L.A. Focus On The Word November 2016 Issue by LA Focus Newspaper

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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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November

L.A. FOCUS

2016

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

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CHURCH NEWS: Pastor Wayne Chaney Releases Book, Sets Tour PAGE 17

SEE PAGE

ONE ON ONE: Gabrielle Union PAGE 34

SAVING GRACE Trai & Grace Byers

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contents

November 2016

L.A. Focus Publication

Left; 19th Annual First Ladies High Tea Honorees (l)Marquerite Reeve, Judi Wortham Sauls, Ranza Trotter & Linda Hodge pose on the red carpet; (Middle); Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas sits down with ABC 7 EyewitnessNews anchor Marc Brown to reflect on his 25 years in public service; (Right); L.A. Focus publisher Lisa Collins poses with (l) Tina Campbell, (r)Lynn Whitfield,(m) Walmart Representives Adrienne Richard Javier Angulo and Attorney Areva Martin at the 19th Annual First Ladies High Tea held last month in Beverly Hills.

Commentary California’s Prop 61:A National Movement For

5 From The Editor Drug Price Reform

Upfront

7 Head to Head 8 Headlines From Africa 9 Upfront Extra Feature Story 10 Money Matters 13 Biz News Briefs President Obama Goes to Bat For Kamala Harris In Senate Race;Jury Still Out On Inmates Up for Early Release Under Prop 57

California’s Marijuana Debate Takes Center Stage

Faith Leaders Unite In Support of Measure M

Sharing The Power Of Entrepreneurship Is A calling for Shark Tank’s Daymond John

African American Buying Power Hits 1.3 Trillion

Actress KeKe Palmer Launches Shoe Collection;Judge Rules Byron Allen Lawsuit Can Move Forward;

On The Money Costly Medicine

Inside Hollywood

John Legend To Add Actor To His Resume;Regina Hall & Common in Secret Romance; Sheryl Lee Ralph

staff

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers

Lisa Collins Ashley Reynolds

One On One Gabrielle Union Wade

Critics Corner “Loving”

16 Calendar/Around LA Red Carpet Style 18 Eye On Gospel 19 Through The Storm 21 Church News 22 23 First Lady Files Pastor Profile 24 Birth Of A Nation Movie Premier

Photographer Advertising Editorial Assistant

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

L.A. Focus–On the Word, is published monthly. Address all correspondence to: L.A. Focus, 333 W. Florence Ave., Suite C333 Inglewood, CA 90301 • (310) 677-6011 Fax: (310) 677-2338 Subscription rates $25.00 per year. Copyright, January 1995 by L.A. Focus :uscripts/photographs are not accepted, nor shall any responsibility for them be assumed. Correction:The Church of Christian Fellowship was incorrectly credited with the sermon for July 2016. The sermon should have been credited to Mt Moriah Missonary Baptist Church.

Pastor Kevin Sauls - Holman United Methodist Church

With Dawn Stroizer

Wendy & Jess- Food Heaven Made Easy

Trai & Grace Byers

Dove Awards Handed Out In Nashville;New Music from CeCe Winans

Joseph Sims Get Second Chance At Life & Art

Pastor Wayne Chaney Releases Book,Sets National Tour;Citizens Of Zion Hosts Retirement Celebration for Bishop L. Daniel Williams

Dominque Haddon- The Hill City Church

Pastor Tyson Moore—Crenshaw Church of Christ

Jada Nicole Henry who picked up a $1500 check for her winning essay at the 19th Annual First Ladies High Tea poses with her mom at the event.

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly

Contributors

25 27 Finding Your Pretty In Good Taste 29 Saving Grace 30 From The Pulpit

Crawford Marc T. Little

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

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

Photo credit fo r Daymond The Shark Gro John Image: up Cover Art: Ups cale Media Gro up

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Commentary

Cynthia Davis Guest Columnist

“California’s Prop 61: A National Movement For Drug Pricing Reform” roponents for Prop 61, recently released a documentary called, ”Your Money or Your Life," which highlights how Big Pharma is holding U.S. consumers “hostage” when it comes to accessing life-saving drugs. In the documentary, you hear story after story of how U.S. consumers, in many instances needing specific life-saving medications, can’t afford those medications because of the exorbitant prices for those drugs. One mother in the documentary talks about how the price for 'EpiPen,' a common drug needed by individuals with life-threatening food allergies, was increased 500-fold by the drug company making it without regard as to whether or not consumers needing this drug could afford it. Another veteran in the documentary, speaks to the issue of how the Hepatitis C drug, “Sovaldi”, which currently costs about $1,000 a pill for a 12 week course of the drug which cures Hepatitis C, represents gross “price gouging." There are millions of U.S. consumers who carry the Hepatitis C virus; however, the current price for treatment is so high as to be inaccessible for most U.S. consumers with Hepatitis C. They can’t afford to purchase this $1,000-a-pill medication for treatment and cure and face a dismal future--including the very real possibility of death from Hepatitis C infection. During the Prop 61 campaign, Big Pharma has developed commercial advertisements in opposition to Prop 61 which are misleading and false. In many instances, Big Pharma has lied outright about the actual benefits to be gained by passing Prop 61. In their TV and billboard ads, Big Pharma has stated that if Prop 61 passes, drug prices for Veterans will go up, which is patently false. Federal legislation prohibits pharmaceutical companies from charging exorbitant prices to the Department of Veterans Affairs(DVA). As a matter of fact, there is a limit on what pharmaceutical companiescan charge the DVA for drugs. The DVA pays 20% to24% less, on average, for drugs than other government agencies, and 40% less than Medicare. Prop 61 is

From the Editor

merely requiring that California state agencies benefit from the same drug pricing caps that the DVA benefits from, which will save the state billions of dollars. It is time to stop the greed of Big Pharma so that average Americans, especially low-income and moderate income Americans can afford lifesaving drugs, which in many instances were developed and tested in government labs with taxpayer dollars, but which are now owned by large pharmaceutical companies that have used the excuse for their high drug pricing to “recoup” their Research and Development costs, when in reality, they didn’t even engage in the original research regarding the development of the drugs, but instead through mergers, gained ownership of the drug companies that developed the drugs with federal financial support in the first place. It is time to rein in Big Pharma and push for national drug pricing reforms so that the spiraling costs of drugs can be managed and controlled so that your average U.S citizen,whether a child with life-threatening food allergies can afford EpiPens, or a Baby Boomer or Veteran with Hepatitis C can afford treatment with Sovaldi to save their lives. This is a matter that all consumers should be concerned about and whom all California voters have an opportunity to voice their opinion on the matter by voting to pass Prop 61 on Tuesday, November 8th. Please join AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the CaliforniaNurses Association, AARP, the National Urban League, VoteVets, Consumer Watchdog, Reverend Al Sharpton and Senator Bernie Sanders to pass Proposition 61, which has national implications for reining in Big Pharma and making life-saving drugs more accessible to all Americans. Cynthia Davis is a professor at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and serves as Board Chair of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).

LISA COLLINS Publisher

That Which Makes Us Stronger...

Namely, that many of us are more tuned in to personality than substance; that pop culture is playing a key role in our election process; and that issues don’t matter half as much as attitude and besting opponents with unsavory digs. Sadly, it seems that what would have been considered as unbecoming for someone running for the highest office in the land is now not only effective but par for the course. Whether we rushed home to see a Trump/Clinton debate as if it were Superbowl Sunday or found some of the candidates off color remarks to be amusing (at first), we all played into the madness. To that end, we are all responsible in part for the new low our election process has sunk to and the laughing stock it has made of the U.S. to the world. One can only hope that the drain all the polarization and fear amplified by political rhetoric have wrought on our populace will lead to a solemn rethinking of what our leaders should actually be about and to take a long, hard look at what money can buy when it comes to American politics. Turning to our November issue, I had the chance of sitting down with Shark Tank’s Daymond John a couple of months ago and was so inspired by his story that I am excited to be able—with the help of writer Gerald Bell—to share it with you this month. And while John’s successful rags-to-riches testimony is inspiring on its own, it is his philosophy of success that I find so compelling. In his book, The Power of Broke, John conveys how empty pockets, a tight budget and a hunger to succeed can become your greatest competitive edge. The business mogul’s calling is sharing the power of success so I asked him what traits identify for him those people who will be successful and those who will fail. His answers are in our cover story starting on page 10. Keep the faith.

L.A. Focus/November 2016

ast month, L.A. Focus had the privilege of hosting its 19th Annual First Ladies High Tea, another opportunity to honor a group of women who have used their gifts to enrich the lives of those around them. Another year to say thank you to women—who through their words, actions and deeds—remind us that if we can conquer our fears and cling to the God-given purpose of our lives that we can soar to heights we could never have imagined. I am a prime example. I have been inspired by women who have served as mentors, who by their example, have demonstrated that life can be what you make it given the willingness on your part to put in the hard work. I like to say that I’ve gone through the doors God has opened, but the truth is, that is not possible if one is not prepared. And for every problem that I have, I am keen on reminding myself that I, not only am part of the problem, but more importantly, I am also the solution. Maya Angelou put it simply when she wrote, “Nothing will work, unless you do.” With this event, the most important thing we want young girls to remember is that success is within their reach. So much of what we aspire to as we grow up is based on what is modeled to us by the adults we are surrounded by. My father’s work in the civil rights movement was a good thing, as it provided me with role models who were fighting for equality, justice and the ability for all to pursue their dreams. I am grateful for the women on whose shoulders I have stood, women who have propelled me forward, waited on me to catch up; reminded me of a God who is capable of far beyond what I could hope for and imagine; and women who have taught me to reach higher, to remain faithful and to love. Today we celebrated the passions, accomplishments and lives of six women— actresses Lynn Whitfield and Edwina Findley-Dickerson and First Ladies Linda Hodge, Ranza Trotter, Judi Wortham-Sauls and Marguerite Reeve—whose faith has helped to shape their lives and successes. Equally important, we honored what they represent to our youth and the role of the church in our community and all the Godgiven power it represents. Turning to this month, and the decisions we make in one of the most sensational and polarizing elections in modern times. Whatever the outcome, I hope we have learned some key lessons that will help to shape the elections to come. But I think this election process says just as much about us—the voters—as it does about two candidates with the biggest unfavorable ratings in modern politics.

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UpFront President Obama Goes To Bat For Kamala Harris In Senate Race In a new series of commercials debuting last month, President Obama makes the case for Kamala Harris’ U.S. Senate bid, explaining how, as a prosecutor, Harris has been “fearless” for the people of California in her fights against predatory for-profit colleges, Wall Street banks and Big Oil companies. Obama, who endorsed Harris over the summer, assures voters that, “As your senator, Kamala Harris will be a fearless fighter for the people of California every single day.” Sanchez, who is trailing Harris in the polls, has not taken kindly to Obama’s open praise and endorsement, charging that the endorsement was based on race, while also noting that Obama and Harris were longtime friends. “She is African-American. He is too,” Sanchez remarked. The president raised eyebrows and later apologized after calling Harris, “by far, the best-looking attorney general in the country”, back in 2012, stating later that he didn’t mean to take away from her professional accomplishments. Harris also received an endorsement from Vice President Joe Biden and in a new poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California leads Sanchez by more than a two to one margin. According to the poll, Harris leads Sanchez 42 percent to 20 percent, with 20 percent undecided and 18 percent volunteering that they will not vote. Harris’ majority support is among Democrats (56%) though she leads by 21 points among independents (38% to 17%). The poll added that while Harris leads by wide margins among whites and members of other racial/ethnic groups, Sanchez has a slight lead among Latinos (41% to 33%). Harris jumped into the Senate race last year following Senator Barbara Boxer’s announcement that she would

retire in 2016 after serving nearly 24 years in the chamber. The California Senate hopeful quickly became an early front-runner among the rivals in the crowded candidate field vying for the vacant seat. If she wins the Senate seat, Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican-American father and Indian mother, could make history in the Golden State. The nation hasn’t seen a black female senator since Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois became the first more than 20 years ago. Also, there are currently only two African-American men in the 100-member Senate: Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) and Cory Booker (D-New Jersey). “Kamala Harris is a proven champion for California’s families and is known for delivering the results our communities so desperately need,” said Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr., one of Harris’ earliest backers. “Harris’ leadership and tenacity are the exact qualities the Golden State needs in our next U.S. Senator.”

News Briefs ASHLEY REYNOLDS Contributor

Harris vowed to work on legislation that would create long-term economic growth and that “lifts families on every rung of the economic ladder,” while also fostering innovation, job training and boosting small businesses and startups. Harris also pledges to help disadvantaged children “to ensure they have a fair shot in school and in passing universal pre-kindergarten legislation," as part of an effort to save young adults from crushing student loan debt. This, she believes can be accomplished by creating decent paying jobs and implementing family leave and equal pay policies that benefit working families. “It’s an issue important to all, but black women, poor women, working women, it’s about economic empowerment, she said. At a Baldwin Hills fundraiser earlier this year, Harris told the audience people are increasingly waking up to the fact that nothing seems to change in Washington. “Everywhere I go, Californians tell me they want more leaders in Washington who will break through the dysfunction and actually help families in our state,” Harris said. “I’ve done just that as a career prosecutor — winning results that have made a real difference for California families — and that’s what I would continue to do in the U.S. Senate.” And though she is leading in the polls, Harris believes that getting out the vote in the November election to be critical, especially given the growing clout of Latinos and Sanchez appeal to them to make her the first Latina ever elected to the U.S. Senate. “A lot of people think Kamala has it in bag, but no candidate ever has it in the bag,” said Kerman Maddox, owner of Kamala Harris continued to page 26

Jury Still Out On Inmates Up for Early Release Under Prop 57 system,” he said. Proposition 57 would increase parole opportunities for felons convicted of nonviolent crimes and allow them to earn credits for good behavior. This could significantly reduce the prison population. Additionally, it eliminates “direct file” which gives prosecutors ultimate discretion in prosecuting juveniles as adults— restoring the authority to judges in determining the fate of the child. Gov. Jerry Brown said it could save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars annually by reducing wasteful spending within the state’s correctional system if the measure goes into effect. The governor has raised more than $7.5 million to support the effort via his Ballot Measure Committee, along with major support from the California Democratic Party and Netflix CEO Reed Hastings. “Direct file has disproportionately impacted children of color for years,” said Rourke Stacy, co-author of Proposition 57 and an expert in juvenile law. “By eliminating this legal process, we as a society give our youth a second chance in life.” Stacy underscored that while the proposed measure encompasses various components, it is important to note that it focuses on “rehabilitating the child” as opposed to warehousing young offenders in adult prisons.

Editor In Chief

“It is a far safer and modest proposal than the current system in place,” Stacy said. But Proposition 57 opponents argue the initiative is poorly drafted and worry releasing violent criminals would endanger public safety. Stephen Wagstaffe, the president of the California Attorney Association, could not be reached for comment, but according to opposing arguments posted on the BallotPedia website, Proposition 57, he wrote, “will allow criminals convicted of rape, lewd acts against a child, gang crimes and human trafficking to be released from prison early.” Stacey said the state correctional facility would play a critical role in determining which inmates are eligible for early release. Carl E. Douglas, a prominent civil rights attorney best known for his role in the O.J. Simpson murder trial echoed Stacy’s sentiments. “It is important we make the distinction that we’re only talking about nonviolent inmates that would qualify for early release,” Douglas said. Meanwhile, Green, a father of 13 children worries how he will come up with the money to pay his court fees. “All this talk about Prop. 57 doesn’t keep the monkey off my back,” he said.

Obamacare premiums are set to increase 22% and 13.2 % for Californians beginning 2017. The premium increases mean that Obamacare is growing more expensive for the federal government since it has to provide larger subsidies. Insurers are raising prices and downsizing their presence on the exchanges as they try to stem losses from sicker-than-anticipated customers. The benchmark silver plan will cost an average of $296 a month next year. That figure is based on prices for a 27-year-old enrollee in the 39 states that use the federal healthcare.gov exchange including states that have their own exchange. For 2016, the benchmark plan's premium only rose 7.2%, on for the states that use average, healthcare.gov. (Looking only at states on the federal exchange, premiums are rising 25% for 2017.) Some 85% of Obamacare enrollees receive federal subsidies, which can lower their premium to less than 10% of their income. The subsidies are pegged to the second-lowest cost silver plan in their area, known as the benchmark plan. The number of carriers will drop to 228 next year in the federal exchange and selected states, down from 298 in 2016. Some 21% of consumers returning to the exchanges will only have one carrier to chose from, though that insurer will likely offer multiple plan choices. (Enrollment for Obamacare opens November 1 and closes December 15.)

L.A. Police Commission Approves Sweeping Set of Reforms To Increase LAPD Transparency Last month, the five-member Los Angeles Police Commission approved a list of recommendations and reforms aimed at reducing the number of police shooting and increasing transparency in the handling of officerinvolved shootings. "When it comes to officer-involved shootings we haven't had a formal process of what information is released and when it is released,” Matt Johnson told KPCC. “Sometimes we do it in our commission meetings, sometimes there is a press conference that the [LAPD] chief has, and it's somewhat ad hoc, how it's done,” continued Johnson, who serves as president of the commission. “So we looked around the country, looked at other departments at how they were doing it, and we saw some good examples out there. So I instructed the department to go and take a look at some of these other departments and then come back to us with a formal protocol for us to discuss that would formalize a process for us to release accurate information in a responsible way." Recommendations included adding a reality-based training component to the existing training; de-escalation concepts and strategies and the development and implementation of a comprehensive process to receive input on a video release policy for categorical use of force incidents.

L.A. Focus/November 2016

No matter what Michael Green, a reformed gang member, does for an honest day’s work lingering legal troubles could be his toughest challenge. The 48-year-old demolition worker, who was arrested last month for failing to pay a court fine, has little confidence in Proposition 57, a measure on the November ballot that would change criminal sentencing guidelines. In his view, it is another initiative inherently rigged against poor people and communities of color. “Although I’m aware that Prop. 57 has some advantages,” said Green, “the problem is the judges are often in cahoots with prosecutors. I did three weeks in the Los Angeles Twin Towers Correctional Facility for an old warrant.” Court records showed that Green owed $3,000 in probation related fees stemming from a case the district attorney’s office dismissed four years ago. “The judge still ordered me to pay the fine. He could have reversed the penalty but chose not to. I’m barely getting by, and if I fail to make payments, I’ll violate my probation and end up in jail.” Green said it was difficult for him not to be skeptical of Proposition 57 because he is convinced the court system profits from low-income communities. “Prop. 57 doesn’t address this flaw in our

STEPHEN ODUNTAN

Obamacare Premiums Set To Increase 22%

Matt Johnson

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Can Hillary’s Lock On Black Voters Be Shaken?

hat will it take for Ridiculing an "AfricanDemocrats to lose the 95 Hillary Clinton American sounding" name: percent black vote? Another DNC email chain and the Hacked email to and from staffers at Battered Black shows staffers making fun the Democratic National Committee of the name of a black Voter Syndrome woman named LaQueenia. and to and from John Podesta, Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, Why is this noteworthy? shows she cares far more about the black In recent years some academic experivote than black voters. ments purport to show racism by showing Concern for lack of diversity: One email, how prospective employers discriminate three months before she announced her against "African-American sounding presidential candidacy, shows Clinton's names." Never mind the same employers future campaign staff mocking the criti- show similar reluccism that it lacks racial diversity. Her tance to hire those then-spokesperson and future traveling with "white-sounding press secretary Nick Merrill dismissively names" like "Emily" joked that former Bill Clinton chief of staff and "Todd." And and future Hillary Clinton campaign direc- never mind that tor Robby Mook "claims he's 1/16th Apache, employers located in so we should be all set." black neighborhoods Earlier this year, "Frank" (identified by also showed relucWikiLeaks as fwj77@comcast.net, and tance to hire those reported by RT.com to be Frank White Jr., with "African- Larry Elder who raised $2.3 million for Barack Obama American sounding in 2012) wrote to Podesta about courting names." So, if it's "racist" to draw a negablack votes: "I'm hearing the same com- tive inference from a "black-sounding plaint in political circles that I continue to name," what is it to mock such a name? hear while fundraising. 'The campaign Public support for, but private opposidoesn't value black folks and takes us for tion to, $15 minimum wage: Economist and granted.' Can I make a suggestion? A black Ronald Reagan adviser Milton Friedman campaign vice chair or senior advisor famously called the minimum wage "the would go a long way during the primary most anti-black law on the books." Yet and send the message that Hillary puts her Hillary Clinton and the Democratic actions where her mouth is, and actually National Committee platform support a does appreciate the black vote." Podesta $15 federal minimum wage, more than replied: "Right now I think we should do double the current federal rate of $7.25. Yet this right after Super Tuesday." Podesta's email inbox showed Clinton staff "Birtherism": Clinton routinely attacks and adviser emails refer to and frequently Donald Trump for what she calls the "racist quote prominent left-wing economists and lie" that Obama is a Muslim from Kenya. left-wing think tanks that argued against a Yet a 2008 memo between a polling analyst $15 minimum wage on the grounds that and several people close to Clinton's cam- such a spike from the current federal minipaign — including Podesta — listed sever- mum would costs jobs. al "negatives" of her opponent, then-Sen. Contempt for people of faith: Blacks are Obama, included the following: "Obama more religious than whites. Yet Hillary (owe-BAHM-uh)'s father was a Muslim and Clinton staffers' emails show contempt for Obama grew up among Muslims in the people of faith. One 2011 email from world's most populous Islamic country." Clinton's current director of communicaJust weeks ago, James Asher, former tions, then with the Center for American Washington bureau chief for McClatchy Progress, denounces Catholicism as being news, stated that during the 2008 cam- embraced by conservatives who think it's a paign long-time Clinton confidant Sidney more socially acceptable religion than othBlumenthal told him to investigate ers. She wrote: "I imagine they think it is Obama's African birthplace: "Blumenthal the most socially acceptable politically convisited the Washington Bureau of servative religion. Their rich friends wouldMcClatchy, where he and I met in my n't understand if they became evangelioffice. During that conversation and in sub- cals." She was responding to a co-worker, sequent communications, we discussed a who wrote: "Many of the most powerful elenumber of matters related to Obama. He ments of the conservative movement are all encouraged McClatchy to do stories related Catholic (many converts) from the SC and to Obama and his connections to Kenya." Elder continued to page 26

Headlines From Africa Botswana: Five thousand workers were dismissed from work at the BCL Ltd., a mining and smelting company, because of health reasons. Government and other shareholders disregarded warnings of toxic pollution from public health experts, caused by the sulphur dioxide and effluent pumped into the open environment. The closure of the mine is expected to cripple the economy of the town Selebi Phikwe. Burundi: President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi signed legislation to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, which had said it would investigate political violence that followed Nkurunziza's decision last year to pursue a third term. Gambia and South Africa also announced that they too would be exiting the ICC.

L.A. Focus/November 2016

Cameroon: A Cameroon train packed with 1,300 people was derailed killing at least 70 people and injuring 600. The connecting road between Douala and Yaounde collapsed because of the train being over capacity. Typically the train carries 600 passengers, according to rail officials. Djibouti: After the completion of the railway modernization project, Djibouti welcomes the first modern electrified railway line in Africa. The Djibouti Government contributed $878 million for the project. The line is called Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway and it is the only link directly to Ethiopia and the port of Djibouti, which is a major cargo entry point. Ethiopia: A total of 1,683 people have been arrested in at least five places in Ethiopia, including Shashamene, 250km (155 miles) south of the capital, Addis Ababa, where 450 people have been detained due to a state of emergency. The state of emergency is being used as a means to end anti-government protest and will last six months. Dutch, Turkish, Saudi and Nigerian businesses have specifically been targeted by protestors.

Ghana: South Africa's Gold Fields will invest $1.4 billion to extend the life of its Damang mine in Ghana. The investment will extend the life of the mine by eight years to 2024, in which the firm expects to produce 1.56 million ounces of gold there.

merica had such nice for the investigation was FBI Director plans for the weekend. given, no explanation of where Most people were get- Manufactures an the emails were from, no conting ready for some World October Surprise text regarding why they were Series baseball, looking for Hillary Clinton just found. Most importantly, through Party City for that the FBI director told eight last slutty Ninja Turtle costume, maybe members of Congress but did not send a even spending a few hours in line for early letter, smoke signal, Snapchat or any sort voting. The last thing most Americans of heads-up to the White House or expected this Friday afternoon was a Obama’s staff. shameless unprofessional and utterly con- What does all of this mean in practical trived “October surprise” courtesy of FBI terms? Comey is behaving like a powerDirector James mad, unprofessional political hack instead Comey. Yet here we of an independent arbiter of American jusare, with the 24-hour tice. He is clearly not in Obama’s pocket. cable news stations in In fact, Comey couldn’t be more out-ofa feeding frenzy over pocket if he were wearing Daisy Dukes. the new investigation Releasing the specter of a renewed investithat is a lot more gation, without any new evidence, and no sound than legitimate background context, less than 11 days fury. before a presidential election is clearly a What are the facts political act and one designed to harm the Jason Johnson and why is this news Democratic nominee. The political, as coming out now? opposed to justice-driven, nature of this Here’s a quick primer: On July 5 this announcement became all the more clear past summer, Comey, a Republican who as real journalists investigated this story had been appointed by President Barack throughout the day. Obama as an appeasement measure, held One clear example is that the emails in a press conference about the investigation question are not from any device in the of Hillary Clinton’s emails. The investiga- possession of Hillary Clinton. They are tion had concluded that Clinton had emails from a separate investigation into engaged in no wrongdoing in the treat- Anthony Weiner, the disgraced former ment, sending of or deletion of her emails. congressman from New York and the forComey noted that Clinton was careless mer husband of Clinton adviser Huma and should have been more responsible, Abedin. but said that nothing she did rose to the Is it possible that Abedin and her huslevel of a criminal investigation. This bit of band exchanged some emails that may in editorializing, not to mention holding a some way have relevance to Clinton’s press conference to end an FBI investiga- behavior during Benghazi or her use of tion, was extremely inappropriate and, private emails? Yes, that is a possibility. It according to Matthew Miller, former direc- is also likely that the name Hillary tor of the Justice Department’s Public Clinton just came up in a document Affairs Office, a “gross abuse of his power.” search. The FBI director making noise Why were we even hearing about about reopening an investigation when Clinton’s emails? Republicans in there is no new evidence to drive such a Congress, desperate to find some smoking provocative headline is both irresponsible gun for the Benghazi, Libya, conspiracy, and lacking in basic integrity for a public expanded their investigation into Clinton’s servant. What Comey has done is the emails. They found nothing. No smoking equivalent of making a public announcegun. Not even a half-lit cigarette. ment like, “The name Barack Obama may Democrats cheered, and Republicans, led have come up in the Ashley Madison hack, by Donald Trump, screamed that the FBI we aren’t sure; we’ll get back to you at director was in Obama’s pocket. some point in the future.” On Friday, Comey sent a letter to eight Surely, in the next 36 hours, there will Republican chairs of congressional com- be those arguing that Comey had no mittees informing them that in the last 24 choice. That upon new emails being dishours, the FBI had found new emails that covered, even from a separate investiga“may” be pertinent to the previous Clinton tion, he was legally obligated to inform investigation, and that, therefore, he Congress that there would be additional would be looking into them. No timeline work on the Clinton email case. Johnson continued to page 26

A look at current news from the continent of Africa Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta signed off on putting an end to capital punishment saving thousands of lives of prisoners (2, 655 men, 92 women) on Kenya’s death row. The prisoners will now serve life sentences rather than be put to death. Malawi: Breast cancer is claiming more lives of women as statistics show that more than 1,600 women and girls in the country are dying of cervical cancer with 2,300 new cases yearly. With less resources to support the increasing number of women being diagnosed with breast cancer, most women are flown abroad to get treatment, but in most cases by the time the disease is diagnosed, it is often too late to treat. Namibia: There were 356 reported suicide cases in Namibia between January and September according to police figures. With 12 suicides last month alone, suicide has become a growing concern for the people of Namibia. Rwanda: Drone aircraft are now being used to transport medicine, blood, and other supplies. Rwandan officials say that deliveries of blood and medicine by truck takes at least four hours, even under the best conditions. With drones, the trip can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Somalia: More than 75,000 people have fled their homes and 18 have been killed during three weeks of clashes in Somalia. Somalia has been at civil war for 25 years and clashes between the clan-based militias who control much of the country are common. Tunisia: Tunisia is seeking to create jobs and will offer foreign investors and financiers $50 billion to do so, said the country’s investment minister. Projects range from construction of a new deep-water port to desalination plants and energygenerating projects. Uganda: Uganda is set to become the first African country to receive big money ($4.7 million) out of a European Union ($1.96 billion) grant for activities to curb violent extremism, foster stability and stem migration to Europe.

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Faith Leaders Unite In Support Of Measure M A powerful coalition of faith leaders today including Bishop Charles Blake Sr. of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, Pastor Edgar Boyd of First A.M.E Church and Apostle Beverly BAM Crawford of Bible Enrichment Fellowship united in support of Measure M, the Los Angeles County Traffic Improvement Plan. They were joined by Metro Vice Chair and L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Metro Board Member and L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. "We are united in support Measure M. We will all reap the benefits of a more reliable transportation system that relieves traffic," Bishop Blake said. "At West Angeles Church of God in Christ, we know first hand the benefits of affordable and accessible transportation because the Expo line is right here." The under-construction Crenshaw/LAX Line will run from Crenshaw and Exposition Blvds. to LAX and the Green Line. Measure M would extend the line from Exposition to Hollywood "As an inner city pastor, I am honored to serve today as co-host," Pastor Boyd said. "Our focus is really trained in to Measure M. It is a a big-big win for the city

and county of Los Angeles." Speaking of the successful recent extensions of the Gold and Expo lines, Pastor Boyd said. "They have successfully shown what Metro can achieve to modernize our aging transportation system." "Measure M ensures that our infrastructure will be build to last. Measure M creates good paying jobs, jobs that can make a critical economic difference to families. Los Angeles County needs Measure M." “A lot of our people are dependent on transit to get to church, get to choir services, get to rehearsal. Our consciousness is counting on this," Apostle Crawford said. “Measure will create jobs and we could use that in our communities, especially. Plus, Measure M will immediately fill potholes and repave our streets, and that got my attention.” "Metro is no stranger to our community here. It's not just about the dollars. It's not just about the number of jobs. Measure M is about the people," Mayor Garcetti said. "Right now, there is an 82-year-old veteran who needs his medicine, but doesn't have access to where he needs to go. That will change through Measure M. T h e r e

is a child who has never been to the beach, but Measure M will connect her to the Expo line, wherever she lives in LA County, so she can feel the sand between her toes. The traffic we sit in every day is L.A. County's form of purgatory.It's time spent in limbo, time spent away from our families and friends, time that is wasted. Measure M is about breaking us free from this gridlock and giving us our time back. "It is our view that transportation makes a difference," Supervisor RidleyThomas said. "It is in no small measure about jobs, jobs and more jobs. There is no single public investment that has the potential to create this many jobs. Vote, vote vote -- go tell it on the mountain. M is for mountain!" Proponents maintain that Measure M will reduce the time people are stuck in traffic by fifteen percent a day. According to the non-profit Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, it will create 465,000 new jobs. Measure M would also ease traffic immediately by repairing potholes and repaving local streets and roads in each of L.A. County’s 88 cities. Its passage would insure that senior, disabled, and student fares r e m a i n affordable while providing critical earthquake retrofitting for overpasses and

Pastor J. Edgar Boyd (R), Bishop Charles Blake (center) and Pastor Sylvester Washington join Metro CEO Phil Washington for a tour of METRO’s underground construction.

bridges. The Los Angeles Times endorsed Measure M, saying "L.A. County residents need alternatives to sitting in soul-crushing traffic. A recent Texas A&M analysis found that traffic congestion costs the average commuter in our region $1,711, including from wasted fuel and lost productivity. All together, drivers in the region lose 622 million hours stuck in traffic a year, for a total cost of $13.3 billion, according to the analysis. Transportation officials add that Measure M would modernize L.A. County's aging transportation system and build a twenty-first century transportation network that expands subway, light rail, Rapid Bus, Metrolink, freeways, and highways, adding and accelerating transit lines and tying them together into a comprehensive system that will work with an improved freeway and local road network.

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sharing

P WER the

of entrepreneurship

is a calling for shark tank’s daymond john

L.A. Focus/November 2016

he story of Daymond John’s American dream only gets better. Already a highly celebrated entrepreneur, author and TV personality with a reported net worth of $300 million, John–widely known as the founder of FUBU and co-star of the reality show Shark Tank–has added Ambassador to his resume. Just over a year ago the White House appointed John to the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE). The PAGE initiative is a collaboration between successful American entrepreneurs, the Department of Commerce, the Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, Small Business Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the White House. The goal of this program is to harness the energy, ideas, and experience of the next generation of entrepreneurs both at home and abroad. John’s signature initiative is dedicated to helping underserved entrepreneurs and emerging digital influencers build their brands and customer base. John, 47, said his job as a presidential ambassador is three things; to inspire, give access and actually engage the underserved in the process of being an entrepreneur. “Domestically and around the world I educate people on the power of being an entrepreneur,” said the Queens, NY native. “…if you give somebody an opportunity to feed their family they are less likely to do things that are not in the best interest of mankind.” By no means a stranger to humble beginnings, John has been conducting business since elementary school. He sold lost pencils that he found and restored to students, he shoveled snow in the winter and raked leaves in the fall. “My parents always instilled in me the fact that I had to work hard for everything that I wanted out of life,” he told CNN Money. “And then they got divorced.” John goes on to reveal, “My father left when I was around 10 years old and I haven't spoken or seen him again since then, making me the man of the house and making my mother a single mother…any parent in the street could, and had the right to beat us, that’s just the way it was growing up.” John’s mother, who played a key role in developing the drive that has led to his many achievements, has been a constant. “It was my mother, you know coming up as a dyslexic child, who made me feel like I could do whatever I wanted and I’m not perfect.” Even as he faced this handicap she’d encourage, “’You’re dyslexic and you can’t read that well. Now you have to read three times, four times and you just have to concentrate. She always made sure that the people around her and me were very smart people who had aspirations.” This value for being around the smart and aspiring may have been a factor for why John accepted the co-starring role with Shark Tank on ABC. He disclosed that initially he turned down the opportunity twice partly because they wanted him to invest some of his own capital in the show. So he rebutted, “I’m supposed to get paid to be on TV!” What would convince him to agree to their offer was learning that the show’s viewership consisted of children ages 5 to 15, and that they, along with their parents were watching Shark Tank together. “ABC felt that people were educating themselves and they actually like smart [television programming,]” said John who has been with the show for the full eight seasons. Shark Tank is the recipient of the 2014 and 2015 Emmy Award for Outstanding Structured Reality Program. The show features The Sharks who are a cast of tough, self-made, multi-millionaire and billionaire tycoons who invest in America's best busi-

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(Left); Daymond John with Shark Tank castmates Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec. Redondo Beach-based business, Tip Flops finished first at the Miller Lite Tap the Future Live Pitch regional tour in Los Angeles and is now one step closer to the grand prize of $200K. Tap the Future is a business plan competition that offers entrepreneurs a chance to grow their businesses. For more info visit www.MLTapTheFuture.com. (Photo courtesy of MillerCoors)

nesses and products. The Sharks offer people from all walks of life the chance to chase the American dream, and potentially secure business deals that could make them millionaires. “It’s changed my life in so many ways,” reflects John to L.A. Focus on his role as one of The Sharks. “It is clarified my calling. I’ve met the last three presidents and one of them has, as you know, assigned me to a prestigious position. I can talk to any CEO around the world. They pick up the phone for me…I’ve accepted the fact that I am somebody that people look up to, especially kids. Now, kids want to be sharks just as much as they want to be actors, actresses, and singers and dancers and there’s nothing wrong with that.” From the $40 John used to launch FUBU as a 20year old hustling shirts on the streets, to the multimillions he’s amassed entrepreneurially, he has embraced the reality that he is more than a business man. He shared how his success began to crystalize when someone referred to him as “the face of entrepreneurship” and they went on to say that whether he liked it or not, “you’re inspiring people…you invest in people more than you think you do.” While John didn’t disagree with the claim he confessed, “I never wanted to inspire people. Because I never knew that was my calling.” John is celebrated as a pioneer in the fashion industry having grown FUBU into a six-billion-dollar brand. One of the many lessons about business he offers nowadays is “that business is the ultimate equalizer.” “It doesn’t have a race, religion, sex, creed, or color.” He believes, “Once you know the fundamentals, you can go throughout many areas [and conduct] business.” John’s convinced the African-American community has the right wiring to thrive in entrepreneurship. Yet he argues there is much more to be done because technology is constantly changing how business is executed in today’s culture. “We’re resilient people,” he affirms. “I think that we have been entrepreneurs since day one – we just may not have put on the title of entrepreneur. We’ve been bartering and trading and leveraging our relationship capital every single day…the state of [the black business community] could be stronger. We have to do it ourselves, nobody’s going to hand us anything.” Because technology is removing the face of the entrepreneur, he predicts it will make doing business for minorities more powerful. One of John’s ventures is taking advantage of this technologically changing climate. The Shark Group, is a team of expert communicators, strategic analysts and creative heavyweights who transform businesses into

“

All those people who talk in hypothetical ways and they always need a band aid or somebody to lift them up are not going to make it...The ones who make it are [those who insist] I’m going to figure it out [and understand] I’m going hear “No” nine times out of ten.

”

iconic brands. They offer advice on how to effectively communicate to consumers innovatively and connect brands with the world's top celebrities for everything from endorsements to product extensions. A sought after motivational speaker, John is also an award-winning entrepreneur, having received more than 35 awards including Brandweek’s Marketer of the Year and Ernst & Young's New York Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Moreover, he has three best-selling books; Display of Power, The Brand Within and The Power of Broke, which was released earlier this year. “All those people who talk in hypothetical ways and they always need a band aid or somebody to lift them up are not going to make it,” John says candidly about succeeding as an African-American entrepreneur. “The ones who make it are [those who insist] I’m going to take an affordable step and I’m going to figure it out. I’m going hear “No” nine out of 10 times.” He continues advising that the right attitude needed to flourish as a business or social entrepreneur today is, “A shark can or cannot help me, but nobody is going to stop me from progressing on a daily basis. I’m going to surround myself with likeminded people…I’m going to find a mentor. I’m going to create something that’s going to empower people or solve a problem. Maybe it’s going to help people live longer. Maybe it’s going stop some form of racism or whatever the case is. It’s a passion, it’s not about the money. Whether I win, lose or draw, I’m going to make sure this is addressed.” Admittedly, the idea of giving up has crossed John’s mind many times mostly in the early stages of his career. He said when he and his friends started FUBU, “we doubted ourselves every single day and I still have three friends, who every time I would want to quit, they wouldn’t let me and vice versa.” “When I got my first divorce, did I want to give up and say, ‘was any kind of fortune worth the risk of my family’ – or when my health started to go up and down

[did I] question it? Sure.” Giving up, however is not in John’s DNA. He embraces challenge and often times it’s self-inflicted. In the gym he’ll set unreached goals when he knows he needs to work out. On the set of Shark Tank, he willingly risks partnering with an unproven ambitious entrepreneur. As a father of three daughters he embraces the challenges that comes with parenting all while sustaining a high profile profession. “I want to leave my girls a legacy and an inheritance,” says John. “I want them to be able to be proud of what people say about their father. I also have a bunch of Shark Tank companies allowing me to take part in their dream and I owe them the energy and the time.” Regardless of the source his challenges, John maintains that the success story he’s become he owes to God. “Faith is a huge part of why I am here, why I have three healthy children, why I still have my health and I’m able to go out and speak to people,” he said. “Let me not act like I’m this holier than thou person because I’m learning like anybody else out there...Yes, I went to catholic school for seven years of my life. I then questioned the faith for a while which was the right religion. But at the end of the day, I know that I do have faith and God is the reason why I’m here. So [entrepreneurialism] has become my calling.” John is enjoying fulfilling that call each day he wakes up and it has little to do with the amount money he can access but more about exercising his passions. “I don’t equate money with success. Money provides you with more problems and limousines. Success is doing the thing you want to do every single day and being around the people you want to be around. It’s also knowing that you define who you are. That you don’t need anyone else’s validation, unless the validation is out of love.” In addition to the PAGE appointment he’s working alongside President Barak Obama on the My Brother's Keeper program. The national initiative assists underserved men of color in creating access and opportunities for them through mentoring and education. “It’s very hard for me to say what African Americans can do,” John reasons. “But the way that I live my life and the way my mother raised me is; if you have an issue with me that’s your problem–that’s not gonna stop me.” “There’s no give me a break, because the next person behind me is hungrier than me and I’m not going to walk in the room and make it challenging for other African Americans. I’m not going to walk in the room with a chip on my shoulder. I’m going to walk into the room proud and that’s just what it is.”

KEY RESOURCES FOR STARTUP/SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest is a nationwide competition awarding $50,000 to six deserving entrepreneurs and business owners. smallbusinessgrant.fedex.com The National Association for the Self Employed (NASE) Growth Grants Program: Receive up to $4,000 for your small business through the NASE Growth Grants program. Grants can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees, expanding facilities and other specific business needs. http://www.nase.org /Membership/Benefits/Growth_Grants.aspx

Miller Lite’ s Tap the Future is an annual competition for minority business owners sponsored by Miller Lite. Designed to economically empower minority businesses, the grand prize is $200,000. MLTaptheFuture.com

cent women-owned, and are founded on principles of social consciousness, sustainability and innovation. These businesses must also be ready to move to the next phase of development. http://www.eileenfisher.com

each. You’ll have to answer a few essay questions regarding your business, its story, and its community impact, and then winners are decided by a panel of small business experts and senior executives.

Idea Cafe Small Business Grant: The Idea Cafe is a free gateway hosting different grants. http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/business_grants/

Small Business Innovation Research: Eleven different federal agencies participate in this awards-based program, which incentivizes and enables small businesses to explore their technological potential. www.sbir.gov

InnovateHer Women Business Challenge: Co-hosted by the SBA, this competition offers $70,000 in grant money across its first, second, and third prize winners. It’s only a part of the InnovateHER: Innovating for Women Business Summit, sponsored by Microsoft as well. https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/wbo/r esources/1465581

The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program: This program awards five grants per year to businesses that are 100 per-

Chase Mission Main Street Grants: Each year, Chase Bank puts aside $3 million to split between 20 small businesses—that’s $150,000

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MoneyMatters African American Buying Power Skyrockets to $1.3 Trillion

“

According to the newly released educational attainment and African-Americans: Demographic increased digital acumen. As these and Consumer Spending Trends, factors change African-Americans’ Why is it that we give away decisions 10th Edition, African-American buyas brand loyalists and ing power shot up from $995 billion ambassadors, savvy marketers are $1.1 trillion in spending to $1.3 trillion in the five years from notice,” according to Nielsen power when that $1.1 trillion taking 2010 to 2015. That’s represents an Senior VP, Cheryl Grace. increase of 27 percent and it is only Neilsen found the largest increase could, according to most expected to continue growing with for Black households to be in the economists, create 12.2 mil- number of households making over projections that it will rise another 16 percent for the next five-year $200,000, an increase of 138 percent lion jobs in the Black comperiod. compared to a total population munity?... Your money is African-American families in increase of 74 percent. higher income brackets have been month, Neilsen expounded your power, and you cannot on Last increasing as well, with the number the earlier report with the give your power away.” of households with an income of release of their latest report in the $100,000 or more jumping from 83 series focused on black consumers, percent, from 1.1 million to around "Young, Connected and Black: two million in the time period African-American Millennials Are between 2005 and 2014. In that same period, African- Driving Social Change and Leading Digital American households with incomes between $75,000 and Advancement.” $100,000 increased by 25 percent. The report found that Black Millennials are 11.5 milAnother indicator that African-Americans are doing lion strong and leading a viral vanguard that is driving better is that they are spending more money on things like African-Americans’ innovative use of mobile technology eating out. The percentage of income spent on dining out and closing the digital divide with $162 billion in buying was 14 percent higher than in 2012, according to the power and undisputed cultural influence report. Purchases for non-essentials such as apparel and This expanding middle- and higher-income segment of beauty products also increased. African-American consumers has become a key compoThe new survey from Packaged Facts supports the nent of growth in financial services, as pointed out in the results of an earlier report from Nielsen— “The Packaged Facts report. For example, between 2006 and Increasingly Affluent, Educated and Diverse,” released in 2016 the number of African-Americans with checking February 2016—finding that black households earning accounts increased 30%, while growth in the number of $75,000 or more per year were growing faster in size and other consumers with checking accounts was essentially influence than whites in all income groups above $60,000. flat. Growth in the number of those using various finan“These larger incomes are attributed to a number of cial services was also higher for African-Americans in the Money Matters continued to page 26 factors, including youthfulness, immigration, advanced

”

On the Money Costly Medicine With the prices of drugs skyrocketing out of control (and financial reach), it is easy to see why initiatives like Proposition 61 have become so popular and are just the beginning of what is being seen as a national movement to tackle what is seen by some as the greed of the pharmaceutical industry. One look at some of the nation’s most expensive drugs is enough to give anyone pause about drug pricing and why some people die for lack of the funds to afford treatment. Viekira Pak, a drug used to treat hepatitis C— which affects between 130 million and 150 million people worldwide and is transmitted by blood— is priced at $34,600. Left untreated, the disease can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. When first approved, Orkambi (lumacaftor and ivacaftor)—used to treat Cystic Fibrosis—made headlines for costing $259,000 a year. One bottle of 28 capsules of Olysio—which also treats Hepatitis C—will set you back over $22,000, while two vials of HP Acthar gel—to treat multiple sclerosis, infantile spasms and rheumatoid arthritis— costs upwards of $50,000. The most expensive drug in the world has for years been Soliris at a wholesale cost of $440,000 per year to treat a rare condition known as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Some late stage prostate cancer patients shell out up to $12,657 for Xofigo, while some patients with Leukemia shell out over four times more monthly ($64,260) for Blincyto which finds and destroy leukemia cells. That’s just a sample of today’s drug pricing with most medical experts reporting that costs are expected to climb even higher.

Biz NewsBriefs Actress Keke Palmer Launches Shoe Collection

She’s just 23, but already actress Keke Palmer is looking to expand her brand beyond acting and singing to business with the launch of a new shoe collection in partnership with Shoe Dazzle, an online fashion subscription service based in El Segundo. The collection from Palmer—best known for her work in Akeelah and the Bee, Barbershop 2: Back in Business and Scream Queens—spans from strappy heels to boots, dress shoes and casual. While part of the collection has

already been released, additional styles will be made available in January 2017. For more information, visit www.shoedazzle.com.

Judge Moves Byron Allen Lawsuit Can Move Forward

California Federal District Court Judge George H. Wu ruled last month that Charter Communications much respond to a $10 billion dollar lawsuit filed by Byron Allen on behalf of his company, Entertainment Studios for racial discrimination in contracting against wholly minorityowned companies. “We have evidence of racial bias harbored by top level Charter executives with decision-making authority, and allege, in detail, the discriminatory treatment ESN suffered at the hands of these executives,” said attorney Skip Miller. Said Allen, “The cable industry spends $70 billion a year licensing cable networks and 100% African American-owned media receives zero. This is unacceptable. We will not stop until we achieve real economic inclusion for 100 percent African American-owned media.” Founded by Allen in 1993, Entertainment Studios

owns seven 24-hour cable television networks and is one of the largest independent producers and distributors of content for broadcast television stations. ESN is also the parent company for theGrio.com.

Home Collection From Lionel Richie Due In 2017

He’s sold more than 100 million albums, but with Lionel Richie’s latest project showcases his creativity in an altogether new area—home design. Last month, in Beverly Hills, the 67-year old singer celebrated the launch of his line of luxury home accessories. The Lionel Richie Home Collection produces high-quality but reasonablypriced home decor items including dinnerware, glassware, barware, stemware, and even fragrant candles. He continues, “Marrying contemporary elements with traditional, nostalgic features was the inspiration behind this collection. I was inspired by some of the memories that I have enjoyed with family and friends, and sharing those memories is what makes this collection so special.” The collection is set to hit high-end retailers next year. For more about the Lionel Richie Home Collection, visit www.lionelrichiehome.com

L.A. Focus/November 2016

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INSIDE HO L LY W OOD John Legend To Add Actor To His Resume It appears John Legend is taking a break from music to produce his visions on the big and small screens. Since lending his talents to the 2014 Martin Luther King Jr. biopic Selma, where he and rapper Common collected a Grammy Award for their soundtrack single Glory, the “All of Me” singer has been collecting theatrical credits nonstop. Most notably, Legend has been named as an executive producer for WGN’s slavery revolting firestorm Underground, and is making plans to add “actor” to his resume with the guest-starring role of Frederick Douglass in season two of the drama, premiering early 2017. The singer is also confirmed to executively produce a slew of other projects, including television series on CBS, A&E and another WGN production alongside actress Tika Sumpter — and is producing on the big screen for a musical drama dubbed La La Land starring Emma Stone and Ryan Goseling, and a contemporary drama starring Nas, Jennifer Hudson and A$AP Rocky, entitled Monster. Sheryl Lee Ralph Is Back On Broadway Sheryl Lee Ralph, who was Tony-nominated for her performance as Deena Jones in the original company of the award-winning musical Dreamgirls, is set to join the cast of the hit Broadway musical Wicked this

month, stepping into the role of Madame Morrible. “The surprising tale of an unlikely friendship between two women in the Land of Oz,” Wicked, according to press notes, “tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, long before Dorothy drops in. The remarkable odyssey of how these unexpected friends changed each other’s lives for good has made Wicked one of the world’s most popular musicals.” Ralph earned a Tony nomination for her performance in the original production of Dreamgirls and last appeared on Broadway in the 2002 production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. She is best known for her TV roles as Dee on “Moesha,” Claudette on Ray Donovan and Maggie on “Instant Mom.” Regina Hall and Common in a Secret Romance? Sources confirm that Barbershop 3 costars Regina Hall and Common have been seriously dating. After working closely on The Next Cut movie set, The Glory rapper showed interest in Hall, but was denied due to Hall choosing not to fraternize with colleagues while in production. Sparks continued to fly between the two once filming wrapped in

the summer of 2015, and since Hall and Common have been engulfed in a whirlwind romance. Sources also report that Common had previously given up on love after a few failed relationship attempts, but has found himself falling madly for the “Think Like A Man” actress. Ice Cube and Disney Team Up to Give Oliver Twist a New Look Disney has tapped hip-hop legend Ice Cube to bring some spice to the infamous Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist. Also partnering with Hamilton director Thomas Kail, the dream team will combine their melodic expertise together to recreate the classic into a musical, with Ice Cube playing the role of Faign. The newest rendition will be the first of its kind, and will aim to cross many genres, including hip-hop. Charles Barkley to Host Racefocused Talk Show on TNT Charles Barkley has signed on to host a TNT talk show about race. The Race Card is set to premiere in early 2017. Barkley calls race “the biggest problem of my adult life,” and attributes it to being the reason why “why our country is so divided right now.” The seasoned anchorman has caught some heat in the past with his dismissive comments on the Black Lives Matter movement. However, he wants to use his platform to introduce racial discussions to communities that typically shy away from them, this time around. Barkley believes that “no one is an expert,” and aims to have conversations beyond black and white. It’s about everybody. We’re all in this thing together.”

Neily Dickerson’s Critics Corner The definition of Loving is "a feeling or showing love or great care." Focus Features film, LOVING is the story of Richard and Mildred Loving who are living out their definition of the word. Set in the ’50’s the Loving’s story is about a young Virginia couple who meet, fall in love, get married, start a family and begin living out their happily ever after. Pretty simple, right? No. Richard, played by Joel Egerton (“Black Mass”), is devoted to Mildred, Ruth Nega (“Warcraft,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), and with the approval of her parents doesn’t hesitate to marry her

when he finds out she’s expecting their first child. The couple journey to Washington, D.C. to get married. They had to go to D.C. because according to 1865 Recon-struction Era Black Code Laws that were still in effect, interracial marriage (marriage to a slave) in the state of Virginia was a crime. By the way, Richard was white and Mildred black. The married couple return to Virginia and once authorities are notified realize they are on the verge the fight of their life. They are arrested, advised to plead guilty to being married illegally, forced to leave the state and promise not to return for 25 years. They move to Washington, D.C., but Richard and Mildred were never really content with being separated from family or city life and after one of their children was in an accident Mildred was determined to return home and raise her family in familiar, safe, and

southern surroundings With all of this happening at the height of national racial tension, a friend suggests Mildred write a letter to the government about their situation. She didn’t want to cause a fuss, but writes the letters and receives a response that would eventually take their case to the supreme court. The Lovings were not a showy couple. This unassuming couple simply loved hard and in their calm way, fought to love one another and raise their family. Had this case been handled today the Lovings would have never made a faceBook of Instagram post, nor would they have wanted to be a #hashtag. The anti-miscegenation law was finally overturned and they were able to stay in Virginia. If I had to make a hashtag for Richard & Mildred it would be #LOVINGISWORTHFIGHTINGFOR.

DUE IN THEATERSTHIS MONTH

Doctor Strange November 4

Loving November 4

Sleepless Night November 11

Almost Christmas November 11

Q&A

GabrielleUnion

Name: Gabrielle Union Wade Hometown: Omaha, NE Big Break: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) Claim to Fame: Bring It On (Film, 2000) Other Notable Roles: Bad Boys II, Being Mary Jane, Deliver Us From Eva, Think Like A Man, Birth of a Nation Current Project: Almost Christmas In a move to control her own narrative, Gabrielle Union Wade—like most other industry heavy hitters— insists on attaching producing credits to every contract she signs and it is no different for her latest role in Will Packer’s Almost Christmas. Listed below are her thoughts on the November release, her career and lessons she’s learned along the way. Q: You play one of Danny Glover’s daughters — the least accomplished compared to your older sister in the film, Kimberly Elise. What did you like about the role? A: I love that she’s athletic—that she’s a little complicated. Playing perfect people is the most boring thing ever. Give me the mean girl who finds the light [over] the perfect chick who feeds the homeless and gives blood. Q: How is it taking the “executive producer” seat on set opposed to being a cast member? A: It makes me look at scenes completely differently. So what looks great on paper, it’s like, how are we going to shoot that? Who are we going to cast? Q: And you’re doing the same for the hit show Being Mary Jane. Aside from being the star of the series, how else has your role on the show evolved? A: I don’t just want to be a hired gun. I want to have a little bit more control over the narrative. The only way I can be empowered to do that is to be a producer. Now with as many projects that will have me, it’s part of the deal. For the first time in my whole career, I’ve actually been invited to the writer’s room. Q: Which seems fitting seeing as Being Mary Jane is all about female empowerment and taking control of your destiny, especially sexually and in the workplace. How fulfilling is it playing Mary Jane? A: She’s this very sexually free woman at that time in my life, being 40, it felt very free to feel wanted even if it was for pretend. To play a character that was so desirable, confident and in control of her sexuality and sexual experience was amazing. Q: Has that same confidence always lived with you in your personal life? A: When I was a senior at UCLA, I had just started modeling but no one was checking for me when it came to my body or my face. I stood in line with girls I knew from USC, UCLA, Long Beach State for our chance to dance in front of 2Pac and 25 of his closest friends, because there was something about being chosen that was so intoxicating that we objectified ourselves, and we were okay with it. I always come back to that experience because my self-esteem was so low that all I wanted was to be chosen. Once I chose myself and realized I was my best asset, not who chooses me, that freed me up to love myself in a way that allowed me to love other people better.

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Calendar of events

Ongoing

3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Bl Information: (323) 290-6636 Baldwinhillscrenshawplaza.com

Exhibition: Politics, Race and Propaganda: The Nazi Olympics, Berlin 1936 Historic photographs, documents, films and Olympics regalia, along with first-person accounts of athletes barred because of their ethnic heritage; and the African Americans who competed and won a total of fourteen medals Tues - Sat 10am-5:00pm; Sun 11am - 5pm Free • (Parking: $12) California African American Museum 600 State Drive Exposition Park (213) 744-7432 www.caamuseum.org

In Concert: Andra Day with Special Guests Chloe x Halle 8:00pm • $30+ The Belasco Theater 1050 S. Hill Street Information: (213) 747-0196 Thebelasco.com

Mickalene Thomas: Do I Look Like a Lady? Art exhibition targeting Black female identity $12 MOCA 250 S. Grand Avenue Information: (213) 626-6222 www.moca.org

Annual Black College Summit Calling all community college transfer students and high school seniors 6:00pm-8:00pm Holman United Methodist Church 3320 West Adams Blvd Information: (323) 731-7285 Holmanumc.com

Cardio Kick Class Free • 7:00pm Thursdays Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Bl Information: (323) 290-6636 Baldwinhillscrenshawplaza.com

Saturday, November 5

Yoga Class On the Macy’s Bridge Free •10 -11:00am Saturdays Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza

Senior Line Dancing Class 10-11am • Monday through Friday Faithful Central Bible Church The Trinity Building 333 W. Florence Ave Information: (310) 330-8000 www.faithfulcentral.com

Thursday, November 3

On Stage: “Love Jones the Musical” Starring Chrisette Michelle, MC Lyte, Musiq Soulchild, Marsha Ambrosius, Raheem DeVaughn, & Dave Hollister $55+ • 3pm/8pm Dolby Theatre 6801 Hollywood Blvd Information: (323) 308-6300

Dolbytheatre.com Gaze at the stars: Public Star Party Free • 2:00pm-9:45pm Griffith Observatory 2800 E. Observatory Road Information: (213) 473-0800 http://www.griffithobservatory.org The Real Show, Featuring Usher, Bryson Tiller, Kid Ink and more $39 -130 • 7pm The Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd Information: (310) 330-7300 Fabulousforum.com In Concert: Kid Cudi, Chief Keef, Lil Yachty (Through Sunday) Tickets: $45 -150 Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center 300 East Ocean Blvd Long

Beach, 90802 Information: (562) 436-3636 http://complexcon.com/tickets

Sunday, November 6 In Concert: Kamasi Washington— The Langston Hughes Project Music spans gospel to hip-hop $46-75 • 7:30pm Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 South Grand Ave Contact: (323) 850-2000 www.laphil.com Walk to End Epilepsy Registration: $25 8:00am-11:00am Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, 91103 Information: (310) 670-2870 http://efgla.convio.net/

Sunday, November 6 Faithful Central Bible Church 80th Anniversary Service 8am • 11am The

EVENT SPOTLIGHT Monday, November 7 Church of God In Christ 109th Holy Convocation (Through November 15) Speakers include Bishop Jack Vaughn & Bishop Joseph Warren Walker III, Bishop J. Drew Sheard and Presiding Bishop Charles Blake The America’s Center St. Louis Contact: (901) 947-9322

L.A. Focus/November 2016

First Lady Michelle Obama sports a new look at a recent White House gala

Chris ool J at ing LL C on’s third d lu c in Servers oundati stro’s. amily F Paul’s F ndraiser at Mae fu annual

celek Ridley-Thomas Supervisor Mar th a wi ice of public serv brated 25 years tion sa er nv co e d intimat gala luncheon an er & Gown Cent at the USC Town

Ta m a r B raxto the premie n on the red carp et at re of Tyle r Perry’s A Medea “Boo: Hallowee n”

Oprah Winfrey was on hand for the premiere of good friend, Tyler Perry’s “Boo: A Medea Halloween”

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Legacy honoree Lynn Whitfield takes her bow at the 19th Annual First Ladies High Tea

Tabernacle 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave www.faithfulcentral.com

Tuesday, November 8 Election Day 7:00am-8:00pm Nearest poll location Contact: (916) 653-6814 www.sos.ca.gov/elections

Friday, November 11 FAME’s 6th Annual Golf Tournament, Table Games, and Dinner Party An event to celebrate and honor all military veterans 10:00am Montebello Golf Course 901 Via San Clemente Montebello, 90640 Info: (323) 919-5179 Register: famechurch.org 20th Anniversary Gospel Komedy Slam $15 • $20 at the door 7:00pm-10:00pm Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 S. Vermont Avenue Contact: (323) 758-3777 www.crenshawchristiancenter.net/calendar/

Keri Hilson, Gabrielle Union and Mo’Nique pose at the Atlanta screening of “Almost Christmas”.

the Arts 14901 Inglewood Avenue Redondo Beach, 90278 Contact: (310) 568-8445 arisechristiancenter.com

Saturday, November 12 Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival Performances include Lil Wayne, Erykah Badu, Schoolboy Q and Chance the Rapper (Through Sunday, Nov. 13) Also Carnival rides, games, food truck and more $98 - $350 •1pm Exposition Park 700 Exposition Park Drive Contact: (213) 744-7458 www.campfloggnaw.com

Sunday, November 12 Booksigning: Pastor Wayne Chaney 3-5pm Barnes & Noble Long Beach Towne Center 7651 Carson Blvd Long Beach

For info: (310) 330-7300

Thursday, November 17 Career Fair (Dress your best/bring resume) 11:00am-2:00pm • Free Holiday Inn Los AngelesIntl Airport 9901 La Cienega Blvd choicecareerfairs.com

Friday, November 18 Los Angeles Auto Show (Through Sunday, November 27) Tickets: $5-15 9am -10pm L.A. Convention Center 1201 S. Figueroa Street Contact: (310) 444-1850 Laautoshow.com

Saturday, November 19 Film: Olympic Pride, American Prejudice Explores the experiences of the eighteen African American Olympians who defied Jim Crow and Adolf Hitler to win hearts and medals at the 1936 Olympic Games Free • 9PM Frank Sinatra Theatre University of Southern California RSVP: (213) 744-2024 www.caamuseum.org

Storytelling: “African Tales” Hear wonderful folk tales from Nigeria, Botswana, Egypt, and Rwanda told by master storyteller Michael D. McCarty Free • 2PM (Parking: $12) California African American Museum 600 State Drive Exposition Park RSVP: (213) 744-2024 www.caamuseum.org

Sunday, November 20 American Music Awards Featuring some of the music industry’s biggest names 5pm • $135—$695 Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Court Contact: (213) 763-6030 www.microsofttheater.com In Concert: Dru Hill With Sisqo— 20 year Anniversary $20-40 Doors open 7:00pm The Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd Information: (310) 3307300 www.Fabulousforum.com

26th Annual NAACP Theatre Awards 6PM • $40 - $150 Saban Theatre Beverly Hills Contact: (323) 464-7616 naacptheatreawards.com

In Concert: Joe Moses, Mindless Behavior & more 7:00pm • $30+ Hollywood Palladium 6215 W. Sunset Blvd Contact: (323) 962-7600 www.Hollypalla.com

Tuesday, November 22

Black Women Lawyers Annual Thanksgiving Eve Cocktail Sip 8pm - 1am • $45 - 75 The Reserve Cocktail Club 650 S. Spring Street www.bwlcocktailsip.com

In Concert: Norman Connors and Bobby Lyles (Through Wednesday) Catalina Jazz Club $25 • 8:30pm 6725 W. Sunset Blvd Reservations: (323) 4662210 www.catalinajazzclub.com

Wednesday, November 23 KDAY presents Hip Hop Harvest Featuring The Game, Method Man & Redman, Xzibit, Kurupt & More $29.95 - $79.95 • 7:30pm 777 Chick Hearn Court Contact: (213) 763-6030 www.microsofttheater.com In Concert: Kanye West— The Saint Pablo Tour 9PM • $29.50 - $164 Honda Center 2695 East Katella Anaheim Tickets: (714) 704-2400 www.hondacenter.com

around los angeles

Arise Christian Center Benefit Concert $15 • $25 at the door 7:00pm-10:00pm Centinela Valley Center for

Monday, November 14

In Concert: Rae Sremmund & Lil Yachty Tickets: $35 Doors open 7:00pm The Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd fabulousforum.com

Tina Campbell and her kids are all smiles at the 19th Annual First Ladies High Tea

audia Jordan Lynn Whitfield and Cl al First Ladies attend the 19th Annu ly Hilton High Tea at the Bever

“Thanksgiving Lunch” Adults $46 • Children $25 11:00am-4:00pm Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, 90802 Contact: (562) 590-3100 www.aquariumofpacific.org

Friday, November 25 Alycia Cooper Live Comedy Show $20 • must be 18+ Doors open 6:30pm The Ice House Comedy Club 24 N Mentor Ave Pasadena, 91106 Contact: (626) 577-1894 Icehousecomedy.com

Lupita Nyong’O and David Oyelowo at the Queen of Katwe mo vie premiere

L.A. Focus/November 2016

d Kenny Dr.Bobby Jones an 19 e th Annual Lattimore attend th a at the Beverly Te First Ladies High Hilton

Monday, November 21

Thursday, November 24

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Re d Carpet Style

GABRIELLE UNION Turns heads in a lovely high split white Rodarte gown

AJA NAOMI KING Wearing a white Huishan Zhang gown paired with a black purse and belt

The stars lit up the red carpet as they turned out in Los Angeles for the Birth of a Nation movie premiere.

GARCELLE BEAUVAIS Stands out in a bright blue jumpsuit and a bold lip to match

ELIZABETH CHAMBERS Rocking a long sleeve navy blue gown

ALFRE WOODARD Keeping it simple with a navy blue dress and a black clutch

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Eye On Gospel Dove Awards Handed Out In Nashville The 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards were held at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville last month were awards were handed out in over 44 categories. The sold-out show — hosted by Tye Tribbett and “for King & Country”— featured performances by TobyMac, Tamela Mann, a DC Talk reunion performance and more. Kirk Franklin was named Gospel Artist of the Year, while his 2015 release, Losing My Religion, was voted “Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year”. It was also a big night for Anthony Brown & group therAPy who pocketed the “Traditional Gospel Album of the Year” award for his current CD, Everyday Jesus” and “Urban Worship Recorded Song of the Year” for its smash hit single, “Worth”. “Nobody knew my name and it didn’t matter,” said Brown as he recalled attending the Dove Awards a few years ago. “I was just happy to be in the room. So to be able to stand here tonight is just such an honor.” The GMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Tyscot Records coDr. founder Leonard S. Scott and his son Bryant Scott (the label’s current CEO) were on hand to accept in recognition of t h e compa-

ny’s 40th anniversary. “It’s really something when you get an award for something you just love to do,” Dr. Scott observed. “Gospel music has always been a joy and it’s a privilege ... to be able to support such powerful singers and musicians, anointed people of God who are going out and spreading the gospel and touching lives.” Added son Bryant, “I want to thank my father for believing in me when God spoke to me at the age of 19 and said don’t go to dental school but help your father. He could have told me to go on [elsewhere] so I could make some money but he allowed me to step into my true calling.” The calling paid off and Tyscot is now the No. 1 independent gospel label in the business.” The Indianapolis-based firm is the nation’s oldestexisting black-owned gospel recording label and has launched the careers of John P. Kee, Deitrick Haddon, Vashawn Mitchell and more recently, Casey J, Briana Babineaux and Anthony Brown & group therapy. A partial list of winners is provided below: Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year "Uncomfortable"— Andy Mineo Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year "The Way That You Love Me"— Jonathan McReynolds Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year "Better"— Hezekiah Walker Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year Therapy Session— NF Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year This Is Not A Test— TobyMac Urban Worship Album of the Year Sounds of Revival— William McDowell

New Music From CeCe

Winans is On The Way Ten-time Grammy winning best selling gospel music icon CeCe Winans recently announced a new distribution agreement with Thirty Tigers, which will manage the physical and digital distribution of her music, including her first solo release in nine years which is due out in 2017. "CeCe Winans is a legend, but a legend who is not resting on her laurels," said Thirty Tigers President David Macias. "When the opportunity came up to work with her I was beyond ecstatic. It's an honor to go out and fight for an artist who means so much to so many, as CeCe does." The lead single "Never Have To Be Alone" is currently in rotation at radio stations across the country.

Briefly: The Rance Allen Group will celebrate the release of its 25th album with the debut—on October 28—of “Live From San Francisco”. The group—noted for its pioneering fusion of R&B-styled rhythms with spiritual and message music themes in the 1970s—incorporated both new songs as well as some revamped tracks from past albums such as “Like A Good Neighbor” and “I’m Not Givin’ Up Givin’ Out Givin’ Givin’ In”. The collection is rounded out with fan favorites such as the group’s signature songs “Miracle Worker” and “Something About The Name Jesus”…Meanwhile, music isn’t the only thing on the mind of rising Tyscot star Briana Babineaux (Bri). The 22-year old singer and social media sensation is also eyeing an acting career and recently wrapped production with singer Mali Music in director Joel Kapity’s forthcoming dramatic film “I Am Your Keeper”, set for release in 2017…Finally, Anthony Brown & group therAPy is teaming up with Travis Greene and Jonathan McReynolds for “The Worship Tour: We Are Here”. The tour will kick off on February 21, 2017 in St. Louis, MO with 16 additional dates across the country including New York City, Charlotte, Atlanta, Nashville, Dallas, Los Angeles and more.

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Through the Storm Joseph Sims Gets Second Chance At Life & Art

oseph Sims was shocked when doctors informed him he suffered a heart attack unaware and would have to undergo a quadruple bypass heart operation. On an ordinary workday last February, Sims, a Visual Merchandise Director at Macy’s, felt disoriented and off balance but figured he could get through his shift, return home and rest. “I thought to myself, I feel okay because I’m functioning. But there was a fogginess and delay in my thinking to what was going on around me and I was like ‘hmm there’s something more serious to this,’” he explained. Sims, 65, called his wife to inform her of the symptoms, when she thought it best to immediately pick him up and make their way to nearby Kaiser Sunset Urgent Care. The physicians examining Sims discovered that 95% of his arteries were blocked effecting his heart as well as his brain. “I didn’t have the traditional heart attack with pain going through my arm and tightness of the chest,” Sims said. The doctors determined, with the help of Sims’ wife, that a Gastro related battle from more than a year prior resulted in all the basic signs of a heart attack. “I’ve lived a relatively healthy life,” Sims assumed. “When I was having these gas symptoms I was taking Tums and Maalox thinking this will just go away because none of [the discomfort] seemed to be asffecting to my heart.” With family by his side and church members praying, Sims, a member of West Angeles COGIC, endured his early morning bypass procedure last May with no complications. “This broke me down,” says Sims of entrusting surgeons with his life. “They cut open my chest, took my heart out and worked on it while machinery kept me alive. And I had no

control during this time.” Sims was soon discharged and it happened to be his birthday. Yet before exiting the hospital news came that his aging mother, who also suffered from years of heart challenges, was about to be admitted to undergo the same bypass procedure. Sadly, his mother’s body was too weak to withstand an operation and she passed the following day at the age of 86. “Here I am recovering from surgery and going through a lot of pain,” said Sims. “Then to lose my mother on top of all that caused me a lot of emotional suffering and stress.” What would propel Sims through his seasons of tumult is a plan he put in place before his scheduled bypass surgery. A professional sculptor on the side, Sims prepared twelve blank canvases with the understanding that he would need to focus on something constructive once he returned home to recover. “I believe it is always important to have a goal in front of you,” Sims said. “I didn’t go into this surgery thinking that I wasn’t going to survive it.” Amid grieving his mother’s death and recovering from bypass surgery, Sims wasted no time going to work on his assemblage art sculptures. His works of art are created from society waste; objects that are old, rusty, torn, discarded, rejected and worn-out. It is Sims’ passion and he feels strongly that, "Art should make you think, feel, or see something different.” Assemblage is three-dimensional sculpture art created from unrelated elements. Sims has been dubbed a master of creating these 3D collages of found objects. His sculptures tell stories, kindle emotions, and provoke thought. “All of my emotions, the agony and all that was affecting me during the period of recovery just came out in the paintings and helped my healing process,” he said. “I thank God every day for seeing another day because nothing is promised to you.” Last month, the Museum of African American Art kicked off a three-month exhibit of Sims’ assemblage art. The opening day reception welcomed a standing room only crowd where he addressed visitors and conducted an informative Q&A session about the collection. Ironically, the Museum is located on the 3rd Floor of Macy’s in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza where Sims was employed for over 44 years until retiring this year after his surgery. Macy’s will showcase over 30 works of art by Sims until the end of the year, crowning the 40th year anniversary of the Museum. This exhibit is a milestone for Sims as he is the sole artist featured for three months at the Museum. Sims love for art dates back to the late 1960s when he was a student at Crenshaw High School. His mother was a florist and he credits that exposure for his creativity and eye for arranging color. Sims’ work has been part of several collaborated public exhibits throughout California and the east coast; from Los Angeles City Hall to the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York. He was at the forefront of the art explosion in Los Angeles during the seventies and served as Chairman of the Brockman Gallery’s Street

GERALD BELL Contributor

Graphics Committee. Today, he is a member of the Los Angeles Assemblage Group. “Art has always grounded me,” said Sims who was deeply inspired by the work of prominent African American artist John Outterbridge. “Art kept me doing well in other subjects in high school…and it’s what gets me through things now and allows me to process a little better.” With the support of his two siblings, Sims shares the responsibility for the care of his 89-year old father. They go for walks and converse about topics that keep each other motivated and aspiring for more. This goal-setting artist has plans to launch another series of works from his studio soon and has a new goal of training to participate in the LA Marathon one day. “God gave you a gift and a talent,” quotes Sims from a T.D Jakes’ book he read in the hospital. “What you do with that gift is your gift back to God. I want to honor [God] and keep Him in front of me with my eyes on Him.”

Storm Watch Coronary bypass surgery is used to treat heart attacks or serious chest pain caused by blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. A double, triple or quadruple bypass refers to the number of heart arteries that are bypassed. Today, more than 95 percent of people who undergo coronary bypass surgery do not experience serious complications, and the risk of death immediately after the procedure is only 1–2 percent. However, there are some high risks attached to the procedure for women; for those over 70; and for those who have already had heart surgery. Those with diabetes, kidney disease or lung disease, may also be at higher risk. Common signs and symptoms of a heart attack include: • Chest pain • Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or upper part of the stomach • Shortness of breath, which may occur with or before chest discomfort • Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting, light-headedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold sweat • Sleep problems, fatigue (tiredness), or lack of energy

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ChurchNews Pastor Wayne Chaney Releases Book, Sets National Tour

oted pastor, respected Long Beach community leader, radio show host, entrepreneur and former “Preachers of L.A.” cast member Wayne Chaney can now add author to his list of credits with the release of Your Miraculous Potential, now available where books are sold. In the book, Chaney explains in lay terms how to surpass human limitations and release the power of God into all areas of life. “We are all wired with a sense that there is more to our existence than we experience day-to-day,” he says. “This desire is without question a craving for the fulfillment of a potential that often goes untapped.” The process begins, he says, with a passion to know God and learn to clearly hear His voice. The desire to surpass one’s natural abilities, Chaney maintains, is an inate human desire. As one who does his best to practice what he preaches, Chaney—who pastors the Antioch Church of Long Beach— expanded his scope of work and joined the cast of the Oxygen TV Network’s hit reality shows, Preachers of LA. “I am not exempt from this desire to exceed my human potential in every area of life. Only God knows how Preachers of LA fits into His purposes – it wasn’t something I planned for with specificity, but I’m grateful for the experience,” Chaney says. “We all possess an internal longing that persists until it is satisfied by something greater than the ordinary. The extraordinary only becomes reality by the power of God. ” “Every once in a while the kingdom of God releases a fresh voice with a fresh vision. Wayne Chaney is the manifestation of this truth,” said Kenneth C. Ulmer, Presiding Bishop of Macedonia International Bible Fellowship. “His book is not only an innovative examination of the Word and will of God, but it is presented in an articulate manner that will grip your heart and spirit with higher, deeper, broader, and wider possibilities.” Jack R. Taylor, President of Dimensions Ministries, states, “Read this volume carefully, commit yourself to God without reservation, and begin moving in your limitless potential.” A national tour to promote the book is scheduled for early next year. In the meantime, Chaney is a featured radio talk show host on Stevie Wonder’s KJLH 102.3 FM every Sunday where he hosts a weekly radio show, Real Life with Pastor Wayne and Myesha Chaney.

Bishop L. Daniel Williams is flanked by Pastors E.Wayne Gaddis (left) and Xavier Thompson (Right) Citizens of Zion Hosts Retirement Celebration for Bishop L. Daniel Williams Leading members of the church community turned out for a standing room only celebration service to commemorate the retirement of Bishop L. Daniel Williams from the Baptist Church of the New Covenant on Sunday, October 16. The theme of the service—held at Citizens of Zion Church— was “Forgetting Not Your Labor of Love” and the keynote speaker was Bishop Church News continued to page 26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worship Services: 8am & 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Prayer Meeting(WED): 6:30pm Bible Study(WED): 7pm & Noon The Church where “It pays to be nice”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Lady Dominique Haddon’s work for her church family, The Hill City Church, is a direct reflection of who she is. Not only does she hold relationships close to her heart, but with the recent passing of her mother in 2015, Haddon makes creating memories and cherishing moments with those she cares for a priority. At just 31 years of age, Haddon oversees the day-to-day operations for Hill City Church —where her husband and gospel recording artist Deitrick Haddon is pastor— and is the key decision maker for each ministry. A busy mother of three, she finds that her young age is the most challenging part about her job. “It’s been a challenge not being able to wear my emotion on my sleeves,” says Haddon. “To try and be as diplomatic as possible, and as nice as possible even when people are not being their best or respecting who I am.” Being in such a highly visible position sometimes invites criticism and unwarranted scrutiny — and with her previous stint as a television personality on Oxygen’s Preachers of LA, and now with her role as first lady, she is familiar with both. Haddon believes that it’s always important to be yourself. “You can’t force people to like you, and you can’t expect everybody to like you.” Instead her priority is leading as many young people as she can to Christ and the thriving congregation of upwards of 300 stands as testament to the fact that whatever she is doing is working. St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Rev. Dr. Lovely Haynes Sunday Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed: Prayer Bible Study: 6pm - 6:55 pm Mon. Night Bible Study: 7pm Tue Choir Rehersal Wednesday Prayer: Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7pm • Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7pm Thurs. Evangelism: 7pm (enrollment required) St. Matthew Tabernacle of Praise “The S.T.O.P.” 3770 Santa Rosalia Dr. Baldwin Hills, CA 90008 (323) 291-1115 • F: (323) 293-0471 Rev. C.Barry Greene, Pastor Morning Worship: 8am Church School Hour: 10:15am Tuesday Hour of Power: 7pm

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

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

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

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

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

L.A. Focus/November 2016

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

Dominique Haddon Hill City Church

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

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

First Lady Files

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Weller Street Baptist Church 129 S. Gless St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 261-0949 • F: (323)264-6601 • www.wellerstreetlive.com Pastor K.W. Tulloss Sunday School: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 9am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm www.wellerstreetlive.com “We have not walked this way before” Joshua 3:1-6

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

In Carson

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

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30am Children’s Church (Except 5th Sun): 9:30am 2nd & 4th Sun. Speak Life Youth Ministry: 12:30pm Wed. Bible Study: Noon Streaming live at judsonbclive.net Peace Apostolic Church 21224 Figueroa Street, Carson, CA 90745 (310) 212-5673 Suff. Bishop Howard A. Swancy

Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus) Sunday School: 9am Morning Service: 10:45am Wed. Mid-Week Bible Study: 7pm

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

Sunday School: 10am Morning Worship: 11:45am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Noon Day Bible Class: 12:30pm Wed. Bible Class: 7:30pm Resurrection Church L.A. 1135 East Janis St. Carson, CA 90746 Office Address: 1143 East Janis St. Carson, 90746 (310) 626-4864 • www.resurrectionchurchla.org Pastor Joseph Carlos Robinson

www.greaterzionchurchfamily.com

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

Service times: 8am, 10am, 12:15pm Communion: every 5th Sunday Tuesday Bible Class: 7:30pm

Pastor Profile: Tyson Moore Church: Crenshaw Church of Christ Hometown: Inglewood and Oakland, CA Education: Pepperdine University — B.A. How Long at church: Pastor since January 2014 Family: Married to wife Geneva for 18 years, and has three children, Isaiah, Micaiah and Nehemiah You’re relatively new to the role of senior pastor… I am — our previous pastor served 42 years from ‘72 to 2013. He retired in 2013, so January 2014 is about when I took over. How has the adjustment been for you? It has been relatively smooth from the standpoint of me having grown up here and having been groomed for the position, but, it has been slow simply because this congregation has been here for so long, doing its thing. I’m so much different from my predecessors so to try and line up behind someone differently has had its own challenges, but it’s been wonderful. Is it like a younger fresher take, or is it a more traditionalist preacher — with you being more of a teacher? All of the above. I’m a little more demonstrative. I pride myself on trying to explain the scripture, so it’s a lot more teaching, and people are not used to it. The Church of Christ has been very traditional, hellfire and brimstone — God’s way or the highway. And so, really trying to bring hope and life back to a bunch of people that kind of had it

beat out of them has been another challenge, but I think I’ve liberated older members and attracted newer members without running anybody away — so it’s been good. So, you got jokes yet, you seem very serious. I think I’m a frustrated comedian. I don’t take myself that seriously and I think God has to have a sense of humor when dealing with people. Everybody can’t handle the pastor having a personality like that. I tell people all the time, “my mother named me ‘Tyson’. I don’t go around calling myself by my title, and I don’t put my degrees on my business card — it’s not that serious. God has blessed me, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t have to parade it. It appears to be a quiet, but strong congregation? Our number on the roll is close to 800, but we probably see 500+ on Sunday morning. My predecessor was here for such a long time, and he was never big on being a peacock. I guess I haven’t been either. It {being under the radar] has afforded us wonderful opportunities to do things without the limelight and our membership has steadily grown. We started as a dental office that a group of people purchased in ‘63 or ‘64 and they just kept adding on. What has been the biggest challenge? Dealing with my wife and three kids (laughs). I met Gen [wife] when I was 19 years old, and was working with the youth. My wife is five and a half years older than me, so it took a lot of convincing and prayer to get her to give a brother a chance. Challenges as far as ministry goes, I think my age, because I am younger than most of my peers. Who influenced your preaching style? One of my great mentors in preaching — his name is James Alston — has a church in Richmond, California. I was a kid watching him when he had a church down here on Imperial. He believed if he could paint a picture and tell a story, you’d remember it. He would change clothes, would have different get ups, and he would use different illustrations and things. And, I just thought I could do that. How are people responding to that? They certainly get my

point. I keep you on your toes. I’ve preached in doctor scrubs before, I had a mannequin dummy — I’ve done a lot of different things, but I try to do that to keep the old people honest and the young people interested. Were you in church all your life? Oh yeah, and looking back, I can see how the Lord was grooming me for certain things — being articulate, being good on the mic, poised on your feet, being able to be helpful. I could look back on my life and see that I was doing ministry then, I just didn’t call it that. Did you always want to be a pastor? No, it was not on my radar. If you took me back to high school and said “Tyson, in 25 years this is what you’re going to be doing,” I would’ve laughed at you. When did God call you, and how did you know? What happened? I think what caused me to want to preach was looking at my boyhood preacher. I used to go to youth conferences in the church, and I had a buddy who preached there at 16 or 17. I looked at him and said “I could do that.” I asked Brother Curl if he could teach me how to preach, and he said sure. It was a Sunday morning and church had just let ou when he said, “Well, since you want to learn, I want you to preach at our six o’clock service tonight.” I said I wanted to learn, I didn’t say I wanted to be thrown to the wolves. But on three hours notice, I came up with something. It was sink or swim, and I didn’t die. Two weeks later he says, “Alright, I want you to do it again,” but this time he gave me a weeks notice. He still didn’t sit me down. He still didn’t show me how to do it. After the third sermon, he saw that I was serious and told me to take a course at the Los Angeles Bible College for sermon prep. I had no clue it would land me where I am today. What are your goals for the ministry? I believe that preaching, as well as whatever ministry, ought to be real, relevant, and redemptive. Meaning, it speaks to what you’re going through and touches you where you are. No matter where you are, and no matter what you’ve done God can still use you. A lot of ministry doesn’t speak to a true need. My goal is to try to build more of a family atmosphere. We don’t want to let numbers be our excuse. We’re picking up a lot of stragglers that get overlooked at some of these mega churches and we try to be accessible to members and to people in the community. We go out of our way to be friendly and we go out of our way to make people feel good and at home.

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From the Pulpit: very four years it feels like Christianity is being put on trial based on whatever candidates we have. So as we look and try to figure out how God is inviting us to reflect on our faith on our spirituality and how we do religion, I believe the movie Birth of a Nation came out at an appropriate time, for us to be able to examine what happened around the leadership of Nat Turner. How can we employ our faith and deploy our faith either for liberation or for oppression? That’s the dilemma Nat Turner faced. After he received the gift of being able to read and pursuing that gift, he couldn’t read the books that white folk read, so they made the mistake of giving him the Bible. He read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and memorized it. He was not looking for ways to allow the word to become flesh in his life but had to face the dilemma of using the scripture and Christianity as a tool to justify and advance oppression instead of advancing or facilitating liberation and freedom. Your current situation does not have to be a place of limitation for you. Your current situation doesn’t have to be a place of disregard and disempowered. You can see the struggle he’s going through just as we are struggling right now as we look at how faith is being used during this election season. Will it be used to keep the status quo the status quo will it be used to facilitate racial justice and economic equity or will it be used to justify acquiescence to justify us getting well adjusted to the fact that black lives continue to be devalued. It is just interesting how it is that we can utilize various terms and language to justify the subjugation and marginalization of God’s people. There Nat Turner finds himself in the midst of uncertainty in the midst

of oppression, exploitation, discrimination, the violation of human dignity, the violation of the integrity of who God is and of God’s word, of God’s intention for humanity. But, you see, you can fool some people sometime but you can’t fool all of the people all the time, because at some point when Nat Turner couldn’t take the oppression anymore, he observed what was going on and knew how he was used and what he was used for and came to his senses. He realized that God’s purpose, God’s word, God’s call, God’s intention for humanity is not oppression. It’s not discrimination. It’s not exclusion. It’s not marginalization. but it is liberation and freedom. No matter where you are in your depression, in your finances...God’s ear is not too hard to hear and God’s hand is not too short to help. Don’t let your location be an excuse for you to think that there is limitation in what you can accomplish where you are. You are where you are maybe not because you want to be there. That was the case in the Hebrew people and Nat Turner but it is what it is. What you are going to do with it? How you are using it to make sure that He facilitates your freedom and your liberation? Where it is that God is inviting you into? How shall we sing the lord's song in these United States of America? What song shall we sing? How can the city be a reflection of who God is? We know we are not here by accident. There are people who have been and will continue to come up with schemes and systems to keep some folk down and kick some folk out. It’s like Raid. After a couple years they invent a new version of Raid and you know why? Because roaches build up a defense

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

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

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

In Gardena

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

against Raid so after 3-5 years’ scientist went back to find something else to combat roaches. That seeking is a call of urgency, time is running out. That’s why the text says I must do the work of him who sent me while it’s day for when the night comes I can't do any work. I have news for you, we are in the afternoon and night is coming soon and I dare say to you this is the most consequential elections in these United States of America because it will determine how we will move forward. Cornell West says we are not called to be optimistic, we are called to be hopeful. He says an optimist looks from a distance and he or she assesses the situation and then they make a proclamation. He says that when you are hopeful you assess the situation but, you don’t just make a proclamation. You engage in action to see the need to do. What I must do to change and challenge an abnormal discriminatory oppressive situation so that it can move closer and closer to the beloved community that God is seeking from all of us. If your faith is not intentional then you are practicing a faith that is accidental. Living a life based on coincidence instead of God-incidences. Intentionality and then secondly interceding, pray to the lord on its behalf and so he invites us into a disposition of intercession. Because prayer changes things, people, and situations, you better pray with your eyes open. I learned that from Bishop Desmond [Tutu], who told us in South Africa to pray with our eyes open. We made a huge mistake one day he says when the white folk came to South Africa. They had the Bible and we had the land. They taught us how to pray and after we closed our eyes to

Victory Institutional Baptist Church 4712 West El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250 (310) 263-7073 • www.vibconline.com Pastor Richard Williams, III Sunday Morning Worship: 9am Sunday Evening Worship: 6pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7pm Bible Study Tuesday: Noon & 7pm

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

True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 7901 South Van Ness Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 750-7304 Rev. James A. Perkins Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:45am Bible Adventure Hour (Tues): 6pm Bible Study (Tues): 7pm Bible Study (Thurs): Noon First Church of God Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 • (323) 7571804 www.go2Hope.com Pastor Geremy L. Dixon

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

Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc. 1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90303 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760 Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr. Sunday School: 10am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm KYTYM 1460AM (Sunday): 11:30am www.jacobladderschurch.com

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

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

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

L.A. Focus/November 2016

In Hawthorne

Pastor Kelvin Sauls

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

The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood

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

pray and when we open our eyes they had the land and we had the Bible. We are urged to engage in the spiritual discipline of prayer. Whether things are going bad or things are going good, I know what it means to call on the name of the lord. I’m in constant communication and conversation with the God that loves me and wants the best for me. Seek the welfare or the peace of the city. Pray to the Lord on its behalf. For in, its welfare in its peace you will find peace. What is the community of family or the community of church or the community of neighbors or the community in the state or in this nation? We all become the best that we could be in relationship to others. Mutuality is the about right relationship. Another way to translate the Greek word for peace ‘Shalom’ is right relationship. We are all inextricably connected into a common destiny. We want everyone to get there because we are only as strong as our weakest link. We are to do whatever we need to do to bring folks with us and to realize the only time I look down on a person is when I reach down to pick them up.

Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 11am First Sunday Evening Worship: 5pm Mid-Week Bible Study Wed.: 7pm Radio: KTYM 1460 AM on Saturdays at 8pm & Mondays at 7pm

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In Irvine

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

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

In Long Beach

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

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

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

Church News continued from page 22 Rudolph McKissick, Sr. of Jacksonville, Florida. “Lemuel Williams will go down as one of the greatest presidents of the Baptist Ministers Conference. He was uniquely gifted and brought a creativity to the conference that was unparalelled and unprecendented. He should be celebrated and his legacy is forever cemented not just by this Conference, but his church as well,” said Pastor Xavier Thompson of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Sounthern California. AMEs Hold Southern California Annual Conference The 92nd Session of the Southern California Annual Conference of the AME Church convened late last month at the Hilton LAX. The five-day long conference featured preaching, instruction, musicals and conference business, closing out with a Commissioning Service which ended with the reading of annual appointments. There were few surprises with the handing out of pastoral assignments. Pastors Kelvin Calloway, Edgar Boyd, Carolyn Baskin-Bell, Rosalynn Brookins, John Cager, Reuben Ford all had their current appointments extended for another year. The only notable local changes was the appointment of Dwaine Jackson (formerly of St. James AME) to Bryant Temple AME in Los Angeles. Its previous pastor, Theodore Payne, has been moved to Prince Chapel AME in LaJolla and Rev. Mark Tyler will take over at St. Mark AME. In his closing service remarks, Bishop Fugh announced that Los Angeles had been selected for the General Conference of the AME Church next June.

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

In Pasadena

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

Sun. Worship Experience: 10:45am 3rd Sun. Healing & Annointing: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 6pm Mothers of Murdered Youth & Children Were all receive a little attention, affection and love. New Philadelphia A.M.E. Church 6380 S. Orange Avenue, Long Beach, Ca 90805 (562)422-9300•F: (562) 422-9400 Pastor Darryl E. Walker, Senior Pastor 1st & 5th Sunday Worship: 9am Sunday School/New Member Classes:8am Live Streaming on NuPhilly AppNuPhilly website: 9am 2nd thru 4th Sunday Worship:7:30 am &10:00am•Sunday School New Member Classes: 9am Live Streaming on the NuPhilly App/website: 7:30am Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday Eve 7pm Mid-Week Bible Study: Thursday 12:00 noon

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

In Monrovia

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

Money Matters continued from page 22 case of savings accounts (29% vs. 20%), credit cards (22% vs. 5%) and debit cards (85% vs. 62%). The spending habits of black consumers generate opportunities in a wide array of other consumer spending categories as well. University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth estimates that black buying power would reach $1.4 trillion by 2020, making Black America the 15th largest economy in the world. Yet, all that spending power has not translated into jobs mainly because most of the money is spent outside of the black community and not leveraged. As social commentator Dr. Boyce Watkins points out that wealth should be harnessed. With over $1 trillion, he observed that one could buy: 1,000 NFL teams; 3,000 predominantly white universities; the annual budget of 1.4 million charter schools across the nation; pay the tuition at Howard University for 50 million students for an entire year; buy 854,000 community centers; purchase NBC, ESPN and CBS and still have $1 trillion left over. “When you look at Black unemployment, you see that Black unemployment is typically twice as high as white unemployment,” Watkins said. “Ask yourself this: Why is it that we give away $1.1 trillion in spending power when that $1.1 trillion could, according to most economists, create 12.2 million jobs in the Black community? Understand one important, fundamental fact. Your money is your power, and you cannot give your power away.” Watkins is hardly alone. Recycling Black Dollars of Los Angeles was founded on that premise over two decades ago, but today with the Black Lives Matter movement coupled with the voices of those like

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

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

In Van Nuys

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

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

Watkins, organized buying black efforts are once again on the rise. LetsBuyBlack365 is a national grassroots movement that utilizes the online community and local networking to harness Black buying power, with a goal to create jobs and resources to help Black people.

Wall Street speeches, she admits having contradictory public and private views. But, hey, Donald Trump's a bigot. Larry Elder is an author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. To find out more, visit www.LarryElder.com. Jason Johnson continued from page 22

Kamala Harris continued from page 22

That is simply not true. The FBI was well within its power to examine the new emails, determine if they were pertinent to the case and then inform all of the relevant actors, which should definitely have included the White House. Comey knew his “letter” to Republicans in Congress would get leaked, and he knew full well that it was a Dhalsimlevel stretch to connect the name Anthony Weiner to the Clinton campaign. Such clearly partisan maneuvering is unbecoming of an FBI director, but utterly expected when the Democrats insist on appeasement appointments instead of defenders of the law. The sloppy question to ask now is whether or not this manufactured October surprise will affect the presidential race. In the short term, the answer is yes. Polls cwill show the race tightening as enthusiastic Trump supporters are more inclined to answer the pollster calls than annoyed or dismayed Democratic voters. However, in the end it won’t matter. Nobody in America who is really tuned into this election is going to flip from “I’m with her” to “Make America great again” because the FBI is playing politics. Those who aren’t really tuned in? They’re already halfway downtown wearing their Luke Cage and Misty Knight costumes hoping that Cleveland can take a lead in the series. Try as Comey might, this manufactured October surprise won’t supersede what most Americans already had planned. Jason Johnson, political editor at The Root, is a professor of political science at Morgan State’s School of Global Journalism and Communication

Dakota Communications and a leading public policy advisor. “Turnout in the African American community statewide is critical.” Harris swept into office as California’s was cited by the New York Times to be among the seventeen most likely women to become the first female President of the United States. Larry Elder continued from page 8 think tanks to the media and social groups. It's an amazing bastardization of the faith. They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy." Calling Black Lives Matter a "radical movement": Even the Black Lives Matter movement that Clinton publicly embraces was demeaned in a DNC memo. Last year, a staffer for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee sent an internal memo to Democratic House candidates, calling Black Lives Matter a "radical movement." The memo said, "Don't offer support for concrete policy positions." It advised avoiding phrases like "all lives matter" and warned candidates not to bring up "black on black crime," since the "response will garner additional media scrutiny and only anger BLM activists." That Clinton says one thing about blacks while believing something altogether different is no surprise. After all, in the leaked email with excerpts of her

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Finding Your Pretty

with Dawn Strozier

“You are beautiful! You

are pretty!” I used to say this to myself over and over again in hopes of building my self-confidence. Growing up, I allowed what other people thought of me to rob me of my selfesteem and sense of beauty. As I got older, I started to notice how my low self-esteem was preventing me from fully enjoying life. On a perfectly hot day while everyone else was wearing bikinis, shorts and sundresses, my perfectly well-proportioned little frame was burning up in a leather jacket down to my knees, One day I realized I couldn’t ignore the issue anymore. My low self-

esteem was getting the best of me and I had to address it. I began to do research and I learned that one of the best ways to work on my confidence was to take better care of myself. Beauty is about how you feel on the inside. One of the ways I became more confident and diminished the signs of low self-esteem was setting goals and achieving them. Setting a goal and achieving it can be the biggest ego booster of all. It’s something no one can take away from you and the confidence you feel when you accomplish it is priceless. People often make the mistake of shooting for the moon, and then when they fail, they get discouraged. Instead, shoot for something much more achievable. Set a goal you know you can achieve, and then achieve it. You will feel good about it and it will encourage you to set another goal and achieve that goal. The more you achieve a goal, the better you’ll be at it, and the better you will feel. Next take a solo trip. Most people

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wouldn’t think of taking a trip to someplace exciting alone. Go somewhere where there is a lot to do and do it. Have fun with yourself, shop eat, relax be pampered and act like a star. A solo trip is a great way to boost your self esteem. No one is going to treat you better than you. Journaling is another way I learned to build my self-esteem. It helps you get to know you. Sometimes we care about what everyone else thinks and we never really know how we truly feel. When you’re trying to overcome a negative self-image and replace it with self-confidence, your biggest enemy is yourself. Get to know you. Start listening to your thoughts and writing in a journal. You will begin to learn good things about yourself, the things you can do well, and the things you like. You may even find what you thought were limitations, are really limitations you’ve allowed to be placed there. Dig deep within yourself and you’ll come out with even greater self-worth.

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So Who Does Your Hair... Sir Cedric J. Hanna, known as the “man with the magic hands” is the epitome of the new millennium in both the hair and fashion world. His innovative fashion style and hair techniques have made him one of the most sought after celebrity stylists in the industry today. Cedric graduated from University City College of Hair in Compton California. It was during this time he made up in his mind to make a name for himself. He sought out the best mentors he could find: Mrs. Doris Mosley and his father, a barber. Under

their mentorship Cedric began to soar and throughout his career he has won six first place titles in numerous hair competitions. He has worked on the production sets of several television and film projects such as the Hair Show with Monique and The Love Chronicles with Monica Calhoun, just to name a few. His vast clientele ranges from everyday professional women to A-list actors and supermodel. As Sir Cedric continues to build his brand, he is undeniably becoming a force to be reckon with in the multi-billon dollar hair and fashion industry. Cedric’s philosophy is simple, “Men

should always be on fleek and women should feel beautiful” Sir Cedric’s tips for maintaining healthy hair: 1.)Keep your scalp moisturized to prevent dry brittle hair 2.)Trim your ends once every two to three weeks to promote growth 3.)Use leave in conditioner after every wash 4.)Always sleep with a silk pillow case Favorite Product: Mizani’s oil treatment CONTACT: Cedric Hanna 323-839-1014

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

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InGoodTaste

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SavingGrace Trai & Grace Byers

L.A. Focus/November 2016

Just two years ago Empire star Trai Byers was a little-known actor who’d had some recurring roles in All My Children, 90210, and the movie Selma. Uncertain of where things were in his life as well as his career and not satisfied with trying to do it on his own, the Empire star surrendered to God. “I was here in L.A. hitting one church really hard just trying to find my answer and calling out to God: what do you want from me? Am I doing the right thing, do I need to speak up, shut up—what do I need to do?” Byers recounted. A t

about the same time he’d signed up to do a pilot for a new show called, “Empire” without the slightest idea of what would come of it. All he knew is that either people were going to love it or hate it. Little did he know that the show would not only be the answer to his prayers careerwise, but that he would meet the love of his life in cast member Grace Gealey. “The first time I met Grace was at a fitting,” Byers recalls. “They wanted to see us in pajamas and I come up there with no shirt on and she couldn’t keep her eyes off me,” he laughs, before taking it back. “She didn’t even look at me.” Both very focused on their work, they wouldn’t actually really meet until they both were invited to a birthday party for castmate Terrence Howard during the filming of the pilot. “We were in a private room--all of the cast—celebrating. It got to that point in the night where everybody started to go off with each other and dance. I’m sitting down minding my business I look up and I got eyes on me,” said Byers. “It was the other way around,” Gealey chimes in, “Truth be told,” he continues, “I was sitting right across from Grace and she just caught me off guard I like to say it was love at soul sight. I couldn’t really comprehend in the moment what was happening I just felt like time stopped. “I meet Grace again and I’m in love but I can’t do anything because she’s dating somebody and I’m still trying to find my feet with God. It was October when I decided to fully stop everything I was doing and focus on my work. It might have been two weeks later I woke up in the middle of the night and I heard God say to me, ‘Grace is your wife’. I said, Nah, that’s the flesh,” said Byers. The couple, who are now newlyweds, faced issues of timing, fighting the flesh, and listening and trusting God’s voice to bring them together. Even going so far as to pray bold prayers while also staying focused career-wise. They also had to get rid of expectations they had such as being married by a specific age. “What was so funny was that Trai was right,” Gealey said. “I was in a relationship at the time and I had been in relationships since I was 15 years old. Here I am in my 30s and I was in a very serious relationship so even though I saw Trai and thought he’s fine, it takes much more than just a good looking man to attract me.” Meanwhile, Byers was letting God work in his life and took it upon himself to make a bold prayer. He knew God told him Grace was his wife, but he

wanted confirmation. So he asked asked to tell Grace what He had told him. Then to take it even further Byers told God to make Grace come to him and tell him essentially what he already knew, which was they were to be husband and wife. While the two actors would talk occasionally, nothing serious developed. However Gealey felt moved to share with a friend how she truly felt about Byers, despite still being in a relationship. “I said “girl, I just have to say this to you because it feels really crazy and I just have to tell somebody, but I think he’s the one. I can feel it. I’m not attracted to him like that and don’t you ever repeat this ever again, because it’s not going to matter…” I just needed to document it,” said Gealey. Truth is, her serious relationship was coming to an end. “In October, God woke me up in the middle of the night and told me to end things in my relationship,” Gealey recalls. When God spoke she listened. Grace quietly ended her relationship and went about things casually to the point where no one had noticed a thing. With the help of a mutual friend as well as cast member, Gealey and Byers began to interact on a social level rather than the casual ‘hello’ in passing. What initially began as a friendship would soon transform into something more as the two began falling for each other. “It got to the point where eventually I was like “I’m just going to tell him how I feel.” And I did,” said Gealey. With Trai in mind she reveals “There was something about his spirit, and I’ll never forget that moment when I heard his spirit, it was just like “oh wow.” After Grace aired her truth, Byers—remembering the deal he made with God—“What is your spirit saying? What did God tell you to tell me that makes you think that you can just come up in here and tell me you like me. What did God say to you,” said Byers. Grace quickly replies “And I was like “wait a minute. He told me months ago that you were the one!” And then we got into a conversation about it, and then it was so funny that we both talked about our experience in October.” The path to marriage was quick however both knew what they wanted. God was instrumental in bringing them together it was simply a matter of listening. Even down to the date of when Byers should propose. He says God told him July 26, which is also Gealey’s birthday. The two were married in April in a private ceremony in a mansion on Grand Cayman Island. In the end, Byers got the role of a lifetime, is clearly focused on the plans God has for his life and has found his saving Grace.

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