Suite Life SoCal Magazine Fall 2019 Issue

ASSOCIATION OF BLACK WOMEN PHYSICIANS presents

38TH ANNUAL

CHARITY & SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT Strong Women, Healthy Mothers, Vibrant Communities:

Bernard J Tyson CEO Kaiser Permanente

Lifetime Achievement Award

Celebrating 38 years Advocating for Health Justice

SaveDate THE

Kimberly Dyan Manning MD, FACP, FAAP

Lifetime Achievement Award

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2019 11AM - 2PM FOUR SEASONS HOTEL 300 SOUTH DOHENY DRIVE LOS ANGELES, CA 90048

Black Women for Wellness Humanitarian of the Year Award

TICKETS blackwomenphysicians.org For more information, contact: ABWPcharitybenet@gmail.com or contact our Event Coordinator, Sabra Waddy, Splendid Affairs, Inc. at 818.605.7405

Mistress of Ceremonies Tabitha Brown

Whole Foods Spokesperson & Internet Inuencer

Contents

35

SuiteTalk COVER FEATURE

SoCal on the 1 with Giselle Fernández and Melvin Robert

By Alretha Thomas Photos by Kristina Dixon and courtesy of Spectrum News 1

>> 35 The Key to Any Relationship is Just a Little Thoughtfulness

By Wendy Gladney

>> 44 The Suite List featuring Event, Media and Marketing Professionals >> 46

SuiteEvents Fall 2019 Calendar featuring (New) Inland Empire Events >> 49 Holiday Movies Hot List

By Ashley Yancey

>> 50 Día de los Muertos & Halloween Events >> 60

Life & Style

SuiteCauses

Afrolicious Natural Hair and Beauty Expo 2019 Comes to LA

An Interview with

By Ashley Yancey

>> 11

ExecSuite Interview with CEO: Gregory C. Scott

By Lance A. Williams, PhD Photos by Joshua Berrymon

>> 15 Not Just a Seat at the Table, But a Voice, Too!

By Gregory C. Scott

>> 22 TheWrap’s Power Women’s Summit Headlines Power Latinas

By Ashley Yancey

>> 24 4

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Man Up! For Your Health: Dr. Jorge Reyno

by Jennifer Bihm Photos by Joshua Berrymon

>> 27 Hope For The Holidays

By Lance A. Williams, PhD Photos courtesy of Community Action Partnership of Orange County

>> 32 Boots on the Ground Activated for Bahamas Hurricane Dorian

By International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI) Photos courtesy of IBWPPI

>> 34

Black Hollywood Education Resource Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary Photos courtesy of Black Hollywood Education Resource Center

>> 62

In Every ISSue From the Publisher Dreamers and Doers >> 6 Contributors Meet The Suite Team >> 8 The Suite List featuring Event, Media and Marketing Professionals >> 46

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SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2019

 9

from the publisher

Dreamers & Doers This issue is dedicated to dreamers – dreamers that summon the courage to become doers.

Since I was a young child, I have always been a dreamer. My mother would often call me out on how I would drift away into my thoughts. I was in constant wonderment for all the things around me. It’s my creative side that spurs my imagination of lofty goals and expressing myself like no one else ever has.

On account of this trait plus being born into a family tradition of entrepreneurship, I have donned many hats trying in the pursuit of nding myself. I am a fortunate one because my dreams are a verb now, and I am doing what I was born to do.

This brings me to our cover feature, Giselle Fernández and Melvin Robert, anchors at Spectrum New 1.

Just about one year ago, Spectrum Networks launched Spectrum News 1 as a 24-7, hyperlocal news channel. As a Spectrum customer, it blew me away. It opened up Southern California communities in a new and fresh way. And as a person of color, I was immediately drawn to Giselle and Melvin. You will read more about them (on page 35), but needless to say, I found inspiration from their contributions to the network and the things they are DOING. I am genuinely grateful to Spectrum News 1 for opening their doors to Suite Life SoCal. Much like my dreams of nding a fresh approach that would make a difference, Spectrum Networks chose to launch a novel programming format to its viewers. With a 24-7 news channel that focuses on granular stories showcasing our vibrant, diverse diaspora, it delivers in a way that makes deeper connections for the viewer.

So I say dream on, dream big, but most of all, DO! Next year, I look forward to celebrating our 1st anniversary and opening our door for the next dreamer to walk in.

Sarah R. Harris, Publisher #suitelifesocal

Last, I would also like to thank everyone who stepped in with encouragement, leads, advertisements, contributions, and more. Our launch was a BIG HIT, and it wouldn’t have been possible without you. In this issue, we introduced a new calendar for the Inland Empire area and our ExecSuite, where we interview CEOs to gain insight into the direction of SoCal. Look for more to come with our 2020 issue. I’m dreaming big y’all :-) Stay Suite!

C O N C I E R G E

M A G A Z I N E

Suite Life SO CAL

FALL ISSUE VOLUME 1, NUMBER 2 OCT ! NOV ! DEC

PUBLISHER-IN-CHIEF Sarah R. Harris CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sarah R. Harris SUBSCRIPTIONS & SALES Jon Harris SOCIAL MEDIA Kaylee Harris CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Joshua Berrymon Kristina Dixon

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Bihm Wendy Gladney, Alretha Thomas, Lance A. Williams, PhD Ashley Yancey SPECIAL THANKS Monique Bacon, Charisse Bremond-Weaver, Lela Christine, Carol Hall, Jon Harris, Kirsten Garrison, Wendy Gladney, Ryan & Jessica Legaux, Stacey Mitch, Barbara Perkins, Dell Roberts, Sabra Waddy, Ronald Waddy, Margo Wade LaDrew

CONTACT US Address: Phone / Email: Visit us online: Follow us on: WINTER 2020 ISSUE ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: DECEMBER 2, 2019

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6709 La Tijera Blvd, #625, Los Angeles 90045 323.445.6745 / suitelifesocal@gmail.com www.suitelifesocal.com @suitelifesocal / #suitelifesocal

Suite Life So Cal Magazine is published quarterly. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Letters to the publisher are welcome. Email submissions to suitelifesocal@gmail.com. © 2019 Suite Life Media

Contributors COVER FEATURE

WRITER

Thank you to our Contributors

Alretha Thomas Alretha Thomas is an awardwinning author of thirteen books and an actress. athomasforreal alrethathomas alrethathomas

WRITER

alrethathomas.com

Ashley Yancey A Gemini sun with a Leo moon, I am whiskey in a tea cup personified.

Midwest raised, East Coast built, and West Coast enlightened means I am no stranger to good food, epic rap battles, and cautious optimism. It’s a marathon, not a sprintproceed accordingly.

WRITER

Lance A. Williams, PhD Gifted Organizational Leader with Extensive Change Management Expertise

fancyayancey

COVER FEATURE

WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Kristina Dixon

Jennifer Bihm

Owner | Lead Photographer of 11:ONE VISUALS

Freelance Healthcare Journalist

Follow Kristina at: 11onevisuals 11onevisuals.com

WRITER

Wendy Gladney is a Coach, Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Author and Founder of Forgiving For Living and Season of Greatness

wendygladney forgiving_for_living seasonofgreatness wendygladney.com 8

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PHOTOGRAPHER

Joshua Berrymon

is an urban street photographer based in Los Angeles. “I’ve been taking pictures for over 2 years now and I'm loving how I can serve my artistic eye through the lens.

When you search “urban Los Angeles,” I want my images to be the first thing you see. coolin_caughtit

Plan your days with

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You are invited to A Night at the Theatre with

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SoCal

for a special presentation of A Noise Within's August Wilson's GEM of the OCEAN Directed by Gregg T. Daniel

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2019 featuring Pre-Show Reception @ 6pm Performance @ 8pm Post-Show Q&A with the Cast

Purchase Tickets with us for $55 includes refreshments and a one-year subscription Tickets are Limited!

RSVP to: suitelifesocal@gmail.com SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2019

 9

Life & Style

AFROLICIOUS 2019

Life & Style

“Afros at the

@afrolicioushairexpo @afroliciousexpo #naturalhairexpo

M asquerade ” Is Here!

BY: ASHLEY YANCEY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RASTAFRI | AFROLICIOUS

A

t the end of October, Afrolicious Natural Hair and Beauty Expo 2019—one of the West Coast’s largest natural hair expos—will descend on Los Angeles, bringing the latest hair care products, styling techniques, and beauty demonstrations to help celebrate this year’s theme, “Afros at the Masquerade.”

Sponsored by RastAfri, one of America’s leading braiding-hair companies, Afrolicious will feature live natural hair demonstrations, a Little Miss Afrolicious Pageant to celebrate little brown girls, a natural hair panel, swag bags, and dozens of African American business vendors that will offer African clothing, jewelry, soaps, art, hair care products and so much more.

“The overall goal is to celebrate black women’s natural hair and beauty all over the world, which cor responds with RastAfri’s goal as we celebrate beauty in every walk of life,” said Rhonda Ray, the creator of the annual expo. “[The acceptance of natural hair] means a lot. It lets us know that going back to our natural roots is not just a trend but is becoming a standard of beauty.” This message is especially timely due to the passing of the CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open

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“

The overall goal is to celebrate black women’s natural hair and beauty all over the world...”

Rhonda Ray creator of Afrolicious

Workplace for Natural Hair) Act, California’s new law prohibiting discrimination based on hairstyle and texture. Sponsored by California State Senator Holly Mitchell, the law has recently expanded into New York and is the rst of its kind to provide personal hair-grooming protection for African Americans.

In addition, RastAfri will provide their own live hair demonstrations, a $1500 cash prize hair braiding competition, braiding-hair giveaways, hundreds of product giveaways, and networking opportunities with brand ambassadors to inspire future collaborations.

“MASQUERADE” IMAGE © ADOBE STOCK

“Attendees can expect to experience RastAfri in a new way… learn proper installations of natural hairstyles, the variety of natural hair products that RastAfri offers, and experience new products before they are available in beauty supply stores,” revealed Sherrell Jackson, Creative Director of RastAfri, the main sponsor of the event since 2018, and who is hosting this year’s “Futuristic Avant-Garde” themed braiding competition. “The possibilities are endless!”

Now in its sixth year, LA-based Afrolicious has quickly expanded, and the traveling hair show touts ve additional cities on its tour lineup, including Oakland, Houston, Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta. “I decided to take a leap of faith and add one city a year. I was lucky in the beginning to have friends who owned companies like Kinky Curly and Mixed Chicks to sponsor,” shared Ray, when reecting on the early days of building Afrolicious into the traveling hair show it has become. This year, at least twenty health, beauty, and hair brands will be represented on the showroom oor.

While each year comes with its share of highlights, one in particular stands out the most to both Ray and Jackson. “The LA Wakanda hair competition in 2018 was lit! The stylists

showed their amazing talents by recreating [styles inspired by] the movie Black Panther – a phenomenon,” gushed Jackson.

Ray agrees. “When the African drum and dance team @bandankara did the opening drum welcome in Dallas for the Wakanda theme, it was AMAZING.” When considering what the future holds for the show, Ray is prepared to go big. “I hope for Afrolicious to be a household name and the ‘go-to’ for the natural hair community and their families when we come to their town. I see us lling [the] convention center oors with naturals in many cities to come,” Jackson quickly added, “Five years from now, Afrolicious will be the biggest and most sought-after West Coast hair show!”

The Expo is Sunday, October 27, 2019, at the Los Angeles Convention Center from 11 am-5 pm. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com. Proceeds from the expo benet the local My Friends House Foundation, a nonprot for the homeless.

2019 co-sponsors include: Eden Body Works, Kanekalon, Ajaa Naturals, Bronner Brothers, Aunt Jackie’s, and Curls among a host of others. + SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2019

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eXec

PLUS

Suite WOMEN

HAVING A SEAT AND A VOICE AT THE TABLE

TheWrap’s POWER WOMEN’S SUMMIT

AN INTERVIEW WITH CEO

Gregory C. Scott

eXEC Suite

Leading for the Left Behind

BY LANCE A. WILLIAMS, PH. D. PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRYMON

G

regory Scott’s experience growing up in poverty in the Paterson, New Jersey housing projects, left an indelible mark that shaped his professional life. A graduate of Eastside High School, Scott was a student at the institution when Joe Clark, subject of the movie, “Lean On Me,” was Principal. Scott ultimately earned a sociology degree from William Paterson University and a master’s degree in community economic development from Southern New Hampshire University.

Today, as President and Chief Executive Ofcer of Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC), Scott leads the organization with the mission to enhance the quality of life in Orange by preventing the causes and effects of poverty in directing resources to programs that promote self-sufciency. CAP OC serves persons at or below the federal poverty level.

The organization has over 100 employees and a budget of over $21 Million dollars. CAP OC mobilizes resources to help people help themselves, provide safety-net services for those in need, and work with community leaders.

Scott discussed his career odyssey during a recent interview at the CAP-OC headquarters in Garden Grove.

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eXEC Suite LAW: Please summarize early highlights of your career.

LAW: Is this your rst experience in Community Action?

GS: I started out my career as a substitute teacher in the Paterson, New Jersey school system – the students were smart and curious and reminded me of myself. When I was younger, I developed a rapport with them as the “cool young teacher.”

Ironically, it was the same school system I grew up in myself and I hope I had half as much of an impact on them as they had on me. They inspired me to continue my work with young people and before long I found myself in Boston Massachusetts, leading as the national program director at YouthBuild. An International program, YouthBuild, helps lowincome youth with leadership and educational opportunities.

The program teaches them construction skills through building affordable housing for the homeless, schools, playgrounds, and community centers in low-income neighborhoods. I established myself as a leader and gained prociency in speaking at regional and national conferences.

This experience led me to my next opportunity with Sylvan Learning Systems in California. Here I served as the regional vice-president and with no regrets, I have been a west coast resident ever since. From there I served as President & CEO of the Weingart Center for the Homeless, and New Directions for Veterans, both in Los Angeles, before coming to Community Action Partnership of Orange County.

GS: Yes, prior to joining the agency, I knew little of Community Action and it's deep history of civil rights and the war on poverty. When I got the phone call, I began to research the organization and fell in love with the mission. Community Action is a product of the civil rights movement. The War on Poverty, and the lives the organization has touched over the last 50-55 years really attracted me. Poverty hits on so many different social justice issues and all of the Community Action organizations work each day to help eliminate this plague. My passions and beliefs in this cause are ignited when I think of the impact I am making in utilizing my leadership in this capacity, as well as my own story of growing up in a impoverished condition.

“

Social justice and social action are more relevant than ever.

We stand at a critical time in history.

Racial and gender equity, economic justice, immigration, health reform, and climate change are more topics on all social and political fronts.

All of these factors, among many others, are affecting families and threaten to leave people behind.

”

LAW: How many years of senior level nonprot or for-prot experience have you achieved?

GS: I have over 20 years of experience at the senior level in the independent and private sectors, providing strategic leadership and as a change agent. I have served on numerous boards, but also currently serve on the following boards: Southern California Counseling Center, Holman Community Development Corporation, and the Anaheim Workforce Development Board.

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LAW: Are social action movements still relevant in today's world?

GS: Social justice and social action are more relevant than ever. We stand at a critical time in history, racial and gender equity, economic justice, immigration, health reform, and climate change are more topics on all social and political fronts. All of these factors, among many others, are affecting families and threaten to leave people behind. Our programs must continue to provide a pathway out of poverty, innovation, and advocacy that anchor long-term solutions. We have to help people so that they don't just come for services day in and day out, month in and month out, year in and year out. We need to eliminate poverty and increase self sufciency.

LAW: What types of programs do you anticipate continuing and what types do you think you will restructure or even eliminate?

GS: We are creating a culture of evaluation and assessment in all of our programs to appraise the return on investment.

We have an environment of continuous improvement and must disrupt the status quo to increase our collective impact and focus on our strengths as an agency. We are asking the question - which programs can we take to scale to move the needle? In each program model we are evaluating how we can take the evolution of what we have done, and build on our capacity that will lead to more training, economic empowerment, and upward mobility.

LAW: What new initiatives are you planning?

GS: Our biggest advancement will be in the area of training and economic empowerment. We have a long history of providing amazing safety net programs and services. Our real impact will come from our ability to stay cutting edge with new initiatives, deliver world class services, and be effective

advocates for the things that affect the neighbors we serve. We're in the middle of creating a 10-year strategic plan building off of our most recent needs, assessment and market research, and Community Action Plan. As a part of that plan we want to develop the right system to eliminate poverty in a family within three generations. We're calling it Pathways to Prosperity.

LAW: Why a 10-year plan?

GS: We chose a long-term plan, because poverty is a long-ter m problem. We understand our strategies may change due to environmental changes, but the issues of poverty continue to be prevalent. The plan encompasses: Economic empowerment and training, Strengthening Families, ending hunger and food insecurity, youth education, mental health, access to affordable housing and ending homelessness, environmental justice and public health.

LAW: Orange County is in a moment of political transition.

How do you see the impact of this change on potential funding opportunities coming your way?

GS: Orange County is one of the most progressive and wealthiest counties in the country, but yet it also has a reputation of being conservative. However, it is also a county that has a rising homeless population, and many pockets of communities dealing with poverty. Most people outside of the County assume there is no poverty or people in need. They also assume people in Orange County don't care about their neighbors and all members of the community. From my experience that is a false narrative. I have found people to be very caring, and want to make a difference in people's lives. We have over 18,000 volunteers from families, to students, to major corporations, who care about the work we do and I strongly believe there is more opportunity for advancement in funding opportunities. We are embarking upon the new O.C., that will be a model of collaboration, partnership, and social change around the country.

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eXEC Suite

LAW: In developing your most recent Community Action Plan, what priority needs were established?

GS: We have identiď€ ed six priority needs: 1. The high cost of living was at the top of everybody's list; 2. Orange County has a low unemployment rate but a high underemployment rate; 3. Affordable housing was next – in many cases, people are paying 50% of their monthly income just for housing; 4. Homelessness - we have a growing homeless population of as many as 8,000 people countywide; 5. Drug and alcohol abuse - opioids are a major phenomenon, at epidemic proportions; and 6. Access to health care immigration, which impacts health care, education, and many areas related to people receiving services.

LAW: What advice or insight would you offer to people who see you as a role model?

GS: Probably the number one thing I would advise the younger generation is not to fear failure. I've learned more from my failures than I have from my successes. Our society is in need of effective leaders if we are ever going to make real change. My advice is to study the phenomenon of leadership, focus on your strengths, and implement the type of kindness and care that will transform their generation. Lastly, I would advise this generation to know their history, but be innovators and entrepreneurial. The best leaders are the best thinkers and dreamers. This next generation of leaders has a real chance to make a difference. I was able to lead at this level, because someone told me I mattered. I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong, and don't be afraid. It takes focus, determination, and hope to be great. They must lead by example without fear, and use the innovation of latest technology to create their future. That's my advice. + 20

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You are invited to join Community Action Partnership of Orange County in support of their

2019 Hope for the Holidays Fundraiser Campaign beginning Sunday, October 13, 2019 with their kick-off event at The Playground in Santa Monica.

Read more about their planned activities and ways to participate on page 32.

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Course Description The AABLI Board Leadership Program (BLP) provides comprehensive training in nonprofit board governance. It offers a deep dive into governance responsibilities and a thorough understanding of board governance, focusing on finance, fundraising, management roles, and strategic issues. Participants who successfully complete the BLP are eligible to receive certificates in board governance and assistance with placement on governing boards or commissions.

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eXEC Suite

Not Just a Seat at the Table, But a Voice, Too!

BY GREGORY C. SCOTT

W

omen are dramatically outnumbered on the boards of the nation’s biggest companies. In 2018, California passed a law (California Senate Bill 826) trying to change that. The law, SB 826, requires at least one woman on boards that have four members or less, two women on boards of ve people and three women on boards of six or more.

For many years, the presence of women in the boardroom was…wait, there was no presence. The decisions of corporations or organizations were controlled by the privileged men sitting around the board tables. The idea of women having a seat at those tables was just that: an idea without substance.

Times are changing. The notion of gender diversity in the boardroom, more generally within organizations, has gained considerable traction and is no longer a debate. Theoretical research, social change movements and corporate strategies have proven that the voices of women carry weight, solve problems and increase revenue. Formerly dismissed as a social issue requiring no real action, gender diversity on boards is increasingly perceived as a value-driver in corporate strategy and governance.

Board diversity, including race and gender, has progressively become part of investment practice across all sectors of decision making. Not only are fair employment practice and equal pay for women part of the conversation, but board diversity also is a big part of the social investment in all sectors. In many ways, board diversity is required by primary stakeholders such as investors, partners, customers or employees. This level of stakeholder preference should encourage rms looking to improve brand loyalty and employee engagement.

Studies show that businesses with more female directors on their boards distribute higher dividend payouts to stakeholders. In diverse groups, it has been shown to arrive at better decisions than single gender groups. A diverse group will always put more options on the table than any homogeneous group.

In my experience as a CEO with a board of directors, I have found a gender-diverse board can bring to the boardroom table a broad spectrum of perspectives and ideas that otherwise might not be considered. Women are the heart and soul of our mission, and therefore, the heart and soul of our revenue generation. Many studies conrm that companies with high representation of women board members have on average achieved signicantly higher nancial performance.

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Representation does matter. Employees like to see in power people who represent them, and who look like them.

Female board members also serve as positive role models, opening the door for their leadership and advancement—in the boardroom and in all the corridors of power.

Some believe that the ruling in California has opened a door for more states to follow their lead.

I think the push for more women board members will become a trend around the world. The pattern will impact the private sector, the independent sector and government in a very positive way.

Interested in women having a voice at the table? Consider the following tips: v Frequently, boards require prior board experience and never give women a chance based on their rules.

Having expertise in an area of need is far more critical than previous board experience. v Consider a larger pool of professional women when lling board seats. Looking at two female candidates and claiming due diligence is disingenuous. v Be intentional about a leadership development program for women within your organization. This will groom more women for leadership positions, and eventually for boards of directors. v Incorporate into the DNA of your organization an ethic of corporate responsibility and strong values that will hold everyone accountable to diversity and inclusion and attract high-caliber board members of all genders. v Finally, take the risk! Do something no one else is doing and watch your results and prots increase. +

Reprint permission courteous of the African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI). Mr. Gregory C. Scott is President & Chief Executive Officer of Community Action Partnership of Orange County and AABLI alumnus, Class #4. Please visit their blog at aabli.org.

AA A f ric an A me ri c an B

LI B oa r d L ea d e r s hip I ns t it u t e

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DO YOU KNOW

THE POWER OF YOUR VOICE?

They do!

The African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI) is the foremost educational organization of board governance for leaders to have an impact in the communities that they serve.

AABLI was established in 2011 to develop a pipeline of qualified African American candidates for membership on governing boards and is the only organization in the country created to exclusively train and assist with the placement of African Americans on all types of governing boards and commissions.

AABLI offers:

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A rigorous board governance certificate program, Board placement assistance, Transformative growth, aligning talented leaders with dynamic organizations, and Access to its community of talented professionals and distinguished alumni network

Learn how to use your voice - visit aabli.org today!

eXEC Suite

TheWrap's 2019 Annual Power Women Summit TO HIGHLIGHT SEVERAL LATINA POWERHOUSES WHILE CONFRONTING GENDER INEQUALITY

GINA TORRES

T

DIANE GUERRERO

STEPHANIE BEATRIZ

his fall, TheWrap is hosting their 2nd annual Power Women Summit, touted as the largest gathering assembled of the most inuential, trailblazing women in entertainment, media, politics and technology. Hollywood Latina stars such as Gina Torres, Diane Guerrero and Stephanie Beatriz are headlining alongside other key talent, politicos, and executives such as Jenna Dewan, Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie, Mayim Bialik, Corinne Foxx, Cori Bush, and Stephanie Alain.

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STEPHANIE BEATRIZ PHOTO BY KEVIN SCANLON / DIANE GUERRERO PHOTO COURTESY KEPPLER SPEAKERS

BY ASHLEY YANCEY

This year's “Meet 50/50” theme seeks to empower and inspire its 2000 attendees to do their part in closing the economic and disparity gaps of inclusivity, diversity and gender equity.

Taking place at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica, CA, over two days from October 24th-25th, TheWrap's summit seeks to provide concrete measuring tools via education, workshops, roundtables, and breakout sessions to promote women in leadership across all areas of media and entertainment industry.

There will be mentoring sessions tailored for women in all areas of their careers as well as practical training sessions in leadership.

Gina Torres (Suits), Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn NineNine), and Diane Guerrero (Orange is the New Black) will be appearing at this year's summit, which will also explore topics such as redening cultural stereotypes, empowerment tools for female entrepreneurs, self-care and meditation rituals, and why pursuing female-driven content is necessary, overdue and an asset to us all. A portion of proceeds will benet Times Up and other non-prots.

According to Women in Hollywood, despite witnessing historic heights of women involved in the entertainment industry-directors, producers, actors, and writers have all seen a surge of female representation-women still comprise a third of representation at best. For example, of the top 100 grossing lms from 2017-2018, only 33% of all speaking or named characters were girls/women, while only 9% of the top movies had genderbalanced casts. The disparity becomes even more pronounced when matters of race and age are factored in. Seventy lms were missing Latina characters, 33 were missing Black/African American female characters, 54 were missing Asian or Asian American female characters, and 51 girls or women from multiracial/other backgrounds. Regarding age, only eleven of the movies featured a female 45 years of age or older at the time of theatrical release in a leading or co-leading role. In technology, the numbers are similar. While 30% of tech roles at leading Silicon Valley companies are held by women, on the ip side, only 20% of all executive tech roles are held by them, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

When reviewing race in tech, after combining Executives' and Managers' job categories, African American workers are less than 1 percent, and Hispanic workers are 1.6 percent.

TheWrap's Power Women Summit hopes to equip all attendees with strategies, professional networks, and resources to continue to not only challenge, but affect long-term change and impact. While the tide is changing and the trends are shifting, there is still much work to be done. To learn more information, including purchasing tickets, please visit their website at wrapwomen.thewrap.com.

Those who seek to showcase your product and to have the chance to meet other female founders, designers, creators, and power women may inquire about packages for all levels of companies and entrepreneurs. For more information and to reserve your spot in the Marketplace, please reach out to elizabeth.scotti@thewrap.com. +

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2019

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Scauses uite

DR. JORGE REYNO SAYS

PLUS

Man Up! HOPE FOR THE

HOLIDAYS BOOTS ON THE GROUND IN THE BAHAMAS

SuiteCauses

Man Up! for Your Health

BY JENNIFER BIHM

@YourMLKCH | #manup | #menshealth

DR. JORGE REYNO PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRYMON

MAN UP! PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY HOSPITAL 28

FALL 2019 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

I

n November, across the United States, there may be an increase of unshaven men. It’s Men’s Health Awareness Month, and those who are aware will be participating in the Movember Movement, a program set up to open dialogs and encourage men to be more vigilant when it comes to their care.

Men grow their facial hair as a way to establish camaraderie and solidarity among them.

“

Here in Los Angeles, Dr. Jorge Reyno and his colleagues at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital (MLKCH) are taking a slightly different approach to raise awareness.

Reyno, who hails from Colombia but grew up in Kansas City, Missouri’s public housing, heads up Population Health at MLKCH. Part of his responsibility is to establish “value-based relationships with other hospitals, physicians, and provider organizations, building evidencebased care models, disease-specic programs, care coordination, and the identication of clinical improvement opportunities across the continuum of care,” according to his bio. In advance of Movember, he has already helped to established programs encouraging these men to start talking and start asking questions about their health, one of them being Man Up!, a program that links barbershops in Los Angeles County with MLKCH doctors to offer free medical screenings to the public.

“We kicked off the ‘Man Up!’ program in January,” Reyno explained in a recent interview.

“It’s been tough to gauge its effectiveness in the short-term.

However, I do know that there has been great community engagement [so far]. I’m always pleased when I’m able to attend and I’m able to sit down with men and women, answering questions and making them aware of the importance of prostate cancer screening and why it’s important for them to know their numbers in regards to blood pressure for stroke prevention, prevention of heart disease, for prevention of all the complications associated with those…”

Health doesn't have to be an intimidating conversation...We want to get the word out in places where men feel comfortable. We want the trusted voices of our community members leading the conversation. We know that sometimes it takes support to get the support you need.

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2019

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SuiteCauses First launched at all nine barbershops, the program then rotated in set of 3 starting with Just Showin’ Off, in L.A., The Place to Be in Carson, and VIP Barber Shop in Compton and continues the rst Saturday of every month until December 1.

According to researchers at the Centers for Disease Control: Among four groups — white, American Indian, Asian or Pacic Islander, and Hispanic — the rate of new prostate cancer diagnoses is anywhere between 49.6 and 90.2 per 100,000 men.

For African American men, however, the rates are much higher, with 158.3 new diagnoses per 100,000 men. African American men are twice as likely to die from the disease as white men.

“So, what we're really trying to do with these programs is address the needs before it gets to where they need the hospital,” Reyno said.

“In my position, I work to develop collaborative team environments to promote a culture of two-way communication and engagement with the community to create opportunities for positive patient outcomes. Through these collaborations with community partners, MLKCH is able to develop new programs, and match progress with the needs of the populations.”

Other MLKCH community programs include “Know Your Basics,” where providers offer health screenings and health education out in the community—in shopping malls, churches, farmers markets, schools, and hair salons. There is also the You Can program, bringing hospital employees and doctors into classrooms and brings students to the hospital to learn about nutrition and health.

“In the schools, we talk with students about jobs in healthcare. In the hospital, we welcome students who learn about hygiene, how to prevent getting sick, and how to select healthy foods—students even take a cooking class and bring home a recipe, according to an MLKCH spokesperson.

“We want students in our community to be healthy. We also want them to know there are many options for them and to work in healthcare when they grow up.

“We want to treat people who are dealing with conditions that have grown worse because that is the nature of their condition, not people with situations that could have been prevented,” Reyno said.

“We want to focus on preventative care and helping people get access to the care they need early on. It’s strange for a hospital to say, but ultimately hopefully nobody needs our hospital.” +

“

The reason that I volunteer for the Man Up Barbershop Program is that I am tired of seeing Black Men die early. We have things to contribute to this world, and because of us dying early, it is robbing us of a lot of things that we can contribute.”

30

— Dr. Ron Brathwaite Internal Medicine, MLK, Jr. Community Hospital pictured standing at A Place to Be barbershop with Dr. Rodney K. McKeever.

FALL 2019 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

A Place To be Barbershop, Carson “Men's health requires mental, physical – and you also have emotional. Don't just focus on one aspect, but be well rounded about your health.” — OJ The Barber (shown above, standing left) “One thing I like about the Man Up! Program is that as far as [for] Blacks, you know we don't get checked as much so it is good to have a check-up – just so you can see where you are at and know your status so you can be healthier. I think this program is a good idea and I am with you guys.” — Ray the Barber (shown above, standing right)

“I’m always pleased when I’m able to attend and I’m able to sit down with men and women, answering questions.”

— Dr. Jorge Reyno (shown above, sitting middle)

Los Angeles Trade Tech Nursing Teacher and students providing screenings and interacting with the customers.

Visit these participating barbershops on one of the following dates from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: NOVEMBER 3 Posh Klipz

OCTOBER 6 Just Showin' Off 628 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles 90059

211 W. Manchester Ave., Inglewood 90301

The Place To Be

In The Cut 220 E Regent St., Inglewood 90301

17531 S. Central Ave., Carson, 90745

Fade Away Barber Shop

VIP Barbershop 2251 W. Rosecrans Ave., Compton 90222

14125 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena 90249

DECEMBER 1 A Sharp Edge 4088 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles 90043

Brimberry Barber & Beauty Salon 3401 W. 43rd Place, #B, Los Angeles90008

Magnificent Brothers Barber Shop 4267 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles 90044

Learn more at: www.mlkch.org/community You may also find MLKCH at these upcoming screening events: Love and Unity Christian Fellowship First Ladies Health Day Sun, October 13 | 10:00 am - 3:30 pm 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220

West Angeles CDC's Community Health Fair Sat, October 26 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm West Angeles Church Youth Center Parking Lot, 3010 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Taste of Soul Sat, October 19 | 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Crenshaw Blvd. @ Martin Luther King, Jr, Blvd Los Angeles 90008

Los Angeles Wellness Station Harvest Festival Sat, October 26 | 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 5416 Long Beach Ave, Los Angeles 90058

“Man Up is a good opportunity for the community to focus on Black Men's Health so you can keep your numbers right and keep your numbers up so you can make sure you stay alive and live another day.

— Relando the Barber, Just Showin Off Barbershop - Willowbrook SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2019

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SuiteCauses

“Hope for the Holidays” CAP-OC Invites Your Participation to Assist People in Need

BY LANCE A. WILLIAMS, PHD

32

FALL 2019 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF ORANGE COUNTY.

D

uring the holiday season, we are reminded that it is an occasion to give thanks for our many blessings. But to people in need, the holidays are a time of struggle to feed their families, provide toys for their children, and enjoy this time of goodwill and good cheer.

If you are interested in lending a hand, the Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP-OC) invites you to participate in its 2nd Annual Hope for the Holidays community giving program. With its mission of helping to end poverty in Orange County, CAP-OC recognizes that the holiday season is a challenging time for people attempting to make ends meet.

On October 13th, a campaign kick-off dinner will take place at The Playground, one of Santa Ana's coveted restaurants featuring a cocktail reception, silent auction and omakase-style dining. It will be a joyous occasion to start the holiday season with several options for giving. You will hear about Adopt-AFamily, a program that offers donors the opportunity to help provide cheer to the neediest of families. Through Adopt-AFamily, you can donate new clothes, home goods, and kids' toys.

For their Toy Drive, your company or group can help provide toys and necessities to youth and children in need. Gift cards for older youth are also much appreciated. You can also provide funds to purchase needed food staples. Your participation will help well-deserving folks to enjoy a delicious holiday season.

With your donation of $20, the CAP-OC Food Bank will provide a holiday turkey to a needy family. Or, your company/group might want to purchase a ock of turkeys to feed multiple families. Whether you donate $20/100/500, turkeys are always an exciting gift for a family's holiday dinner. Every dollar contributed will purchase as many as four meals.

There are other ways to be engaged. With CAP-OC's help, you and your company/group can create a personal fundraising page to promote this campaign. Your friends, families, and colleagues can conveniently donate online. You can even make it a fun competition and offer help in the process. You'll be glad you did.

For more information, visit capoc.org/donate or contact: LaShanda Maze at (714) 897-6670, x5301, or email to: LMaze@capoc.org.

In case you missed it...

Read our story on page 15 featuring CAP-OC President and CEO, Mr. Gregory C. Scott, where we offer an insight into what makes a CEO and insights from a CEO.

SuiteCauses

Bahamas Hurricane Dorian Response THE INTERNATIONAL BLACK WOMEN’S PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE ACTIVATES BOOTS ON THE GROUND

o

PHOTOS FROM THE ABACO ISLANDS COURTESY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BLACK WOMEN’S PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE

n August 24, 2019, Hurricane Dorian barreled its way onto the shores of the islands of the Bahamas and left devastation in its wake. In response to Bahamas' unceasing need, the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI) has activated its “IBWPPI Boots on the Ground - Bahamas Hurricane Dorian Response.”

IBWPPI has secured volunteers to collect rain boots, used reghter boots, and police uniform boots that are sturdy and safe for walking and working in water. To date, they have dispatched city coordinators in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York and Dallas. In addition to coordinators in the United States, country coordinators in the Bahamas and Bermuda have also been established.

IBWPPI’s plan is two-fold: 1) to provide immediate needs to families by distributing 200 boots/socks and toiletries care packages, and 2) provide nancial restoration support for families to help jump-start their lives.

The goal is to support 200 families in critical need for one year. IBWPPI intends to purchase and ship 200 pairs of muchneeded work and rain-boots with socks along with toiletries care packages to the Bahamas as soon as possible. These boots will be distributed to women, men, and children and will help prevent waterborne diseases that can cause other major health problems. IBWPPI implemented a similar project with their partner, Community2Community (C2C), in Haïti for Hurricane Matthew in 2016. “We know this kind of help is needed, it works and saves lives!” stated, President Barbara A. Perkins.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Funds are urgently needed to ship boots and supplies. IBWPPI has set up a GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/ hurricane-relief-support-for-the-bahamas.

Help is needed today! All donations for this effort will go directly to purchasing and shipping necessary items to the Bahamas. IBWPPI emphasizes that they a small staff with low administration costs; therefore, contributions will go directly and immediately to the people who need it the most.

IBWPPI is led by a collective of intergenerational women leaders representing the interests of women in countries throughout the African Diaspora, including North America, the Caribbean, as well as, countries throughout the continent of Africa.

To support or for more information, visit ibwppi.org. + 34

FALL 2019 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Suite

talk

Cover Photos by Kristina Dixon Studio Photos courteous of Spectrum News 1

An Interview with Anchors,

Giselle Fernรกndez and Melvin Robert as Spectrum News 1 Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Suitetalk

Giselle and Melvin on set with The Beat on 1 co-anchors, (left) Alex Cohen and (2nd from left) Lisa McRee.)

BY ALRETHA THOMAS

W

atch the latest news in Los Angeles and invariably you'll see high-speed car chases, ravaging wildres, and stories about senseless murders. It's known in the industry as 'if it bleeds, it leads' journalism. It's the kind of news reporting that Cater Lee, Vice President of News and Content, said that she and other executives at the network made a commitment to refrain from when Spectrum News 1 was launched last November. commitment to in-depth reporting that addresses the deeper “Through our research, we knew there was a unique needs and interests of the diverse communities and opportunity in Southern California to deliver highly localized neighborhoods throughout Southern California. When news in an unbiased, non-sensationalized manner. And to Hussle was murdered, the station had boots on the ground. connect with viewers by telling positive and uplifting stories.

Spectrum News 1 anchors, Giselle Fernández and Melvin We wanted to celebrate our communities and deliver news, Robert, said that coverage of the rapper, entrepreneur, and programming and impactful storytelling to address the deeper community activist's death was one of their needs and interests of the diverse proudest moments of this past year. communities and neighborhoods Fernández expressed how they made it their throughout Southern California.” Has priority not to cover the story as observers, Spectrum News 1, as it marks its one-year but as members of the community. “We anniversary, been able to achieve this lofty found voices within the community to share goal? Based on the positive feedback to the That’s been with us the grief and the loss not from our stories and programs airing on the 24-hour surprising observation coming from privilege, but from news channel available to 1.5 million homes the hood.” Robert echoed her sentiments in greater L os Angeles that receive and exciting when he said, “We really honored the legacy, Spectrum's pay-tv service, the answer is a we honored the community, and we were resounding yes. and able to honor and celebrate his life in a very Spectrum News 1's coverage of the a little terrifying." dignied and graceful manner.” death of Nipsey Hussell exemplied its

“

36

FALL 2019 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

And the Emmy goes to…

Local Hiring of Reporters is Key to Success

Spectrum News 1's original programming also speaks to the networks mission to tell community- and character-driven Traditionally, in television, news reporters and anchors work stories about the people in the neighborhoods it serves. Three their way up through the various markets. They start in small such programs are: LA Stories with Giselle Fernández, the markets, advanced to medium markets, then if lucky, land in network's rst Emmy award-winning show, hosted by Los Angeles. However, Lee believes that no matter how Fernández that highlights people who shape lives and create experienced or talented a reporter is, if they reside outside of an impact throughout the community; The SoCal Scene, an Southern California, it would take too long for the reporter to Emmy-nominated show hosted by Robert, as the ultimate get to know and understand Los Angeles. With that in mind, guide to arts, culture, and entertainment in she said that the network focused on hiring Southern California; and Inside the Issues people from Southern California. “We with Alex Cohen, hosted by fellow co-anchor wanted people who knew the stories that Alex Cohen. mattered, cared about the stories that Reecting on this past year, Lee said, mattered themselves, and wanted to make a We had hired Giselle difference in their own hometown.”

“We've had an incredibly positive year. I honestly thought it would take us longer for Two such hires are Giselle Fernández and then we saw the audience to nd us. The media landscape and Melvin Robert, co-anchors along with is so cluttered right now and it's so hard for lightening in a bottle Alex Cohen and Lisa McRee of the morning content to break through. And we have news show, The Beat on 1, helping Southern with actually been found very quickly. That's been Californians get all the information they need surprising and exciting and a little terrifying.

Melvin and Giselle." to start their day. Fernández' and Robert's onThe audience is telling us every day they see air and off-air chemistry is palpable. The pair what we're doing. They see that we're in the mutually admire and respect each other. community in a different way. They see that we're doing local Conrming the latter, Lee said, “We had hired Giselle and then news in a different way and they're responding to it and that's we saw lightening in a bottle with Melvin and Giselle. They incredibly gratifying.” were instant friends plus they really bonded over the mission of the network.”

Looking ahead Giselle, who has worked with Dan Rather, Matt Lauer, Bryant Gumbel, and basically with every major newsman When asked about plans for 2020, Lee said that she's excited throughout her career, said she has never worked with about the upcoming national election and that in true anybody that has more range, more intelligence, and more Spectrum News 1 fashion, the network's coverage will be depth and empathy for the community he serves than Robert. comprehensive. “We have anchors and multimedia journalists “Melvin is not cookie cutter in any way. I think he's got a huge who will go in-depth to present unbiased coverage of the career. He's literally a joy to work with. Our chemistry is not candidates and issues on the ballot in 2020.” She also manufactured. It's real. I've found a kindred spirit with Melvin. remarked that the network will cover the entertainment He really comes from this place of deep empathy for humanity, industry as it embarks upon award season. “We will focus on and as such, he's not just reading the news.” Fernández went telling stories behind the business of the entertainment on to say that “Robert is not just trying to be a star, but that he's industry and the amazing creative work and projects that drive on a mission to make this a better a place and that I'm honored the people and their successes in lm and television. We are to sit alongside him.” also planning an exclusive special about the future of Southern California to give viewers a glimpse into what the Robert said that when he arrived at his screen test, he did future in the region might look like in a few years.” not expect to see Fernández— a true heavy weight in the industry with a stellar career. Her presence there conrmed A ve-time Emmy Award-winning producer, reporter, and for him that what he was embarking upon would be truly anchor in Los Angeles, Lee specialized in reporting breaking special.

He admits his nerves were trying to get the best of him, news, investigative stories and local features for KCAL/KCBS but that after talking to Fernández, he began to calm down. and KNBC. She also worked at the West Coast Bureaus of Moreover, on several occasions during the screen test, she took CNN and NBC's Today Show in Los Angeles. Her extensive Robert's hand. That kind gesture meant a lot to him and knowledge of the Los Angeles market and deep industry helped to further ease his nerves. He began to see Fernández expertise led her to serve as an adjunct professor of broadcast as his guardian angel. “Giselle has had an extraordinary career journalism at the University of Southern California's and she didn't have to necessarily go out of her way to mentor Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism from me, support me, and encourage me, very genuinely. And she 2010 – 2012. Lee earned a Master of Arts in Specialized really did that for me when I got this job. Every step of the way Journalism from the University of Southern California and a she has really been there.” bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia.

“

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2019

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Suitetalk

Giselle Fernández  @gisellefer 38

FALL 2019 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

 @gisellefernanfez

“The Emmy for an outstanding informational series goes to Giselle Fernández for LA Stories with Giselle Fernández!”

“

Those were the words that rung out at the Television Academy's Saban Media Center during the 71st Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards in July.

What an amazing achievement for Spectrum News 1's Production Team and Giselle Fernández, who was born in Mexico and raised in Southern California. When asked how it felt being honored, she said, “Awesome. I was so excited because we had just launched the programs at Spectrum News 1, so we hadn't even been on the air for a year. And our original program, L.A. Stories, hadn't been on a year. So to have that kind of validation was just sensational and it showed that we're moving in the right direction and that we're doing it right.”

Reecting on the past year, Fernández said, “It's been so extraordinary to have been a part of not just a new network, but a new idea where you're hyperlocal, where you really validate the local experience and the local community.” She said “being able to honor, validate, and give a voice to the diverse communities in Los Angeles is a dream come true. I remember interviewing for the job and afterward thinking to myself that if they really mean what they say and their vision is truly what they say it is, which is to really be a voice for our diverse community of Los Angeles, then I'm the right person for this job, because I care deeply about people in this city receiving equal coverage and having an equal voice.” She said Spectrum News 1 is the kind of place she's always wanted to be. “Even though it's new and it's local, to me it is the biggest, greatest platform there could ever be because what's more important than to give a voice to those in the city who often have not had a voice?” When asked why she feels Spectrum News 1 is doing well she said, “People are gravitating toward us because our coverage is decent, human and right.”

Fernández has been known for her cutting-edge reporting in hot spots throughout the world and interviewing prominent global and local leaders. She has held many titles throughout her career. Aside from anchor and journalist, she's also been deemed author, philanthropist, as well as president, director, and producer of her own production company and strategic messaging company. In addition to her six Emmys, she's the recipient of numerous honors and awards in the elds of journalism and philanthropy. Out of Fernández's portfolio of reporting, a notable moment for her was the rare interview she did with Fidel Castro. She is also incredibly proud of her documentary titled, “Our Story,” which raised awareness of the healthcare crisis facing low income children in the Latin community.

...if they really mean what they say and their vision is truly

what they say it is...then I’m the right person for this job."

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2019

39

Suitetalk “OMG, the show I'm a correspondent on, “The SoCal Scene” on Spectrum News 1 SoCal was just nominated for an EMMY!” That was a Tweet posted in June by Alison Martino. Needless to say, Robert, who hosts The SoCal Scene, shared Martino's excitement.

Robert, a proud African American gay man, who has been inspired by other gay men in news and entertainment, such as Don Lemon and Neil Patrick Harris respectively, said he appreciates how management at Spectrum News 1 does more than give lip service to the saying “Just be yourself.” “In the entertainment industry oftentimes the employer will say, 'Just be yourself, but not this slice of yourself or that slice of yourself or that slice of yourself.' And at the end of the day, you're saying, 'But that's not really myself.' Here at Spectrum News 1, authenticity is the thing that is of paramount importance.”

What makes Spectrum News 1 a standout? According to Robert, it's Spectrum's commitment to community. “Our ter m here is 'hyperlocal,' so you'll see stories here that you may not traditionally see on other local news outlets. We're not just covering the community, but we're in the community. We're walking hand and hand with the stake holders and residents to make sure that their voices are being heard and that we're telling stories in a way that's authentic and true to what's actually going on.”

Robert said hyper-localism was very much indoctrinated into who he's always been. Born and raised in Inglewood, he attended elementary school in South Los Angeles, middle school near downtown, high school at Loyola in Mid-City, and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Westchester. His family owned F & M Market on the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Arbor Vitae Street.

“Inglewood is a huge part of my life,” Robert said. “It was very important to

“

... it’s great to

work somewhere where I can

celebrate every

aspect of myself.”

Melvin robert   @_melvinrobert 40

FALL 2019 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

my family that my brother and I were a part of the community, and a part of the store.”

Reecting on this past year, Robert said, “I have exceeded what I thought was possible. There are a lot of ups and downs in entertainment, and I've always dreamed of this. What's most amazing is that working at Spectrum News 1 is a new thing, and it's great to work somewhere where I can celebrate every aspect of myself.” From an early age, Robert knew that he wanted to inspire a large audience. A proverbial triple threat - a talented and versatile singer, actor and television host, it's no wonder, Robert has realized his dream.

Robert started his career in education, and over the span of 11 years, worked from elementary to university, and everything in between. He holds his MA in Educational Studies focused in human development and counseling. Robert is no stranger to the camera either, having appeared on The Wendy Williams Show, Access Hollywood LIVE, KTLA Morning News, Good Day LA and The Young Turks. Additionally, he has appeared in lms, musicals, and has been featured as a soloist in several concerts across the southland. +

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2019

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Barbara A. Perkins Executive Coach, Author and Inspirational Speaker

“Success is not determined by how much you understand, but how much you believe."

Authority Overrides Power: Quick Reminders for Daily Success "I am willing to make the necessary adjustments spiritually, intellectually and emotionally to be the leader I was born to be."

Restoration: Seven Compelling Reminders of God's Promise

Barbara A. Perkins, MA, PCC — Inspirational Speaker, Coach and Author 6 818-571-1097 For information on Coaching Services and Professional Development, visit: www.imagebuildersetc.com

Suite eSSEntials

The Key to Any Relationship is Just a Little Thoughtfulness

BY WENDY GLADNEY

I

am often asked what are some key principles to creating strong relationships in business? This is an excellent question because at the end of the day we must remember that people don’t do business with companies, they do business with people. Relationships have the same foundation, whether they are personal or professional. People want to believe that they matter. Therefore, when it comes to building good business relationships, we must think about how we genuinely make people feel and let them know we are thinking of them. Here are a couple of suggestions:

ü

Think of others. People believe in the WIIFM = What’s In It For Me? Which means whenever you meet someone, always think about what you can do for them. Don’t always make it about you. Something I try to practice is often asking, how can I be of service to you?

ü

Follow up. When you meet someone, send your new acquaintance a note sharing how you enjoyed meeting him or her, and you look forward to getting to know that person better. Oh, and when I say send them a note, I mean a handwritten note. I always keep a stash of blank note cards and stamps handy in my ofce.

ü

44

Keep an eye out for how you can occasionally send them communication that might be of interest to them, such as an article, information on an upcoming event, a resource, or a new contact. This doesn’t have to become a job. As you go through any of your regular readings, be on the lookout of something that might be of interest to someone you met).

FALL 2019 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

In my journey of being in business for almost three decades, these practices have served me well. Usually, when I talk to people just starting in business, they are always looking for how they can win or what they can gain. I still share with them that it is when you give that you actually receive. There have been more occasions where I thought I was helping someone else, and when I looked back over the situation, I came out stronger and better than I could have ever imagined.

Learn early to be a person of your word. Follow through. Look out for others. Extend kindness whenever and wherever you can. Pause when possible to stop and write that note of thanks, appreciation, or just letting them know you were thinking of them. You will not only build a strong foundation for your business, but you will also be sowing into the lives of others and making them feel valued. What did Mayo Angelou tell us? People may not remember what you said, and they may not remember what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

If you practice these three principles, believe me, it will make a difference in your relationships! +

Wendy Gladney COACH | AUTHOR SPEAKER | CONSULTANT

WendyGladney.com SeasonofGreatness.com wendy.gladney@gmail.com (951) 313-4732 WendyGladney SeasonofGreatness

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER 2019

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Suite eSSEntials

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Mack Enterprises Unlimited Arnetta Mack (323) 789-6224 mackenterprises1@aol.com mackenterprises.net FB: mackenterprises Personal Services Plus Wendy Gladney (951) 313-4732 wendy.gladney@gmail.com IG: wendygladney / seasonofgreatness wendygladney.com Wade & Associates Margo Wade LaDrew (310) 674-6700 margo.wadeassociates@gmail.com FB: margo.ladrew

DJ Higher Lvl Jon Harris (951) 347-6242 djhigherlvl.mgmt@gmail.com djhigherlvl.com @djhigherlvl Good Boy Entertainment Kerry Neal (310) 946-2321 kerryeneal@gmail.com goodboyentertainment.com

Event Production Fun-PR Events Service Tiffany Bradshaw, MBA (866) 219-8558 Tiffany@Bradshaw&Co.com Fun-pr.com

Splendid Affairs Sabra Diogioes-Waddy (818) 605-7405 sabra@splendidaffairsinc.com splendidaffairsinc.com FB: splendidaffairsinc The Baker Group Tammy Dickerson tammy@tbakergroup.com tbakergroup.com FB/TW/IG: tbakergrp The Todd Group Todd Hawkins todd@thetoddgroup.net thetoddgroup.net FB: thetoddgroupla TW: thetoddgroup WP Miller Special Events William P. Miller (310) 242-1039 wpmiller@wpmillerspecialevents.com

wpmillerspecialevents.com FB: WP MIller Special Events IG/TW: wpmillermoments

Event Space

Bella Luxe Loft 6081 Center Drive #102 Los Angeles 90045 terrina@minordetailsproductions.com (323) 423-6446 minordetailsproductions.com bellaluxeloft.com FB: minordetailsproductions TW: loft_luxe / IG: bellaluxeloftla IG: mdpevents TW: MinorDProds Minor Details Productions Terrina Scott

Photographers 11:ONE VISUALS Kristina Dixon (310) 855-2032 11onevisuals@gmail.com 11onevisuals.com muckrack.com/kristina-dixon-1 FB/TW/IG: 11onevisuals Foxx Media Group Photography by Foxx Ian Foxx ifoxx@sbcglobal.net foxxmedia.smugmug.com FB: FoxxPhotography Kai Byrd Photography Kai Byrd kaibyrd@gmail.com kaibyrdphotography.com FB: Kai.Byrd IG: kaibyrd_ Malcolm Ali Photography Malcolm Ali malcolmali@aol.com FB: malcolm.ali.98 Sabra Marie Photography Sabra Marie (909) 215-2104 photos@sabramarie.com sabramariephotography.com @sabramarie

Print & Web Design B. René Norman (323) 359-0755 blest1_two@me.com René Cross-Washington Art Director/Creative Consultant (323) 292-8302 rcwgrafx@aol.com reneella.smugmug.com/Art/ReneCross-Washington-Graphics ATTAIN Design and Marketing Communications Kelcey Newman Creative Director (805) 822-9392 kelcey@attaindmc.com FB: kelcey.newman JAGs Design Studio James Green (951) 251-4852 Info@jagsdesignstudio.com jagsdesignstudio.com Kaleidoscope Consulting Group Bonique Edwards Website Development | Graphic Design | Social Media (310) 500-2222d kconsultinggroup.com FB: kaleidoscopeconsulting IG: kaleidoscoperocks LI: kaleidoscope-consulting-group Mack Enterprises Unlimited Arnetta Mack (323) 789-6224 mackenterprises1@aol.com mackenterprises.net FB: mackenterprises

SuiteEvents Sarah Harris (323) 445-6745 sarah@suiteevents.com suiteevents.com FB/TW: @suiteevents

Printer L.A. Business Printing Eric Johnson 6840 La Cienega Blvd Inglewood, CA 90302 (310) 649-5855 eric@labusinessprinting.com

Publicists/PR/Marketing CB Communications Cheryl Brownlee (916) 806-3384 cbcommunications@ymail.com cbcommunications.net CW&Company, Public Relations Counsel Clarence R. Williams Owner (323) 979-4355 crwsm9@aol.com facebook.com/clarence.r.williams ESP Public Relations Edna Sims, Owner 310-770-8117 esppr@mac.com espr.net FD Parker & Associates Farrah Parker (310) 350-1984 fparker@fdparker.com fdparker.com FB: Farrah-Parker IG: fdparkerpr TW: LeavUrImge2FDP KRPR MEDIA FIRM KimiRhochelle Porter (909) 543-2978 kimirhochellepr@gmail.com krprmedia.com kimirhochelle.com FB: kimirhochellepr TW: kimirhochelle | krprmedia | urbanlyfestyles LAGRANT Communications Keisha Brown President President (323) 469-8680 lagrantcommunications.com Perdue Inc. Francis Perdue francis@psmediatalent.com (323) 325-1776 psmediatalent.com FB/TW: perdueinc Reinvent Communications Vincent Jones reinventcomm.com IG: reinventcomm

Edna Sims, Owner ESP Public Relations & Marketing (310) 777-8117 ! esppr@mac.com ESP PR is a full service public relations, marketing and event planning rm, providing an extensive range of media coverage for over 20 years.

We organize details to perfection. We have excellent press contacts nationally and internationally with television, print, electronic and internet media platforms.

Our connections with celebrities and tastemakers are some of the best in the nation.

www.espr.net

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SUMMER | FALL 2019

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E V E N T M A N A G E M E N T C O M PA N Y

Splendid Affairs

Specializing in CUSTOM EVENT PLANNING AND SUPPORT SERVICES Please visit our website for a full listing of our Scope of Services.

S AV E T H E D AT E 2019 TASTE OF SOUL GOSPEL STAGE ! OCT 19 35TH ANNUAL KINGDOM DAY PARADE ! JAN 20 UCLA BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GALA ! MAR 14 FORGIVING FOR LIVING PLUS AWARDS ! MAR 22 BLACK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SALUTE TO BLACK WOMEN ! MAR 28 NAACP LOS ANGELES ROY WILKINS FREEDOM FUND DINNER ! MAY 21

Let us make your next affair a most splendid experience!

SABRA DIOGIOES-WADDY | PRESIDENT & CEO | 818.605.7405 ! SABRA@SPLENDIDAFFAIRSINC.COM

SPLENDIDAFFAIRSINC.COM

Suite eventS so cal

INSIDE: Fall 2019 Calendars

plus:

Los Angeles Inland Empire

56 62

Holiday Movies Hot List Día de los Muertos and Halloween Events Black Hollywood Education Resource Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary 2020 Save The Dates PHOTO CREDIT: CASITA DEL PUEBLO

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Suite events

Holiday Movies Hot List BY: ASHLEY YANCEY

As the glorious days of summer roll away, we breathe a small sigh knowing that the fast-pace of the fall events season fast approaches. But have no fear, with the fall and winter months come some of the best movies to intrigue our guilty pleasures. Here is our hot list of some note-worthy ix to give you treasured moments of escape.

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October 11

October 25

EL CAMINO: A Breaking Bad Movie

DOLEMITE IS MY NAME

// Sequel/Drama/Netix

Starring Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore—famed comedian, rapper, and lmmaker—Murphy reprises Moore’s portrayal of the kung fu ghting, ladies man Dolemite character who ultimately became a 1970s Blaxploitation superstar. The star-studded ick also features Wesley Snipes, Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Rock and Snoop Dogg.

// Biopic/Netix Original

Reprising his role as Jesse Pinkman, Aaron Paul delivers a captivating performance in this nal installment to the cult classic tv series. Picking up where the show left off, El Camino nds Pinkman on the run from the police, desperately searching for peace and an escape from his inner turmoil.

October 25 BLACK AND BLUE

November 1 THE IRISHMAN

//

“HARRIET” photos by Glen Wilson / Focus Feature

Drama/Thriller

// Blockbuster/Biopic

When a New Orleans rookie ofcer accidentally captures the murder of a local drug dealer on her body cam, she inadvertently uncovers an internal corruption operation involving her fellow ofcers. She soon nds herself being hunted by both the local gang who protected the dealer, and the corrupt ofcers who need to destroy the incriminating footage. Naomie Harris, Tyrese Gibson, Mike Colter and Frank Grillo star in this dramatic thriller.

Reecting on his life as a WWII veteran and later mob hitman, Robert DeNiro portrays Frank Sheeran in this Martin Scorsese directed crime drama.

Also starring Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, The Irishman covers Sheeran’s exploits including his role in the disappearance of close friend and labor leader, Jimmy Hoffa as well as his ties to the Bufalino crime family.

While facing a limited theatrical release on November 1st, the blockbuster biopic is slated to hit Netix on November 27th.

November 1 HARRIET // Biography *INDIE* The long-anticipated biopic of the American hero, Harriet Tubman, nally arrives in theaters this fall. Starring Cynthia Erivo, Harriet follows the life of the civil rights crusader as she escapes from slavery and later helps free dozens of people from servitude with the Underground Railroad in the face of a growing pre-Civil War adversity. She went on to later serve as a spy for the Union and fought for women’s suffrage.

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November 1

November 1

BURDEN

TERMINATOR: DARK FATE

// Biopic/Drama Based on the remarkable true story a Ku Klux Klan member who opened the infamous Redneck Shop and KKK Museum in a small, South Carolina town, this biopic tells an incredible story of tolerance and love when all hope seems lost. After Mike Burden achieved local notoriety as a top-ranking Klansman, he fell in love with a single mother who encouraged him to serve a higher purpose. A local black Reverend (Forrest Whitaker) embraced the small family in an effort to protect them from the wrath of the Klan’s revenge, all while teaching them a powerful lesson of faith, forgiveness, and acceptance. Also starring Austin Hébert

// Blockbuster/Franchise/Sci-Fi

as Clint and R&B superstar, Usher Raymond.

The sixth installment of the blockbuster movie franchise returns this holiday season with a guest appearance by the rst Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the original producer, James Cameron, at the helm.

From the studio, “27 years after the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, a new, modied liquid metal Terminator (Gabriel Luna) is sent from the future by Skynet in order to terminate Dani Ramos (Natalia Reyes), a hybrid cyborg human (Mackenzie Davis), and her friends. Sarah Connor comes to their aid, as well as the original Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), for a ght for the future.”

November 8

November 15

PLAYING WITH FIRE

ALL RISE

// Comedy/Family

// Drama/Book Adaptation *INDIE*

This hilarious family comedy starring John Cena, John Leguizamo and Keegan-Michael Key centers around a group of burly wildre ghters who must spend Christmas weekend with a trio of rambunctious children they’ve rescued, in an effort to thwart social services from sending them to foster care.

Based on the award-winning and NYTbestselling novel Monster by Walter Dean Myers, All Rise follows an innocent 17-year old honors student and aspiring lmmaker whose world is destroyed when he is accused of murder. After competing at Sundance 2018, All Rise is nally being released nationally. Jennifer Hudson, John David Washington and A$AP Rocky all star.

November 15 CHARLIE’S ANGELS // Blockbuster/Franchise/Action Starring Kirsten Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska, the third installment of the popular Charlie’s Angels franchise is hitting our theaters this holiday season. From Sony, “The Townsend Agency has expanded internationally with the most highly-trained women from all over the globe: multiple teams of Angels guided by multiple Bosleys, completing the toughest missions around the world.

When a young systems engineer blows the whistle on a dangerous technology, Charlie’s Angels are called into action, putting their lives on the line to protect us all.”

November 22 21 BRIDGES // Crime/Drama *INDIE* Starring Chadwick Boseman, 21 Bridges tells the story of an embattled NYPD detective who is given one last shot of redemption involving nding a duo of cop killers. Unfortunately, doing so means revealing a massive undercover criminal empire that links his fellow ofcers. In its dramatic climax extreme measures of pursuit are taken, including shutting down all of Manhattan’s 21 bridges.

November 22 A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD // Biography The widely anticipated story of famed children’s television star, Fred Rogers, is nally brought to life in this biopic starring Tom Hanks. Based on the true story of award-winning journalist Lloyd Vogel, after Vogel grudgingly accepts an assignment to interview the beloved icon, his perspective on life is forever transformed by the magical encounter.

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FALL 2019 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

November 22

November 22

FROZEN II

QUEEN & SLIM

// Blockbuster/Franchise/Family

// Crime/Drama *INDIE*

Children everywhere rejoice as their classic is back for round two. Frozen II nds Elsa and friends embarking on a new adventure beyond their homeland of Arendelle when Elsa hears a strange sound calling her from the north.

This romantic drama thriller starring Daniel Kaluuya and produced by Lena Waithe follows a black couple on a rst date whose night goes terribly awry when an overzealous ofcer pulls them over.

After shooting the ofcer in self-defense, the couple goes on the run and becomes the center of a media frenzy.

December 13

December 20

JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL

BOMBSHELL

// Blockbuster/Comedy Action The second installment in this blockbuster franchise features the old gang returning to handle unnished business. From Columbia Pictures, “As they return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored, from the arid deserts to the snowy mountains, in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game.” Stars Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Kevin Hart.

// BIOPIC Biography In the age of #MeToo, this is the story of the disgraced Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, who has been accused of sexually assaulting countless women. Charlize Theron, Alice Eve, Connie Britton, Alanna Ubach, Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman, Malcolm McDowell and Kate McKinnon all star.

December 20

December 20

CATS

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

// Franchise Based on the musical of the same name, CATS takes us into the world of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles, who must decide each night which of them ascends to the Heaviside Layer, allowing them to come back to a new life. Stars Idris Elba, Judi Dench, Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Hudson, Tom Hooper and James Corden.

// Blockbuster/Franchise/Sci-Fi The nal installment of the Skywalker saga is upon us with this ninth addition.

From Luscaslm, “The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more as Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron's journey continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the nal battle commences.” Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Mark Hamill, Gugu MbathaRaw, J.J. Abrams, John Boyega and Andy Serkis all star.

December 25 SPIES IN DISGUISE // Blockbuster/Adult Animation Starring Will Smith and Tom Holland, when a super spy is accidentally turned into a pigeon by his scientist partner, chaos ensues. By learning to depend on each other in a whole new way, this odd couple is forced to race against the clock in order to save the world.

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los angeles On October 24, 2019, the Culver City Chamber of Commerce hosts its 2019 Women in Business Awards with Mistress of Ceremonies, Giselle Fernández, Anchor at Spectrum News 1. This year, the Chamber will recognize the 2019 Women in Business Leadership Honorees: Candance Simmons (All That & More Boutique), Dr. Jessica Nouhavandi (Honeybee Health), and Rafia Cooper (Cooper Collective).

The Culver City Chamber of Commerce is in business to support business: we are committed to strengthening the community by assisting you in achieving your full business potential.

THU, OCT 24 ! 11:30 AM DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Westside LA 161 W Centinela Ave, Culver City 90230 culvercitychamber.com

Spotlight Business & Community CHAMBERS & ASSOCIATIONS THU, OCT 10 6:00 PM Asian Business Association (ABA) 43rd Annual Awards Banquet The Langham Huntington 1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue Pasadena 91106 >> (213) 628-1222 vy@abala.org abala.org WED, OCT 16 6:00 PM National Latinas in Business Association-Los Angeles Emerging Latinas Series: Mujeres Legendarias De Ford Private Estate in Larchmont >> nlbwa-la.org OCT 17 11:30 AM Inglewood Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer Crowne Plaza LAX 5985 West Century Blvd Los Angeles 90045 >> 310.677.1121 inglewoodchamber.org MON, OCT 21 11:00 AM Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce 6th Annual Golf Tournament 1509 Workman Mill Rd Whittier 90601 >> lalcc.org

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OCT 22 11:30am Pasadena Business and Economic Summit Presented by: Pasadena Chamber of Commerce University Club of Pasadena 175 N. Oakland Ave Pasadena, CA >> Leanne Waggoner 626-795-3355 leanne@pasadena-chamber.org pasadena-chamber.org THU, OCT 24 11:00 AM Carson Chamber of Commerce State of the City Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center >> (310) 217-4590 carsonchamber.com IG/TW: CarsonChamber FB: ChamberofCarson THU, OCT 24 11:30 AM Culver City Chamber of Commerce 2019 Women In Business Leadership Awards DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton 161 W Centinela Ave, Culver City Mistress of Ceremonies: Giselle Fernández, Anchor, Spectrum New 1 #WomenInBusiness #CulverCityChamber >> (310) 287-3850 info@culvercitychamber.com culvercitychamber.com

OCT 30 5:30 PM Small Business Expo Making You and Your Business Financially Healthier Presented by: Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce The Grand 4101 E Willow St Long Beach 90815 >> Amanda Donahue (562) 432-7830 adonahue@lbchamber.com lbchamber.com FB: lbchamber | TW: TheLBChamber IG: longbeachchamber WED, NOV 6 8:00 AM L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce State of L.A. Infrastructure 2019 Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza 251 S Olive St Los Angeles 90012 >> (213) 580-7561 lachamber.com THU, NOV 7 8:00 AM Black Business Association 2019 Veterans Procurement & Business Conference Bob Hope Patriotic Hall 1816 S Figueroa St Los Angeles 90015 >> (323) 291-9334 | mail@bbala.org bbala.org

TUE, NOV 12 9:00 AM GLAAACC IN THE AM: Certification for Professional Services Presented by: Greater LA African American Chamber Wateridge Bldg Community Room 5120 Goldleaf Circle Los Angeles 90056 >> (323) 292-1297 info@glaaacc.org glaaacc.org WED, NOV 20 3:30 PM Southern California Leadership Network Visionaries Awards Presented by: L.A. Area Chamber Taglyan Complex 1201 Vine St, Los Angeles 90038 >> (213) 580-7561 lachamber.com leadershipnetwork.org THU, NOV 21 9:00 AM Hollywood Chamber of Commerce 2019 Entertainment Industry Conference Loews Hollywood Hotel 1755 N. Highland Ave. Hollywood >> 323-469-8311 hollywoodchamber.net WED, DEC 4 11:30 AM Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 State of the County Long Beach Convention Center Grand Ballroom 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach >> (562) 432-7830 adonahue@lbchamber.com lbchamber.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPECTRUM NEWS 1

DEC 5 7:30 AM Annual Breakfast Honoring The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Presented by: Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Hilton Pasadena 168 S Los Robles Ave Pasadena, CA >> Leanne Waggoner 626-795-3355 leanne@pasadena-chamber.org pasadena-chamber.org SAT, DEC 21 2:00 PM Christmas Toy & Food Giveaway Presented by: Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce Hawthorne Memorial Center 3901 W. El Segundo Blvd.

Hawthorne 90250 >> (310) 676-1163 | info@thehawthornechamber.com hawthornechamberofcommerce.com

OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS FRI, OCT 11 1:00 PM L.A. Comic Con Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles 90015 >> comicconla.com SAT, OCT 12 10:00 PM Insomniac Events presents: Shaquille O' Neal's Bass Los Angeles All-Stars with Blunts & Blondes Eliminate Academy LA 6021 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles 90028 21+ // Doors open at 10pm >> vip@academy.la Tickets: Academy.LA/101219 MON, OCT 14 5:00 PM Soledad O'Brien at The Dennis F. and Brooks Holt Distinguished Lecture Series Town & Gown | USC 665 Exposition Blvd Los Angeles 90089 Where Policy Hits the Pavement: Storytelling in a Disconnected Age – An evening with Soledad O'Brien and special guest Compton Mayor, Aja Brown. >> Aubrey Hicks, Executive Director of the USC Bedrosian Center aubreyhi@usc.edu (213) 821-2550 bedrosian.usc.edu/holt #theholtlecture

SAT, OCT 19 6:00 PM Special Needs Network 14th Annual Evening Under the Stars: The Renaissance Rising: Brick by Brick Fall Soirée + Awards Show Private Estate Benefitting Special Needs Network's Autism Center at the MLK Child and Family Wellbeing Center Opening Summer 2020 HOST - Sherri Shepherd; HONOREES: Mrs. Linda and Mr. Greg Mathis, Dr. Randy Hawkins and Lauren “LOLO” Spencer >> snnla.org THU, OCT 24 6:00PM Community Coalition Progress Awards Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown 900 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles 90017 Honoring: Stewart Kwoh, Esq., Founder of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles; Jason & Jarron Collins, Former NBA Players and Activists; and Fran Jemmott & Bernie Rollins, Philanthropic Change Agents >> cocosouthla.org/ progressawards FRI, OCT 25 6:00 PM LAAAWPPI 14th Annual Women in Action Gala Awards Reception Millennium Biltmore Hotel Crystal Room 506 South Grand Ave Los Angeles 90071 >> (323) 954-3777 info@laaawppi.org laaawppi.org/donate SAT, OCT 26 8:00 AM Forgiving For Living 12th Annual Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Conference Boys & Girls Club Watts/Willowbrook 1339 E 120th St Los Angeles 90059 A conference for girls ages 13-18. >> wendy.gladney@gmail.com forgivingforliving.org SAT, OCT 26 8:30 AM Black Women Network's Annual Business/Career and Networking Breakfast The Proud Bird 11022 Aviation Blvd Los Angeles 90305 >> (323) 964-4003 or (323) 418-8563 blackwomensnetwork.net

SAT, OCT 26 9:00 AM NABJLA's Media Summit & Career Fair USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism 3502 Watt Way Los Angeles 90089 Hosted by National Association of Black Journalists - Los Angeles Chapter and Black Public Relations Society of Los Angeles >> nabjla.com/summit #NABJLASummit SAT, OCT 26 11:30 AM Los Angeles Black & Beautiful Women's Brunch Hosted by Black & Beautiful Women's Brunch and Coco Coalition >> cococoalition.org @BlackBeautifulBrunch SUN, OCT 27 3:00 PM The Positive Results Corporation 4th Annual Purple Purse Tea Party, Silent Auction & Awareness Raiser Carson Community Center 801 E. Carson St. Carson 90745 >> (323) 787-9252 kandeele@prc123.org prc123.org TUE-WED, OCT 29-30 10:00 AM F1 Hollywood Festival Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles 90027 Formula 1 brings the spectacle of racing to Los Angeles for the first time this October, with an exhilarating live car run and immersive Hollywood Festival.

TUE, NOV 19 20/20 Women on Boards 5th Anniversary Luncheon Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 135 N Grand Ave Los Angeles 90012 >> 2020wob.com/chapters/la #womenonboards FRI, NOV 22 11:30 AM 20/20 Women on Boards National Conversation On Board Diversity - Los Angeles Intercontinental Hotel - Wilshire Grand Ballroom 900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017 >> 2020wob.com/chapters/la #womenonboards SAT, NOV 23 12:00 PM Black Girls Jump, Compton Kick Off! Compton/Woodley Airport 901 W Alondra Blvd, Compton 90220 Presented by: Inez TOOTIE Adkins & the Urban Lady Foundation Compton California is jumping!

Come one come all!! Come out for double dutch jump rope at the Compton Airport Inside Hanger!

All ages are welcome. >> @blackgirlsjump blackgirlsjump.com FRI, DEC 6 Brotherhood Crusade 51st Annual Bremond Bakewell Pioneer of African American Achievement Award Dinner Beverly Hilton Hotel 9876 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills 90210 Honoring Congresswoman Karen Bass >> (323) 846-1649 mstjulien@brotherhoodcrusade.org

brotherhoodcrusade.org FRI-SUN, NOV 8-10 The Los Angeles Coffee Festival Magic Box at The Reef 1933 S Broadway Los Angeles 90007 >> la-coffeefestival.com FRI, NOV 1 1 PM – 2 PM Curatorial Walkthrough: L.A. Blacksmith Tour LA Blacksmith with independent curator jill moniz and discover how local black artists continue a long tradition of working with metal.

California African American Museum 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California 90007 >>caamuseum.org fb @CAAMinLA

WED, DEC 18 7 PM – 9 PM Animate Space: Syncopated Ladies California African American Museum 600 State Drive, Exposition Park Los Angeles 90007 California African American Museum 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California 90007 >>caamuseum.org fb @CAAMinLA

Did we miss something?

Email us your upcoming event information at: suitelifesocal@gmail.com

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los angeles Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson unfolds the African American legacy in the first chronological episode of his celebrated American Century Cycle in Gem of the Ocean—a soaring, mystical tale of a man desperate for redemption in 1904 Pittsburgh. Aunt Ester, a 285-year-old “soul cleanser,” sends him on a spiritual journey that dissects the nature of freedom amidst oppression and spurs him to take up the mantle of justice.

Produced by A Noise Within Directed by Gregg T. Daniel SEPTEMBER 22 - NOVEMBER 16 A Noise Within 3352 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 356-3100 anoisewithin.org

Spotlight Entertainment THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS A Noise Within, Pasadena

SEP 5 - OCT 20

John Leguizamo's Latin History For Morons Ahmanson Theatre

different battle with mobsters who have overtaken the hotel, led by the ruthless Johnny Rocco (Academy Award nominee Andy Garcia). As a hurricane barrels toward the Keys, McCloud must face his demons in order to take down a monster.

3352 E. Foothill Blvd Pasadena 91107 (626) 356-3100 anoisewithin.org tw/ig @anoisewithin

Mike Birbiglia's The New One

SEP 22 – NOV 16

August Wilson's Jitney

August Wilson's GEM OF THE OCEAN

Mark Taper Forum

2580 Cahuenga Blvd E Los Angeles 90068 (323) 461-3673 fordtheatres.org

DEC 3, 2019 – JAN 5, 2020

FRI, OCT 11 ! 8:00 PM

OCT 23 - NOV 24

Ahmanson Theatre NOV 22 – DEC 29

OCT 13 – NOV 23

Sam Shepard's BURIED CHILD Directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott Set in America's heartland, Sam Shepard's powerful Pulitzer Prizewinning play details, with shocking hilarity, the disintegration of the American Dream. When 22-year-old Vince unexpectedly shows up at the family farm with his girlfriend Shelly, no one recognizes him. So begins the unraveling of dark secrets. A surprisingly funny look at d i s i l l u s i o n m e n t a n d m o r a l i t y, Shepard's masterpiece is the family reunion no one anticipated.

DEC 4–23

Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL Adapted by Geoff Elliott Directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott & Geoff Elliott A Noise Within presents a delightful rendition of this traditional holiday classic.

Center Theatre Group Fall Shows for the Ahmanson Theatre & Mark Taper Forum 135 N Grand Ave Los Angeles 90012 centertheatregroup.org (213) 628-2772

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FALL 2019 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

New Adventures Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake Ahmanson Theatre

Geffen Playhouse Theater 10886 Le Conte Ave Los Angeles 90024 (310) 208-5454 geffenplayhouse.org OCT 22 - DEC 1

The Thanksgiving Play How does one celebrate Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month at the same time? In Larissa FastHorse's biting satire, this is the question facing three “woke” white thespians tasked with devising an elementary school pageant about the first Thanksgiving while avoiding any culturally appropriative missteps.

NOV 6 - DEC 10 Key Largo Welcome to the eye of the storm! Key Largo is a bold reimagining of Maxwell Anderson's Broadway hit that became the iconic noir film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Returning from World War II, disillusioned Frank McCloud travels to a hotel in Key Largo to pay his respects to the widow of a fallen friend. What McCloud doesn't count on is an entirely

the buzzer, this sharp-witted new drama directed by Tony Award winner BD Wong is about much more than making the shot, as two men with a past and one teen with a future struggle for their own personal victories.

John Anson Ford Theatres MUSIC Catalina Bar & Grill 6725 W. Sunset Blvd.

Hollywood 90028 (323) 466-2210 catalinajazzclub.com

Hassan Hajjaj: My Rockstars Experimental - Live

FRI, OCT 11 ! 8:30 PM

SAT, OCT 12 ! 8:00 PM

Barbara Morrison

We Are KING

THU, OCT 17 ! 8:30 PM "SONGS OF BOND" feat: Gloria Hendry and the Jimmy McConnell 18-piece orchestra

The Pasadena Playhouse 39 S El Molino Ave Pasadena 91101 (626) 356-7529 pasadenaplayhouse.org SEP 17 - OCT 20

Little Shop of Horrors This deviously delicious sci-fi musical comedy comes to the Playhouse for the musical theater event of the season with some deliciously devious new twists. Featuring George Salazar (Be More Chill), Mj Rodriguez (Pose), and Amber Riley (Glee) as Audrey II, This Little Shop is unlike any you have seen before.

FRI-SUN, OCT 18-20 F/S 8:30 PM, S 7:30 PM

Oleta ADAMS FRI-SAT, OCT 25-26 ! 8:30 PM

Michael Henderson's HOUSE Party FRI-SAT, NOV 1-2 ! 8:30 PM

Thelma Houston "From Sunshower to Motown” FRI-SUN, NOV 8-10 F/S 8:30 PM, S 7:30 PM

Bobby Caldwell

NOV 6 — DEC 1

SUN, NOV 10 ! 11:30 AM

The Great Leap

Betty Bryant Birthday Bash Brunch

When an American basketball team travels to Beijing for an exhibition game, the coaches find themselves in a conflict that runs deeper than the strain between the countries, and a young player's actions abroad become the accidental focus of attention. Building tension right up to

WED, NOV 13 ! 8:30 PM Blinky with special guest HB Barnum, Lamont Joseph 2nd Wind Band

PHOTO BY DANIEL REICHERT PHOTOGRAPHY

SUN, DEC 1 ! 7:00 PM

FRI-SUN, DEC 13-15 F/S 8:30 PM, S 7:30 PM

The O'Jays

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.

Jeffrey Osborne, The Four Tops

"A Solid Gold Christmas”

FRI, DEC 6 ! 8:00 PM

FRI, DEC 20 ! 8:30 PM

Fantasia

A Swingin', Singin' Christmas with Byron Motley & Friends

with Robin Thicke & The Bonfyre

DEC 28 ! 8:30 PM DEC 29 ! 7:30 PM DEC 31 ! 8:30 PM & 11:00 PM

Arturo Sandoval and the LA All Stars!

City National Grove of Anaheim 2200 E Katella Ave Anaheim 92806 (714) 712-2700 citynationalgroveofanaheim.com

WED, OCT 9 ! 8:00 PM

95.5 KLOS Presents Experience Hendrix SUN, OCT 20 ! 7:30 PM

SAT, DEC 21 ! 8:00 PM

The Brian Setzer Orchestra The Imaginaries

The Forum 3900 W Manchester Blvd Inglewood 90305 (310) 330-7344 msg.com/the-forum SUN, OCT 20 ! 8:00 PM

Anuel AA: Emmanuel World Tour SAT, NOV 16 ! 7:00 PM

Uforia K-Love Live with Enrique Iglesias, Juanes, Pitbull, Ricardo Montaner and Jessy & Joy NOV 22-24 & DEC 7 ! 8:00 PM

Channel Q Presents Todrick: Haus Party Tour

Maná: Rayando El Sol Tour 2019

Conga Room

KIIS FM's Jingle Ball

800 W Olympic Blvd Los Angeles 90015 (213) 745-0162 congaroom.com

SAT-SUN, DEC 14-15 ! 7:30 PM

FRI, DEC 6 ! 7:30 PM

FRI, OCT 11 ! 9:00 AM

Jonas Brothers: Happiness Begins Tour SAT-SUN, DEC 21-22 ! 7:30PM

Ariana Grande: Sweetener World Tour

Discoteca The Premier Reggaeton Experience

The Greek Theatre

Havana D'Primera

2700 N Vermont Ave Los Angeles 90027 lagreektheatre.com

THU, NOV 14 ! 9:00 AM

THU, OCT 17 ! 8:00 PM

THU, OCT 24 ! 9:00 AM

El Alfa

Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave Los Angeles 90068 323 850 2000 hollywoodbowl.com WED, OCT 16 ! 7:00 PM

Ms. Lauryn Hill & H.E.R.

Rocketman: Live In Concert Presented by Endeavor Content and Black Ink with a Special Performance by Elton John & Taron Egerton with The Hollywood Symphony Orchestra

VARIOUS VENUES FRI, OCT 11 ! 8:00 PM

Vanessa Williams - Live

Microsoft Theater

Fred Kavli Theatre Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd Thousand Oaks 91362 >> (805) 449-2787 5startheatricals.com

777 Chick Hearn Ct Los Angeles 90015 microsofttheater.com

LA Sunday Jazz Brunch

OCT 20 & 21 ! 7:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Jonas Brothers Happiness Begins Tour

SUN, OCT 13 ! 11:30 AM

Comedy Get Down 2019

featuring Concerts One's Live Jazz Band and Friends Renaissance LA Airport Hotel 9620 Airport Blvd, Los Angeles >> (888) 718-4253 hometicketbox.com, eventbrite.com

Cedric 'The Entertainer', Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, George Lopez

FRI, NOV 8 ! 9:00 PM

SUN, OCT 20 ! 8:00 PM

Juan Luis Guerra FRI, NOV 1 ! 8:00 PM

The Isley Brothers SUN, NOV 24 ! 5:00 PM

American Music Awards FRI, NOV 29 ! 8:00 PM

Saban Theatre 8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills 90211 >> ticketmaster.com

2 Reinas Paquita la del Barrio & Marisela SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2019

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holiday Events Los Muertos Uptown is one of the largest Southern California Day of the Dead Celebrations! Over 10 blocks of Uptown Whittier Business District comes out and celebrates the cultural holiday. Come celebrate our 14th Annual Día de los Muertos Art & Music Festival in Whittier, Ca. The event is a family fun event!

The festival takes place between Greenleaf and Philadelphia St.

PHOTO CREDIT: CASITA DEL PUEBLO

OCTOBER 13 ! 10 AM - 6 PM (562)693-2844 Casitadelpueblo@msn.com casitadelpueblo.org

Spotlight Día de los Muertos OCT 13 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Los Muertos Uptown 14th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration 13100 Philadelphia St Whittier 90601 >> (562)693-2844 Casitadelpueblo@msn.com casitadelpueblo.org SAT, OCT 19-20 10:00 AM John Anson Ford Theatres Día de los Muertos Community Celebration This FREE two-day extravaganza honors the traditions of Mexican and native Mesoamerican cultures with daytime activities for the whole family!

2580 Cahuenga Blvd E Los Angeles 90068 >> (323) 461-3673 fordtheatres.org SEP 25 – NOV 10 De Generación A Generación: A Subconscious Lineage Day of The Dead Annual Art Exhibition and Altar Display Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)'s Día de los Muertos Exhibition is a juried display of art and altars open to artists residing in Southern California.

MOLAA 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA, 90802 >> (562) 437-1689 molaa.org/events

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SAT, NOV 2 12:00 PM Hollywood Forever Dia de los Muertos This year's guiding theme is the Monarch Butterfly and its winter home, the Mexican state of Michoacán. Michoacán is also one of the two cultural heartlands in Mexico where the ancient traditions of Dia de los Muertos have been celebrated the longest and most vibrantly.

6000 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, California 90038 >> www.ladayofthedead.com SAT, NOV 2 4 PM – 10 PM 46th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration & Exhibition Self Help Graphics & Art 1300 E 1st St, Los Angeles, California 90033 >> selfhelpgraphics.com #SHGDOD #SHGLegacy #AncestralLights SAT, NOV 2 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM Los Angeles River Center & Gardens 570 West Avenue 26, Los Angeles, California 90065 >> mrca.ca.gov SUN, NOV 3 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Museum of Latin American Art Día de los Muertos Family Festival MOLAA 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA, 90802 >> (562) 437-1689 molaa.org/events

Halloween Events OCT 2 - NOV 2 Halloween Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán 1615 Vine St, Hollywood 90028 >> (323) 461-6999 goldstar.com themontalban.com ig: the_montalban SAT, OCT 4-26 Terror DTLA 800 McGarry St Los Angeles, CA >> goldstar.com OCT 10 – APR 19, 2020 Natural History of Horror: The Science of Scary Natural History Museum >> nhm.org OCT 18-20 Darkside in Riverside: An IE Comicon Experience Fox Performing Arts Center 3801 Mission Inn Avenue Riverside, CA 92501 >> 951.779.9804 venue.riversidepac.com SAT, OCT 19 11:00AM Eat LA Halloween Fest Between Lankershim & Fair Ave on Chandler Blvd. (North Hollywood, CA) >> Goldstar.com

OCT 19 ! 8 PM – OCT 20 ! 11 PM Hollywood's Haunted Scavenger Hunt Sweet! Hollywood (Los Angeles, CA) >> goldstar.com THU, OCT 31 7 PM – 11 PM Los Angeles Halloween Haunted Hayride Griffith Park's Old Zoo (Los Angeles, CA) 4730 Crystal Springs Dr Los Angeles 90027 >> losangeleshauntedhayride.com SAT, NOV 2 7:30 PM – 12 AM Black Pearl Halloween Cruise Queen Mary Ferry Terminal 1046 Queens Hwy Long Beach 90802 >> bit.ly/blackpearlcruisetickets SAT, NOV 2 9 PM – 12 AM Knott's Scary Farm 2019 Knott's Berry Farm 8039 Beach Blvd Buena Park 90620 >> knotts.com/play/scary-farm SAT, NOV 2 9 PM – 2 AM Haunted Hotel W Hotel Hollywood 6250 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles 90028 >> bit.ly/hauntedhoteltickets

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Suite events 2018 FESTIVAL PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BLACK HOLLYWOOD EDUCATION AND RESOURCE CENTER

THE BLACK HOLLYWOOD EDUCATION AND RESOURCE CENTER CELEBRATES

25th Anniversary

at its 2019 African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

T

lms. Since its inaugural year in 1994, it he Black Hollywood Education and has become a recognized outlet for Resource Center (BHERC) is independent African American proud to host its 25th Annual lmmakers to release their work to a broad African American Film Marketplace and audience. Those who attend will be S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase from inspired by the endless creativity of Wednesday, October 23 – Sunday, October independent stor ytellers, who are 27, 2019 at various locations in Los discovering and showcasing their Angeles, California. Since its inception in boundary-pushing work.

1 9 9 4 , t h e A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n Fi l m Marketplace and S.E. Manly Short Film One of the highlights of the Festival is Showcase have been a platform for rising the addition of the annual Youth Diversity and established lmmakers from emerging Film Festival for Middle and High School voices, while exploring innovations in students, which will be presented by Billie storytelling across lm, television, online, J. Green, Director of the BHERC. These Sandra Evers-Manly Founder and President of the and more. The Festival will present 60+ aspiring young lmmakers study the craft Black Hollywood Education and short lms, over 50 lmmakers, and at local arts organizations and High Resource Center ending with a Q&A with independent Schools in the Los Angeles Community. lmmakers.

The Opening Night Reception and Founded by Sandra Evers-Manly, BHERC is a nonprot, Award Gala is set to honor the behind-the-scenes public benet organization designed to advocate, educate, entertainment professionals who have made laudable research, develop, and preserve the history and future of contributions to Black Hollywood on Friday, October 25.

Blacks in lm and television. Celebrate the artistry by Closing the festivities on Sunday, October 27, will include supporting our lmmakers, with diverse topics, stories, the classic soul food and lm reception. techniques, and broad themes multi-layered with humor, There are several ways to experience the festival from all drama, and reality. day passes to lm blocks or to attend the premiere events. For The African American Film Marketplace and S.E. Manly more information, visit bherc.org to view the schedule of Film Festival Showcase is a prominent lm festival in its 25th events with locations and times and admission fees. + year, which showcases a diverse selection of independent 62

FALL 2019 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

inland empire On December 19, 2019, the Riverside Fox Performing Arts Center presents An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr., a benefit concert that supports children of Operation Safehouse who are at-risk or have suffered abuse. This event also supports children of the Fox Riverside Theater Foundation, who dream of singing, dancing, or acting, or working backstage to make the magic happen onstage. This show is for children with dreams and who will learn to dream again.

Odom is best known for his Tony Award-winning portrayal of Aaron Burr in Hamilton on Broadway, but his career is extensive and includes his film performances in the soon-to-be-released, Harriet, and the Many Saints of Newark, a prequel to the popular television show, The Sopranos (scheduled for release in 2020). Odom also recently completed a new album.

THU, DEC 19 ! 7:00 PM Fox Performing Arts Center 3801 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside 92501 venue.riversidepac.com

Spotlight ENTERTAINMENT FRI, OCT 11 8:00 PM Carlos Rivera - Guerra Tour Fox Performing Arts Center 3801 Mission Inn Avenue Riverside, CA 92501 >> 951.779.9804 venue.riversidepac.com SUN, OCT 27 1:00 PM 6th Annual Reel Women's Film Festival Hosted by Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest Camelot Theatres >> one.bidpal.net SAT, NOV 16 6:30 PM Whispers LIVE Fox Performing Arts Center 3801 Mission Inn Avenue Riverside 92501 >> 951.779.9804 venue.riversidepac.com SAT, NOV 16 7:30 PM Bobby Dee & Bruce Soto Presents Funk N' I.E. Toyota Arena 4000 E Ontario Center Pkwy Ontario 91764 Line Up featuring: Morris Day & The Times, Cameo, Sos Band, Ohio Players, The Bar- Kays, Lakeside, Dazz Band, Mary Jane Girls, Yarbrough & Peoples >> ticketmaster.com

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SAT, NOV 23 5:00 PM DJ Quik Riverside Municipal Auditorium 3485 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA >> venue.riversiderma.com TUE, DEC 3 8:00 PM Cirque Dreams: Holidaze Fox Performing Arts Center 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA >> 951.779.9804 venue.riversidepac.com THU, DEC 5 8:00 PM A MERRY-ACHI CHRISTMAS Featuring: Mariachi Sol De Mexico, A Merry-achi Christmas Fox Performing Arts Center 3801 Mission Inn Avenue Riverside, CA 92501 >> 951.779.9804 venue.riversidepac.com THU, DEC 19 6:00 PM Leslie Odom, Jr. Fox Performing Arts Center 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA >> 951.779.9804 venue.riversidepac.com SAT, DEC 21 7:00 PM Il Divo: A Holiday Song Celebration Fox Performing Arts Center 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA >> 951.779.9804 venue.riversidepac.com

COMMUNITY THU, OCT 10 5:00 PM Planned Parenthood Action Fund's Cocktails for a Cause W. Wolfskill 4281 Main Street Riverside 92501 >> (619) 881-4602 Search PPAF Pacific Southwest on Facebook SAT, OCT 19 7:30 AM Pink on Parade 2019 Ryan Bonaminio Park 5000 Tequesquite Ave, Riverside, CA Pink on Parade is a breast cancer awareness walk supporting The Pink Ribbon Place, Riverside's cancer resource center, a proud program of Riverside Community Health Foundation. >> (951) 823-0261 pink.rchf.org/events/pink-onparade SAT, OCT 19 11:00 AM 5th Annual IE Taco Festival in Riverside White Park 3936 Chestnut St, Riverside, CA >> ietacofestival.com SAT, OCT 19 6:00 PM The Adrian Dell Carmen Roberts Foundation Presents Jazz on the Rooftop – Harlem Nights Mayor's Patio @ Riverside City Hall 3900 Main Street Riverside 92501 >> adcrfoundation.org

SUN, OCT 20 2:30 PM 2019 RAAHS Annual Meeting and Unsung Heroes Recognition Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center 3400 Market Street Riverside 92501 >> raahsinc.org SUN, OCT 27 11:00 AM Inland Regional Center Fall Festival 2019 - Community Resource Fair and Carnival Main St (between 10th St and University Ave) Riverside, CA >> community@inlandrc.org inlandrc.org/pec-events/irc-fallfestival-2019 SUN, OCT 27 2:00 PM The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa's Oktoberfest Celebration 3649 Mission Inn Ave Riverside 92501 >> (951) 784-0300 missioninn.com FRI, NOV 1 6:00 PM Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration Central Park 30268 Civic Plaza Dr Menifee, CA SAT, NOV 2 10:00 AM Inland Empire Eats – A Food and Drink Festival San Manuel Stadium 280 S E St, San Bernardino >> Inlandrc.org

SAT, NOV 9 8:30 AM Autry Museum and American Indian Art Marketplace White Park 3936 Chestnut St, Riverside, CA >> theautry.org

SAT, JAN 18, 2020 10 AM – 12 PM Inland Empire Women's March 2020 IE Women's March Riverside County Historic Courthouse 4050 Main St, Riverside, California

SAT, NOV 9 10:00 AM 14th Annual A Salute to Veterans Parade and Expo Elks Lodge 6166 Brockton Ave. Downtown Riverside >> asalutetoveterans.org

JAN 20, 2020 Riverside African American Historical Society, Inc. 2020 MLK Walk-A-Thon >> raahsinc.org

SUN, NOV 10 5:45 AM – 12:00 PM 42nd Annual Mission Inn Run Mission Inn Museum 3696 Main St, Riverside, CA >> missioninn.com THU, NOV 14 7:00 PM Pumkin Patch Open House UCR Student Recreation Center 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA >> events.ucr.edu NOV 17 California Bridal & Wedding Expo Riverside Convention Center 3637 Fifth Street, Riverside, CA 92501 >> cabridalshows-rs.com FRI, NOV 29 5:00 PM 27th Annual Festival of Lights Switch-on Ceremony Mission Inn Hotel & Spa 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA >> missioninn.com FRI, DEC 6 4:30 PM Holiday Sweets University of California, Riverside 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA >> events.ucr.edu SUN, DEC 8 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM Riverside & Orange Coast Region Autocross Event Auto Club Speedway 9300 Cherry Ave, Fontana, CA WED, DEC 25 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM Christmas Day Champagne Brunch 3649 Mission Inn Ave Riverside 92501 >> (951) 784-0300 missioninn.com

BUSINESS WED-THU, OCT 2-3 Inland Empire Women's Business Center The B2B Marketing Expo - Los Angeles Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 S Figueroa St Los Angeles 90015 >> greaterriversidehispanic chamberofcommerce.org THU, OCT 3 4:00 PM 15th Annual Riverside College & Career Fair Galleria at Tyler Riverside, CA >> riverside-chamber.com SAT, OCT 12 6:00 PM 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire 5th Annual Gala Mission Inn Hotel & Spa 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA >> 100bmie.org THU, OCT 17 5:00 PM Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce 8th Annual Multi-Cultural BizFest UCR Arts Center 3834 Main Street Riverside 92501 We aim to bring together Inland Empire's diverse community and businesses/business owners for an evening of networking, resources and workshops. >> (951) 823-0175 riversidecountybcc.org SAT, OCT 19 6:00 PM Riverside Branch N.A.A.C.P. Seventh Annual Labor Awards Dinner & Dance Riverside Convention Center 3637 5th St, Riverside 92501 >> Sharron Lewis-Campbell, Chair (213) 359-8639 sharon.lewis@yahoo.com Maudie Wilson (951) 640-1650 maudieleath@hotmail.com

TUE, OCT 29 11 AM Riverside Career Fair Live Recruiting/Hiring Event Mission Inn Hotel & Spa 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA >> nationalcareerfairs.com THU, OCT 31 6:00 PM Parkview Community Hospital Medical Center Riverside Elites 3865 Jackson St, Riverside, CA >> eventbrite.com FRI, NOV 1 8:30 AM Latina Empowerment Day Riverside Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center 3400 Market Street, Riverside, CA >> events-latinas.org/ empowermentday SAT, NOV 2 8:00 AM Discover UCR Day University of California, Riverside 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA >> discover.ucr.edu SAT, NOV 2 Mata Expo Pasadena Ontario Convention Center 2000 E Convention Center Way Ontario, CA MATA EXPO, an international social-media enterprise expo, supports expanding the Multicultural Awareness in the public society. >> mataexpo.com WED, NOV 6 4:00 PM Inland Empire's Largest Mixer Ontario Convention Center 2000 E Convention Center Way Ontario, CA >> largestmixer.com THU-FRI, NOV 7-8 Riverside County SELPA Mental Health Symposium Riverside Convention Center 3637 5th St, Riverside, CA >> rcselpa.org FRI, NOV 8 6:00 PM Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 40 Years of Elegance Indian Hills Golf Course 5700 Club House Drive Riverside 92509 >> greaterriversidehispanic chamberofcommerce.org

SAT, NOV 9 6:00 PM Purple and Gold Ball Hosted by Pi Rho Chapter and GLG Science, Education and Community Services Association, Inc. "Celebrating Service and Networking For Success" Riverside Convention Center 3637 5th St, Riverside, CA >> (951) 888-0308 pirhoques@gmail.com pandgballpirho.info pirhoques.com/purple-gold-ball FRI, NOV 22 10:00 AM SoCal Etsy Guild Market Riverside Galleria at Tyler 1299 Galleria at Tyler Riverside 92503 >> socaletsyguild.com SAT, NOV 23 5:00 PM RCC Puente 30th year Anniversary Riverside City College 4800 Magnolia Ave Riverside, CA >> maria.maness@rcc.edu puente30th celebration@student.rcc.edu www.rcc.edu/services SAT, NOV 23 6:00 PM UCR School of Medicine Celebration of Medical Education Gala Riverside Convention Center Raincross Ballroom >> (951) 827-2767 development@medsch.ucr.edu somgala.ucr.edu THU-FRI, DEC 5-6 University of Riverside Winter Global Public Policy Symposium 11840 Pierce St # 200 Riverside, CA >> (951) 637-0100 uofriverside.com THU-MON, DEC 19-23 SoCal Etsy Guild Market Riverside Galleria at Tyler 1299 Galleria at Tyler Riverside 92503 >> socaletsyguild.com

Did we miss something?

Email us your upcoming event information at: suitelifesocal@gmail.com

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2019

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Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce

SPONSORED BY

GLAAACC In The A.M. Your Morning Network Connection

Getting Contract Ready

Next Level

Attendees are encouraged to bring their computers to this space limited class. At the conclusion of each session, you will leave having submitted or secured your next action step to getting contracts!

Session Facilitator Gilbert Buchanan, MA Founder Buchanan & Associates

Chairman’s Circle Sponsors

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2019

Certification for Professional Services The construction industry also needs professional support services; learn which certifications get you noticed.

5120 Goldleaf Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90056

COST: Members are FREE and $10 for non-members.

9:00am - 11:00am

Parking is $10 and a continental breakfast will be served.

Wateridge Building Community Room

RSVP

48 hours before each class at:

glaaacc.org/calendar

“Promoting the growth and economic development of the African American business enterprise” 323-292-1297 www.glaaacc.org info@glaaacc.org

Questions? Contact: Chamber Office 323.292.1297 | info@glaaacc.org

glaaacc.org

Save the Dates

LOOKING AHEAD

2020

Here are a sample of events that will start the new year. Be included, post your SuiteEvents at suiteevents.com.

SUN, JAN 5 Golden Globes Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills SAT, JAN 18 City of Inglewood King Fest 2020 Faithful Central Bible Church Inglewood >> (310) 412-8750 mlkcommittee@cityofinglewood.org MON, JAN 20 35th Annual Kingdom Day Parade King Blvd, Los Angeles >> (818) 605-7405, sabra@kingdomdayparade.org kingdomdayparade.org MON, JAN 20 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-A-Thon - Riverside Stratton Center to RCC Digital Library >> raahsinc.org SAT, JAN 25 Forgotten Children, Inc. Breaking the Chain: Community Festival and Car Show in honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month Lynwood City Park, Lynwood 90262 >> (800) 445-1326 forgottenchildreninc.com SUN, JAN 26 62nd Annual Grammy Awards Staples Center, Los Angeles THU, JAN 30 L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce Inaugural Dinner 2020 JW Marriott at L.A. Live >> Lee Ligons (213) 580-7523 Anahi Godinez (213) 580-7561 lachamber.org SAT, FEB 1 Black College Expo-Los Angeles Los Angeles Convention Center >> (877) 427-4100 thecollegeexpo.org WED, FEB 5 Los Angeles African American Heritage Month Celebration City Hall, South Lawn >> Mike Davis (323) 871-5801

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FRI, FEB 7 John M. Langston Bar Association The Langston Gala 2020 Vibiana, Los Angeles >> langstonbar.org SUN, FEB 9 Academy Awards (Oscars) Dolby Theatre SAT, FEB 8 Annual Black History Parade & Expo Downtown Riverside >> adcrfoundation.org SUN, FEB 9 Brand Ambassador Convention Los Angeles Convention Center >> brandambassadorcon.com FEB 13-23 Pan African Film + Arts Festival Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza >> 310.337.4737, info@paff.org paff.org FEB 15-16 Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show Los Angeles Convention Center >> travelshows.com TUE, FEB 19 Carson Chamber of Commerce Business Expo Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center >> (310) 217-4590 carsonchamber.com

THU, FEB 27 Black Business Association Salute To Black History Awards California African American Museum >> (323) 291-9334, mail@bbala.org bbala.org SAT, FEB 29 Oprah Winfrey - Live at The Forum >> msg.com/the-forum SAT, FEB 29 Women Empower X Los Angeles Los Angeles Convention Center >> womenempowerx.com WED, MAR 4 20th Annual Diversity Employment Day Career Fair DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles - Westside >> citycareerfair.com FRI, MAR 6-7 2020 L.A. Marathon Expo Los Angeles Convention Center >> lamarathon.com SUN, MAR 8 Los Angeles Marathon Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica >> lamarathon.com

SAT, MAR 28 51st annual NAACP Image Awards Dolby Theater, Los Angeles >> naacpimageawards.net SUN, MAR 29 2020 Telemundo 52 Los Angeles Health and Fitness Expo Los Angeles Convention Center >> networkevents.tv APR 1-3 2020 ASCAP Experience InterContinental Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles >> ascapexperience.com APR 11-21 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Empire Polo Club, Indio >> coachella.com SUN, APR 12 Easter | Resurrection Sunday WED, APR 15 Legacy Ladies, Inc. 16th Annual Torch Awards >> legacyladiesinc.com FRI, APR 17 Grand Prix of Long Beach 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach >> gplb.com

SAT, MAR 14 UCLA Black Alumni Association Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala Omni Hotel Downtown Los Angeles >> (818) 605-7405 sabra@splendidaffairsinc.com

APR 18-19 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books University of Southern California >> latimes.com/fob

FRI, FEB 21 West Angeles CDC Unity Awards Gala Intercontinental Los Angeles >> wacdc@thetoddgroup.net westangelescdc.org/gala

SAT, MAR 21 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Dorothy Chandler Pavilion >> musiccenter.org, alvinailey.org

SUN, APR 26 DTLA Fiesta Broadway Grand Central Market >> fiestabroadway.la

FEB 21-23 Abilities Expo Los Angeles Los Angeles Convention Center >> Abilities.com

SUN, MAR 22 Forgiving For Living 13th Annual Plus Awards Brunch >> (951) 313-4732 wendy.gladney@gmail.com forgivingforliving.org

TUE, MAY 5 94th Annual World Trade Week Southern California Kickoff InterContinental Los Angeles >> lachamber.com

SAT, FEB 22 Bridge Builders Foundation Black-Tie Symphony Gala in partnership with the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles >> bridgebuildersla.org

SAT, MAR 28 Black Business Association Salute To Black Women Business Conference & Vendor Fair >> (323) 291-9334, mail@bbala.org bbala.org

THU, MAY 21 NAACP LA Roy Wilkins Freedom Fund Awards Gala Millennium Biltmore Hotel >> (818) 605-7405 sabra@splendidaffairsinc.com