VALLEY'S 6.27.19 4C

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n han ooper. an-American q ruple death rowuad The allegeddcuffs and ha New inmate incident wa Cooper’s 1som’s decision could F lo ri making ouda Today reports t Hills famil 985 conviction in lead to the overtu t. y th rning of and their 1 e killing of Enough Of Authorities say t has the 1-y a ru Your Love” Californiapnotential, some polieatir-old house guest. ral Chino and a s.

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by Gov. N e results ohfis innocence over th ov. Newsom per to themm the under pressuretor Michael Selyem,month, a San Bernarses or ewsom, w the case Newspapers the re-testin for making w d help33 ’s e oinf g in Group u Volume 34 Number Observer of Southern California Thursday, June 27, 2019 in h o h rd o o o rd ic n er pro is h is er s. so W b co

to ci ei v u h e al m ng met wit b aden D g ordered cr ld ke sev ite, their client’ the murder him. h ismay. ro er A test- chelle Obamedia. His insults taurgde and racist and co resigned s innocenta The lone N ce and final months, will porters of the sRJoshua Ryen anddfa mments et a, ed U ,S fo su B . rm R la In 1985, a rv ep. Maxine ck shooting ally exoner er First Lad ivor yens and H mily, friend they are dis San Diego at W v on four cou s u e ic at g ap an ti h er m es pointed wit d s and an un y Mi“Unfortun h the goverall across the statesup- Los AThomas R. Parker., named 26 and an nts of murder. ACt ounty jury convicte at el sa n a n o y, fo y fo g r’ eles office, rmer deputy cord - incluescaped prison inmthe time of his arre d Cooper n r justice in this caseover time it seems s decision. b el h ie ea Th v es ooper. d of the FB is guy is in o District st, he was e victims’ d in Pennsylv ding several burglaate. His lengthy crim I’s Attorney Jamatters less and leth nocent,” C esire “The evidence “Prior DN ries and the ania – did ss,” San Ber he told the in so al n re A w n as A d o n te er p n o n Cooper, form rape of a m st la so N t help his ca ar th in n ew n d te e g icl sa d st th ai Y , id an o at m h rk d.” e was fram in ed ould ex Mr. Cooper inor se. erly named in 1958 ed, the copTimes.

What has k onerate him sought, agarestatement. per’s guilw s lied t.” months onldear Pittsburgh, PenRichard Goodman, ep h ed av t a to th e fe al e d an er l ca d confirmed al appellate se going nsylvania. was born Yet persuas During his , he was adopted an M an W ec co r. d u h u C iv ti en C rt ooon and re ie e argumen ’s o he was six monies and LAKE FOR and he spenchildhood, his par d renamed Kevin ts ased on w the casedecision in 2004 tooper alive - is Gov. Newvso EST, Calif. ents physica is recoverin w stay his exCooper. reasonable qualeslegations of evidenbce t a good p co it h n fl m ic juvenile det o ti m re (AP) – Offi n D ’s g sc g afteyear, ar

N COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) ll d te ti ie t ta y ec A o n st o m n ab ti is if g te r beinthe s p fi io at ad u ab st er c evidence. yon road–inThis ci g stConfedera mental h ention centers. In olescence living sed him at ors used to nail Co out the methods ing, keep raising Californ ing comes early n to allow ate ruck S flag won’t temporarily be raised at the South an by a polic o u o th th ern CalifornCarolier round o Lday ag California. ealth facility in Pen1982, Cooper esca in several thtack, and in sworn oper. Three weapo and stories investi- have hig ia Governor whose in the term ona u n f a ia Statehouse to mark the it was permanently taken B . f ea the progress ch P lice O ns ere use ped h exp tati re supporters nsylvania b the Orange te ive so fficer Thom d in the ons. ondown. efore movinfrom coulde attackers who werestimony, Joshua Rywen During his County Roeg the politica “DNA teec as m W h eo g m av ister hUp st h sa l to n u in g e it L e’ id u rd e. b ef g s ed so ee er p t H h e init sh et n lv e that Cooper A group calling for racial fairness – Showing for e trial, prose o e sa H w la u

By Lauren Victoria Burke ld th w h is te ially th en p r e im F an te R eb th F st ic m y u . e en ifi . ed rt 1 cu ca ed k 9 h ia R il t ca . to er le y te d that they Chiang sa se and fin rs en, their 10 co plicatin d ly ta tedthe Racial Columbia – has a permit to rallyaron ke plaJustice \NNPA Newswire Contributor in front -year-old dhusband and wife Dsuccessfully ar- an named Dianm ceJuly to 10. neigstories re- th McGuire says w that DNA id during the campally ensure jugrounds hbor Cof a Roper cagmthe prosecutions’ cl au oug and Peg st g The painful true accused young ic b h el te e hrifive o r is h n ev Je ai e stopfalsely en g se g an ss id in ai n. “N ica an rved,” Carolina Secessionist ence e fo gy g to er form imal was big Party hhas ms, her HKevin e t out toa ughes. Richardmen, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, ger than aghoraised is it pSouth er boyfrienrward with bloody cla wom- but testing in this cacan help law enforcot only The chec Police found an 11-year-old inal. She turnhed Animal Coflagpole rovflag en ontoa temporary em d o se outhree th d the blood w Confederate the past w se cat. en th in E h o n son, Antron McCray, and Korey Wise, has been brought o d t g e u v tr es so w ld en ev o tr as lv l idence over co oyed it. o th an e a violent cr ffi m cr o ie ce u an e im d g rs at im h es rushed e ,the date al hbanner rebel permanently to the poli ospital,was st to to to light in excruciatingly vivid detail by director Ava Du- is bold, he is tread Newsom’s decisio no coyears traumthe theprotest African Am ble wher state.” ce, but thim a. e it was dth n in th ing carefull issue that C ericans, His removed. ey Vernay. The group known as the Central Park Five would e iagnose C o y o al p o if D er n o p r. rn a an ca K p ia se ic w ri o s v te at st o an n i ch Showing Up for Racial Justice Columbia founder Sarte Krause, a v tially polari d other min rs across th ing. He is receive 6 to 13 years in prison. she expects eterinarfor zitold e politicaah orities livkeeping his ng The the 11-pshe State newspaper ianthe “When They See Us,” is DuVernay’s new mini-series, l spKeeling , tells th Continue b ec oundapplied ac fo tr k cu u in s m (5-kilogra to o ar n th d on page e fa e ir w permit the minute it was available so the Secessionist Party n il es featured exclusively on Netflix, depicting the story of the m) cat to d s af and justice te A2 r M it cG re gain uire visited couldn’t gather. that if Central Park Five. Her new film features the infamous the bobcast strength. he seto es ithold Officials review requests toonpreagaievents 1989 case of five boys of color who were falsely accused Friday. n, he’llpartly issue a tick vent conflicts with other groups. of the rape of Trisha Meili, a white female jogger who was et for ja The Secessionist Party may not have shown up since then an investment banker. The story was reminiscent of the group has splintered. the Scottsboro Boys case in 1931 in terms of being a rabid miscarriage of justice that stereotyped men of color as sexual predators.

On May 1, 1989, Donald Trump called for the return of the death penalty in reference to the Central Park Five in full-page ads in all four of the city’s major newspapers.

Trump has never admitted he was wrong about the Central Park Five though he has been asked about the case multiple times.

The members of the “Central Park Five” were coerced into confessing to a crime they did not commit and imRICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Groundbreaking black plicating each other as police detectives subjected them to The members of the “Central Park Five” were coerced into confessing to a crime they did not commit and tennis player Arthur Ashe Jr.’s hometown of Richmond, lengthy interviews and interrogations. implicating each other as police detectives subjected them to lengthy interviews and interrogations.

Virginia has renamed a major thoroughfare after him, after In 2002, Matias Reyes, a convicted murderer and seriyears of effort. al rapist who was in prison, confessed to the crime the CenThe Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that thoutral Park Five were convicted of and his DNA matched ev- Mike Bloomberg blocked their payout for ten years.

7. Fairstein has never apologized or admitted there was a idence found at the scene. The five convictions of Salaam, As DuVernay’s film gained viewers and momentum wrongful prosecution in the case. Several prosecutors and sands of people attended Saturday’s ceremony to celebrate Santana, Richardson, McCray and Wise were vacated after and waves of publicity, Linda Fairstein, the main prosecu- detectives have avoided discussing the series. The five men the formal renaming of Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

The event drew several elected officials. Congressman more than a decade. In 2014, New York City reached a $40 tor of the Central Park Five, was dropped by her publisher are pursuing an additional $52 million in damages from John Lewis of Georgia, renowned civil rights activist, urged million settlement with the Central Park Five after Mayor Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Random House, on June New York State in the New York Court of Claims. the crowd to remember Ashe’s legacy. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a former mayor of Richmond, called the new name “an act of healing.”

Ashe was the first black player selected to the U.S. Davis Cup team and the only black man to ever win the singles title at the U.S. Open, Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

He also was a well-known philanthropist who promoted education and civil rights.

Ashe’s once-segregated hometown boasts an athletic center named after him, and a bronze sculpture of Ashe sits among Richmond’s many Confederate statues. But a proposal to rename a historic street for Ashe was been defeated twice since his death in 1993.

Ashe’s nephew, David Harris Jr., helped spearhead the successful effort to rename the busy 2.4-mile (3.9-kilometer) street previously known simply as “Boulevard.” Dotted with restaurants, museums and stately homes, the street is modeled after European boulevards in the late 19th cenany given night. It of Social Services, Centinela Hospital Medical Center; tury.

LOS ANGELES – More than 800 residents of experiencing homelessness on push for legislative Derek Steele, activist At one end sits Byrd Park, with tennis courts where and member of the Inglewood, Lennox, and the surrounding areas gathered is imperative that we not only everything in our Uplift Inglewood Coalition; Leona Ashe was denied access during his childhood because of at Inglewood High School on Saturday to participate in solutions, but that we also do our community Rollins, Director of Counseling, the segregation.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ (CA-43) Housing and power to better inform and equip The Richmond City Council voted earlier this year to need to navigate Housing Rights Center; and, Homelessness Community Forum. As the Chairwoman with the tools and resources they Silvia Delgadillo, S u p e r v i s o r approve the name change over the objection of some city of the powerful U.S. House Committee on Financial these issues.”

They had said there were better ways to honor During the event, of the Housing I n v e s t m e n t residents.

Services, Congresswoman Waters is a national leader on Ashe than legally changing the name of the street.

Congresswoman Waters unveiled a n d & Finance Division, Los addressing complex housing policy issues and has oversight The newly named street comes at a time when Richprovided a comprehensive overview of Angeles County Development. responsibility of the U.S. Department of Housing & mond, a one-time capital of the Confederacy, has been Authority.

Urban Development and other federal housing agencies. her landmark legislation, H.R. 1856, The grappling with calls to remove Confederate statues.

Congresswoman Waters led the first of its kind community Ending Homelessness Act, which forum – which was expected to last only two hours – for will provide $13 billion in emergency more than five hours, providing 43rd District residents funding to end homelessness in America. with the opportunity to ask important questions and voice She also discussed her leadership in the House to their concerns about a wide range of issues, including: protect affordable housing and make investments in homeownership, first-time homebuyer programs, Section affordable housing infrastructure.

Congresswoman Waters was joined by local 8, the Veterans Administration Supportive Housing (VASH) program, an update on homelessness, the impact elected officials and housing advocates who gave robust of County Measure H, gentrification, low-income housing presentations, answered questions from concerned citizens, development, landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities, and provided resources to the members of community, including: Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts; Malcolm and eviction and foreclosure prevention.

“I am so pleased to have hosted such an informative Bennett, Realtor and President of the Minority Apartment and productive discussion here in our community about the Owners Association; Lori Gay, President & CEO of SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) – Shreveport’s mayor has affordable housing and homelessness crisis in America and Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County; apologized for the racist way the late singer Sam Cooke was Damien Goodman, Founder of Housing is a Human my efforts to address these complex issues in Washington,” treated during a visit to the city. said Congresswoman Maxine Waters. “The lack of Right; Myk’l Williams, Manager, Homeless Initiatives, Cooke was in town in 1963 to perform at the Municaffordable housing and rising rents are leading to resident Los Angeles County Development Authority; Sheyda ipal Auditorium.

Joolharzadeh, Attorney, Legal Aid Foundation of Los displacement in communities across the country. In Los He had a reservation at a Holiday Inn but he, his wife Angeles County alone, there are nearly 59,000 people Angeles; Teresa (Terry) DeCrescenzo, MSW, Director and others were turned away.

KSLA reports Cooke and three others in his group were eventually arrested.

The station says author Peter Guralnick, who authored a biography of Cooke, wrote that the incident helped inspire Cooke’s civil rights anthem, ``A Change is Gonna Come.’’

Mayor Andrian Perkins apologized Saturday night during a music festival to Cooke, who died in 1964, and his family. Cooke’s daughter Carla performed at the festival.

Local media report Perkins also gave her a key to the city in honor of her father.

By Dr. Kevin Williams Chief Medical Officer for Rare Disease at Pfizer The “Ask Dr. Kevin” series is brought to you by Pfizer Rare Disease in collaboration with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) to increase understanding of sickle cell disease.

Dr. Kevin Williams is the Chief Medical Officer for Rare Disease at Pfizer where he leads a Medical Affairs organization of approximately 150 medical colleagues around the globe. He pursued medicine after being inspired by his father’s work as a general practitioner in his hometown of WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) – A high school stuBaton Rouge, Louisiana. Dr. Kevin is passionate about dent’s activism has persuaded Delaware to install a historraising awareness and increasing understanding of rare dis- ical marker commemorating the state’s only documented eases, such as sickle cell disease, in the African American lynching. community.

The News Journal of Wilmington reports rising senior For the last two years, I’ve been honored to talk with Savannah Shepherd was instrumental in getting the markyou about sickle cell disease (SCD) through this column, er put up Sunday. It memorializes the 1903 lynching of sharing important information and my perspectives as a laborer George White, who was accused of killing a white medical professional. Now, as the “Ask Dr. Kevin” series woman. A white mob thousands strong overpowered poenters its third year, I wanted to change things a bit by let- lice and pulled him from his cell, then tortured and burned ting you also hear directly from those who matter most— him alive. people living with SCD and their caregivers.

Shepherd learned about the lynching at the National In this article, I’d like to introduce you to TaLana Memorial for Peace and Justice in Alabama, the nation’s Hughes, a mother of three who is also the executive direc- first memorial dedicated to the racial terror of African tor of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois (SC- Americans during slavery and its aftermath.

She approached Sen. Darius Brown, who agreed to It’s important to know that in recent years we’ve seen advances in understanding and scientific break- DAI). TaLana has one child with SCD and two children cover the marker’s cost. He said public acknowledgment of throughs that are potentially paving the way for better care of people with SCD. (Photo: iStockphoto / with the sickle cell trait. the lynching is overdue.

NNPA) Continued on page A3

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Louisiana Mayor Apologizes for Racist Treatment of Sam Cooke

Parents of a Newborn with Sickle Cell Disease: What Now?

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THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

World & Nation

Thursday, June 27, 2019

On Juneteenth We Must Remember Our Fight for Freedom Continues

By Derrick Johnson NAACP President and CEO On June 19, 1865, Texan slaves found out they were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, two and a half years after it was issued by President Abraham Lincoln.

Since then, annual celebrations of the emancipation have been referred to as Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and honoring African American freedom and liberation.

As we have for years, we celebrate Juneteenth through food, prayer and festivities honoring a rich tradition that continues to promote education and self-improvement.

We’ve seen this holiday take root within communities and organizations throughout the country, taking on a national and even global presence with a mission to promote African American culture and respect for all cultures.

But as we continue to cultivate knowledge and appreciation of our history and reflect upon the monumental challenges that our ancestors faced in fighting for freedom from bondage, we must also consider the ways in which the Black community continues to be under the threat of hate, xenophobia, and bigotry.

The NAACP stands at a significant moment in time when racial subordination and racial hierarchy is being reinforced at the highest level of leadership in this country. The recent accounts of domestic terrorism at black churches, images of Blackface populating the airwaves, the

increase in hate crimes, and Black lives senselessly taken at the hands of over policing and brutality, shows that we are living in a world that often devalues us as people who have the right to live freely.

However, what we saw during the historic wave of grassroots activism that swept across the country during the 2018 midterms -- with women and people of color leading the way -- was an overwhelming rebuke of these heinous acts, and a show of support for an America with a bold, forward-looking and inclusive vision.

As the nation’s foremost civil rights organization, the NAACP has been a leader in the struggle to improve the lives of Black people in America. However, the historic importance and impending impact of the 2018 midterm elections, have propelled us to bring our activist roots to the forefront.

Many diverse groups, including NAACP units throughout the country, are rising up to advocate for policies that ensure that we empower communities of color to make our voices heard and implement effective strategies to address the growing impact of the rise of white nationalism and emboldened racial rhetoric.

As we celebrate Black liberation, let us continue to unite and fight together to confront the challenges we face today.

“Many diverse groups, including NAACP units throughout the country, are rising up to advocate for policies that ensure that we empower communities of color to make our voices heard and implement effective strategies to address the growing impact of the rise of white nationalism and emboldened racial rhetoric.”

— Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO

Reparations: Racism vs Reality prevented Blacks from voting and exercising other rights of citizenship. We experience the legacies of some of those laws even today as if there is a hidden desire to prove Edmund Burke got it right when he said, “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it” Pontificating politicians cite the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as the finish line of racial progress and crossing it gave us reason to abandon the fight. In reality, this act did not guarantee Blacks the right to vote; it simply provided for enforcement of that right. Don’t get it twisted, the Voting Rights Act is not a permanent right. It is more like a reservation that can be canceled. The act has been amended as recently a 2006 to protect the rights of women and others. Indicative of the governmental challenges of slavery, the Voting Rights Act is not part of the constitution. It is temporary and can be taken away by the federal legislature subsequent to the recent 25-year extension.

It should be equally concerning that slavery is still legal in the United States of America. Existing laws, the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, proclaims that people who are incarcerated are and can be treated as slaves. Then, there are the unjust laws that allow for wealth inequities such as disproportionate regressive taxation.

Jerome Horton Special to California Black Media Partners Mitch McConnell, Kentucky’s senior United States Senator and Senate Majority Leader, said he does not support reparations for descendants of slaves, concluding “none of us currently living are responsible” for slavery.

Senator Tim Scott, who is Black, quickly co-signed McConnell’s casual dismissal of nearly 250 brutal years of bondage, violence, legalized free labor and the economic boom it generated for the United States and the colonies

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that preceded it. Scott is the U.S. Senator from South Carolina, the only Black Republican legislator in the United States Congress and one of only three African Americans serving in the Senate.

“There is no question that slavery is a scourge on the history of America,” said Scott. “The question is, are reparations a realistic path forward? The answer is no. The fact is if you just try to unscramble that egg to figure out who are we compensating, who’s actually paying for it and who was here in 1865?”

In one sense, Senators McConnell and Scott are right.

Paying reparations is not the responsibility of White Americans or any individual living today. It is the responsibility of the government. It was the government, which enacted and condoned the legal institution of human chattel enslavement, primarily of people of African descent in the 18th and 19th centuries.

It was also the United States Government at the federal, state and local levels – as enshrined in the 10th ammendment of the Constitution – that inherited, enforced and supported slavery – as well as benefitted from the rewards of it.

As representatives of the U.S. Government, the senators have chosen to deny, ignore and maintain the legislative, systemic and institutional inequities that were forged under and resulted from slavery.

Though harmless taken on face value, the senators’ comments, by default, also reduce the humanity and memory of the nearly 4 million people – and their descendants - who were enslaved, tortured, raped, beaten and sold as commodities in the United States and were considered, by the United States constitution, three-fifths of a human being.

As Americans, we have entrusted leaders like McConnell and Scott with the authority to thoughtfully, delicately and honestly answer the hard questions they are rightfully raising in their reactions to the case for reparations.

But finding solutions to divisive and difficult questions shouldn’t begin with cynicism and defeat. It should be approached with an optimistic way of thinking that focuses on what best to do with the “scrambled egg” rather than reaching immediately for the most unreasonable and farfetched solution: unscrambling the egg.

By their refusal to act, or even approach the subject of reparations thoughtfully, McConnell and Scott must assume responsibility for the social, political and economic legacies stemming from slavery and the ongoing emotional, economic, and psychological burdens African Americans carry till this day.

In their responses Scott calls slavery a “scourge” on American history and McConnell said it was America’s “original sin.” Those characterizations on the surface may sound like empathetic acknowledgments, but when you look beyond them to the full weight of the institution of slavery itself, they can be seen as disparaging, callous and politically convenient glossing-overs of a long, complicated and painful age of American history that defined much of the culture, economics and politics of its time.

The basic truth is: if you are unable to understand the roots of slavery - greed, hate, and ignorance - then you are more likely to abdicate your responsibility, allowing the branches of slavery to continue growing.

Fortunately, through the efforts of Americans of all races, religions, and genders, there has been slow and painful progress for women, the disabled, people of color, and the poor who come in all sizes, sexes, and colors.

Sadly, we have learned from our history, that passing a law and enforcing it often proved to be two very different things. Despite the 15th Amendment, many states in the South subsequently enacted Jim Crow laws that effectively

Also, as we challenge the inheritances of slavery, we find ourselves supporting legislation that seeks equity in education. By now, there should be over-compensation for years and years of sub-standard and under-resourced instruction of our children and adult scholars.

In California, the most liberal state in the nation, we are living with the after-effects of the passage of a proposition that eliminated affirmative action that was set up to address employment and economic disparities for women, people of color and the disabled.

Make no mistake about it, the political will of the majority shapes the law which shapes perception, reality, and the public policies that allow mental illness, drug addition and health inequities to survive and grow in our communities like cancer. Over time, they kill hope and contribute to the despair that sidelines and feeds the growing homelessness crisis and suicide epidemic in our economically unstable and medically underserved communities.

In some way we are all victims of slavery entitled to reparations in the form of public policy, funding, and laws that prevent the perpetuation of societal ills and injustice – and not just well-spoken but do-nothing “I-get-it” political rhetoric that is, at once, cordial and cruel.

Thursday, June 27, 2019

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2019145871 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SOLID FURNITURE at 1076 Geraghty Ave, Los Angeles, Ca. 90063 Mailing Address: County: LA REGISTERED OWNERS(S): SONG CREATIVE ENTERPRISES LLC, 1076 Geraghty Ave, Los Angeles, Ca. 90063 The business is conducted by: Limited Liability Company SIGNED: ZHENG SONG, President The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on: May 24, 2019 DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk By: Maxine Carrasco, Deputy NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATE-

MENT GENERALLY EXPIRES ST THE END IOF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014, THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTITY FORM. This statement expires on May 24, 2024 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 6, 13, 20, 27, 2019

FILE NO: 2019119754 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SCOOPS CATALINA ISLAND at 505 Crescent Ave. Avalon, Ca. 90704 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1069, Avalon, CA. 90704 County: LA REGISTERED OWNERS(S): PERICO GALLERY, INC., 407 Crescent Ave. Avalon, Ca. 90704 The business is conducted by: a Corporation SIGNED: KELLY ROWSEY The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 09/2015 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on: May 7, 2019 DEAN C. LOGAN, Registar-Recorder/County Clerk County Clerk By: Sookmin Chang, Deputy NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATE-

MENT GENERALLY EXPIRES ST THE END IOF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014, THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTITY FORM. This statement expires on May 7, 2024 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 6, 13, 20, 27, 2019 �������������������������������

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2019154711

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: HIGHLY FLAVOURED at 1927 S Spaulding Ave., Los Angeles, Ca. 90016 Mailing Address: Same County: LA REGISTERED OWNERS(S): BRIAN CHARLES COMPTON, 1927 S Spaulding Ave., Los Angeles, Ca. 90016 The business is conducted by: an Individual SIGNED:BRIAN CHARLES COMPTON, OWNER The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 06/2019 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on: June 5, 2019 DEAN C. LOGAN, Registar-Recorder/County Clerk County Clerk By: CATRICE DANIELS, Deputy NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES ST

PUBLIC NOTICE THE END IOF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014, THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTITY FORM. This statement expires on June 5, 2024 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 13, 20, 27, July 4, 2019 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2019158733 The following person(s) is (are) doing

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

business as: VOICE OF THE FANS / ABC HOME INSPECTIONS at 1167 West 166th St., Gardena, Ca. 90247 Mailing Address: Same County: LA REGISTERED OWNERS(S): CAMERON CRAIG BUFORD, 1167 West 166th St., Gardena, Ca. 90247 The business is conducted by: an Individual SIGNED: CAMERON CRAIG BUFORD, OWNER The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 05/2019 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on: June 10, 2019 DEAN C. LOGAN, Registar-Recorder/County Clerk County Clerk By: CATRICE DANIELS, Deputy NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES ST

THE END IOF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014, THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTITY FORM. This statement expires on June 10, 2024 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 13, 20, 27, July 4, 2019 �������������������������������

Features

New Parents and a Newborn with Sickle Cell Disease: What Now? Continued from page A1

As TaLana knows from both personal experience and through her work with SCDAI, learning that your child has SCD can feel overwhelming and scary. While family and friends can be an important source of support, they may not always know the best way to help—and parents may find it hard to explain what they need.

In order to help people better understand what it’s like to be a parent of a newborn with SCD, and how family and friends can be most helpful, TaLana and I share our thoughts below on some of the most common questions we’ve been asked about the topic.

What are the biggest fears and challenges parents face upon learning their child has SCD? TaLana: Immediately after my child received the diagnosis, my husband and I experienced an initial wave of shock and fear. It became suddenly apparent that both of us have the sickle cell trait which we passed down to our child. After the initial shock wore off, a million questions started to run through our minds, and we wondered what this would ultimately mean for our daughter.

Dr. Kevin: I know that for many parents, an SCD diagnosis can certainly be overwhelming, and I see how parents may fear the worst. However, it’s important to know that in recent years we’ve seen advances in understanding and scientific breakthroughs that are potentially paving the way for better care of people with SCD. I also can’t stress enough to new parents the importance of setting up a healthcare team for their child as soon as possible. Receiving care early and often can help reduce the impacts and complications of the disease. SCD takes a toll on all systems of the body, so having a team made up of a pediatric hematologist, primary care doctor, and other specialists, such as an eye doctor, pulmonologist, cardiologist, and dentist, is key to the health of the child.

What are some tips for helping parents cope with the news?

TaLana: I know that I needed time to digest the news to really understand how the diagnosis would impact our child and family. Once I had a stronger understanding of the disease and how it would manifest over time as my child grew, I started to have a better idea of the support needed from my family and our local community.

Dr. Kevin: I’ve seen incredible connections and support systems form when parents of a child with SCD talk with other parents going through the same thing. There’s a certain comfort that comes from talking to those who have “been there, done that.” Parents can meet other families through local community groups, online platforms like oneSCDvoice*, which includes curated content and a wealth of information for those in the SCD community, and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA), which publishes a calendar of local SCD events around the country.

How can family and friends offer support?

TaLana: I tell parents of children with SCD to educate their loved ones about the disease and to communicate how it affects your child. Teaching others about the condition gives me the opportunity to explain what kind of specific support I need. It also allows my family and friends to figure out how to best provide support—whether it be a ride to an appointment, a change of clothes for an overnight stay in the hospital, or help with small chores at home.

Dr. Kevin: I also encourage family members and friends to learn as much as they can on their own, because there are still a number of misperceptions about the disease. For example, the belief that a baby born with SCD will die before reaching adulthood. As I mentioned in a previous article, this is a myth! The majority of children with SCD live to adulthood, thanks to advances in SCD care. However, the life expectancy of someone with SCD in the US is only between 40 and 60 years, compared to average US life expectancy of 78.8 years. By understanding the truths about SCD, family and friends are in a better position to provide meaningful support and be allies.

What tools are most helpful for new parents caring for their child with SCD? TaLana: I always carry a notebook with me so I can take notes and keep track of my child’s “baseline” and SCD history to see how the disease manifests over time. I have an overnight bag in my trunk that includes a change of clothes and snacks. I carry a thermometer in my purse to take my child’s temperature and an incentive spirometer to help facilitate stronger breathing. I’ve also joined a group chat with other parents who have children with SCD, and this has been one of my most important tools for connecting with and learning from other parents who share this experience.

Dr. Kevin: These are great suggestions. I would also encourage parents to connect with their local SCD organization, like an SCDAA local chapter. With a disease like SCD, which is rare in the US and often misunderstood, connecting with others who have similar experiences and challenges is so important for building your support system.

Do infants experience pain crises? What are the warning signs? What is your best advice for new parents when it comes to handling a newborn having a crisis?

TaLana: Yes, infants can have pain crises. However, because they can’t communicate with words and explain any pain they are experiencing, recognizing pain crises can be difficult. In my own experience, the first warning signs are usually dactylitis, where the hands and feet begin to swell, and a fever. However, because new parents usually pay attention to anything out of the ordinary seen in their newborn, they often are able to notice how their own child displays warning signs.

When it comes to noticing something out of the ordinary in my child, I always play it safe. I also find it really beneficial to speak with other parents with children who have SCD and to learn about what they see in their own children and discuss how they’ve handled episodes of pain.

Dr. Kevin: It’s also important for parents to understand that pain crises are unfortunately a universal experience for

people with SCD. Crises typically manifest in infants aged six months and older, and they are often unpredictable and can occur up to several times a year. So, to TaLana’s point, learning to recognize what a pain crisis looks like in their child will help parents know when to seek help.

What do babysitters or other caregivers need to know?

TaLana: I make sure other caregivers and babysitters know about my child’s personal regimens and what to do in case of an emergency. I share important pointers, like to make sure my child is hydrated and never around smoke, which can increase the risk of Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS), a bout of pneumonia or a serious lung condition due to the sickling of red blood cells, in people with SCD. Lastly, I make sure they know how special my child is and all the wonderful qualities she has. I tell them her likes and dislikes, hobbies and interests, and what makes her laugh. Having SCD may be a normal part of my child’s life, but I make sure she is not defined by her condition.

Dr. Kevin: I agree wholeheartedly. Children with SCD are children first and foremost. While the disease affects them, it certainly does not define them—nor should SCD or any disease define the person who has it.

For more information about parenting a child with SCD, check out “A Parents Handbook for Sickle Cell Disease” and the CDC’s “5 Facts You Should Know about SCD.” Keep up to date on Pfizer’s SCD efforts by visiting our page here. You can also follow Pfizer on Facebook and Twitter. *Supported by Pfizer About Dr. Kevin Williams Dr. Kevin Williams is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Pfizer Rare Disease. In this role, he leads a Medical Affairs organization of approximately 150 medical colleagues around the globe supporting Pfizer’s efforts and portfolio in Rare Disease. Dr. Kevin joined Pfizer in January 2004 as a Director of Regional Medical & Research Specialist working in the HIV disease area. After moving into a Team Leader position in July 2005, he served in various leadership roles during his career at Pfizer. Dr. Kevin moved into his current Rare Disease CMO position in May 2016.

Dr. Kevin received his medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine and is board certified in Internal Medicine. Following a 2-year fellowship in Health Services Research at UCLA and a brief academic career as an Instructor of Medicine at the UCLA School of Medicine, he spent 8 years in private practice caring for HIV-positive patients while maintaining an academic appointment at the UCLA School of Medicine as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine. In addition to his medical degree, Dr. Kevin has a Master’s in Public Health from the UCLA School of Public Health and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School.

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A4

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Sports

Dodgers and Rookies are “Hotter Than July”

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer The last week the Los Angeles Dodgers had a youth movement of sorts as rookies Matt Beaty, Alex Verdugo and Will Smith stepped up in big moments during games.

With a the game tied 2-2 in the ninth against Colorado at Dodger Stadium Max Muncy walked. Then it was Beaty who stepped up against the Rockies and launched a walkoff home run over the centerfield fence to give the men in blue the win.

“I just felt like I was floating around the bases, I just tried to soak it in ” said Beaty. It was his second home run of the season.

The hit helped Walker Buehler get the win as he had a career high 16 strikeouts while throwing a complete game.

Buehler was superb as 15 of the 16 Rockies who struck-out went down swinging.

In game two of the series it was rookie Alex Verdugo who gave the Dodgers a second straight walk-off win, as in the bottom of the 11thinning he ripped a home run over the right field fence to give the home team a 5-4 win. “This guy love the big moment, he really does,” said manager Dave Roberts. “He doesn’t run from it , he wants to be the guy to be showered with the Gatorade after games. It couldn’t have ended better for us.”

Joe Kelly (2-3) got the win. Hyun –Jin Ryu went six inning giving up six hits while striking out five on 107 pitches.

On the final game of the series with the score knotted 3-3 in the 9th it was another rookie Will Smith who on a 1-0 count went “Uptown” with a drive that cleared the right center-field wall to give the Dodgers a 6-3 victory.

It was the first time in MLB history that three rookies ever hit walk-off home runs in three consecutive games.

Rockie’s manager Bud Black walked Muncy to allow Smith to homer.

“That was sick,” said Chris Taylor. I think we are all still in a little shock.” Taylor had hit a three run that gave the dodgers a 3-2 in the 7th inning.

The Dodgers took three of four games from the Cubs and the Giants. The wins against Chicago enabled them to claim the season series which may matter come play-off time.

The Dodgers (at press time) are 55-25 with a 13 game lead over the Rockies in the NL West. They have won the last 9 of 10 games and are truly “Hotter Than July’.

Dodger NOTES: Cody Bellinger and Joc Peterson are the Dodger finalist for starting in the All-Star Game.

Bellinger leads the Majors with 3685,170. Peterson finished ninth among the outfielders. SS Cory Seager is soft tossing the ball.

Dodgers Will Smith was part of the Rookies to hit three consecutive walk off homers. (courtesy photo)Dodgers and Rookies are “Hotter Than July”

Clippers Williams Wins Sixth Man Award

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer It was another award for L.A. Clippers’ guard Lou Williams. He was recently named winner of the 2018-19 Kia Sixth Man of the Year Award. It was the second consecutive year and the third time he has won the award. Williams and former Clipper guard Jamal Crawford are the only NBA players to have won the award three times in a career.

This year’s award is special to the man from South Gwinnett High in Georgia.

“Four years ago I thought I was done,” said Williams. “I thought I was coming to the end of the road in my career. I came to L.A. and I was in an environment where I was revitalized. I felt I had something to prove.’’

Williams broke some milestones this season as he became the NBA’s all-time leading reserve scorer. He also became the only player in NBA history to average 20 plus points in under 27 minutes per game. He averaged 20.0 points, 5.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. He and teammate and fellow Sixth Man of the Year nominee Montrezl Harrell became the highest scoring bench duo in a single season in NBA history.

The NBA Kia Sixth Man of the Year is voted on by a panel of sportscasters, editors and broadcasters.

Williams also gave credit to Clippers head coach Doc Rivers. “I think he understands how important a bench is for a team to make successful runs,“ said Williams. He‘s bottled that up, he understands what get’s the most out of his guys.”

L.A. Clippers Lou Williams won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award for the third time. (courtesy photo)

Clippers Acquire Teammates on the NBA Draft

By Cameron Buford Whatsgoodinsports.com Each offseason the NBA has its annual Rookie Draft a few short weeks after the Champion of their season has been established. This Rookie Draft gives teams an opportunity to rebuild their rosters from the previous season and bring in a fresh crop of young players for their future. Outside Trades and Free Agency, if a quality selection process is in place, is a great way for teams to add young talents to their squads.

In the NBA’s annual Rookie Draft last week, the Clippers began the draft with the 48th and 56th pick of a 60-pick draft. To improve their team for the coming season the Los Angeles Clippers acquired the draft rights to Florida State forward Mfiondu Kabengele (Fi), who was drafted with the 27th overall pick in this season’s NBA Draft. The Clippers send the draft rights to UCLA guard Jaylen Hands and the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2020 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in for Fi. When asked about how he could help the Clippers, Kabengele had this to say, “I can help the team with my physical (attributes) and skill. I can space the floor well, my size. I’m confident, I can bring a lot of energy. I’m a great rebounder, just overall solid player with a lot of potential.”

Mfiondu had this to say about reuniting with former teammate Terance Mann, “Mann was everything, a leader, poised and calm. He is an all-around great player. He is someone that I looked up to throughout the whole process.

He took me under his wing when I first got to Florida State University and then how he carried himself in Tallahassee.

I tried to do the same thing. I’m just super happy for his success.”

Mfiondu is a nephew of NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo. This native of Burlington, Ontario (Canada) was named Sixth Man of the Year in the ACC during the 2018-19 season, by averaging 13.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 37 games for the Seminoles. The 6’10”,

After being drafted FSU Forward Mfiondu Kabengele (Fi) shakes hand with NBA Commisioner Adam Silver. (courtesy photo)

250-pound forward shot 49.8 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from three-point range as a Seminole.

The Clippers added more depth and competition to their, already deep, backcourt by drafting FSU guard Terance Mann with the 48th overall pick last week. This Brooklyn, NY native was also named to the 2019 All-ACC Tournament Team. As a 4th year senior Mann finished his career with over 1,200 points, 600 rebounds, 200 assists,

and 100 steals. Becoming only the third player to achieve this feat in school history. At 6’7” and this 215-pound guard shot 55.2 percent from the field and 32.7 percent throughout his collegiate career.

These guys coming from a Lenard Hamilton coached program at FSU, which has a history of developing toughminded players with quality character, will likely have an

opportunity to compete and contribute early in their NBA careers. What are your thoughts about Clipper draft this year? I’ll be interested in seeing the competition in their backcourt this season. Please share your thoughts with us by reaching out to us on “Voice of the Fans” on Twitter or commenting in the comment section of this article on www.whatsgoodinsports.com.

Thursday, June 27, 2019

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A5

Entertainment

Lauren London accepts the humanitarian award on behalf of late rapper Nipsey Hussle at the BET Awards on Sunday, June 23, 2019, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Pictured from left are Hussle’s family, son Kross, sister Samantha Smith, daughter Emani Asghedom and mother Angelique Smith. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Mary J. Blige accepts the lifetime achievement award at the BET Awards on Sunday, June 23, 2019, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Tyler Perry accepts the ultimate icon award at the BET Awards on Sunday, June 23, 2019, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Associated Press The 2019 BET Awards featured a number of contemporary pop and rap stars who are dominating the charts, from Cardi B to Lil Nas X. But the show belonged to artists viewed as icons in the black community, including singer Mary J. Blige, filmmaker Tyler Perry and the late rapper Nipsey Hussle.

Hussle, a respected and beloved community activist in South Los Angeles who was shot to death on March 31, posthumously earned the Humanitarian Award on Sunday night. His family, including his mother, father, grandmother, children and fiancee, actress Lauren London, accepted the honor on his behalf.

“I just want to thank you guys for all the love and support, and the marathon continues again,” London said onstage at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

John Legend, DJ Khaled, YG and Marsha Ambrosius celebrated Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, with a performance. Hussle also won best male hip-hop artist, besting Drake, J. Cole, Travis Scott, Meek Mill and 21 Savage.

Blige, who earned the Lifetime Achievement Award, ran through her hits during a lengthy performance, which featured Lil Kim and Method Man. The R&B star went from “My Life” to “No More Drama” to “Just Fine,” when

They See Us” tells of the wrongful conviction of five black and Latino teenagers for the 1989 assault on a white female jogger in Central Park.

The audience also erupted in cheers for media mogul Tyler Perry, who earned the Ultimate Icon Award, presented to him by Taraji P. Henson.

“When I built my studio, I built it in a neighborhood that is one of the poorest black neighborhoods in Atlanta so that young black kids could see that a black man did that, and they could do it too,” Perry said. “The studio was once a Confederate army base ... which meant that there were Confederate soldiers on that base plotting and planning on how to keep 3.9 million negroes enslaved. Now that land is owned by one negro.”

Lil Nas X also got the loud applause from the crowd when he brought his global country-rap hit “Old Town Road” to life with a performance at a makeshift Western saloon alongside country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. In a yellow fringe jacket, yellow chaps and a black cowboy hat, Lil Nas X worked the stage as dancers in denim shorts, leather vests and cowboy hats performed behind him.

Lizzo also had a fiery performance with “Truth Hurts,” which featured her playing the flute while twerking. Cardi

B, the most nominated act with seven, kicked off the show with an explosive performance. She won two prizes — best female hip-hop artist and album of the year for her major-label debut, “Invasion of Privacy.”

“I’m glad I made an album that your sister, your mother, your grandmother (likes),” she said of the project, which also won the Grammy for best rap album earlier this year.

Childish Gambino, who didn’t attend the show, won the top prize — video of the year — for “This Is America.”

Beyonce was named best female R&B/pop artist, and Bruno Mars won best male R&B/pop artist.

Actress Regina Hall, who hosted the show, told a number of jokes throughout the night. She was hilarious after Regina King — who won an Oscar this year for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk” — was announced as the winner of best actress, an award Hall was also nominated for.

“She said King? So I lost?” Hall asked when a producer followed with: “We need you to announce the next performance.”

“Why am I announcing the next performance? That’s why I hosted (the awards show),” Hall said. “You tell them I said, ‘You can go to Beale Street and get the (girl) who won and you let her introduce it.”’

BET Awards Honor Entertainment Icons audience members turned the aisles into “Soul Train” lines as they showed their best dance moves while the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul sang onstage.

Rihanna presented Blige with the award, who earned a standing ovation as she walked to the stage.

“Yeah, I know, a lot of hair,” she said in her curly blonde-do. “It’s a big day.”

“Mommy, I love you and I want to thank you for your love and understanding,” Blige said as her mom teared up in the audience.

The nine-time Grammy winner and two-time Oscar nominee went on to thank her father, saying she was happy their “relationship is healed.” She also thanked her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends, including longtime collaborator Diddy.

Another standing ovation during the nearly four-hour show came when The Exonerated Five — whose profiles were recently raised with the release of a Netflix series based on their lives — introduced a performance by R&B singer H.E.R. and rapper YBN Cordae. Korey Wise, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana and Antron McCray spoke onstage as audience members got out of their seats to cheer them on. Directed by Ava DuVernay, “When

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Michael Jackson’s Popularity Endures, Even after Scandal

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) _ The documentary “Leaving Neverland” presented a disturbing depiction of Michael Jackson as a child molester, but the initial wave of negative publicity hasn't greatly diminished the King of Pop's image or the enduring popularity of his music.

Many believe Jackson's musical legacy is still going strong as Tuesday's 10th anniversary of his death approaches. Backlash to the documentary that aired in March on HBO and Britain's Channel 4 prompted radio stations in Canada to stop playing his music and the producers of “The Simpsons” to remove an episode that featured Jackson's voice.

But that's been the most visible extent of the backlash.

There's been no rescinding honors like has happened to Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein, or mass movements to stop playing Jackson's music, as R&B singer R. Kelly has faced.

Jackson's massively popular “Thriller” album and the theatrical version of its music video still reside in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry. His music is still featured in commercials and is a part of a Cirque Du Soleil show in Las Vegas.

Museums in Detroit and Tennessee keep images and artifacts of Jackson on display, and his memorabilia continues to sell.

“He still commands prices compared to most any other celebrity,” said Darren Julien, president and CEO of the Culver City, California-based Julien's Auctions. He said his auction house has sold around $15 million of the superstar singer's property including his white glove that went for $480,000 in 2009 and a jacket, which was recently bought for $75,000.

Julien said Russia, Asia, Middle East, Canada and America are some of the key markets where buyers are willing to spend money on Jackson's merchandise.

“He's the only celebrity where we would have lines of people to get in whenever we had stuff of his to auction,” he continued. “There's only one person that compares to Marilyn Monroe in collectability, and that is Michael Jackson.”

Billboard senior editor Gail Mitchell isn't surprised by support for Jackson, who she has met before. For a recent story, the veteran music journalist said she and a colleague interviewed about 30 music executives who believe the singer's legacy could withstand the “Leaving Neverland” controversy.

“Some saw the film, others didn't want to,” she said.

“Many said that (Jackson) is not here to defend himself the way R. Kelly is here. ... The jury is always probably going to be out. But all of the execs said his legacy will be fine.”

Mitchell recently attended Janet Jackson's residency performance in Las Vegas where the singer played several of her brother's songs that had “people dancing and buzzin”' as the “crowd went wild” during classic songs from The Jackson 5, which she called “one of the highlights of show.”

“There was an aura about him,” Mitchell said of Jackson. “He had an energy in terms of his talent and the dancing, and I still think that aura still exists to a point. I know it's been tarnished, but I think overall that there is no denying what he brought to the table.”

Jackson died at the age of 50 from an overdose of the anesthetic propofol on June 25, 2009. In an instant, Jackson's popularity surged after years of being tarnished by sexual abuse allegations and a 2005 child molestation trial, which ended with his acquittal. After Jackson's death, the criminal case nearly became an afterthought until “Leaving Neverland” was released.

The documentary focused on two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who denied Jackson abused them while the singer was still alive. Both have said having their own children forced them to face the truth.

Jackson acknowledged befriending numerous children, including some he invited into his bed, but denied he molested any of them.

His estate has also vigorously denied Robson and Safechuck's allegations, calling the documentary a retread of proven falsehoods from men seeking money. A lawsuit was filed against HBO. Despite the documentary, Jackson's music streaming numbers continued to soar, according to Ian Drew, consumer editorial director at Billboard. He said Jackson's estate has been smart about keeping his music relevant, but it could be diminished over those being “creeped out” by allegations.

Jackson's nephew said his legacy will never be destroyed.

“No lie can destroy what was given to us as a blessing from God, and that's what my uncle was,” said Sigmund “Siggy” Jackson, son of Jackson's eldest brother, Jackie Jackson. “You can never destroy his legacy with a petty lie.

He will be here. And even after God calls us home, his legacy will live on and never be torn down.”

Michael Jackson fans gather around a monument that was unveiled in Gary, Ind., on the first anniversary of the pop icon’s death. As the 10th anniversary of Jackson’s death approaches, experts say his music legacy is still going strong despite the documentary’s detailed abuse allegations. (AP Photo/John Smierciak, File)

Film producer Jodi Gomes agrees. She believes Jackson's legacy will live on from this generation to the next, no matter what.

Gomes said the family had been working on a documentary on The Jackson 5's 50th anniversary. The contract was ready to be signed with a network, but she said it backed out after “Leaving Neverland.”

“The 50th anniversary was planned and the whole family was participating and it was a celebration of what started the whole entire Jackson brand. And now, that has gotten lost in the shuffle,” said Gomes, who worked on the

2009 reality series “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty” and the 1992 miniseries “The Jacksons: An American Dream.”

Siggy Jackson said his uncle's legacy will continue to win despite the “haters,” but understood the logic of some companies not affiliating themselves with anything Michael Jackson.

“That's standard business. You wait until the heat burns down, so you can see after the smoke goes down,” he said. “I don't fault anyone from backing off. But as far as the family, it doesn't stop anything. The plans don't stop.

My uncle's legacy will never go away. Our family will make sure of that.”

A6

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Local

Homelessness Community Forum in Inglewood

More than 800 residents of Inglewood, Lennox, and the surrounding areas gathered at Inglewood High School on Saturday to participate in Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ (CA-43) Housing and Homelessness Community Forum.

Congresswoman Waters was joined by local elected officials and housing advocates who gave robust presentations, answered questions from concerned citizens.

Juneteenth Reparations Hearing on H.R. 40 Puts Reparations Debate in National Spotlight nationalism can find an American Negro to say anything they need them to.”

Though the hearing was discussed widely on social media, both CNN and MSNBC spent most of June 19th running footage of former White House staffer Hope Hicks walking down a hallway in the Rayburn House Office Building while saying nothing to reporters before and after refusing to contribute testimony on alleged White House misconduct Capitol Hill.

‘Imagine if we had cable news networks that treat-

ed the #Reparations hearing as important as the #HopeHicks hearing... whew! I’m Beat!,” wrote DCBeat founder Tiffany Cross on twitter.

South Carolina Republican Senator Tim Scott said reparations are a “non-starter” when asked about the issue.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and writer for NNPA as well as a political analyst and strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @ LVBurke

“These are the vestiges of enslavement that people don’t want to deal with,” said Dr. Julianne Malveaux, the former President of Bennett College.

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor “These are the vestiges of enslavement that people don’t want to deal with,” said Dr. Julianne Malveaux, the former President of Bennett College.

Malveaux testified at a House hearing on legislation that would set up a commission to study reparations for the ancestors of enslaved Africans kidnapped and brought to America.

Dr. Malveaux and others testified on H.R. 40, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act which would seek to analyze the legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and its continuing impact on communities. The hearing was held by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties on June 19th.

On June 18, Senate Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that Americans, in part, made up for slavery by electing Barack Obama.

“I don’t think reparations for something that happened 150 years ago for whom none of us currently living are responsible is a good idea. We’ve tried to deal with our original sin of slavery by fighting a civil war, by passing landmark civil rights legislation. We elected an African American president,” McConnell added.

“I think we’re always a work in progress in this country… No, I don’t think reparations are a good idea,” the Republican from Kentucky concluded.

Another view was heard at the Juneteenth hearing on the House side of Capitol Hill.

“Enslavement reigned for 250 years on these shores.

When it ended, this country could’ve extended its hallowed principles — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — to all, regardless of color. But America had other principles in mind,” writer Ta-Nehisi Coates said at the hearing. In 2014, Coates wrote “The Case for Reparations” in The Atlantic. The lengthy article reignited a national discussion on the issue.

“Victims of that plunder are very much alive today,” Coates said at the hearing.

“We recognize our lineage as a generational trust, as inheritance, and the real dilemma posed by reparations is just that: a dilemma of inheritance. It is impossible to imagine America without the inheritance of slavery,” Coates also said.

The congressional discussion on reparations was the first of its kind. Though former Congressman John Conyers authored legislation to study reparations for many consecutive years.

Rep. Sheila Lee Jackson (D-TX) a sponsor of H.R. 40, said, “It is only [African Americans] that can singularly claim to have been slaves under the institution and leadership of the government. H.R. 40 is, in fact, the response of the United States of America long overdue.”

Commenting on social media on the hearing, Howard University African American Studies Department Chairman, Dr. Greg Carr wrote, ‘A couple of things #HR40 hearing is reinforcing: 1. The need to study the long #Reparations movement and it’s well-established objectives is greater now than ever; 2. Supporters of White American

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