Focus 6.15

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L.A. FOCUS

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JUNE

2015

LAFOCUSNEWSPAPER

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have obama’s Policies Bridged america’s inequality Gap? PAGE

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saving Grace: keke Palmer PAGE

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SEE PAGE

Warryn & Erica Campbell

Mothers Mothers of slain slain of BlackMen Men Black Urge Solidarity Solidarity Urge In Fight Fight For For Justice Justice In Nearly 1,000 community >> residents, leaders, elected offi-

George Wallace to host Judge Mablean’s annual hUf awards

cials and clergy turned out to the Black Women’s Forum... SEE PAGE

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contents

June 2015

L.A. Focus Publication

Supervisor Mark Ridley with Cedar Sinai CEO/President Thomas M. Priselac and Arthur Ochea, Senior Vice President for Community Relations & Development and Chief Development Officer at the hospital’s second annual clergy breakfast; (Middle): Congress Woman Maxine Waters speaking at the Inglewood Community meeting Healing Wounds and Building Trust between the police and the black community; (Right): Mae Blake and Barbara McCoo Lewis at the A Day In May With Lady Mae event.

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Commentary

Calendar/Around LA

14 16 Red Carpet Style

The True Black Tragedy

From The Editor Lisa Collins

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Upfront

The Met Gala

Mothers of Slain Black Men Urge Solidarity In Fight For Justice; School Officials Lament Atlanta Teaching Scandal

Head To Head Have Obama’s Policies Bridged America’s Inequality Gap?

Headlines From Africa

10 Feature Story

L.A. Raises Minimum Wage To $15

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One On One Halle Berry Inside Hollywood staff

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Asst. Editor Articles Editor Staff Writers Contributors

Photographers Advertising

Lisa Collins Tatiana Rivera Emma Gannon Stephen Oduntan Larry Elder Bill Jones, Ian Foxx Kisha Smith

Stripping Away The Pain of Scandal, Kadesh Has A New Song

18 Church News 19 First Lady Files 20 Pastor Profile

22 23 In Good Taste 25 Finding Your Pretty 26 Saving Grace Marvin Sapp Releases New CD

Bianca Tillard-Gates

with Chez

Keke Palmer

Inglewood Area Ministers Relaunch National Day of Prayer

Gospel Superstars Launch Dynamic New L.A. Ministry

12 Money Matters

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Through The Storm

Eye On Gospel

Ronell Nichols—Garden of Praise Christian Fellowship

Rev. Philip A. Lewis—New Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church

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Erica Campbell holds up her copy of the Gospel Music Industry Roundup 2015. The latest edition is available for order at Gospelroundup.com

From The Pulpit

of Southern Missionary Baptist Church

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Marc T. Little

Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co. Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church

On The Cover: Warryn and Erica Campbell

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

Cover Design: Tatiana Rivera

West Angeles C.O.G.I.C.

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

Address all correspondence to: L.A. Focus, 333 W. Florence Ave., Suite 315C Inglewood, CA 90301 • (310) 677-6011 Fax: (310) 677-2338 Subscription rates $25.00 per year.

Copyright, January 1995 by L.A. Focus Publications. All rights reserved. Unsolicited manuscripts/photographs are not accepted, nor shall any responsibility for them be assumed.

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Commentary

The True Black Tragedy

Walter E. Williams

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ustlers and people with little understanding want us to believe that today's black problems are the continuing result of a legacy of slavery, poverty and racial discrimination. The fact is that most of the social pathology seen in poor black neighborhoods is entirely new in black history. Let's look at some of it.

Today the overwhelming majority of black children are raised in single femaleheaded families. As early as the 1880s, three-quarters of black families were two-parent. In 1925 New York City, 85 percent of black families were two-parent. One study of 19th-century slave families found that in up to three-fourths of the families, all the children had the same mother and father.

Today's black illegitimacy rate of nearly 75 percent is also entirely new. In 1940, black illegitimacy stood at 14 percent. It had risen to 25 percent by 1965, when Daniel Patrick Moynihan wrote "The Negro Family: The Case for National Action" and was widely condemned as a racist. By 1980, the black illegitimacy rate had more than doubled, to 56 percent, and it has been growing since. Both during slavery and as late as 1920, a teenage girl raising a child without a man present was rare among blacks.

Much of today's pathology seen among many blacks is an outgrowth of the welfare state that has made self-destructive behavior less costly for the individual. Having children without the benefit of marriage is less burdensome if the mother receives housing subsidies, welfare payments and food stamps. Plus, the social stigma associated with unwed motherhood has vanished. Female-headed households, whether black or white, are a ticket for dependency and all of its associated problems. Ignored in all discussions is the fact that the poverty rate among black married couples has been in single digits since 1994.

Black youth unemployment in some cities is over 50 percent. But high black youth unemployment is also new. In 1948, the unemployment rate for black teens was slightly less than that of their white counterparts — 9.4 percent compared with 10.2.

During that same period, black youths were either just as active in the labor force or more so than white youths. Since the 1960s, both the labor force participation rate and the employment rate of black youths have fallen to what they are today. Why? Are employers more racially discriminatory today than yesteryear? Were black youths of yesteryear more skilled than whites of yesteryear? The answer to both questions is a big fat no.

The minimum wage law and other labor regulations have cut off the bottom rungs of the economic ladder. Put yourself in the place of an employer, and ask: If I must pay $7.25 an hour — plus mandated fringes, such as Social Security and workers' compensation — would it pay me to hire a worker who is so unfortunate as to possess skills that enable him to produce only $5 worth of value per hour? Most employers view that as a losing economic proposition. Thus, the minimum wage law discrimi-

Black teen unemployment reached 38 percent in 2014 nates against the employment of low-skilled workers, who are most often youths — particularly black youths.

The little bit of money a teenager can earn through after-school, weekend and summer employment is not nearly so important as the other things he gains from early work experiences. He acquires skills and develops good work habits, such as being prompt, following orders and respecting supervisors. In addition, there are the self-respect and pride that a youngster gains from being financially semi-independent. All of these gains from early work experiences are important for any teen but are even more important for black teens. If black teens are going to learn anything that will make them a more valuable employee in the future, they aren't going to learn it from their rotten schools, their dysfunctional families or their crime-ridden neighborhoods. They must learn it on the job.

The bulk of today's problems for many blacks are a result of politicians and civil rights organizations using government in the name of helping blacks when in fact they are serving the purposes of powerful interest groups.

Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. To find out more about Walter E. Williams, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

From the Editor “A Tale of Five Mothers”

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We will bond, continue our fights for justice, and make them remember our children in an appropriate light. I would hate to think that our lawmakers and leaders would need to lose a child before protecting the rest of them and making the necessary changes NOW…” It is, in fact, the kids who are doing most of the heavy lifting with the protests they have sparked across the nation against police abuse and for equity in our justice system, but the message that most resonated from these mothers is that all of us have a role to play. We can do it by voting and by doing our civic duty of jury service.

Truth is, we all are too eager to discuss the make up of some of the controversial jury decisions that make headlines and we need to be just as eager to serve on jury duty if we really want the kind of justice we believe is missing when juries that don’t look like us are left to decide.

At press, Sandra Thomas was awaiting justice as an Los Angeles jury had begun deliberations in a trial to determine whether or not LAPD officer Mary O'Callaghan will be held accountable for the death of 35-year old Alesia Thomas, who was punched and kicked in a police squad car while awaiting transport even as she complained of not being able to breathe and asking for medical attention. She never got to jail, but was instead pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Tritobia Ford has both a federal and state lawsuit pending in the wake of her son, Ezell Ford’s death, at the hands of the LAPD. Last month, the NYPD began retraining officers in the wake of the Eric Garner’s controversial death, and Michael Brown's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Ferguson, Missouri, seeking unspecified punitive damages from the suit, as well as $75,000 in compensatory damages for psychological treatment. It also wants an order to stop the city from using "patrol techniques that demean, disregard or underserve [the city's] African-American population" and for the court to appoint a "compliance monitor" over the city to make sure that its police adhere to the constitutional requirements for the use of deadly force.

All this talk about mothers and yet this is the month we celebrate fathers. Happy fathers day to all those men who are doing all they can to raise their children to be responsible, loving adults. You know who you are.

Keep the faith.

L.A. Focus/June 2015

t’s not always so hard to feel someone’s pain. It was palpable on a recent Saturday afternoon when five mothers whose unarmed children had died at the hands of police sat united on a stage at the Westin Hotel to address the stories that had brought them together and the common theme of police abuse that has sparked protests in cities across the country.

It is by virtue of their experiences that they have been thrust into a spotlight they did not seek. None of them asked for the roles they now play and more than likely would have traded anything not to be in their positions, but just as clearly Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin, Lesley McSpadden, the mother of Michael Brown, Tritobia Ford, the mother of Ezell Ford, Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner and Sandra Thomas, mother of Alesia Thomas have grown to become impassioned advocates for justice.

All have become faces of a movement that has gained momentum last summer as incidents of unwarranted police violence became headline news in cities across the nation, igniting riots in Ferguson, Missouri and most recently, Baltimore.

Before being catapulted into the national spotlight, Sybina Fulton worked as a counselor for the Miami-Dade County Housing Authority, but with the death of her then 17-year old son, transformed her family tragedy into a mission for social change, particularly as it relates to controversial stand-your-ground gun laws in states like Florida where her son was fatally shot in 2012.

In the time since, she has taken on the role of elder stateswoman among the mothers, poised to take on the difficult questions and ready to issue challenges, while lending her voice against violence towards children and the empowerment of our youth. It is a message she has taken across the country as a speaker and as cofounder of the Trayvon Martin Foundation, established to create awareness of how violent crime impacts the families of the victims and to provide support and advocacy for those families.

She wrote this in an open letter to the family of Michael Brown last August, “The galvanizations of our communities must be continued beyond the tragedies. While we fight injustice, we will also hold ourselves to an appropriate level of intelligent advocacy. If they refuse to hear us, we will make them feel us. Some will mistake that last statement as being negatively provocative. But feeling us means feeling our pain; imagining our plight as parents of slain children. We will no longer be ignored.

LISA COLLINS Publisher

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Medi-Cal Renewal Now Automatic for Eligible Californians MCKENZIE JACKSON California Black Media

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os Angeles County resident, Diyon Clark, is relieved to learn that his Medi-Cal renewal will be automatic this year. In 2014, he remembers his recertification process being especially confusing and frustrating.

“That’s cool,” said Clark, a 20-year-old who lives in the San Fernando Valley. “That is one thing I hopefully won’t have to worry about.”

Late last year, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced that county human services agencies across the state will renew coverage for most Medi-Cal members by using the information they already have on file. That includes information pertaining to a person’s place of residence, immigration status, and income. If the county is able to verify all of an individual’s information their coverage will be renewed.

In a March 25th email, DHCS spokesperson Anthony Cava said re-certifications begin well ahead of the date members’ plans are set to expire.

“For renewals due January 1, 2015," he wrote, “the process started approximately 60 days in advance (end of October/early November 2014).”

For Californians who qualify, Medi-Cal offers health care benefits at either no or low cost. The coverage funds a prevention-oriented approach that promotes well-being through 21 managed and county-specific health plans such as Anthem Blue Cross, L.A. Care and Molina.

The health program is open to low-income adults; individuals with disabilities; families with children; senior citizens; children in foster care as well as former foster youth up to age 26; and pregnant women.

According to numbers from DHCS, as of last month approximately 927,280 African Americans were enrolled in Medi-Cal. This year, DHCS expects to renew the insurance plans of about 12 million Medi-Cal members. “If all the information is available and it indicates continued eligibility, the individual’s coverage will be continued for another 12 months,” said Cava. Clark, who is half African American and half Jewish and has been covered by Medi-Cal for most of his life, says the most painful part of his renewal process last spring was completing it by phone.

“It took about three months for me to get renewed,” said Clark, a college student and wireless phone salesman. “I was told to call and ask for Medi-Cal, then Covered California, then Medi-Cal.” Clark said needing to have surgery on his torn rotator cuff last year further complicated the process and heightened his frustration. And he was not the only person angered by the 2014 renewal process. There was a significant amount of chatter among health care advocates and Medi-Cal users alike, lamenting the fact that due to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the questions asked on the renewal forms had become too complicated.

Elizabeth Landsberg, director of legislative advocacy at the Sacramento office of the Western Center on Law & Poverty, an organization that works to secure housing, health care, and a strong safety net for lowincome Californians, said the renewal process seems to be more streamlined now.

“The process we have been seeing in 2015 is quite different,” she said. “Essentially in the past we had been expecting people to re-apply for Medi-Cal all over again. Now the onus is on the state to check people’s records.

Cava said Medi-Cal users will only have to complete renewal forms if their Medi-Cal service cannot be automatically renewed, for example DHCS cannot verify certain information like income or residency.

“Then, a pre-populated renewal form is sent to them, outlining the information used for the redetermi-

nation and what information is still needed from them to complete the renewal process,” he said.

Cava said that any forms must be completed within a 90-day period or a current enrollee could lose his or her Medi-Cal coverage.

“This is our standard Medi-Cal policy,” he said. “If the information is provided within this timeframe, the counties will accept the information as if it had been submitted on time and complete the redetermination process. If the person remains eligible, their coverage will resume and be treated as if there was never a break in coverage.”

Besides providing an opportunity to have surgery on his rotator cuff, Clark says having Medi-Cal also allowed him to have surgery on his broken right hand – all within the past year. Inserting a metal plate into one of his appendages wasn’t cheap, he said.

“Medi-Cal has saved me at least $20,000 in medical bills, easily” he said.

For more information on renewals, visit your local county human services agency, go to www.coveredca.com/medi-cal/renewing-medi-cal-coverage/ online or call 1-800-300-1506.

The article above is brought to you by California Black Media, a coalition of Black -owned media outlets committed to making a difference in our communities. It is made possible via a grant for public outreach from The California Endowment. We share the common goal in reaching as many residents as possible with useful information that will help expand access to affordable, quality healthcare to all Californians.

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UpFront Mothers of Slain Black Men Urge Solidarity In Fight For Justice

STEPHEN ODUNTAN

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early 1,000 community residents, leaders, elected officials and clergy turned out to the Westin Hotel on May 30 as the Black Women’s Forum (BWF) and BWF Founder Rep. Maxine Waters (DCA-43rd District) hosted a roundtable discussion and luncheon to honor Black mothers who have lost their loved ones to police brutality.

The program—entitled ‘Standing in the Gap’—featured Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin’s mother, Michael Brown’s mother Lesley McSpadden, Ezell Ford’s mother Tritobia Ford, Eric Garner’s mother Gwen Carr and Sandra Thomas, mother of Alesia Thomas sharing their experiences with Rep. Maxine Waters as the moderator.

“We are focused on supporting these mothers. Though these tragic losses may be out of the national news cycle, their stories are still very relevant and at the forefront of the Black Women’s Forum agenda”, said Beverly Davis, Black Women’s Forum President. “‘Standing in the Gap’ is just one aspect of BWF’s ongoing commitment to curb the police brutality and violence that has disproportionately affected the Black community”.

The mothers of these slain black men used the platform to raise awareness and encourage attendees to continue the fight for equity in our communities.

"It's not good enough to register to vote," Fulton said. "We have to vote on the issues. And when you're called to jury duty, you need to serve."

Fulton urged the audience to stay

Attorney Marilyn Mosby Announces Baltimore Grand Jury’s Decision In Freddie Gray Case

Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin’s mother, Michael Brown’s mother Lesley McSpadden, Ezell Ford’s mother Tritobia Ford, Eric Garner’s mother Gwen Carr and Sandra Thomas, mother of Alesia Thomas sharing their experiences with Rep. Maxine Waters as the moderator. Photo: Gloria Zurveen)

involved.

“Don’t just get involved when it’s a story. Don’t just get involved when we lose a life. We have to continue this fight because our children’s lives our important.”

“My son was murdered and then he was put on trial, but I’ll be his voice,” said Leslie McSpadden.

“It is time for our community to join together and heal, Waters said.

“However, healing only comes when we can first connect with the mothers, uplift them, understand the path forward towards justice and stand together in solidarity. I am proud to be a part of this event and hope to encourage these mothers to remain outspoken so that we can

School Officials Lament Atlanta Teaching Scandal STEPHEN ODUNTAN Staff Writer

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News Brief

Staff Writer

Metro Unveils Campaign Against Human Trafficking Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas, Don Knabe and Hilda Solis joined Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell and new Metro Chairman Phil Washington at a press conference last month announced a new campaign against human trafficking.

More than 10,000 Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority employees will be trained to identify potential sex trafficking victims with a newly unveiled campaign, “Don’t Be Silent.”

“Every Los Angeles County resident needs to learn about this issue. It is a tragedy. It is a travesty,” said Supervisor Ridley-Thomas. “We assert in no uncertain terms that our children are not for sale.”

As part of the campaign, 3,000 ads will be placed on buses and rail cars, and 85,000 brochures will be placed in Metro’s customer centers, stations, buses and trains.

The campaign will have a robust social media presence, and a QR code has been created that directs users to the LA Transit Watch app.

More than 7,000 Los Angeles County employees and residents have already been trained to spot and prevent sex trafficking. The County has allocated nearly $7 million to go towards prevention, education and services for young victims.

In addition, motel workers will be trained to ensure trafficking is not occurring on their premises. Because so many people Metro continued on page 24

Seniors & Disabled, No Raise; State Legislators Get 3% Raise How many times have we heard the phrase that “our budget is a reflection of our values; or a society is judged by how it treats its elderly, sick and disabled members?” Well, it's high time to reflect on our values and to be judged. Until we restore the cuts to our seniors and disabled, we are guilty of abandoning our ethical principles to care for those who are helpless.

On May 7, 2015, AB 474, a bill that would restore recession-era cuts made to the SSI/SSP program to balance the State’s budget, which helps seniors and disabled adults, was the victim of the California Legislature’s latest budget procedure.

The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Budget Process, Oversight and Program Evaluation placed the bill on its suspense file. This procedure of a bill being placed on an Assembly Budget Subcommittee’s suspense file was unusual to me because normally fiscal bills go to the Appropriations’ suspense file.

By placing AB 474 on a suspense file, relief for seniors and disabled adults being forced to live below the federal poverty level will not happen this year. I have a problem with that; especially, when the state has continuously taken $1.4 billion from the seniors beginning in 2008. For me, this is unacceptable, and I will not be silent and allow this injustice to continue.

L.A. Focus/June 2015

leven Atlanta educators who were accused of participating in a scheme to inflate students’ test scores on standardized exams were convicted under Georgia’s “Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act”—a law passed in 1980 specifically to combat the scourge of organized crime, ironically on April Fools Day. The scandal has once again thrust the debate over holding teachers accountable for test scores—mandated by the 2001 (NCLB) No Child Policy Act—into Donald Bullock is led to a holding cell the national spotlight. after a jury found him guilty in the Critics say the landmark NCLB proAtlanta Public Schools test-cheating trial gram, which was designed to improve school performance, has created a toxic past two years, with an especially good culture that encourages cheating. showing by African-American youngCrenshaw High School music and sters, the report said. choir director Iris Stevenson, however, But while elementary and middle said she doesn’t think test score manip- schools have made noteworthy strides in ulation is widespread in Los Angeles recent years says Omar McGee, founder public schools, but stressed, “Lack of of Executive Preparatory Academy of funding plays a major part of the prob- Finance (EPA), many [urban] high lem,” because high-test scores, she schools in L.A., he lamented, “are underexplained, and the teacher’s evaluation performing. In fact, that might be one of determines whether certain schools the reasons there’s not a huge problem qualify for much needed government with teachers boosting test scores out funding. here since students are not performing Interestingly enough, fourth and too well on test scores anyway.” eight-graders in Los Angeles Unified “We just got our test scores in at EPA School District (LAUSD) have made and the results were just phenomenal, remarkable improvements on national he noted. “But outside of EPA, I can’t English and math, according to a 2012 think of any other high schools in L.A report released by the District. that are producing good test results.”

The biggest bump in LAUSD’s scores However, “One thing I can say for on the National Assessment of sure,” he added, “LAUSD does a good job Educational Progress test came over the Atlanta Teaching Scandal continued on page 24

prevent any future deaths at the hands of senseless violence.”

“We may live in the hood but the hood doesn’t define us,” added Tritobia Ford, who filed two lawsuits following the death of her son, Ezell, who was shot after walking away from police officers.

Sandra Thomas—whose 35-year-old daughter, Alesia, died in the back of a police car after being kicked and punched

by LAPD officer Mary O’Callahan— urged members of the crowd to join her at the L.A. Superior Court house as the trial against O’Callahan was winding down. The officer stands trial on a felony count of assault by a public officer. At press, jury deliberations were underway.

Three weeks after Baltimore City state attorney Marilyn Mosby announced charges against six police officers involved in the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury while in their custody and died a week later, Mosby has announced that all six officers have been indicted by a grand jury.

The first charges from Mosby, ranging from misdemeanor negligent assault and misconduct to involuntary manslaughter, intentional assault and murder, came a week after violent protests rocked the city of Baltimore causing a state of emergency and a curfew to be enforced.

“On May 1st our investigation revealed that we had enough probable cause to bring charges against the six officers,” Mosby said.

The newest charges given by the grand jury will move the case briskly forward.

“As our investigation has continued, additional information has been discovered, and as is often the case, during an ongoing investigation charges can and should be revised based upon the evidence,” Mosby s a i d during a p r e s s conference.

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Have Obama’s Policies Bridged America’s Inequality Gap? fter the recent for Reform Now or the South Baltimore riots, left- Illinois State Senator Shore African Village wing critics accused Collaborative and the Dual Barack Obama's President Barack Obama of Language Exchange, which 'Urban Agenda' lacking an "urban agenda." focused on Afrocentricity, Critics like PBS's hard lefty anti-capitalism, political conTavis Smiley said: "What do we see in sciousness and bilingualism.

Baltimore and Ferguson and beyond?

After six years, what did the CAC Racism, poverty and militarism. And so achieve? By its own assessment, the money poverty is clearly connected to this. My was wasted. Their report said: "There were sense is that this is going to become the no statistically significant differences in new normal. These kinds of uprisings and student achievement riots are going to happen a lot more if we between Annenberg can't get serious about jobs, jobs, jobs with schools and demoa living wage for all fellow citizens. ... graphically similar "My problem with the President so far, n o n - A n n e n b e r g respectfully, is that he has had a sort of schools. 'hands off' approach to a 'hands up' crisis, This indicates and I don't think that's the answer to the that there was no prayer, either. ... When you have police Annenberg effect on killings that are on the rise ... for me, that's achievement." a problem; that's a pandemic. I think that What about housLarry Elder our leaders ought to call a state of emer- ing? Surely Illinois gency ... from the President on down. We state Sen. Obama has can then, I think, get a real conversation something to show for his public-private about police accountability, about civilian partnership agenda to improve public oversight and, again, about jobs for fellow housing? During his eight-year service in citizens." the state house, from 1997 through 2004, Black Princeton professor Dr. Cornel Obama co-wrote a state law pooling tax West said of Obama: "Maybe he couldn't do credits for development projects. Then and that much. But at least tell the truth. I current adviser Valerie Jarrett served as would rather have a white president fun- the chief executive of Habitat Company, damentally dedicated to eradicating pover- which managed a project called Grove Parc ty and enhancing the plight of working Plaza from 2001 to 2008. people than a black president tied to Wall Grove Parc Plaza, a renamed redevelStreet and drones." opment of an older housing project, was But as a local Illinois lawmaker, then- opened in 1990 with a new owner, with state Sen. Barack Obama did, in fact, enact funding from the federal government. A an "urban" agenda on education and hous- private management firm was hired to ing. oversee the property, which lay in state Bill Ayers, the former fugitive and still Sen. Obama's district. After losing the conunrepentant domestic terrorist/member of tract in 2001 to Habitat, the head of the the Weather Underground turned educa- original management company was contor, founded the Chicago Annenberg victed of embezzling $1 million in manageChallenge with a $50 million grant from ment fees. the Annenberg Foundation. Just three Residents complained about deterioratyears out of law school, Obama chaired the ing conditions. By 2006, after repeated newly formed CAC board from 1995 to warnings, federal inspectors found condi1999, spending millions to "improve" tions so bad and repairs so minimal they Chicago public schools. In all, CAC distrib- moved to seize Grove Parc, later demolishuted more than $100 million from 1995 to ing it.

2001 to improve Chicago schools.

Similarly, Rezmar Corp., cofounded in Rather than fund the schools directly, 1989 by Tony Rezko, used more than $87 Ayers required schools to work with "exter- million in government grants, loan and nal partners," who focused on political rad- credits over the next nine years to renovate icalism. "External partners" that focused and manage 1,000 apartments in 30 on math or science were turned down. The Chicago buildings — 11 of them in CAC instead funded groups like the far-left Obama's district. Residents complained of Elder continued on page 24 Association of Community Organizations

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Headlines From Africa Botswana: A Botswana central bank official on Tuesday warned that the country faced a dire future as productivity continued to decline. Speaking in an interview, Deputy Director of Research at the Bank of Botswana, Mathew Wrights said there was evidence showing that productivity continued to decline in Botswana, something he said did not augur well for the country in a highly competitive global market.

Burundi: Violence and unrest escalate in the wake of the assassination of opposition leader Zedi Feruzi after a failed coup and growing tension over the upcoming elections. Dozens have been killed as international pressure mounts to have the elections delayed by president Pierre Nkurunziza who is vying for a third term, despite the growing consensus that it would violate the constitution.

L.A. Focus/June 2015

Egypt: A state of emergency was declared by Egypt’s Minister of Electricity. The announcement came last month to companies producing, transporting and distributing electricity in an effort to prepare for the upcoming summer heat. The country currently faces a heat where temperatures soar to 104 degrees. According to Egyptian officials, despite environmental concerns, the government has turned to renewable energy and the state has passed legislations to allow the generation of energy from coal, despite environmental concerns.

Gambia: Government officials have been accused of illegally detaining dozens of friends and relatives of the people accused of taking part in a failed coup attempt last year. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are calling on the officials to either charge the detainees or release them.

Ghana: The nation’s leading movie stars and celebrities locked hands with blue collar workers to protest the nation’s continuing power cuts and to call for an end to the nation’s ongoing energy crisis. Over the last three years, outages lasting up to 48 hours have become commonplace and have led to the laying off of about 3,000 workers.

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Kenya: A news report released by the African Development Bank in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, has placed Kenya among the top 10 destinations for Foreign Direct Investments in Africa. The African Economic Outlook 2015 report rates Kenya sixth in terms of attracting

ere we go again: last My Brother’s Keeper month, Texas Senator Barack Obama, Our (MBK), an initiative spearTed Cruz accused Twenty First Century headed by Obama designed Barrack Obama of “inflaming to help young men, specificalMessiah racial tension” during his ly ones of color, stay on the time in the White House. Not right track and close opportusurprisingly, however, Cruz—a 2016 pres- nity gaps is an important step that’s woridential candidate—conveniently did not thy of praise. address the nationwide furor over the In fact, corporate donors and foundagrowing number of unarmed black men tions have already committed over $85 shot dead by police officers in recent million to My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, months. the new nonprofit spinoff of Obama’s The president MBK. “could have chosen to “These kids are all our kids. We will be a leader” on race profit by or pay for whatever they become,” relations, but instead Obama said. “This will remain a mission “has made decisions for me and for [first lady Michelle Obama], that I think have not just for the rest of my presidency, but inflamed racial ten- for the rest of my life. sion – that have Needless to say, Obama has his fair divided us rather share of critics even among blacks who say than bringing us he has failed to adequately address the Stephen together,” Cruz said. persistence of racial inequality, such as Oduntan Asked to specify the stagnant poverty, disparate incarcerawhat Obama has done to worsen race rela- tion rates and educational gaps affecting tions, Cruz began to ramble away—citing African Americans. a remark made by Vice President Joe Do they have a point? Well of course Biden in 2012 to a largely black audience they do. Not only is black unemployment that Republicans intended to “put you embarrassingly high but black teenage back in chains.” That was the best exam- unemployment is even more troubling. ple he could come up with!

“We’re supportive of the president, but Quite funny considering how often con- we’re tired. We’re getting tired… The servatives refer to Obama as “The unemployment is unconscionable,” said Messiah”—leaves one pondering whether Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Cali., one of many they actually believe the president has staunched supporters of the president who divine powers to wave a magic wand and have offered scathing criticism of Obama right America’s ancient historical wrongs. in recent years.

Not even Republican president Ronald Fact is the first hurdle was electing a Reagan, who conservatives idolize, could black man as president in a majority white bring the country together despite his ora- country. But despite the significant miletory prowess. In fact, if my memory serves stone on race relations, Obama cannot sinme correctly, Reagan never supported the gle-handedly undo centuries of racial use of federal power to provide blacks with inequalities—and it is absurd there are civil rights. Moreover, he opposed the people who suggest that he could.

Voting Rights Act of 1965 and in 1980 said However, as Obama’s presidency winds the landmark legislation had been “humil- down, he must act more vigorously and iating to the South.” address the underlying problems in the However, unlike Reagan’s abysmal black precincts, through initiatives that record on race relations, Obama, on the promote jobs, community college access other hand deserves some credit for and eliminating obstacles for ex-offenders attempting to address America’s deep if he’s to stand a chance at restoring hope racial inequalities. Following the racially and “change” in communities ravaged by charged protest in Baltimore, Obama decades of excessive punitive policies. rightfully acknowledged that the criminal- These monumental problems will not be justice system is significantly biased cured by wishful thinking. against blacks, especially the youth, and Are race relations worse today than that the residual effects of racism built up they were before America elected its first over time have created magnificent black president? Yes and no.

Oduntan continued on page 24 inequities.

H

A look at current news from the continent of Africa investment from foreign countries and international organizations after Egypt, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa and Congo.

Liberia: The Ebola outbreak is officially declared over. The epidemic highlighted the need for strong health systems and sufficient health workers. To that end, greater investment in the training of midwives has become a priority.

Niger: In an effort to stem the flow of illegal immigrants crossing its borders, Niger has adopted a law that could see human smugglers facing up to 30 years in prison. Justice Minister Marou Amadou said the law gives Niger the legal means to punish those profiting from smuggling, while protecting migrants' rights and increasing international cooperation.

Nigeria: Adding to a deteriorating energy crisis —with just five of the country’s 23 power plants functional— Nigeria nearly ran out of gas last month as the country experienced the worst fuel shortage in over two decades. The crisis ended and gas stations reopened only after the government agreed to make arrangements to pay its bills. Meanwhile, the country installed a new president, Muhammadu Buhari, who promised to clean up the oil business.

South Africa: Unemployment in South Africa rose to 26.4% —a 10-year high—as power outages and drought continue to wreak havoc on the nation’s economy. Meanwhile, inflation jumped to 4.5% in April.

Tanzania: United Nations-backed containment measures aimed at stemming the deadly cholera epidemic in western Tanzania's Lake Tanganyika region appear to be working. At least 4,408 cases have so far been reported with the number of new cases falling to 100 a day from a peak of 915 last month.

Zimbabwe: A report released last month from Amnesty International maintains that Zimbabwe is restricting media and free expression by issuing broadcast licenses only to commercial radio stations with ties to the ruling party. More radio licenses were to be issued this year, though officials have countered that many applicants are posturing as community radio only to broadcast their own dissenting political views.

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(310) 935-3015

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:54 PM Page 10

L.A. Focus/June 2015

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”

“I knew what [the next move] was, but that’s not an easy thing.

It’s almost like jumping off a 15 story building with no parachute and saying, “God catch me.’

That’s what we’ve done.

”

he meeting room at the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood was filled to its capacity of 200 as the ushers sought to bring in more chairs to accommodate the swelling crowd of parishioners at the recently established California Worship Center led by Pastor Warryn and First Lady Erica Campbell.

The powerful dose of worship and praise, gospel and spoken word overshadowed even the superstar appeal of its pastor—a recording artist and Grammy-winning producer and his wife, Erica Campbell, solo recording star, reality TV star, multiple Grammy winner and one half of the gospel industry’s hottest selling sister act, Mary Mary.

Worship was, in fact, led by Erica, who made it clear, “This is not a concert. This is worship.” A theme her husband drove home with his power-packed sermon.

They launched the ministry on Easter Sunday, two years after establishing a weekly Bible study that began with 70 members in 2013.

Content with the progess the bible study was making, Warryn—one of the gospel industry’s most sought after producers—hadn’t acknowledged a next move.

“Then one afternoon I was in my backyard and my bishop [Kenneth Ulmer] was visiting,” Warryn recalls. “He asked how the bible studies were going and how many people were showing up.

When I told him, he said I needed to start thinking about the next move.”

“I knew what it was, but that’s not an easy thing. It’s almost like jumping off a 15 story building with no parachute and saying, “God catch me.’ That’s what we’ve done.”

And God has done His part. In the weeks since, the biggest challenge for the couple has been accommodating all the people showing up on Sundays. So much so that for four Sundays in a row, they were pulling out extra chairs at the local school and hotel where they were meeting, and in most cases, still turning some people away.

“Easter Sunday we turned away at least 150 people and we had to add two services and there were a lot of complaints because there were other church services being held at the same hotel,” Erica reports.

“It is a good problem to have because people come where they are hearing something and learning. I’m just in awe of what God is doing and just watching Warryn grow as a minister.

Just to wake up in the morning and look at him on the other side of the room with the bible in front of him —and he’s on his knees— is beyond amazing to experience in your marriage, and what it does not only for the church, but for us as a couple is great.”

After praying for another facility and working with LAUSD to find an auditorium, the church was recently approved for an 800seat auditorium at the James Madison Middle School in North Hollywood.

Both Erica and Warryn are all too aware that their fame and popularity as recording and TV personalities is a big draw.

“You can see in their eyes— a little bit like wow did you see that,” Erica acknowledges. “But it changes once they see me daning and praising God. They’re like, ‘Oh she’s not an artist today.

This is the first lady of the church.’”

But they’re confident enough about what they’re doing to believe that even those who may have been drawn to the church for the wrong reason, might stay for the right one. What’s more, that all they do—from the records to the WEtv show, Mary Mary, to her work as solo artist and his work—be it in the studio or as a member of the contemporary quartet group, The Soul Seekers or a Grammy winning songwriter—is part of God’s plan.

“If you believe God has given you something to say, you want to say it to as much as possible,” Erica states. “Jesus didn’t come back so that we can preach to ourselves so I’ve got to reach as many people as I can. I don’t feel like the gospel I have is only for a 130 people or 500. I believe it’s for millions and for nations and believing that, you’ve got to equip yourself.

“If they don’t come in this church building then I’m going to send my music to the club that they are at. If they’re at the park, we’ll go to the park and have church there. We want to reach people and let them know that there is help, that there is hope, that Jesus loves them.”

Ironically, Erica’s biggest challenge—for a time—was making it to church that first month, having just released a new CD, Help 2.0, and with a full slate of concert and promotional dates already lined up in support of the release.

“We had a joke that the first lady hadn’t joined the church yet,” Warryn says of his wife of 14 years. “But they said you joined the church on mother’s day when you came and preached a powerful message.”

“I was like how do I promote a new record and land in California to be at California Worship Center every Sunday and

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:54 PM Page 11

Warryn at the launch of his label, My Block Records and Erica posing for one of her more recent publicity pics.

tude. We are a unit and we have some great examples to show us what to do—when to take time for ourselves, how to prepare, how to be loving, but keep your boundaries so you keep your families protected. That’s our first ministry. We can’t save the world and have kids that don’t know Jesus.

Still very aware of who she is, Erica has learned to take ownership of her private time and not feel guilty about it.

“Someone asked me for my personal email and I said well no I’m not going to give you that, but we are connected because I’m here every Sunday.

“You have to be careful because people have agendas and a lot of my first lady friends have advised me to protect your family…protect your children and that’s what I’m trying to do.

A key strategy in their launch was to select an area where there was a void and for Warryn—whose studio had been located in North Hollywood for the last 12 years, it was a no-brainer.

“Having a business in North Hollywood I was able to see the lay of the land and how dry it was,” Warryn explains. There were not a l o t

o f churches in the area and there was really nothing for African American Christians, for Hispanic Christians or just Christians in general.”

The Campbells hope to change all that with the multi-cultural California Worship Center.

“We didn’t start a church to have church because I could have stayed at Faithful Central and have church, sitting on the organ every Sunday very comfortable,” Warryn notes. “It’s about affecting the community. We have been knocking on doors, not to say come to my church, but to say we’re giving away free turkeys or we’re painting the alleys to get rid of the graffiti, do you want to volunteer, just to inject some love in the community.”

As part of an anti gentrification campaign he was asked to be part of by a company out of Dallas that owns homes in bulk all across the country in urban communities, Warryn is going to partner with some other churches in Southern California to give away homes to people who lost their homes or can’t pay their mortgages.

“All the churches have to do is find the right candidates for the homes and the commitment is to clean the neighborhood up and fix the homes up,” Warryn says. “It’s an incentive to rebuild the neighborhood and keep it going.

“Worship is at the center of everything we do,

but it’s really about building a family structure and protecting it because I believe that everything else we see on TV, the songs we listen to on the radio…kind of breaks families down. There’s nothing for young men that encourages us to find a wife and have a family anymore. For me, building churches is not necessarily building buildings. It’s building people.”

A fan of the 1950’s, the father of three extols the era where men dressed up in suits and hats and took great pride in their appearance.

“My interest”, Warren states, “is the total man. I want to build your faith up, but I also want you to learn how to be a great and respectful man, get a great job, have a great career; learn how to be a great woman; and build your family.”

“Warryn wants to make sure that, above all, it is God-centered,” Erica has said. “We kind of take the approach of reaching the broken, wounded people who have kind of been jaded by church and don’t want to go no more.”

The church is a family affair for the Campbells. Aside from his wife and first lady, Erica, who sings, leads praise and worship and on occasion, preaches; his younger sister is on the praise team and his mother and father play key roles in the church’s day to day operations.

“My mom and dad have planted a church before, so they’ve been helping. My dad calls me every Monday and gives me what could have been better.

And even though he’s done this before he’s like I’ve never seen [growth] like this.”

The plan is to be in their current location for six months to a year and then to find something more permanent…something that will serve as an anchor to the vision of what they believe the church will become.

“I envision a women shelter and drug rehabilitation centers, community centers and the gyms and the schools. I see all that stuff and we need to have a facility to in order to accomodate all we want to do.

That much bigger vision of all they hope to do is what lent itself to the name.

“As God started unfolding things I realized the vision wasn’t just for North Hollywood, it’s for California we are going to be planting churches all along the coast.”

L.A. Focus/June 2015

Warryn was like, I don’t know, but you have to, and it’s kind of cut and dry,” she recounts. “I missed like two Sundays and it has been a bit of a challenge. My agent and managing partners have not been so happy with me taking Sundays off the calendar, but I do not want the church to feel like a part-time gig for me.

Sunday is a very busy day for gospel recording artists, but I’m making the necessary adjustments.

As for Warryn—known for infiltrating the secular with the sacred in his music and for success with artists outside of gospel, including everyone from Missy Elliott and Brandy to Kanye West— he’s adopted the Quincy Jones approach.

“I produce from my Rolodex,” Warryn revealed. “I’ve got six guys that work under me and I come in, oversee things and add my special touch. I’m in the studios Tuesdays and Wednesday and not very long.

“We have a new CD on the Soul Seekers coming, but the group has been together 15 years and we’ve never done a lot of performances.”

They met after he saw her sing and act in a local stage production. He’d gone at first with a friend and was in awe of her.

He returned on a mission to meet her, joking that ‘she would be his wife’.

Together with Erica’s sister, Tina, the three gave birth to one of the most successful brands in gospel with Mary, Mary, which forged a string of six hit albums (which he produced), a reality TV show and two books. In 2010, Warryn launched his own label, My Block Records, which lists among its roster Mary Mary, Erica Campbell, Jason Champion and Musiq Soulchild.

For those who know the couple, the move to full time ministry comes as little surprise. Both have been in ministry in some shape or form all their lives, and for both, preaching was part of their DNA. Erica, who grew up singing in the choir at the L.A.based, Evangelistic Church of God In Christ, saw first-hand the work of ministry from relatives who were pastors.

“I saw them encouraging people, being there for people, challenging people to be better and when you sing you are up front the whole time, so you learn to engage people and bring them in. With a lot of what I do—whether it’s Mary Mary or as a solo artist—you bring that same quality and skill to the stage, you just have a different mentality about it.

“These are not record buyers or concert goers. These are for people who came to church to hear a word from the Lord, so you have to set the atmosphere and then be very attentive. There are times I leave my front seat to go pray for somebody or see someone in tears and you might have to address them to see what’s going on.”

Warryn’s call to ministry actually came during his youth and there was but one answer: yes.

“You can say no but you are going to end up doing what He wants you to be,” said Warryn, who confessed to being a fan of preachers his whole life.

“My dad is a preacher, my grandfather was a preacher, so I came up with a preaching pedigree. I knew what it was and like everywhere I looked, every conversation I had… I’d be reading my bible and get a whole revelation. I started going to seminary and my bishop, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, licensed me to preach in 2009.

But while Warryn was ready and willing to take things to the next step, Erica wasn’t so sure, at least at first.

“I was like God called you, just because it can be so much and I didn’t know what to expect, but that was the wrong atti-

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MoneyMatters L.A. Raises Minimum Wage To $15

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ast month, the L.A. City Council voted 14-1 to raise the minimum wage in Los Angeles to $15.00 an hour by 2020, plus an additional one-year “phase in” period for small businesses, bringing all workers to $15.00 by 2021. With the move, Los Angeles became the largest city to raise the minimum wage to $15 since the movement began in Seattle nearly three years ago.

“Help is on the way for nearly one million hard-working Angelenos struggling to make ends meet,” stated L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, who introduced a proposal last year to raise the minimum wage to $13.25 that garnered widespread council support.. “This initiative is the largest antipoverty program in our city's history.

“We applaud this pivotal vote that raises the wage minimum wage to $15 an hour and enforces it,” SEIU ULTCW President and RaiseThe Wage Co-Chair, Laphonza Butler.

“We are one step closer to making history in Los Angeles by adopting a comprehensive minimum wage policy that will change the lives of hundreds of thousands of hard-working Angelenos,” adds Rusty Hicks, who works as Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and served as co-chair with Butler on the Raise The Wage campaign. The City Council's action today creates a path for workers to succeed and gives our economy the boost it needs to grow.”

Over the last six months, the coalition held rallies and marches in and around City Hall, organized visits with Council members, conducted polling and research and petitioned the council chambers from residents in all corners of the city.

“This is a historic day in the City of Los Angeles,” said L.A. City Hall Councilmember Paul Krekorian. “We are showing that Los Angeles is leading by increasing our citywide minimum wage for hundreds of thousands of lowwage workers. Los Angeles has become one of the most

New Minimum Wage Schedule Beginning July 1, 2016, the minimum wage in the City of Los Angeles will be raised as follows on July 1 of each calendar year: 2016: 2017: 2018: 2019: 2020:

$10.50 $12.00 $13.25 $14.25 $15.00

Businesses with 25 or fewer employees will receive an additional year to phase in the new minimum wage as listed below: 2017: 2018: 2019: 2020: 2021:

$10.50 $12.00 $13.25 $14.25 $15.00

unaffordable cities in the country. Our wages have not kept pace with the cost of food, the cost of housing and the cost of transportation. Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2020 for large businesses and 2021 for small businesses will help close that gap and bring more people into the middle class.”

“By voting to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, the Los Angeles City Council has just shown what workers are capable of when we stick together,” said Albina Ardon, a 29 –year old McDonald’s employee and mother of two school-aged daughters, who is paid just $9.05 an hour.

“People used to think we had no chance, but we are steadily winning the fight by demanding $15 an hour to lift our families out of poverty. People like me, who work hard for multibillion-dollar corporations like McDonald’s, should not have to rely on food stamps to survive.”

The impact of the council’s endorsement of a $15 minimum wage is huge, according to Christine Owens, executive director of the National Employment Law Project.

“Analysis of a similar earlier proposal, raising the Money Matters continued on page 19

On the Money Jay Z’s New Music Subsciption Venture “Tidal” A Flop Multi-millionaire rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z recently bought and re-launched the subscription music service, Tidal, for $56 million with the intention of providing high-quality streaming and exclusive content for a monthly fee of $10 to $20.

With less than a month since then, Tidal has come under heavy scrutiny from the public who believes that Tidal can never be compared to Spotify or Pandora and is nothing but a spectacular failure.

"I think Jay-Z is about to find out the limits of his celebrity," David Pakman, a venture capitalist and former digital music executive, told the New York Times.

After debuting in the top 20 iPhone apps chart, Tidal last month fell from the Top 700 iPhone apps chart.

In his defense, Jay-Z took to twitter using hashtag #TidalFacts. He explained that Tidal has no intentions of competing with Spotify, but he is in the process of pushing a collaboration with Soundiiz, a known company that transfers playlists from one streaming app to another.

“Tidal is doing just fine. We have over 770,000 subs. We have been in business less than one month,” Jay-Z said.

“The iTunes store wasn’t built in a day. It took Spotify nine years to be successful. We are here for the long haul. Please give us a chance.”

Diddy backed Tidal, telling Billboard: "It's a great idea for the artist to be involved in the distribution... I would bet on Jay Z." Jay Z

Biz NewsBriefs

L.A. Focus/June 2015

Governor Brown Appoints Gene Hale to International Trade and Investment Advisory Council

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Building on the state’s efforts to help expand international business opportunities for California companies, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. appointed Gene Hale to the California International Trade and Investment Advisory Council (ITIAC).

Hale is the CEO of Gardena-based G&C Equipment Corporation, which leases and procures equipment, materials and supplies for the construction industry.

“I am honored to serve on this important council. This dynamic group of individuals brings a

wealth of experience in international affairs and business development and we are ready to help the Governor and GO-Biz continue to strengthen California’s position in the global economy,” said Hale, who in 2012 was appointed by President Barack Obama for the Presidents Export Council, which serves as the principal national advisory committee on international trade.

Simpson Family Mortuary License Revoked The State of California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau has revoked troubled Simpson Family Mortuary in Inglewood after 35 years of funeral and cremation service, effective now.

The discovery which can be found on the state Department of Consumer Affairs website has not deterred Simpson Family Mortuary from continuing business as the company is referring potential customers to its Long Beach location through radio advertisements.

Simpson Mortuary is also licensed in Los Angeles and San Bernardino.

June 6, 13 & 20 ~ July 11, 18 & 25 ~ August 1, 8 & 15 ~ June 6 - August 6 Upcoming Events: Blogging To Grow Your Business & Your Brand, Wed. June 10, 6pm-8pm How To Use Microsoft Office For Increased Business Productivity & Efficiency Wed. June 24 , 6pm-8pm

The mortuary, under the direction of Curtis Simpson Sr., Derrick Sherrod King and Sonya Latrese Simpson has been levied with numerous complaints from the State Attorney General and most recently in 2013 when the mortuary conducted a service with the wrong remains in the casket.

In that case, Simpson Family Mortuary was cited with misrepresentation (fraud), gross negligence, gross incompetence or unprofessional conduct.

Calls to Simpson Family Mortuary are forwarded to its Long Beach location.

A woman answered the phone and explained that the Inglewood location was under renovation and will be reopened in about six months.Then after a long pause, another woman identified as Ms. Starks said that the company is not doing business in Inglewood that it is “Closed.”

Individuals should contact the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau before proceeding with any business at Simpson family Mortuary.

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:54 PM Page 13

insiDe ho l lY W ooD with Tatiana Rivera Ava DuVernay Wanted by Marvel To Direct Diverse Superhero Movie She may not have won the Best Director Golden Globe for “Selma,” but the doors are certainly opening for Ava DuVernay. The Los Angeles native, who recently had a Barbie doll made in her likeness, is reportedly in talks with Marvel to direct one of its diverse superhero movies, which include “Black Panther” and “Captain Marvel.”

Multiple insiders told TheWrap.com that Marvel is intent on hiring an African-American director for “Black Panther” and a female director for “Captain Marvel.”

DuVernay, while in Atlanta celebrating former Atlanta Mayor and U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young’s 83rd birthday, slyly told AJC.com, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

If the rumors are true, DuVernay’s hiring would make her Marvel’s first AfricanAmerican and first female director.

“Black Panther” is set to star Chadwick Boseman (42, Get On Up) as T’Challa, the prince of Wakanda who must take over his father’s throne and avenge his death—a character he’ll also play in the next Captain America movie. “Captain Marvel” follows a woman named Carol Danvers who receives powers after encountering an alien from the Kree Empire.

Marvel is known for its strict adherence to the written script, so it will be fascinating to see where this goes for DuVernay, who has famously rebelled against mainstream filmmaking.

Recently, 42-year-old DuVernay has been developing the OWN series "Queen Sugar" with Oprah Winfrey and executive-producing the CBS civil rights drama “For Justice.”

Chris Brown’s Baby Mama Demanding Increase in Child Support Payment It appears Chris Brown is having even more female drama—and this time, it’s not with his on again/off again girlfriend Karrueche or his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna.

In March it was revealed that the 26year-old singer had fathered a child with Texan model Nia Guzman. Brown has been showing off the one-year-old girl named Royalty on his social media accounts as well as at red carpet events such as the Billboard Music Awards last month.

Recently, TMZ reported that Brown stopped sending Guzman the $2,500 monthly payments they had agreed upon when Guzman started pushing for $15,000—and that Brown suspended the payments around the same time the world found about his love child. Sources said Guzman will file court papers if a settlement isn’t reached in the next few weeks.

And the plot thickens... Apparently, Brown isn’t even named on Royalty’s birth certificate, Guzman’s ex-boyfriend is. “[Brown] has no legal obligation to pay Nia child support,” L.A. attorney Mychal Wilson told HollywoodLife.com. “If Chris wanted to, he could walk away from the whole situation and not pay one dime.”

raverevieWs

spy

Jurassic World

infinitely Polar Bear

Big Game

A desk-bound CIA analyst volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent diabolical global disaster. Starring Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, Jason Straham & 50 Cent. In theaters June 5.

Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park.

After visitor rates declining, a new attraction is created, which backfires horribly. In theaters June 12.

A manic-depressive mess of a father tries to win back his wife by attempting to take full responsibility of their two daughters, who don't make the overwhelming task any easier. Starring Mark Ruffalo & Zoe Saldana. In theaters June 19.

A young teenager camping in the woods helps rescue the President of the United States when Air Force One is shot down near his campsite.

Starring Samuel Jackson & Omni Tommila. In Theaters June 26.

Comedian George Wallace Will Host Judge Mablean’s 13th Annual HUF Awards The event will include an awards program and brunch, with entertainment, featuring performance by, Tremaine Hawkins (Gospel Grammy Award Winner) and Mike Phillips (Jazz Saxophonist).

In addition to the Father’s Day Awards, the foundation will present scholarships to students from the Greater Los Angeles area, high school graduates, nursing students and adults between the ages of 25–40.

The Honoring Unsung Fathers Awards program is designed to pay tribute to everyday fathers who provide the love, nurturing and support their children need, but who often go unnoticed. Its purpose is to highlight the fathers in the community who are indeed great role models.

Log into hufawards.com to learn more.

George Wallace

HalleBerry

As the first and only African American woman who has won an Oscar for a leading role in film, Halle Berry is recognized for opening doors for women of color in show business. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Berry was a pageant queen before she moved to New York City in 1989 to pursue acting where she briefly lived in a homeless shelter before finally making it to TV in “Living Dolls.” From there she filmed her breakthrough role in the movie “Boomerang” opposite Eddie Murphy and went on to appear in “Jungle Fever,” “The Flintstones,” “Bulworth” and more before starring in “Monster’s Ball” (which won her the Academy Award), the “XMen” series, “Die Another Day,” “Cat Woman.” TV specials like “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge” garnered her an Emmy and Golden Globe Award. Although Berry hadn’t done television for over fifteen years, the mother of two came back to primetime last year to star in the sc-fi thriller “Extant,” which is premiering its second season on CBS, July 9.

Q: Why did this particular role bring you back to television?

A: There were so many elements that drew me to it, but probably the first one was being a mother. This was a character that was so relatable to me. While I’m not an astronaut or scientist – far, far from it – I still had an understanding about her struggle to not only find time for herself, which is what she loves to do, but also to be a good mother. I love playing strong, complicated characters who refuse to be victimized, and that’s who our Molly is.

If you are an artist, you just want to do good work that inspires you... that ignites you, and that makes you want to wake up in the morning and go to work, and that’s what this series and this character has done for me.

And the fact that the studio did me a real solid and did this show in Los Angeles, so that I don’t have to leave my family was another reason to do it. I really want to be home and be a hands-on mom, and I get to stay in town and work now.

Q: Why are all the big actors going back to TV? A: Anyone in this industry will tell you that that’s where the best writing is. Good actors are going to TV. It’s not just about making movies any more, and movies are becoming harder and harder to make. That taboo of television is long gone. Now we have big screens in our homes.

Q: Are you a sci-fi fan?

A: I do like a fair bit of science fiction. I was a big ET fan. That is my version of science fiction. That’s why, when I heard that Steven Spielberg was involved, I was really excited. That’s the kind of science fiction I really like because it has a lot of heart, but is supernatural. That hooked me.

Q: Is it harder to get quality roles now that you're older?

A: I’ve always had a hard time getting roles, being of color, so I’ve got as many available to me as I’ve always had. There's no difference for me. When I was 21, it was as hard as it is now when I’m 48. For me, it’s the same.

L.A. Focus/June 2015

Some of today’s most talented television and music stars will come together to join Judge Mablean and the Mablean Ephriam Foundation for the thirteenth year in Honoring Unsung Fathers (H.U.F.) on Sunday, June 21st.

Celebrities such as Tamala Jones (ABC’s Castle), Denise Boutte’ (TV One’s For The Love of Ruth and Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns), Renée Lawless (Tyler Perry’s The Have and the Have Nots), Shari Headley (Tyler Perry’s The Have and the Have Nots), Wendell James (OWN’s Raising Whitley) and Bishop Corletta Vaughn (Oxygen Preachers of Detroit) will present the winning father’s with awards. The nominated father’s include: Stephen Hill (single father raising his son), Thomas James (married over 65 years) Orville Barber (owner of Rede’s Son Chili; pictured on the cover).

In addition to these awards, Judge Mablean and the MEF Board of Director will make a special presentation to the Founder’s Awardee; Flex Alexander (Actor/Comedian).

Q&a

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Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:54 PM Page 14

Calendar of events

Stylist June Ambrose attends the New York City Ballet

Ongoing

Sunday, June 7

On Stage: “Motown, The Musical” (Through June 7) Pantages Theatre 6233 Hollywood Blvd $32.50–$165 Check for show times Info: (323) 468-1770

4th Annual Gospel Brunch Fundraiser Honoring Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas 2pm • $75 USC Town & Gown 665 Exposition Blvd holman-cdc.org

Saturday, June 6 Healthy Watts 5K Walk/Run 9am–Noon Macedonia Baptist Church 1751 East 114th St Register: healthywatts.com Emergency Preparedness Faire 10am–2pm Jackie Tatum Harvard Recreation Center 1535 W. 62nd Street On Stage: Five on the Black Hand Side A comedy written by Charlie L. Russell taking place in Harlem New York City in the 1970's. • 3pm First AME Church Los Angeles 2270 S. Harvard Blvd RSVP: (323) 6306844

National Cancer Survivors Day Honoring those in the church and community who are living with and beyond cancer and recognizing professionals who are helping to fight the battle. 9:30am • Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Ave Target Sunday’s at CAAM: Celebrating Black Music Month Special bonus workshop activity: Make your own drum at 1pm • 11am–4pm • Free CAAM Museum • 600 State Dr caamuseum.org Kids in the Courtyard: Craft a Comb Beautiful combs on view in The Art of Hair in Africa (exhibit open through September) and then create your own lovely hair adornments. • 1pm–4pm Free • Fowler Museum North Campus UCLA 308 Charles E Young Dr N www.fowler.ucla.edu

L.A. Focus/June 2015

In Concert: D’Angelo and the Vanguard 8pm • $65–$120 • Club Nokia

14

Paley’s Center A Kerry Washington attends n in Television rica me Tribute To African-A

Church • 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave Inglewood

Tuesday, June 9

Saturday, June 13

On Stage: Lupe Fiasco 8pm • $46.50 House of Blues Sunset Strip 8430 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood

37th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival (Through Sunday) Featuring Herbie Hancock, Ledisi, Aloe Blacc, Tower of Power & more. Master of Ceremonies: George Lopez 3pm • $25–$185 Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave hollywoodbowl.com

Thursday, June 11 Films At CAAM: Finding Fela This film tells the story of Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s life, music and social/politcal importance 7pm • CAAM Museum 600 State Drive, Exposition Park RSVP: (213) 744-2024

Friday, June 12 6th Annual Senior Prom 6pm–1am • $55 The Tabernacle at Faithful Central Bible

Sunday, June 14 Victory Baptist Church’s 72nd Anniversary “Upon This Rock I’ll Build My Church” Mathew 16 &18 • 9am & 1pm • 4802 S. McKinley Ave Contact: (323) 231-2424

Thursday, June 18 On Stage: The Gospel at Colonus (Through July 19) Nate Holden

event sPotliGht Sunday, June 21

Monday, June 8

er's C's Moth ttends AB a y h ls il rp H u y Nicole M cheon in Beverl Day Lun

800 W Olympic Blvd clubnokia.com

The Mablean Ephriam Foundation presents The 13th Annual HUF Awards Honoring Unsung Fathers Awards & Scholarship Brunch Noon–4:00pm • $85 (5 & under $10) Westin Hotel 333 East Ocean Blvd Long Beach Contact: (323) 445-6669 • www.hufawards.com

Gabrielle Union and BET Netwo Debra L. Le rk CEO e attend Pa Tribute To African-Am ley ’s Center A erican in Te levision

Cicely Tyson shows up to celebrate Paley’s Center A Tribute To AfricanAmerican in Television

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:54 PM Page 15

(Left): Dwayne Johnson hugs and kisses his daughter Simone Alexandra, 13, at the inauguration ceremony for his new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Right): Lupita Nyong'o wears custom Gucci at the red carpet opening ceremony and premiere of Standing at the Cannes Festival in France Performing Arts Center 4718 W Washington Blvd ebonyrep.org Films At CAAM: Keep On Keepin' On This film follows jazz legend Clark Terry (Also, June 25 Brothers Hypnotic) 7pm • Caam Museum • 600 State Dr. Exposition Park RSVP: (213) 744-2024 caamuseum.org GLAAACC Education Fund & Foundation 16th Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon Featuring a live student performance excerpt from FAME 2015 the Musical.

11:30am–2pm • $150 Omni Los Angeles Hotel 251 S Olive St Contact: (323) 292-1297 glaaacc.org

Friday, June 19 8th Annual Fatherhood Solution Conference Presented by Project Fatherhood. Conference speakers include Mayor Eric Garcetti and California Endowment

CEO Robert K. Ross 8:30am–5pm Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel 5400 Century Blvd projectfatherhood.org

Saturday, June 20 Operation Warm Wishes and Universal Hair Salons Presents-"My Father, My HeroFather's Day BBQ and Poetry Reading for Fathers and Children in need noon–4pm Universal Hair Salons 17911 Sky Park Cir Irvine • Contact: TyRon (714) 363-6621 SCCWMS 5K Walk & Health Expo Funds raised goes to the Handy Simmons Scholarship.

Ted Watkins Park, Century and Central Ave. Park Windsor Baptist Church’s Father’s Day Brunch & Male Chorus Concert Fundraiser For Faith In Christ Ministries / Carolyn Adams Scholarship 11am $10 (Concert $20)

1842 W. 108th St Contact: (323) 756-3966

Sunday, June 21 13th Annual L.A. Hip Hop Dance Intensive (Through June 27) 1 week/12 Hip Hop Styles 125 Classes Debbie Allen Dance Academy 3791 Santa Rosalia Dr Call: (310) 280-9145 lahiphopintensive.com Unify LA 2015—L.A. Sparks Vs. Connecticut Sun Featuring Watts Area Ministers Unity Choir, Dream Center Pastor Matthew Barnett, Larissa Lam & Lazarus $25 • 2pm: Game 5pm: Unify LA Concert Staples Center Tickets: (310) 729-7654 www.unifyla.com

Sunday, June 22 Crenshaw Christian Center’s Family Women Who Care With guest Kimberla Lawson Roby • 1pm • $5 7901 S. Vermont Ave Tickets: (800) 943-4388

Wednesday, June 24 30th Annual Heritage Music Foundation Gospel Music Conference (Through Saturday, June 27) Hosted by Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux. Guests include David Daughtry, Yvette Cook & more.

7pm • $30–$105 Mt. Moriah Baptist Church 4269 Figueroa St Register: (310) 674-1903 hmfgospel.com

Thursday, June 25 BET Experience presents Kevin Hart 8pm • $59.50 - $159.50 Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St. staplescenter.com In Concert: Rhonda Ross (Through June 26) 8pm• $30–$180 (Two Item Minimum) The E Spot Lounge 4349 Tujunga Ave Studio City Info: (818) 769-0905

Friday, June 26

800 W Olympic Blvd clubnokia.com

Saturday, June 27 Team 7VEN Inc. presents Health & Wellness Fair Free health screenings & gievaways 10am–4pm • Bodger Park 14900 S. Yukon Blvd Hawthorne • Contact: Esther (323) 807-9698 Team7ven.webs.com In Concert: The Roots present Dilla featuring Erykah Badu 11pm • $59.50–$99.50 Club Nokia 800 W Olympic Blvd clubnokia.com BET Experience presents Nicki Minaj with Ne-Yo, Tinashé and Rae Sremmurd • 7pm $59.50–$159.50 Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St. staplescenter.com BET Experience presents Kendrick Lamar, Ice Cube & Snoop Dogg With ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock and Ab-Soul 7pm • $59.50–$149.50

around los angeles Tika Sumpter arrives at the HBO Bessie 81 Tour in LA at The Millwick

n arrives at the Actress Thandie Newto Pictures' Mad Max: s.

Bro r Premiere Of Warne Fury Road

City of Angels Celebrity Red Carpet Experience 8pm–2am • $20 general $40 VIP • OHM Nightclub 6801 Hollywood Blvd Tickets: (562) 673-5296

Tuesday, June 30 Booksigning: Charlie Wilson: I Am Charlie Wilson 7pm • Free Barnes & Noble The Grove at 3rd St & Fairfax Ave Info: (323) 525-0270

Thursday, July 2 In Concert: Smokey Robinson & Fireworks (Through Saturday, July 4) 7:30pm • $32–$206 The Hollywood Bowl 2301 Highland Ave Info: (323) 850-2000

Friday, July 3 In Concert: Blackstreet, SWV, Ginuwine, Troop & Tony!Toni!Tone’!

7pm • $52.40–$107.25 The Greek Theatre 2700 N. Vermont

Actress Zoe Kravitz arrive s at the Premiere Of Warner Bros. Picture s' Mad Max: Fury Road

L.A. Focus/June 2015

ssie 81 Tour at the HBO Be es riv ar e ng la So illwick in LA at The M

In Concert: Miguel 11pm • $39.50–$79.50 Club Nokia

Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St. staplescenter.com

15

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:55 PM Page 16

Re d Carpet Style

ZENDAYA COLEMAN a custom Fausto Puglisi gown with a sun inspired tiara

red carpet hits by Tatiana Rivera My personal favorite event of the year, the Met Gala, came and went. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme was China: Through The Looking Glass' Costume. Below are some looks that graced the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

TARAJI P HENSON

KERRY WASHINGTON

the gala first timer opted for a more subtle look in a Balenciaga white silk crepe column gown

was pretty in Prada paired with emerald green pumps (not pictured)

ALICIA KEYS made her way into the gala wearing a Jean Paul Gaultier ballerina dress

RIHANNA went the distance in an imperial gold gown that took Chinese designer Guo Pei two years to handmake

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:55 PM Page 17

T h r o u g h t he Storm Stripping Away The Pain of Scandal, Kadesh Has A New Song

J

une marks the release of the newest CD from Kadesh aka Desiree Coleman-Jackson, titled appropriately enough “Love.” Dealing with some of the issues closest to the heart of the actress/vocalist/first lady and co-pastor of the Resedabased True Love Worship Center International, it is — she believes—her best work yet. While songs like “Spending All My Time With You” express her devotion to God, songs like “Fame” are directed to those running after things of the world. But generating the most attention is the song titled “Strip.”

“That's the song on the CD that explains pretty much what I went through in my life and the interesting fact is the gospel community has a hard time accepting a song with a title like that.”

No, this old-fashioned church girl turned preaching dynamo has never stripped, as in taking her clothes off, nor will she do as some have advised and change the title.

“The title is called strip because I am basically saying we have to strip off all of our hurts and insecurities and give them to God so that he can wash us clean and so that we can be transparent before not just Him, but before men and women,” explains Coleman-Jackson, who now goes by the name, Kadesh. “The bible tells us that we are overcome by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimonies.’

“People want the real...but people don’t accept it. You want the real from church people; you want the real from pastors; but when they are giving you the real, when they are given the real, they tend not to accept it.’”

Kadesh, the wife of pastor/former Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson came to know how to ‘strip’ first hand—with a very private, turned public situation where she had to peel away the pain and insecurities that all too often come part and parcel with infidelity and heal her marriage.

In 2012, it was revealed that her husband, — then head coach of the Golden State Warriors — was being extorted by a woman with whom he’d had an affair to pay $200,000 or be exposed. Instead, the couple cooperated with the FBI to have the woman and her accomplice arrested.

It is not something she likes to speak about, but it has something she learned a great deal from and to address it on her CD is their way of keeping it real.

“It happened over eight years ago before we were pastoring that and it was made public three years ago, but we decided to work it out. Sone people look at those in the church as if they’re supposed to be perfect but only God is perfect,” she states.

“If people in the church see me still holding on to my faith in spite of my hurt, in spite of the disappointment, that’s going to allow them to say if she can get through that, then I surely can get through it. We all have troubles, but we’ve got to hold on and look to God in times of

trouble. knows two people that love God can represent the body “When it first happened in 2006 we got over it,” of Christ in a real way.”

Kadesh reveals, “but it was years later that the same sit“The song [“Strip”] says I’m going to take off my pride uation came back in the public’s eye when the young lady and put it in God’s hand because He is the only one that and whoever her accomplice was wanted to extort can make it right. The next line says ‘show my heart’ and money.” that’s what a lot of Christians don’t do is show their It couldn’t have come at a worse time, with Mark— heart. Put all my scars, everything that hurt me, everywhose reputation in the NBA as player and commentator thing that brought pain in my life, everything that could was spotless—just being made head coach of the Golden have killed me…show you my scars so someone will State Warriors. know that He is still God. And that he has the power to “He was embarking on an amazing season in his life,” restore the deepest of pain.” she recalls, “but people are vicious, and the adversary is And today, just as sure as she is about her faith and busy. We had been fine, but, I think when it resurfaced her mission, she is comfortable in her own skin. even as strong as we were, it affected us. I believe you “After all these years I was telling my congregation can have a wound and it can heal and look like it’s total- that I am finally turning into a woman who’s comfortable ly healed when in actuality it had been fractured and you in her own skin.” don’t know that it was a fracture until you re-fracture it.”

So much so that titles are of little consequence to the Marriage is sacred for Kadesh, who witnessed to her recording artist, co-pastor, wife, mother of four and first husband on their first date, getting him to commit his lady, who sees herself most importantly as real.” life to the Lord.

The new CD is her latest attempt at a mission to sing “I was that pure church girl that knew the scripture that she has come to be just as real about. that He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing. We “No matter how were engaged just weeks after we met.” amazing someone What’s more, things were going really well for the may think I am singer-actress who, while still a teen, replaced Tisha at music, the Campbell in the Off-Broadway stage musical, “Mama I assignment on Want To Sing in 1983. my life might She and her husband had met at the Macy’s day be to speak parade. A week later, the 25-year old point guard with into somethe New York Knicks who’d been named the National Kadesh continBasketball Association’s rookie of the year two years earued on page lier, invited her to an all-star game.

24 “I knew nothing about sports,” she recalls. “I was on Broadway so I said no, but I ran into him about three or four times and turned him down each time. The very last time he came to see me, I was opening for Pattie La Belle and he sent his friend backstage to see if I would talk to him and I agreed.

“My husband asked if I’d like to go to the movies with him and it was like this the fourth time I been asked by this man on a date, so I said yes. Afterwards I asked if he was saved. He said he had never been saved before and we prayed together in front of my house. I went away two weeks later to do Arsenio Hall and some other shows and when I came back he proposed to me.”

She was just 23.

They’d been married 15 years when she found out about the affair, which is every woman’s nightmare.

“You don’t think you’re beautiful or you might feel insecure, but at the same time you don’t think that you are enough after an affair. That’s the doubt. But when you are a Christian and when you are rooted and grounded in the word of God, you can press past the natural with the assurance and hope of the strength of the Lord. The Holy Spirit reminds you that this attack is so great because of either a purpose or because the enemy

L.A. Focus/June 2015

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Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:55 PM Page 18

ChurchNews Inglewood Area Ministers Relaunch National Day of Prayer

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

O

Maxine Waters & Bishop Johnny J. Young

ver 300 people turned out for the Inglewood Minister’s Breakfast last month to celebrate the resurrection of the Inglewood Area Ministerial National Day of Prayer and to galvanize the liturgical community to enhance its fellowship interactions.

Awards were handed out to former Inglewood Area Minister’s Association presidents Mark Rohrbaugh, Dr. William Thurman, Apostle Chris Ward, Bishop L.D. Williams, Dr. Theodore Carargas, Dr. Donald Davis, Pastor Rosa Matthews, Dr. Austin Williams, Rev. Alvin Isaacs, Pastor Willie Glenn and Bishop Johnny J. Young.

Special recognition awards went to Rev. Jewett Walker (New Shady Grove Baptist Church), Bishop Craig Brown (Praise Tabernacle Worship Center) and Pastor Geremy Dixon (First Church of God).

Special guests included Inglewood Mayor James Butts, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Inglewood Police Chief Mark Fronterotta and Pastor Xavier Thompson, who served as keynote speaker.

“We’re very pleased that the attendance exceeded our expectations which lets us know that there is great potential to enrich and develop ministry partners and network to offer services and activities that promote holistic healing to our community as well as ourselves,” said IAMA president, Bishop Jacob Douglas.

L.A. Focus/June 2015

New Reality TV Show Draws Wrath From Christian Community As if the reality TV didn’t get enough controversy in the Christian community with the advent of shows like “Preachers of L.A.”, “Sisterhood” and “Preacher’s Daughters,” a new show debuting on Lifetime titled “Preach” is about to turn the heat up even higher. The show, premiering June 5, follows four female preachers, known as prophetesses, who believe God has given them the ability to heal the sick, see the future and rid people of their addictions, while speaking in tongues and one even chest bumps a blessing into a man.

Who are they? Belinda Scott (of Cleveland Heights, Ohio); Taketa Williams (Columbus, Ohio); Linda Roark (Trenton, Ohio); and Kelly Crews (Cleveland, Ohio).

Said E.J. Gaines of the site, Gospel Pundit, “Rarely will you see me speak negatively about anything online, but this is buffoonery and it’s disgusting. It makes a mockery of the Church and spiritual gifts, and it subverts the Godly purposes of prophecy. Foolishness.”

“It has been hard enough for women in ministry that are truly called, especially to any of the five-fold ministry offices, and it’s still very controversial,” said Apostle Beverly “Bam” Crawford of the Inglewood-based, Bible Enrichment Fellowship International.

“Many women today are going to seminary, being mentored, and preparing themselves to serve God. To exploit what is “assumed” to be gifts from God, but appear to lack consecration, maturity or any real fear of God, becomes a mockery.”

In national church news, a new Pew Research Center report of 35,071 adults has found Christianity to be on the decline in the U.S., while the number of people not affiliated with any religion is on the rise.

While the number of Christians dropped by 8% to 71 %, the number of those identifying as atheists and agnostics rose from 16% to 23%. (Those figures trending across racial, gender and status lines.)

The trend is surprisingly reflective among baby

18

Church News continued on page 22

Bethesda Temple Church Apostolic Faith 1101 W. Florence Ave, 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

First AME Church (FAME) 2270 South Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 730-7750 • F: (323) 735-7829 • www.famechurch.org Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, Senior Pastor/CEO Sunday School: 10am Worship: 8am, 10am, Noon Youth Church (Fame Renaissance): Noon 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 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 Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 Dr. Solomon Drake 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

Bethlehem Temple Church, INC. 958 East 52nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 232-8429 • F: (323) 232-8660 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

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

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

Lewis Metropolitan CME Church 4900 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 292-0179 Pastor & Presiding Elder Wendell M. Oldham Jr. Sunday School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:30am Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm Wed. Youth & Young Bible Study: 7pm Ministry to Men (3rd Sat.): Noon - 1pm Ministry to Women (3rd Sat.) Older/ 11:30am 1:30pm & Younger/ 2pm - 3:30pm

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 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

Sunday School: 8:00, 9:45 & 11am Fuse Worship (Sunday): 6pm 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 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

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:55 PM Page 19

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of LA, Inc. 4269 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 Rev. Melvin V. Wade, Sr. 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 • msmbc-la.org • mt.sinai@msmbc-la.org Pastor George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am, 10am Noonday Worship (1st Sun): Noon Sunday School: 8am, 10am Noonday Prayer (Mon): Noon Noonday Bible Study (Tues): Noon Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm 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: 11am & 5pm Baptism First Sunday

New Shady Grove Baptist Church 1509 W. Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 753-0198 • www.newshadygrove.com Rev. Jewett L. Walker, Jr. Sunday Worship: 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Wednesday Bible School: 6pm Men’s Ministry Meetings 2nd Tues: 6pm Youth Mentoring Program 3rd Sat: 10am-11am One Church International 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • www.onechurchla.org Sr. Pastor Toure’ Roberts Sunday Worship: 9am, 11am & 1pm Wednesday Midweek Service: 8pm www.Channel1Live.tv—View live streaming

Paradise Baptist Church 5100 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 231-4366 Dr. Aaron Iverson Pastor’s Bible Class & Sunday School: 8am Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Prayer: 7pm Tues. Bible Study: 8pm

first lady files First Lady Ronell Nichols of Garden of Praise Christian Fellowship in Carson wants single mothers who are still looking for “the one” to have one thing above all: hope.

The West Philadelphia native was a single mother of two children in her forties when she met her now husband Pastor Rodney Nichols.

“I cried. I didn't feel I was worthy enough to date a minister. And then I prayed about it and read the Bible,” she said. “I share with the ladies at my church that 1st Samuel 16:7 was how God answered my prayer. He told me that he looks at a man’s heart.”

“And we just celebrated our seventh marriage anniversary. It serves to remind women that you can get married late in life even if you have kids. Society will tell you different. That’s not how God has designed us. Take your time and let God show you the man for you.”

In 2013, when together they founded Garden of Praise, Nichols almost didn't want to leave their home church where she was comfortable. But she soon found her place overseeing their women’s ministry.

“It was scary at first. But I quickly settled in when I realized people joined our church because they wanted to be there and wanted to support the vision—it wasn't because this was their family’s church or this was the church that was nearby,” she said.

These days, the registered nurse just tries to be genuine.

“First lady is my role, but I just try to be the best person that I can be and exemplify Christ.”

“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: 7:45pm Wed. Noon-day Prayer: Noon

Park Windsor Baptist Church 1842 W. 108th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 756-3966 • RevTerrellTaylor@sbcglobal.net Rev. Terrell Taylor

New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 Elder Jeffrey M. Lewis

People’s Independent Church of Christ 5856 West Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 296-5776 Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Sr. Pastor

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 New Hope Baptist Church 5200 S. Cnetral Ave. Los Angeles CA 90011 (323) 232-4236 Pastor Larry D. Hooks, II Early Worship (1st Sun.): 9am Morning Worship: 10:30am Bible Study Tuesdays: 6:30pm

Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8am & 11am

Sundays: Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Wednesday Bible Study & Mid Week Worship: Noon & 7pm Prayer Meeting: 6:30pm

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

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

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

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

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

Salem Missionary Baptist Church 729 S. Park View St. Los Angeles, CA 90057 (213) 738-1077 • jrwilliams57@peoplepc.com Pastor J. Williams Sunday School: 10am Morning Worship: 11:15am Ministry For Alcohol & Chemical Addiction Wednesday: 5:30pm Bible Study Thursday: 7:30pm Office Hours: Mon 1:30pm-5:30pm; Thurs 2:30pm-7:30pm St. Paul’s Mission Fellowship Church 3010 W. 48th St. Los Angeles CA 90043 Cell: (760) 214-8282 • burtcj@cox.net Rev. Dr. Charles J. Burt, Senior Pastor Morning Worship: 11:30am

“Join us for worship–you will be blessed!”

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

L.A. Focus/June 2015

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

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

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

www.pleasanthillbaptistchurch.org

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)

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Rev. Dr. Lovely Haynes Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Mon. Night Bible Study: 7pm Mon. Tutorial Study: 6:30pm Wednesday Prayer: Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7pm • Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7pm Thurs. Evangelism: 7pm (enrollment required)

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Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:55 PM Page 20

Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church 9702 Holmes Ave. Los Angeles CA 90002 Cell: (323) 566-1202 • burtcj@cox.net Rev. Marcus A. Murchinson, Pastor

Weller Street Baptist Church 129 S. Gless St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 261-0949 Pastor K.W. Tulloss

Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Service: 11am Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm

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: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 9am Evening Worship: 6pm Tues. Bible Study: 5pm

Sunday School: 9am Early Worship (Glory Prayer): 8am Morning Worship: 10:30am Evening Worship (1st & 2nd Sun.): 5pm Wed. Bible Study: 7pm

“We have not walked this way before” Joshua 3:1-6 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

Worship Service: 11:30 am & 5pm Prayer Night Tuesday: 7pm Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm

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 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.org

www.trinitybaptistchurchofla.org

True Way Full Gospel Church 326 East 47th Place Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-4298 Pastor Aaron Millsap

In Carson

West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3045 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 Bishop Charles E. Blake

In Altadena

Abundant Harvest Christian Center (Alta) 2387 N. Lake Ave, Altadena, CA 91001 (LA) 8400 Gregory Way, Beverly Hills 90211 (off La Cienega) (626) 797-6056 • www.abundantharvest.info Drs. Anthony & Micheline McFarland

truewayfullgospel@gmail.com

Sunday Worship Services: (Altadena) 9:30am (LA/Beverly Hills) 11:30am Bible Study Tuesdays: 7:30pm (Altadena) Our heart is to take back the family and see people's lives changed for the glory of God

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

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

Pastor Profile: Rev. Dr. Philip A. Lewis • New Mount Pleasant MBC When were you called to ministry?

I was called to ministry when I was about 14 years old in Oakland, CA. I went to a church called New Hope Baptist Church and I can remember one night being a at a revival meeting and there was a young minister there and I felt the strong call of God on my life. I grew up in a family of Sunday school teachers, superintendents, mission presidents…one of my cousins was a pastor here—Pastor A.G. Kendrick at Pilgrim Baptist and just listening to him when he would come up to Oakland to visit.

Did you enjoy going to church?

Yes. We had a great church. Pastor J. T. McCullum was our pastor in

Birthplace: Oakland, California Church: New Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Family: Married 34 years to wife, Mironda Lewis; Three children, seven grandchildren Past Career: Former member of Dennis Edward’s Temptations Oakland and there was a lot for youth and young people to do,—kind of like the church I pastor right now.

How did you get to New Mt. Pleasant?

I started in ministry there back in 1986. I joined the church in 1985 and was called to preach in 1986 and Dr. Merriweather just really trained and nurtured us in the ministry.

L.A. Focus/June 2015

Were you named immediately after he passed?

No they did a search. It took about two years and they voted me in November of 2013. At the time I was in Oakland pastoring, but had been coming down during their revivals starting in about 2006 and I’d been doing revivals almost every year for them. I loved the people and they loved me. It was a good love affair. It still is.

20

Despite the fact you grew up in the church, it’s always a transition when a new pastor comes in, was it hard to fill his shoes?

Oh yes, it still is. He was the founding pastor and a great civic leader as well as a spiritual leader, so I don’t expect to fill his shoes. I have the shoes that God has put on me to fill.

What kinds of things are you doing to set yourself apart, not just in ministry, but in the city of Inglewood?

Right now, we have a dynamic youth ministry and trying to nurture and bring that along. I have a dynamic youth pastor in the person of Rev. Tim

Griffith—a great man of God. We’re working together with another pastor Rev. Q Mumphry and we’re working together to not just do things at the church but in the community. We just had the First Ladies Health Initiative and it was really a success, and so we’re looking to involve more of our young adults in ministry because it’s time out for all the old people doing things so that we can really make an impact in the community.

What’s your philosophy on ministry?

My heart in ministry is for grabbing onto young people at an early age and developing in them a love for God’s church, for God’s people and the community. I believe that the church has to be a heart for the community. That’s the last commandment Jesus gave was for us, to go into the world and make disciples of all people “teaching them whatsoever I have commanded you.”

What has shaped your approach to life and ministry, whether it was something that turned you around when you were on the wrong path, but it doesn’t seem like you were ever on the wrong path?

Oh yes, I was on the wrong path. The reason I didn’t go into ministry at the age of 14 was because I was on the wrong path—I wanted to sing. I thought I was David Ruffin of the Temptations and I pursued that kind of life. As a matter of fact, I sang with Dennis Edwards’ [Temptations] two or three years and that wasn’t really a bad thing but it steered me away from what God had for me to do.

What was the pull from entertainment back to ministry?

God did that. What happened is I woke up one morning and I heard an inner voice saying ‘Come out from among them. I have something for you to do.’

You stay up late in the entertainment business.

You get up early. It’s really not good for body or mind. Plus, being on the road sometimes for six months at a time, you come home and you’re children are a different size and that’s how the Lord spoke to me. He said ‘no, go home and raise your children’.

Pastor Profile continued on page 23

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:55 PM Page 21

From The Pulpit: of Southern Missionary Baptist Church -- “The Power of Holy Communion”

I

want to preach from the subject today the power of Holy Communion.

I Corinthians 11:23 says that I have received from the Lord that which I also delivered unto you that the Lord Jesus on the same night he was betrayed took bread.

The power of Holy Communion —also known as the Lord’s Supper— in basic terms represents the greatest expression of love from a holy God. Holy Communion also known as the eucharis, the sacrament, is the greatest expression of love that God has for mankind.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him

Pastor Xavier Thompson

shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Holy Communion is not a ritual to be observed, but a blessing that is to be received. It is not a ritual that we just go through the motion, but if you are walking with Christ—that is to say you are walking in divine alignment—whenever you come to the table of Holy Communion with a sense of spiritual insight, spiritual understanding and discernment always expect a release of the miraculous.

Many believers are devoid and destitute of the benefits that come from the Lords table because they do not understand. That’s why the prophet Hosea said, “My people perish because of lack of knowledge.”

Whenever you partake in Holy Communion and you do not have insight and understanding, and you do not have discernment, then the miraculous is reduced to the mundane. That which is supernatural is reduced to natural and the unexpected becomes the anticipated, but when you learn the power and the benefits that comesfrom Holy Communion, you will never take Holy Communion again out of ritual, or ceremony, or out of tradition.

IThis ordinance was commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ himself to observe it, partake of it, as often as you do this. You do proclaim, you do memorialize, you do celebrate the death and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus

Strait-Way Church 102 E. Kelso St., Inglewood, CA 90301 • (310) 412-7475 Bishop Charles C. Queen Sunday School: 9am Early Hebrew Studies: 9am Morning Worship: 10am • Evening Worship: 5pm • Intercessory Prayer (Tues.): 5:45pm Bible Study (Tues.): 6:45pm Bible Study (Wed.): Noon Radio Broadcast (Daily): 10:30-10:45am KTYM 1460AM

Holy Chapel Baptist Church 1016 East Rosecrans Ave. Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 Rev. George L. Thomas

Sunday School: 10am Morning Worship: 11:45am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Noon Day Bible Class: 12:30pm Wed. Bible Class: 7:30pm

In Compton

Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 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

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

Sunday Morning Worship: 9am, 11am & 5pm Wed. Bible Studies: Noon-7pm

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

In Hawthorne

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

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

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

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

www.thelibertychurch.com 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

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

Early Worship: 9:30am Morning Worship: 11:30am Children’s Church: Both Services Word Power Wed.: 7-8pm

In Gardena

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

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

In Inglewood L.A. Focus/June

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

wrong with the teacher. I didn’t like it because I couldn’t understand it and you always fight what you don’t understand.

When you understand the power of communion, you will understand why they don’t allow you to play around that table because the table is a death stopper. The table is a cancer killer. The table is a disease destroyer. That table is powerful.

If your full of faith, can put the devil out of your house, you don’t have to give him a three day notice to quit, but you can evict him immediately.

This afternoon when you left your house it was one way but when you take it at 4 o’clock by the time you get back home at 6 o’clock the atmosphere is going to shift.

If you are going to get the benefits and the power that flows from communion, than you understand that the power of communion rest in the believer’s ability to discern and understand the significance of what Christ did by way of his crucifixion and resurrection.

In other words, the power of communion before it can become a reality in your life you’ve got to grasp the revelation for your life. Paul says in the text, I Corinthians 11:23, the power of communion can become a reality in your life, but before you can see the power, the miracles; before you can see the blessing; before, you can see tangible results that comes from ;communion before it can become a reality, you’ve first got to grasp the revelation of what the Lord’s supper truly means.

The Liberty Church 14725 S. Gramercy Place, Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 715-8400 Pastor David W. Cross

Unity Christian Fellowship 16133 S. Atlantic Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 604-0234 • F: (310) 886-0198 Bishop Johnny R. Withers, Jr., Senior Pastor

Peace Apostolic Church 21224 Figueroa Street, Carson, CA 90745 (310) 212-5673 Suff. Bishop Howard A. Swancy

www.greaterzionchurchfamily.com

Christ until He comes again, but tragically in the modern church, Holy Communion has become a cold, lifeless and mundane mechanical unfelt religious exercise for all too many.

The indictment is millions come to the Lords table whenever it is served in the worship place and they take the Lord supper on Sundays, but they contradict the meaning of the Lord supper Monday through Saturday.

It is because the Lord’s supper has been reduced to tradition. That’s why in the life of the average believer, fine if they take it and fine if they don’t take it.

That’s what Paul means when he says in the text that many of you are suffering from this and many of you are suffering from that, because you do not discern. You do not have full maturity and understanding of what’s going on when you partake of the Lord’s body.

Tradition is more powerful than the word of God. Jesus said it is because of your tradition that you have made the word of God uneffective.

When you have discernment understanding and spiritual maturity when it comes to the Lord’s table, you understand that you are a believer who was blood bought. If you are full of faith, you can partake of the Lord’s supper and sick people will become healed, weak people will be strong and death can be diverted, detoured and defeated.

I told you I didn’t like algebra. Nothing was wrong with algebra, nothing was

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Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:55 PM Page 22

In Irvine

Crusade Christian Faith Center 801 S. La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8535 Bishop Virgil D. Patterson Sr.

In Monrovia

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

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: 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

Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7pm Sunday School: 9am Sunday Worship: 10:30am

Antioch Church of Long Beach 1535 Gundry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 591-8778 • F: (562) 599-6048 Pastor Wayne Chaney Jr.

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

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

In Pasadena

In Long Beach

Bethlehem Church 1550 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 794-5211 • F: (626) 794-6592 Pastor Christopher A. Bourne

Worship Services: 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am Elements Bible Study: 8am & 10:15am Spanish Worship Service: 3pm Family Night Bible Study (Wed.): 7pm

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

Sunday School: 9am Sunday Worship: 10am Tuesday Bible Study: 7pm Mid-day Worship Thursday: Noon www.bethlehemcoch.org

First Church of God Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 • (323) 757-1804 Pastor Geremy L. Dixon

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

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

Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service: 9:40am Wed. Bible Study: 7pm Wed Youth & Young Adult Ministry: 7pm

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

In Van Nuys

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

Spirit of Zion Fellowship Church 15055 Oxnard St. Van Nuys, CA 91411 (818) 923-5805 • Facebook.com/spiritofzionfc Pastor E.V. Hill II

Miracle Temple Church of God Pentecostal 733 S. Grevillea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 419-7335 • info@cogpinglewood.org Bishop Johnny J. Young, Ph.D., Senior Pastor Elder Jonathan J. Young, Executive Pastor Sunday School: 8:30am Morning Worship: 10:15am Thursday Praise & Bible Study: Noon & 7pm Weekly Prayer: Noon Monday-Friday Early Morning Phoneline Prayer: 5am Fridays *(209) 255-1000 Access code = 100061# "Where the Difference is worth the Drive"

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.

Arise Christian Center 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C, Westchester, CA 90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com Pastor Ron Taylor

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

Church News continued from page 20

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

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

Sun. Worship Experience: 10:45am 3rd Sun. Healing & Annointing: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 6pm Mothers of Murdered Youth & Children: Thurs. by appt • On/off Parole, Now What?: Thurs. by appt

Sunday Worship: 12:45pm Children's Church: 1pm

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 Money Matters continued from page 18

boomers as well, though it is more pronounced among millenials, suggesting that religion is less and less the priority is once was and that people are becoming more secular…Meanwhile, the Southern Baptist Convention, the nation’s largest protestant group, recently voted to lift their ban on speaking in tongues. The group, however, still will not endorse the practice…Locally, churches observing milestone anniversaries this month include Greater Ebenezer MBC, celebrating its 85th, Israel MBC (80 years) and Greater Open Door COGIC (35 years).

rate to $15.25 by 2019, found that more than 600,000 workers—over 40 percent of the L.A. workforce— would ultimately benefit from the increase. Following so close on the heels of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s groundbreaking appointment of a wage board to recommend pay increases for hundreds of thousands of fast-food workers across New York State, the L.A. City Council’s endorsement of $15 is further proof that what seemed an unrealistic economic aspiration only two years ago is mainstream economic reality today.”

5 On 5 @ 5!

5 Preachers on 5 topics at 5 PM: L.A. Focus/June 2015

Pastor James McKnight

22

Pastor William Smart

Saturday, June 27, 5:00 PM at Grant AME Church Forgiveness, Faithfulness, Fortitude, Fatherhood & Foolishness!

Bishop Todd Irvin

Pastor Michael W Eagle

Featuring Pastor James McKnight, Church of Christian Fellowship; Pastor N W Martin, Ist Institutional Baptist Church (not pictured); Pastor William Smart, President, SCLC; Bishop Todd Irvin, Church One; Pastor Michael W Eagle, Grant AME, Long Beach.

It’s a Men’s Day family event at Grant AME, Long Beach with Pastor Michael W Eagle. 1129 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach. (562) 437-1567; Grantamelb.org.

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:55 PM Page 23

Pastor Profile continued from page 20

So you were singing on the road…dancing too?

Oh yeah. Still do. If you come and visit us on Sundays, you’ll see all of that.

Bianca Tillard-Gates

A

t the tender age of seven, Bianca Tillard-Gates started “Ms. B’s Treats” for her grandfather’s restaurant chain, Gates B-B-Q, located in Kansas City, Missouri, and the avid cook has not stopped baking since.

“My love of cooking began with my great grandmother. Her food was always good and put a smile on everyone’s face,” Bianca says. “I wanted to be able to do that for the people I love the most— Always know how to put a smile on their face.”

Now, the 30-year-old continues to work for her grandfather’s restaurant, who opened his first Gates B-B-Q restaurant in 1946 and has had up to six operating throughout the state—though she has been promoted.

Bianca currently works as the head of new product research and development at Gates B-B-Q, where they create their own line of barbecue sauces and seasonings and test new recipes.

“Right now we are focusing on pies and deserts. So I try to think of things that are seasonal or personal favorites.”

She also likes to add Gates Seasoning to most, if not all, of her recipes.

“Our seasonings come in original and hot and both are great on everything from eggs to fish. It gives every recipe that Gates B-B-Q kick that you will not find anywhere else.”

Log into www.gatesbbq.com for more information on barbeque sauces and seasoning.

Peach Pie “Not Cobbler”

1 egg, beaten 5 cups sliced peeled peach es 2 tablespoon s lemon juic e 1/2 cup all-pu rpose flour 1 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinn amon 1/4 cup of or ange juice 2 tablespoon s butter 1 (15 ounce) package past ry for a 9 in ch double cr ust pie Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (2 Line the bott 20 degrees C om and side ). s of a 9 inch of the pie cr pie plate wit usts. h one Brush with some of the beaten egg from becomin to keep the g soggy late dough r.

Place the sl iced peaches in a large bo with flour, su wl, and spri gar, and cin nkle namon. Mix orange juice gently. Then and lemon ju add ice the over mix gently. the peaches Pour into th , and e pie crust, Cover with th and dot with e other pie cr butter. ust, and fold Flute the ed the edges un ges to seal or der. press the ed of a fork dipp ges with the ed in egg. Bru tines sh the remai top crust. Cu ning egg over t several slit s in the top the Bake for 10 crust to ven minutes in th t steam. e preheated the heat to 35 oven, then re 0 degrees F duce (175 degrees additional 30 C) and bake to 35 minute for an s, until the cr the juice begi ust is brown ns to bubble and through the brown to fast vents. If the , cover them edges with strips about halfw of aluminum ay through fo baking. Coo This tastes l before serv il better warm ing. than hot.

Growing up what did your parents teach you that stayed with you?

Love of God first. Then love of family and love people, regardless of how they treat you.

How have you managed to stay married for so long?

I’m still in love with my wife and still passionate about my wife. I told her when I get to be 90 years old, I’m going to still be chasing her around the room.

Is your outgoing personality something you cultivated from church or entertainment?

No, that comes from my mother and father. They were real good people— salt of the earth. My father was a construction worker and my mother was a domestic worker.

What do you want to be most remembered for?

I want to be remembered for loving people.

What’s your style of preaching?

I’m a teacher/preacher. I preach, but I also teach.

And you dance a little?

No, I dance a lot.

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:55 PM Page 24

Eye On Gospel Marvin Sapp Releases New CD This month, the 22-time Stellar Award-winning recording artist, author and pastor Marvin Sapp will release his highly anticipated new project, “You Shall Live.”

“You Shall Live” marks Sapp's 10th solo album and features 11 heartfelt and uplifting gospel tracks. The album's first single “Yes You Can,” features production from Aaron Lindsey and is quickly making its way to the top of the gospel charts.

"I was in a very transparent space when I recorded this album," recounts Marvin Sapp. "I wanted to deliver something that was going to encourage those who are in the valleys of their lives, to let them know I get it. I know what it feels like to have your heart ripped out of your chest. But, I also needed them to know that no matter the heartbreak, God's got us and even the most painful experience can be overcome."

Lecrae Signs Book Deal B&H Publishing announced that it has signed a book deal with Grammy Award® winning artist, Lecrae.

Releasing in May 2016, the book is titled Unashamed and will precede his next major album release.

In Unashamed, Lecrae divulges details of his difficult past, including childhood abuse, struggles with drugs and alcoholism, bouts of depression, and a close call suicide attempt.

“I am writing Unashamed for all those who don’t know who they are, who feel confined by the labels given to them,” shares Lecrae.

“This is for the outsiders looking for peace within.”

Believing it is possible to remain faithfully Christian while being fully immersed in the world, Lecrae tells his unique story of how he has stayed faithful in a world that is increasingly faithless. Throughout his journey, Lecrae has retained an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and learned powerful lessons about what it means to be a Christian in the midst of a skeptical world.

“As an artist, my ambition is to make honest

music, and I feel the same way about writing this book,” Lecrae reveals. “I want to be honest about where I’ve come from and what I’ve learned along the way. I want to influence culture, to help catalyze and inspire, and help other people find understanding. If they find some inspiration and some clarity for their own lives, as they fo my journey, then I will have succeeded.”

In related news, congratulations to Lecrae on being awarded “Top Christian Album” for his 2014 CD, “Anomaly” at the recent Billboard Awards...Lecrae will face off against Erica Campbell, Deitrick Haddon, Fred Hammond, Mali Music and Michelle Williams later this month at the BET Awards.

Casey J Quits Teaching To Pursue Gospel Full Time Casey J (aka Casey Janice Hobbs) has graduated from the classroom to the green room, as the former elementary school teacher has worked her way to the head of gospel music’s new class of superstars as a result of her monster radio smash, “Fill Me Up,” that’s spending its twelfth week at #1 on Billboard Magazine’s Gospel Airplay chart.

The 28-year old vocalist quit her teaching position at the end of March because of the demands of her music career. “I love teaching,” Casey J adds. “But I found myself in a place where I wasn’t able to commit to teaching and music at the same time so I quit my job.”

Now, Casey J has been racking up frequent flyer miles with multiple concert dates every week and television appearances.

Casey J’s debut album “The Lecrae

Atlanta Teaching Scandal continued from page 7 years—plus fines and community service.

“I actually worked in Atlanta public schools with one of the educators who was sentenced,” said Lyndsey Collins, the principal of an Inglewood charter school. “From my experience,” Collins continued, “the teacher I knew always worked incredibly hard to create a successful learning experience for all the students.

“Fact is the vast majority of educators try their best everyday to ensure students are meeting their academic goals. So I think the sentence the judge gave these educators was ridiculous.”

Baxter hopes the cheating scandal forces Atlanta to “put a microscope” on the problems facing poor communities and “make things better for these children that didn’t ask to be born in these conditions.

“This was not a victimless crime. These kids can’t read,” Baxter, told the court, noting that throughout the trial he had tried to persuade defendants of the seriousness of the charges. “They are now convicted felons as far as I’m concerned. I don’t like to send anyone to jail… but they have made their bed and they’re going to lie in it.”

L.A. Focus/June 2015

at filtering out any kind of cheating and making sure the test scores and information given are accurate.”

Ironically, EPA currently stands on the site that once belonged to a group of Crescendo charter schools involved in one of the most egregious cheating cases in the nation.

In 2010, Los Angeles Board of Education voted to close down six charter schools all run by Crescendo Schools after whistleblowers altered LAUSD officials they were being told to cheat to boost students’ test scores.

An extensive investigation revealed John Allen, Crescendo’s founder and CEO, reportedly told the staff at one school, “You better score a 900 this year’’—out of 1,000 points possible on California’s Academic Performance Index. Sources reported there were threats to principals and teachers if they “didn’t get with the program.”

Meanwhile, the extent of test score cheating around the country remains unknown because they are hard to prove, say critics. Atlanta’s public school testing scandal developed only with the determination of two governors who allowed inves- Metro continued from page 7 tigators to do their work with much time use the metro transit system daily, there and subpoena power as needed. A probe are many opportunities to help and poteninto the matter uncovered a decade of tially save a life, said Washington. systemic cheating in one of Georgia’s “It can occur anywhere in plain sight lowest-performing public schools. but Metro riders collectively have millions After jurors deliberated for nearly of eyes to spot and then report suspicious eight days and listened to more than six activity,” said Mr. Washington. “The worst months of grueling testimony, Fulton thing a person can do is to see something, County Superior Court Judge Jerry W. and stay silent.”

Baxter sentenced eight administrators and elementary teachers with prison Elder continued from page 8 terms ranging from one to seven rats, insect infestations, no heat, leaking

24

Truth” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart last month and received a sterling review in the prestigious New York Times. “When I grow up, I want to be like Chrisette Michelle or India Arie,” she chuckles.

“Although, they are not gospel artists, they have a similar style as me. People and worship are my heart. I want the environment of my performances to be about the worship and not so much about me personally or my artistic persona.”

30th Heritage National Gospel Music Conference To Honor Dr. Margaret P. Douroux Coming off a huge three week interchurch celebration in March of Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux’s retirement from 64 years of local church ministry, the internationally acclaimed author, educator, and Gospel songwriter is pulling out all the stops for her 30th Annual Heritage Music Foundation National Gospel Music Conference, June 24-27—and the public is invited to free concerts, and if registered for the conference, participate in the mass choir!.

The biggest HMF Conference yet will be an all-star “Tribute to West Coast Gospel” honoring pioneers and current greats. Gospel singers from across the nation and abroad will attend such as David Daughtry, Yvette Cook, Nysa Shanay, Nikki Potts, Tony Wilkins, Victor Bell and Halel, Desmond Pringle and more.

“Now I will have more time to concentrate on growing Heritage and one of my chief life goals, establishing a ‘Gospel House’, a shrine to Gospel music like those for country and rock music,” says Dr. Douroux. “I envision it to have a concert hall, museum, and awards programs.” She is the writer of such Gospel classics as “We’re Blessed,” “Rivers of Joy,” “He Decided,” “Give Me a Clean Heart,” and “If It Had Not Been For The Lord On My Side.”

Dr. Margaret Doroux

windows and piles of trash. By the time Obama entered the state Senate, buildings were deteriorating and Chicago was suing Rezmar for various violations.

Rezmar got out of the subsidized housing game and — apparently with plenty still left in their bank account — got into high-end developments. Rezko, the Obama friend and political supporter who helped the Obamas purchase their Chicago home in 2005, was indicted in 2006 on federal charges of wire fraud, bribery, money laundering and attempted extortion. He was ultimately convicted on 16 charges and received a 10 1/2-year sentence.

So to his left-wing critics, Obama could legitimately say that as a local lawmaker, he did implement his urban agenda on housing and education. That agenda was simple: spend more taxpayer money. Never mind that America already spends more money, K-12, than all but Switzerland, Norway and Luxembourg. Unless families embrace and emphasize education, spending more just wastes taxpayer money. As to housing, that's the private sector's job. The real lesson of the Wall Street-housing meltdown is that government never should have been in the housing business.

But, no, let's spend more, no matter the outcome..

Oduntan continued from page 8

The yes, however, has little do with Obama, as is often the accusation or insinuation from critics. Rather, social media has contributed to our present state of race relations. This platform has created an entirely new frontier in the war on racism.

Beginning, perhaps, with the savage beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles Police

Department officers in 1991, brazen acts of police brutality has become steadily exposed—particularly to segments of the population that may have once doubted its severity. This has peaked in recent police killings of African American men in Baltimore, New York, South Carolina and elsewhere that have become known to almost everyone due to smartphone-wielding citizens who upload the videos on social media.

For many, social media platforms are now trumping traditional media providers, and with that have made racism more audible and more visible. The potential to capture acts of racism and carried instantly to millions of people have in a sense revolutionized activism. Social media has done what television did in the civil rights era— exposing injustice.

Even the president, in 2012, described race in America as still “complicated” and added, he never bought that the country was entering a post-racial period by electing him.

Regretfully, if conservatives did not have selective amnesia perhaps the nation could begin to have an honest discussion about America’s racial inequalities. But that might require divine intervention.

Kadesh continued on page 22

one’s life, not only to sing over someone’s life.”

As to changing her name to Kadesh…

“It is a city in the book of Genesis where great battle happened, but it was also a place where great victory happened. It became a place of holiness unto God during the process of great battle. It was prophetically spoken to me by my spiritual mother, Dr. Michelle Coral, and I took on the name because I’ve been in a place of battle, yet I came out victoriously and for that, to God be the glory.”

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:55 PM Page 25

Finding Your Pretty with Chez So, I have a slight hair problem, the problem being there is way too much hair in places that should have less or in my world NONE! I know you Chez’Ney Hadley feel me ladies and some gentlemen with that pesky Staff Writer back and ear hair.

When I was just a little beauty in training I used to accompany my mom to her beauty appointments at swanky upscale salons in the Elite parts of Kansas City. I would prop myself on a stool and watch in amazement while hot wax was applied to my moms face with a pop-sickle stick and then ripped off with white strips of fabric taking every stray out-of-order hair with it emerging beautifully shaped eyebrows and a hairless upper lip. It looked like magic to me and at the ripe age

of 12 I started with eyebrows then upper lip and even once my armpits (which I will never do again) since then I’ve tried shaving, depilatory creams, wax, threading, Laser, and even the painful electrolysis.

Although I frequently still get my eyebrows waxed I do prefer threading.

I struggled with acne for a long time resulting in the use of medical creams and ointments with Retin-A and if you are using retin-a wax will take your skin right off your face believe me I know it has happened to me more than once and I walked around with Neosporin under my eyebrows for a few days until it healed, so I prefer threading which is very gentle on the skin because it only pulls the hair. For the rest of my unwanted body hair I get laser hair removal, which I absolutely love. It’s virtually painless, it’s fast, and it’s permanent the only down fall is that it’s kind of pricey and it doesn’t work on light, red blond or grey hair.

BE BOLD

YOU GOTTA GET THIS schick QUattro for WoMen

olive oil eDGe control

My go-to home hair removal product is Schick Quattro for women. It is a double blade razor on one end and a small clipper on the other end.

Perfect for keeping your bikini area in check.

A quick tip: When shaving especially your underarms exfoliate first. This will remove dead skin along with deodorant residue that will clog your razor and your pores. You will get a much smoother shave. I like to use St. Ives Apricot Scrub.

The summer heat can make you sweat your edges out so tame those unruly edges with The #1 selling edge gel Olive Oil Edge Control Olive Oil Edge Control™, the Nation’s favorite edge gel*, is now available in a convenient, on-the-go stick. Like its companion in a jar, it also offers superior hold and shine with a unique formulation of moisturizing olive oil, but without the residue and flaking of most gels. It smooths and holds down both relaxed and natural hair edges while adding shine and moisture without hardening the hair.-

PRODUCT

White eYeliner We all love black eyeliner but don’t be afraid to think outside the box this summer and make a statement with white eyeliner. It brightens and widens your eyes making you appear instantly awake. For a doe-eyed day look, use a white liner to line the inner corner of your eyes (you can also use white eye shadow for this).

So Who Does Your Hair...

Lyndsey Collins

Lyndsey has been getting her hair professionally done all her life but it was only after she started going to Shonda Porter that people began stopping her on the street and asking who does her hair.

Based strictly off Lyndsey’s referrals, Porter has at least five new regular clients.

Though, Shonda has been a licensed stylist since 1997, it was in high school that she started doing hair.

“It was something that was very natural and easy for me.” “Hairstyling is an art form to me. I’m able to show my creative expressions through hair. I love being able to transform a blank canvas into a work of art and give someone a total different look. Stylists can change someone’s look from corporate to punk rock with a comb and hairspray.

“The possibilities are endless and growth in this business is based on the individual,” she said.

Shonda’s Hair care Tip: “Embrace and love the hair God gave you and then go from there. We can create almost any style someone wants be it with chemicals, extensions...etc. but there's nothing better than a head of healthy hair to begin the journey.”

Favorite product line “I use more Joico products to prep the hair for styling.”

Shonda’s Must have product: “I keep Design Essentials Formations Finishing Spritz at all times.”

Price range: $ 6 5 $ 2 5 0 d e pending on the service Wait time: Depends on the service. “There is no double booking which is why my book fills up fast.”

Shonda Porter

Address: 3639 S. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90016 Contact info: (213) 434-4443

Showcase your hairstyle, salon, retail outlet or hair/skincare product

(310) 677-6011 Ask For Kisha

Focus 6.15-1_Focus 7-04 6/4/15 3:55 PM Page 26

SavingGrace

A

Keke Palmer

L.A. Focus/June 2015

s the youngest person ever to host their own talk show, Keke Palmer is proving she has staying power long after her child star fame.

Hot on the heels of making history twice last year as Broadway’s first black Cinderella in a Rodgers and Hammerstein's production and with back-to-back projects, including filming season two of her BET talk show “Just Keke,” starring in “Brotherly Love,” in theaters now, and filming for a leading role in the Fox horror series “Scream Queens,” premiering in September, the 21-year-old Chicago native has no plans to slow down.

“I’m always trying to do so much, but I realized when I put my all into what I can do best, it touches everyone it should touch,” said Palmer, who is also a recording artist. “When you go out there and you believe in yourself, you give other people permission to believe in themselves as well.”

In her latest film “Brotherly Love,” also starring Cory Hardrict and Romeo Miller, Palmer portrays the kind of girl she wants to speak to, a teen choosing between chasing a guy or pursuing her dream of having a music career.

“God gave me the gift of perception, instinct and intuition, so I’d like to use the things I have learned to inspire young girls,” she said. “When you’re given things in life, you’re supposed to give to others.”

Although the transition from child star to leading lady is famously a rocky one, that has not been the case for Palmer who scored high-profile guest roles in “Law and Order,” “ER” and “Barbershop 2,” before her breakout role starring opposite Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne in the 2006 box office hit “Akeelah and the Bee.” From 2007-2011, she would become Nickelodeon’s “it girl” thanks to “True Jackson VP,” a hugely popular TV show that would earn the teen $20,000 per episode and the title of “highest paid child star on television.”

Then in what would prove to be a strategic move to beat the child actor curse, Palmer abruptly quit the show.

“I was approaching 18 and didn’t want to be a grown woman on the show,” says Palmer. “That’s what it pretty much came down to. I’m growing up and I wanted to grow with my audience, not for them to watch me and I’m left behind as just a memory from their childhood.”

And Palmer’s star meter continued to rise.

Fresh from the show, she starred opposite Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton in the musical film, “Joyful Noise,” which bowed at number 4 at the nation’s box office and then guest starred on many TV shows including “Single Ladies,” “90210” and “Masters of Sex.” She also co-starred in a Lifetime rendition of “The Trip To Bountiful” and portrayed Chili on VH1’s “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story.”

Not bad for a small town girl who was born and raised in Harvey, Illinois and grew up singing in a church choir. Not one to shy away, she belted out her first solo in her kindergarten play. Palmer’s acting career took off soon after she was cast in a small role in “Barbershop 2” as Queen Latifah’s niece. Her parents moved the family of six to California to help their oldest daughter pursue her acting dream—and that move was not in vain.

It would be any girl’s dream to play Cinderella and for Keke it proved anything is possible. The Los Angeles Times wrote that casting Palmer represented “not just an important moment for Broadway, but for young girls, black women and everyone else.”

Palmer was just as surprised as anybody else when she got the part.

“I auditioned,” she said of pursuing the coveted role. “I approached it

26

like I would any role. I rehearsed the lines and I rehearsed the music, and I just gave it my all. I just believed that I could do it so when I ended up getting the role I was shocked.”

Palmer says she has no one to thank but God. “God knows my heart and I don’t know what my life would be without Him,” adding, “God influences everything and He is the reason I am who and how I am.”

Her parents, who always believed in her and taught her to be prayerful, are her saving grace.

“My parents have a lot to do with who I am and then of course my relationship with God. [My parents] taught me to have a relationship with Him on my own independently. I think that's the main reason why I decided to stay on the straight and narrow, not just as a child actor, but as a human being in general. It's because of my relationship with God. “My mother taught me at a young age how to pray, so when I was going through hard times and struggling and in need of help, I could always talk to God and get the strength I needed to go on.

Having grown up in the church, Palmer is secure in her relationship with God. “Church was immediately a part of my life so I don’t know what my life is without Him. You don’t want to call upon God only when you’re going through bad times, you want to be able to talk to Him and say, ‘I’m having a great day, things are wonderful and I’m so happy.’”

Like any young person, Palmer has her struggles. When things aren’t going so well Palmer sees it as a learning experience.

“I pray for God to open my eyes and give me strength to see what it is I’m supposed to learn.”

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