LAWT 12-27-2012 by LA WATTSTIMES

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Thursday, December 27, 2012

L.A. Watts Times

Thursday, December 27, 2012

HOROSCOPES Dec. 27 - Jan. 2 A

RIES ~ Take a positive and sensible stance this week where co-workers are involved. Situations could be tricky, but you’ll do fine if you don’t commit yourself to anything that you really don’t want to do. Soul Affirmation: The earthiness of my being reflects the sunshine of my soul. AURUS ~ A positive, alert attitude will draw opportunities to you this week. You’ll see more of the big picture if you take a mental step backward. You’ll hear exactly what you need to hear if you take the time to listen. Soul Affirmation: Jewelry reflects the beauty of my feelings about myself. EMINI ~ Guard your words this week, and let peace and harmony rule where they may. It’s not the time to point out the character flaws of a higher-up. You can make this a very productive week if you apply your industrious spirit to your work. Soul Affirmation: Facing down challenges makes me feel good about myself. ANCER ~ Good deeds are in order this week. Perform all the random acts of kindness that you can. Everything you do this week is going to come back to you in triplicate, so enjoy storing up some future blessings! Soul Affirmation: Another week in which to rejoice is upon me. ah-h-h-h-h! EO ~ You can help out a friend this week if you plan your schedule so that you’ve got time for kindness built in! Embrace your generous side while getting your own work finished. You are excellent at multi-tasking! Soul Affirmation: Old love? New love? The most important thing is true love! IRGO ~ You may want to make this week a schmooze-fest! Whether you go out to a party or stay in with a friend, you’ll have a good time if you remember that charm is the only weapon that’ll work for you this week. Soul Affirmation: I work hard to combat envy this week.

IBRA ~ Your vibrations could cause you to pause. That’s good, because a pause is just what you need to remember to think of the positive. Reject the negative and you’ll have a wonderful week. Soul Affirmation: I give my mind a holiday again this week. CORPIO ~ Rev up your engines. This is a fine week for making progress with projects that you’ve got in the works. Your energy is high and your mind is clear. Use every advantage this week to finish up your work. Soul Affirmation: What life has given me is sufficient to any task. AGITTARIUS ~ A spirit of competition may be troubling you. Let it go. Celebrate differences and get on with the work of creating new hope in the world! Your tendency to speak without considering the full impact on others should be checked this week. Soul Affirmation: I graciously anticipate joy and this gives me the ability to give APRICORN~Confusion exists over some question, and every time you think you’ve got the answer, circumstances will change and new information will come to your attention. Don’t worry, things are going to clear up and work out. Take it easy. Soul Affirmation: My smile is a radiant light to those I encounter. QUARIUS ~ Communications flow smoothly this week and your word is golden. A wild idea for money making could come to you, but you should let the strictly material walk on by. Stick to your current plan and use your imagination for ways to streamline your work. Soul Affirmation: Confusion gives me an opportunity to show my love. ISCES ~ Creative mental energy makes this a banner week. An ambition that you thought you had left behind years ago suddenly resurfaces, and you’ll see similarities between what you are doing now and what you dreamed of back then. Soul Affirmation: I give my brain full power this week.

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER Published Weekly – Updates 3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008 Administration – Sales – Graphics – Editorial 323.299.3800 - office 323.291.6804 - fax Beverly Cook – Publisher, Managing Editor 1976 – 1993 Charles Cook – Publisher 1976 – 1998 Melanie Polk – Publisher 1998 – 2010 WWW.LAWATTSTIMES.COM Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. ............Executive Publisher & Executive Editor Brenda Marsh Mitchell ..................................Executive Vice President Tracey Mitchell ......................................................................Controller Brandon I. Brooks ..................................................Co-Managing Editor Yussuf J. Simmonds ..............................................Co-Managing Editor Jennifer Bihm................................................................Assistant Editor Bernard Lloyd ....................................................Director of Advertising Benjamin Samuels ....................................................Graphic Designer Kim McGill ............................................................Production Designer EMAIL: wattsweekender@yahoo.com Circulation ..................................................................................30,000 The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the L.A. Watts Times. The L.A. Watts Times is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, CDs or tapes. CIRCULATION AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL

Inside This Edition Year In Review

Tragic Tragedies

5 8 9 10

TRAYVON MARTIN: The Black teenager who was gunned down by George Zimmerman — a self-appointed neighborhood watch captain in Sanford, Florida — and captured national attention and garnered universal outrage. Martin was gunned down near his father’s home, wearing a hoodie and armed with little more than an iced tea and Skittles. He was 17.

ANTHONY DUNN: Anthony “Tony” Dunn was a mail carrier, who died after having his legs severed by an unlicensed driver while delivering mail in the Boyle Heights area of East L.A. He was 31.

band who was gunned down in a heroic effort to save his 8-year-old the son from gunfire. Martin was shot twice in the chest and stomach after pushing his son to the ground at the last second — ultimately saving the kid’s life. He was 28.

BRANDON WOODARD: L.A. resident Brandon Woodard, 31, was shot and killed in Manhattan in what New York police suspect was a professional hit. They are still investigating and have a suspect on camera.

BlackFacts.com January 1, 1863 President Lincoln signed Emancipation Proclamation which freed slaves in rebel states with exception of thirteen parishes (including New Orleans) in Louisiana, forty-eight countries in West Virginia, seven countries (including Norfolk) in Eastern Virginia. Proclamation did not apply to slaves in Border States.

KENDREC MCDADE: Kendrec McDade, a young Black man, was killed in Pasadena, CA. by the local police, and the community raised many questions about the circumstances surrounding the seemingly senseless killing. An attorney for the family filed a lawsuit against the police in the U.S. district Court. The police officers involved were acquitted of any wrongdoing. He was 19. FREDRICK MARTIN: Fred Martin was a young father and hus-

VICTOR MCCLINTON: Victor McClinton, 49, was fatally shot in Pasadena on Christmas morning. McClinton is a graduate of Verbum Dei High School and attended Pasadena City College, majoring in recreation and administration of justice. He was an 18-year law enforcement technician in addition to serving as director of the Brotherhood Crusade Pasadena youth sports program. McClinton is survived by his wife, Shelly, and two adult sons, Kristian and Kameron.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Those departed in 2012… LIBBY CLARK: Elizabeth “Libby” Clark was a journalist, public relations consultant and community activist. She retired from the Los Angeles Sentinel on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 – ending a

GERALDINE WASHINGTON: As President of the Los Angeles Branch of the NAACP, Dr. Washington was on the front lines of fighting the declining enrollment of African American students in the UC system. Her efforts on behalf of students spanned over 40 years and demonstrated her lifelong commitment to keeping the doors of higher education open to all. Her legacy of service to Los Angeles, its students and the community will live on through the many lives she touched. She was 81. (1/5)

ETTA JAMES: Etta James’ performance of the enduring classic “At Last” was the embodiment of refined soul: Angelic-sounding strings harkened the arrival of her passionate yet measured vocals as she sang tenderly about a love finally realized after a long and patient wait. In real life, little about James was as genteel as that song. The platinum blonde’s first hit was a saucy R&B number about sex, and she was known as a hell-raiser who had tempestuous relationships with her family, her men and the music industry. Then she spent years battling a drug addiction that she admitted sapped away at her great talents. She was 73. (1/20) JOHN LEVY: John Levy emanated the aura of a griot when he spoke and was the first prominent AfricanAmerican personal manager in the jazz or pop music field, whose clients included Nancy Wilson and R a m s e y Lewis. He was 99. (1/20)

career that has spanned some seven decades. During that time, she worked for six of the country’s African American newspapers and one metropolitan daily: the Chester Daily Times in Pennsylvania. Other publications included the Philadelphia Tribune, Baltimore AfroAmerican, Pittsburgh Courier, Chicago Defender and the California Eagle. She was 94. (1/23) DON CORNELIUS: Don Cornelius

created the long-running R&B and dancemusic showcase Soul Train. He was trained as a journalist on WVON, an African-American talk radio station in his native Chicago. Cornelius conceived of Soul Train during the Civil Rights movement, noting there was no showcase for black music on national television. Soul Train debuted in 1971 and quickly became a popular stop for major acts such as James Brown, the O'Jays and Michael Jackson. Cornelius hosted the show from its inception until 1993; Soul Train ended its long run in its original form in 2006. He was 75 (2/1) WHITNEY HOUSTON: Whitney Houston ruled as pop music's queen from the mid-1980s until the 1990s. She had a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby

Brown. Her success carried her beyond music to movies, where she starred in hits like "The Bodyguard" and "Waiting to Exhale." She was described as having the perfect voice, and the perfect image: a gorgeous singer who had sex appeal, but was never overtly sexual, who maintained perfect poise. She was 48 (2/11)

DICK ANTHONY WILLIAMS: Dick Anthony Williams WAS a veteran actor perhaps best known for his role as Pretty Tony in “The Mack. He had an extensive career on stage, films and television. Williams’ film credits include “Five on the Black Hand Side,” “The Jerk,” “Mo’ Better Blues” and “Edward Scissorhands,” among others. He was 77 (2/16) TRAYVON MARTIN: See page 2 for more details. ANTHONY DUNN: See page 2 for more details.

D O N A L D PAYNE: He was the U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 10th congressional district, serving from 1989 until his death. He was a member of the Democratic Party. His district encompasses most of the city of Newark, parts of Jersey City and Elizabeth, and some suburban communities in Essex and Union counties. He was the first African American to represent New Jersey in Congress. He was 78 (3/6) JOHN PAYTON: Payton was president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and guided it to several major victories before the Supreme Court. He lived in Washington, D.C. He was 65 (3/22)

KENDREC MCDADE: page 2 for more details. FREDRICK MARTIN: page 2 for more details.

See See

WALTER GORDON: One the great lawyers of the 20th century. In addition to successfully defending thousands of Blacks during his long career, Gordon left several other enduring legacies. One of the more prominent among them was mentoring a generation of young, African-American lawyers from the 1940s forward. He was 103 (4/16)

DONNA SUMMER: Summer, known as the Disco Queen, was the first artist to have three double albums reach No. 1 on Billboard’s album chart: “Live See THOSE DEPARTED, page 11

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Local year in review… teachers had indulged in inappropriate conduct with students as young as six years of age. Berndt’s alleged acts included blindfolding the children and feeding them his own semen in what children were allegedly told was a “tasting game.” Springer was arrested on suspicion of fondling two female students in his classroom.

LAUSD molestation scandal — Paul Berndt, 61, and Martin Springer, 49, were arrested in their classrooms after an investigation by Los Angeles County Sheriffs revealed that both

A million hoodies — Angelenos joined protestors across the nation to rally against the killing of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin. Martin wore a hooded sweatshirt the night Florida Neighborhood Watch captain George Zimmerman shot him, in what he claims was self defense. Justice for Jamiel — four years after 17-year old Jamiel Shaw of Los Angeles was shot and killed, his shooter, gang member and illegal resident, Pedro Espinoza was found guilty. The Riots twenty years later — It’s been 20 years since the infamous acquittal of four white police officers accused of brutally beating Rodney King on April 29, 1992. Two decades

business card bulletin board

First lady in L.A. — First Lady Michelle Obama made a two-day visit to Los Angeles in February, promoting her “Let’s Move” health initiative. She also attended Democrat fundraisers for re-election campaigns for her husband in the Los Angeles area. One of the first lady’s stops included a visit on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show.”

later this cataclysmic event, which ultimately led to the infamous L.A. Riots, still affects our hearts and minds today. Though King is no longer with us, he will forever be a martyr in the hearts of many African Americans.

Obama visits View Park — Starting his two-day trip in San Francisco, President Obama made a visit to L.A. in June. While on his journey he made pit stop in View Park. There he held a breakfast event at the private home of Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Quarles, and tickets started at $2,500 per person. David G. Brown — Brown, a Los Angeles artist and contributing editorial cartoonist for the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper, received the 2012 Merit Award for “Best Editorial Cartoon” by the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Omar Bradley exonerated — an appeals court overturned a misappropriation of funds conviction for former Compton mayor, Omar Bradley, eight years after he was found guilty. The Sentinel caught up with Bradley to discuss his book “King of Compton” and his future plans.

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National year in review…

Hurricane Sandy — Sandy devastated parts of the Carribean and MidAtlantic and Northeastern United States during late October 2012. It caused over $65 billion worth of damage and killed at least 253 people.

Prop 8 — The United States Supreme Court agreed to review a California gay marriage case and the validity of Proposition 8, which bans same sex marriage in the state. Attorney General Kamala Harris and other elected officials lauded the decision.

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Sandy Hook — called one of the most devastating mass shootings in the United States, only second to Virginia Tech. After shooting his own mother several times in the head, twenty-year old Adam Lanza of Newton, CT shot his way into Sandy Hook elementary school where he shot and killed 26 people, most of them children before shooting himself to death.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

International year Political year in review… in review… BY SHANNEN HILL L.A. WATTS TIMES INTERN Syria Syria’s civil war has lasted the entire year and their vice president, Farouk al-Sharaa, believes that it will end in a stalemate. The war started as a result of protests against the government’s violent treatment of 15 students who wrote anti-government graffiti on a wall last year. The Syrian rebels have already seized military bases in Syria and battled some of the best armed forces near their president’s powerbase. They also expect to receive military help from Gulf Arab states. Egypt The president of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi, has been promoting a new constitution for the country. There were many mixed opinions about the new constitution, resulting in protests and Morsi permitting the army to arrest citizens. However, after gaining the support of The Muslim Brotherhood, Egyptians are beginning to support the ratification of the constitution. Last week, millions of Egyptians voted peacefully on the new constitution. Palestine Palestine has made great advances towards becoming an independent country. One of their greatest achievements this year was receiving a non-member, observer state status in the United Nations. While they have yet to gain independence, Palestine is gaining recognition from their international peers. Israel There have been growing conflicts between Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group. This conflict resulted in the killing of Ahmed al-Ja’abari, the chief of Hamas’ military wing. The current leader of Hamas, Khaled Mashaal, has recently been giving a series of speeches threatening to destroy Israel. Palestine, along with the countries of the United Nations, has chosen to ignore the statements made by Mashaal, leaving the prime minister of Israel angry with the international community, claiming that they use double standards. Libya A United States ambassador, along with three other Americans, was killed in Benghazi, Libya on Sept. 11, 2012. This attack became a subject of debate on how effective the United States Army is. While the F.B.I. has identified several suspects, none have been arrested and some have fled Benghazi. This was the first time since 1979 that an American ambassador had died in a violent assault.

Obama Re-Elected: President Barack Obama was re-elected the 44th President of the United States of America.

Councilman Herb Wesson makes history: Herb Wesson became the first African American to be elected as the President of the Los Angeles City Council.

Jackie Lacey elected D.A. of L.A.: Jackie Lacey became the first woman and first African-American to be elected the District Attorney of Los Angeles County.

Chairman Mark Ridley – Thomas: Supervisor Mark Ridley – Thomas became the first Black Chairman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Nolan Rollins: Rollins replaces B l a i r Taylor as the Los Angeles U r b a n League president. Maxine Waters vindicated: The House Ethics Committee cleared Rep. Maxine Waters, of wrongdoing following a twoyear investigation into allegations that she improperly helped out a bank in which her husband was an investor. Later, House Democrats appointed the congresswoman as the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, which deals with national banking issues. Herman Cain came to the top and flopped: Initially thought to be the Republican frontrunner for the 2012 presidential election, Cain dropped out of the race amidst accusations of sexual harassment and a 13 year extramarital affair.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

F E AT U R E

20 12 L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

IN REVIEW

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Blacktrospective 2012… Kam’s annual assessment of the best in Black cinema BY KAM WILLIAMS Best Big Budget Black Films 1. “Think Like a Man” 2. “Sparkle” 3. “Good Deeds” 4. “Flight” 5. “Won’t Back Down” 6. “Men in Black III” 7. “Safe House” 8. “Madea’s Witness Protection” 9. “Red Tails” 10. “Red Hook Summer”

7. “We the Party” 8. “The Intouchables” 9. “Christmas in Compton” 10. “A Beautiful Soul”

8. Keith David (“Christmas in Compton”) 9. Chris Tucker (“Silver Linings Playbook”) 10. Cuba Gooding, Jr. (“Red Tails”)

Best Documentaries 1. “The Central Park Five” 2. “The Loving Story” 3. “Hoodwinked” 4. “Booker’s Place: A Mississippi Story” 5. “Soul Food Junkies” 6. “Marley” 7. “Brooklyn Castle” 8. “Dark Girls” 9. “Bad 25” 10. “Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap”

“Good Deeds” 6. Keke Palmer (“Joyful Noise”) 7. Amandla Stenberg (“The Hunger Games”) 8. Jasmine Guy (“October Baby”) 9. Gloria Reuben (“Lincoln”) 10. Gabrielle Union (“Think Like a Man”) Best Director (Feature Film)

Best Actor (Lead Role) 1. Michael Ealy (“Think Like a Man/Unconditional”) 2. Denzel Washington (“Safe House,” “Flight”) 3. Will Smith (“Men in Black III”) 4. Tyler Perry (“Good Deeds,” “Madea’s Witness Protection”) 5. Alassane Sy (“Restless City”) 6. Sean Riggs (“Changing the Game”) 7. Nate Parker (“Red Tails”) 8. Mandela Van Peebles (“We the Party”) 9. Kirk Ponton (“Velvet Elvis”) 10. Omar Sy (“The Intouchables”)

“Red Tails”

1. Tim Story (“Think Like a Man”) 2. Salim Akil (“Sparkle”) 3. Tyler Perry (“Good Deeds”) 4. Peter Ramsey (“Rise of the Guardians”) 5. Anthony Hemingway (“Red Tails”)

“Men in Black III” Best Actress (Lead Role) 1. Quvenzhane Wallis (“Beasts of the Southern Wild”) 2. Emayatzy Corinealdi (“Middle of Nowhere”) 3. Thandie Newton (“Good Deeds”) 4. Queen Latifah (“Joyful Noise”) 5. Viola Davis (“Won’t Back Down”) 6. Zoe Kravitz (“Yelling to the Sky”) 7. Gabrielle Union (“Good Deeds”) 8. Jordin Sparks (“Sparkle”) 9. Halle Berry (“Cloud Atlas”) 10. Zoe Saldana (“The Words”)

“Think Like a Man” Best Director (Independent Film)

“Flight”

1. Ava DuVernay (“Middle of Nowhere”) 2. Andrew Dosunmu (“Restless City”) 3. Rel Dowdell (“Changing the Game”) 4. Victoria Mahoney (“Yelling to the Sky”) 5. Mario Van Peebles (“We the Party”)

“Safe House” “Won’t Back Down”

Best Director (Documentary)

Best Independent Films Best Actress (Supporting Role) 1. “Beasts of the Southern Wild” 2. “Middle of Nowhere” 3. “Restless City” 4. “Changing the Game” 5. “Yelling to the Sky” 6. “Unconditional”

1. Janks Morton (“Hoodwinked”) 2. Spike Lee (“Bad 25”) 3. Soul Food Junkies (“Byron Hunt”) 4. D. Channsin Berry and Bill Duke (“Dark Girls”) 5. Ice-T (“Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap”)

1. Carmen Ejogo (“Sparkle”) 2. Naomie Harris (“Skyfall”) 3. Whitney Houston (“Sparkle”) 4. Meagan Good (“Think Like a Man”) 5. Irma P. Hall (“Changing the Game”)

“Madea’s Witness Protection” Best Actor (Supporting Role)

“Beasts of Southern Wild”

1. Dwight Henry (“Beasts of the Southern Wild”) 2. Kevin Hart (“Think Like a Man”) 3. David Oyelowo (“Middle of Nowhere”) 4. Derek Luke (“Sparkle”) 5. Ice Cube (“21 Jump Street”) 6. Mike Epps (“Sparkle”) 7. Don Cheadle (“Flight”)

“Sparkle”

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Our moments…2012 GRAMMYS AND BLACK PRESS In a move that can only be described as historic and unprecedented, the Recording Academy (Grammys) and the Los Angeles Sentinel/Black Press reached a mutual understanding that signaled the end of an ugly era that saw media access being arbitrarily denied to the Black Press in general.

the first Black woman to serve in that capacity; previously, she was the vice chair. SHERMAN HEMSLEY Best known for his role as George Jefferson on the CBS television series All in the Family and The Jeffersons, and as Deacon Ernest Frye on the NBC series Amen. He also played Earl Sinclair's horrifying boss, a Triceratops named B.P. Richfield, on the Jim Henson sitcom Dinosaurs.

in the 2011 film, The Help, for which she also received accolades such as the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. CHRIS BROWN Less than three years after pleading guilty to felony assault for attacking singer and then girlfriend Rihanna, Chris Brown appears to be back

(L-R) Rayva Harrell, Danny Bakewell, Sr., Adrian Battle, Beau Willaims and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

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Neil Portnow, Chairman of the Grammys met with Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., Chairman and executive publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel and the L.A. Watts Times and mutually resolved the issue equal access for the African American Press to cover the Grammys in the future. DON CORNELIUS Don Cornelius, the smooth-voiced television host who brought black music and culture into America’s living rooms when he created the dance show “Soul Train,” was found dead at his home in Los Angeles early Wednesday in what appeared to be a suicide, the authorities said. In the earlymorning hours of February 1, 2012, officers responded to a report of a shooting on Mulholland Drive and found Cornelius with an apparent selfinflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was taken

OCTAVIA SPENCER Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Minny, the outspoken maid

DR. DRE He's already the top-earning rapper, now Dr. Dre is also the highest-paid musician, according to Forbes. The rapper-producer raked in $110 million this year, taking in $100 million before taxes in a deal with HTC and his Beats headphone line. STARQUEST Contestants Adrian Battle and Beau Williams were the co-winners of the inaugural Starquest Talent Competition at the 7th annual Taste of Soul in October. Both singers appeared to be genuinely stunned after they were declared the winners as the crowd clapped and whistled.

on top—boasting three performances and taking home the 2012 Grammy for Best R&B Album for F.A.M.E. MAGIC JOHNSON AND P DIDDY Coming soon to your living room...24 hours of Diddy and Magic Johnson. Cable giant Comcast

to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead by the Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner. According to former Soul Train host, Shemar Moore, Cornelius may have been suffering from early onset of dementia or Alzheimer's disease and his health had been in decline. Cornelius was 75. WHITNEY HOUSTON At her peak, Houston was the golden girl of the music industry. From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world's best-selling artists. She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals that were rooted in the black church but made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen. Her success carried her beyond music to movies, where she starred in hits like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.” On February 11, 2012, Whitney Houston was found dead in her guest room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California. Subsequent toxicology reports showed that she had accidentally drowned in the bathtub due to the effects of chronic cocaine use and heart disease. News of her death coincided with the 2012 Grammy Awards and featured prominently in American and international media. Houston was 48.

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“ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR .” Peter Travers

announced that the company will work with the media moguls to launch their own branded channels, as part of a mandate given to Comcast to support minority-owned networks. The company has said it will launch 10 such networks by 2018. SUSAN D. AUSTIN As the new chair at BMI, Susan Davenport Austin becomes one of the most powerful and influential women in radio. Austin was elected by her peers, as chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). She became the first woman and

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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Sports review 2012… Antron Brown — 1st African American to win an American auto racing title

Antron Brown became the first African American to win an American auto racing title when he won the Full Throttle Top Fuel World Championship. The drag racer clinched the title at the Pomona Speedway. Photo by Jason Lewis

Gabby Douglas stars at the Olympics

Gabby Douglas became the first African American to win the gold medal in the individual gymnastics competition. She also won the gold as part of the US’s team that won the allaround competition. Douglas captured America’s hearts as she was the star of the London Games. Photo by The Associated Press Inglewood wins the Division IIAA title

The Clippers become contenders

With the addition of All-Star point guard Chris Paul, the Clippers had one of their best seasons in franchise history. They are now NBA Finals contenders. Photo by Leon Bennett Dorsey wins their 15th track and field title

Lakers trade for Dwight Howard

For a second consecutive season the Lakers lost in the second round of the playoffs. That led to the blockbuster trade that brought in All-Star center Dwight Howard (12), and shipped out All-Star center Andrew Bynum (17). Photo by Jason Lewis

Giants win the Super Bowl

The New York Giants barley made the playoffs, but when they did, they out muscled the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers (above), and New England Patriots. Photo by Jeff Lewis

everybody, including Crenshaw and Dorsey, on his way to being the City Section player of the year. Photo by Jason Lewis Terrel Williams’ early success

Felix and Jeter bring home the gold

Narbonne wins the City title

Inglewood won their third Southern Section championship. The first was in 1980, and the second was the 1994 Paul Pierce led team. Photo by Ken Brooks

Narbonne high school won their sixth City Section girls basketball championship, and their second under head coach Victoria Sanders. Photo by Jason Lewis

Carmelita Jeter (far left) and Allyson Felix (far right), both from the Los Angeles area, were stars at the London Olympics. Felix won the gold in the 200-meter dash, and as a member of both the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relay teams. The gold medal 4x100 meter relay team, which Jeter was a part of, set the world record. Photo by Matt Dunham (AP)

Los Angeles native Terrel “Tyger” Williams (left) is rising up the boxing charts early in his career. He is 8-0 (seven knockouts), with four of those victories coming in 2012. His first three fights of the year all ended in the first round, and the last fight rolled over into the second round. Look out for him on local fight cards in Los Angeles in 2013. Photo by Jason Lewis UCLA brings in a super start recruiting class

Long Beach Poly and Gardena Serra win titles

Narbonne wins second consecutive City title

Kareem gets a statue

Rashard Clark (left) won the City title in the 400-meter dash for the second year in a row. He also won the 200, and was on Dorsey’s winning 4x100 and 4x400 meter relay teams. Dorsey swept the 110-meter hurdles, won the 300-meter hurdles and the high jump. Photo by Jason Lewis

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who won six NBA championships (five with the Lakers) and six NBA MVP awards, was rewarded with a statue outside of Staples Center. Photo by Ken Brooks

Narbonne dominated high school football, as they defeated some of the best Southern Section teams, and ran the table in the City to win the championship. They were one of the best high school football teams that the City has seen in years. Photo by Jason Lewis

Long Beach Poly and Gardena Serra faced off earlier this season, with Serra winning a close game. Poly bounced back and won the Southern Section PAC-5 (Division I) championship. They made it to the State Bowl, losing by one point. Serra won the Southern Section Western (Division IV) title, and went on to win the Division II State Bowl championship. Photo by Jason Lewis Taft wins the City title Taft High School won the City Section boys championship, as Anthony January (above) dunked on

Since UCLA appeared in three consecutive Final Fours they have greatly under achieved. To get back on track they brought in one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, led by Shabazz Muhammad (above). Photo by David J. Phillip (AP) See SPORTS REVIEW, page 11

Black Facts.com December 29, 1907 Robert Weaver, born on this day, beacme the first Black appointed to a presidential cabinet when President Lyndon B. Johnson named him to head the newly created Departmentof Housing and Urban Development.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

THOSE DEPARTED Continued from page 3 and More,” “Bad Girls,” “On the Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I & II.” She became a cultural icon, not only as one of the defining voices of the era, but also as an influence on future pop divas from Madonna to Beyoncé. She was 63 (5/17) BISHOP H. HARTFORD BROOKINS: He was a religious leader, a preacher in the church; and a civil leader outside the church. He dealt with civic matters outside of the church, and has traveled the historical path of icons of the civil rights struggles, who have pastored their flocks and served their constituents above and beyond. Bishop Brookins walked with kings, presidents, princes, paupers and the downtrodden. He was 86 (5/22) FRANK HOLOMAN: Holoman was a member of the California State Assembly and a Democrat from Los Angeles from 1972 to 1974. His interests in urban improvement and local government led him to pursue these causes in the Legislature as well as through his position as chair of the Black Caucus of Southern California. He was 78 (5/24) RODNEY KING: A Black man who became a symbol of racial tension and police brutality in America, after his beating by Los Angeles police officers in 1991 was videotaped and broadcast to the nation. He was 47 (6/17) WILLIAM RASPBERRY: William Raspberry was one of the nation's first African American columnists at a major metropolitan daily newspaper. He was a Washington-Post columnist for four decades, many of them as a syndicated writer; he won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 1994. He was first nominated for the award in 1982. He was 76 (7/17) WILLIS EDWARDS: Willis Edwards’ center of activity was the NAACP. His activist role in the organization has earned him the title in some circles, as “Mr NAACP.” His mother started an NAACP branch in Palm Springs, CA and her rule

was “you go to church and you go to the NAACP meetings.” He understood the importance its work as the oldest civil rights organization in the country its history regarding Black Americans. He was 66 (7/20) SHERMAN HELMSLEY: Hemsley’s best-known role was as George Jefferson, the owner of a dry cleaning business who lived in a New York luxury high-rise apartment with his family. “The Jeffersons” ran on television from 1975 to 1985. He was 74 (7/24) JOHN ATTA MILLS: John Evans Fifii Atta Mills 24 July 2012) was a Ghanaian politician who was president of Ghana from 2009 until his death. He was inaugurated on 7 January 2009, having defeated the ruling party candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 election. He was vice-president from 1997 to 2001 under President Jerry Rawlings. He is the first Ghanaian head of state to die in office. He was 60 (7/24) AL FREEMAN JR: Al Freeman Jr. emerged during the civil rights era and made his mark in both drama and race relations with his portraits of some of the movement’s most controversial personalities — Malcolm X in a television drama, and Elijah Muhammad in Spike Lee’s 1992 movie “Malcolm X”. He was 78. (8/9) LARRY GRANT: After a career in banking and serving in the U.S. military, Larry Grant founded The Kingdom Day Parade in remembrance of the life and legacy of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King along with his wife, Coretta Scott King. It is celebrated annually on King’s birthday. He was 86. (8/18) CHRIS LIGHTY: Chris Lighty, 44, called one of “the most influential talent managers” by Forbes magazine in 2006, was found dead in the backyard of his home in Riverdale, N.Y. The New York City medical examiner ruled his death the result of a selfinflicted gunshot wound. But many of those who knew him well don’t

agree. Famous friends such as 50 Cent, Russell Simmons, Q-Tip, and Busta Rhymes have reportedly all joined Lighty’s mother and family in questioning how he died. (8/30) EDWARD “ED” VINCENT: First Black Mayor of Inglewood. 78 (8/31) MICHAEL CLARKE DUNCAN: Was a worldfamous actor most known for his breakout role as J o h n Coffey in “ T h e G r e e n Mile.” He 54 (9/3) MERVYN M. DYMALLY: He was a political icon who opened many doors and mentored many elected officials throughout his 50 plus year career. His passing has left a void in California and indeed national politics. He was an assemblyman (twice); state senator, Lt. Governor, and congressman. He was 86. (10/7) EMANUEL STEWARD: He was an American boxer, legendary trainer, and world-famous commentator. He trained 41 world champion fighters throughout his career, most notably Lennox L e w i s , Wladimir Klitschko, and T o m m y “Hitman” Hearns. (10/25).

GOVERNMENT LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Metro will receive proposals for RFP No. PS24153046, Doran Street Crossing Grade Separationper specifications on file at the LACMTA Office of Procurement & Material Mgmt, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (9th Floor). All proposals must be received on or before January 24, 2013, 4:00 PM Pacific Timeat the address listed above, sent to the attention of Ben Calmes, Principal Contract Administrator.Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on January 10, 2013, 2:00 PM, located in the Union Station Meeting Room on the 3rd Floor at the address above. You may obtain a copy of the RFP, or further information, by downloading at http://www.metro.net/ EBB/bids1.asp or by contacting Ben Calmes at CalmesB@metro.net. 12/27/12 CNS-2426263# WATTS TIMES LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Metro will receive proposals for RFP No. PS45303052, Improved Linkages to Gateway/Union Stationper specifications on file at the LACMTA Office of Procurement & Material Mgmt, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (9th Floor). All proposals must be received on or before January 17, 2013, 4:00 PM Pacific Timeat the address listed above, sent to the attention of Ben Calmes, Principal Contract Administrator.Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on January 3, 2013, 2:00 PM, Mulholland Conference Room, 15th Floor located at the address above.

SPORTS REVIEW Continued from page 10 UCLA has best season in years, and knocks off USC

High School) did his thing, as he broke USC’s record for career receptions. Against Colorado, he set USC’s single game receiving touchdown record with four. Photo by Jeff Lewis Williams sisters win numerous titles

It has been a long time since UCLA was looked at as a good program, and USC has had a football monopoly in Los Angeles. But this past season UCLA has clearly been the best college football team in Los Angeles, and they defeated USC, as Johnathan Franklin (Dorsey High School) scored the game-clinching touchdown. Photo by Jason Lewis Robert Woods sets records

The Williams sisters racked up a number of titles in 2012, especially Serena. She dominated the fields at Wimbledon, the US Open, and she won the Olympic gold medal. When she was paired with sister Venus, the two won the doubles title at Wimbledon and the gold at the Olympics. They have four Olympic gold medals each, more than any other player, male or female. Photo by The Associated Press X Games

USC had a disappointing season, but Robert Woods (Gardena Serra

You may obtain a copy of the RFP, or further information, by downloading at http://www.metro.net/ EBB/bids1.asp or by contacting Ben Calmes at CalmesB@metro.net. 12/27/12 CNS-2423829# WATTS TIMES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2012 234020 The following person (s) is (are) doing business as: COMMUNITY FRESH START FAMILY UNITY PROGRAM, 11204 ALVARO STREET, LA. CA. 90059. County of Los Angeles. Registered Owner(s): COMMUNITY FRESH START FAMILYUNITY PROGRAM, 11204 Alvaro Street, Los Angeles, CA. 90059. This business is conducted by a Corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). S/SANDRA STRAIGHT, DIRECTOR. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on NOVEMBER 29,2012 NOTICE- in accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920. Where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of fictitious name in violation of the rights of another under federal state or common law (see section 14411 et seq. Business and Professions code.) Original 12/20, 12/27, 01/03, 01/10/2012. LA SENTINEL 430764

Black Facts.com December 29, 1917 Thomas Bradley was born on this day in Calvert, Texas and went on to become mayor of Los Angeles by winning 56% of the vote.

One hundred and fifty of the world's best action sports athletes were on hand at L.A. Live at the X Games. Photo by Jason Lewis Magic Johnson joins group to purchase the Dodgers

When Magic Johnson sold his shares of the Lakers as well as other business interests, it appeared that he was joining a group to bring the NFL back to Los Angeles. Instead he joined a group that purchased the Dodgers from Frank McCourt. Dodger fans were more than happy to see McCourt go as the owner, and Johnson become the face of the new ownership group. Photo by Joe Kohen (AP)

Thursday, December 27, 2012

e v e n t LISTINGS

12/2012-1/2013

L.A. Watts Times Calendar, Compiled by Brandon I. Brooks, Co-Managing Editor 12/28 CIRQUE D’OR PERFORMED BY GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS: Award-winning acrobats scale poles, spin umbrellas with their feet, and build human pyramids on moving bicycles in the spell-binding Cirque D’Or. A riveting extravaganza of traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music, and breathtaking contortions, the theatrical production has been nominated for Drama Desk Awards for “Best Choreography” and “Most Unique Theatrical Experience.” WHEN: FRI (28th) 8:00 p.m., SAT (29th) 2:00 p.m., SUN (30th) 2:00 p.m. Lyric Configuration: $55/$50/$40/$30/$20 Buy three tickets to a single performance and get one free (This offer is not valid online and cannot be applied to previous purchases.). For tickets or more information on any of these shows, call (562) 4678818, or go to www.cerritoscenter.com.

12/29 COMPTON H.S. CLASS

‘73: The

Compton High School Class of 1973 will present a “Pre New Year’s Eve Gala.” WHERE: Casanova Ballroom 817 N. La Brea Avenue , Inglewood, CA . The attire is “black and white after 5” and the admission cost is $40.00 ($50.00 at the door). Tickets may be purchased with credit cards or PayPal ) Email to ComptonHigh1973@aol.com or online at ComptonHigh1973.eventbrite.com. For more details please call (310) 386-7486 or (310) 638-5470.

12/31 JSPOT COMEDY CLUB: Funnyman J. Anthony Brown Announces the Holiday Line Up of Laughs for the JSpot

J Anthony Brown Comedy Club. Headlining the New Year Eve’s festivities is comic/actor Esau McGraw. The evening will be hosted by comic Evan Lionel. Other FAN FAVORITES: Annie McKnight and Derrick Ellis. Other comics slated to appear include the crowd-pleasing, up-and-coming comics Brandon Wiley , Memphis Will and Skillz Hudson. WHEN: The doors open at 7 p.m. The show and after party begin at 8 p.m. Tickets prices vary from $30 to $55 in advance and $40 to $75 at the door. WHERE: The J. Spot Comedy Club is located at 5581 Manchester Ave. in Los Angeles. For more information about special events and offerings at the J. Spot Comedy Club, call 310.337.9057 or visit www.JAnthonyBrown.com to purchase tickets online.

ON GOING NOW – 1/6/13 GLIDING

THROUGH THE

NOW – 4/7/13 HILLS: Beverly

Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau and the City of Beverly Hills celebrate the holidays with the city’s

first ever full-scale, public ice rink located in the Golden Triangle. WHERE: Positioned in front of the iconic Beverly Hills City Hall building on Crescent Drive between North and South Santa Monica Boulevards. The ice skating rink will operate seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Skate admission and rental is $15 (adult) and $11 (children under 12) per hour session (session times vary, visit lovebeverlyhills.com for schedule). Bottled water, gloves and socks will be available for purchase and the rink will include viewing areas for those who wish to watch the skaters and lockers for personal belongings.

NOW – 3/ 7/13 THE LOS ANGELES URBAN LEAGUE PRESENTS: “The 90 That Built L.A.,” an

exhibit at the Museum of African American Art. This multi-layered exhibit chronicles and celebrates the League’s 90 plus year milestone of serving the city of Los Angeles, in addition to honoring 90 champions for change and equality, past and present. The exhibit will include personal artifacts from honorees; a retrospect of the social, economic, political and civic challenges and triumphs for Los Angeles residents of color and the League’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the community. WHEN: Museum hours are Thursday -Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday –Wednesday the exhibit will be closed. Admission is FREE! Where: Museum of African American Art 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008 (Located on the 3rd floor of Macy’s at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall). For more information call (323) 294-7071 or visit www.theleague90.com. For more information on the Museum of African American Art, visit www.maaala.org.

CAAM Presents Go Tell It On The Mountain: The California African American Museum (CAAM) presents the exhibition “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” The exhibit showcases 24 artists who examine Christianity’s role in fostering political action and social engagement. The exhibition’s curators, Nery Gabriel Lemus and Mar Hollingsworth, utilized James Baldwin’s 1953 novel of the same title, “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” as a point of departure to select a variety of pieces. The selections celebrate faith and, at times contrast, the oppositional forces within Christianity and the underlying tensions of religious control as well as human hypocrisy. WHERE: CAAM is located at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles. For more information visit www.caamuseum.org or call (213) 744-2024. Parking is $10 per vehicle and available on 39th and Figueroa streets.

UP & COMING 1/5/13

positions in religion, health, education, law, science, politics, and government. SMA alumnae held these positions long before it was “trendy” for women to be so competitive in the workforce. This is especially impressive since recently, universities, colleges and private corporations are turning their focus on the education of girls and young women and the contributions they make in the workforce. St. Mary’s Academy provides an excellent education for young ladies in a loving, Catholic environment. Come Experience St. Mary's Academy first hand! WHEN: 12 noon - 3 p.m. WHERE: 701 Grace Avenue, Inglewood CA 90301. For more information about SMA please call (310) 6748470 or visit www.smabelles.org.

THE JL EXPERIENCE: Tap Soul Productions presents the return home of Broadway performer JL Williams of Fela! on Broadway in this song and tap dance concert with surprise celebrity guests. Tap is an indigenous art form that needs your support. You don’t want to miss this event. WHEN: 2 shows @ 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Stella Adler Theatre 6773 Hollywood

MENTORING PROGRAM FOR AFRICANAMERICAN YOUTH: The Concerned Black Men of Los Angeles, a non-profit mentoring organization, offers a powerful series of youth mentoring workshops through its signature Welcome-to-Manhood Program, promoting education, career and life skills guidance, and instructions in the importance of self-mastery and personal achievement. Workshops and youth activities are free. Workshops are designed for youth 11 to 19 years of age. WHEN: Our next workshop Prim, Proper, and Prepared is scheduled for Saturday, January 5, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: The Exposition Park - Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Branch Library 3900 S. Western Ave Los Angeles, 90062, at the corner of 39th Street and Western Avenue. Please call 213-359-3378 to preregister for yourself and friends.

1/12/13 ST. MARY’S ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE: St. Mary’s Academy is an oasis for girls to grow and learn in a safe, caring environment. Through campus ministry and Christian service programs, college preparatory curriculum, sports program and student government activities, SMA’s faculty and staff contribute to the spiritual, moral, educational and social development of their students. Programs are offered in liberal arts, sports, communication arts and STEM, while focusing students on becoming a balanced, well rounded individual, which will contribute back to society. St, Mary’s Academy uniquely has 4 Career Path Programs: Accounting, Communication Arts, Engineering, and Health Careers. By offering such programs, SMA is bridging the gap and fostering young women leaders in these male dominated industries. St. Mary’s Academy has a long-standing legacy of alumnae that have held and continue to hold leadership

Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028. General Admission $18 in advance online or $25 at the door the day of the event. For more information and tickets please visit www.tapsoulpro.com.

1/19/13 MENTORING PROGRAM FOR AFRICANAMERICAN YOUTH: The Concerned Black Men of Los Angeles, a non-profit mentoring organization, offers a powerful series of youth mentoring workshops through its signature Welcome-to-Manhood Program, promoting education, career and life skills guidance, and instructions in the importance of self-mastery and personal achievement. Workshops and youth activities are free. Workshops are designed for youth 11 to 19 years of age. WHEN: Our next workshop Prim, Proper, and Prepared is scheduled for Saturday, January 19, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hyde Park Miriam Matthews Library 2205 West Florence Avenue, Los Angeles at the corner of Florence and Van Ness. For more information please call 213-359-3378 to preregister for yourself and friends.

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