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Celebrating BLACK HISTORY

News Observer FREE!

The Valley’s

Volume 33 Number 17

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

6 Historic Places Along Florida’s Heritage Trail

African-American History BlueprintCreativeGroup.com Florida’s significance to African-American history dates back from being the most Southern route of the Underground Railroad and the quest for freedom to historic firsts. As early as 1565 African-Americans built ties to the state of Florida. While many free and enslaved Blacks sailed to the New World on ships led by the first Spanish settlers, others came much later, as refugees and immigrants from surrounding states and the Caribbean. Follow the Black Heritage Trail throughout the state of Florida to learn more about the culture of the many courageous individuals who helped shape Florida’s history.

Here’s 6 historic places along Florida’s Heritage Trail that highlight African-American history: (1) Fort Mose: Many people do not know that the first underground-railroad in the US didn’t head north, it headed south to Florida.

Slaves fleeing slavery in the Carolinas and Georgia often headed to the fortified town of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, now known as Fort Mose, in search of freedom. Located in the nation’s oldest city - St. Augustine, FL - Fort Mose was established in 1739 as the first legally sanctioned African-American settlement in what became the United States. Actually, freedom in St. Augustine goes back even further for African-Americans. Africans were among the explorers and soldiers who first discovered Florida, sailing with Ponce de Leon and Pedro Menendez – not as slaves, but as soldiers in the service of Spain.

Fort Mose State Park is where people from different countries came together as equals in a shared cause – freedom in a land of their own.

In 1738, slaves fleeing from the British were granted their freedom by the Spanish who occupied St. Augustine. In exchange for converting to Catholicism and pledging to join the Spanish in defending the territory from their enemies, these former slaves found a home of their own.

(2) 1860 African Cemetery: This is the country’s only African refuge cemetery with Africans who died in 1860 after being freed by the U.S. Navy from three American-owned slave ships captured near the

A traditional ceremony is performed to the Key West African Cemetery Memorial. (Corey Malcom-MFMHS Photo)

Black Entrepreneur Finds Success with Minnesota Tech Firm ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ The founder of a thriving Twin Cities startup company is providing guidance to other black tech entrepreneurs in overcoming a dysfunctional home life on the path to success.

Clarence Bethea founded Upsie, a technology company that sells warranties that undercut retailers’ prices.

Founded in 2016, Upsie now has more than 14,000 users, Minnesota Public Radio reported .

Bethea grew up in a dysfunctional home. His father abused his mother, and he had to overcome homelessness and drug dealing.

“It was a lot of work, but I met the right people at the right time who changed the trajectory of my life,’’ said Bethea, 37. “I received guidance and support from

Pico Union Woman Convicted of Practicing Dentistry Without a License LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer today announced that his office has successfully secured a conviction against a woman investigated for practicing dentistry without a license from the living room of her Pico-Union home. At least one victim was allegedly hospitalized due to injuries sustained undergoing a procedure.

“It’s outrageous for someone with no licensee or formal training to subject a patient to a root canal—a procedure we allege sent a victim to the hospital,” said Feuer. “Unlicensed dentists and doctors prey upon people who can’t afford insurance or licensed practitioners, putting their victims in great peril.”

Clara Medina, 58, entered a plea of no contest to one count of battery likely to produce serious bodily injury. Medina was sentenced to three years of probation and 30 days of County jail or 20 days of community labor. She was also ordered to stay 100 yards from the victim and pay full restitution, among other penalties.

In March, 2017, the uninsured victim made an appointment to see Medina in her home for an aching tooth after being referred by co-workers who had previously seen her for other dental work. Medina attempted to perform a root canal on the victim on a living room lounge chair while using various needles. The victim subsequently required hospitalization from the injuries she sustained and may have permanent nerve damage as a result.

The case was investigated by HALT – the Los Angeles Department of Health Services Health Authority Law Enforcement Task Force - and referred to the City Attorney’s Office, where it was successfully prosecuted

by Deputy City Attorney Heidi Matz of Feuer’s Consumer Protection Unit.

Continued on page A4

The African Cemetery Memorial at Higgs Beach, Key West.

(Corey Malcom-MFMHS Photo)

Thursday, February 22, 2018

them along the way.’’

He went to Bemidji State University in 2002 on a basketball scholarship but dropped out of college to pursue entrepreneurship.

Bethea said his acceptance into Techstars Retail, an international startup accelerator, played an important role in his success. The accelerator offerings funding and mentorship for a three-month period. Upsie was one of 10 startups selected in 2017.

“It took away the black or white thing,’’ he said.

“It made people judge me on who I am, how I am as a founder, what our team is doing every day and the business.’’

Entrepreneurs of color have a more difficult time

securing funding, said Sharon Kennedy Vickers, founder of the Twin Cities chapter of Blacks in Technology.

“The numbers are small for black tech founders because they don’t have the access to resources and capital to take their ideas to market,’’ she said. “There still exists a lot of preconceived ideas of what a tech founder looks like.’’

Bethea recently raised $1.7 million in nine weeks for the business, which will be used to hire more employees this year.

“For that next African-American founder who is like, ‘Can I do this?’ and is at a crossroads... hopefully this says that they can because I’m not anything special,’’ Bethea said.

Black Panther” Breaking Records

”

at the Box Office

“Black Panther” raked in nearly $200 million over its first weekend. Lupita Nyong’o (left) and Letitia Wright star in “Black Panther.” (Marvel)

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor “Black Panther” starring Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o and Michael B. Jordan, surpassed box office expectations during its opening weekend.

With $192 million in ticket sales so far, the film is expected to take in $218 million over the four-day President’s Day weekend and an incredible $361 million worldwide. According to ComScore, global ticket sales were set to reach $387 million over the weekend.

According to Entertainment magazine, “Black Panther” is already the eighth-largest single-day gross for the film industry ever and the third-biggest opening for a superhero movie.

“Black Panther” scored a $75.8 million opening day.

“The Avengers” opened with $80 million and “Avengers: Age of Ultron” opened with $84 million. The film also became the highest-grossing title in history at 33 AMC Theaters across the country, according to a report in the Hollywood Reporter.

“Black Panther earned more at those cinemas on Thursday evening and Friday—along with advance ticket sales for other times during the weekend—than any other Continued on page A5

USC Women’s Hoops Player: OR State Fans Used Racial Slurs

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) _ A Southern California women’s basketball player says fans directed racial slurs at her and her black teammates as they left the court following a loss at Oregon State on Sunday night.

USC player Minyon Moore sent tweets about the derogatory remarks after the game, though she quickly deleted them.

Both schools say they are investigating. ``There is no place at Oregon State University _ nor do we believe in intercollegiate athletics _ for racially derogatory actions or statements that are directed at student-athletes, coaches, officials or fans in attendance,’’ Oregon State spokesman Steve Clark said in a statement to The Associated Press on Sunday night.

Clark said that Oregon State was in contact with USC officials and ``have communicated our efforts to investigate this matter immediately.’’ ``Both schools strongly agree that there is no place for such racially insensitive language in sports,’’ USC senior woman administrator Donna Heinel said in a statement provided to the AP. ``And we appreciate Oregon State and the Pac-12’s immediate dedication to investigating this incident and their efforts to ensure that our collective values of respect and inclusion are upheld.’’

Oregon State won 69-63.

Woman Burned as Gas is Pumped into Garbage Can in Her Backseat

MOSES LAKE, Wash. (AP) _ Authorities say a Washington woman suffered severe burns after gasoline fumes ignited when gas was being pumped into a garbage can in a car’s backseat.

KOMO-TV reports the Grant County Sheriff’s Office says the woman, who was a passenger early Saturday morning at a Cascade Valley Grocery convenience store, was smoking a cigarette, which ignited the flames.

Deputies later found a large amount of marijuana in the car’s trunk.

A bystander took the woman to Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake.

The male driver who was pumping the gas ran away.

World & Nation

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THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Black Female Voters Host Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Debate

By California Black Media Newswire Black, female, political powerhouses are on a push to increase the number of Black women and allies in civic leadership.

They kicked off this year’s effort by hosting Democratic candidates at the “Our Time to Engage, Inform & Vote Gubernatorial Issues Forum” on Feb. 13 at the Crest Theatre in downtown Sacramento.

The event flowed like a Q&A dialogue. State Senator Holly Mitchell was apart of the honorary host committee, along with a coalition of Black women in partnership with Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).

BWOPA is a leader in the statewide movement to promote and support Black women in elected office.

Participants were John Chiang, State Treasurer, Delaine Eastin, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Antonio Villaraigosa former State Assembly Speaker and mayor of Los Angeles.

In their pitches to an audience of predominantly African American women, the trio addressed policies that disproportionately impact Black women in the areas of jobs, economic security, housing, health, criminal and social justice.

According to “Black Women in American Politics: 2017 Status Update,” Black women remain severely underrepresented as both candidates and officeholders at the statewide executive level.

Only four Black women were general election candidates for statewide elected executive office in the 2016 elections, and none were successful, indicates the study put out by the Center for American Women and Politics, Higher Heights and Rutgers University.

Eastin used the opportunity to lift up teachers and others, who may have stood in the gap for those who suffered in dysfunctional families in their youth. Whether they were from, married to, or were best friends with someone from a dysfunctional family, somebody steps up for them, she said.

On the question of public safety, Chiang congratulated Villaraigosa on earning the California Police Chiefs

Association and the Peace Officers Research Association of California’s endorsement.

He claimed he was bypassed for asserting it’s important that they have a discussion about Black Lives Matter.

“You have to have that tough conversation about what are your recruitment policies? What are your retention policies, and how are you engaging? How are you disengaging,” said Chiang?

Villaraigosa gave the roadmap for gaining political empowerment.

“Every time you sit down with your governor, and you get to sit down with the CEO, you should ask them, who’s on the board,” he stated.

“At the end of the day, good government is government of the people. That’s got to reflect the diversity,” Villaraigosa added.

Judy Baloney, a resident of Elk Grove in Sacramento County, said she attended without a preconceived idea of who she would vote for. She left feeling Villaraigosa was the least prepared, and that Eastin “brought it home.”

“I think is an ongoing conversation. I think this was a start. I don’t think we were able to delve into a lot of the key issues that we need to delve in, especially when it dealt with health and public safety and our education process,” said Nolice Edwards, of Sacramento.

She felt the candidates at least received a good start toward thinking about Black women’s issues. “When we come back, after June, they should be ready, have done their homework, and be prepared to delve into the issues that impact Black women,” she stated.

Candidate and Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom was absent due to a scheduling conflict.

“He was so sorry that he could not be here. It was so important for him that I be here on his behalf, not only to represent him but represent my values,” said Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

She said she was honored to be there to listen to the issues that are nearest and dearest to the hearts of Black women, in particular, and their families.

California State Senator Holly Mitchell

“These are issues that we need to address and fix, and if we can fix these issues, then I think that we can actually

address inequality in our country,” she stated.

OR Laws Ease Scrubbing of Racist Provisions

By ANDREW SELSKY Associated Press SALEM, Ore. (AP) _ When Oregon lawmaker Julie Fahey and her husband bought a house, the deed said that only whites could live there unless the person was a domestic servant.

Across America, many home owners and buyers of older properties like Fahey are shocked to see racist exclusions remaining on deeds, decades after they were outlawed. Fahey researched how to remove the offensive language, and discovered that doing so would be complicated

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and expensive. Notice would have to be served to every person and institution with financial interest in the property and a request filed in court.

Fahey, a Democrat in the Oregon House of Representatives who is white, decided to sponsor a bill to make it easier for people to scrub the offensive language from their deeds. The measure unanimously sailed through Oregon’s House of Representatives on Wednesday, but not before it opened a window on how the racist provisions are hurtful, and how they underscore housing inequalities that persist today.

Sen. Lew Frederick, an African-American representing Portland, told a hearing on the bill last week that the deed to his own home still has language that says he cannot live there.

“This is not enforced, but it’s quite a surprise to discover that I am illegal living in my own house,’’ Frederick said.

Rep. Mark Meek, who is a realtor and represents the Portland suburb of Oregon City, described “uncomfortable discussions’’ with clients that arise when racist exclusions are listed.

“I say it’s not enforceable, but the history of it and really the true ugliness of it (persists) even though we’re in a different era,’’ said Meek, a Latino. “I think it comes to a time where we don’t erase that history but ... we make a path for those citizens and those owners of those properties who say that’s no longer allowed here.’’

The U.S. Supreme Court in 1948 made restrictions based on race unenforceable. They were outlawed by the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. Before, the Federal Housing Administration denied mortgages based upon race and ethnicity, a practice known as redlining that kept people who weren’t white from buying into more desirable areas where property values were rising.

California lawmakers passed a bill in 2009 to have racist covenants purged whenever property changes hands, but former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed it, noting the covenants are already void and raising concerns about counties raising fees to cover costs. California lets residents request to have the covenants redacted, and several other states have also taken measures to purge racist language from housing documents.

Still, these whites-only covenants remain on property

Fahey’s own deed for her house in the university town of Eugene, dated May 31, 1949, says only a “Caucasian’’ can use or occupy any building in the subdivision “except as domestics.’’

Her bill, which goes before the Senate, would enable a homeowner to notify interested parties by certified or registered mail about the plan to scrub a racist covenant.

The new process would ensure that no other fees would be imposed.

“For me, it was about making sure that the next person who buys the house doesn’t have to see this language and go through this process,’’ Fahey said. “The goal is to make sure that all Oregonians can feel welcome in their homes.’’

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deeds across the country, from South Carolina, to Missouri, to Washington state. A study by the University of Washington found racial restrictions in scores of neighborhoods in Seattle and its suburbs.

“No person other than one of the Caucasian race shall be permitted to occupy any portion of any lot in said plat or any building thereon except a domestic servant actually employed by a Caucasian occupant of said lot or building,’’ says a restriction in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood.

Another covenant says: “No part of said property hereby conveyed shall ever be used or occupied by any Hebrew or by any person of the Ethiopian, Malay or any Asiatic Race.’’

Sen. Lew Frederick, an African-American representing Portland, told a hearing on the bill last week that the deed to his own home still has language that says he cannot live there.

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A3

Features

Boston Celtics Kyrie Irving meeting with a child at The Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. (NBA Cares courtesy Photo)

Golden State Warriors Draymond Green speaking with a young girl at The Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. (NBA Cares courtesy Photo)

The NBA’s Cares Shows Los Angeles this All-Star Weekend

By Cameron Buford Contributing Sports Writer Whatsgoodinsports.com The City of Los Angeles has many reasons to boast about themselves. The climate, the night life, the shopping and the way the city embraces large events. As the NBA’s 67th All-Star Weekend embarks on Los Angeles, celebrities, fans and players alike all participated in the multitude of events which came along with the All-Star Weekend.

Fortunately, NBA players old and new, took time out to visit the children at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Shortly upon arrival to town, while many fans and players were planning their elaborate parties, NBA Legends took time to meet with children at the Children’s Hospital, blocks away from the famous Sunset Strip in Hollywood.

Having been challenged with the toughest of circumstances these kids have an enduring strength and will that these players are very familiar with. As these traits are required to compete at a high level.

Former San Antonio Spurs Guard George Gervin, former Denver Nugget and Atlanta Hawks Center Dekemba Mutumbo and former Seattle Supersonics Forward Detlef Schrempf were accompanied by Boston Celtics Guard Kyrie Irvin and Golden State Warriors Forward Draymond Green as some of the players who came to meet with the children at the hospital. While there with the children the NBA players main intent was to bring encouragement, joy and happiness to the children dealing with significant health issues.

This was just one of the many charitable event the NBA and it players hosted this past weekend. Through the leagues global social responsibility program. Per the NBA, ‘”their NBA Cares program and it’s participants have provided more than 4.3 million hours of hands-on service and created more than 1,125 places where kids and families can live, learn or play in communities around the world. Additionally, the NBA also engages more than 18 million youth annually, inspiring play and teaching the

values of the game. NBA Cares works with internationally recognized youth-serving programs that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes, including: Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Special Olympics, YMCA of the USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, UNICEF, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Share Our Strength and GLSEN. fans.’”

As fans come from all around to support the players on the celebratory weekend, it’s really inspiring to see these athletes give back to the local communities. These activities are a proper way to get the weekend started, leading up to the All-Star game on Sunday afternoon. Now that the weekend has past, I agree with LeBron James, as he states, “not many other cities are built to pull off such a success

event as Los Angeles.” I would be interested to know how you feel about the NBA All Star weekend is welcomed to Los Angeles as well as which ceremonies you were able to get out an enjoy. Please let me know What’s Good by commenting in the comment section at www.whatsgoodinsports.com.

George Monroe a True Legend

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer At the age of 11 George Monroe arrived from Georgia to Northern California in 1856.He came with his uncle but was preceded by his farther Louis a freed man and mother Mary a former slave. They were all prat of the California Gold Rush. The senior Monroe was a barber.

By 1866 the young Monroe had begun working as a tour guide at a lavish resort known as Henry Washburn’s located at Yosemite.

In 1872 only the Southern Pacific railroad and stage coach were the only means that could get you there.

The young Monroe was good with horses thus he became a stage driver for Wells Fargo. Monroe had learned all the peeks, valleys, twist and turns from Mariposa to Yosemite.

In that period of time stage drivers were like airplane pilots., they were prestigious as their skills rested in the safety of the passengers and the valuables they carried. There were many testimonials about Monroe.

“I would always put him on the box when there was a distinguished party to be driven,” wrote Chicago journalist Benjamin Taylor in1877. “Monroe was a born reins man.”

Among his famous passengers included actress and socialite Lilly Langtry. The British born Langtry owned a winery with some 4200 acres in central California and felt at ease riding in a stage with Monroe on “the box”.

Throughout his driving days Monroe also had three Pres-

ident’s as passengers: Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield and Ulysses S. Grant.

In 1879 Monroe and Grant began a legendary trip, It began at 8:00 am with Grant riding shotgun and Mrs. Grant inside with passengers. The stage traveled a rugged mountainous rout some 26 miles. When they neared Inspirational Point Grant and Monroe “relaxed and engaged indulged in a conversation until they reach Yosemite Valley was reached, then Monroe handed the reins to the General but maintained his seat and foot on the brake.”

Grant would later say he had “never seen a driver with the skills of Monroe. He had a name for all his horses and he seldom used a whip, only his powerful voice. Monroe always impressed travelers with his appearance: his boots stayed polished, his hat clean and white gloves shined even on dusty trails. His professionalism made him one of the most requested stagecoach drivers in the Yosemite Valley.

It was written he never cost Wells Fargo a quarter, he never lost a life and never lost valuables in his twenty years driving a stagecoach.

George Monroe died after retirement at the age of 42. A runaway coach tipped over the irony was he was a passenger in the stage. Despite his injuries he assisted the driver in stopping the team of horses. He survived but met his untimely demise a few days later.

In1891 the U.S. Army took over Yosemite and the entrance was named Fort Monroe.

Readers are Leaders:

Buy Your Children More Books

By Elizabeth Primas Program Manager, NNPA/ESSA Public Awareness Campaign We are our children’s first teachers, and what we teach them makes a difference.

According to research by Betty Hart of the University of Kansas and Todd Risley of the University of Alaska, by age 3,

poor children have an accumulated experience with 30 million less words than their wealthier counterparts; a greater percentage of the words that poor children accumulate were discouraging compared to their wealthier peers.

We have to read more to our children and encourage them to read more for themselves.

Dr. Elizabeth Primas says that we have to read more to our children and encourage them to read more for themselves.

This year let’s help reduce the 30-million-word gap by adding more books to our shopping list.

Books not only promote literacy, they also encourage our children to see themselves as an integral and valued part of the society in which they live. Walter Dean Myers, author of the critically acclaimed “Monster,” asserts that culturally relevant books

(California History Museum courtesy Photo)

help young people to validate their existence as human beings.

A Guide to Purchasing Culturally Relevant Books Birth to 7 years-old: Children in this age group enjoy books with vibrant colors, a predictable pattern, and interactive pages.

Our Picks: 1. ”Please, Baby, Please” by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee describes the behind-the-scenes look at the chills, spills, and unequivocal thrills of bringing up baby.* 2. “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Mill Martin Jr. uses an alphabet rhyme to race to the top of a coconut tree.

3. “Chicka Chicka 1,2,3” also by Bill Martin Jr. is the counting-themed complement to the popular “Chicka Chika Boom Boom.”

4. “Brothers of the Knight” by Debbie Allen is a modern retelling of the classic tale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.” Reverend Knight can’t understand why his 12 sons’ sneakers are torn to shreds each and every morning, and the boys aren’t talking.

They know their all-night dancing wouldn’t fit with their father’s image in the community. Maybe Sunday, a pretty new nanny with a knack for getting to the bottom of household mysteries, can crack the case.

8 years-old to 12 years-old: Children in this age group are familiar with story line. They understand setting, plot, and characters.

Our Picks: 1. “The Broken Bike Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street” by Sharon Flake explores the meaning of being a good friend and “happily ever after.”

2. “Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington”

by Jabari Asim tells the story of a young Booker T. Washington, the cherished American educator and advisor to presidents, journey five-hundred mile journey to Hampton Institute immediately after emancipation. He arrived with only fifty cents in his pocket.

3. “Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money” by Christopher Paul Curtis takes readers on an exciting adventure with best friends Steven, Russell, and Zoopy. Steven was given a mysterious dollar bill from Mr. Chickee, an elderly blind man in the neighborhood.

When Agent Fondoo from the U.S. Treasury Department finds out about it, he wants the currency back; but the team of secret government agents may have met their match in the three best friends.

13 years-old to 18 years-old: By this age, teens have established what they like to read, and some have decided that they don’t like to read at all, but with the right books, that can change.

Our picks: 1. “Firebird” by Misty Copeland tell the story of a young girl with fragile confidence who questions her ability to reach the heights that Misty has.

2. “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the coming of age the story of an Nigerian-American girl discovering the meaning of “blackness” in the United States of America. Her companion Obinze, was not able to join her in the states due to post 9/11 immigration policies and they eventually stop contact. He chose to try his chances as an undocumented person in London; as an alternative to the American dream. However, they reunite years later in a newly democratic Nigeria.

3. “Tears of a Tiger” by Sharon M. Draper uses the grief of a young Andy to refute the belief that strong boys don’t cry.

After allowing the death of one of his close friends consume him, a series of letters, articles, homework assignments, and dialogue makes clear that indeed tigers do cry.

You can purchase “Tears of a Tiger” at Amazon.com.

A4

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2018007035 The following persons) is (are) doing business as: S&B LIEN SALES 10948 Atkinson Ave, Inglewood, Ca. 90303 Mailing Address: Same County: LA County Registered Owner(s): WARREN R. WOOLFOLK, 10948 Atkinson Ave, Inglewood, Ca. 90303 This business is conducted by: Individual Registrant Signature: WARREN R. WOOLFOLK The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/2007 FILED: Jan 9, 2018 I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS COPY IS A CORRECT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT ON FILE IN MY OFFICE. DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk by: JUANITA CARPENTER, Deputy NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. A Fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on 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.

The filing of this statement dies not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code).

EXPIRES: Jan 9, 2023 LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 2018

The petition request the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted To probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination the file kept by the court.

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date 03/21/18 Time: 8:30 am Dept.: 79 Address of court: 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file a written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in probate Codee section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is a available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner: Michael A Younge 180 N. Riverview Drive, Suite 210, Anaheim, CA 92808 Published Los Angeles Bay News Observer 2/22, 3/1 & 3/8/2018 ______________________________

____________________________

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF KWAME JOBRONWET Case No. 18STP01555

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Kwame Jobronewet.

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Anthony Johnston in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.

The Petition for Probate request that Anthony Johnston be appointed as the personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, February 22, 2018

6 Historic Places Along Florida’s Heritage Trail Continued from page A1

Cuban coast and brought to Key West for sanctuary. The 1860 African Cemetery is located on Key West’s Atlantic -front Higgs Beach beside the Civil War-era West Martello fort.

It was not until 2002 when historical research revealed the presence of graves. More than 1,400 African men, women and children were housed and cared for in Key West after being rescued from the slave vessels Most eventually were returned to Africa, but nearly 300 are believed to have died, probably from illness resulting from brutal conditions aboard the slave ships in Key West.

They were buried in unmarked graves along the island’s southern shore.

The memorial includes a series of pedestals adorned with African Adinkra symbols and topped with engraved bronze plaques, a concrete base with a rendition of the slave trade’s maritime route, a tile mural inlaid into the platform riser and ornamental fencing that encloses the site on three sides.

Each element reflects African culture.

The African Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a nationally significant archaeological site.

(3) Jackie Robinson Museum & Ballpark: In Daytona Beach, “42” is more than a movie, or a number emblazoned on a stadium banner. Robinson scored a homerun for his people as the first African-American to join an all-white team. It happened in Daytona Beach, where a sculpture and park commemorate the 1946 event.

Jackie Robinson was playing for the Montreal Royals, a AAA team in the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. An exhibition game between the two clubs was moved to Daytona Beach because of segregation laws in Jacksonville, the Dodgers’ spring training home. The game was the first racially integrated game Robinson ever played in. In 1947, the Dodgers moved their spring training to Daytona Beach, largely because of the discrimination experienced in Jacksonville — and that year, Robinson became the first African-American player in Major League Baseball.

(4) Lincolnville: Founded in 1866 as “Little Africa” by former slaves, it became one of the chief battlegrounds in America’s civil rights struggle. Lincolnville is located in St. Augustin, the oldest city in the US. It’s also where Martin Luther King stayed while supporting local civil rights movements.

(5) Zora Neal Hurston Museum & Eatonville: Located just north of Orlando, Eatonville is one of the first all-black towns to be formed after the Emancipation Proclamation and the first to be incorporated. From 1880 to 1930, hundreds of communities founded by and for African Americans were established but only a few remain, including Eatonville. Born in Eatonville, Zora Neale Hurston played an important role in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and now has an entire community and annual festival dedicated to her contribution.

(6) Wells’ Built Museum: Some of istory’s most beloved black performers -- Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington -- couldn’t sleep in the best hotels or eat at the best restaurants when they visited Orlando during segregation. Dr. William Monroe Wells, one of Orlando’s first black doctors, opened the Wells’ Built Hotel in 1929 for them. Black celebrities flocked there and to the South Street Casino next door for lively music, dancing and comfort.

The Slave Deck of the Wildfire from Harper’s Weekly, June 2, 1860. The people buried in the African Cemetery are from this group. (Mel Fisher Museum Schimmel Archives Photo)

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The Foot Soldier Monument in Plaza. (Image provided by FloridaHistoricCoast.com)

Jackie Robinson Ballpark. (Daytona Beach Area CVB courtesy Photo)

Andrew Young Crossing in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Construction. (Image provided by FloridaHistoricCoast.com)

Entertainment

Thursday, February 22, 2018

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A5

Marvel’s “Black Panther” Is Near Perfect Film Review:

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

By Dwight Brown NNPA Newswire Film Critic The Black Panther character was first introduced into the Marvel Studios pantheon back in 1966. The launch took place in the comic book “Fantastic Four Vol.1” issue 52. So why did it take 52 years for that character to make its solo debut on the silver screen? Well, apparently it takes five decades to make a populous-loving, near-perfect Black Marvel film. And it is worth the wait.

Audiences got a taste for the newest incarnation of the character when T’Challa/Black Panther debuted in Captain America: Civil War, the saga in which Avenger characters battled against each other. With filmmaker Ryan Coogler (“Creed,“Fruitvale Station”) as its director and spiritual guide and a script he co-wrote with Joe Robert Cole, this Marvel chapter is decidedly and unapologetically Afrocentric—it’s all about the motherland and bit about urban America.

Upon the death of his father, the king of Wakanda, T’Challa, (Chadwick Boseman, “Get on Up,” “42”), the prince, comes home to the mythical and modern, hightech metropolis hidden somewhere in Africa. To ascend to the throne, the heir must take on challengers in a public ritual, witnessed by his people. He does. As the new king, vested with superhuman powers, Black Panther is the protector of his nation.

In short time, he is pulled out of his comfort zone when he is asked to track down Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), a South African illegal arms dealer, who is involved with dastardly American mercenary Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). The two have a precious Wakandan artifact, made of “Vibranium,” a powerful, mystical, precious metal that empowers the kingdom and was the foundation material for Captain America’s shield. The crooks intend to sell the relic to a CIA Agent (Martin Freeman). For some

reason, Erik has an unbridled anger for T’Challa and his deceased father. He seeks their throne, which he feels is rightfully his.

The king is led into a dangerous Korean casino where the artifact purchase will go down. His guides are his love interest Nakia (Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, “12 Years A Slave”) who is a Wakandan international spy and Okoye (Danai Gurira, “The Walking Dead”), the fearless head of Dora Milaje, the Wakanda Special Forces. The success or failure of their mission holds a key to Wakanda’s future.

Coogler’s rich and dense script features a plethora of characters who have varied relations with the king: There’s W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya, “Get Out”), head of security for the Border Tribe; Shuri (Letitia Wright, “Urban Hymn”), T’Challa’s tech wiz sister, who is also a scientist and inventor who supplies her brother with weapons and gadgets; M’Baku (Winston Duke, TV’s “Person of Interest”) leader of the Jabari Tribe, who once challenged T’Challa; and the Queen Mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett).

Once the plot and characters are set in place, the storyline winds its way through various countries, highlighting strong rivalries, a touch of romance and some comic moments. What’s different about this Marvel episode is that there are also themes that debate whether wealthy African countries should stay self-contained or become an active part of the diaspora and advocate for social and economic justice in other places. That’s not the kind of subplot or character motivation audiences will find in a Thor, Iron Man or a Captain America movie. Kudos to Coogler for being a courageous filmmaker able to handle social issues, as well as cartoon characters. Also, the dialogue can be very royal and serious or completely cheeky, like when Shuri off-handedly refers to the CIA agent as a “colonizer.” It’s a joke, but it’s not a joke.

As a writer/director, Coogler has firmly established that his strength is in creating and developing intimate relationships that capture the viewer’s attention. The innocent young man killed in “Fruitvale Station” and his mom

Michael B. Jordan (right) and Chaswick Boseman star in “Black Panther.” (Marvel)

were tight; the young boxer and elder pugilist in “Creed” had a strong bond too. Whether it’s the king and his spritely little sister, his evasive lover or his archenemy, you never question the characters’ interpersonal dynamics. Also, the director has chosen a very theatrical ambiance. The pageantry is as thick as that in a Broadway play, and the actors seem to relish the grandeur.

The overall look of the film is exceptional, though you have to get used to the potpourri of styles and effects: At times scenes feels like a hip Fast & Furious episode (the car chases). Other times like the Lion King (with a sweet Disney-ish tone). There are scenes of African landscapes that look like they are from an Abderrahmane Sissako film (“Timbuktu”). The space age, high technology elements of the underground city-state resemble Tron. The warrior rhinoceroses seem like they’re straight out of “Jumanji” or “Jurassic World.” Some of the space travel and ships evoke Star Wars. That’s an observation, not a complaint. Though it would have been cool, if the footage looked completely different than anything audiences had ever seen.

The screen is ablaze with Africanesque costumes (Ruth E. Carter, “Selma”) and exotic sets (production designer Hannah Beachler, “Moonlight”; set decoration Jay Hart, “L.A. Confidential”). The beguiling musical soundtrack (Ludwig Goransson, “Creed”) and energized

ultra-hip music (“All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA) are candy for the ears. The footage is perfectly lit (D.P. Rachel Morrison, “Mudbound”).

Boseman plays the stoic lead, and aptly balances vulnerability with an inner strength and determination. The overly confidant and scampish Letitia Wright as his sis, the brave beyond reason Danai Gurira and gorgeously beautiful Lupita Nyong’o are a joy to watch and far more animated. The male co-stars have charisma too: Jordan makes a fine, bitter villain. Kaluuya and Duke match warrior instincts quite well. Bassett and Forest Whitaker as Zuri represent a generation of wise elders with great dignity.

It took forethought, intelligence, social consciousness, an understanding of black history and great artistry to make one of the most anticipated films of the decade a success. Coogler and his crew don’t disappoint. This is one of the most entertaining Marvel movies ever made.

Black Panther is a vibrant, empowering allegory hidden beneath the cloak of a comic book movie, where most of the characters are Black, large and in charge.

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.

Chadwick Boseman stars in “Black Panther.” (Marvel)

Breaking Records Continued from page A1

movie has in an entire weekend. The number of theaters setting revenue records climbed to 80 locations, more than 10 percent of the entire circuit,” wrote Hollywood Reporter.

With that, “Black Panther” makes director Ryan Coogler the top-grossing Black director in film history. The previous record was held by “Straight Outta Compton,” which made $214 million worldwide in 2015. Marvel established the Black Panther character in the 1960s and the film features a majority African American cast and many strong female characters.

The pre-release news, nine month-long marketing campaign and anticipation over “Black Panther” mixed with good reviews and the politics of the time produced a ton of buzz around the film, long before it was released.

What word of mouth will now do for the film may mean that even more records will be broken.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist, political analyst and contributor to the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on Twitter at @LVBurke.

R E L E A S E DAT E 2 - 1 6 - 1 8 I N S TO R E S & S T R E A M I N G O N A L L P L AT F O R M S

Black Speed Skater Snubbed at Winter Olympics Opening

By Erick Johnson Chicago Crusader/NNPA Member Chicago’s speeding skating world champion Shani Davis, one of America’s most decorated athletes to compete in the Winter Olympics, lost the honor to carry the flag for Team USA during the opening ceremonies on a coin toss.

On the coin toss, the honor passed to Erin Hamlin, a four-time Olympic luger, who won a bronze medal at the Winter Olympics in 2014.

Davis, the first African American to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics, skipped the opening ceremonies, The Washington Post reported.

“One representative from each of the eight U.S. winter sports federations voted, and because Hamlin and Davis each received four votes, the decision was left to a coin toss, in a process established beforehand by the U.S. Olympic Committee,” according to The Washington Post.

The move has raised questions about the standards and criteria that Team USA uses in giving the highest honor to an Olympic athlete.

Davis shared his displeasure on social media.

“I am an American and when I won the 1000m in 2010 I became the first American to 2-peat in that event,” Davis tweeted. “@TeamUSA dishonorably tossed a coin to decide its 2018 flag bearer. No problem. I can wait until 2022. #BlackHistoryMonth2018 #PyeongChang2018”\ Hamlin carried the American flag into Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium in South Korea leading the 244-member American team into the $60 million stadium to kick off the two-week Winter Games.

With two gold medals, two silvers and a groundbreaking career, the honor should have gone to Davis, critics of the coin toss have said, a celebrated speed skater with a 16-year career that also includes 10 world championships and four world records in speed skating. He is one of the most senior members on the team who broke racial barriers in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by athletes from more affluent ethnic groups. A native of Chicago,

Davis dispelled stereotypes and beat odds to achieve his Olympic dreams. His unprecedented success has paved the way for a new generation of African American athletes who are competing in this year’s Winter Games. Davis is now competing in his fifth Winter Olympics. But at 35, this will likely be Davis’ last chance to be honored by carrying the flag for Team USA. Hamlin is a four-time Olympic luger and the first American female luger to win a medal at any Olympics.

She won a bronze medal at the Winter Games in Sochi in 2014 and became “the first U.S. athlete to win an Olympic singles luge medal in the sport’s 50-year Olympic history,” according to Team USA. While her historic victory at the Sochi games was unprecedented, some would argue that Hamlin’s accomplishments are not as impressive as the gold and silver medals Davis amassed in an illustrious career that spans nearly two decades.

Questions remain as to why Team USA executives did not break the tie by evaluating Hamlin’s and Davis’ Olympic credentials and overall record. Davis’ selection as a flag bearer would have reflected Team USA’s crop of athletes, which the organization says is the country’s most diverse group ever. Since 1924, there has never been an African American flag bearer in Winter Games.

Very few people of color have had opportunities to train and excel in winter sports in inner city neighborhoods.

Christy Cahill, the director of communications for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) said in an email that, “We don’t publicly share the details of the election, just the process and the result.”

Cahill confirmed that a coin toss is held in the event of a tie in this process. She also said: “Medals generally don’t factor into this decision.

Local

A6

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, February 22, 2018

The NBA’s All-Star Weekend Recap

2018 NBA All-Star game MVP LeBron James posing for pictures with his All-Star game MVP trophy. (Cam Buford/Los Angeles News Observer photo)

By Cameron Buford Contributing Sports Writer Whatsgoodinsports.com Up until recently, the NBA All Star game has been the premier All-Star event in comparison to all other major sports. The Dunk Contest has lost the luster from years past. The combination of poor defense and apathy has led to uninspired and noncompetitive basketball during the game itself. Which became a tough watch for the casual fan. Though the Three Point Contest and the Dunk Contest stayed the same for the most part, the AllStar game format was changed this season. The two leading vote getters were elected team captains.

Prior to the Three Point Contest was the Skills Championship. It was cool to see some Centers and Forwards compete in this competition of all around basketball skills. However, it was Brooklyn Nets Spencer Dinwiddie that outlasted the Chicago Bulls Laurie Markkanen for the Skills Championship.

There was some fierce competition for the Three Point Contest Championship. It came down to Tobias Harris, Clay Thompson and Devin Booker in the final round. It took a night leading 28 points in the final round that set the pace for Clay, though he cam close, the lead was too much to overcome. As Booker was able to get the Three Point Championship this past weekend, after coming in third place a few years ago.

A few of the contestants in this year’s Dunk Contest gave a tribute to past Dunk Contest Champions. Larry Nance Jr. completed the same dunk his father did to win the inaugural Dunk Contest. Eventual Dunk Contest Champion Donovan Mitchell completed one Vince Carter’s iconic from many moons ago, which no doubt brought the house down.

As team captains, they were able to select their team from the team of chosen All Stars. Not only were LeBron James and Stephen Curry were named Team Captains, they both took their nomination seriously. James mentioned he had a full strategy including a “draft board and process” based who he likes to watch play the game. Curry’s process was to get “the best shooting” on his team. Outside of the rash of injuries Team James endured, the game lined up to be easily in his favor.

Even though each team scored over 140 points, the NBA’s 67th All-Star Game actually came down to a defense play by LeBron and Kevin Durant doubled teamed Stephen Curry along the baseline, not allowing him to get off a shot, to tie the game.

Whether it is the new format, the team Captains instilling more pride and accountability on the teams or the players collectively deciding to play harder for that extra $100K awarded to the winning teams, both teams played great basketball which led to the best NBA All Star game to have been played in several years!

After watching LeBron James win his third All Star MVP

Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell, the 2018 Dunk Contest Champion. (courtesy Photo)

and leading his team to victory. What were your thoughts of this year’s NBA All Star Game, including the All-Star Saturday night festivities. Please let me know What’s Good by commenting in the comment section at www.whatsgoodinsports.com.

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Volume 33 Number 15

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

Black Entrepreneur has rver ObseMillennial NewsSuccess in Call Center Industry FREE!

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February Thursday,

8, 2018

California

k usment Pare s Nam preneur ha Am Changing ” nnial Entre of “Rebel Yell ster Black MilleCall Center Industry Roller Coa us” r Average Geni Johnson Jr. Says He’s Just “Your Average Genius” SuccesJr.sSaysinHe’s Just “YouTavere Observer

Volume 33

ers of Southern

Group Newspap

Number 15

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Tavere Johnson

By Stacy M. Brown all for what you believe in and to be great.”

NNPA Newswire Contributor In fact, Johnson has a unique view of stress.

At 28, Tavere Johnson Jr. has In one chapter of his book, subtitled “Enemies and established himself as an author, Obstacles,” Johnson explains the need to battle adversity creative entrepreneur and, as many and not being overcome by stress.

Girl who know him say, a forward “Most people look at the word stress and they frown 5-year-Old doo Voo thinker.

Burned in rged upon it,” he said. “I actually enjoy stress. If you are stressed, The Jamaican-born Johnson it means something that you care about is at risk, so the Ritual 2 Cha has still another way of describquestion becomes, ‘What are you going to do about ing himself: “Your Average Geit?’” nius,” or “YAG” for short, which Johnson’s friends note that he approaches also happens to be the title of his life and business with an eye on what’s applicanew book that should hit book ble. stores this year.

He said “YAG – Your Average Ge“I just try to nius,” is for the budding businessreveal the person, the titan of the industry very simple or even the everyday go-getter. idea of the ks The tome is a way of sharing how uc Tr ll Se a v e r a g e MLK to a spiritual—but not religious—and ing Us l genius, positive approach will bring success Superbow who lives by maximizing individuals’ resourcinside all es, approaching obstacles with of us,” positive energy and taking time to Johnconsider a person’s goal and the Who s o n consequences of obtaining them, Bank Robber ey on said. he said.

Threw Mon gram Ends way Free “I Stu useddent Intern Pro al “At this point in my life, I SoC rer Sentenced want to make a positive impact City Treasu t h e word on people I rub shoulders with,” average Johnson said. not to Born in Jamaica, Johnson downand his family immigrated to p l a y the U.S. and settled in Florida, t h e when he was 13. greatJohnson said he’d always n e s s been “a hustler,” who played of us, sports and loved sneakers. but to “I had a lemonade stand encourand then I went to work at a car age and wash,” Johnson said. “I was a promote sponge, though, who put himself courage, around the right people, because I work ethalways had that entrepreneurial and ics, drive, hustler spirit.” self-confiIn a lot of ways, Johnson said he’s dence and like his father, Tavere Johnson, Sr. the willing“He’s my mentor and he motivates ness to risk it me,” Johnson said. “I’m a hybrid of him, but I’m a little more tenacious, especially in this digital age, but he’s the root of it and is Black millennial entrepreneur Tavere Johnson Jr. is the auwhat’s got me going. Everything springs from there.” thor of “Your Average Genius.” (Tavere Johnson Jr.) Johnson began his career in the corporate world of call centers just three years after he arrived from Jamaica. As he

Amusment Park Changing Name of “Rebel Yell” Celebrating BLACK HISTORY Roller Coaster The Valley’s

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Brown

By Stacy M. Contributor Jr. has NNPA Newswire Johnson At 28, Tavere as an author, himself established ur and, as many forward creative entreprene him say, a who know thinker. orn Johnson The Jamaican-b way of describGehas still another “Your Average which ing himself: for short, of his nius,” or “YAG” to be the title also happens should hit book new book that stores this year. to “I just try the reveal very simple the idea of average genius, who lives inside all of us,” Johns o n said.

“I used t h e word average not to downp l a y t h e greatn e s s of us, but to encourage and promote courage, work ethics, drive, self-conf idence and the willing-it ness to risk

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2017. that 25-yearwhere studentsa half hours. The ed December tenced to seven Service reported Monday last week to and week program It is a four Wanda Brown for two the interns with the City News pleaded guilty felony evadhow their Treasurer Dr. program is to acquaint Jerome Burke charge of government, old Thomas s dropped a focus of the of Municipal community and how their robbery. Prosecutor day to day operations Important fichase that endofficials represent ing. on a high-speedAmerica branch local elected the City Treasurer functions.

Rule of 72, the deputies as, such Burke led a Bank of a basic the office of were also taught after robbing to give them he tossed money nancial concepts compound interest, ed with a crash During the pursuit of Los Anthey 15 southeast bond concepts,of how money works. in Lake Elsinore.

Chamber wheremayor, onto Interstate understanding visited the Council out of the car the roles of stopping on Students ty to play attorney, geles. seeing motorists the opportuni city clerk, city interns were given Witnesses reported city treasurer, cash. the student presentato pick up the authorities asked anyone council members, Mayor Butts invited give them a the highway was arrested unclear if anyand city manager.conference room to the history of how it After Burke return it. It’s and to the executive the money to in their city Councilman Alex Padilla, who grabbed condetails of today. tion about changes Burke has prior be what it is also provided kids with for the one did. photo) has come to court records, lunch courtesy district 2, Tresurer According to who represents consist of and he provided of the City for robbery.

June interns. (Office victions, including what his duties of the four sessions. in May or Dr. , 911 Dispatch d by the student again one Insulation for Pooffered surrounde l Sound interns will be During the program contact Wanda Brown The program Tours of Residentia nt were provided. a K-9 demonat the n about the City Treasurer Departme given Inglewood were presentedparents, 2018. For informatio 412-5642. and the Police nt tour students were jail. at (310) 100%! 38 plaques 60 student interns, Wanda Brown lice Departme as a tour through the examination to see students scored ceremony. Overthe event. stration as wellwere given a take-home they were able to plaque awards attended n taught pass- and family members Students required for of the informatio of 85% was percentile and 5 how much score in the 90% grasp. A minimum the scores were ing. Most of

Thursday, February 8, 2018

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A Virginia amusement park is changing the moniker of a roller coaster named after the war whoop of a Confederate soldier.

The Richmond Times-DispatchBlack reportsMillennial that Kings Entrepreneur has Dominion amusement park will rebrand Successitsin“Rebel Call Center Industry Tavere Johnson Jr. Says He’s Just “Your Average Genius” Yell” roller coaster as “Racer 75.” The park outside of Richmond opened in 1975.

Confederate symbols have been widely debated since self-avowed white supremacist Dylann Roof killed nine African-American parishioners at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015. Since then, numerous cities including Richmond have been reviewing Confederate symbols.

A Friday post on the Kings Dominion blog describes the name change as part of a “revitalization.”

The newspaper asked public relations manager Katelyn Sherwood if the change was due to sensitivities over Confederate iconography. On Saturday, she said “we’re constantly evaluating elementsSuperbowl of the park.”Using MLK to Sell Trucks Volume 33 Number 15

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor At 28, Tavere Johnson Jr. has established himself as an author, creative entrepreneur and, as many who know him say, a forward thinker.

The Jamaican-born Johnson has still another way of describing himself: “Your Average Genius,” or “YAG” for short, which also happens to be the title of his new book that should hit book stores this year.

“I just try to reveal the very simple idea of the average genius, who lives inside all of us,” Johns o n said.

“I used t h e word average not to downp l a y t h e greatn e s s of us, but to encourage and promote courage, work ethics, drive, self-confidence and the willingness to risk it

Black millennial entrepreneur Tavere Johnson Jr. is the author of “Your Average Genius.” (Tavere Johnson Jr.)

climbed the corporate ladder, Johnson said he also attended trade shows and seminars to further his knowledge and experience.

At just 21, Johnson founded his first lead generation call center with a group of partners, and later he used his own capital to start a healthcare lead generation agency call center, which he said is currently valued at more than $4 million.

“It’s one of the more dynamic call centers,” Johnson said.

Writing the book, he said, was a personal milestone.

Johnson knew right away that he didn’t want to just distribute the book to his parents and family friends.

“I want to make an impact, a positive impact, so for six or seven months and from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., after I got out of the daily grind, I wrote and put this book together,” he said.

Johnson continued: “I am the average genius. That’s the cornerstone of what drives me and encourages me to instill this in everyone that I rub shoulders with. I don’t think I’m a cliché genius and I feel like everybody can accomplish what I have and what I will, so I want to be of encouragement.”

If there’s one message Johnson said he wishes everyone would take from the book, he said its positivity.

“Positivity always wins,” Johnson said.

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor There were ads with Morgan Freeman rapping and ads with babies from around the world and fast cars with singer Steven Tyler. There were ads with medieval themes, magic and song.

Then there was the ad using the words and voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to sell Dodge Ram sell trucks.

“Everybody can be great,” Dr. King said in a speech in 1968, two months before he was murdered. “You only need a heart full of grace; soul generated by love.”

The advertisement featured images of football players, cowboys, U.S. troops and first responders as a backdrop to King’s voiceover. The advertisement ended with an image of a soldier, a Dodge truck, and the words “Built to Serve.”

The commercial for Dodge trucks provoked protest on social media shortly after it aired from many Super Bowl LII viewers. It also induced a reaction tweet from the The

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

all for what you believe in and to be great.”

In fact, Johnson has a unique view of stress.

In one chapter of his book, subtitled “Enemies and Obstacles,” Johnson explains the need to battle adversity and not being overcome by stress.

“Most people look at the word stress and they frown upon it,” he said. “I actually enjoy stress. If you are stressed, it means something that you care about is at risk, so the question becomes, ‘What are you going to do about it?’”

Johnson’s friends note that he approaches life and business with an eye on what’s applicable.

He said “YAG – Your Average Genius,” is for the budding businessperson, the titan of the industry or even the everyday go-getter.

The tome is a way of sharing how a spiritual—but not religious—and positive approach will bring success by maximizing individuals’ resources, approaching obstacles with positive energy and taking time to consider a person’s goal and the consequences of obtaining them, he said.

“At this point in my life, I want to make a positive impact on people I rub shoulders with,” Johnson said.

Born in Jamaica, Johnson and his family immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Florida, when he was 13.

Johnson said he’d always been “a hustler,” who played sports and loved sneakers.

“I had a lemonade stand and then I went to work at a car wash,” Johnson said. “I was a sponge, though, who put himself around the right people, because I always had that entrepreneurial and hustler spirit.”

In a lot of ways, Johnson said he’s like his father, Tavere Johnson, Sr. “He’s my mentor and he motivates me,” Johnson said. “I’m a hybrid of him, but I’m a little more tenacious, especially in this digital age, but he’s the root of it and is what’s got me going. Everything springs from there.”

Johnson began his career in the corporate world of call centers just three years after he arrived from Jamaica. As he

King Center and Bernice King, the daughter of the late civil rights leader.

“Neither @TheKingCenter nor @BerniceKing is the entity that approves the use of #MLK’s words or imagery for use in merchandise, entertainment (movies, music, artwork, etc) or advertisement, including tonight’s @ Dodge #SuperBowl commercial,” The King Center tweet stated not long after the ad was broadcast.

April 4, 2018 was the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee, at the hands of James Earl Ray. “The worst commercials are those that use icons like Martin Luther King Jr to sell things like a Dodge Ram truck,” tweeted Boston Globe Deputy Bureau Chief Matt Viser. He wasn’t the only one who noticed.

“So, Ram Truck appropriated Martin Luther King Jr. and used an all white cast + 1 token black to sell trucks to Trump supporters as if we’re back in the 1950s. #Super-

5-year-Old Girl Burned in Voodoo Ritual 2 Charged

climbed the corporate ladder, Johnson said he also attended trade shows and seminars to further his knowledge and experience.

At just 21, Johnson founded his first lead generation call center with a group of partners, and later he used his own capital to start a healthcare lead generation agency call center, which he said is currently valued at more than $4 million.

“It’s one of the more dynamic call centers,” Johnson said.

Writing the book, he said, was a personal milestone.

Johnson knew right away that he didn’t want to just distribute the book to his parents and family friends.

“I want to make an impact, a positive impact, so for six or seven months and from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., after I got out of the daily grind, I wrote and put this book together,” he said.

Johnson continued: “I am the average genius. That’s the cornerstone of what drives me and encourages me to instill this in everyone that I rub shoulders with. I don’t think I’m a cliché genius and I feel like everybody can accomplish what I have and what I will, so I want to be of encouragement.”

If there’s one message Johnson said he wishes everyone would take from the book, he said its positivity.

“Positivity always wins,” Johnson said.

Bowl,” stated Lucy Amato on Twitter.

“Using a “Martin Luther King” speech and completely taking it OUT OF CONTEXT for a truck commercial is a disgrace,” another Twitter user reacted in a typical statement.

Super Bowl advertisements have become an annual obsession as the expensive and targeted marketing to a huge audience has become a place where products are debuted for the first time. Super Bowl ads have also become an annual time to analyze and study the many marketing strategy, as well as the “hits and misses” of the ads seen during the game.

It’s likely that the ad featuring King’s voice and words will likely be the source of analysis over the coming days. The ad might also reignite discussion on some of the decisions being made by Dexter King and Martin Luther King III regarding the use of their father’s image and words.

City Treasurer Student Intern Program Ends

Wanda Brown City of Inglewood Treasurer The 13th City Treasurer Student Intern Program ended December 2017. 38 students enrolled in the program.

It is a four week program where students meet with City Treasurer Dr. Wanda Brown for two and a half hours. The focus of the program is to acquaint the interns with the day to day operations of Municipal government, how their local elected officials represent their community and how the office of the City Treasurer functions. Important financial concepts were also taught such as, the Rule of 72, bond concepts, compound interest, to give them a basic understanding of how money works.

Students visited the Council Chamber where they were given the opportunity to play the roles of mayor, council members, city treasurer, city clerk, city attorney, and city manager. Mayor Butts invited the student interns to the executive conference room to give them a presentation about changes in their city and the history of how it has come to be what it is today. Councilman Alex Padilla, who represents district 2, also provided kids with details of what his duties consist of and he provided lunch for the interns for one of the four sessions.

Tours of Residential Sound Insulation, 911 Dispatch and the Police Department were provided. During the Police Department tour students were given a K-9 demonstration as well as a tour through the jail.

Students were given a take-home examination to see how much of the information taught they were able to grasp. A minimum score of 85% was required for passing. Most of the scores were in the 90% percentile and 5

EAST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (AP) - Two sisters tied down and burned a 5-year-old girl, permanently disfiguring her, in a voodoo ritual meant to rid her of a demon causing her to misbehave, police said. The women also threatened to cut off the head of the girl’s 8-yearold brother with a machete, authorities said.

The boy said his sister was tied down on at least two occasions while the sisters blew fire over her face and cut her on the arm and in the collar area with a needle-like object, drawing blood, according to police.

The girl said the women also poured over her eyes a substance that stung.

Peggy LaBossiere, 51, and Rachel Hilaire, 40, of East Bridgewater, denied injuring the girl and threatening the boy, the Brockton Enterprise reported . They pleaded not guilty on Jan. 29 to mayhem, assault and other charges. A public defender for the women didn’t return a call seeking comment on Saturday.

Police say the girl’s mother is a hair stylist of Haitian descent who has LaBossiere as a client and requested the ritual. She has not been charged but is receiving mental health treatment.

The sisters will be back in Brockton Superior Court

ognsc.Com

Inglewood City Treasurer Wanda Brown surrounded by the student interns. (Office of the City Tresurer courtesy photo)

students scored 100%! 38 plaques were presented at the plaque awards ceremony. Over 60 student interns, parents, and family members attended the event.

The program will be offered again in May or June 2018. For information about the program contact Dr. Wanda Brown at (310) 412-5642.

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Amusment Park Changing Name of “Rebel Yell” Roller Coaster RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A Virginia amusement park is changing the moniker of a roller coaster named after the war whoop of a Confederate soldier.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that Kings Dominion amusement park will rebrand its “Rebel Yell” roller coaster as “Racer 75.” The park outside of Richmond opened in 1975.

Confederate symbols have been widely debated since self-avowed white supremacist Dylann Roof killed nine African-American parishioners at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015. Since then, numerous cities including Richmond have been reviewing Confederate symbols.

A Friday post on the Kings Dominion blog describes the name change as part of a “revitalization.”

The newspaper asked public relations manager Katelyn Sherwood if the change was due to sensitivities over Confederate iconography. On Saturday, she said “we’re constantly evaluating elements of the park.”

5-year-Old Girl Burned in Voodoo Ritual 2 Charged EAST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (AP) - Two sisters tied down and burned a 5-year-old girl, permanently disfiguring her, in a voodoo ritual meant to rid her of a demon causing her to misbehave, police said. The women also threatened to cut off the head of the girl’s 8-yearold brother with a machete, authorities said.

The boy said his sister was tied down on at least two occasions while the sisters blew fire over her face and cut her on the arm and in the collar area with a needle-like object, drawing blood, according to police.

The girl said the women also poured over her eyes a substance that stung.

Peggy LaBossiere, 51, and Rachel Hilaire, 40, of East Bridgewater, denied injuring the girl and threatening the boy, the Brockton Enterprise reported . They pleaded not guilty on Jan. 29 to mayhem, assault and other charges. A public defender for the women didn’t return a call seeking comment on Saturday.

Police say the girl’s mother is a hair stylist of Haitian descent who has LaBossiere as a client and requested the ritual. She has not been charged but is receiving mental health treatment.

The sisters will be back in Brockton Superior Court on Wednesday for a hearing to determine whether they’re too dangerous to be released.

The sisters told police that they have performed “cleansing baths”for family and friends in the past, something that involves chanting prayers, rubbing frankincense and eucalyptus oils and sea salt on their bodies, and burning myrrh, the newspaper reported.

Children sometimes get burned as spirits leave the body, they said.

The girl suffered a third-degree burn across her face that will leave her permanently disfigured, police said.

She was treated at a hospital and taken into custody by state welfare authorities, along with her brother, who described to police what happened at the sisters’ house over multiple days.

Voodoo refers to religious practices developed centuries ago by enslaved Africans in the Caribbean, primarily in Haiti, where the practices are sometimes spelled “vodou.”

Bank Robber Who Threw Money on SoCal Freeway Sentenced

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) _ A bank robber who threw wads of stolen cash onto a Southern California highway while being chased by police has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

City News Service reported Monday that 25-yearold Thomas Jerome Burke pleaded guilty last week to robbery. Prosecutors dropped a charge of felony evading.

Burke led deputies on a high-speed chase that ended with a crash after robbing a Bank of America branch in Lake Elsinore. During the pursuit he tossed money out of the car onto Interstate 15 southeast of Los Angeles.

Witnesses reported seeing motorists stopping on the highway to pick up the cash.

After Burke was arrested authorities asked anyone who grabbed the money to return it. It’s unclear if anyone did.

According to court records, Burke has prior convictions, including for robbery.