Sha’Carrie Richardson 100 Meter Victory at World
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire SeniorOprah, Meryl Streep, Michael B. Jordan to be Honored at Academy Museum Gala
National Correspondent
Likely erasing all doubt about her commitment and ability, Sha’Carri Richardson exploded on the outside lane 9 and overcame an early deficit to complete one of the most amazing comebacks in sports.
The flamboyant sprinter won the world championships during an electric 100-meter race in Hungary on Monday, Aug. 21. The 23-year-old blazed through 100 meters at a career-best 10.65 seconds at the 2023 World Athletic Championships. She defeated a field that included star Jamaican sprinters Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who finished second and third, respectively.
The Associated Press noted that the race featured four of the eight fastest runners of all time, including Marie-Josée Ta Lou, who finished fourth.
Richardson, an underdog coming in, became the American since Tori Bowie in 2017, to win the women’s 100-meter world championship.
The victory was as satisfying as any athlete could experience, as it comes two years after officials booted Richardson from the Tokyo Olympics for testing positive for marijuana.
Immediately after crossing the finish line, Richardson reportedly blew a kiss toward the sky, “cast her eyes on that beautiful scoreboard, and walked toward the stands in a daze to accept the American flag and congratulations from Fraser-Pryce, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and others.”
“My goal this year is to do what I should have done in these last two years already,” Richardson said before the race.
Immediately after winning, Richardson dropped an exclamation point.
“I’m here, I told y’all,” she declared. “I’m not back, I’m better.”
Tropical Storm Hilary Hits SoCal with Heavy Rains, Intense Winds and Washed Out Roads
Joe W. Bowers Jr. and Edward Henderson
California Black Media
After making landfall in Mexico, and crossing the border into Southern California Sunday night, Hurricane Hillary was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone.
The storm veered from its expected path in the Inland Empire with its “eye” hovering above Compton and Dodger stadium around 8 p.m. before making its way to Owen valley.
The storm brought record rainfall to the region, including downtown L.A. and the desserts in San Bernardino County, where there were reports of washedout roads. At press time, all coastal storm warnings had been cancelled but storm watches remain in place for most of Southern California. California Department of Transportation crews are working overtime in areas with affected roads cleaning up the damage.
On Saturday before the storm landed, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for parts of Southern California ahead of Hurricane Hilary’s landfall Sunday.
Mayor Bass announces preparedness measures
Aug 20 and urges Angelenos to take caution ahead of anticipated storm following Hurricane Hilary photo by Lila Brown (CBM)
“Now, therefore, I, Gavin Newsom, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, Government Code section 8625, hereby proclaim a State of Emergency to exist in Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Tulare, and Ventura Counties,” read the governor’s proclamation.
At a news briefing held at the Governor’s Office for Emergency Services in Mather, near Sacramento, state and federal officials updated Californians on the state’s emergency preparedness plan.
On Sunday, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass signed a local emergency declaration in response to the coming storm and held a press briefing.
During the briefing in her prepared remarks Bass reiterated to those listening, “Stay safe, stay home, and stay informed.”
Congressional Black Caucus Confronts Ongoing Assault on Black Rights
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) firmly stated that Black Americans are being attacked in various ways nationwide, with Republicans leading these efforts.
“We refuse to be victims, and we will not be silenced,” declared CBC Chairman and Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) during a State of Black America press event held at the Capitol.
“Our fundamental rights are under siege, and our history is being denied. But we will not passively witness these actions. Too many people count on us to fight for them.”
Recent events in several GOP-led state legislatures have intensified concerns within the CBC.
Despite a Supreme Court order, Alabama and Louisiana legislatures refused to create an additional district with a majority of Black residents.
The Florida State Board of Education has approved new education guidelines that downplay the harsh history of slavery.
Instead, they emphasize the perceived benefits gained from the skills of enslaved people.
Rep. Maxwell Frost from Florida, the youngest member of the House, expressed frustration with his state’s guidelines. He said these guidelines aim to erase and indoctrinate this generation with white supremacy.
However, Frost warned that Florida officials should not underestimate Black America’s determination to organize and Membersresist. of the CBC said that statements made by their GOP counterparts at the Capitol have deeply disturbed them, adding to the mounting discontent. Rep. Eli Crane from Arizona made an offensive comment during a House floor debate by referring to Black people as “colored people.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Tommy Tuberville from Alabama defended a controversial statement by denying the racism of white nationalists. Horsford acknowledged that expectations from Republican leaders are minimal at this point, but Representative Troy Carter (D-La.) demanded that the party’s leaders take a stand against such bigotry.
“The silence from Republicans and others in the face of such egregious statements is deafening,” Carter said. “We will not condone the erasing of history. We must stand together to put an end to this.”
The CBC has issued a list of demands, calling on the Department of Justice and the Department of Education to launch investigations into education policies. The caucus recently met with Education Secretary
Miguel Cardona to discuss policies about Black history.
They also sent formal letters to Cardona and Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging for a “strong legal strategy.”
“Black people did not benefit from slavery; we built this country,” emphasized Horsford.
“Our toil, sweat, and tears went into constructing the very foundation of this nation. Elevating Black America is an elevation for all. We will not tolerate this assault on our rights.”
“The silence from Republicans and others in the face of such egregious statements is deafening,” said Louisiana’s Representative Troy Carter (D-La.). “We will not condone the erasing of history. We must stand together to put an end to this.”Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Black Americans, attacked, nationwide, Republicans, victims, silenced, CBC Chairman, Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), State of Black America press, Capitol, fundamental rights, under siege, history, passively witness, fight for them, Recent events, GOP-led state legislatures, CBC, Supreme Court order, Alabama, Louisiana legislatures, additional district, majority of Black residents, Florida State Board of Education, new education guidelines, harsh history of slavery, perceived benefits, skills of enslaved people, Rep. Maxwell Frost, Florida, youngest member of the House, frustration, his state’s guidelines, Erase, indoctrinate, generation, white supremacy, Florida officials, underestimate Black America’s determination, organize, resist, GOP counterparts, deeply disturbed them, mounting discontent, Rep. Eli Crane, Arizona, offensive comment, House floor debate, Black people, “colored people”, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Alabama, controversial statement, racism of white nationalists, Republican leaders, Representative Troy Carter (D-La.), party’s leaders, bigotry, silence from Republicans, egregious statements, condone the erasing of history, list of demands, Department of Justice, Department of Education, launch investigations, education policies, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, policies, Black history, formal letters, Attorney General Merrick Garland, “strong legal strategy”, Black people, built this country, toil, sweat, tears, foundation of this nation, Elevating Black America, assault on our rights
LOS ANGELES (AP) –- The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will pay tribute to Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Michael B. Jordan and Sofia Coppola in its annual fundraising gala on Oct. 14, the museum announced Tuesday.
The Academy Museum Gala has become a key fundraising event for the Los Angeles movie museum since its opening in 2021. This year`s event, the third such gala, received a greenlight from the striking actors and writers guilds. SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild have limited what promotion activities their members can do during the ongoing work stoppages. Streep, Winfrey, Jordan and Coppola will each be given awards celebrating their careers at the gala, which is being co-chaired by Ava DuVernay, Ryan Murphy, Halle Berry and museum trustee Eric Esrailian.
“We are excited to gather again at our third annual Academy Museum Gala to celebrate the power, global impact, and indelible importance of cinema,” said Jacqueline Stewart, director and president of the Academy Museum, in a statement.
After years of delays, the $484 million, Renzo Piano-designed Academy Museum has established itself as a cultural mainstay in Los Angeles, attracting as many as 700,00 visitors a year.
Chance the Rapper Will Discuss His Career and the Impact of Hip-hop at Chicago Apple Store
By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr.AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) –- Chance the Rapper will take Apple store customers in Chicago on his hip-hop journey as part of an audio series celebrating the genre’s 50th anniversary.
The Grammy winner expects to discuss the impact hip-hop had on his life, including his venture as an independent artist and the 10th anniversary of his critically acclaimed “Acid Rap” mixtape. He will have a conversation with Ebro Darden, global editorial head of hip-hop and R&B at Apple Music.
Chance the Rapper said he wants to celebrate a rap culture that “empowered a generation and gave voice to the voiceless.”
Throughout August and September, Today at Apple will host several events with artists from across the genre featuring rappers, producers and DJs. The sessions are inspired by Apple Music’s Hip-Hop DNA, a 20-episode audio series.
Other sessions will include conversations with rappers Rapsody, Lola Brooke and LaRussell along with producers Just Blaze and Harry Fraud. Other sessions will touch on racial equity and a live digital art competition.
The events will be held in Apple store locations in New York, Chicago and San Francisco.
“We can’t wait to welcome customers and music lovers to learn about the creative process of these incredible artists,” said Tracey Hannelly, Apple’s senior director of retail engagement and marketing.
Authorities Charge 10 Current and Former California Police Officers in Corruption Case
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) –– Federal authorities have charged 10 current and former Northern California police officers in a corruption investigation. Ismail J. Ramsey, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California, announced the charges Thursday during a news conference. Arrest warrants were served Thursuday in California, Texas and Hawaii, said Robert Tripp, special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Francisco Field Office. Tripp said the arrests were the result of a twoyear investigation. Authorities said early in the news conference that nine were charged, but later confirmed there were 10.
Charges against Morteza Amiri, Eric Allen Rombough and Devon Christopher Wenger say the three conspired with each other and others “to injure, oppress, threaten and intimidate residents of Antioch, California.”
A copy of the indictment says the charges stem from actions by the three Antioch police officers between February 2019 and March 2022.
The charges against the three include one count of conspiracy against rights and multiple counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. Amiri also faces one count of destruction, alteration or falsification of records in a federal investigation.
The indictment references racist text messages sent by the officers as well as details of times they used excessive force against suspects and later falsified reports about the encounters.
“Defendants authored police reports containing false and misleading statements to suggest that the force they used was necessary and justifiable,” the indictment said. “In truth and in fact, and as the Defendants well knew, Defendants willfully used excessive force in numerous incidents, including those identified in this Indictment.”
Volume 38 Number 41 Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California Thursday, August 24, 2023 Serving Los Angeles County for Over 38 Years Los Angeles Los Angeles One!Take
Observer
Sha’Carri Richardson, of the United States, celebrates after winning the gold medal in the final of the Women’s 100-meters during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. (Petr David Josek/AP)
CBC Chairman and Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nev.).
Revived Lawsuits Allege Michael Jackson’s Sexual Abuse Page A3 Doulas and Black Moms Page A7
Trump Agrees to $200K Bond in Georgia Election Interference Case
By Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
As part of the expansive Fulton County, Georgia, indictment, attorneys for former President Donald Trump and the District Attorney have reached a $200,000 bond agreement.
The Atlanta Voice was the first to report Trump’s bond agreement. Additionally, a $100,000 bond agreement was reached for one of Trump’s attorneys, John Eastman, while a $10,000 deal was afforded Scott Graham Hall, a bail bondsman from the Atlanta area who was allegedly involved in the theft of Dominion Voting Systems’ voting information from Coffee County.
An attorney for lawyer Kenneth Cheseboro also appeared at Willis’ office on Monday, Aug. 21.
According to prosecutors, Cheseboro collaborated with Georgia Republicans in the weeks following the November 2020 election at the direction of Trump’s campaign. Cheseboro worked on the coordination and execution of a plan to have 16 Georgia Republicans sign a certificate fraudulently declaring that Trump won and identifying themselves as the state’s “duly elected and qualified” electors.
The cases have been assigned to Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, who signed both
bond agreements. According to AtlantaNewsFirst.com, the agreement between Eastman and the court includes a $20,000 bond for the sole RICO charge he faces.
Eastman, a former dean of the law school at Chapman University in Southern California, allegedly was intimately involved in some of Trump’s endeavors to retain power after the 2020 election.
He argued in a memo that the twice-impeached and now four-times indicted Trump could remain in office if, during a joint session of Congress during which electoral votes would be tabulated, Vice President Mike Pence overturned the election results.
The plan allegedly included installing a slate of “alternate” electors in seven swing states, including Georgia, who would fraudulently certify that Trump won their states.
Trump, whom a civil jury earlier this year found responsible for sexual assault, and 18 others were charged with 41 counts related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia.
The former president has now been charged with 91 felony counts across four indictments in three states. If convicted on all charges, he faces more than 800 years in prison.
Trump and the others named in the indictment have until this Friday at noon to surrender.
Tennessee District Attorney Drops Multiple Cases Involving Former Officers Charged in Tyre Nichols’ Death
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National CorrespondentThe district attorney’s office in Tennessee has dismissed between 30% and 40% cases linked to the five former officers facing second-degree murder charges in the death of Tyre Nichols.
Shelby County District Attorney Steven Mulroy said his team had examined approximately 100 cases involving the accused officers.
He noted that the team discovered numerous decisions that could face reversal.
Mulroy’s spokesperson, Erica Williams, said charges have already been reduced in approximately 12 other cases involving the ex-Memphis Police officers, in addition to
the dismissed cases.
The district attorney forwarded four cases to the U.S. attorney’s office for alleged excessive force. According to Mulroy, the five officers’ blatant lack of credibility throughout the charges also were considered in making these decisions.
The brutal beating of Nichols, 29, captured national attention with civil rights advocates and others quickly denouncing the officers’ actions.
After the release of video of the beating taken from officers’ body cameras, national outcry grew louder.
The episode added to an ongoing series of incidents between the police and the Black community, sparking protests and renewing discussions about police brutality and the need for police reform in the United States.
Tadarrius Bean, Desmond Mills, Emmitt Martin, Justin Smith and Demetrius Haley, are the five officers, who were almost immediately arrested.
The Department of Justice recently launched an investigation into the use of force and arrest practices within the Memphis Police Department.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Civil Rights Division noted that even in a predominantly Black city like Memphis, there appears to be a potential disparity in traffic enforcement, disproportionately affecting Black drivers.
The Justice Department initiated a separate review in March, focusing on use-of-force policies, de-escalation strategies, and specialized units within the Memphis Police Department.
Federal investigators are now delving into the specifics of Nichols’ arrest and subsequent death. Nichols’ mother sued the city and its police chief because of her son’s death.
“I think the Tyre Nichols case harmed MPD’s credibility,” Mulroy told reporters.
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They have pleaded not guilty to an array of criminal charges, including second-degree murder.
Authorities said the officers fatally assaulted Nichols after a routine traffic stop.
The officers were part of the Scorpion crime suppression team, a unit now disbanded since Nichols’ death.
While Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis dissolved the unit, some members joined other divisions within the department.
“I think the DOJ investigation is going to help with that. Either they’re going to find problems and then they’ll give solutions to them, or they don’t find problems and that’ll be good.
“I don’t see the existence of the DOJ investigation as being a threat to the credibility that potential jurors would give to MPD testimony. If anything, I see it as a cure for any such problem.”
IRS Commish Breathes Sigh of Relief after Inflation Reduction Act Funds Come Through
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior
National Correspondent
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel commemorated the one-year anniversary of President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act by breathing a sigh of relief.
Werfel called the legislation a game changer that injected a substantial financial boost into the IRS, earmarking tens of millions of dollars above and beyond its operational budget to catalyze enhancements and bolster enforcement.
“For well over a decade,” Werfel told Forbes, “The agency has grappled with challenges.”
The reduction in funding has resulted in decreased services and limited staff availability.
In 2022, the IRS had 79,070 full-time equivalent positions, which was a 9.1% decrease from 2013.
Werfel explained that when the Inflation Reduction Act injected funding into the IRS, it led to a significant and immediate change in the IRS’s approach to taxpayers. This change also contributed to new recruitment.
Werfel estimated that the number of full-time employees (FTE) was close to 90,000, considering the complexities of hiring in a changing environment that required balancing attrition and recruitment.
While this figure might appear reminiscent of 2022, it stands in parity with figures from roughly a decade ago.
Werfel emphasized the significant impact of IRA funding on improving taxpayer service quality during the 2023 filing season.
However, recent actions in the House of Representatives have injected a note of contention.
House Republicans voted to cut the funding of the IRS to undermine President Biden’s $80 billion overhaul. The motion was unable to move forward because it didn’t receive enough votes in the Senate, which is
controlled by Democrats.
The measure ultimately stalled after passing the House with a partisan vote of 221 to 210. Democrats unanimously opposed it while Republicans showed strong support.
Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) criticized Republican budget cuts, stating that they created an unfair tax enforcement system that negatively impacts working families while granting leniency to wealthy tax evaders.
Democrats responded by providing more money to the IRS, eliminating unfair treatment, targeting wealthy tax evaders, and improving service for all taxpayers.
“Republican budget cuts created a double standard for tax enforcement that put too much of the audit burden on working families and ushered in a golden age for wealthy tax cheats,” Wyden stated.
“Democrats passed additional funding for the IRS to fix the double standard, crack down on wealthy tax cheats and improve customer service for everybody else.”
Wyden added that Republicans have now spent months distorting the facts because they want to frighten workers and small businesses, repeal the funding, and help wealthy tax cheats continue getting away with breaking the law.
“The bulk of this funding, however, will go toward building up the IRS’s capacity to root out cheating by sophisticated, wealthy individuals and companies with highly complex structures,” Wyden noted.
For example, he said only a fraction of a fraction of large partnerships get audited today, even among those that are highly profitable, and that’s because the IRS doesn’t have the manpower or the resources to properly examine whether complex business structures are following the law.
Similarly, Wyden said, wealthy individuals who can afford to hire armies of accountants and lawyers are able to
stay ahead of the IRS and skip out on paying a fair share.
“That’s who Republicans are protecting by spreading their falsehoods about 87,000 armed IRS agents busting down people’s doors,” he said.
“The reality is, hardworking Americans who pay taxes out of every paycheck understand that they’re getting ripped off by wealthy tax cheats who are getting away with breaking the law. They want it to stop, and that’s what Democrats are working to accomplish.”
A2 Los Angeles News Observer Thursday, August 24, 2023 World & Nation
Tadarrius Bean, Desmond Mills, Emmitt Martin, Justin Smith, and Demetrius Haley are the five officers, who were almost immediately arrested.
The Inflation Reduction Act injected funding into the IRS, it led to a significant and immediate change in the IRS’s approach to taxpayers. This change also contributed to new recruitment.
Nichelle Lewis’ Tik Tok Performance
Lands Her Role of a Lifetime as Dorothy in Broadway-Bound Production of “The Wiz”
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National CorrespondentNichelle Lewis, a 24-year-old entertainer, known as a triple threat in theater, music, and social media, will star in the revival of “The Wiz” on Broadway.
A seasoned actress who has appeared in “Hairspray” and showcased her vocal prowess on “American Idol,” Lewis reportedly captivated casting agents with her creative TikTok escapades.
Now the Virginia native has seized the coveted role of Dorothy.
The role places her in the prestigious lineage of iconic performers like R&B superstar Stephanie Mills and pop icon Diana Ross.
“It’s been a pretty crazy journey,” Lewis conveyed in an Associated Press interview on Monday, Aug. 14.
“I’m honored to be making my debut as Dorothy. I know I’m following in some really big footsteps.”
“The Wiz” will soon begin a tour across the United States, starting in Baltimore this fall and heading to Broadway in 2024.
Lewis will act alongside Wayne Brady and Alan Mingo Jr., who will take turns playing the mysterious character known as the Wiz.
Singer and actress Deborah Cox will grace the stage as Glinda.
The cast includes Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tin Man, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.
A graduate of Molloy University’s class of 2021, Lewis ingeniously harnessed the reach of her modest TikTok account to showcase her vocal range.
One of her renditions, “Home” from “The Wiz,” resounded far and wide, reaching the ears of astute casting agents who promptly beckoned her to audition.
“I’m so excited that this is a part of my story, because I feel like there’s so many people out there who started out with such a small following, and I feel like they’re hard on
themselves about it,” she remarked.
“But I’m like, ‘You never know whose watching those videos.’ I never knew that ‘The Wiz’ was looking at my videos.”
“The Wiz,” an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s timeless “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is a book by William F. Brown and is brought to life through the music and lyrics of Charlie Smalls.
Lewis acknowledged the importance of the heroine’s quest to discover herself in a strange world and said she supports others in finding their true selves.
“I feel like it’s extremely important for people, especially right now, to see that they can be powerful just by being themselves and just by being individual and unique,” she told the AP.
“So, I think that’s how the show speaks to me.”
“The Wiz” originally debuted on Broadway in 1975, earning seven Tony Awards, including the coveted title of Best Musical.
The production included memorial songs like “What Would I Do If I Could Feel” and “Ease on Down the Road.”
It featured Mills as Dorothy, Dee Dee Bridgewater as the good witch Glinda, and Andre De Shields as the enigmatic Wiz.
The 1978 cinematic adaptation featured Diana Ross, Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, and Ted Ross.
In 2015, a live televised rendition featured Queen Latifah, Ne-Yo, and David Alan Grier.
With her mother embracing the news with jubilant tears and ecstatic exclamations, Lewis acknowledged the transformation her life may now take.
“She’s like, ‘Your life is going to change,’” Lewis spoke of her mother’s reaction.
“And I’m like, ‘I don’t know. It probably will. I feel so blessed, and I’m so glad I get to share it with her.”
Revived Lawsuits Allege Michael Jackson’s Sexual Abuse
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National CorrespondentA three-judge panel from California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal resuscitated the lawsuits of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, two men who have maintained that the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, sexually abused them during their youth.
The appeals court’s decision will allow the men to sue Jackson’s companies for what they said was their role in the superstar’s repeated abuse of them.
In the gut-wrenching documentary “Leaving Neverland, which aired on HBO in 2019, Robson and Safechuck detailed their interactions with Jackson.
Central to the appeal court’s decision was the notion that the corporations owned by Jackson, namely MJJ Productions Inc. and MJJ Ventures Inc., had a responsibility to protect Robson and Safechuck from Jackson.
Robson and Safechuck alleged the abuse occurred when they were minors and under Jackson’s care. sue Jackson, but a recent change to California law provided them another opportunity to seek redress.
ownership by the person under investigation did not exempt them from their obligation to protect minors from harm. corporate defendant having only one shareholder. And so, we reverse the judgments entered for the corporations,” the
justices wrote.
Justice John Shepard Wiley Jr. concurred that the corporations were entirely under Jackson’s control, making them solely responsible for civil liability.
Wiley emphasized that Jackson had a duty of care towards Robson and Safechuck.
“So did Jackson’s marionettes, because Jackson’s fingers held every string,” he said, adding, “These corporations could have taken cost-effective steps to reduce the risk of harm.”
“Every American deserves to have their day in court and Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck are no exception,” investigative journalist Diane Dimond stated.
“I believe these two young men should have their complaints heard by an impartial court and not be simply dismissed and slandered by a legion of fanatics who know none of the facts about their cases.”
Dimond counted as the
special friends,” and both worked for Jackson and his entertainment company.
“If the Catholic Church was held legally responsible for sex crimes committed by their priests, if Michigan State University was held responsible for the sex crimes of their employee Dr. Larry Nassar, doesn’t it follow that Jackson’s MJJ Productions company be held responsible as well?”
Dimond stated.
She affirmed that “having been seeped in the Michael Jackson story for decades I can unequivocally say the Robson and Safechuck complaints don’t come in a vacuum. There have been multiple similar allegations of child sexual abuse by Michael Jackson in the past. Some the public has heard of, some they haven’t. The world has already seen some of Robson and Safechuck’s evidence as presented in the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland.” Now it’s time for a court of law to see all the evidence and decide what is justice in this case.
Valley in California. The suit asserts that Robson and Jackson slept in the same bed and touched each other’s private parts. Over the next seven years, they did sexual things like masturbation and oral sex, and employees of MJJ Productions saw the abuse, and they made sure that Jackson was alone with Robson and other children.
Safechuck claims he was among many kids who fell for the companies’ “child sexual abuse procurement and facilitation organization.”
According to his lawsuit, a then-8-year-old Safechuck met Jackson while working on a Pepsi ad in late 1986 or early 1987. After that, Safechuck started dancing for Jackson.
Before he died in 2009, Jackson settled at least three claims of child sex abuse for millions of dollars. However, a jury in Santa Maria, Calif. 2005 found the star not guilty of 14 counts of child sex abuse, conspiracy, and other charges following a trial in which another young
“We are pleased but not surprised that the appellate court overturned the previous rulings,” Safechuck and
“The previous wrong rulings were against California law and would have set a dangerous precedent that endangered children throughout the state and country. We
Thursday, August 24, 2023 Los Angeles News Observer A3 Entertainment
The role places her in the prestigious lineage of iconic performers like R&B superstar Stephanie Mills and pop icon Diana Ross.
In the gut-wrenching documentary “Leaving
Angel Reese Pays it Forward with $12,000 Gift to Baltimore Alma Mater
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
In a display of gratitude, commitment, and quintessentially paying it forward, Angel Reese, the superstar LSU women’s basketball player, showcased her dedication to the community that shaped her by donating $12,000 to her alma mater, St. Frances Academy.
The Catholic high school in Baltimore serves predominantly Black students.
Reese’s gesture is an inspiring example of giving back and supporting education.
Reese said she and others had benefited from contributions to St. Frances Academy in high school.
Officials said the donation would allow other talented women’s basketball players to have their tuition paid in full.
Reese announced the launch of her foundation in July during a panel discussion at the Variety and Sportico Sports and Entertainment Summit in Los Angeles following LSU’s victorious National Championship earlier this year. Through the foundation, Reese said she hopes to provide equal opportunities for young girls in sports, education, and financial literacy.
Rolling Out reported that Reese has banked about $1.7 million this year in name, image, and likeness deals.
“As a woman, you can make more money in college than going to the WNBA,” Reese said, according to Rolling
Out.
“NIL has changed the game completely for everybody, men, and women. You would think it would only be men and stuff, but it’s women too. We’re making bags!” Reese added.
“They said I was leading the whole country in college basketball in NIL deals. As a Black woman, that meant so much. I was like, wow.
“I was just talking to her, saying we’re going to be in the history books for saying we started this. We did so much here at LSU, in our first year here.”
California Black Media Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed
Joe W. Bowers Jr. and Edward Henderson California Black Media
Your roundup of stories you might have missed last week.
Mayor Karen Bass Announces New Task Force
Focused on Organized Retail Theft
On Aug. 18, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and regional law enforcement leaders -- including Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna -- announced a new regional law enforcement task force created to address organized retail crimes in the greater Los Angeles region.
Luxury retail brand flagship stores and highend retailers such as Nordstrom’s and Bloomingdale’s throughout L.A. and neighboring cities have been subject to an increasing number of brazen heists described as “smash & grabs” and “grab & gos.”
“What we’ve seen over just the past week in the City of Los Angeles and in surrounding regions is unacceptable, which is why today we are here announcing action,” said Mayor Bass. “No Angeleno should feel like it’s unsafe to go shopping and no Angeleno should feel like it’s unsafe to open a business in Los Angeles or Los Angeles County. This task force will aggressively investigate these incidents and hold individuals that are responsible for these crimes fully accountable.”
The task force includes the LAPD, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol (CHP), Glendale Police Department, Burbank Police Department, Beverly Hills Police Department, Santa Monica Police Department, U.S. Marshals Apprehension Task Force, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Apprehension Task Force.
The task force will partner with prosecutors from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and the California Attorney General’s Office.
“Law enforcement is all about partnership – and the CHP is proud to be a good partner to Los Angeles,” added CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. Atty. Gen. Bonta: California’s Deaths-From-Guns Rates Are Lower Than Most of The Country
Last week, the California Department of Justice’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) released their August data report of gun violence in the state. According to the report, California’s gun death rate is 43% below the national average. If the gun death rate in the nation matched California’s over the last ten years, nearly 140,000 gun deaths could have been avoided.
Attorney General Rob Bonta credits this lower percentage to California’s gun laws and prevention policies.
The time for thoughts and prayers alone has come and gone. Enough became enough so long ago that it’s now merely a faint memory. The time for action is now,” said Bonta in a letter featured in the report. “The progress we’ve made is undeniable, but it’s hardly finished.”
In recent years, the nation has lost an average of 45,000 people to gun violence per year. Additionally, people in the United States have a 25 times higher chance of being killed by a gun than people living in other highincome countries.
In California, “from 2016-2021, there were 69,136 gunshot wound incidents in California that resulted in death or required urgent medical attention in the form of hospitalization or emergency department care,” according to the report.
Asm. Tina McKinnor and Colleagues Ask Gov. Newsom to Intervene in State Employee Pay Negotiations
Tensions are flaring over ongoing contract negotiations between government employee unions and the state. Some are deadlocked.
The delays have prompted Assemblymember Tina
McKinnor (D - Inglewood), who is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus and other lawmakers to write a letter asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to intervene.
“State workers play a crucial role in all of California’s programs,” lawmakers said in the letter dated Aug. 14. “To achieve your Administration’s goals, such as combating climate change, ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare, and improving our transportation infrastructure, it is crucial to retain public workers who can effectively implement these vital programs and policies. Unfortunately, without a new contract many of these workers’ economic futures, and our ability to retain them as employees, are in jeopardy.”
California’s 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees Include Two Black Americans, Singer Etta James and Athlete Archie Williams
Two Black Americans are members of the class of California’s 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees.
Iconic singer Etta James and decorated track and field athlete Archie Williams join five other inductees set to receive the honor posthumously during a virtual ceremony, according to Newsom and his wife, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
“The outstanding legacy of this group has and will continue to embody what it means to be a Californian,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement. “There is no doubt their legacies will continue to live on and inspire millions across our state for generations to come.”
Born Jamesetta Hawkins, ‘Etta James’ became the stage name of the Los Angeles based singer who performed in various genres including blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, and rock & roll. Her most popular recordings included “At Last,” “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” and “A Sunday Kind of Love.”
Archie Williams won an Olympic gold medal in1936 for the 400-meter race in Berlin after completing his
freshman year at UC Berkeley. The track star also set a world record at the NCAA Championships running it in 46.1 seconds.
The induction ceremony will be held Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. P.T. and will be livestreamed on X, formerly known as Twitter and on YouTube.
Thursday, August 24, 2023 Los Angeles News Observer A5 Features
Reese’s gesture is an inspiring example of giving back and supporting education.
Assemblymember Tina McKinnor ( D-Los Angeles)
Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop: Legislative Black Caucus Honors West Coast Greats
Antonio Ray Harvey California Black MediaThe California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) celebrated the 5oth anniversary of hip hop on Aug. 14, with a tribute to the West Coast pioneers, leaders and innovators who shaped the genre.
The Bring the Peace Movement organized the rally and ceremony where speakers paid homage to the honorees.
Juana Burns-Sperling, co-founder of Rialto/Los Angeles-based all-female hip hop group JJ FAD, told California Black Media (CBM) that the love received from state lawmakers -- which included standing ovations on both the Senate and Assembly floors -- was a long time in the making, but well worth the wait.
“It was amazing. It was an honor to be there to represent the West Coast and represent my group,” said Sperling, who goes by the stage name, MC JB. “When I first heard about it my thoughts were, ‘finally’ because the West Coast seems to be left out of things that are going on right now. So, the fact that our (lawmakers) were honoring us, we didn’t have to rely on other geographical areas. I was truly happy. We’re finally getting recognized.”
The rap songs Sperling, “Baby D” (Dania Birks) and “Sassy C” (Michelle Ferrens) performed were produced by world-renowned Hip Hop mogul Dr. Dre (Andre Young), and Arabian Prince (Kim Renard Nazel). They group was signed to Ruthless Records.
JJ FAD (an acronym created with the names of the original group members in 1985: Juana, Juanita, Fatima, Anna, and Dana) reached the top of the charts with their signature song, “Supersonic” in 1988.
The program organized by Jamilia Land of the Bring the Peace Movement, featured a voter registration drive and entertainment and was attended by CLBC chair Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), ViceChair and Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) and other officers and members.
“At the time of its founding, hip hop was met with vitriol from politicians. However, today a host of politicians, community organizations and leaders convene to honor the pioneers and architects of the hip hop movement,” Wilson said on the Assembly floor.
Sperling was joined at the State Capitol with West Coast hip hop artists and music producers King T (Roger McBride), Kid Frost (Arturo R. Molina Jr.), Arabian Prince Mistah F.A.B.(Stanley Cox), Micheal Latt, Karega Bailey,
Tinish Hollins, Greg Mack, Violet Brown, LaRussell Thomas, Greg Mack, Casual from the Hieroglyphics (Jon Owens), Disco Daddy (Michael Khalfani), filmmaker Deon Taylor, and Alonzo “Lonzo” Williams.
Mickelle “Hayón” Hellon, Leila Steinberg (who was Tupac’s manager), the Magical Rock Band, and retired legislative aid Rory Kaufman were also recognized as honorees.
Known to the West Coast hip hop community as “Grand Master Lonzo,” Williams is the innovator behind the legendary R&B/Rap group “World Class Wreckin Cru,” that found major success with the 1987 hit “Turn Off the Lights.”
“When I called my partner and Senator, Sen. Bradford, and told him we need to do something for hip hop on the West Coast I had no idea that it would end up
on the Assembly and Senate floors,” Williams told CBM. “My initial plan was to do something in Compton, get all the homies and OGs together and show some love. But here we are today, and it was a great event.”
Bradford and Williams “go way back” on the music scene of Gardena, Compton, and Los Angeles. They used to promote singing groups, bands, and hip-hop dancing cliques. The artists received a warm welcome from lawmakers in both chambers; thanks to Bradford, Wilson, and Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D- Ladera Heights).
“Steve understood what we did back in L.A. back in the day because he was a part of it but only on another level,” Williams said. “Steve was a dance promoter before he became a Compton city councilman, assemblymember, and senator. He was my competition. It just made for a great situation.”
Williams is credited with launching the careers of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson), D.J. Yella (Antoine Carraby) and Eazy E. (Eric Wright), formerly known as N.W.A. The group is credited with ushering in a form of hip-hop music that was coined gangster rap.
The gangster rap genre propelled the careers of Snoop Dogg (Calvin Broadus Jr.), Nate Dogg (Nathaniel Hale), DJ Quick (David Marvin Blake), Above the Law, Warren G (Warren Griffin III), Lady of Rage (Robin Yvette Allen), Yo-Yo (Yolanda Whitaker), E-40’s (Earl Stevens) little sister Suga-T (Tenina Stevens), among others.
The elements of hip hop culture first emerged in the 1970s in Morris Heights, a neighborhood in the Bronx borough of New York City. Hip-hop consists of four elements: “deejaying,” or “turntabling,” “MCing” or “rhyming,” graffiti painting, and the hip-hop dance, style, and attitude of “B-boying.”
The West Coast artists extracted the characteristics and stylings from East Coast hip hop but were able to create their own musical flavor with stories, references and imagery that reflected street life and living in urban centers, mostly in California.
Gangster rap and the “G-funk era” dominated the hip-hop scene in the late 1980s and all through the 1990s from the Los Angeles region to Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area by standouts like Too $hort (Todd Anthony Shaw). Joel Flatow, Senior Vice President, Artist and Industry Relations, and Chief of West Coast operations for RIAA, said the accolades bestowed on the artists in Sacramento are a tribute to the innovation and foresight they brought to the culture.
“We just have a tremendous wealth of talent in this state,” Flatow added.
RIAA is a trade organization that supports and protects the rights of artists and music labels in the US.
Adding to the cultural weight to the celebration, Land and other community activists issued a proclamation, offered samplings of poetry, gave shoutouts to hip-hop history, and appealed to the audience to become politically engaged champions of peace.
“This is a time of celebration and reflection,” stated Land, who is also the co-founder of the Anti-Violence, Safety, and Accountability Project (ASAP). “We acknowledge the monumental achievements of West Coast artists and also reflect on the effect of unresolved trauma and violence in the Culture.”
NYPD Officer Sold Out Police for Gang Leader, Facing Decades in Prison
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National CorrespondentFormer New York Police Officer Gina Mestre is accused of giving the Shooting Boys Gang confidential information about a federal grand jury investigation, leaking the name of a witness to gang members, and helping a gang leader flee the U.S. after he killed someone.
Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations, and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, announced the unsealing of an indictment against Mestre for her involvement in a racketeering conspiracy with members of the Shooting Boys gang.
Mestre was booked into federal custody on Thursday, Aug. 17.
“Gina Mestre shamelessly exploited her position of public trust to assist gang members in her own NYPD precinct that were terrorizing the Bronx by committing robberies, murders, drug trafficking, and other acts of violence,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said.
“The Indictment unsealed today alleges that the defendant abused her position as an NYPD police officer by, among other things, obstructing a federal grand jury investigation into the gang and assisting the gang’s leader in evading capture for a cold-blooded murder committed in broad daylight.”
Further, Williams noted that Mestre’s alleged conduct violates the oath she swore to protect the public and her fellow NYPD officers from the type of criminal activity she helped the gang commit.
“This Indictment makes clear that my Office and our law enforcement partners will remain vigilant in fighting all forms of police corruption,” Williams stated.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban blasted his former officer’s conduct.
“There’s no place for any kind of corruption in the NYPD,” Caban railed.
“The arrest today of a former officer is built upon the steadfast work of our Internal Affairs Bureau, a team driven to root out such betrayals of public trust.”
The indictment alleges that the Shooting Boys gang is a criminal organization based in the University Heights section of the Bronx.
Since at least 2017, gang members allegedly sold drugs, used guns, and committed numerous acts of violence against members of rival gangs.
Further, the gang’s territory and base operations fell within the jurisdiction of the NYPD’s 52nd precinct, where Mestre worked.
Prosecutors alleged that Mestre developed a romantic relationship with Andrew Done, the recognized leader of the Shooting Boys gang.
Mestre served as an NYPD police officer from July 2013 to May 2022, assigned to the 52nd Precinct’s Public Safety Unit.
In the summer of 2020, a significant focus of the precinct and the Public Safety Unit was reducing gun violence attributed to members of the Shooting Boys.
Prosecutors said in June 2020, Mestre began
communicating with Done through social media accounts and phone numbers that they hid.
The officer immediately began sharing confidential information with Done, warning him and other gang members about police raids and actions.
The officer even caused harm to police witnesses by telling Done and others who reported them to authorities.
In one instance, authorities said that on or about Nov. 5, 2020, Done shot and killed a rival gang member as he sat in his car on Cromwell Avenue in the Bronx.
NYPD Detectives investigating the murder recovered security camera video capturing Done’s commission of the murder.
Several members of the 52nd precinct was called upon to assist in identifying the person captured on the Video, and Mestre was among the officers who identified Done as the perpetrator.
Eventually, as federal authorities closed in on Done, Mestre warned him, and he fled to the Dominican Republic.
On Nov. 17, 2022, Done pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and admitted to the Bronx murder.
On Feb. 22, 2023, Done was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Mestre, 33, faces charges of one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, which has a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of accessory after the fact to murder in aid of racketeering, which has a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
A6 Los Angeles News Observer Thursday, August 24, 2023 Features
Pictured from left to right on the California Assembly floor with framed resolutions are: Joel Flatow (Senior VP of Recording Industry Association of America’s West Coast Operations); Juana Burns Sperling (co-founder of JJ Fad), Kim Renard Nazel (Arabian Prince), Roger McBride (King Tee), and Jon Owens (Casual from Oakland-based Hieroglyphics). Aug. 14, 2023. (CBM Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey)
Mestre was booked into federal custody on Thursday, Aug. 17.
Doulas & Black Moms:
Bridging the Gap Between Mental Treatment and Maternal Care
Aldon Thomas Stiles California Black MediaThere is a growing body of evidence that disparities in medical treatment in the United States -- compounded over centuries by the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow segregation and prevalence of anti-Black biases -- have adversely affected the health of Black women in numerous ways, including the birthing process.
In June, the tragic and high-profile death of Olympic Gold Medalist and sprinter Tori Bowie during childbirth brought more national attention to the crisis of Black maternal mortality in the United States.
Aware of the discrepancies in treatment as compared to women of other races and terrified by the potential mental health ramifications of those disparities – which can lead to greater fear and anxiety about pregnancy and childbirth -- some Black women are seeking alternatives to hospital births.
Black women die at nearly twice the rate of White Women during labor, according to data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In July, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the federal government has launched a civil rights investigation into the treatment of Black expectant mothers at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
“Maternal health is a priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and one in which the HHS Office for Civil Rights is working on around the country to ensure equity and equality,” read an emailed statement from HHS to several news outlets.
The federal investigation comes seven years after the 2016 death of a Black woman, Kira Dixon Johnson, who died from internal bleeding following a cesarean section at Cedars Sinai.
Dr. Melissa Frank, Director of the Division of Maternal, Child, & Adolescent Health with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, stated that she has “lived the disparity” associated with maternal healthcare.
During the delivery of her second daughter, Dr. Franklin says she could tell something was wrong and expressed to hospital staff, “I feel like I’m dying,” but her concerns were largely dismissed.
When the hospital staff finally checked on her, they discovered that her blood pressure was dangerously low to which she responded, “I told y’all!”
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, Black women in the U. S. were more than twice as likely as White women to die due to complications related to maternity and the birthing process, according to the CDC.
In California, the risk of death due to pregnancy complications is four to six times higher for Black mothers than any other ethnic group, according to data from the California Health Care Foundation.
Research has indicated that maternal mental health conditions, including prenatal and postpartum anxiety and depression, are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
According to the American Hospital Association
Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, 12.5% of birthing people will suffer from postpartum depression. However, Black women are about 1.6 times more likely to deal with its effects than White women.
Hiring a doula is one solution Black women are using to help address some of the mental health issues associated with the birthing process. A 2013 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that mothers who received support from a doula during childbirth were two times less likely to experience complications.
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional and physical support to pregnant individuals during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Doulas are not medical professionals and do not deliver babies or provide medical care. Instead, they offer support in the form of physical comfort, emotional well-being, information, and advocacy.
According to another study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, doula-assisted mothers were 57.5% less likely to suffer from postpartum depression or anxiety. This confirms that having the support of a doula during the birthing process can have a significant positive impact on the mental health of mothers.
The long history of discriminatory care towards Black women in the healthcare system has resulted in another mental health issue: generational trauma.
“When we speak about Black maternal health, we cannot ignore the fact that the foundation of medicine in this country and many of its early principles were deeply rooted in racism,” said Assemblymember Akilah Weber (DLa Mesa), a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist, and founder and past director of the Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology Division at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego.
“Some of the earliest examples of experimental research relied on these racist concepts. The pain of black individuals was not only ignored but assumed to not be experienced to the same degree as White individuals.”
Franklin emphasized the importance of culturally competent care for the mental health of Black mothers.
The support of doulas as alternative birthing spaces gives Black women the opportunity, the choice of giving birth in a way that’s culturally affirming,” said Franklin. This highlights the significance of providing care that is sensitive to the cultural needs and experiences of Black women during the birthing process.
Franklin also pointed out that doulas alone cannot bear the burden of an unfair healthcare system. She emphasized the importance of hospitals employing well trained providers who operate in anti-bias and anti-racism spaces. This can help Black women give birth with “the support of a village.”
California has been taking steps to address healthcare disparities and improve outcomes for Black mothers and birthing individuals. The state introduced various policies and initiatives aimed at making culturally competent care a reality.
For example, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has taken steps to improve access to doula services for expectant mothers. One such initiative is the inclusion of doula services as a preventative care option covered under Medi-Cal. This can help make doula support more accessible and affordable for those who need it. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell has emphasized the importance of doula care in improving pregnancy experiences and birthing outcomes. In a press release, she stated that “Doula care is shown to improve pregnancy experiences and birthing outcomes. We must increase awareness of doula services for mothers and families across the County and expand our workforce to be more representative of our communities most in need.” This highlights the need for greater awareness and accessibility of doula services, particularly for those in underserved communities.
In a meantime, Dr. Franklin’s advice is to listen to Black women when they express concerns about their health. This means taking their concerns seriously and providing them with the care and support they need.
Related Video Chelsea, an expectant mom, and Danica, her doula, discuss the delicate connection between mental health and maternal care. Watch the video.
Former Kanye West Associate Among Two
African Americans Indicted with Donald Trump in Georgia
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National CorrespondentTwo prominent African Americans have found themselves in the middle of the unfolding legal drama surrounding former President Donald Trump.
Harrison Floyd and Trevian Kutti are publicists who have turned suspects and stand among Trump’s 18 alleged co-conspirators in his attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has hit both, along with Trump and others, with serious racketeering charges.
Floyd led a Trump-founded group to bolster 2020 voter turnout for the MAGA Republican, while Kutti is a celebrity stylist and publicist best known for previously working with Kanye West.
Floyd, also known as Willie Floyd, was the executive director of Black Voices for Trump and emerged as a key player in Trump’s 2020 campaign. According to Newsweek, Floyd’s role extended to the Trump campaign staff.
The charges against Floyd include violating the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, conspiracy to solicit the dissemination of false statements and writings and attempts to influence witnesses.
Floyd’s LinkedIn profile reflects a career spanning over 15 years, encompassing operations, crisis management, government affairs, and political campaigns.
His experience stems from engagements on Capitol Hill, presidential campaigns, and collaboration with the Marines.
Kutti, a seasoned publicist with Chicago roots, faces allegations of traveling to Atlanta to influence the testimony of Fulton County election worker Ruby Freeman before the Georgia grand jury regarding allegations of election fraud.
The indictment asserts that Floyd engaged pastor Stephen Lee to orchestrate a meeting with Freeman and
Kutti, ultimately pressuring Freeman’s testimony. The charges against Floyd, Kutti, and Lee span “conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings” and “influencing witnesses.”
Trump now faces 91 felony charges that could result in the demagogue and GOP presidential front-runner serving more than 800 years in prison after being four times indicted, twice impeached, and already found guilty of sexual assault by a civil jury.
Like Trump, Floyd, and Kutti have until noon on Aug. 25 to turn themselves into Fulton County Jail for processing.
co-conspirators in his attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
Thursday, August 24, 2023 Los Angeles News Observer A7 Features
Chelsea Rae Crowder-Luke speaks with her doula in her home in Los Angeles, and she was 34 weeks at the time of the interview.
Harrison Floyd and Trevian Kutti are publicists who have turned suspects and stand among Trump’s 18 alleged
A8 Los Angeles News Observer Thursday, August 24, 2023 Local
Rams Drop Second Preseason Game to Raiders 34-17
By Austin GageContributing Sports Writer SUBTITLE: Despite some bright spots, Rams lose their second preseason game of 2023 by a score of 34-17 to the Las Vegas Raiders Saturday night at Sofi.
For the second straight week, the Los Angeles Rams fell by an identical score of 34-17, this time to the Las Vegas Raiders. In a Sofi Stadium that was greatly taken over by a sea of Raider fans, the Rams failed to grab their first preseason in their second try.
Unlike the Rams, the Raiders started the game with some starters that are expected to be first team contributors including starting quarterback Jimmy Garappolo, who signed a large three year, $72.75 million contract in the offseason, second round rookie tight end Michael Mayer out of Notre Dame, and even offseason free agent acquisition wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Despite this, the success story of the night belonged to fourth round rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell out of Purdue. O’Connell continued his preseason success with another fantastic outing Saturday night; he threw for 163 yards and two touchdowns on 11 for 18 passing in relief of veteran quarterbacks Garappolo and 37-year-old Brian Hoyer.
For Los Angeles, fourth round rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett played a majority of the game and had his highs and lows. Finishing the game with 142 yards through the air on 15 of 24 passing to pair with a costly interception and a rushing score, Bennett definitely made the competition for the backup quarterback position interesting between him and veteran Brett Rypien. Fellow former Georgia Bulldog and Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford is set in stone as the starter as he enters his 15th campaign overall (third with the Rams).
The Raiders started off very strong on their first drive with Garappolo in at QB as running back Brandon Bolden capped off a five minute drive with a seven yard touchdown rush. It seemed as if the Rams’ run defense struggles from last week, a matchup where they allowed over 200 yards on the ground to the Chargers, were once again present as Las Vegas pounded the rock with relative ease on the opening drive. Garappolo also completed a beautiful lob pass for 18 yards to fellow free agent pickup Meyers, a sight that Raiders’ fans hope to see continue come regular season.
While the Rams couldn’t get anything going on offense in their first two drives, a big time play was made on the other side of the ball during the Raiders’ second drive by rookie cornerback
Tre Tomlinson. Tomlinson, who played well in his first career game last week, perfectly broke up a pass that was destined for the hands of Las Vegas’ Phillip Dorsett and saved a potential touchdown. Tomlinson is fighting for a starting role on a Rams defense that will look much different than last seasons’.
Another continued bright spot this preseason was linebacker Keir Thomas II, who added another sack Saturday night to complement a one and a half sack/two tackle for a loss
performance against the Chargers last week. The second year player from Florida State is one of many players that is fighting for a roster spot and to avoid being cut in a week when the Rams cut down to a 53 man roster for the start of the regular season. Los Angeles was finally able to erase the zero on the scoreboard after a promising drive stalled out early in the second quarter, cutting the Raiders lead to 10-3. Bennett showed trust in rookie fifth round tight end Davis Allen out of Clemson on the drive with a leaping 15 yard grab extending a series that would end in a Tanner Brown field goal. Allen tallied eight catches for 53 yards overall in the contest.
“I thought he did a nice job being able to run some tough, hard-earned yards especially when he’s catching some underneath
Rams Recognize All-Pro Jackson
By Earl HeathContributing
Sports Writer
Harold Jackson was recognized by the Rams during the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at So-Fi Stadium.
The 5-10, 155-pound wide receiver from Jackson State when the Rams chose him in the 12th round of the 1968 NFL Draft. Small in stature but was extremely elusive.
“I was so excited because I got the opportunity,” Jackson told Jim Gehman. “Coming from a small institution like Jackson State, and then I wasn’t the biggest guy in the world, I was very lucky to get that chance to come and play for the Rams.”
He finished a 16-year career having played with the Rams,
Eagles, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, and Seattle Seahawks,
With the Rams for five seasons, 1973-77, Jackson was named All-Pro in 1973 and selected to play in three more Pro Bowls while totaling 200 receptions for 3,591 yards and 36 touchdowns. Jackson stated: “The guys that I played with. We had a great team and the five years that we were there with Coach Chuck Knox, our worst season was 10-4. We used to have our division won with about five or six games to go before the season was over.”
throws,” McVay said after the game about Allen, “You can see he’s got a big catch radius, good, soft hands, so I was really pleased with him.”
More Rams success was quick to follow on the ensuing Raiders’ possession, as the veteran Hoyer made his biggest mistake of the game. Targeting the Fighting Irish product Mayer, Hoyer’s pass was lurked by leaping linebacker Jacob Hummel in an outstanding display of athleticism. Hummel would go on to scamper in the end zone to complete the pick six and level the game overall at a score of 10-10. With a new wave of momentum, the Rams stopped the Raiders on their next two offensive possessions and seemed to be taking control of the game. The Raiders could not convert a
fourth down opportunity and Los Angeles had a chance to take the lead right before halftime.
However, Bennett’s pass attempt targeting wide receiver Tyler Johnson was overthrown in a sort of miscommunication and intercepted by safety Isaiah Pola-Mao.
Pola-Mao, a former USC Trojan, was able to race to the endzone untouched and made sure that the Raiders would enter halftime with a lead. The big play marked the second interception returned for a touchdown in just about seven minutes of game time.
“It was completely my fault. I thought [Johnson] was going to run a different route than he did and anticipated it. And he ran the one that was called, and I threw the one that wasn’t, and I paid for it,” Bennett admitted later.
Needing a turnaround in the second half for a second straight week, a Rams’ potential comeback bid was almost toasted as Raider cornerback Amik Robertson nearly picked off a Bennett pass attempt early in the third quarter. Despite a third down conversion by veteran wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, himself an ex-Raider, the Rams were forced to give the ball back to the black and silver.
Quarterback O’Connell’s entrance into the game proved to be successful for another week in a row for the Raiders as he led an impressive touchdown scoring drive that included a tightwindow completion to rookie wide receiver Tre Tucker and a corner-of-the-endzone snag by wide receiver Cam Sims. As Las Vegas pushed the lead to 27-10, the countless number of Raider Nation supporters erupted.
Knowing that a score was desperately needed, Bennett was able to cap off an 11 play drive with a four yard rush. Calling his own number and tucking it for himself, he was able to bounce outside and use his mobility to sneak just inside of the end zone marker. Bennett’s underrated mobility is something to keep an eye out for in Los Angeles’ preseason finale against Denver and for the rest of the season if given an opportunity.
Unfortunately, that would mark the final Rams score of the night and an O’Connell-led Raiders offense tallied another touchdown on his second passing touchdown of the night to extend the lead to 34-17. O’Connell, who routinely put up big passing numbers at Purdue in his collegiate career, is looking like a potential steal for a Raiders team with much more uncertainty around the quarterback position than in years past due to the departure of longtime starter Derek Carr.
While the Rams seemed to shore up some of the leaky run defense highlighted in last week’s loss to the Chargers with only 98 yards given up on the ground Saturday night, they gave up 342 in the air. The Raiders, on the other hand, held Los Angeles to just 148 passing yards and 76 rushing yards.
Up next for the Rams is the preseason finale against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field on August 26th. They will kick off their regular season in Seattle against the Seahawks on September 10th.
Chargers Fall to Saints
By Earl Heath ContributingSports Writer
The Los Angeles Chargers fell to New Orleans 22-17 in the final preseason game at So-Fi Stadium.
Charger QB Easton Stick went 21 of 34 for 233 yards through the air and two interceptions while rushing for two scores. The veteran QB was the leading rusher with 63 yards on seven carries. He also had a 39-yard completion to rookie Amechi Uzodinna Isaiah Spiller had 27 yards on five carries including an 18yard run. The Bolts had 309 yards of offense with 120 coming on the ground. This under the new offense of Kellen Moore.
“The new offense is good its fun,” said Joshua Kelley, “We spend a lot of time in camp going seven on seven. I’ve seen some improvements out there. We just want to keep getting better” Elijah Datson had 21 yards on 6 carries. The rookie from xx showed he’s ready to play as on a third and four he muscled over the left side but was short by a half yard. When the Chargers punted on 4th down. Dotson fired off the line at
the snap raced downfield and the first to land a brutal hit on the Saints punt returner.
In addition the first two pre-season games the rookie from Northern Colorado has 113 rushing yards on 12 carries with two touchdowns.
The defensive gave up 339 yards holding the Saints (2-0) to 13 first downs and 5 of 17 on third downs.
Rookie edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu and inside linebacker Daiyan Henley had solid games. Tuipulotu, a second-round pick from USC, showed his strength on the outside as he brought consistent pressure and recorded a tackle for a loss in the first half. Tuipulotu is expected to play behind Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa but is proving himself capable if needed in a rotation. A third-round pick from Washington State, Henley was selected to make an immediate impact on special teams, but he showed his potential if needed on defense on Sunday, including a play when he exploded up the middle to hit and combine for a sack on quarterback Jameis Winston.
The Bolts will play the San Francisco 49’ers in the final pre-season game this AUG.25 at Levi Stadium.
USC Ready For Opener
By Earl HeathContributing Sports Writer
Its all over but the shouting as USC will open the 2023 football season this weekend at the Coliseum.
They will be taking on San José State of the Mountain West Conference, Last year the Spartans went 7-5 (5-3 in conference) and played in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, losing to Eastern Michigan 41-27
Its the earliest the Trojans have opened a season since 1996, when they did so on Aug. 25 (a 24-7 loss to Penn State in Kickoff Classic XIV in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The team is trying to get rid of the bad taste of how the season finished season. They went 11-3 (8-1 PAC-12) but dropped the conference game and got handled pretty good by a Tulsa team from the American Athletic Conference in the Cotton Bowl.
They are led by Heisman Trophy winner and Walter Camp Player of the year Caleb Williams.
“I’m very determined. I haven’t been in the College Football Playoff in my two years of playing,” said
Williams “It’s been tough. It bothers me because I play for championships. I don’t play for anything else. So not being able to have the chance and being so close frustrates me.
This year it’s going to be a good one.”
The Washington D.C. native is coming off a season where he completed 333-of-500 passes (66.7%) for 4,537 yards and 42 TDs with just 5 INTs, plus he rushed for 382 yards and 10 TDs. He was first nationally in passing TDs (42) and points responsible for per game (22.3). He was third nationally in passing yards (4.537) and fourth nationally in passing yards per game (324.1). He was fifth nationally in passing efficiency (168.5, first in Pac-12) and total offense (351.4). He was seventh nationally in yards per pass attempt (9.1, first in Pac-12). Already he is on the has also been named to the 2023 Maxwell Award Watch List, Davey O’Brien Award Watch List and Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List.
The TROJANS enter the contest ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll and 6th in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Head coach Lincoln Riley tied a USC record for most victories by a Trojan first-year head coach with 11 (tied
with John Robinson in 1976. This also ties the Pac-12 record.
The Spartans will be led by WR Justin Lockheart, named to the 2023 Mountain West Preseason AllConference Team had 36 catches for 578 yards and 1 TD in 2022. USC has 6 players who previously attended a Bay Area school: DL De’jon Benton (Pittsburg HS), OL Andres Dewerk (Los Gatos HS), CB Prophet Brown (Monterey Trail HS), RB Austin Jones (Bishop O’Dowd HS), OL Alani Noa (Grant Union HS) and OL Amos Talalele (Santa Clara HS).
The Trojans must improve the Defense to get better.
“I’m the leader now,” said Calen Bullock. “My freshman year I watched the older player and I learned from them.”
The Pasadena (John Muir ) native has 87 tackles, 7 INTs (returning 1 for a TD) and 8 pass breakups while appearing in 26 games with 14 starts during his 2-year career. We know we have to do better this season.”
Thursday, August 24, 2023 Los Angeles News Observer A9 Sports
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, right, shakes hands with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford after a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Caleb Williams (13) will try to lead his team to a CFB playoff this upcoming season. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Isaiah Spiller rushes for yards vs Saints (Photo-courtesy Chargers)
Former Ram All-Pro Harold Jackson talks with Camryn Irwin during the Rams vs Raiders pre-season game (Photo: LA RAMS)
Uptown Jazz Festival
The Legacy Continues
By Ricky RichardsonContributing Writer (Long Beach, CA) The beat goes on. Music enthusiasts of Long Beach can breathe a sigh of relief. This comes as the decade long beloved Uptown Jazz Festival will continue to be held each year in Houghton Park.
“The Uptown Jazz Festival is a beloved staple of the North Long Beach community. For more than a decade, it has brought residents together to enjoy a summer afternoon full of great music, delicious food and a strong sense of community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “I look forward to this year’s celebration and I hope to see you all there!”
“I am excited to host the Uptown Jazz Festival for its 12th year,” said Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni RicksOddie. “Our theme this year, ‘The Legacy Continues,” celebrates what have become the signature event in North Long Beach, and my commitment to continue the tradition as your District 9 Councilmember. I look forward to welcoming our community to share in a day full of music, food, family and culture!”
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the City of Long Beach and the Office of Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie presented the 12th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 2-7pm. The festival was held at Houghton Park, (6301 Myrtle Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90805). The afternoon event featured a lineup of incredible music and entertainment headlined by American funk band The
Original Lakeside.
The festival site featured a food and beverage garden, a kids zone, and a variety of vendor and community resource booths.
DJ Mr. Quick returned to the ones and twos playing old school and new school selections as people arrived to the park and intermittently throughout the day, that kept the party people dancing all day long.
Los Chicos Del Mambo sounds like seasoned professionals, despite the fact that they have only been playing together for five months. This is a high energy Latin band from San Fernando Valley. They performed a sizzling set, giving tribute to the nightlife of the 50’s and 60’s with classic Mambo, Salsa, Cumbia and more! Needless to say the infectious sounds brought out the crowd to their feet as well as Conserving Mervin, the mascot for Long Beach Utilities, to the dance floor throughout their set. They honored several salsa music icons on the following tracks “Quimbara,” “Cucala,” La Vida es un Carnival,” with Reina on lead vocals. Reina was the right person to sing to honor the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz. The band continued with “Señor Sereno” by Ismael Miranda and Larry Harlow, with Andy Ocampo front and center on vocals for “Llorarás,” by Oscar De Leon, “Todo Tiene su Final” by Hector Lavoe and “Brujeria” by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Los Chicos Del Mambo as they blaze a trail in the Latin music industry. Reina is the granddaughter of bassist Verdine White of the world famous Earth, Wind and Fire.
Biscuits and Gravy Live contagious grooves kept the
crowd on the dance floor for their lively set of old school funk, R&B, and Soul. They opened with their Intro song in preparation to rev up the crowd to get down with it! The selections performed were “Humpin,” “I Just Wanna Be,” “Hearsay,” “Best of Me,” “Keep Your Head to the Sky” and “Devotion” by Earth, Wind and Fire. “It’s Your Thang,” “Pop That Thang,” “Ain’t Gonna Hurt Nobody,” “Groove Me,” and “Payback” as an encore.
It is no surprise that the ultimate party band, DW3, get invited backs each year to perform at the Uptown Jazz Festival to work the crowd into and dance and romance frenzy. If memory serves me right, they have performed at every iteration of the Uptown Jazz Festival. This is a great testament to their artistry and musicianship. The audience was dancing and swaying, hypnotized by their R&B, old school, funk, and Latin fire magic. They opened with “Sweet Baby,” and the following selections “Cali Love,” “Your Body,” Right On,” “Let the Music,” and “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugar Hill Gang, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. The party continued with “Before I Let Go,” “Never Too Much,” and “1999.”
The Original Lakeside invaded the festival, opening up with “Raid.” The crowd had no choice but to surrender to the classic hits from their catalog. “It’s All the Way Live,” “Outrageous,” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” were additional tracks played to the delight of the captivated audience.
The 12th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival celebrated more than a decade of good relaxing vibes, great music, and cultural enrichment, with family, friends, neighbors and visitors, Community! Y’all.
A10 Los Angeles News Observer Thursday, August 24, 2023 Local
Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Biscuits and Gravy Live, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
The Original Lakeside, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Los Chicos Del Mambo, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)