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to ti ci eing met w him. ve their client’s innould take several mong ordered poof the murders Josh ith dismayb. roaden DNA test- chelle Oal media. His insultgscrude and racist anhdite, resigned ua Ryen an nths, will cence and bam ta eted fo rters of the The lone su comments B d rm fi lack shooti a, U,S. Rep. Maxrg In 1 rvivor nally exon ine Waters er First Lady Ming victim. erate they are disappoRinyens and Hughesfaalmily, friends and su on four co9u85, a San Diego Co and an unn “Unfortunat ted with the gov l across the state p- Lo Thomas R. Parker amed 26 and an nts of murder. At unty jury convicte s Angeles o ernor’s decis , el sa a y, fo y fo es th d r o rm ca v C ju e er ti o p er st o ed m ti ic ffi per d m io e of his arre e ep ce cord - inclu prison inm n in e , u . it b ty th el se is h ie ems the vic ead of the This guy is ves Cooper case matte st, he was no District A FBI’s in Pennsylv ding several burglaate. His lengthy crim “Prior DN ttorney Jason Arsnless and less,” Santims’ desire “The evidence w innocent,” he told. ries and the ania – did in al re as A B th d er o not help his te er e p n n Cooper, form rape of a m st la so N ar th in n ew n d te e g icl sa d st th aimed ou Y , he was fr and.” case. inor erly named in 1958 ld exoneratat Mr. Cooper sougidh in a statement. amed, theork Times.

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N ll d te ti ie t ta y ec A o n st o 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 g struck by u t sc h ro , n se co th en im k al en ad in South centers. In a mental d to ail Co ee e ethods low another m ce. ce living in a polic ern Californ and storiesp raising California Governoes early in the term oper. Threm several attack, and in nsw round of L ag Californiah. ealth facility in Pen1982, Cooper esca u n e h in r a ia. av w w o v Beach Police eapons wer f the LOS estie high expec hose suppo orn testimo ped from three attacker nsylvania b the(AP) p ro O g ANGELES – The widow of basketball re e rt ra u ta ss O er n n se iv ti ffi g y, s d o e e on the poli s who were cer Thom efore movin n Jo Duri County Reg meone’s pet ticalBryant White. Heshua Ryen said hein the solve “DNA testing shs.o g to could have been H iste gued that nCg his murder trial, star Kobe devastated” byr hallegaLeft isso“absolutely

By Ricky Richardson e initially as saw when the ca later testified uld immed th is p e o p F an o R ro eb F p ic y se u . er en . rt 1 cu k 9 h iate illed husban case . tors er co plica Contributing WriterRyen, their that they Chiang sa tions deputies shared graphic photos of thet dhelicoparted in froth e plathat ting the pro 0-year-oMarqueece id during thand finally ensurely takter and wife Dsuccessfully ar- an named Dianm nt ce scene M to cG Los Angeles n–eiCouncilmember re ld daughterdHarrisu th ghbor Ch1ri ir se crash where Bryant, their 13-year-old daughter at e a ju o e campaign says when h DNA eviden stice is serv the animal Jessica and ug and Peggy belonging to her Roper came forwarcutions’ claims, a w stopcommunity . her Hughes members e ed “N Dawson, 8th District, and other ce g ,” b o o ca was lawyer ut testing in t nand out to chec an n h p law omwere killed, atstated former boy bigger said ly isseven . Poliwith it proothers thanin Animalher enforcemoen ce found th11-year-old inal. She turned th friend whowith bloody clothin is case woel ven and stakeholders launched Destination Crenshaw a house ca Control offi Even thoth ment Saturday. t g e evidence e bloodied destroyed it u so w ld to as lv co an e a m cr v ce u an io e im g rs rushed tht. at no cost to len imreported h a Ground Breaking Celebration, Saturday, February 29, es,Angeles over to the . is al hospitalon The Los that e ble trauTimes th police, buttcrim- issubold, he is treadinNgewsom’s decision in African Am , wThursday e m h st a. er at e it was 2020. This will go down in the history books as taking e. ” they ericans, His ca e that Calif thea C refully on a diagnose oopersafety public source with knowledge of the events had D o panics and r. rn ca K place on the last day of African American Heritage Month, p ia se w ri o v te atching. H sti Krause, oters across ntialseen other mino ly poone sh e a e is keepin ex la of the photos on the phone of another offiv th ri p et ec zi e er during a leap year. n p rities liv- C ts inaria , tell g bac olitica spec the 11-pou g his focus ontinued s th truamsetting k into nd investigation in was notthrelated to the (5-kilogranm on fairnesl cial are that Several thousand people from all walks of life was on page A e wild af s ) cat to an te d r 2 M it ju cGphotos re stice He said the of the crash. showed the scene and g in attendance for this historic and culturally enriching u ai ir n e s that if he se visited the bob strength. celebration on the corner of Vernon Avenue and Crenshaw victims’ remains. The sourceesspoke onn,conditioncaoft anoit agai on Friday. ll isallegations.

Boulevard, along Leimert Boulevard. sue a ticket nymity because of the sensitive nature ofhe’ the for ja Destination Crenshaw is a 1.3 mile-long outdoor The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department said in a people’s museum under development along Crenshaw statement Friday it was investigating the allegations deBoulevard. The community-inspired project will use the tailed in the newspaper’s report. iconic street as a canvas and anchor for public art and Vanessa Bryant’s lawyer, Gary Robb, said that she streetscape design. Destination Crenshaw will be built for, went to the sheriff’s office on Jan. 26, the day of the by, and in contributions of Black Los Angeles to the city crash, “and requested that the area be designated a noand the world. fly zone and protected from photographers.”

This is also the future site of Sankofa Park, right in the heart of iconic and thriving African American community, “This was of critical importance to her as she dethat is Leimert Park Village. sired to protect the dignity of all the victims, and their Sankofa Park will serve as a unique location for families. At that time, Sheriff Alex Villanueva assured a community gathering and a place to host a variety of us all measures would be put in place to protect the public events featuring a viewing platform that provides families’ privacy, and it is our understanding that he has spectacular vistas overlooking Crenshaw Boulevard and worked hard to honor those requests,” Robb said. surrounding areas.

Robb said the sharing of photos would be “an unDJ HED was on deck manning the ones and twos, speakable violation of human decency, respect, and of spinning some old and new school tracks to the delight of the privacy rights of the victims and their families.” all in attendance.

Adai Lamar, Program Host, KJLH, 102.3FM, Radio He called for those who shared the photos to “face Free, served as Mistress of Ceremony. Councilmember the harshest possible discipline, and that their identities Marqueece Harris-Dawson, 8th District gave a brief be brought to light, to ensure that the photos are not overview of the project and thanked the community further disseminated.”

Rapper “Problem,”-Jason L. Martin, Jimmy Jean Louis, Terrace Martin, Issa Rae and Councilmember Marpartners, stakeholders, event sponsors SEIU, Wells Fargo The Times also reported on Friday that the Sherand Crenshaw Business Owners, Dawah Bookshop, queece Harris-Dawson, 8th District (Ricky Richardson Photo) iff’s Department quietly ordered deputies to delete any Dulan’s Soul Food, Crenshaw Yoga & Dance, Hartford at the event. community’s journey. The “IMPROVISATION” node is photos of the helicopter crash scene after a citizen comBuilders, Ken’s Wireless, LA Sentinel Newspaper, Mothers Several activation booths engaged and informed the a nod to the late great rapper, entrepreneur, and Visionary plained that a deputy was showing the gruesome images in Action and Vergees’s Palace de Bella Donna.

Supervsn Studies x Destination Crenshaw Capsule, Nipsey Hussle. This location at Crenshaw Boulevard and at a Norwalk, California, bar, two public safety sources Rene Fisher-Mims and SHINE MAWUSI and crowd: Super Mall by We Love Leimert, KAOS Network, Slauson Avenue, celebrates resourcefulness as the positive LA Commons Puppeteers lead a procession with Sankofa with knowledge of the events said. from South L.A., Academix Beat Lab and outcome of struggle.

Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, 8th District, Greetings “FIRST”54th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard Bootcamp by Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters VIP’s, community partners and stakeholders to the location & 2nd Call. celebrates first person stories of significant moments and of the confetti-filled ground breaking celebration. historical first that impacted the personal to the political, Community advisory council and a team of architects Entertainment was provided by a stellar line-up of Los Perkins & Will came up with the overarching theme from local to international.

Angeles based artists with a global fan base. The musicians from “DREAMS”- 50th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard Destination Crenshaw Project: Grow Where You Are consisted of Destination Crenshaw Marching Band,Terrace for The theme allows for exploration of the different celebrates the realm of daydreamers, the ephemeral, the Martin, Alex Isley, Malaya, Six Sev, LA Commons and Lula Planted. shaping the community’s past, present and future.

Washington Dance Theatre. Issa Rae was a Special Guest threads Four nodes will anchor key elements of the Continued on page A6

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Destination Crenshaw Ground Breaking Project

30-Year-Old Cellphone Tech Genius Continues to Astound While Building an Empire and Helping Others at the Same Time.

Abandoned at birth, Freddie Figgers has figured out how to improve cellphone technology with new wireless conductor invention.

By Curtis Bunn Urban News Service A Division of Zenger Freddie Figgers’ improbable journey to a selftaught technology wizard began beside a trash dumpster.

Abandoned at birth near Daytona Beach, Florida, he was adopted by a senior citizen couple, made a computer his best friend when he was 8 and created his first invention when he was 16.

Cousin Sarah Figgers has not been surprised by his feats. “I could tell he was going to be something (as a child), be someone,” she said.

She was impressed by his fixation with a broken-down PC his father had purchased but blown away when he dismantled and fixed it.

“He was quiet,” she said, “off into his own world. . .

There was something about him.”

Something, indeed. Figgers grew into an inventor, computer programmer and software engineer who is the youngest American to hold a Federal Communications Commission license and the only African American to own a cellphone company, Figgers Wireless, which services nearly a million customers in more than 80 countries.

If that’s not enough, Figgers, 30, plans to change the telecommunications game. He created a Wireless Inductive Charger, a patented device that makes the traditional method of strengthening and restoring a cellphone’s battery power obsolete. It begins wirelessly charging when it enters a room equipped with an inductive charger—the way a phone automatically reconnects with WiFi. “As soon as the phone is in range, it will start charging,” Figgers said.

The technology will be first available to Figgers Wireless customers, whose phones are equipped with a chip that can link to the inductive charger. He expects the Federal Communications Commission to grant final approval to begin production near the end of 2020.

“The excitement is there,” Figgers Communications chief operating officer Germain Bebe said. “The product sells itself. When you look at the world, the better energy is distributed, the better products you have. We’re looking at this being a game-changer, using energy.”

Figgers’ company is valued at $62.3 million, which isn’t bad for someone who dropped out of college after one year. It was too limiting. “You can’t explore that innovative mind working a 9 to 5,” he said.

His company manufactures his phones and provides

Freddie Figgers. (Courtesy Photo)

cellular, mobile broadband and landline phones—and international services around the world.

And it all started with that computer his father bought to give him something to do.

“With the way my life started, it was hard to make friends,” Figgers said. “My best friend was that computer.”

When he was a teenager, “I wanted to be an innovator, an open thinker who builds new technology,” he said.

Figgers started with his father, Nathan Figgers, who

developed Alzheimer’s and would leave the home and not remember how to get back. Unwilling to commit him to an assisted-living facility, Freddie installed a GPS tracker with a two-way communicator in his dad’s shoes. He could find him anywhere and speak to him through the sneakers if he walked away from home.

The budding genius was 16.

Nathan, who passed in 2014, and his wife Betty, 95, not only gave him a home; they nurtured the kid’s imagination and allowed him to flourish.

“He received a lot of love from his parents. A respectable child,” Sarah Figgers said. “And his parents’ eyes lit up every time they talked about him.”

Figgers sold that tracking device a year later to a company in Kansas for $2.1 million and built cellphone towers in places where reception was poor or nonexistent, like rural West Virginia, Montana and North Dakota.

It was an arduous road to get there, though. By his count, it took 196 meetings over four years with FCC examiners. He paid exorbitant application fees before finally getting approved just when his pockets were almost empty.

“I was in D.C., down to my last $30,” Figgers said.

“I was almost bankrupt before I could really get started.”

“Age and race” played a role in his struggle, he added.

“I was young and black. There were so many roadblocks. It was a challenge. I could tell when they wanted to insult my intelligence with obstacles.”

Bebe said persistence is of one of Figgers’ attributes.

“He is an aggressive and driven person,” he said. “It’s 24 hours for him. He’s motivated and he doesn’t look at it as work.”

Figgers’ mission includes a charitable arm, the Figgers Foundation, which collects 20 percent of the company’s profits.

The foundation distributes 28 college scholarships to African American males every year. It assists women with breast cancer. And it has protected girls from sex trafficking in northern Zambia, among other deeds.

“My parents did not tell me one time that I wasn’t their child,” Figgers said. “They were special. They were older and they taught me old-school values. I have a passion for helping.”

“When I’m not working, I’m sitting back and thinking about the next thing,” he said. “I’m thinking, ‘What can I do to make the world better?’”

Bobcat Re Bryant’sA Widow cove fterby Being Hi ‘Devastated’ Police Car Report Deputies Shared Photos

44 African American Graves Found Under Florida Parking Lot

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) – A private archaeology firm says it has discovered what appear to be about 44 graves from a long-forgotten African American cemetery under a Florida parking lot.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that the firm, Cardno, used ground-penetrating radar to find the suspected graves. The firm was hired by the city of Clearwater and the Pinellas County School Board to conduct the search.

The school district owns the parking lot. Cardno also reported additional graves may exist under a nearby school district building.

The discovery is the third since August in which archaeologists have discovered lost African American graves in the Tampa Bay region. In the latest find, officials say the original cemetery was moved in 1954 but that some graves were left behind.

Officials say Cardno will get permission to validate the radar’s findings by digging just close enough to the graves to confirm their existence without touching them.

Additional findings are expected by the end of March. After that, community meetings will be held to discuss what to do.

White Man Who Threatened Black Teen on Bike Gets Probation GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) – A 65-year-old white man who threatened to shoot a 14-year-old African American boy who rode his bicycle in front of the man’s Gresham home has been sentenced to three years of probation and anger management or diversity-sensitivity training.

Michael James Black went to trial earlier this month before Multnomah County Circuit Judge Steffan Alexander, who found him found guilty of menacing and second-degree intimidation, which is a hate crime, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.

Black had been sitting in a lawn chair when the teen rode by, according to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. Black told the boy he was on private property and yelled a racist slur at him, prosecutors said.

Black then yelled: “I’ll blow your head off,” according to the District Attorney’s Office. Black then went inside, prompting the boy to rush home out of fear the man was going to come out with a gun.

The 14-year-old was heading home from school last May 10 with two friends and riding ahead of them, then circling his bike around as he waited for them to catch up, according to a probable cause affidavit.

As part of his sentence, Black must write an apology letter to the teen, complete 150 hours of community service and refrain from possessing weapons.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Black apologized in court Thursday to the teenager’s mother, who talked about how the crime had affected her son, family and community.

A2

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

World & Nation

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Biden: ‘Black Vote Will Determine the Nominee’

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent A sincere and open former Vice President Joe Biden spoke candidly to the Black Press during an interview Tuesday with Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

The interview was broadcast live from The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina.

Biden and Chavis were joined by publishers and leaders from the Black Press of America.

The Democrat, who famously hails from Delaware, laid out an aggressive agenda that he said would undo the severe damage President Trump has inflicted upon communities of color and the poor.

“I come from a state where we have the eighth-largest Black population in America, and we have a lot in common with South Carolina in a sense that we were part of Brown v. Board of Education,” Biden told Chavis during the 45-minute discussion.

“I got started in the African American community. I got involved in the Civil Rights Movement when I was a kid. I helped de-segregate a movie theater, that kind of thing,” Biden noted. “I was the only guy who worked in the projects on the East Side who was White. That’s how I got started, and the Black community is the community that, as we say, brung me to the dance. That’s how I got elected.”

Biden opined that the Black vote would likely determine the next president.

“It’s going to be the determining factor in who the nominee is going to be, and I hope that means who the next president is going to be,” Biden pronounced.

He added that the Black Press serves a vital role in the political process.’

“The Black Press is the way I did my politics. You go where people are,” he stated. “You walk into a Black barbershop or beauty salon, and your newspaper was there. It’s who we are. The neighborhood we come from. It’s incredibly important; you’re incredibly important. I never had the money, but any ads that I’ve ever purchased has only been in Black newspapers because it’s the single best way for people to get access to what I say and what I really mean.”

Biden served as vice president for eight years under President Barack Obama.

As president, Biden pledges to invest $640 billion over ten years to ensure everyone has access to affordable and stable housing and says that he would hold financial institutions accountable for discriminatory practices in the housing market.

A Biden administration would implement policies that would require communities that receive specific federal funding to proactively examine housing patterns and identify and address policies that discriminate.

“Americans lack quality, affordable housing. Communities of color are disproportionately impacted by the failures in our housing markets, with homeownership rates for Black and Latinos falling far below the rate for White people,” Biden stated.

“This is how poor White folks are able to build equity: They get into a home and build equity,” Biden stated.

Further, Biden said redlining must be stopped, “I’m against redlining. It’s wrong,” and adding that he plans to eliminate local and state housing regulations that perpetuate discrimination.

The former vice president noted that, as president, he would help families buy their first home and build wealth by creating a new refundable, advanceable tax credit of up to $15,000.

He said this would help offset the cost of buying a home and assist millions of families who are seeking to lay down roots for the very first time.

Biden will immediately move to undo many of Trump’s executive orders, including the current adminis-

NNPA EXCLUSIVE!

The former vice president noted that, as president, he would help families buy their first home and build wealth by creating a new refundable, advanceable tax credit of up to $15,000. Watch the full interview using your “Observer Interactive” App!

tration’s cuts to social services.

“It’s immoral,” Biden stated. “Look what this president has done. Cut $1 billion from all social safety nets, reduced Medicaid and food stamps.”

He said access to affordable health care is paramount and would be a primary goal of a Biden administration.

Without affordable health insurance, Biden said every community is put in jeopardy, particularly the African American community.

“When we passed the Affordable Care Act, everyone was able to get coverage. We made sure we had 20 million

covered who never had coverage before, and that really impacted the African American community,” Biden noted.

He continued that a Biden Plan would ensure that gold level health insurance plans would be available to more Americans by making sure everyone pays Capital Gains Tax at the appropriate rate.

“Even Republican voters are going to support that. We will cover everybody, reduce drug prices, and reduce waiting times,” he said.

Health care is also personal for the Biden family, he noted.

“I’ve been a significant consumer of healthcare,” he

said, noting that his first wife and a daughter were killed in an automobile accident. Years later, Biden’s son, Beau, would die of brain cancer.

“I know what it’s like. My son was dying... I will make sure that no insurance company can say ‘suffer in peace, you’ve run out of coverage.’ I guarantee you, I will treat your health care as if it were my own family. I had enormous help and I think of all the people who got up and put one foot in front of the other. They deserve the help.

This is personal.”

mogenous some of those spaces were in terms of race, with a significant dearth of people of color engaged in these discussions. We juxtaposed this against what we knew to be true: Communities of color and low-income communities are more likely to be in sick buildings, whether it’s mold, lead, asbestos, or radon. We are more likely to be in the least energy-efficient buildings, and that is reflected in the fact that we pay the highest proportion of our income for electricity. And we are more likely to be in the least disaster-resilient buildings, with homes in floodplains or without reinforcement.

That’s why the NAACP recently launched the Centering Equity in the Sustainable Building Sector (CESBS) Initiative, pushing forward civil rights in this critical (if unexpected) new sphere. The NAACP will define and articulate an agenda for an equitable green building sector, using its Baltimore headquarters as a living laboratory for this concept. Through this effort, the NAACP will develop a replicable model for centering equity in all aspects of sustainable, healthy, safe, and regenerative buildings.

So, what would an equitable green building sector look like? It would advance community-wide transition, not just a few green buildings in isolation. Sustainability would be seen as a basic necessity – not a luxury item -- in any building project. Low-income communities, communities of color, and women would be at the heart of a better building industry, supported by more inclusive education and professional development pathways. Sustainability investments would prioritize the most impacted communities. And underrepresented communities would be deeply engaged in planning and design, because “shaping the environment is best done by the people who live in it,” according to Professor Dale Glenwood Green of Morgan State University.

Some communities and organizations are getting it right and helping us imagine what is possible. For example, the Mental Health Center of Denver, Colorado planned to

build a new, green campus in the predominantly African American and low-income Northeast Park Hill community. The Center sought input from neighbors to shape the design and function of the four-acre property. As a result, the Dahlia Campus for Health and Well-Being now offers a comprehensive array of services in addition to mental health care: a preschool that is inclusive of students regardless of ability; a pediatric dental clinic; an urban farm, teaching kitchen, and farmers’ market; and a variety of indoor and outdoor community spaces. The campus’ sustainability and equity approaches were verified through LEED Gold certification and a tool called the SEED Evaluator.

Another model is the Green Communities Criteria (GCC) program, a framework and certification developed

by Enterprise Community Partners to bring the benefits of sustainable construction practices to low-income families and affordable housing. While this program is still in development, it has already produced 127,000 certified affordable homes through $3.9 billion in investment. Thanks to the leadership of standards like GCC, a total of 32 states have incentivized green building certification programs for affordable housing developments receiving support from the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.

Fundamentally, sustainability without equity will merely sustain inequity. The civil rights movement has a critical role to play in creating a sustainable building sector that is both green and just – for the benefit of our families, our communities, the economy, and the planet.

This op-ed is adapted from two reports released today from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Centering Equity in the Sustainable Building Sector (CESBS) Initiative. Patterson is the Senior Director of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program; Lee is the program manager for the CESBS Initiative at the NAACP.

Why “Green Buildings” are a Civil Rights Issue

By Jacqui Patterson and Mandy Lee NAACP When we decided to establish our new headquarters as a living building and began to explore what it takes to do so, we saw the problem firsthand at meetings of green building organizations. We were struck by just how homogenous some of those spaces were in terms of race, with a significant dearth of people of color engaged in these discussions. We juxtaposed this against what we knew to be true: Communities of color and low-income communities are more likely to be in sick buildings, whether it’s mold, lead, asbestos, or radon. We are more likely to be in the least energy-efficient buildings, and that is reflected in the fact that we pay the highest proportion of our income for electricity. And we are more likely to be in the least disaster-resilient buildings, with homes in floodplains or with-

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out reinforcement.

Voting rights. Segregation. Criminal justice reform.

For more than a century, the civil rights movement has taken on the inequities that divide and disfigure American society. Now the green building sector has joined the fronts of struggle for access and equity.

Why? The green building sector is transforming the places in which we live, work, and gather. Sustainable buildings, defined by certification programs like LEED, promote the health and wellbeing of building occupants while minimizing climate change and pollution. For some people.

This wave of better building practices has yet to fully reach the people suffering the most from buildings that are unsafe, unhealthy, unaffordable, and unsustainable. African Americans and other people of color disproportionately feel the burden of unsustainable buildings: energy insecurity in their homes, health problems like asthma from poor indoor air quality, and damage from worsening disasters fueled by climate change. These are enduring legacies of discriminatory practices, disinvestment, and barriers to building wealth over the generations.

What’s worse, the sustainable building sector is an insider’s club with a serious diversity problem. Whether it’s as policy makers, advocates, architects, contractors, or even in the construction workforce, the most impacted communities are underrepresented in the design and construction of sustainable buildings. For example, according to the National Organization of Minority Architects, less than two percent of registered architects are African Americans, and less than 0.4% are African American women. Green building is a huge growth industry, but communities of color are not yet positioned to fully benefit from it.

When we decided to establish our new headquarters as a living building and began to explore what it takes to do so, we saw the problem firsthand at meetings of green building organizations. We were struck by just how ho-

Ebony Power 100 List Announced

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.

The Observer Group Newspapers reserves the right to publish views an opinions that may not necessarily reflect those of the staff and management and are solely the product of the responsible individuals who submit commentaries published in these newspapers. Letters, articles and comments appearing in the Observer Newspapers reflect the opinions of the contributor and do not constitute the opinion or endorsement

by The Observer Newspapers or its staff. The Observer Group Newspapers assumes no responsibility for photographs, articles, letters, press releases and unsolicited materials. Decisions as to the editing and publishing of materials are at the discretion of the Publisher and Editors. All rights are reserved on materials accepted for publication unless otherwise specified.

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER Bakersfield News Observer Los Angeles News Observer 1219 20th St. Bakersfield, Ca 93301 Mailing Address P.O. Box 2341 Bakersfield, CA 93303 Phone (661) 324-9466 FAX. (661) 324-9472 emails- General info: observernews@gmail.com Advertising: observeradvertising@gmail.com Online: www.ognsc. com

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent What do Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Delores Tucker, Roland Martin, Gayle King, and Brent Staples have in common?

Each has been named to the Ebony Power 100 List, which annually recognizes a leader in their respective field and one whom the iconic publication’s editors said have had a positive impact on the African American community.

“They are game-changers in their respective fields and have consistently challenged the status quo,” expressed Ebony Chairman Willard Jackson.

The Ebony Power 100 recognizes individuals in several

fields and categories, including media, culture, crusaders, shining stars, and power couples.

Chavis, Tucker, Martin, King, Staples, Karen Hunter, and TJ Holmes are named in the category of Excellence in Media.

Chavis is president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade association of the nation’s more than 220 African American newspapers and media companies.

Tucker serves as president of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), an organization comprised of Black journalists, students, and media professionals whose purpose is to provide quality programs and services to and

advocate on behalf of African American media members.

Martin, the host and managing editor of the daily digital show, “Roland Martin Unfiltered,” has continued to blaze trails for African American journalists.

King, an anchor for CBS This Morning, has earned acclaim for her ability to land major interviews before any other television journalist.

Staples, who writes for the New York Times, has earned numerous journalism awards, including the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing.

Hunter has co-authored several books and hosts Sirius XM Radio’s “The Karen Hunter Show.”

Holmes, who works for ABC News, spent five years at CNN, where he anchored important news stories, including Saddam Hussein’s execution in 2006, the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India in 2008, and at Glasgow Airport in 2007.

“On behalf of the Black Press of America, I’m honored to be included on the 2020 Ebony Power 100 List,” Chavis stated.

“African Americans in many different fields continue to achieve excellence as a result of our resilience in the ongoing struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. I am proud to serve the NNPA,” he said.

Tucker, the NABJ president, said she’s humbled and honored by the recognition from Ebony. “I congratulate my colleagues who are also being recognized,” Tucker stated.

“I stand on the shoulders of so many trailblazers, including the courageous founders of NABJ. As president, I am committed to ensuring that Black journalists worldwide have their voices heard, are treated fairly, have access to the resources they need, always have a seat at the table – and can own that table, if they choose,” Tucker said.

Ebony Power 100 includes singer John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen; football star Russell Wilson and his wife, Ciara; singer H.E.R., radio personality Charlamagne Tha God, hip-hop superstar Jay-Z; NAACP President Derrick Johnson; Tennis champion Coco Gauff, and Olympic Champion Simone Biles.

Scan over this stories photo using your “Observer Interactive” App to view the full list of the 2020 Ebony Power 100.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A3

Features

California Black News Brief: Stories to Watch

By California Black Media Staff

us know what you need.”

Black Expert Will Lead Community Education Push That Could be Statewide Model Cherina Betters has been named chief of Equity and

Like an “Uncle” to So Many, James Sweeney, Businessman and Attorney, Dies Sacramento-based attorney, businessman and activist

James Sweeney, who was an avuncular and towering African-American figure in California political and social circles, has passed.

Politicians, businesspeople, media leaders, activists and others up and down the state remember him with fondness for his influential and inspirational presence in their lives. Consistently offering sound advice, they say, always giving them his unconditional support, kind words of encouragement and occasionally sharing dry “uncle” jokes.

Sweeney, who served as the regional Vice President of the Sacramento Black American Political Action Committee (BAPAC), died on Feb. 28.

His family has not released information on arrangements.

“He will truly be missed,” said Rory Kaufman, President of BAPAC, the largest African political fundraising organization in the state. “A Black man of vision, courage and insight. He stood for us and he fought with us.”

Before his role at BAPAC, Sweeney worked as Legislative Liaison to the California Office on Aging. He also ran his own consulting group called Sweeney and Associates.

He was the Managing General Partner.

“James Sweeney’s leadership and wisdom will be missed,” said Betty Williams, President of the Sacramento Chapter of the NAACP. Throughout his career, Sweeney has been involved in a number of business investments across the state, and has worked in several political capacities, including the Berkeley City Council and the state Council on Mentally Ill Offenders (COMIO). He has served COMIO under four governors: Newsom, Brown, Schwarzenegger and Davis.

Sweeney attended San Bernardino high school in the Inland Empire, east of Los Angeles, where he was a basketball star.

He later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in three majors (Political Science, Black Studies and Sociology) from the University of California Riverside. He earned his law degree at the Humphreys School of Law in Stockton.

“This is sad news for our community,” said Kendra Lewis, vice chair of the California Democratic Party African American Caucus (CDPAAC).

Sweeney was a quiet force in California politics. Often working behind the scenes, he was instrumental in setting up a minimum security juvenile detention facility for children in California named after him (Camp Sweeney). He also worked on California divesting from the African nation of Sudan because of war crimes the Arab government committed against Black citizens in the country’s Darfur region.

“In true Sweeney fashion,” Lewis said the last time she saw her “mentor,” he told her, “You have our support. Let

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF EARL L. REAMS CASE NUMBER: 20AVPB00052 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of EARL L. REAMS A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MYRTICE BRUTON in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES 42011 4th Street West Lancaster, Ca. 93534 Branch Name: Micheal Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that MYRTICE BRUTON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: Apr 30, 2020 Time: 10:30 a.m. Dept: A12 Room: located at 42011 4th Street West Lancaster, Ca. 93534 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a

Access for San Bernardino County Schools. In her new position, she will represent 33 school districts and more than 400,000 students.

Her new duties will include, “working to forge strong relationships with parents and community members, as well as serving as the equity lead to promote positive learning outcomes for all students,” according to the San Bernardino County School Superintendent’s office.

She starts her new job — a role some education stakeholders hope would be elevated to a statewide model for California — on April 13.

Los Angeles, San Diego and neighboring Riverside Counties all have similar programs that involve engaging parents, students and parents to become part of an engaged and supportive network that contributes to improving the academic success of all students.

Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, has begun assessing those programs, too.

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre is confident that Betters will succeed in her new role.

“Betters has extensive experience in our region in supporting students, schools and districts in the areas of equity and access,” Alejandre said. “With our office, she will lead efforts to close achievement, equity and opportunity disparities among student groups — with attention to cultural, racial, language and socio-economic differences.”

Betters has a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Social Justice from California State University, San Bernardino, and previously worked for the San Jacinto Unified School District and Yucaipa-Calimesa Unified School District.

At Cal State, San Bernardino, ‘Betters was named Outstanding Doctoral Student” and defended her dissertation titled, “Bridge Over Troubled Water: Creating an Ecology of Transformative Care for Students At Risk of their Promise.”

Betters appointment to serve as a liaison between the

Cherina Betters (Courtesy Photo)

school district and community comes at a time when California is trying to find ways to close a troubling achievement gap between White Students and their Black and Latino counterparts.

Hardy Brown, former president of the San Bernardino County School board, says he’s excited that policy makers in Sacramento and school districts across the state are studying the model and weighing its merits.

“The Superintendent and San Bernardino County board is proud to continue growing the impact on our cradle to career roadmap by targeting equity and the success of all students,” said Brown.

In San Bernardino County, African Americans make up about 9 percent of the population and live in some of the most underserved census tracts. Among Blacks, both the poverty rate (25.7 percent) and the unemployment rate (14.3 percent) are well above the state averages.

Only 21 percent of African American adults are college-educated.

Brown says the board has been working with the county’s African American task force to find practical solutions for helping Black kids improve their test scores and academic performance.

“This just adds to the research we’ve been doing around these issues,” says Brown.

PUBLIC NOTICE

contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within four months from the date of first issuance of letters as provided on Probate Code section 9100. The time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. IF you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (for DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate code section 1250. A request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: William Edwards 237587 168 H Street Bakersfield, Ca. 93304 Telephone: (661) 324-0111 Fax: (661) 326-8984 E-Mail: weejlaw@yahoo.com

SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES ST THE END IOF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014, THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTITY FORM. This statement expires on Jan 31, 2025 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Feb 27, Mar 5, 12, 19, 2020

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020026232 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: IMAGO DEI at 9521 5th Ave., Inglewood, Ca. 90305 Mailing Address: Same County: LA REGISTERED OWNERS(S): DOMONIQUE DENE REDMOND, 9521 5th Ave., Inglewood, Ca. 90305 The business is conducted by: an Individual SIGNED: DOMONIQUE DENE REDMOND, Owner The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on: Jan 31, 2020 DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk By: CATRICE DANIELS, Deputy NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH

the COVID-19 virus and about 8,700 people across the state, who may have been exposed to the Coronavirus, are self-quarantined.

This weekend, doctors diagnosed three new cases of the virus in Santa Clara county, bringing the total number of people with infections in that part of the state to seven.

Alameda county declared a state of emergency after the first person was diagnosed there last week.

“The availability to test at California’s public health laboratories is a significant step forward in our ability to respond rapidly to this evolving situation,” said Sonia Angell, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). “We face the likelihood of community transmission here in California.”

Angell announced new testing labs in Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego, Tulare, Santa Clara, Alameda, Orange and Contra Costa counties.

Residents in the Bay Area and Los Angeles are stocking up on food and supplies, preparing for the worst, as stores in those large metropolitan areas sell out of essentials like hand sanitizers.

Major airlines have cancelled flights to cities in affected countries in Asia and Europe, including China, Japan, Singapore, Korea and Italy. And a number of California tech companies, including Facebook and Microsoft, canceled plans to participate in a game developers conference in San Francisco scheduled for mid-March.

Last Thursday, Gov. Newsom said there is no need to declare a state of emergency right now in California because of the Coronavirus.

But he did say he was working with the feds to expand testing in California and ship more testing kits to the state.

“We’re meeting this moment,” Newsom said in a press conference. “We have been in constant contact with federal agencies. We have history and expertise in this space. We

tions Associate Director Monica Vaca.

She gave details on some of the most frequently reported scams of the last year.

“Every year, the FTC releases reports, including the top scams plaguing the country,” she said. “The data also highlights fraud trends by geographic region and spotlights new patterns and strategies used by scammers.”

Vaca divided the top scams into three categories: most frequently reported cases, highest total sum of money lost and highest individual monetary loss.

She identified imposter scams as the most frequently reported swindle with over 62,000 cases in California.

Nationwide, imposter scams accounted for a $667 million loss.

“These scams are definitely trending, they are on the rise,” Vaca said. “And these are people who pretended to be a government agency, a well known business, a romantic interest or even a family member.”

Vaca also mentioned that scammers will sometimes pose as technical support and ask for sensitive information regarding personal accounts that can be accessed digitally.

According to Vaca, the FTC saw a 52 percent increase in government imposter fraud cases in 2019, in comparison to reports in 2018, which she claimed were driven by an often used over-the-phone social security imposter scam.

The most frequent payment method for scams in this category were gift cards, according to the FTC. Vaca asserted that the only way people should be using gift cards is for gifts and not payment, adding that any requests for a gift card payment is a red flag.

(CBM Courtesy Photo)

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (WE) PUB: Feb 27, Mar 5, 12, 2020 �������������������������������

Coronavirus Hits California: The Threat of an Epidemic Disrupts Life So far, 37 people in California have tested positive for

������������������������������� SUMMONS DOCKET NO: FM-19-160-20 SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY CHANCERY DIVISION: FAMILY PART SUSSEX COUNTY DOCKET NO: FM-19-160-20, YOUHYUN EMMA LEE V. SUNGHYUN NAM FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY TO THE DEFENDANT IN DIVORCE ACTION: SUNGHYUN NAM, HUSBAND OF PLAINTIFF; DATE OF BIRTH: 01/27/1992, WHOSE LAST KNOWN ADDRESS IN THE UNITED STATES IS 770 S. GRAND AVENUE, Apt. 7044, Los Angeles, California 90017. PLAINTIFF’S NAME IS YOUHYUN EMMA LEE. FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO THE ABOVE NAME DEFENDANT: SUNGHYUN NAM YOU ARE HEARBY SUMMONED in a civil Action in the Superior Court of New Jersey, instituted by the above named Plaintiff and required to serve upon the attorney for the Plainiff, Song Law Firm, LLC. whose address is 400 Kelby Street 19th Floor Fort Lee NewJersey 07024, either (1) an Answer to the Complaint (“the Complaint”) filed in a family action, chancery division, in which YOUHYUN EMMA LEE is the Plaintiff and SUNGHYUN NAM is the Defendant, pending in Superior Court of New Jersey in accordance with R. 5:4-3(a), or (2) a written general Appearance in accordance with

are not overreacting, but nor are we underreacting to the understandable anxiety that many people have as it relates to this novel virus.”

In the United States, there have been two confirmed deaths and a total of 88 cases.

Worldwide, more than 88,000 people have contracted the virus. The total global death toll has now passed 3,000.

Across California, Coronavirus cases have been reported in Solano, Alameda, Humboldt, San Benito, Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Sacramento, Orange and San Diego counties.

Federal Trade Commission: California Is Scam Capital, USA? California has been recognized for a concerning new

distinction: We are the capital of scams.

In 2019, consumers across the United States filed 1.7 million fraud reports, adding up to a total loss of $1.9 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Although California accounts for about 12 percent of the total US population, 14 percent of the fraud cases originated in our state last year. Californians reported well over 243,000 fraud cases, according to the FTC’s official website.

Last Thursday, the FTC and Ethnic Media Services joined forces to highlight the top scams of 2019 during a telebriefing. California Black Media participated in the conference led by FTC Consumer Response and Opera-

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

R:4-3(a), within 35 days from the date of this publication, not counting the date of this publication. The cose to file an answer is $175.00. If you fail to Answer, or fail to file a general aAppearance in accordance with R.5: 4-3 (a), judgement by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

You shall promptly file your Answer or your general Appearance and proof of service thereof in duplicate with the Deputy Clerk of the Super Court, Sussex County, New Jersey, in accorance with therulesof civil practice and procedure. (A directory of the addresses of each deputy clerk of the addresses of each deputy clerk of the Superior Court is available in the Civil Division Management Office in the County listed above and online at http://www.judiciary. statenj.us/ prose/10153_deputyclerklawref.pdf.

A filing fee payable to the Tresurer, State of New Jersey must accompany your answer or motion when it is filed. Youmust also send a copy of your answer or general appearance to plainiff’s attorney whose name and address appear above, or to plaintiff, if no attorney is named above. A telephone call will not protect your rights; you must file and serve a written answer or motion (with fee of $175.00) if you want the court to hear your defense.

If you cannot afford an attoney, you may call the Legal Services office in the county where you live or the Legal Services of New Jersey Statewide Hotline at 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1888-576-5529). If you do not have an attorney and are not eligible for free legal assistance, you may obtain a referralto an attorney by calling one of the Lawyer Referral Services.

A directory with contact information for local Legal Services Offices and Lawyer Referral Services is available in the Civil Division Management Office in the county listed above and online at http://www.njcourts.gov/ forms/10153_deptyclerklawref.pdf.

DATED: February 27, 2020 Michelle M. Smith, Esq. /s/ Michelle M. Smith Clerk of the Superior Court LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 5, 2020 �������������������������������

As for the second category, Vaca identified romance scams as the costliest fraud tactic in 2019 with $201 million in monetary losses last year.

“That number has grown really steadily since 2015,” Vaca said. “Romance scams were six times more costly in 2019 than they were in 2015.”

Lastly, the greatest individual loss category, meaning the largest dollar amount lost by one person at a time, were counterfeit check scams.

What is perhaps the most troubling bit of context for this scam is that those who fall victim are often attempting to find legitimate work or provide a legitimate service.

“I’m pausing here to talk about this a little bit more because we are seeing people in their 20s are reporting this at twice the rate as people 30 or older and because the majority of these ploys are around income opportunities, around jobs or around some kind of legitimate opportunity to make money,” Vaca said. “These are not people being greedy or saying, ‘Oh, I got some free money.’”

According to Vaca, phone calls are still the most frequently used tactic to contact possible victims for fraud.

The FTC successfully returned over $1 billion to people in the last four years nationwide, although that number accounts only for the number of FTC checks that were cashed. According to Vaca, many checks that were sent to fraud victims were not cashed.

California residents cashed over $151 million of that national total last year.

Vaca stated that the reason not every fraud victim reports their experience is because of a sense of pride.

“People are more likely to avoid losing money if they talk to just one person while the scam is in progress.” Vaca said. “It’s not just the people you think who fall for scams, anyone could fall for a scam.”

The Jackson Five

A4

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Entertainment

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Motown’s Celebrated Icons Started Churning Out Hits in 1965

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Fifty-five years ago, music changed forever.

In 1965, pop music’s most celebrated and dynamic dynasty was born when five brothers from Gary, Indiana formed The Jackson 5.

With hits like “I’ll Be There,” “The Love You Save” and “I Want You Back,” the brothers Jackson took the world by storm. Their trailblazing act set the stage for music’s single most influential artist — the King of Pop: Michael Jackson.

While the Jackson 5 never won a Grammy, Michael would eventually dominate all awards and shatter every record known to music.

With hits too numerous to recite and including “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Bad,” and “Man in the Mirror,” Michael’s solo accomplishments remain unchallenged, for he was not only idolized by fans but considered a star among all other celebrities.

To put in perspective, the praise heaped upon Michael, think Beyoncé and add 100 times or more to that.

However, it should not be mistaken, whatever the Jackson 5 — who were later rebranded as The Jacksons — lacked in awards, they more than made up for it in record sales and concert receipts.

As far as talent, it wasn’t all Michael.

On stage, Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, and even Randy proved as talented as any pop star. That’s far from hyperbole. Anyone who shared the stage with Michael that often —and more than held their own — had to possess similar talent.

The only thing better than a Michael Jackson concert was a show featuring Michael AND his brothers.

“Nobody worked harder than Michael,” family patriarch, the late Joseph Jackson, once told this reporter. “But nobody except my boys could run with him,” Jackson stated.

Jermaine, perhaps the best-known group member not named Michael, also was ticketed for superstardom. It was no mistake that Jermaine was seen as the glue to hold the brothers together.

He also possessed a string of hits including, “Let’s Get Serious,” “Dynamite,” and “When the Rain Begins to Fall.”

Tito would go on to front a Blues band, while Jackie found success producing other artists.

The Jackson Five earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, while Michael was inducted as a solo artist four years later.

Michael Jackson died in 2009, but his music continues to top the charts routinely.

Michael’s legacy has eclipsed Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and all other superstars. His estate continues to rake in hundreds of millions of dollars each year, and fans are as loyal as ever.

The Jacksons have since resumed touring, wowing a new generation of fans, and remains a top concert draw.

“There was always magic in Michael and something special in all of them,” Motown Records founder Berry Gordy stated.

Stated Motown Legend Stevie Wonder: “There will never be another Michael nor another Jackson Five.”

In 1965, pop music’s most celebrated and dynamic dynasty was born when five brothers from Gary, Indiana formed The Jackson 5. (Publicity photo of the Jackson 5 from their 1972 television special. / CBS Television / Wikimedia Commons)

Lemoyne Alexander’s “Solitude” Lemoyne Alexander Letter to the Editor Isotopia artist and Chicagoan Lemoyne Alexander has worn many hats as a hip-hop and R & B producer, singer and now a rock guitarist. His latest album: “Solitude” is dedicated to his father. His dad, Smitty was a session musician (drummer) at the legendary Chess Studios during the 50’s and 60’s. Here is Lemoyne’s musical Black History memory about his dad.

Growing up with my father was truly an experience… watching him sing and play percussion had a major influence on me. Smitty was a perfectionist at everything and always believed practice makes perfect! He saw something in me at an early age that I didn’t see for a long time. I was the typical teenager interested in fun and games and he was always serious, but I respected him and his drive to succeed.

My dad recognized my talent he was there for me front line and center. He taught me how to sing and use my vocal cords, and to develop a love and affection for music that I appreciate to this day. I was exposed to the music of all types from Count Basie, Wes Montgomery to Earth, Wind and Fire. He was my true teacher in life and never backed down from anything or anyone! Dad always thought before he spoke and always made me look him in his eyes when we talked. He was a man’s man and I try to live by that creed on a daily basis. I learned from him how to be myself

as a person as well as a musician. He knew as a youngster I would someday be an incredible guitar player and singer someday. When we performed, he would be there playing percussion right on stage with my band!

When Smitty was a young man he was a cab driver in Chicago. Chess Records would often call him in as a session drummer. On one particular night, he was writing a song by himself in the studio, recorded the song and left it out on the music stand. The next day a major R & B singer would hear the song. Of course, no one knew it was him and no one knew who wrote the tune. According to Smitty, this singer claimed he penned the song, recorded the song and it was a giant hit! This crushed him deeply because he never saw a dime from the record. That experience taught him an invaluable lesson; he learned that he had to protect his intellectual property and he was adamant about this with me. He strongly believed he could protect me in the music business. He started his own publishing and record company and signed me and my brothers. I don’t ever remember my father admiring anyone but God. However, he did admire Maurice White, he thought he was brilliant. He was personal friends with The Chi-Lites and befriended a smooth singer I still like today: Walter Jackson. I loved to watch the two of them work together, Walter was a huge R&B recording artist and became a member of the family. He would visit the house often and

listen to my dad’s advice on music and life.

My dad believed I would become a musical talent over time. It became evident to him by me demonstrating my musicianship in all the bands that I played in. He saw my leadership develop under his tutelage. Although, I didn’t recognize my abilities and I did not even want to be a musical leader.

As I grew into my sound it became a monster and he just watched it progress and flourish. Before long he began listening to me and I began to teach him. As he watched me teach others and he would give me a smile and a thumbs up and that let me know I was doing something right! He

was a man that did not express a lot of emotions. Yet, he showed me how proud he was of me. As I grew in my musicianship, he would listen to how I would produce other artists and tell me “it’s good but you need to sing again.”

As time passed, he got older. He became sick and his dying wish was to see me back in the studio doing what he taught me. I began to put aside being a producer and my own creativity emerged ... when I found myself, he was profoundly satisfied before making his transition. Dad knew once I got started, I wouldn’t stop until I was finished and that translated into the album SOLITUDE - Thanks, SMITTY for your love and a life of music.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Sports

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A5

Lebron James Named NBA Western Conference Player Of The Month EL SEGUNDO – Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has been named NBA Western Conference Player of the Month for games played in February, it was announced today.

James averaged 26.0 points (.497 FG%), 8.1 rebounds and 10.1 assists while leading the Lakers to a 9-2 record in February. In 10 games, James tallied 10 double-digit scoring performances, including six games with 20+ points, four games with 30+ and a season-high 40 points once, his first 40-point outing since Dec. 5, 2018. Los Angeles boasts a perfect 19-0 record when James notches at least 30 points this season. He recorded double-digit assists in five games and finished the month with five double-doubles, including two triple-doubles.

For the season, James is averaging 25.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, a career-best 10.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 34.9 minutes per game while the Lakers continue to own the best record in the Western Conference.

In February, he moved to fifth place on the NBA’s alltime free throws made list and became just the 13th player in NBA history with at least 2,000 steals.

The league leader in total assists, assists per game, double-digit assist games and triple-doubles, James earns his NBA-record 40th career monthly award. He becomes the first Lakers player to earn the award in consecutive months since Kobe Bryant in December 2008 and January 2009.

LeBron James (Photo courtesy of NBA, Facebook)

LeBron James finishing with authority off a nice pass from Alex Caruso. (Photo Credit: @clutchclipshoop)

NBA to Players: Avoid High-Fives as the Corona Virus Concern Grows

By TIM REYNOLDS AP News MIAMI (AP) — The NBA has told players to avoid high-fiving fans and strangers and avoid taking any item for autographs, the league’s latest response in its ongoing monitoring of the coronavirus crisis that has spread to most corners of the planet.

The league, in a memo sent to teams on Sunday and obtained Monday by The Associated Press, offered 10 recommendations to players with hopes of decreasing risks of getting the virus — among them, not taking items such as pens, markers, balls and jerseys from autograph seekers.

The NBA also told teams that it is consulting “with infectious disease experts, including the Centers for Disease Control” and infectious disease researchers at Columbia University in New York.

“We are also in regular communication with each other, NBA teams including team physicians and athletic trainers, other professional sports leagues, and of course, many of you,” the league wrote in its memo to teams, their physicians and athletic training staffs. ESPN first reported on the contents of the memo.

Some players are already heeding the advice.

“Corona,” Bobby Portis of the New York Knicks said as he offered some fist-bump greetings on Monday night before his team faced the Houston Rockets.

Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat said he wasn’t necessarily worried or thinking about avoiding high-fives.

“I don’t think about any of that,” Butler said. “I’m still going to be who I am. We’re still going to be who we are.”

Portland guard CJ McCollum said in a tweet on Saturday that he is taking the matter seriously, saying he

is “officially taking a break from signing autographs until further notice.”

“You just have to be careful,” McCollum said Monday night in Orlando. “”Obviously it’s affecting people, especially people who are displaying weaker immune systems and people over 60. You’ve got to check yourself and wash your hands, try to reduce contact with outsiders and outside germs.”

McCollum has tweeted or retweeted several virusrelated posts in the last couple days.

“The coronavirus remains a situation with the potential to change rapidly — the NBA and the Players Association will continue to work with leading experts and team physicians to provide up-to-date information and recommended practices that should be followed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” the league said in the memo.

Many of the tips offered by the NBA fell under common-sense level of best practices when it comes to illness prevention: avoiding contact with people who are sick, staying home when feeling ill, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces. The league also suggested players make sure they “are up to date with all routine vaccinations, including the flu vaccine.”

The worldwide death toll topped 3,000 on Monday, and the number of those infected rose to about 89,000 in 70 countries on every continent but Antarctica. In the U.S., the virus has been blamed for six deaths, all in Washington state.

“Containment is feasible and must remain the top priority for all countries,” World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers uring the first half of the NBA All-Star basketball game Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Huh)

Is there a competition for the NBA Rookie of the Year?

Ja Morant leaps over the competition for NBA Rookie of the Year. (Photo Credit to The Daily Memphian)

By Cameron Buford whatsgoodinsports.com The health of the National Basketball League has never been better. Once Michael Jordon retired years ago, there was a slight lull in the excitement of the league. A few short years later, Kobe Bryant and Shaq teamed up

in Los Angeles to win their championships. Whether in Cleveland, Miami or Los Angeles LeBron James has been a lightning rod for hoop fans across the nation.

For a few solid years there have been serious debates on who should win the league annual Rookie of the Year award. For much of the season last year Atlanta Hawks

Guard Trae Young, Phoenix Sun’s Center Deandre Ayton and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and each had season’s worth receiving this historical recognition. Before the award was presented to the Mavericks young Guard.

Each season, a selected panel of NBA sportswriters and broadcasters place their votes for this annual award.

They each make their first, second, and third-place votes with each vote worth five points, three points, and one point, respectively. The player with the highest point total, regardless of the number of first-place votes, is awarded the Rookie of the Year award.

The first selected player in each year’s draft doesn’t always win this award or even equal long term success however twenty-one winners were drafted first overall and only sixteen winners have also won the NBA Most Valuable Player award in their careers; spectacularly, Wilt Chamberlain and Wes Unseld are the only guys to have earned both honors their inaugural season. Nineteen of the forty-two Rookie of the Year winners have been elected to the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The 2017-2018 Rookie of the Year Award race has some similarities to this year’s race, in the way that Joel Embiid was larger recognized as the most talented player in the league though injuries limited his availability and number of games he played in during the season. That being said Malcolm Brogdon, the savvy and efficient Milwaukee Bucks Guard was then named the Rookie of the Year.

An odd draft-day trade in 2018-2019 Dallas acquired Doncic as part of a draft-night trade last June that saw Young dealt to the Hawks. No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NBA draft DeAndre Ayton was a finalist for the Rookie of the Year as well. The superior talent of Doncic, 20-year-old Slovenia and his overseas professional basketball experience, set him apart from the other in that year’s competition.

Some argued that by winning EuroLeague MVP and EuroLeague Final Four MVP honors and assisting lead Real Madrid to the 2018 championship should’ve eliminated him from the Rookie of the Year competition.

Doncic did average 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists,

2.3 threes in 72 appearances for the Mavs. However, this was his first year playing basketball in the NBA so that should’ve silenced those that argued against him.

The leaders in the clubhouse for this season’s NBA Rookie of Year award is Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant and New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson. In similar fashion to the 2017-2018 race, both men have impressed this season though Zion has played significantly fewer games than the explosive Morant.

Strangely enough, the Grizzlies and Pelicans are competing for the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoff race.

Although injuries limited his availability, the former Duke standout, Zion Williamson has had the league on edge, eagerly anticipating his debut in the NBA. Having recorded 11 games of 20+ points for the Pelicans. Zion, additionally, has scored 30 plus points in 3 games through this point in the season in spectacular fashion. But only playing 15 games thus far in the season, should that make him a viable candidate for the Rookie of the Year Award.

Coming out of the little-known Murray State University, Ja Morant has been nothing less than impressive during his initial NBA campaign. Not only has he led the Memphis Grizzlies into the Western Conference playoff race, he has also played the entire season and done so exciting fashion! By averaging 17.7 points per game, 7.0 assists while shooting 49.2% throughout the season there’s little argument that the Grizzlies have elevated to this level behind his leadership.

Even though there are under 30 games to play in the season, who would you select to win the 2019-2020 NBA Rookie of the Year Award? Kindly share your thoughts with us by simply commenting in the comment section of this article on www.whatsgoodinsports.com or by following me on Twitter @whatsgoodnsport for immediate engagement.

Additionally, subscribe to our weekly “Voice of the Fans Podcast” which is available for you on most podcasting platforms, Apple and Google Podcasts including Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio. As always, we certainly appreciate you for making our voice your choice!

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THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Destination Crenshaw Ground Breaking Project Continued from page A1

seemingly impossible, and aspirations free on constraints.

“TOGETHERNESS”- 46th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard celebrates resilience of Black culture born out of togetherness that is both ancestral and an ongoing necessity.

Learn more about this exciting, historic and cultural project at www.destinationcrenshaw.la or stay connected & stay informed, follow Destination Crenshaw on all social media platforms twitter@destinationcrenshaw, instagram@destinationcrenshaw and Facebook

Destination Crenshaw to stay informed about community events, arts opportunities, and construction jobs.

Destination Crenshaw Mission: to celebrate and chronicle the 300- year history and culture of Black Los Angeles, while revitalizing the neighborhood and ultimately fostering a new economic center.

Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based music reviewer, writer and photographer. Contact him via: liltampared@netzero.net

LA Commons Puppeteers. (Ricky Richardson photo)

Destination Crenshaw Groundbreaking. (Ricky Richardson photo)

Afro-Latinx Festival at Museum of Latin American Art as Tropi Corillo entertained us with a fusion of sounds Cumbia from Colombia, Bomba from Puerto Rico and other infectious rhythms from other regions of Taino America.

Awahaya Punta Rockers lived up to its name. they rocked MOLAA’s Sculpture Garden with an electrifying set of punta that left the crowd requesting more. Erica Zuniga of the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United led the crowd in salsa lessons.

GliFoS is Los Angeles meets Inland Empire Music Project based in Pomona, California. The group their describes their sound as Vodou Funk. They performed a high-octane set of Afro-Funk, Afro-Beat heavily doused in Soul.

MOLAA partnered with local community organizations including the Long Beach Public Library, the African American Culture Center of Long Beach, and Colour Bloc Creativ for inter-active, engaging workshops and activities for the entire family. The program consisted of Cuentos y Cantos: A Bilingual Spanish Storytime, a

panel discussion: Visioning the African American Culture Center, and community zine workshops.

Artists led art workshops featured making Venezuelan Dancing Devil Masks, Colombia Molas, and more.

Visitors were in for a real treat with a buffet of Afro-Latinx inspired food and beverages that available for purchase from participating vendors including The Triple Threat Truck serving Puerto Rican street food, the Tropic Truck serving Caribbean classics, Mikhuna: Authentic Peruvian cuisine, Tender Grill: Gourmet Brazilian Kitchen, El Cielito Café, Fresca Fruit Juices, Leti’s vegan Pop-up and Border X Brewery. Artisan vendors were also on site to showcase their unique creative products for purchase.

The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the only Museum in the United States fully dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art.

MOLAA is located at 628 Alamitos Avenue in Long Beach. Visit MOLAA’s website at www.molaa.org or call (562) 437-1689 when you are ready to plan your visit.

Awahaya Punta Rockers. (Ricky Richardson photo)

By Ricky Richardson Contributing Writer Long Beach-What a time! What a time! What a time! This is a common saying amongst people after attending a fun and exciting event.

These words ring true about the recent AfroLatinx Festival at the Museum of Latin American Art, Sunday, February 23, 2020, 11:00am-5:00pm.

Organizers couldn’t have asked for a better day for the 2020 Afro-Latinx Festival. Spring like weather was the order of the day.

A large enthusiastic, energetic and ethnically diverse crowd converge up the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach.

“We are proud to host a festival that is rooted in embracing diversity and celebrates the connection of culture, community, and people.” Lourdes I. RamosRivas, Ph.D., President & CEO of MOLAA, in a release statement.

MOLAA’s Afro-Latinx Festival celebrated cultural diversity and the African influence in Latin America.

Attendees were thoroughly engaged throughout the day as they learned about the various ways in which the African

influence has permeated Latin America by witnessing and experiencing firsthand through music, dance, food and even martial arts.

The day long program featured a mixture of customs from African and Mestizo peoples in Latin America through art workshops, face paintings, live musical performances and more.

DJ Zuri Aida has been a DJ for about 4 years. She has quickly established a name for herself in the industry as she played an upbeat soundtrack of tropical rhythms in MOLAA’s Viva Events Center.

Solimar Salas, Vice President of Museum Content & Programming and Ariana Rizo, Creative Education Intern hosted the 2020 Afro-Latinx Festival at MOLAA. The live entertainment segment kicked off (pun intended) with Brazilian martial arts demonstration by ABADA Capoeira Orange County. ABADA Capoeira Orange County is led by Jackson Ferreira “Mosquito.”

Capoeira is a way of practicing different defensive and offensive martial techniques with music, singing and dance.

El Tropi Corillo de Los Angeles honors their lineage to the Taino people. The crowd and I were thrilled

DJ Zuri Adia (Ricky Richardson photo)

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