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N LOS ANGELES (AP) – Ag af Disney-owned ll d te ti ie t ta y ec A o n st o ter being alstif. (Acable m n ab ti is if g te s p fi io at ad u ab st er c en y se n o o in o ev in o rs d ti n le u to g g id o u t sc h ro , n se co th en im k al en ad ce a d ee ru e lo m concerns as the rest of the Black community and face triple conce ceparticipants m to nail Coo ntersover methods an p raising California ck bthe w an es early in . aim at criticsinwho The analysis of in enresponses living in se South network taken disagreed with tal health fafrom y . In 195,300 other rohas at er ta n ck p d G 8 th er C 2 , st o v . u , e L al er an v o Th n C er ag ifornia. a polic ries inand cility in Pen term ofdecision al th d ofHalle Baileyuas California. d in sworn ooper escap based nnot only on race but ree sciousness: or w na Ariel have high ex weapons w violence to cast upcoming vestidiscrimination BeachinPothe h o th se e re su nsythat th te ed p e ro p the 2019 Black Census, demonstrate police violence e st li at lv p er fr p O im g ce O cer Th orters on adaption ta ers who ectations. ania before om e use ran on gender, gender ssive Little Mermaid.’’ identity, d in th and sexual During his ofre“The the politica “Dorientation. could havck moving to omas Nlose ere White.y, Joshua“Black someone’sgep County Register ffi Ryen sa A teemployment murder triasocietal violence sting should opportunil Lefposted e been Hisw id he sawepeople LGBTQ+ often he inin so t H et lv Freeform an open letter on Sunday and impunityRguyed—thatand broader that e e w la itially th th h te l, Cooper en p r e p im F an te R ro eb th F st ic m y se u . e en ifi . ed rt 1 cu ca ed k 9 h ia il t ca . to er ties, access to housing and quality affordable health care because le te d that they Chiang sa se and rs su essfu en, th artethe co d ly tasupport on social media used d in fr ke placeoftoBailey after some d anare id duripolicymakers, -year-o husban— lly ar- an named D mplicating the rose of how we identify. d w alsoccurgent targets the LGBTQ+ ensure just neighboreiCr 10community ng the cafimnally It isthimportant activists re- th McG ire saystowha black woman ont at DNA evfor hashtag (hash)NotMyAriel touobject cutions’ clai ic e hristopherld daughter Jessica ifane Doug and Peggy belonging toiana Roper came foprw p is ai e en se g an id n. “Not onportrayingrvthe enceand he ot oaniim ms, a wom groups this al was bigprincess Hughes. Po withd the cancreate ut remember mermaid ut to ch testing in th help laanwagenda concerns, showing a strong alignment ly is it proed,”red-headed - bto itthat -year-old inal. She turnher former boyfrien ard wand ger thanofagthe h bcommunity loreflects lice foundan 11nonAnim ody clothat forcemenmated vBut understanding whenisrepresenting andenserven thetonetwork case would house al d ed th C w film. says “Danish mermaids cancat. ec o th in the bloodie E h n o d t g e v tr es so w en ev o tr as lv l idence over co oyed it. o th an e aBlack ffi m cr o v ce u an io e im d g LGBTQ+ identifying larger Black community. rs at le im h es ing LGBTQ+ people.

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By Tedarius Abrams, Sharon Washington and Elae Hill at st o n i ch Bailey is known for being half of the sister duo te Krause, a v tially polari rs across th ing. He is other mino she expects et zi e k er n p ee Theritireport, “When the Rainbow Is Not Enough: in g o p th li Washington Informer es livariathat ing his focu ticalChloe Shebwill star in thee 1live-action version n, tells th 1-pound (5 spectrxuHalle. ack in nti2019 nued Black s onthe m arsongs to 1989 -kiloghit LGBTQ+ Voices inCothe Census” examines the wilanimated e fairneswill According to a new report produced in part by Black Lives Maton pag fromM the as) t to ram d after it Disney s aninclude e A d 2 ju cG re st gaiMenken priorities and concerns of over 5,300 respondents to the uire composer e th ns strengca ter co-founder Alicia Garza, Black lesbian, gay and bisexual Ameriwell as newictunes from original visited theAlan at if bobcat on th. e sees it agaiMiranda.

2019 Black Census who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual or cans may be more concerned with everyday economic issues like low and “Hamilton’’ creator hLin-Manuel Frid n, he’ll issu describe their sexual orientation as “other.” e a tick wages, unaffordable health care, and access to housing. More reBailey will join Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina inet foray. ja The Black Census is the largest survey of Black people spondents identified these as higher priorities than marriage equalthe film. conducted in the United States since Reconstruction. ity, though they strongly support laws enabling gay and lesbian The Black Futures Lab is publishing the findcouples to marry legally. ings of the census in a series of reports and The analysis of responses from over 5,300 participants briefs in partnership with Color of in the 2019 Black Census, demonstrate that police violence Change, Demos, and Socioanalítica and impunity — and broader societal violence that targets Research. the LGBTQ+ community — are also urgent concerns, “Black LGBTQ people hold showing a strong alignment with the non-LGBTQ+ in their very bodies the dual identifying larger Black community. brunt of racism and discrim“Too often, Black LGBTQ+ people are perination based upon their ceived as distinct and separate from the largsexual orientation and gener Black community and defined more by DAYTON, Texas (AP) – A fence that for decades der identity,” said K. Satheir sexual orientation than their race,” divided two historic Houston-area cemeteries into plots beel Rahman, President said Alicia Garza, principal at the Black for white people on one side and black people on the of Demos. “The day Futures Lab and co-founder of Black other has been taken down. to day experience of Lives Matter. “In fact, LGBTQ+ The Houston Chronicle reports that a white economic insecurity, respondents prioritize the same 85-year-old maintenance volunteer, Henry Buxton, in mistreatment by April dismantled the chain-link fence that divided the families and comLinney Cemetery from the Acie Cemetery in Dayton.

Alicia Garza’s new report munities, The change comes after a new president took over offers insight into the the Linney Cemetery, where white people are buried. He needs of Black LGBT+ Continued on saw the division as inappropriate and inefficient. communities. (courpage A2 Lynda Young, who ran Acie Cemetery where black tesy photo) people are buried before the merger, says seeing the fence come down feels like freedom. She says the community can now move forward.

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Black Lives Matter Co-Founder and Black Futures Lab Release

Second Black Census Report

obcat Rec FreeformBSupports ove A f t eAriel r Being Hi Halle Bailey Police Car Casting Backlash

Cemetery Fence that Marked Racial Divide Torn Down

Black Troops Fought Bravely at Normandy

Throughout WWII and especially D-Day in 1944, the Black Press dispatched reporters such as the New Journal and Guide’s John Q. ‘Rover’ Jordan, P.B. Young, Jr., Thomas Young, Lem Graves and the ANP’s Joseph Dunbar to the European and South Pacific War Zones to cover the exploits of the Black soldiers.

By Leonard E. Colvin Chief Reporter, New Journal and Guide The United States, Great Britain, France and other allies recently observed the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landing on five beaches along Southern France at Normandy on their way to defeat Nazi Germany.

The modern images of the allied leaders, including the U.S. President and other participants, captured by the media at the Normandy Beach event appeared mostly white.

Seventy-five years ago, the mainstream news media and various movies such as “The Longest Day” and others also captured the images of white soldiers valiantly fighting on the sandy beaches against withering gun and cannon fire from the Germans.

But thanks to the written words and images recorded by members of the Black Press who were eye witnesses to the action in Southern France to Berlin, the contributions and valor of Black military men and women were recorded, too.

Along with a quarter million Black servicemen, Black newsmen from the Norfolk Journal and Guide, the National Newspaper Publisher’s Association (NNPA) and the

HANOVER, Va. (AP) – About a dozen people wearing white Klan robes and waving Confederate flags held a recruitment rally Saturday outside a Virginia courthouse.

The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office tells newsoutlets that they received multiple calls about the Ku Klux Klan rally Saturday outside the county courthouse. But they said no laws were broken and no violence occurred.

The rally north of Richmond lasted about an hour.

The Klan unit waived signs and held banners urging prospective new members to contact them.

Hanover County Board of Supervisors Chairman W. Canova Peterson said he disagrees with the Klan but was pleased that things remained peaceful

Stevie Wonder Says He’s Getting a Kidney Transplant

John Q. Jordan, New Journal and Guide Archives

Associated Negro Press (ANP) were on hand to record this history left out of the mainstream press then and recently.

Throughout WWII and especially D-Day in 1944, the Black Press dispatched reporters such as the New Journal and Guide’s John Q. ‘Rover’ Jordan and P.B. Young, Jr., Thomas Young, Lem Graves and the ANP’s Joseph Dunbar to the European and South Pacific War Zones to cover the

exploits of the Black soldiers.

In many of the stories printed on the pages of the GUIDE, one could detect the tone of the accounts indicating that the reporters wanted to make clear that “Negro” soldiers were making significant contributions.

They worked on the ground and the air in combat, Continued on page A3

Women’s Suffrage Forged by Foundling Sisters Happy Birthday to Ida B.

By Gwen McKinney “The people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press.”

So proclaimed Ida B. Wells-Barnett, who fearlessly shined a light with words on the abominable dark days after slavery and into the 20th century.

Journalist, publisher, author, activist, and suffragist leader, Ida B.’s spirit soars. July 16 marks the 157th anniversary of her birth. Blood, sweat, and ink sealed her legacy and the future of a nation still struggling to be whole.

Ida B. revered the Black press as an organizing tool.

Though her newspaper The Memphis Free Speech was destroyed by racist mobs, she was never silenced. During her life, she would publish three newspapers and authored “Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases” and “The Red Record,” investigative reports that remain definitive sources on racist violence more than 100 years later.

Small in stature but huge in courage, Wells, an emancipated slave, joined a cadre of Black contemporaries – scholars, activists, and thought leaders – who pledged to change the trajectory of bondage and demand that Black women have a voice.

They defy the clichés and caricatures planted in pop-

Ku Klux Klan Holds Recruitment Rally

ular culture with their searing voices. Their cadence would not be paraphrased or translated into the often quoted “Ain’t I A Woman” reprise. But forever burdened by their womanhood and Blackness, their path – then and now – is littered with obstacles.

Educator and writer Mary Church Terrell observed, “Nobody wants to know a colored woman’s opinion about her own status [or] that of her group. When she dares express it, no matter how mild or tactful..., it is called ‘propaganda,’ or is labeled ‘controversial.’”

Poet, teacher, and Baltimore abolitionist Frances Ellen Harper was among the suffragists who pleaded the case for linked fate unity. “We are all bound up together in one great bundle of humanity,” she said. “Society cannot trample on the weakest and feeblest of its members without receiving the curse in its own soul.”

These Founding Sisters forged civil rights organizations with Black men, sororities, and service clubs with their women peers, and joined “woke” White women against lynching and disenfranchisement and for education and economic development.

Continued on page A3

Ida B. Wells-Barnett

By GREGORY KATZ Associated Press LONDON (AP) – Stevie Wonder surprised concertgoers in London Saturday night by announcing that he will take a break from performing so that he can receive a kidney transplant this fall.

The 69-year-old music legend made the announcement after performing “Superstition’’ at the end of a packed British Summer Time concert in London’s sprawling Hyde Park.

He said he was speaking out to quell rumors and sought to reassure fans that he would be okay.

“I’m going to be doing three shows then taking a break,’’ he said. “I’m having surgery. I’m going to have a kidney transplant at the end of September this year.’’

He said a donor has been found and that he would be fine, drawing cheers from a devoted crowd of tens of thousands that stretched out from the stage as far as the eye could see.

“I came here to give you my love and to thank you for yours,’’ he said. “You ain’t gonna hear no rumors about us. I’m good.’’

He did not provide additional information about his kidney illness. There had been a recent report that Wonder was facing a serious health issue.

A representative for Wonder didn’t immediately respond to a request Saturday for details about his health.

He has kept an active schedule, including performing recently at a Los Angeles memorial service for slain rapper Nipsey Hussle.

Wonder, who has received more than two-dozen Grammy Awards, has produced a string of hits over a long career that began when he was a youngster who performed as Little Stevie Wonder. His classic hits include “You Are the Sunshine of My Life’’ and “Living for the City.’’

Wonder seemed in top form throughout the concert, performing a series of his hits and paying tribute to musical heroes including Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and John Lennon, performing a stirring rendition of the latter’s “Imagine’’ near the end of the show.

It was a joyous event, with his fans reveling in the warm summer night – though a light drizzle fell near the end – and the career-spanning retrospective that evoked Wonder’s early days as a young Motown star.

He did seem less ebullient than in the past and made his health announcement in a somber tone with a severe look on his face. But he was smiling as he left the stage with the band playing the memorable conclusion of “Superstition’’ one final time.

A2

Providence Opening Urgent Care Center

By Tedarius Abrams, Sharon Washington and Elae Hill Washington Informer As part of its transformation to better meet the needs of District residents, Providence Health System will soon offer urgent care services. The Providence Urgent Care Center will open on Tuesday, July 9, on the current campus of Providence and will operate seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

The Providence Urgent Care Center is the first ever urgent care center in Ward 5.

Providence Health System recently received certificate of need (CON) approval from the District’s State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) to operate urgent care services on its campus.

The Urgent Care Center will provide treatment for a wide range of common, non-emergency illnesses. These services range from treating those suffering from the flu, strep throat, or asthma, to the treatment of sprains, strains, and broken bones, along with offering vaccinations, radiology and other lab services.

“Providence will continue to work toward meeting patient needs and addressing the social factors that influence a person’s health,” said Tamarah Duperval-Brownlee, MD, MPH, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Providence Health System and Chief Community Impact Officer for Ascension. “We look forward to serving our community by offering another way to access convenient, immediate medical care.”

The Urgent Care Center is just one part of Providence’s strategy to address unmet health needs of local residents through its healthy village vision to create a community of healthcare and non-healthcare partners supporting the whole person and their well-being.

Still, many Washingtonians expressed reservations over what they termed the continued “displacement of natives” through an elimination of necessary services – including reasonably priced housing, late-hour public transportation, and full-capacity hospitals and emergency rooms.

“Elected officials believe that with the change in demographics they no longer need emergency services and full-service or full-capacity hospitals and emergency rooms,” Ward 5 resident Mel Prentiss told the Informer. “The reality is that as the nation’s capital, D.C. holds the ominous position of being the target for all types of terror events. Should something catastrophic happen here, how would the city and its officials handle the medical fallout? Moving to preventative services and ‘urgent care’ facilities, does not meet those potential needs.”

A 2016 District of Columbia Community Health Needs Assessment found that 23.8 percent of adults did not have an identified primary care provider. It also found that 10 percent of District residents reported delays in get Continued on page A7

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, July 11, 2019

World & Nation

Cincinnati ‘Ready to Explode’ If Judge Goes to Jail Former Judge Fears “Being another Sandra Bland”

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Correspondent The impending jailing of Judge Tracie Hunter, the first African American Juvenile Court Judge in Hamilton County’s long history, has the city of Cincinnati on edge, according to her supporters and a former state senator.

“I think it’s going to be a problem,” said former Cincinnati State Sen. Eric Kearney, who is revered as “The Connector in Chief ” throughout the state and neighboring Kentucky.

An attorney by trade, Kearney currently serves as president and CEO of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African-American Chamber of Commerce.

Kearney told a group of Black Press of America publishers that he’s concerned that the prosecution and conviction of Judge Tracie Hunter and her impending six-month jail sentence, that’s set to begin on July 22, will rekindle the same intense racial division that led to race riots less than 20 years ago.

“I’m telling you, black people are not going to take [Hunter going to jail] lightly. The city is on edge,” Kearney said. “The city is going to explode.”

Hunter was convicted of just one of the 10 counts against her for securing a public contract.

Kearney, Hunter and her vast number of supporters have said the process used to convict her wreaked of politics, corruption, nepotism and racism.

The jury that rendered the guilty verdict was comprised of political foes and others associated with the prosecutors and a Republican establishment that didn’t take kindly to Hunter breaking the GOP and white-male dominated stronghold to win a seat on the bench in 2010, her supporters have pointed out.

Surprisingly, one of the jurors worked for WCPO Television, a local station that has filed numerous lawsuits against Hunter.

Also, court documents revealed that the jury foreman contributed $500 to state Sen. Bill Seitz, the father of county jury coordinator Brad Seitz, who was responsible for compiling the panel of jurors.

Hunter said three black jurors, none of whom had known ties to prosecutors and all of whom held out for acquittal, ultimately succumbed to pressure from other jurors and a judge who refused to allow defense lawyers to poll the jury after announcing the verdict.

In every American criminal trial, particularly those that end in guilty verdicts, it’s the right of attorneys to request the judge to poll all 12 jurors to ensure each were in agreement with the verdict.

“The judge refused a motion for a retrial after he refused to poll the jury, in clear violation of the law and at the request of my attorney,” Hunter said as she stood in front of a large group of supporters sporting black T-shirts imprinted with the logo, “Justice for Judge Tracie Hunter.”

“If the judge polled the jury, it happened in a blink, but I don’t remember that happening,” Kearney said.

“At the close of the trial, three jurors came forward and said that their true verdict was not guilty and if Judge Norbert Nadel had polled the jury, they would have said so,” Hunter said.

After serving just 18 months, her enemies found a way to silence her and end her career. Hunter was charged with theft for using her judicial credit card to appeal the lawsuits filed against her by Deters, the prosecutor.

After being convicted on one of 10 counts filed against her, Hunter lost her appeals, one of which was presided over by prosecutor Joe Deters’ mother-in-law, Judge Sylvia Hendon.

Representatives for Deters and Hendon have declined to comment to NNPA Newswire.

Hunter, who earned her undergraduate degree from Miami University in 1988 and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1992, won election in 2010, stunning the Republican-led city by defeating GOP contender John Williams.

Williams and the GOP contested Hunter’s victory and a heated court battle and numerous appeals by the Hamilton County Board of Elections which refused to count more than 800 votes from majority Democrat and Black precincts, ensued.

Hunter then filed a federal lawsuit to have those voted counted.

While the court finally ordered those votes to be counted, election officials still certified Williams as the victor.

However, once the votes were counted, the election was overturned in Hunter’s favor.

The 18-month period proved pivotal because thenGov. John Kasich appointed Williams to the bench and the state Supreme Court changed the rules giving Williams administrative authority over the court.

As the senior judge and the only one elected, Hunter would have received the position of administrative judge.

Still, Hunter worked behind the bench to protect the rights of children including refusing to allow their names

and faces to appear in news coverage.

After serving just 18 months, her enemies found a way to silence her and end her career.

Hunter was charged with theft for using her judicial credit card to appeal the lawsuits filed against her by Deters, the prosecutor.

“I think this is about power and control,” Kearney said. “Judge Hunter didn’t come through traditional means and she didn’t come through the status quo and that makes her a threat,” he said.

Kearney said the city is on edge, something Hunter acknowledges that she’s fully aware of.

“There is so much racism, so much nepotism and so much cronyism here in Cincinnati but I just hold on to the belief that the truth shall set you free and I will continue to stand on the truth,” Hunter said.

Now, with her law license suspended and having exhausted any savings and appeals, Hunter is facing jail.

Further frustrating is that Hunter is the lone caregiver to her ailing and aging mother and Hunter said she knows that her pending incarceration is both political and racially-motivated.

In a televised interview with a local station in Cincinnati, Hunter said she fears being another Sandra Bland, the African American woman who in 2015 was found dead in her jail cell just three days after being arrested during a traffic stop.

“I want everyone to know that I don’t drink … I don’t do drugs… I have no intention of harming myself,” Hunter said.

Citizens, Clergy, Elected Officials Rally in Support

By Staff Reporter Texas Metro News Writer From Staff Reports in response to a press conference where Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall was given a vote of no confidence, the first African American woman to serve in that post received overwhelming support that included statements from Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax, Dallas City Mayor Pro Tem Casey Thomas, Next Generation Action Network’s (NGAN) Min. Dominique Alexander, members of the clergy and community-based groups.

Citing several instances where they felt Chief Hall was not supportive, members of the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization (NLLEO) called for her firing.

Dallas Chapter President George Aranda said, “We need a new crime fighter here. She fails to listen to our rank and file. She doesn’t want to take any advice from the organizations. We’re the pulse of the police department.” The other police groups have not joined in the call for a replacement and City Manager Broadnax is not bowing to the pressure.

Under Chief Hall’s leadership, the department has implemented 5 strategic priorities: crime reduction, increased recruitment, advanced officer development, improved organizational effectiveness, and enhanced community relationships.

“I am confident that Chief Hall and the dedicated officers of the Dallas Police Department are focused and committed to ensuring that the safety of our residents is a top priority,” said Mr. Broadnax, who has the authority to hire and fire the chief. “Chief Hall’s strategic approach to restructuring DPD has helped maximize resources and align the department to be more responsive to the needs of our community. Through her leadership, Chief Hall has worked to improve efficiencies within the department, provide high quality service to every Dallas resident, enhance the department’s community engagement and outreach efforts, and address crime more proactively.”

Mr. Broadnax added that the Chief has his “support and full confidence in her ability to continue leading the department.” In response to NLLEO, Mr. Thomas said, “Let me put some things in context. First, the city manager hires and fires the Police Chief. The Mayor and City Council hires the city manager. Unless there are at least eight members of the city council who decide to fire the city manager, the city manager is safe.

T.C. Broadnax is the Dallas city manager. He has the support of the incoming Mayor and a majority of the city council. He said as long as he is the city manager, Chief Hall will be the Police Chief. Simply put, regardless of outside noise, only the council can fire the city manager and only the city manager can fire the police chief.

Chief Hall is not in danger of being fired and she has my full support.” Min. Alexander, who was mentioned in the press conference, issued a public statement and held a press conference where he reiterated support for the Chief: “NGAN Leadership wants the public to know that the community stands behind Chief Hall. In her short time as police chief she has done so much.” Further support of the Chief came from the African American Pastors Coalition: “The African American Pastors Coalition stands in support of Chief Hall. We urge all citizens of the City of Dallas to join us in a unified effort to support her continued leadership of the Dallas Police Department. She has made prominent steps to transform the department to reflect 21st Century Policing. Chief Hall has prioritized community engagement and outreach by connecting with officers in the field, meeting with Dallas community groups, professional leaders and local organizers.

Under Chief Hall’s leadership, the department has im-

plemented 5 strategic priorities: crime reduction, increased recruitment, advanced officer development, improved organizational effectiveness, and enhanced community relationships. In addition, Chief Hall has engaged the school districts and local colleges to generate a student pipeline and internship program. She has increased internal accessibility to her office and has overseen several General Order and policy changes within the department.”

Councilmember B. Adam McGough, Chairman of the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee, releases the following statement: “Throughout my tenure, I have fought hard to support our police officers. The daily sacrifices they make are undeniable, and the challenges they currently face are without question. I will continue to ask questions and urge Chief Hall to provide strategic solutions and measurable outcomes to reduce crime across our city and to give our officers the support they have rightfully earned. Healthy government must allow us to be critical and challenge ideas so that progress can occur, and we need strong leadership in our police department with transparent and objective performance measures. I do not support calling for Chief Hall’s removal. Dallas, now more than ever, must come together in unity and strength. A leadership transition of this magnitude puts everyone at greater risk. The safety of our neighbors and our community must come first. The City of Dallas will not tolerate crime, and we will work together to make our neighborhoods safe.”

While Chief Hall has not responded to the NLLEO, in attendance at the Women’s Leadership Summit, hosted by former State Rep. Helen Giddings, she did ask for prayers, and had no problem with securing prayer warriors in the room.

Second Black Census Report

Bulk Mailing Permit 724 Bakersfield, CA 93385 Published every Thursday by The Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, Inc. Member: National Newspaper Publishers Assc.

Associated Press, Better Business Bureau, GLAAACC

Continued from page A1

combined with discrimination in housing, religion and even healthcare leaves many Black LGBTQ+ people locked out of economic opportunities and sometimes far removed from our democratic process. As this report shows, while Black LGB+ respondents know this, their pain and concerns are inexcusably left out of the conversation around what LGBTQ people need.”

A forthcoming report will explore the distinct concerns and experiences of Black Census respondents who identify as transgender, gender non-conforming, or identify their gender as “different” than male or female. Highlighting the findings of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in their own report provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on a community that is too often marginalized, even in discussions about LGBTQ+ people.

The Black Census Project launched in early 2018 with an ambitious agenda to poll tens of thousands of Black people on their political beliefs, frustrations and aspirations.

More Black Than Blue: Politics and Power in the 2019 Black Census, showed that respondents were strongly aligned with key Democratic policy priorities like closing significant gaps in quality of life through a living wage, quality public education, and healthcare, but that alignment did not translate to immediate, energetic support for the party or its candidates.

“Black people are vital members of every community we’re part of, whether placed-based, work-based or identity-based communities,” said Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. “Neither our country’s Black communities nor our country’s LGBTQ communities will be fully understood, served or strengthened without Black LQBTQ people being heard and seen — counted and cared for.

We have helped make Black communities what they are — and have helped make LGBTQ communities what they are. And we will always continue to. Our needs must be known. Thankfully, this report moves us in the right direction in terms of understanding all Black people much better.”

News Observer Los Angeles

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President: Ellen Coley Operations Manager: Jon Coley Editor: James Luckey Credo - The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accounts to every person, regardless of race, color, or creed full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as any one is held back.

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Thursday, July 11, 2019

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER A3

Features

Women’s Suffrage Forged by Foundling Sisters Continued from page A1

It was Ida B. and a coterie of Black women publishers, writers, and teachers of the era who led the movement for universal suffrage even when Black women were shunned and excluded.

Nonetheless, women’s suffrage, deeply rooted in abolitionism, is depicted in a single dimension as the jumpstart for the white feminist/voting rights movement.

Regarded as social reformers, White suffragist – many of them supporters of abolition – confronted a fork in the road, conflicted between the “Negro question” and universal suffrage.

With passage of the 15th Amendment in 1870 granting Black men voting rights, universal suffrage would be sacrificed on the altar of patriarchy and white supremacy.

Defended or oversimplified, the words of Susan B. Anthony, crowned the mother of women’s suffrage, illustrate the entrenched stranglehold of whiteness.

Though she counted abolitionist Frederick Douglas as

an admired cohort, Anthony’s contradictions can only be measured today in the context of racism and exclusion.

“I would sooner cut off this right arm of mine before I would ever work for or demand the ballot for the black man and not the woman,” she said. One might conclude that she was seduced by the divide-and-conquer tactics of the male proponents of the 15th Amendment. But Anthony’s view was widely embraced by the White women’s suffrage movement.

Her friend and suffrage leader Elizabeth Cady Stanton, arguing against the 15th Amendment, protested: “It’s better to be the slave of an educated white man than of a degraded black one.”

One year away from the centennial of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote, how much ground have we gained as women and a nation? How much of the conversation about gender equality denies

the overlapping impact of white nationalism, patriarchy, and privilege? Where and when do the voices of Black and Brown women enter?

But first and foremost, when do Black women get the recognition that they have earned in their unbroken march to freedom?

Our compass should be guided by that path forged by Ida B. Wells and other courageous Black women whose intersectional quest to make America stand upright changed the world.

This opening salvo embraces Suffrage. Race. Power.

Spurred by my collaboration with a small collective of women that is Black-led, cross-generational, and supported by “woke” White women, we’ve named ourselves “Founding Sisters.” This space will offer regular installments that honor our Founding Sisters of the last centuries and spotlight the unfinished business of Suffrage. Race. Power.

To kick it off: Happy birthday Ida B.!

Gwen McKinney is President and Founder of McKinney & Associates Public Relations She is also the founder and lead collaborator for Suffrage.Race.

Power.

Say You Saw It In The Los Angeles News Observer

World War II veteran Johnnie Jones, Sr. poses for a portrait at his home in Baton Rouge, La., Tuesday, May 28, 2019. He remembers wading ashore and one incident when he and his fellow soldiers came under fire from a German sniper. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Black Troops at Normandy

Continued from page A1

in support roles like driving trucks, operating machinery, medical support units, military police, tactical and leading administrative work.

The tone countered the daily newspapers which catered to its white readership, ignoring any significant contributions of the Black Warriors.

“If it were not for those GUIDE and other Black reporters, the story of Black men and women on D-Day or in other areas related to World War II would have been ignored,” said Dr. Henry Lewis Suggs, Professor Emeritus of American History, Clemson University, who is retired now.

Dr. Suggs wrote the biography “P.B. Young, Sr., Newspaper Man.” Young, who founded the GUIDE newspaper after serving as the editor of its predecessor, the Lodge Journal newsletter dating to 1900, was a leading Black media, political and civic leader in Virginia and nationally from the early 1930s until he died in 1962.

Weekly, during the war, the GUIDE published local, state, national, Virginia and Peninsula editions of the newspaper. Each edition included news about the war and the roles that Black soldiers, sailors, Coast Guard and civilians played at home and abroad.

The articles not only pointed out the bravery and professionalism of the Black troops, they also noted the heavy number of casualties Blacks suffered in combat.

The stories which were distributed to other Black newspapers also recorded acts of racial bias against the Black patriots.

There were stories of the many cases where Black and white troops worked “shoulder to shoulder” with no tension away from the field of battle and during it.

“In Norfolk, the only source of news Black civilians got about Black soldiers and sailors overseas or at home was

from the Black Press,” said Suggs.

Suggs said the contributions of the Black warriors during WWII helped fuel African American efforts after the war to pursue socio-economic and political equality.

Further, the thousands of Blacks who fought in the war, used the G.I. Bill to secure an education and other support to attend Black colleges which helped them grow.

Suggs said that African Americans had their great generation of Black men who participated in the war. They later became the Black lawyers, doctors and educators and other professional and political class who fostered the Black middle class.

“Negro troops did their duty excellently under fire on Normandy’s beaches in a zone of heavy combat,” General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Invasion Forces, declared.

That statement was a greeting sent by the General, fondly known as “Ike” by the Black troops, to the NAACP’s Wartime Conference meeting In Chicago held that year. It appeared in the July 15, 1944 edition of the GUIDE under the headline “Eisenhower Proud of Our Troops in France,” verifying history.

It also noted Black leadership’s citing the resistance and their insistance for sending Black Women Army Corps (WACs) to the front.

John Q. Jordan, War Correspondent John Q. Jordan, who lived in Portsmouth, worked for the GUIDE as a correspondent before, during and after the crucial landing at Normandy and observed firsthand the activities of Black soldiers.

He also served as a pool reporter, recording and dispatching back bits and pieces of information for white and Black reporters toiling for news outlets sitting onboard ships or on land in England, the main staging areas for the massive invasion force.

During the first hours of operations on the Omaha Beach, Jordan was one of the first journalists to view the action.

He was positioned to peer down at 800-plus of ships sitting or moving in the waters below and the troops scrambling to the beaches.

In an article in the August 19, 1944 edition of the GUIDE, under the headline “Germans Only Attack Negro Group Invasion Day; Rhodes Gets One,” he described those hours of operation.

Jordan wrote, “Many Negro troop units land on Beaches; Fliers handling the role in softening up second Invasion coast.”

He described how on D-Day (June 6) weeks after, “The only fighter opposition (the Germans) encountered by the formations which flew protective cover for the Armada of heavies (bombers) and medium bombers who blasted a path for the invasion…on the coast of southern France was met by fighter pilots of the Mustang Group under (the command of ) Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr.,” an African American.

Better known as the Tuskegee Airmen, the article described how 2nd Lt. George M. Rhodes of Brooklyn, New York shot down a German plane — the first.

The Black men who manned and operated the huge machines hailed from all over the country, including Little Rock, Arkansas, parts of Texas, and Philly.

“They have been in operations over the whole length of the beach since D-day. These units were formed in Camp Gordon Johnson, Fla. and the first colored company of its type.”

These amphibious ships were used to transport troops and supplies back and forth from the beaches, including taking wounded Black and white men to the awaiting hospital ships.

Residents remain unconvinced of Providence Health System’s new urgent care center benefits. (courtesy photo)

Providence Opening Urgent Care Center Continued from page A2

ting medical care because they could not get a timely appointment. Providing urgent care services will help address these specific issues.

“Each ward should have basic needs and services readily available. Even though I do not like the mayor shuttering Providence Hospital as it was originally designed, I do believe that an urgent care facility in Ward 5 could work well,” Shanice Graven said. “The question is will this serve any real purpose that a Minute Clinic or other urgent care center could not. How will it impact our communities, long term? We will have to wait and see, so I will hold off on rash judgements until I see the proof of its benefit.”

Providence continues to operate primary care services, skilled nursing care at Carroll Manor, outpatient behavioral health, care coordination for Medicaid beneficiaries through the My Health GPS program, and a retail pharmacy with access to free medications to those who need it most.

To learn more about Providence’s transformation, go to ProvidenceHealthyVillage.org.

Now You Can Get The Los Angeles News Observer Online! ognsc.com

A4

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Sports

Thursday, July 11, 2019

LXF2 Fight Night in Burbank

Shawne Merriman collaborates in the development of the LXF Fighting Events. (courtesy photo)

By Cameron Buford whatsgoodinsports.com With the intention of developing the next generation of MMA fighters Lights Out Xtreme Fighting (LXF) has

given multiple fighters the opportunity to show off their combat fighting skills. Their second event LXF2 was hosted in Burbank at the Marriott Convention Center post the

earthquake on Saturday night. Shawne Merriman brought out some of the best fighters from all around looking to expose their skillset and make a name for themselves in the fight game.

After America saw fireworks Thursday night, MMA fans got a chance to see fireworks in the cage on Saturday night in Burbank. This action-packed fight night was centered around a couple of Title fights and a pro debut from a former NFL player. Along with a swan song from another local legend in the fighting world.

The night began with some animosity between Jamal Harris and former New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers Chris McCain. Though Jamal vowed to take the fight to the inexperienced McCain, it was McCain that actually took the fight to Harris early in the fight. Though the fight could’ve been stopped in the first round, McCain finished of Harris early in the second with a ground and pound stoppage.

Featherweights (1-1) Roberto Romero and (1-3) Julian Baez fought in a highly contested matchup that went the distance. Baez edged out the Romero on the judge’s scorecard.

Gilbert Nakatani made his Pro Debut against (1-1) Mykola Aivazian at a 130lb catchweight. Nakatani stopped Aiviazian in the 2nd round of their fight, with a big time knock out.

Featherweight and local favorite, (2-0-1) Blake Bilder took on (4-7-1) Derion Chapman. Behind a ruckus crowd supporting him. Bilder won a decision from the judges as the fight went to the scorecards.

(4-2) Alex Trinidad took on (4-2) Brian Del Rosario at a catchweight of 150 lbs., this toughly contested fight also went to the scorecards. In a minor upset, Alex Trinidad won by the judges’ decision to earn his 5th career win.

(5-2) Taylor Alfaro and (4-3) Sergio Perez fight nearly went the distance at a 140 catchweight. Though Perez forced Alfaro to tap out on the 3rd round gaining his 5th

professional win.

(20-13-1) Jared Papazian and (10-2) A.J. Bryant fought for the Featherweight Title this past Saturday night.

Though the crowd was filled with many Papazian fans, Bryant proved to be the better fighter throughout and ended the fight with a knockout in the 2nd round.

In the strangest result of the evening didn’t happen in the cage as Jack May didn’t show up to defend his Heavyweight Title belt against the brawler from Brazil Jay Silva. Frustrated about his opponent not showing up the fight, Silva was not pleased to be given the title that evening as he apologized to those in attendance for not being able to get in the ring tonight.

Bantamweights (5-5) Keith Carson and (9-4) Alfred Khashakyan fought at 135lbs. Khashakyan overwhelmed Carson and KO’d him in the 2nd round of the fight.

To close out fight night (5-8) Hector Valenzuela was matched up against local fan favorite (16-8) Chad George.

George ended the fight with a 2nd round submission hold that forced the Valenzuela tap.

This was a great showing of combat sports this past weekend, which gave these fighters a great opportunity to show their skills. This sold-out event brought out passionate MMA fans to see these upcoming fighters’ carry out their dreams of becoming household names and champions.

Merriman should be credited for providing a forum for the next generation of fighters to show off their heart and talent. LXF3 is scheduled for September of 2019, see www. lightsoutfx.com for the upcoming fight schedule.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the evolution of LXF2 and these fighters by commenting in the comment section of this article on www.whatsgoodinsports.com or follow me on Twitter at “Voice of the Fans” for immediate engagement. Additionally, subscribe to our weekly “Voice of the Fans” Podcast which is available for you on Apple and Google Podcasts including Spotify, TunedIn, and iHeart Radio. We appreciate you for making our voice our choice!

Los Angeles Sparks get Revenge on the Washington Mystics

By Cameron Buford whatsgoodinsports.com Less than a month ago, the Los Angeles Sparks found themselves on the wrong end of a nearly 30-point blowout to the Washington Mystics. Just over a week ago the Mystics blew out the Connecticut Sun by over 40 points.

This past Sunday the Sparks welcomed the Mystics into Staples to give them some of their own medicine.

Having been off for a week, the 6-6 Los Angeles Sparks welcome the 9-3 Washington Mystics into Staples Center this past weekend. In the game, the Sparks raced out to an 8-point lead to close out the first quarter, led by Nneka Ogwumike 14 points and Riquana Williams 10 points on their combined 7 for 10 shooting.

Having scored 52 points in their previous matchup with Mystics the Sparks finished the first half with 51 points. Largely in part to their collective 55% shooting from the 3-point line, led by the Nneka Ogwumike’s career-high 5 three-pointers. Their 51 points in the half, is also the most points they’ve scored in the first half of any game this season. The Mystics were able to narrow the lead behind the shooting of Kristi Tolliver and Aerial Powers combined 26 points and 50% shooting from the arc.

Both teams ratcheted up their defense in the third quarter, as the Sparks were limited to 23 points in that quarter while the Mystics were held to 11 points on 4 for 20 shooting. The Sparks shot 57.1% from the 3-point line as compared to 22.2% from the arc for the Mystics. It was apparent the Mystics struggled to score with Elena Delle Donne having left the game in the first half with an injury to her nose.

The starters paced the Sparks in the 4th quarter, by teaming up for 19 of the 24-points that was scored. In contrast, the bench lead, the Mystics with 16 points and their starters only scored 8 points in the final quarter. The Sparks also held the mystics to 25% shooting in the second half.

In the Sparks 450th win their floor general Chelsea Gray gained the 8th triple-double in WNBA history with her 10 rebounds, 13 assists, and 13 points. Coming off a blowout win last week, the Sparks appear to have hit their stride this season by getting their revenge on the Washington Mystics.

“Obviously, the loss Delle Donne early in the game; changes them offensively.” Derek Fisher was quick to point out in his post games press conference. In addition, he added, “We’ve gotten better over the past few weeks, by working on the things that Washington exposed in us, in the first matchup.” Coach Fisher also made it a point to wish Lisa Leslie a Happy Birthday and give her credit for her contribution the Sparks 450 wins as an organization.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the Sparks season thus far by commenting in the comment section of this article on www.whatsgoodinsports.com or follow me on Twitter at “Voice of the Fans” for immediate engagement.

Additionally, subscribe to our weekly “Voice of the Fans” Podcast which is available for you on Apple and Google Podcasts including Spotify, TunedIn, and iHeart Radio.

We appreciate you for making our voice your choice!

Chelsea Gray tosses one of her 13 assists on her way to a triple-double in the Sparks win over the Mystics. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

Dodgers Slowed a Bit Before All- Star Break

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer The Dodgers have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games before the All-Star break. They had lost three straight to the Padres before reeling off four in a row over the Padres, D-Backs and Rockies.

At the stadium it was All-Star Cody Bellinger who hit a home-run in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Dodgers a 5-4 win over the D-Backs. It was the fifth consecutive walk-off win at Dodger Stadium.

That made the Dodgers the fifth team in MLB History to win five straight home games in walk-off fashion with in a season- that according to Elias Sports Bureau.

Arizona Manager Tony Lovullo called Bellinger a “One man wrecking crew.”

The night before it was Bellinger who earned a ninth inning walk to give the Men in Blue a another 5-4 walk-

off win.

The Dodgers went 2-2 vs. the Rockies at Coors Field.

As the Dodgers beat the Rockies for the 12th straight time 12-8.All-Star Max Muncy went “Uptown” twice as as the Dodgers hit six homers in the game.Chris Taylor drove in the go ahead run as part of a four-run ninth. Pedro Baez got the win while pitching a scoreless eight inning.

DODGER NOTES: The Dodgers have the best record in Baseball 60-32 heading into the All-Star Break with a 13.5 game lead over the Rockies… The Dodgers will send five players to Cleveland for the Summer Classic including Max Muncy, Cody Bellinger, Joc Peterson and pitchers Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler and Hyun –Jin Dodgers slugger Max Muncy headed to Cleveland for the All-Star Game. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty ImRyu. They have the most of any National League Team as ages) the Houston Astros will send six players.

Thursday, July 11, 2019

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER A5

Entertainment

Ebony and Jet Fire Remainder of Staff, May Close its Doors for Good

Timeless editions of Ebony featured some of the biggest stars in Black America, including issues covered by Diana Ross, Sidney Poitier, as well as President & first lady Barack & Michelle Obama.

By Miana Massey, Chevrolet DTU Fellow The Atlanta Voice It’s official, Ebony Magazine—along with its sister publication Jet Magazine—has potentially closed its doors for good.

Former employees of the company took to Twitter last week using the hashtag #EbonyOwes to air out their frustrations with the company, as it has fired all of its employees with little to no notice.

According to USA Today, members of Ebony magazine’s digital team say they’ve been fired and haven’t received their final paychecks in the latest controversy to hit the struggling publication that has chronicled black life in America for decades.

Michael Gibson, co-chairman and founder of Austin, Texas-based Clear View Group, which owns Ebony, declined to comment to USA TODAY on the digital team’s dismissal, citing a “policy of not commenting on any employment practices or issues.”

The Chicago Tribune previously reported how Ebony was being pressed by the National Writers Union to pay more than $200,000 it alleged the magazine owed to freelance writers who contributed stories back in 2017. The drama sparked the hashtag #EbonyOwes on Twitter.

According to a report on Ebony.com, the magazine’s previous owner, Johnson Publishing Co., filed for bankruptcy liquidation in April, which Ebony said would not affect its operations.

“EBONY Media Operations, LLC brands, which include EBONY magazine, EBONY.com, digital magazine JET and jetmag.com and its related businesses, have viably operated independently of Johnson Publishing Company dba/ Fashion Fair Cosmetics (JPC) since Black-owned Ebony Media Operations, LLC (EMO) purchased the media assets of JPC in 2016. Black-owned investment firm CVG Group LLC assisted in the formation of EMO,” a statement read. “EMO is unaffected by the Chapter 7 bankruptcy announcement regarding the dissolution of JPC. EMO is not able to comment further and is not familiar with the facts or events of the JPC business.”

The first issue of the iconic magazine hit stands 74 years ago and took the industry by storm. Founded by John H. Johnson in November 1945, the black-owned publication has striven always to address African-American issues, personalities and interests in a positive and self-affirming manner.

Timeless editions of Ebony featured some of the biggest stars in Black America, including issues covered by Diana Ross, Sidney Poitier, as well as President & first lady Barack & Michelle Obama.

Despite the possibility that the world may lose this national treasure, fans of Ebony Magazine and its lasting impact believe it will remain a staple of the black community and an ultimate expression of black excellence.

(Photo: Ebony Magazine)

Film Review: Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

By Dwight Brown NNPA News Wire Film Critic She’s a literary icon whose accolades include a 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature. For the African American reader who has been glued to her books since 1970, starting with her poignant debut novel The Bluest Eye, this documentary is an opportunity to see how the pieces of Toni Morrison’s life have made her whole.

For those who came to the party late, this recounting of her evolution explains why, when you see a photo of this amazingly young looking 88-year-old, you can discern a certain brilliance hiding in her eyes, an extreme intelligence behind her disarming smile and a stately aura that is somewhere between that of queen and goddess.

One of the most interesting facts in this bio is that Morrison grew up in Lorain, Ohio, a multicultural immigrant town. Even if people didn’t fraternize much with each other in their homes (and that’s only a guess), shopping, town activities and education threw everyone into the same mix. It’s no surprise that when Morrison entered Howard University and confronted segregation in The South that her perspective on life and race changed dramatically. Her evolution on the subject matter is as interesting to watch as her development as a writer.

When she helped school her white editors on the power of her works and viewpoints on African American culture and experiences, she faced the same challenge that many African Americans encounter when dealing with their white counterparts in business, education, politics, etc. Resistance. As she recounts her experiences, Morrison is poised, resolved and reflective. Somewhat akin to an intelligent philosopher or an academic who patiently teaches a class of inquisitive but slow-learning freshmen.

You discover that she started her editing career as a divorced woman with two young boys, but that is about

The first documentary to genuinely explore Toni Morrison’s ascendance into the upper pantheon of the literary world does a nice job revealing her wonderful persona, uncovering her backstory and establishing her firm place in American history in a way her followers will appreciate, and others will admire.

as deep as the footage goes into exploring her personal life.

There are glimpses of Morrison behind closed doors, but nothing explicit, controversial or negative. In that way, this doc feels a bit like a promotional reel, which isn’t a detriment, as any details about Morrison are better than none.

Many of her books come up for discussion: Sula (1973), about a deep female friendship, Song of Solomon (1977), perhaps her best piece of storytelling and certainly her most accessible novel and winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. The ‘80s brought Tar Baby (1981), then the somewhat controversial Beloved (1987), which was turned into a film by Oprah Winfrey, whose Book Club and TV show catapulted Morrison into the consciousness of middle America, or at least those who liked to read.

Still, some of her most illuminating thoughts on race were established in The Bluest Eye. This profound novel chronicles the indoctrination of blacks into a white society to the point that self-esteem is tied to white characteristics that blacks don’t have, like blue eyes. Among other revelations in the book, her astute analysis of cultural manipulation that results in low self-esteem is enlightening.

One source of inspiration for the book came from a jarring encounter with an African American friend. Friend: “I don’t believe in God,” Morrison: “Why?” Friend: “Because I’ve been praying for blues eyes for two years and he didn’t give me his.” If that doesn’t rip your heart out and send a clear message about the cruelty of systematic or unintended racism, nothing will.

There are other incidents reported by Morrison that underline the shaping of her values, views and desire to write books that could change social mores: Her mother made her erase the word FU-- off a sidewalk. Why? “Because words have power.” Rather than keep this and other life lessons to herself, Morrison has shared them consistent-

ly in novels, essays, lectures at universities, on TV—wherever a platform could assist her: “The only way I can own what I know is to write.”

The writer-turned-editor-turned-novelist stood up to anyone who had a misconception about black literature and who it was written for or how it should be received.

She ripped preconceived notions and fallacies apart by revealing the problem: “The assumption is that the reader is a white person.” She put that misguided viewpoint to bed.

Morrison seems at peace with the battles she’s fought— or that were fought for her. Her history growing up in an integrated city undoubtedly forged her persona. Even with that multicultural background raising her consciousness, she had to disavow some of the misconceptions she was getting from home, to become the person she is today: “My father thought all white people were unredeemable.”

Throughout her career, she has been championed and loved by both blacks and whites. Director Timothy Greenfield-Sanders (The Black List: Volumes One to Three) pulls together an interesting group of fans and friends who have witnessed Morrison’s rise and have praised her: Decades-long editor Robert Gottlieb; fellow novelist Walter Mosley; activist Angela Davis; and essayist Fran Lebowitz.

There are also glimpses of legendary poet Sonia Sanchez, Winfrey and others. The archival footage, photos and newly shot interviews on-view look clear (Graham Willoughby cinematographer), neatly pulled together (Johanna Giebelhaus, editor) and are properly highlighted by a beguiling score (Kathryn Bostic, composer).

The first documentary to genuinely explore Toni Morrison’s ascendance into the upper pantheon of the literary world does a nice job revealing her wonderful persona, uncovering her backstory and establishing her firm place in American history in a way her followers will appreciate, and others will admire.

In Memoriam: Cameron Boyce Remembered

By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. NNPA Newswire Contributor The world is mourning the loss of Disney star Cam-

eron Boyce who passed away Saturday due to an ongoing medical condition. Boyce, 20, who starred in Disney’s Descendants franchise, was found unresponsive at his home

and could not be revived by paramedics.

Boyce grew up in front of the camera making his big screen debut in the 2009 horror film Mirrors. He rose to

Boyce grew up in front of the camera making his big screen debut in the 2009 horror film Mirrors. He rose to fame as the character of Luke Ross on Disney’s tv show “Jessie.”

fame as the character of Luke Ross on Disney’s tv show “Jessie.” His “Jessie” co-star Skai Jackson remembered him on Twitter. She wrote: “I don’t even know where to start…

I am at a loss for words. I never thought in a million years I would be writing this. Cam, you were one of a kind. My heart will be forever broken. I am so happy that I got to spend almost every day with you on set, you gave the best hugs. I wish I would have hugged you tighter when I saw you a couple of months ago. Thank you so much for being the big brother I never had… I am so distraught, and I cannot stop crying! I love you so much… fly high. Gods best Angel.”

While Boyce is widely known for his work on television, he also worked alongside Adam Sandler in Grown Ups 1 and Grown Ups 2. The usually upbeat actor tweeted his despair over the loss of Boyce who was beloved in the entertainment world. Sandler tweeted, “Too young. Too sweet. Too funny. Just the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around,” Sandler wrote on Twitter. “Loved that kid. Cared so much about his family. Cared so much about the world. Thank you, Cameron, for all you gave to us.

So much more was on the way. All our hearts are broken.

Thinking of your amazing family and sending our deepest condolences.”

Boyce’s family was featured in his 2016 Black History Month tribute to his grandmother Jo Ann Boyce who was part of the Clinton 12. As part of Disney XD’s short film series Be Inspired. The proud grandchild showcased his grandmother who integrated schools in Clinton, Mississippi in 1956, one year before the famed Little Rock 9 and just two years after the landmark Brown vs. The Board of Education of Topeka, KS decision desegregating schools in America. In the short film, Cameron, his sister and their parents travel to the Green McAdoo Cultural Center which features sculptures of his grandmother and the other 11 students who changed history in the United States. Cameron affectionately refers to her as his “Nana” throughout the short film and proclaims that she is his hero.

Boyce, who starred as Conor in Disney’s “Gamers Guide to Pretty Much Everything” for two seasons, had been working on a number of projects including the film Paradise City and HBO’s “Mrs. Fletcher,” when he died.

Boyce’s family says he died of a seizure due to an ongoing, undisclosed medical condition.

Walt Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger offered condolences to the Boyce family. “The Walt Disney Company mourns the loss of Cameron Boyce who was a friend to so many of us, and filled with so much talent, heart and life, and far too young to die,” Iger wrote. “Our prayers go out to his family and his friends.”

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LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Local

4th of July Community Festival and Fireworks Show in Exposition Park

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services. (courtesy photo)

Maxine Waters Hearing on the Need for Diversity on Federal and Corp Boards “Strong diversity in the boardroom is critical to continued U. S. competitiveness and to ensuring that consumers of all backgrounds are served and not excluded. Unfortunately, corporate and federal boards are not living up to their responsibility to reflect America’s rich diversity.”

WASHINGTON – At a full Committee hearing entitled, “Diversity in the Boardroom: Examining Proposals to Increase the Diversity of America’s Boards,” Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, gave the following opening statement: As Prepared for Delivery Today, this Committee convenes for a hearing on the lack of racial, ethnic and gender diversity on federal and corporate boards.

Strong diversity in the boardroom is critical to continued U. S. competitiveness and to ensuring that consumers of all backgrounds are served and not excluded.

Unfortunately, corporate and federal boards are not living up to their responsibility to reflect America’s rich diversity.

According to the Alliance for Board Diversity, over 80 percent of new board directors at Fortune 500 companies in 2017 were white males. The Federal government also has a long way to go. For example, our own Federal Reserve System has been in existence since 1913, but it wasn’t until 2017 that Raphael Bostic became the very first AfricanAmerican and first openly gay man to serve as a Federal Reserve Bank president.

At the same time, America continues to become more demographically diverse. According to the 2018 Census projections, youthful minorities will be the leading source of future workers, taxpayers and consumers.

In our May 1 Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee hearing entitled, “Good for the Bottom Line: Reviewing the Business Case for Diversity,” we set the record straight that highly inclusive companies: •

Outperform their competitors;

•

Rate themselves 170% better at innovation; and

•

Generate 1.4 times more revenue.

Despite the clear benefits of inclusivity and diversity, white males still remain in the majority of seats on corporate and federal boards. Women of color in particular have been excluded from participation on boards. Although some reports show that the percentages of women on boards may be increasing, the raw numbers reveal that compared to white males and white women, African-American, Asian and Latina women still have the fewest seats. In order to understand these trends, we must continue to have access to board diversity data.

Diversity is one of the best investments a company can make. Diverse boards help intentionally guide companies and industry toward business solutions that maximize returns on that diversity investment.

Before us today are witnesses who can share perspectives on the status of board demographics. I look forward to drilling down on the current state of board diversity and discussing solutions so that more women and minorities can be appointed to board seats.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), is the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services.

By Ricky Richardson Los Angeles- Los Angeles city Councilman Curren D. Price Jr., (Ninth District) hosted the best musical celebration of Independence Day in Los Angeles.

Thousands of people from all walks of life gathered in Exposition Park for the free, all day, family-friendly festival.

The concluded with a spectacular firework show.

A colorful display of chairs, blankets, towels, and canopies were spread out on the South lawn for this picnicstyle event that got underway at 11:00am.

Everyone in attendance were engaged in one way or another. People participated in face painting, a rockclimbing wall and inflatable jumpers. There were tons of swag give always- caps, t-shirts, product samples and free tickets for a celebrity basketball game at Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA. Councilmember Price partnered with 93.5 KDAY (90’s HIP HOP) for an awe afternoon of entertainment.

Mezmerise and DJ Q served as Master of Ceremonies for the program.

Madame Dee “Lady of Soul” from Las Vegas, got the live portion of the show under way. Madame Dee soulful vocal stylings was on full display as she covered several classic tunes “Be Thankful for What You got,” “Sweet Thang” by Chaka Khan, “I Got You” (I Feel Good)

by James Brown, I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James, and concluded her set with another tune by James Brown, “It’s a Man’s Man World.”

Kimba Light is a band based in San Diego that was formed three years ago. They bring their unique sounds and diversity to fit a variety of entertainment venues. The band consist of Yorly Quintero-keyboards/vocals. Ernesto Marin-bass, Rene Campos-trombone, Daniel Feldmancongas/percussions, Michael Alesalp-drums, and Fernando Garcia-vocals and occasional bass. Kimba Light is the hottest Afro-Cuban band in San Diego well versed/school in salsa, timba, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, cha cha cha with a funky twist. Kimba Light added some percolating Latin rhythms to the celebration on the tunes “Corazon Espinado,” No Le Pegue a la Negra,” “Mia,” Vente Pa Ca,” and “24K.” Mellow Man Ace is a Hispanic rapper from Cuba, known for bilingual delivery and novelty rhymes. He performed a remixed version of “Lowrider,” and “Funkin’ for Jamaica,” as well as one of his classic hits “Mentirosa.”

Mellow Man schooled young members of the crowd with some old school dance moves from back in the day. The message being this is how we do it.

Russel Taylor is a singer/songwriter. He was featured on VH1 as part of the “You Oughta Know” series in 2013. He won the title in December. Russel Taylor entertained the crow with the following tunes “My Foolish Heart,” “Proud,” “Dance With Somebody,” and “War of Hearts.”

93.5 KDAY Radio Host Romeo and Mass Appeal fired up the proceedings with a high-octane set of cover tunes to the delight of the captivated crowd.

The crowd and I were vibing along with Candice Boyd throughout her set. Candice Boyd is a singer/ songwriter who rose to fame after competing on the first season of The Four: Battle for Stardom. Candice Boyd thrilled the audience while performing the tunes “Damn Good Time,” “I’m Goin’ Down,” and “Off My Chest,” to name a few.

Selenamos is one of the most popular Selena Quintanilla tribute bands in Los Angeles. People gathered near the stage to witness Selenamos performance as they did justice to Selena’s legacy on the tunes “Coma La Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “Baila Esta Cumbia,” “Fotos Y Recuerdos,” and “Dreaming of You.” Selenamos turbo charged their set during the Disco Medley- “I Will Survive,” “Last Dance,” and “Funky Town.” They concluded their set with “Stir it Up” by Bob Marley.

West Coast Hip Hop pioneer Rodney O set was lit! This was a perfect segue leading up to the 20-minute spectacular fireworks show to conclude the 4th of July celebration in Exposition Park. Rodney O and Joe Cooley performed “Cooley High,” “U Don’t Hear Me Tho,” “Humps for the Boulevard,” “Nobody Disses Me,” to name a few.

Candice Boyd. (courtesy photo)

Russel Taylor. (courtesy photo)

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