48 minute read
Hollywood Buzz
HOLLYWOOD SPOT LIGHT
Chez Hadley
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If you like a good thriller than you might want to check out “Missing” when it bows at theatres later this month starring Storm Reid and Nia Long. The film is actually a sequel of sorts to a critically successful 2018 film titled Searching, about a father (portrayed by Asian American actor John Cho) who uses all the technology at his disposal to search for his missing 16-year old daughter.
While the theme of the 2023 installment is similar, the movie takes on a fresh take. This time it’s the daughter (Storm Reid) who is searching for answers when her mom (Nia Long) goes missing while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend.
Stuck thousands of miles away in Los Angeles, June (Storm Reid) creatively uses all the latest technology at her fingertips to try and find her before it’s too late. But as she digs deeper, her digital sleuthing raises more questions than answers…and when June unravels secrets about her mom, she discovers that she never really knew her at all and finds that she may be in danger as well.
“It’s not like a direct sequel in the traditional sense,” says the film’s cowriter/co-director Nick Johnson of the roller coaster mystery. “We wanted this movie to be bigger and better in visual style. And inject as much of a youthful energy into it. So, telling the story about a child looking for her mom really presented great opportunities for that.”
At 19, Storm Reid pulls off a powerful performance as a teen not willing to give up on finding her mom. Missing is set for release on January 20.
OUT THIS MONTH
Plane January 13 House Party January 13 A Snowy Day In Oakland January 20 Shotgun Wedding January 27
Banner Year Ahead for Mary J. Mary J. Blige kicked off 2022 co-headlining Super Bowl LVI Half-Time show with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent and following that up with the release of her 15th studio album, Good Morning Gorgeous, which earned her six Grammy nominations, including “album of the year”. But the Queen of Hip Hop Soul has proven that there are no limits to her talents and lately, her business sense. The singer-turned-actress’ three-year old production company, Blue Butterfly, has scored a first-look nonscripted deal and a secondlook scripted deal with BET and a first-look scripted TV deal with Lionsgate. “BET has been one of my biggest supporters throughout my career. Being able to now create together, f o r them to be s o sup por tive o f m y vision
HOLLYWOOD BUZZ for the type of content I will create, is something I am grateful and excited for,” said Blige. “We already have multiple projects in the works and there is much more to come.” “We are proud to supercharge the portfolio of content through our collaboration with Mary J. Blige’s production company, Blue Butterfly,” said BET EVP Connie Orlando. “Throughout her legendary career, Mary has blazed trails to become a global superstar. With Blue Butterfly, Mary develops awe-inspiring stories of the Black experience while uniquely using music to set the foundation.” First up from her new deal is a talk show, The Wine Down, hosted by Blige and featuring–according to a press statement–some of the hottest, most outspoken, highly sought-after people in entertainment, sports, social media, and politics” for “raw, provocative, insightful, and real conversations over wine. Among other various TV and film projects in the works is the film, “Real Love” with Lifetime. Then of course, she will return to her starring role in Starz hit series, “Power Book II: Ghost” on March 17.
Real Housewives Drama
Federal authorities are seeking ten years of prison time for Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Jen Shah, when she is formally sentenced on January 6. Attorneys for Shah– who pled guilty of wire fraud earlier this year–are requesting that her sentence be three years.
What is clear is that she will have to serve some time. In a recent filing, Feds maintained that she was an integral leader of a wide-ranging telemarketing fraud scheme that victimized thousands. Shah recently wrapped filming on a third season of the show, but was a no show for the RHOSLC reunion show, posting on social media “that out of respect for the courts and a standing judicial order, I would not be in a position to discuss anything related to my legal case or sentencing.” Instead, she said she was focusing on family. In other real housewife news, word on the streets is that Phaedra Parks may be making a reality TV comeback, but not with the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Instead, she may be joining the cast of Married to Medicine given that her new boo is a doctor.
On the road again?
It’s been over seven years since Bill Cosby appeared onstage, but the now 85-year old comedian hopes to change all that next year and get back to what he loves best: the stage.
“When I come out of this, I feel that I will be able to perform and be the Bill Cosby that my audience knows me to be…there is “so much fun to be had in this storytelling that I do,” the entertainer told radio talk show host Scott Spears.
Two questions remain: who would pay money to see him and when, if ever, will his legal issues be over. Last year, Cosby was made to pay $500K to a woman who sued him for forcing her to perform a sex act on him when she was 16 and in a separate case, five women filed a lawsuit last month for sexual assault and battery in a New York court.
Footnotes
StormReid
Hometown: Atlanta Age: 19 Breakout Role: 12 Years A Slave Current Projects: Euphoria Upcoming: “Missing (In theatres January 20) At the age of 10, Storm Reid made her acting debut in 12 Years A Slave, but her breakthrough came in 2018 when she was cast for a lead role in “A Wrinkle in Time”, opposite Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine. In the years since, she has been taking Hollywood by storm with roles in “When They See Us”, “The Invisible Man”, “The Suicide Squad” while landing high profile endorsement deals; and for the last three years playing the little sister to Zendaya in HBO’s critically acclaimed series, “Euphoria”.
On God choosing her career: "'I wanna be on TV. I wanna be a superstar!' Since I know this is my passion and I feel like God chose this career for me, I just knew I was ready to do it."
On activism: I'm all about the equity work and being civically engaged to facilitate the integrity of life within a community, whether you're doing that politically or non-politically. I choose to do it non-politically. Hopefully, I can inspire my peers and the younger generations to try to make a change as well.
On her Euphoria co-star Zendaya: She has become like my big sister. I’m able to reach out to her if I need anything, whether it’s talking about ‘growing up in Hollywood’ or just things that normal teenagers are going through. If I’ve ever needed advice, she’s always there.”
On fashion: I’m a girl who loves a dress and some sneakers. I feel the most grounded, comfortable, and inspired in sneakers. Of course, I do live in tracksuits now. Or if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll pull out a skirt and some sneakers. That’s what is so beautiful about sneakers–you can dress them up or down.
On the advice Oprah gave her: Miss Oprah told me this while we were having a conversation when we were filming “Wrinkle [In Time]”; she said, “Don’t waste energy on things you can’t change in life when you can be using that energy on something else positive in your life.
On purpose: "I'm a purpose-driven person and in everything that I do, if it doesn't match up with my morals and my values my mom taught me, then it's not something that I want to be a part of."
On balancing her education with her acting, endorsements and life: I am trying to accomplish furthering my education and just being a regular, normal teenager at school, experiencing life, but then also running a production company and acting and being the face of brands. It becomes a lot and sometimes feels like I bit off a little more than I can chew, but I always have to remind myself: I wouldn’t be in a position to be doing these things if I couldn’t handle it.
RedCarpet Style
SANAA LATHAM was the picture of sophistocation in this gray pinstriped ensemble
JURNEE SMOLLETT is the picture of grace in this Giambattista Valli floral midi dress THUSO MBEDU paired a tweed jacket, with a patterned vest, white sweater and orange slacks ISSA RAE stood out in this shimmery lavendar Hervé Leger gown with fringe YVONNE ORJI sported this purple velvet blazer withmetallic paisley print wide-leg pants
Eye OnGospel
Kanye West is Billboard’s top gospel artist of 2022
Billboard Magazine closed out 2022 with its annual year-end music recaps and Kanye West came out on top as the number one male artist of the year powered by the success of his second faith-based album, Donda, which ranked as number one on the year-end top gospel albums chart. This marks the second year straight that the artist–who has been mired in controversy over his anti-Semitic rantings – has come out on top in the category. West also ranked as the top male Christian artist of 2022.
Donda is second to only Jesus Is King, West’s first gospel release, as the longest reigning titles in the history of the Top Gospel Albums chart. Plus, West holds the Nos. 1 and 2 positions of the year on the year-end streaming-, airplay and sales based Hot Gospel Songs tally with “Praise God” at No. 1 and “Hurricane” at No. 2.
CeCe Winans took the title of Billboard’s top female gospel artist of the year, thanks to the success of her 2021 album, Believe For It: A Live Worship, which was at number three on the Top Gospel Albums year-end tally. Marking her ninth #1 hit, the album spent seven weeks in the top slot and all of 2022 in the top 10.
The Atlanta-based worship collective Maverick City Music ranked as Billboard’s top duo/group of 2022. Their release, Old Church Basement, bowed at number one in May of 2021 and has remained in the top three for the whole of 2022.
Brent Jones Heads to Europe
Riding high on the success of his hit single "Nothing Else Matters", Stellar award winning artist Brent Jones jetted to Europe last month to headline the Italy Gospel Festival. The largest of its kind in Europe, the 8-day festival features the best gospel choirs and choruses from around the globe.
Said Jones, "When we kicked off the new album prerelease tour in Alaska in May, 'Nothing Else Matters' hadn't gone to radio yet but with the great success of the song, that initial tour has now morphed into a fullfledged 100-city Nothing Else Matters tour that’s booked into this Spring.
“We're so excited to add Italy & Switzerland to the Tour and I definitely want to express gratitude to my singers who are sacrificing the holidays at home with loved ones to help me share the gospel of Jesus Christ to Europe - ya'll are the best," said Jones. "Nothing Else Matters" is the highly anticipated follow-up to "Open Your Mouth and Say Something", which topped the Billboard charts for over 54+ weeks, earning widespread critical acclaim and multiple award nominations including the 2019 Dove Award and 2019 Stellar Award.
Jacky Clark Chisholm Showcases Another Talent
As a member of the legendary Clark Sisters, Jacky Clark-Chisholm is a gospel icon, but you won’t hear her latest project on the radio. Instead, Clark-Chisholm is playing to another one of her talents with the recent release of a cookbook.
Clark-Chisholm–who is well known for her culinary skills among family and friends–was encouraged to write the cookbook by her daughter who while visiting on one occasion, taped her Mom whipping something up in the kitchen and posted it to social media. The post garnered 13,000 views and Clark-Chisholm was persuaded to host a weekly cooking show which led to viewer requests for her to pen a cookbook.
“The cookbook was put together to help people who don’t know anything about cooking but want to learn,” said Clark-Chisholm of the book that also shares seasoning tips and some of her family favorites.
“Cooking with Auntie Jacky” is available for purchase on Amazon, Target and Barnes and Noble sites.
Shekinah Glory Ministry Returns with New Project
Shekinah Glory Ministry (known for gospel classics such as “Praise is What I Do” and “Yes”), teamed up with an urban producer on the rise, Avehre, to release a four-song digital EP, The Artist Project, Vol. 2 (Kingdom Records). The set of songs, now available on all digital music platforms, features bright but overlooked talents who deserve the public’s attention. Avehre is a protégé of soul music legend, Gladys Knight, and he is making noise in urban circles with his slick productions. The focus radio single, “Live Up,” is a lite, upbeat track with R&B flavored programming. It’s led by the Kansas City sister act, Tobbi & Tommi, who have done background vocals for a who’s who in music ranging from Chaka Khan to Patti LaBelle. They were the featured vocalists on Donald Lawrence & Company’s ’s gospel rendition of Khan’s classic “Through the Fire” on the group’s bestselling album, YRM (Your Righteous Mind), in 2011. Then, Bebe Winans showcased them on his 2017 No. 1 gospel hit, “He Promised Me.” The sisters’ soulful voices glisten and shine brilliantly on “Live Up.”
As fate would so appropriately have it, David Adkins (better known as “Sinbad”) began his career on “Star Search”. And from acclaimed stand-up comedy specials to roles in NBC’s “A Different World”, his own short-lived TV series, and starring roles in such films as “Necessary Roughness”, “Jingle All The Way” and “First Kid”, he was crowned as one the America’s most beloved comedians for more than four decades.
But on October 25, 2020, the then 64-year old performer suffered an ischemic stroke as a result of a blood clot that traveled from his heart to his brain. He was rushed into surgery at West Hills Medical Center and doctors performed a thrombectomy to remove the clot and restore normal blood flow to the brain. After surgery, Sinbad was talking and moving with some weakness, but the prognosis was very promising. The next day, however, another blood clot formed, half the size of the first. He underwent the same surgery again successfully, but it took a little more from him than the first surgery. He was transferred to Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where the doctors indicated that his brain had begun to swell. They performed a craniotomy to relieve the pressure and reduce the swelling. During surgery, however, the doctors discovered a bleed. It was hours before the family learned Sin bad had returned to the Neuro-ICU in a medically induced coma and had been placed on a ventilator.
“Our hearts were devastated,” the family said. “The road to recovery became unclear and extremely difficult for the family to navigate.
“It would be weeks before he would open his eyes, speak, or show signs of basic mobility. It wasn’t long before we realized he couldn’t move his left side or simply hold his head up. The more time passed the more the family learned how much had been lost.”
For the next several months, Sinbad moved through acute care facilities where he was weaned off the ventilator and eventually cleared to start intense therapy. In May of 2021, he was admitted to California Rehabilitation Institute and began physical, occupational, and speech therapy. It was there that he began to make considerable progress toward recovery.
On July 7, 2021, nearly nine months after the initial stroke, the comedian was released from the hospital and allowed to go home where he continues to receive therapy, fighting for every inch. His family reports that his progress is nothing short of remarkable. Limbs that were said to be “dead” are coming alive and he’s taking the steps necessary to learn to walk again.
In his own words, Sinbad has said,"I am not done. I will not stop fighting until I can walk across the stage again.... I can’t wait to see you all again soon. As always, stay funky, stay prayed up.”
Given that survival odds from this type of event are approximately 30%, the family is encouraged by the fact that he has already beaten the odds, making significant progress beyond what anyone expected, though challenge still remain.
The costs of therapy far exceed what insurance
covers and it has taken its toll on the family financially. To that end, the family went public with the creation of a website (TheJourneyForward.life) for those wanting to lend their support and or contribute in some way. All contributions will go to the Adkins Trust to help provide for Sinbad’s care and help him continue to fight this battle. The family believes, without exception, Sinbad is here because of the multitude of prayers from all who know and love him.
“We are eternally grateful,” the family said. “Every outpouring of love and the memories of how he has touched all of you have not gone unheard, unseen, or unfelt. Thank you. You have lifted his spirits along the way and inspired the entire family.”
About Strokes
Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of disability. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of stroke. Nearly 1 in 4–are in people who have had a previous stroke and approximately 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked.
The risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for Blacks as for Whites, and Blacks have the highest rate of death due to stroke.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.
Everyone should know the following signs and symptoms of a stroke: •Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. •Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. •Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. •Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination. •Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that 80 percent of strokes are preventable. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes are leading causes. Listed below are some things you can do to lower your chance of having a stroke: •Know your blood pressure. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Work with your health care professional to manage it if it’s high. •Don’t smoke or vape and avoid secondhand smoke •Eat healthy foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium (salt). •Reduce sugary drinks •Do regular physical activity •Keep a healthy weight •Limit alcohol to one drink a day for women; two drinks per day for men •Take medications as directed •Reduce stress •Have regular medical checkups, including assessment of your risk for stroke •Get adequate sleep, 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults; more for children and kids.
The support base of Republican candidates by Black voters has jumped six points from 8% to 14% since the last midterm elections four years ago according to AP VoteCast, which conducted an extensive national survey of the electorate.
There is concern that the rising numbers could spell trouble for Democrats in 2024 in states like Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania particularly in a close race where turning out the Black vote is key and given the fact that Republican candidates in some key states grew their base of Latino voters.
The survey found that those Black voters aligning with the GOP believe that the party’s priorities resonate more with them than those of Democrats
Here are some facts about Black Republicans based on recent Pew Research Center surveys. •Around three-in-ten Black Republicans (28%) are ages 18 to 29 — higher than the share among Black Democrats (17%); •Black Republicans are about as likely as Black Democrats to live in upper-income (12% vs. 10%) or middle-income households (37% vs. 40%); •Roughly half live in the South; •Black Republicans are less likely than Black Democrats (22% vs. 34%) to attend predominantly Black Protestant churches; •Black Republicans are less likely than Black Democrats (44% vs. 73%) to say racial discrimination is the main reason Black people can’t get ahead in the U.S., and they are more likely to say Black people who can’t get ahead are mostly responsible for their own condition (45% vs. 21%); •Black Republicans are about as likely as Black Democrats (39% vs. 45%) to say equality for Black people in the U.S. is a little or not all likely.
Survey Finds GOP Making Headway with Black Voters
The L.A. County Office of Education (LACOE) will soon announce its choice for the next County Administrator for the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD). In the job description applicants were told “the district has made significant strides toward recovery and is within 3-4 years of being able to meet the minimum milestone for self-governance, offering the successful candidate a rare leadership opportunity.”
If history is any indication, IUSD has had eight State/County Administrators (including 3 interim) in a little over 10 years. The odds are against the ninth administrator being around to coordinate IUSD’s transition back to local control.
The IUSD Board of Education should be selecting the next leader for the school district, not LACOE. But, in 2012 facing the possibility of insolvency, Senate Bill 533 authorized a state loan and gave the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI), Tom Torlakson control over IUSD. In 2018, Assembly Bill 1840 transferred authority to LACOE Superintendent Debra Duardo.
Since 2012, IUSD’s five-member board has been serving in an advisory role to the revolving door of appointed State and County Administrators.
Existing laws governing receivership say that a school district will regain control when it shows adequate progress in implementing the recommendations of a comprehensive review conducted by the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance (FCMAT) in five operational areas (financial management, personnel management, community relations and governance, facilities management, and pupil achievement).
FCMAT is an independent and external state agency that provides financial management assistance and general consulting to the state’s school districts. Their latest review of IUSD generated 885 recommendations for implementing 153 operational standards spread across the five operational areas.
IUSD has achieved proficiency in just two of the FCMAT operational areas — governance and personnel management after 10 years under State and County control. Existing laws give Duardo, with the concurrence of SPI Tony Thurmond and State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond, the power to determine when IUSD can resume local control. However, many Inglewood residents familiar with the school district believe it’s Duardo’s choice of administrators that are failing to conform with FCMAT standards.
The nine reviews FCMAT conducted show that constant turnover of leadership and the number of poor leader choices by the State and County have led to inconsistency in developing and executing effective recovery plans for IUSD, stunted academic progress for the students, and inadequate maintenance of IUSD facilities.
When Torlakson took over IUSD, he said, “The State Administrator will control the district until fiscal insolvency has been eliminated, between 2 - 6 years.”
The commentary I wrote titled, “After 10 Years it’s Time to Return Control of Inglewood Schools to the Community,” showed that ten years of state intervention is not a guarantee that a school district in receivership will be better managed. While existing law mandates that the state controls IUSD to protect its $29 million loan, the opportunity cost to IUSD of the state’s mismanagement has been significantly more than the amount it borrowed.
For example, before receivership, the Los Angeles World Airports agreed to fund noise mitigation measures not to exceed $118.5 million. The State/County Administrators who took over have only secured $44 million of the funding, leaving $74.5 million on the table.
City Honors High School is a dependent charter school run by IUSD that was recognized by U.S. World and News Report as a silver-medal finalist. When the Charter Schools Facilities Program was awarding grants for charter school construction, Don Brann, who Torlakson had appointed to oversee IUSD, didn’t apply for a state grant. But, DaVinci Charter schools which Brann helped found in the Wiseburn Unified School District located next door to IUSD applied and was awarded a $52.7 million grant. Had IUSD applied for a grant for a City Honors building it would have been ahead of DaVinci in line for the limited funds.
Since 2012, IUSD has paid FCMAT about $2.6 Million for 9 yearly comprehensive reviews, an expense mandated by the statue authorizing the loan and paid from the district’s General Fund.
IUSD is no longer in financial trouble. According to the latest 2022-23 budget projections, it will have a positive ending General Fund balance of $94.5 million and positive ending cash balance of $83.7 million. IUSD owes $19.6 million on its state loan.
In a recent review FCMAT conducted, LACOE admitted that IUSD had made little annual progress and is no closer to recovery today than two years ago.
IUSD has gone without local control longer than any school district that’s taken a state loan. It can no longer afford the compromised quality of education being delivered to students by LACOE’s management.
The IUSD community has been expressing its frustration at school board meetings about the quality of the schools the last 10 years, but LACOE lacks the management judgment to effectively respond to community concerns.
Schools LACOE operates not including IUSD, lead all California with the largest gap between Black and White students meeting states standards on the 2022 Smarter Balanced Assessments in Continued to page 24
8704 W. FIGUEROA STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90003 For information, call
Physicians and public health officials are raising alarms about a “tripledemic” happening as the holiday travel season approaches. Communities around California are susceptible to infection by new COVID-19 variants, the seasonal flu, and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
People who are vulnerable to serious infection, especially those over age 50, are encouraged to get the updated bivalent COVID vaccine and this year’s flu vaccine.
“Young babies, our older patients, and of course people who have complications from things like diabetes or heart disease, or people who have obesity, people who have immuno-compromised symptoms, these people are very vulnerable,” said Dr. Sharon Okonkwo-Holmes a Kaiser Permanente family practice physician during an informational event at the Yvonne B. Burke Senior & Community Center in Los Angeles. “The CDC is really recommending that you get your flu vaccine at the same time as your COVID vaccine.”
The flu vaccine, which changes every year to protect against the flu strains most likely to circulate in the coming season, appears to be “a very good match” according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.
However, data shows fewer people are getting vaccinated, including fewer pregnant women, seniors, and children.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. Although it is not dangerous for most people, it can cause serious problems, especially in infants and seniors. No vaccine is currently available for RSV.
COVID-19, flu and RSV share many of the same symptoms, leading to confusion about which course of treatment to take.
The first action people should take if they are not feeling well is to isolate and do a home test for COVID. An infected person may test negative on the first day of symptoms.
“In early infections, the home test may not pick it up right away, but it will pick it up on day two or day three,” said Okonkwo-Holmes. “Keep your mask on, try and stay in your room... On days one to five, you really do want to avoid exposure with everyone else because you are shedding virus... By day five, you’re considered to be okay. If you're not having fever for two days, go ahead and put your mask on and you can go out into the community, but we're still asking you to keep your mask on until day ten.
People over 50 should strongly consider getting vaccinated for Shingles, a viral skin condition causing blisters and a burning or tingling sensation that can last for weeks.
Shingles and associated inflammation can cause complications, including long term nerve pain, vision loss, and has also been linked to increased risk for stroke and dementia. The two-dose shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is recommended for all people over the age of 50 and people who are 19 and older with a weakened immune system due to disease or medication.
“If you've ever had chickenpox as a kid, when you're 50 you should ask your doctor for your shingles shot,” said Okonkwo-Holmes.
Doctors know that three shots at the same time can be too much for some patients. But due to the urgency of the situation, doctors are recommending getting the flu and COVID vaccine together.
“Right now, we're seeing more COVID, number one, flu, number two, then shingles. So, if you want to put off that third one, then go ahead and put off the shingles one... Get your COVID and flu shots at the same time,” OkonkwoHolmes said.
Communities of color have been hit especially hard by the pandemic because of “social determinants of health,” like where we live, the types of jobs we have, and our level of the stress hormone cortisol.
“The stress that we endure in America, it has an impact on our cells,” said Okonkwo-Holmes. When society treats you differently, when you are profiled, when the police are following you, when you hear bad news in the media about another person who has been killed who looks like us... It raises our blood pressure; it also raises a [stress] hormone in our bodies called cortisol... It makes us more susceptible to things like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, [and] stroke... So, I would argue that a lot of the systemic racism and microaggressions in our society are directly impacting our DNA and impacting our health... The racism is making us sick.”
For our communities to stay healthy, we must take action. “For me, action means trying to sleep well, avoiding alcohol, avoiding smoke [including] marijuana, trying my hardest to eat well.”
As for stress, Dr. Okonkwo-Holmes recommends laughter. “Go ahead and laugh out loud and have some enjoyment, go on long walks 30 minutes a day and spend time with people who make you feel good.”
As Black communities continue to navigate the pandemic, it is important to use the tools available to keep us as healthy as we can.
Okonkwo-Holmes believes people should wear masks indoors, even though it is not currently a requirement in many places, we should stay up to date with vaccinations to prevent serious illness and hospitalization, and if a COVID infection is acquired, get one of the available treatments, which most seniors will qualify for and usually tolerate well.
“None of my patients have had severe complications at all from treatments,” said Okonkwo-Holmes. “You don't want to stay really sick. If you don't feel well and you're having difficulty breathing. You want to get to the hospital right away or call 911.”
Pastor Shep Crawford Celebrated by City of Refuge; Appointment of Bridgeforth Sparks Division
Last month, the City of Refuge celebrated the grassroots and community work that has become the hallmark of ECM Pastor Shep Crawford.
“He has done wonderful work with young men particularly on the gun violence thing and the issue with our OGs and young Gs, so we’re giving him an award for the work that does…boots on the ground,” said Bishop Noel Jones.” For the work he’s done in building people’s lives.”
With a motto that reads, “Out of the box, but in the world”, Pastor Shep and and his wife and co-pastor Shalonda Crawford say their goal is to “turn the Holy Scriptures into a modern day script through drama, music, dance, and most of all, current day language, so that their congregation may understand how each biblical story and lesson applies specifically to their lives.”
Crawford has worked diligently to preserve the peace of rival gangs on L.A.’s east side. Over the years, Crawford has hosted a number of events with rival gang members from the Crips & Bloods together.
Some of the gang members had been part of the 1992 gang truce and had held strong to that commitment of peace. Many had turned their lives around, were gainfully employed, providers of jobs, work training programs and other resources to help their communities. During these talks they expressed concern about being able to reach the younger gang members and through their experiences mentor them and help them to get on the right track. This became the primary focal point for the work ahead.
Understanding that there was a direct correlation between poverty & crime Pastor Shep has worked identify the needs of gang members and has witnessed how meeting those needs has helped to reduce the number of violent crimes in the community.
Says Crawford, “Many of these so called 'GangBangers' are actively working in our streets to bring about peace. I didn't start this movement, but I joined it. And it is time for the rest of the community to join and support these peacemakers, who are definitely needed to bring about significant change.”
In November, the United Methodist Church’s Western Jurisdiction voted to make the Rev. Cedrick D. Bridgeforth of the California-Pacific Conference a bishop in their regional body. The move made Bridgeforth (who formerly pastored Grace United Methodist Church) the first openly gay African American bishop in the UMC. Last month, a United Methodist
Church pastor filed a complaint over the decision, which is in defiance of denominational rules. The
Rev. W. Timothy McClendon said the election of openly gay bishops undermined “all United Methodist clergy who uphold the highest ideals of the Christian life” and said it “sends a confusing message about the meaning of marriage to the community and potential parishioners.” The UMC's Book of Discipline prohibits the ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals. McClendon warned that such decisions increase "the likelihood of further fracturing of the denomination.
Since the filing, 964 people signed onto McClendon's complaint against the Western Jurisdiction bishops in agreement.
In other local news, the Board of Elders at the University Christian Church–located in Ladera Heights– has accepted the resignation of Senior Pastor Rudy Hagood. The pastor announced during a recent service that he would be stepping down from the post. The elders subsequently hosted a congregational meeting on December 18 to address concerns and answer questions. L.A. Focus/January 2023 20
Brooklyn Pastor Who Made Headlines Is Arrested
In national church news, the Brooklyn pastor who made headlines for being robbed at gunpoint of $1 million in jewelry during a church service in July, has been arrested for fraud, extortion and false statements.
The indictment charges Lamor Whitehead with defrauding one of his parishioners out of approximately $90,000 of her retirement savings, attempting to extort and defraud a businessman, and lying to the FBI.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As we allege today, Lamor Whitehead abused the trust placed in him by a parishioner, bullied a businessman for $5,000, then tried to defraud him of far more than that, and lied to federal agents. His campaign of fraud and deceit stops now.”
Whitehead is charged with two counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of extortion, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of making material false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Nondenominational Congregations Found to be the Largest Segment of American Protestants, Several Black Denominations Post Gains
The number of Americans who don’t identify with a specific religious tradition has grown from just 5 percent during the Cold War to around 30 percent today. According to new data recently released by the U.S. Religion Census, the number of nondenominational churches has surged by about 9,000 congregations over the course of a decade.
Accordingly, there are now five times more nondenominational churches than there are Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations. There are six times more nondenominational churches than there are Episcopal. And there are 3.4 million more people in nondenominational churches than there are in Southern Baptist ones.
The data also reveals that a lot of evangelical denominations saw a slight decline but their numbers didn’t plummet and some denominations posted gains, including Black denominations. The Church of God in Christ reportedly added more than 300 congregations between 2010 and 2020. The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church grew by about 150, and the Full Gospel Baptists by about 100
Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center 4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 Corprate Office: 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 2A, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 295-5571 www.agapela.org Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Founder & Senior Pastor
Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word
Bethesda Temple Apostolic Faith 4909 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 299-2591 • thevoice4904@att.net
Pastor Kyron S. Shorter Sunday Morning Prayer: 9:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 11:00am Children’s Church: 11:00am Sunday Evening Service: 6:00pm
Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church 3719 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-5610 • www.bkcamechurchla.org Rev. Mary S. Minor, DMin,Pastor Sunday Church School: 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00 AM (in-person and virtual) Thursday Bible Study with Pastor Minor (via Zoom): 6:00 PM Please call the church office for virtual information.
God’s Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ/ Prayer Clinic & Deliverance Ministry P.O. Box 561368, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 293-7566 • www.gfdjc.org •gfdjc@att.net Dr.Ruby I. Cottle, Ph.D., Pastor/Teacher
Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082 Pastor Dwaine Jackson
Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:15 am Bible Study (Tues): Noon Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 6:00pm
Calvary Baptist Church 4911 W. 59th Street,Los Angeles, CA,90056 (323)298-1605•F: (310) 568-8430 • calvarybaptistla.org Rev. Dr. Virgil V. Jones Sunday Prayer: 8:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 12:00pm & 7:00pm
We are the Church on the Hill where the Light Shines Bright!
Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Dr. Frederick K. Price LiveWorship Service:Sun 10:30am,Tues 11:00am and 7:30pm at faithdome.org, Facebook, Roku, YouTube and the EIFM app (Download in Apple Store and Google Play)Website: faithdome.org Giving Options: Text to 28950, type EIFMO and amount you wish to give (ex.,EIFMO 50) or mail to: P.O. Box 90000, Los Angeles, CA 90009 Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 www.christianfellowshipla.org Pastor James K. McKnight Sunday LiveStream: 10:00am (facebook.com/christianfellowshipla) Sunday Conference Call: 10:00am (310-372-7549 / code: 342408) Tue/Thurs Morning Word & Prayer: 7:00am Wed. Bible Study w/ Elder Stephen Brown (701-802-5001 / code: 825252#
Services every Friday: 7:00pm We meeet at: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, Ca 90018 Watch Dr. Cottle on HBN TV Wed’s 7:30am Channel 886 Dish,Smart TV Local Channel 35.2 Listen to Dr. Cottle Sundays on KJLH at 5:00am
Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027 Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm
Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996
Rev. DeNon Porter Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm
Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 703-5868 • www.holmanumc.com Email: holman@holmanumc.com Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday Radio: KJLH 102.3FM at 11am Sunday School: 9:30am (Children/Youth) & 9:45am (Adults) Bible Study: Every Thursday @ Noon We Gather,Grow,Go and Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964
Rev. Johnteris Tate-Pastor Sunday Church School: 8:00am Worship Service: 9:15am Baptist Training Union: 7:00am Tues. Bible Study/Prayer: Noon & 7:00pm
McCarty Memorial Christian Church 4103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-4131 • www.mccartychurch.org Senior Pastor Edward Anderson Sunday Worship: 10:45am Bible Study: Tues @12:30pm/Wed @6pm Zoom Call: (605) 472-5454 Access:188857 Online Stream Live: Sundays@10:45am to www.mccartychurch.org Give: Text 77977 Instagram@mccartyconnect
Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 291-1121 F: (323) 291-1133 • office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am,10am,Noon Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Radio: KKLA 99.5 FM (Sun): 6:00pm All services stream live on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel. During the pandemic, pre-registration is requested to attend in-person services.
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1300 E. 50th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 235-2103 •
Rev. Joshua Daniels, Pastor Morning Worship: 10am (In Service and Online Live Stream Worship) Sunday School: 8:45am
Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm www.mtzionla.org
New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 • www.newantiochcogic.org Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis Sunday Early Worship: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Tuesday Bible Study: 11am Wednesday In The Word: 7pm All services streamed: Facebook and YouTube @New Antioch Church of God In Christ ONE LA Potter’s House Church 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • hello@one.online Pastor Touré and Sarah Roberts The ONE Experience Online: Sundays: 7A |9A |11A |1P |6P Thursdays: 5P |8P (PST) @toureroberts @sarahjakesroberts @one.online ONE.ONLINE
FIRST LADY FILES
KAREN A. BROWN
Contributor
Kiara Manuel
Carver Missionary Baptist Church
G“od, you are funny,” were the exact words that ran across Lady Kiara Manuel’s mind when she married her husband, Rev. Darnell Manuel, pastor of Carver Missionary Baptist Church of South Los Angeles, CA, over 10 years ago. Originally from Indio in the Coachella Valley, Lady Kiara is the eldest of three children with three parents (including her bonus Mom and Dad) as preachers of the gospel both in the African Methodist Episcopal and the Baptist denominations. No wonder she never imagined that she would marry a preacher. She had experienced life in ministry her whole life. While ministering as a liturgical praise dancer at the California State Baptist Convention, she met Rev. Manuel, who was the guest preacher. “I praised danced before he preached but I didn’t stay to hear him. I had another engagement. I literally danced and then I left,” Lady Kiara laughs. A couple of years later, they met during another state convention event and soon began dat- ing. The rest is history.
Today, they have been serving in ministry on the corner of Hoover and 51st Street at the Carver Baptist Church for nearly 10 years. In that time, Kiara has watched children that she taught early on, grow up. “It just makes my heart smile. Being able to see people grow has been a great bless- ing,” said Lady Manuel.
The mother of five, including three year old twins, a six year old, an eight year old and an 18 year old, works full-time and says scheduling makes all the difference in her balancing it all,while adding, “I’m learning how to say no to some things”. And to women who are new to the First Lady role, Manuel advises, “Be unapologetically you. Nobody can be you, better than you.”
Park Windsor Baptist Church 1842 W. 108th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 756-3966 • RevTerrellTaylor@sbcglobal.net Rev. Terrell Taylor
Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7:00pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am
Phillips Temple CME Church 973 East 43rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 233-4783
Rev. Dr. Darrell Wesley, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10am Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Online: Facebook.com/ PhillipsTempleCME.LosAngeles St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:30am Sunday classes follow morning service Tues Eve Family Prayer Line: 6:30pm Wednesday Noon: Hour of Power Prayer line Wednesday Bible Study: 6:00pm (Zoom & Facebook) Sunday Exposition of Sunday School Lesson:10am Trinity Baptist Church 2040 W. Jefferson Blvd., L.A., CA 90018 • (323) 735-0044 F: (323) 735-0219• trinitybaptistchurchofla.org Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship Services: 10:30am YouTube: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud Sunday Radio Broadcast KJLH-FM: 9am Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7pm (Meeting ID: 480-271-5449. Or call 1-699-900-6833; give zoom ID Sign-in at 6:55pmrchofla.org
Weller Street Baptist Church 129 S. Gless St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 261-0949 • F: (323)264-6601 • www.wellerstreetlive.com Pastor K.W. Tulloss
Sunday School: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm www.wellerstreetlive.com
West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3600 W. Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 • www.westa.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., Senior Pastor Charles E. Blake II Co-Pastor Sunday Service: 10:00am Sunday Radio Broadcast: KJLH 102.3 FM: 10:00am
Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org
Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus)
Service Time: 10:45 Virtual Worship: Youtube
Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm)
Dr. Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Online Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm FB: GreaterZionChurchFamily IG: GZCFamily www.gzcfamily.com
Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 • www.holychapelbc.com Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Morning Worship: 8:00am Sunday School: 10:30am Wed. Mid-Week Bible Study: 7:00pm Sun. New Members’ Class: 10:45am Communion/1st Sunday: 8:00am Broadcast KALI 900AM - Sun:2-3:00pm
Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5449, Compton, CA 90224
Apostle Ronald C. Hill Sr., Founder/Pastor
Live Stream Sunday Worship:10am/6:30pm Live Stream Bible Studies: Wed 7:30am & 9:00am Live Stream Prayer w /Apostle Hill: Fri: 9am Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact TV Network: Mon-Fri PST 6:30am The Word Network Fridays @ 12:30pm
Church: Calvary Baptist Church, Santa Monica
How Long at church: 4 years
Hometown: Los Angeles Family: Married 30 years to wife Edwina, two adult children
How did you come to be at Calvary? I've been familiar with the church for a number of years. Coincidentally, when my son was in first grade, he attended a school not far from the church and I actually drove by the church every day picking him up. Calvary is a historic church that has thrived and been a beacon in terms of the African American community here in Santa Monica. The church had been in search of a pastor for some years and an interest form was sent to me by a very good friend. I talked about it with my wife and decided to apply. It was actually on September 22, 2018, when I was elected as Calvary's next pastor. What were you doing at the time? I was a school principal, which I still am. What do you think the church needed and how did you fit the bill? Stability and vision. I believe they needed transition into a modern era and I think my management background, my engagement with education and management of other teams in my life having been in private business and in ministry…I think those things have come into great fruition here. Given that Santa Monica is for the most part an upscale, majority white community, are most of your people commuters or do you draw from the community? We do have some folks who still live in Santa Monica. We have a lot of folks who are commuters from as far as Lancaster, Encino, Compton, Carson and L.A. and yes, many have had or have roots in Santa Monica. It was a thriving city for African Americans prior to the 10 freeway coming in. The 10 coming into Santa Monica displaced a number of African-American families. Even now, there are talks about reparations to address that historic issue.
In fact, weren’t many of your own members displaced? I have two members, actually three. One who is 100, one is 101 and another who is 108. My 101 year old member is a deacon who is very much connected in Santa Monica. While the city was segregated to some degree there was opportunity for black folks to thrive. In fact, he was a black business owner and a former Santa Monica city commissioner. He actually has lived through a lot of that history. What is your relationship to the community today? We do draw from the community and one of the things we try to do is make sure we connect by providing opportunities. During the pandemic, we did antibody testing and served over 2000 people who came from all over the community. We've worked with the Pink Journey Foundation to offer free mammograms for the underserved communities as part of our efforts to make these things available. We also work with the county of L.A. relative to foster care and we have a big Juneteenth celebration every year that is open to the community. Another of the ways we have been involved is by staying connected with the various churches and synagogues despite their religious backgrounds. I am a member of the Santa Monica Interfaith Council and I serve as a chaplain for Santa Monica Police Department. Those are a few of t h e ways that we try to remain connected and draw people who live nearby. Calvary has been blessed with a great location… Yes, there's a lot of foot traffic and economic benefits to where we are. We are able to lease out our parking lot to businesses during the day who work with us when there's other activities here at the church. We are also able to serve the community in terms of a multi-functional center. We have also opened our sanctuary for folks who just may want to come inside and pray during the day, and people do take advantage of that. How did you get involved in ministry? My father was a pastor. My grandfather was a pastor. I was a musician. I played for churches and served as a ministry of music for 27 years before I came to Calvary. I always knew in my heart that God had called me to preach and felt that one day I would serve as a pastor. I think I've been in ministry in various ways for many years albeit being supportive with people who I've worked with singing and ministering in prisons with other groups. Over time, I think there was an evolution in my heart that said that this is what God wants me to do and it's probably the most satisfying thing I've done in my life. What were the challenges for you taking over this church? One of the challenges has to do with the unknown. I felt that I was walking into something where I didn't have the clearest picture possible. Of course, some things you figure out as you go along. Calvary is a beautiful building, but it's an old building, so it needs lots of repair and updating and that has been a challenge, but it’s also something I like to do. I consider myself a builder so building things and making them better is something I love. Also, the people here have been through a lot in terms of various pastors and things that have gone on, so they are in a place of growth and finding ways to trust and I think we have come a long way. What have you learned about yourself as you have evolved as a pastor? It has taught me to be as gracious as possible, as patient as possible, as understanding as possible, as generous as possible and the role of pastor has helped me understand putting those things into action on a daily basis. I think it has also taught me to embrace the uncomfortable and to push beyond what I believe my limits are. That area of growth is an ongoing thing for me, and I really, really appreciate the opportunity. What would you say is your biggest strength? I think my secret sauce is loving people. I don't have a boundary or line that I draw based on who you are, what you are or where you've been. It's my job to embrace everyone, and I'm not afraid to do that. Is there anything folks would be surprised to find out about you? They would probably be surprised at my varied pace in activities. I've surfed, raced motorcycles, flown airplanes, written books, produced music. Is there a persistent theme you want to drive home with people on Sundays? Love. You would hear me say very often that “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you...By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, when you have love for one another”–John 13:34-35.
Four to five years in, do you think you are the right fit for this church and if so, why? I do. I believe that I still have energy to get the work done, and my plan is for the next generation. So, the work that I'm doing now, I'm doing so that when I'm no longer here, so that it can continue to grow. What is your five year plan for the church? It is the maximization of our property holdings, the modernization of both of our facilities and the internal growth of our membership. I always say that membership grows from the inside out. And finally, I believe in investing in people and it is the people if they are educated, their growth is cultivated both spiritually and physically. That is how we build a sustainable ministry program that lasts beyond me.
Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:00pm Bible Study (Wed): Noon & 7:00pm BET/Fresh Oil (Wed): 7:00am
The Liberty Church 4725 S. Gramercy Place, Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 715-8400
Pastor David W. Cross
Morning Worship/Livestream:10:00 am Hispanic Ministry Worship/Livestream:12Noon Word Power Wednesday/Livestream: 7:00pm The CROSSWORD with Pastor Cross: YouTube
Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc. 1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90302 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760
Atherton Baptist Church In Hawthorne 2627 W. 116th Street Hawthorne,CA 90250 (323) 757-3113 • www.athertonbc.org F: 323-757-8772 • athertonbaptist@sbcglobal.net Pastor Larry Weaver
Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00 & 11:00 am Sunday Bible Enrichment Class: 9:45am Mon.-Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12:30pm & 7:00pm
Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org
Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford
In Inglewood
Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer:
5am, Noon & 7:00pm
Wednesday Pathway: 7:00pm Thurs Bible Study: 10:00am
Sat Marriage & Family Prayer: 7:30am
Blessed Family Covenant Church 325 North Hillcrest Blvd, Inglewood, CA, 90301 (310)-674-0303 • F: (310)-674-0303
Pastor Wendy Howlett
Sunday Morning Worship & Word: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study: 7:00pm View Sunday Worship: www.youtube.com (Under Blessed Family Covenant Church)
www.blessedfamilycovenant.org
Center of Hope LA 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 #centerofhope•#cohla•Info@GO2HOPE.com Give: Text COHLA to (833) 246-7144
Pastor Geremy L. Dixon
Service Times: 8:00am & 10:00am Watch Via: Facebook|YouTube|Live Stream Closer To People...Closer To God! www.GO2Hope.com
Faithful Central Bible Church 333 W. Florence Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035
Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher
Sunday Services: 7:00 am & 9:30am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7:00pm The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood www.faithfulcentral.com
Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr.
Sunday Fresh Start & Prayer 9:00am Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7:00pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm www.jacobladderschurch.com
