Los Angeles News Observer 2.18.21 4C

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News Observer Los Angeles

Volume 36 Number 14

Serving Los Angeles County for Over 36 Years

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

COVID 19 Testing is Coming to a Black Church Near You Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media The Tabernacle Community Development Corporation (TCDC) in partnership with the Los Angeles County Health Services has launched a new program to expand access to free community-based COVID-19 testing in the Black community.

TCDC is setting in motion its effort in some areas of Los Angeles County where there have been the most minority COVID-19 deaths, infections and hospitalizations. The death rate for African Americans in California’s most populous county is 155 for every 100,000 people compared to 95 for every 100,000 among Whites.

Latinos in Los Angeles County have the highest death rate at 276 for every 100,000.

This expansion is part of the “Black Church COVID-19 Testing Partnership,” a Southern California grassroots public initiative that will provide free coronavirus exams at pop-up health centers located at 35 Black churches.

The program goal is to provide free tests to 150 individuals at each church location daily through June 30.

“Throughout Black communities in California, and across the country, lack of medical service has resulted in a disproportionate and an inequitable higher percentage of deaths and infections by this deadly pandemic,” said the Rev. J. Edgar Boyd, Senior Minister at First AME Church of Los Angeles, commonly called “FAME” by Black Angelenos.

“The Black community bears a great burden with poor health outcomes due to longstanding inequities and racism in healthcare and related institutions,” Boyd continued. “The Black church has long played the role of advocate and provider, a place of trust. When the government failed us historically, the church stepped in to provide and care for our community. That work continues today.”

So far, across California, about 7.5 million vaccines have

SoCal:

First AME Church of Los Angeles, commonly called “FAME” by Black Angelenos. (Photo: Wikipedia)

Continued on page A3

Amanda Gorman Was Step Ahead of CDC on Rocking Double Masks Quinci LeGardye California Black Media Since President Biden’s inauguration, people have been raving about the “riveting” inaugural performance – and equally enchanting Super Bowl appearance -- of former Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles Amanda Gorman. Beyond her gripping poetry and captivating sense of fashion, another Gorman style that has been catching media attention is her choice to wear two masks at once -a decorative cloth mask strapped over a plain surgical one.

Now, it seems, double masks have been popping up everywhere, quickly becoming the newest trend in fashion-aware COVID-19 protective wear. Several lawmakers and celebrities have been spotted wearing two masks at once in public.

Then, last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report that found that double masking can drastically reduce the spread of COVID-19 particles, both for the wearer and for those around them.

According to the CDC research, the effectiveness of

cloth masks and surgical masks that fit more loosely than N95s can be improved by either wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask, also known as double masking. To tighten the mask combo, knot the ear loops of a surgical mask where they attach to the edges of the face covering and tuck in and flatten any extra loose material close to the face.

For double masking specifically, the study tested combinations of common surgical and multi-layer cloth masks by stimulating coughing between pairs of dummies in a laboratory. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a disposable mask, 92.5 percent of cough droplets were blocked, versus 42 percent of droplets when just wearing a disposable mask.

The study also reiterated that universal mask-wearing is a highly effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19, in addition to physical distancing, avoiding poorly ventilated indoor spaces and good hand hygiene. Universal maskwearing has been one goal of the new Biden administration.

Federal health authorities have mandated wearing masks in public settings, including planes, airports, buses and other forms of public transportation and transportation hubs, as of Feb. 1.

At a White House COVID-19 briefing, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said, “I want to be clear that these new scientific data released today do not change the specific recommendations about who should wear a mask or when they should wear one. But they do provide new information on why wearing a well-fitting mask is so important.”

According to the updated CDC guidelines, effective masks both fit snugly against the wearer’s face and has layers to block COVID-19 particles. The two ways to layer that the website recommends is either wearing a cloth mask with multiple layers of fabric, or wearing a disposable surgical mask underneath a cloth mask. The website also points out that people should not layer two disposable masks on top of each other, or combine any mask with a KN95 mask. The authentic KN95 mask itself should be enough coverage.

For a closer fit, the CDC suggests choosing masks with a nose wire that can be adjusted for a snug fit, or to use a mask brace to improve the fit.

Before the new CDC announcement about mask wearing on Jan. 25, infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci told NBC News’ TODAY that it is likely that double masking provides more protection than wearing one mask.

“This is a physical covering to prevent droplets and the virus to get in. So, if you have a physical covering with one layer, you put another layer on, it just makes common sense that it likely would be more effective. That’s the reason why you see people either double masking or doing a version of an N95,” said Dr. Fauci.

If options are scarce, or two masks are not available, researchers have recommended wearing a cloth mask with a pocket that can be stuffed with filter material, like the kind found in vacuum bags. For a test to see if the mask is effective, try to blow out a candle while wearing it. If the mask is effective, the candle won’t go out.

Jasmin Hall is First Black Woman to Chair a Major California Water Board

Tanu Henry California Black Media Two elections held in the last three months have placed San Bernardino County resident Jasmin Hall in a position where she wields the most influence among a handful of African Americans serving in California water industry leadership roles.

Late last year, Hall’s colleagues elected her the first African American president of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA).

Earlier this year, she was sworn in to serve in that role.

Now, as the head of the board of one of the largest water agencies in California, Hall takes on helm of an organization that is an essential public utility for about 875,000 people living in Southern California. IEUA’s service area covers a region in the Inland Empire that includes Chino Hills, Upland, Ontario, Fontana and Montclair.

“It has been a wonderful experience to serve on the Board over the past seven years, and I am honored to be elected by my colleagues as the agency’s board President,” said Hall. “I have witnessed a lot of innovation and change throughout my time with the agency, and I look forward to building on IEUA’s legacy as a leader in the water industry by collaborating with my fellow directors, regional stakeholders, staff, and our community. IEUA is and will remain committed to ensuring a high-quality, reliable water supply for the region.”

Hall was first appointed to a four-year term on IEUA’s board in 2013. She was re-elected in November 2018 to serve as the representative for an area of that circles Rialto, Fontana and Bloomington in the Inland Empire.

The agency functions as a wastewater treatment facility and water supplier in addition to providing sewage services,

recycling water and manufacturing renewable products like compost and energy.

Then last week, Hall won another election to a post that will allow her to impact issues relating to water that directly affect Black Californians. The California African American Water Education Foundation (CAAWEF) voted Jasmin Hall its new chair. In this role, Hall will lead the board of the statewide non-profit focused on educating African Americans across the state about water quality, cost, access and other critical issues.

As CAAWEF board chair, Hall replaces former Assemblymember Gwen Moore, a founding member CAAWEF and the Sacramento-based organization’s first chair. Moore passed away last August.

“I look forward to leading this important organization during these challenging times,” Hall said. “Water is the lifeblood of our state and CAAWEF will work to ensure that the African American community is informed and engaged on local issues and state water policy”.

“Hall brings a breadth of experience and thorough understanding of the water industry in California and across the country. Her skills and knowledge will be invaluable assets as she steers our organization in a direction that leads to lasting and measurable change in water policy,” said Dale Hunter, executive director of CAAWEF. In addition to Hunter and Hall, a number of prominent African Americans from both Northern and Southern California are either founding members, or they serve on the board, of the organization, which was founded in 2019. They are: Gloria Gray, Chair, Board of Directors, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; Rick Callender, CEO, Santa Clara Valley Water District and President, California/Hawaii, NAACP; Harold Williams,

President, Board of Directors, West Basin Municipal Water District; Robert Luke, Managing Director, Strategic Global Marketing Group; Carolyn Veal Hunter, an attorney at Sloat, Higgins, Jensen; Emma Maxey, Retired Executive, Golden State Water Company; Steve Welch, General Manager, Contra Costa Water District and Bill Patterson, Board of Directors, East Bay Municipal Utility District.

Free!

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Nicki Minaj’s Father Killed by Hit-andRun Driver

MINEOA, N.Y. (AP) – The 64-year-old father of rapper Nicki Minaj has died after being struck by a hitand-run driver in New York, police said.

Robert Maraj was walking along a road in Mineola on Long Island at 6:15 p.m. Friday when he was hit by a car that kept going, Nassau County police said. Maraj was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead Saturday.

Police are asking any witnesses to the fatal crash to come forward.

Minaj, 38, was born Onika Tanya Maraj in Trinidad and was raised in the New York City borough of Queens.

She has not made any public statement about her father’s death.

LAPD Investigating Report of George Floyd ‘Valentine’

LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Los Angeles Police Department has launched an internal investigation after an officer reported that a photo of George Floyd with the words “You take my breath away” in a Valentine-like format was circulated among officers.

Police Chief Michel Moore said Saturday that investigators will try to determine how the image may have come into the workplace and who may have been involved, the Los Angeles Times reported. Moore said the officer who made the complaint will be interviewed Monday.

“Our investigation is to determine the accuracy of the allegations while also reinforcing our zero tolerance for anything with racist views,” Moore said.

Floyd, a Black man, died last May after a Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on his neck as Floyd repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe.” His death launched massive protests nationwide over racial injustice and police brutality.

Ben Crump, an attorney for Floyd’s family, said Monday that the family is outraged.

“This is beyond insult on top of injury – it’s injury on top of death. The type of callousness and cruelty within a person’s soul needed to do something like this evades comprehension – and is indicative of a much larger problem within the culture of the LAPD,” Crump said. “We demand that everyone who was involved is held accountable for their revolting behavior and that an apology be issued to the family immediately.”

If the probe confirms LAPD officers were circulating the image, “people will find my wrath,” the police chief said.

The Times reported that Moore also confirmed the department is investigating two anonymous Instagram accounts reportedly linked to department personnel – including one called the “Blue Line Mafia.”

Founder of Black Megachurch Dies LOS ANGELES (AP) – Frederick K.C. Price, the televangelist who built his Los Angeles ministry into one of the nation’s first Black megachurches, has died. He was 89.

Price died Friday, according to a statement his family posted on the Crenshaw Christian Center’s Facebook page. His daughter said in an earlier post that her father had been hospitalized due to complications from COVID-19.

Price founded the church in 1973 with about 300 members, according to the church’s website. He expanded his reach, first through radio broadcasts, then televised services, and grew the ministry to over 28,000 members.

The services were famously held at the FaithDome, a 10,000-seat sanctuary housed in a large geodesic dome built on the former campus of Pepperdine University.

The sprawling property also includes schools, a ministry training program and a prison ministry.

Price is survived by his wife, Betty, and their four children.

2021 Virtual Black History Month Celebration The Los Angeles County African American Employees Association will honor Ms. Fesia A. Davenport with the Crystal Eagle Award at its 2021 Black History Month Celebration program on Friday, February 26, 2021. Ms. Davenport will be honored for her appointment as the first Black Chief Executive Officer for the County of Los Angeles.

The virtual event will also feature Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and is free to the public. Everyone is encouraged to register in advance through Event Brite LACAAEA Virtual Black History Month Celebration: A Digital World Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite. For more information, contact membership@lacaaea.org.

Jasmine Hall (Courtesy Photo)

World & Nation

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LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Black Baptist Ministers Opposed to Menthol Ban

“We have to protect our people from some of these laws, some of these public policies that get passed that has unintended consequences,” remarked National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent The state House Economic Matters will hold a public hearing and accept comments on Wednesday, Feb. 10, regarding proposed legislation to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products and menthol cigarettes in Maryland.

A companion bill (SB 177) already has made it through the state Senate Finance Committee, which opponents say is troubling because the legislation likely would increase negative interaction between law enforcement and communities of color.

“I am really concerned about this banning of menthol cigarettes. It was originally for flavored tobacco products in the bill, but they have mixed in menthol, which includes the Newport brand that many in our community uses,” Bishop J.L. Carter, the president, and pastor of the Ark Church in Baltimore, said during a Baltimore Baptist Ministers conference call on Monday, Feb. 8, 2021.

The call included National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.; St. Louis, Missouri-based community activist Mike Brown; Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Maj. Neil Franklin; and National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Past President, John Dixon III. It also included several members of the local clergy and community activists.

“Other places in Massachusetts, and San Francisco and Fresno (Calif.) have always experienced the repercussions such a ban would create,” stated Dixon, who, like Chavis, Franklin and others, noted the unintended consequences of a menthol ban.

“We have to protect our people from some of these laws, some of these public policies that get passed that has unintended consequences,” Chavis remarked.

“I’m concerned about our people who smoke, and disproportionately, our Black and Brown brothers and sisters smoke menthol cigarettes,” he continued.

“Why is it that the state legislature is trying to ban what we smoke, but they make an exception for cigars and other kinds of cigarettes that a lot of White folks smoke?

“Why target the cultural affinity of Black people?

We have too many of our brothers and sisters in jail in Maryland, so we don’t need to pass any law that will

give police more reason to interact negatively with our community.”

Dr. Chavis further questioned the benefits of such a ban and whether lawmakers would commission a racial impact study before instituting such a law.

“Eighty to eighty-five percent of Black people who smoke choose menthol,” Maj. Franklin stated.

He related how he and other law enforcement officers in Baltimore previously targeted individuals selling loose cigarettes at Lexington Market and Penn North.

“We would go make the arrests just to pressure them to tell us who has guns and other things,” Maj. Franklin recalled. “We would arrest them for minor things, and who knows what kind of damage we did, especially to our young brothers and sisters.

“Now, at a time when we are moving away from arresting so many people for marijuana because we are changing those policies and going in a different direction, now we will end up doing the same thing with menthol cigarettes.”

Maj. Franklin noted how Black and brown individuals might be stopped by police so that officers can ascertain what kind of cigarette they are smoking.

He further revealed how officers could quickly turn such a stop into a significant problem for specific individuals.

“The legislation proposed may say it’s not illegal to possess menthol cigarettes, but it’s illegal to sell them,” Maj. Franklin asserted.

“Policing is creative. So, when given the task of finding out who might be smuggling menthol cigarettes from Richmond, Virginia, which is not too far and where there is not a ban, we may not be able to arrest a person for possessing, but we can hem someone up for jaywalking and tell them that we need to find out who is bringing in the menthols,” he continued.

“We can get a person for disorderly conduct by saying they are speaking too loud. We know the disparities that exist with that. Young men and women have been stripped searched in the middle of the street in Baltimore, where there is now a consent decree. So, this is not good policy, and it will only cause more negative interaction between the police and young people in our community.”

ability to receive ongoing care vital to their well-being, or for whom providing adequate and timely COVID care would be particularly challenging.

Officials estimate that the change will open eligibility to 4 to 6 million more people once it goes into effect, bringing the total amount of eligible Californians from an estimated 17 million to 19 million people. According to California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, implementation and verification details were still being sorted out as of Feb. 12.

Previously, Gov. Gavin Newsom had announced that the state would shift to an age-based eligibility structure

healthcare workers, certain essential workers and older Californians. The announcement was met with criticism from multiple disability rights advocates, who were concerned that younger people with disabilities would remain de-prioritized even though they were high-risk.

At the beginning of February, the state launched a high-level task force which included members from the departments of Aging, Disability Services and Health and Human Services, to determine logistics for how Californians with disabilities and underlying health conditions would be prioritized, based on a proposal by the state’s vaccine advisory committee. The task force had announced that it would make its official recommendation in a meeting last week.

Andy Imparato of Disability Rights California, who also serves on the state’s vaccine advisory committee, said, “There’s no question that there’s going to be a lot of challenges, but there’s also no question that this new policy is dramatically better. This creates a safety valve for people under 65 who have a high morbidity risk from COVID.” Several disability rights advocates held a conference Feb. 10, before the eligibility change announcement, calling for a plan to give people living with disabilities access to the vaccines sooner.

“We are waiting for that specific plan, we believe we can make that plan happen. There are a lot of resources in the disability community to make that plan work very seamlessly,” said Judy Mark, president of Disability Voices United.

New Plan Moves People with Disabilities to the Front of the COVID Vaccine Line Quinci LeGardye California Black Media On Feb. 12, after disability rights activists had blasted the state’s vaccine rollout for weeks, California officials made an announcement that might cool their criticisms.

Health officials announced that people suffering from COVID-19 co-morbidities or who are at higher risk of dying from the disease because of other medical conditions will be eligible for vaccination in March.

“Beginning March 15, healthcare providers may use their clinical judgement to vaccinate individuals age 16-64 who are deemed to be at the very highest risk for morbidity

Department of Public Health bulletin.

According to the updated guidelines, beginning next month, healthcare providers can vaccinate individuals with certain high-risk underlying medical conditions, including cancer, chronic kidney disease at stage 4 or above, chronic pulmonary disease, Down syndrome, immunocompromised state from an organ transplant, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies (excluding hypertension), severe obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The guidelines also include individuals with developmental disabilities or other severe-high risk

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Measures expand on goals and ideals of Black History Month

Congresswoman Beatty Introduces Black History Month Resolutions “We owe Black veterans and soldiers, past and present, a huge debt of gratitude,” Beatty said. “All of us know that there are countless heroes and sheroes who sacrificed everything to make our Union more perfect for everyone.”

She added, “In that spirit, I call on my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to come together and do the same by officially recognizing that Black history is American history.”

U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus.

WASHINGTON, DC — To kickoff Black History Month, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus, introduced three related pieces of legislation. Collectively,

the resolutions formally recognize the important contributions, struggles and sacrifices of Black veterans and servicemembers throughout American history.

“We owe Black veterans and soldiers, past and present, a huge debt of gratitude,” Beatty said. “All of us know that there are countless heroes and sheroes who sacrificed everything to make our Union more perfect for everyone.”

She added, “In that spirit, I call on my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to come together and do the same by officially recognizing that Black history is American history.”

Specifically, Beatty will introduce three resolutions: (1) recognizing the challenges Black veterans faced after their selfless service and emphasizing the need for the VA to continue to work to eliminate racial health and benefit disparities; (2) supporting the goals and ideals of Black History Month, and honoring the outstanding contributions of the 88 Black Medal of Honor recipients; and (3) expressing support for the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of the Buffalo Soldiers.

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Thursday, February 18, 2021

Features

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER A3

Please wear a mask and socially distance youself.

Do your part to end COVID-19

COVID 19 Testing is Coming to a Black Church Near You Continued from page A1

been administered in the state. L.A. County residents – who total to about 10.4 million people -- have received about 1.4 million of those COVID-19 shots.

About 2.8 % of all African Americans across the state have been vaccinated. Black Californians make about around 6% of the state’s total population of about 40 million people.

The African American Community Empowerment Council of California (AACECC), a San Francisco-based non-profit, has also kicked off an effort to provide COVID-19 exam sites at eight churches in Black communities that have been under-tested since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Working in collaboration with the TCDC of San Francisco, the launch also includes onsite, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at FAME. Founded in 1872, FAME is the oldest house of worship founded by African Americans in the city and one of the eight churches that will host COVID-19 testing sites.

The new testing sites at the churches will not require appointments, removing one barrier that has prevented some African Americans around the country from getting tested.

“L.A. County is grateful to work alongside First A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles, a long-time leader in this community, to roll out this new program that will increase COVID-19 testing access for the County’s Black residents,” Dr. Hong said. “While L.A. County has made strides in expanding access to COVID-19 testing, this new partnership will further ensure equitable access to testing for the Black community as testing remains a critical piece of reducing community transmission and improving health outcomes.”

Los Angeles County Health Services formed the partnership because the Black clergy and the church community has proven to be a trusted source of information and influence in the Black community, members of the African American clergy in Los Angeles say.

“Trust is sacred, and it hangs by a thread between the Black community and some of our institutions. The church has always been the bridge to engage the Black community, rebuilding the trust that has been broken,” said the Rev. Gerald Agee, founder and pastor of Friendship Christian Church (FCC).

“We urge those in our community to get tested. It is one way to help keep you and those you live with safe,” Agee continued.

Los Angeles County Health Services (DHS) is the secondlargest municipal health system in the United States – after New York Health and Hospitals. Through its integrated system of 27 health centers and four hospitals - and an expansive network of community partner clinics – DHS annually provides direct care for over 600,000 patients, employs over 23,000 staff, and has an annual budget of over $6 billion.

Boyd said he looks forward to joining hands with the county and state to fulfill a critical healthcare need in his community.

“We are thankful for the support of Dr. Clemens Hong of the Los Angeles County Health Services, other county officials and Governor Gavin Newsom and his administration for the investment in this testing partnership with Black churches,” he added.

For additional information regarding the testing sites and DHS, please visit www.dhs.lacounty.gov.

Entertainment

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LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Mary Wilson was Truly Supreme The music world lost a truly wonderful person in Mary Wilson. She passed away suddenly at her home in Henderson, Nevada recently at the age of 76.

By Earl Heath Contributing Writer The music world lost a truly wonderful person in Mary Wilson. She passed away suddenly at her home in Henderson, Nevada recently at the age of 76.

In the 1959 a trio of Wilson, Florence Ballard and Diana Ross came together and later they would be known as the Supremes one of the most successful female groups in history. They produced 12 number one hits on The Billboard Hot-100.That’s the most of any American Group. Songs like: “Come See About Me,” “Where did our Love Go,” “I Hear a Symphony” You can’t Hurry Love,” and “Baby Love” to name a few. They are songs that made us smile and made us want to dance. They are songs that are timeless.

“I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear the loss of a major member of the Motown family, Mary Wilson of the Supremes,” said Motown Records founder Berry Gordy said in a statement. “They were always known as the ‘sweethearts of Motown.’ Mary along with Florence Ballard and Diana Ross came to Motown in the early 1960’s. After an unprecedented string of #1 hits, television and nightclub bookings they opened the door for other Motown acts and many, many others.

Born in Greenville, Mississippi March 6th 1944 she was the oldest of three children to Sam and Johnny Mae Wilson.

Wilson and her family migrated to Detroit in the early 1950’s. They lived in the Brewster-Douglass Projects. She befriended Ballard while in elementary school. Diana Ross also living in the same projects.

In 1961 Mary got together with Florence, Diana and formed a group called the Primettes. They performed in small clubs at variety shows.

They went to audition at Motown and were turned down. “Mr. Gordy turned us down were quite young 15 and a half.” Wilson said in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter in January.

They did some auditions at a few record companies around Detroit. “Pretty soon we realized Motown was the record company where we wanted to join. And we were still in high school. We were hear Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Marvin Johnson and Mary Wells on the radio and we said that’s where we want to be. So we sat on the grounds of Motown outside Hitsville USA everyday until one day one of the producers came out and said ‘We need some background hand claps.’ That’s how we got into Motown and Mr. Gordy decided to go ahead and sign us because he saw that we were really serious. We were 16 years-old and our parents had to sign the contract because we were underage. We didn’t have any legal representation we were just so happy to be there” added Wilson.

They became the Supremes once signed by Motown.

Things were slow in the beginning as the first eight songs released between 1961 and 1963 did not do well. The group was then paired with the Motown writing team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland better known as Holland -Dozier-Holland.

In 1963 “When the Lovelight Starts Shinning Through His Eyes” was the first song to land on the Billboard pop chart. It got as high as 23.

In August of 1964 the first record to hit #1 was “Where Did Our Love Go.” It also became the groups first international hit, reaching as high as #3 in the UK. Then came a string of #1 hits including “Come See About Me,” “Stop in The Name of Love,” “Back In my arms Again,” and “Baby Love.”

They joined the Temptations and became one of the first music groups to have a T.V. special. They also were one of the first musical groups to endorse products.

As the 1960’s progressed Diana came to the face of the group. In 1967 Berry Gordy changed the name to Diana Ross and The Supremes. Due to personal problems and group dissension. Gordy also replaced Ballard with Cindy Birdsong.

Ross left the group to take on a solo career. The final performance was done In January of 1970 at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas.

Wilson told the Hollywood Reporter about how Ballard shared with her having been abused at the age 14.

“That totally destroyed her. When you become rich and famous and all that stuff, all your problems are gone, well that’s not true that, she was never given any help and people never wanted to help her,” added Wilson.

When Ross left the group for a solo career. The final performance was in January of 1970 at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas.

Wilson and Birdsong were then joined by newcomer Jean Terrell. Together they had hits “Up the Ladder to The Roof ” and “Stoned Love’ to name some.

In 1973 Sherrie Payne became the newest member of the Supremes. In an interview with Roland Bynum of KJLH Radio she explained how she flew from Detroit to Los Angeles. Them member Cindy Birdsong picked up at the airport. They drove directly to Wilsons home and began to rehearse. “It was a intense but good rehearsal, Mary had tenacity with class,” said Payne. “She had us all working together within minutes.”

During the many appearances and concerts around the world the groups designer LaVetta Forbes who traveled with the group for a decade.

“Mary was one of the nicest people you ever could meet,” said LaVetta. “She treated everyone the same and never looked down on people, she had a very caring heart.”

Even after the group separated LaVetta continued to design for both Mary doing personal outfits.

She and Mary stayed in touch for years and occasionally met for lunch. Wilson included LaVettta extensively in the book “Supreme Glamour” which was one of three books she co-authored. The others “Dream Girl -My Life as a Supreme” a Best seller and “Supreme Faith-Someday We’ll be Together.”

Wilson is survived by her son Pedro Antonio Jr., Sister Kathryn, brothers Roosevelt, William and several grandchildren.

I had a chance to see her perform a live concert before COVID at the Catalina Club in Los Angeles. It was an intimate setting with a room filled with some 300 guests. It felt like she knew everyone in the room and received heavy applause after each song. All I can say is she was a Truly The Supremes (L to R) Cindy Birdsong, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross on the Ed Sullivan Show the designs by Supreme: “Ain’t It Funny How Time Slips Away.”

LaVetta. (Photo Courtesy: Mary Wilson)

Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Surreal’ Look Back in TV’s “Young Rock”

By LYNN ELBER AP Television Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) – When Dwayne Johnson sold the idea for a TV comedy about his colorful and challenging early life to NBC a year ago, he was delighted to tell his parents that a version of their family was bound for the small screen.

Days later, his father was felled by a blood clot-caused heart attack at age 75. His loss inevitably altered “Young Rock,” said Johnson, who plays himself in the series debuting 8 p.m. EST Tuesday. A trio of actors portray Johnson's younger iterations.

“I get emotional when I talk about this, when I talk about my dad and think about it,” Johnson said, pausing to compose himself. “I had a complex relationship with my dad, and he was a complex man.”

The series intended to include the elder Johnson's highs and lows, but after his death his son decided to lean more fully into his “really uncanny ability to make anyone feel good.”

With a smile, he recited dad Rocky Johnson's buoyant greetings, including a favorite: “`Have you been working out?”'

Dwayne Johnson, billed in his dazzling wrestling days as The Rock, likely got a share of his skill and ambition from his Nova Scotia-born father, who held National Wrestling Alliance titles and was among the first Black champions in World Wrestling Entertainment history.

But he may also owe his dad for the charm and unforced warmth that make Dwayne Johnson instantly endearing, despite his imposing build and status as a box-office star with credits in the “Fast and Furious” and “Jumanji” franchises. The sports comedy “Ballers” is part of his TV resume.

He's the real deal, “generous and lovely,” said Nahnatchka Khan, an executive producer for “Young Rock” along with Johnson. “He's collaborative, funny and willing to take chances. So much of comedy is trust ... and I trust him completely.”

Bradley Constant, who plays the teenage Johnson yearning for girls, cool threads and a car, took on his first major role with guidance from him.

“He reassured me just to be myself. He's a very genuine, normal guy who's lived an incredible life, of course,” said Constant, who saw the family's financial difficulties as a way to help ground him in the role.

“Young Rock” is structured around Johnson's depiction as a 2032 presidential candidate _ a less timecertain move the political independent has considered. Is

he preparing America for his next chapter?

“I think the people will prepare me. I can say that,” he replied with a laugh.

In the debut episode, he's interviewed by Randall Park, also playing himself but as an actor-turned-TV journalist.

Park starred in “Fresh Off the Boat,” which Khan created and produced.

As Johnson recalls the past, there are flashbacks to scenes of him as a child, played by Adrian Groulx; a high schooler (Constant); and young adult, played by Australian actor Uli Latukefu. Joseph Lee Anderson and Stacey Leilua co-star as parents Rocky and Ata Johnson.

Matthew Willig stands tall as the late Andre the Giant, one of the wrestling world figures shown as a commonplace part of Johnson's uncommon childhood and youth marred by setbacks he fought to overcome.

This image released by NBC shows Joseph Lee Anderson as Rockey Johnson, from left, Adrian Groulx as “He really wanted to go there and show the struggle, Dwayne and Stacey Leilua as Ata Johnson in a scene from “Young Rock”, debuting on Feb. 16. that it hasn't been a straight line to the top for him,” Khan said. “He's been knocked down a lot and he's had to pivot off what he thought was his dream and find a new dream, a new path. Being able to explore those kinds of moments in a comedy are really important.”

Johnson proved “down for it all. It was just about him wanting to portray the people who affected his life in a real way,” she said, adding that what's depicted in the series happened or was inspired by events.

In reflecting on the past, Dwayne Johnson said, he's come to realize the challenges proved the impetus for real growth.

“It became an anchoring factor in my struggle and my determination to, quite frankly, not be a victim when, again, we were evicted (from housing) when I was 13 or 14,” he said. As he worked with Khan to find the right approach to the show, “I did know in my heart the most important thing was to be authentic and to be OK with ripping some stories open and ripping some past open.”

That includes his own missteps, which Johnson has said included arrests for fighting and theft before he was 17.

While it's “extremely surreal” to watch his early years unfold in the series, he's savoring the perspective that only time can bring.

Even when things were tough, Johnson said, he was bolstered by family and “had this opportunity to go and witness these real-life heroes in front of me, like my dad and these wrestlers who were adored and loved and so strong and powerful.”

“You look back on these stories and you just become so incredibly grateful,” he said.

This image released by NBC shows Dewayne Johnson in a scene from “Young Rock”, debuting on Feb. 16.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Celebrating Black History

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER A5

Black Broadway,

Madame Lillian Evanti and Washington DC’s Black History Evanti.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent There’s little question that African Americans have been a significant part of Washington, DC’s civic life and identity since the city was first declared the new national capital in 1791.

According to Cultural Tourism DC, African Americans were 25 percent of the population in 1800, and most of them were enslaved.

While most were free by 1830, slavery was still in practice.

On April 16, 1862, nine months before President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863, the U.S. Congress passed the District of Columbia Emancipation Act, making the District of Columbia’s slaves the first freed in the nation.

African Americans flocked to the District, where the nightlife became famous, and U Street was the thriving center for Black culture and social exchange.

Reportedly, iconic figures like Zora Neale Hurston and Mary McLeod Bethune found refuge in what became known as Black Broadway. Performers like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holliday were regulars.

And so was Madame Lillian Evanti.

Born Lillian Evans in D.C. in 1890, Evanti was the first African American to perform with a major European opera company.

A Howard University graduate, she made her professional debut in Nice, France, in 1924 and adopted the stage name Evanti.

According to whitehousehistory.org, Evanti returned

On April 16, 1862, nine months before President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863, the U.S. Congress passed the District of Columbia Emancipation Act, making Washingtonian slaves the first freed in the nation. African Americans flocked to the District, where the nightlife became famous, and U Street was the thriving center for Black culture and social change. Reportedly, iconic figures like Zora Neale Hurston and Mary McLeod Bethune found refuge in what became known as Black Broadway. Performers like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holliday were regulars. And so was Madame Lillian periodically to the District and performed on Lafayette Square several times in the 1920s and 1930s.

At the Belasco Theater, a six-story building had a soaring facade, Evanti performed before a desegregated audience.

During one 1926 appearance, Marian Anderson joined Evanti for a performance before a football game between Howard and Lincoln universities.

Later, Evanti performed for President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. “She made me feel right at home,” Evanti reportedly said after chatting with the First Lady.

“That was a time when colored people – as we were known – could feel good, could have some hope that the world wasn’t all bad,” Cleveland McFadden, a Northern Virginia-based art collector and “sometimes historian”

noted.

“We hadn’t ‘made it’ by any means, but you could feel D.C. was more home than just about any place in the United States,” McFadden offered. “Singers and performers like Madame Evanti helped to take us different places in our minds and spirits. And, because she was from here, from the area, her impact was probably felt deeper than the superstars who visited and performed on Black Broadway.”

Whitehousehistory.org historians wrote that, on August 28, 1943, Evanti made her most acclaimed performance in the capital, portraying Violetta in the National Negro Opera Company’s La Traviata, which was staged on a barge floating in the Potomac River.

“Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, she traveled to Latin America as a good-will ambassador on cultural outreach journeys organized by the State Department

Madame Lillian Evanti in France in 1926 (Photo: Agence de presse Meurisse - Bibliothèque nationale de France / Wikimedia Commons)

and received decorations from the governments of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Liberia, and Nigeria,” the historians wrote.

“Beginning in the mid-1930s, Evanti was an advocate for the establishment of a national cultural center in Washington for classical and contemporary music, drama and dance – legislation establishing such a center was approved in 1958.”

Evanti, a composer and a collector of works by African American artists, died in 1967 in Washington, DC.

How a North Carolina Farmer Becomes an Important Part of Maryland’s Black History

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent She was born on a farm in North Carolina but made an everlasting impression in Maryland.

Verda Freeman Welcome counted among the foremost political, civil rights, and community activists of her time.

After moving to Baltimore at age 23, Welcome graduated from Coppin State Teachers College and Morgan State College, and later received a master’s degree in history at New York University.

She earned honorary degrees from Howard University and the University of Maryland.

Welcome, a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, taught for nearly a dozen years in the Baltimore public school system before setting her sights on the political arena where she ultimately made history.

Married to Dr. Henry C. Welcome, Freeman Welcome won election to the Maryland House of Delegates representing Baltimore City’s fourth district. Welcome became the first African American woman to win election to the state House.

She served as a Delegate until 1962 when she won election as the state’s first Black woman senator.

Welcome served in the Senate until 1982.

“She was very impactful with the legislation that she helped pass in regards to marriage equity, even smoking bans and other kinds of things we now kind of take for granted,” Ida E. Jones, an author and archivist at Morgan State University, remarked in a televised 2019 interview.

It was Welcome’s 1975 legislation that transformed

Morgan State College into Morgan State University.

“Verda Welcome is largely ignored by history, Edwin T. Johnson, assistant university archivist at Morgan State University, said in the same interview with Jones.

Johnson offered that he was hopeful that Welcome’s notoriety would change.

Her legislative accomplishments were historic. She spearheaded bills to attack discrimination in public housing and other public accommodations, and she sponsored legislation that helped to fund the construction of Provident Hospital.

Legislation put forth by Welcome also addressed equal pay, harassment of welfare recipients, illegal employment practices.

Her legislation also led to the creation of the Maryland Commission on Afro-American History and Culture.

One of fifteen children of John and Docia Freeman, Verda Freeman Welcome died in 1990.

“She brought the entire community of those on the margins to the center of the conversation with dignity and grace,” Jones told WBAL-TV. “The Welcome Bridge” at Morgan State University was constructed in Welcome’s honor, and officials said it provides a safe path over a busy road at the campus.

“She bridged the gap between the races,” Johnson continued.

“She bridged the gap in terms of inequities between men and women in so many facets and aspects of our world.

Verda Freeman Welcome, a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, taught for nearly a dozen years in the Baltimore public school system before setting her sights on the political arena where she ultimately made history.

Photo of Verda Freeman Welcome/Courtesy Morgan State University

Black Stars Discuss “The Culture and Journey of the Black Baseball Player”

“It’s super special, man, especially with the tone of the country and the tone of the world right now…this has been going on for a while, so we’re always fighting to make our mark… give something for the community to look up to,” said Kyle Lewis of the Seattle Mariners, a stud outfielder who beat out White Sox outfielder Luis Robert and Astros right-hander Cristian Javier for the award in the American League.

When asked what needs to happen to attract more Black players to the sport, Kyle Lewis of the Seattle Mariners tells Mariners play-by-play announcer Dave Sims that Baseball needs to embrace African American culture. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Kyle Lewis of the Seattle Mariners and Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers earned American League and National League Rookie of the Year Awards, respectively, in 2020, marking the first time in 36 years two African Americans won the award in the same season.

Doc Gooden of the New York Mets and the Mariners Alvin Davis were the last African American duo to accomplish that feat in 1984.

“It’s super special, man, especially with the tone of the country and the tone of the world right now…this has been going on for a while, so we’re always fighting to make our mark…give something for the community to look up to,” stated Lewis, a stud outfielder who beat out White Sox outfielder Luis Robert and Astros right-hander Cristian Javier for the award in the American League.

“So, if I have the opportunity to expand my platform in that way, or just do something that people can look at and get on there and speak well. I just take a lot of pride in that. I know Devin does as well.”

Lewis, teammate Justin Dunn, New York Mets first baseman Dominic Smith and former manager and MLB Baseball Development Consultant Jerry Manuel participated in a discussion through “The Culture & Journey of the Black Baseball Player” powered by @ MLBDevelops.

The special panel, moderated by Seattle Mariners play-by-play announcer Dave Sims, featured conversations about the group’s challenges and triumphs as Black men in both baseball and America.

When asked what needs to happen to attract more Black players to the sport, Lewis tells Sims that Baseball needs to embrace African American culture.

“Play, have fun with it, talk smack to each other,” he remarks.

“If we can embrace that a little bit in a way that just makes it more of a safe place again to where we can just enjoy one another. I think when a kid watches, the kid will see that ‘okay, they’re not disrespecting the game, they’re playing the game hard, they’re playing the game the right way, but they’re having a lot of fun with it, and they’re really being who they are.”

Smith, who earned MVP votes in 2020 and led his teammates in Black Lives Matter protests, said tough conversations on Blacks in baseball must continue.

“Keep pushing that conversation forward with our peers, with the Front Office,” Smith determined.

“I know we (the New York Mets) just got a new owner, and they already reached out and already commended me

on my stance and how I feel. They let me know I have their full support, and they want to bring more diverse opportunities for the community of New York.”

During the interview, Smith tells Sims that his mother taught him to respect people in the same manner, Smith would like.

“I treat people with the utmost respect because that’s what I want them to do to me,” the slugging Mets first basement declared.

“So, to just see people to be treated as wrong or with disrespect just because of our skin color or where we come from or the type of fashion we like or the type of music we listen to … me personally, I just wasn’t raised like that.”

Dunn, whom the Mets dealt to the Mariners in a 2018 deal, was asked about reactions and conversations following the civil unrest in the aftermath of the George Floyd killing in Minneapolis.

“We were fortunate enough to have a clubhouse, top to bottom, that understood. We’re a pretty tight family, and pretty close,” Dunn noted.

“Kyle and I were fortunate enough, along with all the other young African American players to have some older, veteran presence in [teammates] Dee Gordon and Taijuan Walker, who were able to speak up and have those conversations not only with our teammates, but with upper management and ownership. I know myself, and I’m sure Kyle is extremely grateful for everything the Mariners did and how open they were for having our back and giving us the ability to speak and getting our message be heard.”

Manuel added how grateful he is that today’s young African American players can speak out.

He called his rookie season in the big leagues in 1972.

“We had to stay on the different sides of the tracks. It was three Black players,” Manuel exclaimed. “We couldn’t stay where everybody else stayed. But you know what? We welcomed it.”

After his playing career ended, Manuel spent nine seasons managing the Chicago White Sox and the New York Mets.

He offered some regret for not doing more to help other Black potential managers get a shot.

“Sometimes I fault myself for not while managing, bringing someone else alongside me to take my spot.

Rather than be comfortable, being the only ... I think that’s a dangerous place to be as a Black man,” Manuel relayed.

“Trying to say, well, I’m the only announcer, I’m the only this, I’m the only that. That means I have fallen into the apparatus trap. I haven’t become myself, and I haven’t brought my people with me.”

A6

Sports

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Dodgers Off Season Looks Good

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer In an effort to repeat as World Champions the Dodgers have made several moves to improve their roster and make it happen again. The biggest move was retaining Justin Turner.

The Lakewood native is the “heart and soul” of the team.

His scrappiness, hustle and locker room presents is a cohesive factor with his teammates that can’t be matched on the field.

The two-year deal is worth 34 million dollars including an 8 million dollar signing bonus, there’s also a 14 million-dollar club option for a third year. There are other factors like where he finishes in the MVP voting that could raise his salary up to 52 million.

During his seven years with the “Men in Blue” he’s batted .302, hit 116 homers and driven in 406 runs.

He and wife Kourtney run the Justin Turner Foundation which has impacted several families and lives in the greater Los Angeles area.

Trevor Bauer was also signed adding to an already strong pitching staff. He was noted as the best free agent pitcher available. Last year’s Cy Young Award winner signed a three-year 102-million-dollar deal that will pay him 40 million in 2021, 45 million in 2022 along with 17 million in 2023 with an option to op-out the latter two years. The former UCLA Bruin in now the highest paid player in baseball.

“I’m looking forward for a partnership for a chance to win,” said Bauer. I don’t to be a player who signs a long-term deal and towards the end is resented either by fanbase or by organization for having my performance slip below what my contract dictates.

I wanted something with flexibility. Wanted something that works for me and the organization.”

Bauer will join other Cy Young-winners in Clayton Kershaw and David Price to go with Walker Buehler.

Walker Buehler and Austin Barnes have inked new deals.

Barnes agreement is a two-year 4.3 million-dollar contract including a $300,000 bonus. The catcher hit .244 with nine homers in a COPVID shortened season but is valuable with the staff. He started four of the six Dodger World series games.

Buehler signed a two-year 8-million dollar deal. Joc Pederson and Kiki Hernandez have departed the team as free agents.

Pitchers and catchers report this week. “OUCH”

Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner warms up during the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/ Ross D. Franklin)

Courtside with Clippers – Week 6

By Cameron Buford Whatsgoodinsports.com

2/10/21 (17-8) Los Angeles Clippers vs (6-19) Minnesota Timberwolves The Clippers would be without their second-leading scoring in this matchup, Paul George for the third straight game with his right toe injury. They would somehow need to replace his 24.4 points per game. Though they would have Patrick Beverley, their heart and soul back after he was out for 8 games due to a sore right knee.

Minnesota would also be without their lead guard D’Angelo Russell, who remained sidelined with left leg soreness. Though they were pleased to welcome Karl-Anthony Towns back to the court after he missed 13 games, after being diagnosed with COVID on January 15th. The two Timberwolves stars, Towns and Russell, have yet to play over five games together since Feb. 6, 2020.

In his post-game press conference, Towns was fairly candid about his experience with COVID, “I’m a high-risk case. COVID did not treat me well whatsoever,” said Towns. “A lot of scary nights. My dad called me 24/7.” Karl-Anthony finished the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and said this after the game, ”I was just smiling on the court, even when it got to the end because I was just so proud of myself to get to this point.”

Though Naz Reid and Malik Beasley chipped in 23 and 21 points respectively for the Timberwolves, it wasn’t enough to overcome the visiting Clippers who got 27 points from Lou Williams, in place of Paul George. Additionally, Kawhi Leonard hit for his season-high 36 points. Which was also his 10th consecutive game of scoring at least 20 points scored.

But it was the energy and the vocal leadership of Patrick Beverley that would lead to the win for the Clippers. As Head Coach Ty Lue would state, “It was good seeing Pat back out there, He’s our emotional leader. Just seeing how hard he plays every night and competes, we needed that.”

2/12/21 (18-8) Los Angeles Clippers vs (10-15) Chicago Bulls The Clippers would be without Paul George for the fourth consecutive game, and they would need to be on point in this game, as they gave up 45 points to the Bulls Zach LaVine in their previous matchup. Even more recently LaVine went for 46 points in their win in the last game over the Pelicans.

This was a 4 point game at halftime, Kawhi then went off for 16 points in the third quarter, which helped to push the Clippers lead to 12 points. “Kawhi, when he gets it going, it’s hard to stop him,” Clippers center Ivica Zubac told us. “He’s hitting those contested shots like there’s no defense. He gets the ball so high. It seems like defense doesn’t affect him. When he gets it going, we’re a tough team to beat.”

To close out the game Marcus Morris Sr. hit five threepointers in the fourth quarter, which was a new career-high for three-pointers made in a single quarter. Lou Williams chipped in an additional 11 points in the final quarter. This was the Clippers’ 11th game this season scoring at least 120 points, which ranks them third in the NBA. They are also 9-1 on the season when they score at least 120 points.

“We’ve got to be if not the best bench in the league — both of us are proven vets and proven scorers in this league,” Morris said. “I think it’s just our camaraderie. Being really good friends, that helps us on the court, not just scoring (but) being vets, being able to talk, being able to lead the team, being able to lead our unit.”

Recurring back spasms kept Bulls F Otto Porter Jr. from playing in his sixth straight game. Coby White and Tomas Satoransky scored 17 points apiece in this game, while LaVine was limited to 26 points which was a far cry from his last output vs the Clippers, this also dropped the Bulls to a 3 and 5 record over their past 8 games.

2/14/21 (11-9) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (19-8) Los Angeles Clippers As the Clippers welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers into Staples on Valentine’s Day, they would be playing without Paul George for the fifth straight game and they would be playing without Kawhi Leonard who was a pre-game scratch just before tip-off. Although they routed the Cavaliers, in Cleveland, less than 2 weeks ago when Kawhi and George combined for 60 points in that game.

Tonight, the Clippers would be led by Lou Williams who had his fifth career game with at least 30 points and 10 assists.

This would also be Williams’ sixth consecutive game with doubledigit points and his 10 assists would be a season-high for him. This is the fourth game, this season, in which the Clippers recorded at least 30 assists and they are 4-0 in these matchups.

The season highs didn’t stop there. Marcus Morris Sr. has a season-high 23 points, his most points scored in a Clippers’ uniform. Serge Ibaka has a season-high 21 points tonight. It’s his

first 20-point game in a Clippers’ uniform. He also had a career assist tonight with 6 assists!

With his 16th point tonight, Patrick Beverley now has 4,000 career points for which he was awarded the game ball. “With this new coaching staff, they’ve been telling me to let it fly even if it’s being contested,” said Beverley, who also knocked down four 3-pointers. “Those shots have been going in.”

The Clippers also finished the game with 31 assists on 42 shots and impressively limited themselves to 10 turnovers. This lead to their third win in a row and they have now won seven of ten games. On the flip side, the Cavaliers have now lost seven games in a row.

2/15/21 (11-15) Miami Heat vs (20-8) Los Angeles Clippers

In this back-to-back game, the Clippers will be down 4 of their starters for tonight’s game against the visiting Miami Heat. Once again, they will be missing Paul George due to a Bone Edema Right Toe, Kawhi Leonard due to a Left Lower Leg Contusion, Patrick Beverley will miss the game because of rest, and Nic Batum was reported to have a migraine. That’s a lot missing firepower, yet another great opportunity for the team’s young guys to step up and show their value.

After quickly going down by 7 points the Clippers responded with a scoring barrage of their own; Marcus Morris hit a three, Lue Williams broke Robinson down for an easy jaunt to the basket. Serge Ibaka, got the ball in the post and was fouled as he went up for a layup, he hit his free throw to give the Clippers their first lead of the evening.

In this game the young players did in fact show off their value, Amir Coffey went 4-4 form deep in the first half. Terance Mann played with great energy and intensity as did Ivica Zubac.

Couple this with the hot shooting of Marcus Morris, who hit a career-high in scoring in any half. The Clippers went to the locker room with a lead at the break.

Amir Coffey had a career-high 5 three-pointers against the Heat, Terance Mann also had a season-high 15 points, as did Ivica

Lakers Win Streak Ends

Zubac score a season-high 22 points on Monday night. For the second time in Lou Williams’ career, he had consecutive games with at least 10 assists. These guys have taken advantage of their court time, which will bold well for this team when they face stiffer competition.

When prompted Clippers Head Coach Ty Lue quickly responded with attributing player development for increasing the confidence and improvement of the players shooting the ball, “player development I think Shaun Fein’s done a hell of a job; Kenny Atkinson, Dahntay Jones, and all of the guys working with these guys!” Ty Lue went on to comment how important this win was for the growth of his team “minus four starters and these young guys being able to step up and play well. You know Luke playing well; Amir (Coffey)… Terance (Mann)… you know I just thought it was good for those guys as well as the team.”

This is the second time this season the Clippers have had consecutive games of at least 30 assists. Prior to this season, the Clippers haven’t had consecutive games with at least 30 assists since December of 2014. Effective ball movement and crisp passes were a major reason the team hit 15 of 32 for 46.9% from 3-point range, helping Marcus Morris Sr. finish the game with 32 points.

Seemingly, the Clippers have some payback on their minds as they complete this homestand, as coming to town this week will be the Utah Jazz (23-5) and the Brooklyn Nets (21-5). Each of these teams has a win over the Clippers earlier this season. I speculate these past few games, where these young players received value playing time will serve the team well when they face these championship contenders.

So, there you have my recap of the Clippers week, kindly share your thoughts on what stood out to you thus far in regards to the Clippers Season. You can reach out to me on Twitter @ whatsgoodnsport or forward any suggestions on what topics or angles you’d like to see discussed to info@whatsgoodinsports. com.

Lastly, be sure to subscribe to our weekly “Voice of the Fans Podcast” which is available for you on most podcasting platforms; Apple and Google Podcasts including Spotify, TuneIn, and, iHeart

Radio to name a few. On our Podcast, we have passionate banter about various NFL storylines, while addressing the multitude of NBA topics.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams drives in for an uncontested layup against the visiting Miami Heat Monday night at Staples Center. (Photo: Los Angeles Clippers)

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer The Lakers fell to the Denver Nuggets 122 -105, ending the teams seven game win streak. That’s a loss the team can rebound from.

However during the second quarter Anthony Davis drove to the basket on the Nuggets Nikola Jokic, he then grimaced in pain, then pulled up and rolled to the floor. He left the game immediately and headed to the locker room.

After an MRI it’s determined there was no rupture but Achilles strain. Davis will be out for two to three weeks. Until that point in the game Davis had scored 11 points on 15 shots.

“While he’s out where not going to ask anyone to what AD does,” said LeBron James. “They don’t have to do what he does, that would be crazy. Just do more of what they do, pick up their roll.”

James himself in averaging 34 minutes a game without taking a game off this season.

The previous game after a slow start against Memphis Davis helped spark come back. Returning from a two-game break pouring in 35 points while LeBron had 28 leading the Lakers to a 115-105 win over the Grizzlies.

The team got off to a slow start trailing a one time 22-2. It was a poor shooting night early as they. Then they play energizes defense. Coming away with six steals as a team and plenty of hustle plays. Montrezl Harrell has stepped up already averaging 13 points a game and 7 rebounds off the bench. He has had three 20-point games in a row and his hustle shows every time on the court.

Kuzma has added 4 double digit rebounds per game this season to go with his 11 points a game average.

Thus far it been an all team performance as in two games they’ve had at least seven players in double figures.

The biggest task ahead is how the team will react while AD is on the shelf healing.

They will take on high-flying Brooklyn, Miami and the Wizards at Staple Center this week.

A true test will come vs the high scoring Nets who now have a trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irvin who when Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James throws it down vs the Denver Nuggets this past Sunday in Denver.

(Photo: Garrett Ellwood/Bart Young/NBA E/Getty Images) all are in the line-up are together.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Local

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER A7

Due to COVID-19, Covered California’s Special Enrollment on Now Through May 15 for Anyone Without Health Coverage

African Americans Urged to Enroll in Health Plans

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California Inc. Via Covered California News Covered California is reaching out to African Americans

and other people of color in the state who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 virus, to urge them to enroll in health coverage through its special-enrollment period underway now

through May 15 for anyone who doesn’t have health insurance.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to endanger the lives of Californians across the state. The most recent data shows more than 3.4 million people have been infected in the state, and the death toll has surpassed 47,000. African Americans, Latinos, Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders represent the majority of those in California who are infected, hospitalized and die from the COVID-19 virus.

“Taking care of your health has never more important than it is right now, and we want everyone to know – particularly in our diverse communities of color – that if you do not have health insurance, the time is now to check out Covered California and see if you are eligible for financial help to lower the cost of your coverage,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “You do not want to be uninsured right now and anyone who needs coverage – and is eligible to sign up through Covered California – can do so immediately.”

Covered California set up this new special-enrollment period which allows anyone, who is uninsured and eligible to enroll in health care coverage, to sign up for health care coverage through May 15. The move comes following President Joe Biden’s recent executive order strengthening provisions of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and opening health plan enrollment on the federal health care exchanges from Feb. 15 through May 15 -- as COVID-19 continues to surge throughout the U.S. “Every Covered California plan is comprehensive, covering everything from preventive care to mental health,” Lee said. “It’s safe, it’s secure, and in just minutes you can find out if you are eligible for financial help and the options available in your area.”

An estimated 2.7 million Californians still don’t have health insurance, including 1.2 million people who are eligible for financial help through Covered California to greatly reduce their monthly health care costs, or qualify for no-cost or lowcost Medi-Cal plans. The largest portion of these uninsured who are eligible for financial help through Covered California are in

Southern California, with an estimated 718,000 people living in the Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Orange and San Diego metro areas.

“The biggest hurdle to health insurance remains affordability, but most people who are uninsured do not know they are eligible for financial assistance, which is why everyone should just take a few minutes to check out their options,” Lee said. “In just a few minutes you can see what your options are and find out if you qualify for financial assistance that helps bring the cost of coverage within reach.”

Consumers can safely and easily find out if they are eligible for financial help through Covered California or qualify for Medi-Cal, and see which health plans are available in their area by using the CoveredCA.Com Shop and Compare Tool. All they need to do is enter their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage and they will see the health plan options available in their area.

Covered California also continues to support COVID-19 safety precautions — including wearing a mask, washing your hands and watching your distance — as well as contact-free health care enrollment online or over the phone by one of thousands of Covered California’s certified enrollers across the state.

Those interested in learning more about their health coverage options can also: · Visit www.CoveredCA.com. · Get free and confidential assistance over the phone, in a variety of languages, from a certified enroller. · Have a certified enroller call them and help them for free. · Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.

Another important reason to sign up for Covered California health plans or Medi-Cal plans is that it’s still the law for Californians to have health insurance in 2021 -- or pay a costly penalty at tax time. Consumers who can afford health care coverage, but choose to go without, could pay a penalty when filing their state income taxes. The penalty is administered by California’s Franchise Tax Board and could be as much as $2,250 for a family of four or $750 for an individual.

In Celebration Of Black History Month, California Launches “Covid-19 Community Champions”

Campaign Honors Black Heroes in Local Communities SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In honor of Black History Month, the state of California in partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation has launched a “COVID-19 Community Champions” campaign to recognize COVID-19 warriors who have made significant contributions in their communities.

Honorees of the campaign include medical community leaders, Dr. Elaine Batchlor, CEO, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital (Los Angeles); Dr. David M. Carlisle, President, Charles R. Drew University (Los Angeles); Dr. Rodney Hood, Founder of the San Diego County COVID-19 Equity Task Force; Dr. Adrian James, Chief Medical Officer for West Oakland Health Council; and Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett who

was part of the National Institute of Health team that worked with Moderna, the pharmaceutical company that developed one of the two mRNA vaccines that have been proven to be up to 95 percent effective.

The COVID-19 Community Champions campaign is in partnership with several California radio stations, including KJLH-FM and KDAY-FM (Los Angeles), KBLX-FM, KDYAAM and KMEL-FM (Bay Area), KSSX-FM (San Diego), KHYLFM and KDEE-FM (Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto) and KKBB-FM (Bakersfield). The stations will celebrate honorees’ in 30 second pre-recorded radio spots with amplification in print advertorials and social media throughout February. Information

on COVID-19 vaccine will also be included in the campaign.

“COVID-19 champions are our neighbors, friends and our loved ones whose actions – big or small -- make an outsized impact in our lives,” said Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California Surgeon General. “Black History Month is another opportunity to recognize these Californians’ perseverance and resilience, while paying tribute to their valuable contributions in helping our community endure during the pandemic.”

The campaign will also recognize everyday COVID-19 champions in communities throughout the state. To join the campaign, Californians are encouraged to tune in to their local radio station for more information and to post a picture of

their favorite local champion via Facebook or Instagram using #COVIDCommunityChampions.

State and local leaders hope the #COVID Community Champions campaign will help encourage the community to stay optimistic and inspired to continue practicing safe behaviors like wearing a mask, washing hands, maintaining physical distance and making a game plan to get vaccinated.

Californians can visit VaccinateALL58.com or call (833) 422-4255 for information on the COVID-19 vaccine and can sign up at MyTurn.ca.gov to be notified when they are eligible to make an appointment for vaccination.

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Celebrating Black History LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, February 18, 2021

A Hero of U.S. Diplomacy Dr. Ralph Bunche

Dr. Ralph J. Bunche (far right) greets Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (left) and Coretta Scott King (center).

(Photo: ucla.edu)

Celebrating

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Dr. Ralph J. Bunche earned the moniker “a hero of U.S. Diplomacy,” in part for efforts that led to his becoming the first African American to win the Noble Peace Prize.

The scientist and diplomat earned the award for his role as United Nations Mediator in the 1949 peace settlement between Palestinians, Arabs, and Jews.

“The objective of any who sincerely believe in peace clearly must be to exhaust every honorable recourse in the effort to save the peace,” Dr. Bunche said after winning the prestigious honor on Dec. 10, 1950.

Born Aug. 7, 1904, in Detroit, Dr. Bunche’s father worked as a barber while his mother was a musician. Dr. Bunche spent parts of his childhood in New Mexico and in Los Angeles.

His Aunt, Lucy Taylor Johnson, raised him.

With parents of different races, Dr. Bunche credited his grandmother with teaching him how to respond and deal with racism.

“I recall most vividly high school graduation exercises.

After the exercises were completed, the principal of the school came up to me, thinking to be kind,” Dr. Bunche remarked in a 1955 address to the NAACP. “He congratulated me on my graduation. Then he said to me in a most friendly way: ‘We’re sorry to lose you, Ralph. You know we have never thought of you as a Negro here.’ This struck me immediately, but I, at that time, did not know just what to reply,” Dr. Bunche continued.

“I would today, but one of the reasons I would know what to reply today was because I was reared by a grandmother who always knew what to reply in such situations. She happened to be standing beside me when Mr. Fulton, the principal, said this to me.

“She gave Mr. Fulton an education in racial pride and

pride of origin, which I am sure he never forgot. She did it in the most polite but in a very firm and pointed way, and when it was over, we both got a very profound apology from him.”

A valedictorian at UCLA in 1927, Dr. Bunche earned a master’s in political science in 1928 and a Ph.D. in government and international relations in 1934 from Harvard University.

He founded and taught classes in the Political Science Department at Howard University in Northwest, Washington, D.C. Dr. Bunche became the first African American Desk Officer at the State Department during World War II. He helped form the United Nations in 1945 and, in 1948, he mediated the hostile Arab-Israeli conflict that led to his Nobel Prize. Later, Dr. Bunche served as Undersecretary-General for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations.

After winning the Nobel Prize, Dr. Bunche remained active stateside in the fight for civil rights.

He also reflected on the plight of Black people in America.

“Like every Negro in America, I’ve suffered many disillusioning experiences. Inevitably, I’ve become allergic to prejudice,” Dr. Bunche said in 1950.

“On the other hand, from my earliest years, I was taught the virtue of tolerance; militancy in fighting for rights – but not bitterness. And as a social scientist, I’ve always cultivated a coolness of temper, an attitude of objectivity when dealing with human sensitivities and irrationalities…”

President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded Dr. Bunche the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963.

Dr. Bunche died in 1971 at age 68.

BLACK HISTORY Month