LA FOCUS NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 2023

VOLUME XXVIII • ISSUE 9 •December 2023 > > W W W. L A F O C U S N E W S PA P E R . C O M

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BIZ NEWS BRIEFS Diddy Resigns from Revolt in Wake of Recent Scandal

SEE PAGE 10

FOOTNOTES Danielle Brooks Lights Up the Screen in Color Purple

Front & Center Beyonce’s Renaissance Dazzles Film Critics Ahead of Worldwide Release UPFRONT Governor Pledges $300 Million to Clear Encampments

>> SEE PAGE 14

contents

October 2022 December 2023

L.A. Focus Publications

(Left) Bishop Noel Jones and Pastor Rene Molina join LADWP Board of Commissioners President Cynthia McClain-Hill for a recent press conference; (Middle) Honorees,Actress-Renee Lawless, Actress-Sheila Frazier, Entrepreneur-Pamela Bakewell, KITS Founder, Tige Charity, Actress-Beverly Todd are presented Presidential Service Awards by MIMPA President, Gail Gibson at her annual Lady In Red Gala; (Left) Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross pose together at the premiere of their movie, Candy Cane Lane.

4 From The Editor

On the Money Where Crime Really Doesn’t Pay

What A Year

Commentary

14 Hollywood Buzz

How to Fix Our Broken Culture

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UpFront Infrastructure Leaders Sign Equity Pledge to Triple the Number of Certified Small Businesses; Ladera Heights On Alert Following Recent String of Burglaries; Officials Find Encouraging Surge in Life Expectancy Among Black Americans; Recent Polls Show Growing Support Among Black Voters for Trump; LADWP Unveils Initiative for EV Charger Stations in Underserved Communities

8 HeadToHead

The Question of Kamala Harris

Headlines From Africa

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Cover Story Master of Housing: Keeping the Dream of Home Ownership Alive in L.A. is a Ministry for NHS CEO Lori Gay

City Council's Decision to Cap Rent Increases at 6% Sparks Controversy

Biz News Briefs Diddy Steps Down as CEO of Revolt Amid Public Criticism, Tyler Perry Inks First-Look Deal with Netflix, Historic South L.A. Golf Course to Undergo Multi-Million Dollar Facelift

Lisa Collins Elgin Nelson, Gerald Bell, D.T. Carson Ian Foxx J.T. Torbit

@Lafocusnews

Danielle Brooks

Red Carpet Style

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DIVAS Simply Singing Charity Event 1.

16 Eye On Gospel

Kirk Franklin Lights Up the Holiday Season with New Spotify Exclusive Single; Melvin Crispell Puts New Twist on Holiday Classic; Anthony Brown’s Affirmations

18 Church News

19 First Lady Files Clare Anderson-Fox

Laurie Parker “Sweetie pies and Treats”

Saving Grace Taraji P. Henson

The faith community pauses to celebrate Bishop Carlton Pearson.

The celebrations began on Nov 30th and will conclude on Dec 18th. From musical celebrations to interfaith gatherings, people from all walks of life join in to honor the life and legacy of Pearson, who was a trailblazer. This remarkable journey unfolds across multiple churches, reaching its pinnacle with a captivating 200-voice choir. For a seamless and immersive experience, tune in to all events on Carlton Pearson's Facebook Page.

@L.A.Focus

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 Assoc.

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

advisory board

Napoleon Brandford Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co. Apostle Beverly Crawford Bible Enrichment Fellowship Lem Daniels Int’l Bob Blake Morgan Stanley Bob Blake & Associates

Cover Design: UpScale Media Group

L.A. Focus/December 2023

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. www.lafocusnewspaper.com

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The Truest Holiday Spirit

honorary advisors

staff Photographer Advertising

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Bishop Charley Hames

25 In Good Taste

Footnotes

City of Refuge debuts Its New Location to Paritoiners; COGICs to provide 18,000 affordable homes

12 Money Matters

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers

Beyonce’s ‘Renaissance’ Dazzles Film Critics Ahead of Worldwide Release, Financial Woes Deepen for Bill Cosby; Diddy Faces Additional Sexual Assault Lawsuits, Bringing Total to Three

21 Pastor Profile 22 A Season for Giving

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Commentary

STAR PARKER Guest Columnist

“How to Fix Our Broken Culture” ecently published projections for the U.S. population from the U.S. Census Bureau present a picture that should concern every American.

It's a snapshot of a dying society. It's surprising and shocking that it's not getting more attention.

The Census Bureau projects that the U.S. population will stop growing toward the end of the century. After peaking at 370 million in 2080, it will drop to 366 million in 2100, less than 10% higher than where it stood in 2022.

By 2029, the percentage of Americans over the age of 65 will exceed the percentage under 18, and by 2038, the number of deaths in the nation will exceed the number of births.

Thinking about this in the most basic terms, at any point in time a given percentage of the population is working and net producing, and a given percentage is not working and net consuming. As a population ages, the percentage working and producing shrinks and the percentage consuming grows.

Our health care expenditures, for instance, consume almost 20% of our GDP. In 2019, 30% of our population was age 55 and above but consumed 56% of our health care expenditures.

As the population ages, an increasing percentage of GDP will be required for health care.

There's discussion now about the viability of Social Security. At the core of this discussion is the economics of the system, in which the funds retirees receive come from the payroll taxes that those working pay.

A diminishing number of those working per each retiree strains the financial viability of the system.

Per the most recent report of the Social Security Trust-

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ees: In 1950, there were 16.5 working and paying for every retiree. By 1960, this was down to 5.1. Now it's 2.7. The trustees project that by 2040, it will be down to 2.3; and by 2065, 2.1.

So, we see the claim that, from a political perspective, there is a so-called social agenda – marriage, family, children, abortion – and an economic agenda – spending and taxes – and that these have nothing to do with each other is false.

Abortion, the collapse of marriage and family, and dropping fertility rates have everything to do with the overall health of our society.

As we look at this data from the Census Bureau projecting an aging country and a shrinking population, we need to look at the changing values prevailing in our culture as the number one culprit driving our problems.

Earlier this year this year, The Wall Street Journal re-

From the Editor

leased polling done jointly with NORC (National Opinion Research Center) at the University of Chicago under the headline "America Pulls Back From Values That Once Defined It." Regarding religion, 39% said it's "very important to them," compared to 62% who said in 1998 that religion is "very important." Regarding having children, 30% said it's "very important" compared to 60% who said it was "very important" in 1998.

Among those under the age of 30, only 23% said having children is "very important."

Behavior reflects prevailing values. Americans are bringing fewer children into the world. The current U.S. fertility rate is 1.67 children per woman, well below the 2.1 needed to maintain the current population size.

What has driven the collapse of our culture? One major culprit is misguided court decisions that pulled prayer and religion out of our public schools. Recently, Harvard economist Roland Fryer wrote in The Wall Street Journal about the need for "real school choice."

He appeals for the original vision of economist Milton Friedman for "parents to have the autonomy to select the optimal educational environment for their children, unbounded by geography or income brackets, and to take their full allotment of education funds with them."

Giving parents control of their child's education would be a major step in combatting the widespread collapse in values that has so badly damaged our nation.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show "Cure America with Star Parker." To find out more about Star Parker visit curepolicy.org.

LISA COLLINS Publisher

“Happy Holidays” ard to believe that the year is coming to a close and what a year it has been! You couldn’t have made up half of the news that unfolded in front of our eyes as the world –and everything in it– seemed topsy turvy in 2023.

Unprecedented political turbulence led to a record-setting 15 votes in a dysfunctional Congress, resulting in the briefest term for a House Speaker in history and a former president made history by becoming the first president to face criminal charges, indicted with 91 state and federal felony counts.

Natural and man-made disasters also marked the year, including a devastating fire in Hawaii and the unforgettable October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas that left over 1200 Israelis dead triggering a war that would tragically claim the lives of over 14,000 innocent Palestinians (and counting).

Escalating gun violence was evident in over 600 mass shootings–averaging out to almost two mass shootings a day– including a chilling incident where a six-year-old brought his mother’s gun from home to shoot–and subsequently seriously wound– his teacher.

Supreme Court decisions overturning affirmative action and rejecting the Biden administration's plan to eliminate substantial student debt also made headlines, while the battle for women's reproductive rights continued in the states.

Hate crimes and bias incidents, particularly targeting the Asian and Jewish communities, surged, further fueled by a marked decrease in social civility

L.A. Focus/December 2023

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and the proliferation of aggressive language and behavior.

Yet, amidst these challenges, there were bright spots that gave us hope. There was the miraculous recovery of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who suffered cardiac arrest after making a tackle and had to be resuscitated on the football field as stunned onlookers prayed for a positive outcome. He would be released from the hospital a week later Young activists Justin Pearson and Justin Jones rekindled faith in the next generation's passion for change through their protest against gun violence which initially led to their expulsion from the Tennessee legislature in a political battle that reignited accusations of racism and toxic partisanship.

Looking towards the future, the rise of artificial intelligence promises potential benefits, with the hope that it could foster greater human kindness. In the spirit of the holiday season, we remember the value of life, the importance of living fully, and the significance of cherishing our loved ones.

As we celebrate this festive season, we're reminded of our capacity to make a difference in our communities. Supporting small and Black-owned businesses, especially during the holidays, can boost the economic prosperity of communities of color. Let's also remember those less fortunate by considering charitable programs in our holiday gifting.

I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt holiday greetings to those of you who have supported us over the years both in word and deed, particularly to our advertisers. Your support and engagement

have been the lifeblood of our communityfocused reporting, and it's an honor to serve you.

During this holiday season, let's cherish the rich diversity, vibrant cultures, and enduring strength that characterize our African American community. May the spirit of unity, peace, and love fill our hearts and homes this holiday season, and may the coming year bring renewed hope, progress, and prosperity for us all.

Keep the faith.

UpFront

News Briefs

Infrastructure Leaders Sign Equity Pledge to Triple the Number of Certified Small Businesses

CA Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin and Supervisor Holly Mitchell join key executives in Los Angeles for Equity in Infrastructure Pledge (photo by Lila Brown)

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n Nov. 20, a group of 14 public and private sector executives in Los Angeles pledged their commitment to ensure that Black and other minority business owners receive a fairer shot at obtaining public contracting opportunities on infrastructure projects.

Called the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) Pledge, the agreement is part of the EIP’s launch of its California Plan Initiative which was unveiled during a forum hosted by Engineering NewsRecord, a publication widely recognized as “the bible of the construction industry.”

The Forum convened hundreds of infrastructure leaders from across California and around the nation. It also marked the second anniversary of President Biden’s signing of the historic federal infrastructure law.

The leaders announced that California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin will serve as Chair of the EIP's Cali-

fornia Plan initiative.

In his remarks before the signing, Omishakin pointed out the need to move from symbolic acts of inclusion to more material efforts for achieving equity.

“We can't just put a policy in place as if it’s good to go. We have to take additional steps like the ones we're taking today to say we're committed to making sure this $1.2 trillion that's coming in from President Biden gets to firms that are often overlooked as a part of the process,” Omishakin told California Black Media (CBM).

“Governor Newsom has done a similar effort that also ensures the investments that we're making across California reaches communities that have been overlooked for years,” he added. “Every single person deserves the chance to be successful. It’s an honor for us to be a part of the Equity in Infrastructure Project.”

EIP’s says its mission is to build genera-

TANU HENRY & LILA BROWN

tional wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by improving public infrastructure contracting practices to create more prime, joint venture, and equity contracting opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), according to the group’s website.

EIP’s Pledge has now been signed by 55 heads of transit authorities, airports, ports, water districts, and engineering firms across the country, and the White House has directly called upon Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grantees to sign the Pledge.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell introduced the unanimously approved motion that committed the County to the Pledge.

“We commit to tripling the total number of certified small businesses in LA County with a special emphasis on infrastructure servicing small minority businesses,” said Mitchell.

“We are establishing a $2M revolving loan fund to support startup costs as small businesses obtain County contracts and we will create a network of Small Business Advocates with each County department and empower them to advance small business goals and inclusive procurement practices,” Mitchell added. We must ensure that our small and minority firms have the technical assistance they need to access these career-changing government contracts.

The Pledge was also signed by leaders from the Los Angeles Metro, Port, Airport, Department of Water & Power, and other executives from cities around the region.

Ladera Heights On Alert Following Recent String of Burglaries omeowners in Ladera Heights are wrestling with an unwanted presence this holiday season as surveillance footage reveals individuals, with some appearing to be working professionals, are knocking on doors, trying to enter homes that are either vacant to break in or gain an invitation inside.

"They first started as selling solar panels, and then probably a month after that, it was the water systems of some kind," said one homeowner. "My home, too, was broken into, so I know firsthand," said another homeowner.

In another case, a resident reported that someone jumped her front fence, trespassed into her backyard, and attempted to enter her back patio door. Her security cameras alerted her to the intrusion and provided photos. The intruder left once they became aware that she and her husband were home.

She checked with adjacent neighbors to see what their security cameras showed.

The LA County Sheriff's Department is now investigating the manner that is leaving multiple homeowners frantic, noticing every new car in the

CA Black Media

L.A. Focus/December 2023

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Gas prices in L.A. County hit a new low, falling below $5 per gallon for the first time since July, bringing an average total of $4.98. Over the last 60 days, the average price has dropped on 59 occasions, with a cumulative decrease of $1.33, according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service.

“We continue to see gas price averages move lower because of ample supply, and the market is continuing its recovery from the September price spike," Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club's corporate communications manager. “November, December, and January are typically the months when we see the lowest prices for gasoline since the winter months experience the lowest demands of the year."

The initial drop comes from Gov. Newsom’s decision to release winterblend gas prematurely. In October, Newsom predicted that prices would rapidly decline if the California Air Resources Board approved the waiver that has now allowed the use of that gas.

The national average price extended its 61-day consecutive decline at $3.30, reaching a new low since January– but California's environmental regulations have resulted in higher prices.

Governor Newsom Pledges $300 Million To Clear Encampment Camps Across California

ELGIN NELSON Staff

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neighborhood, and texting each other in group chats, prompting them to ramp up security.

"We've had one on the street we're on.

We've had back-to-back the same house in upper Ladera. And then two more that I know of," said Desobry Bowens, president of the Ladera Heights Civic Association.

The spike in burglaries car break ins in the area has risen to 44% to date while 97% of the crimes are stolen porch deliveries and from open garages, according to statistics. Residents are asked to use onetime access codes to gates or garages,

Average Gas Prices Dip Below $5 per Gallon in L.A. County

take in packages when delivered, or use a local delivery locker such as at Amazon Fresh.

"We don't have a city that's buffering us.

We have the LA County Sheriff's Department who's at least 1,000 people undermanned, and our sheriffs work out of the Marina station, and they cover from Marina Del Rey to almost Crenshaw," said Bowens.

"It's just a matter of time that either they're going to get hurt, or they're going to go into someone's home and either startle that person, or that person gets hurt," said one homeowner.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared earlier this week that nearly $300 million is set to be allocated to local municipalities statewide through competitive grants.

The objective is to address the issue of homeless encampments and facilitate the transition of homeless individuals into permanent housing. The majority of these funds are earmarked for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), which will utilize them to clear encampments on state property and provide support to the homeless, aiding them in locating alternative living arrangements.

“I think we can all agree that we need to do more to clean up encampments," Newsom said in a virtual news briefing.

We weren't just cleaning up encampments — out of sight, out of mind — and displacing people, removing people, but we're trying to resolve the underlying issues in the first place and actually support people in getting them back on their feet to self-sufficiency," he added.

To report an encampment, contact the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) by dialing 800-5486047. You can also submit a request online using this link. For additional information, refer to the LA City Attorney's page on homelessness.

SpecialReport STACY BROWN Officials Find Encouraging Surge in Life Expectancy Among Black Americans NNPA Newswire he latest findings on life expectancy in the United States from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) underscored a noteworthy upswing for the AfricanAmerican population in 2022. With the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, the NCHS has highlighted the positive strides in health outcomes, particularly for Black Americans.

The comprehensive report utilizes provisional vital statistics data for 2022, providing crucial insights into the nation’s health landscape. Notably, life expectancy at birth for the entire U.S. population increased, reaching 77.5 years in 2022–a significant rise of 1.1 years from the preceding year. The positive trend is reflected in both genders, with males experiencing a 1.3-year increase (74.8 years) and females seeing a rise of 0.9 years (80.2 years).

The report also highlighted the marked improvement in life expectancy for the Black non-Hispanic population.

The data indicated a substantial increase of 1.6 years, elevating life expectancy from 71.2 in 2021 to 72.8 in 2022. Health officials said that represents a step towards narrowing historical disparities but also signals a promising shift in health outcomes for Black Americans.

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COVID remains with us and continues to put people in the hospital and have a substantial mortality rate associated with it, particularly among older people and people who are immunocompromised.

The report attributed a significant portion (84.2%) of the overall increase in life expectancy to decreases in mortality due to COVID-19. Other contributors include reductions in mortality related to heart disease (3.6%), unintentional injuries (2.6%), cancer (2.2%), and homicide (1.5%). However, the gains could have been more pronounced if not for counterbalancing increases in mortality due to influenza and pneumonia (25.5%), perinatal conditions (21.5%), kidney disease (13.0%), nutritional deficiencies (12.6%), and congenital malformations

(5.9%).

While the report paints an optimistic picture of health improvements, it emphasizes that the upswing in life expectancy doesn’t fully offset the 2.4-year loss observed between 2019 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Racial and ethnic disparities persist, with the white non-Hispanic advantage over the Black non-Hispanic population decreasing by 14.5% from 2021 (5.5 years) to 2022 (4.7).

“There appears to have been some recovery from covid, but we still have a way to go,” William Schaffner, an infectiousdisease physician at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, told the Washington Post.

“COVID remains with us and continues to put people in the hospital, and have a substantial mortality rate associated with it, particularly among older people and people who are immunocom-

promised,” Schaffner said.

Schaffner added that the lingering effects of the pandemic and other health challenges provide a reminder that the United States needs to continue its comprehensive childhood vaccination program, which typically requires children to be immunized before attending school.

“And now we have a slow erosion of that, with increasing vaccine skepticism and more and more parents withholding their children from comprehensive vaccination,” Schaffner said. “We don’t want to erode these very successful preventive health initiatives.”

L.A. Focus/December 2023

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HeadToHead

The Question of Kamala Harris

The Kamala alifornia Democrat Gov. reelection, U.S. Senate and vice Conundrum: Gavin Newsom wants president, winning each time. desperately to run for Why Democrats She checks the identity president – and now Are Stuck With party's boxes as a female who Her rather than later. identifies as black. Recall after After all, Newsom, for reawinning the 2020 Nevada causons I discuss in my new book, "As Goes cuses the self-described Democrat-socialCalifornia," beat back a recall attempt. ist Sen. Bernie Sanders became the Polls show most Democrats want a can- Democrat frontrunner. Alarmed, South didate other than President Joe Biden, Carolina's Rep. James Clyburn, on the whose polls number remain in the tank. eve of the South Carolina primary, enOver 60% of Americans consider the dorsed Biden when country on the wrong track. Biden's cog- most had given him nitive decline is on full and public dis- up for dead. Clyplay, forcing staffers to limit Biden's burn extracted a public appearances and restrict inter- promise: Make your action with the media. first Supreme Court Why, then, doesn't Newsom an- nominee a black fenounce? He faces four obstacles: Joe male.

Biden, Jill Biden, Kamala Harris and Blacks are the Larry Elder Gavin Newsom. most loyal part of First, Biden. He enjoys the job, hav- the Democrat base. Black Democrat feing sought it unsuccessfully two previous males outnumber black Democrat males times. He wanted to run again in 2016, and are even more loyal than black but former President Barack Obama dis- males, 20% of whom voted in 2020 for couraged it. Biden also did not want to Trump. The first 2024 democrat primary hinder what most assumed would be the is South Carolina, where 60% of the coronation of the first female president. Democrat primary voters Biden thought the time passed him by. are black.

But Donald Trump shocked the world, Black voters love Harris, especially defeated Hillary Clinton and created an black females. They consider the ridicule opening for Biden to saddle up again. So, over Harris' so-called cackle sexist and if he can fog up a mirror, he runs for ree- racist. They feel Biden burdened her lection. with the insulting task of finding the Second, Dr. Jill. She enjoys the job. "root cause" of illegal immigration, when Michelle Obama, near the end of her the root cause of the entry of millions of stint as first lady, told Oprah Winfrey illegal immigrants under Biden is Biden. that she wanted a "normal" life. But Dr. True, a recent Los Angeles Times poll Jill Biden hovers approvingly over her found Harris' favorability rating at 39%, husband like an Avenger, guiding him, two points below that of Biden. But in a running interference and doing wha- recent YouGov poll, Harris, among tever it takes to get him through his day. blacks, had at 70% approval rating, the Third, Harris. Her poll numbers number no doubt even higher among look bad, and she dropped out before the black females. first presidential primary in 2020. But Newsom, when it appeared that Calshe ran for San Francisco district attor- ifornia Democrat Sen. Dianne Feinstein ney, California attorney general and for Larry Elder continued to page 24

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Headlines From Africa Botswana: Currently grappling with new health challenges brought about by the effects of climate change, Botswana has signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to show its commitment toward building a resistant health system.

Burkina Faso: Dozens of civilians were killed and another 42 injured in an attack in northern Burkina Faso by armed groups last month. Now battling an insurgency, Burkina Faso is ruled by a transitional government put in place after a 2022 coup.

Central African Republic: The World Bank’s first Poverty Assessment report for the country has found that reviving agriculture is critical to fostering economic growth and tackling widespread poverty.

L.A. Focus/December 2023

Chad: General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the transitional president leading the junta since 2021, delayed the promised transition to civilian rule and elections to 2024. A crucial December 17 referendum is a key step towards these elections, with over 8.3 million citizens eligible to participate.

Congo: UN officials are gravely concerned by the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo given escalating violence between armed groups and government forces that has led to the displacement of millions and hindered humanitarian aid. UN agencies also warn of severe human rights violations, with reports of rapes, kidnappings and the arbitrary killings of civilians.

Ethiopia: More than 100,000 women who may have been raped during the civil war in the northern Tigray region are facing both stigma and family rejection.

was selected to be Richard regularly occurring feature of national politi- Underestimate Nixon’s running mate in 1968. cal reporting is the Kamala Harris By California standards, that’s at your own like being Fresno city manager.

“What’s the matter peril Oh, and there was the with Vice President Kamala little problem of Agnew’s taking Harris?” story.

It usually goes something like, oh sacks of cash during his governorship and golly, is Harris ready to be president? into his vice presidency, which led him to Won’t she most assuredly lose in 2028? resign in 1973. Agnew’s kickbacks were a Doesn’t she have a lot of staff turnover? trifle compared to 91 indictments colWhy isn’t she more popular than she is? lected by the Gagged-In-Exile.

Vice President Dan Quayle was only Isn’t she even less popular than President She 41 when he was picked by George H.W. Biden?

Joe clocks in at 39% ap- Bush, who was spectacularly qualified for dis- the presidency (congressman, CIA direcprove/55% approve, according to tor, ambassador to China, vice president). national polling aver- Quayle had turned in a serviceable 12 Democrats years in the House and Senate but wasn’t ages.

David Axelrod and exactly the first name who would’ve come James Carville rou- up in 1988 for VP. I won’t even go into the “potato/potatinely frag her.

Jack Ohman Granted, Har- toe” thing. At least he didn’t take sacks of ris does have a lot of staff turnover. The cash (or potatoes) while in office. He just thing is, do we read any stories about wasn’t exactly quick on his feet.

The poor guy had to debate then-Sen. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s staff turnover? Any hot takes on Ohio Lloyd Bentsen, D-Texas, who had been in Sen. Sherrod Brown’s staff turnover? Any Congress for decades AND had beaten quick hits on Vermont Sen. Bernie Quayle’s running mate in the 1970 Texas U.S. Senate race.

Sanders’ staff turnover? No? After Quayle had asserted, correctly, Surprise.

The notion that Vice President Harris that he had served about the same isn’t “ready” to be president strikes me as, amount of time in Congress as the late President John F. Kennedy (he brazenly well, odd.

Former President Barack Obama had referred to him as “Jack Kennedy”), Bentjust shy of four years in the U.S. Senate sen decapitated him live, dismissing him when he won in 2008. No leadership po- with, “Senator, I served with Jack Kensitions. No major legislation. Let’s throw nedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kenin the seven years he served in the Illinois nedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you’re Senate. Obama’s fellow Illinoisan, Pres- no Jack Kennedy.” Potato, mashed.

Of course, Harris has flaws. Her 2020 ident Abraham Lincoln, had one term in campaign had its high and low moments, the U.S. House. Lincoln did OK. Let’s look at other recent vice pres- like kicking President Biden in the teeth idents and their stunning qualifications with the “that little girl was me” line, to be, God forbid, president of the United which bought her some publicity that she couldn’t capitalize on.

States.

Having met Harris a few times, I can Vice President Spiro Agnew, a Republican, had served slightly less than two say she’s a formidable presence in the Ohman continued to page 24 years as governor of Maryland when he

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A look at current news from the continent of Africa Ivory Coast: European business schools extend their reach to Africa, recognizing a wealth of entrepreneurial talent hampered by educational, financial, and mentorship constraints. Schools have stepped up with tailored programs like the Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Ivory Coast to develop Africa's future entrepreneurs.

Mali: More than 136,000 people, including nearly 74,000 children, are trapped in the city of Timbuktu in northern Mali, with armed groups preventing the entry of food, medicines and other essential supplies, Save the Children said. The siege of the historic city has led to a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

Niger: Niger's ruling junta has signed a decree revoking a controversial 2015 law that was brought in to slow the smuggling of migrants travelling from African countries through a key migration route in the country en route to Europe.

Nigeria: Nigeria's central bank will tighten policy over the next two quarters to manage inflation while directing banks to boost capital to support an expansion of the economy.

Sierra Leone: Government officials say that a series of recent attacks on military barracks and prisons was part of a failed coup attempt. More than a dozen military officers have been arrested.

South Sudan: UN official warns South Sudan must secure public confidence to hold peaceful elections in 2024 and is advising a reconstitution of government bodies.

Gabon: Military leaders who deposed president Ali Bongo Ondimba in August announced on Monday that elections would be held in August 2025 under a timetable that first foresees national dialogue.

Zambia: Africa’s International Conference on Public Health opened with a commitment to increased collaboration and investment in healthcare in order to strengthen healthcare systems and become more self-reliant.

Ghana: Ghana’s government is taking steps to make credit for car loans available through a digital ID card. The government is also working to establish a credit scoring system to assess credit behavior.

Zimbabwe: The country’s annual inflation rate climbed for the first time since the recent adoption of a new price measure that reflects the widespread use of US dollars for transactions in the economy.

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UpFront

ELGIN NELSON Staff

Recent Polls Show Growing Support Among Black Voters for Trump

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recent CNN poll confirms that former President Donald Trump is making headway in the Black community and is narrowly leading Joe Biden ahead of Election Day 2024 as the President’s approval rating hits a seven-month low at 39%. A recent survey by The New York Times and Siena College points to a split amongst African American voters in six key swing states.

The survey indicates that 22 percent of African American voters are leaning towards backing former President Trump in the upcoming election, while a sizable majority of 71 percent seem inclined to endorse Biden.

Considering that Trump secured only 8 percent of Black voters nationwide in 2020 and 6 percent in 2016, as reported by the Pew Research Center, the shift is being viewed as remarkable.

In fact, there has not been one Republican presidential candidate who has garnered more than 12 percent of the Black vote in nearly half a century.

Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster who worked for Biden’s campaign in 2020, expressed that the president had not sufficiently engaged with Black Americans and younger voters. “I don’t think we’ve been voicing what we delivered to the African American community

and particularly among younger Black men,” she told the NY Times. “We have to get the numbers up and we have to get African American voters out to vote, and we have to get the numbers up with young people and we have to get them out to vote.”

Black voters have consistently played a pivotal role in securing Democratic presidential victories. Their strong support, for example, in South Carolina in the 2020 election was instrumental in launching Biden toward the White House. In the general election, Black voters once more proved essential in securing his victory.

In a statement to the New York Times, Cliff Albright, a veteran progressive organizer and a co-founder of Black Voters Matter, said that Democrats had time to get back on track. “Black voters, he said, are responding to the same fears about economic and global uncertainty that many Americans are confronting.”

Late last month, Mark Fisher, who co-founded Black Lives Matter Rhode Island, endorsed Trump while accusing Democrats of racist policies that are working against the Black community.

“I believe it's a racist party,” Fisher said. “Donald Trump is just the opposite.

He's he's going to tell you how it is. He's going to give it to you straight."

LADWP Unveils Initiative for EV Charger Stations in Underserved Communities

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he Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) announced a new plan to establish a network of electric vehicle (EV) 'fast-charger' stations in underserved communities within the city. The EV charging plaza network will be a pivotal element of LADWP's 'Powered by Equity' initiative, which will provide city-owned battery electric vehicle charging infrastructure in underserved communities.

To support the transition, LADWP is also increasing its Used EV Rebate from $2,500 to $4,000 for customers participating in the discount rate programs.

Bishop Noel Jones, senior pastor of the City of Refuge Church, is working with the city to create an EV partnership that will install EV chargers at churches in Los Angeles.

“We are extremely glad to be a part of the partnership that is being put forward by not only our mayor but by LADWP. And I guarantee you that with their support, and our support, we’re going to make things happen and change things,” Bishop Jones said.

In addition to building EV charging stations in underserved communities throughout L.A., LADWP plans to expand and add equity components to a variety of clean energy programs, including solar utilization, electric vehicle rebates,

and utility upgrades.

Cynthia McClain-Hill, President of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners, said, “Our clean energy future must be meaningful and beneficial for our customers citywide.

Moving forward, our clean energy future will be ‘Powered by Equity.’ Our path forward is to continue ‘Leading with Equity’ in how we fashion the framework for our city’s clean energy future.

This launch is part of LADWP's 'Powered by Equity' initiative that closely follows the public announcement of LA100 Equity Strategies. The extensive twoyear research study offers a comprehensive analysis of Los Angeles' disparities in clean energy investments and proposes specific policies and programs to rectify these inequities.

“For these strategies to be successful, we knew we needed to tailor them to the needs of the City’s entire community. No other utility in the United States has committed not only 100% renewable but making sure it’s implemented equitably,” said Stephanie Pincetl, a co-author of the report and director of the UCLA California Center for Sustainable Communities.

“This is the power of a municipal utility, a utility owned by and for its customers.”

KEITH DELAWDER & ELGIN NELSON

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L.A. Focus/December 2023

ith recent estimates from real estate company Zillow showing that the median price for a home in Los Angeles will soon reach $1 million–a 30% increase over the last five years–owning a home in L.A. almost seems impossible. However, Lori Gay, CEO/President of Neighborhood Housing Services is defying that reality for many with a 30-plus track record of making the impossible attainable for millions of new homeowners in L.A. County.

“There’s not a lot of inventory right now,” admits Gay. “But the bottom line is that my team and I are ready, willing, and able to create pipelines to homeownership because we want to see people achieve.”

In nearly forty years of service, under Gay’s leadership, the National Housing Services has become LA County’s largest non-profit affordable homeownership provider after developing and rehabilitating more than 27,000 housing and commercial units, placing 4.8 million families on the road to homeownership. In addition, it created 255 block clubs, employed over 265 neighborhood youth, and reinvested more than $8.5 billion back into some of L.A. County’s most underserved neighborhoods.

What began in 1984 as a small local housing agency now functions as an all-in-one housing service provider offering affordable mortgage lending, financial education and counseling, construction project management services, mission-driven real estate services, and neighborhood revitalization & advocacy.

Today, the approach to assisting new homeowners begins with its Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) initiative, which provides loans to help low-to-moderate-income families through its affordable lending program. NHS functions as an FDICinsured non-depository bank, meaning they have the same lending power as a bank but don’t handle deposits and checking, which allows Gay to use her expertise to borrow money at low interest rates and

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Contributing Writers pass along the savings to their clients.

“We have low-cost and no-cost money to re-lend,” says Gay. “I’m always fundraising and arm twisting, so generally our cost of money is cheaper, and people can borrow from us at zero to six percent for thirty years when the market is at seven and a half to eight percent.”

The purpose of the initiative is to make deals that big banks would never do as a way of building communities and giving opportunities to hard-working people.

“Big banks are here to make money, period. The big banks will never make loans at zero to three percent. In the private sector, it's all profit-driven— even if they make 10,000 deals a year in L.A., they’re not in the business of community development. That’s not who they are,” says Gay. “We’re here to develop communities, transform neighborhoods, and help modest-income families— that is our mission.”

But before NHS can lend prospective buyers an affordable loan, they must be in the right place financially, which, for most, takes years of planning and saving. According to Gay, what keeps many people out of being a homeowner is not understanding how to get started, which is why financial education and counseling from the NHS is the most vital part of their mission.

“For almost forty years, we’ve had the approach that we can’t solve everything in housing,” says Gay. “We’ve served well over five million people with financial counseling, which is our first line of defense, and the most important thing we tell people is to let us help you get more financially literate. Learn what you are doing because you should know what you’re doing when you make choices about your money. Ninety-nine percent of people have no clue what they’re doing, so it’s ok, you’re not alone.”

For Gay, what matters most is seeing hard-working families succeed in becoming homeowners—especially for black families, given that just 32% are homeowners in LA County.

“We need a better path to homeownership for regular

“

For almost forty years, we’ve had the approach that we can’t solve everything in housing. We’ve served well over five million people with financial counseling, which is our first line of defense, and the most important thing we tell people is to let us help you get more financially literate. Learn what you are doing because you should know what you’re doing when you make choices about your money.

”

people, from the bus driver to the schoolteacher,” says Gay. “Right now, because there’s no housing inventory to speak of, our clients are getting outbid and we’re only closing ten percent of the deals we should be closing every month.

“The housing shortage is an issue of supply and demand— we’re not building or adding to the supply of housing enough to meet the demand for the people who are here.”

NHS’ financial education and counseling program consists of classes, clinics, workshops, and one-on-one counseling sessions specifically designed to provide families with the resources and tools required to become and, most importantly, remain informed homeowners–all of which are led by industry experts and are free of charge.

“There are three big things that make and keep a home buyer in their home: credit, income, and savings,” says Gay. “Financial management isn’t always as complicated as it seems once we break it down and demystify it for people to help them understand so they don’t feel dumb. Ninety-five percent of Americans don’t have a household budget they live by. That doesn’t make you dumb–it's just maybe not your thing.

Most people aren’t saving–they're just spending.

These are the conversations we’re having in our counseling programs.”

Home buyers aren’t the only people that the NHS helps out, and since the inventory of accessible homes in L.A. County is so low, the number one request for financing these days is from homeowners looking to make long overdue repairs to their homes.

“We see so many people, especially seniors, who have managed to keep their homes all these years, but they’ve deferred the maintenance so badly that they shouldn’t be living there, or they’re at risk,” says Gay. “Significantly, in many communities, the housing sector is aging, so it has to be dealt with. The home may need subflooring, have plumbing problems, electrical rewiring, roofing, etc.– and that vulnerability is a real problem.”

Not only can NHS provide the low-interest loan to get these repairs started, but they also have a construction management services department that serves as technical advisors for both the homeowners and the contractor to ensure that the projects finish on time and within budget.

“I have a construction team that acts as project managers, so they write up the scope and get it out,” says Gay. “The homeowner can pick a local contractor off our preferred list— people that finish on time and budget— and we’ll monitor them as our guys manage it.”

A crucial piece to this system, according to Gay, is the money for the project goes into an escrow account, so nobody runs off with or withholds the money.

“It’s all spelled out in the contract both the homeowner and the contractor sign so everyone agrees, or we don’t start, and you keep agreeing, or we don’t continue,” says Gay, who boasts that with this system, 99.9% of projects finish without any issue.

Since the pandemic, NHS has seen a massive uptick in people interested in accessory dwelling units (ACU), which are add-ons to their respective homes, so they can take on renters to help pay their mortgage or to be closer to family.

“We’re hearing people saying they want to live in a generational living-household a lot more now,” says Gay. “A common scenario would be ‘my mother owns her house free and clear, and I can’t afford to buy something, but we can live together and put an ACU in the backyard. That means my mom will still have 400-500 square feet of her own space, and we can raise our family in the main house. She might have a low mortgage now that we can pay off and still put money aside. That way, we’re all right here so she can age in peace, and we can take her to her doctor appointments.’ Nearly thirty to forty percent of people who come in are talking like this now–everyone wants to talk about it.”

Recently, Gay has been very focused on using NHS resources to purchase properties that are going up in foreclosure and restoring them to create more available housing. In the case of their most recent project, reclaiming a property that had historically excluded black people was the main focus.

NHS purchased a property from the Christian Community Center of Los Angeles following the death of their beloved pastor, Thom Washington. Upon inspection, the house was so full of asbestos that it was demolished, and that is when Gay’s team reviewed the original deed from the 1930s and found a startling clause embedded in it.

“The deed stated, ‘no African or Mongolian family shall ever be able to walk on this property, own it or convey it or transfer it,” says Gay. “These restrictive covenants were not uncommon for that era, but you best believe we danced across the property after learning that. In this case, it's ironic but providential that we're building land for black and brown families that once were told they couldn't be there.”

The continued work of Gay and NHS hasn’t gone without notice. Mayor Karen Bass has seen the services provided by NHS to guide communities through the lingering housing crisis.

“The homelessness emergency on our streets must be addressed with urgency,” said Mayor Bass. “I look forward to continuing to work with Lori Gay as we confront the housing crisis head-on here in Los Angeles.”

Gay has always expressed the need to be in a position to create actionable change in people's lives, which can

then affect whole communities. Gay, who holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a BS in Development, Resource, and Consumer Economics from UC Davis, found her passion for housing through economics. Though gifted in math, theory didn’t feel relevant to her.

“I wanted action,” says Gay. “So, I specialized in consumer economics, which is the study of how people spend their money.”

After she completed her education, she found her passion after seeing an ad to work as a housing assistant at NHS in Los Angeles. Gay worked in the Vernon-Central neighborhood, working from door-to-door community organizing– in addition to working as an administrator before learning how to do lending.

“That was 30 years ago,” says Gay. “Now I’m the CEO.” Gay never loses sight of the extraordinary impact every move she makes has on the lives of individuals in her community.

“With every client, every loan, every counseling session, we’re focused on fair, equitable, safe housing.

It’s our job to never discriminate because everyone should have a chance to live in a decent place they call home,” says Gay. “I still cry at every home loan closing I attend and celebrate with the family because I know that if the work, we’re doing gets them to a space that’s really affordable for them, it's a game changer.”

A customer who went through NHS services, who wished to remain anonymous, praised Gay for the work she does with NHS, “Even though I had preconceived issues with the property, NHS came through for me. Mrs. Lori Gay was encouraging, kind and considerate. The staff was extremely patient and gave me hope.”

Gay, who is also a licensed minister, says that doing the Lord's work is what keeps her going and keeps her striving for excellence.

“It’s been a good run–we’ve helped a lot of people and it's God’s work. We’re grateful for the privilege to really know you're helping the particularly vulnerable, especially for seniors— they really need us right now,” Gay said. “They’re living in comfortable surroundings, and even if they own their home free and clear, it may be a hot mess on maintenance. They can’t afford to borrow at seven and a half percent from the big banks, so for a group like ours to show up with a fixed rate at half the cost, it really matters to people.”

“We want to be excellent, particularly if we say we love God,” adds Gay, who never stops pushing to get the best results she can. “As a person of faith, there’s nothing about God that’s not excellent, so I want to be like Him. I want to set the standard for everyone, so they know what trying to reach excellence looks like.

I don’t know about perfection because I’m human, but excellence is something we can all achieve.”

Money Matters City Council's Decision to Cap Rent Increases at 6% Sparks Controversy fter extensive talks, the Los Angeles City Council approved capping rent increases for rent-stabilized units at 4% and may rise to 6% if landlords can cover gas and electric costs. The 10-2 vote will stall rent surges under the city's rent-control law. The council also demanded the creation of programs aiding landlords, tenants, and small housing providers in maintaining and preserving rent-controlled units.

The proposal has received dissatisfaction from housing advocates, tenants, and landlords, signaling a likely compromise as both sides express discontent, and some tenants say they can’t afford to see L.A.’s already high rents climb even higher.

Cindy Sanders, a retiree, says that Social Security is her main source of income, and there isn’t much left after she pays rent.

“With Social Security raises not being high–it's going to have an effect. I may have to leave my apartment for nearly 30 years.” Sanders said.

Earlier this year, illegal rent increase complaints surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Some tenants also reported discovering "discount" rent clauses in their leases, enabling significant rent hikes.

The Tenant Protection Act, a state law offering Rent Control and Just Cause for Eviction safeguards to residential renters in areas without existing provisions, addresses the issues tenants may be experiencing. Aimed at preventing substantial increases, California will vote on rent control for the third time in 2024.

Covering about 600,000 units under the city's rent control law, primarily in buildings predating October 1978, the freeze has provided financial relief for tenants facing high rents relative to their incomes. Despite benefiting renters, landlords argue that the ongoing ban and rising costs have created financial hardships but may experience some relief come the following year with a

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Biz NewsBriefs Sean “Diddy” Combs has stepped down as chairman of Revolt – the TV network he cofounded in 2013 that bills itself as “the largest Black-owned media company for creators across the diaspora.” The move, described as ‘temporary’ according to TMZ, follows news of lawsuits against him alleging sexual abuse.

“While Mr. Combs has previously had no operational or day-to-day role in the business, this decision helps ensure that REVOLT remains steadfastly focused on our mission to create meaningful content for the culture and amplify the voices of all Black people throughout this country and the African diaspora,” the company said in a statement on Instagram.

Earlier this month, Combs faced legal action initiated by his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. A week later, two additional women stepped forward with their lawsuits accusing Combs of sexual assault. The second

L.A. Focus/December 2023

Diddy Steps Down as CEO of Revolt Amid Public Criticism

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ELGIN NELSON

Contributor

On the Money Where Crime Really Doesn’t Pay ast month, State Senator Steve Bradford joined fellow State Senator Dave Cortese on a panel with social justice advocates to denounce the wage increase the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations (CDCR) recently instituted.

On October 6, the CDCR announced it was increasing the minimum wage from 8 cents an hour to 16 cents per hour for some 39,000 state prison inmates who perform clerical tasks or work in construction, engineering or manufacturing. Inmate firefighters would see their hourly pay rates increase from between $2.90 and $5.13 per hour to $5.80 to $10.24 per hour.

But, said Bradford, the amount of money prisoners made doing tasks they were forced to perform was not enough for them to help their families, save for their reentry into society or pay restitution to the victims of their crimes. “Dignity is in work, but respect is in pay and wages,” said Bradford. “It is totally unacceptable.”

In fact, prison workers in the U.S. produce upwards of $11 billion in goods and services annually but receive pennies on the dollar. Seven states — including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas — pay nothing.

California was one of many states that allowed involuntary servitude for the punishment of a crime. For decades, the state used the exception to make money from its prison population by leasing inmates – mostly Black men – to private companies for work. While that “convict lease” system no longer exist, California prison inmates are required to either work or participate in education or rehabilitative programs and the salary range is a paltry 8 cents per hour to 37 cents per hour.

This has sparked a debate over the need for a reevaluation of prison labor policies, with calls for fair compensation.

new proposal.

After nearly four years of no allowable increases on rentcontrolled units, owners will finally get relief effective Feb. 1, 2024–ending the rent freeze in the City of LA. The city council overwhelmingly rejected a proposal from Councilman Soto-Martinez to extend the rent freeze for another six months. Soto-Martinez said the “looming increase of 7% would be “catastrophic” for L.A.’s housing and homelessness crisis.” Councilmember Nithya Raman, chair of the council’s housing and homelessness committee, said the six-month delay did not “have enough support to advance.” Only Councilwomen Nithya Raman and Eunisses Hernandez joined him in the effort.

Delia Cardona, a Koreatown resident, shared that the majority of her earnings from cleaning homes and offices go directly towards the rent for her studio apartment, which she shares with her two sons. Given her already tight budget, she expressed that any rent increase would compel her to reduce spending on essential needs.

"If there's an increase, it would obviously impact me and make it more challenging to afford food and cover my bills," Cardona conveyed through a Spanish interpreter. She has organized with the Los Angeles Tenants Union to advocate for continuing the city’s rent freeze.

With the rent freeze set to conclude in 2024, a revised calculation is in place. This modification will reduce the rent increase from 7% to 4% for the first half of the year as an attempt to decrease an additional 1% for each utility (gas and/or electricity).

Expressing disappointment in the reduced adjustment, Fred Sutton, Senior Vice President of Local Public Affairs at CAA, said, "Although we are disheartened by the diminished adjustment, we are pleased that the council has ultimately rejected some of the more radical policy proposals put forth by certain members. After enduring years of restrictive mandates, housing providers continued to page 24

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woman, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, alleged that Combs and singer Aaron Hall raped her and her friend at Hall's apartment in the early '90s.

The third woman, Joi Dickerson-Neal, claimed that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted her while she was a student at Syracuse University in 1991. Combs has denied all three allegations against him.

White & Blue,' a poignant police brutality drama, and 'Divorce in the Black,' have already been announced.

Tyler Perry Inks First-Look Deal with Netflix Tyler Perry, has secured a lucrative multi-year firstlook deal with Netflix, granting the streamer exclusive first-access to eight films written, directed, and produced by Perry over the next four years, including the upcoming features, 'Six Triple Eight' and 'Mea Culpa.'

'Six Triple Eight,' exec produced by Kerry Washington, who stars in the film along with Oprah Winfrey, is an inspiring depiction of the only Women’s Army Corp unit of color stationed overseas during World War II. 'Mea Culpa,' starring Kelly Rowland (who serves as an exec producer) and Trevante Rhodes, is a gripping narrative about a criminal defense attorney representing an artist embroiled in a murder scandal.

Perry's association with Netflix is not new. Earlier projects include 'A Jazzman’s Blues,'; 'A Madea Homecoming': and 'A Fall from Grace.'

The landmark agreement comes on the heels of Perry's four-picture deal with Amazon Studios in November 2022, under which the first two films, 'Black,

Historic South L.A. Golf Course to Undergo Multi-Million Dollar Facelift Prominent L.A. political figures were among the 50 community members and golf executives that gathered at Maggie Hathaway Golf Course to commemorate a $15 million renovation of the historic, county-owned golf course nestled in South Los Angeles. The extensive renovation is part of an ambitious initiative to broaden the reach of golf and promote diversity within the sport, utilizing the resources of public owned courses.

“This community and golf course has been neglected for far too long, so this is what equity in action looks like”, L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell stated.

The 9-hole, par 3 course will honor the one person who made the vision to make golf accessible to the community, a reality.

“It’s not about the game itself–it’s about the individual who made all of this possible, and that’s Maggie Hathaway,” said Senator Steven Bradford, who viewed Hathaway as a trailblazer for her efforts to bring more awareness of the sport to the Black community. “She was one of the biggest advocates for integrating golf in Los Angeles back in the 1950s and 60s. We need to make sure that we invest in her legacy and what she stood for–inclusion, equity, and above all, balance.”

HO L LY W OOD SPOT LIGHT “The Color Purple” Prepare to be deeply moved when Color Purple hits theaters on Christmas Day. There’s Broadway-style choreographed dance sequences and outstanding vocal renditions from the likes of Fantasia, Danielle Brooks, and Taraji P. Henson, with this musical adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, previously realized on screen by Steven Spielberg in 1985. The Soundtrack–spanning ragtime and the blues to gospel–is sure to be a hit with fans.

But at the heart of Oprah and Spielberg’s new and updated Color Purple is a story of forgiveness, reconciliation, the irrepressible bonds of sisterhood, and the power of love.

Fantasia portrays the character

of Celie with stunning authenticity, as she endures years of maltreatment from her abusive husband (Colman Domingo), leading to an unexpected personal awakening and emotional liberation through her husband's love interest, Shug Avery (Taraji P. Hen-

son). The film also features stellar performances from Danielle Brooks as Sofia, Corey Hawkins as Harpo, David Alan Grier as Reverend Avery, and Lou Gossett as Old Mister. The ensemble cast includes H.E.R., Halle Bailey as young Celie, Tamela Mann, and Ciara, who may surprise viewers with their transformations. Appearances from Whoopi Goldberg and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor add even more depth to the narrative.

Ultimately, movie goers will be captivated by Celie's journey to selflove and independence and a resounding hope in humanity through reconciliation and the true beauty of The Color Purple.

Bring some kleenex. It’s a tearjerker.

OUT THIS MONTH

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

CandyCane Lane December 1

Renaissance: by Beyonce December 1

L.A. Focus/December 2023

Beyonce’s ‘Renaissance’ Dazzles Film Critics Ahead of Worldwide Release Pop culture icon, Beyonce, is set to release the theatrical version of her massive ‘Renaissance’ tour on December 1. The self-titled two-and-ahalf-hour film is written, produced, and directed by the pop superstar herself and revisits a tour that amassed a staggering $579 million worldwide, with 2.7 million fans attending across 56 dates in 39 cities making it the highest-grossing tour by a Black artist and the eighth-highest grossing tour of all time. Critics hail the film as “jawdropping, and a monument to Beyoncé’s status as one of pop’s most enduring figures. Variety reports that “Beyoncé is in complete control of her narrative –there are tears, laughter, and reflections – and delivers on what it takes to be one of the biggest stars in music.”

Financial Woes Deepen for Bill Cosby Bill Cosby faces escalating challenges as his financial troubles worsen amid allegations that his wife, Camille, 79, is unwilling to make the necessary lifestyle

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Aquaman Lost Kingdom December 23

changes to alleviate their situation.

The disgraced comedian's money problems due to ongoing lawsuits have led them to "liquidate" assets, take out "second mortgages," and sell cherished artwork. Recent reports are that Cosby has also been hit with tax liens, one amounting to $88,566.88 and the other to $559,573.77. According to a source, Cosby was even considering terminating household staff members, but that Camille is resistant to the idea.

Diddy Faces Additional Sexual Assault Lawsuits, Bringing Total to Three Less than a week after settling a lawsuit with former Bad Boy artist Cassie, Sean "Diddy" Combs faced more sexual assault allegations. Joi DickersonNeal filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court, accusing Combs of drugging, sexually assaulting, and distributing "revenge porn" of her. The lawsuit, which includes Combs' companies Bad Boy Entertainment and Combs Enterprises as defendants, details that the alleged assault occurred in 1991 when Dickerson-Neal, a Syracuse University student, agreed to a dinner with Combs after appearing in one of his music videos. Another lawsuit claims that Diddy assaulted and choked her until she

American Fiction December 22

Footnotes DanielleBrooks Age: 34 Hometown: Agusta, Georgia First Break: Servant of Two Masters, 2011 Breakout Role: Orange is the New Black, 2013 Current Project: The Color Purple Making her acting debut at the tender age of 6 years old, actress Danielle Brittany Brooks got her start in the church. Brooks attributes her strong foundation from her minister parents and received her bachelor's degree in drama from Julliard. Two years later she landed her breakout role in Orange Is the New Black (2013—2019). In 2015, she made her Broadway debut in the revival of The Color Purple, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award and earned a Grammy. She starred in and executive produced Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia, which ceived an Emmy nomination.

On the Color Purple and Fate: I auditioned for a lot of Broadway shows, and God said, “No,” and now I understand it was him saying, ‘Your first Broadway show needs to be ‘The Color Purple.’ But, it brought a lot of pressure for me. I had this imposter syndrome and did not understand how, in my first Broadway show, I’m Tony-nominated. All these things started creeping up of “I don’t deserve this.” But getting to sing “Hell No,” the song Sofia sings every night, and say hell no to my fears– to thevoice that is putting doubt and saying I’m not worth it was healing for me.

passed out after visiting her days later. Dickerson-Neal seeks compensation for severe injuries, including depression and suicide ideation, demanding a jury trial for mental and emotional distress and damage to her reputation. Combs' spokesperson dismissed the allegations as a "made-up" and a "not credible" money grab.

On playing Sofia: I think it’s funny because I actually think ‘Sofia’ Comedian “Ms. Pat” Williams is Commeans is wisdom. The thing that I love about the manding the Courtroom on BET of Sofia is that we talk a lot about generaThe unscripted courtroom series "Ms. story curses and how we’re, as a community, trytional Pat Settles" on BET is now the secto break those things. I feel like she, in her ing ond-highest-rated show in primetime and in her community, was definitely ahead TV for Black viewers, particularly family her time. She was the one that was trying to of women in the 18-49 age demo. Patrithose generational curses of being submiscia Williams steps into the role of a break and falling into the stereotypical role that they sive TV judge in the upcoming series supposed to play in society. where the famous comedian assem- were bles a jury consisting of her closest On the church as her foundation: friends, family members, and guest The church, you know, I really do give so much stars to address real cases where au- credit for it being my foundation to acting, my start thentic relationships are at stake. because, to me, there's so many parallels... I highly Fans can anticipate moments of in- thank my community, especially my church comtense drama mixed with uproarious munity, because that’s where I really fell in love comedy, drawn from her own life ex- with acting periences In other Hollywood news, the la- On Motherhood: test film from Will Packer–one of The only time I’ve ever felt freedom and peace onHollywood’s biggest film producers stage is when I had my daughter in my stomach,the with films grossing over $1 billion reason was because I didn’t feel alone. I like who worldwide–is Dashing Through the I’m becoming, I really do. It’s someone who’s more Snow. Streaming exclusively on Dis- sure of themselves and grounded. That’s what I ney+, the original family holiday hope Freeya [her daughter] will discover for hercomedy stars Lil Rel Howery, Chris self. I know what I’m capable of. I gained a lot of “Ludacris” Bridges, and Teyonah Par- weight during my pregnancy, and I think I did go ris and tells the story of a social through postpartum depression.I was trying to stay worker for the Atlanta police depart- positive when it felt like my whole world had ment who goes on a wild Christmas flipped upside down. Creating a human takes a toll Eve journey with his estranged on women's bodies. Sometimes, we don't give ourdaughter who helps him rediscover selves enough love or patience about that. I want to love this skin that I'm in now.

Christmas joy.

RedCarpet Style

SHERYL LEE RALPH

JORDIN SPARKS

sported an oversized trench coat with by long black gloves and matching knee high black boots.

rocked a floor length, black, high slit dress adorned with a

pleated ruffles skirt.

This month's red carpet looks come from Sheryl Lee Ralph’s “DIVAS Simply Singing”. The annual benefit concert raises awareness and funds for programs that promote the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening health conditions.

TINA KNOWLES made a statement in her two-piece black suit with a draped lapel.

CYNTHIA ERIVO TATYANNA ALI wore a black and white wrap was classy in a high neck, top floral blazer, with a black floor length red gown wiith a bow above her shoulder. floor-length skirt.

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L.A. Focus/December 2023

Eye On Gospel Kirk Franklin Lights Up the Holiday Season with New Spotify Exclusive Single The holiday season is about to sparkle a little brighter with the release of Joy to the World, a new holiday single by chart-topping artist, songwriter, and producer Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA). This Spotify exclusive track, recorded at the Spotify studio in Los Angeles, offers a heartwarming rendition of the beloved song, crafted to uplift spirits and celebrate the joys of the holiday season.

The 19-time GRAMMY®-winner, no stranger to lighting up stages across the country, has been delivering his acclaimed hits to full arenas on cross-country tour, The Reunion Tour, with renowned artists like Tye Tribbett, The Clark Sisters, Israel Houghton, and David and Tamela Mann. The tour is set to wrap up on November 24th. Meanwhile, Franklin is celebrating his latest GRAMMY nomination for 2024 for his #1 hit All Things, nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song.

This awe-inspiring song features in his latest #1 album, Father’s Day, available now.

Over his 30-year career, Franklin has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, from Mariah Carey and Kanye West to Justin Bieber and Wyclef Jean. Beyond his chart-topping successes, Franklin devotes himself to the growth and development of budding artists, hosting summer camp for aspiring artists and musicians known as Camp Lotus. His philanthropic efforts extend to supporting non-profit organizations like Compassion International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In March, Franklin solidified his place in music history by spending 100 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Songwriters chart, the first artist to reach this milestone on any

Billboard songwriter’s chart. Outside of music, Franklin runs his own SiriusXM channel, Kirk Franklin’s Praise, and has executive produced several film and television projects, including Kingdom Business on BET and Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas and Kirk Franklin’s The Night Before Christmas on Lifetime.

Melvin Crispell Puts New Twist on Holiday Classic GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-nominated musician Melvin Crispell, III introduces his most recent digital single, “The First Noel.” This perennial holiday favorite is given a fresh twist by Melvin, his vibrant voice and dynamic melodies setting the tone for the festive season. Beyond his holiday offering, Melvin has recently launched a radio edited version of the powerful track “God Is” from his newest solo collection No Failure. The reworked single “God Is” is currently available on Gospel radio, its country-infused backing track and Melvin's animated vocals making it a fan favorite, garnering positive feedback for its uplifting feel and Melvin's road performances.

Crispell, first came into the limelight as the winner of season 9 of the singing contest BET's "Sunday Best" in 2019, which marked his solo recording debut. His introductory album I've Got a Testimony earned GRAMMY, Stellar, and Dove Award nominations and featured his chart-dominating single "Wonderful Is Your Name," crafted by his late father, renowned gospel composer Melvin Crispell Jr. Melvin's second album No Failure, launched in June, has already been widely applauded. The album's premier single, "Alright," was nominated for Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year at the 54th GMA Dove Awards.

Anthony Brown’s Affirmations

Having garnered numerous accolades, RIAA Gold Certification, and over 700 million digital streams, Anthony Brown & group therAPy continue to make their indelible mark on the gospel music scene. With their sixth studio album, Affirmations (Key of A / Tyscot / FairTrade), the group has taken another giant stride in their musical journey. The album, which gained half a million digital streams during the release week, presents a twelve-track blend of contemporary gospel, seamlessly interwoven with elements from Classical, Hip-Hop, Pop, Pentecostal, and Celtic music. The album's lead single, "Speak Your Name," was an instant hit, securing the No. 2 spot on both the Billboard Gospel Airplay and Mediabase Gospel Airplay charts.

The underlying theme of the album resonates with the belief in the transformative power of positive speech and self-affirmation underpinned by faith, as expounded

by Brown. The final track, "Together Again," imparts a poignant message of hope to those grappling with the pain of losing a loved one.

Over the past decade, Anthony Brown & group therAPy have established themselves as a cornerstone of gospel music, with an impressive track record of 10 Billboard Top Ten singles, four No. 1 hits, and the R.I.A.A. gold-certified song, "Worth," which topped the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart for 24 weeks in 2015.

Briefly: The Recording Academy has officially revealed the nominations for the 2024 GRAMMYs, which will take place Sunday, Feb. 4, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Nominees in the category of best gospel performance/song include Hezekiah Walker, Kierra and Karen Sheard, Erica and Warryn Campbell, Marvin Winans, Melvin Crispell and Kirk Franklin. Nominated in the category of best gospel album are Erica Campbell (I Love You); Tasha Cobbs-Leonard (Hymns-Live); Maverick City Music (The Maverick Way); Jonathan McReynolds (My Truth); and Tye Tribbett (All Things New: Live In Orlando).

ChurchNews

The City of Refuge Debuts Its New Location to Parishioners; COGICs to Provide 18,000 Affordable Homes

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or the City of Refuge, even more than for most churches, the pandemic was a game changer.

“It was cataclysmic,” said Bishop Noel Jones.

“You didn't have to go to the mall, or to the strip mall in order to shop, but you do have to transport goods. And being on the Pacific Rim, 40% of the goods come into Long Beach and then are distributed to the country, but you have to have warehouses. Well, I had a warehouse.”

Last year, Jones sold the warehouse he purchased in 2003 for $4 million and transformed into the City of Refuge which as of 2022 had been assessed a market value of $41.3 million and according to property records, sold for $49.1 million.

With part of the proceeds from the sale (the price of which he did not disclose) Jones purchased a five-story, 114,364 square foot complex for $22 million. The building–which has been housing medical office suites–is located one block from Memorial Hospital in Gardena and is across the street from the Hustler Casino.

“The building is 40% rented, I'm only going to use 30% of the building which will give me 2,000 seats and leaves another 30% to be rented,” Jones said. “So now the building will pay for itself and I have 600 car stalls in the building so parking is never an issue.

Our Chur Directory Agape Church of Los Angeles / Three Oaks Baptist Church Corporate Office 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (O) 323-295-5571 •www.agapela.org Bishop Craig A.Worsham - Senior Pastor Worship Center: 8109 South Hoover Street Los Angeles, CA 90044 Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word -Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church 3719 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-5610 • www.bkcamechurchla.org Rev. Mary S. Minor, DMin,Pastor Sunday Church School: 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00 AM (in-person and virtual) Thursday Bible Study with Pastor Minor (via Zoom): 6:00 PM Please call the church office for virtual information.

But Jones’ plans for the church don’t stop there.

“I also bought next door and I'm going to work an arrangement with the NBA players and build out eight courts and use it for the community. Why should I have a building I only use two hours a week when the community is dying?”

Right now, the church is dealing with health, hygiene, therapy, we're dealing and then we're going to have our own program, which is going to be enormously beneficial to the community and that's really where it's at. I'm partnering with [Pastor] Shep Crawford (Experience Christian Ministries) and we're going to go after the young men because I don't have the kind of relationship that he has with people on the street level.”

Parishioners got a look at the building when Jones and First Lady Loretta hosted an event at the building over the Thanksgiving holiday. They hope to have renovations completed for worship services before Easter.

In the meantime, the church is holding services at Greater Emmanuel Temple in Lynwood.

The Church of God In Christ Teams Up with Enterprise Community Partners to Provide 18,000 Affordable Homes Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) and Church of God in Christ Community Economic Development Corporation (COGIC CEDC) have announced an unprecedented collaboration to train 200 COGIC congregations in faith-based community development.

This historic partnership, announced at COGIC's 115th Holy Convocation, aims to convert vacant or underutilized church-owned land into an estimated 18,000 new affordable rental and homeownership opportunities and 72 community facilities across the United States.

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: (323) 298-4867 • 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!

The community facilities will include adult day-care centers, childcare facilities, health clinics, and more.

This marks the first time since the launch of its FaithBased Development Initiative in 2006 that Enterprise has collaborated with a denominational entity at the national level.

Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard reaffirmed the Church of God in Christ's long-standing commitment to affordable housing and community development, emphasizing his deep concern and urgent need for affordable housing and quality medical care in their communities.

"We are committed to expanding our intellectual capital to assure our churches throughout the United States have the economic capacity to lead affordable housing and community development initiatives in their respective cities," Sheard stated.

“This is a historic moment in the life of Enterprise’s Faith-Based Development Initiative. We look forward to helping COGIC CEDC work with congregations to meet critical affordable housing and other community needs by harnessing the potential of the land they steward,” said Rev. David Bowers, vice president of Enterprise’s Mid-Atlantic Market and senior advisor for the Faith-Based Development Initiative.

New Church Location for Pastor Marvin Winans Jr. Five months after being ordained an elder by his Dad, famed preacher/gospel legend Marvin Winans, Marvin L. Winans Jr, the son of Winans and celebrated vocalist Vickie Winans, is at work building his Los Angeles church, Perfecting Home Church. The church recently moved into a new location at 4394 W. Washington Blvd, near Crenshaw with worship services at 3PM on Sundays.

In other local church news: Rev. Elton Johnson is celebrating the expansion of his L.A.-based Metropolitan Baptist Church after launching a Las Vegas location in August. For now, that location–named Metropolitan Bible Church– meets just twice a month…And finally, last month Rev. Joshua Daniels tendered his resignation as senior pastor of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • www.faithdome.org Dr. Frederick K. Price Please Join Us! Sunday Service: 10:30am Wednesday Bible Study: 11:00am & 7:30pm Thursday Intercessory Prayer: 7:30pm faithdome.org @elfministries

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# God’s Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ / Prayer Clinic & Deliverance Ministry P.O. Box 561368, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 293-7566 • www.gfdjc.org •gfdjc@att.net Dr.Ruby I. Cottle, Ph.D., Pastor/Teacher Services every Friday: 7:00pm We meeet at: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018 Watch us on KXLA Thur’s @ 9:30am on Chanel 44, HBN TV Mon’s @ 7am & Wed’s @ 7:30am on Chanel 35.2 WNAH Nashville Tennessee Sunday @ 8:30 AM

Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027 Rev. Dr. Timothy o. Coston, Jr. Sunday School: 8:00am Worship: 9:30am Wednesday Bible Study: 11:30am & 6:00pm

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 Phone (323) 291-1121•Fax: (323) 291-1133 office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am & 10am Tuesday Night(as scheduled):7:15pm All services stream live on our website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.

Call for any pandemic-related questions.

Our Goal: To glorify God by winning more Christians and developing better Christians. (Matt. 28:18-20)

Grace Temple Baptist Churchh 7017 South Bramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192 • gracetemplebaptist7017@gmail.com Rev. Rodney Howard Sunday Worship Service: 9:00am Sunday Life Group: 11:30am Wed. Night Intercessory Prayer: 6:30pm Wed. Night Bible Study: 7:00pm

Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 • www.gembcla.org Rev. DeNon A. Porter Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10am Facebook/YouTube Livestream: @gembcla Radio-KALI 900AM: Sundays 7-8pm Bible Study: Tuesday 7pm

Greater St. Augustine Missionary Baptist Church 8704 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003 (323) 758-1153 Rev. E. Wayne Gaddis, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship Service: 10am Bible Study: Tuesday nights online: 7pm Senior Saints: Wednesday 11am

Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 703-5868 • www.holmanumc.com Email: holman@holmanumc.com Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday Radio: KJLH 102.3FM at 11am Sunday School: 9:30am (Children/Youth) & 9:45am (Adults) Bible Study: Every Thursday @ Noon We Gather,Grow,Go and Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ House of Refuge Church of God in Christ 1446 W. 36th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323)515-9022•Email:info@horcogic.org•www.horcogic.live Pastor: Dr. Pierre Codio First Lady Shavon Codio Sunday Services:11:00am Sunday School: 9:00am Thursday Online Bible Study:7:00pm (via Facebook & YouTube) Friday Morning Online Prayer:10am Prayer call-in # : (516) 259-9968 Tuesdays Substance Abuse Counseling:6pm McCarty Memorial Christian Church 4103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-4131 • www.mccartychurch.org Senior Pastor Edward Anderson Sunday Worship: 10:45am Bible Study: Tues @12:30pm/Wed @6pm Zoom Call: (605) 472-5454 Access:188857 Online Stream Live: Sundays@10:45am to www.mccartychurch.org Give: Text 77977 Instagram@mccartyconnect Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964 Rev. Johnteris Tate-Pastor Sunday Church School(In-Person): 8:30am Sun. Baptist Training Union:7:30am Worship Service(In-Person): 10:00am Tues. Refuel/Bible Study/Prayer: 12Noon (Conference Call: (330) 207-7446) Weekly Mission Assembly/Bible Study:7:00 (Conference Call: (339) 207-7446

FIRST LADY SPOTLIGHT

Clare Anderson-Fox

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McCarty Memorial Christian Church

irst Lady Clare Anderson-Fox has two passions– food and community activism, and at the intersection of both (during a Black Lives Matter event) is where she met her husband, Pastor Eddie Anderson of McCarty Memorial Christian Church, who is a candidate in the race for the Tenth District Council seat.

Married at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anderson-Fox has learned to balance life as a first lady with her role as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Everytable, where she gets a chance to mix her passion for food and activism.

“Healthy food is a human right and shouldn’t be a luxury product,” says the proud Angeleno who was raised in Van Nuys. “Prior to COVID-19, Everytable’s mission was to make healthy food affordable and accessible for all communities. Since, we’ve had to pivot our entire company to focus on the rising tide of food insecurity.”

Prior to Everytable, Anderson-Fox worked with young people in public radio and served as executive director of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council for eight years leading programs and policy change that improved access to healthy food for low-income residents.

The ministries she’s involved with at McCarty also pertain to food, one centering around feeding the homeless and the other being a garden project.

“I was really drawn to the history of the church, being one of the first churches in Los Angeles to racially integrate and how it was such a hub for civil rights activism for so long,” she said.

Even before becoming first lady, Anderson-Fox knew that it was important to cultivate an authentic relationship with members of the church.

“It’s a community role because it is a responsibility to be in relationship with a church community as the spouse of a pastor,” she said. “When you choose to marry a minister, you are also choosing to be in a sacred relationship with the community he is serving.”

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1300 E. 50th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 235-2103 Rev. Joshua Daniels, Pastor Morning Worship: 10am (In Service and Online Live Stream Worship) Sunday School: 8:45am Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm www.mtzionla.org ONE LA Potter’s House Church 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • hello@one.online Pastor Touré and Sarah Roberts The ONE Experience Online: Sundays: 7A |9A |11A |1P |6P Thursdays: 5P |8P (PST) @toureroberts @sarahjakesroberts @one.online ONE.ONLINE

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: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Tuesday Bible Study: 11:00am Wednesday In The Word: 7:00pm All services streamed on: Facebook and YouTube @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 Wednesday Virtual Bible Study : Noon & 7:00p Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor Sun. Worship: 8:30am Sun. Classes follow morning service Tues Eve Family Prayer Line: 6:30pm Wed. Noon: Hour of Power Prayer line Wed. Bible Study: 6:00pm (Zoom & Facebook) Exposition of Sunday School Lesson:10am

Trinity Baptist Church 2040 W. Jefferson Blvd., L.A., CA 90018 • (323) 735-0044 F: (323) 735-0219• trinitybaptistchurchofla.org Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship Services: 10:30am YouTube: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud Sunday Radio Broadcast KJLH-FM: 9am Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7pm (Meeting ID: 480-271-5449.

Or call 1-699-900-6833; give zoom ID Sign-in at 6:55pmrchofla.org

Union Missionary Baptist Church 1812 E 110th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323)457-9921•Fax: (323)457-9256• Pastor: Adell McDaniel First Lady Nancy McDaniel Sunday Services:11am Sunday School: 5:30pm Call-in #: (530)881-1000 Code: 811-160 Wed. Online Bible Study:7:30pm Call-in: (716) 427-1082 Code: 584-349

Weller Street Baptist Church 129 S. Gless St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 261-0949 • F: (323)264-6601 • www.wellerstreetlive.com Pastor K.W. Tulloss Sunday School: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm www.wellerstreetlive.com

West Angeles Church Of God In Christ 3600 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 733-8300 • Office Hrs: M-F 8:30am-5:30pm • westa.org Senior Pastor Charles E. Blake II Sunday School: 10:00am Sunday Radio Broadcast KJLH 102.3FM: 10:00am

In Compton Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 12930 S. Lime Ave, Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • email: citizensofzionmbc@gmail.com Rev. Bobby L. Newman, Jr. Pastor Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 10:45am (In-person & Virtual YouTube) Wednesday Bible Study: 12pm (In-person or dial in at:(774)267-8085) Wednesday Evening Bible Study: 7:00pm (via Zoom (Call church office for information)

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Sarah Jakes Recharges A Packed House at Faithful Central Bible Church

L.A. Focus/December 2023

Over 2,000 women packed into Faithful Central Bible Church’s Tabernacle on Saturday, November 18, to hear Cokiesha Bailey Robinson & Sarah Jakes Roberts give an uplifting message on women’s empowerment and the importance of what it means to recharge in what was the last installment of the church’s “Recharge” speaker series.

“Sometimes we think we’ll recharge on our own but the reality is sometimes the only way we can recharge is through connection,” said Roberts, who serves as copastor of One L.A. at Potters and along with her husband–Toure Roberts–as assistant pastor at the Potters House in Dallas, established by her dad, Bishop T.D. Jakes.

“I’ll be honest with you sometimes I think to myself that the rechargeable comes with a big blessing. I’ll be recharged if this child finally gets it together. If I close that deal, I’ll be recharged. The ultimate recharge is

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when I get a fresh revelation of who God is.”

Evangelist Cokiesha Bailey Robinson also spoke at the event providing commentary on what it means to find one’s purpose as a Black woman.

“I remember when I was insecure. I remember when I didn't know my purpose. But it’s that breakthrough.

We are here to recharge until we get a breakthrough.

We are here to recharge until he blesses you.”

The series was hosted by former First Lady Togetta Ulmer who was presented with a special gift from Pastor J.P. Foster and First Lady Karmen Foster to mark her years of service to the women of the church. Bishop Kenneth Ulmer closed out the two hour event with the benediction.

To hear the full event that included sermons from both Robinson & Roberts, visit Faithful Central Bible Church’s Official YouTube channel.

PastorProfile: Bishop Charley Hames Church: 66th Bishop of the CME Ninth District How Long in position: Two years Hometown: Chicago Family: Wife Michelle and three adult children With your recent appointment as Bishop of the CME’s Ninth District, you’ve come into a city of big church leaders–pastors who have pioneered trends in the faith community and now we’re seeing a changing of the guard and a void in leadership, what are your thoughts on the state of L.A.’s faith community?

There’s a big transfer of leadership–transfer of power– that we haven’t adequately prepared for. Just the stalwart names of Bishop Blake, Kenneth Ulmer, Frederick Price… I know Noel Jones is still in the trenches, but even then, who’s going to replace that kind of iconic leadership? And it’s not to hate on, minimalize or dwarf those leaders that they chose to be their successors, right. It’s just that we need to have somebody who can rise to the occasion for the need of the city and the people. Also, you have to deal with the challenges that come along with that and the criticism.

Are you that somebody?

I believe I could be if time and opportunity presented itself. When I was a pastor in Oakland, I became that leader. There was not a mayor that was elected that I did not have a hand in– even the various chiefs of police. I had a hand in that. I was the chair of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce when I was there, so I believe that's possible if the great groundwork I have will afford me the window to serve in that capacity.

What do you think it takes to be that kind of leader?

Number one, understanding what your purpose is.

Number two, you have to be a leader that can embrace all individuals for the common goal of advancement of the whole culture. It can’t just be glitz and glamour, you have to deal with the unhoused.

The pastor today must be dynamic. They can't just be priestly; they have to be prophetic meaning they have to go out to where people are and garner resources. The pastor doesn’t have to be the grant writer, but he or she should know who the grant writer is. They don’t have to have the skill set to set up a non-profit but should be able to connect with someone who does, so that the church can get the resources needed.

So, you’re not challenged by the numbers game given that the CME denomination is not huge in Los Angeles?

Historically, it has always been leaders from small situations that rise to the top. If you go back to Martin King Jr., he never pastored a mega church, but he led a mega movement. So, it's those individuals who have capacity and the gift for leadership that can help corral people together.

That said what are your thoughts on leaders in ministry engaging in politics?

I think it’s important, because you have to represent people holistically. You can’t talk about heaven and not try and create heaven for them on Earth, and part of creating that heaven on earth has been engaging in the political process, so that you can get resources for the communities that so desperately need them. But I’ve always had an interest in politics. At one point I thought I would succeed Barbara Lee, but life did not have that in the cards for me.

Was giving that up to go into ministry a challenge?

No, because the salvation piece was real for me, and it was feeding me in ways that the streets and football or even relationships with girls couldn’t.

I know that you attended seminary, but did you immediately get an assignment to preach?

No, I was a youth preacher, young adult pastor/assistant pastor in the Chicago area and then my first church was new home CME church in Evanston, Illinois. I think I was 22 so that was five years late.

How did you come to be on the West Coast?

At the time–in 2002–Bishop Henry Melton Williamson Sr. was elected Bishop, and his assignment was to the West Coast. With him came five guys and I was one of them.

In addition to ministry, you’re the published author of three books?

Yes, the first one is “Pressing Reset: When Life Forces You to Start Over Again”. Dr. Frederick Haynes wrote the foreword on that one. The second book is “Exchange: Trading Your Brokenness For Exceptional Purpose.” And the third one I wrote in the pandemic, “Notes from The Doctor”.

I was on the radio in the Bay Area for 15 years and I did these little vignettes. It was like minute sermons, if you will, and people would call in and ask for them and eventually, somebody pushed me and said why don’t you put that into a book, so out of all those 15 years, I took 60 of them and made it into a devotional book.

You said your second book was trading your brokenness for exceptional purpose, what is the biggest challenge you've had to overcome?

Really understanding the difference between scarcity and abundance? What's so difficult about that? Because most people operate in a scarcity mentality. It's never enough, right? I can't achieve this. Things won't change. I'm just going through the motions because it’s business as usual.

That's a mindset versus when you live in abundance, I can become better than I am. I can go to another level.

I can create a life for me that's not only sustainable but can reach back and touch the next generation. I can be the influential person. So, when the scripture says I come that you can have life and have it more abundantly, I actually believe that. It’s not just words.

What makes you most hopeful about what you believe you can accomplish in LA? If it can be done in Oakland, it can be done in L.A. Where do you see yourself after five years in Los Angeles?

To be more engaged in relationships that lead to incremental growth for the whole city– where we walk people into spiritual transformation and wholeness.

In terms of Los Angeles, what do you think the faith community needs most?

Collaboration. I think the day of the “Lone Ranger” is gone. Instead. a collaboration of churches coming around a central idea that they could support can be so powerful.

Dr. Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Online Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm FB: GreaterZionChurchFamily IG: GZCFamily www.gzcfamily.com

Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 • www.holychapelbc.com Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Morning Worship: 8:00am Sunday School: 10:30am Wed. Mid-Week Bible Study: 7:00pm Sun. New Members’ Class: 10:45am Communion/1st Sunday: 8:00am Broadcast KALI 900AM - Sun:2-3:00pm Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5449, Compton, CA 90224 Bishop Ronald C. Hill Sr., Founder/Pastor Sunday Worship:10am/6:30pm Wed. Bible Studies: 7:30pm Prayer w /Bishop Hill: Fri: 9am Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact TV Network: Mon-Fri PST 6:30am The Word Network Fridays @ 12:30pm

The City of Refuge 14527 S. San Pedro St, 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

The Liberty Church 4725 S. Gramercy Place, Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 715-8400 Pastor David W. Cross Morning Worship/Livestream:10:00 am Hispanic Ministry Worship/Livestream:12Noon Word Power Wednesday/Livestream: 7:00pm The CROSSWORD with Pastor Cross: YouTube

Atherton Baptist Church In Hawthorne 2627 W. 116th Street Hawthorne,CA 90250 (323) 757-3113 • www.athertonbc.org F: 323-757-8772 • athertonbaptist@sbcglobal.net Pastor Larry Weaver Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00 & 11:00 am Sunday Bible Enrichment Class: 9:45am Mon.-Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12:30pm & 7:00pm

Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 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 Pastor Wendy Howlett Sunday Morning Worship & Word: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study: 7:00pm View Sunday Worship: www.youtube.com

L.A. Focus/December 2023

Did you always see yourself in the ministry?

Prior to the call I wanted to be an anesthesiologist. I was premed going into school and changed majors a couple of times, but I accepted my call to preach at 17.

Were you raised in church?

Yes and no, because for the first 16 years of my life, I was a C-M-E, Christmas, Mother's Day and Easter. I didn't go to church on a consistent basis even though I was a fifth generation CME. I played football and had street cred at the same time growing up in Chicago.

Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm)

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A Season for Giving “The Truest Holiday Spirit”

C

hristmas is the season of giving, not only to those we love but also a time to share the holiday spirit and brighten the lives of those who are less fortunate and underserved. As the holidays near, many charitable organizations in the community make special fundraising appeals in their efforts to provide food, clothing, and toys to those in need.

Giving Tuesday–which raised $2.7 billion last year and falls five days after Thanksgiving–has not only been recognized nationally as a time to give back in some way, but it marks the beginning of the holiday season.

Americans gave a record–$484 billion to charities in 2021, while approximately 77 million Americans volunteered their time, talents, and energy to make a difference. Money is the most preferred method of giving, with about $574 being the average amount people give to charity and $128 being the average online donation.

Whether it’s your time or money, there are countless ways to donate this holiday season. Toy, food, and clothing giveaways are an annual tradition for many churches and local businesses, while elected officials do all they can to assist in providing referrals to those in need.

More and more Americans are making donations in the name of family or friends in lieu of exchanging gifts.

Some churches offer programs where you can adopt a family in need for Christmas and provide them with a wide variety of needs, from groceries to winter coats.

If you are in need this holiday season or want to help others in need, listed below are some of the worthwhile programs you can tap into. Be sure to check with your church or local elected officials for referrals.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: Holidays from the Heart Program aims to make the holidays a little happier for chronically ill children and their families. There are several ways to help, including sponsoring a family, as well as providing gift items, toys, and monetary donations. For details on what you can do, call (323) 6602450 or visit wwwchla.org.

Department of Public Social Service's (DPSS) Adopt-A-Family Program: This program assists lowincome families with toys, clothes, and food during the holidays. Those who want to help can fill out a sponsor form no later than Dec. 13– coordinators will then

match you with the perfect family, providing a family name as well as their phone number, address, children's ages, clothing & shoe sizes, preferred colors and any particular "wish list" they have, though sponsors decide what they will give. Gift baskets, grocery gift cards, meals, and gifts are all appropriate. For information, call (213) 744-4344 or email dpssvolunteers@dpss.lacounty.gov Homeless Housing Placement Agency: Requests for services increase greatly during the holiday season. Donations accepted are clothing for children and adults as well as canned and non-perishable items. The agency is located at 1644 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 103, Los Angeles 90017. Call (916) 651-5155 or email housing@dss.ca.gov Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Food banks across the county are stretched thin at Christmas time, so organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank have come up with innovative ways to build their supplies. In addition to food and monetary donations, the mission will accept gift cards for local grocery store chains in the Los Angeles area. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare, serve, and feed the hungry and homeless.

Call (323) 234-3030 or visit www.lafoodbank.org Operation Gratitude: Since 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have lovingly packaged and shipped care packages containing letters, holiday cards, and goodies from home to servicemen and women deployed overseas. Cards, letters, and goodies can be sent to Operation Gratitude, 16444 Refugio Road, Encino, CA 91436. Donations are available to be made online via Operation Gratitude, www.operationgratitude.com. For more information, call (818) 960-7878.

Project Angel Tree: Prison Fellowship Los Angeles reaches out to children with incarcerated parents by getting churches and other groups to purchase Christmas gifts of toys, bikes, clothing, and books for children and youth. Many local churches participate in Project Angel Tree. For information on how you can help, contact (800) 55-ANGEL (2-6435) Salvation Army of Southern California: The Salvation Army of Southern California, which provides a vast range of services to youth, the homeless, seniors, veterans, and more, breaks out their distinctive red kettles accepting monetary donations. You can also make donations by phone by calling 1-800-725-2769. In addition,

Center of Hope LA 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 #centerofhope•#cohla•Info@GO2HOPE.com Give: Text COHLA to (833) 246-7144

True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 7901 South Van Ness Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 750-7304 Rev. James A. Perkins

Pastor Geremy L. Dixon

Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:45am Bible Adventure Hour (Tues): 6pm Bible Study (Tues): 7pm Bible Study (Thurs): Noon

Service Times: 8:00am & 10:00am Watch Via: Facebook|YouTube|Live Stream Closer To People...Closer To God! www.GO2Hope.com

Faithful Central Bible Church 333 W. Florence Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035 Pastor J. P. Foster In-Person Services: 7:00 am & 9:30am Online Services: 7:00a, & 9:30am Wednesdays, The Download: 7:00pm Facebook + Youtube+ Website 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

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: Sun 10:00am 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: 7pm

the Salvation Army has family stores located across Los Angeles that accept donations of clothing, furniture, appliances, and toys. If you have time to spare, the Salvation Army is also signing up volunteers. Call 1-800725-2769 Special Needs Network: During the Christmas holidays, SNN– a nonprofit grassroots organization responding to the crisis of autism and other developmental disabilities in underserved communities– brings hundreds of families, community partners, and stakeholders together for a festive and memorable holiday celebration. This event provides the county’s most vulnerable families with an opportunity to celebrate with others. Families receive health-related referrals and resources, food, music, and a toy giveaway.

For information, call (323) 291-7100.

Toys for Tots: With a mission to collect new, unwrapped toys throughout the holiday months for children in need, the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots program is by far one of the most popular.Help make a difference this year by donating toys at the various drop-off locations. To find a location near you, visit fortots.org.

Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club: The WattsWillowbrook Boys & Girls Club feeds the hungry and donates clothing and toys for children in need. They remain open during the holidays to kids for different activities and field trips. To volunteer your time or give, call the Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, 1339 120th St., LA 90059 • (323) 567-2278

Grant AME Church 1129 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 437-2567 • Fax: (562) 599-6175 • www.csbclb.org Rev. Dr. Michael W. Eagle,Sr.,Ed.D, Community Activist Sunday School: 9:00am Worship Service Sundays: 10:45am (On Facebook Live, YouTube) Free Conf Call: 857 232 0156 877511 Zoom:438 996 2703 Where all receive attention, affection & love Walking In The Spirit Ministries In Norwalk Double Tree (Sonoma Grill) 12623 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk CA 90650 (213) 248-6343 P.O Box 1597 Norwalk CA,90651 Tim & Leshia Brooks Morning Worship: 11:00am Services Held Every 2nd & 4th Sunday and Free Breakfast Is Served Bible Study: 8:30am (Every 5th Friday)

Your Church Listing Belongs Here For more information

Call 310.677.6011

Elder continued from page 8

might not complete her term, promised to appoint a black female replacement. He did. And now, with a black female Democrat poised to become the first female president of any color, Newsom knows a white man cannot swoop in and displace Harris. If he tries, without Harris agreeing to step aside, black Democrat females would explode – but not to the point where they would vote Republican. Many would just sit it out, guaranteeing a Republican victory.

Fourth, Newsom. What prescription does the hyper-lefty offer to Americans concerned about inflation, gas prices, wage growth unable to keep pace with inflation, crime and porous borders? Did Newsom criticize Biden's reckless spending and his inflation inducing war on oil and gas?

Please. Newsom wants California to go further and ban the sale of new gaspowered cars by 2035. Homelessness exploded in his hometown San Francisco during his two terms as mayor. He supports soft-on-crime DAs and policies like cashless bail. Newsom's California is a sanctuary state, and he expanded the number of illegal aliens eligible for taxpayer-funded health care. After Biden's disastrous, world-destabilizing pullout from Afghanistan, Newsom said: "I'm incredibly proud of him."

Bottom line: If not Biden, the next batter up is Harris. The die is cast.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and syndicated radio talk-show host. Formore about Larry Elder, visit LarryElder.com.

Ohman continued to page 24

room. My observation was that she was great at answering the questions she was confident about and rather tentative in the way she answered questions she didn’t want.

This has been duly noted repeatedly by others, but incompetent or in over her head aren’t observations I would make.

A friend of mine who was a United Press International reporter during the 1960 presidential campaign once asked me what I thought JFK’s greatest skill was. Articulation? Charisma? Nope.

“I interviewed him, I talked to him, I saw it,” my reporter buddy said.

OK, what was it?

“He had the ability to start an answer to a question without knowing what he was going to say, think of the answer while he was talking and then bring it in for a landing.”

This certainly would not be Harris’s

first skill set. She does tend to meander a bit at times. Oh, so does her boss, and he does OK. See also: incomprehensible, elliptical responses, Donald J. Trump’s.

The current crop of GOP presidential candidates who are not the incomprehensible, elliptical Donald J. Trump, mostly invoke Vice President Harris as a scary Halloween specter if she, again, God forbid, becomes president.

Former Ambassador Nikki Haley, a woman of color who knows better, routinely invokes this Horrific Harris Harridan Scenario, without a trace of irony.

Harris, while flawed, is utterly and completely able to serve as president. A GOP hobby is underestimating her, according to Dan Morain, the veteran California political journalist and author of “Kamala’s Way.” Morain noted that Harris dispatched Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley in a debate that propelled her to be California’s attorney general in 2010, and she defeated former Rep. Loretta Sanchez for a U.S. Senate seat in 2014. Morain said that those who underestimate Harris and her political skills, late of politics-ain’t-beanbag-San Francisco, would be doing so at their peril.

Harris now flies in an Air Force jet, and not because she’s a flake.

The GOP needs a target. Now it’s Harris, a woman of color. How convenient and, I am sure, a complete coincidence.

Right?

Jack Ohman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist and writer. He can be reached at jackohman.net, on Instagram at jackohman60 and Threads at jackohman60.

Money Matters continued from page 12

can finally experience some financial flexibility.”

Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who voted in support of lowering limits, said, “If we increase rent, people are going to get evicted, and we’re not going to stop this eviction-to-homelessness pipeline.”

The following councilmembers John Lee and Traci Park voted against lowering the rent increases, “We’ve already asked an awful lot of our mom-and-pop landlords, and I just can’t imagine how much more we’re going to continue to expect them to give,” Park says.

Councilmembers Paul Krekorian and Curren Price, both landlords, recused themselves from the vote. The proposal will proceed to the city attorney's office for drafting and return to the council for a final vote.

Diane Watson Honored on 90th Birthday On Nov. 14, Councilmembers Curren Price, Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Heather Hutt, helped lead a special City Council presentation to celebrate the remarkable achievements and lasting impact of the Honorable Diane Watson, an iconic political figure who served as a U.S. Congresswoman and foreign Ambassador to Micronesia.

Throughout her extensive career spanning decades, Congresswoman Watson, who represented California's 33rd Congressional District, passionately advocated for the rights of people of color and worked tirelessly to champion social justice, healthcare access, education, and various humanitarian causes.

Ms. Watson’s commitment to education was evident when she became the first Black woman on the LAUSD Board of Education in 1975. She would go on to shatter the proverbial glass ceiling once again in 1978 by becoming the first Black woman elected to the California State Senate.

“Congresswoman Watson’s historic milestones of firsts opened doors for underrepresented communities and paved the way for more diverse representation in politics,” said Councilmember Price. “This iconic political figure stands as a mighty 'shero' whose legacy will forever inspire and empower others, serving as a shining example of embracing the principles of compassion and community."

The special recognition in Chambers on Tuesday was in honor of the former Congresswoman's 90th birthday, and also includes a proposal to rename a portion of Coliseum Place from Victoria Avenue to Crenshaw Boulevard to “Diane Watson Way.”

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Publisher Lisa Collins and the Staff of L.A. Focus wish you a

Happy Holidays Keep the faith!

L.A. Focus/November 2023

filled with the love of family, the warmth of friends and the joy of the season.

25

SavingGrace Taraji P. Henson

W

L.A. Focus/December 2023

hen Taraji P. Henson was first approached to play Shug Avery in the Broadway musical “The Color Purple,” the answer was a resounding no.

It was an answer based more on practicality than aspiration. Recalls Henson, “As a student of musical theater and drama, I knew what it took, and I was like. I don't sing like that every day.

I'm gonna blow my vocal cords out, so I passed on it”, she pauses for a moment.

But, she adds, “The great thing about destiny… (that's why you just have to surrender cause you can't control anything)…as soon as you let it go, whatever your heart desires comes to you.”

And that is exactly what happened. In 2021, while heading to New York for the filming of “Annie Live” for NBC–a production in which she would ironically enough also sing– when she was informed by her management that she was being tapped for the role of Shug Avery. Henson would later receive a phone call from Director Blitz Bazawule.

“Sure enough,” Henson says, “Blitz calls and he says ‘Taraji, you are my Shug.’ And I was like, ‘Blitz, are you high’?

Official word that she’d landed the role came from Oprah Winfrey, but with the joy of getting the role came with the pressure of nailing it.

“When somebody hand picks you for a job, and they believe in you so much when you don't believe. I was nervous as Hell, and I was like, I have to nail it for him,” Henson says. “I have to make him proud.

Let's not get into the Oprah of it all and Margaret Avery, who played my mother in “Proud Mary.” I had so much to live up to, and I just showed up, and I was ready.”

Showing up and nailing it is something Henson has been doing since she made her acting debut in shows like “The Parent ‘Hood” and “Sister, Sister” in 1997. Yet, eight years would pass before Hollywood took notice in 2005 with her critically acclaimed performance in Hustle & Flow, which earned an Academy Award and marked her singing debut.

Three years later, she received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her co-starring role in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.

In 2016, she garnered a Screen Actors Guild award for her role in the 2016 box office hit “Hidden Figures”, and her five-year run as Cookie Lyon on the hit TV series Empire earned two of her three Emmy nominations. Other film and TV highlights include “Think Like a Man,” “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” “Baby Boy,” “What Men Want,” “Person of Interest,” “The Family That Preys,” and “The Best of Enemies”.

As a teen, the Washington D.C. native misinterpreted a rejection into a performing arts high school as a sign that she wasn’t cut out for Hollywood. Re-

luctantly, she decided to go to college and pursue electrical engineering, a field that at least sounded like it would bring her a lot of money but instead brought her a whole lot of math, which she failed.

“I called my dad crying. He said, ‘You failed because that’s not what you’re supposed to be doing.

You had to fall on your face to see that you needed to be acting.

It was a turning point for Taraji P. Henson, who subsequently studied musical theater at Howard University.

“Singing is very near and dear to me, and I kind of like put that away because I became a mother in my junior year, so when it was time for me to graduate, I didn't know if it was going to be music because that [industry] just seems so dark and artists aren’t protected. I had a kid and I needed insurance. So, I went west to pursue acting because we have a union.”

Her son, Marcel, has helped to keep the now 53year-old actress grounded, as did her late father.

“I know he's tap dancing in heaven because he always said, ‘You're a great actress, but wait until the world hears you singing.’”

In 2018, with the mission of eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health in African-American communities, Henson established the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her late father.

“I named the organization after my father because of his complete and unconditional love for me; his unabashed, unashamed ability to tell the truth, even if it hurt; and his strength to push through his battles with mental health issues,” Henson told People Magazine.

Yet another grounding force for Henson is her faith.

“God is the reason why I’m here. He is in me and everything I do,” Henson states. “I can’t do anything without a strong belief in God because humans are humans, and they are going to let you down. My saving grace is knowing God and knowing that He is real.”

For that reason, it was important for her to pass her faith on to her son.

“My son and I have gone to church more than I did growing up, but being 3,000 miles away from my family, I needed to go somewhere where I felt faith, and the church was that place,” Henson recounted.

“When we first came to church in L.A., he was two years old, and he would stand up in his chair and say “Thank you, Jesus” with his hands. It was the cutest thing. And if we missed a Sunday, he would say, “Mom, when are we going back to church?’

“I feel safe that he knows God,” she continues. “I always tell him that that instinctive voice–that sometimes you don’t listen to can get you in a world of

trouble. You have to train your ear to listen to that voice loud and clear because that voice is your God's voice.”

She has been listening for that voice ever since her mother raised her to believe in God, though Hollywood can make it challenging to hear.

“I remember years ago I did a film that was my first role where I’m one of the lead characters, and it was the remake of “Satan’s School for Girls,” I remember being torn because my father is a born-again Christian. I was having stomach problems over telling my father that I had to worship the devil in this movie. I remember calling him and saying, “Daddy, I booked this amazing film, and I told him about it, and he stood quiet and finally said, “Well baby, you have to learn about Satan too.” That was huge for me.

“At that moment, I decided not to judge any of my characters,” she reflects. “That’s why I’ve played shocking and downtrodden women that many actors are afraid to play because of being judged. I don’t care how ugly a character is– somebody will identify with her, and somebody’s life could change if I do my job properly. And that’s how I look at what I do. My job is to breathe truth into that character so that in some way somebody is affected and changed. That’s why art is so powerful.”

Despite her high profile, Henson maintains that she still leads a very normal life.

“I don’t travel with an entourage,” the actress said. “I don’t put too much into what I do. I’ve always just looked at it as - just a job– it just so happens that millions of people get to see what I do.

The rewards for me have been that I have a voice and people listen.”