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Church News Elder Charles Blake II Named CoPastor of West Angeles COGIC PAGE

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Upfront

Stacey Abrams Makes It Official: She’s Running for Governor of Georgia With an announcement on Twitter, Stacy Abrams has made it official: she is running for governor of the state of Georgia.

“I’m running for Governor,” Abrams tweeted....

Saving Grace Brandy Norwood

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L.A. Focus Publications

December 2021

L-R: Areva Martin & Kevin Hart surprised ten families from the Special Needs Network at a Sam’s Club in Oxnard with a Sam’s Club shopping spree• L-R: Councilmember Curren Price visited A Step to Freedon(ASF), along with dozens of volunteers and community partners, including Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System (HOPICS), LADWP and representatives of the LA Chargers, for the launch of the annual “Warm the Streets” event, which provides blankets to thousands of unhoused individuals•Assemblymember Miguel Santiago with his district’s honoree Jasmyne Cannick at the LACDP

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4 Commentary

From The Editor “ If Not For The Video”

“Ensuring Racial Equity by Expanding Internet Access”

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Dwayne “The Rock’ Johnson’s Holiday Tidings• Jussie Smollett is back in the Spotlight...

Footnotes

UpFront New California “Strike Force” Gives Teeth to State Housing Laws • “Black Churches Free COVID Testing Program Critical in Keeping Numbers Down” • Voting Rights Is the Civil Rights Issue of Our Time

8 Headlines From Africa

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Money Matters Getting into the Spirit of Holiday Giving

Biz News Briefs Michael B. Jordan & Serena Williams Unite for Million Dollar HBCU Giveaway • Ciara Teams Up with Facebook in the #Buy Black Campaign

On the Money Lawsuits Against Travis Scott Top $3 Billion

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Cover Story The Redrawing of District 2 Is At The Heart of The County’s Redistricting Dilemma

staff

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers Photographer Advertising

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

Charles Johnson

49th Annual American Music Awaards

Tis The Season for Kirk Franklin • The King of Gospel Music • Pastor E. Dewey Smith Soars To # 1 on Gospel Charts

14 GameChanger 15 Church News 16

Patti LaBelle

Brandy Norwood

Throught The Storm “”Wanda Cooper-Jones’ Journey to Justice”

Jessica Watkins & the Next Frontier of Space Flight

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Elder Charles Blake II Named Co-Pastor of West Angeles COGIC • Center of Hope L.A. Launches Mobile Medical Clinic for Uninsured & Low Income Residents

Elle Smith of Kentucky, has been was named Miss USA. The 23year old model, journalist, and beauty pageant titleholder is the third black woman in a row to take the crown and recently moved to Los Angeles.

First Lady Files Bridgette Small, Greater New Jerusalem

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

Bishop Charles Blake Bishop Noel Jones Pastor Michael Fisher Rev. Xavier L. Thompson Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer Pastor Emeritus Melvin Wade Pastor K.W Tulloss Bishop Robert T. Douglas Sr. L.A. Focus/December 2021

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

Red Carpet Style Eye On Gospel

Fighting Over Biden’s Infrastructure Deal

18 From The Pulpit of 19 21 In Good Taste Saving Grace 22 Pastor Profile

All Nations Worship Assembly – San Bernardino– Pastor Sherman Dumas

Halle Berry

Head to Head

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Hollywood Buzz

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Lem Daniels Bob Blake

Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co. Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church Morgan Stanley Bob Blake & Associates

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Commentary

JOSE MARQUEZ Guest Columnist

“Ensuring Racial Equity by Expanding Internet Access”

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ith protests having erupted in cities across the country over police violence targeting Black men and women, the civil rights and social justice movements have shot to forefront of U.S. politics in a way not seen since the 1960s.

While much of the conversation rightly has centered on police brutality and the role law enforcement plays in American society, communities of color also are discriminated against in numerous other ways. Many Black Americans, Latinos and other people of color are given substandard educational opportunities, lack avenues to workforce training and advancement and, arguably most important in today’s tech-driven world, face a dearth of access to reliable, affordable broadband internet.

Congress made a good first step in ameliorating this dire situation when it passed President Biden’s infrastructure bill, but the $65 billion allocation in broadband for all is hardly enough to close the digital divide.

The gap in digital access is particularly wide in communities of color, where one in three families with children lack a high-speed internet connection at home – a rate of disconnection more than 50 percent higher than that of white families. The problem is exacerbated in areas across the South from Atlanta to Houston where 35 percent of Black adults lack any access to broadband at home.

Lawmakers need to make sure that they include a broadband policy that guarantees no American is stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide. The private sector is already doing this with a little-known but ambitious effort like the Southern Communities Initiative. It is seeking to address the socio-economic challenges that African Americans face throughout the region. And among the goals of this partnership is to expand broadband access across six metro areas

throughout the South: Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Houston, Memphis, and New Orleans. The effort has the backing of some of the most powerful individuals in corporate America, including PayPal CEO Dan Schulman, Vista CEO Robert F. Smith and BCG CEO Rich Lesser.

We are not too late to bridge the digital divide, and the Southern Communities Initiative will almost certainly play an important role in helping accomplish that in communities like my hometown of Atlanta. But this important work cannot be left to private individuals and organizations alone. Lawmakers must do their part to

From the Editor

ensure that high-speed internet is available and affordable to every American, no matter where in the country they live.

While policymakers in Washington have focused on getting broadband access to rural areas, we must also make sure that urban areas are not overlooked. Census data has shown that while there are approximately 5 million rural households without broadband access, this problem is three times as large in urban areas–with around 15 million urban or metro households without broadband.

Affordable and ubiquitous access to high-speed internet, however, is just the starting point. We also must expand access to the hardware and software people need to take full advantage of all the internet has to offer and maintain an ecosystem of digital educators, repair workers, designers and other tech specialists who can keep improvements going long into the future.

Guaranteeing that all Americans have broadband access would not only help close the digital divide but would also give the United States an edge in global competitiveness as it would bring millions of people more fully into the digital economy. One study from last year found that only about 30 percent of African Americans had access to broadband compared with about 60 percent of whites.

There is a broad consensus from civil rights leaders to corporate heads to policymakers inside the Washington Beltway that broadband access is a right of every American. Lawmakers must take note and ensure that all Americans have the ability to log on.

Jose Marquez is the national President and CEO of TechLatino: Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA).

LISA COLLINS Publisher

“If Not For The Video ”

L.A. Focus/October 2021

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ast month, there was a collective sigh of relief among Blacks across the nation when eleven whites and one black juror returned 23 out of 27 guilty verdicts against the three men (not worthy of having their names mentioned) guilty of hunting down and murdering Ahmaud Arbery, guaranteeing that they will spend the rest of their lives in jail.

And that is right where the trio I have dubbed as “the wannabe Dukes of Hazzard” complete with their Confederate flag belong with those other relics of the old South who believe in their righteous authority over Blacks. The very idea that a Black man wouldn’t yield to their requests to stop and explain to them why he was in their community was unthinkable.

“If he’d just stopped, he would have been alive today,” one of them said.

It is sad that someone has to die in order to bring about the kind of change that brings to an end a 1863 statute originally enacted to give whites the legal right to hunt down runaway slaves for a bounty that was still on the books up until recently; and that it was the law they believed would serve as the grounds for the Citizen’s arrest the men were attempting to make on Ahmaud Arbery.

With Arbery’s death, that law has been repealed.But what is most troubling to me is that many of felt that there was a chance eleven whites wouldn’t do the right thing. That justice would be elusive. That Black lives didn’t matter. I was not alone in that fear and for good reason.

The first two prosecutors refused to charge the men.

Think of it. No evidence of anything stolen. No evidence that Arbery had done anything wrong. Just jogging through a majority white neighborhood was what cost

him his life.

The investigating officers even indicated that they were ready to make an arrest and were told not to. (See our story on page 14).

The irony is that the video was released to a local radio station by an attorney representing one of defendants thinking it would help his clients and without that video, there more than likely wouldn’t have been justice for the family of Ahmaud Arbery.

So, does the system work? Well, surely if you have a video. The question is: does our justice system work without one?

But perhaps it was the video viewed in another courtroom last month that told a more accurate story of how our justice system worked, when in the middle of a riot in the middle of the night, a seventeen year old white boy who’d just shot three people could walk down the street with an assault rifle and be waved on by police.

We all know what would have happened had Kyle Rittenhouse been black that night, with or without a video.

A little closer to home, I was among the many shocked, saddened and dismayed by the tragic and fatal shooting of Jacqueline Avant is what was believed to be a home invasion. I had the privilege of meeting Jackie on a few occasions and she was one of the kindest and most graceful women I have had the pleasure of being in the company of.

In the words of Tyler Perry, “What kind of subhuman could shoot an 81 year old woman?”

But this brazen rash of follow home, smash and grab robberies and home invasions by mostly Black perpetrators should give us all pause for concern. What kind of people are these who have so little regard for life?

In the wake of Avant’s death, community activists called on the County Board of Supervisors to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the murderer of Jacqueline Avant, and as a community we should all be engaged in doing what we can to bring to an end the kind of escalating violence we are witnessing on the streets of L.A. The late Myles Munroe often said, “People generally fall into one of three groups: the few who make things happen, the many who watch things happen, and the overwhelming majority who have no notion of what happens.”

Finally, in the spirit of this Christmas season, an annual tradition for L.A. Focus is to provide a listing of agencies that provide help over the holiday season in hopes that you will reach out to those in need. It is included on page 9. With that, the staff of L.A. Focus wishes you a safe and blessed holiday, urging you to remember the reason for the season–and the spirit of one who was born in a manger some 2,000 years ago.

Keep the faith.

UpFront

News Briefs

New California “Strike Force” Gives Teeth to State Housing Laws

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To advance housing access, affordability, and equity, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced earlier this month the creation of a Housing Strike Force. The team, housed within the California Department of Justice (Cal DOJ) has been tasked with enforcing California housing laws that cities across the state have been evading or ignoring.

The strike force will conduct a series of roundtables across the state to educate and involve tenants and homeowners as the state puts pressure on municipalities failing to follow housing rules and falling short of housing production goals set by state.

“California is facing a housing shortage and affordability crisis of epic proportion,” Bonta said. “Every day, millions of Californians worry about keeping a roof over their heads, and there are too many across this state who lack housing altogether. This is a top priority and a fight we won’t back down from. As Attorney General, I am committed to using all the tools my office has available to advance Californians’ fundamental right to housing.”

The Housing Strike Force will take

“an innovative and intersectional approach” to addressing the housing crisis, focusing on tenant protections, housing availability and environmental sustainability, housing affordability, and equitable and fair housing opportunity for tenants and owners.

Bonta also launched a Housing Portal on the Cal DOJ's website with resources and information for California homeowners and tenants.

The strike force will enlist the expertise of attorneys from the Cal DOJ’s Land Use and Conservation Section, the Consumer Protection Section, the Civil Rights Enforcement Section, and the Environment Section’s Bureau of Environmental Justice in its enforcement efforts.

“California has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address its housing crisis.

Thanks to the historic $22 billion housing and homelessness investments in this year’s budget. But it’ll only work if local governments do their part to zone and permit new housing,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “The Attorney General’s emphasis on holding cities and counties accountable for fair housing, equity, and housing production is an important component to the state’s efforts to tackle the affordability crisis and create greater opportunities for all Californians to have an affordable place to call home.”

According to the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the level of Black ownership nationally has

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L.A. Focus/December 2021

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“variant of concern,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

“While the Delta variant remains the dominant variant detected among LA County residents and continues to account for 100% of cases sequenced, the Omicron variant identified by the World Health Organization in South Africa as a “variant of concern” is being closely monitored as we work with others across the globe to prepare to mitigate the challenges a new variant of concern may pose for residents and workers across the county,” the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACD Public Health), said in a written statement.

“As we continue to learn more about Omicron, there is no reason to panic but we should remain vigilant,” Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration posted through its Twitter account. “We know how to protect ourselves from COVID - get vaccinated, get your booster & wear a mask.”

Black people account for 25% of those who have tested positive and 39% of the COVID-related deaths, while making up just 15 percent of the general population.

In California, African Americans are about 6% of the population but 10.6 per-

California Black Media

decreased below levels achieved during the decades when housing discrimination was legal.

The 2020 census reports that there was a 29.6 % gap between homeownership rates for African Americans and Whites. Homeowners accounted for 44.6% of the Black population as compared to 74.2% for Whites.

“Blacks have made little, if any, strides at closing the homeownership gap. Systemic discriminatory regulations and policies continue to thwart any meaningful effort at increasing Black homeownership,” said Lydia Pope, NAREB’s president.

In California, the DOJ reports that, over the last four decades, housing needs have outpaced housing production. It has caused a crisis that stretches from homelessness to unaffordable homes.

Despite significant effort, the DOJ stated that California continues to host a disproportionate share of people experiencing homelessness in the United States, with an estimated 150,000 Californians sleeping in shelters, in their cars, or on the street.

Bonta said that California’s 17 million renters spend a significant portion of their paychecks on rent, with an estimated 700,000 Californians at risk of eviction. High home purchase costs – the median price of a single-family home in California is more than $800,000 – have led to the lowest homeownership rates since the 1940s.

Due to decades of systemic racism, these challenges have continuously and disproportionately impacted communities of color. For example, Bonta said, almost half of Black households in California spend more than 30% of their income on housing, compared with only a third of White families.

In addition, less than one in five Housing continued to page 20

“Black Churches Free COVID Testing Program Critical in Keeping Numbers Down” n response to the new Omicron variant case detected in San Francisco on Dec. 1, the state’s health departments and African American faithbased communities are doubling down on why they encourage testing and vaccination that would prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The State of California and the San Francisco Department of Public Health have confirmed a case of the Omicron variant, identified through their sequencing capabilities, and are continuing to monitor the variant’s presence and progress.

“We recognize that everyone is exhausted, and the news of a new variant can be overwhelming,” the California and San Francisco Departments of Public Health said in a joint statement. “It is important that we collectively focus on the things we know prevent the spread of COVID-19, and its variants.

Individuals should get vaccinated and boosted, wear your mask in indoor settings, get tested if you have symptoms; and stay home if you are sick.”

First discovered by South African scientists, the Omicron variant of SARSCoV-2 is the latest strain of the coronavirus to be designated a

ANTONIO RAY HARVEY

ANTONIO RAY HARVEY Contributor

cent of deaths, according to California Department Public Health (CDPH).

As part of its commitment to reduce health inequities, the state has pertinent information about statistics in the state listed on its Health Equity Dashboard.

As of Nov. 23, a total of 196,001 cases and 4,917 deaths occured in the Black community.

The African American Community Empowerment Council (AACEC) is still implementing testing and vaccination in church parking lots, campuses, and facilities across the state.

The AACEC of California is a nonpolitical collective dedicated to the inclusive and comprehensive contribution and progression of African Americans throughout the state.

“We are proud that the state has continued to work with our network of churches. With the new strands our underserved communities must continue to have access to free COVID testing,” Rev. Judi Wortham, Southern California Director for the Black church COVID testing project, said.

The testing and vaccination of at-risk, underrepresented, under-resourced African Americans, and all community members are executed in Los Angeles,

Stacey Abrams Makes It Official: She’s Running for Governor

With an announcement on Twitter, Stacy Abrams has made it official: she is running for governor of the state of Georgia.

“I’m running for Governor,” Abrams tweeted.

“Regardless of the pandemic or the storms, the obstacles in our way or the forces determined to divide us, my job has been to just put my head down and keep working toward one Georgia, because opportunity in our state shouldn’t be determined by zip code, background or access to power.

“If our Georgia is going to move to its next and greatest chapter, we are going to need leadership. Leadership that knows how to do the job. Leadership that doesn’t take credit, without also taking responsibility. Leadership that understands the true pain folks are feeling and has real plans. That's the job of governor -- to fight for one Georgia. Our Georgia," Abrams said. "And now, it is time to get the job done."

This would be Abrams’ second bite at the apple, and she will once again go up against Republican incumbent Governor Brian Kemp who defeated her by just under 1.4 percentage points in 2018. Since that time, however, Abrams popularity and political base has skyrocketed. Not to mention her fundraising capabilities with reports that she has raised a reported $100 million, which surpasses any other candidate for office in 2022.

A democratic powerhouse, Abrams, was on the list of Vice Presidential considerations for now President Joe Biden. Within hours of making the announcement, 1.8 million had viewed the video.

Jackie Avant Killed in Home Invasion The entertainment and music world was stunned by the recent shooting death of Jackie Avant, in what was first reported as a home invasion burglary. Avant, 81, was the wife of record industry icon Clarence Avant, dubbed “the Black godfather”, who was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the mother of Nicole Avant, who is married to Netflix co-CEO Ted Serandos.

According to police reports, intruders smashed a sliding glass door to gain entrance onto the Beverly Hills estate in the early morning hours of December 1. Avant was shot and rushed to the hospital where she died.

Heartfelt tributes posted on social media have come from celebrities and politicians alike, including Magic Johnson, Viola Davis, former President Bill Clinton, Quincy Jones, Congresswoman Karen Bass and Tyler Perry, who pledged every resource available to find the killers.

Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark Stainbrook indicated that the attack might not have been random and gave no motive for the crime before reading the following statement from her family: “The Entire Avant and Sarandos families wish to thank everyone for their outpouring of love, support and heartfelt condolences for Jacqueline Avant. Jacqueline was an amazing woman, wife, mother and philanthropist and a 55-year resident of Beverly Hills who has made an immeasurable positive impact on the arts community. She will be missed by her family, friends and all of the people she has helped throughout her amazing life.”

UpFront Voting Rights Is the Civil Rights Issue of Our Time

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t’s the “civil rights issue of our time,” voting rights advocates say, but three different proposals to strengthen and create nationwide standards on voting are all stalled in Congress.

“Democracy is facing challenges unlike any we have seen in modern time,” said Wade Henderson, CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, at a press briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services and LCCR on Nov. 5.

Already this year, in 19 states, legislators have passed 33 laws that will make it harder to vote. In all, 425 new voting rules have been proposed in 49 states.

Generally, where it’s been challenging to vote, the new laws have made it harder, Henderson noted. In Florida and Georgia, for example, giving water or snacks to people waiting in lines to vote is now a crime.

This “torrent” of new rules (https://tinyurl.com/New2021VotingRules) on voting across the country is due to two recent Supreme Court decisions gutting the 1965 Voter Rights Act, combined with the “Big Lie” frenzy stoked by former president Trump, still trying to overturn the 2020 election.

“We still have tools available to us, but fewer than we once did,” said Sean Morales-Doyle, of Brennan Center’s Democracy Project.

And even in those two recent rulings that gutted the Voting Rights Act — 2013’s Shelby v. Holder and July 2021’s Brnovich v. DNC -- the Supreme Court acknowledged Congress’ ultimate responsibility for setting federal voting standards, Morales-

Doyle pointed out.

“We actually do have two pieces of legislation that would help us get us past this moment,” Morales-Doyle pointed out. “The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.” On Nov. 3, Republican Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, was the 51st “yes” vote for discussing the proposed John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Jacqueline DeLeon, of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), noted that Murkowski was elected, in part, thanks to native Alaskan voters traveling long distances to get to polling places to vote in the pitch-black dark in the snow after learning how to spell her name to support her write-in election in 2012.

But filibuster rules in the Senate meant that 51 of 100 possible votes was not enough. Because of the filibuster, it takes 60 votes to do most things. There are currently 50 Republican senators, two Independents and 48 Democrats.

But 51 votes would be enough to change that filibuster rule, for example, by making an exception for voting laws, similar to the exception made for Supreme Court nominations in 2017.

“All eyes are on Congress and the Senate,” Morales-Doyle said.

Meanwhile, in Indian Country, change is long overdue.DeLeon described how some reservations have no polling places at all, forcing impoverished voters to drive 100 miles on dirt roads into sometimes inhospitable, racist border towns to exercise their voting rights.

Lousy mail service, too, can make registration and absentee voting difficult-toimpossible, she said.

“Natives vote if they’re provided a fair opportunity, but they’re too often not given that fair chance.”

“We need to get away from the framing that the voting rights is a Democratic ask,” she concluded. “This is about protecting American citizens from racist abuse and denying them their right to participate in the American political process.”

John C. Yang, of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC, also emphasized the nonpartisan importance of seeing that everyone’s voice is heard.

“Then we have an argument on the values, on the issues. We try to persuade the voters that our policies make sense. That’s the beauty of democracy.”

“Our community is quite diverse,” he said. Asian Americans have become the fastest-growing ethnic group in the country. “We have individuals of all different political stripes.”

“For us, it is about making sure that every citizen that has the right to vote has the opportunity to do so in a most efficient and effective manner.”

He described how voter-ID laws sometimes run afoul of language barriers. And once a person has secured their right to vote, having multi-lingual voting materials and mail-in voting is also important.

“It is about having communities not feeling that they are less of a citizen because of their immigrant status or because they have limited English profi-

MARK HEDIN Ethnic Media Services ciency, or because they have different socio-economic means that don’t allow them to vote during a 9-5 period.”

Henderson pointed out how 13 of the same senators who stopped the Lewis Act last week, such as John Conryn of Texas, had all previously voted in favor of continuing the VRA. “We have to take the fight to them,” he said. “This is a right and we should demand it and we should generate the political heat necessary to obtain it.”

The Leadership Conference has prepared 14 reports documenting the state of voting rights in 13 states (tinyurl.com/Votingreports) across the country: Alabama (second Alabama report), Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

“The way forward is through Congress, and Congress needs to be told that over and over again,” Morales-Doyle said.

In the meantime, he and other voting rights advocates are using what tools they still have to take the battle to the courts.

The Justice Department recently joined a suit by the Brennan Center, Mexican American Defense and Educational Fund and others against new rules in Texas.

“None of the work stops while we’re waiting for Congress to act, but we still need Congress to act,” Morales-Doyle said.

“Apart from suing, we need to keep up the work to change the public narrative on this. And people do want an expansive democracy!”

HeadToHead Fighting over Biden’s Infrastructure Deal

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ot a day goes by that I Why Won’t It is time for Democrats to play don’t get a text or three Democrats hardball. from the Democratic Younger Dems get hardball.

Fight?

National Committee asking for They’ve been playing hardball with contributions. Sometimes they come from the older Democratic establishment, vowVice President Harris. Sometimes, from ing not to vote for beneficial legislation if it President Biden himself. Occasionally, does not honor their demands, especially from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi or DNC for human infrastructure needs. They’ve Chair Jaime Harrison. Not to mention the dug their heels in and have threatened to texts that come from candidates all over withhold votes until their demands are the country, looking for $10, $17, or $27. I heeded. I like their don’t know where they get these odd num- fighting spirit, but not bers from, nor do I know where they got the likely results. Are mine. they prepared to walk I’m not so in the mood to contribute away with nothing? A these days because Democrats are so busy pared-down infrafighting each other that they won’t put up structure bill? an aggressive fight for people’s economic President Biden rights. They seem willing to streamline and VP Harris, along the Biden Build Back Better plan instead with other members Julianne Malveaux of insisting that our human infrastructure of the Biden-Harris team, need to take this — childcare and elder care, school improve- to the people and the streets. Most people ment — is as critical as our physical one. support most provisions of the Build Back To be sure, politics is the art of compro- Better legislation. West Virginians and mise. Someone needs to send Mitch Arizonans need to get in Manchin and McConnell the memo. He does not want to Sinema’s faces and demand flexibility raise the debt ceiling, putting a vote on from them. And Republican senators also that off until December. He does not want need to face a deluge of telephone calls, Biden’s $3.5 trillion infrastructure repair emails and more, demanding that they plan. He does not want to guarantee voting budge and put some infrastructure money rights. And few Republicans are willing to in the economy. stand up to him, instead of hiding behind Democrats are imperiling their chances party unity, even when they know better. to keep Congress and the Senate in 2022.

But I’m not worried about Republicans. Their inaction lets indifferent voters know I’m angry about the dithering Democrats that going out on a limb for Dems may not who can’t seem to get off their rusty duffs have the desired results when we live with and do what they were elected to do. I’m politics as usual. The filibuster elevates mad at the amount of power that has been the minority over the majority and favors ceded to West Virginia’s Joe Manchin and predatory capitalism over fairness.

Arizona’s Krysten Sinema. Manchin’s colTo be sure, the Biden-Harris Adminisleagues need to invite him to a small room tration has been productive in their short to have an impactful conversation about nine months in office, with appointments, his role. He also needs to be reminded that regulatory corrections, and more. They’ve many of his constituents in one of our also committed too many unforced errors nation’s most impoverished states would and exposed themselves to public ridicule benefit mightily from the Biden plan. because of the mistakes (Afghanistan, While Republicans don’t seem to roll Haiti, and more). And Dems have allowed their sleeves up and get into the trenches, themselves to be portrayed as weak quissome Democrats behave as if they are sip- lings who won’t fight for people’s rights. ping tea and munching on scones at an In some ways, Dems are great at fightafternoon garden party, a portrait in civil- ing, especially when fighting each other. ity. Dems seem reluctant to call some Memo to Dems: Fight enemies of progress, Republicans the liars, hypocrites, and not each other. And don’t expect either scalawags that they are. While name-call- votes or contributions if you are unwilling ing can be perceived as uncivil, so can to fight for the people who voted for you. lying, cheating, and stealing. Civility plus Dr. Julianne Malveaux is Dean of the the filibuster will get Americans nothing. College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA.

Headlines From Africa Botswana: British scientists have raised the alarm over a new Covid variant believed to have emerged in Botswana that is the most highly mutated version of the virus to date. Carriying 32 mutations, many of which suggest it is highly transmissible and vaccine-resistant, it has more alterations to its spike protein than any other variant making it more dangerous.

Burundi: President Evariste Ndayishimiye is mobilizing Burundians to pool their skills and resources and develop Burundi. The objective of the mobilization of skills is aimed at making Burundi an emerging country by 2040.

L.A. Focus/December 2021

Congo: The Democratic Republic of Congo's government says it will push to develop domestic battery manufacturing capacity to add value to its exports of minerals such as cobalt and copper. Congo mines around two-thirds of the world's cobalt, an ingredient in lithium-ion batteries, and is Africa's leading producer of copper. Demand for the minerals is rising to power electric vehicles and electronic devices.

Ethiopia: "Until we destroy the enemy there is no rest," says Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of rebels from the northern Tigray region as the country battles a civil war.

Eritrea: The Biden administration sanctioned Eritrea's military and its sole political party for their role in the risis in northern Ethiopia as Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern about "the potential for Ethiopia to implode”.

Gambia: A long-awaited report into allegations of abuse committed during former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule—including death squads and rape— has recommended to the government to pursue criminal charges against those responsible.

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t's no surprise that Democrats Monroe cast his only veto against want an "infrastructure" bill. 'Infrastructure the bill. According to Monroe's The depressing part is that the ' Bill -- Does biography on the University of supposedly limited Anyone Still Virginia's americanpresident.org: government/federalist Republicans Believe in the "Although Monroe personally supConstitution? ported the idea of internal improveare prepared to comply.

Sure, Republicans complain ments, he balked at the federal govabout the price tag, arguing that it's too ernment's role in ... a series of federally big, too inflationary. But as to the proposi- financed projects designed to improve and tion that it's the federal government's role update the nation's roads, bridges and to build/repair/expand canals. Monroe worried ... that federal the "infrastructure" of payments for such internal improvements states, there is little or would expand even further the power of no quarrel from the federal government at the sake of state Republicans. During power. Where would the limits be drawn?"

Donald Trump's adToday, few in Congress question ministration, Republi- whether government should spend money cans wanted to make on infrastructure, focusing only on how similar "investments" much to spend.

Larry Elder in states' roads, The constitutional principle is not the bridges, waterways, etc., insisting busi- only reason that "infrastructure" bills are nessman Trump would ensure a more effi- bad. Why should a state set aside money to cient, productive use of the spending. fix its own bridges when the state knows Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, voted for that it can spend its money on other priorPresident Joe Biden's $1.2 trillion "infra- ities, given that sooner or later the federal structure" bill, saying: "Every president ... government, aka all taxpayers, will ride to has tried to get the infrastructure bill the rescue? After President Jimmy Carter done. One of those presidents is our most signed 1979's Federal Emergency recent president, President Donald Management Act, FEMA began giving Trump, who pushed to pass a $1.5 trillion money to states experiencing "natural disinfrastructure bill during his time in asters." The number of declared natural office, in his budget." disasters skyrocketed. States spent their No, not every president. Some early money on other things knowing that presidents actually followed the Consti- declaring a "natural disaster" would protution and insisted things like a crumbling voke an influx of federal dollars. bridge in state A is not the responsibility of After Biden's infrastructure bill, he taxpayers in states B through Z. wants Congress to "invest" in his Build Yes, the investment-infrastructure Back Better bill. White House press secretrain left the station many years ago, but tary Jen Psaki recently said, "He's going to it's instructive to see how far we've gone deliver for all Americans, as is evidenced down the tax-and-spend road while ignor- by the infrastructure bill ... that's going to ing the constitutional principle that presi- help expand broadband to everyone, no dents once subscribed to. Objecting to a matter your political party." congressional bill to give money to French "Expand broadband," which means refugees, James Madison – known as the internet access? The Heritage Foundation, "Father of the Constitution," and our a conservative think tank, wrote: "The fourth president – wrote, "I cannot under- Biden Administration is less interested in take to lay my finger on that article of the bridging the digital divide than it is about Constitution which granted a right to transforming the United States' successful Congress of expending, on objects of benev- intermodal competitive system into a utilolence, the money of their constituents." ity provided by local governments. Federal During the presidency of James intervention ... only serves to distort comMonroe, America's fifth president, petition, enriching incumbents and hinCongress proposed a "build back better" dering the development of new technology. bill to expand the Cumberland Road. Even ... The best way to lower prices is not with though the expansion would go through heavy-handed price controls and cumberand benefit his home state of Virginia, Elder continued to page 20

A look at current news from the continent of Africa Lesotho: Due to the outbreak of Omicron, Lesotho joins a list of countries—including Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Malawi and South Africa—now under a travel ban President Joe Biden has enacted Mali: December talks slated to decide the dates for post-coup elections have been delayed by the interim government, which took power after a coup in August of 2020. A new date for talks is pending.

Niger: The Third African Girls’ Summit held in Niger last month points to the growing commitment

by African leaders to end discrimination against girls, while also urging governments to take further actions to ensure all girls can enjoy their childhood and contribute to their society’s development.

Nigeria: As many as 40 million people every month starting in July will receive 5,000 naira ($12.20) each as part of Nigeria’s cash handouts to the poor, that may cost the government $5.8 billion in a bid to replace fuel subsidies.

Rwanda: Smart Africa, an alliance of 32 African countries operated out of Rwanda, is in the process of developing the continent’s digital infrastructure, eyeing the chance to build “a digital Wakanda”.

Senegal: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised new investments in Senegal, presenting them as a bonus for democracy in the country which has long served as a democratic model in Africa.

South Africa: Due to its detection of the new dangerous Omicron COVID-19 variant, countries around the world are restricting travel from South Africa. Health officials believe the new variant has a higher re-infection risk.

Tanzania: Activists are hailing Tanzania’s move to lift a controversial ban prohibiting pregnant girls from returning to school in a decision that has followed years of pressure from activists.

Money Matters Getting into the Spirit of Holiday Giving

G

etting into the holiday spirit generally means greater attention to the needy and others. As the holidays near, many charitable organizations in the community have special fundraising appeals to help them provide funds to fulfill their yearly missions. Giving Tuesday–which raised $2.4 billion last year million last year has not only been recognized nationally as a time to give back, but it marks the beginning of the holiday season of giving.

Americans gave a record $471 billion to charities in 2020 and while approximately 77 million Americans volunteer their time, talents and energy to make a difference, money is the most preferred method of giving, with about $737 being the average amount people give to charity and $177 being the average online donation.

Whether it’s your time or money, there are countless ways to donate this holiday season. Toy, food and clothing giveaways are an annual tradition for many churches and local businesses while elected officials do all they can to assist in providing referrals to those in need.

Some churches offer programs where you can adopt a family in need for Christmas and provide them with a range of needs from groceries to winter coats. Listed below are just some of the worthwhile programs you can tap into: Department of Public Social Service's (DPSS) Adopt-AFamily Program: This program assists low- income families with toys, clothes and food during the holidays. Those who want to help can fill out a sponsor form no later than Dec. 13 and coordinators match you with the perfect family, providing a family name as well as their phone number, address, children's ages, clothing & shoe sizes, preferred colors and any particular "wish list" they have, though sponsors decide what they will give. Gift baskets, grocery gift cards, meals and gifts are all appropriate. For information, call (213) 744-4344 or email dpssvolunteers@dpss.lacounty.gov Homeless Housing Placement Agency: Requests for services increase greatly during the holiday season. Donations are gladly accepted for clothing for children and adults as well as canned and non-perishable items. The agency is located at 1644 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 103, Los Angeles 90017. Call (213) 484-2150.

Minority AIDS Project: This organization provides food, transportation and nursing referrals to its HIV clients.

This holiday they would be more than grateful to accept donations of toys, infant clothing and food. You can drop off donations at 5147 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles 90016 Call: Thea Williams (323) 936-4949 Project Angel Tree: Prison Fellowship Los Angeles reaches out to children with incarcerated parents by getting churches and other groups to purchase Christmas gifts of toys, bikes, clothing and books for children and youth.

Many local church’s participate in Project Angel Tree. For information on how you can help, contact (800) 55-ANGEL (2-6435) Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club: The WattsWillowbrook Boys & Girls Club feeds the hungry, as well as donates clothing and toys to children in need. They remain open during the holidays to kids for different activities and field trips. To volunteer your time, call the WattsWillowbrook Boys & Girls Club, 1339 120th St., LA 90059, Call Veronica at (213) 628-3673 Salvation Army of Southern California: The Salvation Army of Southern California, which provides a vast range of services to youth, the homeless, seniors, veterans and more, breaks out their distinctive red kettles accepting monetary donations. You can also make donations by phone by calling 1-800-725-2769. In addition, the Salvation Army has family stores located across Los Angeles that accept donations of clothing, furniture, appliances and toys. If you have time to spare, the Salvation Army is also signing up volunteers. Call 1-800-725-2769 Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Food banks across the county are stretched thin at Christmas time, so organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank have come up with innovative ways to build their supplies. In addition to food and monetary donations, the mission will accept gift cards for local grocery store chains in the Los Angeles area. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare, serve and feed the hungry and homeless. Call (323) 234-0943 or visit www.lafoodbank.org Toys for Tots: With a mission to collect new, unwrapped toys throughout the holiday months for children in need, the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots program is by far one of the most popular.

And, for good reason: helping children in need during the holidays is a true gift, so help make a difference this year and play an active role in your community by donating For

On the Money Lawsuits Against Travis Scott Top $3 Billion

T

he lawsuits just keep piling up against Travis Scott, Drake, the NRG Stadium, Live Nation and others in the aftermath of the November 5 tragedy at Astroworld that injured scores of fans and killed ten people, the youngest of which was just ten years old. Over 300 lawsuits have been filed thus far totaling upwards of $3 billion.

Just who will end up getting stuck with the tab is yet to be decided, but legal experts don’t believe it will be Scott or Drake, though a case is being made for past behavior on the part of Scott that may have made the crowd surge predictable.

More than likely insurers and Live Nation will foot most of the billl. However, Scott won’t be getting off scotfree, no pun intended. Given the risk now associated with the 30-year old artist, he’d be hard-pressed to headline any big concerts any time soon, His endorsement deals are also taking a hit. Out of respect for the victims of what has been labeled as “one of the deadliest crowd control disasters at a concert in the U.S.”, Nike has postponed the launch of Scott’s shoe collaboration, and Dior may be reconsidering the Travis Scott menswear collection that had been slated for release in spring/summer 2022.

Experts say it could be a long time before major brands look to align themselves with Scott, who has offered to cover the funeral costs for the victims.

Of course, being one of the highest paid and popular rappers in the world, Scott has a net worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $60 million and his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, reportedly has a net worth of $700 million, so he’s far from being hard-up for cash.

The artist has offered to cover the funeral costs of the victims.

Thus far, many of them have declined the offer, with a lawyer for one of the families writing, ““Sadly, for my clients, a check from Travis Scott ... is not going to relieve the pain and suffering that they presently are experiencing,” Lyons said. “I think it will only make it worse.”

Travis Scott

Biz News Briefs Michael B. Jordan and Serena Williams Unite for Million Dollar HBCU Giveaway

Actor Michael B. Jordan, and tennis great Serena Williams have joined forces to provide HBCU entrepreneurs with the chance to win up to one million dollars in cash to assist in their business ventures.

“HBCUs are an integral part of our educational ecosystem and have long been centers of entrepreneurial excellence,” said Alison Stillman, general partner at Serena Ventures, in a press release. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Michael B. Jordan and MaC Ventures on highlighting the brilliant student and alumni founders”.

Participants will be able to submit investor decks and business proposals through Nov. 18 for the chance to be awarded up to $1 million in structured safe investments from both firms.

To apply, visit: https://prucenter.com/legacy-classic-startup-pitch.

Both Jordan and Williams will be on hand to make the presentation to winners during the halftime of the Invesco Legacy Classic Basketball Showcase Finals on December 18 in New Jersey.

“Talent is ubiquitous but access to opportunity is not,” said MaC Venture Capital General Partner Michael Palank. “Two of our partners are HBCU alumni and we could not be more excited to uncover and support the amazing entrepreneurial talent we know is thriving at these universities.”

Ciara Teams Up With Facebook in #Buy Black Campaign Ciara is teaming up with Meta (Facebook) to help black businesses recover from the pandemic. The award-winning singer will nominate 10 Black-owned businesses for one-on-one mentorship, with each nominee receiving six weeks of dedicated support from Meta to help them build effective marketing campaigns on Facebook and Instagram. Ciara will also curate a #BuyBlack Friday gift guide featuring products from Black-owned businesses such as Beautiful Curly Me, a doll and accessory line run by nine-year-old Zoe Oli and her mother, aimed at instilling self-confidence in young girls of color.

“It’s important that we give as many brands as possible the opportunity to sell as many products as possible this holiday season,” Ciara said. “I want to encourage you to not just buy this holiday, but to #BuyBlack.”

Pres. Biden Signs Law Making Minority Biz Dev Agency Permanent A key provision in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that President Biden recently signed into law is the conferring of permanent status on the federal agency

focused on growing and expanding minority businesses.

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) was originally created through an executive order by President Nixon in 1969. However, because no law authorized its existence, Congress has had to allocate funds to keep it going each year. According to the MBDA, lawmakers had introduced bills to solidify the agency as far back as 1980. But none had passed until now.

The bill provides $110 million in annual funding through 2025 for the MBDA. This allocation represents more than doubles the $48 million Congress approved in 2021. The agency also received a total of $35 million in supplemental funding in 2020 and 2021 in response to the pandemic.

Another level of funding could be set after 2025. The MBDA Business Center Program, which provides minority entrepreneurs with support such as technical assistance and community referrals, will receive a majority of the funds. In 2020, the MBDA helped to secure almost $8 billion in contracts and financial transactions for its clients. This represented a 50 % increase from its totals the year prior.

As a permanent agency, the MBDA is now empowered to expand the geographic reach of its services and partnerships. Rural and regional offices will be administered through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions serving minorities.

If you are a minority business owner and you would like to explore opportunities the MBDA could provide for you, visit their site for more information.

W

ith the already feared potential loss of a black congressional seat as legislative boundaries are being redrawn and Karen Bass makes a run for Mayor, coupled with the recent L.A. City Council battle over key assets in the Ninth District that were once part of the Eighth District, many are beginning to monitor more closely the efforts to draw new L.A. County redistricting maps and how political power–particularly in the African American community–may be shifted or lost because of it.

A 14-member commission has the responsibility of drawing up a new supervisorial map by December 15 with respect to population data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2020. Draft maps have been circulated for public review and while it is clearly difficult to please everyone, there are some serious concerns relative to political participation, particularly given that the Black population in Los Angeles has –with their migration to outlying areas like the Inland Empire, Victorville and Lancaster/Palmdale–become as diluted as their decreasing political numbers.

At risk is the political power Blacks have been able to wield in the Second District, which has been home to the majority of L.A. County’s African American population for decades and is now represented by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

Three of the maps would have a major impact on the voting clout of Black Angelenos in the second district. One would merge some Southeast L.A. communities (including Downey, South Gate and Lynwood) into South L.A. and yet another map option (Map G) would expand the district to include some of county’s mostly white beach communities.

Neither would be optimal for the district’s Black residents with one option tilting political power toward Hispanics and another opening the door to the possibility

LISA COLLINS Editor of whites playing a key role in the second district’s political representation with a very different perspective on the needs of those living in what was once the heart of the district–South Los Angeles.

“What’s most at stake depends on how the lines are drawn in District 2 which has been an historically African American seat,” said Pastor Edward Anderson of the McCarty Memorial Christian Church who also serves as the South L.A. Regional Community Organizer for L.A. Voice, a multi-faith community organization. “It can either be changed drastically, which we see in map B1 or it could stay relatively the same as we see in map F1, or it could expand a little bit as we see in Map G, but all of this comes down to making sure that the citizen voting age population (CVAP) is represented in equitable numbers to make sure that we have an opportunity to select our candidate of choice.”

Generating the most concern was Map B, which would bring parts of Southeast L.A. into South L.A. leaving Hispanic advocates to bemoan the potential loss of political capital they’ve already built in District 1 and having to compete for power in a district long viewed as a black political stronghold.

Blacks, on the other hand, are concerned with having to share power with a Hispanic voting base that has been increasing in numbers and –due to the demographic shifts in the district– could easily overwhelm them politically.

It is the numbers that tell the whole story. If Map B were to be adopted as is, the Latino voting age population in District 2 would rise to 54%, while the Black CVAP would only be 26%. It is an equation many fear threatens future black leadership in the district.

South L.A. resident Isabel Gonzalez was among those urging the commission to reject Map B in during a recent public hearing, citing an unbalanced representation that negatively impacts Black LA residents.

“As of today, Black residents continue to have the lowest vaccination rates followed by Latino residents,” she said. “Proper representation of both communities is not only fair but necessary to address the ongoing and forthcoming challenges that COVID-19 continues to elevate.

We are at a critical point when we either hold on to Black voice and vision in the political arena in the county or we can experience dilution and erasure of black voice and values in the creation of a multiracial L.A. County. To ensure a more equitable future, we have to be part of the process. So, it is very important for us to make comment on the maps because it will shape what the next ten years of our voting power will be.

Proposed Map B Map B prevents us from proper representation of both communities and without proper representation how can we guarantee that we’re doing the best to serve the needs of all of our residents.”

South L.A. resident Ebony Abram was also against packing the Black community in South L.A. and the Latinx community in Southeast L.A. into one district, stating that it reduced the ability on the part of Blacks “to have more representation at the county level.”

“It would dilute the voices of historically oppressed communities and give us less chances of true representation”, Abram observed.

The future of Carson also hangs in the balance as two of the maps would take Carson out of District 2, a move Carson Councilman Jawane Hilton stands in firm opposition to.

Says Hilton, “First of all, these maps separate communities of interest and they would put Carson in the Fourth District opposed to the second district, and if we got into the 4th District, I believe we would be in the back end and not be able to get the resources we need. And because Carson has a large black voting base, removing it from District 2 would take the black voting population down and there would be no way for a black person to ever be elected to the second district again.”

In a formal letter to the commission, Hilton stressed his opposition to both to Map B and Map G, writing, “Map G pairs South L.A. with the coastal communities and drops the Black Citizen Voting Age Population (CVAP) down to 26.2% as opposed to the map submitted [Map F] that kept it at 30%. These communities also have very different issues and if paired together will dilute the voices of the Black community in District 2…

“My desire is for our city to remain together as one united Carson community within Los Angeles County under District 2 as [I]strongly oppose the splitting of our residents into separate jurisdictions of any kind.”

For Kirk Samuels, who works with the Community Coalition and has been engaged in the process, Map F is the preferred option.

“It keeps Supervisorial District 2 with a Black CVAP of 30% which is important for us given that black representation in Los Angeles is being diminished and we see an erasure of black folks especially when we look at the Census undercount,” Samuels noted. “We want to make sure that the Black community has a viable chance of electing a candidate of their choice.”

Map F would keep the Black CVAP within seven per-

Proposed Map F centage points of the Latino CVAP at 37%.

“When you look at the election numbers from ten years ago, we can get an idea of how many folks need to be in a certain district so that they can elect the candidate of their choice and we want to make sure that it is reflective of the actual population of the district,” Samuels added.

“Map F will keep District 2 a Black-influenced district though we do believe there are some adjustments that need to be made. We will be submitting our recommendations to the commission and hopefully the commission will honor them.”

For the first time in L.A. County history, the supervisors have no say in the redrawing of the maps that will determine their own political boundaries. Instead that task falls to the L.A. County Citizens Redistricting Commission.

For the commission–comprised of seven Democrats, three Republicans and four who are either independent of party affiliation or affiliated with other political parties– it is a matter of basic math. L.A. County’s population of ten million has to be divided equally among the five supervisorial districts to maintain two million in each, but with the stipulation that the districts be drawn to minimize the division of cities, neighborhoods, or communities of interest. However, shifting demographics in a county that boasts the nation’s largest Hispanic population of any county in the nation at 48%, means some communities may come up short and the challenge for the commission is to map it so that everyone gets a piece of the county’s political representation pie.

For former State Senator turned consultant Rod Wright, it’s a matter of numbers as well.

“We, as Black people, have a challenge particularly in the Los Angeles area in that our population is dropping,” Wright said. “Areas that were traditionally black are becoming brown and white. Even in my last term in the Senate my district was not anywhere near majority Black.

“The problem is that we’re shedding black people,” he continued. “The price of a piece of dirt in much of Los Angeles is just so expensive and so many older black people –between reverse mortgages and other family issues–we’re not holding on to real estate. You go into an area like Baldwin Hills and you’re just watching it become whiter. If you look at areas that were Black twenty years ago, you’ve got Baldwin Hills becoming white and South Central becoming brown. So, you’ve got brown

people moving from east to west, white people moving from west to east and Black folks moving out.

“We’re going to end up having to work in multi-racial coalitions and in some instances our issues may be carried by Latino elected officials. Curren [Price] will be the last black person elected to the city council’s Ninth district seat. The problem that Holly [Mitchell] has, in part, is that much of her area, in genera,l is losing population and the black part is really down.

“I still believe that with the area– between Inglewood, Culver City, Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills and South Central– that there’s enough still there to keep her elected.”

Advocates, however, believe much of that depends on engagement. Iironically, African Americans who are the most impacted by the process have had the least to say, and while in many cases silence is golden, this is not one of them.

“The concern,” says Hilton, “is that our community can be asleep at the wheel not knowing how important this is.”

Even the two black commissioners have been vocal about the lack of participation from Black advocates in South Los Angeles.

“In terms of this commission being a voice for the community, we need to hear from the community,” said L.A. County Redistricting Commission Co-chair Carolyn Williams. “If we don’t hear from you, we’re unable to include that voice. However, we do represent certain communities and our role is to draw maps that include input from communities that provide a fair representation for each of the districts and as much as possible will allow those districts to elect supervisors who understand and can respond to their particular interests.”

Says Anderson, “We are at a critical point when we either hold on to Black voice and vision in the political arena in the county or we can experience dilution and erasure of black voice and values in the creation of a multiracial L.A. County. To ensure a more equitable future, we have to be part of the process. So, it is very important for us to make comment on the maps because it will shape what the next ten years of our voting power will be.”

Upcoming Redistricting Commission meetings– which are held virtually– are scheduled for December 5th at 3:00 p.m. Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m. PST and Dec. 12, at 3:00 p.m. For more information on how you can join public hearings and or make live public comments, visit https://redistricting.lacounty.gov.

HO L LY W OOD SPOT LIGHT Chez Hadley “West Side Story” It was eight years ago that Steven Spielberg set out the reimagine 1961 classic film, West Side Story and it is more than worth the wait. The film director’s modernization of the tragic depiction of forbidden love and racial animus amongst street gangs (pitting the fabled Jets against the Sharks) is a remake that doesn’t disappoint.

The musical numbers are no short of captivating and the cinematography is as stunning as one would expect.

The director’s fresh take sets the story in Puerto Rico instead of New York City. What hasn’t however changed is the story of star crossed lover. When Tony, a former member of the Jets who’s trying to escape the gang life,

falls for Maria, the sister of a member of the opposing gang, not only do passions explodes but so do rivalries.

“West Side Story was actually the first piece of popular music our family ever allowed into the home,” Spielberg has said. “I absconded with it–this was the cast album from the 1957 Broadway musical–and just fell com-

pletely in love with it as a kid.”

Unlike in the original film, only actors with Latino backgrounds were cast as the movie's Latino characters.

Rita Moreno–who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Anita–serves as an executive producer and is back this time in the role of Valentina, the shop keeper. Instead, Ariana DeBose (“Hamilton”, “The Donna Summer Musical”) was cast in the role of Anita.

Rounding out the cast are Ansel Elgort, Corey Stoll, David Alvarez, Mike Faist and newcomer Rachel Zegler as Maria.

The film hits theaters December 10 and coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the 1961 film.

OUT THIS MONTH

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

Spiderman December 17

The Matrix Revolutions December 25

Holiday Tidings

L.A. Focus/December 2021

One Dwayne Johnson fan got an early Christmas present when the actor made a surprise visit to a theater where “Red Notice” was being shown. The actor bought everyone free concessions, ice cream and drinks. Then he told the audience about a veteran viewing the movie whose moving story impressed him and after letting everyone in on all the good the veteran for those around him, the actor led the veteran outside to check out his custom truck which he then gave to the veteran. And Johnson may be burying the hatchet with Vin Diesel with whom he bumped heads during their collaboration on “The Fate of the Furious”. In a recent Instagram post, Diesel extended an olive branch message to the star he hopes will return to the franchise for “Fast 10”.

“My little brother

12

A journal for Jordan December 25

Dwayne… the time has come. The world awaits the finale of Fast 10,” Diesel wrote. “As you know, my children refer to you as Uncle Dwayne in my house. There is not a holiday that goes by that they and you don’t send well wishes… but the time has come.

Legacy awaits.”…And while this next item doesn’t really fit in the category of Christmas gifts, it might as well. Word is that the seven original cast members of “This Is Us”–including Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, Susan Kelechi & Milo Ventimiglia– will each receive a $2 million cash bonus for their upcoming final season, which is set to debut on January 4.

Other shows launching their final season include “Blackish”.

The Tragedy of Macbeth December 25

buoyant and boundless.”

Back in the Spotlight Former Empire star Jussie Smollett is finally on trial for six disorderly conduct counts in the indictment tied to whether or not the actor staged a phony hate crime. If convicted on any of the six counts, he could face one to three years in prison, but given that he has no criminal history, probation is not out of the question. Smollett was originally indicted in March 2019 with 16 counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false report in Chicago when he claimed to be the victim of a racist and homophobic attack by two men in January of 2019.

Ava DuVernay and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network have announced that the critically-acclaimed drama series “Queen Sugar”, will conclude in its seventh season next year. “To everything, there is a season. And my producing partner Paul Garnes and I have had seven gorgeous seasons making ‘Queen Sugar’ with a remarkable cast and crew, alongside our partners at OWN and Warner Bros. Television,” shared DuVernay. “To write and produce seven seasons of a modern drama centered on a Black family is a radical act in our industry and a triumph that has far exceeded every hope I held. Now I feel strongly that the story, which began as a sunrise of a suggestion from Oprah, is ready for its sunset as a dream fully realized.

‘Queen Sugar’ has been one of the true joys of my career and my gratitude is

Halle Berry Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio Big Break: “Boomerang” opposite Eddie Murphy (1992) Recent Project: “Bruised” (Netflix) Halle Berry made history when in 2002 she became the first African-American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Monster’s Ball”.

The former prom queen and Miss USA runner up made her film debut in Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever in 1991 and went on to become one of Hollywood’s highest paid actresses–earning $10 million per film–and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She made her directorial debut last month with her latest film, Bruised where the actress stars as an MMA fighter.

Berry on the risk of her directorial debut in “Bruised”: You don't win big if you don't risk big...and I had such a huge responsibility playing the role and then my directorial debut. Many days I didn't even know if I would have enough money to finish it. That's how the indie world is and I can't say that people really believed in it in the beginning, because it's a new story. It's an old genre, but it's a new story with a Black woman being helmed by a Black woman. That's not always a sure bet to many people…even if it's Halle Berry. I'm still a Black woman before I'm Halle Berry. I have to always keep pushing and proving and keep trying to break new ground and show we are worthy. And as Black women, it's time for us to take our rightful place.

On directing again: Having done this, I now know it's possible. I can do it.

I have many stories swirling around in my head right now that I would love to be able to tell. I doubt I would act and direct again. Either one of those jobs, I realized through this experience, is largely enough.

On preparing for the role in Bruised: Short Takes: There’s good news for

“To Everything There Is A Season”

Q&A

Law & Order fans–who can’t seem to get enough of the storied TV franchise that was abruptly canceled over eleven years ago. The original show that launched a whole Law & Order universe is coming back for a 21st season with the first show scheduled to debut in February and among the first actors signing up to return was Blackish star Anthony Anderson, who played Detective Kevin Bernard for three seasons from 2008 to 2010... Finally, original 9-1-1 cast member Rockmond Dunbar is exiting the series after five seasons due to his objections to the vaccine mandate. In a statement explaining his beliefs, he wrote: “I applied for religious and medical accommodations pursuant to the law and unfortunately was denied by my employer. My sincerely held beliefs and private medical history are very intimate and personal aspects of my life that I do not publicly discuss and have no desire to start now. I’ve been an actor in this business for 30 years, but my greatest roles are as a husband and father to our 4 small children. As a man that walks in faith, I look forward to what the future holds.”

I had to get into the headspace of being so fractured and broken and having in many ways a loveless childhood that my character would do the unthinkable, which is leave her child. That's just not what women do. And I think most women also don't sign up for a blood sport. We don't really want to get punched in the face. So, I had to find ways to deeply connect to those two things that as a woman I would never do: leave my children or fight for real. So that was my work. To understand who does that and why do they do that.

On her relationship with musician Van Hunt: I wish I’d met him sooner so I could have loved him longer. I feel happy in my life romantically, as a mother, as an artist. I'm a much better mother in this circumstance than I would have been had I stayed in a romantic relationship that didn't serve me and didn't make me feel the way I need to feel as a woman.

On beauty: "Being thought of as a beautiful woman has spared me nothing in life. No heartache, no trouble. Love has been difficult. Beauty is essentially meaningless and it is always transitory,"

On the value she puts on time: Sometimes the most important word you can learn is ‘No’… I traded: nights out for knowledge seeking, parties for intimate gatherings, chasing money for chasing purpose, meaningless work for my passion, being busy for protecting time, soul extortion for soul searching, living for others for living my life.

RedCarpet Style

MICKEY GUYTON sparkled in this strapless cham-pagne mini with sheer overlay

CHLOE BAILEY turned heads in a revealing black Monsoori gown.

Whether they were up for awards or not, these celebrities were winners upon their red carpet arrival at the 49th Annual American Music Awards held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles last month.

MICHELLE YOUNG stunned in this low cut and cut out yellow maxi

MARSAI MARTIN looked all grown up in this floor-length Missoni

LIZA KOSHY was all smiles in this strapless black Annakiki mini

Eye On Gospel Tis The Season for Kirk Franklin Looks like Christmas is the season for Kirk Franklin.

Gospel’s best-selling artist is joining Mariah Carey on a festive new single, “Fall in Love at Christmas”, which also features Khalid. The single will be featured in Carey’s upcoming Apple TV+ special, Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues…And on December 4, Lifetime TV will debut “Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas” as part of its holiday movie lineup. According to the film’s director, Erica Sutherlin, the initial idea for the film was to create a story around Kirk Franklin’s Christmas album.

Franklin loved the idea and re-arranged some of the songs to work with the story, which Sutherlin has dubbed as a feel-good Christmas movie with a twist. In the story Demetria McKinney stars as a young assistant pastor who gets assigned to be the lead pastor at a new church a month before Christmas, and is fearful she can't manage the transition, including getting the choir ready to open the town's annual Winter Jamboree. Banding together with her new congregation, Olivia discovers a new home for herself, and even finds a little Christmas romance along the way. In addition to exec producing the TV movie, Franklin is also part of the cast.

The King of Gospel Music Malaco Records has released a new coffee table book commemorating the life and music of Reverend James Cleveland. The book–titled “The King of Gospel Music”– contains rare photos and never before published insights into the man who was a driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound by incorporating soul and jazz in arrangements for mass choi and who was known as one of the greatest gospel singers of all time. The book also contains personal reflections from Cleveland’s family and fellow musicians, while tracing his story back to his humble beginnings in Chicago to his work with Aretha Franklin and his founding the Gospel Music Workshop of America. The book also assembles some of Cleveland’s finest recordings spanning four decades–from his January 1951 lead vocal with the Gospelaires to his final session in 1990, just months before his passing in

February 1991 at the age of 59.

Pastor E. Dewey Smith Soars To #1 on Gospel Charts World-renowned, preacher, teacher and pastor E. Dewey Smith, is making major music headway with his debut album, “God Period”, soaring to #1 on Billboard’s Current Gospel Album sales. The album was also #5 Top Christian/Gospel album as well as #6 Top Gospel Album consumption (sales + streams). This is an incredible accomplishment for the new solo artist. We can see by the sales; this album has been highly anticipated for it's focus on reverential adoration to God and showcasing Smith's deep, resonant vocals.

When asked about his thoughts of the success, Smith says, “It’s completely mind blowing!” He continues, "I’ve dreamed of doing a solo project my entire life, but never pursued it because mentors told me that I couldn’t be respected as a preacher and a musician. It’s incredibly humbling to see God bless this project.”

In addition to having the #1 Gospel Album, Smith recently announced the launch of his own record label, Pebble Street Records. “I am deeply excited to launch my label Pebble Street Records,” Smith said. “It is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, an opportunity to pay tribute to my musical roots and also to allow other gifted people to produce music! God gets the glory.” Based in Atlanta, Smith continues to build his multi-media brand that includes film, television, content production, books, and music.

“Protect the Bag” Determined to help the next generation avoid some of the financial mistake he made, Grammy and Dove awardwinning Christian rapper Lecrae has launched a new sixpart web series–Protect The Bag–to teach financial literacy.

“I am on a mission to spread the word on financial education because when I was growing up, I wasn’t educated about money or budgeting and had to learn a lot about it the hard way,” said the 42-year old artist and entrepreneur in a statement of the series that bowed on November

9.

“I want to make sure others who grew up like me have the knowledge to build their own financial legacy. People need financial literacy broken down in ways they can understand, and I’m excited to partner with Experian to present this content, produced by my production team, 3 Strand Films.”

The “Protect the Bag” series airs every Tuesday on Lecrae’s YouTube channel and features guest celebrities, including Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Locket and Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. “ T h e ‘Protect The Bag’ web series allows me to walk in multiple s p a c e s simultaneously,” s a i d Lecrae. “I get to host a show that continues the work of restoration by educating people about financial literacy, but there is also an element of creativity and entertainment

Through theStorm

CHEZ HADLEY Contributor

“Wanda Cooper-Jones’ Journey to Justice”

A

L.A. Focus/December 2021

s she laid on her mother’s couch on the afternoon of February 23, 2020, Wanda Cooper-Jones’ life was about to change in a way she could never have imagined. She relives that phone call often.

On the other end was a police detective and she could barely speak as he told her that her baby boy–, Ahmaud Marquez Arbery had been killed.

She recalls wanting to scream but couldn’t and the story he was telling her just didn’t make any sense.

Her son, he said, had been involved in a burglary and was shot and killed in an altercation that followed after struggling over a weapon.

But the call left her with more questions than answers. He hadn’t stolen anything. He wasn’t armed.

Things just weren’t adding up. Then there were differing media reports and her own suspicions as to what may have happened in the predominantly white Satilla Shores community as well as nagging questions about the men involved–Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael and William Bryan. So, as she laid her son to rest, she made him a promise: ‘We will find out what happened’.

With that, Cooper-Jones–who’d just recently complete a course to become an insurance adjustor–began making phone calls seeking justice for her son.

From the very start she got the runaround from the office of District Attorney Jackie Johnson in whose office one of her son’s killers, Gregory McMichael, had once worked as an investigator. Johnson–who was later charged with misconduct for her handling of the case– reportedly told police not to make any arrests after the investigating officers indicated that they were ready to arrest the McMichaels. She would eventually recuse herself.

Cooper-Jones continued to press for answers–waiting and praying for the men to be arrested.

A second D.A., George Barnhill, also found no grounds for arrest, but would go on in a letter to recuse himself, writing in April of 2020, “the victim’s mother has clearly expressed she wants myself and my office off the case.

She sees a conflict in that my son works in the Brunswick District Attorney's Office where Greg McMichael retired some time ago. She believes there are kinships between the parties [there are not and has made other unfounded allegations of bias[es].

In the same letter, Barnhill wrote: “Just as importantly, while we know McMichael had his finger on the trigger, we do not know who caused the firings. Arbery would only have had to pull the shotgun approximately 1/ 16th to 1/8th of one inch to fire weapon himself and in the height of an altercation this is entirely possible. Arbery’s mental health records & prior convictions help explain his apparent aggressive nature and his possible thought pattern to attack an armed man.”

The decisions not to arrest the McMichaels left the

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case in limbo for ten weeks, and her calls were going unreturned.

"At the end of each day I prayed," Cooper-Jones said.

"I knew, I knew. When I didn't know, I knew He [God] would come through."

The case broke wide open with the video Bryan taped on his cellphone surfaced and was posted to the internet

by Arbery family attorney Lee Merritt.

The video went viral and more than 100 protesters returned to the Satilla Shore neighborhood demanding arrest in the case and igniting national outrage, including calls for justice from Lebron James, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian West, Ava DuVernay, Alicia Keyes, NFL star Tom Brady and Ivanka Trump. Even then President Trump weighed in, as did Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation stepped in and within 36 hours, two warrants were issued for the arrest of the McMichaels on felony murder and aggravated assault. Bryan was arrested two weeks later on May 22.

Arbery's mother said when she found out about the arrests, she was shocked.

"I was in a numb state because I had waited for two months. Two months and two weeks, and once I received that news it put me in a state where I just couldn’t believe it because that’s the moment I had been waiting on," she said.

Just three days following the arrest of Bryan, George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis and justice for her son as well became one of the rallying cries during the summer of national protests.

Watching them gave Cooper-Jones a sense of hope and the knowledge that she was not alone in her quest for justice.Tens of thousands of people–including Oprah Winfrey– took part in #IRunWithMaud solidarity jogs.

Slowly but surely, the answers she had been seeking were coming into view, but with them came new some new painful realities for Cooper-Jones.

In June of 2020, one of Cooper-Jones’ suspicions was borne out in court as a state investigator testified during a preliminary hearing that Travis McMichael was heard calling her son a f****** n***** after shooting him.

The revelation was heartbreaking to Cooper-Jones, who thought of the fear her son must have faced. “Life had placed him in a position where I couldn’t protect him, and he wasn’t able to protect himself.”

Months following her son’s death, video from the bodycam of responding officers would show that Arbery was not killed instantly.

"He was still lying there awake. Alive,” Cooper-Jones said of what she characterized as a modern-day lynching.

“Moving his head and his leg. It replays in my mind each and every day."

The last time she’d seen her son alive his last three

words were, "I love you” and in those moments, she would cling to his voice saying those three words. There were also those days when the mother of three couldn’t get out of bed.

Because of threats against her family, Cooper-Jones sold her home and moved back to her hometown of Augusta, Georgia.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department announced it would review the shooting and assess whether or not federal hate crime charges would be pursued.

In February 2021, Wanda Cooper-Jones, filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit against the men accused on hunting down her son. The suit also named district attorneys Jackie Johnson and George Barnhill for their part in obstructing justice.

“Justice for this family looks like going after the system that justified it, that allowed these men (the McMichaels and Bryan) to run free for months, that failed to prosecute properly, that offered racist explanations or why the shooting was justified,” attorney Lee Merritt, who represents the family, told ABC News.

“Miss Cooper is a fighter, and she’s instructed us to take no stops on the road to justice.”

In April 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael and William Bryan on hate crimes charges, which they will answer to in court next year.

In October, jury selection in the trial got underway and though the county in which the trial was taking place was 27% black, to Cooper-Jones dismay, just one black juror was seated among the eleven whites.

Still, she believed she was confident they’d make the right decision given the preponderance of evidence.

And finally, on November 5, her son’s three killers were standing trial for the murder of Ahmaud.

"It’s been a long fight. It’s been a hard fight. But God

GameChanger

KISHA SMITH Staff

Jessica Watkins & the Next Frontier of Space Flight

J

eff Bezos’ Blue Origin is gearing up for its third manned flight into space this month. Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic is set to take off in mid-2022, and an estimated 700 people have reserved a spot on an upcoming flight as the excitement surrounding space travel heats up.

As commercial space travel appears to be taking off, NASA is working with private industry to develop human space transportation services and a robust lowEarth orbit economy that enables them to focus on building spacecraft and rockets for deep space missions to the Moon and Mars. NASA's Artemis program is set to land another man and the first woman on the moon by 2024 and to have sustainable space travel established by 2028.

In the meantime, for more than 21 years, humans have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station in low-Earth Orbit, advancing scientific knowledge, demonstrating new technologies, and making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth.

In April, Jessica Watkins will become one of them. The rookie NASA astronaut will make history as the first Black woman on the crew aboard the orbiting station.

Other Black women have flown in space, but none have served as a long-term member of the space station crew.

Watkins will serve as a mission specialist on the upcoming SpaceX Crew-4 mission which will lift off from the Kennedy Space Center for a six-month science mission aboard the microgravity laboratory with three other astronauts–

Kjell Lindgren, Robert Hines, and European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti.

To say that Watkins beat the odds is an understatement. The year she applied to be an astronaut, there were upwards of 18,000 applications. She had even written down in her notebook how she would respond to the rejection she was sure she would receive.

Ironically, she was just one of 12 selected as an astronaut candidate in 2017.

“For most of my life, I really didn’t fully see this as a possibility. I pursued it and left the door as much as I could, but I think I would have been coming from a different place if I really thought this could have been a reality.”

Watkins was nine years old when she decided she wanted to be an astronaut.

“I actually was interested in all of the sciences and math,” Watkins says. “I remember a summer camp enrichment program that I went to at a university and I don’t remember all of it, but I remember the day that we got to dissect cow eyes. I came home just ranting and raving. I had a part of the eye in my hand and my parents said, we support you, but please don’t bring that into our house.

“Experiences like that really pushed me towards a career in stem and heading into college I actually thought that I wanted to be an engineer, so I kind of started my journey as a mechanical engineer in undergrad and really found that it wasn’t my first love.”

Instead, college was where the world opened up and the Gaithersburg,

Maryland native who earned a bachelor’s degree in geological and environmental sciences from Stanford University and a doctorate in geology from UCLA was roped into the field of planetary geology.

“That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s always easy,” she said of finding her passion, “but if it’s something than you enjoy then it will be worth it to you on those days where it is a little bit tougher to push through and continue on that path.

“Some amount of doubt is human,” she continues. “You set high goals and have high expectations for yourself. You’re not necessarily going to be able to meet those 100% of the time, but it’s important to have perspective on those moments and be able to see the success you have had over time and then you can also rely on your support system. Those people who will lift you up and give you the encouragement you need to continue on hat path.”

The Stanford University graduate began her career as an intern at NASA before working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. She was also a postdoctoral fellow in the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at Caltech, working on the Mars rover Curiosity.

Reporting for duty as an astronaut in 2017, she completed two years of training with intensive instruction in International Space Station systems, robotics, physiological training, flight training, water and wilderness survival training, geology training, and expeditionary skills training in preparation for her time in space.

“For my undergrad, I studied the geol-

ogy of earth, but what was always interesting to me was to be able to apply geology to other planets and for me, Mars has always been my second favorite planet…

And that meant studying large landslides on Mars. It’s really neat to be able to look at Earth–and landslides on Earth–and then to use Earth as a laboratory for understanding the processes that we’re seeing on other planets and in this case in particular, Mars. It’s really neat to be able to compare the two and learn something both about Mars and also about Earth in the process.”

If studying landslides don’t sound all that exciting, keep in mind that basic training included learning to fly fighter jets and space walking. and she can hardly contain her excitement for what the future holds for her in space.

“It is just an exciting time to be in human space flight in general”, says Watkins, who may well become the first Black woman to walk on the Moon.

ChurchNews

Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center 4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Elder Charles Blake II Named Co-Pastor of West Angeles COGIC

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 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

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

L-R: Bishop Charles Blake, Elder Charles Blake and Bishop Joe Ealy

P

L.A. Focus/December 2021

residing Bishop Emeritus Charles E. Blake of West Angeles Church of God in Christ has announced the elevation of his son, Elder Charles Blake II, to co-pastor of the mega-ministry.

Bishop Blake announced that the appointment– a joint collaboration between Bishop Blake, Jurisdictional Bishop Joe Louis Ealy, and the West Angeles Board of Directors will play a critical role in helping to guide the future of West Angeles in the 21st century as the church completes several monumental projects, including its Family Life Center, which is under construction.

“Elder Blake II has greatly contributed to the success of West Angeles by working in senior executive and administrative positions for nearly 20 years. His keen intellect and business acumen are only overshadowed by his deep love of Christ and His people,” said Bishop Blake.

“We are blessed that he is willing to assume added responsibilities in directing the growth and management of our great church and I believe God, as well as the congregation, will be highly pleased with the multitude of gifts and talents that he will bring as the co-pastor.”

Born and raised in the church, Elder Blake II previously served as the assistant pastor and director of community relations at West Angeles. A graduate of Oral Robert University, he received his Master of Divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center, which is also the alma mater of Bishop Blake.

As the son of Bishop and Lady Mae Blake, he is well acquainted with the commitment and sacrifice required of ministers and their families. Reflecting on the godly example that his parents set, he said, “Bishop and Lady Mae are not only gifts to our family and the church, but also to the entire world. His legacy has little to do with attaining a large edifice and membership. He has stated, ‘If you meet the needs of God’s people, they will come to your church.’ He is, and will continue to be, a great pastor and role model for all.”

Elder Charles is married to Lady DeAndra Blake.

They are the parents of two sons, Charles III and Julian.

West Angeles COGIC is the one of the largest ministries in the nation, with a membership exceeding 20,000. In October 2019, Bishop Blake announced that West Angeles had sold several properties to construct its Family Life Center, pay off the mortgage on the Cathedral, establish a financial reserve and contribute to the improvement and development of the Crenshaw Corridor.

“Paying off the Cathedral’s mortgage ensures that the Crenshaw Corridor will forever have a house of worship that cares about its community,” Bishop Blake said.

Center of Hope L.A. Launches Mobile Medical Clinic For Uninsured and Low Income Residents Last month, Center of Hope LA–pastored by Geremy Dixon– celebrated the opening of a free/low-cost mobile medical clinic in South Los Angeles at Center of Hope’s east location at 7516 Central Avenue in an effort to promote community sustainability, self-suffi-

16

ciency, and legacy by enhancing access to health, housing, employment, education, and faith.

Free medical services are offered the first Thursday of each month from 9:00 a.m. — Noon with plans for the clinic to expand service dates and locations in the near future.

The Inglewood-based church is collaborating in this effort with Lestonnac Free Clinic to help meet the medical needs of uninsured residents in South L.A. Lestonnac Free Clinic provides free health care services to low-income and uninsured residents in Southern California.

“I’m so grateful for the privilege of joining the incredible work in process by the countless number of churches and advocacy groups serving South Los Angeles,” said Dixon. “Our mission has been to find ways to increase the quality of life for all those we have access to. This new partnership between Center of Hope and Lestonnac Free Clinic enables us to meet the health needs of individuals who don’t currently have health insurance benefits. It is an honor to be involved in such important work. I know that the love of God will touch the hearts of all those who experience the delivery of these vital services.”

“Lestonnac is honored to be working with Center of Hope to expand the health care safety net and offer free health care to South LA,” said Edward Berger, Executive Director, Lestonnac Free Clinic. “Lestonnac Free Clinic partnered with the Center of Hope LA (Inglewood, CA) to begin providing free medical services once a month, with plans to offer free vision and dental services as well.”

In local church news, the First Baptist Church of Venice was designated as an Historic-Cultural Monument by the L.A. City Council last month. It was built in 1967 to serve what was then an all-black area of the beach community known as Oakwood. The designation does not guarantee that the property will be preserved though it does create opportunities for preservation. The property had been sold by its former pastor in 2015 to a multi-millionaire businessman who wanted to turn the edifice into a 11,860 square-foot single-family residence. Those efforts were subsequently blocked by community members who garnered the support of such Hollywood A-listers as Ben Affleck…And it was a packed house that turned out for the celebration formerly announcing Elder Chrystopher J. Grundy installment as senior pastor of the Second AME Zion Church last month. Grundy is the son of the late Rickey Grundy, a popular gospel artist and choir master.

In national church news, the Church of God In Christ announced the peaceful transition of Bishop John Henry Sheard, the beloved father of current Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle, Bishop J. Drew Sheard, last month.

Bishop Sheard served as the Chairman of the Board of Bishops of COGIC for more than 20 years, providing leadership to more than 500 bishops in the denomination. He became the prelate of the Michigan Southwest First Jurisdiction in 1992 and the pastor of Detroit’s Greater Mitchell Temple Church on January 1, 1982.

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

Grace Temple Baptist Church 7017 South Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192 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 E-Mail: gtbcla@gmail.com

Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027

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

Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Senior Pastor

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

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

Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 Rev. DeNon Porter Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm

Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 703-5868 • www.holmanumc.com Email: holman@holmanumc.com Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, Senior Pastor Sunday 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)

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 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) 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

FIRST LADY FILES

KAREN A. BROWN Contributor

Bridgitte Small Greater New Jerusalem Baptist Church

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/

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he is a quiet force in the community, her church and career– working behind the scenes to help people get the resources that they need. For Bridgette Small, the First Lady of the Greater New Jerusalem Baptist Church, it is quite simply the ministry she has forged while serving alongside her husband for the last five years.

“I believe in transformational leadership”, Small says. “I wanna help inspire people. I wanna help them tap into what they do best.”

Helping people is what she did with one of her passion projects and ministry initiatives. She calls it the Healthy Heart Ministry and she established the program for the members of her church as a meal bridge between Sunday School and morning worship. This program is also available to those in the community who are suffering from hunger. “It’s hard to come to church and you’re hungry. You can’t worship like that,” said Lady Bridgette.”

She is also the gatekeeper for her husband, Pastor Ryan B. Small– making sure that there’s a “safe place” for him to come home to after the weight of ministry obligations.

“I’m the biggest cheerleader you can be. My strength is that I am a supporter.”

A former avid bowler, the Compton native met her husband at a bowling tournament. They bowled together. “And the rest as they say is history”, said Bridgette. The two have been married for 18 years.

“Family is very important to us,” says the mother and grandmother. we sit down for dinner every night. Christmas is big for us too”.

Understanding the magnitude of her role as First Lady, Bridgette strives for her life to be one that pleases God. “I want people to see God through me and know that I love the Lord and I’m n o t ashamed to say it.”

Park Windsor Baptist Church 1842 W. 108th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 756-3966 • RevTerrellTaylor@sbcglobal.net Rev. Terrell Taylor

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 Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 8:30am-5:30pm (323) 733-8300 Bishop Charles E. Blake Sunday Services: 10am West Angeles Cathedral 3600 Crenshaw Bvld, Los Angeles, CA 90016 Sun. Radio Broadcast KJLH 102.3FM: 10am (Westa.org) 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

Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7:00pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am

People’s Independent Church of Christ 5856 West Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 296-5776 Pastor Roshod Sundays: Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study & Mid Week Worship: Noon & 7:00pm Prayer Meeting: 6:30pm

Sunday Worship: 9:00am Online Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm FB: GreaterZionChurchFamily IG: GZCFamily www.gzcfamily.com

Back At Church?

Advertise with us today Call for details 310-677-6011

Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 • F: (310) 537-3149 Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Sunday School: 9:45am & 10:15am Early Morning Worship: 7:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11:15am New Members’ Class: 9:45am Holy-Communion (1st Sunday): 7:30 & 11:15am Mid-Week Prayer & Bible Study (Wed)- 7:00pm Broadcast (KALI 900AM - Sunday): 2:00pm3:00pm 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

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

In Gardena

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

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

In Hawthorne

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

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

Blessed Family Covenant Church 325 North Hillcrest Blvd, Inglewood, CA, 90301 (310)-674-0303 • F: (310)-674-0303 • 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)

Center of Hope LA 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 www.GO2Hope.com•#centerofhope•#cohla•Info@GO2HOPE.com Give: Text COHLA to (833) 246-7144 Pastor Geremy L. Dixon Service Times: 8:00am & 10:00am Watch Via: Facebook|YouTube|Live Stream Closer To People...Closer To God!

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

Pastor Profile: Charles Johnson Church: Cochran Avenue Baptist Church How Long at church: 13 years Hometown: Huntsville, Texas Family: Married 30 years to wife Virna, eight children

L.A. Focus/December 2021

How did come to be in ministry?

My mom basically left my dad when I very young and we relocated to Los Angeles and immediately united with Mount Zion Baptist Church under Dr. E.V. Hill. When we joined, I was four and I stayed there until I went to seminary. I never really wanted to be a pastor, but as a youth, I just fell in love with the Lord and on May 17, 1977, Dr. Hill preached the message “You Can Die and Go to Hell”, and at 12 years of age, I came down to accept Christ and have been working in ministry since.

I was president of our youth department, in the choir, usher board, and then I got engaged with the California State Baptist Youth Convention and we probably saw about 5000 young people from the ages of 12 to 18 and did some phenomenal things.

We hit the street evangelizing and saw about 2500 people accept Christ. It was then –when I was the president of our youth convention– that God in my junior year called me into the ministry and right after attending USC with a focus on aerospace engineering, I went to Southwestern Theological Seminary in F o r t Worth, Texas.

18

Did you talk to Pastor H i l l about getting the call to pastor?

I did. I will never forget I got called on October 27, 1985. I called Pastor Hill.

And he said,

“You need to prepare yourself because real ministry is about preparation.”

You finish seminary, what happens next?

I came back home, and Dr. Hill had an assignment for me. He told me he wanted me to go help Andrae Crouch.

So, I got on staff with Pastors Andrae and Sandra Crouch and that was phenomenal because I had always just been traditional Baptist and now, I'm going all the way to the Church of God in Christ and I learned so many things.

His own testimony is that he never learned to read music, but God just so anointed him because he just had a simple love for God and that love was so explosive.

How did you come to be at Cochran Ave Baptist Church?

I was actually recommended by Pastor Christopher Legrande, who was a friend of the Pastor Percy Hill, who had just transitioned. I had been on vacation and the Holy Spirit literally said, “Go visit pastor Legrande.”

Now I hadn't seen Pastor Legrande in about 10 years.

But as soon as I came into his office, he said, Charles, “You're the one.” I said, “What do you mean?” And he said, ‘Man, my good friend just passed. There's a church that’s hurting and they just need somebody to come over there and say a word to encourage them.’

I was there the next Sunday and after preaching that Sunday, they invited me back the next Sunday and the next Sunday. They called me as an interim pastor, and the Lord just opened the door for me to be the fulltime pastor and it has just been a powerful relationship.

When I arrived at Cochran, I believe there were about 100 members. Now, we’re probably at 400. We opened up what we call the “Crisis Kitchen” and over the last ten years have served one about one million meals.

You’ve acknowledged that real ministry is about preparation, what does that mean to you today?

That literally means we need to take a good look at us before we’re able to set the standard for where the people of God are trying to get to. So many times we just want to run out teaching and preaching and we don't fine tune ourselves to be the vehicle that God wants us to be, especially in this pandemic where if you are going to be successful in ministry, you're going to need a fresh look, fresh word and a fresh mandate from God. What is your fresh mandate from God? I believe again that God has told me just to keep it simple from the word of God to how we make it church services available to people, –how we won't always just be so traditional but at the end of the day instead be open to new ideas and new ways of worship, new ministry styles. The message doesn't change, but our methodology has to change and I believe God has so designed this time so that every pastor will go back to God and say, what's going to work for me?

What has been the biggest challenge you've had to overcome?

Recognizing that God would use a poor boy from South Central and give him a message that would change the lives of many. When I was brought up, I honestly had such a hate in my heart because of the relationship of the father I never knew and never had. I think in the fifth grade I had about 150 fights. I was just mean and angry.

I thought a “D” stood for deliverance in school and I knew at the end of the day, if I kept heading that way, it would ultimately destroy me. But God changed my life.

What are your biggest strengths?

Compassion, consistency and understanding that I don't know at all. That I'm just scratching the surface to what God wants us to know.

Having been a youth leader in such vibrant youth convention, is it frustrating for you to see the state of youth today relative to the church participation, and do you believe it possible to turn that trend around?

First of all, I do believe that it is possible to get back there because we live and preach what the word says, “All things are possible with Christ Jesus.” I believe the way to do it is tantamount to a message I just preached titled, “It is just that simple”. And what is it that is just that simple? Number one, just to believe what God said.

When we grew up as young people, we were open to receive whatever God did. We didn't know how He would do it, when He would do it, where He would do it, but we knew He would do it. So yes, I believe there can be a resurgence and a revival if we just get back to the basics.

God always wanted to keep it simple. I think many times, we put so many things in a mix where we make everything difficult.

What do you believe your church owes to the community around it?

To be what God called us to look like. I started a new ministry MM4J and that stands for Miracle Mile for Justice. Miracle Mile for Justice is vibrant social ministry arm to help change what's going on as it relates to black and brown relationships in our city and we've seen some phenomenal things. Our church has to be the light–to be that hope in the community that no matter what it is, COVID, social unrest, Biblical ignorance–we need to be the light to draw people back to Christ. You can come and get a COVID shot every week and we have already vaccinated hundreds.

We’re also starting a project now where the mission is to feed 5000 families for Christmas and we are on target.

So, we've always been a part of the cutting edge ministries I believe churches are supposed to do. Our goal is to lead and to win 3000 people to Christ and so we are to be in the community. That's what it’s all about.

From the Pulpit of: All Nations Worship Assembly “The Son of Man (“Plan A”)—Matthew 16:13

T

he Bible says, When Jesus came into the region, he asked his disciples saying, who do men say I am?

They answered, “Some say John the Baptist; some say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

In verse 15, he asks, “But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, Son of the living God. Verse 17 says, Jesus said, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I also say to you, that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

I want to talk about the local church and the importance of it, and how essential it is for the lives that we live today. In Matthew 16, we see Jesus saying to Peter that he's going to build his church on the rock.

What rock was he talking about?

The revelation of who Jesus Christ is.

I know there's a lot of entities out there worshipping all kinds of gods and having all kinds of churches or gatherings unto this deity, person or unto an idea. But here Jesus is saying, hey, my church is going to be built on the revelation of who I am, and our job as the local church is to not lift up our celebrity–not lift up our own names–but to lift up the revelation of Jesus.

People become transformed when they learn who Jesus is, and more than who Jesus is, who Jesus is to them and what he did to literally change their lives forever.

So, Jesus has this conversation with Peter and says, on this rock, I'm going to build my Church. That word church there is a word in the Greek, Ekklisia and this is what it means: the called out ones.

We're talking about people who have been called out of darkness and bondage– called out of heartache– and called in to the everlasting life of God, and having the

mandate to take that everlasting life and pass it on to those around them and make them aware of Him. The church was never God's plan B. It was always God's “plan A”.

One of the most amazing things we get when we connect with the local church is the power of community. The Bible says in Genesis chapter two, verse 18, the Lord, God said, “It's not good for man, to be alone”.

This idea, obviously was a conversation concerning man and the helpmate being created for him, but it's true. Nonetheless, to every single one of us, it is never good to be alone. We need community and I want to press into that idea of community.

I would like to use a term that we use here at All Nations Worship Assembly of San Bernardino: tribe. When an individual connects with the local church, they're going to find a tribe. This is important.

What is the tribe? It is a group of people that includes many families and relatives who have the same language, customs, and beliefs.

Moses was awakened to his tribe. You remember that?

Back when Moses thought that he was of the Egyptians. He didn't even know the whole story of all that he had come out of, but there was something in him that knew the importance of his tribe–his type, his people, even though he did not have the mental understanding of awareness.

If you remember how the story goes with Moses, he walks in and sees an Egyptian harming a Hebrew and as the Egyptian is harming the Hebrew, something –not necessarily conscious–arises on the inside of Moses.

What does he do? He fights for his tribe. He literally kills the Egyptian that was trying to harm the Hebrew. There's something in us consistently that is reaching for and desiring our tribe.

Here's the thing to know: identity is found inside of the context of community.

I believe that we don't fully know who we are till we get to the right body. Right? till

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

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

In Long Beach

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

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

we get to the right tribe and for many of us, when we find community, we come alive in Christ.

As a matter of fact, you are made by community for community. Genesis 126 says, Then God said, Let us make man in our image and according to our likeness.

He’s saying there's a community here.

Even in the Trinity–the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (the Godhead)–there's a community. You are made for community, by community, I said something years ago, and I just found it a statement years go, and here it is, it says, ‘birds flock, fish school, people tribe’. What makes the tribe more effective than others, is the power of the tribes culture. The way that they do things, and the way that they communicate through their actions, their belief systems, the standards that they have.

There was a pastor who took a survey of his church. and he asked them that if they were to create or to be an architect of a tribe, how would they describe it? Here's some of the things they said: loving, honorable, peaceful, full of grace, kind, encouraging.

Then he followed up and asks this: what are some of the words you believe onlookers would use to describe churches or faith communities and this is what they said: brainwashed. cultish, judgmental, fake, closed minded, arrogant, and stagnant.

I've been in church my entire life and I would have to agree that some of these words can be used to describe some of the churches.

Why am I bringing up this point?

Because we've been designed by God, to be difference makers, to really show the idea of what God intended for his church to look like when he created the church. We were never supposed to be people that were marked by being judgmental, fake, close minded, arrogant, stagnant. No, not at all. The congregation, the ecclesia was supposed to be marked by love.

I think some of the issues have been

that we go to church. That's the problem.

We go to church.

And why is that the problem, Sherman?

Here's why. Because we go to church, and we leave church. That's it. But there's another reality. We've got to be the church. We've got to be the church and we've got to be a healthy church or a healthy tribe.

What's does a healthy tribe look like?

Luke 10: 27 says this: “Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor, as yourself.

If we're trying to be the kind of people, the kind of local church we should be according to the Word of God, we've got to be those people who are into loving neighbors. Neighbors are not simply the person that just lives next door to you. Neighbors are literally anyone around you.

Can you love the person around you like you love yourself? This is important, because the Bible says you've got to have a capacity to love people as you love yourself.

Some of us realize that we need some growth or development in that area and I

Lead Pastor Sherman Dumas

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

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

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

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 Tim & Leshia Brooks

Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com • www.grantamelb.org Rev. Dr. Michael W. Eagle, Sr. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45am Wednesday Food Bank: 9:00am-Noon (M.O.M.Y.C) Mothers of Murdered Youth & Children for the homeless: Thurs by Appt.

(B.U.S) Blankets, Underware, Shoes for the homeless: Thursdays Facebook Live•YouTube•Free Conf Call $GRANTAMELB1129 Where all receive a little attention,affection and love

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

In Norwalk

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

Arise Christian Center In Westchester 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C,Westchester, CA,90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com Pastor Ron Taylor Morning Worship: 9:00am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Thursday:11:30am-12:30pm

Housing continued from page 6 Black California households could afford to purchase the $659,380 statewide medianpriced home in 2020, compared to two in five White California households that could afford to purchase the same medianpriced home, the California Association Realtors (CAR) said in a February 2021 statement.

The percentage of Black home buyers who could afford to purchase a medianpriced, existing single-family home in California in 2020 was 19 %, compared to 38 %for white households, CAR stated.

“Just as the price for a single-median home reaches a new record of more than $800,000 in California, everywhere you look, we are in a housing crisis,” Bonta said during the virtual news conference on Nov. 3. “Among all households, one in four renters pays more than half of their income on rent.”

The Housing Strike Force will address the shortage and affordability crisis by enforcing state housing and development laws in the Attorney General’s independent capacity and on behalf of DOJ’s client agencies.

Earlier this year, Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 215, enhancing the Attorney General’s concurrent role in enforcing state housing laws. AB 215 was designed for reforms, facilitating housing development, and combating the current housing crisis.

Newsom also signed Senate Bill (SB) 9 and SB 10 in September, legislation designed to help increase the supply of affordable housing and speed up the production of multi-family housing units statewide.

Authored by Senate President pro Tem Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), SB 9 allows a homeowner to subdivide an existing single-family residential lot to create a

duplex, triplex, or fourplex.

In response to SB 9, homeowner groups have formed across the state to oppose it.

The groups are citing challenges they anticipate the law will bring to their communities, from garbage collection to increase risk of fires.

Livable California, a San Franciscobased non-profit that focuses on housing, is one of the groups that opposes the new laws.

“Senate Bill 9 ends single-family zoning to allow four homes where one now stands.

It was signed by Gov. Newsom, backed by 73 of 120 legislators and praised by many media. Yet a respected pollster found 71% of California voters oppose SB 9,” the Livable California website points out.

“It opens 1.12 million homes in severe fire zones to unmanaged density -- onesixth of single-family homes in California,” the message continues. “SB 9 could reshape, in unwanted ways, hundreds of high-risk fire zones that sprawl across California’s urban and rural areas.”

But Newsom says the laws are urgent and overdue.

“The housing affordability crisis is undermining the California Dream for families across the state, and threatens our long-term growth and prosperity,” Newsom said in a statement Sept. 16.

SB 10 was designed for jurisdictions that want to opt-in and up-zone urbanized areas close to transit, allowing up to 10 units per parcel without the oversight of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

“Passing strong housing laws is only the first step. To tackle our severe housing shortage, those laws must be consistently and vigorously enforced,” said California State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), chair of the Senate Housing Committee. “I applaud Attorney General Bonta’s commitment to strong enforcement of California’s housing laws.”

The Housing Strike Force encourages Californians to send complaints or tips related to housing to housing@doj.ca.gov.

Information on legal aid in your area is available at https://lawhelpca.org.

Storm continued from page 14 is good," says the mother-turned-social justice warrior who remains hopeful because of her remaining children and grandsons and who is still praying. And because her son sparked change, she feels he didn’t lose his life in vain.

Arbery's death prompted Georgia state officials to pass a hate crime law that imposes additional penalties for crimes committed based on discrimination and led to an overhauling of the state’s controversial citizen’s arrest law. Ironically, the 1863 statute–overwhelmingly supported by the Ku Klux Klan– was enacted to control Blacks, who were running away in droves to join Union Forces during the Civil War. “It’s sad that he had to lose his life for us to get change, but it’s a bittersweet moment,” Cooper-Jones said at the time.

Just two and a half weeks after the trial began, despite racist tropes and numerous motions for mistrials, a Brunswick, Georgia jury of eleven whites and one black returned 23 of 27 guilty verdicts in the cases of the three men, guaranteeing life in prison sentences.

Tears ran down her face as the guilty verdicts were read on Thanksgiving Eve 2021.

“We finally got justice for our boy,” Cooper-Jones, said as she came out of the courtroom. “We finally got justice.”

“To tell you the truth I never saw this day in 2020, I did not think this day would come … Thank you for those who marched.

Thank you to those who prayed. He [Ahmaud Arbery] will now rest in peace.”

Money Matters continued from page 9 a location near you, go to http://www.toysfortots.org Operation Gratitude: Since 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have lovingly packaged and shipped care packages containing letters, holiday cards and goodies from home to servicemen and women deployed overseas. Cards, letters and goodies can be sent to Operation Gratitude, 16444 Refugio Road, Encino, CA 91436 or visit: operationgratitude.com.

Childrens Hospital Los Angeles: Holidays from the Heart Program aims to make the holidays a little happier for chronically ill children and their families. Sponsor a family or you can provide gift items, toys and monetary donations. For more details on what you can do, call (323) 660-2450 or visit wwwchla.org.

Pastor profile continued from page 6 want to caution you that in order for you to really operate as the called out ones, you've got to spend some time to understand the importance of embracing yourself the way He sees you.

He doesn't see your mistakes. He doesn't even see the consistent cycles that you've been in. He doesn't mark you by those. He marks you by the fact that you're his son or his daughter. He loves you no matter what.

Let me say this prophetically: it's time for you to love yourself, –to embrace the unconditional love of God that's flowing towards you and allowing that to flow from yourself to yourself.

Because we love one another, we become a powerful community that grows and develops. But we come together, not for the sake of just loving on each other, but to be deployed–to go out and love on the world around us.

The church becomes the extension of Jesus Christ because we go and love those outside of our four walls outside of our community.

I'm so proud of our church because you've done that throughout the pandemic, but even though we might have done it as an entity, some of us have been hesitant to really love people the way God has created for us to love them.

This is what I want to charge you to do: to go out and to be the church God has designed for you to be it's your time to go out.

Romans 12:9 says that love should be without hypocrisy. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another in Brotherly Love and Honor, giving preference to one another, not lacking and diligence, forbidden spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, patience, and tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, being given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, persecute you, bless and do not curse.

The Bible makes it clear that our job is to live out love. Our job is to be who God created us to be and to operate in that place. The church is essential. We gather in love to take love to the world.

Elder continued from page 8 some regulation but through robust competition."

I have written that half the country believes in a free lunch and the other half is stopping them from eating it. When it comes to Democratic and Republican support for federal government "infrastructure" spending and "investments," it is sometimes hard to know which half is which.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host.

For more about Larry Elder, visit www.LarryElder.com. Follow Larry on Twitter @LarryElder.

InGoodTaste

ens reamin’ Mean Gre Patti LaBelle’s Sc Ingredients:

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L.A. Focus/December 2021

21

SavingGrace

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L.A. Focus/December 2021

ith a starring role in the new ABC series, Queens, Brandy Norwood has found her sweet spot. The hourlong Tuesday night drama–centered around the revival of a 1990’s all-female hip hop group– offers up a premium opportunity for the Grammy Award winning artist who’s sold more than 40 million albums and been ranked as one of the best-selling female artists in American music history by the RIAA –to showcase both her musical and acting chops.

The now 42-year old singer/actress was cast as Naomi, known back in the day as Xplicit Lyrics, the architect and key innovator of the group, who has wanted more than anything to have a solo career and to build a relationship with the daughter she was never really there for.

“When I read this script, it was a page-turner,” Norwood said of the show that also stars Naturi Naughton, Eve and Nadine Velazquez. “I went through so many different emotions. I felt like I could relate to my character Naomi, being a single mom, trying to balance (everything) even though she doesn’t do a good job at it. I did a way better job at it but, balancing going after her dreams and having to raise a young daughter, that is something I can relate to and I just loved it.”

Just as importantly was the chance for Norwood to express herself through the music with the added benefit of being able to record and perform original songs for the show.

“Music is my first love, so to be a part of a show where I can actually sing, dance, rap, act. It’s like a dream role,” Norwood said.

The timing couldn’t have been better for the entertainer whose sitcom, Moesha, debuted on Netflix last year and whose 1997 TV film Cinderella is streaming on Disney+, complete with a new song, “Starting Now”, which she recorded as an accompaniment to the film.

Last year, Brandy reunited with Monica in what has been the most-viewed Verzuz battle to date, garnering six million views. All of which is opening her up to a new generation of fans and though the show hasn’t been much of a ratings bonanza for ABC, it is proving to be just the right vehicle at the moment for the singer, who in 2020 released her first album in eight years, titled B7 under her own label through a partnership with eOne Entertainment. There’s even talk of a reboot of Moesha.

“Success for me is when I can validate myself and validate my own work,” Norwood has said. “And I can be proud of myself and proud of what my work represents

22

Brandy Norwood and the message I’m trying to portray. Success is when I’ve left nothing out. I’ve given it everything that I have.”

And giving it all she has is what has marked her three decades in show business which reportedly began at an early age after hearing Whitney Houston. At the age of 11, she moved with her family from McComb, Mississippi to Los Angeles where in between auditioning and talent shows, she sang backup vocals for the R&B group, Immature. By 1993, she’d earned a lead role in the sitcom Thea, was signed to Atlantic Records and in the midst of recording her debut self-titled album which received critical acclaim and two Grammy nominations with its release in 1994.

The album went on to sell six million copies worldwide and produce two of her classic hits, "I Wanna Be Down" and "Baby". From 1996-2001 she starred in her own series, “Moesha” with Sheryl Lee Ralph, her brother Ray J and Bernie Mac as her uncle. The show was an instant hit for the UPN network.

In 1997, Norwood was hand-picked by Whitney Houston to play the title character in Rodgers and Hammerstein's television version of Cinderella featuring Whoopi Goldberg and Houston; and in 1998, Brandy recorded a duet with Monica, “The Boy Is Mine," which went on to become the best-selling song of the year, spending 13 weeks on top of the US Billboard Hot 100 during the summer and won Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.

“It was a great time for me,” she says. “My dreams were coming true right before my eyes. I couldn’t believe it. Things were happening so fast, I didn’t really have time to appreciate everything that was going on around me. But I was doing what I love to do, so you can’t really beat that.”

Yet, as anyone who is faced with the constant scrutiny of stardom and the challenges that come with it, Norwood has experienced tragedy firsthand.

And the church girl who loved singing gospel in the choir knew where to turn in times of trouble, most notably after being involved in a car accident that resulted in the death of a mother driving a car ahead of Brandy. The crash was ruled an accident and charges were never pressed, but the R&B crooner says it still haunts her, and

some have used the accident as a way to hurt her.

“It's not something that should be talked about like it's gossip,” she says. “You don't like me? Fine. But don't use this situation to try to hurt me, because the guilt of being involved is enough. It's something that I'll never truly, truly get over. Ever.”

The singer–who is has been open about the depression she has suffered over the years– also gets a great deal of inspiration from her 19-year old daughter, Sy’rai, who she says saved her from contemplating suicide.

"I remember laying in bed super depressed," she told People Magazine. "I [told] myself, 'So, you're just going to go out like this? That's wack. You have a daughter. If you can't do it for yourself, do it for her because this is not the way to leave a mark in her life.'"

Coping with tragedy and the challenges that have following has meant relying on her faith.

“I feel like we are bigger than our circumstances and we are bigger than our problems,” explains the actress whose career highlights also include a stint on Broadway in the musical “Chicago, a recurring role in “The Game” and a stint as a judge on “America’s Got Talent”. “ “Once we realize that, the fear kind of subsides. It never really goes away. But we’re able to run our own show. The fear isn’t running the show, because it isn’t of God. God is love. God is faith and that’s where you have to operate from.

And if you talk to yourself enough, you’ll start to live that.

“My faith is my saving grace because in my darkest moments, those dark moments are what have brought me to that faith. Where else can you go?

“I’m dramatic,” Norwood says. “I need to cry. I need to express. I would love to continue to perform–everywhere. I love my fans, I love that interaction with them, looking at them face to face eye to eye, hearing them sing my s o n g s .

Sharing is my thing. I love that.”