LAWT 06-30-2011

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W E E K E N D E R

L.A. Watts Times Vol. XXX, No. 1238

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Thursday, June 30, 2011

FEATURE STORY

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Thursday, June 30, 2011

HOROSCOPES

JUNE 30 - JULY 6

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RIES ~ You can be very efficient this week if you set your will to the task. New ideas will occur to you as you are working steadily, so keep pencil and paper nearby to jot down your latest brilliance! AURUS ~ Avoid getting involved in any office politics or family feuds this week. The week’s energy is excitable, but not necessarily exciting. Do your own thing and be proud of what you do. Let others do their own thing, so long as it doesn’t hurt anyone. EMINI ~ A message this week may necessitate travel on your part, and you may feel obligated to do something you don’t want to. Let the energy flow past you and do what you think is best. Who you are is who you are—be glad about it! ANCER ~ You wake up feeling peaceful and wise. Discussions with a close friend may reveal the source of your inner freedom in a very tangible way. So talk about it. You’ve got everything good to gain. EO ~ You may feel an extra burst of energy this week. This is a good time for you wrap up any miscellaneous details on a project that you’ve been working on. Your vibrations are very conducive towards generosity and general well-being that you’ll want to extend to friends and family. IRGO ~ Any nervous energy you may be feeling can be dispelled with some physical activity. You are doing just fine, so take long walks or try a yoga class and leave your worries behind you. Everything is working out in a perfect way.

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IBRA ~ A conflict may arise, but you can handle it. Let your life be shaped by the choices you make, not through choices made by others. You’re a very independent sign, and you may be feeling downright feisty this week! Act with love. CORPIO ~ Love gets you back on an even keel, and you feel balance and much appreciation for all of the blessings in your life. Your creativity is soaring; let some of your wilder ideas free and watch them fly! AGITTARIUS ~ This week your thoughtfulness and generosity is very evident among those close to you. Do something adventurous, and surprise and impress your lover. Try to sneak away at lunchtime together and enjoy each other’s company. Things will be looking even brighter for you in the next few weeks. Stay happy! APRICORN ~ Exercise your social skills in a new and inventive way at work. Make yourself noticed in a positive way. Buy a new scent or wear that daring red item that you’ve been too shy to put on! Try to resolve the conflict between two of your friends, but you might have to let them go through the motions of anger, and stay out of it. QUARIUS ~ Nobody expects the world from you, but a little more effort would be appreciated. Let go of the grudge that you’ve been harboring and start living again! You’ll feel much more light-hearted and free when you forgive and forget about the past. ISCES ~ This week you will feel like you’re on top of the world when you finish completing the project that you’ve been working feverishly on. Take some time off and splurge on a vacation spot that has been tantalizing you!

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Gladys WessonStrickland

Photo by Brian Carter

Gladys Wesson-Strickland, born Dec.12, 1931, beloved mother of Councilman Herb Wesson passed away on June 29.

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L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

Black student says he was bullied with noose SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — A black student claiming he was racially bullied at a Southern California high school says his wrestling teammates tied a noose around a wrestling dummy, chained him to his locker and made racist comments. The Santa Monica High School students have been suspended. The number of students involved hasn’t been disclosed. Police are investigating. Sgt. Richard Lewis says the students could face assault and hate crime charges. Investigators say the incident occurred more than a month ago, but the student and his mother didn’t report it to police until June 21. The mother of the alleged victim tells the Los Angeles Times she was never notified by the school and didn’t find out about the incident until she heard about it from a parent she did not know. Principal Hugo Pedroza sent a June 16 email to parents announcing the suspensions.

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Sharpton-West ‘showdown’ becomes dignified debate BY JAMES G. MUHAMMAD SPECIAL TO NNPA FROM THE FINAL CALL CHICAGO — The debate about whether President Obama is doing enough for Blacks and the poor should focus on the issues, not on personalities, members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) agreed June 24 during a forum here at their annual convention. The forum featured two prominent leaders who have been the face of the public debate. The issues have sometimes been clouded by the passion each leader has brought to the discussion, at least once erupting into an on-air shouting match. And though the two leaders — the Rev. Al Sharpton and Dr. Cornel West — are longtime friends who continue to work on issues together and have privately discussed their disagreements, NNPA members were concerned that the personalities of the leaders were overshadowing the issues that needed to be addressed. It was a concern that Sharpton addressed immediately. “I want to get (something) out of the way early,” said Sharpton, leader of the National Action Network. “Folks have been saying

that Cornel West and I are going to have a ‘showdown’ today … If you’re looking for a circus, there’s a Chicago Zoo,” he said. The two men sat at a table with Martin Luther King III, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, and wife, the Rev. Marcia Dyson, Dr. Maulana Karenga, and the Rev. Ben Chavis, embracing as they talked about their 30 years of activism together. During a point-counterpoint discussion coated with laughter, the men talked about an “inside, outside” strategy that can elevate issues of concern to Blacks and the poor without the distractions that media outlets and gossip bloggers can manipulate. West, a professor at Princeton University, encouraged Rev. Sharpton to use his access to the White House to raise critical issues of Black unemployment, the homeless, inadequate health care and the needs of America’s children. Sharpton reminded West that he’s been at the forefront of those issues and challenged the Black press to maintain its position as an advocate for justice. A confict had erupted after a television panel discussion about the Black agenda featuring Sharpton, West and several others. That show ended with raised voices about the president’s focus, or lack

thereof, on Black issues. “The mainstream media has played up a lot of strife and exploited Rev. Sharpton and Prof. West and used their disagreement for their own purposes,” said outgoing NNPA chairman Danny Bakewell. “We wanted to have a discussion in an environment where we would print (a firsthand account) from our own perspective.” NNPA members overwhelmingly expressed support for President Obama, even as they listed issues of concern to Blacks and their objection to the U.S.-led wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. Many were hopeful of a second term for the president, who they believe would push more forcefully against the ruling elite as a lame duck. However, if Blacks are debating who is right — Sharpton or West — and taking sides, then it doesn’t help Black America raise issues now where the president or Congress will be responsive, NNPA members said. “The question is not is President Obama doing enough,” said Dr. Karenga, a Los Angeles-based cultural activist who established the Kwanzaa holiday. “The question becomes, is what (Obama) is doing contributing to confronting and solving these issues?”

Photo by Richard B. Muhammad/The Final Call

Dr. Cornel West, left, and the Rev. Sharpton embrace during discussion of the Obama administration and the plight of the Black community at National Newspaper Publishers Association 2011 Annual Convention in Chicago. No person is immune from criticism, he said. Since Whites have constructed an oppressive system where they dominate in wealth, power and status, Blacks must focus on changing the system, not on personalities, he said. Panel moderator George Curry, a syndicated columnist and former editor of the NNPA news website, approached each leader and pro-

posed they have a discussion, not a debate, where members of the Black press can witness and carry the message. Both immediately agreed, Mr. Curry said. During the discussion, both leaders stuck to their positions about the need to support and be critical of the administration. They also agreed there has always been more than See SHARPTON-WEST, page 13

Assembly member Isadore Hall takes aim at Congress as new district takes shape He announces Congressional campaign based on early redistricting maps BY ISMAIL MUHAMMAD WATTS CONTRIBUTING WRITER With the emergence of new Congressional districts, California state legislators are scrambling to run in districts where the constituencies seem to favor their election. Many of those legislators are taking the opportunity to move into national politics. Assembly member Isadore Hall is joining that list of ambitious politicians. Armed with the first draft of district maps released by the California Citizens Redistricting Committee, Assemblymember Hall is preparing to run in a new district that tentatively includes Compton, Carson, Lynwood, and portions of the city of Los Angeles, among other communities. Hall has a history of working in local politics. He previously served as President of the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees and a member of the Compton City Council. In an interview with the Sentinel, he said that this experience would make him a fine Congressman. “All politics are local. You take your local experience and you transfer that into a national platform,” said Hall. “Well, I come from a school board, a city council and a state assembly. I know what happens on an educational level, a local level and a statewide level. That will give me a more national perspective and make me able to fight for jobs in my community, education as a civil right, a green economy and bringing manufacturing jobs back to America.”

Since no Congressional incumbent currently resides in the proposed district, it seems to be wide open for Hall, who currently chairs the Assembly Committee on Government Organization. However, the Assembly member has also announced that he will not run if Congresswoman Maxine Waters runs in the See HALL, page 10

Assemblymember Isadore Hall


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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Cal State San Bernardino graduates 3,000 students Victorville mother, son, grandson graduate — together

Former Mayors Urge FCC To Approve AT&T/T-Mobile Merger With the nation crawling out of a recession and the unemployment rate, particularly of African Americans, continuing to hover near record highs former mayors Shirley Franklin (Atlanta, GA), Ronald Dellums (Oakland, CA) and Douglas Palmer (Trenton, NJ) have turned to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for assistance. “We ask that you approve the acquisition of TMobile by AT&T,” said the mayors to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. “Technology and mobile broadband are essential to the development, sustainability, and the future of our economy. This merger takes us one step closer to ensuring that African Americans have greater access to the transformative power that wireless technology offers and the opportunities that come with being connected in an ever-growing digital society.” The merger, estimated to provide broadband access to roughly 55 million more Americans and make it available to more than 97 percent of the country, addresses one of the main focal points of President Obama’s agenda to enhance American competitiveness and economic growth by increasing the availability of broadband to more communities.

This is especially important to African Americans who studies show are 40 percent more likely to rely on their mobile devices to access the Internet than their non-minority counterparts. In addition to providing broadband to millions of Americans and allowing them to better prepare themselves to find a career or advance, AT&T has also been one of the nation’s leading equal employment companies. With the advancements in technology by a leading company with a diverse workforce the mayors believe African Americans could finally have an even greater opportunity to have an increased presence and involvement in technological tools and the industry itself. “Our nation is calling for change, and African American communities are in particular need of innovative means of creating jobs and enhancing educational and career training opportunities,” said the mayors. “We have a tremendous opportunity, courtesy of the proposed merger of AT&T and T-Mobile, to begin the work of repairing our nation and preparing future generations to become competitive in the twenty-first century.”

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Three generations graduate from CSUSB, Saturday, June 18. (l-r) Karen Diane Ready, 67, Gerren David Willis, 24, and Garrett Leighton Willis, 29.

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agricultural runoff and provide fresh food. Gerren Willis plans to pursue his graduate degree in computer science. His career has already gotten a kick start. He and several classmates are developing a video game for the X-Box 360. “As a family, we believe the trick in life is to decide what’s your major aim–whether it’s to become an environmental scientist, fly a plane or become the world’s best father,” he said. “Once that’s settled, you can get on with the happy orderly process of achieving it.” Tonia Willis-Shaheed, Ready’s daughter and Gerren’s mother, is a special education teacher at Werner Elementary School in Rialto. “She was our biggest cheerleader. She always believed we could do this,” said Gerren. While some children go to college to escape their parents, Garrett Willis said he and his nephew enjoyed having Ready on campus. “Mom not only inspired us to achieve, she taught us to fall in love with learning. She fine-tuned the art of parenting and teaching from the heart. I guess that would make her a superwoman.” “It’s nice to have your son believe in what you’re doing,” Ready said. “I don’t know how many mothers and sons have that kind of relationship where we’re like good friends rather than just mother and son.” “I’m blessed, I really am,” she said. “I think most would agree this is a life-changing moment, a testament to believing in you and what you can do. You have to believe in the goals that you strive to pursue. With your special talents and unique gifts, you have the ability to make your dreams come true.”

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When Karen Diane Ready walked across the stage at Cal State University San Bernardino to receive her bachelor’s degree in English-creative writing, she earned an induction into the rare air of achievement. Not only did the 67-year-old Victorville mother graduate with honors, she shared the stage with her son and grandson. They didn’t plan it this way, but life events brought all three to the same college campus, from which they had the coincidental delight of graduating together. Her son Garrett Leighton Willis, 29, received his degree in environmental studies from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Ready’s grandson, Gerren David Willis, is on track to receive his computer science degree from the College of Natural Sciences in December 2011. Both Gerren and Garrett were granted special permission to walk during Ready’s ceremony in the College of Arts and Letters. “I’m thankful, blessed, it’s exciting … It’s incredible to have three generations walking at commencement the same day. This is truly a family affair,” said Ready, who is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. More than 3,000 students received their degrees during graduation ceremonies, which began at the college’s Palm Desert campus and concluded two days later with two ceremonies at Coussoulis Arena in San Bernardino. Ready’s journey across the commencement stage came with its

share of twists and turns. She retired as a registered nurse in 2005 to spend time with her husband Burley. Unfortunately she says, “God had other plans for me and my family. Burley passed away shortly after I retired.” With no desire to return to work, Ready went back to college at San Diego State University in 2006. She transferred to CSUSB after the family moved to Victorville. “I discovered that I loved to write.” She plans to write books that shed light on the history of people of African descent. “There are significant historical misconceptions in English and American literature. Africans and Black people throughout the world have a responsibility to tell their own stories, celebrate and promote their cultures and achievements. This, in my view, will contribute to changing people's perceptions and attitudes towards people of African descent.” Ready says she plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in writing at CSUSB. “It's a motivating experience to see my mother get her degree,” Garrett Willis said. “Education has always been important in our family. I never doubted she would graduate, but I could not have dreamed that we would be walking the commencement stage together. I’m still trying to wrap my brain around this incredible journey.” He says while he plans to pursue a graduate degree in environmental science, his immediate goal is to plunge into the rise of vertical farming. He says the concept of growing crops in urban skyscrapers would use less water and fossil fuel than outdoor farming, eliminate

business

BY CHRIS LEVISTER SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM BLACKVOICENEWS.COM


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NNPA displays Black power National leaders respond to chairman Bakewell’s call for unity as he passes leadership torch to Arizona’s Clovis Campbell Jr. JASMYNE A. CANNICK NNPA NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT CHICAGO, IL — Led by Chairman and Sentinel publisher Danny Bakewell Sr., more than 200 Black newspaper publishers from all over the country gathered at Chicago’s legendary Drake Hotel for a week of robust conversations on the future of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, also known as the Black Press of America. The conference kicked off with Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Senior Pastor of the Dallas, TXbased Friendship-West Baptist Church, who addressed the significance and historic relevance of the relationship between the pulpit and the press. In front of hundreds of attendees, Haynes eloquently retold the history of Blacks in the United States, pointing out the role that the Black press has traditionally had in African-American communities as the drumbeat of communication. NNPA publishers made history when Bakewell announced a historic new partnership between Nielsen and the NNPA that will produce an annual report entitled the NNPA Nielsen State of the African-American Consumers Report with its inaugural release to take place later this year at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference in Washington, D.C. “This report will be able to put into black and white—and more importantly quantitative data— the shopping habits and spending power of Blacks in America,” remarked Bakewell. Spearheaded on the Nielsen side by Cheryl McNeil-Pearson, Vice-President of Public Affairs, says that, “Over the next three years the report will

be issued in September at the CBC conference and it will provide America with a snapshot of the African-American consumer in one report. This is a first for Nielsen and we’re very excited because we’ve never ever done anything like this before but understand the importance of having this information available.” “While a lot of our readers appreciate our editorial coverage of Black America,” explains Bakewell, “many have no idea that what they’re reading is just one part of what it takes to put out a newspaper. “The partnerships and relationships that the Black press hold with corporate America is key to making sure that we are able to share the African-American experience. The Nielsen partnership is just one example of such a relationship.” NNPA corporate partners representing Ford, GM, Nielsen and Wells Fargo attended the Chicago conference and participated in a conversation led by Mr. Bakewell on the future of these partnerships. “The Black press is tried, tested and true when it comes to Black America,” explained Bakewell. “African-Americans trust us and our partners and that results in increased brand loyalty for our partners.” Nationally syndicated journalist George Curry moderated a discussion with some of America’s leading advertising agencies that specialize in African-American marketing, including the Chicago-based Burrell’s Communications, Carol H. Williams Advertising, Flowers Communications, GlobalHue and Uniworld Group. The Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights leaders and founder of the National Action Network addressed

Photo by Gregory Everett

National Black leaders gather for the NNPA’s annual conference in Chicago Fri., Jun. 24. (L to R) Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Maulana Karenga, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Danny Bakewell Sr., Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Rev. Marcia L. Dyson, Dr. Charles Ogletree and Benjamin Chavis. the issue of unity among African-American leaders as well their responsibility to work with the Black press in order to ensure that our issues are front and center to keep Black America aware and engaged that the struggle continues on. Later, Sharpton and Dr. Cornel West sat down for a conversation moderated by journalist George Curry in front of a standing-room-only crowd and streaming live on the Internet to thousands on the state of Blacks during President Barack Obama’s administration. Other Black leaders in attendance at this year’s conference included Dr. Charles J. Ogletree, who moderated a discussion on Black leadership that included panelists the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., the Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Maulana Karenga, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Dr. Cornel West. Legendary Motown group The Temptations provided the entertainment at the NNPA Legacy of Excellence Dinner and Awards, where Trumpet Awards founder Xernona Clayton and Miami Times publisher Garth C. Reeves were honored. Additionally, NNPA hosted its annual coveted Merit Awards for publishing and editorial excellence. This year’s winners included The Miami Times for General Excellence, the New Pittsburgh Courier received the Robert S. Abbott Best Editorial Award and the Final Call’s Akbar Muhammad took home the Emory O. Jackson Best Column Writing. Locally, the L.A. Watts Times received Best Layout and Design for a tabloid and the Sentinel, Best Original Advertising. At the conclusion of the four-day conference, NNPA’s body of publishers voted on a new board of directors and executive committee, resulting in the passing of the leadership mantle from Chairman Danny Bakewell Sr. to Arizona Informant publisher and state legislator the Honorable Clovis Campbell Jr. Bakewell, who has served at the helm of NNPA for the past two years, declined to run for reelection in an effort to focus on growing his two newspapers, the Los Angeles Sentinel and the L.A. Watts Times as well as spend more time with his family. Although Bakewell is no longer the organization’s president, he still plans on being actively involved in NNPA and is both delighted and excited at Campbell assuming the leadership role for NNPA. “Clovis will be an excellent leader for NNPA,” said Bakewell. “Over the past two years, I’d hoped to lay a foundation for this eventual passing of the mantle so that the next president would inherit an NNPA that was both financially secure and stronger than when I assumed the role. I think that through my work and the work of NNPA’s board and member publishers, that’s been accomplished.” NNPA’s other elected officers include The Atlanta Inquirer’s John Smith as 1st Vice-Chair;

Photo by Donald Barge

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, of Nielsen, addresses the audience during one of the morning sessions held during the NNPA 71st Convention, in Chicago, at the Drake Hotel. Mollie Finch Belt, publisher of The Dallas Examiner as 2nd Vice-Chair; Cleretta Blackmon with The Mobile Beacon in Alabama as Secretary; and Yvonne Coleman, publisher of The Louisville Defender serving as Treasurer. Each executive committee officers will serve for two years. “We’re going to go continue with what Danny [Bakewell] started in terms of advertising and in terms of being a voice for the AfricanAmerican community,” said Mollie Finch Belt, publisher of The Dallas Examiner. The Atlanta Inquirer publisher John B. Smith Sr. said that he gives kudos to Mr. Bakewell for his outstanding leadership. “Mr. Bakewell’s leadership is unparalleled to any previous administration, including my own, and this is in part due to all of the wonderful things he has done for the NNPA.” He continues, “Danny Bakewell has been outstanding leader and he has taken all of us members of the Black press to unprecedented heights. Though he has passed the baton to a younger generation his stalwart support is evident by the character that we all possess going forward in growing NNPA and by our willingness to become better chaplains for the better good as well as to remain vigilant in our efforts to promote our beloved communities. The leadership that Clovis Campbell Jr. will See NNPA, page 7


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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Ostracizing Black leaders who criticize Obama BY GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA COLUMNIST The Bible is filled with characters who started out on shaky ground — Paul, David and Solomon, among them — before being transformed into epic figures. But it seems that Black leaders who dare to criticize President Obama don’t get second chances. Instead, they are the object of widespread ridicule and condemnation. I spent some time last week with two such leaders — Cornel West and Jesse Jackson — at the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) national convention in Chicago. Although their standing among African Americans has slipped, their analysis of where Blacks have been and need to go is as incisive as ever. Neither Jackson nor West should be viewed in isolation. The Black community does not want to hear anything bad about Barack Obama, even if it’s true. If a White president had been as dismissive of African-Americans’ interests as Obama has been, Blacks would have been ready to march on the White House. As Michael Eric Dyson says, “This president runs from race like a Black man runs from a cop.” Even so, Blacks treat him like royalty. My friend Roland Martin is quick to insist that guests on his television program refer to the man who occupies the White House as President Obama. I refuse to play this game. Obama — yes, I said it — is a president, not head of some monarchy. I have called Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush by their last names. I am not going to say President Obama every time I refer to him. Sometimes he is President Obama, sometimes he is Obama. I refuse to treat him like King Obama. The problem with West and Jackson is their critiques, however valid, were wrapped in language that was offensive to many African Americans. To call Obama the Black mascot of Wall Street oligarchs — a term most people hadn’t heard since their last high school civics class —

NNPA

Continued from page 6 exhibit will be unprecedented in the 61-year history of NNPA. We have one of the best teams that has ever been assembled since NNPA started in 1940, and through Campbell’s leadership we’ll see a stronger federation of newspapers for years to come.” Acting Chair of the NNPA Foundation and publisher of The Crusader Newspapers in Chicago, IL, and Gary, IN, Dorothy R. Leavell said, “We were devastated upon first receiving the news that Mr. Bakewell wasn’t running for reelection—and there were those of us, including myself, who wondered whether Clovis [Campell Jr.] was mature enough to handle the position. But my doubts vanished when I first heard him speak. Clovis showed

George Curry is over the edge in this instance. Don’t get me wrong: there are some Black Anglo-Saxons who deserve to be called mascots and worse — and I’ve called them that. But Obama is not in that category. When I gave Cornel West a chance to soften his description of the president during a discussion I moderated at the NNPA convention between him and Al Sharpton, he declined. He could have said, “I stand by everything I said about the president but not how I said it.” That would have gone a long way toward refocusing the discussion on real issues, not the Al Sharpton-Cornel West sideshow. In Jesse Jackson’s case, he has been largely excommunicated from the race for a comment that reeked of envy. After an interview on Fox News in 2008, he told a fellow guest that he wanted to cut Obama’s private parts off. He also used the Nword in a conversation that he did not know was being picked up by the microphones. Jackson later apologized, saying his comments were “hurtful and wrong.” By then, however, the damage had been done. At the time, Obama was making a credible bid to become president of the United States. And Blacks did not want to hear anything disparaging about the man who went on to win the nation’s us older publishers that he has respect for us and our history. In Clovis, I see the wisdom that he’s learned from being involved with NNPA and the vigor and energy that comes with being a young man with fresh legs. The guidance that Mr. Bakewell will provide him through this transition period will help him succeed, and I am assured that we are in safe hands. I pledge my full support to him.” On Bakewell’s leaving the chairmanship, she continued, “We all just want to thank Danny Bakewell for his two years of service as he has certainly set a high bar for anyone following in his footsteps.” For more highlights from NNPA’s annual conference, please log onto www.lasentinel.com or www.lawattstimes.com.

highest elected office. Many, if not most, Blacks haven’t forgiven Jackson for his crude remarks. Notwithstanding Jackson’s expressed desire to dismember Obama or West’s deeply personal attack on the president, each made valid critiques of President Obama. Jackson was correct to point out that sometimes Obama speaks down to African Americans. That is particularly true when he lectures Blacks on moral responsibility but does not make similar speeches to White audiences. Cornel West is correct in stating that the administration does not pay enough attention to the needs of the poor and African Americans. Despite overwhelming evidence of disproportionate Black suffering during this recession, Obama refuses to target the specific needs of African Americans. His response is: “It’s a mistake to start thinking in terms of particular ethnic segments of the United States rather than to think that we are all in this together and we are all going to get out of this together.” Yet, it was not a mistake to address the specific needs of Wall Street. He can speak to the specific agenda of gays and lesbians without it being considered a mistake. It was not a mistake in Obama’s mind to speak to the specific needs of the automobile industry. It was not a mistake to speak to the special interests of banks. But when it comes to the needs of African Americans, we are supposed to wait for progress to trickle down to and upon us. Yes, he is president of all of America. But all of America includes Black America. The sad reality is that most civil rights leaders have given Obama a pass. If the unemployment rates and economic gap had widened under a White president, Al Sharpton would have been in the streets chanting, “No Justice, No Peace.” Instead, the ultimate outsider has become the ultimate insider, defending the administration with the vigor of a cabinet member. As a group, today’s collection of civil rights leaders are ineffectual and out of touch. For example, with all of the problems facing us, the NAACP chose to spend part of its limited national, state and local resources to make sure Black motorcycle riders were not discriminated against on the Memorial Day weekend in Myrtle Beach, S.C. We have far more serious issues facing Black America. And we need the voices and analysis of all of our national leaders, even after they have put their foot in their mouth. George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA News Service, is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. He can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com You can also follow him atwww.twitter.com/currygeorge.

China bets on the Euro BY JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA COLUMNIST China has more than $3 trillion in currency reserves, more than any other country in the world. They’ve decided to use some of their reserves to invest in the euro, the currency of the European Union. In putting money behind the euro, China says that despite the challenges posed by financial problems in Greece, despite worries that the euro is weakening, in the words of Premier Wen Jiabo, it has “confidence in the economies of Europe and the euro-zone.” This isn’t the first time that China has played rescuer in Europe. In April, it bought bonds and some debt in Spain. We should be clear that China bought more than bonds and debt, though. China is in the process of purchasing goodwill in Europe, goodwill that they can’t buy in the United States. They are also diversifying their holdings and tilting away from the dollar and toward the euro, which many see as the alternative global currency. Is the dollar too big to fail or to undermine? Not with a stable euro! We have already seen the oilproducing nations tilt toward the euro, partly in response to their perception that the United States has been biased against Arab nations. We have seen the dollar weakened, and we have seen our nation’s mounting debt. Consider the contrast. While the United States struggles to raise our debt ceiling, China has money to burn, and they are burning it by bailing out the euro and displaying their confidence in the ways Europe will help build the world economy. While China is supporting the euro, the United States has been critical of the European Union. With votes on several international finance positions coming up, could China’s support of Europe buy them a bigger role in the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund, or could it open up the possibility that some in Europe might be more open to having leadership from countries other than the United States and Europe in those roles? There are so many signs that China is in its ascendency, while the United States is in a downward spiral. While China is investing in higher education, the United States is divesting in education. While the number of engineering graduates in the United States is stabilizing or dropping, the number in India and China is rising, if not soaring. China’s increased investment in Europe, when coupled with its growing investment on the African continent, signals its commitment to be a player in world economic policy, and its willingness to use its investment strategy to find allies. This does not bode well for the United States. To be sure, China should play

Julianne Malveaux the world economic game to the best of its ability, even as it invests internally to provide the best education they can for their citizens. But the United States should be doing the same thing. Instead, we have basked in the glow of being world leader for so long that we don’t realize that the rules of the game are changing and that China is nipping at our heels and our influence is waning. While other countries are shoring up education, we have a growing achievement gap. African American youngsters enter the educational system disadvantaged too often, and the gap rises as these young people attend underfunded inner city schools. While much of the attention around the achievement gap focuses on boys, Black girls, too, have an achievement gap, but it has been less frequently researched than that gap for boys. Some of the gap has to do with public policy, but some has to do with personal habits. While only 40 percent of African American households have at least 100 books in the home, about 80 percent of white households have at least 100 books. White parents are more likely to read to their children than African American parents are. And the average African American youngster watches about 8 hours of television a day. We don’t need to pass a law to turn the television off! There is a policy gap, but also a personal gap, which contributes to the waning of U.S. influence in the world. The United States global position will continue to erode unless we choose to invest in people, in education, in jobs. African Americans, too often at the periphery, will also see our status erode unless we are creative and, indeed, combative, against trends that weaken our community. China is doing what it needs to do to secure its world position. What are we doing to secure ours? Julianne Malveaux is President of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, NC.


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BY JENNIFER BIHM L.A. Watts Times Contributing Writer “There is little that is simple about what has happened here,” wrote an online commentator about a video on the San Francisco Chronicle website that showed a Black man being kicked oơ a U.S. Airways flight for wearing sagging pants. “To say ‘Just pull up your pants’ to this young man is to accept that being a Black man means doing whatever someone commands you to do since being black— along with whatever cultural, performative [sic] or identity choices which follow with it–is a criminal act in and of itself …” Twenty-year-old Deshon Marman, a University of New Mexico football player, sparked several online debates about the sagging trend and its cultural implications after he initially refused to get oơ the plane when asked to do so because of his attire. He was said to have been wearing sweatpants that hung low enough to expose his tight black underwear. Days later, NAACP oƥcials in San Francisco got involved, saying that Marman was obviously racially profiled since, not too long before the incident, a white man was allowed to board a U.S. Airways flight wearing only lingerie. “I try to respect other people’s opinions. As long as my dress is not indecent from a legal perspective, and so long as the airline does not object, I have the right to wear what I wear. And others have the right to wear what they want to wear,” the lingerie passenger, who did not want to be named, told the San Francisco Chronicle. “I think there is a double standard, however. I have seen women walk around in tight black pants that also show their private parts. Some-

F E AT U R E

times I turn my head when I find it too distasteful for me. I have seen men walk around with their butt cracks showing. I find that disgusting, but I have had to live with it. I have seen flight attendants that reveal more of their various private parts than they should. So why do we single out one aspect of what is oơensive and ignore the rest? I think we can use this incident to call attention to all that attire that is oơensive.” More than one theory has surfaced about the origin of sagging pants. Most notable is one claiming that it originated in America’s male prisons some time in the ’80s because wearing belts was not allowed. Upon prison release, former inmates would continue to wear sagging pants to communicate to the public that they had been in prison and that they were someone who should not be f#*%!d with, according to many online community members weighing in on the subject. Another theory is that sagging pants were worn in prison to indicate one’s relationship status (specifically, that one was having a sexual relationship with another man.) The trend is said to have taken hold in the early’90s, popularized by the hip hop culture. The music, the lyrics and the clothing worn by artists like Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne were seen as rebellious against the status quo. Perhaps it is this subtle indication of delinquency that offends some and intrigues others. “I don’t like the look,” security oƥcer “Benjamin” told the paper. “I don’t like to see someone’s bottom sticking out.” Fellow oƥcer “Deborah” agreed. “Most people would probably think they’re gangbangers [when they see sagging],” she said. “They might not necessarily be gang members. They’re [just showing] they got that thing they call ‘swag.’ But I really don’t want to see anybody’s butt. There’re a lot of women and kids [in public places], and I

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

don’t think they should have to look at someone walking around showing their underwear… pull ’em up!” “It’s oơensive,” added an LAPD oƥcer, who did not want to be named. “I don’t automatically think ‘criminal’ when I see it and I understand that it’s a fad, but I think it’s just indecent exposure to show your underwear in public.” “I feel disappointment,” said L.A. resident “Brice,” who seemed to grope for the right words when asked how he felt. “I understand it’s your pants, it’s your clothing but think about others [in public] who have to look at that. It’s disgusting… it’s disrespectful,” he said finally finding the right words. Others did not take such oơense. “It’s just a style,” said Carlos, whose pants sagged a little, although his shirt was long enough to cover his underwear. “People other than gang members wear it.” “James” was also sagging, though initially he attributed it to forgetting his belt; but he admitted that in some circles, not sagging brings the judgment of “square” to the oơender. Meanwhile, a recent online debate posted on surveycentral.org revealed some heated opinions. “I am a 24-year-old guy (and I’m white), and I love to sag,” posted the unnamed survey taker. “It just feels better, and it relaxes me, no joke. I sag with a tight belt so my jeans won’t slip oơ…” To this ‘relaxation justification’ came this retort: “I understand the comfort … but it looks ridiculous … as ridiculous as the fad of wearing the pants backwards was some years back! When I was sick, my pants sagged, and it does feel comfortable but I would not wear them in public like that because it made me look like a doofus. And the doofus look is lame—LAME! … Unfortunately, even though your belt keeps the pants

P RO F I L E O F A S AG G I N G YO U N G M A N


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up, it’s those other fools that have their pants hanging past their balls [who] make the rest of you look just as stupid as they do …” Said another, “You are 24 and are a ‘wigger’? Dress like a white man and stop trying to imitate the ignorant gangbangers! … Anyone with his pants down to the bottom of his a** looks retarded.” According to recent news reports, oƥcials from U.S. Airways claim that sagging pants are not a reason to throw someone oơ a flight since they have no dress

code. “As long as no private parts are exposed,” they told reporters, explaining instead that Marman was arrested for his outburst and physical contact with the airline’s employees after being asked to pull up his pants—not for the sagging pants themselves. The San Francisco NAACP, which is headed by the Reverend Amos Brown, disagrees. “The NAACP, in no uncertain terms, contends that this young man was profiled,” Brown told reporters in San Francisco. He’s been a victim of racial injustice, and US Air owes to him and his mother an apology.” Marman’s mother, Donna Doyle, said she does not condone the sagging pants look, but her son was attacked for three reasons: “His skin, his clothes and his hair.” For his part, Marman put it all in perspective, admitting to reporters that if he could go back to that day he would just pull up his pants.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Diddy settles civil suits with victims in 1999 nightclub shooting SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS More than a decade after Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal woes surfaced after a shooting at a New York nightclub, the hip-hop mogul has settled all civil actions filed against him. The New York Post recently reported that Diddy, his former artist Jamal “Shyne” Barrow and the now-defunct nightclub struck a deal with the three clubgoers who were harmed in the bar fight in 1999, according to court records.

While many of the parties were required to stay silent on the settlement due to a confidentiality agreement, the nightclub’s former owner, Michael Bergos, wasn’t bound by the deal and revealed specific details. Bergos explained to The Post that Natania Reuben, the most seriously injured shooting victim, received $1.8 million. Reuben, 40, was shot in the nose and suffered seizures following the incident due to several bullet fragments still stuck in her face. According to Reuters, she filed a $130 million

HALL

Continued from page 4 same district, out of deference for the longtime leader. He reiterated that point to the Sentinel. “Maxine Waters is a voice for the voiceless,” he said. “She’s done that for years, oftentimes suffering attacks on her own character. There is no way I would even think about standing in opposition to someone who for so long has resuscitated the lives of people in our community.” Even if Congresswoman Waters does not declare a candidacy anytime soon, Assemblymember

Hall’s campaign is not at all certain. Just like other local politicians who are aspiring to the national stage because of redistricting, he must await the final contours of California’s new Congressional Districts, as Senator Curren Price pointed out when asked for comment on Mr. Hall’s announcement. “It’s premature to take a position now,” said the Senator. “The lines are not final, and like Assemblyman Hall, I would like to see who is running.”

lawsuit for compensation back in 2008. The two other victims received $500,000 and $50,000. He added that he was unsure about who was paid what amount in the deal because his portion and Barrow’s were taken care of by their insurance companies. Combs, on the other hand, was forced to cover his share of the settlement out of pocket because his insurance company has since closed. Barrow fired the shots that evening after Combs’ group got involved in an argument with another club attendee. While charges against Combs and then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez were dropped, Barrow was convicted on two counts of assault, gun possession and reckless endangerment. The rapper then served nine years out of a 10-year sentence and was released in 2009. The rapper was then deported back to his native Belize following his release. In 2004, Barrow, who had always claimed innocence in the shooting, told MTV News that he was acting in self-defense. “I’m a regular guy, man,” Barrow told MTV News. “I’m not tougher than nobody. I’m no better

AP Photo/Dan Steinberg

Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs recently struck a deal with persons injured in a 1999 bar fight. than nobody. I know real killers. I know people that really snatch bodies. I’m not that. I just did what I

had to do. Somebody pulled out a .40 caliber, and I had to pull mine out or I was gonna die.”

Grammy award reggae artist gets 10 years on drug charge SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE NEW YORK CARIB NEWS

UNIVERSALPICTURES AND VENDÔMEPICTURES PRESENT A PLAYTONE PRODUCTION A TOM HANKS FILM TOMHANKS JULIA ROBERTSMUSIC “LEXECUTIVE ARRYCROWNE” BRYAN CRANSTON CEDRIC THEENTERTAINER TARAJI P.HENSON GUGU MBATHA-RAW WILMERVALDERRAMA PAMGRIWRITTEN ER BY JAMESNEWTONHOWARD PRODUCED PRODUCERS PHILIPPEROUSSELET STEVEN SHARESHIAN JEB BRODY FABRICE GIANFERMI DAVID COATSWORTH BY TOMHANKS GARY GOETZMAN BY TOMHANKS AND NIA VARDALOS DIRECTED AUNIVERSALRELEASE BY TOMHANKS SOUNDTRACK ON RHINO THIS FILM CONTAINS DEPICTIONS OF TOBACCO CONSUMPTION

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Grammy-winning reggae singer Buju Banton has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to set up a cocaine deal. U.S. District Judge James S. Moody passed the sentence in a Tampa, FL, courtroom recently. In February, Banton was found to be guilty of conspiracy to possess and the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and using a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence. Judge Moody received dozens of letters asking for leniency for the 37year-old singer, including requests from a former Jamaican government official, an NBA player and other reggae artists. The judge threw out a gun charge, reducing Banton’s mandatory minimum sentence to 10 years from 15. The performer, whose real name is Mark Myrie, must serve five years of probation following his release from prison. Buju Banton

Much of prosecution’s case hinged on meetings and phone calls that were recorded by a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Banton’s lawyer David Markus argued his client talked about drugs to impress the informant, but put no money into the drug deal. Prosecutors agreed he was not present during the actual exchange of money and drugs that lead to his arrest and the arrest of two others. Banton, despite legal troubles, earned a best reggae album Grammy earlier this year for his work “Before the Dawn.”

AP Photo/Yesikka Vivancos


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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Denzel Washington joins Steve Harvey in DFW

Steve Harvey

Mentoring weekend changes lives, prepares boys to be men BY JIHAD HASSAN MUHAMMAD SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE DALLAS EXAMINER At a glance, people may look at Steve Harvey and his accomplishments and see him only as an entertainer. On television, he is the host of one of the longest-airing game shows of all time, “Family Feud” and is also host of “The Steve Harvey Project.” On the radio, his syndicated show, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” reaches millions of listeners daily. On the road, he recently started a comedy and gospel tour with Grammy award-winning gospel artist, Kirk Franklin. He is also a best-selling author and comedy icon. What do his accomplishments mean to the average young man hanging on the streets, growing up without a father figure or a single mother to help her son become a man? Well, as statistics point out, close to 70 percent of African-American children live in single-parent homes. His accomplishments have great meaning to hundreds of young men and their mothers whose lives he touches each summer. Harvey uses

what he has learned and gained throughout his lifetime to give back to the community. Each summer, he takes time out of his schedule to mentor young men from across the country, which he brings to his private ranch located in the Dallas area. For the past three years, Harvey has opened up his 120-acre ranch to more than 100 young men during the Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend, a four-day/three-night program that aims to teach the principles of manhood, how they can be better emotionally, economically and overall. “Steve Harvey is doing a lot of great things by reaching out to those who are less fortunate, and any time you are doing something like that we have an obligation to reach and help out in any way you possibly can. So anytime they call me out here to speak on those issues — to be a part of this — I feel obligated, I can’t turn that down,” Stephen A. Smith, ESPN sports anchor, said. Smith was one of many famous and influential people who came to help mentor the youth. Other mentors included Academy-award winning actor,

Book of Nelson Mandela quotations released BY DONNA BRYSON ASSOCIATED PRESS JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A new Nelson Mandela book, slim, bound in black and set in eye-straining type, looks a bit like a bible or a prayer book. That’s fitting, because the editors of “Nelson Mandela By Himself” brought something close to religious zeal to the task of choosing and checking more than 2,000 quotations to

ensure the world gets the anti-apartheid icon’s words right. The book was released Monday — days after U.S. first lady Michelle Obama got an advance copy signed by Mandela when she met him during a visit to South Africa. Editors Sello Hatang and Sahm Venter work for Mandela’s foundation, which oversees charity and development work on his behalf and houses some of his archives. Hatang and See MANDELA, page 12

AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

A new Nelson Mandela book —slim, bound-in-black and set in eyestraining type—looks a bit like a bible or a prayer book.

Denzel Washington; Jermaine Dupri, hip-hop icon and multiplatinum producer; Terrance J of BET’s “106 & Park”; Will Packer, movie producer, who has brought to the world such films as “This Christmas,” “Stomp The Yard,” “Obsession” and “Takers”; Myles Kovacs, founder of DUB Magazine and self-made millionaire; and many more. “I just flew in from L.A., where I’m in pre-production on my new movie I’m doing based on Steve Harvey’s book called ‘Think Like a Man.’ He [Harvey] called me and told me about the program and I said there is no way I can’t be involved. I have to be involved,” Packer said. Upon arrival, the young men had the opportunity to receive a free haircut and image consulting before sitting down to a Texas steak dinner with welcome from Harvey. During their stay, they participated in early morning boot camp style exercises, fishing, football, basketball and paintball. There were a number of workshops that cultivated the principles of manhood and self-determination, such as a ‘You Can Be Me’ panel session; ‘Looking Good and Feeling Healthy’; ‘Conversations with Jermaine Dupri’; ‘Life Opportunities (Discipline & Motivation)’; ‘Teen Distracted Driving’; and a ‘Music 101’ and ‘DoIt-Yourself’ workshop. Harvey chose Black leaders from across the country, such as Dr. Steve Perry, CNN contributor and principal/founder of Capital Preparatory Magnet School; D’Wayne Edwards of PENSOLE School of Footwear Design; Dr. Albert Cheek; Alex O. Ellis of Tied to Greatness; Kevin Folkes of SoftSheen-Carson; motivational coach Jonathan Sprinkles; CSM Hershel Turner, of the

AP Photo

U.S. Army; Lt. Tommy Elkins of the National Guard; Carlos Treadway, of Ford Motor Company; Benjamin Raymond, of State Farm; KRNB Radio’s Benny Pough and Azim Rashid; Enoch Muhammad, of the Nation of Islam; and Marvin Ellison from Home Depot. One youth expressed that his best learning experience was through the “Hip-Hop Detox Workshop.” “It expressed to us how not to conform to today’s society and how to overcome the negative things, said Nicholas Young, a 15-year-old from Waldorf, Maryland. During the sessions, the youth were coached on behaviors and work ethics needed to fulfill their visions. Many heard personal stories of struggle and triumph from the mentors. “I was told I wasn’t good enough. People my whole life have told me, I was too small, too skinny, not smart enough, and eventually I interned at BET for over a year and a half, just learning everything, then one day after living on the floor, struggling, not paying rent, I got the biggest job on the network hosting

106 and Park … So never let anybody tell you that you can’t live out your dream,” Terrance J told them. For a young man, Hakim Elam, a teenager from Los Angeles, CA, this was an experience extremely special to him. “I’m in a situation where I can’t walk right now and being around these other kids my age and even some whose experience is worse than mine right now, I have learned from this and will always embrace everything taught to me this weekend,” he stated. Mentors expressed that the weekend was a very important and positive experience to them, as well as to the youth. “Just growing up being raised by a single parent, by my mom …” Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Shaun Smith said, pointing out the similarities between him and the youth. “A lot of these young guys don’t have a father, so what Steve is doing is giving them an experience to last a lifetime.” For his efforts, Harvey recently received the Humanitarian Award during the BET Awards.


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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Mayweather returns to ring, controversy follows

Richards-Ross questions U.S. team selection rule BY GRAHAM DUNBAR AP SPORTS WRITER

AP Photo/Mary Altaffer

Boxers Floyd Mayweather Jr., left, and Victor Ortiz face off during a news conference, Tuesday, June 28 in New York. Ortiz is scheduled to defend his WBC welterweight title against Mayweather on Sept. 17 in Las Vegas. NEW YORK (AP) — Floyd Mayweather Jr. says he never accused rival fighter Manny Pacquiao of taking steroids and that he’s still open to fighting the Filipino icon. Mayweather made the comments during a stop in New York on Tuesday to promote his Sept. 17 fight against welterweight champion Victor Ortiz. The fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will be the first for Mayweather in a year

and a half. Most of the news he’s made between fights has been outside the ring. Mayweather is being sued in federal court for defamation, after allegedly accusing Pacquiao of using performance-enhancing drugs. He also faces felony charges stemming from a domestic argument and misdemeanor harassment and battery charges, among other things, in separate cases.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — United States sprinter Sanya Richards-Ross disagrees with team selection rules keeping Tyson Gay out of a 100-meter duel with world-record holder Usain Bolt at the world championships. Richards-Ross said Wednesday she's disappointed Gay missed selection in a strict system that picks the 1-2-3 finishers in each event at the U.S. trials. “I think it should be first two (qualify), and the third should be a coach’s selection based on fitness and race sharpness,” the 400-meter world champion said before the Athletissima meet. Gay has the world season-best time of 9.79 seconds but sustained a hip injury and pulled out of the trials last week at Eugene, Ore. Under U.S. team rules, Gay’s ineligible for individual events at the worlds in Daegu, South Korea in August. If fit, he could still be picked for relays. However, the 2007 world champion at 100 and 200 — and track fans worldwide — will be denied a repeat of his 2009 worlds showdown with Bolt, which the Jamaican won in a record 9.58. “I’m disappointed,” Richards-Ross said. “I am a huge fan of the sport, and I was looking forward to that race as well.” The rule cost her a place at the 2007 worlds in Osaka, Japan, after she fell ill at the trials. Richards-Ross was topranked and the reignAP Photo/Keystone, Samuel Truempy ing world athlete of the year but placed fourth U.S. 400 meters runner Sanya Richards-Ross appears at a press and missed selection in the 400. She took home conference in Lausanne, one day before the Athletissima meetone gold medal from Osaka as part of the win- ing. ning 4x400 relay team. As the defending world champ, Richards-Ross gets automatic entry to the 400 at Daegu. She seeks a return to winning form at the Lausanne Diamond League event after a series of injuries wrecked her 2010 season. “It has proved a little bit tougher than I thought it would be to get back into racing shape,” she said. “Some losses will make me humbler when I’m victorious again.”

MANDELA

Continued from page 11 Venter say the Nelson Mandela Foundation receives thousands of requests from researchers and others to confirm the accuracy of Mandela’s quotes. In an interview Monday, Venter said quotations frequently queried are among those collected in the book, along with others she hopes help show Mandela, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and South Africa’s first black president, as a full human being. And “you had to get in all the iconic quotes that everybody knows him for,” she said. The editors turned to speeches, notebook entries, recorded conversations and other material, some until now unpublished, for the book. Hatang and Venter say in their introduction: “We can all honor Nelson Mandela by quoting him correctly and accurately.” The apartheid government once declared it illegal to quote Mandela. He is now, according to Hatang and Venter, among the most quoted people in the world. But they say he often is misquoted. For a book that would slip easily into a jacket pocket, “Nelson Mandela By Himself” has a daunting table of contents. There are 317 subject head-

ings, from accountability to Zionism. “Prison” is divided into a further 26 headings, one short of the 27 years Mandela was incarcerated, with his musings on his release, visitors, even contemplating escape. Victory is found between vengeance — “We had to refuse that our long sacrifice should make a stone of our hearts” — and violence — "Great anger and violence can never build a nation. “We are striving to proceed in a manner and towards a result, which will ensure that all our people, both black and white, emerge as victors,” from a 1990 speech to the European Parliament, is among eight victory quotations offered. Hatang said his favorite quote is one in which Mandela speaks of learning from the silence of solitude while in prison “how precious words are and how real speech is in its impact on the way people live and die.” Hatang said Mandela “has taught us that before you say something, think. We can give life with what we say.” The book’s emphasis on the uplifting and the pedagogical might lead some to draw parallels to Mao’s little red book. But we also see Mandela questioning his choices:

“I have often wondered whether a person is justified in neglecting his own family to fight for opportunities for others.” And there are flashes of his famous, self-deprecating humor: “If only to emphasize that I am human, and as fallible as anyone else, let me admit that ... accolades do flatter me.” The quotations are arranged chronologically within each category, allowing readers a sense of how Mandela’s ideas developed over time — or in some cases held firm, as with his loyalty to regimes in Cuba and Libya that supported his African National Congress during the struggle against apartheid. His early observations on Africa suffering under imperialism evolve to more recent criticism of the continent’s homegrown tyrants. On AIDS, a disease that has devastated South Africa, he becomes increasingly blunt as his urgency grows. Here he is in 1992: “Many of us find it difficult to talk about sex to our children, but nature’s truth is that unless we guide the youth towards safer sex, the alternative is playing into the hands of a killer disease.” Then a simple footnote in 2005: “My son has died of AIDS.”


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Thursday, June 30, 2011

90 years ago, boxer sought his own pardon

An undated file photo shows world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson. AP Photo

BY FREDERIC J. FROMMER ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP Photo/Elise Amendola

2010 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Scottie Pippen, left, stands with former teammate Michael Jordan during the enshrinement ceremony in Springfield, MA.

Pippen calls Jordan the greatest player ever out of context.� Jordan’s running mate as the Bulls won six championships in the 1990s, Pippen caused quite a stir last month after the Heat beat Chicago in the Eastern Conference finals. A team ambassador, he told ESPN radio, that while Jordan “is probably the greatest scorer,� James “may be the greatest player to ever play the game.� Pippen says he’s spoken with Jordan several times since then and there is no animosity between them.

CHICAGO (AP) — Scottie Pippen made it clear he thinks Michael Jordan is the best player ever—not LeBron James. Speaking to reporters at a youth camp in suburban Lisle on Friday, Pippen says he was simply giving “LeBron some props as a player� when he suggested to ESPN radio last month that James could be better than Jordan. Pippen says “all know that (Jordan’s) the greatest player that ever played the game� and that his comments were taken “a little bit

SHARPTON-WEST Continued from page 4

one road to reach goals that Black America desires. Sharpton cited the “creative tension� stimulated by historic and public disagreements between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X and W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington, and even how White progressives have feared when Blacks sought to form their own agenda. West noted that President Obama is surrounded by advisers who have no concern for the poor and working class. He reemphasized that he speaks what he believes in an effort to steer President Obama in a correct direction, just as Sharpton speaks in a “prophetic voice� that condemns what is wrong. “How do we keep alive the

Black prophetic tradition that has autonomy and independence where we can agree to disagree even when we radically call each other into question?� West asked. “We are in a war with oligarchs and plutocrats who are greedy and generate policies that produce neglect, mass unemployment, mass incarceration and police surveillance.� Glenda Gill, executive director of the Automotive Project of Rainbow PUSH, felt there would be positive outcomes from the discussion. “We need to bring the voices of all our people into one room and create a strategy and a plan,� she said. “The plan holds all the pieces. Everybody has a role. As long as the plan is being followed, it’s a winnable strategy.�

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional backers of a pardon for Jack Johnson, the world’s first Black heavyweight champion who was imprisoned nearly a century ago for his romantic relationships with White women, say his prosecution was racially motivated. Johnson made the same argument 90 years ago while in prison, records at the National Archives show. In a March 25, 1921 letter to Attorney General Harry Daugherty, Johnson said the prosecutor in his trial made “flagrant appeals to passion, race hatred and moral infamies.� During his 10 months in prison, Johnson sought parole, filed an application with the president seeking clemency, and wrote letters to the attorney general seeking early release. And he almost pulled it off, even though this was at the height of the Jim Crow era. Daugherty publicly raised the possibility of letting Johnson out a couple of weeks early, before announcing on June 28, 1921 — 90 years ago Tuesday — that Johnson would have to complete his sentence. Now, under a Black president and Black attorney general, the Justice Department is against pardoning Johnson. In the last session of Congress, both houses of Congress passed a resolution urging a pardon pushed by Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, and Rep. Peter King, R-NY, “to expunge a racially motivated abuse of the prosecutorial authority of the federal government.� But President Barack Obama has not acted on it. While Obama hasn’t commented publicly on the matter, the Justice Department’s pardon attorney told McCain and King that the DOJ’s resources are best used for pardoning the living. Still, the lawmakers are making another run at the pardon this year. On June 23, 1921, The Associated Press reported that Daugherty was considering a pardon for the boxer in time for a heavyweight fight between Jack Dempsey and

Georges Carpentier the following month. Eyeing a comeback, Johnson wanted to attend the fight, which would become the first $1 million gate in boxing history. “Mr. Daugherty said Johnson had been a model prisoner and a ‘liberty bonus’ has been suggested,� the story reported. “The Attorney General declared he would not consider pardoning Johnson to enable him to attend the championship fight, but that, of course, if any clemency was extended, Johnson’s time would be his own.� But he changed his tune five days later. According to an AP account, the AG said that “considering the crime he did not feel that the parole privileges should be extended merely to allow Johnson to witness the world’s title fight Saturday,� even though he had said just a few days earlier that wasn’t the reason he was considering letting Johnson out. Johnson was hated by many White Americans, especially after retaining his title by defeating white boxer Jim Jeffries in the 1910 “Fight of the Century.� Jeffries had come out of retirement for the bout, and Johnson’s victory infuriated Whites, setting off deadly race riots across the country. Three years later, Johnson was convicted of violating the Mann Act, which made it illegal to transport women across state lines for immoral purposes. But the flamboyant boxer’s real crime had been flaunting White society by having romantic relationships with White women. Authorities first targeted his relationship with Lucille Cameron, who later became his wife, but she refused to cooperate. They then turned to Johnson’s former mistress, a prostitute named Belle Schreiber, to testify that Johnson had paid her train fare from Pittsburgh to Chicago, for

immoral purposes. An all-White jury convicted Johnson in 1913, and he skipped bail and fled the country. But in 1920 Johnson agreed to return and serve his sentence.

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www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Local family wins Verizon Wireless Sweepstakes! The Lathern family will enjoy a big family get-together thanks to the service provider BY BRIAN W. CARTER, SENTINEL STAFF WRITER Last Thursday, Verizon Wireless announced the winner of the Verizon Wireless’ It’s a Family Affair™ program. All the contestants waited with bated breath for the winners to be announced. The moment had finally arrived … and the winners were … [drumroll] … the Lathern family of Hawthorne, California! The Lathern family won an allexpense-paid family reunion, with up to 100 guests, which is valued at $20,000. The prizes also include a venue for the reunion, catering, entertainment, a family reunion website, four handheld Blackberry handsets and Playbooks. The Lanthern family won with more than 50,000 public votes. There were over 100 entries sent into the sweepstakes from across the state. There were 182,000 text and online votes received. The Lantherns were relieved and surprised all in one breath. “[I’m] just excited — just overwhelmed,” said Valerie Lathern. “I’m

glad we won — glad it’s over with. We’ve always had our family reunions in Mississippi and this is the first time we’ll have a family reunion in Southern California. So we’re excited about having all our little ‘country’ cousins come down.” The Latherns have stated that they believe family reunions are important for making memories, traditions, giving wisdom and honoring family members who have passed away and a new members who have joined the family. “We created the program because we really wanted to celebrate the family aspect of togetherness,” said Christina Gonzalez, director of multicultural marketing for Verizon Wireless in the western U.S. “What better way to do that than using a family reunion as a reason to create a program.” Blackberry representative, Casey Helenihi, Carrier Sales Manager for the Verizon wireless business unit, was at the event to both present Blackberry devices and congratulate the winning family. “When we had the opportunity to partner up on this event, we absolute-

Photo by Brian Carter for Sentinel

Left to right: Christina Gonzalez, Associate Director Multicultural Marketing for Verizon, Yolanda Lathern, Johnny Lathern, Emma Lathern, Valerie Lathern, Dorothy Lathern, Casey Helenihi, Blackberry Carrier Sales Manager, & Ana Olguin-Aguilar, Manager, Marketing & Sales Operations for Verizon. ly wanted to do everything we could to help support it,” said Helenihi. “It’s awesome … it’s a fantastic opportunity for us [Blackberry] to also connect — it was exciting.” “It makes me feel really proud,” said Gonzalez. “To see this program, not only come together and see how it was embraced by the community, but also to get to the end and award the family and

see how appreciative they are of it.” Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint

venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

The RAVE debuts at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza BY YUSSUF J. SIMMONDS CO-MANAGING EDITOR For the past few months, there has been a lot of construction and renovation activities taking place at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, and this week it all comes to fruition. Under the direction of Ken Lombard and Capri Urban Investors, the mall now has a new and improved look. The Rave Cinema — along with other businesses — has opened with gusto, pride and community support. According to Lombard, “We are thrilled to be bringing in a new theater operator at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza,” and he means every word of it, for Lombard is not new to the community. He has been quietly working in the community for years and he says that what he would like to do is “give back to the community” in a big way. “Transforming the mall is about giving shoppers more choices and better amenities, and having a new state-of-theart multiplex is an important step in that direction,” Lombard said. He has invested millions of dollars to upgrade the theater and in the process has provided jobs in the construction industry — long-term and short-term — and other areas while improving the quality of life for the immediate and surrounding communities. Lombard said, “We are the landlord of the RAVE cinema,” and he intends to continue providing other forms of entertainment for the family and the community. Furthermore, the RAVE has a history within the movie industry and the partnership with Capri almost guarantees a “show that will go on the road” to other cities. The Baldwin

Hills/RAVE “association” could set the standard for the industry standard for customer service, experience and comfort with its stadium seating, comfort spacing between rows and maximum legroom for individuals’ ease of motion. According to its website, RAVE is also a pioneer in the adoption of current 3-D technology and a leader in alternative content programming from live sports to concerts to opera. The RAVE staff is trained to provide top-notch service to complement your luxurious moviegoing experience with multiple concession stands strategically located for better service, and a party room that is available for birthdays, corporate and private events. The community congratulates Lombard for his vision and skill in providing quality entertainment in the neighborhood.

Ken Lombard


www.lawattstimes.com 15

Thursday, June 30, 2011 Trustee Sale # CA0941210-3 Loan# 70828108 Order # 55005586 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 09/19/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 07/08/2011 at 1 :00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 10/12/2007 as Document No. 20072331976 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, VIOLET GRANT, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor, FIRST NLC FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC, DBA THE LENDING CENTER, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 5007-019-019 As more fully described on said Deed of Trust LOT 694 OF TRACT NO. 911 IN THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 16 PAGE 188 OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 5454 WEST BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90043 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $479,130.28 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 06/07/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: PAUL GUTIERREZ, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #13168 2011-06-16 2011-06-23 2011-06-30 Trustee Sale No. CA09000726-11-1 APN 5446-021-023 Title Order No. 5071760 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED March 25, 2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On July 11, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL INC. dba TRUSTEE CORPS, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on April 1, 2008, as Instrument No. 20080557527, of Official Records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA, executed by JOSE MEDINA AND BELEN MEDINA, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 3557 ARROYO SECO AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90065-2405 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest Theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $331,545.12 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: June 08, 2011 TRUSTEE CORPS TS No. CA09000726-11-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Paul Gutierrez, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #13189 2011-06-16 2011-06-23 2011-06-30

Trustee Sale # CA0955391-1 Loan# 166827525 Order # 955632 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 04/27/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 07/11/2011 at 1 :00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 05/04/2007 as Document No. 20071085555 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, OSCAR MUNOZ, A MARRIED MAN AS HIS SOLE & SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor, COUNTRYWIDE BANK, FSB., as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 6033-012-014 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1207 WEST 84TH STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90044 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $408,015.94 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 06/10/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: ROWENA PAZ, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #13271 2011-06-16 2011-06-23 2011-06-30 Trustee Sale No. CA09000928-11-1 APN 6067-010-042 Title Order No. 53000994 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED July 26, 2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On July 18, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL INC. dba TRUSTEE CORPS, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on August 8, 2007, as Instrument No. 20071864696, of Official Records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA, executed by LEOPOLDO GUTIERREZ A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 2101 E 112TH ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90059 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest Theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $311,199.17 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: June 14, 2011 TRUSTEE CORPS TS No. CA09000928-11-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Paul Gutierrez, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #13327 2011-06-23 2011-06-30 2011-07-07 T.S. No.: AF11-118 Loan No.: Church of Greater Works NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 5/23/2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier's check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: Church of Greater Works, Inc., a Non-Profit Religious Corporation Duly Appointed Trustee: AMERICAN FORECLOSURE SERVICES Recorded 6/9/2005 as Instrument No. 05-1347588 in book , page of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, Date of Sale: 7/20/2011 at 10:30 AM Place of Sale: AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE TO THE NORTHRIDGE BRANCH OF THE LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY, 9051 DARBY AVENUE, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91325 Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $77,485.32 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 523 East Washington Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90044 A.P.N.: 5127-0120-028 & 5127-020-029 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. Date: 6/23/2011 SECTION 1692(E): THIS COMMUNICATION IS WITH A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE AMERICAN FORECLOSURE SERVICES 9016 White Oak Avenue Northridge, California 91325 (818) 781-9800 Sale Line: 714-573-1965 / Los Angeles County Sales only: 818-781-9800 Kim Kaufman, Trustee Sales Officer Ad #13453 2011-06-30 2011-07-07 2011-07-14 Trustee Sale No. CA09003584-10-1 APN 6006-001-020 Title Order No. 4910405 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED December 20, 2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On July 25, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL INC. dba TRUSTEE CORPS, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on January 4, 2007, as Instrument No. 20070017256, of Official Records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA, executed by MANUEL ARMANDO HENRIQUEZ AND ELENA HENRIQUEZ, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS, as Trustor(s), in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 115 EAST 59TH PLACE, LOS ANGELES AREA, CA 90262 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest Theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $357,134.78 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: June 23, 2011 TRUSTEE CORPS TS No. CA09003584-10-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Rowena Paz, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #13487 2011-06-30 2011-07-07 2011-07-14 T.S. No.: 11-00801 Loan No.: 1421446855 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 8/29/2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier's check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: Mousa Namvar, a married man as his sole and separate property Duly Appointed Trustee: Stewart Default Services Recorded 9/5/2008 as Instrument No. 20081604438 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, Date of Sale: 7/27/2011 at 1:00 PM Place of Sale: at the front entrance to the

Pomona Superior Courts Building 350 West Mission Blvd., Pomona, CA Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $5,816,884.42 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 516 North Carmelina Avenue Los Angeles, California 90049 Legal Description: LOT 2 OF TRACT NO. 12682, IN THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 263 PAGES 15 AND 16 OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY. A.P.N.: 4405-002-002 Notice of Trustee Sale - continued The beneficiary or servicing agent declares that it has obtained from the Commissioner of Corporations a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to California Civil Code Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date the Notice of Sale is filed and/or the timeframe for giving Notice of Sale specified in subdivision(s) of California Civil Code Section 2923.52 applies and has been provided or the loan is exempt from the requirements. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. Date: 6/24/2011 Stewart Default Services Olesya Williams, Foreclosure Specialist If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. Ad #13557 2011-06-30 2011-07-07 2011-07-14

To place a classified ad call (323) 299-3800

Black Facts July 3, 1962 First Black baseball player in the major leagues, Jackie Robinson. Named to Baseball Hall of Fame. July 5, 1975 Arthur Ashe makes history by becoming the first African American male to win the men’s single title at Wimbledon. Source: blackfacts.com ments and also at:

GOVERNMENT LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Metro will receive proposals for PS10714077 Video Bench per specifications on file at the LACMTA Office of Procurement & Material Mgmt, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (12th Floor). All proposals must be received on or before July 28, 2011 at 2:00PMPacific Timeat the address listed above, sent to the attention of Linda Wasley.Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. You may obtain a copy of the RFP, or further information, by faxing Linda Wasleyat (213) 922- 1005 6/30/11 CNS-2128336# WATTS TIMES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP# 7552) NATIONAL EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT SERVICES FOR PRESIDENT & CEO The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles invites proposals from qualified national executive search firms to assist in the selection of a President and CEO. The qualifications for the ideal candidate for the position of President and CEO are defined by the Board of Commissioners. Copies of the RFP may be obtained beginning June 27, 2011 online at www.hacla.org/ps. Proposals will be accepted at 2600 Wilshire Blvd, #3100, Los Angeles, CA 90057, until 2:00 P.M., July 20, 2011. 6/30, 7/7/11 CNS-2127138# WATTS TIMES INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) NO. 1710 THE INSTALLATION OF (26) EXTERIOR RAILINGS AND MODULAR ALUMINUM ACCESSIBLE RAMPS AT: (I) ESTRADA COURTS; (II) JORDAN DOWNS; (III) NICKERSON GARDENS; (IV) PUEBLO DEL RIO; (V) RAMONA GARDENS; (VI) RANCHO SAN PEDRO; (VII) SAN FERNANDO GARDENS; AND (VIII) WILLIAM MEAD HOMES; and (IX) GONZAQUE VILLAGE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT. The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles invites vendors to submit bids for The Installation of (26) Exterior Railings and Modular Aluminum Accessible Ramps at: (I) Estrada Courts; (II) Jordan Downs; (III) Nickerson Gardens; (IV) Pueblo Del Rio; (V) Ramona Gardens; (VI) Rancho San Pedro; (VII) San Fernando Gardens; And (VIII) William Mead Homes; And (IX) Gonzaque Village Housing Development. Copies of the IFB may be downloaded from the internet at www.hacla.org/cgs. Bids will be accepted at 2600 Wilshire Blvd, #3100, Los Angeles, CA 90057, until 2:00 p.m. (local time), July 22, 2011. 6/30, 7/7/11 CNS-2127037# WATTS TIMES ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC REVIEW AND PUBLIC HEARING The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) has developed and will be publishing its Draft Agency Plan for Fiscal Year 2012 in compliance with the Housing Reform Act of 1998. The Draft Agency Plan will be available for public review and comment beginning Friday June 24, 2011 through Thursday August 11, 2011. The Public Hearing for the 2012 Draft Agency Plan will be held: Thursday August 11, 2011 starting at 1:00 p.m. at Los Angeles Convention Center Conference, South Hall Building, Conference Room 304 A/B/C 1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015. The 2012 Draft Agency Plan can be reviewed during normal business hours at the Management Offices and Resident Council offices at the large family develop-

HACLA Central Office 2600 Wilshire Blvd. 3rd Floor L.A., CA 90057 HACLA Valley Offices 8121 Van Nuys Blvd – Suites 600 & 650 Panorama City, CA 91402 HACLA Application Center 515 S. Columbia Avenue, L.A., CA 90017 Avalon Gardens Management Office 701 E. 88th St L.A., CA 90002 Estrada Courts Management Office 3232 Estrada St L.A., CA 90023 Gonzaque Village Management Office 1515 E 105th St L.A., CA 90002 Imperial Courts Management Office 11541 Croesus Ave L.A., CA 90059 Jordan Downs Management Office 9800 Grape St L.A., CA 90002 Mar Vista Gardens Management Office 11965 Allin St L.A., CA 90230 Nickerson Gardens Management Office 1590 114th St L.A., CA 90059 Pico/Las Casitas Management Office 1526 E. 4th St L.A., CA 90033 Pueblo Del Rio Management Office 1801 East 53rdSt L.A., CA 90058 Ramona Gardens Management Office 2830 Lancaster Ave L.A., CA 90033 Rancho San Pedro Management Office 275 West 1st St San Pedro, CA 90731 Rose Hill Courts Management Office 4466 Florizel L.A., CA 90032 San Fernando Gardens Management Office 10995 Lehigh Ave Pacoima, CA 91331 Section 8 Valley Office 6946 Van Nuys Blvd. Ste 100 Van Nuys, CA 91405 6/30/11 CNS-2125942# WATTS TIMES LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Metro will receive proposals for RFP NO. PS11213005 for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Disparity Study Updateper scope of work on file at the LACMTA Office of Procurement & Material Mgmt, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (12th Floor). All proposals must be received on or before July 29, 2011 4:00 Pacific Timeat the address listed above, sent to the attention of Jean Davis.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 July 14, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Union Station Conference Room, 3rd Floor. located at the address above. You may obtain a copy of the RFP, or further information, by faxing Jean Davis at (213) 922-1005. 6/30/11 CNS-2125323# WATTS TIMES LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Metro will receive proposals for RFP PS4320-2763 Rosa Park Transit Station Improvement and Transit Oriented District Integration Professional Architectural & Engineering Services per 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 4:00PM Pacific Time on Wednesday July 27, 2011 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of Amy Wang.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 at 1:30 PM on Thursday, July 7, 2011 located at the address above. You may obtain a copy of the RFP, or further information, by faxing Amy Wang at (213) 922-3883. 6/30/11 CNS-2125195# WATTS TIMES

Black Facts July 2, 1777 Vermont became the first American colony to abolish slavery. By 1783 slavery was prohibited in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Pennsylvania passed a gradual emancipation law in 1780. Connecticut and Rhode Island barred slavery in 1784 and were followed by New York (gradual emancipation) and New Jersey in 1799 and 1804, respectively. Slavery died in the North as a direct result of forces set in motion by the Rights of Man movement. Source: blackfacts.com


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Thursday, June 30, 2011


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