46 minute read
Church News Pastor Shep Crawford Launches Organization to Quell Gang Killings; The L.A. Baptist Community Mourns the Loss of Reginald Pope
Pastor Shep Crawford Launches Organization to Quell Gang Killings
In response to the uptick of shootings and killings in Los Angeles, Pastor Shep Crawford, hosted over 100 rival current and ex-gang members for a mediation lunch that included guest speakers Councilman
Advertisement
Curren Price, Minister Tony Muhammad and radio personality Dominique DiPrima. “I am president of an organization called “United We Stand Up”, which is an alliance of ex-gang bangers who have come together from different sets in the neighborhood on the east side of Los Angeles to talk peace,” said Crawford. “Before the pandemic we were able to actually have rival gangs sit down. Two of them who had 45 years of beef and since then there’s been no killings from those two particular tribes and so our mission is to do more. “We as pastors, law enforcement can’t go in there and stop those wars. The OGs and the ones who are about that life can, so my job is to serve and to get behind them and push their agenda of peace.” The event was held as the official launch of United We Stand Up. Crawford, who pastors the Experience Christian Ministries, was opened up to such opportunities after delivering the eulogy at the funeral of Nipsey Hussle. “The goal is to continue to bring rival gangs to the table to talk peace, to squash beef, to forgive and heal and also to find ways to get to the youth, because if you’re going to tell them to put down the guns, you’re going to have to give them something to pick up,” Crawford states. “We know that the 10-12 year-olds out here on the streets who are fatherless are the next ones to be interested in gang life. Our mission is not only to stop the killings now, but to provide those fatherless youth with another sense of family because that’s what everyone is looking for–family.
The L.A. Baptist Community Mourns the Loss of Reginald Pope
The L.A. Baptist community is mourning the recent death of Pastor Reginald Pope, who served for 45 years as the senior pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and as the founder of Watts Area Ministers. He was 89. In 2015, the city of Los Angeles recognized Pope for his contributions to the Watts community with Councilman Joe Buscaino designating Compton Avenue–from 109th Street to 110th Street–as Pastor Reginald A. Pope Way. “The landscape of Los Angeles has changed dramatically in the passing of Paster Reginald Pope. He was an asset to our church community,” said Pastor Ticey Brown of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church. “He was cool, caring and will definitely be missed as one of the elder statemen of our great city.” The sudden death came as a shock to many in the faith community as well as the church he pastored for nearly a half century. “He wasn’t ill, so it was sudden,” said Pastor Alvin
Stafford, who was appointed pastor of Bethel
Missionary Baptist Church when Pope–who was his great uncle– retired. “For over 45 years, he’s been faithful and a pillar not only in our church and community, but our family. He had a gift and a calling for teaching, and he honored and praised the Lord all the way to the end.” “He was a mentor and a great friend”, said Pastor Robert Taylor of the Beulah Baptist Church in Watts. “He taught me basic principles on how to survive as a pastor and that’s important. Not to mention that he was responsible for getting me involved in the Watts Area Ministers and now I’m president.” The non-profit–initially organized to re-activate the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Watts some years ago–has since become a viable force in addressing the needs of the Watts community. The Ringgold, Louisiana native–who had a gift for singing– joined Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in 1975 and was able to grow the church from 80 people to 250 with ten associate ministers. He retired last year. “The most satisfactory thing in my ministry is to see the growth of the members. It is not necessarily about numbers but is about the spiritual balance and well-being. That’s most satisfying to me,” Pope told L.A. Focus in 2019. “I try to get my members motivated to take outside what we do inside these walls.” “Any time a person comes to Christ and gets his life in better shape, that’s motivation, that’s encouragement and that’s fulfillment and what ministry should be about.”
L.A. Focus/ July 2021 16
Southern Baptists Make The Right Choice
Upwards of 16,000 turned out in Nashville last month for what is the largest religious gathering since the pandemic– the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. By all accounts, it is an organization in conflict with ultra conservatives against moderate conservatives battling over the direction of the 176-year old group recognized as the world’s largest Baptist denomination. The highly public infighting has been over the group’s position on a handful of things including women preaching, critical race theory and their next leader. The debate over critical race theory–coupled with tensions arising from the last year’s social justice protests has led to a deep chasm in the group with African American pastors exiting and or taking issue with the group’s policies as one former SBC official described a culture of racism within the group. One of those pastors who have been most vocal include Dwight McKissic, pastor of the Arlington, Texas-based, Cornerstone Baptist Church. “You have rules outside the Baptist Faith and Message you don’t know. Now CRT is becoming one of the litmus tests...whether you vote Republican, and whether you against women preaching. It’s a test of whether you’re in or out,” McKissic said. “When you don’t know the players or have a good grasp of the cultural do’s and don’ts, it’s extremely difficult for a person of color when you’re trying to navigate waters that are not your waters.” McKissic took issue with the group when it adopted a resolution condemning critical race theory as incompatible with the Baptist faith and message and depending on the outcome of the vote for the group’s next leader, threatened to exit the group. Instead, the group elected Ed Litton, who has made racial reconciliation a hallmark of his work since at least the 2014 riots after the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. McKissic, who did not attend, posted his thoughts on social media following the election of Litton. “Without Ralph West, Charlie Dates, Marshall Ausberry, Fred Luter & Ed Litton, having placed reputations & invitations on the line, sounding the alarm that a wind was blowing in the SBC that was not in the best interest of AAs, Nashville would have been a PR disaster, as AAs exited,” McKissic tweeted. In other local church news: Pastor and Carson councilmember Jawane Hilton (City on The Hill Church in Carson) has accepted the post of pastor at Brister Memorial Baptist Church in Compton. For more, see our pastor profile on page 18.
Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center 4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 Corprate Office: 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 2A, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 295-5571 www.agapela.org
Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Founder & Senior Pastor
Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word
Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South L.A. 10905 S. Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 566.5286
Pastor Alvin Stafford Jr.
Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 10:30am Book by Book Bible Study (Wed.): 6:30pm Sunday service broadcast on Facebook live Sunday school and Book by Book Bible Study services are conducted on Zoom For more information, visit www.bethelsola.com
Grace Temple Baptist Church 7017 South Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192
Pastor Dwaine Jackson
Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:15 am Bible Study (Tues): Noon Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 6:00pm
Calvary Baptist Church 4911 W. 59th Street,Los Angeles, CA,90056 (323)298-1605•F: (310) 568-8430 • calvarybaptistla.org Rev. Dr. Virgil V. Jones Sunday Prayer: 8:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 12:00pm & 7:00pm
We are the Church on the Hill where the Light Shines Bright!
Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 www.christianfellowshipla.org
Pastor James K. McKnight
Sunday LiveStream: 10:00am (facebook.com/christianfellowshipla) Sunday Conference Call: 10:00am (310-372-7549 / code: 342408) Tue/Thurs Morning Word & Prayer: 7:00am Wed. Bible Study w/ Elder Stephen Brown (701-802-5001 / code: 825252#
Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org
Pastor Frederick K. Price, Jr.
Sunday Service: 9:45am Bible Study (Tue): 11:00am & 7:30pm Tue. Night Children’s Ministry: 7:30pm Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7:30pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7:30pm
God’s Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ / Prayer Clinic & Deliverance Ministry P.O. Box 561368, Los Angeles,CA 90056 (323)293-7566 • www.gfdjc.org• gfdjc@att.net Ruby Cottle, Ph.D., Pastor & Teacher
Prophetess June Morgan / Assistant Pastor Services Every Friday: 7:00pm-9:30pm
We meet at: St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 West Adams Blvd, LA, CA 90018
Watch Dr. Cottle on HBN TV on Wed’s 7:30am Starting May 2nd: Channel 886 Dish, Smart TV 35.2
Rev. Rodney Howard
Sunday L.I.F.E Group: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service: 9:30am Wednesday Intercessory Prayer: 6:30pm Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm
Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Senior Pastor
Reappointed to Grant AME Church Los Angeles Rev. Dr. James A. Rumph
Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm 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 Sunday
Tues. Pastor’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Wed. Noon-day Prayer: Noon
Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996
Rev. DeNon Porter
Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm
Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 703-5868 • www.holmanumc.com Email: holman@holmanumc.com
Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, Senior Pastor
Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday Radio: KJLH 102.3FM at 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am (Children/Youth) &
9:45am (Adults)
Bible Study: Every Thursday @ Noon We Gather,Grow,Go and Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Macedonia LA 1751 East 114th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 569-9561 • www.macedonia-la-org
Senior Pastor Shane B. Scott
Sunday Worship Service: 7:30am|10:00am Live MondayBible Study: 7:00pm (Log-in to Zoom Meeting ID: 377-818-648 or Dial In: 346-248-7799)
Life Of Faith Church 8216 S. Hover Street, Los Angeles,CA 90044 Office: (562) 375-1668 Website: www.lofnation.org • Youtube:LifeOfFaithChurchLive • Facebook: LifeOfFaithChurch•IG: LifeOfFaithC
Pastor Anthony Pigee, Jr.
Morning Worship: 10:00am Bible Study: 7:00pm
McCarty Memorial Christian Church 4103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-4131 • www.mccartychurch.org
Senior Pastor Edward Anderson
Sunday Worship: 10:45am Bible Study: Tues @ 12:30pm/ Wed @6:00pm Zoom Call Into: (605) 472-5454/Access:188857
Online Services Stream Live: Sundays@10:45am to www.mccartychurch.org Give: Text 77977 Instagram@mccartyconnect
Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964
Reverend Johnteris Tate-Pastor
Sunday Church School: 8:00am Worship Service: 9:15am Baptist Training Union: 7:00am Tues. Bible Study/Prayer:Noon & 7:00pm
FIRST LADY FILES
KAREN A. BROWN
Contributor
Lady Charle Johnson
Metropolitan Baptist Church of L.A.
“T he storm is worth the testimony” is a tagline from the newly released book Storm Watch and it is the summation of the life that Lady Charlé Johnson has lived and witnessed since the birth of her first child, Evan, who was born with health challenges. Now seven years old, Evan has had five full open heart surgeries, the first when he was only two weeks old. “As pastors and first ladies or as leaders of the church, it’s our job to push hope, push faith all while our faith and hope is being tested,” says Lady Charlé. Recently appointed as the executive pastor, she serves in ministry with her husband, Pastor Elton Johnson at the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Los Angeles. “It is my job to execute the pas-tor’s vision, whether it’s a service or community event. I make sure that all of the details and logis-tics are in place.” With Philippians 4:13 as a driving force for her life she is not allowing challenges to define her. “It is a constant reminder that no matter what state I’m in, I can make it with the strength of the Lord.” Lady Charlé, has been a praise dance leader for many years also is the Event Coordinator, Chief of Staff and a member of the Media Team at her church. Loaded with wisdom and great advice, Lady Charlé says to new pastor’s wives, “Be comforta-ble in who you are because comparison is the thief to joy. Do what it is that you have been called to do at your church.” She sees the 21st Century role of the pastor’s wife as one who is “out in the open and engaging with the people”. Lady Charlé and Pastor Elton Johnson are the proud parents of four children. An object of our prayers: Evan still needs another open heart surgery.
New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 • www.newantiochcogic.org
Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis
Sunday Early Worship: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Tuesday Bible Study: 11am Wednesday In The Word: 7pm All services streamed on Facebook and You Tube @New Antioch Church of God In Christ
Park Windsor Baptist Church 1842 W. 108th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 756-3966 • RevTerrellTaylor@sbcglobal.net
Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 291-1121 F: (323) 291-1133 • office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church
George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher
Sunday Worship: 8:00am, 11:30am Discipleship Groups (Sun): 9:45am Noonday Bible Study(Tue): 12:00pm Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Radio: KKLA 99.5 FM (Sat): 9:00pm Our Goal: To glorify God by winning more Christians and developing better Christians (Matt. 28:18-20)
Rev. Terrell Taylor
Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7:00pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am &
11:00am
Pastor Roshod Sundays: Morning Worship:
8:00am & 11:00am
Wednesday Bible Study & Mid Week Worship:
Noon & 7:00pm
Prayer Meeting: 6:30pm
St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org
Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor
Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed Corporate Prayer: 6:00 - 6:55 pm Monday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Noon Prayer: 12 Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson:
7:00pm
The Potter’s House at One LA 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • www.tphla.org
Sr. Pastor Toure’ Roberts
Sunday Worship: 9:00am, 11:15am & 1:00pm Thursday Midweek Service: 8pm
Watch Live: http://tphla.org/watch-live/
Trinity Baptist Church 2040 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-0044 • F: (323) 735-0219
Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr
Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am YouTube channel: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud Facebook/Website:trinitybaptistchurchofla.org SundayRadio Broadcast KJLH FM: 9:00am Zoom Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7:00pm Sign in to zoom.us click on “join in a meeting” enter meeting ID: 480-271-5449. By phone call 1-699-900-6833 give zoom ID. Sign-in at 6:55pmrchofla.org Weller Street Baptist Church 129 S. Gless St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 261-0949 • F: (323)264-6601 • www.wellerstreetlive.com
Pastor K.W. Tulloss
Sunday School: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm
www.wellerstreetlive.com
“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: 8:00am & 10:30am Early Worship: 8:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Evening Worship (North Campus): 7:00pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7:00pm Sun. Radio Broadcast KJLH 102.3FM: 10am www.westa.tv
Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org
Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus)
Service Time: 10:45 Virtual Worship: Youtube
Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm)
Dr. Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor
Sunday Worship: 9:00am Online Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm
FB: GreaterZionChurchFamily IG: GZCFamily
www.gzcfamily.com
Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Sunday School: 9:45am & 10:15am Early Morning Worship: 7:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11:15am New Members’ Class: 9:45am Holy-Communion (1st Sunday): 7:30 & 11:15am Mid-Week Prayer & Bible Study (Wed)- 7:00pm Broadcast (KALI 900AM - Sunday): 2:00pm-
3:00pm
Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, (P.O. Box 5449), Compton 90224 (310) 604-5900, www.loveandunity.org • info@loveandunity.org
Apostle Ronald C. Hill, Sr. Founder and Pastor
Live Stream Sunday Worship:10am & 6:30pm Live Stream Bible Studies:Wed.7:30pm&Sat 9am Live Stream Prayer w Apostle: Fri: 9am
Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact Televison Network: Mon-Fri @6:30amPST KJLH 102.3 Sundays 9:00pm
Pastor Larry Weaver
Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00
am
Sunday Bible Enrichment Class: 9:45am Mon.-Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12:30pm & 7:00pm
Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org
Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford
In Inglewood
Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer:
5am, Noon & 7:00pm
Wednesday Pathway: 7:00pm Thurs Bible Study: 10:00am
Sat Marriage & Family Prayer: 7:30am
The City of Refuge 14527 S. San Pedro Street, Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 516-1433
Bishop Noel Jones
In Gardena
Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:00pm Bible Study (Wed): Noon & 7:00pm BET/Fresh Oil (Wed): 7:00am Blessed Family Covenant Church 325 North Hillcrest Blvd, Inglewood, CA, 90301 (310)-674-0303 • F: (310)-674-0303 • blessedfamilycovenant.org
Pastor Wendy Howlett
Sunday Morning Worship & Word: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study: 7:00pm View Sunday Worship: www.youtube.com (Under Blessed Family Covenant Church)
Pastor Profile: Jawane Hilton
Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wed. Mid-Week Service: Noon Wed. Teaching Ministry: 7:00pm 1st Sunday Communion 5th Sunday Baptism
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
Sunday Services: 7:00am, 9:30am & 11:45am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7:00pm The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood www.faithfulcentral.com
Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc. 1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90302 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760
Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr.
Sunday Fresh Start & Prayer 9:00am Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7:00pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm www.jacobladderschurch.com
Church: Brister Memorial Baptist Church How Long at Church: One month Hometown: Los Angeles Civil Service: Carson City Councilmember Family: Married to wife Chantae, three children
Congratulations on your new assignment at Brister Memorial Baptist Church–how did it come to pass? It was literally a God move. The church was in need of a pastor. Their former pastor died a couple of years ago and they were in transition and I was referred. You founded City on Hill 14 years ago and remain its pastor, will you be merging the two congregations? Yes. We will worship at the Compton site. What are your plans for the church? Brister Memorial has a rich history in Compton, so we hope to build and improve on the legacy; also add some community programs and food program. Possibly create a partnership with a school. I hope to be a voice of clarity and to create partnerships with other stakeholders in the community. To shine a light on issues that may plague Compton and to lend m y voice o f support in any way I can. You also serve as a Carson councilmember, why did you decide to run for office? I was the former public policy director for a large non-profit in Carson and that was my first brush with politics. As you know Dr. King was on the front lines of the civil rights movement and traditionally, when people wanted to get elected, they came to the church. We’ve always been on the lines of making protests, but rarely on the lines of making policy, so I thought that we could use that power to leverage making policy. Is there a conflict in there being a pastor and politician? When I sit there, I don’t sit as a pastor. I sit as a legislator, but following the heart of God, so I don’t think it’s a conflict. The policy that is drafted impacts the people we serve [as pastors] every day. You can pray all day long, but you’ve got to be active. The Bible says faith without works is dead. Sometimes we have to go out with our prayers and actions… I saw my Mom work two jobs to raise us. I wanted to get involved in setting policy where people can get quality jobs and don’t have to be at work all day. What of the separation of church and state? I know that there’s a difference between church and state, but I think the reason we’re going through all that’s happening today is because people have taken God out of our governments.
How has your involvement in city politics impacted the way you do ministry? It gives me a seat on the other side of the table to create partnerships and foster relationships. As I go into the city of Compton, I have a relationship with the new Mayor and most of the city council, so I look forward to bringing those resources they might have to our church. Not only has being an elected official improved my ability to do ministry, but it has helped me to understand land use issues. To understand how to leverage the property that churches have that lay dormant to create resources, jobs and hubs in our community, particularly in this season where there is a housing crisis. I look at it from a communal standpoint. Community partnerships are important. We shouldn’t’ be limited to the four walls on Sunday, but should be working in the community at least six days a week. When did you embark on the path to ministry? I always knew that I was called from a young age. I used to go to church with my grandmother and she would tell me, ‘one day you’re going to be a pastor’. Other stuff didn’t fascinate me. My mom would try and get me involved in sports, but I would want to stay home and watch a documentary about Dr. King or something. I guess you could call me like a nerd, but I had a good mind to be a criminal genius. My cousin used to say I knew you were going to be something great, but I just didn’t know whose team you were going to be on. Then one night when I was in college and I remember not being able to sleep and literally hearing the voice of God as clear as day saying, ‘I’ve asked you to pledge to me, when are you going to do it?’ I’ve been doing it ever since. I started my first church on October 7, 2007. No doubt ministry has come with its own share of challenges–what were they for you? Our first baby died at birth and it was very difficult. My wife carried her to term but when we got to the hospital, they said her heart had stopped beating. We still struggle with it from time to time. Then just before the election my little brother–who was 24 at the time–fell dead in my mother’s living room. My mom called and said she thought he had a seizure and when I got there he wasn’t breathing. I remember going to the hospital with him and we waited an hour and thirty minutes and we prayed and all of a sudden he came back. The doctor told me, ‘surely if he comes from this, he’ll be brain dead’, but today he’s fine. That was a major defining moment in our lives to know that God is still healing. That’s why we keep on going. I see miracles every day. What is your philosophy of preaching/ministry? My style of preaching is expository. My process of ministry is to make sure the messages are thought-provoking and life changing –that people can apply them to their lives. For too long the church has been concerned just about what’s happening on their corner. Now it’s time for us to get out beyond the four walls and make things happen for our communities. We’ve never been at the center of policy making because we don’t pool our resources together, but if we come together, we could make a huge impact.
In the since you began pastoring, how have your goals changed? The one goal I started with is still the same, building people to build a city. I always say, if you help people build their lives, they will help you to build a church. So our main goal is to make sure that every need of their life is met be it physical, be it mental or emotional to help them improve their lives.
ISamuel 4:19–“And his daughterin-law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the news that the Ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed for her pains came upon her. At about the time of her death, the woman that stood by her said unto her, fear not for thou has born a son, but she answered not, neither did she regarded. And she named the child Ichabod, saying, the glory is departed from Israel because the Ark of God was taken and because of the deaths of her father-in-law and husband. And she said, “the glory is departed from Israel for the Ark of God is taken.”
From this scripture, we want to talk about don't lose the glory.
My brothers and sisters, right now is a time of hope as well as anxiety. We have hope for a better day after COVID-19, yet we are anxious because of the unknown. More people are getting vaccinated and the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths are smaller.
With less restrictions in place, we’re finding ourselves able to experience freedoms that have been gone for some time. Sporting events are allowing fans in the stands. Restaurants have returned to sit down dining.
The sad thing about normalcy is that it is often followed by complacency and mediocrity. Understand, the virus has not disappeared. People are still getting sick and dying, but we’re beginning to envision what life after the pandemic might look like. The important thing is not to become so comfortable that we fall into a position like this again.
Over the past year and a half, there were a lot of things we weren’t able to do, but there were some things that grew exponentially. The pandemic forced churches to move from the four walls of eloquent edifices to online with an escalated determination to ensure doctrine-based content.
Seems that when sickness, death and darkness descended on the world, it became the catalyst for many to reflect on what was truly important. There was a greater hunger for the word and people began to understand that revelation is pure, interpretation is good, application is a necessity and timing is everything.
Gone was the entertainment and concert-type atmosphere that made people feel good for the moment, but rarely produced a life-changing relational experience with God.
I'm not one of those who would say that just as Amazon has made many brick-andmortar stores obsolete, so has the church become after the pandemic. Instead, we must understand that the church is the body of Christ made up of many members, fitly joined together. It is the light of the world and salt of the earth. Light shows the way and salt preserves. If the light goes out, how can we show people the way?
Glory, when used as a verb, describes what we give. One songwriter put it like this: when I think of the goodness of Jesus and all that he has done for me, my soul cries out Hallelujah. That's giving God glory with the fruit of our lips and offering a sacrifice of praise.
Glory is an adjective and a verb. As an adjective, glory describes God's attributes–powerful, majesty, and greatness.
When I say, ‘don't lose the glory’, it has nothing to do with the adjective, but everything to do with the verb.
Now in the text, the glory had departed from Israel because of their lack of obedience to God. They’d become a superstitious and idolatrous nation that was complacent and mediocre at best.
The children of Israel were at war with the Philistines and someone came up with the idea of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into battle with them.
Now, the Ark of a Covenant was a beautiful symbol of God's presence and glory–made from an extremely hard wood and overlaid with gold. The top was covered by what we call the Mercy Seat, – solid pure gold with two figures of cherubim facing each other, their wings stretched above their heads forming an arch, representing God's throne in heaven.
The Ark was so full of God's glory that it was not to be touched by human hands. When transported, it had to be carried with staves or poles.
Uzzah was the son of Abinadab. The Ark of the Covenant had been in Abinadab’s house for 20 years and Uzzah had become comfortable being around the Ark. Because of his comfortability, he touches the Ark and that is the reason he died.
Back to the text, God never told them to bring the Ark into battle. What they needed to know was that their safety was not in the Ark of the Lord, but in the Lord of the Ark. (The pandemic has made us recognize that our safety is not in the house of the Lord, but in the Lord of the house).
Now, when Eli, the high priest got word of what happened–that his sons had been killed and the Ark of the Covenant was taken–he fell backward off of his seat, broke his neck and died. His daughter-inlaw, Phinehas’ wife went into labor, gave birth to a male son and called him Ichabod, meaning “the glory has departed”.
Let me drop this one in for free– the Ark being captured was not the reason for the glory departing. Truth is, the glory was already gone. Capturing the Ark was just the manifestation of the glory being gone, demonstrating that the glory can depart without us realizing it until much later.
Sadly, the glory had departed from many churches pre-pandemic, but we failed to realize it until later. We had some Ichabod choirs that could sing wonderfully. We had some Ichabod praise teams that made us want to jump and shout, but really had no substance to their song. There were Ichabod preachers that gave sugarcoated sermons and going to church had for some become more of a religious activity than a relational experience.
The pandemic exposed that the glory had departed, making us realize that the church's existence was essentially one of social gathering. In the post pandemic church, we must make sure we don't lose the glory and literally change how we do church. We need to be the church. We have to understand that the Kingdom of God is at hand and focus more on people and the community beyond the walls of our edifices.
Being the church will cause us to appreciate the mission more than the building. We must make church less Sunday-centered and more about spiritual growth than physical appearance, less guilt-ridden and more love-filled with healing, deliverance, and the power of a God that desires a relationship with His people.
I hear people say, ‘I come to every worship service and I pay my tithes’. So what? God is looking for more from us. He's tired of our old sacrifices.
Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice Holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Often in the pre-pandemic church, we went to church just because. Post-pandemic, we must strive to get beyond just coming to church and learn how to get into the very presence of God.
When you have a church and don't see the glory of the Lord operating in it, then you have a church that’s not giving God the praise He rightfully deserves.
When the glory of the Lord has left the church, people will leave out the same way they came in. No prayers are being answered, cries are n o t
Pastor Robert continued Taylor to page 24
True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 7901 South Van Ness Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 750-7304
Rev. James A. Perkins
Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:45am Bible Adventure Hour (Tues): 6pm Bible Study (Tues): 7pm Bible Study (Thurs): Noon
Antioch Church of Long Beach 350 Pine Ave. ,Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 591-8778 •www.antiochlb.com In Long Beach
Senior Pastor Wayne Chaney, Jr. Online Services
Stream live: Sunday 10:00 am at antiochlb.com Give: text antiochib to 77977
Social Media:
facebook.com/antiochlb instagram.com/antiochlb youtube.com/antiochlongbeach Christian’s Community Center of Los Angeles 3960 E. Gilman Street, Long Beach, CA 90815 (562) 597-3252
Senior Pastor Thom Washington
Live Stream Sunday Service: 11:00am Wednesday Night Prayer: 6:00pm Sunday Bible Class: 9:30am Sunday Afternoon Services: 4:00pm (2nd & 4th Sunday) Wednesday Prayer: 6:00pm Bible Study Wednesday 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: 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Intercessory Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Pastoral teaching adults: 7:30pm Wed. Youth Ministry Boot-Camp; Youth Bible Study: 7:00pm & Choir Rehearsal: 7:30pm
Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com • www.grantamelb.org Greater Emmanuel Temple 3740 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood, CA 90262 (424) 296-0400 •www.greateremmanuel.org In Lynwood
Pastor Nissan Stewart Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Prayer: 6:30pm Mid-Week Refuel/Bible Study: 7:00pm (Wednesday) Follow us: @GETFamilyNow
The Greater Emmanuel Temple App Available in App Store
Walking In The Spirit Ministries Double Tree (Sonoma Grill) 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk CA 90650 (213) 248-6343 P.O Box 1597 Norwalk CA,90651 In Norwalk
Tim & Leshia Brooks
Morning Worship: 11:00am Services Held Every 2nd & 4th Sunday and Free Breakfast Is Served Bible Study: 8:30am (Every 5th Friday)
Christ Second Baptist Church 1471 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 599-3421 • Fax: (562) 599-6175 • www.csbclb.org
Rev. Welton Pleasant II, Senior Pastor
Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service : 9:40am Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wed Youth & Young Adult Ministry: 7:00pm
Rev. Dr. Michael W. Eagle, Sr.
Sun. Worship Experience: 10:45am 3rd Sun. Healing & Anointing: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 6pm Mothers of Murdered Youth & Children
Where all receive a little attention, affection and love.
Arise Christian Center 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C,Westchester, CA,90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com In Westchester
Pastor Ron Taylor Morning Worship: 9:00am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Thursday:11:30am-12:30pm
Malveaux continued from page 8 So, while I won’t jump, I’ll pause for a minute to thank the Juneteenth warriors who made this holiday happen. And I’ll ask President Biden not to rest on his laurels. We need the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to be passed yesterday, and by whatever means necessary. Melvin van Peebles wrote a play in the 1970s, Ain’t Supposed to Die A Natural Death. One of the lines that stuck with me through these many years is from a woman folks assume is suicidal because she is standing on a ledge. She says, “I ain’t leaping. I’m just learning”. That’s how I feel about the Juneteenth holiday, not leaping for joy but leaning in gratitude and progress. Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at California State University, Los Angeles.
honoring Juneteenth means making the promise of freedom real. A holiday is not the end, but rather the beginning of our journey to true liberation. Black people will not be free until Congress passes crucial legislation, including the For the People Act, which would restore voting rights and bring about electoral reform; the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, which would remedy racial abuse in law enforcement; the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 gutted by the Supreme Court, and especially H.R. 40, which would establish a commission to study reparations for slavery. Anything less than this would be pure symbolism and empty slogans at this point. David A. Love is is a freelance journalist and commentator who is a contributor to theGrio and whose writings have been featured on CNN. Follow him on twitter at @davidalove
We have to understand that crisis brings about transformation. There are many out there that have comprised five-step, 12-step and even some 20-step methods to becoming a post-pandemic church. The best advice that I can give is to make sure we don't lose the glory.
Even though the world may be focusing on getting back to “normal”, we can't go back to church as usual. We cannot afford to lose the glory. We cannot operate with the spirit of mediocrity. We have to ensure that as we entered this post-pandemic age that we practice a spirit of excellence determined to the process of kingdom building.
ADA requirements and addresses any imminent public safety issues. It would also allow the City–after a resolution is passed by the City Council and a 14 day public notice posted–to prohibit encampments around schools, preschools and day care facilities, as well as in areas where there has been a threat to public safety due to fires, violent crimes or other hazardous conditions. “It will be our responsibility to ensure that for each and every location considered for restrictions, there is not only ample public notice and deliberation by City Council, but that our outreach workers have thoughtfully offered suitable housing alternatives,” said Councilmember RidleyThomas. “Ordinances won’t solve the homeless crisis - only a bold investment in trained outreach workers that can link the unhoused to affordable and supportive housing will.” Ridley-Thomas also introduced an amendment to ensure that the final ordinance does not contain language that compounds the plight of the unhoused by subjecting them to the criminal justice system. The modification would make sure that any violation resulting from individuals refusing to comply be enforceable only as infractions. “The bottom line is that we seek not to marginalize or stigmatize people experiencing homelessness. The changes we offered to the ordinance will ensure that no one will go to jail simply due to the fact that they have been sleeping on the street,” said Councilmember RidleyThomas.
David A. Love continued from page 8 City Council continued from page 6
Pulpit continued from page 19 being heard, and no tears are being wiped away. No healing is taking place.
I made up my mind I'm not going to let no pandemic, no depression or no person separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. You shouldn’t either. Romans 8:35 declares, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword.”
You might have seen her as a guest chef on Good Morning America, The View, The Talk and or the Wendy Williams Show, but if you are a fan of the Food Network, then you are intimately familiar with Sunny Anderson and her classic comfort cooking. For the last seven years, Anderson has served as a co-host on the series, The Kitchen. But Anderson’s history with the Food Network dates back to 2005 with a guest appearance on Emeril Live! In 2005. Her first show, Gotta Get It, a food gadget show, premiered in 2007, followed by Cooking for Real, How'd That Get On My Plate and Home Made in America with Sunny Anderson. Cooking is part of what she does not only for a living, but for her own personal enjoyment. “As soon as I left home, I realized how much I loved to cook,” says Anderson who grew up traveling the world as an Army brat. “I knew it was something I wanted to do for a living when I started cooking for my friends. I was a radio DJ at Hot 97 in New York, and people would ask me, “Can you cook something for this studio session or press day?” At the heart of anyone who likes to cook is the need to share it, and the idea that people were willing to pay me for it really blew my mind. I was just trying to make my friends happy without going into debt, so I opened a catering company.” A growing client list led to her appearance on Emeril Live and the rest is history. Her cooking style combines classic comfort foods along with unique flavors inspired by her many travels. In September 2013, she released a New York Times best-selling debut cookbook, Sunny’s Kitchen: Easy Food for Real Life.
Sunny’s Honey BBQ Oven Short Ribs
Ingredients: 1/4 cup sweet paprika 1 tablespoon onion powder Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons dry oregano 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 6 pounds short-ribs, flanken-cut (about 6 ribs bone-in, cut into 5 to 6-inch strips) ½ cup honey
Directions: Heat the oven to 300 degrees F. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, 4 teaspoons salt, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper and a few grinds of black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the ribs and allow it to sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours at the most. Place the ribs snugly in an oven dish with the fat side of each rib facing up. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and don't be afraid to top the dish with another heavy dish to ensure the seal! Cook in the oven for 2 1/2 hours, at this point the meat should be falling off the bones. Remove the ribs from the oven and raise the temperature to 425 degrees F. Using a pair of tongs, flip and move the beef around a bit. Drizzle the honey evenly over the top of each rib. Place the ribs back in the oven, this time leaving it uncovered and cook another 10 to 15 minutes.
Gascon continued from page 6 er Black man while in prison and said he thought of Leblanc as he committed the murder. “I told Jennifer Shaffer if you don't want to live around them, then why are you going to make us live around them?” said Cordae. “If they murdered and raped your kid would you feel the same way?” Shaffer is the current head of the California Board of Parole Hearings. Corde had to review the gruesome files and act as her own counsel after the D.A’s office refused to send representation. She finally sought assistance from the Governor to help in her son's case. After reaching out to Governor Gavin Newsom, Corde received a call on her birthday telling her that they were reversing the parole granted to her son's killer. Corde, whose discontent stems deep, would like to see cases reviewed on an individual, rather than a collective basis. “I lived in the ghetto. I have lived around gang-members. They’re dangerous. So, it doesn't matter what these people say or how they are saying it, because they are sitting high and looking low,” Corde said. “A person can go to federal prison for life for selling weed, but someone can brutally murder my kid and you want them out after 11 years?” Corde questioned. A silver lining for Corde is working for prison reform as well as victims’ families, with film producer Scott Budnick. Budnick served as executive producer of The Hangover and is also founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC). Budnick also mentors youth offenders and coincidentally worked with the killer of Corde’s son, advocating for his parole. He reached out to Corde after seeing her on the news pushing back against the release. “You're not qualified to speak to the value of my murdered son. Every time you do, I’m going to give you pushback because I am his mother,” Corde told him. Although Corde says she and Budnick got off to a rough start, he apologized for she brought him to another level of awareness. Budnick is also helping Corde with the process of passing the Marquis Leblanc Fair Parole Act, to increase fairness in parole hearings by allow eligible victims, survivors or their legal representative to participate in parole hearings. “I understand there has been harsh sentencing for Black and Brown kids but when you go around killing people’s loved ones, raping and murdering people, there is no filter for you. You satisfy the crime with the time,” Corde stated.
SavingGrace
Victoria Rowell has a lot to celebrate these days. Last month, her hit digital series, The Rich and the Ruthless, struck a new deal for a home at BET+ with the fourth season of the drama premiering on May 13 along with seasons one through three streaming on the ViacomCBS platform.
The award winning show–created by Rowell–centers on the fictional plot of the first black-owned soap on broadcast TV, pulling out all the stops to stay on top. Rowell, who serves as executive producer and director, also stars in the series, along with Richard Brooks, Michael Colyar, Chrystale Wilson, Robert Ri’chard, Alesha Rene and Bryton James.
Rowell knows a great deal about soap operas having spent 14 years as a prime player on the top-rated CBS soap, The Young & The Restless” and is an 11-time NAACP Image Award winner because of it. But it is what fuels Rowell’s enormous drive that makes her story most compelling.
“I wanted to create this fictional world which in terms of behind the camera is a composite of all my experience,” says Rowell. “I've worked with some of the best in the business, whether it's producers or directors like Forest Whitaker, Kasi Lemmons who was the director of Eve’s Bayou and Madam CJ Walker story that we've seen up on Netflix.
“Also, I wanted to bring diversity into daytime behind the camera and really show in this fictional setting –with the Barringer family–the difficulties…the work that it takes to produce 64 pages a day, which is what daytime broadcast drama does. As a producer, writer, director, I’m able to hire people that simply should be given the opportunity that weren’t necessarily offered one, so it’s been exciting.”
Daytime, for Rowell, has been a great place to have a career.
“I have a podcast I do that is called Secrets of Soap opera Diva. What people don't understand,” Rowell continues, “is that everyone from Morgan Freeman, to James Earl Jones, to Cicely Tyson, to Felicia Rashad, to Vanessa Bell Calloway, (I could go on forever). They have all been part of the African-American soap family that helped lift the viewership and I think many people don't realize how long we've been in the game.
“So, I was inspired to create my own book series, my own soap opera…to hire elegant gifted talent like Richard Brooks and Crystal Wilson, Michael Cawley, Robert Burchard, Brenda Epperson. The list goes on. Not only in front of the camera, but behind the camera from my food services to one of my DPs, my directors of photography, to my producers. If not you're in a seat of power, things aren't going to change.”
Last year, Rowell credits part of the change happening now in Hollywood to the murder of George Floyd and the protests that grew up around it.
“The black lives matter movement has really moved corporate minds and I'm seeing change before my eyes. I have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do,” she affirms. “We cannot let that gas pedal up.”
That is why these days Rowell is proud to be calling the shots.
“I’ve cast the net wide and I’m really proud of the show in front of and behind the camera”, Rowell states.
Not only is she able to hand out opportunities, but the show expanded Rowell’s own opportunities as a director and producer as well. She recently directed a Christmas movie titled “A Rich Christmas”, starring Bill Bellamy and Vanessa Williams; and later this year, she is set to direct the Hattie McDaniel story, “Behind the Smile”.
Her talents, however, are not limited to work in front of and or behind the camera. She is a published author with a two-book deal for her popular soap opera novel series, a seasoned speaker and has been recognized by 193 members of Congress for advocacy work on behalf of education, arts, foster and adoptive youth and parents.
Rowell grew up in foster care and the experience cuts at the core of her very essence. From what she eats to where she lives to what they touch and the very breath she takes. And if that sounds a little extreme, Rowell would have you to understand that foster care is extreme.
“You don't know that as a child because that life is all you know,” Rowell reflects somewhat pensively. “You're never quite sure what's going to happen next, so it’s one day at a time” Rowell says. “You're just in a bed and hopefully you're in a bed only you sleep in, and it’s a nurturing bed–not an abusive bed. Whatever the case, it was normal for me to live the way I was living. That's what saves a lot of kids, that they don't know the difference."
She was just 16 days old when instead of going home from the hospital to doting parents; she went directly into foster care. Instead, the journey that started in her hometown of Portland, Maine would take her through five sets of foster parents before her emancipation from the system at the age of 18 in New York City. Along the way, Victoria fell in love with dance, and it is her love for dance and pursuit of the arts that she says saved her.
She was eight when she won a scholarship to the Cambridge School of Ballet thanks to the assistance of a foster mother who gifted her with her first pair of ballet slippers. And eight years later at 16, it was dance that landed her at the famed American Ballet Theatre in New York City, –all the while navigating her way through the foster care system.
She made her acting debut in the 1987 comedy film, Leonard Part 6 and in 1990 joined the cast of the Young & the Restless as Drucilla Barber Winters. Just two years later, she was a breakout star as Eddie Murphy’s love interest in “The Distinguished Gentleman and in 1993 landing an eight-year co-starring stint on Diagnosis Murder, starring Dick Van Dyke. She has worked steadily since. Her sixty-plus acting credits include roles opposite Jim Carrey, Will Smith, Samuel L. Jackson, Shemar Moore, Beau Bridges, Forest Whitaker, Harry Lennix and more.
That Rowell has been so focused is something she credits to foster mom Agatha Armstead, who was nearly a senior citizen when she took Rowell and her two biological sisters in.
In 2007, Rowell paid homage Armstead and other mentors in her book The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir, which was published to critical acclaim.
“She was faith driven and a real pragmatist. She had me at two and a half and imparted scruples and life lessons,” Rowell recounts. “I still carry them with me and I walked with faith because of her.
“I was very fortunate to have that woman in my life who taught me that there is a power unseen, but you feel it and you hold on to that and I've always leaned into my faith. I also had the gift of prayer taught to me, so I learned the power of prayer and faith.”
It is that faith combined with drive that helped her to convince a consortium of black investors to back The Rich and the Ruthless. “You have to be disciplined and believe in your project,” adds the mother of two adult children. “If you don't believe in it, your investors surely will know you don't believe in it.”
In fact, Rowell can hardly contain the passion for what she is doing. “I'm always excited about what I do”, states Rowell. “I'm still excited like the little girl that auditioned for that ballet school. I'm excited about material that defines my community, but also shows how intrinsic…how much we interface with the world. I'm open to not only black content, but I'm interested in what we are doing to integrate us into the world, into the diaspora. “In the meantime, I want everyone to go to the richandtheruthless.com. Get your BET Plus subscription. It's only $9.99 and they have a free trial. So if you're not going to stay, all right, but watch my show. And you can always follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Victoria Rowell.”
Victoria Rowell
The black lives matter movement has really moved corporate minds and I'm seeing change before my eyes. I have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to do,” she affirms. “We cannot let that gas pedal up. If not you're in a seat of power, things aren't going to change
