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Church News: Pastor Tyron Robinson to Succeed Bishop Paul Morton PAGE

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Hollywood Buzz Issa Rae Signs Eight Figure Deal with Warner Media PAGE

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Game Changer

Homeless, Troy Vaughn Rose Out of a Cardboard Box 20 Years Ago & Is Now CEO of the L.A. Mission

Upfront: Stacy Abrams Urges Against Boycotting Georgia

The newest President and CEO of the Los Angeles Mission, Troy Vaughn, has his work cut out for him. Vaughn and his team at the Mission have been continuously providing food shelter and essential services for the unhoused community in Skid Row throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while looking ahead and planning a better future for their community and...

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contents

April 2021

L.A. Focus Publications

Left: Congresswoman Maxine Waters takes part in a Westchester protest against Asian hate; Middle: Supervisor Holly Mitchell joins march against Asian Hate; Right: L.A. City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas joins McCarty Memorial Church pastor Eddie Anderson at a COVID-19 vaccination event at the church.

4 Commentary

From The Editor “If Only”

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Cultural Outrage

UpFront Probe Into Prison Deaths Ends Up Uncovering $8 Billion in Untracked State Money; Compton Launches Guaranteed Income Program; L.A. County Announces Emergency Rental Relief and more

Head to Head

8 Headlines From Africa Jim Crow Comes Back to Life With Georgia’s New Voting Legislation?

10 Money Matters

“Seven Tips for Raising Kids to be Socially and Financially Responsible”

Biz News Briefs LeBron James Scores Big Business Points Off the Court

On the Money FEMA to Reimburse Some Funeral Costs for COVID-19 Victims

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Game Changer Homeless, Troy Vaughn Rose Out of a Cardboard Box 20 Years Ago and Now Heads the L.A. Mission

staff

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers Photographer Advertising

Lisa Collins Stephen Oduntan,Keith Delawder, Dianne Lugo Ian Foxx Kisha Smith

The High Price of Domestic Violence

Destination Crenshaw: Poised to Revitalize Crenshaw Corridor and Boost Black Businesses In the Midst of Economic Fallout

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Hollywood Buzz Issa Rae Scores Big Deal; Real Housewives Star Arrested and more

One On One Lauren London

17 Red Carpet Style Eye On Gospel 18

Critics Choice/NAACP Image Awards

McReynolds and PJ Morton Snags Grammys; OWN Set to Launch Reality Gospel Show

19 20 Church News

Through The Storm

Jeremy Meeks Finds His Passion After Prison

Pastor Tyron Robinson Named to Succeed Bishop Paul Morton; COGICs Elect Bishop J. Drew Sheard as New Presiding Bishop

21 First Lady Files Pastor Profile 22 From The Pulpit of 23 In Good Taste 25 Saving Grace 26 Karen Brown

Jacob Johnson, Growing Valley Baptist Church

Second Baptist Church, Santa Ana

Haile Thomas

Sherri Shepherd

As part of its 10-year, $100 million commitment to the black community to fight systemic racism Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand announce the opening of their first cycle of grants, providing $1 million to local, grassroots groups–with an annual budget of $3 million or less– creating more equitable futures for Black Americans. Applications are being accepted through April 30, 2021 .

honorary advisors West Angeles C.O.G.I.C. City of Refuge Greater Zion Church Family Southern Saint Paul Church Faithful Central Bible Church Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Baptist Minister’s Conference Inglewood Minister’s Association

Bishop Charles Blake Bishop Noel Jones Pastor Michael Fisher Rev. Xavier L. Thompson Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer Pastor Emeritus Melvin Wade Pastor K.W Tulloss Bishop Robert T. Douglas Sr. L.A. Focus/April 2021

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 Subscription rates $25.00 per year.

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advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Lem Daniels Bob Blake

Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co. Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church Morgan Stanley Bob Blake & Associates

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Commentary

ARMSTRONG WILLIAMS Guest Columnist

“Cultural Outrage”

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oday, we live in a society where we seem to sprint from one manufactured cultural outrage to the next. The goal posts seem to keep moving regarding what's appropriate and what's not, and frankly, it's quite exhausting.

But that's what the left wants: a numbing of traditional virtues and the degrading of the conservative values that used to define who we are so that the progressives can continue their march toward situational ethics. If it feels right, then do it; if it offends even one person it must be canceled and excommunicated from society. What's worse? Failure to jump on the cancel culture band wagon could be detrimental to you, your career, your business or your family.

The breakdown and dismissing of well-established cultural norms is exactly how institutions break down and how countries collapse. The path that we are snowballing down needs to be arrested if America is to continue to exist. Most reasonable Americans, whether on the left or the right of the political spectrum, certainly see how outrageous the progressive movement is becoming. How can they not? Take, for example, the latest manifestation of this cultural slide toward Gomorrah, which contrasts the iconic Dr. Seuss with hip hop of the most rank order.

If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, I'm referring to a "song" dubbed "WAP" by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. I won't elaborate on what the acronym stands for because kids might read this as well as adults. If you haven't listened to the "song," don't bother, seriously. It is garbage of the lowest form and to call it music is absolutely embarrassing. Yet somehow this salacious "song" has received accolades across the music spectrum, reaching recognition not unlike that which the song of the year might achieve. Furthermore, this song is readily accessible to children of all ages as it is aired on FM radio and satellite radio across the nation. To put how ridiculous this is in perspective, let's keep in mind that the progres

sive left demanded that the Christmas classic "Baby, It's Cold Outside" be taken off the air as it was deemed sexist.

Most recently, the deranged left-wing mob has set their eyes on the incredible Dr. Seuss. Yes, you read that correctly, one of the most impactful childhood authors of all time. So iconic that both former first lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama could be

From the Editor

seen reading his texts to children from the White House.

Now it looks like these books are next in the long line of things to be canceled by the progressive left, as apparently six of them will no longer be published due to "insensitive imagery." Are you kidding me?

Singing about sexual acts of the highest raunch factor is considered artistic expression and yet a children's book that has served up timeless stories that have been read to hundreds of thousands of children is now verboten? On what grounds? Let's not forget that some of Dr. Seuss' books have been converted into movies such as "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," which have made the liberals of Hollywood millions of dollars. It would actually be pretty comical to watch the hypocrisy if it weren't so sad to see what it's doing to the fabric of this beautiful and diverse nation.

Let's hypothesize for a second that the canceling of these six books is actually driven by an underlying racist innuendo. Well, what's more racist than a song that wantonly flings the N-word around and that talks about the forced submission of Black women? It literally does not make sense, and I haven't seen one person successfully rationalize supporting the song "WAP" while also supporting the canceling of Dr. Seuss. I really don't get it and you shouldn't either. But, perhaps this is what the twisted entertainment guild wants: for decent families to be so exasperated that they just throw their hands up and tune out. But I would argue that's the first step toward license for this infectious disease to continue festering and spreading.

Armstrong Williams is a political commentator, author, and entrepreneur. To find out more about Armstrong Williams and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

LISA COLLINS Publisher

“If Only ”

L.A. Focus/April 2021

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espite my love for biographies and my fascination with movies of true events and real people who shaped the world or events that changed them, I read and or watch with trepidation about doomed endings that cannot be changed. Like why didn’t someone see the iceberg in “Titanic”, why didn’t Malcolm X cancel his meeting at the Audubon ballroom that fateful morning… why so many blacks didn’t read the handwriting on the wall in “Rosewood” If only 20-year old Fred Hampton in “Judas & the Black Messiah” hadn’t been home that night or if only Oscar Grant hadn’t boarded BART in “Fruitvale Station”.

So it is with the George Floyd case as I’m riveted to the TV screen as the tragic case is being played out in a Minneapolis courtroom, that I’m all too often finding myself thinking “if only”.

If only the Cup Foods cashier had gone with his first mind and not accepted the fake $20 bill. If only his manager hadn’t called the police. If only George Floyd and his companions hadn’t waited around in the car after the incident and been gone by the time the police arrived. If only George Floyd had calmly gotten in the police car.

If only they hadn’t taken him out of the car once they’d gotten him in. If only they’d let the off-duty Minneapolis firefighter who happened on the scene provide medical attention.

If only any one of the four policemen had shown compassion and let him breathe.

Perhaps 18-year-old Darnella Frazier –whose taping of the George Floyd murder went viral– said it best: "When I look at George Floyd, I look at my dad. I look at my brothers, I look at my cousins, my uncles, because they are all Black," Frazier said as she broke down in tears again. "I look at how that could have been one of them.”

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“It’s been nights I stayed up apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more and not physically interacting and not saving his life,” she added. “But it’s like, it’s not what I should have done, it’s what he (pointing to Chauvin) should have done.”

Right indeed. If only, the police officer on trial had done what was right.

At the end of the day, I am struck perhaps more ironically by Floyd’s own words as they pulled him out of the car, ‘Please don’t shoot me.” The fear in his voice was palpable as he repeated the phrase several times. He instinctively knew just how deadly an encounter with the police might be.

His belief was verified in a recent NPR investigation which found that more than a quarter of the fatal police killings occurred during traffic stops.

George Floyd might have been wrong about how he might die that evening, but clearly feared that his death might be the outcome of the Memorial Day encounter.

Witness after witness, helpless to stop the incident, called the police on the police and therein lies the biggest quandary for blacks: who do you call when the police are the problem?

In the months following the George Floyd incident, many have suggested considering other alternatives to de-escalation and or intervention of an incident before calling the police. Founded in June 2020, dontcallthepolice.com provides an online directory of local resources available as alternatives to the police, suggesting that while calling the police may be the best course of action in the event of a genuine, imminent threat, non-police alternatives might more make sense in situations like noise complaints, concerns about unhoused residents, neighborhood disputes, vandalism, and other less-urgent matters. It is also reflective of a growing trend.

Hopefully, no one else has to die over a fake $20 bill or because like Rayshard Brooks, they fell asleep in the

drive through lane of a Wendy’s fast food restaurant in Atlanta.

Sadly, the recent arrest of State Rep. Park Cannon for knocking on G e o r g i a Governor Brian Kemp’s office door suggests that the battle for equity at the hands of law enforcement is far from over for African Americans.

The arrest–which some argue may have been unconstitutional (and the charges have since been dismissed)– came during a protest of Georgia’s new voting legislation, requiring IDs for absentee ballots, limiting the number of drop boxes, changing early voting hours and prohibiting line warming (the act of providing food and or beverages to those in line to vote.

Many are calling it the return of “Jim Crow” or Jim Crow 2.0, and while we’re a long way from having to guess the number of jelly beans in a jar to be able to vote, I’m reminded of the saying that those who cannot remember the past are destined to repeat it.

But for all the obstacles Black Americans have been challenged with, I am confident–and as scores of ancestors who’ve faced greater and those like Stacy Abrams and former president Barack Obama have shown–we shall overcome.

Now, if only we believe it.

Keep the faith.

UpFront

News Briefs

Probe Into Prison Deaths Ends Up Uncovering $8 Billion in Untracked State Money

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hat started out as an investigation into inmate deaths in some of California's county jails led to an audit that uncovered severe overcrowding, a lack of mental health resources and $8 billion in State funds for which three county Sheriff offices cannot properly account.

“What’s happening right now in these counties is not only unjust, but a disservice to our communities,” said Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles).

“It's more than just about housing people. The sheriff’s departments have a duty to provide care and to rehabilitate those individuals who walk through their doors. That simply is not happening, while billions of dollars are being left on the table," she said.

In an attempt to curtail California's prison overcrowding problem, in 2011 the state Supreme Court ordered a sweeping reduction of the prison population. This led to the California Public Safety Realignment Initiative signed into law by former Gov. Jerry Brown.

The program planned and arranged the transfer of thousands of incarcerated people from state prisons to county jails.

It also provided billions of dollars in taxpayer funds to the counties across the state to house and provide services to the inmates. The law also set up the Community Corrections Partnerships (CCPs) in each county to oversee and manage the state funds.

Then, last March, following a spike in inmate deaths, Kamlager requested an audit of county jail systems focused on Alameda, Fresno and L.A. counties.

Last week, California State Auditor Elaine M. Howle released the findings of her investigation.

In a letter to the Legislature, Howle shared her findings. She wrote, “our assessment focused on public safety realignment, and we determined that these three counties and the Corrections Board have not done enough to mitigate the effects of realignment or effectively overseen related spending and services.”

Howle told lawmakers, since 2011, Alameda, Fresno and Los Angeles counties all have run overcrowded prisons, violating the state’s jail capacity rules.

“The counties’ jails often lack adequate outdoor and educational facilities

State Senator Sydney Kamlager

to provide certain vocational and rehabilitative programs for inmates who serve terms longer than three years,” she wrote.

Howle also told the legislators Alameda and Fresno counties did not provide adequate information about inmates’ health to the jail staff.

Responding to the audit, Fresno County corrections board executive director Kathleen Howard said the state audit “makes little sense.”

“There is, however, a fundamental disconnect between the overall position of the State Auditor on the structure of 2011 Public Safety Realignment funding and the role of the CCPs in handling these funds and the consistent interpretation given the statutory and constitutional framework by the BSCC and all the counties in California over the past 10 years,” Howard wrote.

Los Angeles and Alameda counties have also responded to the auditor’s report with their own explanations, clarifications and recommendations. Since then, the Auditor’s office has said it stands by its report and followed up with a point-by-point reply to each county.

In California, African Americans account for about 6 % of the state’s population but make up a disproportionate 28.3 % of incarcerated people. In contrast, whites make up about 36% of thestate’s population but 21 % of prisoners.

Concerns of prison overcrowding in California came to a head when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to greatly reduce California’s prison population with the

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L.A. Focus/April 2021

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first to launch a mayor-led guaranteed income program in the nation. 125 of his residents were given $500 a month for two years.

That extra $500 led to reduced income volatility, helped residents set goals, lessened depression and anxietyand ultimately led many recipients to find fulltime employment.

“The people who received the cash-secured full-time jobs at more than twice the rate of people in a control group who did not receive it,” reported ABC 7.

The results are not dissimilar to what Mayor Brown expects to see in Compton through the

Califoria Black Media

assertion that the massive number of inmates hindered the state’s ability to provide proper physical and mental health services, therefore violating their Eighth Amendment rights to freedom from cruel and unusual punishment.

However, this newly released report focused on Almeda, Fresno and Los Angeles County jails, suggests that "Realignment" actually contributed to overcrowding and the lack of oversight at the county level, and has negatively impacted the well-being of the inmates the initiative was designed to help.

Kamlager says that the lack of planning involved with the initiative coupled with the lack of transparency over the last decade are contributing factors to the auditors’ conclusions.

“These findings show a clear need for a major increase in oversight and transparency in this process to ensure public safety,” Kamlager said. “They also show that the Board of State and Community Corrections is not up to the task of overseeing this process, or a similar program of this magnitude and weight.”

Kamlager suggested that the audit, could be a step in the right direction.

"While dismayed by the delay and appalled by the findings, I hope the audit will give the boards of supervisors for these counties the tools they need to exact real change. Advocates have been fighting for this information for a while.”

Advocates like Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB), a grassroots organization intent on improving state policy on a number of hot button issues agrees.

“We incarcerate too many people for too long, already. Tax dollars that were used a generation ago to pay for schools and public housing have been diverted to pay for more law enforcement and incarceration,” CURB said in a statement.

CURB’s concerns are shared by Vonya Quarles, an attorney and co-founder and executive director of Starting Over Inc., a Corona-based organization that focuses on protecting the rights of the currently and formerly incarcerated.

“We don’t have a justice system, we have an injustice system,” Quarles said, calling out California’s prison system.

“We have an addiction to cheap labor, an addiction to slavery.”

Compton Launches Guaranteed Income Program ight hundred residents of the city of Compton have been enjoying a bit of financial relief since January as a part of Mayor Aja Brown’s program that offers them $300 to $600 every month in guaranteed income for the next two years.

“Guaranteed income is really about dignity, and that regardless of circumstances, that all people deserve to live a life free of terror from not having the basic necessities,” said Compton Mayor Brown.

Recipients of the cash were chosen randomly and include undocumented residents as well as formerly incarcerated people.

Brown joins Mayors who’ve instituted similar basic income programs around the world. Locally, former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs was the

ALTON THOMAS STILES

DIANNE LUGO Staff

“Compton Pledge” program.

“There’s empirical data from other guaranteed income pilots across the nation over the last two years that really underscore that people are making the smart decisions and the best decisions for their family with this additional income”.

Analysis of the experiment will come from studies conducted by the nonprofit Jain Family Institute. The institute designs guaranteed income programs.

Academic research will come later to see how the program may help solidify state and federal programs.

Said Brown, “I believe that the body of data that will be formulated through this pilot will help really lay the groundwork and make the case with empirical data that this is a necessary vehicle to begin to undo systemic racism in a tangible way,” Brown told the LA Times. “And in a way that actually can be measured.”

Georgia Could Face Financial Fallout In Wake of New Voting Legislation As the saying goes one has to pay the cost to be the boss. Well, the state of Georgia had better be prepared to pay the cost of their recently passed voting rights legislation, and that cost appears to be growing by the day.

The Major League Baseball Player’s Association will meet this month to decide whether or not to force a move of the All-Star Game, which is scheduled for July in Atlanta.

Moving the event could cost the city of Atlanta $200 million in revenues. And a proposed boycott of Georgia-based corporations who aren’t speaking out against the bill is only adding heat to the fire.

Atlanta-based, Coca Cola has been vocal about its opposition to the bill, stating that it had paused political donations to some of the bill’s sponsors.

Corporations now speaking out against the new legislation–that will make it harder to galvanize the black vote with restrictions on voting by mail and greater legislative oversight– include Aflac, Home Depot, the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Hawks.

Stacy Abrams, however, is urging that folks not boycott Georgia, stating: “Here’s the thing: Black, Latino, AAPI and Native American voters, whose votes are the most suppressed under HB 202, are also the most likely to be hurt by potential boycotts of Georgia.”

New Fund Will Grant $10,000 to Struggling Local Business Owners More relief for local Los Angeles small business owners is on the way.

A new fund for small brick-and-mortar businesses, specifically in the personal care and retail sectors, was launched named the LA Regional COVID Fund.

A total of $4.7 million in financial aid will be available through the “Keep our Shops on the Block” grant for hair and beauty salons, nail salons, barbershops, dry cleaners, bookstores, bakeries, and more. These businesses will be eligible for a $10,000 grant.

The fund comes from Los Angeles County in partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation LA. LISC LA is an organization that has been working throughout the pandemic to support community developments.

They’ve also hosted a series of 5 webinars during the pandemic named similarly “Keep Our Shops on the Block.” The webinars provided information to small businesses about resources available during the pandemic. 5 of the attendees at each webinar were also chosen for a $2,500 grant.

Applications for eligible businesses open on April 5th and close on April 11th. To be eligible, businesses must also have annual revenue under $1,000,000 and cannot have received a CRF-funded grant from the county in 2021.

Grant winners will be chosen randomly.

However, certain applicants (veterans, those with an annual gross revenue under $500k or are located in County Districts with higher poverty rates, lower educational attainment, and lower median income)–will also be weighted more heavily in the system to assist the most vulnerable businesses.

UpFront

CHEZ HADLEY Staff

L.A. County Announces Emergency Rental Relief Residents have until April 30 to apply

Moratorium extended through June 30

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he one-year anniversary of Los Angeles’ COVID-19 shutdown has come and gone, and for many, the ensuing financial burden continues.

"Hundreds of thousands are struggling to pay their rent on time or even to pay it at all,'' acknowledged Supervisor Janice Hahn back in January of 2021.

Along with Supervisor Hilda Solis, Hahn successfully motioned for the extension and expansion of the local rent relief program and eviction moratorium in January. Now, Angelinos can also turn to the city’s Emergency Renters Assistance Program (ERAP), which will open applications on March 30.

Residents will have until through April 30 to apply.

“The Los Angeles Emergency Rental Assistance Program is designed to help landlords and tenants catch up on back rent. The program will provide a temporary rental subsidy for tenants who live in the City of Los Angeles and are unable to pay rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Councilmember Marqueece HarrisDawson in a statement.

To be eligible, applicants must meet three requirements: 1. Residents of the City of Los Angeles, regardless of immigration status. To verify you live in the City of Los Angeles, go to: neighborhoodinfo.lacity.org; 2. One or more individuals within the household have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant

Federal Moratorium on Evictions Is Extended

costs, or experienced other financial hardship, directly or indirectly, due to the COVID-19 outbreak; and 3. The household income is at or below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI).

Those eligible will then be randomly selected. However, the program will prioritize applicants with past-due, unpaid rent. Similar to the state program, the program can pay 80 percent of a tenant’s past-due rent for the period of April 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021, but only if their landlord agrees to pay the remaining 20 percent.

If a landlord does not agree, the program will help pay 25 percent of the tenant’s past-due, unpaid rent, as well as up to 25 percent of their upcoming future rent for 3 months.

To apply visit hcidla.lacity.org or call the ERAP hotline.

President Biden’s administration has heeded advice from housing advocates once again extending a federal moratorium on evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Set to expire on Wednesday, the moratorium is now extended to the end of June.

It is a moratorium first initiated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September that barred evicting tenants for their inability to pay rent using a 1944 public health law.

Congress extended that order in December, and Biden had renewed it again through the end of March.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a historic threat to the nation’s public health,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky explained in a statement. “Keeping people in their homes and out of crowded or congregate settings – like homeless shelters – by preventing evictions is a key step in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

The extension will help 18.4% of all tenants that surveys show owe back rent.

It will also significantly impact Blacks.

In the survey from the Census Bureau’s Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 12 million renters were behind on rent in the middle of March. Tenants of color were also shown to be disproportionately at risk. 24% of Black renters were behind on rent, the survey estimated. A different survey estimated up to 34% of Black tenants owed past due rent .

Some housing advocates remain hopeful Biden will do more than just extending the moratorium. Some landlords have

successfully gone around the moratorium which is “flawed.”

“It’s disappointing that the administration didn’t act on the clear evidence and need to also strengthen the order to address the flaws that undermine its public health purpose,” said National Low Income Housing Coalition President and CEO Diane Yentel in response.

Advocates are also concerned about what happens once the federal ban is lifted. The $45 billion in rental assistance from Congress has been slow to reach landlords and tenants hoping to pay off back rent and delayed mortgage payments.

Even then, once the federal ban is lifted, struggling tenants will be expected to pay their entire rent owed or set up some sort of paym e n t p l a n w i t h t h e i r landlord.

HeadToHead Jim Crow Comes Back to Life With Georgia’s New Voting Legislation?

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eorgia Gov. Brian Kemp is Black Woman Georgia State Patrol and released a comic book villain of on bond late Thursday,” the Knocked on voter suppression.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution the Door No, on second thought, that’s reports.

Where a actually offensive to comic book Southern White “She knew he was signing a bill villains, as they usually have that would affect all Georgians– Man Was nuance and finesse. why would he hide behind closed Suppressing Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is a the Black Vote. doors? This isn’t a monarchy,” throwback to an old South that is It Ended With Tamara Stevens, an activist who blatantly racist and doesn’t give was there Her Arrest [a crap] who knows it. Kemp when Cannon straight stole the governorship from was arrested, told American shero Stacey Abrams. And, after AJC. “You have a Abrams helped turn Georgia blue and woman of color fightdeliver two Democratic Senators, Kemp ing for the rights of did what most white kids do when they are Georgians and they losing, he took his football back and arrested her for changed the rules of the game. knocking on the door Last month, Kemp–surrounded by a because she wanted bunch of white men–signed sweeping to witness our gover- Stephen Crockett Republican-sponsored legislation that sup- nor sign the bill.” presses the Black vote and basically gives Georgia’s U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, Kemp and his boys greater control over who is also the senior pastor at Ebenezer elections.

Baptist Church, reminded AJC that vio“Among highlights, the law requires a lent insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. photo ID in order to vote absentee by mail, Capitol avoided arrest on Jan. 6, yet a after more than 1.3 million Georgia voters Georgia state legislator was arrested for used that option during the COVID-19 knocking on a door in her workplace. pandemic. It also cuts the time people “Today is a very sad day for the state of have to request an absentee ballot and Georgia,” he said. “What we have witlimits where ballot drop boxes can be nessed today is a desperate attempt to lock placed and when they can be accessed,” the out and squeeze the people out of their Chicago Sun-Times reports. own democracy.”

Kemp ran to sign [the bill] just two Stephen A. Crockett, Jr. is a staff writer hours after it was passed by a vote of 100- and news editor for The Root. Follow him 75 in the state House and 34-20 in the on Twitter: @SACrockettJr. state Senate.

“We are witnessing right now a massive and unabashed assault on voting rights unlike anything we’ve seen since the Jim Crow era,” state Democratic Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler told the Sun-Times.

State Rep. Park Cannon wanted Kemp to sign Jim Crow 2.0 in front of the people, so she knocked on the governor’s door when he was livestreaming the signing. I guess you can figure out what happened next, but Georgia state troopers arrested Cannon, an Atlanta Democrat, dragging her through the Capitol and into a police car, while the person committing the real crime was safe in his office.

Cannon was charged with obstruction of law enforcement and “disrupting General Assembly sessions, according to the

Headlines From Africa Angola: The worst drought in four decades has given rise to hunger and in-creased the risk of livestock sustenance, elevating food insecurity and malnutrition concerns and leading to a rise in migration to other regions and into Namibia.

Burundi: President Evariste Ndayishimiye granted amnesty countrywide to more than 5,000 prisoners definitively sentenced to less than or equal to five years for all offences with the exception of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, armed robbery, illegally owning arms, terrorism machinery or bioterrorism, voluntary homicide, rape, and human traffickers."

Cameroon: Authorities in Cameroon say the pandemic led to a spike in excessive drinking - and in deaths from fake alcohol. Last month, consumer groups called on authorities to do more to crack down on both counterfeit alcohol.

Congo-Brazzaville: President Denis Sassou Nguesso was re-elected with more than 88% of the vote, extending his 36-year rule in the Central African country. Ironically, the leading opposition candidate, Guy-Brice Parfait Kolelas died from COVID on poll day. Opponents are asking that the election be annulled because of vote rigging and fraud.

Ethiopia: Ethiopia and Eritrea have agreed to reopen borders aimed at strengthening ties at border areas. They have also renewed commitment to bilateral partnership and joint strategic development.

Ivory Coast: Patrick Achi has been named as prime minister. He is the third person to hold the post in the past year after the death of two predecessors.

Gambia: Last month, Gambia beat Angola to reach its first ever Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Gabon: Increasing threats of poaching and loss of habitat have made Africa’s elephant populations more endan-

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couple of years ago, I Dinesh D'Souza. gave a speech before a Fight Left-Wing He did not know that more Lies With ... conservative, predomiRepublicans, as a percentage of Facts’ nantly white audience. I their party, voted for the Civil couldn't help but notice a tall, Rights Act of 1964 than did heavyset Black man, arms folded, standing Democrats. Nor did he know that more in the back. From time to time, I would Republicans, as a percentage of their party, look at him, only to see him frown and voted for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 shake his head, I assumed disapprovingly, than did Democrats. He did not know that when I made what I considered important Democrats founded the Ku Klux Klan and points. that one of its goals was to stop the spread After the speech, he of the Republican Party. came up to me. "I am He said he was unaware that, before angry," he said. "Not 1938, when the first federal minimum at you -- at myself. I wage law was enacted, a Black teenager thought I was well was more likely to be employed than a informed. I read the white teenager. news. I watch the He did not know that, according to news. I now see I've Harvard economist George Borjas, illegal Larry Elder been manipulated by immigration creates winners and losers. the party that I voted for all my life."

But the big losers are low- and unskilled He then ticked off some of the points I American workers of color who compete made in my speech that he said surprised against low- and unskilled illegal immior even shocked him. grant workers -- who place downward presHe said he had no idea that (according to sure on the wages of the native-born. a 2004 Thomas B. Fordham Institute The man did not know that, according to study) 44% of Philadelphia public school The Washington Post, in recent years, teachers send their own school-age kids to more unarmed whites have been killed by private school. Yet the Democratic Party the police than unarmed Blacks. He was adamantly opposes school vouchers, which unaware of studies, including one by a would give K-12 children of urban parents Black Harvard economist, that found the a chance at a better school. police more hesitant, more reluctant, to He did not know that Democrats, includ- pull the trigger on a Black suspect than on ing President Barack Obama, tried to end a white suspect. He did not know that, the Washington, D.C., Opportunity according to the Centers for Disease Scholarship Program. It is a lottery that Control and Prevention, police killings of allows fortunate parents to opt out of their Blacks declined almost 80% from the late local public school for a better private '60s through the 2010s, while police school. The program is so popular that killings of whites have flatlined. there are far more parents who want to He did not know that, about racism, participate than there are seats. "What's then-Sen. Barack Obama said: "The previmore important, " he asked me, "than mak- ous generation, the Moses generation, ing sure are kids are well educated?" pointed the way. They took us 90% of the He did not know that, in 1965, 25% of way there. We still got that 10% in order to Black kids were born outside of wedlock, cross over to the other side." This would be versus 70% today, a phenomenon that can- the same Obama who, when he became not be attributed to slavery and Jim Crow. president, said: "The legacy of slavery, Jim He did not know that Barack Obama once Crow, discrimination in almost every instisaid, "Children who grow up without a tution of our lives -- you know, that casts a father are five times more likely to live in long shadow. And that's still part of our poverty and commit crime; nine times more DNA that's passed on. We're not cured of likely to drop out of schools and 20 times it." more likely to end up in prison."

According to MSNBC political analyst He said he was unaware that out of the Steve Kornacki, 43,000 votes in just three approximately 390,000 slave owners in states would have switched the winner 1860, no more than a "handful" were from Joe Biden to Donald Trump. This Larry Elder continued to page 24 Republican, according to conservative

A look at current news from the continent of Africa gered, according to a report released last month by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Mozambique: Islamist insurgents took over most of the Mozambique town of Palma on March 27, slaughtering civilians as they tried to flee and trapping about 200 people inside a hotel with dozens of those trapped being foreign workers whose fate was unknown at press.

Nigeria: Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu announced the launch of an annual fund of $100 million to help boost African development, focusing on education, health, and social development. According to Forbes, Rabiu is the sixth richest person in Africa. Good news considering that Nigeria officially has the highest job rate.

Senegal: An unprecedented wave of protests and riots followed the arrest and indictment of opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko.

Somalia: A growing number of Somali women are calling on the government to keep its 2020 electoral promise to reserve 30% of the seats in Parliament for women’s representation.

South Africa: Lawyers investigating corruption have asked the country’s highest court to jail former president Jacob Zuma for failing to cooperate with its probe into corruption during his tenure.

Swaziland: Save The Children has warned that nearly 60,000 people in Swaziland (eSwatini) face starvation or death without immediate action. They are among more than 347,000 people in the kingdom who face acute food shortage and need urgent humanitarian assistance, including 180,000 children.

Tanzania: Tanzania has given a hero’s burial to President John Magufuli, who died last month after denying that COVID-19 was a danger to the East African country. His vice-president and running mate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been sworn in as the nation’s Zimbabwe first female president. She will have to play catch up in getting the country up to speed on COVID vaccines and protocols.

APRIL 17, 2021 - 11AM

Money Matters “Seven Tips for Raising Kids to be Socially and Financially Responsible”

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ow do parents with substantial assets raise fiscally and socially responsible children? How do you talk to your children about the wealth they are likely to inherit?

Many successful people with significant wealth don't know how to talk to their children about money. Emotions and a willingness to involve your children are often intertwined with estate planning, taxes, philanthropy, and legal issues.

Try these seven tips for talking to your children about both money and the responsibility that comes with it.

1. Start Talking About Money from a Young Age Not talking about money doesn't help your kids feel more normal. It actually can make them less prepared for a financially responsible future.

"In the name of not wanting their children to develop a sense of entitlement, parents don't speak about money," said Dr. Richard Orlando, founder, and CEO of Legacy Capitals, a consultant specializing in family wealth transfer and governance.

"As a result, the rising generation won't be ready to successfully handle their eventual inheritance. They'll have a suddenwealth experience, similar to a lottery winner."

Start talking with your children about money from an early age. A piggy bank for those as young as five, sectioned into fun items, short-term goals, long-term goals, and charity, for example, may be a good start. No matter how much wealth your family has, allowances should be limited to a set amount per week, and your child should have to budget.

2. Teach the Basics Don't forget to cover the basics with your children, like how you manage your monthly budget. From an early age, in kitchen table discussions, you need to show your kids how you pay for food, housing, insurance, cars, and more.

3. Encourage Volunteering Volunteering is important for your child's financial and overall well-being for two reasons: They'll learn the importance of charity for others and gratitude for what they have.

CHRIS CREED Special to Union Bank

On the Money FEMA to Reimburse Some Funeral Costs for COVID-19 Victims

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But don't just have them volunteer for one day at a soup kitchen or library. Have them work with an organization with a cause they care about. Search for a local cause or charity they can volunteer with to help their community.

Children as young as 12 have created irrigation projects, been mentors to younger children, and have organized fundraising drives at their schools. By being involved in their community, your children will develop a connection to the world and valuable leadership skills.

4. Require Work for Money Given Requiring your children to work helps them value money.

Work doesn't necessarily mean employment. It can mean doing chores, volunteering or earning grades that lead to merit scholarships. Find the amount of money and hours that fit in your long-term goals for your child's future.

"It is important that children develop a strong work ethic," says Dr. Orlando. "But many parents pay for all their child's needs and wants -- well into their 20s and sometimes into their 30s. They then wonder why their children don't have a job or stick with a job, especially when the job causes inconvenience in their lives."

5. Take Your Children to Investment Meetings Because you want your children to take over their own finances at some point, your kids need to see the process of how you handle yours. Take your young teenagers with you to meetings with your financial planner. Encourage them to ask questions about your investments. Push them to ask about how to pay for their college and to explain 529 plans and other college savings plans. Your child might be better off working during college or partially paying for their own education. This is a good time to discuss how much of their education is their own responsibility.

6. Give Older Children Jobs Within Your Company If you would like your teenage children to one day take over your company, they will have to earn the respect of your employees. Assign them a low-level position in your company, such as working in the mailroom, doing data Money Matters continued to page 24

EMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has announced it will reimburse up to $7,000 in funeral expenses to families that have lost members due to COVID-19, with implementation of the assistance set to get underway this month.

“We are working with stakeholder groups to get their input on ways we can best provide this assistance and to enlist their help with outreach to families and communities. Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released to potential applicants and community partners as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation.”

To receive funeral assistance–to be distributed via check by mail or via direct deposit–the following conditions must be met: The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.

• The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.

• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020, but there is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

If you have incurred funeral expenses due to COVID-19, FEMA will be looking for the following information: • An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.

• Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.

• Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs.

For more information, visit www.fema.gov.

Fenway Racing team and the NESN network.

"I think for me and for my partner, Maverick, to be the first two Black men to be a part of that ownership group in the history of that franchise, I think it's pretty damn cool," James has said. "It gives me and people that look like me hope and inspiration that they can be in a position like that as well, that it can be done.”

the future across communities nationwide,” said Gary Wipfler, Apple Vice President and Corporate Treasurer.

“Apple is proud to be part of the Clear Vision Impact Fund and support their work to address inequality by expanding access to economic opportunity.”

$100 Million in New Loans Announced for Black and Latino Businesses

T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures has entered into negotiations to buy and develop land at southwest Atlanta’s shuttered Fort McPherson, which sold 330 acres of its land to Tyler Perry in 2015. While the amount of property T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures is interested in purchasing is not known, reports are there are approximately 132 acres remaining for development.

The T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, LLC was formed to source underwrite and develop real estate for the purposes of positively impacting communities and stimulating wealth development.

“I am proud of my long history in the city of Atlanta through my legacy events and film production. I am excited to add to the cadre of events in this next step that will enable us to explore the opportunities that Fort Mac has extended as a part of this community development project,” Bishop Jakes said in a statement. “We are thrilled that this exciting opportunity will be developed adjacent to the historic landmark of Tyler Perry Studios. We are committed to taking the time to include and understand the specific needs of the burgeoning community.”

Biz News Briefs LeBron James Scores Big Business Points Off the Court

L.A. Focus/April 2021

March was a month of ups and downs for L.A. Lakers star LeBron James and while the news of the ankle injury that has sidelined the basketball superstar indefinitely” captured most of the headlines, James was making some big news in the business arena. The 6’9” NBA forward signed a multi-year deal with PepsiCo as the face of Mtn Dew Rise Energy. “It's important to me that I believe in the brands and products where I invest my time. When I first learned about the message behind the drink — the fact that every day is a chance to rise for all of us — that really resonated with me,” James said in a prepared release. Dubbing James as “the most influential celebrity in the galaxy right now”, a spokesman for the company said, “He is not only going to be an incredible brand partner to Mtn Dew Rise Energy, but we also look forward to the collective impact we can make on the people we serve through education, social justice and community initiatives.” The deal comes on the heels of another deal James made that gives him an ownership stake in the Fenway Sports Group, which lists among its assets the Boston Red Sox, NASCAR’s Roush

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Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC’s affiliated Clear Vision Impact Fund–formed to enhance employment, job training, and the accessibility of educational opportunities in historically underserved communities–announced that it expects to begin making loans to small businesses that are either minority-owned or operated, or that serve underperforming communities that have experienced a persistent lack of capital to support economic growth.

The formation of Clear Vision was announced in August 2020 with an initial capital commitment from Microsoft Corporation; the other leading global corporations that now have made capital commitments to the fund include Apple, Comcast Corporation, Constellation Brands, and eBay. Each of these companies have made commitments to advance the principles of racial equity and economic opportunity and have made capital commitments to Clear Vision as part of their strategy to achieve these goals.

“Providing capital to minority-owned businesses is critical to ensuring economic growth and job opportunities for

T.D. Jakes in Talks To Develop Land Neighboring Tyler Perry Studios

GameChanger:

GERALD BELL Contributor

“Homeless, Troy Vaughn Rose Out of a Cardboard Box 20 Years Ago and Now Heads the L.A. Mission”

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L.A. Focus/April 2021

he newest President and CEO of the Los Angeles Mission, Troy Vaughn, has his work cut out for him. Vaughn and his team at the Mission have been continuously providing food shelter and essential services for the unhoused community in Skid Row throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while looking ahead and planning a better future for their community and the individuals who come to them looking to turn their lives around. The Mission’s work, which provides nearly half a million meals per year to those experiencing homelessness along with other vital services, is more crucial than ever as the pandemic has exacerbated the already devastating homeless situation in L.A. County. Vaughn has had to be creative and work decisively to adjust and expand services to meet their clients needs during the crisis.

But pandemic or no pandemic, Vaughn is determined to make sure the Mission remains a stable resource in the Skid Row community.

“Everything starts with a meal for us,” Vaughn tells L.A. Focus. “People come to the Mission because we provide free meals, but what we do is much more than that- a meal is just the first point of entry into our program matrix.”

Along with meals, the Mission provides housing for both men and women, programs for employment, family reunification, and skill development just to name a few.

“The Mission is much more than just a shelter and a warm meal, it goes beyond that focusing on the holistic person-- looking at both the spiritual and physical components that are necessary for them to develop themselves,” says Vaughn. “Our focus will always be to reach people where they’re at and bring them in contact with the ability to discover for themselves that they are a divine creation worthy of transformation, hope and love. That is at the core of what we do and it’s never going to change-- to put people in connection with their devine and make sure they understand who they are as a created being of God who is important to us. And we do that by making sure people have access to the basic necessities in life like shelter and food.”

Few people know the power of transformation and redemption firsthand quite like Vaughn, who himself is a product of the Skid Row community.

Vaughn, a former Marine, began self medicating with drugs during his time in the service after learning of the passing of his father to a drug overdose. His father’s addiction would become his own. Released from the military, he ended up on the streets of Los Angeles for seven years of homelessness-- until a calling from God and help from local homeless organizations gave him the inspiration he needed to turn his life around.

“I crawled out of a cardboard box in December of 1992 when the Lord spoke to me. I asked him if he would save my life and deliver me and give me his mind, I would use it to serve him for the rest of my life, and he did just that,” says Vaughn.

After completing his rehabilitation Vaughn dedicated

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his life to education, leadership and service to God. First he went back to school where would go on to achieve a Masters degree in Business Administration, a Law degree, and a Doctorate in Theology. As a Pastor, Vaughn founded Christ-Centered Ministries (CCM) with his wife Darlene which specializes in helping men and women transition from recovery programs to stable, healthy environments and now has 12 transitional homes that serve over 240 clients. Troy and Darlene are also senior Pastors at Inglewood Community Church where they partner with local organizations to further help victims and survivors of addiction and homelessness.

Over the last twenty years Vaughn has worked on the business administration side of several non-profits across Los Angeles in a wide range of roles, notably founding the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership (LARRP) in 2015 which creates viable housing and employment solutions and system-wide change for formerly justiceinvolved individuals. After years of creating and running successful programs across Los Angeles, Vaughn built a reputation as a premier consultant in the non-profit sector and was asked to join the board of the Los Angeles Mission. Within a year, in September 2020, he was named President and CEO of the Mission-- the first black man to hold the position in the Mission’s 80 year history.

Vaughn attributes his success to the calling he’s received from God-- to help those who have suffered with addiction as he did.

“I believe God anointed me to do this work,” says Vaughn. “I think when you have a calling in your life most people think you move from one thing and you're immediately transported into a new reality, but there’s a process of development of leadership that happens.

And it’s the Skid Row community that serves as a constant reminder of his calling and inspiration for his work.

“I’m a product of the community,” says Vaughn. “But I was able to pull myself up by my bootstraps through experiences and put the work in. It’s those experiences that still serve and my fuel to this day in everything I do.”

Understanding that homelessness is a systematic failure as a result of poverty in our society, Vaughn hopes to use all the resources under his control to uplift the people around him economically.

“In the U.S. we’ve created a casm of class separation and race separation which creates poverty.

And when you can’t afford healthcare and you have food insecurity, people are forced into situations where they make unfortunate choices,” says Vaughn. “One of my goals at the Mission is to make sure that, as an

I crawled out of a cardboard box in December of 1992 when the Lord spoke to me.

I asked him if he would save my life and deliver me and give me his mind, I would use it to serve him for the rest of my life, and he did just that...

“

employer, none of our employees fall into that position.”

Vaughn encourages everyone to do their part and contribute in any way you can to help those in need. One of his initiatives as he begins his tenure as President of the Mission is to expand the possibilities of ways people can volunteer.

“We’re going to change the way we do volunteerism by adding nuisance,” says Vaughn. “One of the things we miss is that people want to give more than money-- they want to give money but there are people out there that want to give their gifts and talents. So whatever it is that you have to offer we want to create a way for you to share it. For instance we have the Asset Management department at Bank Of America volunteering their time and expertise in how to revamp our shared spaces at the Mission. It’s really exciting!”

Looking ahead Vaughn wants to use the Mission as a vehicle to change the landscape of Skid Row. “As I move forward in plotting out where the mission is going, we’re going to be a thought partner and a leader in helping to resolve the community of Skid Row so it can be viewed differently to the outside world,” says Vaughn. “We want to be a mission without walls and we want to be a bridge for churches to create a platform for a pathway to get into impoverished communities.”

And Vaughn wants the public to know that, pandemic or no pandemic, the Mission is fully open and a place for everyone.

“I want people to know that the mission is open and engaged in providing quality services and we’re being creative in implementing our services,” says Vaughn. “The message I really want to send is the mission is in good hands. God is here. We invite all people, whether you’ve been to the mission or not. And I want to send a message to the African American community, to the brothers and sisters out there leading chariots-- that we’re open to partnering with you. Our doors and our resources are open to really help your community.”

SpecialReport “The High Price of Domestic Violence”

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espite the fact that one in three women have been subject to it in one form or another, domestic violence has for the most part remained a “whatever- happens-in-our-house-staysin-our- house” affair. But the pandemic that trapped Americans in their households for much of the last year, driving incidences of domestic violence way up, has put what has become a public health crisis back into the spotlight.

Every 9 seconds in the United States a woman is assaulted or beaten, making domestic violence the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 18-44 is domestic violence — more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.

Approximately 10 million women–and men– experience domestic abuse annually in the U.S. alone.

“For a long time, people in our community saw domestic violence as personal family business,” says Angela Parker, Director of Training and Programs at the L.A.-based, Jenessee Center, a nationally recognized domestic violence and intervention service. “But if you’re not getting help, you’re neglecting your primary health because you are likely experiencing high blood pressure, PTSD or stress and these chronic illnesses are a domino effect that spill into all aspects of your life and of course that includes your finances.”

In fact, domestic violence encompasses a wide range of behaviors from physical, sexual and verbal abuse to reproductive coercion and digital abuse. And not surprisingly, it costs taxpayers a pretty penny, but for the victims, domestic vio-

lence is not only deadly, but financially disastrous and long-term.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the financial impact of domestic violence spans from a societal to the individual level. They estimate that domestic violence can set a woman back as much as $103,767 over a lifetime ($23,414 for men).

“The costs are really astronomical, and they are borne by folks who can least afford them,” says Krista Niemczyk, Public Policy Director at the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV). “It leaves survivors really struggling under the weight of dealing with physical trauma, emotional trauma and the financial trauma as well.”

At the financial level, the costs to a survivor can range from legal representation, health care, housing, transportation, childcare and more. This is even more traumatizing when the harmed individual is employed.

Each year, a reported 8 million days of paid work is lost in the U.S. because of domestic violence with nearly a quarter of

employed women reporting that domestic violence has affected their work performance at some point. This further disrupts the victim’s career path rendering them even more financially reliant upon their abuser, complicating their chances of leaving the relationship.

According to the CDC, up to 99 percent of abusive relationships involve some form of financial abuse.

“People are failed on both sides of the violence equation,” insists Marc Philpart, Managing Director, of PolicyLink, a national research and action institute advancing racial and economic equity.

“We haven’t accounted for how disastrous these costs are and how they only add up to a burden that is helping no one.”

Women who suffer domestic violence are four times more likely to experience housing instability than other women, a California based study found with lowincome survivors most at risk of becoming homeless from the lack of resources.

“Every domestic violence shelter is essentially a homeless shelter,” Niemczyk.

“On any given night in domestic shelters there are typically more children than there are adults in the shelter.”

An inescapable expense that victims find themselves struggling to afford is legal representation. While it’s reported that roughly 50 percent of the victims will involve law enforcement, expensive attorney fees discourage survivors from taking legal action such as a restraining order.

In one study cited in the report, 83 percent of victims represented by an attorney successfully obtained a protective order,

GERALD BELL Contributor while only 32 percent of victims without an attorney were able to get one.

Added to these costs is the need for medical attention which is not limited to physical treatment, but mental, emotional, and psychological attention as well.

Medical expenses that result from domestic violence can follow people throughout their lives, and it’s not uncommon for survivors to end up in deep debt or filing for bankruptcy.

“It only begins to snowball,” argues Philpart, who contends that not enough is being done at the policy level to circumvent the cost of intimate partner violence.

“Then young people replicate what they witness at home growing up and continue the cycle of violence—that is the biggest tragedy.”

Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) recently announced the introduction of his legislative package, Senate Bill 373 (SB 373) which would add important protections for domestic violence survivors who have suffered economic coercion.

“With reports of domestic violence reaching epidemic levels…the time is now for us to update our legal system so that it addresses the real challenges experienced by domestic violence survivors,” said Min. “Our laws have not yet recognized the significant role that coerced debt and reproDomestic violence continued to page 24 This article is the first in a eight- part series about domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence,call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit: www.thehotline.org.

L.A. Focus/April 2021

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estination Crenshaw, a community-driven cultural infrastructure project that recently broke ground along its namesake legendary South L.A. boulevard, was originally conceived as a way to respond to the devastating impacts of the Metro LAX line construction project along Crenshaw and gentrification concerns around transit development by permanently stamping one of the City’s most historic neighborhoods as the cradle of Black American culture with spaces devoted to Black creativity, ingenuity, artistry and architectural excellence.

Created after years of community input, Destination Crenshaw is poised to revitalize the Crenshaw corridor with its efforts squarely focused on providing support for small businesses and creating a pipeline of workers in the construction trades. When completed, the project also will have added 10, beautifully designed community spaces and architectural features to a 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw, becoming a local and international standard for public works projects in Black communities. It is an ode to Black Los Angeles’ past, present and future. Although art and design are key parts of Destination Crenshaw, today, even as construction begins, it has evolved and expanded into an entirely different project.

As COVID-19 threatened to ravage Black-owned businesses, Destination Crenshaw recognized both the necessity and opportunity to ensure local businesses' ability to survive. Out of this was born a targeted strategy, DC THRIVE, that has evolved this cultural infrastructure project into one focused not only on culture but also on creating one of the area’s most effective and robust businesses support networks.

It began with an effort by City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson. Last Spring, with no end in sight to the COVID-19 lockdowns, the councilmember – who represents parts of the Crenshaw District – began an innovative senior meals program that linked area businesses with seniors in need. The pro-

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SEAN CARMIC HAEL Contributor

gram was designed to ensure seniors in Council District 8 had their nutritional needs met as the pandemic made it unsafe for them to be outside their homes; it was also designed to provide economic opportunity to businesses along the corridor, many of whom are located on Crenshaw.

“Our senior meals program was about taking care of our neighbors and elders first and foremost,” says Councilmember Harris-Dawson. “But also, about ensuring that our businesses can survive the economic fallout of this pandemic and eventually thrive again.

We learned that we have what we need to support each other and build economic security in our communities.”

The program has sustained struggling Blackowned restaurants, some of which were in danger of going under, in an economic crisis that an estimated 40% of Black businesses would not be able to survive.

The effort also birthed a new model for economic uplift - targeted small business support that enables homegrown businesses on the corridor to not only survive, but to thrive.

In the Spring of 2020, Destination Crenshaw used the momentum created by the council member's meal program to launch the DC Thrive initiative to provide additional technical support and access to capital to ensure recovery efforts met the needs of the business community.

“The DC Thrive vision and its related services are critical to economic stability and growth in our community,” said Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Executive Director of Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles (LISC LA). Tunua, a South LA native and formerly executive director of the West Angeles Community Development Corporation further stated: “Jason Foster has done something remarkable – Councilmember Harris-Dawson created a platform for unprecedented business support, and Jason has built upon it with intention and purpose. He understands that Destination Crenshaw, above all, must be an economic asset to the community.”

DC Thrive facilitates business support by connecting Crenshaw businesses to funding opportunities such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), pri-

Destination Crenshaw is the summation of all that work for me. It’s our community being engaged at the infrastructure level on how the city can serve our economic needs, while improving our quality of life... this project can be the economic engine for business owners and workers that was promised.

vate grants, and technical assistance to help businesses market themselves and pivot toward being competitive in a digital and in-person marketplace.

Jordan’s Hot Dogs is one of more than 80 Blackowned businesses along the corridor that has engaged with Destination Crenshaw and is benefiting from DC Thrive.

“We funded placement of an intern from TEC Leimert, another one of our outstanding businesses, with Jordan’s Hot Dogs, providing them with social media marketing support at a time when business was moving almost entirely to the digital space because of COVID-19,” Foster said. “The result was a success for Jordan’s, for TEC Leimert, and for DC Thrive – it's a model we plan to scale.”

Jordan’s experience is an encouraging response to critics who once worried about the Destination Crenshaw project – a community-driven response to the extension of the Crenshaw/LAX Rail Line being built at street-level along the neighborhood’s main corridor – would displace Black families and businesses.

This focus on economic stabilization now and revitalization in the long-term, has been shepherded by Destination Crenshaw’s new President and Chief Operating Officer, Jason Foster. It is, he says, “proofpositive of the kind of economic engine” Destination Crenshaw could become in South Los Angeles.

Foster, 37, who earned his degree in finance at Howard University took the helm six months ago. He says he was drawn to the role because of the project's potential to not only be a catalyst for Black economic development along the boulevard, but a model for urban place keeping across the country “Here’s this opportunity to engage the community around a Black-led project that’s squarely focused on uplifting our community,” Foster said. “I had to be a part of that.”

Foster says a focus on helping Black people thrive is rooted in his family experiences, “I started my career by

studying finance at Howard University. I wanted to understand how we as Black people can have a better relationship with money. How we can have our community pride and intrinsic value match our community aesthetic.”

Motivated to make a difference after watching his doctor father and engineer mother lose their home during the 2007 Great Recession, Foster had stints working across the country at nonprofits, studying affordability in American cities, eventually working for River LA – the project that brought him to Los Angeles with his wife, Janelle.

“Destination Crenshaw is the summation of all that work for me. It’s our community being engaged at the infrastructure level on how the city can serve our economic needs, while improving our quality of life.”

Even before responding to COVID-19, Destination Crenshaw was designed to foster economic opportunity in every aspect of its development. To that end, it established a 70% local hire goal for the construction phase, concentrating employment opportunities in a community that has long needed access to good paying jobs. “It makes us an industry leader,” says Foster. “It’s unheard of and ” “This is for us, and by us and unapologetically so,” says Karen Mack, a Destination Crenshaw Advisory Council Member and Executive Director of LA Commons in Leimert Park. “You can see in the assembly of community members at the table and the team that is doing the work this project is culturally competent, which we rarely if ever see these types of public infrastructure and community development projects.”

Mack is one of more than two dozen community members advising Destination Crenshaw, a group brought together by Councilmember Marqueece HarrisDawson. “Thanks to his (Harris Dawson’s) leadership, significant community engagement had already begun when I came onto the project.” Foster sees his role as, “driving it forward to completion. “My north star is creating the best project possible for the Crenshaw community. Achieving equity at the neighborhood level is huge.”

Destination Crenshaw’s leadership team includes Black urban planners, construction firms, advisors for planned digital integrations, fundraisers, communicators and of course artists – more on that in a bit.

Perhaps most notably so far, is its history making architectural team, led by Zena Howard – the Black woman who led the architectural design and development of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Howard is Principal and Managing Director of the

North Carolina practice of Perkins + Will, which is a firm known for its work alongside the late Phil Freelon; Freelon’s legendary accomplishments are well noted among Black and non-Black architects alike.

“She gets this community, and she understands this project and that shows up throughout its design elements with guidance and input from the Advisory Council,” Foster said. Howard’s architectural elements for Destination Crenshaw are breathtaking. For example, she conceived of a design element inspired by the African Star Grass – vegetation used for bedding on slave ships that crossed the Atlantic, survived relocation and eventually took root in the Americas – that acts as connective tissue along the corridor. The elegant, visually stunning design captures the unifying experience of the African Diaspora. “It is resilient from an environmental standpoint and is really, truly symbolic of our resilience as a people. We grow where we are planted despite the obstacles,” Howard said.

Eventually, artists and architects with intimate knowledge of the design plans say, along Crenshaw Boulevard there will be markers representing this sense of Black resilience. “It’s a powerful representation of the Black experience in America and in Los Angeles,” notes Foster. “The crux of this design is specific to the Black experience of our community.”

Given its focus on economic development long before any art is installed it’s easy to forget that once complete, Destination Crenshaw will include more than 100 commissioned works of art, architecturally stunning community spaces and pocket parks, and hundreds of newly planted trees boosted by what could become a thriving commercial corridor.

This is a welcome development for many business owners who have suffered months of construction, on top of the impact of the pandemic. Development for the Crenshaw/LAX Line took away hundreds of parking spaces and trees that provided shaded areas “It’s been extremely challenging for businesses, but Destination Crenshaw is proving that it is creating something that will have a lasting economic impact for this community and for our young people, says Cary Jordan, co-owner of Jordan’s Hot Dogs.

Changes are already visible along the corridor, last month fencing began going up around what will become the largest pocket park along the boulevard at Vernon and Crenshaw – Sankofa Park. Local artists have already begun submitting proposals to design artwork that will beautify the construction fencing over the next several months.

“My first priority is to complete the construction of the Destination Crenshaw project that the community envisioned. That's my first job,” Foster said. “But more than that, I want kids in South L.A. to grow up in a healthy and prosperous environment, seeing beauty in their own neighborhoods – and know that this equitable investment provided hope for their futures.”

HO L LY W OOD SPOT LIGHT Mario Singleton “Genius: Aretha” The third installment of the National Geographic Series, GENIUS, explores the untold story of The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The limited series follows the musical genius from childhood through stardom and the impact of her influence on our culture.

Academy-Award nominee Cynthia Erivo delivers a stellar performance as Aretha Franklin. We were first introduced to Cynthia’s acting talent in her portrayal of Harriet Tubman, and in this new series, we also get a chance to experience her amazing vocal talents.

Notable performances were also delivered by Courtney Vance who plays her father, CL Franklin. David Cross, who stars as her producer Jerry Wexler and Malcolm Barrett who plays her

husband/manager, Ted White.

The series takes us on a journey starting with Aretha’s early days singing in her father’s church where she honed her gift. We also get a glimpse into her rocky relationship with first husband/manager Ted White that spiraled out of control as Aretha’s star begins to rise. The story also show-

cases her collaboration with producer Jerry Wexler and the magic behind the creation of some of her greatest hits.

Genius Aretha does a great job of telling the story of the legendary singer as it pays homage to her illustrious career and will to succeed. From the acting to the costumes and Erivo’s outstanding vocals, this show doesn’t disappoint. While I highly recommend this series, Aretha’s family isn’t supporting it as they were not consulted for this production. Before her passing Aretha began consulting on another film project (in the works) titled, Respect, handpicking award winning singer/actress Jennifer Hudson to take the. lead. Despite the controversy surrounding the rights to this story, theseries is definitely worth watching.

OUT THIS MONTH

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

Concrete Cowboy April 2

Thunder Force April 9

Issa Rae Scores Big Deal

Insecure star Issa Rae is sitting pretty having just signed an eight-figure, five year pact with Warner Media–which includes HBO, HBO Max, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros TV. Both HBO and HBO Max already have several projects in the works with the “Insecure” star, who is in the midst of filming the fifth and final season of the show. Her Emmy-nominated “A Black Lady Sketch Show” has been renewed for a second season. New projects include HBO Originals The Vanishing Half, Nice White Parents and the documentary series Seen and Heard, as well as the Max Original half-hour comedy Rap Sh*t. The 36-year old writer and actress also scored a first-look option with Warner Pictures for feature films.

Last month, Rae scored her first-ever win at the

L.A. Focus/April 2021

NAACP Image Awards for o u t standi n g

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actress in a c o m e d y series for Insecure.

The Asset April 23

A Long Time Coming A biographical movie about the life of Mike Tyson–with Jamie Foxx starring as the boxing legend–will now become a limited series directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by none other than Martin Scorsese. Foxx, who met Tyson when he was 22, has reportedly been training and bulking up for the role that has been in the works since 2014. Tyson and his wife, Kiki, will serve as exec producers and want no part of Hulu’s upcoming “Iron Mike” limited series, also based on the life of the former world heavyweight champ. In other news, Foxx snagged a big deal with Viacom to develop and executive produce original movies.

He’s Got Next Ooh, ooh–what a little Oscar buzz can do! Indeed, it is Leslie Odom’s time to shine with not just one, but two Oscar nods for his work in Regina King’s “One Night In Miami”. Odom–who already has a Grammy Award and a Tony Award– scored a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Sam Cooke as well as one for Best Original Song for the tune, “Speak Now”, from the soundtrack. Odom, who along with wife Nicolette welcomed their second child last month– has three projects in the in the works, including a TV film inspired by real life L.A. pastors Toure´ and Sarah Roberts, that is being produced by Kerry Washington. Speaking of Kerry Washington…while she may be taken somewhat of a break from acting, her husband’s star is certainly rising. On the heels of his starring role in “Sylvie’s Love” opposite Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha is set to join Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne in Netflix’s “The Good Nurse”, telling the story of the pursuit and capture of Charlie Cullen, regarded as one of the most prolific serial killers in history having been implicat-

Without Remorse April 30 ed in the deaths of as many as 300 patients.

Real Housewives Star Arrested Federal prosecutors have charged Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Jen Shah with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Shah was arrested after leaving the set of the reality show. According to legal documents, Shah and her assistant were engaged in a telemarketing scheme that defrauded hundreds– including a number of seniors– in a scheme that required victims to make an initial cash investment to create an online business and generated and sold "lead lists" of innocent people who could be targeted in business opportunities. The charges carry a maximum of 30 years. Shah was arrested after shooting an episode of the reality show, that was recently renewed for a second season.

All The Queen’s Men Eva Marcille has snagged a starring role in “All The Queen’s Men”, a onehour, ten episode drama set to air on BET. Set in Club Eden, the fictional home to the hottest and most sensual male exotic dancers in the country, the story centers around a fierce businesswoman (Marcille) at the top of her game in the nightclub industry who discovers that with more money comes more problems. In other casting news, Halle Berry is set to star opposite Mark Wahlberg in the thriller, Our Man From Jersey. Berry earned rave reviews–and washboard abs–with her directorial debut with the film, “Bruised”, which debuted at the Toronto Film Festival. She also stars in the movie about a former MMA fighter struggling to regain custody of her son and restart her athletic career.

Netflix is reportedly in talks to acquire the project in an eight-figure deal.

Q&A

Lauren London Hometown: Los Angeles Big Break: ATL Upcoming Projects: “Without Remorse” Lauren London made her first big splash alongside T.I in the 2006 movie, ATL. The actress and model went on to star in HBO’s Entourage and Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family in addition to several other projects.

Her success story alongside West Coast hip-hop legend, Nipsey Hussle seemed picture-perfect until the tragic murder of Hussle in 2019. After taking time to mourn the loss of her partner, London is returning to her passion and the big screen.

On her quick rise to fame after ATL: I feel really lucky. It's like, ’What did I do to get this blessed to work with these people so early in my career?’

On having to turn down the role for Snowfall: “It was the toughest decision of my career by far…Do I choose my soul or myself? I went with my soul.”

On Nipsey Hussle’s legacy: “I love to meet people that Nip has really inspired because it feels like he’s still here — even though he is in a way. But it’s like his purpose, that was completely outside of any of us … He’s touching people still, and I find that when I run into people that tell me how he’s changed their lives, what they’re doing with their life right now, it fills me up. He would have loved to hear that, you know?”

On coping with Nipsey’s death: “The Day Of Ermias’ transition changed the course of my life forever. 2 years, and it feels like yesterday and eternity all at the same time. Grief and Healing have been constant companions on this journey.

“For me, what’s really been important is like connecting with God and that’s been a struggle because something horrible happens in your eyes and you’re like, ‘How God?’ It’s not easy, I don’t always wake up on the enlightened side of the bed, you know, and the days that I don’t, I let myself because I’m human… I’m gentle with myself. I find things that matter, and so I try to live with a purpose. When I’m having a bad day, I meditate. I go within.”

On recent pregnancy rumors: On a woman trying her best to heal?! Please stop. I'm NOT pregnant.

On how she raises her two Black sons: “What I instill in them is more about the police. How to handle yourself when you get pulled over. That’s more of my education. Protecting them. Being black men in America.”

On working in the community?

I’ve teamed up with @FashionNova on their “Women On Top” female empowerment initiative that is giving away $1 million dollars in grants and scholarships over this month to inspiring women.

RedCarpet Style

JURNEE SMOLLETT NAACP Image Awards

ANDRA DAY Critics Choice Awards

Stars lit up the red carpets at three awards shows in March—the Grammy Awards, the Critics Choice Awards and the NAACP Image Awards—here are some of out favorite looks.

ANGELA BASSETT NAACP Image Awards

REGINA KING Critics Choice Awards

ALICIA KEYES NAACP Image Awards

Eye On Gospel McReynolds Riding High on Grammy Win Congratulations are in order to Jonathan McReynolds on his first GRAMMY® Award win. Announced during the 63rd Annual GRAMMY® Awards Premiere Ceremony, McReynolds won Best Gospel Performance/Song for his Billboard Gospel #1 hit single “Movin’ On” with Mali Music. The fan favorite single is featured on McReynolds’ latest effort, People. “Movin’ On” marked McReynolds’ third number one single, preceded by the singles “Not Lucky, I’m Loved” and “Make Room.” People, which doubles as a full-length visual album - the first for the genre of gospel music - is available now wherever music is sold and streamed at all major digital outlets.

“I work hoping to be considered for a GRAMMY one day, but still was completely stunned when it actually happened. Everything about the songwriting, recording, release and friendship was unique and special. Just how God wanted it to be,” shares Jonathan McReynolds.

Aside from Mali Music, the EP boasts collaborations with the Walls Group and Pastor Mike Todd.

PJ Morton Snags Best Gospel LP Grammy R&B singersongwriter and producer, PJ Morton, has scored a Grammy® A-ward for his firste v e r inspirationa l music album,

Gospel According to PJ (Morton Records/ Tyscot), in the category of Best Gospel Album. The award was revealed during the pre-telecast of the 63rd annual Grammy® Awards ceremony last month.

The all-star set features performances from Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Commissioned, and The Clark Sisters, among others. The first radio single “All in His Plan” - featuring Mary Mary and Le’Andria Johnson — peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. The current single, “Repay You,” features J Moss, is now being played in high rotation on gospel radio.

While this is Morton’s third Grammy win (out of 14 career nominations), it’s the first victory for Tyscot Records. The 45+ year old label has earned nominations in the past for artists such as the Rance Allen Group, and Anthony Brown & group therAPy. Morton is the son of Bishop Paul Morton and co-pastor Deborah Morton and the brother of Jasmine Morton Robinson, first lady of Pilgrim’s Hope Baptist Church and ZBET. Other Grammy winners included the Fisk Jubilee Singers (“Best Roots Gospel Album”) and Kanye West, who won his first gospel Grammy for his “Jesus Is King” album. The award, marking his 22nd career Grammy, came in the category of “Best Contemporary Christian Music Album”.

OWN Set to Launch Reality Gospel Show The Oprah Winfrey Network has ordered an new gospelbased, non-scripted series that will follow the lives of four young gospel artists as they pursue their dreams and live life on their own terms while staying true to their faith and families. “Young & Gospel” will star singers Koryn Hawthorne, Bri Babineaux, Jekalyn Carr and Christian rapper, Wande.

Franklin Apologizes for Profanity-Laced Outburst Kirk Franklin and wife Tammy Collins recently joined Tamron Hall on her self-titled talk show to discuss the controversial conversation with his oldest son that went viral. 33-year-old Kerrion Franklin shared the audio in

which his dad could be heard calling him out of his name on his social media platforms, which instantly made headlines and also accused the gospel artist of parental abuse.

Frankin issued a public apology for the emotional outburst on his Instagram that included explicit language, and opened up about the lifelong challenges he has had with his troubled son, citing a level of disrespect that had become increasingly aggressive.

“In that fight, it can become so difficult that my humanity, unfortunately, that day, won,” Franklin said. “And I’m going to keep trying, while still continuing to admit that I am an imperfect man fighting to serve a perfect God.” The gospel superstar also said that he was not giving up hope on his son.

“Now that he’s about to be 33 as a grown man the relationship at times can become very agitated and very frustrated…but I’m not going to stop trying to help,” Kirk said. “He’s my son, he’s my firstborn, and I never want him to feel what I felt not having a father…It’s important for me because what if that call is the call that things change.”

In other gospel news, the highly anticipated–and advertised–biopic on the life of Mahalia Jackson is set to premiere this month on Lifetime. The project, presented

by Robin Roberts, features Broadway star Danielle Brooks (Orange Is the New Black) as the gospel music legend.

Jackson’s recording of the song, “Move On Up A Little Higher”, sold millions, skyrocketing her to international fame and leading to appearances at Carnegie Hall and John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball…GRAMMY® and Stellar Award-winning artist, actress, entrepreneur, and author Kierra Sheard-Kelly, is set to release a deluxe version of her chart dominating, #1 album KIERRA. The 20track album is a blend of Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Gospel sounds, which features the original 15-tracks including the #1 Billboard Gospel single “It Keeps Happening” and “Don’t Judge Me” (feat. Missy Elliott). New songs include “Out of My Mind” (feat. Camper) and “Something Has to Break” (feat. Karen Clark Sheard), and more. KIERRA (Deluxe) will be released on April 9th.

Through the Storm

JASMINE SIMPKINS Contributor

Jeremy Meeks Finds His Passion...

T

After Prison

Halley Productions and is excited for the world to see his range as an actor.

“I want people to see that my range is so much bigger than the street, shoot 'em up, bang, bang stuff,” he said.

“I can pull from every situation I've been through in life, and I've been through a lot, I have so many tools.”

And, now with his split from Green, Meeks says he's even more focused on his craft.

"I plan to remain single for a while because I'm focused on my family and my career, and I don't want to be pulled in many directions,” he revealed.

In 2017, while separated from estranged wife Melissa, Meeks and Green embarked on a whirlwind romance. A few months later it was reported that Meeks popped the question when Green was spotted wearing a huge engagement ring. On May 29, 2018 Green gave birth to their son, Jayden Green-Meeks. A few months later however the couple split.

The same year Meeks’ divorce from Melissa was finalized. The two were married 8 years and have a 12-yearold son Jeremy Meeks, Jr. Meeks, who also helped raise Melissa’s two elder children Eliana, and Robert, says his children keep him focused and motivated to be a better man.

"I have a lot of people counting on me and depending on me,” he explained. “I want to be a positive influence, especially for my kids. The things I was doing before, which is extremely negative, so it's everything to be a positive influence for my sons and to show them that anything is possible.”

Meeks was in elementary school when his father was sentenced to life in prison for murder. His mother had drug problems, so he was raised largely by his sister and gravitated towards gang culture. He joined notorious North Side Crips, one of California’s most brutal street gangs, and was in and out of prison for years.

Today he frequently visits juvenile detention centers to mentor and help young boys not choose the same path he did.

"I'm always in the juvenile halls, in the [California Youth Authority], because I was that same kid waiting for someone to come talk to me and it was never anyone that any of us related to,” he shared.

“I wish I had someone like me come in and talk to me and motivate me, because that's where it starts.”

Meeks is also passionate about prison reform and applauded the work Kim Kardashian is doing.

"She's changing lives,” he said enthusiastically. “I know Kim, she is an incredible person. People that were never coming home, they're home right now because of her, she did some huge things.”

“I’m using my platform in every way I possibly can,” he added. “I just partnered with Fashion Nova to secure a bunch of clothes for the kids at the group homes here in the Los Angeles area. I feel like as celebrities, we should use [our platform] not just to make money, but to help others.”

“

I probably read at a sixth grade reading level, but while incarcerated came across all of the incredible Teri Woods books, and pretty much taught myself how to read. To be full circle, and all these years later, and to actually be in the movie.

It's just unreal. It's such a blessing. I feel highly favored.

”

L.A. Focus/April 2021

o say Jeremy Meeks' life has changed since being released from prison in 2016 is an understatement. In fact, it’s more like a movie.

In 2014, the 37-year-old’s entire life changed after he was arrested during a gang sweep c a l l e d Operation Ceasefire in Stockton, California. Earlier that day he was pulled over by police, who found a gun in the trunk of his car.

He was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm, but his crystal blue eyes, chiseled jawline, and teardrop tattoo would make him a viral sensation. Police posted his mug shot on Facebook and within minutes he was trending on Twitter and being dubbed "Hot Felon" and "Prison Bae" by women worldwide.

While serving his 27 month sentence in Mendota Federal Correctional Institution he signed a modeling contract with White Cross Management. The judge who sentenced him decided to grant him an early release in March 2016 to take advantage of the opportunity.

Within months he was hitting the runway for designers like Philipp Plein and Tommy Hilfiger and jet-setting with billionaire girlfriend, Topshop heiress, Chloe Green.

"My whole life people told me I was supposed to be famous, but God waited until I was mentally and emotionally in the right place to take on this blessing, and it's all God's plan. I'm a vessel," he said.

"I pray and I cry and I'm so grateful that I honestly have so many blessings that I can't even count them all.

That's what makes me emotional because I can't even name them all off, and that in itself is just so amazing."

Over the last year Meeks has also found his passion - acting -- and has nabbed a string of roles in films like Trigger, True To The Game 2 and the recently released drama Dutch opposite Lance Gross.

"I knew that modeling was a steppingstone to some extent and I'm forever going to do that, but how do I have longevity in the industry,” he questioned rhetorically. "I found my passion and it feels good."

In Dutch, based on the book by Teri Woods, Meeks plays car thief turned drug dealer Craze.

"It was so much fun to play Craze because he's so opposite of me in real life, so it was kind of challenging," he explained. "But it was fun, and it was an experience that I'll forever hold on to."

The role is also extra special for Meeks because he taught himself to read in prison reading Woods' books.

"I read the books many moons ago, while in state prison, probably 15 years ago," he shared. "I probably read at a sixth grade reading level, but while incarcerated came across all of the incredible Teri Woods books, and pretty much taught myself how to read. To be full circle, and all these years later, and to actually be in the movie. It's just unreal. It's such a blessing. I feel highly favored."

Meeks also nabbed a five picture deal with Manny

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ChurchNews

Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center Consolidated Plaza: 3725 Don Felipe Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Pastor Tyron Robinson Named to Succeed Bishop Paul Morton social media, so they are really familiar with our ministry.”

COGICs Elect Bishop J. Drew Sheard as New Presiding Bishop

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Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Founder & Senior Pastor Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South L.A. 10905 S. Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 566.5286 Pastor Alvin Stafford Jr. Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 10:30am Book by Book Bible Study (Wed.): 6:30pm Sunday service broadcast on Facebook live Sunday school and Book by Book Bible Study services are conducted on Zoom For more information, visit www.bethelsola.com Bethesda Temple Apostolic Faith 4909 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 299-2591 • thevoice4904@att.net Pastor Kyron S. Shorter Sunday Morning Prayer: 9:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 11:00am Children’s Church: 11:00am Sunday Evening Service: 6:00pm

Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082 Pastor Dwaine Jackson Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:15 am Bible Study (Tues): Noon Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 6:00pm

Calvary Baptist Church 4911 W. 59th Street,Los Angeles, CA,90056 (323)298-1605•F: (310) 568-8430 • calvarybaptistla.org Rev. Dr. Virgil V. Jones Sunday Prayer: 8:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 12:00pm & 7:00pm We are the Church on the Hill where the Light Shines Bright!

Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 www.christianfellowshipla.org Pastor James K. McKnight Sunday LiveStream: 10:00am (facebook.com/christianfellowshipla) Sunday Conference Call: 10:00am (310-372-7549 / code: 342408) Tue/Thurs Morning Word & Prayer: 7:00am Wed. Bible Study w/ Elder Stephen Brown (701-802-5001 / code: 825252# Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Pastor Frederick K. Price, Jr. Sunday Service: 9:45am Bible Study (Tue): 11:00am & 7:30pm Tue. Night Children’s Ministry: 7:30pm Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7:30pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7:30pm

God’s Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ / Prayer Clinic & Deliverance Ministry P.O. Box 561368, Los Angeles,CA 90056 (323)293-7566 • www.gfdjc.org• gfdjc@att.net Ruby Cottle, Ph.D., Pastor & Teacher

L.A. Focus/April 2021

ast year, nationally renowned pastor and gospel singer Bishop Paul S. Morton announced he would step down as senior pastor of the Changing a Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church megachurch in Atlanta and the Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church in July on his 70th birthday. But with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the awardwinning singer and founder/past president of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship subsequently postponed his retirement, stating that he would stay on until there was a vaccine for the coronavirus.

Now–a year later and with three vaccines in circulation–Morton has announced that both he and his wife and co-pastor, Debra Morton, will indeed retire in July.

He has also named his successor as son-in-law Tyron Robinson, senior pastor of the Los Angeles-based Pilgrim’s Hope Baptist Church and the Compton-based Zion Baptist Evangelical Temple.

Robinson and his wife, Jasmine Morton Robinson, say they were both thrilled and surprised by the decision, although there has not yet been an official statement.

“If you had told me that this is where I would be in 2021 back in 2011, I would have laughed. I’m still numb at the news,” Robinson said. “I’m still processing. It’s surreal. I signed up for Jasmine and nothing more. I had Jesus and I wanted Jasmine. This has come with the anointing and the assignment, but this is a complete surprise to me.”

The L.A. native, however, insists that he is ready to take on the helm of one of Atlanta’s largest Black congregations along with one of the biggest churches in New Orleans, adding that he had already learned a great deal from Morton.

“Intense integrity and character,” he says of Morton.

“How to build sustainability. He’s 46 years in pastoring.

I’m 25 years, so I’m getting an up-close and personal view of how to maneuver the next chapter of my pastorate and what really makes longevity.”

The couple will be relocating to Atlanta and New Orleans this summer. While Bishop Morton and CoPastor Debra Morton will stay on as overseers and continue to preach intermittently at both churches, they will make their home base in New Orleans and will be relieved of the administrative and daily operational responsibilities of the churches and the weekly long-distance commutes.

For Jasmine Robinson, it will be a homecoming.

“All of my family is in New Orleans, so it will be great to be back home and that will be home base for my parents,” Robinson explains. “At the same time, it is bittersweet. We had to meet with our churches last night to tell them we were leaving and that was tough.”

What won’t be tough– according to First Lady elect Jasmine Robinson–is adjusting to their new congregations in Atlanta and New Orleans.

“They know Tyron and they know me, so they’re excited,” she said. “They’ve all been following us on

The Church of God in Christ has elected Bishop J. Drew Sheard as its new leader. Results of the virtual election–making Sheard the presiding prelate of the 7million member strong, worldwide denomination headquartered in Memphis–were announced March 20.

Sheard, 62, had formerly served as prelate of the Michigan North Central Jurisdiction, pastors the Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church in Detroit. He will succeed previous presiding Bishop Charles Blake Sr, who announced he would seek re-election last year.

“I am humbled and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary organization, the Church of God in Christ, as its new leader and Presiding Bishop,” Sheard said. “To be elected to serve as the Presiding Bishop for the Church in which I was born, raised, and have learned and served all my life, is a dream and desire that can only be fulfilled by God’s loving grace and guidance. The opportunity to serve such an extraordinary organization at our highest recognized level of priesthood is beyond humbling.”

Sheard also thanked his wife Karen Clark-Sheard of gospel’s famed Clark Sisters and his children, J.Drew Sheard II, a producer and songwriter, and daughter Kierra Sheard, a Grammy winning vocalist and actress who is one of gospel’s hottest stars.

In other election result, the following eleven bishops were named to the COGIC general board: • Bishop Prince E. Bryant, Sr., pastor of The Island of Hope Church of God in Christ and Buck Street Memorial Church of God in Christ in Houston.

• Bishop Malcolm Coby, pastor of Victory Temple Church of God in Christ, World Ministry Center, in Oklahoma City, • Bishop Sedgwick Daniels, pastor of Holy Redeemer Church Of God In Christ in Milwaukee • Bishop David A. Hall, Sr., pastor of historic Temple Church Of God In Christ in Memphis • Bishop Michael E. Hill, Sr., senior pastor of Kingdom International in Dearborn, Michigan • Bishop Darrell L. Hines, Sr., pastor of Christian Faith Fellowship Church of God in Christ in Wisconsin • Bishop Jerry W. Macklin — founder of Glad Tidings International Church of God in Christ in Hayward, California • Bishop Loran E. Mann, founder of Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ in Pittsburgh • Bishop C. H. McClelland, pastor of Holy Cathedral Church of God In Christ in Milwaukee • Bishop Brandon Porter, pastor of Greater Community Temple COGIC in North Memphis • Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten Sr., pastor of Williams Temple Church of God In Christ in St. Louis

Corprate Office: 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 2A, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 295-5571 www.agapela.org

Prophetess June Morgan / Assistant Pastor

Services Every Friday: 7:00pm -9:30pm

Newly installed Bishop J. Drew Sheard

We meet at: St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 West Adams Blvd, LA, CA 90018 Watch Dr. Cottle on HBN TV on Wed’s 7:30am Channel 20 Dish & DirectTV,Channel 3 U-Verse

Grace Temple Baptist Church 7017 South Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192 Rev. Rodney Howard Sunday L.I.F.E Group: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service: 9:30am Wednesday Intercessory Prayer: 6:30pm Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm E-Mail: gtbcla@gmail.com

Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027 Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Senior Pastor Reappointed to Grant AME Church Los Angeles Rev. Dr. James A. Rumph

Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 Rev. DeNon Porter Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm

Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 703-5868 • www.holmanumc.com Email: holman@holmanumc.com Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, Senior Pastor Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday Radio: KJLH 102.3FM at 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am (Children/Youth) & 9:45am (Adults) Bible Study: Every Thursday @ Noon We Gather,Grow,Go and Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Israel Missionary Baptist Church - A Holy Spirit Filled Church 4501 South Compton Ave, Los Angeles,CA 90011 Church/Fax: (323) 233-3295 or 3296 Website: www.Israelmbc.com • Email: israelmbc@yahoo.com Rev. Rodney J. Howard, Sr. Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:30am Sunset Service: 5:00pm Communion Every First Sunday First Sunday Men In Prayer: 8:30 am Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesdays: 7:30pm McCarty Memorial Christian Church 4103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-4131 • www.mccartychurch.org Senior Pastor Edward Anderson Sunday Worship: 10:45am Sunday School: 9:30am Bible Study: Tues Noon

Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964 Reverend Johnteris Tate-Pastor Sunday Church School: 8:00am Worship Service: 9:15am Baptist Training Union: 7:00am Tues. Bible Study/Prayer:Noon & 7:00pm

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 291-1121 F: (323) 291-1133 • office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8:00am, 11:30am Discipleship Groups (Sun): 9:45am Noonday Bible Study(Tue): 12:00pm Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Radio: KKLA 99.5 FM (Sat): 9:00pm Our Goal: To glorify God by winning more Christians and developing better Christians (Matt. 28:18-20)

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 Sunday Tues. Pastor’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Wed. Noon-day Prayer: Noon

FIRST LADY FILES

Karen Brown Judson & Liberty Baptist Churches

T

exas-native Karen Brown says that being a first lady is a calling in its own right.

“To be in the position of first lady is not an easy task,” said the wife of Pastor Terry L. Brown Sr. and first lady of both Liberty Baptist Church in Los Angeles and Judson Baptist Church in Carson.

Active in church from a young age, the role of pastor’s wife was a natural fit.

"My approach to ministry is just to get in and serve," says Brown. "I have a serving spirit and that’s what I want to do. I serve to represent Christ.

“When we got to Liberty the church was a lot smaller, so there was a need for me to wear a lot of different hats.

Judson has a larger congregation, so they had people already in place leading ministries.”

For the moment, Brown is working to get to know the congregation she and her husband took on following the untimely death of the late Dr. Johnny V. Baylor last year.

Said Brown, “They have been super kind and receptive and have made the transition easier. But with the pandemic, we’ve not met everyone. I’m looking to in-person services so that we can finally meet face to face.”

In the meantime, Brown is looking to expand her community outreach, believing that first ladies have a great deal more to offer than the stereotype of sitting pretty in a big hat on the front pew.

“I believe have first ladies decided ‘I’m’ more than this’, particularly the younger first ladies who have a desire and passion to serve,” Brown explains. “I’m huge on community support and outreach as well as youth and service ministries. At Liberty, I just have a burden to help the young ladies in the community that I see out on the streets.”

Just as clearly as Brown sees needs in the community and wants to help meet them, her priority is as a helpmate.

“First and foremost, I believe first ladies should be a supporter of their husband in their calling, so at the end of the day for me it comes down to being a servant supporter. I also recognize that I have my own call on my life and it’s a part of what I do.”

New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 • www.newantiochcogic.org Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis Sunday Early Worship: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Tuesday Bible Study: 11am Wednesday In The Word: 7pm All services streamed on Facebook and You Tube @New Antioch Church of God In Christ Park Windsor Baptist Church 1842 W. 108th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 756-3966 • RevTerrellTaylor@sbcglobal.net Rev. Terrell Taylor Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7:00pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am

People’s Independent Church of Christ 5856 West Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 296-5776 Pastor Roshod Sundays: Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study & Mid Week Worship: Noon & 7:00pm Prayer Meeting: 6:30pm

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed Corporate Prayer: 6:00 - 6:55 pm Monday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Noon Prayer: 12 Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7:00pm

The Potter’s House at One LA 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • www.tphla.org Sr. Pastor Toure’ Roberts Sunday Worship: 9:00am, 11:15am & 1:00pm Thursday Midweek Service: 8pm Watch Live: http://tphla.org/watch-live/

Trinity Baptist Church 2040 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-0044 • F: (323) 735-0219 Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am YouTube channel: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud Facebook/Website:trinitybaptistchurchofla.org SundayRadio Broadcast KJLH FM: 9:00am Zoom Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7:00pm Sign in to zoom.us click on “join in a meeting” enter meeting ID: 480-271-5449. By phone call 1-699-900-6833 give zoom ID. Sign-in at 6:55pmrchofla.org Weller Street Baptist Church 129 S. Gless St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 261-0949 • F: (323)264-6601 • www.wellerstreetlive.com Pastor K.W. Tulloss Sunday School: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm www.wellerstreetlive.com “We have not walked this way before” 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: 8:00am & 10:30am Early Worship: 8:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Evening Worship (North Campus): 7:00pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7:00pm Sun. Radio Broadcast KJLH 102.3FM: 10am www.westa.tv Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus) Service Time: 10:45 Virtual Worship: Youtube

Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm) Dr. Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am|10:45am| 5:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12pm|7:00pm FB: GreaterZion IG: GZCFamily www.gzcf.us

Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 • F: (310) 537-3149 Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Sunday School: 9:45am & 10:15am Early Morning Worship: 7:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11:15am New Members’ Class: 9:45am Holy-Communion (1st Sunday): 7:30 & 11:15am Mid-Week Prayer & Bible Study (Wed)- 7:00pm Broadcast (KALI 900AM - Sunday): 2:00pm3:00pm Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, (P.O. Box 5449), Compton 90224 (310) 604-5900, www.loveandunity.org • info@loveandunity.org Apostle Ronald C. Hill, Sr. Founder and Pastor Live Stream Sunday Worship:10am & 6:30pm Live Stream Bible Studies:Wed.7:30pm&Sat 9am Live Stream Prayer w Apostle: Fri: 9am Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact Televison Network: Mon-Fri @6:30amPST KJLH 102.3 Sundays 9:00pm

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

In Gardena

Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:00pm Bible Study (Wed): Noon & 7:00pm BET/Fresh Oil (Wed): 7:00am

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

In Hawthorne

Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00 am Sunday Bible Enrichment Class: 9:45am Mon.-Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12:30pm & 7:00pm Bible Enrichment Fellowship International In Inglewood 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 & 7:00pm Wednesday Pathway: 7:00pm Thurs Bible Study: 10:00am Sat Marriage & Family Prayer: 7:30am

Blessed Family Covenant Church 325 North Hillcrest Blvd, Inglewood, CA, 90301 (310)-674-0303 • F: (310)-674-0303 • blessedfamilycovenant.org Rev. Wendy Howlett Mon, Wed, Fri Service Times: 10 - 4 Virtual Worship on YouTube Blessed Family Covenant Church

Church of God Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 757-1804 www.go2Hope.com Pastor Geremy L. Dixon Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wed. Mid-Week Service: Noon Wed. Teaching Ministry: 7:00pm 1st Sunday Communion 5th Sunday Baptism

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 Sunday Services: 7:00am, 9:30am & 11:45am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7:00pm The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood www.faithfulcentral.com

Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc.

1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90302 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760 Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr. Sunday Fresh Start & Prayer 9:00am Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7:00pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm www.jacobladderschurch.com

Pastor Profile: Jacob Johnson Church: Growing Valley Baptist Church (Antelope Valley) How Long at Church: 11 years Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio Family: Single

How did you come to be in the Antelope Valley?

It was through our National Baptist Convention and my predecessor, Walter Forte Jr. He retired in December of 2009 and [the position] was posted on our national convention website, so I applied. I didn't know where it was.

The name of the church is interesting in and of itself…

It's a strange name for a church in the desert. It's the oldest predominantly African-American church in the Antelope Valley. We started in 1948.

So, is Growing Valley growing?

Yeah, we're growing. When I came, we had about 70 people. Now we're about 250 to 300.

More people were moving to that region for affordability.

Are you seeing a growth in churches as well?

Let me qualify this by saying I was just voted as the NAACP president of Antelope Valley. In 1948, there was one black church. In 1950, there were two black churches.

In 1952, there was like four. And in 2021, there's like a hundred of them. The city grew, but we are still in the bottom third of minorities. This new generation, they're not moving out here to go to church. They're moving out here because the housing is inexpensive. You can sell your home on 92nd in L.A. for $750,000, come out here, buy an acre and a half house and still have $300-$400k leftover.

So, this isn't a black church town and my personal opinion is that there's too many of us out here.

L.A. Focus/April 20210

There was a trend at one time of people launching satellite ministries out there. Has that died down?

Absolutely. They were doing it because their members were moving out here, and to me, if your members are moving out here and you want to keep connected to them, maybe you should have moved out here.

Who would have thought in this age, you can go to church wherever you want right now. I can sit right here and watch a church service on my phone, my laptop and my desktop.

You think the number of these smaller satellite ministries has diluted the power of churches in the area?

Absolutely. In LA, if Herb Wesson, Mark Ridley-Thomas or Karen Bass –who's been out here–if they want

22

to win, they have to go to the black church, right? Well, out here, it’s so diluted, they don't even have to wink at us. Worse still, most of them are going to be mad, but I'm not saying anything I haven't said. Most of the black churches in this community are renting their space. I know for a fact that black churches out here have probably pumped over $2 million in rent into the economy and most of the people who own the buildings out here…it’s almost the same group of people.

I'm very big on ownership. The church we bought next door was a Caucasian church that appraised for $545,000.

We got it for $390,000 and then they turned around and gave us $25,000 back. That's because we built a relationship with them. We have a chapel over there that seats 120 people. Knowing that there are African-American churches paying $3000 a month, I've said, well, you can come over here for $1000 - $1500 a month. I have not had one take me up yet. Now, I'm not all that gung ho about having another black church next to us, but I’m willing to help. I think people are not in the mindset of our forerunners where they built churches and paid them off.

So how did you come to be in ministry?

I've been preaching since I was four and would have church on my grandma's porch all by myself. I stuttered a lot as a kid and reading the Bible helped me read better.

So, I had my own style. I was the band, the organ, the amen corner, and the choir director, everything. I accepted my call to preach at 23 and was licensed at 24.

There's a lot of space between the four and the 23.

Did you hesitate before answering your call?

Well, I was always going to church with my grandma. Like I just loved it. In high school, I was a three-sport athlete, two sports state champion, all state, all conference and stuff in track and basketball.

Actually, I started coaching college basketball in my senior year of college. I was going to go to law school. My major was political science with a concentration in public policy and constitutional law.

What is your style or what do you think your gift in

ministry is?

I think I'm a bridge. I'm 41. When I came here, I was 31 and I grew up in a very traditional church, but I served as a youth pastor in an all-white church. So, I don't want to use the term chameleon, but one of my nicknames in college was ‘optimist prime’. I could easily transform.

So, like being in a traditional Baptist church, the oldest in the Growing Valley, did that make it any challenging for people who were of a certain tradition?

The great thing about Christ is He came to us and took us where we needed to be. Sometimes as a young preacher, you can come to a place and speak to them as if they're there. And if they're not there now you're yelling at them because it's like, y’all are 75 years old. You should know this stuff by now.

When you came to Growing Valley, what did you change?

Or how did that work?

To be honest, I only changed two things when I came. One we have no boards in our church. No deacon board. No trustee board. It’s all ministries because I said I need you all to be flexible. I told them the only way we can keep boards in the church is if you can see there was a board in the Bible as opposed to a council. The other thing was I started teaching Bible study.

How successful were you at that and to your point, did they then come up with councils to replace the boards?

No. This was and still is a pastor run church. I say that with great humility, because there's a lot of weight that comes with that. I'm not from that arrogant group that say they're going to do whatever what I say. I don't have that experience. My pastor would always tell me, preaching, praying and patience. He used to say, if you can't get it in a sermon, get it into prayer. If you can’t get it into prayer, just wait on God. And when God shows up, you'll see his power. I'm only 41, but I've learned just be patient and wait. This might sound mean, but I had to say in one meeting, I'm younger than y'all. I got time, I can wait.

You call yourself a lead servant and I notice that you often answer the phone and attend to the church...

To be honest, the concept of servant leaders comes from Dr. J Lewis Felton. The funny story behind that is when I first came and I was not officially the pastor they were like, “Well, we don't want to call you the interim pastor.”

And so I said, “Well, I'll just be a servant leader–the lead servant. How about that?” And they were like, okay.

Bishop Felton and I would maybe have three services in one day and after the second one, there will be a service like 4pm and he'd be like, all right, Jacob, we need to vacuum. And we'd just be vacuum and cleaning toilets. So it’s like when Jesus said ‘the greatest among you is going to be your servant.’

From the Pulpit of: Second Baptist Church, Santa Ana “The Power of Resistance”—Luke 18:1-8

A

re you tired? Fed up?

Have you had enough? I mean, the pandemic has gone on long enough. Ever just felt like throwing in the towel?

After all, you’ve been faithful. You not only watch one service on Sunday morning, but several. You go to zoom Bible studies. You even watch motivational speeches through the week, but there are some things yet to break through.

Jesus recognizes that we all get to a point where we’ve had enough. In fact, he knew that the disciples at some point in their life were going to get fed up and ready to throw in the towel. Evil, it seems, is prevailing. Injustice is going unchecked and the enemy appears to be winning.

Many of the Old Testament prophets complained about that very thing. David, Zachariah, Jonah. We try to live holy lives and want to experience the breakthrough of God, but sometimes it doesn't seem to come, no matter how hard we try. So, Jesus gives us a parable in Luke 18, sharing some spiritual realities he wants us to latch on to in the midst of our frustration.

In other words, he wants us to experience firsthand the power of persistence.

But for us to really understand the power of persistence, we need to go back to Luke 17 where Jesus begins to tell the disciples what it is to grow their faith.

Jesus begins with the analogy of faith like the grain of a mustard seed. In other words, when you want to grow in faith, it’s not the size of the faith, but it's the fact that you have the presence of faith.

Not size, but presence. Even a little bit of faith that's planted in your heart Jesus says will eventually grow. It also tells us in verses 11-19, that those who are growing in faith should understand the power of gratitude and praise to a God that heals.

My favorite phrase is that there's always something to give God praise for.

Then in verses 20-37–the rest of chap-

ter 17–growing faith not only is humble and grateful, but always has an eternal perspective.

It's important that when you are growing in faith, you appreciate the moment but don't get caught up in the moment, because there's always something greater in store than what you're going through.

These disciples have seen the Almighty God do some incredible things. Yet and still, this Almighty God, who's with his disciples says there will be a time where you're going to experience temptation and that temptation is going to make you want to stop praying and lose heart. Secondly, that there are going to be times where it's going to take longer than expected to get the breakthrough you've been praying for.

He says to them, I need you to recognize the power of persistence, because when you persistently pray and persistently don't give up, you will see the fruit of your efforts.

Jesus then tells his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and never give up. The parable speaks of a widow who kept coming to a judge for justice against her adversary.

The indication is that she is struggling financially, she is helpless, she possibly could have been abused. She's alone.

This judge was one who openly boasted that he had no fear of God and did not have a deep respect or compassion for humankind. Here this guy was elected and put in a position of high power to have a respect for God, and to have compassion and care for people, and he didn't care about God nor people. He was selfish, selfcentered, narcissistic and he refused her.

All she had was a little bit of faith, but she persistently acted on that little faith and kept coming back.

We're going to get frustrated. Change sometimes takes longer than you expected, but God is telling us in his text, ‘don't give up the power in your persistency.

Secondly, move after your prayer. Keep on praying and take action after your prayer.

This judge got sick and tired of because

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

Antioch Church of Long Beach 350 Pine Ave. ,Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 591-8778 •www.antiochlb.com Senior Pastor Wayne Chaney, Jr.

In Long Beach

Online Services Stream live: Sunday 10:00 am at antiochlb.com Give: text antiochib to 77977 Social Media: facebook.com/antiochlb instagram.com/antiochlb youtube.com/antiochlongbeach

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: 7:00pm Wed Youth & Young Adult Ministry: 7:00pm

she would pray, then she would act. She would pray, then she would call out.

God is saying we can't just pray. We’ve got to act on our prayers. In the persistency of this widow was the power to move an unrighteous judge to give her justice.

The widow represents us to some degree. Some of us are in such helpless and desperate situations where all we have is the faith and the courage to keep on keeping on.

So why does it take so long for God to answer our prayers?

God can see that we're in pain–that we are in a position of desperation and praying from the very depths of our soul. We need God to act in this very moment and yet sometimes God doesn't seem to act.

Sometimes God doesn't respond right away because he wants us to keep our focus on him even when we don't think His focus is on us, Secondly, I want you to understand why we are waiting on God to move. God is teaching us something about ourselves. When God is silent says a lot about where we are in our faith and often it’s because there's something in us that he's trying to purge out of us, so that he can see his image in us, just as in Zechariah 13:9, where it speaks of God refining us as one refines silver through the fire.

Kohlberg, the great theorist, says that the lowest level of moral development is doing the right thing so that you don't get punished. But the higher level of development is doing the right thing because it's the right thing.

In the ancient Olympics, there were two men who wanted to compete and they both go to this great trainer who’d trained many men to be successful. They say will you train us, and he says, absolutely.

He told them they were two big giant boulders, and he said, “I want you to come every day and push these boulders down the road.”

Every day, they came and would attempt to push these boulders, but the boulders didn’t move. After a couple of days, one guy continued to page 24 stopped. The other one, however, believed what the master trainer said, and kept pushing every day. The boulder never moved.

After several months, the master comes back to him and says, ‘Okay, now you are strong enough to win the Olympic Games’.

The man says, ‘What? I haven't moved the rock.

How am I ready?

You have wasted my time.”

T h e m a s t e r trainer then s a y s , ‘Listen, the object wasn't for you to move to boulder. The object was for you to build muscle as you were pushing. Look at your arms. Look at your back. Look at the muscles in your legs.’

Sometimes God allows us to be in a Pastor Ivan place not to move Pitts

Christian’s Community Center of Los Angeles 3960 E. Gilman Street, Long Beach, CA 90815 (562) 597-3252 Senior Pastor Thom Washington Live Stream Sunday Service: 11:00am Wednesday Night Prayer: 6:00pm Sunday Bible Class: 9:30am Sunday Afternoon Services: 4:00pm (2nd & 4th Sunday) Wednesday Prayer: 6:00pm Bible Study Wednesday 7pm

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

Family of Faith Christian Center 345 E. Carson Street, Long Beach, CA 90807 (562) 595-1222 • F: (562) 595-1444

First United Methodist ChurchCompton 1025 S. Long Beach Blvd •Compton, CA 90221 (310)639-0775•F: (310) 639-1161

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

Bishop Sherman A. Gordon, E.D. Min

Dr. Arnetha E. Inge, Pastor

Sunday School: 8:00 am Morning Worship: 9:00 am

Sunday School: 8:30am - 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00-11:45am TONGAN Worship:1:00pm(2nd&3rd Sundays) Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: 7:30am & 6:30pm

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: 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Intercessory Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Pastoral teaching adults: 7:30pm Wed. Youth Ministry Boot-Camp; Youth Bible Study: 7:00pm & Choir Rehearsal: 7:30pm

Greater Emmanuel Temple 3740 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood, CA 90262 (424) 296-0400 •www.greateremmanuel.org

In Lynwood

Pastor Nissan Stewart Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Prayer: 6:30pm Mid-Week Refuel/Bible Study: 7:00pm (Wednesday) Follow us: @GETFamilyNow The Greater Emmanuel Temple App Available in App Store

Walking In The Spirit Ministries Double Tree (Sonoma Grill) 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk CA 90650 (213) 248-6343 P.O Box 1597 Norwalk CA,90651 Tim & Leshia Brooks

In Norwalk

Morning Worship: 11:00am Services Held Every 2nd & 4th Sunday and Free Breakfast Is Served Bible Study: 8:30am (Every 5th Friday)

Arise Christian Center In Westchester 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C,Westchester, CA,90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com Pastor Ron Taylor Morning Worship: 9:00am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Thursday:11:30am-12:30pm

L.A. Focus/April 2021

Money Matters continued from page 10 entry or working on a construction site for several hours per week or more.

Then, add in a mentorship program once per month from you or another member of the management team.

Another idea: Arrange shadow time during which your child can follow a senior and/or mid-level executive to see what and how they perform their work. A shadow day can be as little as two hours of your child asking questions to see what their career is like.

7. Write Clear Estate Plans Instead of just saying your children will have your assets passed down to them no matter what, put conditions on everything from taking over your company to the amount of money they can acquire and at what age. For instance, you could write into your estate plan that before your child can take over your business or inherit money from your estate, they have to work for your company for three years and graduate college.

This article was written by Chris Creed from Kiplinger and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network and brought to you by UnionBank.com.

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For more information, call

310.677-6011

Pulpit continued from page 22 a boulder but to gain strength in that moment.

God is a God who will be there with us no matter how long it takes. He's merciful. He's gracious. He’s faithful and he has unending love. It is the very nature of God that He will build us up, restore us and never ever try to hurt us. He wants us to be better.

The last thing I want to share is that in Luke 18:8, Jesus says that his elect will get justice, and get it quickly.

However, the question is “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?

Two things here. When it says justice will come quickly, remember I opened up with the many times I felt like throwing in a towel and giving up because God was moving too slow? It seems to me that I'd been praying a long time; trusting a long time; working a long time and still some prayers had gone unanswered.

So, what is quickly for God? Well, 1000 years is but a day to God. The point is that God will respond in God's time and we must trust that God is always on time. Here's the thing: sometimes God doesn't respond on this side of eternity.

Domestic violence continued from page 13 ductive coercion play in domestic violence, and how these types of abuse endanger the lives and freedom of survivors.”

SB 373 would offer a process by which survivors of domestic violence could show that debt was incurred as a result of economic abuse and coercion. If proven, SB 373 would prohibit creditors and debt collectors from collecting such debt and ban consumer credit reporting agencies from reporting the debt.

“Fifty-two percent of survivors report coerced and fraudulent debt — reducing their economic stability and leaving them vulnerable to future abuse, poverty, and housing instability or homelessness,” said Niemczyk.

“We have to understand that this type of abuse is not something that people bring on themselves but a type of bondage they’ve been manipulated into,” Parker asserts.

“It’s not as easy for them to get out as you may think.

They may be dependent on the abuser or the relationship may look like a success and they are wrapped in this façade.”

Sometimes God responds on the other side of eternity.

Remember that God is looking for is faith– persistent faith. However, when the Son of Man comes, the question is, will He find faith on the earth? Will we still be operating in faith? Will we still be pressing and praying?

God sometimes can't bless us with what we desire, because we're not ready to receive it. There's always testing before a blessing. There's always stress before success.

So, don't stop praying. Don't lose heart. Don't stop crying out. Don't stop listening to God. Larry Elder continued from page 8 means all Republicans need to do is change the minds of a small percentage of the electorate.

The man at my speech proves this is more than doable.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host. His latest book, "The New Trump Standard," is available in paperback. To find out more about Larry Elder, or become an "Elderado," visit www.LarryElder.com.

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L.A. Focus/April 2021

ix years after exiting “The View”, Sherri Shepherd–who once referred to herself as “the black girl” on ABC’s daytime hit talker, The View– is once again becoming a hot commodity. The actress whose latest film project, “A Week Away” –now streaming on Netflix–just recently signed on as the star of a new ABC pilot, Black Don’t Crack.

Shepherd will also serve as a producer on the series about a New York single mom “somewhere between 45 and death (hence “black don’t crack”) who when confronted by a personal crisis, reunites with sorority sisters–portrayer by Tisha Campbell and Essence Atkins–to recapture the passion, ambition and sisterhood of their college days.

Shepherd also has a recurring role on the new ABC sitcom, Call Your Mother starring Kyra Sedgwick, and most recently starred in the Netflix comedy, Mr. Iglesias.

In fact, in the six years since she left “The View”, the 53-year old actress-comedienne has had recurring roles on a handful of TV series, co-starred in the film, Brian Banks, and made a handful of appearances on “The Masked Singer”.

To say that she is counting her blessings for the steady work and ever increasing opportunities is an understatement. And from whom those blessings flow. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s her “Two Funny Mama’s” podcast with Kym Whitley, a recently released documentary titled “Hysterical” about female comediennes on FX, and she serves as a co-host on Dish Nation.

“I remember when I was sleeping on everyone’s couch & carried my clothes in a pillowcase on the bus. I couldn’t see in front of me, but God did,” Shepherd says.

“He kept the fires of my dream burning when I wanted to give up. Black Don’t Crack” is a pilot where I am playing a woman who’s fabulous in her 50’s. What a birthday gift from God.” Shepherd was born in Chicago and raised as a Jehovah’s Witness with her three sisters in the city’s nearby Hoffman Estates suburb.

“My father was a Baptist and then became a Jehovah’s Witness to please my mom,” she says, noting she broke off her association with Kingdom Hall after her father returned to the Baptist church.

“When he left, the Jehovah’s Witnesses said I couldn’t talk to my father,” she remembers. “They took my sisters and I to his job and told us that we had to tell him that we couldn’t talk to him anymore. My two younger sisters did it. It was the first time I ever saw my father break down and cry, but I can’t do that. So, I left. I just didn’t have a religion. I felt lost.”

At 17, now living in California and her parents divorced, Sherri felt even more alone out on her own.

“I was partying all the time, started hanging out with the wrong kind of men. Not paying my bills,” she said.

“Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Armageddon is going to come and the people who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses are going to be destroyed. I did not pay my bills because I felt that if Armageddon comes I’m gonna die anyway?

Armageddon never came, and so I’m twenty- thirty-

26

Sherri Shepherd Sometimes you hear the word No so much you start to believe it. You may think you’re too old... not pretty enough... not smart enough... not skinny enough... it’s too late,” Shepherd recently posted. “You start to believe the voice that says, “Who do you think you are?” It’s never too late, because God can turn 1000 No’s into one yes. He who is the keeper of your heart knows those secret desires. grand in debt. Car was repossessed. I was dealing with bills, getting evicted. I was homeless for a minute.”

At the time, Shepherd was working as a legal secretary during the day, and at night, she was sharpening her chops with her biting stand-up routines. It was always her dream to be a performer, and in 1990, after seeing shock comic Andrew Dice Clay on stage, the selfdescribed “class clown” decided to get her own act together.

“Stand-up comedy was the one thing that held me together.”

Shepard began building a reputation and in 1993 landed her first gig on Fox’s girlfriend comedy “Living Single,” appearing as a stand-up comic.

That same year, her life took a measurable step forward.

“There was a guy that I met on the bus ’93 on my way home. He was trying to say hi to me and I was very mean to him. But he was very nice to an older lady and I thought, ‘Oh, he’s so nice, I might give him some.’ That’s how much darkness that I was in, that I would give it up just because of that. At that moment he said to me, ‘How’s your relationship with Jesus Christ?’ It was like I came to a screeching halt.

Nobody had ever asked me that.

“So, we started talking and we got into a celibate relationship for three years,” she says. “I’d never been in a celibate relationship.

That taught me about God’s love– about a man who loves God and

who loved me.”

The twice divorced single mother to one ironically enough reveals that performing Christian comedy was a calling she really didn’t want to answer.

“I thought Christian comedy was kind of corny,” she recalled. “I just didn’t think it was edgy. I didn’t think it was hip. I’d rather go to the Comedy Store and wear my little mini skirt and talk about I’m horny. That’s gonna get the laughs.”

But once she started taking the idea serious, her work in Christian comedy began to flourish. She now has a comedy album entitled “No Refund No Exchange” debuting in March and logs more church dates than secular club gigs.

Acting gigs also began to flourish with guest stints on everything from “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The Jamie Foxx Show” to “Beauty Shop”. She was co-starring on “30 Rock”, when she booked a guest co-host appearance on “The View”. The following year she became a permanent co-host.

It was something she said she did scared every day.

"For two years they asked me to take that job and I said no because I never felt smart enough, and I am not a great debater,” she explained. “I don’t know about politics; it was never a passion of mine."

After seven years and the inability to reach terms on a new contract, Shepherd said goodbye to “The View” and returned to California with her son, Jeffrey.

“I think there are reasons why I’ve been on so many things,” she says. “I look at it as the Lord wanting me there for a specific reason. And, when I’m done here, he’ll take me somewhere else.”

And for Shepherd, saving grace means trusting in God. “Sometimes you hear the word No so much you start to believe it. You may think you’re too old... not pretty enough... not smart enough... not skinny enough... it’s too late,” Shepherd recently posted. “You start to believe the voice that says, “Who do you think you are?” It’s never too late, because God can turn 1000 No’s into one yes. He who is the keeper of your heart knows those secret desires.

“Keep trusting, keep believing. He may not be saying no. instead it may be not yet. Trust Him to be the orderer of your steps. Trust Him to know that He can make a way out of no way.”