Los Angeles News Observer 6.24.21 4C

Supreme Court Upholds Obamacare

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Volume 36 Number 32

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Los Angeles Juneteenth 2021: Still We Rise!

Barbara Morrison (Ricky Richardson photo)

Don Amiche, Tavis Smiley, Dominique DiPrima and KBLA 1580 Staff (Ricky Richardson photo)

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Thursday, June 24, 2021

White Firefighter Accused of Pointing Gun at Black Motorist

BOLTON, N.C. (AP) – Charges have been filed against a white North Carolina firefighter who is shown in a video pointing a gun at a Black motorist, a sheriff’s office said Friday.

A news release from the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said Shantasia Donique Williams, 24, of Wilmington was driving past a traffic accident in Bolton on June 15 when she used a median to turn around and return to the scene.

According to the sheriff’s office, Williams was confronted by Jeffrey Scott Sherwood, 51, of Riegelwood, who stepped in front of her car and pointed a handgun at her. The fire chief then spoke with Sherwood, and he then put his gun away before Williams drove off, the news release said. Sherwood is a firefighter for Acme-DelcoRiegelwood Fire-Rescue.

Sherwood is charged with misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun. Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Michele Tatum said Sherwood was served a criminal summons on Friday to appear in court on July 12. It was not known if Sherwood has an attorney.

Williams also was cited for failing to reduce her speed in the accident zone, Tatum said.

Will Smith Opens Up Releasing Memoir Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley Thomas (Ricky Richardson photo)

Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley Thomas, Leimert Park Re-Opening Ceremony (Ricky Richardson photo)

By Ricky Richardson Contributing Writer Los Angeles- President Biden signed a bill designating Juneteenth a Federal holiday, on Thursday 17, 2021. This is the 12th Federal holiday and was immediately honored on Friday, June 18, 2021, several days before Juneteenth celebrations were held all across the United States.

Juneteenth also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day, has been celebrated by African Americans on June 19 every year since the late 1800’s.

Juneteenth is a day of remembrance and reflection. Juneteenth is also a day where African Americans commemorate not only the freedom of all enslaved African people but also celebrate the strength and resilience of Black people in this country. As I write this Maya Angelou’s poem ‘Still I Rise,’ and Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman’s poem ‘The Hill We Climb,’ comes to mind. I’m reminded of how far we as African Americans have come as we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth as a Federal holiday, and to remind us that the struggle isn’t over. We still have a ways to go. Still We Rise!

This historic weekend, we celebrate the re-opening of the State of California, Juneteenth as a newly established Federal holiday, African American Music Appreciation Month, Father’s Day and the start of summer.

There were two dozen Juneteenth celebrations that were scheduled throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, in person as well as virtually.

Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s Juneteenth & Resource Fair

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, 2nd District, presented the inaugural Juneteenth & Resource Fair, Friday, June 18, 2021 at Ervin “Magic” Johnson Park. This free community event honored the history of Juneteenth with a day of fun-filled activities, musical entertainment, food trucks, COVID-19 vaccinations, and vital resources and services such as workshops on record expungement, tenant protections and immigration.

The day could be summarized as educational, engaging, entertaining, all combined to add up to Empowerment.

It was a wonderful day to be in Ervin “Magic” Johnson Park on this historic weekend. DJ K Fresh provided the beats while manning the ones and twos. Contra Tiempo got the crowd worked up with some interactive dance lessons: modern jazz, old school r&b, soul, the wobble, salsa and do your own thang-soul train line.

Artist Shelley Bruce wowed the crowd with live installation art entitled “Always Free.’ Poet Natalie Patterson recited a special poem in honor of the occasion ‘Tribute to Our Ancestors.’ Victory Dancers thrilled the audience with an energetic set of traditional African dances, infused with some hip-hop steps, and some Praise dances.

Supervisor Holly Mitchell welcomed all to the celebration and recognized the elective officials in attendance, thanked her staff for the contributing to the success of the event. Over 300 people were in attendance. Supervisor Holly Mitchell acknowledged and thanked all of the participating organizations on site. It is encouraging to know that this will be amongst the annual signature Juneteenth celebrations in Southern California. Blue Shield of California and Reyes Coco Cola Bottling were the spon-

Alex Isley (Ricky Richardson photo)

sors of the event.

Los Angeles Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas Leimert Park Re-Opening Ceremony The spotlight shined brightly on historic Leimert Park Village on this historic weekend in American history.

Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, District 10, hosted a Grand Re-Opening Ceremony for Leimert Park. The ceremony served to re introduce the utilization of the area and is also symbolic to the restoration of the Leimert Park Village legacy.

The program got underway with traditional West African drumming provided by SHINE Mawusi, led

by Rene Fisher, “Mama Nene.’ DJ QwestCoast served as Master of Ceremony. JJ Kabasa presented the Opening Libation.

Several Leimert Park stakeholders spoke in support of the occasion. Banch Abegaze, Azla Ethiopian Eatery; Queen Aminah, President of the Leimert Park Merchants Association; Rene Fisher, SHINE Mawusi; Isaac Bryan, California State Assembly-54th District; Anthony-Paul (AP) Diaz, Executive Office and Chief of Staff, for the Department of Recreation and Parks and an Assistant General Manager.

Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas spoke on “bringing the resources to bear to uplift the Village and celebrate its rich history and resilience.” Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas stated that “he is committed to working with local stakeholders to not only celebrate the rich cultural and social legacy of Leimert Park Village, but create a future for the Village that is safe, clean and welcoming for all members of the community to enjoy.”

The official Ribbon-Cutting was followed by Continued on page A4

Sha’Carri Richardson Bolts into History and Tokyo Olympics

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent With lightning-like quickness and a will to dominate, Sha’Carri Richardson is on her way to the Olympics in Tokyo.

The 21-year-old native of Dallas, Texas, won the women’s 100-meter final during the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.

Richardson’s victory came in just 10.86 seconds – amazingly, it was an eye-lash slower than her head-spinning performance in the semifinal heat, where she crossed the finish line in just 10.64 seconds.

Many are comparing the Olympic-bound track and field star to greats like Florence Griffith-Joyner, and Gail Devers.

Richardson has remained humble, and she credits her grandmother, Betty Harp, for much of her success.

“My grandmother is my heart, my superwoman,” Richardson told Runners World.

“To have her here at the biggest meet of my life, it’s just amazing. That probably felt better than winning the races, just being able to hold her after becoming an Olympian.”

Already turning heads in and around the sport, Richardson further raised eyebrows when she dominated the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

Jumping out to a fast start, Richardson appeared to purposely slow down toward the end of the race and point toward the clock, which registered her dramatic timing.

“Nobody knows what I go through,” Richardson said in a post-race interview with ABC. “Everybody has struggles, and I understand that. But y’all see me on this track, and y’all see the poker face I put Richardson’s victory came in just 10.86 seconds – amazingly, it was an eye-lash slower than her head-spin- on. But nobody but [my family] and my coach know what ning performance in the semifinal heat, where she crossed the finish line in just 10.64 seconds. (Screenshot I go through…and I’m highly grateful to them. Without them, there would be no me.”

NCAA YouTube)

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Will Smith is ready to open up about his life story.

Penguin Press announced Sunday that Smith will release his memoir called “Will’’ on Nov. 9. The actorrapper shared a photo of the book’s cover art to more than 54 million of his followers on Instagram.

Smith said he is “finally ready’’ to release the memoir after working on the book for two years. His book will be published by Penguin Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House and co-authored by Mark Manson, the author of “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F(asterisk)ck.’’

“It’s been a labor of love,’’ Smith said in his post.

Smith will also narrate the audiobook of “Will’’ from Penguin Random House Audio.

“Will’’ looks to tell a story about Smith’s life and career. The book will delve into him being raised in West Philadelphia to entering superstardom as an actor and rapper. He’s a two-time Academy Award nominee and won a four-time Grammy winner.

Smith starred in the “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’’ “Bad Boys,’’ “Men in Black’’ and “Pursuit of Happyness.’’

He’s won Grammys for “Summertime,’’ “Men In Black,’’ “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It’’ and “Parents Just Don’t Understand.’’

California Offers Digital Record of Coronavirus Vaccination

By DON THOMPSON Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California on Friday announced it will offer residents a digital record of their coronavirus vaccination that they can use to access businesses or events that require proof they got the shot.

The state’s public health and technology departments said the tool will allow Californians to access their record from the state’s immunization registry. It will show the same information as the paper cards issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to document coronavirus vaccinations.

To access the information, users will put into a state website their name, date of birth and email or phone associated with their vaccine records, and they will be asked to create a four-digit PIN. The record will include a QR code and users can save it to their phones.

Following a drop in COVID-19 infections and rise in vaccinations, California this week lifted many pandemic-related restrictions. Vaccinated people are no longer required to wear masks at most indoor locations, though the unvaccinated still must do so. Everyone must continue to wear masks in some places such as mass transit and health facilities.

Businesses can operate on an honor system in terms of who must wear masks, require everyone to wear face coverings or use a vaccine verification system.

This week, state regulators approved rules allowing fully vaccinated employees the same freedoms on and off the job, though employers can choose to keep everyone masked – vaccinated or not.

Woman Shot at Police Killed by Cop at Juneteenth FLINT, Mich. (AP) – A 19-year-old Michigan woman died after exchanging gunfire with a police officer who was controlling traffic near a weekend Juneteenth parade, authorities said.

The Flint officer was “fired upon by the lone occupant of a vehicle who drove up to him at the traffic point,’’ state police said. “Upon taking fire, the officer returned fire, striking the suspect.’’

The woman was identified as Briana Sykes, 19, of Flint. No one else was injured Saturday.

A Flint resident, Keith Lewis, said the shooting was shocking on a day that commemorates the end of slavery.

“I was going to come down and get my lawn chair and sit down and really enjoy it. ... Oh, my goodness. All I can do is just pray,’’ Lewis told WNEM-TV.

World & Nation

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Los Angeles News Observer

Thursday, June 24, 2021

MediaCo Appoints New Team Company Appoints New Seasoned Leadership in Key Roles to Fuel Growth and Continued Service to Black Culture and the Hip Hop Community (New York, NY) — MediaCo Holding Inc. (NASDAQ: MDIA), owner of HOT 97, WBLS, and Fairway Outdoor, announced today that Rahsan-Rahsan Lindsay has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2021. Mr. Lindsay most recently served as Executive Vice President, Urban One. He brings over twenty years of successful leadership experience across media, television, and advertising to MediaCo. As CEO, Lindsay will be responsible for setting MediaCo’s overall strategic vision and expanding its radio and outdoor divisions with an emphasis on transforming the digital business.

“Rahsan-Rahsan is a talented and dedicated leader with the right strategic vision, relentless drive, and passion for media required to lead the MediaCo team at this critical time. He forged his career at the intersection of technology and media, and his vast experience and keen perspective will be invaluable in taking the company into the future,” said MediaCo Board Director Laura Lee. Lindsay has spent the past nine years at Urban One, Inc., where he oversaw advertising sales, integrated marketing, and sales operations for TV One and sister network CLEO TV, which he helped launch in 2019. In 2020, he took over the role as head of iOne Digital ad sales and One Solution, Urban One’s cross-platform marketing group, as well as One X Studios, the branded content production arm of Urban One. Prior to joining TV One in 2011, Lindsay spent nearly eight years in Ad Sales for Viacom Media Networks, focused on new business development for MTV, Comedy Central, Spike, CMT, and TV Land. He also served as VP of Ad Sales for MTV2, mtvU, and Palladia.

Passionate about serving the community and grooming the next generation of leaders, in his spare time

Lindsay serves as the co-chair of the Board of Directors for The Brotherhood/Sister Sol, a Harlem-based nonprofit organization.

“The opportunity to work with iconic brands like HOT 97 and WBLS is just too good to pass up,” said Lindsay. “I see a number of potential ways to further cultivate both brands, build on their well-established legacies, and drive new revenue streams. I’m also energized by the opportunity to leverage the Fairway footprint in a way that helps fulfill the MediaCo mission to connect with broader audiences.”

MediaCo’s newly formed senior management team is poised to drive future success, comprised of capable leaders who bring a collaborative spirit and a necessary focus on future strategy. As part of MediaCo’s strategic realignment, Bradford Tobin was also recently named President and Chief Operating Officer.

“Brad is a seasoned and trusted leader who consistently delivers results. He is uniquely qualified to drive strategic prioritization and accountability within MediaCo, with a laser focus on operational excellence,” said Soo Kim, MediaCo’s lead investor.

Prior to joining MediaCo in August 2020, Tobin served as General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer for Standard Diversified Inc., and General Counsel/SVP for RadioShack, where he established a proven track record for building and managing high-growth sales organizations.

In his current role, Tobin leads business operations for MediaCo, including rapidly scaling digital capabilities and aligning the organization’s innovation engine.

“I’m proud to be a part of MediaCo’s executive team and thrilled to help lead the company into its next phase of innovation as we focus on building a 360 media experience for consumers,” said Tobin.

Rahsan-Rahsan Lindsay has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2021. Mr. Lindsay most recently served as Executive Vice President, Urban One.

The Criminal Way in Which

Trump Used the Justice Department Revealed

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Former President Donald Trump repeatedly and flagrantly demanded that the Department of Justice carry out his political will and tried to use the DOJ as a cudgel against his political opponents and media members, according to Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the chair of the House Intelligence Committee.

“It is increasingly apparent that those demands did not fall on deaf ears. The politicization of the Department and the attacks on the rule of law are among the most dangerous assaults on our democracy carried out by the former President,” Schiff asserted.

The congressman’s comments came amid a New York Times report that revealed prosecutors subpoenaed Apple for data from the accounts of at least two Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee, aides, and family members.

One was a minor, the Times reported.

“All told, the records of at least a dozen people tied to the committee were seized in 2017 and early 2018, including those of Schiff, then the panel’s top Democrat and now its chairman,” the newspaper continued, citing committee officials and two other people briefed on the

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inquiry.

Representative Eric Swalwell of California also was notified that his data was subpoenaed.

The Times determined that prosecutors, under the beleaguered attorney general, Jeff Sessions, “were hunting for the sources behind news media reports about contacts between Trump associates and Russia. Ultimately, the data and other evidence did not tie the committee to the leaks, and investigators debated whether they had hit a dead-end, and some even discussed closing the inquiry.”

But William P. Barr revived languishing leak investigations after he became attorney general a year later.

The newspaper concluded that Barr moved a trusted prosecutor from New Jersey with little relevant experience to the main Justice Department to work on the Schiffrelated case and about a half-dozen others, according to three people with knowledge of his work who did not want to be identified discussing federal investigations.

“Though we were informed by the Department in May that this investigation is closed, I believe more answers are needed, which is why I believe the Inspector General should investigate this and other cases that suggest the weaponization of law enforcement by a corrupt president,”

Schiff wrote in a statement released on Friday, June 11.

The Times reported that the Intelligence Committee had investigated Russian interference into the 2016 election and interviewed witnesses behind closed doors.

Schiff and other Democrats on the committee became some of the most vocal critics of Trump in Congress, NBC News wrote.

Speaking late Thursday to CNN, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), said Apple had told him that his records, too, had been sought.

Apple notified some members of the committee last month that their information had been included, NBC News reported, citing confirmation from a committee official.

Apple also notified current and former staff members and relatives, including a minor child, that their information had been subject to subpoenas, the official said.

The committee asked the Justice Department for more details and was informed last month that the matter had been closed, the official continued, NBC News said.

The investigation initially was launched, The Times reported, to find the source of leaks of classified information early in the Trump administration. Sessions began the

inquiry, and Barr revived it.

The Times reported that, ultimately, the investigation did not connect anyone on the committee to the leaks.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., echoed Schiff’s call for an inquiry into the matter, calling it a “weaponization of law enforcement by the former president.”

“The news about the politicization of the Trump Administration Justice Department is harrowing. These actions appear to be yet another egregious assault on our democracy waged by the former President,” Speaker Pelosi said, according to NBC News.

Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., in a statement, said the pursuit of the phone records was “a direct attack on the separation of powers and Congressional independence” and called for an investigation of Sessions and Barr.

“There must be a full investigation of abuses under former Attorneys General Sessions and Barr, and anyone at DOJ who was complicit in these abuses of power cannot be trusted to continue serving in government,” the statement said.

Black LGBTQ+ Leaders and Allies Applaud Three California Bills June is Pride Month and lawmakers in California are advancing a number of bills to make life safer and less difficult for people who are LGBTQ+.

Some of the proposed laws aim to address challenges that impact various segments of the African American LGBTQ+ community -- either directly or circumstantially.

The first is Senate Bill (SB) 357. If the Legislature approves it, the law will repeal California Penal Code Section 653.22, which penalizes loitering with the intent to engage in sex work. This particular bill, if approved, supporters say will significantly reduce the risks and dangers many LGBTQ+ people at the lowest ends of the socioeconomic ladder face. Many of them are young people who turn to sex work because of a number of reasons, including being unsupported by their families or the social structure because of their sexuality; trauma brought about by sexual or physical abuse; drug addiction; unemployment, among other factors.

Based on English Elizabethan “poor laws,” loitering laws in America were developed as a part of the Black Codes in the late 1800s as a means to arrest Black people in order to sell their labor in a practice called convict leasing.

“These laws were created to eradicate us,” said Dr. Jon Paul Higgins, a California-based social justice advocate and writer who is African American.

“So, when you talk about the importance of repealing these laws, it’s not even just about the law, it’s about getting to the root of what’s creating these laws,” Higgins explained.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “many persons who exchange sex may have a history of homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, mental health issues, violence, emotional/physical/sexual abuse, and drug use.”

In California – and across the United States -- a disproportionate number of African Americans are impacted by those challenges -- all of them considered social determinants of good health by Public Health professionals.

Because of the vagueness of these loitering laws, many critics have noted that they gave police a wide range of arresting powers to target “undesirables” like Black people and people in the LGBTQ+ community,” Higgins explained.

California State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), author of this bill, says it would help make the streets safer for sex workers who are a part of a marginalized community.

“Sex workers are workers, and they deserve respect and safety,” Wiener said. “We must work toward a future where people — especially the most marginalized — aren’t criminalized because of who they are and what they look like. Anti-sex workers loitering laws are deeply pernicious, and they need to be repealed.”

SB 357 also allows those convicted of California Penal Code Section 653.22 to seal their records.

SB 357 was passed by the Senate Public Safety Committee 4-1 and has now been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Another bill concerned with safety is Assembly Bill (AB) 1094 which would require the State Department of Public Health to establish a 3-year pilot program in up to 6 participating counties to collect gender identity and sexual orientation data in violent death cases in order to get more accurate data about hate crimes.

After the Democratic Party’s Silence on Deaths of Black Gay Men at Donor’s Home, She Won Election to their Board by Jasmyne A Cannick (Courtesy Photo)

According to the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations 2019 Hate Crime Report, Black people accounted for 9% of the county’s population but 47% of the total racial hate crimes.

The report also stated that 2019 saw a 64% increase in hate crimes targeting trans people, many of which were Black or Brown, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

“Yet another year with alarming levels of bias-motivated crimes underscores just how urgent it is to address this hate crimes epidemic,” said Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign President. David is the first African American to lead the organization, the largest advocacy body for LGBTQ+ people and issues in the United States.

“This year, we saw a tragic new record of fatal violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people in this country, particularly against Black and Brown transgender women,” he said.

Following the Stonewall riots in New York, Black trans women like Marsha P. Johnson and Miss Major GriffinGracy became influential figures in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights at the time when discrimination and hate crimes against people like them were much more commonplace.

Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), author of AB 1094, explained why he feels the bill is crucial.

“I deeply appreciate the overwhelming support that my Assembly colleagues gave today to AB 1094,” Arambula said in a statement. “This legislation may be centered on data, but its purpose encompasses compassion and empathy to better understand what is happening in our LGTBQ+ community — particularly among the youth — when it comes to violent deaths, including homicide and suicide. AB 1094 is an important and humane step in ultimately preventing these deaths.”

AB 1094 has passed in the Assembly and is now on its way to the State Senate for consideration.

Senate Bill (SB) 379, which has now been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee, would ensure the University of California Health System [UC Health] only

Couresty Photo: Jon Paul Higgins Ed.D.

contracts with healthcare facilities that provide LGBTQinclusive healthcare services, such as gender-affirming and reproductive care.

According to Blue Cross Blue Shield, Black mothers have a 3 times higher maternal mortality rate and a 2 times higher morbidity rate than white mothers while Black men are 70% more likely to die from a stroke as compared to non-Hispanic White men.

People in the LGBTQ+ community are less likely to have access to competent healthcare, largely due to issues with discrimination, according to Cigna.

Higgins spoke from personal experience about the intersectional nature of being both Black and in the LGBTQ+ community.

“For me, being a Black nonbinary person and meeting a provider who has all of these bias ideologies or stereotypes about Black people… there are all of these preconceived notions about who I am as a Black person and then you add on the nonbinary-slash-trans part of it, there’s just a lot of underlying stereotypes and bias,” Higgins said.

Jasmyne Cannick, founder and CEO of Empowerment Justice Strategies, praised this bill for moving with the tides of progress.

“In 2021, it makes absolute sense for UC Health to contract with healthcare facilities that provide LGBTQinclusive healthcare services given the population that it serves,” Cannick said.

“We are moving towards a more inclusive society and these are the types of bills that will ensure that members of the LGBTQ+ community can receive healthcare they need,” she continued.

Higgins, Cannick and other advocates say it means a great deal that California lawmakers are making an effort to ensure that these “warriors” can continue to do so safely, and that those who just wish to live their lives without fear for being who they are may do so more boldly.

Thursday, June 24, 2021

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Los Angeles News Observer A3

Gospel Legend John P Kee to Perform and Receive Prestigious Award at NNPA Convention

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Singer and New Life Fellowship Church Pastor John P. Kee will receive the 2021 National Gospel Transformative Award at the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) virtual convention on Friday, June 25, 2021.

The Rev. James Cleveland-inspired minister and hitmaker also will perform his chart-topping song, “I Made it Out.” “We are honoring the Rev. John P. Kee for his outstanding leadership, creativity, and uplifting impact in music and ministry,” remarked NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Dr. Chavis noted that NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards nominated Rev. Kee and the NNPA’s Executive Board unanimously and immediately approved the nomination.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of the NNPA convention, and it’s an honor to be recognized by the Black Press of America in this matter,” stated Rev. Kee, whose ties to Dr. Chavis and the NNPA date more than a half of a century.

Born in Durham, North Carolina, in 1962, Rev. Kee was the 15th of his parents’ 16 children. At an early age, his parents realized the musical talents the prodigy possessed.

They enrolled him into a school for musically gifted children – the North Carolina School of the Arts in

Winston-Salem. At 13, Rev. Kee formed a choir and later studied music at California’s Yuba College Conservatory School in Marysville.

According to All Music, Rev. Kee played briefly with groups like the Blackbyrds and Cameo. He later became involved with the New Life Fellowship Church and devoted himself to gospel music.

“His first professional break came in 1985 when he became the first artist to be asked to record lead vocals on two tracks for the Gospel Music Workshop of America’s annual mass choir recording. In 1987 he released his first album with the New Life Community Choir, Yes Lord, which was recorded during a performance at the Brethren in Unity Youth Convention,” editors at All Music wrote.

“In 1989, he released his debut solo album, Wait on Him. He continued to balance solo albums and recordings with the [New Life] choir, and the early 1990s brought the beginning of what became a flood of awards, including more than a dozen Stellar Awards, 20 GMWA Excellence Awards, a Soul Train Award, and a Billboard Music Award.”

During the past two decades, Rev. Kee has produced numerous hits, including Not Guilty…The Experience and Level Next, his 25th album overall. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Gospel chart. I Made It Out arrived in 2019 and earned a GMA Dove Award nomination.

Rev. Kee said the NNPA’s 2021 National Gospel Transformative Award means as much as any of his previous

Born in Durham, North Carolina, in 1962, Rev. Kee was the 15th of his parents’ 16 children. At an early age, his parents realized the musical talents the prodigy possessed./Facebook, John P Kee

accomplishments.

“I’m so honored,” he declared.

In addition to Rev. Kee, performances scheduled for the NNPA’s virtual convention include Nu-Soul and Jazz

artist Candice Hoyes and ten-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan.

Registration for the convention is free. To register, visit www.virtualnnpa2021.com.

Many History Interpreters of Color Carry Weight of Racism

By CHRISTINE FERNANDO Associated Press Stephen Seals stood onstage waiting to be auctioned off. Moments later, a white slave auctioneer pointed a gun at one of the other Black men gathered with Seals, and a Black mother cried for her children.

The scene, titled “What Holds the Future,’’ was Seals’ first scripted piece at Colonial Williamsburg, an immersive living-history museum in Williamsburg, Virginia, where costumed interpreters of history reenact scenes from the colonial past and portray figures from that period.

“Every time you did this piece, it hurt,’’ said Seals, an actor-interpreter and community outreach and program development manager at the site.

After the scene, the actors would spend 15 minutes checking in with each other. Sometimes they cried together.

Sometimes they sat in silence.

As historic sites like Colonial Williamsburg are working to be more racially inclusive, many actor-interpreters of color say they appreciate the efforts. But it’s a weighty and often painful experience to portray enslaved people or others who lived through the racism of the past. The work of getting into character has them exploring difficult parts of history, and once they step back into the real world they still are confronted with current-day racism.

“I can take off the costume,” said Deirdre Jones Cardwell, programming lead for the actor-interpreters at Williamsburg. “But I can’t take off my Blackness.”

Sharing stories of Colonial Williamsburg’s residents of color is a relatively new phenomenon in the site’s nearly 90year history. It wasn’t until 1979 when the museum began telling Black stories, and not until 2002 that it launched

its American Indian Initiative. Even in recent years, interpreters say the stories of Black and Native American people haven’t always gotten adequate programming slots, advertising and research support.

“There was a point in Colonial Williamsburg’s history that interpreters weren’t allowed to talk about slavery,’’ Jones Cardwell said. “We’ve come a long way since that, but there’s a long way to go.’’

Lately, Colonial Williamsburg expanded recruitment efforts and outreach to historically Black colleges and universities, partnered with local groups like the city’s historic First Baptist Church, and set aside time monthly for employees of color to meet. Last year, the site launched unconscious bias training for senior leadership and plans for diversity training for all employees this year.

Similar efforts are underway at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, in Grand Island, Nebraska, where a new permanent exhibit tells the story of a once-enslaved Black man who became one of the area’s most prominent physicians. The museum is also partnering with a local multicultural coalition to explore the stories of 12 Black families who settled in northwest Nebraska in the 1880s.

But executive director Chris Hochstetler says more must be done. He estimates only 1% to 3% of the Stuhr’s costumed interpreters are people of color. When he arrived at the museum in February 2020, Hochstetler “realized we needed to ask ourselves some serious questions about whether we are representing our community fully.’’

As the nation reckons with racism after high-profile police brutality cases last year, Jones Cardwell says Black interpreters are feeling more empowered to push for inclusive programming and hiring. But she says much of

the burden has fallen on the shoulders of employees of color.

She is grateful for the moments she has out of character.

During breaks, she does breathing exercises or prays. When she researches or teaches about the racial violence of the colonial era, she thinks of headlines of Black people being killed by police today.

“The more that you learn about this history, the heavier it feels,’’ she said. “We’re still dealing with ripples from the past.’’

Actor-interpreter Mary Carter takes off her costume whenever she can.

“Mentally, I can’t be in those clothes any longer than I have to,’’ she said.

“But,’’ she added, “even when they come off, I can’t put racism away.’’

As Carter talks to guests about a 1705 law referring to biracial people as “an abominable mixture,” she is aware of the racism she’s faced herself as a mixed-race Black woman.

It took years for her to realize the toll the work was taking, she says, and managers didn’t fully understand. So she leaned on Black colleagues, a therapist and Black women in the museum field.

Interpreters of color are often racially harassed by site visitors, and sexual abuse _ physical and verbal _ is common, especially against Black women, said Cheyney McKnight, a historical interpreter and founder of Not Your Momma’s History, an organization that helps historical sites develop inclusive programs. McKnight has begged managers to have security guards nearby. At times, speaking with hostile guests has left her in tears.

“It was like feeding me to the wolves every day,’’ said

McKnight, who has worked with over 45 historical sites.

Talon Silverhorn, a Colonial Williamsburg American Indian interpreter and member of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, doesn’t portray a specific person.

Instead, he shows up to work as himself and teaches guests about his tribe’s history. But even that takes an emotional toll.

Some guests have told him that the colonists should have completely wiped out Native Americans. In training, interpreters are taught to detach themselves from the stories they tell, but Silverhorn says that for interpreters of color, “there’s only so much of that that can be done.’’

Last year, Silverhorn started going to therapy, which Colonial Williamsburg covers. It’s helped, but he said there’s still more work to do.

Novella Nimmo, education coordinator and actorinterpreter at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, often portrays her own great-grandmother, who was born into slavery.

“It’s draining but it’s also uplifting,” she said. “You’re telling a story that America wants to forget. You’re telling the story of your ancestors, who were never able to tell their stories. That’s what keeps me going. I remember their strength, and that gives me strength.’’

Interpreters of color also would like to see white interpreters get more training on the histories of communities of color.

McKnight advocates for support groups, hazard pay and full therapy coverage for interpreters of color.

“The job of Black interpreters is different,’’ McKnight said. “And we need different support.’’

‘The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’ Hits Top Mark at Box Office

The Lionsgate’s film starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson and Salma Hayek brought in $11.6 million domestically to claim the No. 1 spot in its debut.

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) – “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’’ struck the top box office target.

The Lionsgate’s film starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson and Salma Hayek brought in $11.6 million domestically to claim the No. 1 spot in its debut. The action-comedy _ which appeared in 3,331 locations _ is the follow up the 2017 breakout hit “The Hitman’s Bodyguard.’’

The “Hitman’’ sequel notched “A Quiet Place Part II,’’ which took hold of the second spot in its fourth weekend of release. The Paramount horror-thriller, which stars Emily Blunt and was directed by John Krasinski, earned $9.4 million. The film became the first of the pandemic era

to reach $100 million domestically.

This weekend, “Godzilla vs. Kong’’ became the second movie of the pandemic to cross $100 million. The film has garnered more $442.5 million worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Jon M. Chu-directed “In the Heights’’ continued to struggle. The adaption of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical dropped a few slots to sixth this weekend.

The Warner Bros. film earned more than $4.2 million, a 63% drop from the previous week. The criticallyacclaimed musical film has recently been called out for its lack of dark-skinned, Black Latinos in leading roles.

However, Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore, believes the movie fell victim to lofty expectations. He said musicals often take a while to develop

an audience.

“There were so many things going on with this film,’’ Dergarabedian said. “There were very high expectations when it opened last weekend. And because of the strong reviews, I think there were some overblown expectations.

With the big projections, people were emotionally tied to the movie. The box office projections were overblown. That set unrealistic expectations.’’

“Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway’’ placed third in the box office with $6.1 million, while “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’’ claimed the fourth spot with $5.15 million. It barely edged the Emma Stone-led “Cruella,’’ which came in fifth with $5.1 million.

“Spirit Untamed,’’ “12 Mighty Orphans,’’ “The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2’’ and “Wrath of Man’’

rounded out the top 10.

Dergarabedian expects a big weekend for Universal Pictures’ “Fast and Furious’’ new installment “F9,’’ which releases in domestic theaters June 25. The film starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and Jordana Brewster has already earned nearly $300 million internationally.

“This is about winning over audiences who watched a lot of content on the small screen,’’ he said. “Now, they will be able to see a movie that has been long delayed, but is tailor made for the big screen and that theater communal experience. Escapism will be the watch word when it comes to Furious 9.’’

A4

Legal Notices Los Angeles News Observer

PUBLIC NOTICE

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021 114217 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SAMESUN HOLLYWOOD / SAMESUN WALK OF FAME at 6820 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, Ca. 90028 Mailing Address: Same County: LA REGISTERED OWNERS(S): PHOENIX DORMS, INC, DE, 4961 Newport Avenue, San Diego, Ca. 92107 The business is conducted by: an Individual SIGNED: TAHJ TOWNSEND, Vice President The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 10/2020 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on: May 19, 2021 DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk By: S. PRAK, Deputy

NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES ST THE END IOF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014, THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTITY FORM. This statement expires on May 19, 2026 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 3, 10, 17, 24, 2021 �������������������������������

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021 132643 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: TONY MEGA VENTURES (TMV) at 17606 Rainsbury Ave., Carson, Ca. 90746 Mailing Address: Same County: LA REGISTERED OWNERS(S): ANTHONY NKWUAKU, 17606 Rainsbury Ave., Carson, Ca. 90746 The business is conducted by: an Individual SIGNED: ANTHONY NKWUAKU, Owner The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 5/2021 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on: June 14, 2021 DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk By: (No Signature), Deputy

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES ST THE END IOF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014, THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTITY FORM. This statement expires on June 14, 2026 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 2021

Thursday, June 24, 2021

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Supreme Court Upholds Obamacare

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent In a significant victory for the Biden-Harris administration and Americans who depend on affordable health care, the Supreme Court rejected the latest challenge to President Obama’s signature legislation.

The challenge stemmed from whether the individual mandate could be cut from the rest of the law or whether the justices should strike down the entire law.

Former President Trump made it his mission to get

rid of the law, which has provided millions of Americans with access to affordable health care, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

The court ruled 7-2, with Justice Stephen Breyer writing for the majority, striking down a lower court ruling and determining that the plaintiffs — Texas and 17 other GOP-led states — did not show that they have the standing to bring the initial suits.

“We conclude that the plaintiffs in this suit failed to show a concrete, particularized injury fairly traceable to

the defendants’ conduct in enforcing the specific statutory provision they attack as unconstitutional,” wrote Justice Breyer.

“They have failed to show that they have the standing to attack as unconstitutional the Act’s minimum essential coverage provision. Therefore, we reverse the Fifth Circuit’s judgment in respect to standing, vacate the judgment, and remand the case with instructions to dismiss,” the Justice continued.

“We do not reach these questions of the Act’s validity ... for Texas and the other plaintiffs in this suit lack the standing necessary to raise them.

Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch dissented.

Reportedly, 31 million Americans have health coverage connected to the Affordable Care Act — also known as Obamacare.

Also, a guarantee of access to continuous insurance coverage is protected for more than 54 million people with preexisting conditions because of the health care law’s provisions that prevent insurance companies from canceling or refusing to establish policies because of preexisting conditions.

Former President Trump made it his mission to get rid of the law, which has provided millions of Americans with access to affordable health care, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

Los Angeles Juneteenth 2021:

Still We Rise!

Continued from page A1

Six-Sev (Ricky Richardson photo) Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Elective Officials (Ricky Richardson photo)

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell (Ricky Richardson photo)

Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas leading the community on a tour of Leimert Park. This served as the perfect segue into the Leimert Park Rising Juneteenth Commemoration.

Leimert Park Rising: Upward Trajectory Every year since June 19, 1865, the Black community has gathered in the spirit of Freedom. A freedom that still prevails despite systemic threats to existence. Forty years ago, visionary and community leader Robert Leonard began the tradition of Juneteenth of in Leimert Park Village.

Moza Mjasiri Cooper, Black Arts Los Angeles took the baton and continued the tradition for 11 years.

In 2018, a few dedicated creatives came together to put on the first ever Leimert Park Rising Juneteenth Commemoration. True to the essence of Leimert Park, this event celebrated Black freedom by honoring the ancestors and our community through art, music, food and education.

Thousands of people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds showed up and showed out for the annual Leimert Park Rising Juneteenth Commemoration, Saturday, June

19 and Sunday, June 20, 2021. The event was held both day from 11:00am-9:00pm. This years celebration doubled in size, encompassing Crenshaw and 43rd Street, around Leimert Park Boulevard, 43rd Street and through Degnan Boulevard.

2021 Leimert Park Rising Juneteenth Commemoration has already established itself as the largest Juneteenth celebration in the Los Angeles area, if the not, the largest of its kind in the state of California. Look out America!

The diverse, multi-cultural crowd felt united by the energy of love and joy resonating throughout Leimert Park Village, as they strolled along the Village to sing jubilantly and dance joyously in the streets.

A plethora of vendors were spread out amongst Leimert Park, selling one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, Juneteenth memorabilia, clothing, jewelry. A smorgasbord of food trucks and food vendors served up some tasty cuisine.

DJ’s and artists laid out an eclectic soundtrack of original beats or cover tunes that kept the crowd rhythmically moving their feet.

I was fortunate to witness royalty in performance on day one of the festivities. Internationally renowned jazz and blues legend Barbara Morrison performed superbly on the stage, just steps from the entrance to The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center.

Singer/Songwriter/Producer Alex Isley come from an esteemed family of musicians. Ernie Isley is her father, of the world famous Soulful R&B group The Isley Brothers. She graced the stage to thrill the crowd with some original tunes.

Musician Six-Sev, also known as the “unofficial-official Mayor of Leimert,” represent a rising tide of talented artists and creatives in L.A’s Crenshaw District. Many of the artists performed on stage throughout the weekend.

I capped off my attendance listening to several royalty members of African American on-air radio personalities/activists. Tavis Smiley, veteran TV host spoke to the crowd about the launch of KBLA Talk 1580. Los Angeles first Black-owned talk radio station took flight on June 19, 2021. Yes, ladies and gentleman our voices will be elevated with popular on-air personalities, Dominique DiPrima, and Don Amiche to name a few.

The Leimert Park Rising Juneteenth Commemoration continued on Sunday, 20, 2021 with a full day of activities and outstanding musical lineup.

Features

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Los Angeles News Observer A5

NNPA Karen Carter Richards Leads Black Press to Most Successful Period in History Houston Forward Times Publisher Seeks Re-Election at June Convention

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent According to Karen Carter Richards, the state of the Black Press of America is more robust than it has ever been.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) chair and the Houston Forward Times publisher expressed even more optimism for the future.

“I’m proud to chair this organization,” she told NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., during an extensive discussion inside the trade association’s new state-of-the-art television studio and headquarters at the Thurgood Marshall Center in Washington, D.C. “We’ve always known that we are a resilient people, but the pandemic forced a lot of us to take a deep breath because it was new,” Carter Richards continued.

“A lot of us were print publications, but we had to change the game. We took a breath and started doing what we do. Some of us were already making digital strides, but it was gradual. The pandemic forced us to step it up, and we had a lot of help from the NNPA office, and the publishers helped each other.”

The NNPA represents the hundreds of newspapers and media companies in the Black Press of America family.

From June 23 to June 26, the NNPA will host its national convention. The convention will feature a special performance by the legendary Grammy winner Chaka Khan and Nu-Soul and Jazz artist Candice Hoyes.

The NNPA will also hand out its prestigious Legacy Awards, including to: • Darnella Frazier, the African American teenager who courageously filmed the police officer kneeling on George Floyd’s neck, will receive the Ida B. Wells National Photojournalism Award.

• The Rev. John P. Kee will receive the 2021 National Gospel Transformative Award

• Earth, Wind & Fire Lead Singer Philip Bailey will be presented with the 2021 National Lifetime Achievement Legacy Award for Outstanding Achievement, Impact, and Creative Genius.

• Scotty Barnhart, the legendary Count

Basie Orchestra leader, will receive the 2021 National Performance and Outstanding Leadership Award.

• The Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson will receive the 2021 National Achievement and Outstanding Leadership Award for his work as President and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund.

• Congresswoman Joyce L. Beatty (D-Ohio) will receive the 2021 National Congressional Leadership Award, and the NNPA will present Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison with the Outstanding and Courageous Leadership Award.

• Chaka Khan will receive the 2021 National Lifetime Achievement Legacy Award for Decades of Creative Genius and Outstanding Leadership for Freedom, Justice, and Equality in American and Throughout the World.

This year marks the second consecutive virtual convention.

During the convention, Carter Richards will seek election to a second successive term as national chair.

While any potential challengers for the position have yet to identify themselves, Carter Richards’ run as chair has proved impressive.

“We are doing better than we’ve done in the history of the NNPA,” she declared.

Despite the pandemic that forced many out of jobs and a topsy-turvy economy where government stimulus served to rescue most, Dr. Chavis said advertising and other revenue skyrocketed for the Black Press.

Carter Richards credited the national office led

by Dr. Chavis, Claudette Perry, the NNPA’s executive administrator, and the staff.

“It feels wonderful to have a great team,” Carter Richards exclaimed.

“I have to give [Dr. Chavis] your due. You’ve done a great job, and we have a great team at NNPA. We can’t do it without the team.”

She also praised the NNPA’s all-women executive committee, Janis Ware (The Atlanta Voice), the First ViceChair, Fran Farrer (The County News in North Carolina),

According to Karen Carter Richards, the state of the Black Press of America is more robust than it has ever been.

Second Vice-Chair, Brenda H. Edwards (New Journal and Guide in Virginia), Treasurer and Jackie Hampton (The Mississippi Link) Secretary.

“I’m loving being with the ladies,” Carter Richards announced. “Black women do what Black women do. We are going to continue to do great things.”

Carter Richards recalled her father’s vision for the Houston Forward Times. She noted that he began planning for the newspaper five years before its 1955 launch when he returned from serving in the U.S. military.

Julius Carter taught his daughter and her sister the value of community and the Black Press.

His steadfastness for bringing forward hard facts led to the Forward Times building bombing in 1971, just days after he published an article critical of the local police department.

Julius Carter died of a heart attack days later, and his wife, Lenora “Doll” Carter, immediately sprang into action to keep the paper alive.

“They were taking bets that my mom wouldn’t last six months at the newspaper,” Carter Richards remembered.

“She was 29 years old, with two little girls. But she took the paper to its 50th year. I was terrified because she had a massive heart attack, and she wasn’t even sick. I was next in line, but I was ready because I had shadowed my mother for years.”

“My mother prepared me for a lot of things that have helped me to do what I’m doing now,” Carter Richards said, noting that both her parents once served on the NNPA’s executive committee.

The upcoming convention theme – “Black Press Matters: Trusted Voice, Resilient Vitality, and Transformative Vision” – could not be more appropriate.

“I think we have hit on all of those points. We know we are the trusted voice in the Black community, and ‘resilient vitality’ is who we are,” Carter Richards determined.

“Our Black newspapers have thrived, and so many more are getting to the level that we want them to be. I’m so proud of the Black Press for all the work they are doing in the community and for the work they are doing to help each other.”

She continued: “When I stepped inside this new studio, I was taken aback. It is remarkable. We are on the move, and the Black Press has for 194 years been the trusted voice, and you can say that to the Black community, we are mainstream media. And we are going to continue to give the world information without fear or favor.”

Registration for the NNPA’s virtual convention is free.

To register, go to www.virtualnnpa2021.com.

EDD to Resume Work Search Requirement Assistance Available to Help Connect Californians with Suitable Careers Sacramento— As California reopens following the pandemic, the Employment Development Department (EDD) today announced that starting July 11, 2021, Californians receiving unemployment benefits should begin looking for work to maintain their eligibility. EDD will be sending notices to claimants to inform them of the reinstatement of this requirement and what it means for them.

“California offers many resources to help people to find safe and suitable careers and training opportunities that keep the economy moving,” said EDD Director Rita Saenz. “We want to make sure those on unemployment have enough lead time to start searching for work so they can remain eligible for benefits as they seek their next career opportunity.”

The requirement to search for work has been a part of the unemployment insurance program since its inception.

During the pandemic, the federal government temporarily allowed states to waive this requirement, and since March 2020 the work search requirement has been suspended in California. When claimants were asked if they had looked for work when completing their weekly certification for benefits, they could answer “No” and maintain their eligibility for benefits. As California reopens, most claimants will need to answer “Yes” next month to maintain eligibility.

EDD offers many services to assist people looking for safe and suitable work and get training. That includes the CalJOBS online labor exchange system, as well as the job search assistance, resume and interview preparation, and access to job training available through America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) locations throughout the state.

CalJOBS is a no-cost virtual job center with hundreds of thousands of job postings and tools to help people find work. It is also an excellent resource where employers can post job openings and find qualified job seekers to fill their positions. CalJOBS includes over a million job listings from dozens of private job boards and recruitment sites, Fortune 1,000 companies, educational institutions, thousands of local, state and federal agencies, hundreds of healthcare organizations and many more public, private and non-profit employers.

Different Work Search Requirements for Different Claim Types Different work search requirements apply for those collecting benefits on a regular unemployment insurance (UI) claim or extension, or on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

PUA is a federal program created to support individuals impacted by the pandemic who did not qualify for regular UI because they were, for example, selfemployed or a small-business owner.

Claimants can determine the type of claim they are on by referring to EDD notices or visiting the new Return to Work webpage for tips on how to identity their claim types in UI Online. The page will also include printable fact sheets in many languages, a video with guidance on the work search requirements, and other valuable resources and information for job seekers.

In addition, those certifying every two weeks in UI Online will see new help text and guidance to help claimants

assess whether they can answer “Yes” to the bi-weekly certification about looking for work. Those certifying by paper will see inserts with this helpful guidance.

Work Search Requirement for Unemployment Insurance Claimants on regular unemployment or extension claims are expected to search for work in order to maintain eligibility for benefits. This requirement applies to finding suitable work that is safe to return to and is comparable to the worker’s skills, experience, usual occupation, age and health.

EDD will be sending notices to claimants in the coming weeks about any requirements on their specific claims. Individuals starting new claims on or after July 11 will also be notified by mail that they must register on CalJOBS--the largest job board in California.

Examples of reasonable efforts to search for suitable work each week include activities such as: · Prepare for Job Searches – Set up an account on CalJOBS, participate in reemployment services, post a profile on various job search or networking sites. · Expand Networks – Let friends, prior employers, or community members know you are looking for work.

Participate in networking, job fair events or clubs. · Apply for Suitable Work – Apply for positions with employers reasonably expected to have suitable openings matching skills and experience, including government jobs and exams. · Participate in Training – Engage in permissible education and training opportunities that assist in obtaining employment and do not interfere with an ability to accept suitable full-time work.

Claimants who engage in any of these activities can answer “Yes” to the question “Did you look for work?” that is asked every two weeks when certifying for benefits. A person who answers “No” will be asked further questions and may be scheduled for an interview to determine benefit eligibility for that time period.

Work Search Requirement for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Most PUA recipients must also take action to restart their businesses or look for work starting next month.

They will receive notices in the coming weeks on what’s required. PUA claimants will not have to register on CalJOBS, however doing so is recommended because it has many useful tools including job training and networking opportunities.

A variety of activities can meet the PUA work search requirement each week, including: · Rebuild Businesses – Pursue new or additional clients, market the business, or research, prepare or submit a bid on a new contract. · Expand Networks – Attend networking events, participate in relevant workshops, or expand business. · Establish Accounts – For independent contractors who participated in an online platform, establish an account on another platform that matches the individual’s qualifications. · Participate in Training – Enroll in training or education courses that will help the business and does not interfere with an ability to return to full-time selfemployment.

Don’t Post Your COVID-19 Vaccine Card Online Manny Otiko California Black Media Public health experts are warning vaccinated people to not post photos of their vaccine cards on social media or anywhere else online.

“Don’t share it on social media because there is protected health information on it,” said Dr. Jerry Abrams, a physician who works at the Kedran Community Health Center in Los Angeles.

He warned people who get vaccinated to keep the information on the front of the card away from the view of scammers or other bad actors who could compromise their security.

Abraham says, for now, the white CDC vaccine cards are the only proof that an individual has been inoculated against COVID-19.

“Really the only piece of evidence you have right now, that is absolutely your confident verification is that CDC vaccination card for COVID-19 vaccines that lists your first and second dose from Moderna or Pfizer or just that one shot from Johnson & Johnson.”

Usually on the back the series is completed after that. That data is entered and pushed to the California immunization registry, he said.

Abraham made the comment during a news briefing organized by California Black Media in partnership with The Center at the Sierra Health Foundation and the State of California titled “Get Smart on COVID-19.” Dr. Andrea Goings, a pediatrician in Los Angeles and the founder of a mobile medical care service called BabyDocHouseCalls. com, also spoke at the event.

Organizers say the “series is designed to equip Black

(shutterstock photo)

journalists with the information they need to write authoritatively about COVID-19 vaccinations and harm reduction measures – topics where there is significant misinformation and widespread mistrust.”

Other consumer advocates and public safety experts have also shared their concerns about people posting their vaccine Cards online. They say sometimes criminals work for a long time piecing personal information together about possible victims, including birth dates.

A person on a PUA claim who no longer wants to continue self-employment (or was previously employed but not eligible for regular UI benefits) can look for work just like a regular UI recipient. In addition, there may be pandemic-related exemptions to the work search requirement for PUA recipients such as providing primary care to a person diagnosed with Covid-19 or a child who cannot attend school because of a Covid-19 health emergency.

Expanded Employer Resources to Bring Back Skilled Workers If an employer furloughed or laid off workers during the pandemic, the Work Sharing Program can help bring these employees back at reduced hours. These employees can continue collecting the additional $300 a week in federal unemployment benefits, and a portion of their

wages is subsidized by the regular unemployment benefits.

The federal government covers 100 percent of the costs of Work Sharing benefits.

EDD recently automated the Work Sharing application and weekly certification process in California, making it faster and easier for employers and workers to take advantage of this valuable program.

Visit Work Sharing Program for more information.

The Returning to Work for Employers page can also offer guidance and resources designed to help employers find qualified job candidates to fill their openings.

These improvements to the Work Sharing program aim to help more employers and employees participate in this important program as the economy continues to reopen.

A6

Sports

Los Angeles News Observer

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Dodgers Need More Timely Hitting

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer It was a tough start of the week as LA fell to the Padres on back to back nights falling 6-2 in the first game as Julio Urias (9-3) gave up six hits and six runs. Mookie Betts hit his 9th homer putting the ‘Men in Blue’ on the board as they fell 6-2. The following night Clayton Kershaw (8-7) had a quality start going six innings giving up 4 hits while striking out seven.

LA was 2 for 8 with men in scoring position and left 10 men on base.

“We’ve got to find a way to win those games” said skipper Dave Roberts. “I think the difference was they got some timely hits and they played some really good defense against us.”

The Dodgers began the weekend with a sweep over Arizona. Steven Souza Jr. , a former D-Back hit the goahead homer over the left field fence, giving the Dodgers the 1-0 lead.

“My tenure here wasn’t great just because of all those things,” Souza said. “So to be able to put that behind me tonight and play baseball, feel healthy, and feel great with this amazing group of guys behind me was great.”

Souza’s home run was his first as a Dodger and first at Chase Field since he slugged five with the Diamond-

backs in 2018. His trot — nearly a spring after almost missing first base out of excitement, was frantic.

“I don’t think I’ve ever done that in my career, luckily I touched first. I didn’t want to pull a Ke’Bryan Hayes and miss it. The last moment that I had here wasn’t a great one,” Souza said. “So I was more fired up that I could kind of erase that and put that really in the past and celebrate this one.”

The game’s only offense came in the eighth inning from L.A. but it was all they needed as they took down the D-Backs, 3-0.

The Dodgers added two insurance runs after his homer. Gavin Lux walked and Andy Burns doubled, putting two runners on. A sacrifice fly from Mookie Betts added a run and then a balk batter later brought in another run.

Jimmy Nelson threw a scoreless inning in the eighth and Kenley Jansen shut things down in the ninth for his 17th save of the season. The Dodgers began the weekend with a sweep over the D-Backs…

I game two Walker Buehler took a no-hitter into the eighth, and Will Smith had three hits, including a home run in the Dodgers’ 9-3 rout of the Diamondbacks on Saturday night at Chase Field in Phoenix.

Buehler struck out a season-high 11 batters on Saturday, allowing only two singles, two walks, and a hit by

pitch in 7⅓ innings. He pitched into the eighth for the first time since a complete-game win on August 3, 2019, and his 108 pitches.

At one stretch Buehler retired his next 12 batters faced before David Peralta’s eighth-inning single broke up a chance at history.

“There’s a lot of pride in our fan base, in how they support us and follow us, and travel. It feels a lot like a home game here a lot of times,” Buehler said. “They were definitely loud, and it was a cool moment for me.”

Dave Roberts said he planned to ride Buehler as long as he had the no-hitter going, even up to 125 pitches or so.

“Man, I wanted that no-hitter. Everyone wanted it,” Roberts said. “I think pitch count is one thing, but when you peel back a layer, it’s stress of innings. And there wasn’t any stress. He was repeating his delivery. He was locating, the stuff held, so I was going to see it through. I wanted it for him.”

In the final game of the series it became too close as the Dodgers nearly blew an eight-run lead. Luckily they pulled through, pulling out the 9-8 victory to give L.A. the sweep over the D-Backs.

It took a couple of innings to heat things up, but the Dodgers piled on all nine of their runs over the course of innings 3-5. After a leadoff strikeout, Chris Taylor and AJ

Pollock each reached base to start the rally. Justin Turner then singled in the first run of the game for the Dodgers.

Albert Pujols crushed a three-run homer, giving the Dodgers the 4-0 lead. For Pujols, it’s his sixth home run already while with the Dodgers. Since he debuted with the Dodgers on May 17, his six homers are tied for the team lead.

The runs wouldn’t stop there. After a walk from Andy Burns, Steven Souza Jr. tripled in a run.

L.A. added two more runs an inning later. After backto-back hits to begin the inning, AJ Pollock doubled in two runs to give the Dodgers a 7-0 lead. Pollock had a great series in his former home ballpark, as he recorded five hits during the three-game series, including three on Sunday.

Tony Gonsolin got the start for the Dodgers and had another solid outing for L.A. He gave them 3 2⁄3 innings but threw only 46 pitches. Prior to the game, Dave Roberts said that Gonsolin would throw only 45-60 pitches. Gonsolin had two strikeouts and didn’t issue a walk.

After he had a rough start to his season, he’s allowed only two runs in 7 1⁄3 innings since his 2021 debut.

Odicci Alexander Turns Pro

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias (7) delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Monday, June 21, 2021, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

By Earl Heath She was the talk of this year’s Women’s College World Series. Odicci Alexander led James Madison University to the first appearance in school history.

She signed a contract last week with the USSSA Pride, a pro softball team that plays against other National teams.

Alexander made her debut at USSSA Space Coast Stadium in Melbourne Florida.

The Softball America Pitcher of the Year threw six strong innings against Team Mexico striking out 8, giving up five runs with 3 earned. She had a no decision as she left the game with a 6-5 lead.

Alexanders became noticed in 2019 explained by Pride GM Don DeDonatis. “We were scouting and drafting then JMU pitcher Megan Good,” said DeDonatis. “It didn’t go unnoticed that year that Odicci went 24-1 with a 1.70 ERA,178 strikeouts in 152 innings. I am happy to see that the softball world has an opportunity has an opportunity to witness firsthand what an outstanding program JMU and coach Loren LePorte have created.”

Alexander finished with a career 81 wins, during the season she threw 1057 pitches, recording 612 strikeouts in 640 innings of work. The team had 28 straight wins in a row then defeated Oklahoma and Oklahoma state in the first two games of the WCWS. The DUKES finished the season with a 41-4 record the best in school history.

Her performance earned her an ESPY nomination for the Best Female College Athlete you can vote for her at https://www.espn.com/espys/story/_/ id/31631001/espys-2021-vote-best-athlete-womensports .

Odicci finished this year 18-3 and is headed for higher ground as a Professional.

James Madison’s Odicci Alexander (3) pitches during an NCAA Women’s College World Series softball game against Oklahoma, Monday, June 7, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Courtside with Clippers – Western Conference Finals

By Cameron Buford whatsgoodinsports.com

6/20/21 Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns WCF, Game 1 Only 36 after the franchise’s biggest win, the Clippers would have to travel to Phoenix to appease the NBA, ABC, and their contractual obligations. In this Western Conference Finals matchup, each team would be without key contributors, the Suns would be without Chris Paul and the Clippers would be without Kawhi Leonard. Having a week off along with having the hungry Devin Booker, the Suns outlasted the Clippers in the initial game of these series.

Chris Paul would miss Game 1 due to the NBA’s Health and Safety protocol, while Kawhi Leonard would miss the first game of this Western Conference Finals because of what the Clippers are calling a sprained knee. Paul could return for likely game 3 or 4 of this series, however, there is no projected return date for Leonard. Despite the short turnaround and the absence of their best player, the Clippers hung in there throughout Game 1 of this series though Devin Booker had a monumental performance in this Game 1 matchup.

In his first time in the playoffs, Devin Booker is putting the league on notice, as he becomes the fourth person ever to led both teams in points, rebounds, and assists. With this feat, he joins Larry Bird, LeBron James, and Bill Russell as the only men in the league’s history to accomplish such a stat line. Booker would say post-game, “I’m just going out there to win every game possible. I’ve been saying this since the start of the playoffs —-every next game is the biggest game.”

After being down by 3 points at the half and Booker going off for 18 points in the third quarter, Paul George responded by scoring 15 points of his own to keep the game close for the Clippers. George also hit a big three-pointer to close out the quarter to tie the game as they went into the fourth quarter.

The Suns then opened up the fourth quarter on a 12-2 run, before the Clippers would work their way back into the game. They narrowed the lead to two points on a Terance Mann three-pointer with seconds remaining in the game. However, the Suns would hold them off to capture their eighth consecutive win in these playoffs. This left Paul George to say, “I think this was a good feel-out game to see adjustments. We have been great at adjusting.”

The Suns were able to hold onto to defend their home court in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Ty Lue has been great at adjustment all season, so it will be interesting to see what they come up with for Game 2. At this time, it isn’t known whether Chris Paul will be back for the Sun in Game 2.

6/22/21 Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns WCF, Game 2 Some would say, the Clippers have the Suns right

points, 1 rebound, and 4 assists, he was aided by Deandre Ayton’s 20 points and team-high 11 points. In contrast, Reggie Jackson and Paul George led the Clippers with 16 points.

Patrick Beverley’s aggressive defense caused him to bump heads with Devin Booker, who as a results would need to go to the locker room to have his nose stitched up.

“It feels better now,” Booker would say about his nose, “If we would have lost, I think it would hurt a little bit more.

It’s good.”

The game would go back and forth in the waning moments of the game where each team would swap the lead and suffer a myriad of mistakes. Paul George put the Clippers in prime position to steal Game 2 and tie this series up. By scoring 26 points grabbing six rebounds and handing out six assists. George single-handedly erased a seven-point deficit to give the Clippers a one-point lead with seconds remaining on the clock.

George had a chance to give the Clippers a threepoint lead, but surprisingly he missed not one but two free throws late in the game. Leaving the door open for the Suns to hit make a buzzer-beater to win the game. After missing an open three-point the Suns would take the ball out with under a minute remaining in the game.

In his post-game press conference, Paul George would say about the missed free throws, “Obviously it was an opportunity that was missed. Pat made an unbelievable play that put me in a position to extend the lead. I’m always confident at the free-throw line. I’ve always been very successful in clutch moments at the free-throw line.”

Suns HC Monty Williams said he stole parts of former Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown’s and former Phoenix coach Joe Prunty’s playbooks to cobble the idea together. Crowder would then throw a nice entry pass into the Deandre Ayton for the game-winning dunk. Ayton would say about that play, “I’ll start by saying that’s definitely Jae Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George, middle, gets off a shot as Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder [Crowder’s] game-winner, making a great pass for a 7-foot(99) and Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) defend during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA basketball er.”

One would think this would be a devastating loss Western Conference finals, Sunday, June 20, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Clippers 120-114. (AP for the Clippers, however, they have been here before and Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Coach Ty Lue’s poise will likely show itself. Let me know what you think about the Clippers’ first couple of games where they want them considering their propensity to lead the Clippers held was 6 points.

The Suns Deandre Ayton would score a game-high 12 of the Western Conference Finals. Feel free to reach out come back when down in their playoffs series as they did in the first and second round of this year’s playoffs. For the points in the game’s opening quarter. He was compliment- to me on Twitter @whatsgoodnsport to let me know what Clippers to get a win in this in Game 2, they would have ed by Cameron Payne’s 7 points and a couple of assists. you think of this recent news and its impact on this team. to break the Suns 8-0 game playoffs win streak. Yet again, Reggie Jackson would match Payne’s points with 7 points Also, forward any suggestions on what additional topics or angles you’d like to see discussed to info@whatsgoodinthe Suns would be without the services of Chris Paul as the of his own to keep the game close.

The Suns would carry a one-point lead into halftime. sports.com.

Clippers would be without Kawhi Leonard for an unspecIf you haven’t done so, kindly subscribe to our weekThough each team took 43 shots in the half, the Suns made ified about of time.

The refereeing in this game was less than ideal from the 20 of 43 vs 18 of 43. Cameron Payne had a game-high 16 ly “Voice of the Fans Podcast.” It is available for you on first whistle of the first quarter. Despite the bad refereeing points and 1 assist, supported by Deandre’s 12 points and most podcasting platforms Apple, and Google Podcasts infor either team, the game remained a nail-bitter through all 6 rebounds. While the Clippers Reggie Jackson would pace cluding Spotify, TuneIn, and, iHeart Radio to name a few.

When you tune into our Podcast, you will hear passionate four quarters. In this game, there were 11 lead changes and them with 11 points with one rebound and one assist.

Through 3 quarters the Suns maintained a 4-point banter about various NBA storylines, while addressing the the Suns held the biggest lead of 9 points while the biggest lead in this game. Payne led the Suns with a game-high 23 multitude of NFL topics.

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Aiming for a California Comeback:

Tavis Smiley Returns to Radio Tanu Henry California Black Media Popular radio and television personality, whose career first began to skyrocket in the 1990s on Black Entertainment Television and proved its staying power until about four years ago in 2017 -- is aiming to once again become a familiar face and name in American media.

This past weekend, Smiley reentered the game on Juneteenth. But, this time, not only as a talk radio host but also as an owner, putting his mark on a format that is both “unapologetically” progressive and African American.

Smiley owns the majority share in KBLA 1580 Los Angeles. Smiley along with a group of investors dropped $7.5 million to purchase the radio station with a reach of about 12 million people in Southern California.

The station is expected to be on air 24 hours a day seven days a week.

“We just want to be a voice for those who have been voiceless for too long in this city, speak a truth that is otherwise not being considered,” Smiley said of the station.

In 2017, Smiley, who was born in Mississippi and raised in Indiana, was fired from National Public Radio

(NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service for having romantic affairs with people on his staff.

For now, Smiley says he’s focused on the launch of the station, its potential impact and the adventure ahead.

“The opportunity to have a Black-owned and Blackoperated talk radio station in this city, where talk radio for too long has been all day, all night, all White, is an opportunity that is begging for someone to take advantage of it. So. I’m dumb enough to try,” Smiley said.

Calif Govt Still Has Plenty of Goodies to Encourage People to Get Vaccinated Manny Otiko California Black Media If you haven’t yet won a prize during the state’s Vax for the Win campaign, there are still plenty of incentives available for people who decide to get vaccinated.

The original program created a lottery that gave cash prizes to people who received Covid-19 vaccines. That part of the program ended on Tuesday. But there are still plenty of goodies available, according to Sammi Gallegos, press secretary for the State COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, speaking during a news briefing organized by California Black Media in partnership with The Center at the Sierra Health Foundation and the State of California titled “Get Smart on COVID-19.”

Joining Gallegos were physicians Dr. Jerry Abraham from the Kedren Community Health Center in South Los Angeles and Dr. Andrea Goings, a pediatrician in Los Angeles and the founder of a mobile medical care service called BabyDocHouseCalls.com.

Organizers say the “series is designed to equip Black journalists with the information they need to write authoritatively about COVID-19 vaccinations and harm reduction measures – topics where there is significant misinformation and widespread mistrust.”

According to Gallegos, there are a host of prizes still available, including $50 gift cards, grocery store cards, tickets to amusement parks, and vacation prizes, including $2,000 to go along with the trip. Gallegos said they are still one million gift cards available. Local NBA teams have also donated merchandise to be included as prizes.

The incentive program has worked. Gallegos said that since they implemented the program, vaccination rates went up by 2%. The statewide vaccination rate is about

70% which is in the range of herd immunity (between 60 % of 70%). However, African American vaccination rates are about 45%.

About 40 million vaccines have been administered so far, said Gallegos.

“Californians have waited a long time for June 15 as many of the restrictions that have defined our lives for over a year are beginning to wind down,” said Gallegos in a press release. “But it’s important we all still continue to stay vigilant by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when needed to protect ourselves, our families and our communities.”

For more information about vaccinations, go to MyTurn.ca.gov to schedule an appointment or call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-833-422-4255 (833-4CA-4ALL.)

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