

When I was in high school I organized The Los Angeles Gospel Ensemble. Rev. Cleveland heard us and invited us to open for the late Isaac Douglas at his church. In 1980, Rev. Cleveland decided to organize the Los Angeles Gospel Messengers and he invited me to write some material for the choir. They recorded it on the first project and I decided to continue on with them as a writer and musician. Some time later, his musician walked off and left and Rev. Cleveland called me.

20

How challenging is it to leave your church and travel on the road?

When I started preaching, I had a lot of Baptist ministers saying, ‘well, you’ve got to get off of that piano, now’. But that’s not what the spirit told me. God had told me from day one when he called me to preach, I will guide you. The way I prioritize my life, I give myself to what needs me the most at that given time. God is not first in my life. God is my life. When I was pastoring in the mid-80s I went on the road with Rev. Cleveland & the Cleveland Singers for two months straight and left my congregation, but they were well prepared.

When I organized, I did not do any music outside of my church and for two years because I needed to take the time to establish vision and develop leadership. Therefore, I had an

administrator in place, I had associates in place, so that after two years I could go and it wouldn’t be a problem. So for me, I never really have been challenged as a pastor and a musician.

I gave myself to writing. At the same time, I gave myself to studying the word and preparing messages and it balanced out for me. For me it’s always been a blessing because I do both. I’ve gone to churches and they’ve asked me to come in and do a workshop with their choir and then turn around and do a revival or speak at a service.

As a pastor what is your mission and do you have a specific ministry?

My ministry as a pastor is to develop a people who exhibit the glory of Christ in their daily living. That’s my overall mission. I believe our culture today needs the Christ presence, but the way that it should happen is not by the preaching and the talking. It’s by our living. By us being the representatives of Christ we’re called to be. I strive to stamp out Biblical illiteracy and spiritual ignorance. I work feverishly to make sure that my people know the Bible.

First Lady Files

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

Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus) Sunday School: 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

Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, P.O. Box 5449, Compton 90220 (310) 604-5900 Fax: (310) 604-5915 Dr. Ron C Hill Sunday Morning Worship: 8am & 11:30am Sunday Evening Worship: 6:30pm Bible Studies: Wed. 7:30pm & Sat. 9am Food for Your Soul Radio Ministry: beblessedwebradio: Mon - Fri. 6:30am IMPACT TV: Tuesdays 3:00pm

In Gardena

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

Teresa Pleasant Christ Second Baptist Church This Corona, California native— whose father is a pastor—met her husband when he came to preach at her father’s church in the Bay area and was the president of the youth convention. Now married for 23 years and the mother of two sons, she and her husband, Pastor Welton Pleasant co-labor together at Christ Second Baptist Church in Long Beach.

With a passion for music, she serves in the choir as well as with the women’s department, their Hands of Grace crochet ministry (sending blankets to those in need) and in discipling others to follow Christ as she so ardently does.

Weekdays, she works as an operations manager for a charter school in Inglewood.

“I have a passion for young adult women,” Pleasant says. “So many have really low self-esteem. You don’t have to show your booty to get a man. I just want to have them be confident in who they are in Christ.”

Pleasant understands all too well the challenge.

“I’ve struggled with self esteem. We tend to beat up ourselves when we compare ourselves to other people. We have to realize that we’re all in the same predicament and believe in who Jesus says we are. We are part of a royal priesthood. The goal is to get them to see and love themselves as Jesus does.”

In Inglewood Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer: 5am, Noon & 7pm Wednesday Pathway: 7pm Thurs Bible Study: 10am Sat Marriage & Family Prayer: 7:30am Faithful Central Bible Church 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035 Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher Services at The Tabernacle: Sunday Services: 7am • 9:30am • 11:45am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7pm www.faithfulcentral.com The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood Crusade Christian Faith Center 801 S. La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8535 Bishop Virgil D. Patterson Sr.

Early Worship: 8:30am Morning Worship: 9am & 11am Children’s Church: Both Services Word Power Wed.: 7-8pm

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

www.thelibertychurch.com

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

In Hawthorne

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

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) 7571804 www.go2Hope.com Pastor Geremy L. Dixon Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Wed. Mid-Week Service: Noon Wed. Teaching Ministry: 7pm 1st Sunday Communion 5th Sunday Baptism

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 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 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

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

In Long Beach Antioch Church of Long Beach 1535 Gundry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 591-8778 • F: (562) 599-6048 Pastor Wayne Chaney Jr. Worship Services: 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am Tuesday Youth BibleStudy: 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am WednesdayBible Study: Noon

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

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 Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com • www.grantamelb.org Rev. Michael W. Eagle, Sr. Sun. Worship Experience: 10:45am 3rd Sun. Healing & Annointing: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 6pm Mothers of Murdered Youth & Children Were all receive a little attention, affection and love.

New Philadelphia A.M.E. Church 6380 S. Orange Avenue, Long Beach, Ca 90805 (562)422-9300•F: (562) 422-9400 Pastor Darryl E. Walker, Senior Pastor 1st & 5th Sunday Worship: 9am Sunday School/New Member Classes:8am Live Streaming on NuPhilly AppNuPhilly website: 9am 2nd thru 4th Sunday Worship:7:30 am &10:00am•Sunday School New Member Classes: 9am Live Streaming on the NuPhilly App/website: 7:30am Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday Eve 7pm Mid-Week Bible Study: Thursday 12:00 noon

MILESTONES

From the Pulpit:

Changing a Generation Bishop Paul Morton — “So That” Matthew 16:25, Philippians 1:12-13

I

The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) announced last month that it has given an eight-episode series order to “The Book of John”, a weekly onehour dramedy docu-series featuring the life of John Gray, associate pastor a t Joel Osteen’s world-famous Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. The series will join the network’s popular Saturday night programming lineup this spring.

Known for his loud, hilarious, unconventional and gravitating ways, Gray has traveled the world utilizing his gifts of music, comedy and preaching to help bring people together from all walks of life and

world renowned ministry as he helps people in his community overcome life challenges, while facing his own relatable struggles as a husband and father.

L.A. Focus/April 2017

read a poem that said, “I asked God for strength that I On April 21, Creflo Dollar Global might achieve, but I was given weakness so that I might Missions will present “Unchartered: learn humbly to obey. I asked God for health that I A Community Touching A World”, a might do great things, but I was given infirmity that I documentary film that shows first might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be share hand the work their missions team happy, but I was given less so that I might be wise. I ask for the Gospel in his unique and uncom- does both locally and internationally power that I might have the praise of men, but I was given promising way. In the new series, and the difference they are making. weakness so that I might feel the need of God. I asked for Gray—who was one of the co-host of The mission of the team is to “Go all things that I might enjoy life, but I was given life so that “The Preachers” talk show on Fox where no one else will go and do I might enjoy all things. last summer— will give viewers inti- what no one else will do”.

It just seems to me as though when God is dealing with mate access into his home life and his people, it seems to include a “so that”. It seems like God is saying, ‘I’m just permitting certain things to happen in Family of Faith Christian Center In Pasadena Bethlehem Church 345 E. Carson Street, Long Beach, CA 90807 your life "so that" you will be able to gain new sight.’

1550 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103 The things that are happening in your life are working (562) 595-1222 • F: (562) 595-1444 (626) 794-5211 • F: (626) 794-6592 together for your good “so that” you’ll be richer from your Pastor: Sherman A. Gordon, E.D. Min Pastor Christopher A. Bourne Sunday School: 9:00 AM experience, and you’ll take that and help somebody else.

Early Worship: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9am Nothing happens to us by accident. You’re not here because Morning Worship: 10:00 Am Sunday Worship: 10am you are lucky. Your steps are ordered by God. Bible Study: Every Wednesday 12 Tuesday Bible Study: 7pm He knows right where you are. He knows what you’re (Noon) & 7:00 PM Mid-day Worship Thursday: Noon dealing with in your life —the things that give us a glorious Radio: 7:00 PM (1st & 3rd Sunday) Station: KJLH opportunity to thank him for your “so that”. www.bethelemchurchpasadena.org "So that" is the cause introducing a clause expressing purpose. The "that" you’re dealing with is there for a purSecond Baptist Church Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church pose. The "so" is the effect of the cause. I had to deal with In Monrovia 925 S. Shamrock Avenue • P.O. Box 479, 980 Rio Grande Street, Pasadena, CA 91104 "that" so that I would really understand what I’m about. So Monrovia, CA 91017 •(626) 358-2136 • F: (626) 303-2477 *Mailing Address: 1416 N. Mentor Ave. Pasadena, 91104 whatever “that” is or was, it was placed in your life for a (626) 794-4875 • F: (626) 794-7815 Bishop W.M. Larue Dillard, Phd. reason. Stop crying over it. The “that” you don’t want to talk Pastor W. Harrison Trotter Sunday Worship: 7:45am, 10:45am, 4:45pm about, if you are called according to his purpose, you’ve got Sunday School: 8:30am Ministry Worship to Children/Youth to understand that God is working it out for your good.

Sunday Worship: 10am Sunday: 9:45am - 10:45am Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm [In the text] Paul had to get some things straight Prayer/Academy of Biblical Studies (Wed): Intercessory Prayer (Fourth Wed.): 7pm because some people who’d been around Paul were dis10:45am - 6:45pm Christians Uniting To Make A Difference -turbed because he was now in prison and they didn’t underEph. 4:13 stand why people were so mean to Paul. He’s preaching the www.second-baptistchurch.com gospel. He’s proclaiming the truth of God, First AME Santa Monica Spirit of Zion Fellowship Church In Santa Monica In Van Nuys Paul said I would that you understood that the things 1823 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 10853 Victory Blvd. North Hollywood, CA which happened unto me have fallen out whether unto the 90404 91601 furtherance of the gospel. Paul said, I really wish y’all (310) 450-0331 (805) 517-1907 • www.mtzionla.org Pastor Rueben Ford would understand, ‘If I hadn’t gone through "that", if they Pastor E.V. Hill II hadn’t whipped me in prison, I wouldn’t even have an inviSunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 1pm tation to preach in the palace. That which you are disturbed Sunday Worship: 11am Children's Church: 1pm over is what God is trying to show you is I’m going to use Bible Study: Thursday 6pm that to be a testimony to let people know that He will take you from the prison to the palace. He’ll give you victory over your storm if you understand what your storm is all about.

When you are a child of God, many times you have to receive the word of God with much affliction. It's not St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church Arise Christian Center In Westchester In La Puente always easy when you have to love your enemies and do 1720 N. Walnut Avenue, La Puente, CA 91744 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C, Westchester, CA good to them that spitefully use you. I’m talking about peo(626) 918-3225 • F: (626) 918-3265 90045 Pastor Anthony Dockery ple you know don't mean you any good.

(310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Paul goes on to say I will thank you because you have Arisechristiancenter.com Sunday School: 9:30 AM Pastor Ron Taylor followed my ministry and many times you’ve had to receive Early Worship: 8:00 AM the word with many afflictions and you’ve accepted it with Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Morning Worship: 9am & 11:15am joy in the Holy Ghost. The reason I'm not going to let anySpanish Service: 9:30AM Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm body take my joy is because the joy of the Lord is my Bible Study: Every Wednesday 7:00 PM Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7pm strength. I got to deal with too many things in life, I need www.stsbc.org Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am my strength. God is about to give you a testimony that is Intercessory Prayer Thursday: 11:30pm - 12:30pm going to shake up the area you’re in.

There’s got to be something more to life than things. I God for that, but in 2005, here comes Hurricane Katrina. money. . When the young man already in Atlanta heard I believe you’ve got to bring things into the divine order of Took my church, took my house, took my automobiles, was there, he said I don’t believe this. I said God told me God and seek first the kingdom of God and all His everything I worked for was gone. I remember on that to start a ministry and I don’t know how I’m going to do righteousness. You have to speak it. You have to Sunday I’d just done a couple of services when word it. know it. The problem is we look for life in all the came we had to get out of town and I had to preach in He said what do you need? We went and looked at a things we have when the secret in getting more is New Jersey the next night so we went on to New Jersey. building and the building needed renovation and it was losing. You’ve got to lose to gain.

I got on my knees because I saw my church on going to take a whole lot. He said will $2 million help.

His fullness is about more of Him and television. Couldn’t even see one of our church That young man's name is Tyler Perry. less of me, so I’m able to recognize Him by campuses. They were under water. I said, Lord, Ministry started blooming in Atlanta. People started the way He talks, by the way He walks, by I've been faithful, how could this happen to coming from everywhere, but I went to get a colonoscopy the way He lives and some of you need to me? And he said, ‘Do you trust me?’ I said, in 2006. I was feeling good, exercising, thought I was eatknow that the Holy Ghost doesn’t cuss.

‘Yes,’ and He said, ‘I’m going to make your ing right, but my wife said, ‘You’re in your 50’s, you need I've experienced so much in my own latter greater than your former. to get a colonoscopy.’ life. I’ve learned the process of “so that”.

I said Lord, you do know when I first startWhen I went to the doctor, he came out with tears in It started in my early 20’s. God told ed pastoring I was 24, and when Katrina hit his eyes and said Bishop we found cancer in your body. I me to leave my birthplace of Windsor, I was 55, so if you’re going to make my latter started to cheer him up and said it's alright, God already Ontario, Canada and move to New greater than my former, you’ve got to move told me that my latter was going to be greater than my Orleans, —a place I'd never been quick cause I ain't got that much time in my lat- former and I know he wasn’t talking about heaven. My before. Family members were saying ter like I did in my former, but I trusted Him. doctor and I prayed and God used him through the surdon’t go, but I had to listen to God. I had to There was one young man I tried to encourage gery. That was 2006. This is 2017 and I’m still cancer free. lose family so that God could take me to the after Katrina, but he said, I’ve got to get out of here.

I had to go through that to leave a testimony. God next level.

When I got to Atlanta, not only does God say I’m going brought me out so that I could be a testimony and God When I got there [New Orleans], God began to restore New Orleans, I want to give you double for took a song [of my experience] from the cancer and to multiply my ministry. I had to go to seven your trouble, I want to give you a ministry in Atlanta. I Hurricane Katrina called “I’m Still Standing” and made it services on Sunday to accommodate the peogot to Atlanta and all the insurance money had to be a big hit. ple coming from everywhere. I was thanking used on our campuses in New Orleans, so we had no When you trust God, trust him with “that”.

22

Through the Storm Noted Doctor Launches Church Health Network To Cure Community Ills

F

or more than 40 years, whether as a past president of the National Medical Association or a specialist known for his research in the area of prevention and treatment of kidney failure, especially in cases complicated by hypertension and cardiovascular disease, Dr. Randall Maxey—one of the nation’s leading nephrologists— has been in the business of statistics and the fight against them for the hundreds if not thousands of patients he has treated. A mission driven by the fact that while blacks make up just 15% of the population, they comprise more than 40% of those on dialysis.

His fight against chronic diseases that disproportionately affect the African American community became even more personal ten years ago when he was diagnosed with Diabetes. Then, in January 2017, he suffered a mild stroke. But Maxey has not lost his fight. Instead he remains more determined than ever to change the outcome not just for his himself, but for the community he serves and is putting his vast expertise and medical resources to work through his Church Health Network.

Maxey’s interest in hypertension, cardiovascular disease, renal failure and Diabetes was driven by the fact that his family had a strong history of it.

“As a doctor, you think you are superhuman and immune to all of this,” Maxey observes, “and one of the problems of being a medical professional and fairly well known is you don’t want to admit to any weakness. I recall some years ago, I experienced chest pains, so I went to see a cardiologist, but because I didn’t want to be seen by any of my own patients, I walked up five flights of steps to the cardiologist’s office. Turned out I didn’t have a heart problem.

“Very early on as I watched various family members succumb to these types of illnesses, I found out that I had a history of Diabetes both on my maternal and paternal side. By Western medical standards, my Diabetes was well under control and I was taking all of the appropriate medications, but as a friend of mine says oftentimes we put out the smoke, but we leave the fire burning.

“So I woke up the day after New Years having a stroke. I was fortunate and blessed that I have no remaining effects. For a few days I had bad speech, but outside of that I have been very blessed.”

As former president of the the nation’s largest and oldest organization representing African American physicians— Maxey contends that Black doctors may have a higher early morbidity and mortality risk than the general population.

“They tend to die before age 60 and one main reasons I can think of is that they’re under so much stress and that stress translates into illness.”

His own stroke earlier this year heightened his understanding of how, “despite the fact that I am a well-versed physician, that you can do everything right and still have a problem. Now my wife, my daughter and my son have me eating healthier than I thought I was in the first place, but that brings to point that we must be more vigilant of how we take care of ourselves. A lot of our health depends upon our eating habits, exercise and having more fun and less stress in our lives.

For every $123,000 of wealth the majority population has, blacks have 33¢. That is an economic chasm that accounts for a lot of the stress, death and disease...In Southern California alone, the black population spends north of $3 billion in healthcare. Very little, if any of that money circulates back into the community to take care of the problems that plague our community and where do they end up on Sunday morning...in church. ”

“

“My understanding of stress is that it is a form of fear and fear is a lack of faith in God,” says Maxey an avid churchgoer and member of Greater Zion Church Family.

“We understand that God and fear do not exist in the same place, so one of my first rules is to de-stress the patients I see by having them take care of themselves.

“Even though I am a strong believer of faith healing, faith without works is dead. What that means to me is that many times healing is you doing the right thing.

There’s more to medicine than giving pills. There’s lifestyle change. Eat right, follow appropriate medical advice and understand that fat meat is greasy and dangerous. You have to be concerned about the amount of sugar, salt, fat, and carbohydrates you eat and even the amount of protein. Everything done to excess has its own level of toxicity.

Maxey also cautions that natural medicine isn’t always the answer.

“There are some things you can’t get rid of with natural medicine or by just praying. You’ve got to get some good old Western medicine and then you can go back to your herbs, but God gave us some of this knowledge as physicians so that we can make a difference. Combine western medicine with natural medicine, Chiropractic medicine and prayer, and we have a force with which we can win most battles.”

Yet his Church Health Network is just as focused on economic development as it is health. For Maxey, the two go hand in hand.

“For every $123,000 of wealth the majority population has, blacks have 33¢,” Maxey states. “That is an economic chasm that accounts for a lot of the stress, death, and disease. Many of these people believe they can’t afford to go to the doctor. In Southern California alone, the African American population probably spends north of $3 billion a year in healthcare. Very little, if any, of that money circulates back into the community to take care of the problems that plague those people and where do they end up on Sunday morning? Well, a lot of them end up in church.

“Many of the minority patients I see are so beaten down that they don’t have faith or belief they can do better. In the churches where we’ve done health education

and screenings, we’ve encountered some people walking around with uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes with blood sugars over 1,000. I remember I took care of a church organization at a national convention and in one week I admitted 286 people to the hospital.

“Even if you may not have disposable income,” Maxey pauses for a moment, “most of us have some type of medical insurance — and we need to focus that in a certain way so that it comes back through the black community, black institutions, and Latino institutions to help build those communities and not just go back to Beverly Hills.

The Church Health Network is a way to harness the buying power we have in the healthcare industry.

“Not only are black doctors not adequately compensated, but in the black church, many of the preachers don’t have life insurance or medical insurance and the people in those churches have a high mortality rate that can be cured.”

The Church Health Network’s flagship program is HERRO— health education, risk reduction opportunity— through which Maxey hopes to produce the kind of capital that can be redirected back into the community to address critical needs. What’s more, the program hopes to create a more enduring bond between doctors and minority patients.

“I’ve always gone to physicians that cared for me personally. It makes a difference that a doctor takes the time to understand you and your health. If you go to an emergency room, you’ll have limited time to be seen by a doctor and he’s basically going to triage you and put a band aid on whatever’s ailing you and then refer you to a doctor or specialist who can take the time to care for you. If you don’t take that referral and see someone who has time to investigate your disease process, that is going to be bad for you, so it’s critical to have a relationship with a doctor.”

“We do know that none of us are getting off of this earth alive, but between the present and the time we die, we want to live as comfortably, and as pain and disability free as possible.”

Randall Maxey

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Jason Johnson continued from page 7

ereignty and democracy than with who happens to run the country at any particular time, and they have concluded that Donald Trump is a threat to the 250-plus years of American government. No one knows how far this could go, but history tells us that a sitting president of the United States has never gone to war with our national security apparatus and come out the victor.

That doesn’t bode well for Trump.

Scenario 3: Trump Leaves Office Despite what the Alex Joneses of the world believe, there is no silent coup against Donald Trump. Obama is too busy play-fighting with Richard Branson and being adored by One Direction-style crowds with every public appearance to be orchestrating some grand plan against Trump. However, there is a potential coup right underneath Trump’s nose that is much more likely to get him out of office and still cause this nation harm.

Vice President Mike Pence was not Trump’s first choice. Pence was lied to by former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, and likely Trump, and is generally the odd man out. You can just imagine Pence finding out every week that there was a staff party with ice cream cake in the Oval Office and he just happened not to get the email.

One On One continued from page 13

are you working on?

God willing, we will do season two, we’re still waiting to see about that. Personally, I have some projects that I’m working on and developing that I’d like to produce.

People have approached me about some theatre pieces as well. Things are busy.

What advice would you give to new and aspiring actors?

Go for it! Believe in the passion and the dream that God has given you. Many times our breakthroughs can be hinged on whether we really believe in it or not. I encourage any young person or anyone in this industry, wherever they might be to believe in yourself, believe in your passion and purpose, and trust in God for your breakthrough.

Aja Brown continued from page 6

passed in Measure P including additional city lighting, park restoration, fixing the city yard, and repairs to our fire stations.

“All of this work would create hundreds of jobs for Compton residents, including our young people, through apprentice programs and construction projects.”

Voters in Compton will elect a mayor on April 18 during the City’s primary nominating election.

“While we have made substantial progress in Compton over the last three years, there are many projects and initiatives that we need to finish–together,” said Mayor Brown. “I look forward to continuing the transformation in Compton and working to make our community a better place to live, work, and play.

Also consider that Paul Ryan is simply a better-looking version of Frank Underwood and he’s never liked Trump. Is it really so hard to imagine a scenario in which, quietly, Pence and Ryan convince Republicans that Trump is so toxic that he poses a threat to their overall agenda? That they would use Russia leaks, a bad 2018 midterm or some other scandal to push for a PenceRyan presidency to emerge from the ashes of a failed Trump administration?

The problem, of course, is that Pence is just as dangerous and radical as Trump; he’s just a better politician. Second, Trump is too rich and too powerful and has too much media savvy to go quietly into the night. If he’s not in the White House, then he’s going to cause as much havoc in this country as he can, and the disruption he might cause is more than anyone alive has ever experienced.

So in the end, what does this all mean? It means that the Russian scandal is serious and will likely result in some irreparable damage to the United States.

Unfortunately, the result of these scandals might be even worse for the country than what we have now. Sad. Jason Johnson is a professor of political science and a writer, who serves as politics editor for The Root.

On The Money continued from page 9

What do you mean by Biblically literate?

A Biblically literate person is someone who knows the text , who knows the meaning of the text in context and then they know what God is saying to them so that they are able to work that truth in their lives and they give expression to it. And that may take on the form to ministering to others beyond the four walls of the church. There’s a motto that I have: Befriend them and then win them. People hear you better if they have a good relationship with you.

They should be able to see something different about you.

From there they will question you and that’s the opportunity to share your faith—your conviction.

I did four recordings with CGI Records and anybody who studies my recordings, I always arrange the music on the tracks to in a manner where it looks like a worship service. There would be a call to worship and devotion or praise and worship and then I’d have a song that deals with the offertory, a sermon and then other encrouaging songs. So my concept was when a person sits down and listens to my entire project, I want them to experience a worship service. Even my messages. Many times after I have prepared a message I get a song with it.

Do you feel like you’re on track with your goals?

I don’t know if I’ll ever be satisfied, because for as long as I’m alive, as long as there is one soul to be won; as long as there are some believers to be developed into better disciples; then my purpose and call still stands. I’m still making efforts to re-introduce myself to the industry as a solo artist. I just keep doing what I’ve been assigned to do.

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SavingGrace

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L.A. Focus/April 2017

t’s been 25 years since Phylicia Rashad starred as beloved matriarch and feminist, Clair Huxtable in the long-running NBC hit sitcom, The Cosby Show. Yet, today it seems the 68-year old actress is as busy and in-demand as ever. Last fall, she directed Glynn Turman, Keith David in the August Wilson play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, at the Mark Taper Forum and earlier this year was announced part of the cast of Ryan Coogler’s highly anticipated “Black Panther” alongside Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett and Sterling K. Brown, due out next year From March 31 through April 2, she joined the Houston Symphony as the narrator in Beethoven's only opera. "Fidelio," but it is on Wednesday nights that Rashad is turning up the heat in the Fox’s runaway hit series, Empire. Rashad recurs as the powerful and prominent Diana Dubois who has set her sight on higher office for her city councilman son (Taye Diggs) and will let nothing stand in her way, including Cookie or the Lyons clan.

She’s come a long way since the Cosby Show debuted in 1984 and shot to the top of the Neilsen ratings, but she wouldn’t take anything for her journey.

“When you look back on the work you’ve been a part of and see you’ve been privileged to work in a way that has meant so much to so many people, you realize what a gift that is,” says Rashād, whose most recent credits include the ABC-TV mini series “When We Rise”, “Creed”, Lifetime’s “Steel Magnolias” and Tyler Perry’s “Good Deeds”.

“I always felt it was a gift to begin with,” Rashād says of her time on NBC’s groundbreaking “The Bill Cosby Show“, but especially now when I look at what’s happening in television and how so many people say how much they miss the show; there was nothing like it before; and hasn’t been anything like it since; I realize again and again how privileged life is and has been.”

In June, the seasoned thespian—and the first black woman to win a Tony for best actress— is set to direct the Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Chicago premiere of "The Roommate in June. Directing is something Rashad seems to doing a lot more of over the last several years.

Rashād admits that directing hadn’t been on her radar until she was approached by August Wilson’s widow, Constanza Romero to direct a Seattle Repertory Theatre production of “Gem of the Ocean,” marking her 2007 directorial debut.

“It was quite a learning process,” says Rashād, who began her career on the stage playing a munchkin on “The Wiz” and as an understudy for Sheryl Lee Ralph in the Broadway production of “Dreamgirls”.

“I enjoy working with actors,” Rashād says of directing. “There’s so much that goes into the creation of theatre which most audience members may not know, — designers and creative directors all the behind-the-scenes people, and I enjoy working with all those people.”

Growing up in Texas, Rashād realized at eleven years old that she wanted to be an actress after taking the stage as the mistress of ceremonies at a citywide music festival while still in elementary school.

“I didn’t read the script because we had rehearsed it so much I knew it by heart. And when the presentation was over and mothers came to collect their children, I heard a few of them say, ‘There she is. There’s the little girl who spoke so beautifully. Isn’t she beautiful?’ Well, that meant a lot to me because beautiful was the one thing I wanted to be, and thought I wasn’t and would

26

Phylicia Rashad I don’t think of myself as an icon.

I’m a woman who has had children, who’s fried a lot of chicken, who’s walked the dog and fed the cat. I think of myself as an artist who continues to develop.”

“

never be.

“That’s it! I thought, ‘When I grow up I’ll be an actress so I can be beautiful all the time.’

“What I didn’t understand and wouldn’t understand for a number of years was that beauty had nothing to do with how I looked. It was communication from the heart.”

What came natural, however, was her love of the arts.

Rashād’s childhood home was a place where creativity and the arts was fiercely supported and encouraged by her mother Vivian Ayers, a Pulitzer-prize nominated poet, and Rashād’s constant inspiration.

“Growing up with a mother like that had its implications,” says Rashād. “One of those implications was that we were not allowed to sit in front of television for interminable amounts of time. She always created distractions for us.”

Rashād recalls constantly being engaged in various artistic disciplines, including studying three instruments.

“My mother was always creating these things for us because she understood that through artistic study, discipline, and endeavor, her children would be free. And it was true.”

So when her three children came face to face with restrictions and barriers that were part and parcel of the discrimination in the south during the 1950s, Ayers went out of her way to make a way, such as when Rashād’s younger sister—famed dancer Debbie Allen—was barred from attending the top ballet school in Houston because of Jim Crow laws.

“My mother found a master teacher who would teach her at home,” Rashād explains. “She removed the banister from the stairs, had it attached to the wall in the dining room, and had all the furniture moved somewhere else to facilitate my sister having these private lessons.”

There was nothing Rashād’s mother wouldn’t do when it came to encouraging her children to strive for more, once moving with her children to Mexico for a break from the southern Jim Crow traditions, which is why to this day Rashād and her sister, Debbie Allen, are fluent in Spanish.

The Houston native—who says there’s a little of her mother in every role she plays—went on to study theatre at Howard University, her orthodontist father’s alma mater. But it was the opportunity to study at the Negro Ensemble Company in New York the summer after her sophomore year that really changed her life.

“This was a year after an instructor at Howard, a wellmeaning Irish woman, misplaced and mistaken, said to the class that we should consider another occupation because there was no place for the Negro in the theatre.’

“But when I went to New York after my sophomore year and spent those sixty days at the Negro Ensemble Company, that was all I needed. I wanted to be like the actors I was seeing. They were great, and all of them dif-

ferent…all of them masterful.”

The fateful trip almost didn’t happen as Rashād’s father was reluctant to send his daughter to New York by herself.

“But my mother said to me, ‘I’ve been saving this money and I didn’t know why I was saving it. Now I know why. You are going.’ She had saved exactly what was needed for me to have a ticket and to spend sixty days there,” Rashād recalls.

“These are the things that help shape and form a human being—that kind of unfailing support you need in those formative years..”

Aside from The Cosby Show, Rashad has had recurring roles on “Little Bill” “A Different World”, “Cosby”, and “Touched By An Angel.” In 2004, Rashād became the first African-American actress to win the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, for her role in the revival of "A Raisin in the Sun”.

“I was grateful of course,” she says, “but when I was informed of that, my initial response was ‘What happened?’ Great actresses have preceded me. Nobody was ever nominated before?”

In 2008, she resumed her award-winning role in a television adaptation of “A Raisin in the Sun,” which earned her the 2009 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special. That same year, Rashād was dubbed "The Mother" of the African-American community at the 42nd NAACP Image Awards.

The mother of two says grace itself is her saving grace and remains humble despite it all.

“I don’t think of myself as an icon. I’m a woman who has had children, who’s fried a lot of chicken, who’s walked the dog and fed the cat. I think of myself as an artist who continues to develop.”