February 27, 2020

C e l e b r a t i n g 2 6 Ye a r s o f Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities

City of Champions Your Community Connection Since 1994

EYE ON THE CITY Lakers

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February 27- March 04, 2020

Chargers

Clippers

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VOL. 35, No. 09

INGLEWOOD TODAY ENDORSES HERB WESSON

For Los Angeles County Supervisor Second District

By Willie Brown, Executive Publisher

The year 2020 is a critical year for the City of Inglewood. Our city will open up its new state of the art stadium for the sports and entertainment and the housing market is robust and in great demand.

After carefully examining the candidates for the Los Angeles County Second District Supervisor, I felt that it was paramount that such a candidate be

connected to our city and capable of addressing our needs.

This candidate must be one who has the essential experience in local government, the requisite relationships with mayors and city council members, community leaders and the residents within the massive 2nd District to respond to the demands of the City of Inglewood.

Such a person cannot be a retired official trying to get back in nor would a savvy statewide elected official fit the

The Creative House Printing & Everything Else

district at this particular time.

Therefore Inglewood Today is overwhelmingly endorsing Herb Wesson for Los Angeles County Second District Supervisor.

Herb Wesson is an individual who understands how important diversity is and knows how to legislate in such a region as evidence of his most recent tenure as Los Angeles City Councilman and former City Council President.

For more than 30 years he has

walked the talk if you will, fighting to protect our environment, reduce traffic congestion, expand affordable housing and ensure that our children stay off the streets, in school and away from gangs and drugs.

Wesson has secured millions of dollars to fix potholes and repair local streets and roads; Sponsored an annual summer camp for low-income innercity youth to provide them access to open space, outdoor activities and cultural opportunities; Created LA’s Green Building Retrofit and Workforce Program to generate jobs, train workers, and conserve water and energy in government-owned buildings; and, Helped pass local measures H and Triple-H that provide hundreds of millions of dollars a year to build new affordable housing.

Prior to LA City Council, Herb served as Speaker of the California State Assembly from 2002 to 2004. During his time as Speaker, he was widely recognized as an outspoken progressive leader, who challenged the status quo and tackled some of California’s most pressing issues.

Herb Wesson is OUR CHOICE and our ONLY CHOICE!

Inglewood to host inaugural LA Bowl

By Francis Taylor, Senior Writer

The Creative House, operated by Branding Director Khnum Alexander and his business partner, Rasta, has been operating in Downtown Inglewood for the last three and one half years. Presently, they are featuring the UBUNTU gallery collection of ‘Acrylic on paper, mixed media on tar paper, and sculpture pieces by ‘Chukes.’ Other artists featured include Kevin Cole, Adger Cowans and Tafa.

Alexander explained that all of the featured pieces are for sale and the price ranges from $950 to $8,000 and is proud of the fact that Inglewood residents appreciate finer things and several have purchased art pieces from The Creative mitted to enhancing the quality of life House.

The Creative House Gallery is com- through artis- Continued on page 2

BOWL-ING IN INGLEWOOD- The inaugural LA Bowl will feature the top team from the Mountain West Conference against the fifth place PAC 12 Conference team in December 2020, it was announced on Feb. 26th. On hand to make the announcement of the bowl game that will be hosted at SoFi Stadium was PAC 12 Conference Commissioner Larry Scott, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park Managing Director Jason Gannon and Mountain West Conference Commissioner Craig Thompson. (Kenneth Miller/Photo)

By Kenneth Miller, Publisher

Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. has frequently stated that everyday in the city will be a historical moment and Wednesday February 26 was another documentation of that proclamation.

Mayor Butts joined with SoFi Stadium, the PAC 12 Conference and Mountain West Conference (MW) to announce the inaugural LA Bowl college football game that will be held in the new stadium Continued on page 2 JOIN US ON

Page 2

Continued from page 1: Inglewood...

e didat endors an ed c y

“Here’s why I’m endorsing

Herb Wesson for Supervisor.”

—Congresswoman Maxine Waters

“Herb Wesson has been a champion for working families!”

“I am proud to endorse Herb Wesson.

Herb has been a champion for working families by creating jobs, raising the minimum wage, increasing access to healthcare, fighting for social justice, and expanding gang intervention, after school, career education and job training programs. Herb will stand with me to fight Donald Trump’s efforts to hurt our most vulnerable—our children, seniors, women, the poor and communities of color. We need local leaders like Herb to protect the quality of life here in our neighborhoods. Please join me in supporting Herb Wesson for LA County Supervisor.”

—Honorable Maxine Waters e didat endors an ed yc

on l

U.S. Representative 43rd Congressional District

Please join one of the broadest grassroots coalitions in recent history in supporting

Herb Wesson for Supervisor

Janice Hahn

LA County Supervisor

Eric Garcetti LA Mayor

María Elena Durazo State Senator

For more information, visit

Aja Brown

Compton Mayor

WessonForSupervisor2020.com Paid for by Wesson for Supervisor 2020 FPPC ID#1414475

Tasha Cerda Gardena Mayor

Nury Martinez

LA Council President

by

in December 2020.

The event will feature the top ranked team from the MW and the 5th place team from the PAC 12.

Mountain West Conference teams includes: Boise State, Air Force, Utah State, Wyoming, Colorado State, New Mexico, Hawaii‘, San Diego State, Nevada, Fresno State, UNLV and San José State.

PAC 12 Conference teams include; Oregon, Oregon State, Arizona, Arizona State Washington, Washington State, Colorado, Utah, California, Stanford, UCLA and USC. “It is quite impressive that everyday I come out here on a daily basis here to see over 3,500 workers on site everyday here at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park it’s incredible,” said Jason Gannon, managing director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park.

The five-year commitment to PRESIDENT/ EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER host the LA Bowl Willie Brown in Inglewood offers the community a PUBLISHER unique opportunity Kenneth Miller for aspiring students and athletes to learn VICE PRESIDENT Gloria Kennedy about university of which they may not PRODUCTION have been familiar Kenneth Denson with.

“There is a posiQUALITY CONTROL MANAGER tive impact on the Gloria Kennedy community from a Inglewood Today Weekly is a legally adjudicated construction delivnewspaper of public cir­c ulation, published weekly

by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. News and press releases ery perspective but may be submitted for consideration by mail to 9111 La then we were talking Cienega Boulevard, Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 or by email to itnetworks@msn.com. to the commissioners early about our You can reach us at 310-670-9600 vision when we turn or by fax 310-338-9130 the building on and www.inglewoodtoday.com bringing partners The artistic contents of Inglewood Today Weekly are copyrighted by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. and like the Mountain permission to reprint any article herein must be West and PAC 12 obtained in writing from the Publisher. into the community, DISPLAY ADVERTISING not only on game 310-670-9600 X107 day but throughout the entire year and CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING making a positive 310-670-9600 X104 impact in the community in the local SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscriptions are available by high schools and mail for $100.00 per year. local community Home Delivery may not be available events that go on in all areas, or gated communities. throughout the year.

by

tic programming that serves all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds and economic status with an emphasis on marginalized, underserved and underrepresented persons. They aim to play a sustainable role in revitalizing Inglewood via a collective of artists, educators, scholars and leaders who are dedicated to the enlightenment and healing of the community through art by utilization of enriched and diverse programming, workshops and seminars based on art and individual empowerment.

The Creative House invites the community to support their programs through philanthropy, donations, sponsorship, resource assistance and volunteer work. They secure funding for programming costs from Free Art Education Workshops and Gallery Tours, multi-use computer equipment and software agreements, art materials for workshops and event food and vendor sponsorships.

They promote leadership development programs that develop leaders who will be educated on the understanding on how art applies to everyday life and how it helps in problem solving and critical thinking. They provide additional life skills workshops on college access, financial literacy, and

self sustainability and they build relationships with local government, small business, organizations, schools and faith based centers for a greater and sustainable impact.

The Creative House invites the entire community to stop by for a cultural experience.

on l

Continued from page 1:The Creative

February 27- March 04, 2020

Page 3

February 27- March 04, 2020

E Y E O N T H E C I T Y AROUND THE CITY

GEORGE DOTSON

ALEX PADILLA

JAMES BUTTS

ELOY MORALES

THIS IS

RALPH FRANKLIN

you speak, they listen

Easy Convenient Accessible

“What do you think about the recent ‘Celebration of Life’ Program that was televised on February 24th?”

By Francis Taylor, Senior Writer

Ali Bey “The program was moving, emotional and very well done. I was particularly impressed with Michael Jordan’s remarks and the tearful emotion he displayed while remembering his little ‘brother.’”

Oscar Rornay “I was very impressed with the program and disagree with many of the social media comments suggesting that the parents were disrespected by not being acknowledged.”

Derek Hanna “Kobe deserved the recognition because of his basketball prowess however he did very little for the black community. You don’t put the MAMBA symbol of a black snake in a white community like Orange County or Woodland Hills.”

Larry Sandford “I think the program was great and captured the feelings and emotions of Kobe and Laker fans from around the world. I especially liked Shaq’s candor and honesty.”

“ Good people are rich in many ways but those who are evil get nothing but trouble.”

February 22 to

March 3 For more information, visit

LAVote.net

Page 4

February 27- March 04, 2020

Page 5

February 27- March 04, 2020

Sports & Entertainment

KOBE & GIANNA LAST GOODBYE

Vanessa Bryant was solemn and utterly courageous

By Kenneth Miller, Publisher

al, regal and detailed just as Vanessa planned it, from the date 2.24.2020, 2 for Gianna’s Mamba uniform number, 24 for Kobe’s uniform number and eerily 2020 because that’s how long Kobe played for the Lakers and how long Vanessa and Kobe were wed and to the length it would last, about two hours. It was all Vanessa, and by gosh it was beautiful.

The widow of famed basketball legend Kobe Bryant and budding prodigy Gianna Bryant had been invisible and sparsely making Instagram post since that infamous day of January 26, 2020.

Vanessa Bryant, more than any other person, lost the most when her 13year old daughter and doting husband of 20 years Kobe succumbed in that tragic helicopter crash that took their lives and seven others.

However, that all changed when “A Celebration of Life” honoring the victims was held at Staples Center on Monday February 24, 2020 nearly a month to the day that the Southern California region and basketball universe was dramatically altered forever.

While it was promoted as a celebration of life, it was essentially a memorial as Vanessa donned an all black knee length dress and most of the other famous VIPs were also wearing black.

Of the three memorials held at the arena that was built to host the Lakers, professional hockey, boxing matches and concerts there was something that distinguished each of them.

With Michael Jackson it was his pure iconic celebrity, with Nipsey Hussle it was the raw urban community that personified him and with Kobe it was the exquisite detail that was orchestrated by Vanessa.

Even in her riveting grief that punctuated her silence before, much like her late husband during his illustrious soon to be Hall of Fame career, Vanessa was dynamically in charge of the celebration that reflected upon the other victims was dominated by thoughts of Gianna and Kobe.

Many had pondered when the public celebration for Kobe and Gianna When she gingerly walked to the would be held, especially after both were buried in a private ceremony stage at Staples, a gulping silence enon February 7th, but all respected the sued, and then for the first time she spoke. space of his broken widow.

She began “I’d like to talk about The memorial for Kobe was royboth Kobe and Gigi,” as the first

speaker.

The surreal occasion would not allow for her to revel about her daughter in the past tense.

“I’ll start with my baby girl first,” she began. “My baby girl Gianna Bryant is an amazingly sweet, gentle soul. … She would always kiss me good night, kiss me good morning.”

While many recognize Gianna as a

future basketball star, Vanessa reminded us that she was a smart, loving and caring person.

“Last August, she made a beautiful birthday cake for daddy,” she said. “It had fondant and looked like it had blue

agate crystals. … She made the best chocolate chip cookies. … She loved watching cooking shows and “Cupcake Wars” with me. … She loved watching “Survivor” and NBA games on TV with her daddy. … She also loved watching Disney movies with her sisters.”

As she clutched a white tissue she explained she would not be able to see GiGi as she was affectionately known attend high school with her sister, go on the University of Connecticut and then revolutionize the WNBA. She and Kobe would not be able to walk their daughter down the aisle in marriage and have children. It was beyond emotional as anyone who saw or heard could immediately connect to their own child.

Vanessa described Kobe as her soul mate, he was as she said, “he was Kobe-Kobe, my boo-boo, my bay boo, my papi chulo.”

As tears flowed and her think black silky hair partially covered her face, the mourners in the crowd such as former Kobe teammate and head coach Byron Scott from Inglewood was in uncontrollable sadness, crying profusely.

The parents of Kobe also emerged from the shadows of the murky, rather unexplainable relationship with his daughter-in-law and son to attend the memorial, and for the most part sat emotionless. Joe frequently closed his eyes during the ceremony.

Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel served as the MC, but the usually funny comedian was also visibly grief stricken.

Beyonce, who has been receiving backlash for not allowing photographers to take pictures of her, performed two of Kobe’s favorite songs “XO” and “Halo” and encouraged the crowd to join her in serenading “XO”.

Michael Jordan, still considered the greatest basketball player of all time, referenced Kobe as his little brother and reminisced on early morning phone calls he received from Continued on page 7

Page 6

February 27- March 04, 2020

Page 7

February 27- March 04, 2020 Fictitious Business Name Statement

PUBLIC NOTICES Fictitious Business Name Statement

File No. 2020031079

File No. 2020015957

The Following Person Is Doing Business As:

The following Person is doing business as:

Networking With The Public

K & Y Development Officials

105 N Eastwood Ave., 3

4568 W. 131st Street

Inglewood, CA 90301

Hawthorne, CA 90250

Registered Owner(s):

Benjamin Lawrence Miller, 105 N Eastwood Ave., 3,

Registered Owner(s): Yvette M Perry, 4568 W. 131st Street, Hawthorne, CA 90250

Inglewood, CA 90301 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact

transact business under the fictitious business listed above on January 21, 2020.

business under the fictitious business listed above on February 6, 2020 I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

(A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is

(A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is

guilty of a crime.)

guilty of a crime.)

Yvette M Perry, Owner.

Benjamin Lawrence Miller, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on January 21, 2020.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on February 6, 2020 NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name

Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was

Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was

filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of

filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of

Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the

Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the

statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address

statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address

of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed

of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed

before the expiration.

before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a

Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or

Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or

common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

Original

Original

February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2020 IT0042230120020107 Inglewood Today

February 13, 20, 27; March 5, 2020 IT0042230120020112 Fictitious Business Name Statement

Fictitious Business Name Statement

File No. 2020040070

File No. 2020028246

The Following Person Is Doing Business As:

The Following Person Is Doing Business As:

Gracious Creations

All Points Logistics

5449 Crenshaw Blvd., #140

10404 S. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90043

Inglewood, CA 90304

Registered Owners: Johnathan Givens, Kathy Houston, 1151 East 67th Street,

Registered Owner(s): All Points Logistics LLC, 10404 S. La Cienega Blvd., Inglewood,

Inglewood, CA 90302

CA 90304

This business is conducted by two individuals.

The registrants commenced to

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact

transact business under the fictitious business listed above on February 18, 2020

business under the fictitious business listed above on February 4, 2020

We declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

(A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is

(A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is

guilty of a crime.)

guilty of a crime.)

Johnathan Givens and Kathy Houston, Owners

All Points Logistics LLC, Owner

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on February 18, 2020

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on February 4, 2020

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name

Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was

Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was

filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of

filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of

Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the

Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the

statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address

statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address

of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed

of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed

before the expiration.

before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a

Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or

Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or

common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

Original

Original

February 20, 27; March 5, 12, 2020

February 13, 20, 27; March 5, 2020

IT0042230120020113

IT0042230120020109

Fictitious Business Name Statement

Fictitious Business Name Statement

File No. 2020015114

File No. 2020023276

The Following Person Is Doing Business As:

The Following Person Is Doing Business As:

Ramirez Cosmetics 11041 Linden Street

Pacific Home Services

Lynwood, CA 90262

11015 Firmona Ave. Inglewood, CA 90304

Registered Owner(s): Diana Ramirez and Denise Ramirez, 11041 Linden Street, Lynwood, CA 90262

Registered Owner(s): Mike A. Garcia, 11015 Firmona Ave., Inglewood, CA 90304

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact

business under the fictitious business listed above on January 17, 2020

business under the fictitious business listed above on January 29, 2020

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

(A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is

(A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is

guilty of a crime.)

guilty of a crime.)

Diana and Denise Ramirez, Owners

Mike A. Garcia, Owner

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on January 17, 2020

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on January 29, 2020

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name

Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was

Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was

filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of

filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of

Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the

Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the

statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address

statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address

of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed

of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed

before the expiration.

before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a

Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or

Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or

common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

Original

Original

February 13, 20, 27; March 5, 2020 IT0042230120020110

February 13, 20, 27; March 5, 2020 IT0042230120020111

Fictitious Business Name Statement

The Inglewood Planning Commission hereby gives notice that it will hold a public

File No. 2020023744

hearing on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., in the Community Room, First

The following Person is doing business as:

Floor, Inglewood City Hall, One Manchester Boulevard, to consider the following matters:

Uptown Leisure

1.A public hearing to consider an application by Martin Gonzalez,

15353 Weddington St., C310

representing Getting Faded, for Special Use Permit No. 2019-008 (SP-2019-

Los Angeles, CA 91411

008) to allow a barber shop, within 300 feet of a similar use, in an existing shopping center on a 34,697 square-foot C-2 (General Commercial) zoned

Registered Owner(s): Shybria Pleasant, 15353 Weddington St., C310, Los Angeles,

property, at 903 South Prairie Avenue.

CA 91411

A Notice of Exemption (EA-CE-2020-026) has been prepared stating that the proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality

This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to

Act (CEQA), a copy of which is available for public review in the Planning

transact business under the fictitious business listed above on January 29, 2020.

Division office of City Hall and via email at bmccrumby@cityofinglewood.org.

2.A public hearing to consider an application by Conchita Cossio,

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

representing Coni’s Seafood, for Special Use Permit No. 2019-015 (SP-

(A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is

2019-015) to allow the on-site consumption of distilled spirits within an

guilty of a crime.)

existing restaurant on an approximately 4,500 square-foot, C-2 (General

Shybria Pleasant, Owner.

Commercial) zoned property at 3544 West Imperial Highway.

A Notice of Exemption (EA-CE-2019-130) has been prepared stating that

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on January 29, 2020.

the proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a copy of which is available for public review in the Planning Division

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name

office of City Hall and via email at mfewell@cityofinglewood.org.

Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was

If you will require special accommodations due to a disability, please contact the City

filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of

Clerk’s Office at (310) 412-5280, One Manchester Boulevard, 1st Floor, Inglewood,

Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the

California 90301. All requests for accommodations must be received 48 hours prior

statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address

to the day of the hearing.

of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed

If you challenge the aforementioned public hearings in court, you may be limited to

before the expiration.

raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearings described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at,

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a

or prior to, the public hearing.

Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or

Si no entiende esta noticia o si necesita mas informacion, favor de llamar onu este

common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

numero (310) 412-5280.

Original

In the event that this Planning Commission meeting is not held, or is concluded prior

February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2020

to a public hearing item being considered, the public hearing will automatically be

IT0042230120020108 Inglewood Today

continued to the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting.

Continued from page 5: Kobe...

the fallen great.

“Maybe it surprised people that Kobe and I were very close friends,” Jordan told the crowd. “But we were very close friends. Kobe was my dear friend. He was like a little brother.”

“As we grew up in life [we] rarely have friends that we can have conversations like that,” Jordan explained of his bond with Bryant. “Well, it’s even rarer when you can go up against adversaries and have conversations like that.”

It was a Jordan that few had ever witnessed, heartfelt, pure and sadness.

Shaquille O’Neal started his speech in a somber tone.

“When I imagine speaking to a group of people about Kobe Bryant, I usually picture the context of his Hall of Fame induction or as a guest speaker at one of Kobe and Vanessa’s Foundation events. But never, ever could I have imagined that I’d be here today speaking at his memorial. And it pains me to my core. Like all of you, I continue to be devastated by the loss of my friend, my little brother Kobe Bryant and my beautiful niece Gigi.”

Later towards the end, Shaq would cut the sadness with a statement that garnered laughter.

“The day Kobe gained my respect was, the guys were complaining, said, “Shaq, Kobe’s not passing the ball.” I said, “I’ll talk to him.” I said, “Kobe, there’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’.” He said, “I know, but there’s an ‘M-E’ in that motherf—.” So I went back and told

Rick and Big Shot Bob, I said, “Just get the rebound, he’s not passing it.”

Shaq was among other former Laker greats such as Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and Rick Fox who was rumored to be aboard the fallen helicopter and scores of current NBA players and coaches including those MVPs James Harden and Russell Westbrook, and DeMar DeRozan all of whom grew up idolizing Kobe in Los Angeles.

However, make no mistake about it that this was about Vanessa, attempting to normalize a tragedy that has engulfed a nation and ripped the hearts out of scores of Kobe and Lakers fans.

But it was also about innocent children those lost and still on earth.

Kobe close friend and the Godfather of Gianna, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka revealed that around 30 minutes before Bryant died he was in church when he received a text message from his friend.

Bryant had texted Pelinka to ask if he knew a baseball agent based in southern California. The former Laker wanted to help secure an internship with the agent for the daughter of one of his friends.

Pelinka said Bryant was trying to help the surviving daughter of John Altobelli, who coached baseball at Orange Coast College and also died in the crash. The day following the memorial, it was revealed that super agent Scott Boras had granted Kobe’s request.

Page 8

February 27- March 04, 2020

From the desk of

MIKE BLOOMBERG Dear Reader, Thank you for taking the time to learn about The Greenwood Initiative.

As someone who has been very lucky in life, I often say my story would only have been possible in America — and that’s true. But I also know that because of the artificial barriers of discrimination, my story likely would have turned out very differently if I had been Black, and that more Black Americans of my generation would have ended up with far more wealth, had they been white.

Building Generational Wealth for Black Families is Critical. That’s why I launched The Greenwood Initiative in Tulsa last month. I visited the site of the Black Wall Street Massacre, where a white mob decimated the prosperous community of Greenwood. It is to the memory of the lost lives and promise of Greenwood that we’ve dedicated The Greenwood Initiative: a plan to address the systematic bias that has kept Black Americans from building wealth.

THE GREENWOOD PLAN WILL: • Create 1 million new Black homeowners • Double the number of new Black-owned businesses • Invest $70 billion in the country’s 100 most disadvantaged neighborhoods

Fixing the System for Black Families. When I was mayor of New York, I was proud to take on the systematic inequality that held back too many New Yorkers. We increased education funding, built 650 new schools and raised Black graduation rates to record highs.

We led an ambitious effort to reduce poverty and managed the largest amount of affordable housing in the nation. And as President, I will work even more aggressively to combat inequality nationwide.

I understand that undoing generations of systematic discrimination won’t happen overnight, but we can make progress with a clear vision and a comprehensive plan. I’ve included a pamphlet along with this letter that lays out my plan. When I’m President, implementing The Greenwood Initiative will be a top priority.

Join me in ending the systemic inequality that has held Black Americans back for too long!

Sincerely, Mike Bloomberg

PAID FOR BY MIKE BLOOMBERG 2020

For more information visit

MikeForBlackAmerica.com