Los Angeles News Observer 4.27.23

Entertainment Icon & Human Rights Activist Harry Belafonte Dies at 96

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Renowned singer, actor, producer, and legendary civil rights trailblazer, Harry Belafonte has died at the age of 96.

His publicist confirmed that the beloved icon died of congestive heart failure at his home in New York.

In addition to his children Adrienne Belafonte

Biesemeyer, Shari Belafonte, Gina Belafonte, David Belafonte and two stepchildren Sarah Frank and Lindsey Frank, Belafonte leaves behind eight grandchildren: Rachel Blue Biesemeyer, Brian Biesemeyer, Maria Belafonte McCray, Sarafina Belafonte, Amadeus Belafonte, Mateo Frank, Olive Scanga, and Zoe Frank.

Known globally for both for his artistic ingenuity and humanitarian ideals, Belafonte became an early, vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, a confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and financial backer of countless historic political and social causes and events, including the anti-Apartheid Movement, equal rights for women, juvenile justice, climate change and the decolonization of Africa.

He was one of the organizers of the 1963 March on Washington and led a delegation of Hollywood luminaries including his best friend Sidney Poitier, as well as Paul

Continued on page A3

Here’s How to Claim Your Share Facebook to Pay $725 Million

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

Senior National Correspondent Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has agreed to pay $725 million to settle a class-action lawsuit.

All Facebook users in the United States who used the network between May 2007 and December 2022 are eligible to receive a portion of the settlement.

The New York Times reports that a settlement ad- ministrator has launched a claims website where claimants may enter their information for payment via bank transfer, Venmo, or another service.

The size of the compensation will depend on how many people file valid claims and how long each appli- cant used Facebook during the period covered by the complaint, although it is expected to be quite small.

According to the article, claimants will split the reward, with the longer-term users receiving a more significant

Furthermore,portion.the Times reported that Facebook stood accused, along with data and political consulting business Cambridge Analytica, of exchanging user data

or allowing it to be accessible to third parties without users’Inpermission. addition, the lawsuit claimed that Facebook did not keep tabs on how third parties used the informa- tion.

According to the Times, Meta “denies any liability or wrongdoing” and asserts that “as many as 87 million users,” primarily in the United States, may have had their information improperly shared with Cambridge Analytica during the 2016 election.

In one of the biggest data thefts in Facebook’s history, in 2018, Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed the private information of millions of users, according to the publication, triggering the lengthy lawsuit.

According to the paper’s reporting, Cambridge Analytica exploited the data stolen from Facebook to compile detailed profiles of millions of American voters.

It made it possible for the firm to provide support

to former President Trump’s 2016 campaign.

If a valid claimant has an active Facebook account, they will receive one point every month.

To determine the amount of money available for each point, the settlement administrator will reported- ly “add the total points assigned to all claimants and divide that number by the net settlement amount, $725 million minus administrative costs and other fees.” Each beneficiary will receive that sum times their point total.

Officers of Meta and their agents cannot partici- pate in the However,settlement. users active on Facebook between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, can apply until August 25 by submitting their mailing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and Facebook usernames.

The final hearing to accept the settlement is set for September 7 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

One!Take

CNN Turns to Charles Barkley, Gayle King

NEW YORK (AP) – TV personalities Gayle King and Charles Barkley will headline a new prime-time weekly CNN show, “King Charles,” debuting in the fall, the network announced Saturday as it tries to engineer a turnaround amid tumbling ratings.

CNN chairman and CEO Chris Licht said in a statement that the show “will be an exciting new way we are delivering culturally relevant programming and unique perspectives to our audience, from two incredibly dynamicLichtpersonalities.” said King will continue to anchor “CBS Mornings,” and former NBA star Barkley will continue his current role at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports.

Appearing on TNT to discuss the new show, King said she hadn’t been looking for an additional job but relished the chance to work with Barkley.

“What I think is so great for the both of us is that it’s live TV,” she said. “To me, live TV is like working without a net. So whatever happens, happens. I like that.”

The duo said they’d talk about politics but that the show would not be political.

“We don’t want to say, ‘We’re a liberal, conservative, Republican, Democrat,’’’ Barkley said. “That’s one of the things that’s already ruined television in general.”

Cable news ratings are down across the board compared to 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was fresh in the news. CNN’s dip has been most dramatic - 61% in prime time in March.

CNN is a year into new corporate management with Warner Bros. Discovery, which hired ex-CBS producer Licht to run the network.

Licht’s revamp of “CNN This Morning” last fall was plagued with bad publicity in the wake of co-host Don Lemon’s ill-advised reference to a woman’s “prime” years, which offended many.

Racial Gap Widened in US Stroke Deaths

NEW YORK (AP) – The longstanding racial gap in U.S. stroke death rates widened dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, government researchers said Thursday.Stroke death rates increased for both Black and white adults in 2020 and 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study. But the difference between the two groups grew about 22%, compared with the five years before the pandemic.

“Any health inequity that existed before seems to have been made larger during the pandemic,’’ said Dr. Bart Demaerschalk, a stroke researcher at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix who was not involved in the new study. “This is another example of that.”

During a stroke, something blocks or reduces blood flow to part of the brain or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. It can result in brain damage or long-term disability and is the nation’s fifth leading cause of death.

Until about a decade ago, the U.S. stroke death rate was falling because of improved treatment and reduced smoking rates. The decline halted in 2013 at about 70 per 100,000 adults 35 and older. Experts think increases in obesity and related conditions finally offset some of things that had been driving stroke deaths down.

It climbed the last few years, rising to nearly 77 in 2021.

Black Americans have long had a higher stroke death rate than their white counterparts, a gap that was fairly steady for decades.

In 2021, according to the new study, the Black stroke death rate rate for Americans aged 35 and older rose from about 101 per 100,000 before the pandemic to about 113. The white rate rose from about about 70 per 100,000 to 75. The difference between those two measures rose from 31 to 38, a 22% increase.

The size of the compensation will depend on how many people file valid claims and how long each applicant used Facebook during the period covered by the complaint, although it is expected to be quite small.

Challenges Remain for California Black Families with Autistic Loved Ones

Jaivon Grant California Black Media

Prejudice, loneliness, isolation, rejection by their peers, high rates of bullying, low social integration and learning difficulties are just some of the negative experiences autistic people live through every day, researchers who study autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report.

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the rate of ASD occurrence is increasing among African Americans across the country—and here in California, too. ASD advocates say those findings are alarming because Black families have historically been excluded, overlooked and underinformed when it comes to receiving resources and services for their loved ones living with the condition.

Janet Jones-Jordan, Senior Director of Community

Inclusion for Autism Speaks says that although ASD affects people of all races and ethnicities, there are disparities that make it difficult for Black families—especially those who may be low-resourced or underserved—to have access to care and equity of resources.

“The cost of diagnostic tests for autism can be an issue because they cost $4,000 to $6,000, and most private facilities to not accept insurance for those initial tests,” says JonesJordan. “Food insecurity can also be a barrier because if families are more concerned about their housing needs and how they’re doing to feed their families, healthcare may be delayed to ensure other pertinent needs are addressed.”

Autism Speaks has an Autism Response Team that comprises a trained team of individuals who provide information, referrals and access to nocost resources and tools for all autismrelated needs.

According to the from the CDC, one in every 36 eight-year-old children in the United States has been diagnosed with ASD. While all previous

CDC reports show higher rates of ASD in White children compared to Black or Hispanic children, the latest report shows the opposite. This is the first year that overall rates of ASD were consistently higher among Black (2.9%), Hispanic (3.2%) and Asian or Pacific Islander (3.3%) children compared to white (2.4%) children.”

According to the Autism Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 1 in 22 (4.5%) children in California are diagnosed with autism. That number is significantly higher—almost double—than those stated in a December report, which stated 1 in 44 Golden State children are autistic.

April is Autism Acceptance Month (AAM). During AAM, especially on World Autism Day on April 2, individuals and organizations around the world educate the public about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the stigma people living with the neurodevelopmental condition and their families face. ASD is a disability that can inhibit social interactions and make learning difficult,

social media conversations to raise public awareness around the neurodevelopmental condition.

Although there are other programs across California (and the United States) that try assisting in the destigmatization autism diagnosis among minority communities, rates among Black Californians are becoming alarmingly worse.

Areva Martin, an award-winning civil rights attorney and special-needs advocate, says that it is common for African American families to struggle getting accurate diagnoses or early intervention for their children’s ASD.

“The awareness of the racial disparities in families with autistic spectrum disorder is becoming more,” says Martin. “But I would not say that we have seen a vast improvement across the board in the way that African American children are provided a diagnosis, let alone early interventions.”

Martin pointed out that Black families must often hire private attorneys to help them navigate through the services that are supposed to be freely provided to families who have autistic members.

“I have seen and heard many parents with horror stories about trying to access free public services through their children’s schools, but it is a hassle for them because the process can be too bureaucratic,” added Martin.

Black families, historically, have faced numerous obstacles to accessing resources that are easily available to others. This difficulty can be attributed to numerous factors, such as a bias against helping the Black community, challenging environmental circumstances, or needlessly complicated processes that can prove overwhelming for those who are unaware of where to turn. This suggests there is an even larger number of Black individuals who have not been diagnosed and/or have never received the necessary services to thrive going forward.

If experts and practitioners agree that an earlier diagnosis leads to more effective interventions, then the process to receiving that diagnosis should not be tedious and discouraging. It is undeniable that when it comes to autism in the Black community, more can be done—and it can be done better.

“It’s a fact that more work needs to be done and researchers will need to create better pipelines to gather the data to create sustainable change within the community,” said Jones-Jordan.

The paper joins a growing number of studies that detected a disproportionately large increase in minority stroke death rates since the pandemic began.

What drove the increases?

Doctors say COVID-19 infection can raise the risk of stroke. This mainly happens in severe COVID-19 illness, and the problem is worse in people that already have partially blocked blood vessels because of other conditions.

Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a history of smoking seemed to be at highest risk, according to a study led by Demaerschalk that was published last year. But the virus probably wasn’t the only factor, Demaerschalk said.

Obesity may have worsened, he said. People probably saw their doctors less often. And many were reluctant to go to a hospital when stroke symptoms developed - especially in the early days of the pandemic, when fear of catching the new virus may have surpassed concerns about stroke symptoms, he added.

“Time is absolutely of the essence” in treating strokes, Demaerschalk said.

So people were less likely to get medical care at the same time the risk of stroke was rising. And that “mismatch” may have been more pronounced for some Black people, because of lack of access of medical care and risk factors for COVID-19 and stroke, he said.

Man Gets 10 Months in Prison for Threats

DETROIT (AP) - A judge sentenced a Michigan man to 10 months in prison Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to two hate crime charges for intimidating and attempting to intimidate people protesting in support of Black Lives Matter.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Ludington also sentenced Kenneth Pilon, 62, of Saginaw to one-year of supervised release.

Pilon was accused of calling nine Starbucks stores in Michigan and telling the employees answering his calls to relay racial threats to Starbucks employees wearing Black Lives Matter T-shirts. Pilon also threatened to kill Black people, prosecutors said.

Pilon also pleaded guilty to placing a noose inside a vehicle with an attached note reading: “An accessory to be worn with your ‘BLM’ t-shirt. Happy protesting! “ Pilon allegedly left the messages two days after Starbucks announced in 2020 that it would provide 250,000 Black Lives Matter T-shirts to employees who wanted to wear them during their shifts amid protests condemning the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police“Theofficer.nooses ... and the calls to Starbucks were all intended to terrorize the targeted victims solely because of their race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “

World & Nation

Biden’s Re-election Announcement to Test Resolve of Black Voters

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The news that President Joe Biden will seek re-election has many curious about how well he will perform among African American voters.

According to the results of a recent poll conducted by TheGrio and KFF, black people had a positive opinion of both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

There remains some debate among Black Americans about whether or not they will support Biden for president in 2024.

According to the results of the poll of one thousand Black voters who were registered between August 24, 2022, and September 5, 2022, 69% of respondents were pleased with Biden’s performance.

When asked whether the Democrats should select someone other than Biden in the next presidential election, 58% of Black voters answered that they would rather see another candidate run than Biden.

Additionally, the results of the survey suggested that an astounding seventy percent of Black voters would cast their ballots for Harris if she were to run for president, revealing the possibility that African Americans would offer more support to Harris than Biden.

Further, there remains a greater degree of disagreement among Black voters who identify as Democrats or who lean toward the party.

The poll reveals a consensus among respondents (49%) that the party ought to put forward Biden as its candidate for another term.

The remaining half of voters have indicated that they

would want the Democrats to select a different candidate for president in 2024.

Even among Black voters, there’s a wide range of viewpoints about the question of whether Biden should be the nominee.

Those under the age of 50 and those who lean Democratic are more likely to seek a different candidate than those over the age of 50 who want Biden to run for a second term.

This is especially true of Black Democrats.

Fifty-seven percent of Black Democrats and Democrats-at-heart aged 50 and over want Biden as the nominee, however only 42% of all Democrats and Democrats-at-heart want the party to choose someone else.

Meanwhile, the Republican Party has struggled to win Black voters, and the poll shows that this pattern hasn’t changed.

The anger and obstruction that Republicans have shown toward Barack Obama throughout the years, in addition to their resistance to a voting rights law in Congress, make gaining the Black vote an uphill battle for the GOP.

By identifying themselves with Christian nationalists and organizations with roots to white supremacy, some Republicans have made it impossible to gain the support of Black voters.

The track record that Biden has on racial issues has also been debated in the Black community.

His efforts to pass a comprehensive voting rights package and reduce gun violence have been unsuccessful, but he has honored campaign vows to select a Black woman

as his vice president and appoint one to the Supreme Court.

Additionally, Biden has fulfilled his promise to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court.

Biden also must overcome the problems caused by some of his supporters privately and publicly bashing Harris, an issue that has alienated some Black voters.

Four years after announcing his campaign for the 2020 election that finally resulted in the defeat of the criminally indicted and twice-impeached Donald Trump, Biden again seeks to beat back a run by the MAGA leader.

Reportedly, Biden’s most prominent supporters have been invited to a financial summit in Washington, D.C, in the days running up to his planned announcement, which has kicked off a wild race to stock the president’s war chest.

The meeting, planned for Friday, is viewed as an important first step in a campaign that is going to try its best to fly under the radar for at least one year.

After that, Biden expects to start the process of hiring a team that will be able to function independently of the White House.

The team will include a campaign manager, communication assistants, state campaign directors, pollsters, finance managers, volunteers, and others.

According to reports, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, a top White House adviser and the granddaughter of the late American labor leader Cesar Chavez, is in the running to oversee the re-election campaign.

Chavez counted as a prominent figure in the labor movement in the United States.

Family of 16-Year-Old Shot in Alleged “Wrong House”

Incident Retain Attorneys Ben Crump and Lee Merritt

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor

A story broken by the Kansas City Defender, a family is claiming that their 16-year-old son, Ralph Yarl, was shot twice at the front door of a man after appearing at the wrong home as he attempted to pick up a sibling.

According to news reports, Ralph Yarl, who is Black, was shot twice by a white man in North Kansas City. The man who shot Yarl was later questioned and released by police. The reaction that has followed after reports of Ralph Yarl’s shooting by the Kansas City Defender has been strong and pointed.

“This was not an ‘error,’ this was a hate crime. You don’t shoot a child in the head because he rang your doorbell. The fact that the police said it was an ‘error’ is why America

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is the way it is,” Dr. Faith Spoonmorethe told the Kansas City Defender. Spoonmorethe is an aunt of Ralph Yarl.

“There can be no excuse for the release of this armed and dangerous suspect after admitting to shooting an unarmed, non-threatening and defenseless teenager that rang his doorbell!” Our offices have been retained to seek justice for Ralph Yarl. We demand immediate action,” wrote attorney Lee Merritt of Texas on social media on April 16.

“We’ve been retained by Ralph Yarl and his family following the unjustifiable shooting of the 16-year old by an unidentified white male assailant. Lee Merritt and our legal team demand Clay County prosecutors and law enforcement swiftly identify, arrest and prosecute the man responsible,” wrote attorney Ben Crump on the evening of April 16.

The Yarl shooting happens as the country is gripped in debate about the rise in gun homicides. The number of mass shootings has also risen over the last two years.

“Ralph Yarl, 16, was shot twice by a white man in Kansas City after accidentally ringing the doorbell of the wrong home. The man shot Ralph in the head through his glass door, and then when Yarl was already bleeding out on the ground, shot him again,” wrote Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts.

“My goodness…let’s be for justice, which is a continuum. That means the man who did this should be charged AND we need to work for the legislative and heart change to prevent these tragedies,” wrote Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. Protest events are scheduled in support of Ralph Yarl in the community to demand justice.

“The Yarl family is urging supporters to help spread awareness about the case and bring attention to the issue of racial violence in America,” reports the Kansas City Defender.

The engagement of Attorneys Ben Crump and Lee Merritt confirm that the Yarl case is likely to gain national media attention.

Crump rose to national prominence in 2012 when he represented the family of Trayvon Martin, who was murdered by a self-proclaimed “neighborhood watch” volunteer in Sanford, Florida. Crump’s advocacy helped bring attention to the case and led to the indictment of Martin’s killer — George Zimmerman.

Since then, Crump has continued to represent families of victims of police brutality and other civil rights violations,

including the families of Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. He has also been involved in advocacy efforts to reform the criminal justice system and end police brutality.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

Tucker Carlson Out at Fox; Don Lemon Fired from CNN Anchors Away!

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Two controversial news anchors at competing cable networks are out of jobs.

Fox News has announced it has severed ties with racebaiting and MAGA supporter Tucker Carlson just one week after the network settled a defamation suit for $787.5 million in part because Carlson joined others in promoting the Big Lie that included claims that Dominion voting machines were fraudulent.

Dominion had alleged that statements made on Carlson’s show after the 2020 election were defamatory.

The company claimed that messages between Carlson and his team were proof that they knew claims Dominion’s ballot-counting machines were used to manipulate the presidential election in favor of Democrat Joe Biden were false.

“We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor,” Fox News said in the statement.

The company did not offer an explanation for Carlson’s departure.

At CNN, Don Lemon announced on Twitter Monday that he was absolutely “stunned” by the network’s decision to fire him.

Lemon’s termination comes during a year in which

the longtime anchor and host repeatedly has run into controversy.

In February, Lemon startled viewers and co-hosts when he implied that GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley, 51, was past her prime.

Earlier, Haley made comments suggesting that political candidates over 75 should submit to mental competency tests, remarks Lemon and co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins didn’t appear to agree.

“Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime, sorry,” Lemon said. “When a woman is considered to be in her prime — in her 20s, 30s and maybe her 40s.”

“Prime for what?” Harlow replied.

Lemon then challenged his colleagues to Google when a woman is past her prime.

Harlow provided Lemon with an out, offering that he may have been referencing childbearing years.

“Don’t shoot the messenger, I’m just saying what the facts are,” Lemon replied. “Google it.”

In March, a story published by Variety listed allegations against Lemon that he mistreated female colleagues at CNN.

“I am stunned,” Lemon wrote. “After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.”

Terri Sewell holding Black Voters Matter sign on Election Day 2020 (Courtesy Photo)

Lee Merritt (left) and Ben Crump (right)

Entertainment Icon & Human Rights Activist Harry Belafonte Dies at 96

Continued from page A1

Newman, Sammy Davis, Jr, Marlon Brando, Rita Moreno, Tony Curtis, James Baldwin, Burt Lancaster, Joanne Woodward, Diahann Carrol, Bob Dylan, Mahalia Jackson, Peter, Paul and Mary and Joan Baez, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis and Tony Curtis.

The following is from Belafonte’s bio on the HistoryMakers:

Born to immigrant parents in Harlem on March 1, 1927, Harry Belafonte spent much of his youth in his mother’s home country of Jamaica.

Though difficult, life in Jamaica was full of rich cultural experiences that influenced Belafonte’s art.

At the beginning of World War II, Belafonte returned to Harlem with his mother and brother. He had trouble integrating into the new environment and later dropped out of high school to join the U.S. Navy.

After Belafonte was honorably discharged, he went back to New York, where he worked odd jobs until two free tickets to the American Negro Theatre (A.N.T.) changed his life.

Belafonte auditioned for the A.N.T. and earned his first leading role in Juno and the Paycock.

In 1953, he made his film debut opposite Dorothy Dandridge in Bright Road. He won a Tony in 1954 for his performance in Almanac.

At the same time, Belafonte developed his singing talents, having parlayed a series of nightclub performances

into a record contract.

His third album, Calypso, topped the charts for thirty-one consecutive weeks and was the first record to sell more than 1 million copies.

Belafonte also secured a television outlet with his hour-long special, Tonight with Belafonte, which won him an Emmy.

He became the first African American TV producer and his company, HarBel, went on to produce one Emmy nominee after another.

In the early 1950s, Belafonte developed a strong relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Belafonte worked tirelessly to mobilize artists in support of the civil rights movement.

In 1985, he again rallied the global artistic community to raise awareness of the famines, wars and droughts plaguing many African nations.

USA for Africa raised more than $60 million for this cause with “We Are the World” and Hands Across America.

A longtime anti-apartheid activist, Belafonte hosted former South African President Nelson Mandela on his triumphant visit to the United States.

Belafonte maintained his commitment to service as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

“The lifelong commitment, courage, global leadership, and legacy of The Honorable Harry Belafonte will always be cherished and remembered by billions of

people throughout the world,” said NNPA President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “Belafonte was a gifted, talented and transformative freedom fighter for all of humanity. The National Newspaper Publishers Association

Ed Sheeran Hit, Marvin Gaye Classic Soul of Copyright Trial

By ANDREW DALTON and LARRY NEUMEISTER

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) – Jury selection and opening statements are set to begin Monday in a trial that mashes up Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" with Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On."

The heirs of Ed Townsend, Gaye's co-writer of the 1973 soul classic, sued Sheeran, alleging the English pop star's hit 2014 tune has "striking similarities" to "Let's Get It On" and "overt common elements" that violate their copyright.

The lawsuit filed in 2017 has finally made it to a trial that is expected to last a week in the Manhattan federal courtroom of 95-year-old Judge Louis L. Stanton.

Sheeran, 32, is among the witnesses expected to testify. While the jury will hear the recordings of both songs, probably many times, their lyrics - and vibes - are legally insignificant. Jurors are supposed to only consider the raw elements of melody, harmony and rhythm that make up the composition of "Let's Get It On," as documented on sheet music filed with the United States Patent and

Trademark Office.

Sheeran's attorneys have said the songs' undeniable structural symmetry points only to the foundations of popular music.

"The two songs share versions of a similar and unprotectable chord progression that was freely available to all songwriters," they said in a court filing.

Townsend family attorneys pointed out in the lawsuit that artists including Boyz II Men have performed seamless mashups of the two songs, and that even Sheeran himself has segued into "Let's Get It On" during live performances of "Thinking Out Loud."

They sought to play a potentially damning YouTube video of one such Sheeran performance for the jury at trial. Stanton denied their motion to include it, but said he would reconsider it after he sees other evidence that's presented.

Gaye's estate is not involved in the case, though it will inevitably have echoes of their successful lawsuit against Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams and T.I. over the resemblance of their 2013 hit "Blurred Lines" to Gaye's

1977 "Got to Give it Up."

Sheeran's label Atlantic Records and Sony/ATV Music Publishing are also named as defendants in the "Thinking Out Loud" lawsuit. Generally, plaintiffs in copyright lawsuits cast a wide net in naming defendants, though a judge can eliminate any names deemed inappropriate. In this case, however, Sheeran's co- writer on the song, Amy Wadge, was never named.

Townsend, who also wrote the 1958 R&B doo-wop hit "For Your Love," was a singer, songwriter and lawyer. He died in 2003. Kathryn Townsend Griffin, his daughter, is the plaintiff leading the lawsuit.

Already a Motown superstar in the 1960s before his more adult 1970s output made him a generational musical giant, Gaye was killed in 1984 at age 44, shot by his father as he tried to intervene in a fight between his parents.

But Sheeran - whose musical style drawing from classic soul, pop and R&B has made him a target for copyright lawsuits - has shown a willingness to go to trial before. A year ago, he won a U.K. copyright battle over his 2017 hit "Shape of You,'' then slammed what he described as a

"culture" of baseless lawsuits intended to squeeze money out of artists eager to avoid the expense of a trial.

''I feel like claims like this are way too common now and have become a culture where a claim is made with the idea that a settlement will be cheaper than taking it to court, even if there is no basis for the claim," Sheeran said in a video posted on Twitter after the verdict. "It's really damaging to the songwriting industry."

The "Thinking Out Loud" lawsuit also invokes one of the most common tropes in American and British music since the earliest days of rock 'n' roll, R&B and hip- hop: a young white artist seemingly appropriating the work of an older Black artist - accusations that were also levied at Elvis Presley and The Beatles, whose music drew on that of Black forerunners.

"Mr. Sheeran blatantly took a Black artist's music who he doesn't view as worthy as compensation,'' Ben Crump, a civil rights attorney who represents the Townsend family but is not involved in the trial, said at a March 31 news conference.

The Genius of Little Richard Explored in New Film

By Stacy M. Brow NNPA Newswire Senior

National Correspondent

To many, Little Richard lived a complicated life, from his outwardly gay and hypersexual ways to his brilliant but amazingly disrespected career.

Putting aside his personal and flamboyant lifestyle, one could find it hard to argue with Richard’s statement in “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” a new documentary by award-winning filmmaker Lisa Cortés.

“Michael Jackson was inspired by me. Prince. James Brown, I discovered him. Jimi Hendrix was my guitar player,” Richard says in the 98-minute film that includes homages from others he influenced, like Mick Jagger, John Waters, and Billy Porter.

Indeed, in one telling moment, while Richard inducts the late Otis Redding into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Jagger sits in the audience listening intently and almost embarrassingly as Richard recounts how the Rolling Stones served as the flamboyant “Tutti Frutti” singer’s opening act and how he helped their careers.

Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Ga., in 1932, Little Richard left his home as a young boy when his father discovered Richard was gay.

Cortés, who won an Emmy for The Apollo, and served as executive producer for the Oscar-winning film Precious, said Richard wasn’t just the king of rock ‘n’ roll but the architect.

“Little Richard is part of music history and the inspiration to many artists. Jimi Hendrix is playing in his band,” Cortés declared in an interview with “Let It Be Known,” the Black Press of America’s live morning news program.

“James Brown is brought to Macon, Ga., to record his first hit because of Little Richard. He’s a conductor on this

little rock ‘n’ roll train.”

With Elvis Presley renowned as the king of rock ‘n’ roll mainly for mainstreaming Black music, the documentary leaves no doubt that Richard deserves that title and more.

“People knew his connection to the Beatles, but he talks about these five guys that he meets in Europe,” Cortés noted.

“But when he goes to Hamburg, Richard has one musician with him, a very young Billy Preston. So, he introduces Billy Preston to the Beatles. And as many people know, Billy Preston then goes on to be called what some people consider the fifth Beatle.

“So, you see the connection there. And you understand that he’s the catalyst and the inspiration for so many.”

Throughout his illustrious career, however, the music world failed to recognize the genius of Little Richard, and he continually reminded them of the egregious oversight.

In 1997, the American Music Awards finally gave Richard the recognition he craved and deserved.

In receiving the Award of Merit, the emotions Richard usually wore on his sleeve were revealed as plainly as ever.

“It’s been a long time coming,” he said after composing himself during that ceremony.

The award’s inscription noted that Richard “is the founding father who sent rock ‘n’ roll into orbit with his super-charged performances and spirit. He’s served as an inspiration to his fellow artists.”

Unabashedly candid—and some might say conceited—Richard let loose.

“I am the originator. I am the emancipator. I am the architect of rock ‘n’ roll,” he demanded.

“I am the man that started it all. I want you to know tonight that rhythm and blues had a baby, and somebody named it rock ‘n’ roll.”

With Elvis Presley renowned as the king of rock ‘n’ roll mainly for mainstreaming Black music, the documentary leaves no doubt that Richard deserves that title and more.

(NNPA) salutes the memory of Harry Belafonte and recommits to the struggle for freedom, justice and equality that Belafonte so boldly epitomized and embodied.”

Legal Notices

The Hon. Gwen Moore Legislative Reception Celebrates Black Political and Civil Leadership

Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

On April 19, the California African American Chamber of Commerce (CALAACC) hosted the “Honorable Gwen Moore California Legislative Reception.”

The event celebrated the former California State Assemblymember with fond memories shared by colleagues, family, and friends. Moore, who passed away in August 2020, served in the California State Assembly from 1978 until 1994.

The reception took place in the ballroom of the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. Former California state Sen. Roderick “Rod” Wright and former California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown discussed Moore’s extraordinary accomplishments in the political arena.

Brown, 89, explained that Moore did not vote for him when he became the first Black American Speaker of the State Assembly in 1981. She thought he was punishing her when he assigned her to an Assembly committee that Black lawmakers typically did not serve on.

Brown told the audience his intention was to place Black individuals in non-Black chairmanships. He said during his speakership, he was determined to expand the roles of Black lawmakers beyond traditional committees.

Brown shared that Moore eventually expressed her gratitude to him saying, “I am indebted to you for life. You just given me the opportunity to do something that no other Black person in the history of California has had the chance to do.”

Wright,70, said he met Moore before she served on the Los Angeles Community College District Board in 1975. He worked on Moore’s campaign for the countywide position.

Like Moore before him, Wright served as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce, which oversees telecommunications, electricity, private water corporations, natural gas, and other issues related to

exchanging goods and services between businesses.

“It was one of the things that I looked forward to doing. Gwen would say to me, ‘Let me tell you how this committee works,’” Wright said. “Because, unlike everyone before me, I had to chair (the Committee on Utilities and Commerce) in the middle of an energy crisis. Gwen Moore was a true asset to me as a Chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce.”

Former California-Hawaii State Conference NAACP President Alice Huffman could not attend the conversation portion of the reception. A statement was read in her absence.

“Gwen was a loyal member of NAACP, serving both on the state’s executive committee for several years as well as on the National Board of the NAACP,” Huffman stated.

“She was a loyal and dedicated member and gave her all to each of the boards she served. She embodied the true spirit of loyalty and dedication.”

The reception was attended by former and current lawmakers, business leaders, and members of the California Legislative Black Caucus. The event was hosted by KOVR 13’s Darla Givens and the Rev. Tecoy Porter, Senior Pastor of Genesis Church Sacramento, provided the invocation.

Timothy Alan Simon, CALAACC’s chair, provided an in-depth update of the business chambers’ goals for 2023 and introduced members of his organization and the California Legislature.

CALAACC is the state’s largest Black business chamber organization. Its mission is to “drive economic opportunity and wealth creation for African American businesses, connect and harness the collective strength of our statewide network of member organizations to elevate fiscal health,” according to the group’s website.

Simon highlighted that Moore was the architect and political force behind California General Order 156. This state supplier diversity program helped to strengthen and

stabilize many California Black-owned, Women-owned and other minority-owned small businesses by assisting them in securing lucrative state contracts.

“In 2022, the total spent under General Order 156 with our California investors’ own utility was $14 billion, 30.1% classified as diverse and $18.44% minority,” Simon said. “African American businesses received close to $2 billion in utilities contracts.”

Sponsors of the two-hour reception included AT&T, California American Water, Sempra, SoCalGas, Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs, and Southern California Edison.

CALAACC Government Relations Chair and mayor of Rialto Deborah Robertson and State Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) welcomed guests and speakers on behalf of the organization. Los Angeles City Councilmember Heather Hutt (10th District) introduced Ms. Moore’s family members while praising her accomplishments.

“She fought in the Assembly (and) she fought alongside iconic Speaker Willie Brown, and she also fought for small businesses,” Hutt said. “She was the queen of diversity, and she was the person to think about small businesses and how businesses can do business with other businesses.”

During the reception, a special award ceremony recognized African American individuals whose ideas, leadership, business acumen, and political advocacy have improved the lives of people in communities across California.

The CALAACC presented the Gwen Moore Legislative Impact Award to Sen. Bradford, representative of the 35th District and Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus; the Outstanding Advocacy Award went to Carolyn Veal-Hunter, Partner at Sloat Higgins Jensen and Associates; and Regina Wilson, Executive Director, California Black Media, received the Aubry Stone Outstanding Business Award.

The Gwen Moore California Legislative Reception

Committee members Pat Watts, Ahmad Holmes, Caliph Assagai, Larry Bradshaw, Cheryl Brownlee, Deanna Roberts and Robertson were acknowledged by Simon for their efforts put into organizing an event in the name of an influential lawmaker and businesswoman.

“I’m honored to be here, not only the achievements of the California African American Chamber of Commerce, but the legacy of Gwen Moore,” Bradford said. “The impact that she had, not only public utilities, but the Legislature as a whole. The work that Gwen Moore started 30 years ago is still needed today.”

Army Removing Confederate Name of Virginia Fort to Honor Black Heroes

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Fort Lee, Virginia, named in honor of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, will take on a new name that honors two Black Army trailblazers.

The fort will honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, the U.S. Army said in a statement on Tuesday, April 25.

A redesignation ceremony is planned for Thursday, April 27, honoring the two Black officers whom officials said excelled in the field of sustainment and made significant marks in U.S. Army history.

Lt. Gen. Gregg rose from the rank of private to threestar general during his military logistics career, which began just after WWII and spanned nearly 36 years, the release noted.

Gregg, 94, will be the only living person in modern Army history to have an installation named after him.

Lt. Col. Adams was the first Black officer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps – later known as the Women’s Army Corps – in World War II and led the first predominately Black WAC unit to serve overseas: the storied 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

“We are deeply honored to have Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams as the new namesakes for our installation,” Maj. Gen. Mark Simerly, commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command and senior commander of Fort Lee, stated in the release.

Officials said the post is one of nine Army installations being redesignated in accordance with Defense Department-endorsed recommendations from the congressional Naming Commission to remove the names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that commemorate the Confederate States of America or those who voluntarily served under the C.S.A.

Congress directed the formation of the Naming Commission in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act and charged it with providing these recommendations.

The Commission issued its three-part report to Congress in the summer of 2022. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III accepted all the Commission’s recommendations that September.

On Jan. 5, 2023, William A. LaPlante, the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, directed all Department of Defense organizations to begin implementing those recommendations.

“The Naming Commission sought to recommend names that are ‘inspirational to the Soldiers and civilians who serve on our Army posts, and to the communities who support them,’” Simerly stated.

“They delivered exactly that with these two inspiring leaders and their tremendous accomplishments – from World War II through the Cold War – speak to the important history of this installation and to the courage, dignity, and devotion to duty that we strive to instill in every Soldier training here at the home of the Army Sustainment.”

Timothy Alan Simon, Esq., CALAACC’s chairperson, provides and overview of the organization at the Honorable Gwen Moore California Legislative Reception in Sacramento, California, on April 19, 2023. Moore, who passed away in August 2023, served in the California State Assembly from 1978 until 1994. (CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey)

Former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, left, and Former Sen. Roderick Wright, right, shared passionate memories of working with Gwen Moore in the political arena as well as her dedicated work in the community. (CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey)

The CALAACC presented the Gwen Moore Outstanding Advocacy Award to Carolyn Veal-Hunter (Partner at Sloat Higgings Jensen and Associates). (CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey)

Advocates Address the Factors Contributing to the Spike in Suicide Rates Among Black Men

Aldon Thomas Stiles

California Black Media

Last year, America mourned the tragic suicides of two Black men who were celebrated for their exceptional talents and renowned for their achievements in the entertainment world and their links to Hollywood. The first was Stephen “tWitch” Boss, a co-executive producer and guest DJ on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. The second was Ian Alexander Jr., who was the son of Academy Award-winning actress Regina King.

Away from national headlines, tens of thousands of families across the United States are grieving over loved ones who took their own lives – with men outnumbering women four to one as states across the country – including California – report alarming suicide rates every year.

Among Black Americans, suicide is having a unique impact on Black men.

This fact is well-known to Etienne Maurice, the founder and CEO of WalkGood LA, a community wellness-focused organization based in Los Angeles and led by Black and Brown individuals.

“When I was going through my psychosis and I was manic, I did have suicidal thoughts. I never thought I was going to actually commit to doing it, but the thought was scary enough,” Maurice told California Black Media (CBM) at his Black men’s healing circle event in Los Angeles, titled YouGood.

The high-profile suicides deaths of Boss and Alexander and the rising suicide rate among Black men – while tragic and unsettling – are not surprising to Jamal Averett, an

actor and attendee at YouGood, who told CBM many Black men are “screaming inside.”

Data from the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, indicates that the suicide rate for Black individuals in California rose by 31.1% between 2010 and 2019, a substantial increase when compared to other ethnic groups.

“I think in order for us to really get those rates down, we have to build community with other Black men,” Averett said.

YouGood brought in 181 Black men to participate in guided yoga, meditation, journaling and exercises designed to encourage expressing their feelings.

One of the goals of the event was to challenge the stigma of emotional vulnerability among Black men.

“Growing up, we’re always taught to hold it in. Just be tough,” Averett said.

The organizers stated that another significant objective of this monthly event is to create a safe and supportive community for Black men, who have been conditioned to exhibit stoicism from a young age, to initiate the process of healing from the historical and daily traumas they have experienced.

Maurice explained how traumas, left unchecked, can take hold of someone’s life and spiral out of their control.

“I’d be in bed and be arguing with my mom, because I didn’t want to get out of bed,” Maurice said, sharing memories of interactions with his mother, the actress Sheryl Lee Ralph of Moesha and Abbott Elementary fame. “And I didn’t know why because I wasn’t that person -- my mom

never raised me to be that person, and she didn’t know me to be that person. So, it can be frustrating on all levels.”

Maurice noted that there is evidence that his inability to express his inner turmoil is something that some other Black men who have struggled with suicidal ideation have experienced.

“I didn’t even have a language for mental health. I think what drove me to that point was not having control,” Maurice said.

Rodrego A. Byerly is the President and CEO of EVITARUS, California’s only Black-owned-and-led public opinion and market research firm. He echoed Maurice’s point.

“There are a number of contributing factors I would point to, first and foremost a need for greater education and resources at our fingertips for how to cope with stress in all of its forms in life,” Byerly said.

What makes this crisis unusual and alarming is that the suicide rates for non-Hispanic White people decreased by 4.5% between 2019 and 2020, while the rate for nonHispanic Black people increased by 4% according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.

Shakari Byerly, Managing Partner and Principal Researcher at EVITARUS, pointed to racism and social unrest as a potential explanation for this phenomenon.

“Everyday discrimination is associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms, and also what’s called suicide ideation, which are thoughts or contemplations of suicide,” Ms. Byerly said. “I think also the fact that depression and anxiety are gateways to suicide ideation as well.”

Dr. Kristee Haggins, Executive Director of Safe Black Space, said that while disproportionate violence targeting Black people is not a new occurrence, the level of exposure to incidents of anti-Black violence has increased.

“There’s this heightened view again, because it was splashed all across the media,” Haggins explained.

Maurice told CBM that repeated, highly publicized murders of Black men – specifically the murder of Ahmaud Arbery – is what inspired him to build his organization, stating that he started WalkGood to “fight for Black lives.”

The Black transgender community is also witnessing a surge in suicidal rates and this population has also been subjected to heightened levels of violence and hate crimes.

Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, statewide organization committed to promoting health equity for African Americans and Black Immigrants, advises those struggling with suicidal ideation to reach out to people close to them, utilize resources in the community, such as churches, and call 988 if they are experiencing a crisis.

Smith – as well as Maurice and Averett – assured those who are dealing with depression and desperation that although you might feel otherwise, you are not alone.

For suicide prevention resources in your community and to learn more about the subject visit this page on the California State Senate website.

California Black Media’s coverage of Mental Health in California is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.

Black and Green: Environmental Stewards Say Protecting the Planet Involves Race and Equity

Jaivon Grant California Black Media

Aaron McCall, who coordinates federal advocacy

for California Environmental Voters, believes that the environmental protection movement to protect the planet has been viewed primarily through a White-centric

perspective.

McCall is committed to shifting this paradigm.

By incorporating environmental justice issues into the national and state-level discussions on climate and conservation, McCall believes he can make a difference. He is also committed to drawing attention to the unique challenges Black and other minorities face as technology rapidly evolves to mitigate the effects of climate change and pollution.

“I really have a passion for environmental issues, specifically because in Oak View, there are a lot of oil rigs and trash refineries. This means the air quality for people living there is a lot lower -- mainly Black and Brown people,” said McCall who is a resident of Costa Mesa in Orange County, but frequently visits Oak View - a coastal city in Ventura County located about 82 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

“The priorities are mainly rich and White, which leads to Black people not being at the table to talk about these issues. So, we are often the first to suffer,” he added.

According to McCall, environmentalists, who are predominately wealthy and White, often overlook the damage inflicted on Black and minority communities. Also, businesses pollute minority communities while ignoring the negative impact on both people and the environment, justifying their actions by claiming they “are giving Black people jobs.”

April is Earth Month. For African American environmental stewards in California like McCall and environmental justice advocates groups around the country like the National Black Environmental Justice Network, it is a time to highlight the tireless work they do yearround, and an occasion amplify some of the most pressing environmental challenges Black communities face.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), who is running for U.S. Senate to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein, says the effects of climate crisis are evident in California.

“Drought, record heat waves, and wildfires that have devastated entire communities. As the United Nations and scientists around the world have made clear, we can still preserve a livable climate for future generations. But that window is closing fast,” Lee said in her Earth Day statement. “We also must recognize that justice has to be at the heart of our fight against climate change. This crisis is

disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities around the world,” Lee added.

McCall says many Black communities remain on the frontlines of environmental pollution.

“There is currently lead in our water. There are kids who have been born that are now in middle school and have never had clean water in their homes,” said McCall. “There needs to be more equity and justice when it comes to investments and corporate accountability.”

Climate change, a result of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, is often perceived as a distant threat. However, evidence shows that the world is already experiencing changes in seasonal temperatures and weather patterns. For instance, Montebello, a city in Los Angeles with a predominantly minority population, recently experienced its strongest tornado in 40 years. This event forced over 15 businesses to close and likely spread pollutants from nearby waste facilities into the air and water.”

The solution to this issue is complex. Black environmental advocates often highlight that it is easy for privileged individuals to suggest that others simply relocate without considering their struggles and limitations. However, when environmental disasters occur in disadvantaged communities, residents often lack the resources and information necessary to protect themselves and their families.

An initiative that has become a national priority – and one of the biggest pushes for California state government -- is the transition to electric vehicles. Black eco-activists argue that while the adoption of zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) is crucial, in the rush to adapt to them, advocates fail to consider the costs and potential impact on minorities or and lower-income communities during the transition.

“It’s not as easy as saying ‘buy an electric car to save the environment,’” says McCall. “There are quite a few significant factors to think about, especially for Black folks. Where are we going to charge it? Is the infrastructure in place? What are the limitations of the grid?”

“Black people have been involved in conversations about equity from the very beginning. There are many ways for us to continue to be involved and for our voices to be heard,” added McCall.

Neighborhood Wellness Foundation, hosting a healing circle in Sacramento, CA. (Courtesy photo)

Los Angeles Times Festival of Book: Reading, Writing, Rhymes and Rhythms

By Ricky Richardson

Contributing Writer (Los Angeles, CA) A large diverse crowd of book lovers assembled on the campus of University of Southern California this past weekend, April 22-23, 2023. The event was held from 10:00-6:00pm on Saturday, and 10:005:00pm on Sunday.

The Los Angeles Times Festival of books is the largest of its kind in the country. This would explain why people showed up from near and far on this pleasant, warm and sunny weekend in southern California.

Festival of Books got underway with the USC Marching Band strolling from Trojans Place to the USC Stage to perform for the early arrivals. Anna Magzanyan, Chief of Staff, Los Angeles times, and Effie Turnbull Sanders, USC Vice President of Civic Engagement & Economic Partnerships welcomed everyone gathered for the kickoff celebration. Salome Agbaroji, West Regional Youth Poet Laureate recited a spoken work piece in celebration of Los Angeles and its diverse population.

The written word was celebrated at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Attendees delighted in the various panels featuring award winning authors, celebrities, and up and coming authors. Talented musicians from USC

entertained attentive crowds throughout the weekend on multiple stages. Book lovers strolled around the campus to browse booth from different independent bookstores, established publishing companies, and other literary companies.

Attendees inevitably worked up an appetite throughout the day. Smorgasbords of food trucks were on site to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Vchos Pupuseria Modern; Cinnabon; Berlin Sausages & Gourmet Grilled Cheese; The Tropic Truck-Cali Caribbean; Baby’s Burgers; Harold & Belles; Recess Ice Cream; Mediterranean Gourmet to Go catering; Pinch of flavor Poke Truck; Oaxaca on Wheels; Wise BBQ; Cousin Maine Lobster; Wetzel’s Pretzels; Certa Vega

Modern Day; Birrieria Guadalajara Style and Deli doctorNew York Deli on Wheels.

Authors, poets and performances for Saturday, Day 1 of the Book Festival consisted of Meghan Trainor, Courtney Faye Taylor, Marcello Carelli and the New Era Quintet, William Alexander, Grupo Folklórico de USC, Mateo, Jemele Hill, Laura Dave and Jennifer Garner, Maddi Lasker, Shandela Contreras, Leslie Odom, Jr. and

Nicolette Robinson, Kwame Alexander, Craig Smith, James McEachin, Tatyerra Mikell and Lyn Starr.

Authors, poets and performances for Sunday, Day 2 of the Festival of Books Festival featured Katie Porter, Walter Mosley, Stacey Abrams, The Forshay Jazz Band Musical Ensemble, Ellie Williams, Joan Baez, Idina Menzel, Cara Mentzel, Craig Smith, James McEachin, Tatyerra Mikell, Robin Arzón and Kate del Castillo.

Hill

Kwame Alexander and Malik Muhammad (Photo by Ricky Richardson) Walter Mosley (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Stacey Abrams (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Jemele

(Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Dodgers Turn Things Around

By Earl Heath

Contributing Sports Writer

The LA Dodgers fell under .500 in April for the first time in four years.  Manager Dave Roberts tinkered with a few things while Max Muncy and rookie James Outman got hot at the plate. That helped the team win its first series of the year over Chicago.   Mookie Betts returned from a leave of absence to start his first major league game at shortstop against the Cubs.  He was drafted in 2011 by the Red Sox as a shortstop but hadn’t played professionally since the 2013 developmental Arizona Fall League.

It was a decision born out of necessity, with Gavin Lux out for year and Miguel Rojas on the injury list, Roberts expected Betts, who came up as a second baseman and takes grounders at both middle infield spots almost every single day, to happily embrace.

“He looks extremely natural,” Roberts said. “The guy can play anywhere on a baseball field.”

That much was clear against the Cubs in the bottom of the eighth, when Betts helped the Dodgers escape a two-on, no-out jam by leaping over a baserunner on a crucial double-play.

“That was like a dream come true,” Betts said. “I know it’s

work and it’s a job. But getting to play short is a lot of fun.”

And there might be more of it in Betts’ future, with Roberts saying postgame he was already considering whether the former MVP may have to play there for awhile.

“I just give Mookie a lot of credit tonight,” Roberts said. “Getting off a plane, having a baby, being willing to come into a ballgame and take an at-bat and then go out and play a position he’s never played before at the big-league level. Made a really nice play. It just speaks to his athleticism. It was a big boost to us.”

Max Muncy continues to be hot homering twice in a 9-4 Dodger win. He’s the league leader  in homers 11 (at press time).

Newcomer James Outman also hit a pair in the same game setting a franchise rookie record with seven homers before May.

Teammate Freddy Freeman sure believes it a good move. Betts turned a double play for the final out to clinch the series win vs. the Cubs.

“I think he could be a Golden Glover at any position,” said Freeman. I don’t know to many people that could be top five players in all of baseball and cover multiple positions and make it look easy.”

Gervonta Davis Knocks Out Ryan Garcia With A Body Punch In The Seventh Round

The fight of the year ended with Davis named as the “face of boxing”

By Andre Johnson Zenger News

LAS VEGAS — The Saturday night showdown of what many thought would be the biggest fight of the year, between Gervonta “Tank“ Davis and Ryan “King” Garcia, turned out to be more confirmation of the new face of boxing. Davis proved himself to be a machine as he put Garcia to the canvas twice, only to have him not respond after a body shot to the liver in the seventh round, registering a TKO victory for Davis.

Davis(29- 0, 27 KO) scored a left hook to Garcia’s(23-1, 19 KO) body backing him up then forcing the California native now with one blemish on his record, to take one knee in agony never getting up as the ref counted him out at to 10 at 1:44 of Round 7 before a sellout crowd of 20,842 at the T-Mobile Arena, at the time of the stoppage all three judges scored the bout  9594, 97-92 and 97-92 all for Davis who was in command of the bout most of the evening and now without a doubt is the face of professional boxing.

“I didn’t think that body shot would end it, but I saw his facial expression and that’s what made me take it to him. now It was a good shot, for sure, “ said the 28-year-old Davis who is now the new King of Boxing. “I thought he was going to get up but I like to play mind games, so when he was looking at me, I was looking at him trying to tell him, ‘Get up!’. And he just shook his head, no.”  Garcia for his part early in the fight had a few impressive rallies in the first, second and sixth round that got his fan base excited about his chances to win but in the end, Davis proved to be the more talented, skilled, and experienced fighter that had an answer for everything that Garcia brought, forcing him to quit.

Garcia takes a knee after a body punch from Davis in Las Vegas on Apr 22, 2023.  (Esther Lin/ SHOWTIME)

Spring Ball for USC and College Football

By Earl Heath

Contributing Sports Writer  Spring has sprung for college football and USC. Teams are checking what they have player wise for the 2023 campaign.

The Trojans recently had its game at the L.A. Coliseum and the ‘sure thing’ was the QB position with Celeb Williams at the helm.

The Walter Camp Player of the Year only played three plays. He did throw a TD pass to Mario Williams during the short stint.

At the half Robert Whalen Executive of the Heisman trust was on hand to present Williams with the Heisman trophy in front of the crowd of 25,213 fans. Williams parents were present as were members of the 2022 USC football team.

Four-star freshman running back Quinten Joyner shined with big runs, including a 26-yard touchdown.

Marshawn Lloyd and A’ Marion Peterson are two newcomers that had strong showing in a crowed backfield.

Joyner had a 26-yard scoring scamper and drew praise from veteran teammate Austin Jones.

“The dude just naturally makes explosive plays,” said Jones. “He gets out of trouble all the time.”

On the defensive side former five-star prospect Anthony Lucas, who transferred to USC from Texas A&M this offseason applied pressure and will be a highlight all season. The 6-6, 265 pounder is a true athlete.  He’s spent time at defensive tackle, defensive end and edge rusher, chasing the quarterback on one play, then flipping his hips to drop into coverage on the next.

Transfer Mason Cobb  was an All-Big 12 Conference linebacker at Oklahoma State, crouched in the middle, running to every hole with reckless abandon. In front of him was Kyle Bars, who was an All-Pac-12 Conference defensive tackle at Arizona. The D-line looks improved already.

“We all knew deep down that we had some holes there last year,” head coach Riley said. “I mean, it is what it is right? You knew. And even when we’re winning games and playing, playing well defensively, like, you know, at some point this has got to be addressed. It was going to be a focal point no matter if we won five games last year, we won 11, or we won 15 games last year. Like, it was going to happen. And so I’m excited about what that looks like.”

“I couldn’t breathe,” said Garcia, 24. “I was going to get back up, but I just couldn’t get up. … He just caught me with a good shot – I don’t want to make no excuses in here – … and I just couldn’t recover. … He caught me with a good body shot, snuck under me and caught me good.”

The night started surprisingly even with a slight edge to Garcia as he dominated the latter part of the first round and showed his power early in the second. But things changed quickly and dramatically when Garcia started to cut the ring off and move forward against Davis but failed to land a left hook. Davis responded with a vicious counter left hook of his own that sent Garcia to the canvas for the first time of the evening. Garcia was never able to fully recover from the first knockdown as Davis controlled the rest of the night and sits at the top of the mountain in the sport of boxing.

Coincidentally, Davis last bout against Hector Garcia ended similar as Garcia absorbed so much punishment from Davis that he was forced to not respond for the 8th round of their fightback on January 9th in Washington, DC. Davis who has 29 wins 27 of them by KO and the last six straight consecutive fights have ended in a knockout for Davis as well looks to continue his reign over boxing and the lightweight division.

When asked by Showtime’s Jim Gray  if he was the new face of boxing Davis replied “I’m definitely the face of boxing. Absolutely!”

(Additional reporting provided by Virginia Van Zandt)

Mookie Betts turns a double play against Cody Bellinger and the Cubs. (Quinn Harris / Getty Images) Dodgers’ James Outman watches his grand slam against the Chicago Cubs, setting a Dodger rookie record in April. (Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press)

Quinten Joyner (21) rushes for some yards  showed bright signs during spring game. (Photo: Sara Medina)

2023 French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron

It’s Time to Party

By Ricky Richardson

Contributing Writer         (New Orleans, LA) The non-profit French Quarter Festival, Inc. (FQF) celebrated a milestone, 40th Anniversary, April 13-16, 2023. French Quarter Festival, presented by Chevron, the largest free festival and showcase of Louisiana music, food and culture, was held across various venues and stages throughout the French Quarter neighborhood.

French Quarter Festival has charmed New Orleans since it first began in 1984, designed to remind locals how fabulous and fun the French Quarter can be. Stages are set up on practically every corner; cuisine from the city’s finest restaurants fills booths in Jackson Square, and beyond. This grand fete has evolved into something everyone adorestourists and locals alike. This is reason enough to follow the advice of Earth Wind and Fire, “Celebrate,” “Sing a Song,” and “Let’s Groove.”

This year 875,000 attendees from near and far made their way to New Orleans’ historic French Quarter for the annual French Quarter Festival. These massive celebrations shine the spotlight on the food, talented musicians and art and culture of this beloved neighborhood. The festivities were held from the Riverfront all the way to Jackson Square. Guests indulged in countless local bits, live music performances, and special events and activities.

“This 40th-anniversary celebration proved to be a beautiful celebration of our favorite traditions,” said Emily Madero, President and CEO of FQFI. “We successfully produced an event with more than 270 performances from local musicians and dined with more than 60 of the best culinary experiences along with nearly 875,000 fans over four magnificent days.”

“Walter J. Leger III, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company said, “The 40th anniversary French Quarter Fest was a resounding success with large joyous crowds, hotel occupancy far above 2022 levels, and an

economic boost for our local musicians and cultural bearers. French Quarter Fest proved why New Orleans is Built to Host specials events better than any other city.”

“Chevron is proud to have once again served as the presenting sponsor of French Quarter Festival, especially during their 40th anniversary,” said Chevron Gulf of Mexico Public Affairs Manager Leah Brown. “Over the last four decades, the festival has made countless positive contributions to the community as it showcases Louisiana’s unique music, culture, and cuisine.”

On Thursday Morning, April 13th, a large crowd of tourists, and locals converged on Bourbon Street for the Festival Kick-Off Parade. This colorful, lively and vibrant parade featured performing bands such as The Black Magic Drumline, New Birth Brass Band, New Wave Brass Band, Mahogany Brass Band and TBC Brass Band marching with sponsors, and other dignitaries. The parade proceeded on Bourbon Street to St. Ann Street, and to its final destination in Jackson Square.

The Opening Ceremony consisted of warm welcome remarks from founders and festival dignitaries and concluded with a Blessing of the weather with Father Phillip Landry.

The marathon showcases of stellar lineup of musicians got underway with wonderful set presented by Preservation Brass Band on the GE Stage in Jackson

Square. Tuba Skinny thrilled the captivated crowd during their time in the spotlight.

Gerard Delafose and The Zydeco Gators was one of many bands that had the crowd two-stepping, waltzing to their upbeat sounds.  Opening day featured sets by Kid Chocolate, an energetic set of straight-ahead jazz of Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra. The day concluded with Soul Queen of New Orleans Irma Thomas who set off some musical fireworks into the stratosphere by way of her vocal range.

Friday, Day 2- opened with an entertaining set by John Boutté on the GE Stage in Jackson Square, followed by a showcase of Louisiana culture with Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. & the Wild Magnolias on the Abita Stage.

Tricia Boutte & Mahogany Hall, All Stars, followed by Robin Barnes & Flyabirds performed a captivating, crowd pleasing set during their respective sets on the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage.

Guitar shredder Samantha Fish (Abita Stage) and violinist Amanda Shaw (Chevron Stage) put on an electrifying performance to the delight of the crowd.

Saturday, Day 3- kicked off with an exciting performance with Seguenon Kone featuring Ivoire Spectacle on the Abita Stage.  This group performance was high-octane as they took the crowd and me on a musical journey of traditional West African drumming, dancing and singing.

There is a popular blues song entitled “The Blues is Alright” and the late great Willie Dixon stated, “the blues is a fact of life.” Local legendary bluesman Little Freddie King performed an excellent set of original blues tunes. The festival had to close for a couple of hours due to inclement weather.

Washboard Chaz Blues Trio performed once the festival resumed. You were in the right place at the right time if you wanted to kick up your heels at the Chevron Stage in JAX Lot featuring back-to-back sets by Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots and Rosie Ledat & the Zydeco Playboys for a good time while two-stepping and waltzing, grooving and moving their happy feet. Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and The Golden Eagles closed out the evening on the Chevron Stage.

Sunday-Day 4- The Spirit of the Lord was present at the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage on this beautiful

Sunday morning. The Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage has presented Gospel music on stage for the last 29 years.  We are having Church with the legendary Zion Harmonizers that had the crowd clapping their hands, stomping their feet while shouting glorious praises up to the sky.

Kelly Love Jones, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and percussionist had the crowd vibing with her throughout her amazing set of original tunes on the WWL-TV Esplanade Made in the Shade Stage. Los Güiros brought on the heat. They spiced up the festivities with some contagious Latin rhythms, Cumbia to the delight of the dancers in the crowd at the Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage.

Crowd favorite Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers cranked it up as they performed a high-octane set on the Chevron Stage.

And then there were three. JAMNOLA, the cultural funhouse and experiential museum in the Marigny, returned with the Garden of Legends by Brennan Steele, a series of larger-than-life sculptures featuring local musicians of the past, present and future. Big Chief Monk Boudreaux of the Golden Eagles joins sculptures of Irma Thomas and Tarriona “Tank” Ball at Fest.

The Gateway to #FQFest, created by artist Farris Armand, made its debut in the 40th Anniversary Hub located in Oscar Dunn Park. The 12ft. arch customized with lights and hand painted art pieces featuring FQF elements became a well-known spot for attendees to grab a group photo with iconic New Orleans landmarks as the backdrop.

French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron is produced by French Quarter Festival, Inc., (FQFI) the 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest in August and Holidays New Orleans Style in December. FQFI’s mission is to promote the Vieux Carré and the City of New Orleans through high-quality special events and activities that showcase the culture and heritage of this unique city, contribute to the economic well-being of the community, and instill increased pride in the people of New Orleans. The 2022 French Quarter Festival generated an economic impact of nearly $250M. For more information about French Quarter Festival, Inc. visit http://www.fqfi.org

Tricia Boutte (Photo Credit: Ricky Richardson)

Robin Barnes (Photo Credit: Ricky Richardson)

Kelly Love Jones (Photo Credit: Ricky Richardson)

Samantha Fish (Photo Credit: Ricky Richardson)