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Is Shohei Ohtani Changing Minds?

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Volume 33 Number 24

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Kendrick Lamar wins Pulitzer

FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2018 file photo, rapper Kendrick Lamar accepts the award for best rap album for “Damn” at the 60th annual Grammy Awards in New York. On Monday, April 16, 2018, Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize for music for his album “Damn.” (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File) Commercial and critical darling Kendrick Lamar wins PulitzerCommercial and critical darling Kendrick Lamar wins Pulitzer

Starbucks CEO Apologizes to 2 Black Men PHILADELPHIA (AP) _ The CEO of Starbucks Corp. said he wants to personally apologize to two black men who were arrested while sitting inside one of the chain’s coffee shops in Philadelphia, an incident that prompted accusations of racism on social media .

Starbucks “stands firmly against discrimination or racial profiling,” Chief executive Kevin Johnson said in a statement. He said he wants to meet with the men to offer a “faceto-face apology.”

A video posted online shows police handcuffing the men after a quiet discussion that lasted several minutes.

Police Commissioner Richard Ross said Starbucks employees called 911 to say the men were trespassing. He said officers were told the men had come in and asked to use the restroom but were denied because they hadn’t bought anything. He said they then refused to leave.

Johnson’s statement didn’t address exactly what led to the police call, but a Starbucks spokeswoman said the store where the arrests occurred has a policy that restrooms were for paying customers only. In the video, no Starbucks items are visible in front of either of the men.

Johnson said the company’s practices and training led to a “bad outcome,” and the reason for the call that brought police into the shop was incorrect.

“Our store manager never intended for these men to be arrested and this should never have escalated as it did,” said the statement. Johnson said videos of the arrest were “very hard to watch,” and the company was investigating.

“We also will further train our partners to better know when police assistance is warranted,” said Johnson. “Additionally, we will host a company-wide meeting next week to share our learnings, discuss some immediate next steps and underscore our long-standing commitment to treating one another with respect and dignity.”

Police haven’t released the names of the men who were arrested. A spokesman for the district attorney’s office said the two were released “because of lack of evidence” that a crime had been committed, but declined further comment, citing a police investigation.

NEW YORK (AP) — Kendrick Lamar won the Pulitzer Prize for music Monday, making history as the first non-classical or jazz artist to win the prestigious prize.

The revered rapper is also the most commercially successful musician to receive the award, usually reserved for critically acclaimed classical acts who don’t live on the pop charts.

The 30-year-old won the prize for “DAMN.,” his raw and powerful Grammy-winning album. The Pulitzer board said Monday the album is “a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.” He will win $15,000.

Lamar has been lauded for his deep lyrical content, politically charged live performances, and his profound mix of hip-hop, spoken word, jazz, soul, funk, poetry and African sounds. Since emerging on the music scene with the 2011 album “Section.80,” he has achieved the perfect mix of commercial appeal and critical respect.

The Pulitzer board has awarded special honors to Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and Hank Williams, but a popular figure like Lamar has never won the prize for music. In 1997, Wynton Marsalis became the first jazz act to win the Pulitzer Prize for music.

That makes Lamar’s win that much more important: His platinum-selling major-label albums — “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” “To Pimp a Butterfly” and “DAMN.” — became works of art, with Lamar writing songs about blackness, street life, police brutality, perseverance, survival and self-worth. His piercing and sharp raps helped him become the voice of the generation, and easily ascend as the leader in hip-hop and cross over to audiences outside of rap, from rock to pop to jazz. He’s also been a dominator on the charts, having achieved two dozen Top 40 hits, including a No. 1 success with “Humble,” and he has even collaborated with the likes of U2, Taylor Swift, Imagine Dragons, Rihanna and Beyonce.

His music, with songs like “Alright” and “The Blacker the Berry,” have become anthems in the wake of high-profile police shootings of minorities as the conversation about race relations dominates news headlines. He brought of dose of seriousness to the 2015 BET Awards, rapping on top of a police car with a large American flag waving behind him. At the 2016 Grammys, during his visual-stunning, show-stopping performance, he appeared beaten, in handcuffs, with chains around his hands and bruises on his eyes as he delivered powerful lyrics to the audience.

Lamar’s musical success helped him win 12 Grammy Awards, though all three of his major-label albums have lost in the top category — album of the year. Each loss has been criticized by the music community, launching the conversation about how the Recording Academy might be out of touch. “DAMN.” lost album of the year to Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic” in January.

The rapper, born in Compton, California, was hand-picked by “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler to curate an album to accompany the ubiquitously successful film, giving Lamar yet again another No. 1 effort and highly praised project.

“DAMN.,” released on April 14, 2017, won five Grammys, including best rap album, and the album topped several year-end lists by critics, including NPR, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, BBC News, Complex and Vulture.

Finalists for the Pulitzer Prize in music were Michael Gilbertson’s “Quartet,” which debuted last February at Carnegie Hall, and Ted Hearne’s “Sound from the Bench,” a 35-minute cantata released last March.

Du Yun, who won the music Pulitzer last year for her opera “Angel’s Bone,” said she was thrilled about Lamar’s win. “‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ got my blood pumping and the video for ‘DNA.’ made me want to make the music I’m making now,” she wrote in a statement. “Freedom of expression is the height of art, and Kendrick Lamar is the embodiment of that freedom.”

Meet CEO & Founder of “

Thinkzilla

If only being called a “nobody” stopped the now award-winning entrepreneur, CEO, investor, humanitarian, speaker and author, Velma Trayham. Velma’s story of transformation, passion, focus, drive, determination and purpose, relates to all individuals, leaving her with the ability to connect with others based on her real-life experiences. As you listen to Velma, you will experience the depths of a woman who has overcome many obstacles to get to where she is today. Now, the CEO of a multinational company.

In addition to her many hats, Velma consults high-potential leaders as well as successful executives looking to further elevate themselves and their team, above the competition. She excels at motivating others and helping them to clear the clutter in their minds in order to tackle the potential or current problems hindering them from massive success. She is referred to by many who have witnessed or participated in her consulting as “The Strategist” or as the “Peoples’ Motivator”.

Velma’s fusion of real-life stories and conversational techniques connects her with audiences at an inti-

“

mate, intense and individual level.

As the Founder/CEO of “Thinkzilla PR and Consulting Group”, a successful Marketing Strategy Firm that helps businesses connect with their targeted audiences in a high growth spectrum, Velma has faced and overcome key business challenges. She enjoys consulting with small corporations, small to mid-size businesses and faith leaders, to build high growth marketing strategies that have been proven to skyrocket success. Velma is the author of When God Says Go – A real-life story that allows the reader to experience the lessons she’s learned and the journey she chose to take, walking through God’s purpose. When God Says Go guides the reader through life’s obstacles and encourages them to take charge of their dreams, outlining the blueprint to success through faith and biblical principles.

The most effective leaders, mentors, and entrepreneurs in society are those rare individuals who can inspire their audience with a passion that can only come from personal experience. Velma, is a managing partner of “Heavenly Community Investment Group”, Founder of the Atlanta Christian Business Women’s Meetup, and has been featured in Rolling Out Magazine, Houston Forward Times Newspaper, NBC, ABC Fox 54, Atlanta Live TV, and Fox 26. In addition, Velma has been honored by Texas Black Women’s Expo, the Houston Black Heritage Festival: by the Mayor of Houston Humanitarian, and has traveled across various countries to deliver keynote discussions in leadership, women empowerment, entrepreneurship, and marketing strategy.

If you’re serious about taking action towards your dream(s), want to be inspired and learn the strategic approach to being a successful entrepreneur, Velma’s consulting is for you! In a straight-talk, no-nonsense, and proven way, Velma applies her consulting to all on how to be successful in their choice of career and business. Velma’s keynote is a perfect fit for conferences, workshops, women empowerment gatherings, business training and other special events that showcase success and what it takes to achieve it. A story that provides individuals with real-life experiences while still motivating and instilling in them the proper tools to pursue their dream(s) of success.

What better way to honor your guests than with a story to reignite a take-charge attitude in them.

Velma Trayham of the Largest Multi-Cultural Marketing Consulting Strategy Firm “Thinkzilla”

Fair Funding for Education

By Manny Otiko California Black Media Legislators and education advocates came together at a press conference Wednesday April 11, to show support for a bill that they believe will help fix how education is funded for one of the lowest performing subgroups. Advocates say there was a flaw in the five-year-old law that overhauled how education funding is appropriated to school districts through the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

Assembly Bill 2635, authored by Assemblywomen Shirley Weber, would target $350 million towards struggling school districts. Many of these districts educate California’s black student population which has historically failed to meet grade-level proficiency in math and reading and perform right above special education students.

According to a press statement, AB 2635 drives equitable funding for California’s lowest-performing subgroup to students not currently receiving funding under LCFF. Additionally, this bill demands greater accountability from both school district and charter school recipients of these supplemental funds over the education outcomes of the lowest performing subgroup.

“We cannot look the other way anymore. African-American kids in California persistently fall behind academically,” said Weber. “And this problem is not limited to low-income students either. Parents have been patiently waiting for something to change, but it has not. Providing additional resources for the lowest-performing students is now no longer an option, but a necessity.”

Data provided by the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) and presented to the California Legislative Black Caucus shows the majority of African-American students performed well below state standards. Legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2013 allows school districts to direct increased Continued on page A4

71st Annual Jackie Robinson Day

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer

Jackie Robinson became the first black player in the major leagues in 1947, signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He paved the way for many including Don Newcombe, Willie Mays, Reggie Jackson and several others.

Jackie was brought up to the Major leagues on April 15. It’s the only day in MLB where every players wears the number 42. this tradition started in 2009.

Last week Major League Baseball celebrated the 71st anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day, to mark the day braking the color barrier in 1947.

In addition to donning No. 42, each player will also wore hats with a special patch honoring Robinson.

Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threatening Call to Representative Maxine Waters

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ A Los Angeles man who threatened to kill Rep. Maxine Waters in a profanity-laced phone call has pleaded guilty to threatening a U.S. official.

Anthony Lloyd entered the plea Monday before a federal judge. He faces up to 10 years in prison but is expected to receive a lighter sentence.

Lloyd left a voicemail with Waters’ office in Washington D.C. last October. It used the words “dead” and “kill” four times and included profanity and a racial slur against Waters, who’s black.

Lloyd says he became upset with Waters, a Los Angeles Democrat, after listening to a talk radio show attacking her for criticizing President Donald Trump.

The Los Angeles Times says Lloyd apologized through his lawyer and said he never intended to harm the congresswoman.

Beyonce Gives $100,000 to Historically Black Schools

NEW YORK (AP) _ Beyonce paid tribute to historically black colleges during her groundbreaking Coachella performance, and now the singer is donating $100,000 to four black universities.

The superstar singer announced Monday the Homecoming Scholars Award Program for the 2018-2019 academic year through her BeyGOOD initiative. She plans to give $25,000 each to Tuskegee University, Bethune-Cookman University, Xavier University of Louisiana and Wilberforce University. One student from each school will receive the scholarship money.

Beyonce’s Coachella festival set was critically acclaimed, as Beyonce paid tribute to the marching bands, the dance troupes and step teams at historically black colleges.

Last year, the singer launched the Formation Scholars Awards Program, supporting creative and bold young women, in celebration of the one-year anniversary of her “Lemonade” album.

Counterfeit Cosmetics Seized in LA Contained Lead, Feces

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Los Angeles police say $700,000 worth of counterfeit cosmetics seized from vendors in downtown’s fashion district have tested positive for bacteria, lead and traces of animal feces.

Officials said Monday that the investigation began after customers complained of rashes and other skin irritations from using the knockoff mascaras, lipsticks and eye shadows.

The seized products include bogus versions of cosmetics

by Urban Decay, MAC, Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner and others. Officer Norma Eisenman says at least six people received citations during raids at 21 locations in the Santee Alley area last week.

Officials warn that if the price of a product seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Man Admits Bribing 2 Letter Carriers as Part of Drug Scheme

(CBM courtesy photo)

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) _ A man who was mailed marijuana from California so it could be sold in New Jersey has admitted paying cash bribes to two postal service letter carriers to intercept and deliver parcels to him.

Glenn Blackstone faces several decades in prison when he’s sentenced July 24.

Federal prosecutors say the 48-year-old Newark, New Jersey man bought marijuana from a conspirator who produced it in California and oversaw its shipping in parcels from California and Nevada. These parcels had fictitious names and addresses on them and were not addressed directly to Blackstone.

Prosecutors say Blackstone paid about $12,400 overall in bribes to the letter carriers to have them deliver these parcels to him. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to giving bribes and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

World & Nation

A2

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, April 19, 2018

NNPA National Black Voter Registration Drive Begins in North Carolina

By Cash Michaels NNPA Newswire Contributor DURHAM, N.C.—Ten member newspapers of the North Carolina Black Publishers Association (NCBPA) and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr. the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), have agreed to mount a statewide campaign to maximize the African American vote for the 2018 midterm elections.

The NNPA is a trade group that represents over 200 Black- Mary Alice Thatch, the publisher owned media companies of “The Wilmington Journal” and that reach more than 20 the president of the NCBPA, said that the Black Press must demillion readers, com- velop a plan to get young, Black bined, in print and on- people to vote. (The Wilmington Journal) line, every week.

The campaign will focus on an aggressive voter registration drive, community-level education on important issues, and a mobilization effort—all designed to reach young, Black eligible voters.

North Carolina, Texas and Florida are considered to be important states that could change the makeup of the United States Congress, if the Black vote flexes its muscle.

The Black Press is considered essential in those states to mobilize that electoral strength.

Primaries in North Carolina are scheduled for May 8.

The Black Press in North Carolina and in other states will play a powerful role in educating Black voters about political candidates across the country and mobilizing those Black voters to go to the polls.

As the power of the Black vote continues to rise, and with billions—not millions—of dollars projected to be spent on advertising, during the 2018 midterm elections, Dr. Chavis said that Democrats and Republicans must advertise in the Black Press to reach that crucial voting bloc.

Unfortunately, both the Democratic and Republican parties have traditionally proven to be sorely lacking when it comes to advertising in the Black Press.

Despite clear evidence that African Americans are their most loyal voters, the Democrats, have been accused of taking the Black vote for granted. Meanwhile, others have said that Republican candidates seem to ignore the Black community entirely.

NCBPA publishers agree that the political parties must be challenged, immediately, while advertising budget decisions are being made.

Dr. Chavis, a North Carolina native, said that the get-out-the-vote (GOTV) strategy should be “data driven” for all of the state’s 100 counties. He noted that each of

North Carolina’s African American newspapers together cover the entire state, and once the pertinent voting data is obtained, a campaign should be developed around it. The campaign should be featured prominently across social media platforms and Black celebrities should also be enlisted to spread the word.

“In our plan, we should have coverage of the whole state—all 100 counties,” Dr. Chavis said, adding that the effort should, “especially target African Americans, who are eligible to vote, but are not registered…in 2018.”

Dr. Chavis said that he’s seen figures from 2012 that the number of eligible, unregistered Blacks in North Carolina was between 400,000–500,000. He said that figure is most likely higher now, because of voter suppression, and the purging of state voter rolls.

From now until September, Dr. Chavis said that voter registration must be emphasized. Then from September to November 4, GOTV must take center-stage.

Part of the plan is to identify 20 North Carolina cities where the NNPA-CashWorks HD Productions 2014 award-winning film, “Pardons of Innocence: the Wilmington Ten,” can be screened in concert with a locally-coordinated voter registration drive.

Dr. Chavis, who is recognized as the leader of the “Wilmington Ten”—10 civil rights activists falsely convicted of arson and imprisoned in the 1971 for the destruction of a White-owned grocery store during the height of racial unrest in the city—would accompany the film to speak with audiences about the importance of voting and citizenship.

Mary Alice Thatch, the publisher of “The Wilmington Journal” and the president of the NCBPA, said that the film was successfully screened in Lumberton, N.C., in March, to over 400 people from there and surrounding counties.

“We want to recreate that spirit in 20 locations between now and November,” Thatch said, adding that the “GOTV initiative should also focus on rural communities.”

Helping the community to understand that “empowerment through voting” is the key, Dr. Chavis said.

Directing young people to register online via “Rock the Vote,” in part to eliminate the normal complications to voter registration, is also another strategy that should be implemented.

Dr. Chavis also emphasized that NCBPA members should immediately seek to get available advertising dollars to publicize voter registration efforts.

“We should make voter registration easy [for young people], not hard,” Chavis said.

Thatch agreed.

“We’re going to have to develop an agenda to get young people to vote,” Thatch said, focusing on issues like police brutality, poverty, the achievement gap, better employment and small business opportunities. Additionally, economic development in the Black community should also be emphasized, as an important outgrowth of voting.”

In the meantime, the Black Press should continue to report about the value of the African American vote in their papers.

“We can’t expect other people to value us more than we do,” Dr. Chavis cautioned, adding that he was willing to come back to North Carolina to help formulate the plan.

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BORN TO BE GREAT To be ready for the jobs of the future, students need learning experiences that meet them where they are, engage them deeply, let them progress at a pace that meets their individual needs, and helps them master the skills for today and tomorrow. To learn more about ESSA and how you can get involved, visit www.nnpa.org/essa.

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© 2018 National Newspaper Publishers Association. All rights reserved

Dr. Elsie L. Scott, the founding director of the Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center, said that Dr. Walters loved the Black Press and wanted to make sure that the Black Press survived. Photo taken during a panel discussion celebrating Dr. Walters’ legacy at the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage in Washington, D.C. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA (at podium), delivers remarks, just before the start of a panel discussion celebrating Dr. Walters’ legacy at the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage in Washington, D.C. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

Black Power and the Black Press

By Freddie Allen Editor-In-Chief, NNPA Newswire Democratic strategist and author Donna Brazile called world-renowned scholar and activist Dr. Ronald Walters a genius, during a recent forum celebrating his legacy at the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage in Washington, D.C. In July 1958, when he was just 20 years-old and the president of the youth chapter of the NAACP in Wichita, Kan., Dr. Walters organized one of the first lunch counter sit-ins in the country to protest segregation. According to The New York Times, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Congressional Black Caucus in the early 1970s and served as “the deputy campaign manager and debate adviser for the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson’s presidential bid in 1984.” Dr. Walters penned more than a dozen books on racial politics and Black Power and directed the African American Leadership Institute at the University of Maryland until 2009. He died from cancer in 2010. “[Ron Walters] was smart. He was strategic. He understood politics. He understood power and he understood Black leadership,” Brazile said.

Brazile, author of the book “Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-ins and Breakdowns That Put Donald Trump in the White House,” talked about working with Dr. Walters, when she was a “young, aggressive” community organizer trying to change politics from the inside out.

“Ron Walters provided us with a historical reference to what we were doing and trying to accomplish,” Brazile said. “Ron provided a scholarly roadmap. He made you understand that it was not just about the moment that we were living in, but the historical journey that we had been on for over 200 years. He talked about political power, not just in the abstract…he taught us to use our power and leverage it.”

The forum included a panel discussion featuring Dr. Raymond Winbush, a research professor and director of the Institute for Urban Research at Morgan State University; “The Black Eagle” Joe Madison, a radio talk show host on Sirius; and Dr. Robert Smith, the author of the book, “Ronald W. Walters and the Fight for Black Power, 1969-2010.” Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), moderated the discussion.

The NNPA is a trade group that represents more than 200 Black-owned media companies in the United States; that reach more than 20 million readers, combined, in print and online, every week. Dr. Elsie L. Scott, the founding director of the Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center at Howard University thanked the NNPA for partnering with the Walters Center to co-sponsor the event. Dr. Scott noted that Dr. Walters wrote a weekly column for the Black Press. “He loved the Black Press, he believed in the Black Press, and he wanted to make sure that the Black Press survived,” Scott said.

Dr. Winbush met Dr. Walters through his strong support of reparations for slavery. “Ron spoke the truth, as he saw it, and he didn’t care who heard it,” Dr. Winbush said. Madison said that Dr. Walters had the rare ability to combine scholarship and activism. “Scholars have got to become activists and Ron was an activist,” Madison said.

And when Dr. Walters needed to get a message out to the Black community and the world, he went to the Black Press, Madison said, because as a scholar and activist, he recognized the value and credibility of Black-owned media.

“Ron always went to the Black media, first,” Madison said.

“Not CNN, not to ABC, but to the Black media, first.”

Smith, who collaborated with Dr. Walters on the book titled “African American Leadership,” said that as a Black intellectual and media commentator, Dr. Walters prioritized the Black Press.

“He saw the [Black Press] as a means to build Black Power,” Smith said. “You want to talk to Black people, you talk to them through their media.”

Dr. Chavis noted that the movements for Black Power and Black political leadership have evolved and that Dr. Walters’ writings gave recognition to the diversity within the Black community, but also called for unity. “He was one of the few political scientists that talked about the economics of Black Power,” Dr. Chavis said.

A recent Nielsen study showed that Blacks have an annual buying power of more than $1.1 trillion, which continues to rise; however, this growing spending power has not translated to increased economic prosperity or wealth in the Black communi-

ty. Brazile said that the election of Donald Trump has changed political norms in the U.S. and it’s critical that Blacks are a part of the next phase of leadership. “If Ron Walters were here, today, he would tell you that Black Power is not just about a single individual or one moment in time,” Brazile said. “It’s about a continuum, a long journey.” When it comes to that journey, in today’s current political environment, if Ron Walters were alive today, he would be working on a plan, intellectually, “to get us out of the mess that we’re in now,” explained Patricia “Pat” Walters, Dr. Walters’ wife. “Ron was essentially what I would call a ‘pragmatic, Black nationalist,’” Pat Walters said. “That means he wouldn’t have taken off and gone to another country. He would be encouraging Black folks to mobilize, to organize, to get out the vote and to talk with the millennials,” about the 2018 midterm elections.

Pat Walters continued: “This is a very dangerous era that we are exposed to at this point in our lives—Black folks and White folks. We need to deal with that reality and I think Ron would be at the forefront of that.”

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Thursday, April 19, 2018

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A3

Features

Is Shohei Ohtani Changing Minds?

By Cameron Buford Contributing Sports Writer Whatsgodinsports.com Since coming over from Iwate, Japan this offseason, the 6ft.

4in. dynamic left-handed swinger Shohei Ohtani has garnered a lot of attention from Major League Baseball because of his unique hitting ability coupled with his raw pitching talents. His desire to hit as well as become a rotation pitcher is unheard of in today’s game. As “money ball’ morphed into analytics and many teams General Managers applying this line of thinking to their decision making, it would be very costly to pay a player of this magnitude.

Could the presence and recent performance of Ohtani change the minds of baseball?

Not since Babe Ruth has there been a baseball player to Pitch and Hit consistently in MLB games. However, as the first pick of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, of the 2012 Draft, Ohtani recorded the fastest pitch by a Japanese pitcher at 102.5 mph., while also playing the outfield. Additionally, the multi-talented Shohei has shown off his speed by been timed at 3.8 seconds from the batter’s box to first base, which is comparable to the fastest players currently in Major League Baseball.

For all of his athletic prowess he has also endure his share of injuries. Ohtani underwent the platelet-rich plasma injection in his right elbow in California this past October. This increasingly popular PRP treatment was given to Ohtani as a preventive measure. Additionally, he missed many games in 2017 due to lower body injuries Shohei Ohtani was forced to sit out the World Baseball Classic because of lingering effects of ankle injuries. He subsequently had surgery on that injured ankle in October.

Naturally MLB teams were intrigued with “ShoTime” Ohtani. Fortunately, for the Los Angeles Angels fans they won the bidding for the rights to sign Shohei. Though his play during spring training was subpar at best Ohtani, has been nothing less than spectacular once the games began to count. This fascinating Japanese two-way player is hitting .367, .776 Slugging %, 5 homeruns and a 1.191 OPS. He is also 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA, a .46 WHIP 18 Strikeouts while only walking 2 batters and giving up 4 hits.

Yes Ohtani, or Sho-Tani, as some are calling him has become appointment television. The Angeles are hoping he will bring many of you to the stadium to see him play in person. Will his recent play change the minds of many GM’s and Managers around the league and convince them to bring the days of the two-way player? I don’t think so, though I agree this is a unique circumstance. Even though ball players grow up pitching and hitting, they often become specialist as they elevate levels of play. If Sho-Tani continues this stellar play, will we see more two-way players in Major League Baseball? Please let me know What’s Good by commenting in the comment section below or sending me an email to info@whatsgoodinsports.com.

Ohtani tips his cap after a base hit. (Covers.com photo)

NBA 2018 Playoff Bracket (msn.com photo)

What’s Good NBA Playoff Predictions hope for this season. Warriors win 4-1.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz Though the Jazz have the rookie of the year, The Thunder have added top tier talent to assist last years league MVP in this years playoff run. The Thunder win this series onl game. 4-1 Thunder.

By Cameron Buford Contributing Sports Writer Whatsgoodinsports.com By the time you are able to read this, the NBA Playoffs will be in full swing. The teams will be competing for the ever so important Larry O’Brien Trophy, which will give them a lifetime of bragging rights. Though a championship will mean a lot to each of these players, it would take on a different meaning some of the players.

The playoffs are are an exciting time, as fans of the game get to see great scenarios play out. Scenarios that have the defending champs are looking to defend their title, simultaneously teams are coming to dethrone them in an effort to make a name for themselves. Young teams will be looking to prove that they can do more than just make the playoffs, but win in the playoffs. Veterans teams are set to prove that they are ready to win at this time of the year, and that GM’s around the league should be proud about the teams that the have put together.

We will be posting our playoffs predictions for you entertainment purposes only! If you see me in the streets, don’t get mad at me for taking my advise as I am just making an educated guess.

My guess just happens to be more educated than most...

The young, injury riddled Celtics would be ecstatic to win this series! However, I have the equally young, yet healthier Bucks winning this series in a long series. 4-3 Bucks.

Eastern Conference Projections;

Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs Injuries have adversely impacted both teams down the stretch of the season. The defending champs have the advantage as the more of their superstars are available to them. 4-0 Warriors.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs the Houston Rockets Ponder this, James Harden and Russell Westbrook once played on the same team! This matchup between last seasons MVP and this seasons MVP, this is sure to be a can’t miss matchup. Though the Thunder will be overmatched I expect them to put up a tough fight. Rockets advance by winning this series 4-2.

Portland Trailblazers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Damian Lillard will lead his team past MVP candidate Anthony Davis. I have the Blazers winning this series in 5 games.

4-1 Blazers

Portland Trailblazers vs Golden State Warriors The defending champs should be welcoming Stephen Curry back to their lineup in this series. I say the Trailblazers steal that game, before the Warriors bring an end to the Trailblazers title

Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards Though the combination of Beal and Wall will be formidable, though the top seeded Raptors should win this series fairly easily, 4-1 Raptors.

Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat These 76ers are in of those young teams in the NBA which appear to be hungrier than their age! That being said the Young’s stars on the 76ers will dominate the youth of the Miami Heat; though they will give up one game to the Heat. 4-1 76ers.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers Solid coaching and inspiring play from their leader will have Indiana competing in this series, though I have the newly paired Cavaliers coming together to narrowly win this series. 4-2 Cavaliers.

Western Conference Predictions; Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves The Timberwolves will be facing the an uphill battle against the League’s MVP and team with the League’s Best record. 4-0 Rockets.

Second Round Eastern Conference Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers All offseason the Raptors have planned for this series. That being said, I don’t have much confidence in them dethroning the Cavaliers. 4-2 Cavaliers.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Milwaukee Bucks We will get a chance to see some of the best young talent in the NBA compete for playoff survival in this series! The 76ers are better prepared to advance in this series, therefore I have them winning this must see playoff series 4-2.

Second Round Western Conference

Eastern Conference Finals Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers The 76ers would like to think of this series as well a passing of the torch, however I expect the Cavaliers to be to much for the youthful 76ers. The Cavaliers will move into the NBA Finals by winning this series 4-2.

Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Many fans and pundits expect this to be the best matchup the NBA can script in this years playoffs. This series will boast 4 of the past 5 leagues MVP, however one team has 2 league MVP’s where as the Rockets have a deeper bench and exquisite mid range game. However I have the dual of Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry being to much for the James Harden, the Leagues MVP, Warriors win 4-3.

The NBA Finals Barring injuries, I am predicting another Cavaliers/ Warriors Finals matchup for the 2018 NBA Finals. The defending champions will successfully defend their title against a game Cavaliers team. I have the Warriors winning their third title in four years in going away fashion 4-2.

As the ole saying goes, “the NBA is fantastic,” and this season has been no different. Ive let you know my predictions, how do you see these playoffs transpiring? Please respond with your NBA championship predictions and let me know What’s Good by sharing your feedback in the comment section below at whatsgoodinsports.com

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THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

News

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Grand Park Summer Mayor Says SpaceX

to Build New Rocket in Port of Los Angeles

Photo courtesy of Grand Park/The Music Center

Free Ways to Have Great Fun Under the California Sun LOS ANGELES (April 17, 2018) – The Music Center today announced Grand Park’s 2018 summer season with free programming that offers Angelenos the opportunity to participate in their favorite outdoor activities amidst the beauty of Grand Park. The season kicks off in June with the popular Grand Park’s Bootcamp series, followed by the return of Grand Park’s Big L.A. Portrait Gallery, Sunday Sessions and The Music Center’s Dance DTLA*, featuring Dance Downtown and specially curated DJ Nights. Additional highlights of the season include Grand Park + Outfest Present PROUD Movie Night and Los AngelesCounty’s tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July as one big community with Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party.

“Grand Park has built a reputation as the destination for summer fun in Southern California. For anyone looking for a great workout, a place to spend a Sunday afternoon enjoying music with family and friends, or a night of dancing under the stars, Grand Park offers some of the best, most accessible programming in the county,” said Rachel Moore, president and CEO, The Music Center. “A place where Angelenos can experience diverse cultures, support local artists and celebrate holidays along with members of the greater community, Grand Park is now L.A.’s hub for the best free entertainment and arts experiences,” she added.

Julia Diamond, interim director of Grand Park, offered, “Summer is a special time at Grand Park, where everyone, including jurors and parents with toddlers in tow, can enjoy all the park has to offer, including many free events that are now Los Angeles traditions. And, with both Los Angeles County’s largest free Fourth of July celebration and Grand Park’s Big L.A. Portrait Gallery as part of our summer season, park goers can discover the talents of L.A.-based artists and musicians, dance to a new beat and experience the arts in a welcoming and open space,” she explained. *Note: Dance DTLA will be held this summer entirely in Grand Park as The Music Center Plaza is under renovation.

Grand Park’ summer programming line-up includes: Grand Park’s Bootcamp Tuesdays: June 5 to September 25, 2018 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Grand Park visitors can explore the entire park and get a free workout at the same time atGrand Park’s Bootcamp. Open to all and all fitness levels, this free series is a fun way to connect with others, while enjoying a fun and accessible end-of-day workout.

Grand Park’s Big LA Portrait Gallery June 7 to July 4, 2018 Sundown - Midnight For the second year, Grand Park transforms into a nighttime art gallery featuring photography by L.A.-based artists projected to 100 feet wide by 100 feet high on the south wall of the historic L.A. County Hall of Records. Built by famed architect Richard Neutra, one of his few high-rises, this iconic modernist building serves as the perfect canvas for larger-than-life artwork. Featured images will tell stories and share visions of L.A.’s future as envisioned by some of the county’s best photographers. Park goers can enjoy the exhibit over a picnic, view the gallery during their nighttime commute or take in the images during a stroll through the park.

Sunday Sessions Sundays: June 10, July 15, August 19, September 16, 2018 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Returning for the 6th summer, Sunday Sessions celebrates Los Angeles’ contribution to the American-originated, globally embraced art form of House music. Honoring L.A.’s vibrant music scene, creativity and boundary-pushing music-making, Grand Park brings the best House music artists to L.A.’s central gathering place to relive the memories, celebrate the art-makers and connect members of the community with dance and music as a centerpiece. Guests can purchase food from food

trucks and cocktails from the bar and enjoy the sounds of summer in a beautiful setting right in the middle of the city. Sunday Sessions will take place on the park’s Performance Lawn.

The Music Center’s Dance DTLA* Fridays: June 22 to September 7, 2018 Including Dance Downtown, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., and DJ Nights, 9:00 p.m. – midnight A summer favorite now in its 14th year, The Music Center’s Dance DTLA is an evening of dance under the stars on most Friday nights in the summer months, from June – September, 2018. Hosted entirely in Grand Park, the series features Dance Downtown (7:00 p.m.

– 11:00 p.m.), every other Friday night, where participants can learn new dance moves from a different dance genre at each event.

From Salsa to Disco and Bollywood, Dance Downtownwelcomes anyone who loves to dance and learn some new moves in the heart of LosAngeles’ civic center.

Held on alternating Friday nights and curated by influential artists and tastemakers who give voice to Los Angeles’ dynamic and vibrant culture through music, dancing, arts and aesthetics, DJ Nights (9:00 p.m. – midnight) offer Angelenos the opportunity to dance the night away in Grand Park. Details for each night of the series will be announced in May, 2018. The Music Center’s Dance DTLA events will be held at various locations throughout Grand Park.

Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party Wednesday, July 4, 2018 3:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party returns as the county’s largest free July 4th celebration. Featuring picnicking, games, art-making, music, dancing and a stunning fireworks show high above Downtown L.A., Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party is the ultimate summer holiday celebration. The highly popular event offers activities for all ages including soccer, tag, bubble fun and chalk art. Two stages featuring DJs and live musical performances will entertain audiences throughout the celebration. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. from the roof of The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and soar nearly 500 feet, making them visible throughout Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. The event offers a multitude of dining options from more than 40 vendors including the return of gourmet food trucks. Grand Park + The Music Center’s Fourth of July Block Party will encompass the entire park, from Grand Avenue to Spring Street, plus the surrounding streets.

Grand Park + Outfest Present PROUD Picnic + Movie Night Saturday, September 8, 2018 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The Music Center continues its series of intimate events that invite the Los Angeles LGBTQ and ally community to celebrate and connect with each other with Grand Park + Outfest Present PROUD Picnic + Movie Night. Developed in collaboration with a coalition of partners and partner organizations to reflect the diverse interests and experiences of the LGBTQ Angeleno community, Grand Park + Outfest Presents PROUD Picnic + Movie Nighthas the park partnering with Outfest for the third year to present a picnic and screening in celebration of fresh and diverse voices in film. A showcase of short films from the Outfest Fusion Festival along with a feature full-length presentation, filmmakers and actors will introduce the films and share insight about their craft. Guests can come early to enjoy an afternoon in the park with the sights, sounds and tastes of the summer including DJs, food trucks and the park’s popular splash pad and playground.

The screening will be held on Grand Park’s Performance Lawn.

For more information about free summer programming at Grand Park and by The Music Center, visit grandparkla.org and musiccenter.org. Follow Grand Park on Facebook (GrandParkLosAngeles), as well as Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (@GrandPark_LA). Follow The Music Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (@MusicCenterLA).

By JOHN ANTCZAK Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) _ SpaceX has chosen to manufacture its planned big, new rocket in the Port of Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Monday in his annual state-of-the city speech.

The mayor said it’s a “vehicle that holds the promise of taking humanity even deeper into the cosmos than ever before.”

The city Board of Harbor Commissioners will vote Thursday on whether to lease 19 acres to SpaceX for the manufacturing site. The commission’s staff has recommended approval of an initial 10-year term, with two 10-year options, at an annual rent of approximately $1.38 million.

While SpaceX calls its existing rockets Falcons, CEO Elon Musk simply refers to the planned new rocket as the BFR. It’s intended to serve all purposes, from missions into Earth orbit and out to the moon and Mars. Musk has said he aspires to launch his first cargo missions to Mars in 2022.

Musk also proposes to use the BFR for high-speed trips from point-to-point on Earth, such as New York to Shanghai in 39 minutes.

SpaceX, based in the Los Angeles suburb of Hawthorne, already uses the Port of Los Angeles for missions that recover Fal-

con 9 first-stage boosters on a floating platform in the Pacific and when it recovers supply capsules that parachute into the ocean after missions to the international space station.

“SpaceX has called the Port of Los Angeles home to our west coast recovery operations since 2012 and we truly appreciate the City of Los Angeles’ continued partnership,” Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX president and COO, said in a statement.

“As announced today by Mayor Garcetti, the Port will play an increasingly important role in our mission to help make humanity multi-planetary as SpaceX begins production development of BFR _ our next generation rocket and spaceship system capable of carrying crew and cargo to the Moon, Mars and beyond.”

The agenda for this week’s Harbor Commission meeting says the SpaceX’s new operation in the port would be a research, design and manufacturing facility for rockets and spacecraft.

“The rockets, once complete, would be too large for reasonable transport by road and thus must be transported by barge or ship, necessitating that the facility be water adjacent,” it says.

The facility would have potential to employ 700 people.

(CBM courtesy photo)

Fair Funding for Education Continued from page A1

funding to failing students in four categories.

“About 260,000 (76 percent) receive a supplement under LCFF because they are low income, foster children or homeless, or English learners,” according to the California Department of Education web site.

Under AB 2635, districts could see possible increases: Los Angeles Unified would receive $50 million, Oakland Unified $12.6 million, Long Beach Unified $10.6 million, Pasadena Unified $7 million, San Francisco Unified $6.2 million, Sacramento City Unified $5.3 million, and Inglewood Unified $4.8 million, according to the press release.

“Our students are the most likely to be disciplined and suspended than any other student as shown in various studies linking to implicit biases and damaging stereotypes,” said Sen. Steve Bradford, vice chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, “because of this, and their lack of access to the adequate school resources, the future for our next generation looks grim, unless we take meaningful action. We cannot allow African American students to be left behind any longer.”

Students marched in front of CTA to support AB 2635 Young people have joined the fight to improve the education system. Students recently took to the front of the California Teachers Association in Sacramento chanting “schools not prisons,” “support AB 2635” and “don’t watch us fail.”

“We’re here telling them (CTA) to be in support of AB 2635, and don’t watch us fail” said Nailah Dubose, a ninth-grade student at Fortune High School.

CTA sent a letter to Weber, the author of AB 2635, expressing their shared goal for the bill, but highlighting concerns and marked it as a bill CTA will “watch”.

In the letter CTA wrote: “We share the goals of this legislation—to provide additional resources to school districts to help close the achievement gap for our lowest performing students. However, we are concerned that as currently drafted, AB 2635 will not meaningfully increase resources to serve our lowest performing students and may have unintended consequences.”

However, speaking at a press conference Margret Fortune, president and CEO of Fortune School, called for unity among the education community. She noted that the California Charter Schools Association is often on opposite sides of policy debates and acknowledged California School Board Association’s support for this legislation. Fortune invited all of the education coalition community to join in supporting students that were left out of the LCFF funding.

“The students in the most need are the ones that equity

demands that we give support. Isn’t that the reason the Local Control Formula Funding was created in the first place?” Asked Fortune.

AB 2635 passed out of the Assembly Education committee and now heads to assembly appropriation.

Trial Set in California in Oilfield Discrimination Lawsuit BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ Trial has been set for late next year in a racial discrimination lawsuit brought by six workers on a gas plant construction site in North Dakota’s oil patch.

The Bismarck Tribune reports the six workers, all of whom are black, are suing California-based KS Industries for incidents that allegedly happened between 2012 and 2014. They say they were victims of racially offensive graffiti and harassment, and unfair employment practices and work assignments.

The company says any issues resulted from the acts of the plaintiffs, including violation of company policies and procedures. The company also says the workers’ firings were not related to their race, and that the workers didn’t follow the company’s internal grievance procedures.

The case is to be heard Oct. 22, 2019, in federal court in California’s Eastern District.

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Film Review:

Entertainment

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A5

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami 3 stars out of 5

“Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami” falls short of an intimate portrayal of fashion and music icon Grace Jones. (Trafalgar Releasing)

Filmmaker Sophie Fiennes spent five years filming and five years in post-production on “Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami.” (Trafalgar Releasing)

By Dwight Brown NNPA Newswire Film Critic Grace Jones is a pioneer, an androgynous model who became a singer, actress and performance artist all rolled up into one. She well deserves a comprehensive biofilm, one that her fans can appreciate and new admirers can adore.

This unique, 10-year in the making slice-of-life documentary may not be what her most ardent followers crave. But it’s something.

Born in Jamaica (1949) and raised outside of Syracuse, New York, she was a shy, repressed daughter of a Pentecostal minister.

It was no wonder that Grace rebelled—big time. By the 1960s she lived in a New York City hippie commune, was a go-go-dancer and heralded the effects of LSD. A blossoming modeling career took her to Paris in the ‘70s, where she did runway for Yves St. Laurent, appeared on the cover of Vogue and was roommates with fellow models Jerry Hall and Jessica Lang.

Jones short hair, bright lipstick and post-modern, futuristic clothes made her popular with the paparazzi and an alluring spectacle, both on and off the runway. A distinctive singing career followed with her eclectic blend of club music, rock and soul (“La Vie en Rose,” “Love is the Drug,” “Nightclubbing”). Acting gigs ensued (“Conan the Destroyer,” “A View to a Kill,” “Boomerang”). Romances with Dolph Lundgren and her partner/photographer Jean-Paul Goude, slapping a British talk show host on live TV and being notoriously late for gigs further stirred her pot of controversy and legend. It’s important for us to put her breakthroughs, insights, achievements and media storms into perspective. Why? Because, this short-sighted film never does.

Instead, documentarian Sophie Fiennes (“The Pervert’s Guide to Cinema”) prefers an unconventional creative strategy.

In “Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami,” viewers will not see poignant, archival footage. They won’t discover her deepest darkest secrets or witness informative interviews. Nor will they learn about Jones’s impressive stats: Grammy and MTV Video Award Nominations, No. 1 Billboard club music hits like “Pull Up to the Bumper.” Jones was dubbed the 40th most successful dance artist of all time.

This enigmatic, cinema verité look at Ms. Jones (five years’ worth of filming, five years in post-production) plays more like an

extended reality show than a biodoc. The filmmaking is intrusive, and you never feel like the camera is an inconspicuous fly on the wall. It’s as if Grace is looking in the mirror, never in a natural, guard-down state. Think Real Housewives of Atlanta, but then subtract the extreme highs and lows.

A 2016 concert demonstrates that Jones hasn’t lost much of her snarl or bewitching charm. Watching her use costumes and lighting as an integral part of her act, reminds us that, back in the day, she set worldwide fashion and performance art trends (à la David Bowie).

She is also photographed in the midst of recording her 2008 studio album “Hurricane,” with longtime music friends Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. The new music further extends her very strong-willed persona with lyrics from the title song that go: “I am woman. I am sun. I can give birth to she. I can give birth to son. And I can be cool. Soft as the breeze. I’ll be a hurricane.

Ripping up trees!”

Scenes shot in Jamaica depict Grace in church, the place she rebelled from for so many years. This is when Remko Schnorr’s evocative cinematography catches traction. Pastoral shots of deep green landscapes look like paradise. Glimpses of the musician’s mother singing are framed like a family portrait. At times Jones looks at home. At times completely uncomfortable, and the ambivalence on her face is captured by the lens, in detail. These few moments in the footage, knowing the trajectory of her mild to wild life, seem the most emotionally bare. It’s as if we are watching the last chapter in her cycle, and her exodus includes making amends with her past.

“Bloodlight” refers to the studio signal for recording. “Bami” is a Jamaican flatbread. The title of this non-fiction film seems to sum up the dichotomy that is so Grace Jones.

Even as she approaches age 70, and within the confines of this very uncomprehensive format, it’s still easy to see that the timid preacher’s daughter grew into a hurricane that’s ripping up trees.

Dwight Brown is a film critic and travel writer. As a film critic, he regularly attends international film festivals including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and the American Black Film Festival. Read more movie reviews by Dwight Brown here and at DwightBrownInk.com.

Jay-Z Tells David Letterman That Jay-Z talks about Trump. (Blacknews.com courtesy photo)

Some Good Has Come from Trump Nationwide — Hip-hop icon and entrepreneur Jay-Z addressed different topics, including his opinion on President Trump, in the latest episode of David Letterman’s Netflix show My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. What surprised the viewers is when he said that Trump’s presidency is “actually a good thing.”

“I think that what he’s forcing people to do is have conversations and [forcing] people to band together and work together, you can’t really address something that’s not revealed,” Jay-Z explained. “He’s bringing out an ugly side of America that we wanted to believe was gone, and it’s still here. We still gotta deal with it.

“We have to have tough conversations – talk about the N-word, talk about why white men are so privileged in this country.”

Jay-Z and Letterman went on with tackling the idea of white privilege and how it affects the American society in the present times. Many people claim that what Jay-Z is saying is hypocritical

since he is worth over $3 billion.

A known critic of Trump, Jay-Z previously called the current president a “superbug” and a “joke.” In an interview with BBC Radio 1, he talked about the negative effects of Trump’s presidency saying, “We are all linked some kind of way. So if you oppress a certain people, everyone is in danger, karmically and in real life.”

Jay-Z also once caught Trump’s attention when he powerfully expressed his reaction to Trump’s comments about “sh*thole” countries in his appearance in CNN’s Van Jones Show. Trump brought to Twitter his response to Jay-Z. That’s why Jay-Z’s recent statement referring to the presidency as “a great thing” surprised many. Many people think that Jay-Z’s claim that Trump’s style of forcing the people to confront its racial undertones should not be defined as anything positive for the whole country.

Letterman feels the same way. He commented that “we don’t need more evidence” to know if Trump is a racist and says, “You’re having a debate over whether a guy is a racist, chances are that guy’s a racist.”

A6

Local

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Pioneer Violet Palmer Honored

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer Basketball referee Violet Palmer ‘paid her dues.” After years of doing high school and college games Palmer did several men’s games including NBA Summer League. One day she got a call from Aaron Wade Supervisor of Officials of the NBA. She didn’t believe it at first. “I thought someone was playing a joke on me at first” said Palmer in front of a crowd of one hundred-fifty people.

“Then after a few exchanges”, she realized that Wade was the real deal and she got emotional.

In 1997 Palmer officiated the NBA season opener between the Vancouver Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks.During the same year she was joined by Dee Kantner and they as were the first two women to sign contracts and work an NBA regular season games.

Both began their career in what was then an all men’s league.

Some of the best athletes in the world and she was part of it.

Kantner was in the league for three years-After that Palmer was on her own as the lone female official.

Palmer was recently honored by the California Basketball Officials Association–Los Angeles Unit. Celebrating it’s 100th year as an organization. The event took place on the “Regent Sea” part of yachts owned by the Fanta Sea Company located in Marina del Rey. Palmer was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame .

“I remember walking into a room where I received looks and was questioned right away,” said Palmer. ‘There were doubters but I stayed strong and made my way through it all.”

Her run of sixteen years and 919 games came to an end in 2016 when she announced her retirement. Along the way she set a few first for women such as: a play-off game between the Pacers and Nets in 2006.She worked nine play-off games in six different seasons. In 2014 she did the All-Star game in New Orleans in front of 14,727 and a National television audience of millions. In 1999 she won the Naismith Award for Official of the Year.

Palmer recognized her longtime partner and now wife Tanya Stine. “We have been together along time. She has been there and we do alot together.”

On this night she was received congratulatory letters from Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson and the entire L.A. City Council “She has been great for the game and great for the Los Angeles Unit,” said John Lozano CBOA Board Vice President. “ She treats everyone the same.”

The CBOA is a statewide organization that originated in Los Angeles. It was originally known as the Southern California Basketball Officials Association. Founded in 1918 it is believed to be the first organized instructional unit in the country. Throughout the years it has also provided training for officials in Arizona and Nevada.

It helped include the first African American officials to work a state championship game. It also was the first to have women work boys games on the high school and college level.

Former CBOA member Ed Kikuchi “Its great to be here this is really good seeing everyone,” said Kikuchi. “There are a lot of people I haven’t seen in years.”

Violet Palmer and Yvette Perry share a moment at Palmer-C.B.O.A Hall of Fame. (Photo by Earl Heath)

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Black Entrepreneur Tells Her Powerful Story of Immigrating From Senegal to Southern California in an Inspirational New Book,

“Becoming an Angel of Change”

The book shares the caring vision of a Senegalese immigrant that encompasses women and children in Senegal and the homeless at Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles.

Black People Must Vote

Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) -- Bineta Ngom is the founder of the Family Bridge Foundation, a non-profit organization based in the state of California. The philanthropist is thrilled to announce the release of her book titled Becoming an Angel of Change. The book brilliantly captures the philanthropic vision of a Senegalese immigrant mother to America with a calling to serve others. Becoming an Angel of Change will allow the readers to understand how she walked on her life’s path and the long journey as an immigrant to the United States.

The book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Author House Bineta’s proactive stance on making the lives of people around her better began to show up at the age of 8. She is 1 of 5 children to a widowed mother at the mere age of four; Bineta’s early childhood largely shaped her view on poverty and suffering.

“If we discover our purpose, we find our way and our strength; then we can end any discordance and disharmony in our lives, and live the most fulfilled live ever,” said Bineta Ngom, author of Becoming an Angel of Change. “My goals are to inspire people, especially parents, to make a change within themselves and to get involved for a better world.”

“It’s very important for all of us to know that one of the best solutions to help our children advance fearlessly in their future is to come together as a community, to invest and take care of our community and to be role models to the young generations. We should instill love, respect and compassion for them to express themselves freely and find their full potential,” she added.

In 1994, Bineta came to America for a two-month visit; inspired by Oprah Winfrey, Bineta decided to stay in America to make a change in her community. One of the awkward moments for Bineta was leaving behind almost everyone she called friends and family; including her nine-year old son. The sense of solitude that comes with this could have been crippling, but Bineta could see through the haze and envisioned the change she could achieve with the resources that were available to her in America.

Bineta’s dream is to build shelters and women’s counseling centers throughout Senegal and to have a kitchen to serve food to the homeless in Los Angeles.

For more information, kindly visit www.fambf.org and www. aparentsvision.com About Bineta Ngom Bineta Ngom is an immigrant mother of 4, born and raised in Senegal and live in Los Angeles with her children. Her philanthropic life started back in Senegal when she was eight years old. With her pursuit to make a bigger impact for youths, she created a talk show in her own language “Wolof ” to raise awareness on education, opportunities, and health.

or will Reap the Consequences Opinion:

Jeffrey Boney says that nearly everything that impacts our daily lives, in some way, is influenced by an elected official or someone who was appointed by an elected official.

By Jeffrey L. Boney (NNPA Newswire Contributor) All you have to do is crack open a history book, or sit with one of our experienced elders, and you will learn about the many sacrifices made by people of all races in order to ensure Black people obtained the uninhibited right to vote.

No other group of people in America have benefited more from the sacrifices made by so many people who fought, bled and died fighting for our freedom and the right to vote, as Black people have.

The freedom Black Americans experience today came with a significant price tag attached to it, and that freedom has definitely not been free. So much blood has been shed, and so many lives have been lost—all for our freedom and for the precious right to vote.

In fact, if you add up the number of Americans who died in World War I, World War II, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, all of the wars with the Indians, the Mexican-American War, the Spanish-American War and the Korean War, that number would not be as large as the total number of people who died alone in the Civil War fighting to end slavery.

After the Civil War, many Whites migrated from the North to the South in order to help Black people thrive in the new Reconstruction governments. Many of those White abolitionists ran for political office and won. Several Black men were also elected to the U.S. Congress and the South even elected some Black senators. These political gains and the progress made by Black people, as a result of the Reconstruction governments in the South, angered many Southern Whites.

Confederate Army supporters like Lieutenant General Nathan Bedford Forrest, and others, made up in their minds that if they wanted to re-establish control and dominance over Black people in this country, then they would have to stop Black men from voting by any means necessary.

Nathan Bedford Forrest and several of his colleagues helped form the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), where he served as the first Grand Wizard. The Klan wore white robes and pretended to be the ghosts of dead Confederate soldiers in order to strike fear into the hearts of anyone, they encountered. Members of the Klan did not want to be recognized, so they wore hoods to cover their faces, primarily, because many of the members of the Klan were prominent citizens and local authority figures.

At night, the Klan would hang signs warning Black people not to vote and threatened to kill any Black man who voted. To further frighten Black voters, the Klan would gather together in their costumes and place a large wooden cross in front of a Black man’s home and set it on fire. This served as a warning to any Black man who decided to vote in the next election. If a Black man defied the Klan and refused to adhere to their warning, he was lynched from a tree so everyone in the city would see him and have second thoughts about attempting to vote in future elections.

The Klan quickly grew across all Southern states and Black people were vulnerable to this heinous activity and their vicious attacks. Due to the constant harassment and brutal killings by the Klan, Blacks began to slowly dismiss voting. As a result, Black people began losing political representation, as well as the political advancements they gained during Reconstruction. As time progressed, future generations of White Americans began to slowly forget the struggles of Black people and were not as vocal or as dedicated to the plight of Black people in the South as they had been in the past.

If you fast-forward in the history books, you can see that Black voter intimidation and Black voter disenfranchisement continued well beyond the blatant actions of the Klan. State governments in the South joined the party and began passing sweeping new sets of laws called “Jim Crow” and those laws were designed to separate White people from Black people.

Blacks could not eat in the same restaurants as Whites; there were separate schools for Black and White children; Blacks could not drink water from the same fountains as Whites; Blacks had to sit in the back of the buses, whereas Whites could sit up front; and Blacks could not ride in the same carriages as Whites on the trains.

All in all, this blatant form of voting disenfranchisement has significantly impacted the well-being and livelihood of Black people for centuries.

So, why has it been so important for other people to make it difficult for Black people to vote?

The reason, to me, is quite simple. Those who seek to disenfranchise Black people from the voting process know exactly how important voting is. Those who seek to disenfranchise Black people relative to the voting process know the profound impact that it has at every level of government—local, state, and national.

More importantly, those who seek to disenfranchise Black people from the voting process know that voting is so powerful that those in political positions of power are able to direct necessary and critical resources to select areas.

They are also able to ensure that select people are appointed to key positions.

Nearly everything that impacts our daily lives, in some way, is influenced by an elected official or someone who is appointed by them. These elected officials draft policy, introduce legislation, and vote on bills, that eventually become laws.

Whether voting for the judge, who has the power to sentence your loved one to a lengthy prison sentence or

voting for the judge who has the power to determine child support payments and visitation rights through the family court—one or more of these elected officials will impact your life in some shape, form or fashion throughout your lifetime. Every elected official yields power and some level of influence that we as Black people should never ignore or take for granted.

It doesn’t matter whether you believe your vote matters or not—and it most certainly does—you will have to adhere to any law voted on by those who’ve been elected to represent you. There is absolutely no level of complaining or reactionary response that will change that.

There are no acceptable excuses when it comes to voting. Either you do it or you reap the consequences. Engaged citizens must seek to understand politics if they wish to better understand the impact of the laws and decisions that politics produce.

I can only wonder, however, if many of our political martyrs, who sacrificed their very lives for the right to vote that we should all appreciate today, are flipping over in their graves as they look upon much of our squandered voting potential and overwhelming collective political apathy.

Maybe this election cycle will prove to be different, however. At least I hope it will.

Dulan’s

Bineta Ngom

Soul Food

On Crenshaw

Restaurant, Catering & Banquet Hall Gregory Dulan Owner

(323) 296-3034 4859 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043 www.dulansoncrenshaw.com

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