L.A. Focus On The Word October 2016 Issue

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VOLUME >>

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October

L.A. FOCUS

L A F O C U S N E W S PA P E R

PAGE 15

Chrisette Michele Leads All Star Cast of Love Jones..The Musical PAGE 17

SEE PAGE

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Inside Hollywood: Mary J. Blige Husband Seeks Spousal Support PAGE 34

BALLOT 2016

READING THE FINE PRINT IN CALIFORNIA’S CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSITIONS Sex, Drugs, Guns & Death Are All On The Slate SAVING GRACE: Queen Sugar’s Kofi Soriboe

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contents

L.A. Focus Publication

October 2016

­ eft:­Oprah­Winfrey­and­Will­Smith­speak­at­the­grand­opening­ceremony­of­the­Smithsonian­National­Museum­of­African­American­History­and­Culture;Center:­Cedric­The L Entertainer­Led­a­Call-To-Action­March­&­Rally­to­Invoke­Positive­Social­&­Political­Change;­Right:Ma­Reiney’s­Black­Bottom­playing­at­The­Mark­Taper­Forum­

Commentary

5 From The Editor

Inciting Violence is a White Male Privilege

Upfront

16 17 Inside Hollywood

Red Carpet Style 2016 Emmy Awards

Mary J. Blige Divorce Turns Ugly;Gabourey Sidibe Flaunts Slimmer Figure

7 One On One Head to Head 8 Headlines From Africa 18Calendar/Around LA Eye On Gospel Cover Story 21 9 Through The Storm Feature Story 23 10 Church News Money Matters 24 13 Biz News Briefs First Lady Files 25 Entertainment Extra Pastor Profile 15 26 Intense Scrutiny Leads to More Police Arrests, Conviction; Blacks “Come Out” For Trump, Believe He’s Making Headway

Kevin Hart

On Colin Kaepernick & Black Lives Matter

Dissecting the Obama Legacy & The Factors That Determine How History Will View Him

Ballot 2016 Reading The Fine Print In California’s Controversial Propositions Sex, Drugs & Death Are All On The Slate

Taraji P. Henson Starts Empire of Her Own; Oprah Winfrey’s Losses With Weight Watchers

Sandra Tunstill-Trinity Baptist Church

Chrisette Michelle Heads All Star Cast of Love Jones..The Musical

Reuben Ford—First AME By The Sea

Lisa Collins Ashley Reynolds

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly

Contributors Photographer Advertising Editorial Assistant

Dawn Strozier, Antracia Moorings, Emma Gannon Ian Foxx, Rickey Brown Kisha Smith Leatha Davis Jamara Bernard

L.A. Focus–On the Word, is published monthly.

Address all correspondence to: L.A. Focus, 333 W. Florence Ave., Suite C333 Inglewood, CA 90301 • (310) 677-6011 Fax: (310) 677-2338 Subscription rates $25.00 per year.

Copyright, January 1995 by L.A. Focus :uscripts/photographs are not accepted, nor shall any responsibility for them be assumed.

Correction:The­Church­of­Christian­Fellowship­was incorrectly­credited­with­the­sermon­for­July­2016.­The sermon­should­have­been­credited­to­Mt­Moriah Missonary­Baptist­Church.

Carla Hall

With Dawn Stroizer

Kofi Soriboe

Mother And Daughter Battle Cancer At The Same Time

Larry Elder debates Roland Martin at Faithful Central; Another move for Maranatha

staff

Pastor Warryn Campbell- California Worship Center

Yolanda Adams Returns to Radio: Bishop Paul S. Morton to Release Final Solo Album

Funding a Home for the Priceless

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers

27 30In Good Taste 33 Finding Your Pretty Saving Grace 34 From The Pulpit

Crawford Marc T. Little

Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co. Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church Law Offices of Marc T. Little

honorary advisors Bishop Charles Blake Bishop Noel Jones Paradise Baptist Church Dr. Aaron D. Iverson Southern MBC Rev. Xavier L. Thompson F. A.M.E. Church Dr. Cecil Murray Faithful Central Bible Church Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Rev. Melvin Wade Mt. Zion MBC Rev. E.V. Hill II West Angeles C.O.G.I.C.

City of Refuge

Michelle & Barack Obama attended the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Gala for the last time as the President and First Lady last month.

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Commentary

David A. Love Guest­Columnist

Inciting Violence is a White Male Privilege hen you are a white man in America, you can say what you want and, apparently, even incite violence.

Case in point: Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin.

In an election season where white conservative Trump supporters have been known to increase the intensity of hateful, violent rhetoric, Bevin may have outdone most of them by announcing that if Hillary Clinton wins the presidency, conservatives will have to resort to physical violence in order to protect their values. This is just the latest incitement to violence by a radical white man.

And given that some in the media (esp. cable news) have failed to condemn these people and hold their feet to the fire, it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

“I want us to be able to fight ideologically, mentally, spiritually, economically, so that we don’t have to do it physically,” Bevin said at the Values Voter Summit in Washington. “But that may, in fact, be the case.”

“The roots of the tree of liberty are watered by what? The blood. Of who? The tyrants to be sure, but who else? The patriots,” he continued. “Whose blood will be shed? It may be that of those in this room. It might be that of our children and grandchildren. I have nine children. It breaks my heart to think that it might be their blood that is needed to redeem something, to reclaim something, that we through our apathy and our indifference have given away. Don’t let it happen.”

The Tea Party-endorsed governor — who only came to office this year and was already ranked the fourth worst governor in America, in the midst of an ethics lawsuit and calls for his impeachment – decided to clean up his words and claim he was talking about military service. But for the angry white voters Bevin is reaching — the angry white folks who want to “Make America Great Again” — this kind of talk is exactly what they want to hear. They know what he meant the first time around.

And since Donald Trump arrived on the political scene, he has empowered white nationalists, white supremacists, neo-Nazis and Klan members alike to be themselves and say and do what they please.

That is a fact.

Washing their hands of all this political correctness and allowing people of color to be citizens, they have been smelling themselves these days. Just ask David Duke, the former KKK leader-turned-Senate candidate in Louisiana who wholeheartedly endorsed Trump and told other whites that not backing the GOP nominee “is really treason to your heritage.” Duke aptly pointed out that his voters and Trump support-

W

From the Editor

ers are the same. Trump claimed he had never heard of Duke, while running mate Mike Pence refused to call Duke “deplorable.” This, as white power groups do robocalls and get out the hate vote for Trump.

For Trump, this is nothing new. Back in 1989, when five black and Latino kids were falsely arrested and convicted for the rape of a white woman in Central Park, he put out a full-page ad in four New York newspapers calling for the return of the death penalty. And more recently, he made his bones in right-wing political circles by championing the Birther movement and questioning the authenticity of President Obama’s birth certificate.

Meanwhile, Trump has stoked the flames of racial violence at his campaign rallies by encouraging physical attacks and the use of force against Black Lives Matter protesters. At one point he even said “I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose voters.”

Further, Trump has placed race baiters, mudslingers and hate groups in his inner circle. He made Steve Bannon, executive chairman of Breitbart News, his campaign manager, placing the white nationalist ”alt-right” movement front and center in the Trump campaign. For those who don’t know, the so-called alt-right is like a dude-bro version of the Klan. They believe Fox News doesn’t go far enough. And by the way, Trump also has as his advisor Roger Ailes. Ailes, the man who made Fox News what it is today — an inhospitable environment for black folks, save those who don’t wear handkerchiefs — gave Nixon the presidency through a “law and order” campaign that channeled white fear of black criminals.

Trump and his followers get away with it because many in the predominantly white mainstream media have legitimized this man. His campaign is like a reality show to them, a form of entertainment that boosts ratings. Add to that the reality that white men are allowed to say and do what they will in this society, without consequences. Imagine how white America or the media would react if Colin Kaepernick, or any black man, said what Gov. Bevin just uttered. After all, Kaepernick was branded a criminal and a traitor for merely kneeling during the national anthem.

If they talk like the Klan, chances are they are the Klan. And like the Jim Crow days, the white-collar Klansmen politicians give the orders to kill but keep their hands clean, while the white-hooded Klan will oblige them every time. It’s their privilege, because it’s their whiteness.

David­A.­Love­is­a­writer­and­human­rights­activist­based­in­Philadelphia.­He­is­a­contributor­to­theGrio,­CNN,­The­Guardian­and­the­Progressive­Media­Project

LISA COLLINS Publisher

17 More Reasons For You To Vote

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like us—and are mindful of our concerns and issues — in both the Democratic and Republican camps.

Finally, are we finally as a group becoming mature enough to respect the choices of others.

Being an independent with more conservative than liberal leanings, I found what they had to say very compelling and encourage you to check it out on page 7.

Of course, with this election, President Obama has made it clear that his legacy is on the line, and legacy seems to be one of things most of his mind. What it will be is yet to be determined, but writer Antracia Moorings examines the key factors on page 9.

One of those factors is tied to the recent racial unrest. Ironically, about a month ago, I was speaking to a friend about how much technology had changed our lives and we were both remembering back to a time when there were no cell phones, and if your car broke down on the side of the road, you could be so easily fall victim to any number of bad things including several noted serial killers who preyed on stranded motorists.

Who would have thought that with the death last month of Terrence Crutcher in Tulsa that if you’re a black man you have to be careful of the police coming to your aid. That said, things have changed with the protests surrounding the shooting of unarmed black men and the heat that is on police departments around the nation as a result of the marching as well as the unrest.

So much so that I believe that had Trayvon Martin been shot last month instead of four years ago, George Zimmerman would have most surely been convicted as in the years since White America has been awakened to the realities of being a young black man where the police are concerned. The news has been wrought with such images and though the number of convictions pale in comparison to the rising number of police who have been arrested, minds have been changed, inequities unearthed, new policies been born and accountability increased.

There is good reason to keep the faith.

L.A. Focus/October­2016­

I’m the first to say that I’m not the least bit excited about the presidential election, with new revelations surfacing about Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton nearly every other day. At times, I’ve felt like Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson, when asked —while being interviewed on ABC’s “The View”, if he had a gun to his head and had to vote for someone, what would he do. He replied, “I would blow my brains out.”

Nonetheless, what I am excited about is the very real possibility of California Attorney General Kamala Harris becoming the first black to represent the state of California in the United States Senate. But even more than that, for the first time in my life, I am itching to get to the polls to pull the lever on a lot of the propositions on this year’s ballot.

Propositions have never been my thing. Not that I haven’t freely voted them up or down in past elections, but it was never more than a matter of duty while in the voting booth and if I didn’t know anything about them I’m one of the many that mark no.

But with this year’s high profile and controversial propositions (see our feature story beginning on page 10), all that has changed.

I can’t wait to cast my vote for repealing the ridiculous 10¢ paper bag tax that I’m reminded of nearly every time I go to the grocery store. I can’t wait to say no to recreational marijuana. And I can’t wait to cast a yes vote for the proposition that will guarantee a price ceiling on prescriptions (some for lifesaving medications) that bankrupt many of those with devastating diseases and or those who are living on fixed incomes. And I can’t wait to vote down a proposed $2 tax on a package of cigarettes.

Although I don’t smoke, I think the fact that they lead to lung cancer, emphysema and all whole lot of other health ailments should be punishment enough.

I could go down the list of the 17 propositions on this November ballot, but instead I want to admonish you to read our feature story starting on page 10 to find out more about the initiatives, that if passed, are sure to impact your life in more ways than one.

Moving on to the main event, I don’t know if it’s just me but I am constantly surprised at the number of black Americans who are coming out publicly for Trump, so I welcomed the idea of a feature on just who they were and then decided to write it myself.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t begrudge anyone’s choice for president and have a problem, generally speaking, with those who do. For me, it’s more a curiousity about three things. One, have we finally gotten to the point where blacks are not fearing as much the reprisals that traditionally follow when they reveal themselves as Republican or conservative. Two, have we finally understood that we need to have people who look

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UpFront L

Intense Scrutiny Leads To More Police Arrests, Convictions Lag Behind

ess than a week after he was shot and before the ink was dry on a preliminary police investigation into the September 16 shooting of Terence Crutcher, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler filed a first degree “heat of passion” manslaughter charge against Tulsa Police officer Betty Shelby. As shown on video, the unarmed black man had been shot as he stood beside his stalled SUV. Michael Slager is set to be tried for murder on October 31 in the April 2015 shooting of an unarmed Walter Scott who was running away from the officer when he was shot five times in the back all of which was captured on video.

Baltimore District Attorney Marilyn Mosby was accused of a rush to justice when she indicted six officers in connection with the April 12 arrest of Freddie Gray, who sustained fatal neck injuries in the back of a police van Last December, Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke was charged with first degree murder in the 2014 death of Laquan McDonald—who was riddled with 16 bullets while walking away from police.

And in August, Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson moved to fire four patrol officers and a sergeant he accused of lying about the shooting that happened two years ago and commanded national attention with the release of the controversial video that led to public outrage one year later.

Experts estimate that of the roughly 1,000 fatal shootings each year, under a dozen result in police being charged with manslaughter or murder and while number of officers charged has increased, convictions have not.

All six police officers indicted by Mosby went free and while police abuse was center stage last year, the number of officers convicted of murder or manslaughter for fatally shooting a civilian in the line of duty was zero, according to a January 2016 Huffington Post report.

Noted criminologist Philip Stinson maintains that in the years from 2005 -

2014 no judge convicted an officer of murder or manslaughter while using lethal force in the line of duty and that just 48 on-duty officers have been charged for murder or manslaughter.

With accountability elusive and cell phone footage continuing to expose police abuse, frustrations have swelled as witnessed by the growth of movements like Black Lives Matter and riots like those in the cities of Baltimore and most recently, Charlotte.

“I’m scared for my life,” said one protester at a hearing on police procedures in the wake of the Philando Castile shooting. “Every time I’m stopped by the police, I fear that something can go wrong.”

The Minnesota officer who shot Philando Castile—whose fiancé, Diamond Reynolds, video taped the aftermath of the July 6 encounter from the driver’s seat— remains on leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

Observers, however, say they have good reason to believe that will change with the continued public outcry and increased scrutiny of how such cases are handled.

They point out that with public outcry has come more dash cam and body cam videos. Public outcry has led to more officers going to trial. It was public outcry that led to the release of dash cam and body video in the recent shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott after the police

News Briefs KISHA SMITH Contributor

chief and Mayor had at first refused to release it. And with public outcry, activists believe, will come more convictions.

Last year, LAPD Officer Mary O'Callaghan, who was charged with assault in connection with the death of Alesia Thomas, was sentenced to 36 months in jail.

In a statement following the sentencing, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said, “It should be clear to everyone that the LAPD and the criminal justice system will hold officers accountable for their actions when they operate outside the law.”

Video evidence at trial underscored the value of monitoring police encounters with patrol and body cameras, a move California Attorney General Kamala Harris has dubbed as “a game changer” in holding law enforcement accountable.

Stinson also believes that cell phone video and police body cameras may have produced a tipping point, leading the public to take a more critical view of police actions.

For years, the standard for reasonable force has been set by police officers in accordance with the landmark Supreme Court Case—Graham vs.

Connor— that establishes that “use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight.” The ruling also cautions against judging police too harshly for split-second decisions made in “tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving” situations.

While the mainstream public have become more aware of police brutality, attorneys like Brian Dunn of the Cochran Firm say they are still not seeing significant change in the way police officers are behaving.

“The extent to which officers shoot first and ask questions later is at an all time high,” Dunn told L.A. Focus earlier this year. “They’re shooting people that could be apprehended in numerous other ways than with a gun.”

Protests and uprisings around the continued­to­page­28

Blacks “Come Out” For Trump, Believe He’s Making Headway

Trump with Don King

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Editor­In­Chief

well,” said Omarosa Manigault, who appeared on the first season of “The Apprentice” and is presently serving as Trump’s director of African American Outreach.

“There is a whole movement in the Democratic party of African-Americans like myself, and just Democrats, who have changed party affiliation because they want to see him become the next President of the United States.”

Marc Little, attorney, minister and author of The Prodigal Republican: Faith & Politics agrees.

“The national polls show that blacks are listening to Donald Trump. He is the first Republican candidate to care enough to court the black vote and blacks should be paying attention whether they think he’s a viable candidate or not. Our inner cities have been led by elected liberal Democrats and they have virtually remained impoverished riddled with crime and failing schools for decades. For a Republican candidate to ask for the black vote is a “new thing. continued­to­page­28

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris applauded Governor Brown for signing Assembly Bill 2524, the Open Justice Data Act of 2016. Introduced by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, the new law will digitally convert the Crime in California and other California Department of Justice’s annual reports into readable data that will be published on the Attorney General’s Open Justice public website.

“Data and technology have the power to dramatically increase transparency and accountability in our criminal justice system,” said Harris, who co-sponsored the legislation.

"Right now we are sitting on mountains of valuable criminal justice data that local law enforcement work hard to provide in the public interest. We need to make sure that this information is available to the public and that we are using it effectively,” said Assemblymember Irwin.

The Open Justice Data Act aims to improve accountability and transparency in California’s criminal justice system. Newly published reports will feature statistical crime summaries for the state; including the number of arrests, complaints against peace officers, hate crime offenses, and law enforcement officers killed or assaulted. Harris first launched the Open Justice initiative in 2015 in hopes of improving community relationships with law enforcement and enhancing government accountability.

Support for Kaepernick Continues To Grow Last month, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became one of a growing number of sports figures coming to the defense of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, maintaining that he is behaving in a “highly patriotic manner that should make Americans proud”.

In an op-ed piece for the Washington Post, the basketball legend wrote, “Patriotism isn’t just getting teary-eyed on the Fourth of July or choked up at war memorials. It’s supporting what the Fourth of July celebrates and what those war memorials commemorate.

When the government fails in those obligations, it is the responsibility of patriots to speak up and remind them of their duty.”

Kaepernick began making headlines in August for his protest against police brutality, refusing to stand during the national anthem, instead sitting on the sidelines or more recently taking to one knee. In the weeks since, support for the 28-year old athlete has swelled across the NFL with players for the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams as well as his own teammates either kneeling, raising their fists or locking arms during the anthem. With the recent police shootings, even more athletes from around the sports world—from basketball to soccer star Megan Rapinoe and tennis champion Serena Williams—are speaking out against police brutality.

“There’s a lot of racism disguised as patriotism in this country, and people don’t like to address that...they don’t like to address what the root of this protest is,” s a i d Kaepernick, who says he will donate $100,000 a month to ten organizations over the next ten months.

L.A. Focus/October­2016

onald Trump’s high profile visit last month to a Detroit church turned the spotlight on the billionaire businessman’s efforts to court black voters. In the weeks since statements regarding the black community have led many to question whether or not he’s making any headway and just who might be listening.

Earlier this year, most polls showed Donald Trump receiving just 1% of the black vote, but recent polls show that his numbers among black voters are up—as much as 16 points in one, while the bulk

of the polls, including Reuters and the Wall Street Journal, put him between 4.9% and 7%.

“Blacks are leaving the Democrat plantation in mass,” read one tweet at #BlacksforTrump. Another tweet showed a group of young blacks at a graduation with the caption, “This BasketOfDeplorables loves you President #Trump”. Yet another tweet read, “If you want food stamps, vote Democrat. If you want a paycheck, vote Republican”.

Last month, Trump himself tweeted, “To the African-American community: The Democrats have failed you for fifty years, high crime, poor schools, no jobs. I will fix it.

“Mr. Trump is focusing on school choice, on creating training opportunities, on making sure that particularly young African American men in the community who are suffering the most, who are under 30, who don’t have jobs – 65 percent of them are unemployed – he wants to make sure they have the training opportunities they need, and that they have educational opportunities, as

LISA COLLINS

Kamala Harris’ Open Justice Data Act Is Signed Into Law

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Head to Head: On Colin Kaepernick & Black Lives Matter ecent polls find a majority of always happened, and it only Colin Americans believe that "race got worse as I got older and relations," since the election Kaepernick's taller. It didn't matter how of the first black president, Fight Against close I stood to my family, have gotten worse, not better. somebody would walk up to 'Racism' Colin Kaepernick, a National me, a real nervous manager, Football League quarterback, is Exhibit A and say: 'Excuse me. Is there something I for why so many people feel this way. can help you with?'" Oh, the humanity!

Kaepernick signed a $114 million six- Move over, Jackie Robinson. year contract in 2014, with $61 million Men and women of all colors, ethnicities guaranteed. Like President Barack Obama, and races have died for the flag and the he is biracial, with a black biological father national anthem that Kaepernick refuses and white biological mother. to honor. How many Obama's father left his wife and toddler veterans — some son, and from the age of 10, Obama was wounded — watch or raised by his white paternal grandparents. attend football games Kaepernick's biological father abandoned only to see their sacrihis pregnant mother, who put him up for fice disrespected by adoption. Kaepernick was adopted by a Kaepernick?

How white couple. A standout athlete in basket- many soldiers who ball, baseball and football, Kaepernick were football fans now chose to pursue football, making it all the lay dead and buried? way to the NFL as a quarterback for the K a e p e r n i c k Larry Elder San Francisco 49ers, one of the most sto- defenders say that he ried franchises. has a First Amendment right to protest the A blessed life, no? Well, apparently not. national anthem. The First Amendment Kaepernick, to show solidarity with the prohibits government from unduly restrictBlack Lives Matter movement and to make ing political speech. The NFL is a private a stand against "oppression," has chosen organization. The NBA, for example, not to stand for the national anthem. He requires players to stand for the national said that officers who committed "murder" anthem. The NFL does not, leaving it up to have been placed on administrative leave. the players. Good thing Kaepernick chose The first problem with Kaepernick's football. So, as protests go, Kaepernick "protest" is that the Black Lives Matter risks very little. Sure, his popularity has movement, launched after the death of taken a hit, with some fans having taken to black suspect Michael Brown of Ferguson, burning his jersey. But he's guaranteed Missouri, is based on a lie. Contrary to the millions, no matter what. story told by the lying friend who was with Contrast this "protest" with that of forBrown when he was killed by an officer, mer Major League Baseball player Curt Brown did not have his hands up and did Flood. Nearly 50 years ago, Flood, a black not say, "Don't shoot." Both the grand jury player, courageously challenged baseball's and Department of Justice investigation infamous "reserve clause" that tied a playfound that the officer who shot Brown acted er to a team until the team no longer wantlawfully and had reasonable fear for his ed that player. Flood's team traded him, life. and he refused to go, arguing that he was Still, a "movement" was launched. not "a piece of property to be bought or According to the Centers for Disease sold" by his team with no say-so.

Control, police officer killings of blacks are Flood fought all the way to the Supreme down 75 percent over the last 47 years. Court, before eventually losing. Flood Compared with blacks, twice as many became a league pariah and even, for a whites are killed by cops. True, blacks rep- time, engendered the animosity of baseball resent about 25 percent of those shot by the fans. His career was effectively over as a police, and the black population is just 13 result of the years-long losing fight. But his percent, but this has to do with higher protest forced the MLB (followed by nationrates of offending. al league football, hockey and basketball) As for Kaepernick, did he live a life com- into granting players free agency, which promised by racism and oppression? In an led directly to the rich contracts today's interview, he once talked about how on professional athletes, like Colin family vacations, when his parents and sib- Kaepernick, enjoy. lings checked into a motel, inevitably, "in One might think that an athlete like the lobby of every motel, the same thing Elder­continued­to­page­29

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Headlines From Africa Central African Republic: With no toilets the Central African Republic’s Monkey Island, suffers from dire sanitation conditions and a lack of basic hygiene, which has fueled a recent cholera outbreak that has left 19 people dead. Health workers visit the area four times a week in an effort to contain the disease and educate residents on hygiene issues.

Ethiopia: Ethiopian officials have launched a $500 million project to build two industrial parks that will create 100,000 jobs in response to its refugee problem. Ethiopia hosts the largest number of refugees (over 700,000) on the continent of Africa.

L.A. Focus/October­2016

Gabon: The decision of who would rule the nation as president was in the hands of the nation’s constitutional court after a wildly disputed election that has sparked violent protests. While incumbent President Ali Bongo was declared the winner of the August 27 election by a margin of fewer than 6,000 votes, his opponent Jean Ping filed a legal challenge charging that the vote was fraudulent and demanding a recount. The ballots, however, had been burned.

Ghana: A group of students and academics at the Ghana University are demanding the removal of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, accusing him of racism. Students and teachers argue that Gandhi's reference to black Africans as "kaffir", a derogatory term in some of his early writings reflected his 'racist' mindset. The students and teachers have also launched an online petition, asking authorities to facilitate "the removal of the statue of Gandhi".

Kenya: Hundreds of journalists took to the streets of Mombasa to protests persistent attacks against journalists and free expression. Since 1998 at least six journalists have died under mysterious circumstances in Mombasa.

Journalists in Kenya have worked to expose rampant corruption in government and many see these attacks as a backlash from those that have been implicated in these reports.

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Nigeria: In what is becoming a critical humanitarian crisis, the cumulative effects of seven years of terrorism at the hands of Boko Haram have led to starvation and the threat of famine. Whole villages and towns in desperate need of assistance are out of reach because of insecurity and fighting. An estimated 2.6 million people forced from their homes.

merica has a history of Gabbert.

How Black Lives taking black athletes Then, after two preseaMatter Saved who stand up for black son games in which Gabbert rights and blackballing them. Colin Kaepernick’s took most of the snaps, See 1968 Olympians Tommie Kaepernick sat during the Career Smith and John Carlos, national anthem. whose black-gloved fists set off a butterfly When asked about his protest, effect of good ole down-home racism and Kaepernick noted that he couldn’t ignore death threats against both of their fami- issues of overpolicing in black communilies. ties.

See former NBA players Craig Hodges “I am not going to stand up to show and Mahmoud Abdul Rauf. Hodges could- pride in a flag for a country that oppresses n’t even get a tryout black people and people of color,” he said. after he used his posi- “To me, this is bigger than football and it tion to ask then- would be selfish on my part to look the George other way. There are bodies in the street President H.W. Bush to help and people getting paid leave and getting black communities. away with murder.”

And Rauf’s Shortly after his protest, like the great Mississippi home was martial arts legend Sho’nuff before him, burned to the ground Kaepernick became electric. His Afro grew after he protested the to epic heights. His words on police brutalStephen A. national anthem ity were succinct and pointed. His jersey Crockett Jr. because of religious became the highest-selling jersey in the beliefs. Both Hodges and Rauf were in the NFL. If there was any doubt where prime of their careers when America Kaepernick stood before his protest, there turned its back on them. Hodges was was no doubt after. forced to retire, and Rauf went from being I don’t believe that Kaepernick thought one of the NBA’s most electrifying guards about his career when he took a stand. In to playing overseas at just 29. fact, historically, he would have been sealSo how did Colin Kaepernick, a highly ing his fate by taking a stand. Hodges and paid, often injured, now backup quarter- Rauf where both in the prime of their back end up securing his position with the careers when they protested and were subSan Francisco 49ers after he took a knee sequently blackballed by the NBA. during the national anthem?

Kaepernick simply did what he believed The Black Lives Matter movement, was right, and sometimes being right has that’s how. unforeseen consequences.

For all the old fogies who argue that By protesting, Kaepernick firmly the disruptive nature of BLM protest is placed himself in the Black Lives Matter not the way to implement social change, I camp, and in doing so, he brought with argue that Kaepernick is the direct effect him the force of those who are willing to of that change. Before Kaepernick’s move on your stadium. This is not a group protest, he was on the bubble, at best, for of namby-pamby protesters who don’t securing a spot on the team. He was com- believe in the power of their voice. Like the ing off a disappointing 2015 season in Montgomery, Ala., bus boycotters before which he was benched when he was them, they are willing to be as disruptive healthy and placed at season’s end on the as the law will allow. They will march, injured-reserve list. shout, barricade. They will lock arms and All signs pointed to Kaepernick being join forces. They will make sure that their cut or traded in 2016. In fact, talks collective voice is heard. between the 49ers and other teams were Does Kaepernick care about his football rumored to be in the works during the off- life? Not as much as he cares about the season. Nothing came of it, and in 2016 Movement for Black Lives. His protest is Blaine Gabbert, who took over for pure. The aftermath is about money Kaepernick after week 8 of the 2015 sea- because everything—no matter what they son and is 8-27 as an NFL quarterback, tell you—is always, always about money. was reported to be in a competition with Does the 49ers brass care about the Kaepernick for the starting job. An Movement for Black Lives? Who knows. unhealthy Kaepernick coming off of a bad What they do care about, and what they year is still light years better than didn’t want to risk in cutting him, is the

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Crockett­continued­to­page­28

A look at current news from the continent of Africa Sierra Leone: The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has awarded an $856,000 grant to Solar Era Holdings to help fund new plants that will support more dependable power generation and improve energy access in Sierra Leone.

Senegal: The African Development Bank (AFDB) has committed to USD 1.4 billion in funding for agriculture and infrastructure in Senegal over a five-year period, by approving the Country Strategy Paper for 2016 to 2020. The plan targets the “agricultural transformation” in Senegal and the strengthening of its energy and transport infrastructure, including agribusiness and finishing, regional logistics and industry and energy and transport.

South Africa: Rising tuition fees at universities in South Africa have triggered protests. Officials grappling with serious funding issues have said they would cap the increase at eight percent, but demonstrations since last year over the cost of university education have highlighted frustration at the inequalities that persist more than two decades after the 1994 end of white minority rule.

Tanzania: A team of geologists from Japan and England will arrive in the country soon to study the cause of the September 10 earthquake in Kagera Region that claimed the lives of at least 19 people and injured over 300. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa also reported that 2,063 houses were destroyed among many badly damaged buildings rendering 126, 315 homeless.

Uganda: Gay rights activists attempted to host a gay pride event but it was quickly shut down by police. The celebration was short-lived as 100 people were forced to return to Kampala. Uganda is one of at least 34 African countries where homosexuality is illegal, with mandatory sentences of life in prison for anyone engaging in sexual intercourse “against the order of nature.”

Zimbabwe: Speaking at the annual opening debate of the United Nations General Assembly last month, embattled President Robert Mugabe asked that the UN remove sanctions he dubbed as illegal and unjustified against his nation and its people, maintaining that they were a major stumbling block to his nation’s development.

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Dissecting The Obama Legacy: & the Factors That Determine How History Will View Him ANTRACIA MOORINGS Contributor The 2016 election season is in full swing and while President Barack Obama has been stumping for Hillary Clinton in addition—there’s seems to be just one thing on his mind: his legacy. And the truth of the matter is getting Hillary Clinton elected just might ensure it.

As he addressed the Congressional Black Caucus for the last time at their annual awards gala, Obama admonished, "I will consider it a personal insult—an insult to my legacy—if this community lets down its guard and fails to activate itself in this election. You want to give me a good sendoff? Go vote."

He went on to say, “When we began this journey coming on 10 years now, we said this was not about us. It wasn’t just to be a black President, or the President of black America… Together, we fought our way back from the worst recession in 80 years, turned an economy that was in free fall, helped our businesses create more than 15 million new jobs. We declared that health care is not a privilege for a few, but a right for everybody—secured coverage for another 20 million Americans, including another three million African Americans. Our high school graduation rate is at an all-time high, including for African-American students. More African-Americans are graduating from college than ever before.”

These final months mark a season of reflection for the two-term president. Alas, what Obama’s legacy will be is not up to him and in most cases, will depend on who you ask.

The one thing all agree on is his place in history as America’s first black president.

Here are some key points that mark Obama’s presidency and will contribute to

how he is remembered: Obamacare: Formally known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Obamacare— arguably one of President Obama’s biggest acheivements was signed into law to reform the health care industry by Obama on March 23, 2010 and upheld by the Supreme Court on June 28, 2012. Pushing the ACA through the system didn’t come without a fight, but even with the opposition, nearly a million people signed up for health insurance under ACA even after the official enrollment season ended. ACA sign-ups helped to drive the number of uninsured Americans below 10 percent.

Race Relations: While Obama is the ultimate evidence of how far this nation has come in its election of the first black president, the years since have been somewaht polarizing the biggest factor being the shootings of unarmed blacks and the violent protests that have followed. The last two years alone have seen a parade of names and faces of black men on the news who have been killed at the hands of the police and whose deaths sparked a national outcry, including Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Ezell Ford, Tamir Rice, Walter Scott and Freddie Gray. Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of U.S. Voters think race relations are worse since Obama took office eight years ago. That’s an 18-point increase from 42% in late 2014 and up from 43% when the survey given in August 2013. Just nine percent (9%) believe race relations have improved.

Gay Marriage: The issue of gay marriage has been a hot button topic for Obama.

During his first term, he consistently sup-

ported civil rights for gay couples such as hospital visitation, transfer of property and Social Security benefits but not gay marriage. He’s called same-sex marriage against his religious beliefs, lacking strategy and something that should be determined by churches rather than government. But during his second term, Obama had a change of heart. In a 2012 interview with ABC News he said, “I've just concluded that—for me personally, it is important to go ahead and affirm that—I think samesex couples should be able to get married.

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 U.S. states.

The economy: Ever since Obama took office in 2008, there has been much speculation about how the economy has done over the course of his two terms in office.

The Obama administration began in the midst of massive layoffs from the Great Recession. But numbers show there has been a job market turnaround. Overall employment is about 7 percent higher than when he took office. With just months left in Obama’s presidency, the economy continues to expand—slowly. As of the first quarter of 2016, the economy was nearly 15 percent bigger than when the president took office in 2008, adjusted for inflation.

“After the worst recession in 80 years, we’ve fought our way back,” says Obama.

“We’ve seen deficits come down, 401(k)s recover, an auto industry set new records, unemployment reach eight-year lows, and our businesses create 15 million new jobs.”

The Rise of Isis: While Obama will go down in history as the President who

brought down Bin Laden, he will go down as well as the president on whose watch, Isis grew into an internationally known and reviled terrorist group. In his defense, Obama is quick to cite, “There isn’t a president who’s taken more terrorists off the field than me, over the last seven and a half years. I’m the guy who calls the families, or meets with them, or hugs them, or tries to comfort a mom, or a dad, or a husband, or a kid, after a terrorist attack. So, let’s be very clear about how much I prioritize this. This is my No. 1 job." Obama has launched more than 500 strikes in those three countries, killing anywhere between 2,700 and 4,000 militants.

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BALLOT 2016

READING THE FINE PRINT IN CALIFORNIA’S CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSITIONS Sex, Drugs, Guns & Death

Are All On The Slate

he­ main­ event­ on the­November­ballot­ may­ be­ the match­ up­ between Hillary­ Clinton­ and Donald­ Trump,­ but there­ is­ a­ great­ deal­ of reason­ to­ be­ just­ as­ concerned­ about­ the­ undercard—those­ propositions and­ measures­ most­ don’t pay­ attention­ to­ until they’re­ in­ the­ ballot­ box and­ can’t­ make­ heads­ or tails­of­them.­

T

L.A. Focus/October­2016

Well this year, one would be wise to pay attention to just what’s in the fine print of those propositions on this November ballot, a great deal of which might give one pause or in at least a couple of cases, celebration. Fact is, while a great many of them are guaranteed to impact the daily lives of Californians, it has got to be one of the most controversial group of propositions California has ever had.

“Sex, drugs, guns, death,” is how one political scientist summed up the 17 propositions that will appear on the ballot. The drugs being prop 61, the sex (prop 60), guns (prop 63) and death (props 62 and 66). But he left out money and a lot of it has been raised to either pass or defeat some of the

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more controversial measures.

Drug companies are reported to have spent close to $70 million to d e f e a t proposition 61

which would limit prescription drug prices, while billionaire Tom Steyer sponsored the initiative to raise cigarette taxes.

What is clear is that from the 10¢ paper bag tax some of you have been chomping at the bit to repeal to those of you who want to legalize the use of marijuana recreationally for those over 21, there’s a little something for everybody with this mixed bag of hot button issues.

Seniors and those battling expensive diseases would welcome the passage of prop 61, while death row inmates—and the families of them—would love to see prop 62 succeed and the death penalty be repealed. Of course, if you’re a fan of the death penalty, than prop 66 —which speeds up the death penalty—is more your cup of tea.

“A blunderbuss effort” that would allow wealthy districts to cut in line before low-income

communities, is how Gov. Jerry Brown characterized prop 51.

Some civil rights advocates worry that the $2 tax on cigarettes could lead to the rise of onesies, conjuring up the nightmarish possibility of amother Eric Garner incident. If you recall, it was in July of 2014 that Garner was killed by police (sparking a national uproar) stemming from an incident involving him selling onesies (single cigarettes sold illegally and not taxed).

Others worry that the last thing an inner city— overwrought by liquor stores—needs is pot shops.

Others are quick to point out that with the legalization of marijuana in Washington state came an increase in deaths in marijuana related auto accidents and skyrocketing organized crime cases in Colorado.

The devil just might be in the details with some of the propositions thanks to complicated wording, so if like so many who vote no to every one of them, you might in essence be voting yes.

So for those of you who haven’t done their homework as it relates to the upcoming propositions, L.A. Focus has put together the following cheat sheet of sorts to bring y o u u p to

speed on what you’ll see in those v o t i n g booths on November 8.

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PROP 51

PROP 57

PROP 63

Authorizes $9 billion in state bonds for construction and modernization of K-12 public school facilities, charter schools, vocational education facilities and community colleges at a cost of $500 million for the next 35 years.

PROP 57 would allow parole consideration for nonviolent felons and authorize sentence credits for rehabilitation, good behavior, and education. It would also allow that juvenile court judges make the determination of whether juveniles (ages 14+) could be prosecuted as adults for specified offenses. The subsequent reduction in prison population would mean a net savings of tens of millions annually.

Requires individuals to pass a background check and obtain a California Department of Justice permit ($50) before purchasing ammunition. Additionally, it requires that lost or stolen firearms and ammunition be reported to law enforcement; probihits persons convicted of stealing a firearm from possessing firearms; would make stealing a gun a felony punishable by up to three years in prison; and would extend the ban against large-capacity magazines to individuals who owned them before the year 2000, while establishing a process for their removal.

PROP 52 Requires voter approval to change an existing statute that imposes fees on hospitals to obtain federal matching funds for Medi-Cal health care services, uninsured patients and children’s health coverage.

PROP 53 Requires statewide voter approval before any revenue bonds can be issued or sold by the state for certain projects if the bond amount exceeds $2 billion and repayment requires new, increased, or extended taxes, fees, or other charges and prohibits dividing projects into multiple separate projects to avoid statewide voter approval requirement.

PROP 54 Would increase transparency in state government by prohibiting the legislature from passing any bill unless published online for 72 hours before a vote is held; and requiring the legislature to record its proceedings and post them on the Internet. It also maintains that any person may record legislative proceedings by audio or video means, except closed session proceedings and allows recordings of legislative proceedings to be used for any legitimate purpose, without payment of any fee to the State.

PROP 55 Would extend by twelve years the temporary personal income tax increases enacted in 2012 on earnings over $250,000 (for single filers; over $500,000 for joint filers; over $340,000 for heads of household) to be allocated to K12 schools and community colleges along with up to $2 billion per year in certain years for healthcare programs .

PROP 56 Would increase tobacco tax to $2.00 per pack with equivalent increases on other tobacco products and electronic cigarettes to fund Tobacco use prevention, research, and law enforcement. Supporters say it would reduce tobacco-related healthcare costs and help pay for those costs as well as deter youth smoking and address marketing aimed at youth as a target customer. Opponents argue that the proposition would fund insurance companies and special interests more than it would fund treatments for smoking related illnesses and youth smoking prevention and that the monies it raised would likely be wasted on overhead and bureaucracy.

PROP 58 Can be a little confusing in that it says it preserves the requirement that public schools ensure students obtain English language proficiency, but in essence repeals most of the 1998 "English in Public Schools" Initiative effectively allowing non-English languages to be used in public educational instruction. School districts would be required to solicit parent/community input in developing language acquisition programs and authorized to establish dual-language immersion programs for both native and non-native English speakers. Opponents argue it would allow the Legislature to reestablish Spanish-almost-only instruction in the public schools by a simple majority vote.

PROP 64 Would legalize recreational marijuana and hemp under state law, providing an environment where it is safe and controlled, while bringing in sales and cultivation taxes to the state coffers. A 15% sales tax and 9.25 cultivation tax per ounce for flowers and 2.75 ounce for leaves would boost state revenues, while supporters of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act Initiativesay it’s legalization would reduce criminal justice costs of tens of millions of dollars annually.

PROP 59

PROP 65

Is intended to get big money out of politics by asking whether California’s elected officials should use their authority to propose and ratify an amendment to the federal Constitution overturning a Supreme Court decision which ruled that laws placing certain limits on political spending by corporations and unions as unconstitutional.

Would require that monies collected from the sale of carryout bags by grocery or other retail stores be redirected to a new environmental fund called the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Fund that would be managed by the Wildlife Conservation Board and be used for beach cleanup, drought mitigation, recycling and the like

PROP 60

PROP 66.

Would make it law that adult film performers use condoms during filming of sexual intercourse and would require producers to pay for performer vaccinations, testing, and medical examinations as well as to obtain state health license, and to post condom requirement at film sites.

Changes procedures to speed up the appeals process by putting the Supreme Court in charge of initial petitions challenging convictions, establishing a time frame for death penalty review, and requiring appointed attorney to work on death penalty cases. It also requires that prisoners on death row work while in prison to pay restitution to victims’ families.

PROP 61 Regulates prescription drug prices, prohibiting the state from buying any prescription drug from a drug manufacturer at any price over lowest price paid for the drug by United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Perhaps the most funded and highest profile, this initiative exempts purchases of prescription drugs under managed care programs funded through Medi-Cal.

PROP 62 Would repeal the death penalty and replace it with life imprisonment without possibility of parole and would be applied retroactively to those inmate currently on death row. It would also increase the portion of inmates’ wages that could be used for victim restitution and lower state and county costs related to trials and legal challenges.

PROP 67 Prohibits grocery and retail stores from providing customers single-use plastic or paper carryout bags but permits sale of recycled paper bags and reusable bags, exempting consumers using a payment card or voucher issued by the California Special Supplemental Food Program from being charged for bags, and providing $2 million to state plastic bag manufacturers to help retain jobs and transition to making thicker, multi-use, recycled plastic bags. A no vote on this initiative would repeal the single use bag ban and the 10¢ per that came with it.

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MoneyMatters “Funding A Home For The Priceless”

On the Money ASHLEY REYNOLDS

Staff­Writer The Washington Mall welcomes its newest gem: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History

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ith a pricetag of $540 million, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History— the newest gem and architectural icon on the National Mall—opened September 24. But the threetiered, bronze colored museum shrinks in value to the priceless treasures held inside.

From a training airplane used by the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II, to a Bible owned by Nat Turner, Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, Jackie Robinson’s bat and jersey and Harriet Tubman’s hymnal and shawl, gifted to her by from Queen Victoria in 1897 as a recognition for her work on the Underground Railroad,— the NMAAHC holds the most prominent artifacts in African American history.

The 400,000 square foot building finds its resting place on a five-acre lot directly next to the Washington

Monument, and “furthers the Smithsonian’s commitment to telling America’s story in all its dimensions,” as stated

by Smithsonian Secretary, David Skorton.

President George W. Bush signed legislation for the museum’s establishment in 2003, and the Smithsonian broke ground for it in February 2012. Officials are hopeful that the museum will “serve as a place for healing and reconciliation, where visitors can explore the story of America through the lens of the African American experience,” as expressed by the museum founding director, Lonnie G. Bunch III. Although the federal government issued $270 million to the project, museum officials were responsible for raising a great deal of the renovation funds.

"We knew we were going to have to raise millions of dollars, but we didn't have a penny to our name," explained Bunch during a press conference.

With a goal of raising a quarter of a billion dollars, museum officials not only sought after the usual predominantly white national foundations and corporations for donations, but targeted wealthy African American corporations and religious institutions, as well.

African Americans make up 74 percent of the donors who gave at least $1 million, and African American organizations – including sororities, fraternities and civic groups, like the NAACP – represent 28 percent of the museum’s institutional support. Prominent names, such as Ford, Gates, Rockefeller, General Electric, Walmart, Oprah Winfrey, Samuel L. Jackson, Shonda Rhimes, the NBA, the NFL, and former secretary of state Colin L. Powell are just a few to have contributed to the $265 million private donations.

No Cheap Seats Here...

Last month 56,000 fans packed into Dodger Stadium for Beyonce’s Formation World Tour, contributing to the tour’s success which grossed $210 million thus far. The tour launched late April and will wrap up early this month.

For those who think Beyonce’s ticket prices are expensive, prices range from about $70-1,150 per seat with a front row seat costing $1,000 which is very similar to other black stars in music today. Individual ticket prices for Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy Reunion Tour ranges from $65-1,850 with front row seats costing about $2,000+. A front row seat cost $936 while tickets range from $85-1,000 for Mary J Blige’s and Maxwell’s upcoming King and Queen of Hearts Tour. The King and Queen of Hearts Tour will travel to a number of places internationally such as Germany, Stockholm, Paris, and many more.

Aside from her upcoming tour Blige—who is in the midst of a divorce— will also make a guest appearance on the hit show How to Get Away with Murder.

As mentioned previously ticket prices are not the issue but rather selling enough tickets to really make a mark on platforms such as Billboard, w h i c h Beyonce has done successfully.

Money­Matters­continued­from­page­29

Biz NewsBriefs Taraji P. Henson Starts Empire of Her Own

Empire star Taraji P. Henson, appears to be starting an empire of her own partnering with MAC Cosmetics for her own cosmetics line. Ranging in price from $17 - $33, the six piece collection made its debut last month.

Henson was asked by MAC to collaborate on a line that includes daily staples complementary to women of all skin-tones.

Released at the top of September, and named after the entertainment beauty, the collection only houses products that Henson felt were practical.

Henson says makeup conglomerate masters having a diverse suite of products.

“I could always find what I needed; and so that’s another reason why this is such a perfect marriage, because I want to represent all women. I have a rainbow coalition of friends of girlfriends, so why would I make something for one girlfriend and not another?” says Henson, who reportedly has a net worth of $6 million.

Not surprise that the majority of the products have been sold out since becoming available to the public.

Oprah W infrey Loses M ore Than Pounds W ith W eightW atchers Oprah may have lost 30 pounds on Weight Watchers, but that’s not all she’s lost. While Winfrey’s November 2015 announcement of purchasing a stake in the weight loss giant was followed by a surge in its stock to 300%, shares of Weight Watchers have since plunged.

Prior to Winfrey’s 10% company ownership, Weight Watchers’ stock traded for $6.79, and rose to $28 after the media maven publicized their partnership. As of midSeptember, the stock sat at $9.80, which translated into a

5.4% decline and over $117 million in losses for Winfrey.

While the reasoning for the stock’s drop isn’t quite clear, the sudden resignation of Weight Watchers’ CEO, James Chambers, has raised some flags. Chambers announced mid-September that he would be washing his hands of the company by the early October. When the news of Winfrey joining forces with Weight Watchers broke, Chambers was eager to welcome Winfrey to the team, saying, “We believe that her remarkable ability to connect and inspire people to realize their full potential is uniquely complementary to our powerful community.”

However, Winfrey’s zeal for Chambers was not as evident. As one of the largest shareholders and director on the board, Winfrey adamantly used her position to push for management changes prior to Chambers’ abrupt departure. Company chair and owner of the investment firm that holds nearly half of the company's share, Ray Debbane, made it clear that Winfrey would have a role in hiring a replacement CEO. “Board members, including Oprah Winfrey and myself, will be actively involved in the search for a new CEO.”

L.A. Focus/October­2016

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L.A. Focus/October­2016

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Chrisette Michelle Heads All Star Cast in “Love Jones...The Musical” Chrisette Michele has been on the move since leaving her long time record label, Motown, and having a short stint on TV One’s R&B Divas Los Angeles. With the launching of her own boutique record label entitled Rich Hipster, and releasing Milestone, her debut album under the moniker, it seems as though the Grammy award winning artist has more than enough on her plate.

Most recently, Chrisette joined the cast of Love Jones the Musical — namesake and musical adaptation of the black cult classic — which hit the first leg of its tour at the end of September. “This is a fun time for black theater,” says Chrisette, who will be taking on the role of Nina, originally played by Nia Long.

“A wonderful cross between a concert stage play and a move live on stage,” as criticized by the New York Weekly, the fiery musical will commemorate the film’s 20 year anniversary with its star-studded ensemble of musicians. Musiq Soulchild, Dave Hollister, MC Lyte, Marsha Ambrosius and Raheem Devaughn will be joining Chrisette on stage; and playing opposite Chrisette is actor and musician, Tony Grant, as Darius Lovehall. Grant is well-known for his work on Tyler Perry’s Love Thy Neighbor, where he plays the role of Phillip.

Chrisette says that the musical will carry some of the themes from the film, but fans shouldn’t expect it to be a replica.

Writer and director of the original 1997 screenplay, Theodore Witcher, is returning to the director’s chair for the musical and wanted to bring a timely edge to it this time around.

“When the original movie came out I was a kid, and there were some things that I didn’t really understand,” says Chrisette. “The producer wanted to bring something to it that it didn’t have before, and he wanted it to relate to millenials.”

This isn’t the first time Chrisette has acted in theater. And although her resume states differently, Chrisette chooses to steer from being labeled as an actress.

“I was in acting and theater as a kid,” says the entertainment junky. “And acting opportunities came quickly to me early on in my career.”

Before becoming a well known musician, the Blame It On Me singer had small roles in the CW’s Girlfriends and ABC Family’s Lincoln Heights.

Five albums, a grammy award and a slew of collaborations with heavy-hitters — like Jay Z and Rick Ross — later, Chrisette returned to the main stage, with the her role of Lisa Bryson in JeCaryous Johnson’s Married But Single — a stage play following lovers and friends as they navigate through life’s temptations.

In the midst of touring for Married But Single, Chrisette was gearing up for the release of her fifth album, Milestone, which has a lot of symbolism to the

artist. Mixed with trap beats and a hiphop flavor, Chrisette refers to the album as one of her most emotional pieces of work, especially with songs like Unbreakable and Equal — both of which chronicles her reconciliations with fiance Doug “Mr. Biggs” Ellison and friend Rick Ross.

“This album coming out marked 10 years in the music industry, and wound up coming full circle – truly finding love again and being engaged,” says the singer.

“It’s the first time that I hung out in the studio and did whatever I wanted. This is a reconciliation album – me and Rick Ross are speaking again after six years. Me and my fiance are speaking again after seven years. It’s a celebratory time, and with my own label I feel like it’s a milestone.”

Chrisette documented this exciting phase in her own reality series on YouTube, in which she starred and executively p r o d u c e d .

Becoming Mrs. Ellison, which premiered at the top of the year, is a ten part look into the singer’s life as she tries to manage the hustle

ASHLEY REYNOLDS Staff­Writer

and bustle of the Milestone release and tour planning, while nurturing her relationship with her manager turned fiance.

The couple reunited following a seven hiatus in which their uncanny breakup resulted in a legal brawl. Their reunion is seen as an inspiration to fans, and Chrisette constantly refers to herself as the “happiest girl in the world.”

The series not only resonated with the watchers — averaging at least 20,000 views per mini-sode — but has also caught the attention of television networks.

Towards the end of the first season, the Becoming Mrs. Ellison crew began taking meetings with bigwigs, but ultimately decided to continue along the indie route — producing their own content in-house so that they can “do what they want to do,” as Chrisette so boldly stated.

Not completely jaded by her previous experience with reality television, the former R&B Diva is bringing her castmate, turned friend, Lil Mo along with her on the upcoming tour for her newly released album. Chrisette will pick up the second leg of her 33 city Milestone tour in Kansas City right on the tail end of Love Jones the Musical’s first leg. A true go-getter, Chrisette doesn’t seem phased at all by her busy schedule.

A special marketing tour featuring up and coming artists is also on the singer’s radar, but she doesn’t have too many details to share about this just yet. With owning a record label, preparing for her a winter wedding date, and Love Jones the Musical’s west coast leg picking up in 2017, she won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

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Re d Carpet Style

TRACEE ELLIS ROSS Pure elegance in a white Ralph Lauren Gown

REGINA KING Wearing a strapless Elizabeth Kennedy gown

The stars were shining brightly at the Microsoft Theatre last month as the TV industry gathered to celebrate the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards honoring the best in prime time programming.

KERRY WASHINGTON Showing off her baby bump in a black Brandon Maxwell gown

VIOLA DAVIS Wearing a bright Marchesa gown with a cute clutch bag

ANGELA BASSETT Keeps it sexy but classy with this low cut gown

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INSIDE HO L LY W OOD with Jeannie Jones Mary J Blige’s Divorce Turns Ugly

The Queen of Hip Hop Soul filed for divorce from her husband of 12 years and manager Kendu Issacs over the summer, and the proceedings are getting a little out of hand. The former couple has been going back and forth over the validity of their prenup, signed in 2003.

In the divorce filing, Blige cited irreconcilable differences and has requested that Issacs be blocked from spousal support. Issacs responded to Blige’s claims, calling their former prenuptual agreement "immensely invalid, unenforceable and unconscionable."

Blige is adament that the prenup clearly defines who gets what, but Issacs begs to differ.

Blige, through representation, released a statement announcing her decision to press forward with the split in light of the legal battle: “Ms. Blige is saddened to say [that] it is true that she has filed for divorce, saying sometimes things don't work how we hoped they would... but, there is a divine plan and a reason for everything. Mary will continue writing and working on her album, which is due out later this year along with her world tour. She thanks and appreciates her fans for their support and love through this very difficult emotional time.”

Gabourey Sidibe Flaunts Slimmer Figure in New Lane Bryant Campaign

Empire’s Gabourey Sidibe shocked fans when she flaunted her newly trimmed figure last month. While paying a visit to Bravo’s Watch What

Happens Live, Sidibe premiered what seems to be a significant and healthy weight loss for the 33-year-old actress.

Recently, Sidibe showcased her new figure in Lane Bryant’s fiery #ThisBody campaign alongside plussize model Ashley Graham and Orange is the New Black’s Danielle Brooks. The ladies showed off their curvy bodies in sheer and sexy numbers, and recited body shaming criticisms that have been said to them.

In the commercial Sidibe, sporting a sheer shirt and bra, chose not to let those harsh words affect her, and when asked, “How did you get through the door?”— referring to how a woman of her s i z e achieved Hollywood success – she demonstrated cheekily.

Since starring in Tyler Perry’s Precious, Sidibe has been known for perpetuating body confidence throughout her Hollywood roles. However, the Bedford-Stuyvesant native has had her fair share of insecurities about her appearance.

“My first diet started when I was sixyears-old. I’ve never been a small girl,” she told Oprah Winfrey in a 2009 interview. “One day I had to sit down with myself and decide that I loved myself no matter what my body looked like and what other people thought about my body… I got tired of feeling bad all the time. I got tired of hating myself.”

Fences Could Land Oscar Nods for Viola Davis and Denzel Washington

August Wilson’s 1983 play Fences is being adapted to the big screen.

Starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, the African American story follows the life of a working class, former Negro League baseball star as he tries to provide for his family in a low-income Pittsburgh neighborhood. Washington and Davis deliver dynamic performances in the short teaser and the film is already causing a stir amongst critics — all of whom expect both actors to receive Oscar nominations in the upcoming season.

In the trailer, we watch as Troy Maxson, played by Washington, clashes with Cory Maxson, played

by Jovan Adepo, when confronted about Troy’s lack of adoration for his teenage son. Davis appears in the trailer as Rose Maxson, Troy’s religiously driven wife who’s at odds with her husband’s decision-making as the head of household.

Wilson’s critically aclaimed screenplay won a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award for Best Play in 1987. Directed

by Washington, Fences is set to hit the big screen in December.

Mary J. Blige

Neily’s Critics Corner: “Birth of A Nation” Nate Parker’s Birth Of A Nation will be in theaters Friday, October 7th and I’ll be honest, I had no desire to see this film. Not because I’m tired of seeing movies about OUR story, I want to see more and anticipate seeing capable black executives, writers, producers, and the like, being trusted to tell them. I didn’t want to see/hear this story from Nate Parker.

But on a Friday, night I was invited to attend a screening at the Merge Summit (thanks Gretchen Neuble) and opened my mind to hear and receive what Parker’s "Birth Of A Nation" would convey.

I loved it! Parker is careful with Nat Turner’s story and invites us into t h e account of a m a n who was purposeful in his love for f a m i l y, persistent in his work ethic, and a

protector of family and his people.

Reserved in character, Turner is a respectful man/slave, who for all intents and purposes in the 1800’s is on good behavior. He lives within the parameters given and uses his influence with the “overseer" and “massah" for good.

So when Reverend Walthall, played perfectly by Mark Boone Jr. ("Sons Of Anarchy"), notices that the laborers on the Turner estate are so well mannered it’s brought to his attention that Nat Turner, portrayed by Nate Parker, is a preacher who shares the word of the Lord with the slaves to lift their spirits and it keep them focused.

Realizing Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer) is dealing with financial challenges, Reverend Walthall suggests that Samuel charge owners of surrounding plantations to have Nat preach to their slaves in hopes of building moral and most importantly increasing labor production.

While visiting other properties Nat is exposed to the unfair treatment of fellow slaves and it begins to take a toll on him. Once the treatment hits him directly he is no longer willing to sit in silence tolerating the vile and horrifying treatment of those on the Turner Plantation or surrounding areas.

Turner gathers a group of trustworthy men who carry out an uprising that ends in their demise, but was an early cry that black lives matter!

Once the screening ended Parker engaged in a question & answer period hosted by dear friend and entertainment journalist ~ Jawn Murray.

Before Jawn could even ask a question Parker laid himself on the alter addressing the ups and downs of birthing the film and the labor pangs that come along with acquiring financing, production schedules, distribution, and what happens after the baby is born.

He also discussed his personal story ~ past & present and with explanation and apology when necessary, owned all. It’s no coincidence Nate Parker would be trusted to bring the life of Nat Turner to the silver screen. I’ve seen him in several movies: Beyond The Lights, The Great Debaters, Red Tails and others, but this film exposes the soul of Nate Parker. Through it you experience his passion for story telling, his people, and strength to endure and persevere personally and professionally.

The things Parker has in common with Turner are purpose, persistence and responsibility. Go see "Birth Of A Nation."

Q&A

Kevin Hart Name: Kevin­Hart Hometown:­Philadelphia,­PA Big Break:­Undeclared­(TV­series,­2000) Claim­to­Fame:­I’m­a­Little­Grown­Man­(Standup,­2008) Other Notable Roles:­ Soul­ Plane,­ Little Fockers,­Think­Like­a­Man,­Ride­Along­1­&­2 Current Project: What­Now? Q:­ Looking­ back­ at­ your­ career,­ how­ would­ you say­ your­ older­ stand-ups­ will­ compare­ to­ What Now? A:­ I love watching my old stand-ups, because I get to see myself develop into a man. I can literally see the stages of my life, and I think what’s amazing about stand-up comedy for me – is that I’m honest. I’m literally giving people a picture of what I went through at all aspects of my life—when I had my kids, when I first got married, when I went through my divorce, after my divorce... But I think the hour I’m doing now is by far my best hour of stand-up material.

Q:­ How­ do­ you­ manage­ to­ find­ joy­ and­ humor through­the­“traumatic­experiences”­in­your­life?

A:­ I come from a happy place. Even though my place was dark, I’m happy. I’m happy simply because I have no reason to be angry. Life is too short to be angry, so the things that I do feel a certain type of way about, or that I may feel some type of way about, I get it out on stage and allow other people to judge and then laugh at it.

And the reason why you’re laughing is because I’m being honest. People can relate to honesty.

Q:­ Are­ you­ ever­ worried­ that­ your­ fans­ may­ not be­ able­ to­ find­ “divorce,”­ or­ other­ triggering experiences­you­talk­about,­“funny”?

A:­There’s a positive and a negative in anything that happens to you. And if you think about it, after you’re done being negative, I guarantee you’ll laugh.

Q:­Are­you­surprised­by­your­success?

A:­ I don’t want to say “I am,” but I think that means that you’re doing something for a lesser benefit. I think you’ll do anything to maximize your potential in whatever realm you put yourself in. Within entertainment, there’s so many doors that you can go through. I want to open them all.

Q:­Why­should­people­support­What­Now? A:­ The beauty of What Now is that I own it.

Funded it myself. Shot it. Major, major production. Partnered with Universal. Totally distributed it. I feel like if you don’t see it, you’ll be missing out on the conversations at work the next day. Why not go to work and be happy?

Q:­What’s­next?

A:­I’m going to do a subscription-based network for comedy where I’ll give comedians ownership.

I’ll split revenue with them, but allow them to take their stuff and sell it everywhere.s. I’m

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Calendar of events

On Stage: August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Through Oct. 16) Call for Showtimes $30-60 Mark Taper Forum 135 N Grand Ave Contact: (213) 628-2772 www.centertheatregroup.org

Saturday, October 1 In Concert: Musiq Soulchild 8:00pm • $50-80 City National Grove of Anaheim 2200 East Katella Avenue Anaheim Contact: (714) 712-2700 www.citynationalgroveofanaheim.co m

L.A. Focus/October­2016

18

Boo at the Zoo Zoo is transformed into themed areas for trick-or-treaters for day of performances, treats, crafts, music, and creepy crawlers.

(Through Oct. 31) 10am—4pm $15 (children) $17 (seniors) $20(adults)•Children under 2 Free Los Angeles Zoo 5333 Zoo Drive Information: (323) 644-4200

Wednesday, October 5

Ladera Heights 3rd Annual Community Faire & Car Show Health fair, jazz concert, classic car show, food trucks, entertainment for children & more.

Noon-4pm Parent Elementary School 5354 W. 64th Street http://www.laderaheights.org

On Stage: Love Jones The Musical Starring Musiq Soulchild, Chrisette Michelle, Marsha Ambrosius, Dave Hollister and Raheem DeVaughn (Through October 6) The Dolby Theatre 6801 Hollywood Blvd www.lovejonesthemusical.com

The Association of Black Women Physician's 35th Annual Charity Benefit 6pm – 11pm • $175 JW Marriott LA Live 900 W. Olympic Blvd Contact: (310) 321-8688 blackwomenphysicians.org

In Concert: T-Pain 8:00pm • $10 (Ages 18+) The Novo 800 W Olympic Blvd Contact: (213) 765-7000 www.thenovodtla.com

Monday, October 3

Booksigning: Cookie Johnson “Believing In Magic: My Story of Love, Overcoming Adversity & Keeping The Faith” Barnes & Noble 189 The Grove Drive Contact: (323) 525-0270 www.barnesandnoble.com

Actress Regina Hall in a beige Elisabetta Franchi gown for the premiere of ‘When the Bough Breaks’.

www.fabulousforum.com

lazoo.org

Ongoing

WHW Methods Of Expository Preaching & Teaching Conference Honoring Rev. Dr. Joe B. Hardwick (Through Oct. 7) $255 Hilton LAX 5711 W Century Blvd Info: (800) 445-8667 whwministries.com

Thursday, October 6 In Concert: Marcus Miller (Through Sunday, October 9) 8:30pm $35 - $55 • Call for showtimes Catalina Bar & Grill 6725 W.

ak hand in wife Mira P s d n a rd a ow ard Terrence H the 2016 Emmy Aw hand at

Taraji P. Hen

Anika Noni Rose

at the 2016 Emm

y Awards

Friday, October 7 In Concert: Roberta Flack 8pm (Need ticket prices) Cerritos Center 12700 Center Court Dr Tickets: (562) 467-8826 Cerritoscenter.com

Saturday, October 8 In Concert: Festival of Praise Tour Featuring Hezekiah Walker, Israel Houghton, Regina Belle, Casey J and Earthquake Hollywood Pantages Theatre 8PM • $41.25 - $76.25 6233 Hollywood Boulevard (323) 468-1770 hollywoodpantages.com Special Needs Network Presents 10th Annual Evening Under the Stars Awards Show and Gala Fundraiser 6pm – 10pm • $1,500 & up Sony Pictures Lot 10202 W.

Tuesday, October 4 Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour Featuring Puff Daddy, Lil Kim, Mase, Faith Evans, Mario Winans, 112, Total, Carl Thomas, The Lox and French Montana 8PM • The Forum 3900 W Manchester Blvd Contact: (310) 330-7300

Sunset Blvd www.catalinajazzclub.com

EVENT SpOTLIGHT

Saturday, October 22 L.A. Focus’ 19th Annual First Ladies High Tea Honorees include Lynn Whitfield, Edwina Findley Dickerson, First Ladies Judi Wortham-Sauls, Ranza Trotter, Linda Hodge and Pastor Marguerite Reeve Performances by Tina Campbell, Judith McAllister & Kenny 11AM – 2PM • $85 - $115 Beverly Hilton Hotel •9876 Wilshire Blvd Tickets: (310) 677-6011 www.lafocusnewspaper.com

son attends the 2016 Em my Awards

Chris Rock and girlfriend Megalyn Echikunwoke attend the 2016 Emmy Awards

10.16 Quark Rev 9.29 _Focus 7-04 10/1/16 6:57 PM Page 19

Cookie Johnson shows­off new­book Believing­In Magic­at recent­book signing

Jaz­Sinclair, Morris Chestnut,­and Regina­Hall attend­the­ premiere­of “When­the Bough­Breaks”

Photo­credit: Rickey­D. Brown

Washington Blvd.

Culver City Contact: (323) 291-7100 snnla.org Jazz 100: The Music of Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Mongo Santamaria, Thelonious Monk 8PM • $30 - $50 Luckman Fine Arts Complex 5151 State University Drive Contact: (323) 343-6600 www.luckmanarts.org

Sunday, October 9 In Concert: Toni Braxton With Special Guest Kenny G 7:30PM • $49.50 - $119.75 Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Court Contact: (213) 763-6030 www.microsofttheater.com In Concert: Wynton Marsalis & Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra with Jamison Ross 3PM • $49+ Segerstrom Center 600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa 92626 Tickets: (714) 556-2787 www.scfta.org

Agoura Hills 91301 Contact: (888) 645-5006 www.canyonclub.net

Friday, October 14 In Concert: “How The West Was Won” Featuring Ice Cube, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Too Short, DJ Quik, Warren G, Mack 10, Tha Dogg Pound, Lighter Shade of Brown Tribute Performance & more 6:30PM • $19 - $125 Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre 8808 Irvine Center Drive Irvine 92618 Contact: (949) 855-8095 www.livenation.com

Saturday, October 15 On Stage: Trevor Noah 8pm • $39.50 - $85 Dolby Theater 6801 Hollywood Blvd http://dolbytheatre.com Taste Of Soul Family Festival Includes performances by Donald Lawrence, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark-Sheard, Charles Jenkins, Canton Jones, Jonathan McReynolds, Doug Williams 10am-7pm • Free Crenshaw Blvd. between Stocker St. and Rodeo Dr. tasteofsoul.org

(Through October 16) Children’s costume contest, creepy coloring contest, face painting, magic shows, underwater pumpkin carving, spooky storytelling & kooky crafts.

9am—5pm $17.95 (children) $26.95 (seniors) $29.95 (adults) Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach 90802 Info: (562) 590-3100 aquariumofthepacific.org CORI Cancer Symposium 9:00am-Noon Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Blvd go2hope.com (323)757-1804 In Concert: Smokey Robinson: Up Close & Personal 9:00pm • $78-$158 The Saban 8440 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills Contact: (888) 645-5006 www.sabanconcerts.com

Sunday, October 16 21st Annual L.A.M.P.S. (Leaders, Apostolic, Mentoring & Prophetic Servants) Conference 2016 Host: Dr. Beverly Crawford (Though Oct. 21) 7:30pm • $85 — Includes leadership luncheon at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel) Bible Enrichment Fellowship Church 400 E. Kelso Street Info: (310) 330-4700 regonline.com/lamps2016

Tuesday, October 18 PrayerForce: Los Angeles (Target: 2016 Presidential Election) 24 Hour Prayer (Through October 19) Presented by Clarence E. McClendon Ministries The Place of Grace 1830 S. LaCienega Blvd www.bishopmcclendon.com

Wednesday, October 19 Exhibition: Politics, Race, and Propaganda: The Nazi Olympics, Berlin 1936 Features photos, documents, films, Olympics regalia and promotional materials (Through February 26, 2017) Tuesday - Saturday Free (Parking = $12) California African American Museum 600 State Drive

Exposition Park Contact: (213) 744-7432 caamuseum.org

Thursday, October 20 In Concert: Lauryn Hill 7PM • $29.00 - $192.00 Greek Theatre 2700 North Vermont Avenue Contact: (844) LAGREEK www.lagreektheatre.com

Friday, October 21 In Concert: Oleta Adams (Through Sun., October 23) 8:30pm $35 • Call for showtimes Catalina Bar & Grill 6725 W. Sunset Blvd www.catalinajazzclub.com 38th Annual Wisdom From Above Luncheon with Dr. Betty Price 10am • $65 per person Torrance Marriott 3635 Fashion Way Torrance 90503 Contact: (323) 758-3777 Faithdome.org

around los angeles

Thursday, October 13

In Concert: Smokey Robinson 9:00pm • $88-$158 The Canyon 28912 Roadside Drive

In Concert: R. Kelly’s The Buffet Tour 2016 8PM • $75.00 - $125.00 Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Court Contact: www.microsofttheater.com

92nd Session of the Southern California Annual Conference (Through October 30) Hilton Airport LAX 5711 W. Century Blvd Contact: (310) 577-8530

Tuesday, October 25 In Concert: Kanye West (Through October 27 and November 1) 8pm • $25 - $180 The Forum 3900 W Manchester Blvd Contact: (310) 330-7300 www.fabulousforum.com

Saturday, October 29 Black Women’s Network presents Business/Career & Networking Breakfast Forum Panel, Booths, networking opportunity & marketplace 9am-1pm • $55 LAX Marriott 5855 W. Century Blvd Register: (323) 964-4003 blackwomensnetwork.net

Monday, October 31 Harvest Festival Family friend celebration 6:00pm-9:00pm Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Blvd go2hope.com (323)757-1804

6 Emmy Awards

Hall at the Mr.Church Eddie Murphy and Arsenio re mie pre movie

Sterling K. Brown along side Ryan Michelle Bathe at the 2016 Emmy Awards

Sanaa Lathan attends the When the Bough Breaks movie premiere

L.A. Focus/October 2016

201 Yara Shahidi attends the

Scarium of the Pacific

Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo Free •10:00am-3:00pm Veterans Memorial Complex Airtel Plaza Hotel 7277 Valjean Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91406 Contact: (424) 772-6039 goldenfutureseniorexpo.com

Sunday, October 23

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L.A. Focus/October­2016

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Eye On Gospel Yolanda Adams Returns to Radio Five months after her Yolanda Adams Morning Show was abruptly cancelled by Radio One and replaced with “Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell”, the multiple Grammy Award, NAACP Image Award, Stellar and Dove Award Winning singer is making a much anticipated return to radio on October 3, 2016 (6a-10a EST) via Houston's all-new AMAZING 102.5FM. The all-new "Yolanda Adams Morning Show" will be available to listeners locally in Houston and worldwide via www.amazing1025fm.com. "We are so excited that our voices will be heard again to impact the world at such a time in history. Our voices impact people's hearts to invoke awareness, encouragement and change. We are honored and humbled for all the support and love.

We promise to give it back in great measure," says Yolanda Adams.

The show will feature such fan favorite segments as Points of Power, Inside Inspiration, Bishop Secular and Yolanda's Take. In other radio news, the Virginia Beachbased Rejoice! MSF (Musical Soul Food Radio Network) has signed gospel music legend Hezekiah Walker to an exclusive syndication and sales

partnership. The working title for the show that will launch the first week in November is "The Hezekiah Walker Show.” The Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award winning recording artist whose classic songs include classic songs such as “Every Praise” and his current No. 1 hit “Better" —joins Rejoice! Musical Soul Food's illustrious roster of gospel stars who also host syndicated radio shows such as Dorinda Clark Cole, Melvin Williams, Dottie Peoples and SWV’s Coko Clemmons.

"The Hezekiah Walker Show" will target Urban, Urban AC, Hip-Hop and Gospel stations with a one-hour, weekday music driven Inspirational format to kick-off the mornings with a burst of inspiration. Additionally, Walker will also package a two-hour weekend program targeting multi-formats. Hezekiah Walker says, "I am excited about teaming up with such an influential organization in the gospel music industry as the Rejoice Musical Soul Food Radio Network....so radio look out, here we come!”

Bishop Paul S. Morton To Release Final Solo Album Renowned preacher and award-winning recording artist Bishop Paul S. Morton is gearing up for the release of his final solo album Legacy: Live in New Orleans.

Capturing the spirit of resilience, faith, and lively worship from Bishop Morton’s sold-out live recording in New Orleans last year, Legacy: Live in New Orleans brings together an historic musical celebration of Morton’s legacy in ministry and his 30-plus years as a recording artist.

Recorded at the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church, Bishop Morton is backed by the 100-person Greater Change Mass Choir, comprised of the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church Choir and the Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church Choir. Featured performances on the album include PJ Morton and DeWayne Woods on “Let Go,” gospel icons Pastor Shirley Caesar on “Keeping Me Alive” and Rance Allen on “God Has Been Good,” Tasha Cobbs, Lisa Knowles, Zacardi Cortez, and William Murphy III. “This ‘Legacy’ album, my final solo recording, is very

dear to my heart,” Bishop Morton said. “I thank God for every opportunity that He allows me to share my gift. I love to help people through a song. This is truly ministry for me.”

The founder of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International (FGBCFI), after retiring last year as FGBCFI’s presiding bishop, Bishop Morton continues to preach at the Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church in Atlanta as Senior Pastor, and serving as Co-Pastor of the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church. Since its inception by Bishop Paul S. Morton, the FGBCFI has grown nationally and internationally, celebrating 22 years of change and impactful ministry. In addition to his roles as a bishop and recording artist, Bishop Morton is an author, and also created the record label Tehillah Music Group, helming the label as CEO. On The Charts Grammy® Award Nominated, NAACP Image AwardWinning Artist and Billboard Chart-Topping Singer Tamela Mann’s new album, One Way, debuted at No. 1 on multiple music sales charts, including both the Billboard’s Top Gospel Album Chart and Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel Chart. Tamela’s fourth solo studio album features the No. 1 digital sales track, “God Provides,”— written and produced by long-time friend and collaborating partner, Kirk Franklin— which is soaring up the Billboard Gospel Radio Chart.

“I’m honored for the many blessings in my life that allow me to continue to share music with people,” said Tamela. “The Lord has blessed me with the ability to give encouragement, hope, and inspiration to others through my music, and for that, I am thankful.”

The album is executive produced by Tamela, her husband and business partner, actor David Mann and son David Mann Jr. and features such all-star guest producers as Eric Dawkins, King Logan, Shaun Martin and Timbaland.

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Through the Storm Mother and Daughter Battle Cancer At The Same Time

D

uring a routine mammogram in 2009, Glenda Jones received news that something unusual was detected in her ultrasound, which was later confirmed as stage one breast cancer.

“They sent me to the surgeon and she said ‘mastectomy,’” Glenda recalled. “And after that I didn’t hear anything.

Cheryl was with me. I just broke down and cried."

Glenda’s diagnosis was particularly jarring, as she had just retired and was taking care of her sick father. When she was told she would have to have a mastectomy, it seemed almost too much to handle. Her diagnosis required chemotherapy every Monday, which proved difficult on top of her duties as a caretaker. Cheryl, however, was there to lighten her mother’s load.

Saved on the same day over forty years ago, the motherdaughter duo’s bond strengthened as they faced this ordeal, and Cheryl became her mother’s biggest supporter.

“I didn’t have to ask her [to support], she was right there,” says Glenda. “She got accustomed to the place, and would bring her blanket and pillow and ball up in a corner.”

Devastated by her mother’s diagnosis, Cheryl attended every chemo session Glenda and quickly became her mother’s caregiver.

“I didn’t do anything else on Monday but be there for her. That was my date,” Cheryl says. “Whatever she need me to do, I was there.”

A year into Glenda’s treatment, the pair faced yet another storm. While busy taking care of her mother, Cheryl was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer after an annual checkup.

“That was a lot to take in especially because I had just gone through it with [Glenda],” Cheryl says. “I didn’t know what to expect.”

Both women discovered their cancers at different stages and although Cheryl’s was still confined to her breast milk, her doctor wanted to take extra precaution.

“I had one mastectomy, not bilateral, like [Glenda] did,” says Cheryl. “There were times when I don’t think I was as strong as I should’ve been in my faith,” Cheryl says. “I knew that God was going to take care of me but I didn’t depend on him to do so.”

The two credit their devout faith in the Lord for their

successful journeys. And although they were both exhausted from treatments, being there for one another was not up for debate.

“We were just there for each other in life,” Glenda says.

After their ordeals, both women strongly encourage routine breast checkups - and a good attitude.

“I have to go every 6 months,” Cheryl says. “My attitude has to be better, my attitude has to be positive, and I just surround myself with people that love me. But it’s mind over matter so if you are always depressed ‘oh I’m gonna have this…’ then those things come to you, the things that shouldn’t, so my attitude had to be not fake, but bright.”

“I like to dance,” Glenda says. “That helps me a lot. I don’t like to just go to the gym and stuff like that so that’s how I really keep up.”

“The greatest lesson for me is not to take your health for granted at all,” Cheryl says.

Both women advise women who are currently battling a cancer diagnosis to do two important things: live your life to the fullest, and reach out for help and support.

“Live your life,” Cheryl says. “Surround yourself with people that will be in your corner and ask for help. If you can’t do something, do not be proud and try to conquer it yourself - ask for help.”

“Some women have passed that I’ve known they had cancer they didn’t tell nobody,” Glenda says. “They didn’t want to have chemo - if the doctor tell you you’re gonna have to have chemo, have it!”

“If we don’t know nothing we can’t do nothing. We can’t pray, we can’t do anything because we don’t know.

Communicate.”

Both women are hesitant to say they’re cancer free, because they have to get regular check ups and biopsies of any new formations.

“You’re never cancer free,” Glenda says. “Some people are cancer free for 30 years and get it back. So you don’t know.”

But both women are happy to know that, whatever issues may arise, they will conquer them together. Looking back on taking care of Glenda, Cheryl says she would do it all over again.

“I wouldn’t do anything differently,” Cheryl says. “If it

EMMA GANNON Contributor

were to happen again today I would do the same thing.”

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ChurchNews Larry Elder Debates Roland Martin At Faithful Central Church

N

ationally acclaimed television and talk radio hosts Larry Elder of Fox News and Salem Communications’ Larry Elder Show and Roland S. Martin of TV One’s News One Now are prepared to debate in unprecedented election campaign event: Inform Your Vote 2016—Presidential Election Debate and Community Forum.

The event will be televised live exclusively by One America News network on October 8, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from The Tabernacle at 321 N. Eucalyptus Avenue in Inglewood.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that our communities are not only registered to vote, but are also provided with credible and current information, says Bishop Kenneth. C. Ulmer, Sr. Pastor, Faithful Central Bible Church. “There are no better political minds in our day to help us fulfill that role than Roland S. Martin and Larry Elder."

Elder and Martin will square off in a first-of-its-kind presidential election debate and community forum to passionately expound upon pressing issues of concern to Americans. Arguably, the 2016 presidential election race for the White House between Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and Donald Trump has been one of the most polarizing elections in modern history. Issues of criminal justice reform, race, national security, jobs, poverty, trustworthiness and the economy remain subjects Americans are deeply interested in, but often do not have the forum to discuss.

"Voters deserve a detailed analysis of where the candidates stand on the issues of the day. I've spent considerable time studying both candidates and look forward to making the case as to who is the best choice to be the 45th president of the United States," commented Roland S. Martin.

Larry Elder added, “The Left treats blacks like children to whom the truth cannot be told.”

“This is an important election and healthy debate and discussion will help decide which candidate is most beneficial for all,” commented Robert Herring, Sr., CEO of One America News Network.

Admission is free to the public on a first come, first serve basis. To register, visit www.informyourvote.org.

Another Move For Maranatha Metro has given Maranatha 18-24 months to find new digs in the wake of the construction of the Crenshaw/LAX line, which will cross West Blvd directly across the street from the rail. Maranatha and two other buildings are set to be demolished to make way for a parking structure parallel to the tracks.

It is the second time the congregation has had to make a move. After 25 years, they were forced out of their location on King Blvd due to redevelopment of the Crenshaw Plaza adjacent to the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw Mall.

Maranatha Pastor Steve Dyson remains optimistic.

“I’ve got to trust God,” he told L.A. Focus. “We’ve been through this before, so God has prepared us to go through this again. Hopefully, next time, it will be permanent. We’re out looking and we want to stay in the Inglewood area, but we’ll go wherever the God leads us.”

In other local church news, religious leaders from around the city mourned the death last month of Curtis Simpson, Sr., founder of Simpson Family Mortuary at services held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on September 23. “Curtis Simpson was an icon in the church community with a heart for people and a love for pastors,” Pastor Xavier Thompson observed. “He will be missed.”

Amen L.A. (Affirming Ministry Enlightening Nations) 1455 W. 94th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 229-9351 • www.amenla.org Rev. Dr. DiAnn L. Johnson Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30am-10:30am PTP­/­Preach­the­word-­Teach­the­word­-­practice­the­word

Bethel AME Church of Los Angeles 7900 South Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 750-3240 • www.bethelamela.org Rev. Kelvin T. Calloway Early Worship: 7:45 am Morning Worship: 10:45am Mid-week “Hour of Power” (Wed): noon

Bethesda Temple Church Apostolic Faith 4909 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 299-2591 Interim Pastor Robert Lockett Sunday School: 9:40am Morning Worship: 11am Evening Worship: 6pm Bible Study (Wed): 7pm Prayer (Sat): 7am Evening Prayer (Mon.): 6:30pm

Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Rev. Frederick Price Jr. Sunday Service: 10am Bible Study (Tue): 11am & 7pm Tue. Night Kidz Unlocked: 7pm Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7pm Intercessory Prayer (Wed.): 7:30pm Prayer & Praise (Thurs.): 6:30pm First AME Church (FAME) 2270 South Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-1251 • F: (323) 735-3353 • www.famechurch.org Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, Senior Pastor/CEO Sunday School: 10am Worship: 8am, 10am, Noon Teen Church (2nd Sundays):Noon,Allen House Wed. Prayer Service: Noon Wed. Bible Study: 7pm Radio: 10:30am on KJLH-102.3FM First­AME­is­the­oldest­Black­Church­in­the­City Grace Temple Baptist Church 7017 South Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192 Bishop Miquail M. Broadous Sr., Senior Pastor Sunday School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:00am Wednesday Worship: 6:45pm E-Mail: gtbcla@gmail.com

Bethlehem Temple Church, INC. 958 East 52nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 232-8429 www.bethlehemtemplela.org Pastor Elder Gentry Richardson, Jr. Sunday: Christian Education: 9am Morning Worship: 11am PYPU (youth services): 4:30pm Evening Worship: 6pm (5pm 5th Sun.) Monday Prayer Revival: 7pm Wednesday Ministerial/Teacher’s Prep. Class: Noon; Bible Class: 7:45pm

Grace United Methodist Church 4112 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 294-6653 • F: (323) 294-8753 • graceumc1@earthlink.net Rev. Pastor Paul A. Hill • www.graceumcla.com Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Sunday School: 9:45am Morning Worship: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 7pm Fri. Alcoholic Anonymous: 7pm Tues. Prayer Fellowship: 6:30pm Super Seniors (Thurs/Bi-Monthly): 10:30am Follow­us­on­Facebook­­

Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082 Rev. Theodore W. Payne, IV

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 Dr. Solomon Drake

Sunday School: 10am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:30 am Bible Study (Tues): Noontime Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 7pm

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

Christ The Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 3303 W. Vernon Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 295-4139 • F: (323) 295-4681 Rev. Joseph Oloimooja Sunday School: 10am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10am Mon. Centering Prayer/Meditation: 6:30pm Mon. Overeaters Anonymous: 7pm Wed. Bible Study & Eucharist: 7pm Wed. Alcoholic Anonymous: 7:pm E:­cgshepherd4041@sbcglobal.net

Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-7285 • F: (323) 731-2609 • www.holmanumc.com Rev. Kelvin Sauls

Church of Jesus Christ International 3719 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-1106 Pastor Michelle Beal

Liberty Baptist Church 1500 West 51st Place, Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 295-3866 • F: (323) 295-0366 • E: LBCwim@aol.com Rev. Terry Lovell Brown Sr.

Sunday Morning Glory Service (2nd & 4th): 8:30am-9:30am Christian Education Classes: 9:45am-10:45am Sunday Morning Worship: 11:15am Tuesday Prayer: 7pm Wednesday Bible Class: 7pm 1st Sunday Nights: 7pm Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 • www.cccf-ucc.org Pastor James K. McKnight Sun. Early Worship: 8am Prayer Meeting: 10:30am Morning Worship: 11am Wed. Afternoon Bible Study: 1pm Wed. Prayer Meeting: 6pm Wed. Evening Bible Study: 7pm View­Pastor­McKnight’s­Sermons­on­YouTube

Sunday School: 8:00, 9:45 & 11am Jazz for Soul 2nd & 4th Thur: 6:30 pm Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 11am Bible Study (Thurs.): Noon Sun. Radio: KJLH 102.3FM: 11am E: Holman@holmanumc.com

Sunday Church School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:30am & 12:30pm Wed. Bible Study: noon & 6:30pm Prayer Meeting: 6pm Follow­us­on­Twitter­@dacrossculture www.thecrossculture.org Macedonia Baptist Church of Los Angeles 1751 East 114th Street Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 569-9561 • Macedonia.baptist114@gmail.com Pastor Shane B. Scott Morning Worship: 10am Sunday Small Group: 8:45am Tues. Mid-Day Bible Study: 11am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: 6:30pm www.macedonia-la.org

10.16 Quark Rev 9.29 _Focus 7-04 10/1/16 6:57 PM Page 25

McCarty Memorial Christian Church 4101 West Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-4131 Pastor Edward Anderson

New Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church 9537 South Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 755-1130 or 755-1139 • F: (323)755-8961 Rev. Melvin Hill, Pastor

Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 10:45am Bible Study: Noon, Tuesdays

Worship Services: 8am & 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Prayer Meeting(WED): 6:30pm Bible Study(WED): 7pm & Noon The­Church­where­“It­pays­to­be­nice”.

Miracle Center Apostolic Church 2638 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-5121 or 735-5122 Dr. Roy S. Petitt • Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 8am, 11am & 6pm Tues. Prayer & Bible Class: Noon Rights of Passage: 7pm Wed. Bible Study: 8pm Thurs. Prayer/Bible Class: Noon Fri. Faith Seminar: 8pm Radio KTYM-1460AM: (M-Fri.) 8am - 8:15am

One Church International 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • www.onechurchla.org Sr. Pastor Toure’ Roberts

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of LA, Inc. 4269 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 Rev. Melvin V. Wade, Sr.

Paradise Baptist Church 5100 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 231-4366 Dr. Aaron Iverson

Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:45am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Mid-Week Worship (Wed): 7pm Bible Study (Wed.): 8pm

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 291-1121

F: (323) 291-1133 • office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church Pastor George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am, 11am Discipleship Hour (Sun): 9:37am Noonday Prayer (Mon): Noon Noonday Bible Study (Tue): 12:00pm Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Email: office@sinai.church •www.sinai.church Our­Goal:­To­win­more­Christians­&­develop better­Christians­to­the­glory­of­God.­(Matt.­28:18-20)­­ Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church 6614 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 753-3189 • F: (323) 753-1018 • www.mttabormbc.org Dr. Ticey M. Brown, D. Min. Pastor/Teacher Early Morning Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid Morning Worship: 11am Tues. Bible Study: 10am & 7pm Meeting/Bible Study: 6:30pm–8pm First Sun. Communion: 8am & 11 am Baptism First Sunday

Sunday Worship: 9am, 11am & 1pm Wednesday Midweek Service: 8pm www.Channel1Live.tv—View­live­streaming

Pastor’s Bible Class & Sunday School: 8am Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Prayer: 7pm Tues. Bible Study: 8pm

Park Windsor Baptist Church 1842 W. 108th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 756-3966 • RevTerrellTaylor@sbcglobal.net Rev. Terrell Taylor Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8am & 11am

People’s Independent Church of Christ 5856 West Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 296-5776 Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Sr. Pastor Sundays: Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Wednesday Bible Study & Mid Week Worship: Noon & 7pm Prayer Meeting: 6:30pm

New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 Elder Jeffrey M. Lewis Sunday Early Morning Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30 am Morning Worship: 11am Tuesday Prayer and Bible Band: 11am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30pm Wednesday in the Word: 7:30pm

Morning Worship: 7:30am & 10:45am Sunday School: 9:45am Wed. Prayer/Bible Study: Noon Pastor’s Bible Study: 7pm

Being a blessing to the members of Trinity Baptist Church is both passion and mission for First Lady Sandra Tunstill, wife of Pastor Alvin Tunstill.

For the Chicago native, that passion is a two way street.

“I have never felt so loved in my entire life, so I want to be a blessing to others,” Tunstill states.

From launching a walking ministry to working with the young adults and attending class to be a Bible teacher, Tunstill is true to her word.

“I did not really know who I was as a minister’s wife for a long time, but with maturation you get to know who you are and who you’re not. I’m never going to be in church with a big fat hat on and I don’t apologize for that.”

Instead, after 20 years at the church, the LAUSD instructional facilitator strives to be transparent in all she does so that others may grow through her experiences.

“I’m candid even if it’s not flattering... They lived with me through my struggles with eating,” Tunstill reveals.

It was eleven years ago that Tunstill stopped the rollercoaster ride of fad dieting, changed the way she ate, began exercising and lost 80 pounds.

“I walk three to five miles a day, go to the gym twice a week to lift weights and walk up the Santa Monica stairs every Sunday morning before church,” says the mother of three and doting grandmother. “Next year, the church turns 100 years, so I’m asking the congregation if they would be willing to walk 100 miles over the next year.”

Next up, —a jobs program for the church.

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Rev. Dr. Lovely Haynes Sunday Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed: Prayer Bible Study: 6pm - 6:55 pm Mon. Night Bible Study: 7pm Tue Choir Rehersal Wednesday Prayer: Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7pm • Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7pm Thurs. Evangelism: 7pm (enrollment required) St. Matthew Tabernacle of Praise “The S.T.O.P.” 3770 Santa Rosalia Dr. Baldwin Hills, CA 90008 (323) 291-1115 • F: (323) 293-0471 Rev. C.Barry Greene, Pastor Morning Worship: 8am Church School Hour: 10:15am Tuesday Hour of Power: 7pm

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church 2009 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 293-6448 • F: (323) 293-6605 Dr. Sylvester Washington Sunday School: 8am Morning Worship: 10am Tues. Bible Study: 11am Wed. Evangelism Class: 6:30pm First Sun. Holy Communion Service: 4pm www.pleasanthillbaptistchurch.org Praises of Zion Baptist Church (“Praise City” 8222 So. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003 (323) 750-1033 • F: (323) 750-5458 • www.pozlive.com Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, Sr. Pastor Early Morning Worship: 6:45am Educational Hour: 9:15am Mid-Morning Worship: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 7pm Sunday Broadcast: 7pm

Southern Missionary Baptist Church 4678 West Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 731-2703 • F: (323) 737-5202 • smbcla@gmail.com Rev. Xavier L. Thompson, Sr. Pastor L.I.F.E. Groups Sundays: 8:30am Morning Worship: 10am Baptism & Communion (First Sunday): 5pm Word Wednesday: 6:45pm “One­Church­For­All­Generations”

Trinity Baptist Church 2040 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-0044 • F: (323) 735-0219 Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship: 7:30 & 10:30am Sunday Church School: 9am Radio Broadcast KJLH FM: 9am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: Noon-7pm www.trinitybaptistchurchofla.org

Price Chapel AME Church 4000 W. Slauson Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-2406 • pricechapel@sbcglobal.net Rev. Benjamin Hollins Sunday Worship Service: 10am Sunday School: 8:30am Power Lunch Bible Study (Wed): 11am Praise & Worship Bible Study (Wed): 6:30pm

UpLift Christian Fellowship 4745 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90056 (310) 927-3476 Pastor Anthony Thompson Sunday Worship: 10am Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm

L.A. Focus/October­2016

New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 402 E. El Segundo Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90061 (310)324-0644 • F: (310) 769-1287 Rev. Sonja Dawson, Senior Pastor • Rev. Lonnie Dawson, Sr., Founder (1962 - 2010)

Sandra Tunstill Trinity Baptist Church

www.thechurchstop.org E: thechurchstop@yahoo.com pastorcbgreene@aol.com

“You­can­end­your­search­for­a­friendly­church” Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1300 E. 50th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 235-2103 • F: (323) 235-3177 • www.mtzionla.org Dr. Edward V. Hill, II, Pastor Sunday Intercessory Prayer: 9:15am Morning Worship: 9:30am Children’s Church: 9:30am Sunday School: 11:30am Baptism: 2nd Sun. & Lord’s Supper: 1st. Sun. Tues. Pastor’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Wed. Noon-day Prayer: Noon

First Lady Files

25

10.16 Quark Rev 9.29 _Focus 7-04 10/1/16 6:57 PM Page 26

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: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 9am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm www.wellerstreetlive.com “We­have­not­walked­this­way­before”­Joshua 3:1-6

West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3045 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 Bishop Charles E. Blake Sunday School: 8am & 10:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 11am Evening Worship (North Campus): 7pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7pm Sun. Radio Broadcast KJLH 102.3FM: 10am www.westa.tv Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center 2556 N. Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001 (626) 797-3585 • F: (626) 797-3233 • www.lifelinefcc.org Pastor Charles D. Dorsey Sunday School: 9am Early Worship (Glory Prayer): 8am Morning Worship: 10:30am Evening Worship (1st & 2nd Sun.): 5pm Wed. Bible Study: 7pm

In Carson

Judson Baptist Church 451 E. 223rd St, Carson, CA 90745 (310) 834-2630 • F: (310) 513-0943 • www.judsonbc.net Dr. Johnny V. Baylor, Pastor/Teacher

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30am Children’s Church (Except 5th Sun): 9:30am 2nd & 4th Sun. Speak Life Youth Ministry: 12:30pm Wed. Bible Study: Noon Streaming­live­at­judsonbclive.net Peace Apostolic Church 21224 Figueroa Street, Carson, CA 90745 (310) 212-5673 Suff. Bishop Howard A. Swancy Sunday School: 10am Morning Worship: 11:45am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Noon Day Bible Class: 12:30pm Wed. Bible Class: 7:30pm Resurrection Church L.A. 1135 East Janis St. Carson, CA 90746 Office Address: 1143 East Janis St. Carson, 90746 (310) 626-4864 • www.resurrectionchurchla.org Pastor Joseph Carlos Robinson Service times: 8am, 10am, 12:15pm Communion: every 5th Sunday Tuesday Bible Class: 7:30pm

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) Sunday School: 9am Morning Service: 10:45am Wed. Mid-Week Bible Study: 7pm

Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • E: GreaterZionCF@gmail.com Reverend Michael J. Fisher & Dr. W. Jerome Fisher, Pastor Emeritus Sunday Morning Worship: 9am, 11am & 5pm Wed. Bible Studies: Noon-7pm www.greaterzionchurchfamily.com

Holy Chapel Baptist Church 1016 East Rosecrans Ave. Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 Rev. George L. Thomas Early Morning Worship: 7:30am Sunday School: 9:45 & 10:15am Mid Morning Worship: 10:45 am 1st. Sun. Holy Communion: 7:30 & 10:45 am Sat. Broadcast KTYM 1460AM: 10-11pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer & Bible Study: 7pm

Pastor Profile: Rueben Ford Church: First AME Santa Monica Hometown: Bakersfield, California Education: American Bible College & Seminary How Long at church: 12 years Family: Married to wife Joyce 40+ years, one son Was­ministry­always­the­goal­for­you?

Not­ at­ all.­ Actually­ I­ was­ in­ sales­ and­ marketing.­ I started­to­attend­church­at­my­wife’s­urging.­At­that­time, I­had­a­business­—a­restaurant­—and­some­of­the­members­from­different­churches­would­come­in­and­extend­an invitation­ to­ me.­ So­ we­ just­ dropped­ by­ this­ particular church­ not­ knowing­ the­ denomination,­ but­ I­ did­ know some­of­the­people.­­ As­ I­ started­ attending­ on­ a­ regular­ basis­ the­ pastor asked­ me­ what­ would­ I­ like­ to do.­I­said­I­could­probably be­ an­ usher.­ Instead,­ he asked­me­to­read­scripture.­ I­ said­ I’ll­ do­ it, but­I’m­not­a­member.

He­said­I­didn’t­ask if­ you­ were­ a member,­ I­ asked you­ would­ you read­the­scripture.

After­a­while­I­just felt­ that­ this­ was where­I­belonged and­ that­ this was­ what I ’ d

been­ searching­ for.­ Rev.­ Carlisle,­ who­ was­ my­ father­ in the­ministry,­basically­just­reeled­me­in­to­myself.­ So­you­were­an­entrepreneur?

I­ was­ in­ business­ for­ five­ years,­ but­ after­ a­ while­ I decided­that­it­really­wasn’t­what­I­was­cut­out­to­do.­At that­ time­ I­ was­ a­ Vietnam­ Vet,­ so­ they­ were­ making opportunities­for­us­to­get­in­business.­My­biggest­fault­is that­I­didn’t­ask­for­enough­money.­I­found­out­that­business­took­a­lot­of­planning­and­I­fell­into­the­trap­of­poor planning,­which­means­poor­results.

Why­become­a­pastor?

To­preach­the­gospel­in­such­a­way­that­it­could­give direction,­hope,­enlightenment,­—all­those­things­we­try to­do.­And­like­anything­it­really­takes­a­lot­of­time­to­get to­ that­ point­ where­ you­ feel­ that­ there’s­ something­ happening­that’s­tangible…that­folks­can­see,­touch­and­feel the­gospel­itself.­ What­were­some­of­the­challenges­along­the­way?

Sometimes­it­would­get­to­the­point­where­you’re­saying­I­know­what­I’m­preaching­and­I­know­everybody­is saying­amen­but­are­there­some­tangible­results­in­a­person’s­life?­People­and­emotions­are­irrational­so­you­have to­ deal­ with­ that­ and­ recognize­ that­ people­ are­ hurting.

That’s­ probably­ the­ biggest­ challenge­ for­ us­ to­ take­ this Christianity­and­make­it­applicable­to­the­folk­that­need it­the­most.­ Then­too,­it’s­quite­a­challenge­because­not­only­do­you preach­the­gospel,­but­you­have­to­manage­the­church.­A part­of­the­problem­is­that­many­times­we­say­well­church is­like­a­business.­The­difference­is­a­church­is­volunteers and­managing­volunteers­is­different­from­people­with­a paycheck­they­depend­on.­ What­has­been­the­biggest­lesson­you’ve­learned?

It’s­ not­ about­ me.­ It’s­ about­ trying­ to­ develop something­that­people­really­do­need­and­have­the opportunity­ to­ take­ advantage­ of.­ We­ believe we’ve­ done­ that­ on­ a­ small­ degree.­ We­ have developed­ 49­ senior­ housing­ units­ in­ Santa Monica.­That­is­something­that­was­a­part­of our­ needs­ assessment,­ —housing­ especially for­seniors­low­income.­ You­ are­ uniquely­ located­ near­ the­ heart­ of Santa­ Monica—is­ that­ a­ drawback­ or­ a benefit?

It’s­too­unique­because­there’s­no­way­to get­ in­ or­ get­ out.­ Though­ it’s­ a­ great

church,­if­it­were­a­business,­it­might­be­considered­a­bad location­because­you­have­to­know­where­it­is­get­to­it.­It is­ nestled­ right­ into­ a­ community­ on­ a­ quiet­ street­ that rarely­gets­outside­traffic.­ What­is­your­mission­as­a­pastor?

To­continue­to­try­to­impact­the­community­in­such­a way­they­can­feel,­eat,­and­touch­the­fruits­of­our­labor.­It has­to­be­more­than­words.­We­actually­hope­ultimately that­the­people­are­driven­in­such­a­way­that­it­does­make a­difference­in­their­life,­but­we­have­some­major­barriers.

You­ look­ at­ the­ massive­ unemployment­ that­ is­ still­ here with­ us.­ So­ many­ of­ the­ people­ have­ been­ damaged­ at home.­ Then­ that­ trickles­ into­ society­ and­ so­ we­ see­ so many­ of­ our­ young­ men­ and­ women­ being­ arrested­ and once­ they­ get­ out­ then­ it’s­ even­ more­ difficult­ to­ find employment.­ What­are­your­goals­for­the­next­five­years?

Possibly­another­housing­project.­If­not,­we’ll­continue to­try­and­expand­what­we­have­and­make­it­as­they­say, ‘mo­betta.’

How­involved­is­the­church­in­the­community?

We­ do­ programs­ to­ help­ raise­ funds­ we­ did­ a­ thing with­a­group­called­get­on­the­bus­and­this­is­a­program where­you­help­provide­little­goodie­bags­for­the­children and­ their­ chaperones­ when­ they­ visit­ different­ prisons where­women­are­housed­as­a­way­of­extending­our­ministry.­ You­ serve­ as­ part­ of­ the­ leadership­ of­ BAPAC­ (Black American­ Political­ Association­ of­ California)—do­ you consider­that­an­extension­of­ministry?

Yes.­BAPAC­has­always­had­a­strong­connection­to­the church­ because­ of­ those­ like­ the­ late­ Bishop­ H.­ H. Brookins­who­was­part­of­the­development­of­BAPAC­I’m still­ feeling­ my­ way­ through­ finding­ out­ how­ we­ can­ be relevant­ in­ the­ community­ with­ the­ recent­ death­ of [founder]­Percy­Pinkney­and­that’s­taking­some­time.­But through­supporting­the­recruitment­of­blacks­to­the­political­ process­ and­ the­ development­ of­ political­ collaborations­ that­ will­ lead­ to­ more­ jobs­ and­ opportunities­ for blacks,­ BAPAC­ will­ continue­ to­ fulfill­ its­ mission­ of empowering­blacks­where­it­counts.

Howard­Thurman­says,­“It­is­not­solely­a­question­of keeping­ the­ body­ alive,­ it­ is­ rather­ how­ not­ to­ be­ killed.

Mortality­takes­its­meaning­from­that­center.­Until­that center­is­shifted,­nothing­can­be­accomplished.­What­that quote­ is­ really­ saying­ to­ me­ is­ that­ unless­ we’re­ at­ the table­when­key­decisions­are­made­—and­how­they­affect

10.16 Quark Rev 9.29 _Focus 7-04 10/1/16 6:57 PM Page 27

From the Pulpit: California Worship Center friend is someone dear or close, somebody you’re very fond with.

Notice here how we made the distinction merely by defining two words but what we must understand is that not all earthly distinctions translate in the spirit realm. What am I saying? I’m telling you that everything that works here does not necessarily work in heaven.

He says in verse in 14 you are my friends if you do whatever I command you see we separate servanthood from friendship but Jesus synthesizes them together.

He says you are my friends. If we look at this text just with the natural eye all we will see is an upgrade. It’s an obvious upgrade from servanthood to friendship.

I no longer call you assistant manager, now I call you manager, I no longer call you manager, now I call you supervisor.

Sounds like an upgrade. We have lost our understanding of what true friendship really is. True friendship is I am willing to serve you.

Jesus strips himself down to the lowest common denominator. He didn’t do it because he felt like it, he did it because he loved his friends. He came down here, took everything off and became a servant.

Notice he doesn’t say I’m your friend. You are now my friends.

It is impossible for Jesus to become something He’s always been. He’s always been your friend. He healed the sick, unstopped deaf ears, opened blind eyes because he’s our friend. He allowed himself to be in the hands of sinful men because He’s our friend. He allowed himself to be falsely accused because He’s our friend— the whipping, the beatings the thorns the nails the cross—He endured it because he’s

A

our friend.

He doesn’t say I’m your friend but rather you are now my friends. Why? There're at least two reasons. One, you are my friends because you do what I told you to do. You’ve shown me a faithful servant, I told you what to say and you said just that, I told you to give and you gave, I told you to go lay hands on somebody and pray and you did. You go through tragedy and still worship me. You already know I’m your friend, but through the testing of your faith you have shown that you are faithful and now I can call you my friend.

Here’s where we mess up: we become friends and we don’t want to be a servant anymore. Friendship comes with benefits, but it also comes with some responsibility.

Before you had a job and car you were coming to church every Sunday sitting right here just on your knees. Every time the doors opened you were here,— no job, but somehow still giving, serving. So God said look at them serving, let me bless them.

God blesses you, shows you favor and we don’t see you like we used to see you.

Your servanthood responsibility is now lacking, look on your Facebook and see you at the clubhouse. God is saying how come you can’t be a faithful friend or servant?

Jesus came down from his glory to become a servant but he was still a king at the same time.

Just because he’s your friend doesn’t mean you don’t still have to bow down.

Just because he’s your friend does not mean he’s not still the savior of your life.

We become friends because of our willingness to serve and our reverence. I have called you friends from all things I have heard from my father I have made known

Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, P.O. Box 5449, Compton 90220 (310) 604-5900 Fax: (310) 604-5915 Dr. Ron C Hill Sunday Morning Worship: 8am & 11:30am Sunday Evening Worship: 6:30pm Bible Studies: Wed. 7:30pm & Sat. 9am Food for Your Soul Radio & Television Ministry: KTYM 1460AM: Mon - Fri. 6:30am Church Channel: Tues. 5:30pm & Fri. 2:30pm

Unity Christian Fellowship 16133 S. Atlantic Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 604-0234 • F: (310) 886-0198 Bishop Johnny R. Withers, Jr., Senior Pastor Sunday G.I.R. Up Leadership Class: 8am Morning Worship Tuesday: 10am Teaching Empowerment Night: 7:30pm

The City of Refuge 14527 S. San Pedro Street, Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 516-1433 Bishop Noel Jones

In Gardena

Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Evening Worship: 6pm Bible Study (Wed): Noon & 7pm BET/Fresh Oil (Wed): 7am

to you. He’s saying here you have my confidence, I have confided in you. There’s a different level of friendship. You have confidants and constituents, then you have comrades and what we do is kind of synthesize all of them together when they’re different.

A constituent is somebody who is not for you. You think they are, but they’re not.

You have to make the clear distinction because when somebody comes along who can push their ambition a little further they will leave you. By the time you fall in love with the constituent they’re already gone. Then they're comrades this is the most dysfunctional type of friend, they’re not for you, they’re not for what you’re for they’re just against what you’re against.

The Sadducees and the Pharisees didn’t get along but they hated Jesus more than they hated each other. For comrades to get along, they’ve got to keep finding people to hate. But a confidant is for you, They know where all the bodies are buried, they know all your secrets, and more importantly they won’t tell your secrets.

Confidants will come get you out the jailhouse...out the crack house, Psalms 24:14 the King James translation says the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him. I love the English Standard Version. [It says] the friendship of the Lord is with those that fear him.

Psalms 2:11 comes around the corner and says now serve the Lord with fear— fear meaning reverence. You can’t serve the Lord or be a friend without first acknowledging Him and his presence, power, and goodness. He only shares his revela-

Sunday Morning Worship: 9am Sunday Evening Worship: 6pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7pm Bible Study Tuesday: Noon & 7pm

Sunday Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Sunday Bible Enrichment Class: 9:45am Mon.-Thurs. Bible Study: 7pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12:30pm & 7pm

True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 7901 South Van Ness Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 750-7304 Rev. James A. Perkins Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:45am Bible Adventure Hour (Tues): 6pm Bible Study (Tues): 7pm Bible Study (Thurs): Noon

In Inglewood Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer: 5am, Noon & 7pm Wednesday Pathway: 7pm Thurs Bible Study: 10am Sat Marriage & Family Prayer: 7:30am

First Church of God Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 • (323) 7571804 www.go2Hope.com Pastor Geremy L. Dixon

Faithful Central Bible Church 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035 Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher Services at The Tabernacle: Sunday Services: 7am & 10am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7pm

Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc.

1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90303 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760 Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr. Sunday School: 10am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm KYTYM 1460AM (Sunday): 11:30am www.jacobladderschurch.com

Crusade Christian Faith Center 801 S. La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8535 Bishop Virgil D. Patterson Sr. Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7pm Sunday School: 9am Sunday Worship: 10:30am

Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Wed. Mid-Week Service: Noon Wed. Teaching Ministry: 7pm 1st Sunday Communion 5th Sunday Baptism

New Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church 434 S. Grevillea, Inglewood CA 90301 (310) 673-6250 Office • (310) 673-2153 Rev. Dr. Phillip A. Lewis, D. D., D. Th., Senior Pastor

L.A. Focus/October­2016

In Hawthorne

tion with those He is in close proximity to.

There are things in this word I’ve read all my life but didn’t understand until I got close to Him. I went through a situation and it just drove me to my knees and I had to pray every day. I found myself understanding more of who He was.

The closer you are, the more He will reveal and use you. It’s time to stop playing games. We’ve got to get into the friend zone with Jesus. Don’t just settle for a mediocre relationship. It’s time to serve the Lord with gladness,..with a humbleheart, It’s time to serve the Lord with a willing spirit.

Serve Him even when you need to be served, Serve him when you’re up, and when you’re down. High, low, rich, poor, sick or healthy, happy or sad.

I’m determined to serve the lord because I want Him to call me friend. Lord, I know I am not much, but if you need somebody send me. Use me for your glory, use me at your leisure, use me at your purpose. I just want to be in your will because I’m desperate for your friendship. I’ll serve you Lord, until my run turns to a walk and my walk turns to a crawl. I want you to be my friend. I want you to call me your friend.

Warryn Campbell

Victory Institutional Baptist Church 4712 West El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250 (310) 263-7073 • www.vibconline.com Pastor Richard Williams, III

The­Tabernacle­is­located­at­321­N.­ Eucalyptus­Ave.,­Inglewood

Atherton Baptist Church 2627 W. 116th Street Hawthorne,CA 90250 (323) 757-3113 • www.athertonbc.org F: 323-757-8772 • athertonbaptist@sbcglobal.net Pastor Larry Weaver

“The Friend Zone”-Psalms 24:14

Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 11am First Sunday Evening Worship: 5pm Mid-Week Bible Study Wed.: 7pm Radio:­KTYM­1460­AM­on­Saturdays­at­8pm­ &­Mondays­at­7pm

27

10.16 Quark Rev 9.29 _Focus 7-04 10/1/16 6:57 PM Page 28

In Irvine

Christ Our Redeemer AME Church 45 Tesla, Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 955-0014 • F:(949) 955-0021 • www.corchurch.org Pastor Mark E. Whitlock, II

Sunday Worship: 8am, 10:30am New Generation Praise Service: 10:30am Sun. Bible Univ.: 9:30am Tues. Interactive Bible Study: 7pm Wed. Pastor's Bible Study: Noon, 7pm Thurs. Bible Study: 7pm Fri. Singles Bible Study (1st Fri): 7pm

In Long Beach

Antioch Church of Long Beach 1535 Gundry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 591-8778 • F: (562) 599-6048 Pastor Wayne Chaney Jr. Worship Services: 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am Tuesday Youth BibleStudy: 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am WednesdayBible Study: Noon

Christ Second Baptist Church 1471 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 599-3421 • Fax: (562) 599-6175 • www.csbclb.org Rev. Welton Pleasant II, Senior Pastor Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service: 9:40am Wed. Bible Study: 7pm Wed Youth & Young Adult Ministry: 7pm

Gospel Memorial Church of God In Christ 1480 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 599-7389 • F: 562-599-5779 • gospelmemorial@aol.com Bishop Joe L. Ealy Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Intercessory Prayer: 7pm Wed. Pastoral teaching adults: 7:30pm Wed. Youth Ministry Boot-Camp; Youth Bible Study: 7pm & Choir Rehearsal: 7:30pm

Cover­Story­continued­from­page­11 country have led to major changes in policies—including the use of dash cams, greater transparency and even faster payouts to the families of victims.

And in February 2016, New York City police officer Peter Liang, was convicted of second degree manslaughter in the death of an unarmed black man.

Adds National Action Network’s L.A. director, “While we can celebrate the arrest of a few officers across the country, we still have a long way to go. Many DA’s lack the courage to prosecute law enforcement officers. Public pressure is making a difference. We saw that just last week in Charlotte with Hillary Clinton calling for the release of the dash and body cam video. We see the benefits of transparency. There is a lack of trust and at the end of the day, we must continue to keep the pressure on.”

Jackson­continued­from­page­8 “Shouldn’t blacks listen to a man talking about safety in our inner cities?

I know parents and kids in our community who cross gang lines and are fearful for their safety every day. Why is that an acceptable condition? If it is not, what did our leaders do about that last year, last month or last week. There has been little change and we need it sorely. You’ve got a candidate talking about creating jobs in a community where unemployment is twice the national average. He’s also talking about getting black kids out of failing schools. Democrats stand in the way of School Choice and somehow that’s acceptable? Democrats, and Mrs. Clinton in particular, are talking the same rhetoric every four years and none of it has created sufficient jobs for blacks, better education that leads to higher education or tax incentives that

Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com • www.grantamelb.org Rev. Michael W. Eagle, Sr.

In Pasadena

Bethlehem Church 1550 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 794-5211 • F: (626) 794-6592 Pastor Christopher A. Bourne Sunday School: 9am Sunday Worship: 10am Tuesday Bible Study: 7pm Mid-day Worship Thursday: Noon

Sun. Worship Experience: 10:45am 3rd Sun. Healing & Annointing: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 6pm Mothers of Murdered Youth & Children Were all receive a little attention, affection and love.

New Philadelphia A.M.E. Church 6380 S. Orange Avenue, Long Beach, Ca 90805 (562)422-9300•F: (562) 422-9400 Pastor Darryl E. Walker, Senior Pastor 1st & 5th Sunday Worship: 9am Sunday School/New Member Classes:8am Live­Streaming­on­NuPhilly­AppNuPhilly­website:­9am 2nd thru 4th Sunday Worship:7:30 am &10:00am•Sunday School New Member Classes: 9am Live Streaming on the NuPhilly App/website: 7:30am Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday Eve 7pm Mid-Week Bible Study: Thursday 12:00 noon

Family of Faith Christian Center 345 E. Carson Street, Long Beach, CA 90807 (562) 595-1222 • F: (562) 595-1444 Pastor: Sherman A. Gordon, E.D. Min Sunday School: 9:00 AM Early Worship: 7:30 AM Morning Worship: 10:00 Am Bible Study: Every Wednesday 12 (Noon) & 7:00 PM Radio: 7:00 PM (1st & 3rd Sunday) Station: KJLH

In Monrovia

Second Baptist Church 925 S. Shamrock Avenue • P.O. Box 479, Monrovia, CA 91017 (626) 358-2136 • F: (626) 303-2477 Bishop W.M. Larue Dillard, Phd. Sunday Worship: 7:45am, 10:45am, 4:45pm Ministry Worship to Children/Youth Sunday: 9:45am - 10:45am Prayer/Academy of Biblical Studies (Wed): 10:45am - 6:45pm www.second-baptistchurch.com

grow small businesses.”

While Trump wasn’t his first choice, Little is not only a supporter but a contributor. “There’s a great number of people who are voting for Donald Trump and will not say so because their freedom has been surrendered to peer pressure, overall group think,” Little observed.

Fact is, a majority of blacks remain critical of those African-Americans voting for Trump.

“Democrats have successfully put Trump in a racist box, while ignoring the fact that the Clintons are the biggest racists,” said one of those who preferred to remain anonymous. “Hillary called late Senator Robert Byrd a mentor and an American hero. Not only was Byrd a member of the Klan, but he was one of their recruiters. Notwithstanding her reference to [blacks and Hispanics] as Super Predators in 1996 [which she later apologized for].”

In a March 2016 op-ed, Tavis Smiley wrote, “While I certainly have had my say about Trump being a “religious and racial arsonist”, not everyone in black America agrees with me. I have been taken aback by myriad conversations I’ve had with black folk who don’t find those comments

by Trump necessarily or automatically disqualifying.”

“I don’t disagree with reaction to Trumps style,” Little states. “It can be abrasive. Mr. Trump is obviously thinskinned; that could be a challenge. A presidential candidate tweeting on his own at midnight is odd. By the same token, a Secretary of State AWOL at midnight when Benghazi is burning, is more of a national security problem. I’ll take the late-night tweeter.

“My conscious is clear,” adds Little, who is most supportive of what he believes Trump will do in terms of the Supreme Court with regards to preserv-

www.bethelemchurchpasadena.org Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church 980 Rio Grande Street, Pasadena, CA 91104 *Mailing Address: 1416 N. Mentor Ave. Pasadena, 91104 (626) 794-4875 • F: (626) 794-7815 Pastor W. Harrison Trotter Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Worship: 10am Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm Intercessory Prayer (Fourth Wed.): 7pm Christians­Uniting­To­Make­A­Difference­-Eph.­4:13

Spirit of Zion Fellowship Church 10853 Victory Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 (805) 517-1907 • www.mtzionla.org Pastor E.V. Hill II

In Van Nuys

Sunday Worship: 1pm Children's Church: 1pm

In Westchester Arise Christian Center 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C, Westchester, CA 90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com Pastor Ron Taylor Morning Worship: 9am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Intercessory Prayer Thursday: 11:30pm - 12:30pm

ing religious liberty, sanctity of life and the right to keep and bear arms, Little is voting.

“I have to explain to people that if they don’t understand what’s at stake for the next generation and our children with respect to the Supreme Court, then they don’t understand this election.”

Barbara Caiquo, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Ghana, told L.A. Focus, “If Donald Trump becomes the next president, he can bring jobs back.”

Jobs are also key for 21-year old Leah Levell, who serves on the National Diversity Coalition for Trump.

“One of the main reasons why I am proud to support Donald Trump is because of his positions on the issues I most care about: job creation, criminal justice reform, and national security.”

“Somehow if you are a Republican that happens to be Black you are instantly labeled a “sellout,” Levell told City Watch columnist Melissa Hebert. “If you read the backgrounds of many Black Republican leaders you might be surprised to know how connected they really are and how their experiences growing up Black helped to shape their conservative viewpoints today. The Black community is better served when there are advocates for us, like any other group, working both sides of the aisle for our interests.”

Pastor­continued­from­page­26 us­ —then­ really­ we­ can’t­ expect­ the­ outcome­to­change­anymore­than­it­has.­ What­do­you­want­your­legacy­to­be?

I­ hope­ it­ is­ inclusive­ with­ all­ the­ other preachers­ and­ pastors­ that­ we’re­ all­ on this­ old­ ship­ of­ Zion­ together­ trying­ to make­ a­ difference.­ I­ don’t­ need­ any­ individual­accolades.­I’m­blessed­to­be­in­this city­where­there­are­so­many­extraordinary pastors,­ministers,­and­evangelists.­

Crockett­continued­from­page­8

public relations nightmare that would have ensued. There would have been protesters at every game. New head coach Chip Kelly would have spent every press conference talking less and less about football and more about the movement.

And that is the way BLM would have wanted it. This is a victory for a movement that people have been critical of since its inception. This movement not only kept one black man off the unemployment line but, by doing so, also kept a great spokesperson in a position to use his influence to bring about change. It helps keep the story alive.

In truth, Kaepernick and the BLM protesters are the physical embodiment of the painting that’s hung in the collective living room of the black imagination for centuries.

You know—the one that shows the muscular black arm reaching down to pull up another outstretched muscular black arm. They needed each other. And while the work is far from over, never forget that when it comes to black protest in this country, America has a tendency to catch the vapors. That is, they hate you at the time of the movement, only to love you in the end. See Muhammad Ali. See Rosa Parks. And years from now, see Colin Kaepernick.

Stephen A. Crockett Jr. is a senior editor at The Root. Follow him on Twitter.

Elder­continued­from­page­8 Kaepernick, not long ago fined for calling an opposing player the N-word, would be a tad reluctant to blast America for its alleged racism and oppression. But this is about America's racism, not his own. The recent Will Smith movie "Concussion" argues that football causes brain damage. As for Kaepernick, it might well be a case of early onset.

Larry Elder is a best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host.

To find out more, visit LarryElder.com.

Follow Larry on Twitter @larryelder.

10.16 Quark Rev 9.29 _Focus 7-04 10/1/16 6:57 PM Page 29

Money­Matters­continued­from­page­25

Winfrey, who donated $12 million to the Smithsonian, expressed her gratitude to be part of its establishment. “I am deeply appreciative of those who paved the path for me and all who follow in their footsteps,” she said in a statement. “By investing in this museum, I want to help ensure that we both honor and preserve our culture and history, so that the stories of who we are will live on for generations to come.”

The museum debuted with a collection of 12 exhibitions that outlined the history of slavery, segregation, civil rights – both past and present – and African American achievements in the entertainment and social space. More than 40,000 priceless artifacts and items are on display, and cover a wide range of eras.

“It is both a humbling and an inspiring experience to witness these extraordinary and iconic artifacts placed in their permanent home in the museum,” said Bunch, when reflecting on the many items donated by the ancestors of African American pioneers. “Together they present a unique opportunity to instill a profound appreciation of the everyday experiences, the inequality, and the harsh realities that segregation and incarceration practices presented to African Americans – realities that shaped our collective national history.”

Everything from a slave cabin from a South Carolina plantation and the shackles worn by slaves to gold medals from the first black Olympians are showcased. Ku Klux Klan hoods; a piece of rope used in a lynching, a segregated rail car, a fedora worn by Michael Jackson and the very dress that Rosa Parks was sewing the night of her historic 1955 arrest are also exhibited.

The 13th Amendment and the Emancipation Proclamation, both signed

by President Abraham Lincoln, also have a place in the museum; as well as the 150year-old Freedom Bell loaned by the historic First Baptist Church, which was rung

by President Obama at the official opening ceremonies.

Additionally, the museum houses an education center, cafe, gift shop, and a 350seat theater, adorning Winfrey’s name.

Said to be one of the largest spaces in the museum, the theater will host performances and education enriched discussions, which according to Bunch, will “unite and capture the attention of millions of people worldwide.”

Ironically, what you won’t find is a single item donated by the King family. King’s living children have routinely blocked those seeking to use his image, words or papers without paying what many have reported to be exorbitant fees.

Sitting on National Mall, Bunch hopes that the NMAAHC will attract those from all cultures and backgrounds to get a taste of American history.

“It was an opportunity to say, ‘this is not simply a story by black people for black people.’ That in essence, this was the quintessential American story. That if you wanted to understand who we are as Americans, our notions of resiliency and optimism, our sense of liberty and our changing notions of citizenship, where better to look than this community.”

“It is central to the American story, that our glory derives not just from our most obvious triumphs,” said President Obama at the museum’s star-studded opening, “but how we’ve wrested triumph from tragedy, and how we’ve been able to remake ourselves again, and again, and again, in accordance with our highest ideals.”

10.16 Quark Rev 9.29 _Focus 7-04 10/1/16 6:57 PM Page 30

InGoodTaste

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Michelle Moore Bell Founder/President

Deborah Smith Pegues Best Selling Author Empowerment Strategist

10.16 Quark Rev 9.29 _Focus 7-04 10/1/16 6:58 PM Page 31

10.16 Quark Rev 9.29 _Focus 7-04 10/1/16 6:58 PM Page 32

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Finding Your Pretty

with Dawn Strozier

Finding your personal style and fashion can be a struggle. I’ll admit I’ve been there before multiple times.

Personal style and fashion should reflect where you are in your life and career. Great style empowers you to approach each day confidence with and genuine feelings of attractiveness. Being pretty!

Believe it or not the right wardrobe can make a huge difference in your professional and personal life. It may be a struggle, but it’s doable.

Here are 4 tips to help you create your personal style and fashion.

Get To Know You "Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly."

- Epictetus

(Greek philosopher) Style begins with YOU! Personal style and fashion is about getting to know yourself and becoming connected with the essence of who YOU are – your unique personality.

Your taste, likes, dislikes, desires and motivations. Creating your personal style and fashion is the art of combining an outfit or image to match various aspects of your personality and life.

Define Your Style Defining your style type provides a logical starting point. Defining your style begins by embracing who you are. Doing so allows you to determine what is most appropriate for your personal style choices and why.

Everyone fits into one or more of five basic style types: Classic, Chic, Whimsical, Bohemian and Avant-Garde. Knowing your individual style type provides clarity and helps you identify in which of these fashion directions you will go. Most importantly what will your choices say to the stranger on the street? Be sure to make use of current trends.

Purge Your Wardrobe When creating your wardrobe, less is better. So go through your closet and identify clothing you haven’t worn in the past year.

YOU GOTTA GET THIS! Microdermabrasion Face Cleanser This facial cleaner contains vitamins and a natural enzyme from papaya that will wash away dirt without removing the skin’s natural oils, leaving it hydrated, soft and beautiful. www.bellarosepassion.com

From these items determine what can be incorporated into the new style you envision.

Donate the remaining clothing to friends or charitable organizations.

Know How To Put Outfits Together Having lots of nice single pieces of clothing may not provide the desired impact when worn unless you learn how to put them together into an outfit Study color wheels to learn what colors complement each other.

Learn when to rock heels and when to slip on sneakers instead.

Use­Accessories For fashionable women it’s not just their clothes that look great, it’s the punctuation provided by great accessories. Great style is so often in the details. Jewelry and other accessories can elevate an outfit from adequate to fabulous. Purses can be much more than simply portable storage. In fact, they can sharply accentuate and complete any look.

Define your own style. Allow it to speak for you and tell the world who you are. Dare to redefine and adorn yourself in style and fashion that brings forth the uniquely attractive and wonderfully pretty...YOU

BE BOLD! Triple Threat Concealer Named Triple Threat because it’s guaranteed to decorate your spots and blackheads, decrease pimples and dark circles and create a clear brilliant eye makeup finish.

So Who Does Your Hair...

Michael Powell At a young age Michael Powell realized he had a gift for doing hair. That gift soon developed into a vision of becoming a professional hair stylist, weave master, short hair specialist and colorist. By the age of 25 Michael owned his own salon and his innovative style and techniques made him one of the most sought after hairstylists in the city, with a vast clientele from the everyday soccer moms to industry professionals. However, after owning his salon for 10 years Michael decided to walk away from a highly successful career as a Salon Owner/Stylist in pursuit of his passion – HAIR IN HOLLYWOOD!

Known in the Hollywood hair industry as ”The Short Hair Slayer” for his signature cuts and styles and the fact that, Michael can lay some short hair out. Michael has developed raving fans and loyal clients.

Michael is a graduate of Gordon Philips in Lawrenceville, New Jersey and has trained with many of the leading industry professions in both New York City and Los Angeles.

Michael’s philosophy as a stylist is simple. “Your talent can get you clients but, it’s your attitude, eye for detail and your customer service that will keep them coming back.”

Michael practices being his personal best.

Michael’s tips for maintaining healthy short hair.

1) Protein and moisture balanced treatments twice per month.

2) Oil the scalp once a week if using a lot of spritz.

3) Weekly scalp manipulation to circulate blood flow.

4) Apply a protector to ends of short hair to prevent over processing.

Favorite Products: 1) Mazani

Contact: Michael Powell 310-975-9764

If you would like to spotlight your salon or product, contact Kisha Smith at (310) 677-6011

10.16 Quark Rev 9.29 _Focus 7-04 10/1/16 6:58 PM Page 34

SavingGrace Kofi Soriboe

L.A. Focus/October­2016

Up until recent months, Kofi Soriboe was relatively unknown – with a resume of smaller roles in a dozen or so acting projects, including a bit part in “Straight Outta Compton” and a recurring role on an MTV series titled Awkward., a show that’s unfamiliar to most of us.

But earlier this year, Soriboe hit the jackpot when he was cast in a starring role in Oprah Winfrey’s new hit series, Queen Sugar, whose two-night premiere set a ratings record for OWN with an average of 2.42 million viewers. Bowing to critical reviews, the show has already been renewed for a second season.

Soriboe credits the role to a great audition.

“The material was amazing,” he said. “I really was into the project and went to read for Aisha Coley [casting director] and met Ava later on in the process.”

But one look at the steamy 6’2” L.A. native, who has worked as a model with the prestigious Wilhelmina agency, would suggest that whoever cast him recognized t h a t

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Soriboe is the whole package. “Captivating without even saying a word,” was the observation of one viewer. A “standout performance” is how the Washington Post characterized his work in Queen Sugar while social media is dubbing Soriboe as a heartthrob in the show that has become the number one new scripted cable series of 2016 for women.

The drama from award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay—with Winfrey serving as executive producer—follows the lives of three estranged siblings of the Louisiana-based Bordelon family, reunited by the death of their father and the struggling sugar cane farm he leaves behind. Soriboe stars with Rutina Wesley, DawnLyen Gardner, Tina Lifford and Dondre Whitfield as Ralph Angel Bordelon, the youngest Bordelon sibling and a formerly incarcerated felon who is making a new start while caring for his beloved 6-year-old son, Blue.

Despite his feelings of nervousness, Soriboe recalls feeling extremely prepped for his role in Queen Sugar.

“I walked into the experience ready and open. All the women received me so well that I really had no worries,” says Soriboe. “All my apprehensions were immediately put to rest, and it was cool being around people who inspired me so much. To see that they also respected me on a human-to-human, artist-to-artist level, and that we’re able to create from there was very special to me.”

Queen Sugar is just the beginning for the 22-year-old breakout star, who also had a lead role in the indie film, Kicks, which was released last month, and who recently wrapped production on filmmaker Will Packer’s Girl Trip, which stars Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, and Jada Pinkett-Smith. Due out next year, the film is about four friends who travel to New Orleans for the Essence Festival.

Upcoming projects for the rising star also include a TV movie, Snowfall, chronicling the impact of the crack cocaine epidemic. But those who know him don’t expect anything less, particularly given that acting is after all, the family business.

A first-generation American, Soriboe comes from an affluent lineage of achievement. His great-grandfather was a respected king in the Juaben/Ashanti tribe in the West African country of Ghana, and Soriboe is the second of three sons who have all experienced success in Hollywood.

“My little brother has been booking jobs since the age of 10 months, and like my older brother has been working just as rapidly. To have such great role models, I feel that’s really a lucky thing,” says Soriboe proudly.

At 17, his younger brother, Kwesi Boakye, has starred in more than 30 different projects, including Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself with Taraji P. Henson, as well as recurring roles in a handful of TV series. Older brother, Kwame Boateng, has over 20 national commercials to his credit, along with work in

film and TV. All of which leads to a little healthy competition, particularly since they often read for the same role.

“It’s good to have the competition at home, because I think it’s a really healthy thing when we’re able to push each other to be our best selves and aspire for the greatness within,” says Soriboe. “Everybody doesn’t have that, especially at home, so I really cherish it.”

With similar goals in mind, the brothers share a close bond and Soriboe often gloats about their sibling unit being collectively driven in their quest for accomplishment. And though these days, it is serious business, it didn’t start out that way for Soriboe.

“I never was like ‘I want to be an actor’ as a kid, but we were in the entertainment industry doing print work, commercials, and things like that,” Soriboe reminisces. “As we progressively got older, I had more of a choice and an intention to make it something serious and part of my lifestyle. It’s just about having fun with it and seeing how far I can go … how far I can push…”

The push now is for more leading man roles.

“I feel like I’m a leading man in my life. I’m a leading man to a lot of my friends and loved ones, personally. That’s definitely something I should be able to share with the world on a global platform as well,” Soriboe continues. “It just makes sense. It’s authentic and there are so many stories to be told. I’d be honored to be a part of that narrative.”

For Soriboe, it is all about living his truth.

“I love connecting to God and expressing myself. I love writing, taking photos, watching movies, writing music, reading, working out and eating. I really just love life. I’m really into connecting to society. I want to use the culture and platform we have in entertainment and films to bring people closer, and spread awareness and positive images,” says Soriboe A big part of that truth is the support he has received from his parents.

“If I didn’t have that foundation I wouldn’t be able to be as expressive and confident in my exploration as I am,” Soriboe says emphatically. “With that foundation of home and just knowing that no matter what that support system was always going to be intact between her and my father.”

That coupled with his relationship to God is what Soriboe says makes up his saving grace.

“I believe in God and I feel like God is a huge part of my success. As I’ve been getting older, it’s just become a more intimate relationship and it’s just a never-ending exploration of who God is to your life.

“That’s just the ultimate expression of what I want to be like. I want to love like God, I want to forgive like God, I want his patience. I feel like God, honestly, is everything.”

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