Valley's News Observer 6.23.22

Al Sharpton Takes a Bow, with Spike, to Close Out Tribeca Page A3

Supervisor Mitchell’s Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair Page A9

News Observer The Valley’s

Volume 37 Number 32

Serving the San Fernando Valley for Over 37 Years

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

Inflation Worries Grow as California Legislature Approves State Budget Aldon Thomas Stiles and Edward Henderson California Black Media Diane Lanette Barkum is an in-home care provider and mom of three. She commutes about 40 minutes every workday between the Riverside County cities of Lake Elsinore, where she lives, and Moreno Valley, where her job is.

Over the last few months, Barkum says she has been stressed and scraping by, struggling to balance sharp increases in the cost of gas and food with making enough money to pay for other expenses.

“What worries me most about rising prices is that they’ll continue to rise, making it more difficult for low-income working parents to be able to support their families,” she said.

Terence Henry, who lives in Patterson in the Central Valley, used to drive 77 miles to the Bay Area to make deliveries as an independent contractor. He says the high cost of gas forced him to give up the job late last year and opt for only making local runs.

“It used to cost me about $50 each way to fill up the tank to get to Oakland, San Francisco and other cities,” he said. “It just was not worth it anymore. I was losing money.

Barkum says she hopes there is relief around the corner for people like her who are working hard, raising children and still unable to make ends meet.

Barkum and Henry are not alone. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, a majority of Californians (27 %) say jobs, the economy and inflation

are their top concern over housing costs and availability (12%) and homelessness (11%).

Across the United States, the inflation rate is 8.6% -up from 4.7% last year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And the American Automobile Association reports that the average price per gallon of regular gas in California has risen above $6. Several economists agree that the effects of inflation hit poor and working-class families the hardest.

In Southern California, the inflation rate in Riverside and San Bernardino counties in the Inland Empire has risen to 9.4%, according to the UCLA Anderson School of Management. That number is among the highest increases in the country.

Last week, the California Legislature approved a record $300 billion-plus budget for the next fiscal year, the largest annual spending plan in the state’s history. The package includes a surplus of close to $100 billion dollars, half of which must be used to fund schools by law.

Included in the budget are plans to spend the other half. So far, legislators have allotted $8 billion in rebates to taxpayers. Another $1.3 billion has been designated for grants to small business and non-profit organizations.

Another $600 million has been specified for tax credits to the lowest-income Californians.

While lawmakers – both Democrats and Republicans – and the governor’s office agree that addressing spiraling inflation is urgent, they have not reached agreement on

Groups Uniting to Oppose Landmark California Mental Health Legislation people under state control,” HRW’s letter continued.

Some members of the California Association of Mental Health Peer Run Organizations share HRW’s opinion, claiming that the program would “disproportionately affect people of color by imposing another unnecessary court process on an already overloaded and biased system.”

SB 1338 does, however, have support from various California-based organizations.

“With broad support from California’s state Senate, CARE Court is one step closer to becoming a reality in California,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom, “I am also grateful to have the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Downtown Association, and 21 local chambers of commerce join our ever-expanding CARE Court coalition, which includes a diverse group of supporters focused on tackling the challenge of severe mental illness that too often leaves individuals on our streets without hope.”

Jennifer Barrera, President and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce, expressed her support for the bill.

“The California Chamber of Commerce and our colleagues from throughout the state are pleased to support Governor Newsom and his vision to provide support for those suffering from severe mental illness and substance use disorders through the newly proposed CARE Court plan,” she explained.

Barrera says that CARE Court is a thoughtful, measured response to the tragedy of untreated mental Continued on page A5

Juneteenth ’22: California Legislature Recognizes Reparations Task Force Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey ‌California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media Several members of the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans received a standing ovation from constituents of the State Legislature last week for their work over the last 12 months.

During the opening of legislative sessions at the State Capitol in Sacramento on June 16, members of the Senate and Assembly participated in the gesture that coincided with the kickoff of the state’s official Juneteenth 2022 commemorations.

“The task force, without a doubt, is probably one of the most important task forces not only in the state, but this nation, dealing with the horrors of slavery,” said Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). “This task force is a reflection of California’s leadership and progressive nature that made a commitment to help bridge racial division and advance equity.”

Bradford, who was appointed to the task force by Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, made his remarks on the Senate floor after fellow task force panelist Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) delivered similar comments in the Assembly chambers.

Seven of the nine task force members and staff from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) were recognized at the event.

Task force members attending the ceremony were chairperson Kamilah V. Moore, a Los Angeles-based attorney, reparations scholar and activist; vice-chair Dr. Amos Brown, a civil rights leader and respected Bay Area pastor whose journey to leadership started under the tutelage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in the 1960s; Dr. Cheryl Grills, a professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles; Lisa Holder, a nationally recognized trial attorney.

CLBC and California Task Force.jpg - While honored by the California legislature, the California Task Force for Reparations members presented the 483-page, Interim Report to lawmakers of the California State Legislature Black. June 16, 2022 (CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey).

Attorney Don Tamaki, Esq., an attorney best known for his role in the Supreme Court case of Korematsu v. the United States and the only non-Black member of the panel, was also in attendance.

Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon met briefly with the panel.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Health and Wellness Event to be Held

Community members are invited to attend a free health and wellness celebration on Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at El Cariso Park, 13100 Hubbard Street in Slymar.

Hosted by the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA), the event will feature an on-site clinic, with free COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, and immunizations, for Meningitis, Tdap, Chicken Pox, Hepatitis A/B, Shingles, Pneumonia and more.

“We are delighted to partner with Albertson’s, whose pharmacy will be providing the immunizations, said Al Bonds, CAAASA’s COVID-19 Program Manager. “We are hopeful that community members will take advantage of the health services, career fair and information about community resources.”

Live DJs will be on hand to entertain the crowd.

And, gift cards will be given to persons who receive the COVID-19 vaccine or booster.

Appointments for vaccines are not necessary, however, individuals may register at www.caaasa.org.

US Financial Markets Were Closed Monday for Juneteenth

Continued on page A4

Aldon Thomas Stiles California Black Media Senate Bill (SB) 1338, also known as the CARE Court Program, is attracting growing resistance as it makes its way through the legislative process. Some legal advocacy and civil rights groups say the law would negatively Blacks and other minorities.

The proposal, introduced in February by Senators Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) and Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), would create a supportive alternative to the criminal justice system in California for people who are mentally ill or suffering from Substance Abuse Disorder.

Focused on the state’s unhoused population, SB 1338, would mandate treatment for people diagnosed with mental illnesses. About 40% of homeless adults and (Shutterstock Photo) children in California’s are Black, a number nearly seven times higher than the total percentage of Blacks (5.6%) in opposition letter.

“We urge you to reject this bill and instead to take a state with about 40 million people.

Opponents of the legislation say, SB 1338 dangerously a more holistic, rights-respecting approach to address the expands judicial power and empowers the criminal justice lack of resources for autonomy-affirming treatment options system to commit people to mental health treatment that and affordable housing.”

SB 1338 unanimously passed in three Senate is sub-par – and often against their will. There is also the committees before the full State Senate approved it in May. potential for misdiagnosis, they warn.

The legislation is currently making its way through the “CARE Court promotes a system of involuntary, coerced treatment, enforced by an expanded judicial Assembly, where the Committee on Judiciary is reviewing infrastructure, that will, in practice, simply remove it.

“Given the racial demographics of California’s unhoused people with perceived mental health conditions from the public eye without effectively addressing those homeless population, and the historic over-diagnosing of mental health conditions and without meeting the urgent Black and Latino people with schizophrenia, this plan is need for housing,” read the Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) likely to place many, disproportionately Black and brown,

Take One!

Task force members Monica Montgomery Steppe, a San Diego Councilmember and Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis, chair of the Department of Geography at the University of California Berkeley, could not make the trip due to prior commitments.

Continued on page A4

NEW YORK (AP) – U.S. financial markets observed the Juneteenth holiday for the first time on Monday.

Last year, Juneteenth was designated a federal holiday to mark the effective end of slavery in the U.S. Since June 19 falls on a Sunday this year, it will be observed on Monday.

On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers brought news to Black people who were still enslaved in Galveston, Texas that they were free. That was two months after the Confederacy surrendered in the Civil War and about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Southern states.

California Negro Bar Recreation Area to Get New Name SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California’s State Park and Recreation Commission voted on Friday to temporarily rename a lakeside recreation area called Negro Bar while a new name is chosen.

The historic park will be called Black Miners Bar, the commission said in a 7-0 vote.

The day-use area is located at a sandbar on the shore of Lake Natoma, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Sacramento. The name Negro Bar appears on the park signage, website, brochures, and maps, according to a staff report.

“The historical use of the name appears in reference to Black miners during the gold rush including from an 1850 newspaper article noting Black miners finding gold at this location in 1848,” according to a California Department of Parks and Recreation website.

Black miners had campgrounds in the region and the nearby historic townsite of Negro Bar had 500 to 600 residents in 1850, the parks department said.

Opponents of the current name have sought to change it for years, calling the name dated and offensive. An online name-changing petition launched in 2018 by Phaedra Jones, a Black resident of Stockton, has more than 60,000 signatures.

“If you can’t say it to me, then it should not be on monuments,” Tracie Stafford of Elk Grove, who is Black, said during the commission meeting. “It shouldn’t be all over the city. It shouldn’t be a place where we’re bringing our children with no explanation of what it is.”

Supporters of the current name had worried that changing it might harm recognition of the historic African American presence in the area, according to a commission staff report.

The commission didn’t indicate when the area might get a new name. However, members voted to have the parks department work with the California African American Museum to conduct a year of historical research to come up with recommendations for a permanent name.

Georgia City Official Resigns after Confederate Shop Reopens KENNESAW, Ga. (AP) – A city councilman in Georgia has resigned to protest the reopening of a Confederate souvenir shop that sells images with racial slurs and dolls and statues that caricature Black people, news outlets reported.

Kennesaw Councilman James “Doc” Eaton said he wanted no part of the city’s decision to issue a business license to the downtown store. His resignation is effective on June 21.

“It breaks my heart to have to do it,” Eaton told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Eaton’s daughter, Cris Eaton Welsh, owns a chiropractic business across the street from the souvenir shop and said she plans to relocate.

“There’s a difference between selling merchandise and propagating hate,” Eaton Welsh said.

Wildman’s Civil War Surplus reopened Tuesday after closing earlier this year following the death of its founder, Dent “Wildman” Myers, and the expiration of its business license, the AJC reported.

Marjorie Lyon, who worked with Myers for years, said reopening Wildman’s “wasn’t a decision.”

“It’s an honor,” she told the AJC. Lyon identified herself as the store’s manager.

“I don’t have any control over someone’s emotional response,” she said. “I’ve heard all kinds of colorful things. And everybody’s entitled to their opinion.”

The store also carries Confederate memorabilia, antique weapons and Civil War books, the Marietta Daily Journal reported.

City officials said the store had gone through the process required of all businesses to obtain a license.

“The city of Kennesaw does not pick nor choose nor try to find reasons not to issue a business license when an applicant meets all of the criteria,” City Manager Jeff Drobney told WAGA-TV.

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The Valley’s News Observer

Thursday, June 23, 2022

World & Nation

Vice President Harris Talks Voting Rights, Racism with Black Press Publishers

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Vice President Kamala Harris held an exclusive discussion with publishers from the National Newspaper Publishers Association, which represents the Black Press of America, to discuss various issues from voting rights to Roe v. Wade and racism in the United States.

“The Black Press has been very special,” Harris told the publishers in a 30-minute conversation moderated by NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “[The administration] doesn’t expect special treatment, just fair treatment to cover the accomplishments because they are significant and will have, in many cases, a generational impact on families and communities,” Harris remarked.

With a record number of women of color representing the administration in various capacities, Harris asserted that “when people hold office reflect those impacted, we can effect change.”

“At the top, as vice president, I am humbled and honored to hold this position,” she insisted.

“I’ll say that I think this administration and President Joe Biden have been exceptional. For example, I recently gave a speech in South Carolina, and it was in South Carolina that President Biden, then a candidate, said he was going to put a Black woman on the United States Supreme Court.”

In April, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson earned Senate confirmation as the first Black woman to the nation’s high court.

“This president, our administration, has appointed more Black women to the federal court than, I believe, any administration in the history of this country,” Harris demanded.

Also, she noted the appointment of former Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia Fudge as secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

“One of the big issues affecting our country right now is affordable housing, and one of the accomplishments of our administration is the work we’ve been doing on home appraisals and how Black families’ homes get appraised for less than white people,” Harris said.

“We have confronted that issue of biased appraisals,” she added.

Harris said the administration understands the vital issue of voting rights, despite the Senate failing to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the suppression laws that Republican-led states have adopted.

She acknowledged how the large voter turnout in the 2020 election and the special Senate election in Georgia in January 2021 helped catapult Democrats to the White House and control both chambers of Congress.

“We need to pass legislation. But, short of that, we’re going to have to keep uplifting states that are doing good work around the right to vote every election cycle,” Harris offered.

“If we help people to understand when they turned out in record numbers in 2020, what we were able to accomplish. We must remind people of what they get when they vote; that’s the reality we face, but we must speak up and keep fighting.”

The vice president noted that many states with voter suppression laws also have statutes restricting other rights.

“There’s an overlap that I think we should be aware of,” Harris insisted.

With a record number of women of color representing the administration in various capacities, Harris asserted that “when people hold office reflect those impacted, we can effect change.”

Additionally, Harris offered concern about racism within politics.

“I’m very concerned about elected officials around the country who won’t put a name on white supremacists,” Harris stated.

She said part of the solution lies in communities.

“One of the strongest tools is to build coalitions around communities that are targeted, to speak up and be informed so that nobody would be made to stand alone,” Harris said.

“We know we have more in common than what separates us, but part of this has to do with people spewing online and other places the things that are not facts.”

Harris continued:

“I believe in many ways [students] are entering an increasingly unsettled world. The things we took for granted as being settled are not settled.

“Foreign policy, the concept of the sovereignty of a nation and its territorial integrity, the right to not be invaded by force … and you see what’s happened in Ukraine. For 70 years, Europe went without war, and now there is war.

“Domestically, 70 years ago, we thought voting rights was settled. Shelby v. Holder gutted the Voting Rights Act in 2013, and now we’re seeing laws sprout up all over the country denying people the ability to receive food and water if they are standing in line to vote. Unsettled is the woman’s ability to decide about her own body.

“We’re not asking anyone to change their beliefs; just let everybody have what they believe and not have the government tell them what to do.”

Harris concluded by sharing her planned celebration of Juneteenth.

She said she would open the Vice President’s official residence, not to celebrities or politicians but to families and individuals from the various wards in the District of Columbia.

“When you look at the epidemic of hate, all that says is that we as leaders have to make sure that we use our platform,” Harris said.

“We have to speak the truth and speak with the spirit of trying to unify our communities.”

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent New research by AARP in partnership with pollsters Celinda Lake, Christine Matthews, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and Margie Omero, found that only 17% of Black women have made up their mind about who they will vote for in the 2022 election.

According to a news release, roughly half (53%) of these voters say they will not make their decisions until weeks or just days before the midterm election.

“Black women 50 and over are worried about pocketbook issues, the future of the nation and feeling left behind by their elected officials,” Nancy LeaMond, AARP Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, said in the news release.

“The vast majority of these women haven’t made up their minds about how they’ll vote in November. Candidates would be wise to listen to their opinions and concerns.”

According to an AARP survey, Black women 50 and over are more likely to be optimistic about the economy and their personal financial situation than women 50 and over of other races and ethnicities.

The majority (56%) say the economy is working well for them personally, compared to 52% of 50-plus women overall who say the economy is not working well for them. However, they still have significant concerns.

• Nearly two-thirds (63%) say rising prices are the most important thing to them personally when thinking about the economy, and (81%) are concerned about their income keeping

up with rising costs.

• Black women 50 and over are also worried about Social Security being there when they retire (75%) and having enough saved for retirement (22%).

• Political division in the country is also a concern among Black women voters age 50 and over, and they are unimpressed with the job elected officials are doing on a range of issues, including their dominant concern of rising prices.

• Significant majorities give elected officials D/F grades on issues, including prices rising faster than income (80%), the wage gap between the rich and poor (77%), crime (76%), race relations (72%), and the costs of health care and prescription drugs (70%).

A recent focus group hosted by AARP with Black women 50 and over also shows they are very worried about the economy and feel unheard.

Most see the country as in trouble, and many are concerned about financial pressures, age discrimination, and the dangers facing younger generations, like racial profiling.

Nearly every Black woman said they feel ignored by politicians today, and many described themselves as “invisible” at work and in public life.

The AARP national survey was conducted by phone and online from February 18 to March 3, 2022, using NORC’s Foresight 50+ Panel, supplemented with interviews from nonprobability panels.

The final poll included 1,836 voters age 50 and over who are likely to vote in 2022, with samples of Black voters, Hispanic/ Latino voters, Asian American/Native Hawaiian and Pacific

Islander voters as well as American Indian/Alaska Native voters.

The survey results represent a sample of 984 women voters age 50 and over with 171 Black women. Study margin of error: +/- 3.29%.

The focus group was conducted May 24, 2022, by a bipartisan team of pollsters: GBAO, Echelon Insights, Lake Research Partners, and Bellwether Research. The group included nine participants, all Black women aged 50 and over.

Qualitative research findings are directional and not projectable onto the population at large.

Black Women Voters Aged 50 and Over will Help Decide the Balance of Power in Next Election

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Ewaso Village: Poems, Stories, and Photography from Laikipia County, Kenya

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Acclaimed filmmaker, photojournalist, writer, poet, and humanitarian Chip Duncan takes readers on a tour of Laikipia County, Kenya, in his new release, “Ewaso Village: Poems and Stories.”

The SelectBooks, Inc., offering provides a birds-eye view of Ewaso Village in a unique publication that incorporates stunning full-color images – the product of Duncan’s experience as a veteran photojournalist – and his poignant literary sensibilities as a poet and memoirist.

“All of this is focused on a community in southern Kenya, Ewaso Village, which has become an important place of spiritual connection for the author over the years of his travels,” according to a news release.

The book’s publishers noted that the Maasai people of East Africa comprise one of the most intriguing and resourceful cultures on Earth.

“For more than a thousand years, the Maasai and their Samburu neighbors have survived and thrived as pastoralists on the savannah near Mt. Kenya and the Maasai Mara borderlands of Kenya and Tanzania,” the publishers wrote.

“Chip Duncan exuberantly combines prose, poetry, and photography to celebrate the stories, songs, rituals, and dreams of people who live in this magical place called Ewaso Village.”

Further, those who speak of Ewaso Village with admiration include Wisconsin Poet Laureate and Rubinger Fellow, Dasha

Kelly Hamilton, who described it as “eloquent and frank, braiding culture and commentary, justice and joy, imagery and intimate impact. The collection of these pieces traveled me, not as a vapid tourist, but as a human.”

“Enriched with hauntingly beautiful photographs and poetic stories, Ewaso Village provides a richly detailed portrait of a nomadic society known for their centuries-old rituals and dazzling ornamentation, but a culture mostly hidden from outsiders,” National Geographic filmmaker and author Kevin McCarey stated.

“In this thoroughly engaging book, Duncan captures the heart and soul of the Maasai – an African tribal people grappling with the challenges of political strife and climate change.”

A lifelong Midwesterner and native of western Iowa, Duncan has produced more than fifty non-fiction films for international broadcast and distribution.

His work as a photographer and filmmaker has taken him to ice fields, war zones, slums, shipyards, museums, palaces, vineyards, beaches, deserts, rainforests, savannahs, and farmlands.

Duncan’s previous books include the short story collection Half A Reason to Die (SelectBooks, NYC, 2017), photographic collections Inspiring Change (Thunder House Press, Milwaukee, 2019) and Enough to Go Around (SelectBooks, NYC, 2009).

Duncan also speaks publicly on the impact of climate change as part of The Three Tenors of Climate Change.

Ewaso Village is Duncan’s first book featuring his poetry, and the first in a trilogy featuring indigenous cultures from

around the world.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Entertainment

The Valley’s News Observer A3

Al Sharpton Takes a Bow, with Spike, to Close Out Tribeca

By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer NEW YORK (AP) – On the eve of Juneteenth, the Tribeca Festival came to a close with the Rev. Al Sharpton documentary “Loudmouth” in a premiere that united on stage Sharpton and Spike Lee _ two towering New York figures who have each been vilified and celebrated for careers championing racial justice.

The event held Saturday at the Borough of Manhattan Community College celebrated Sharpton with the kind of bigscreen portrait that has been commonplace for an older generation of civil rights leaders, but had, until “Loudmouth,” eluded the 67-year-old activist. “Loudmouth” contextualizes Sharpton's legacy as an extension of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. John Lewis and others, while at the same time chronicling his unique longevity despite plenty of naysayers along the way.

“Shoot your best shot,” Sharpton said in a Q&A after the film. “I'm still here.”

Lee, a longtime friend who cast Sharpton in a small role in 1992's “Malcolm X,” cheered Sharpton for being there “from the get-go, fighting the good fight.”

“Everybody takes blows but you got up and keep stepping,” said Lee, who joined Sharpton and John Legend, executive producer of the film, on stage. “And you're still doing it today.”

“Loudmouth,” which is seeking distribution at Tribeca, was introduced by Tribeca co-founder Robert De Niro. He drew a firm distinction between Sharpton and other “loudmouths” on today's airwaves and at the Jan. 6 hearings in Washington.

“How interesting that the committee and the Rev are on the same page exposing the lies and the liars who threaten our democracy,” said De Niro. “They want to take away our right to vote and deny us social justice. While Washington deals with the

lies and the big lie, tonight you're in the company of patriot who challenges us to get to the truth.”

“Loudmouth,” directed by Josh Alexander, is framed around a sit-down interview with Sharpton, who chronicles his story as a constant fight to keep social justice in the headlines. “Nobody calls me to a keep a secret,” Sharpton said at the memorial service for George Floyd.

To Sharpton, that was his purpose _ “the blow-up man,” he once called himself _ to tirelessly agitate and stir up enough media attention and to spotlight injustice. Of course, that approach earned Sharpton plenty of detractors _ almost all of whom are white _ who have chided him as racial opportunist.

That was especially after his involvement in the 1987 case of Tawana Brawley, whose allegation that she had been raped and kidnapped by a group of Dutchess County, New York, men was later found to have been fabricated by a special state grand jury.

Sharpton in the film argues that his mission in that case and others was always to give someone their day in court. Ahead of the film, Alexander said Sharpton's one request was to “get the context right.” And in an litany of other instances, Sharpton has been there to advocate, consult and lend support for Black people. Family members of Floyd, Eric Garner and others were in the audience Saturday.

“It just makes you realize that anybody who's making noise for justice, especially for an oppressed minority, is always going to be treated as persona non grata in society,” Legend said. “They're always going to be unpopular to an extent because they're fighting to disturb a status quo that protects a lot of people.”

When Legend approached Sharpton about making the documentary, he and producers surprised Sharpton with the idea of it being directed by Alexander, a white Jewish filmmaker from California. They argued that the film would be more objective

from the perspective of a white filmmaker, Sharpton said.

“I said: `I'll tell you what. If it works, I'll be there to take a bow. If it don't, I'll be picketing you outside,'” Sharpton said.

Legend _ who Sharpton praised as a pop star and “crossover artist” who was bold in affiliating himself with a figure seen by some as “risque” _ said he had been discouraged by what he saw as a backlash to the reckoning that followed Floyd's death and recent battles over school textbooks. But Legend said he found inspiration watching Sharpton in “Loudmouth.”

“Every time we have progress, there's a backlash, and the backlash is: `Oh, we've got to control this narrative,”' said Legend. “Everybody knows how important narrative is and how important who's telling the story and what perspectives are being represented.”

Lee, who twice mentioned being traumatized by an early school field trip to see “Gone With the Wind,” said “Loudmouth” should be shown in schools. As a chronicle from the front lines of racial tensions in New York, Lee said it was a valuable reminder.

“You have to show that racism doesn't really have a particular ZIP code,” said Lee, who wore a “1619” hat. “This is not ShangriLa. There's a whole lot of messed up here that continues today.”

Sharpton often returned to the question of how much has changed in the last half century. Sharpton recently gave eulogies for several victims in Buffalo of last month's racist mass shooting that killed 10 people in a supermarket. Still, he said he also sees great progress, and more Black people in power than ever before.

“We're not out of the woods yet,” Sharpton said. “But we've done enough paths in the woods to believe we can get out.”

AP-WF-06-19-22 0603GMT Received Id 2049797160 on Jun 19 2022 02:04 Document Details

“House of BET” to Take Over LA Leading Up to BET Awards 2022

By Philtrina Farquharson Contributing Writer Ahead of culture’s biggest night and during Black Music Month, “House of BET” will be taking over LA’s Goya Studios from Thursday, June 23 - Saturday, June 25. Attendees can honor and celebrate Black culture with a variety of programming including live performances, panels, comedy shows, and immersive experiences.

One of the most anticipated activations at “House of BET” will be an exclusive “Martin: The Reunion” experience. Fans will be able to step inside the world of “Martin” with an interactive set recreation including Martin and Gina’s iconic living and WZUP radio station in celebration of the BET + special, “Martin: The Reunion’’ which launched late last week.

“House of BET is a manifestation of our commitment to celebrating Black Culture, and we are excited to bring this immersive, high-touch experience to our LA fans,” said Tiyale Hayes, Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy & Marketing for BET. “We want Black people to see the beauty we see in them come to life at the “House of BET”, and thrilled to stream portions of the programming across our social handles for anyone who loves Black Culture to enjoy.”

Fans can also expect a Celebrity Game Night hosted by actor Terrance J which will include fan participation and prizes. If you are single and ready to mingle, be sure to stick around for the We Got You, Sis! – The Dating Game” hosted by Tami Roman of “The Ms. Pat Show” as she will

be helping lucky fans from the audience find their perfect match by asking the right questions to eligible bachelor(ettes).

“House of BET ‘’ will conclude on Saturday with a live podcast hosted “Million Dollaz Worth of Game ‘’ hosted by Gillie Da King and Wallo267 with a surprise special guest that has yet to be announced.This weekend will be a star studded event with participating talent including Tink, Inayah, Nichole Lynel, KJ Smith, and Coco James are a few who will be helping to kick off “BET Awards 2022” weekend.

In its twenty-second year, BET has chosen Academy Award®nominated and Golden Globe®-winning actor, writer, director, producer, and philanthropist Taraji P. Henson to host this year’s Awards show.

Sean “Diddy’’ Combs will be honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors those who not only shaped the culture but those who have been pioneers in setting the standard for the entertainment agency. As far as nominations, Doja Cat leads with six and Drake and Ari Lennoz follow with four nominations each. This week, the BET Awards will not only celebrate music, but Black excellence across television, film, and sports.

To watch the show, tune into BET as it airs live from the Microsoft Theater here in Los Angeles this Sunday June 26 at 8pm ET/PT on BET. For more information including how to register, event schedule, COVID-19 protocols for “House of BET”, visit www.houseofbet.event.

‘Lightyear’ Stays Earthbound, ‘Jurassic World’ Holds No. 1

By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer “Lightyear” did not go to infinity (or beyond) in its first weekend in theaters: Pixar's first major theatrical release since March 2020 blasted off with $51 million in its debut weekend in North America, according to studio estimates on Sunday.

Not only did it open lower than expected, but it also failed to conquer “Jurassic World: Dominion,” which held on to the first-place spot with $58.7 million its second weekend.

It is a mixed bag for Disney and Pixar as “ Lightyear,” an origin story about the movie that inspired the space ranger action figure in the “Toy Story” movies, is one of the biggest launches for an animated family film over the pandemic.

Including international showings, which grossed $34.6 million, “Lightyear's” global opening weekend totals to $85.6 million.

But expectations were higher for a release this high-profile and based on a beloved, well-known character. Going into the weekend, some analysts had pegged “Lightyear” for a $70 million North American debut.

“The expectations are always incredibly high for any Pixar movie, particularly one that has a direct connection to the Toy Story brand,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for box office tracker Comscore.

“Toy Story” launched Pixar in 1995 and its four films have made over $3 billion. “Toy Story 3” and “Toy Story 4” also both broke the $1 billion mark.

The family audience has proved a little more reluctant than other segments to return to movie theaters. Many studios, including Disney and Pixar, have opted for streaming or hybrid releases for their animated titles. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the company has sent its Pixar titles _ “Soul,” “Luca,” and “Turning Red” _ directly to Disney+ free for subscribers.

Disney's other big animated titles, “Raya and the Last Dragon” and “Encanto” got hybrid releases.

“There may have been a little confusion about whether it's just in theaters,” Dergarabedian said. “This is a movie that is going to have to be marketed in real time as family audiences connect the dots.”

Critics were mostly favorable to “Lightyear,” which features Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear and a supporting voice cast that includes Keke Palmer and Taika Waititi. Directed by Angus MacLane, it currently holds a 77% critics score on Rotten

Tomatoes. Audiences gave it an A- CinemaScore.

With a reported production budget of $200 million, which doesn't account for the millions spent on marketing and promotion, “Lightyear” has a long journey ahead of it to get to profitability. But it could also have a slow, steady burn over the summer. And it's the only big family offering playing in theaters until “Minions: The Rise of Gru” opens July 1.

“Lightyear” opened in 4,255 locations domestically and in

43 markets overseas. Thirteen nations from the Muslim world and the Palestinian territory barred “Lightyear” from playing in their cinemas because of the inclusion of a brief kiss between a lesbian couple.

“Jurassic World: Dominion,” meanwhile, has now earned over $622.2 million worldwide with $259.2 million of that coming from U.S. and Canadian theaters. It's only the seventh movie released during the pandemic to surpass $600 million.

In its fourth weekend, “Top Gun: Maverick” dropped only slightly, bringing in an additional $44 million to take third place.

Its domestic total is now at $466.2 million. Globally, the highflying sequel has grossed over $885 million.

Dergarabedian said it's especially notable that there are three movies made over $40 million this weekend.

“We haven't seen that in a while,” he said. “We have a summer movie season here.”

Rounding out the top five are “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” with $4.2 million and “The Bob's Burgers Movie” with $1.1 million.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “Jurassic World: Dominion,” $58.7 million 2. “Lightyear,” $51 million.

3. “Top Gun: Maverick,” $44 million.

4. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” $4.2 million.

5. “The Bob's Burgers Movie,” $1.1 million.

6. “The Bad Guys,” $890,000.

7. “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” $959,631.

8. “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” $830,000.

9. “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” $228,000.

10. “Brian and Charles,” $198,000.

A4

The Valley’s News Observer

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

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PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER 22VECP00285 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES 6230 Sylmar Ave. Van Nuys, Ca. 91401 Branch Name: Van Nuys Courthouse East PETITION OF: BELA POGHOSYAN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: BELA POGHOSYAN for a decree changing names as follows: Present name BELA POGHOSYAN Filed a petition with this court Proposed name BELLA PALMER THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: July 15, 2022 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept: A Room: 510 The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER Date: May 25, 2022 VIRGINIA KEENY JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT SHERRI R. CARTER EXECUTIVE OFFICER/CLERK MICHAEL J. ESTORGA, DEPUTY Petitioner: Bela Poghosyan 5833 Tobias Ave Van Nuys, Ca. 91411 Phone: (818) 842-3333 E-Mail Address: Belap1968@gmail.com LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

a California Corporation NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements.

You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte. ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES 111 North Hill Street Los Angeles, Ca. 90012 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Law Offices of Jay W. Smith Esq. Sbn: 150113 and Nancy A. Young, Esq. Sbn: 183328 6644 Valjean Avenue #200 Van Nuys, CA 91406 Telephone: (818) 709-2556 Fax: (818) 709-2513 DATE (Fecha): September 10, 2020 Sherri R. Carter, Executive Officer/ Clerk of Court Clerk (Secretario), by G. Villarreal, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served.

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER (JWS) PUB: Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: July 18, 2022 Time: 9:30 a.m.

Dept: 316 The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER Date: May 27, 2022 ELAINE LU JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT SHERRI R. CARTER EXECUTIVE OFFICER/CLERK CANDIS MONROE DEPUTY Petitioner: Ashot Bejanyan 5423 Harold Way Apt 201 Los Angeles, Ca. 90027 Phone: (323) 627-2694 E-Mail Address: bejanyanashot@gmail. com LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Jun 9, 16, 23, 30, 2022

������������������������������� SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): 2OSTLC07686 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): JOEL FERNANDEZ; MARY CATHLEEN POLETTI HELLER; 1 through 10, inclusive; YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): FIRST AMERICAN PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY,

������������������������������� ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER 22STCP02013 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES 111 N. Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Branch Name: Stanley Mosk Courthouse PETITION OF: ASHOT BEJANYAN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: ASHOT BEJANYAN for a decree changing names as follows: Present name ASHOT BEJANYAN Filed a petition with this court Proposed name ALEX BENJAMIN

Thursday, June 23, 2022

������������������������������� STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE NO: 2022 108079 Date Filed: January 22, 2021 Name of business(es): FERNANDEZ TIRE SERVICE at 1332 E Florence Ave, Los Angeles, Ca. 90001 County: Los Angeles Mailing: 8101 Long Beach Blvd. Ste E, South Gate, Ca. 90280 REGISTERED OWNERS(S): GERMAN LOPEZ, 8101 Long Beach Blvd Suite E, South Gate, Ca. 90280 The business was conducted by: an Individual SIGNED: GERMAN LOPEZ, Owner This statement filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on: May 18, 2022 DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk By: A. GARCIA Deputy LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Jun 16, 23, 30, Jul 7, 2022 �������������������������������

CLBC and California Task Force.jpg - While honored by the California legislature, the California Task Force for Reparations members presented the 483-page, Interim Report to lawmakers of the California Legislature Black Caucus. June 16, 2022 (CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey). Shown from left to right are attorney Don Tamaki, Senator Maria Elena Durazo Assemblywoman Lori Wilson, Sen. Steven Bradford, Sen. Sydney Kamlager, attorney Lisa Holder, Dr. Cheryl Grills, Dr. Rev. Amos Brown, attorney Kamilah Moore, Sen. Nancy Skinner, and Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer.

Juneteenth ’22: CA Legislature Recognizes Reparations Task Force Continued from page A1

Several members of the CLBC attended the function, which coincided with the passage of resolution in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday in the Assembly.

Assemblymembers Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Akila Weber (D-La Mesa), Mike Gipson (D-Carson) and CLBC vice-chair Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles) showed up to support the task force members’ efforts.

The Task Force first convened on June 1, 2021, to conduct an examination of the lasting consequences of discrimination against freed slaves and their descendants.

Under Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, authored by thenAssemblywoman Shirley Weber, who is currently Secretary of State of California, the nine-member panel is charged with making recommendations for how the state can compensate Black Californians who are descendants of enslaved African Americans.

On June 1, the task force released its first interim report, a 483-page document compiled by the California Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Enforcement Section.

“The information in the interim report reveals uncovered facts about incidents that disproportionately and negatively affected Black Californians in California for 170-plus years and the country for the last 400 years,” Grills said.

“Until we have a reckoning with the truth, we

cannot understand who we are as a nation. When we then begin to have that kind of reckoning, I think the specific manifestation of the harm will be easier to deal with and we will actually have an opportunity for transformative change,” Grills continued.

Over the next 12 months, Moore told California Black Media (CBM) that the task force will focus on bringing increased awareness for the interim report, community engagement, and formulating a framework of how California should compensate around 2 to 2.6 million Black Californians.

“It’s important that the California legislature understand how important this effort is,” Moore told CBM. “This past year we’ve been working incredibly hard.

The next (12 months) I categorized it as the development stage where the nine-member task force has substantive and intentional conversations about what reparations should look like.”

Video link of Sen. Steven Bradford and Dr. Cheryl Grills at the state capitol in Sacramento: .California Task Force For Reparations at State Capitol 6.16.2022 Embed Code: <iframe width=”560” height=”315” src=”https:// www.youtube.com/embed/9qJCwaVt3sA” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0” allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>

Inflation Worries Grow as CA Legislature Approves State Budget

Governor Gavin Newsom at his release of the state budget January 2022.

Continued from page A1

how to provide relief to struggling families.

Anthony York, Newsom’s senior advisor for communications said in a statement that the Governor still wants “more immediate, direct relief to help millions more families with rising gas, groceries and rent prices.”

At the federal level, US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell approved a three- quarter (0.75) percentage point rate hike -- the highest single percentage rate increase since 2008.

“African American owned businesses and families are experiencing the damaging effects of inflation including the current interest rate increase instituted by the Federal Reserve Board. It is important for financial institutions to work with Black-owned businesses and their families to help navigate the rising cost of capital needed to operate and sustain all businesses,” said Timothy Alan Simon, Board Chair of the California African American Chamber of Commerce.

By statute, Gov. Newsom has until June 30 to veto the Legislators’ budget bill or sign it into law.

If the governor approves the budget, it will take effect July 1, the beginning of the 2022-23 fiscal year. However, negotiations are expected to continue through the end of August as lawmakers hammer out final details.

During the public comment section of the Assembly Budget Committee hearing on June 13, Adrian Mohammed, an African American representative of the Bay Area Health Initiative spoke about the exclusion of a $500 million proposal to address Black housing and antidisplacement in the Bay Area in the budget the Legislature passed.

“We believe that this is an incredibly timely and incredibly necessary ask and we ask that you continue to work with us to get this to come to fruition,” Mohammed told lawmakers.

Two days later, Republican leaders held a rally last week at the State Capitol blasting their Democratic colleagues for their inaction on addressing the high cost of gas.

“Legislative Republicans are gathered here to remind Californians that it has been 100 days since the governor and the Democrats here in Sacramento promised California consumers relief on gas prices. 100 days is far too long,” said Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City).

After 100 days, we are still waiting with no relief in sight.

We need action now. We’ve been calling since January to suspend the gas tax.”

Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego said the state’s wealth needs to work for hardworking Californians.

She pointed to a provision in the budget that provides $200 rebates to working families earning up to $250,000 a year and $125,000 for single filers.

“We are focused on providing struggling families the relief they need to weather rising costs of fuel and groceries, investing ongoing funding in core programs and services, funding one-time infrastructure projects that will keep California moving for years to come,” she said.

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) echoed Atkin’s optimism.

“We share a firm belief that our state is strongest when it cares for the weakest among us,” said Rendon. “Our budget proposal continues to lay the groundwork with infrastructure and other investments for future prosperity.”

Thursday, June 23, 2022

The Valley’s News Observer A5

Features

Black Physician Launches New TV Series to Give Teen Girls of Color a Voice BlackNews.com Dr. Kela Henry, a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician, award-winning author, and speaker from Gwinnett County, Georgia, is helping to transform the way the world looks at teenage girls of color and she’s doing that by changing the way they look at themselves. Her new television series “Let’s Talk Teens with Dr. Kela” is an offshoot of her award-winning book Nia & The Numbers Game, A Teenager’s Guide to Education, Relationships & Sex. The series will talk about and bring greater understanding to the serious issues facing a certain portion of the population of teenage girls of color in this country. This demographic has been typically overlooked, underserved, and underestimated. Dr. Kela wants to highlight the accomplishments of teenage girls and discuss their concerns and struggles in today’s fast-paced, often isolating world, especially since the pandemic and help teens and parents to cope and conquer.

Dr. Kela shares, “There are some incredible teenage girls of color out there. Dozens are starting their own businesses, including non-profits, and giving back to their communities in big ways. Most of them have had to overcome serious setbacks or life-altering experiences and they have forged forward, with only their state of mind carrying them through to the next day.”

“Let’s Talk Teens with Dr. Kela” is a never-before-seen TV show that brings girls of color and their families together by having grounded, educational conversations about relationships, health, and sex. Dr. Kela connects each girl’s mental & physical health with a talent that makes them special – spoken word poetry, stand-up comedy, a scientific invention – and showcases their talent within each episode. Each episode is 22 minutes long, features two teenagers and Dr. Kela, and will be broken up into

(left to right) Shi LaChef, Dr. Kela and Justine Brielle

four segments.

“Let’s Talk Teens with Dr. Kela” was created in partnership with Dr. Kela’s BTH Creations and Denise Marsa Productions.

Marsa and Dr. Kela started working together in 2014 when Dr.

Kela was initially looking to hire a PR firm to increase her visibility for her practice and to establish herself as a public speaker and eventually an author. The scope of their work together has steadily grown over the years; thanks in part to the incredible support

from teens and parents on social media, at book signings and at events where Dr. Kela has been a featured speaker. As part of the production team, Marsa has brought in two young rising talents as associate producers, New York filmmaker Sophia Conger and Bulgarian native public relations and social media manager Meggie Dimitrova. The three-women production team has created the concept video to present to various organizations and networks for partnerships.

About Dr. Kela: Dr. Kela graduated from the Medical College of Pennsylvania-Hahnemann School of Medicine in 1999 before returning to her home state of Georgia and completing her residency program at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.

She specializes in family medicine and runs a successful practice in the metro Atlanta area, which is part of the Emory Healthcare System. In 2019, Dr. Kela was awarded a Salute to Excellence Award for her book Nia & The Numbers Game, A Teenager’s Guide to Education, Relationships & Sex from the National Association of Black Journalists and was a guest speaker at their Conference and Career Fair Author Showcase the same year.

The award coincided with the one-year anniversary of her book’s release. All the books were judged by a team of experienced NABJ members on compelling subject matter, writing style, relevance, and uniqueness. Dr. Kela has appeared on dozens of radio and TV programs including WABC New York on Here & Now with Sandra Bookman, and WABE Atlanta National Public Radio, Closer Look with Rose Scott. She has spoken at bookstores throughout the Southeast. Dr. Kela inspires and motivates teenage girls to own their education and to find the resources they need to live the life they dream of living, no matter their circumstances.

Please visit DrKela.com for more information.

President Biden Establishes White House Task Force Addressing Online Harassment and Abuse

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent According to a White House Fact Sheet, one in three women under the age of 35 in the United States report being sexually harassed online, and over half of LGBTQI+ individuals report being the target of severe online abuse. Further, administration officials stated that individuals may also be disproportionately targeted because of their race, gender and gender identity, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or at the intersection of various identifies. On June 16, President Joe Biden announced the signing of a Presidential Memorandum establishing the White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse. White House officials said the President is responding to the need for government leadership to address online harms, which disproportionately affect women, girls, people of color, and LGBTQI+ individuals. Vice President Kamala Harris launched the Task Force by hosting a survivor and expert roundtable. “The tragic events in Buffalo and Uvalde have

underscored a fact known all too well by many Americans: the internet can fuel hate, misogyny, and abuse with spillover effects that threaten our communities and safety offline,” administration officials wrote in the Fact Sheet. They noted that when Biden initially wrote and championed the Violence Against Women Act in the 1990s, the internet hadn’t become what the world knows it as today. It has transformed the ability to connect, communicate, and access services and support, officials noted. At the same time, social media and other forms of technology have increasingly been misused as tools of abuse, harassment, and exploitation, the officials emphasized. The White House noted that the Task Force counts as an interagency effort to address online harassment and abuse, specifically focused on technologyfacilitated gender-based violence. According to the Fact Sheet, in consultation with survivors, advocates, educators, experts from diverse fields, and the private sector, the Task Force will develop specific recommendations to improve prevention, response, and protection efforts through programs and policies in the

Groups Uniting to Oppose Landmark California Mental Health Legislation Continued from page A1

illness impacting thousands of individuals. California employers have a clear stake in seeing the success of CARE Court as many business owners and their employees experience, first-hand, the impacts of inadequate policies that fail to address the needs of those individuals suffering on our streets and in our communities.

Disability Rights California (DRC) is also voicing its opposition to SB 1338.

“CARE Court is antithetical to recovery principles, which are based on self-determination and self-direction,” read the DRC’s opposition letter. “The CARE Court proposal is based on the stigma and stereotypes of people living with mental health disabilities and experiencing homelessness.”

DRC proposes an alternative solution to the problems CARE Court is attempting to address.

“The right framework allows people with disabilities to retain autonomy over their own lives by providing

them with meaningful and reliable access to affordable, accessible, integrated housing combined with voluntary service,” read the letter.

The HRW expressed concern about how the program might impact personal rights.

“In fact, the bill creates a new pathway for government officials and family members to place people under state control and take away their autonomy and liberty,” HRW warns.

About a month before Umberg and Eggman introduced SB 1338, Gov. Newsom foreshadowed the bill’s arrival in his January budget proposal.

“We are leaning into conservatorships this year,” the governor said. “What’s happening on the streets and sidewalks in our state is unacceptable. I don’t want to see any more people die on the streets and call that compassion.”

United States and globally by: • Improving coordination among executive departments, agencies, and offices to maximize the Federal Government’s effectiveness in preventing and addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence in the United States and globally, including by developing policy solutions to enhance accountability for those who perpetrate online harms; • Enhancing and expanding data collection and research across the Federal Government to measure the costs, prevalence, exposure to, and impact of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including by studying the mental health effects of harassment and abuse perpetrated through social media, particularly affecting adolescents; • Increasing access to survivor-centered services, information, and support for victims, and increasing training and technical assistance for Federal, State, Tribal, local, and territorial governments, as well as for global organizations and entities in the fields of criminal justice, health and mental health services, education, and victim services; • Developing programs and policies to address the disproportionate impact of online

harassment, abuse, and disinformation campaigns targeting women and LGBTQI+ individuals who are public and political figures, government and civic leaders, activists, and journalists in the United States and globally; • Examining existing Federal laws, regulations, and policies to evaluate the adequacy of the current legal framework to address technology-facilitated genderbased violence and provide recommendations for strengthening it; and • Identifying additional opportunities to improve efforts to prevent and address technology-facilitated gender-based violence in United States foreign policy and foreign assistance, including through the Global Partnership for Action on GenderBased Online Harassment and Abuse. “President Biden and Vice President Harris have long been committed to standing with survivors of gender-based violence wherever it occurs – including online,” administration officials stated. “Through this Task Force, they will lead a strategic vision for countering online forms of violence, harassment and abuse.”

Features

A6

The Valley’s News Observer

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Amazon Air Delivery Could Be Moneymaker for Black Drone Pilots in California

Edward Henderson California Black Media For Black drone pilots, e-commerce package delivery going aerial could present new earning or business opportunities for them.

Last week, Amazon announced that its customers in Lockeford, a town of about 3500 people in San Joaquin County, will become among the first to receive Prime Air deliveries via drone.

The tech company, the world’s largest e-retailer, chose Lockeford because of its historic links to the aviation

industry.

“Lockeford residents will soon have access to one of the world’s leading delivery innovations,” said Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Ripon), whose district includes the town.

“It’s exciting that Amazon will be listening to the feedback of the San Joaquin County community to inform the future development of this technology.”

Amazon’s drones fly up to 50 miles per hour and can carry packages of up to 5 pounds as high as 400 feet in the air.

Blacks and the Drone Industry

Technology and aviation industry watchers say drone pilots are in high demand right now and they predict their demand will keep increasing.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) estimates that by the year 2025, at least 100,000 jobs will be created for drone pilots.

Multiple companies are set to spend over $16 billion on drones over the next eight years, with advertising agencies, construction, and security firms being among the first.

According to the Economic Research Institute, the average pay for a drone pilot is $71,669 a year and $34 an hour in California. The average salary range for a drone pilot is between $50,891 and $88,659. Entrepreneurship related to drone piloting creates opportunities, experts say, for generating new streams of income and establishing new businesses that support the industry.

Jeffery Howell, a Navy officer currently stationed in San Diego, began his journey with drones when his wife gifted him one for his birthday last year.

“At first I was nervous,” said Howell. “I’ve never really flown a drone before, so I started watching YouTube videos back-to-back, learning about the qualifications to fly drones legally and weight classes. As I delved deeper into it, there is a whole different world and community out there.”

Over time, Howell became more comfortable piloting his drone and was interested in connecting with other pilots who looked like him. Eventually, he stumbled upon the Facebook group, ‘Black Drone Pilots,’ and connected with a community of over 300 pilots nationwide who not only shared his budding passion but were making a living with it.

On the weekend of June 11, Black drone pilots held inaugural meet-and-greets in five different cities nationwide. Howell attended the event in Newport Beach and had the opportunity to network and fellowship with local pilots.

“I was amazed at the brothers and sisters getting together just having a good time flying,” he said. “You could tell that the ones who weren’t as knowledgeable were getting pointers from the more experienced pilots. It was a beautiful thing to see.”

Inspired by his new network of professionals, Howell decided to start his own drone photography and video company ‘Air Speed Aerial Productions.’ To start his

business, Howell needed to attain his Park 107 certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All drone pilots must take and pass this test to receive their commercial licenses. The test costs $175 to register and there are several online guides to help study for it.

Licensed drone pilots and entrepreneurs like Howell are a welcomed sight within an industry that still has room to grow in terms of diversity. There are 250,000 drone pilots certified with the FAA. Ten percent are Black and only 3% are Black women.

Ashlee Cooper is a certified drone pilot who founded ‘Droneversity,’ a Delaware-based organization that teaches teenaged youth about the fundamentals, opportunities and innovations within drone piloting and aviation, more broadly.

“Aviation careers have always been a white male dominated field,” said Cooper. “Unless you were in the military or related to a pilot, it was unlikely you were going to tap into those positions within the aviation industry.

Most of them do not require a high school or college degree.”

Youth are eligible to take the Park 107 exam at the age of 16. Cooper’s company provides courses to help them take and pass the exam as well.

“Most of these young girls and boys are gamers. They take naturally to flight. The skillset is marketable. Like gaming, it takes hand-eye coordination and knowing how to operate under pressure and solve problems quickly.”

Cooper, who also is a member of Black Drone Pilots, transitioned from her background in Molecular Biology to drone piloting during the pandemic. Her experience with secondary education created inroads for her organization to reach teenagers and help inspire them to pursue drone piloting as well.

“I still feel like I’m late, however I know my timing was divine especially because of who’ve I’ve been able to help. Being a Black woman in this industry has led to some incredible partnerships and networking. There is an opportunity as long as we provide equitable access. By making it more accessible, you have more innovators.”

You can connect with Black Drone Pilots’ Facebook page here to follow their updates, get a listing of future events or learn how you can begin your own journey to drone piloting.

Black Drivers More Likely to be Stopped in Missouri JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Recently released data show Black drivers are more likely to be pulled over in Missouri compared to white drivers, and the gap between how Missouri police treat Black and white drivers increased again last year.

Differences in Black and white motorists' interaction with police have for the most part only increased in the two decades since Missouri began tracking and analyzing vehicle stops, as

compiled by the Missouri Attorney General's Office.

After a dip in overall police stops and disparities between Black and white drivers in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, differences in treatment once again increased in 2021.

“The response to it has not been impressive at all,'' Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel said. “How is it that we look

at the same constitutional violations clearly occurring based on color, and there's not even a plan on what to do?''

Missouri's population is close to 11% Black, but about 18% of all police traffic stops in 2021 involved Black drivers.

University of Missouri economics experts who analyzed the data wrote that disproportionate stops of Black motorists don't necessarily prove discriminatory intent or unconscious

bias by police.

“Observed differences may result from differential impacts of policing, differential treatment by police, or some combination of these and other factors,'' analysts wrote in the report.

Women Who Love to Read

Book Club THIS MONTH’S BOOK “Warrior”

By Dess Perkins Start Date June 1st, Book Cost $ 15.00

For more info Contact Phyllis Luckey (https://www.facebook. com/phyllis.luckey.3) or Dess Perkins (dessperkins.com)

Local

Thursday, June 23, 2022

The Valley’s News Observer A7

Gee Mack and Asia Raye (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Pastor Wayne Chaney, Antioch Church of Long Beach and Carl Kemp, Founder, Long Beach Juneteenth (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Marsha Ambrosius (Photo by Ricky Richardson) Rahsaan Patterson and backup singers, Toni and Sarah (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Marsha Ambrosius & Rahsaan Patterson Headlined the 2nd Annual

Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration

By Ricky Richardson Contributing Writer (Long Beach, CA) a large diverse, multicultural crowd, estimated 9,000, attended the 2nd Annual Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration. Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration, founded by Carl Kemp is fast becoming a premiere event, a welcome addition to the entertainment and tourist core of the City of Long Beach.

The festivities were held on Saturday, June 18, from 10:30am-7:00pm at Rainbow Lagoon Park, in the City of Long Beach. The event was free, guests had to RSVP online for a ticket for entry. Music, food, step show, art, culture, activations was the order of the day.

A large blue and silver cake emblazoned with ‘Happy Birthday Long Beach’ was a fitting intro for my attendance at the Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration. The cake sits outside of the Long Beach Terrace Theater. I can only imagine how nice the cake would look glowing at night enhanced by the lights of the fountain.

DJ JiJi Sweet greeted the crowd with an array of old school classic jams. Aundrae Russell, KJLH Radio, 102.3FM and Pastor Wayne Chaney, Antioch Church of

Long Beach welcome the crowd to the joyous celebration of Juneteenth in Long Beach. Pastor Wayne Chaney gave Opening Prayer. Cyrus Payne, Cal State Long Beach student, led the crowd in singing the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Carl Kemp, Long Beach Juneteenth Founder greeted the audience and gave an overview of where the idea originated to produce the Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration and gave a brief history of Juneteenth. Mr. Kemp got the show underway way by honoring Ancestors during the Libation ceremony.

Dembrebrah West African Dance & Drum Ensemble showcased the energetic and vibrancy of West African drumming and dancing.

Antioch Church of Long Beach Mass Choir jubilantly sang Praises “How Great is Our God,” “I’ll Praise the Lord,” and “The Lord Our God is Wonderful.”

Dorsey High School Drumline greeted the crowd with a thunderous entrance and fabulous dance movements by the Drill Team. The talented students exited the stage to the roaring sound of applauses after their crowd pleasing performance.

The previous performance served as a perfect segue to the Black Greek Step Show performed by superbly by Fraternity and Sorority members from Cal State Long Beach.

DJ Senay stepped on deck to play a timely soundtrack of tunes that kept the crowd moving, featuring members of the Long Beach Police Department.

Rahsaan Patterson delved into his catalog of music to entertain the crowd with some of his popular songs “Sent From Heaven,” “Spend the Night,” “Where You Are,” and “Stop Breaking My Hearth” to name a few.

Philosophy, spoken word artist, along with vocalist Jessica Lange dropped two relevant and timely pieces in celebration of Juneteenth, followed by comedian Megann Jenkins.

Katalyst Jazz Collective had the crowd grooving to “Leimert Day,” “WhatsAname,” and “On My Way to You” from their debut CD Nine Lives.

Gee Mack and Asia Raye rocked the celebration with a set of classic R&B hits from back in the day. “I Can Love You” by Mary J. Blige, “Don’t Waste my Time” by Usher, “Before I Let Go” and “Happy Feelin’s” by Frankie Beverly

& Maze.

Carl Kemp, Founder, Long Beach Juneteenth was joined onstage by elected officials and sponsors. Mr. Kemp acknowledged and thanked each one for their monetary support and resources. In attendance were Vice Mayor Rex Richardson (no relations), City Councilmembers Cindy Allen, Al Austin, Dr. Suely Soro, Mary Zendejas and Suzie Price, City Manager, Tom Modica, City Auditor Laura Doud, Steve Goodling, President and CEO- Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wayne Chaney, Pastor Antioch Church of Long Beach and Eric Miller, Long Beach Unified School District.

Marsha Ambrosius brought down the house as she had the crowd vibing to closed out the celebration on a good note.

Visit www.lbjuneteenth.com and follow same @ lbjuneteenth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and visit https://www.visitlongbeach.com so that you can stay in the loop for the exciting and inviting upcoming events in Long Beach, CA.

Sports

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The Valley’s News Observer

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Charger’s Donald Parham Jr. Revealed Why He Decided to Come Back to Play Football Donald Parham Jr. lies injured in the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Photo Credit: CNN)

By Cameron Buford Whatsgoodinsports.com At first glance, one may say Los Angeles Chargers Tight End Donald Parham Jr’s 6’ 8” 240-pound frame is more suited for boxing out a defender in the low post rather than muscling out defenders for a position in an NFL endzone. Where many would expect a man of his size to be looking to make the game-winning shot on the basketball, Parham Jr. has become an effective go-to threat in the all-important red zone.

In Parham Jr’s first game in the NFL, he would show his versatility and potential all in one play, the play that would earn him his first catch in the league. Lined up outside against a shorter cornerback, Parham Jr. ran a fly route down the left sideline and a perfectly placed back-shoulder fade pass from fellow rookie Justin Herbert allowed Parham to catch the ball and fall into the endzone for a 19-yard touchdown against the eventual champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Parham Jr’s official last attempted catch in the league came against division rival Kansas City Chiefs in their week 15 matchup last season. After diving to catch a ball in the end zone, Parham Jr. landed on his elbow and then rolled onto his back, simultaneously causing his head to hit the ground and go unconscious.

In a disturbing scene, Parham Jr. laid, frighteningly, motionless, in the endzone, for several moments with

his hands frozen in the same position they were when he attempted to catch the ball. Then Parham Jr. was rushed to Harbor–UCLA Medical Center for further evaluation before being pronounced to be in stable condition. He underwent multiple tests for a head injury and his season was effectively over as he was placed on injured reserve days later.

“I’ve watched it. I’ve come to terms with that it happened,” Parham Jr. said, admitting to watching the tape multiple times, then opened up about his conversation with his family about this incident. “Once mid-March came around, I wanted to do this I; I wanted to do it right and make sure that I’m taking the right steps.”

“I’m great. I’m 100%. I’ve come in and given great effort every day, so I feel confident in this year coming up,” Parham Jr. said about his health and returning to the practice field. “It’s great. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.

I’m just taking advantage of every moment that I have back. After everything that happened, it feels good to be back, for sure.”

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley made it clear when he took over the role that he wanted to “win the line of scrimmage.” Understanding that his slender frame could be a detriment to his blocking effectiveness, Parham Jr. mentioned that he wanted to improve his lower-body strength to become a better run blocker this off-season.

“My conditioning. Also, lower-body strength, overall.

Koufax Honored

by Dodgers

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer At a recent ceremony at Dodger Stadium the great Sandy Koufax was immortalized with a statue unveiled in centerfield. Just a few family members, the left hander was one of the most dominant pitchers of the era.

When the team opened its new stadium in 1962 Koufax brought it in with one of the greatest pitching stretches during a five year tenure in MLB history. He won five earned run average titles in a row. He was MVP and collected three Cy Young Awards.

Koufax pitched 12 seasons for the Dodgers from 1955 to 1966, where he made seven All-Star teams

(Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

He also won the pitching Triple Crown three times, leading the National League in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average. At the age of 30, Koufax retired at the top of his game with an arthritic elbow.

His monument which shows him with the high leg kick, left arm back ready to throw a pitch incased in bronze.

It’s just a few steps from Jackie Robinson who figure Has him sliding into a base. They are the only two featured in this form.

“Sixty-seven years ago Jackie Robinson became my teammate and friend” Koufax said. “At the time sharing this space with him would have been absolutely unimaginable.

And today it still is. It’s one of the great honors of my life.”

That was something that I felt that I lacked last year,” a reflective Parham Jr. said of his off-season goals when speaking to the media during Phase III of the Chargers Organized Team Activities. “Pass-blocking, run-blocking, all of it. I want to be an overall tight end, not just a passcatcher,” Parham Jr. exclaimed.

“I love the game,” Parham Jr said when asked why he decided to come back. “This team makes me feel a part of a family, and that’s where I wanted to be.”

Donald Parham Jr.’s agility for his size has been impressive at the tight end position. Though he can become a better run blocker, I believe this will come as he gets older and naturally bigger and stronger. Look for that

agility, which he has shown, to become more beneficial as he learns to maximize the route tree and build even better chemistry with the reigning AFC Pro-Bowl starting quarterback, Justin Herbert.

Let your voice be heard by sharing your thoughts on Donald Parham’s career potential. Can he become more than a red-zone threat, or do you think he can become an integral part of their every-down offense? Let us know your thoughts by reaching out to me on Twitter @_ voiceofthefans, or email me at voiceofthefans@outlook. com. I also encourage you to forward any suggestions on what angles or topics you would like to see discussed on these Los Angeles Chargers in the coming weeks.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Local

The Valley’s News Observer A9

Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair

By Ricky Richardson Contributing Writer (Los Angeles, Ca.) – The community came out and show up to attend Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair. This fantastic event was opened to the entire community and offered services and access to COVID-19 vaccines, housing protection, immigrant rights and more.

This Juneteenth event was the first of many celebrations held across Los Angeles County. Additional celebrations were held on Saturday and Sunday.

Juneteenth marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. The event took place a full two and half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On January 17, 2021, President Biden signed a bill for Juneteenth to officially become a federal holiday.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell held the inaugural Juneteenth celebration and Resource Fair, Friday, June 18, 2021.

The Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair was held on Friday, June 17, 2022, at the Ervin “Magic” Johnson Park, 12645 Wadsworth Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. 90059.

Attendees enjoyed a fun filled, family-friendly day including live performances, fun activities, music, and good food, on a beautiful, sunny day in Southern California.

Several thousand attendees participated in this year’s

celebration as it returned to Ervin “Magic” Johnson Park, from 12:00pm-4:00pm, to highlight the historical impact of Juneteenth and to connect attendees with County and community services, empowering discussions, performances, activities, and more. 50 plus county and community organizations provided critical resources, including record expungement by the LA County Public Defender’s Office and the LA County Alternate Public Defender. Tenant protections by Stay Housed, Immigrant

Rights by Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs, Mental Health Counseling by Telehealth Van and COVID-19 Vaccines by Los Angeles County Department of Health as well as job and internship application support.

Etienne Maurice served as Master of Ceremony, as well as Yoga instructor for a calming Yoga session. DJ Moni (Vargas) was on point while on deck of the ones and twos, to the delight of the crowd and the performers.

Street Poets, Inc. and Rhythm Arts Alliance got the show underway with original spoken word performance, followed by West African drumming and dancing.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell recognized and acknowledged elected officials from surrounding communities and welcomed the crowd to the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair.

Nu-Bien Dance Fit, founded by Jessica Monea, accompanied by Roberto Navarro on percussion led members of Victory Dance Company in an inter-active, engaging exercise session.

Back by popular demand, Victory Dance Company, directed by Ms. Robin showcased traditional West African dancing, coupled with more modern dance routines such as jazz and hip hop. Victory Dancers were accompanied by Charles Miller on percussions. Victory Dance Company is a community-based dance company that offers free dance lessons to kids in South LA. The Conga Kids revved it up with the infectious sounds of Salsa, enhanced with the contagious salsa dance movements. The dancers taught the receptive crowd some

basic salsa dance steps.

Phamily Steppers closed out the afternoon with entertaining dances as well as participatory dance lessons.

Watts artist Mike Norice, Artfully United, known for commissioned mural ‘HOPE,’ and ‘BELIEVE.’ Mr. Norice did a live painting in keeping with the occasion entitled ‘FREEDOM. KBLA 1580 on air personalities Tavis Smiley and Dominique DiPrima was onsite for a meet and greet.

KBLA 1580 successfully launched, June 19, 2021, onto the talk radio platform. Download the app so that you can listen in wherever you go on all of your devices. This is a good way to find out what everyone is talking about, no pun intended!

Between dancing and exercising, one inevitable had to work up an appetite. Food trucks Trap Kitchen, Heritage Kitchen, Chefism-The Soul Feeder, Vegan Food Truck and DLos Kitchen served dome delicious cuisine for purchase.

Love Ice quenched everyone’s thirst with shave ice.

The 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair was a great success. Each year the celebration continues to thrive and served the community with various resources.

A shout out and a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors Amazon, Blue Shield Health Plan of California, Southern California Edison.

Special thanks to the 50 plus County and Community organizations onsite to provide critical resources, assistance, information and engaging discussions with community members.

Nu-Bien Fit Jessica Monea and Victory Dance Company (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

KBLA 1580 Talk Radio Tavis Smiley and Dominique DiPrima (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Artfully United, Mike Norice (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

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The Valley’s News Observer

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Thursday, June 23, 2022

The Valley’s News Observer A11

Local

Fixin’s Presents… Juneteenth At LA Live

By Rhyan Nile Feature Writer Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, became a federal holiday as of June 17, 2021. June 19th is the day the proclamation of freedom for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, was commemorated. Having this day become an official holiday is monumental because the Black community can celebrate the freedom they have now and their families’ past generations. What is freedom? We tend to forget what that word means... Freedom is the POWER or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. The key word was power. Black culture now has the power to freely be proud of their culture and where they come from—the power to sing their songs and tell their own stories—the power to just be themselves without explanation.

Kevin Johnson, former NBA player and mayor of Sacramento has relocated to the heart of California, Los Angeles.

He has opened a Soul food restaurant called “Fixins” in downtown LA by the Crypto Stadium. Johnson knew he wanted to have the restaurant be used for the representation of the Black community and all that it stands for. “When we signed the lease seven months ago, to open “Fixins Soul Kitchen,” we asked them if we have two events a year at L.A. Live, one during Black History Month, and one for Juneteenth. The Black History Month event was successful and the Juneteenth event is twice as successful. Johnson put on an event at the L.A. Live, Saturday, June 18, 2022, to celebrate Juneteenth and it was an outstanding turnout. Johnson created this “cookout” like atmosphere which was perfect for the occasion given that is the way Black culture chooses to celebrate the majority of the time. There were pop-up stands with food and bar tasting from “Fixins”, flowers, and Juneteenth merchandise featuring ‘Fixins’ own hot sauce. There were also tables set up

(Center Right) Jaye also known on Tik Tok as “Flossybaby“ (OGNSC Photo)

Fixin’s Presents Juneteenth At LA Live (Rhyne Nile Photo)

with different games like Jenga and Dominoes. Johnson wanted everyone who came to enjoy themselves and of course, eat well.

Johnson highlighted his best menu items: Catfish, yams, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, cornbread, and KoolAid. The food was delectable and seasoned to perfection.

Johnson also had a DJ booth where different DJs were invited to come and spin. DJ Ash B, also known as, “The People’s DJ” was one of them. She spun songs from the 90s and 2000s era and she got the day party lives with her enthusiasm and love for the people. DJ Ash B is originally from Bakersfield, CA, and is now living her dream in the city of opportunity. “As a Black woman, being able to get on stage and vibe with everyone is such a blessing. It can be hard for women in the industry but for me, I have a lot of good people around me who want to see me do bigger and better things. Juneteenth means everything! I feel free.

We are free to listen to our music and be black and beautiful” said DJ Ash B.

@TheRealDJAshB (Rhyne Nile Photo)

The event was nothing short of successful. Everyone who came smiled, danced, sang, laughed, and left with a full stomach and heart. Celebrities and TikTokers we all know and love came out to enjoy the event and be in the moment with the rest of L.A. celebrating this milestone in history. Sarunas J. Jackson from the television series “Insecure” and Jaye also known on Tik Tok as “Flossybaby“ came out to support the event and the celebration of freedom. The food was good, and the drinks were amazing. The vibe was real chill and very L.A. They should put on this event annually” said the people. For Johnson that is the goal.

“It’s incredible. Our goal is to do this every year, annually. And make it bigger and better each time” said Johnson. This event is only the beginning of what’s to come in celebration of freedom.

“Juneteenth, celebrating African American freedom, families, heritage, and becoming the ancestors’ dream.”

People enjoying a packed house inside of Fixins this past Saturday afternoon. (OGNSC Photo)

(Left to Right) Observer Publisher/Editor James Luckey Jr., Fixins owner and ex NBA great Kevin Johnson, and Observer Journalist Rhyne Nile.

(Rhyne Nile Photo)

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Local

The Valley’s News Observer

Thursday, June 23, 2022