L.A. Focus On The Word June 2017

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CHUrCH nEWS: Bishop Clement Fugh to Head amE Church PAGE

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SEE PAGE

EntErtainmEnt: Vanessa Williams to Star in Daytime Divas PAGE

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SHOWDOWN IN COMPTON >>

Race to Mayoral Seat Is Down To The WIre SEE PAGE

Storm: Judge Hatchett takes on Cedars Sinai Following Death of Daugher-in-law

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contents

June 2017

L.A. Focus Publication

Left:Vermont Slauson Economic Development Center receives %50.000 from City National Bank at the 35th years of service celebration and tribute to late CEO Marva Smith; Center; Rabbi Noah Farkas of Valley Beth Shalom, left, and Nancy Volpert of Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles present Sen. Holly J. Mitchell with its legislator-of-the-year honor (Photo by Estevan Ginsberg).Right: L.A. Focus Newspaper Publisher Lisa Collins and West Angeles First Lady Mae Blake at A Day In May with Lady Mae.

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Commentary The Millennial Moment

From The Editor Upfront

Race to Compton Mayoral Seat Intensifies;Male, Female or Nonbinary; Proposed Gender Identity Law Would Allow Californians To Choose

Head to Head

9 Headlines From Africa A Change of Heart for Justice Clarence Thomas

10 Money Matters 13 Feature Story

Like Father Like Daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts

Ralph’s South L.A. Grand Re-Opening Showcases $5 Million Renovation

Biz News Briefs

Cathay Bank takes Alan Wright As Vice President;Whoppi Goldberg launches Medical Marijuana Products;Dia Sims takes helm of Combs

On The Money Mo Bridges Inks NBA Deal

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Inside Hollywood TV’s Newest Divs;Tyra Banks Sued: Showbiz News: Underground is cancelled;Madea Boo 2

staff

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Editorial Coordinator Contributors Photographer Advertising Social Media

Lisa Collins Antracia Moorings Gerald Bell, Emma Gannon, Dennis Freeman Ian Foxx, Rickey Brown Kisha Smith, Leatha Davis Jinoye Henry

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

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

One On One Zoe Kravitz

@Lafocusnews

@L.A.Focus

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Judge Hatchett takes on Cedar Sinai following death of daughter-in-law

16 Calendar/Around LA In Good Taste 18 Red Carpet Style 28 Saving Grace Eye On Gospel 30 19 Church News 20 Nicole Hence

70th Cannes Film Festival 2017

Yolanda Adams Dream Come True;Travis Greene releases new single:

John & Aventer Gray

Right Rev. Clement Fugh to be named Presifent of AME Council of Bishops:Greater Zion to Open Diner,

22 First Lady Files 26 From The Pulpit 24 Pastor Profile

Rev. Tyron Robinson - Pilgrim’s Hope Baptist Church

Crystal Haley - United Christian Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles

Pastor Christopher Bourne - The Bethlehem Church of Pasadena

Pastor Joseph Carlos Robinson (of Resurrection Church L.A.) has assembled a power-packed lineup of speakers for his church’s tenth anniversary, beginning on Tuesday, June 6. See our calendar of June events for more details.

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Marc T. Little

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

honorary advisors West Angeles C.O.G.I.C. 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 Copyright, January 1995 by L.A. Focus: Unsolicited manuscripts/photographs are not accepted, nor shall any responsibility for them be assumed.

#LAFOCUS

Through The Storm

Cover Design: Ups Feature Image:cale Media Group Sarah Jakes

Commentary

Sebastian Ridley-Thomas California Black Media

The Millennial Moment Attempt delay if you like, it will only hasten the inevitable.

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he year 2017 finds the Golden State struggling to manage challenges of modernity, scarcity, innovation, and demographics as these realities cause great unease.

While all this occurs, a new generation has arisen: the millennials. The largest generation in American history (topping some 92 million people) is positioned to redefine every facet of life.

Housing, education, marriage, employment, homeownership, consumerism, multiculturalism, art, culture, sport, technology, and retirement are just a small sample of the important topics that are impacted by this unique generation.

The GenForward Survey in coordination with the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago and The Associated Press Center for Public Interest Research found in September 2016 that economics drive the public concerns of this generation. This generation is diverse, more non-White than White, and the vulnerabilities of non-Whites with respect to the economy are very pronounced.

Goldman Sachs, always scrutinizing emerging trends, suggested more than three years ago that the consumption patterns of this massive generation were changing consumer goods and wellness patters. A little over 2/3 of American adults disapproved of cigarette and alcohol consumption in 1998. Some 15 years later, when the children who watched CSPAN coverage on television and archives online came of age, some 83% of adults disapproved.

In California, this has likely contributed to the appetite of the voters in the passage of Proposition 56 which increases the per-pack tax on cigarettes (with the yet to be realized hope of increasing California’s Medicaid funding-which is important to the more than 20% of that program’s recipients who happen to be millennials). While disapproval of alcoholic beverages is now over ¾, the Wine Market Council indicates that the fruit of the vine’s consumer base is now 40% millennial and indulgent with less sensitivity to price than might be expected.

Given that the youngest millennials are nearing the end of high school and the oldest are likely just beginning to settle in their careers, it may seem as no surprise that this large cohort is conspicuously absent in the development of public policy.

As annual budgets, policy programs, retirement structures, Capital outlay, and administrative directives are advanced, there too few voices from the 18 to 37-year-

Where is the AARP for this group? old ranks.

And yet economics, driven by demographics and the imminent future, are forcing the concerns and idioms of the millennial generation to the fore.

Earlier this month, as Chairman of the California Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation, I supported the advancement of a measure to expand affordable housing. Largely absent from dialogue surrounding Assembly Bill 71 was mention of ownership for expanding opportunities for homeownership.

The seemingly chief example, aside from childbearing and rearing, definition of adulting in a previous era was securing ownership of one’s first private residence. While once a major political imperative, various policies (the reduction of down payment assistance chiefly) have severely declined. Additionally, agressive land use restrictions foster artificially depressed homebuilding, modernization and retrofit activity, causing the cost of housing to explode.

The critical question that ought consume religious institutions, policy makers, educators, public intellectuals, media, advocacy groups, governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector is: What might the future hold based on this decisions that are made today?

Rigorous examination of this question will incentivize a different tact in all fields of endeavor. The great debates will incorporate a vision for the benefits that can be derived by all God’s children. This paradigm shift may allow for the true realization of the beloved community.

It is in this spirit that I dedicate the remainder of the time that I have to serve the people of California to sharpening focus on a millennial agenda. This agenda acknowledges the contributions of the those who have come before us and it sends a ray of hope that we might get it right for elders, ourselves and our children.

I am not unique in this pursuit, my 10 peers in the California Millennial Caucus are temporarily (we are legally limited in how long we may serve our constituents) well-positioned to have a seat at the table. A large, powerful, pivotal, impactful, and paradigm-defining moment is upon us.

Sebastian Ridley-Thomas is a California Assembly member serving the 54th district.

From the Editor “A Question of Civility”

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What has gotten into people? Is it our lust for violence, the shock value of barbarous acts of groups like ISIS, contentious political debate, and entertainment—most notably reality TV— that has desensitized us to the subtleties that once defined our civility.

At Kingston’s funeral, the pastor observed, “We gotta wake up and be more diligent, with our children especially. To make sure not only are they not victimized, but that our children are not the perpetrators.”

Alas, for so many black boys, a great deal of bad behavior is tied to fatherlessness. Aside from being more prone to violence, drugs and poor academic achievement, one of the most shocking statistics is that nearly 65% of youth suicides are associated with fatherless homes.

While there’s no easy answer, a shout out is due to the women who have singlehandedly raised their kids —particularly boys—including my sister, who leaned heavily on her church, Faithful Central and its rites of passage program while surrounding her son with a host of positive male role models.

In her column, “Fatherlessness Is Not Fatal”, Chandra White writes, “the absence of an earthly father, while sad and unfortunate, can be overcome. The absence of God the heavenly Father cannot be overcome and is deadly. There is no substitute for Him. It’s vital we shift our focus to include the absolute necessities of our children knowing, loving, and following God; and parents making Him the foundation of our homes.”

In closing and on a lighter note, I want to share one of my earliest memories of my Dad. It is also my earliest experience with Acrophobia, or the fear of heights. (Seems I’ve always liked being on solid ground).

I must have been about four or five when he took my brothers and I to an amusement park and strapped us in to what was to be my first and last turn on a Ferris Wheel. I grew more and more uncomfortable as the gondola spun upward to about 60 or so feet and as it reached the top I began to scream. Note that this was probably the first rotation and just seconds into the ride.

My brothers were fine and had that, ‘Oh-just-ignore-her, we’re-having-fun-look.’

But my Dad—who was standing near the Ferris Wheel operator— nearly choked on his popcorn when he nudged the guy and pointed to me, but realized the man was not going to stop the ride. He tossed the popcorn, forcefully took the guys arm and said, “Stop the ride and let her off.” Fearful of what he might do next, the man acquiesced and just like that, my Dad became my hero.

Happy Father’s Day and keep the faith.

L.A. Focus/June 2017

rom a crazed white Supremacist shouting politically-charged rhetoric and expletives after brutally stabbing three fellow commuters on a Portland train who had come to the defense of two women he had been harassing to a famed comedienne who thought taking a picture holding up a bloodied mask resembling the severed head of President Donald Trump (ISIS-style) while making a joke that she thought was somehow appropriate, it would appear that Americans may be losing their civility.

It seems as of late there is no shortage of events like the two mentioned above that have come to desensitize the public to the lines that are being crossed daily in the news and in our lives. Most sickening to me is the story of six-year-old Kingston Frazier, on what his mom recalled as the happiest day of his life, that also turned out to be the last day of his life. Sadly, this is no Make a Wish Foundation story.

Instead, Frazier —excited to be graduating from kindergarten to the first grade the next day—was on May 17 in the back seat of his Mom’s Toyota Camry that was stolen from a Kroger parking lot by three teens.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation issued an Amber Alert, and a frantic statewide search followed. After hours of searching, Kingston was found. At first, they had reported that he was found alive, but that was not the case. Instead he was discovered dead inside the stolen vehicle — shot multiple times. A 19-year old and two 17 year olds were arrested and have been charged with capital murder as Kingston was buried with his blue Power Ranger, a Captain America action figure and a Ninja Turtle.

Sadly, Clarion-Ledger reporter Bracey Harris observed that “on the day this baby was so ruthlessly gunned down...there were no superheroes.”

One could argue that these are extreme cases that capture our attention for fleeting moments and galvanize the nightly ratings of network news shows, but they’d only be lying to themselves. Few could argue with the fact that such incidents are more and more becoming the norm.

Truth be told, one doesn’t have to look far to see that civility is dying—and with a younger segment of the American populace, may already be dead as is the loss on the part of a growing number of our fellow men to show respect to others, particularly women.

It has been said that today, anybody can say anything and everyone has a channel, with social media breaking down all walls of privacy and spewing a non-stop litany of all manner of resentment, hate, bullying and fake news.

“The decline of civility encompasses the erosion of manners, but extends beyond manners alone,” wrote one psychologist. “Manners are more or less matters of habit — reflexes that require little premeditation. In contrast, civility requires not only courteous action, but empathic intention. It is the distilled spirit of concern for the emotions of others that guides common rules of civil social engagement.”

LISA COLLINS Publisher

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L.A. Focus/ June 2017

UpFront Showdown In Compton

News Briefs GERALD BELL

The Race For The Mayoral Seat Is Down To The Wire

Contributor

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n June 6, Compton, California voters will decide – in a runoff– which of two possible returning Mayoral candidates will get to lead their city for the next four years. Current Mayor Aja Brown faces former two-term mayor Omar Bradley in an election that has been no short of colorful, if not controversial.

Brown was a history maker 4-yearsago when she became the city of Compton’s youngest-ever mayor at age 31. Breakthrough Church of God in Christ and Compton resident, Pastor Charles Gibson argues that she still has the goods for another term. “I believe Mayor Brown is a cutting edge twentyfirst century leader and the city of Compton needs a fresh infusion of visionary leadership,” Gibson said.

“There’s no shortage of support for Mayor Brown in her campaign for election as Compton’s mayor. Compton residents of all ages have stepped up to help get out the vote to ensure a bright future for their city with Mayor Brown at the helm,” said Jasmyne Cannick, Brown’s Campaign Communication’s Director.

“Mayor Brown’s record of accomplishments in the short four years she’s been in office is both impressive and a clear indicator that she deserves a second-term in office and voters seem poised to return her back to city hall for four more years.”

Bradley, who thinks differently of Brown’s accomplishments said, “This town is a mess. It is a mess from A to Z…When I was mayor we had 663 employees. We are down to less than 150.

So you can’t blame the employees because there is more work than there is employees. We have to use our money wisely.”

Bradley previously served as Compton’s mayor from 1993 to 2001.

Only a few years after leaving office, he faced convictions of misappropriating

Mayor Aja Brown

public funds. In 2012, an appeals court overturned his conviction, citing that a new set of guidelines for convictions, and that prosecutors couldn’t prove he intended to break the law.

He told the Press Enterprise that prosecutors are trying to prevent him from holding public office again because he completed his three-year sentence, partly in prison and partly in a halfway house. “This is a political prosecution,” said Bradley.

Despite a still open indictment and hopes of a third term as Compton’s mayor, Bradley also told reporters, “I’m getting ready to run [Brown] back to Pasadena where she belongs.”

He clearly has a following as evidenced by the supporters who turned out for what was billed as a debate between Brown and Bradley. An event Brown had never agreed to attend.

Before the gathering of over 100 Compton residents and city leaders, Bradley directed his opening statement at the absent Mayor Brown saying, “As a 24-year teacher one of the things that I learned most is when a child was lying about their homework. June 6 is report card day in Compton, and there will be no

Omar Bradley

time to try to do your homework again.

There won’t be time to finish your homework. There won’t be time to plan your homework. My opponent has sent out a mailer saying these are my plans. I have watched for 4 years, and I am still waiting on when you plan to trim the trees.”

The Rev. Michael Fisher, Senior Pastor of Greater Zion Church Family in Compton criticized Brown’s absence calling it “a slap in the community’s face.”

Fisher said, “It seems as if Mayor Brown is only concerned with talking to people who are her advocates. Being the Mayor means that you have to be the Mayor of everybody, both your friends and enemies.”

“How could it have even been a debate if she never agreed to come. Sounds like a set up to me,” said one Compton resident, who was leaning toward Brown, but hadn’t made up her mind.

In a statement, Mayor Brown said she had given prior notice that she would not be a participant in any more debates because of the history of the previous ones organized by the Compton Chamber of Commerce.

“The last debate I participated in Compton continued to page 26

Male, Female or Nonbinary: Proposed Gender Identity Law Would Allow Californians To Choose

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bill creating a third state identification card for individuals who will have the option to choose not to identify with either being male or female, is inching its way to becoming law.

The Gender Recognition Act of 2017 has moved a step closer towards reality. The bill, SB 179, proposed by California Senators Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) on January 24 this year, went through a second reading on Friday, May 25, with passing colors as Senate Appropriations Committee members voted 5-2 to amend and send the bill to a third reading.

In April, SB 179 passed through the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee with a 9-1 vote. For the bill to come into law, it would still need to get a majority vote before it comes before Gov. Jerry Brown to be signed.

Sen. Steve Bradford (D-35) and Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-33) are among the Senate members to cast their vote in favor of the bill passing.

“Our society is becoming more enlightened every day about gender identity,” Senator Akins said. “It’s time for our state to make it easier for transgender

Californians and those who don’t conform to traditional notions of gender to have state-issued identification documents that reflect who they truly are.

This bill will help them avoid the discrimination and harassment that too many of these residents face in their daily lives.”

SB 179 would strike down the current law that requires someone who is male, female or transgender to get a legal document that certifies what identity an individual chooses to be. That means if you’re male who is looking to transition to being a woman, you will no longer need to show an affidavit from a doctor to prove the new you and updated gender.

Instead of going through that tedious process, SB 179 would only require that an individual, who can choose to be male, female or nonbinary, to walk into the Department of Motor Vehicles and fill out a form and mark what gender they identify with. Period.

Moreover, SB 179 gives minors an easy out if they want to choose to identify with another gender. All that is required is if the student wants to change gender identities, they would just have to get permission from one parent to sign off on the

NAACP Votes Out Cornell W. Brooks NAACP board last month, announced that after a unanimous Cornell W. Brooks term as president has been terminated.

According to Chairman Leon W. Russell, the decision comes as a result of change in direction that is focused on identifying more ways to stay engaged in combating today’s political and civic issues.

“The executive committee and the national board has been looking at its situation for a little over a year, “Russell said. “Examining where we are, what we need to do and one of our basic concern at the local level is that we believe have not been getting the attention that they needed to get. It’s not Baltimore that makes a difference in the community or across the country. It’s the local branches, the people who are impacted by policies and programs that desperately affects their lives.”

In an interview with American Urban Radio Brooks who served the as president for the past three years said he had no empirical evidence as to why his service is being terminated.

“What I can point to is this: the NAACP over the course of less than three years, is more visible, more vocal, growing in members, donors, presence in the courts and in communities across the country, Brooks said. “We’ve had nine court victories against voter suppression in ten months. We not only demonstrated in Flint, we filed suit in Flint…online membership is up 87 percent and online paper membership is up seven percent. Online donations are up 800 percent.”

Brooks will remain in the organization until June 30th after which Russell and Vice Chair Derrick Johnson will serve in the capacity of president until a new leader has been reinstated.

DENNIS J. FREEMAN Contributor

idea. The bill, which has multiple authors, in layman’s term, would make it significantly easier for a person to change his or her sexual or gender identity without going through a rigorous process.

“Our trans brothers and sisters are under attack in far too many parts of this country and this world,” Sen. Wiener said. “Now, more than ever, California must lead on trans inclusion and ensure that our entire community can live with dignity and respect. This legislation is an overdue step forward.”

The proposed bill hasn’t been without pushback from opponents.

SaveCalifornia.com has rejects the bill entirely, calling it a “new form of identity fraud, which will cause problems for our police and courts."

“Despite opposition voicing concerns about SB 179 allowing immature minors (as young as 3 years old, according to the author) to officially "change" their gender; opening the door to fraud by permitting unlimited "gender changes"; and inviting a flood of federal Title IX lawsuits to require new "nonbinary" facilities, in addition to male and female, at SB179 continued to page 26

Cornell Brooks

Growing Number of Voters Want President Trump Impeached According to a new poll from Politico, a growing number of Americans believe that Congress should initiate impreachment proceedings against President Donald Trump. On May 31, the percentage of voters who would like to see President Trump impeached grew from 38% the week before to 43%.

Ironically, they don’t necessarily believe that he is guilty of an impeachable offense—such as treason or obstruction of justice—but instead want him impeached for “political considerations”, with 54% of them believing Trump to be unfit to serve.

Broken down by partisan affiliation, 71% of Democrats want Trump impeached, while 76% of Republicans don’t want to see the president impeached.

45% of voters approve of the job Trump is doing.

Just three American presidents have faced constitutional impeachment threats. Just two—Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton—were impeached, and interesting to note, Clinton’s impeachment did not end his presidency.

A Change of Heart For Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas?

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re we witnessing the new view stems from a black conserWill Clarence Clarence Thomas? vatism which speaks to someone Thomas did a shocking Thomas derail the who grew up in a segregated GOP agenda? thing when he voted with the South and who has a promajority of his Supreme Court colleagues Malcolm X, black nationalist past, as some to strike down two racially gerrymandered will suggest. congressional districts in North Carolina. If However, rejecting the role of the govthe new Clarence Thomas wants to stick ernment in helping black people get ahead, around for awhile, we’re not mad at him, Thomas has effectively put his head in the because in this new era when the sand and advocated a bootstraps mentality, Republicans own every branch of govern- giving a green light to white supremacy ment—at least for now—we need all the and institutional help we can get. racism. Yet, he found This is not a friendly time, nor is it a it useful to invoke hospitable environment for civil rights and racial discrimination voting rights. and argue his confirFor Thomas, this decision is a dramatic mation hearing was a departure from many of his past opinions. “high-tech lynching for The case at hand is Cooper v. Harris, where uppity blacks who in the nation’s high court upheld the lower any way deign to think court’s decision to strike down Districts 1 for themselves” when David Love and 12 in North Carolina, which violate the allegations of sexual Constitution because the GOP legislature harassment from Anita Hill became an racially gerrymandered them to dilute issue and things weren’t going his way. black voting power.

Thomas has opposed affirmative action, Thomas joined the court’s four liberal and even suggested his Yale Law degree justices in rejecting the racially biased dis- was devalued because of he was admitted tricts, which were redrawn after the 2010 under the program. He disagreed with the census. Typically, states are not allowed to 2003 court opinion upholding the use race as the chief factor in drawing elec- University of Michigan Law school’s affirtoral districts. Some believe the decision mative action program.. He regarded such will make it easier for voting rights advo- programs of inclusion as racial discriminacates to challenge voting districts that were tion that weaken equality and “stamp crafted and manipulated with political par- minorities with a badge of inferiority and tisanship and racial discrimination in may cause them to develop dependencies or mind. So, Thomas is on the right side of his- to adopt an attitude that they are ‘entitled’ tory, at least when it comes to this case. to preferences.”

Invoking Frederick But whether a righteous Clarence Thomas Douglass–who told whites to let black peowill reappear and do us a solid with other ple fall if they cannot stand on their own important civil rights cases is an open legs, because their interference was hurtquestion. ing us– Thomas said “I believe blacks can On civil rights and criminal justice, achieve in every avenue of American life Thomas has generally disappointed. His without the meddling of university admin“originalist” interpretation of the Constitu- istrators.” tion from the viewpoint of the Founding Similarly, in the 2013 Fisher v.

Fathers does not help those who originally University of Texas affirmative action were regarded as three-fifths of a person. case–which involved the reverse racism He has advocated for a racially unjust charges of a mediocre white student who death penalty. The justice was the lone dis- was denied admission to college– Thomas senter in a case where the court ruled in wrote: “The worst forms of racial discrimifavor of a black man sent to death row by nation in this Nation have always been an all-white jury, in which there was a con- accompanied by straight-faced representacerted effort by prosecutors to keep blacks tions that discrimination helped minorioff the jury. ties.”

His judicial record suggests he has Thomas also participated in the gutting believed in colorblindness, that the state of the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County should be neutral on matters of race—not v. Holder. His rationale for eliminating key the notion that racism is over, as white con- provisions of the law was that times have servatives will proclaim, but rather that changed, and rampant, pervasive discrimicolorblindness is the best black folks will nation in voting no longer exists. get from the government. Thomas’ worldDavid Love continued to page 26

Headlines From Africa Botswana: A Botswana legislator has called for the construction of a fence along the Zimbabwe border, while declaring his approval of President Trump's mandate to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. The idea grew out of concern of how to control elephants causing havoc in the northeast, making it easy for cattle to cross to Zimbabwe where Foot and Mouth Disease is endemic.

Congo: Rising tensions and deteriorating security have disrupted life-saving interventions for children in Greater Kasai in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, putting an estimated 400,000 children at risk of severe malnutrition according to UNICEF.

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he U.S. Supreme Court In fact, North Carolina’s entire Supreme Court issued a devastating blow argument was basically: “Yes, we Rules That to race-based gerrymanused race, but that was only so we Disenfranchising dering Monday when it ruled could make sure Republicans Voters Is OK ... as that North Carolina’s kept control of the Legislature.

Long as It Isn’t Legislature used racial considerThere’s nothing wrong with that, Racist ations in redrawing two of the is there?” state’s voting districts.

Apparently, there is. In the ruling, the That’s the lead you’re likely to read as court’s liberal justices, along with (OK, news outlets everywhere report on the high you’re not going to believe this) Clarence court’s 5-3 decision declaring that North Thomas, determined that North Carolina C a r o l i n a ’ s piled black voters into the two districts Republican-controlled simply because they were black. Justice Legislature relied too Elena Kagan wrote in her majority opinion: heavily on race when Uncontested evidence in the record shows it drew two congres- that the state’s mapmakers, in considering sional districts.

District 1, purposefully established a racial But as with online target: African Americans should make up user agreements and no less than a majority of the voting-age Steve Harvey employ- population. ... ee memos, the devil is Senator Rucho and Representative Michael Harriot in the legalese-laden Lewis were not coy in expressing that goal. details.

They repeatedly told their colleagues that When North Carolina redrew District 1 had to be majority-minority, so as Congressional District 1, the black voting- to comply with the VRA [Voting Rights age population increased from 47.6 percent Act]. During a Senate debate, for example, to 52.65 percent, reports CNN. Similarly, Rucho explained that District 1 “must the percentage of black voters in the state’s include a sufficient number of African newly reconfigured 12th District rose from Americans” to make it “a majority black 43.7 percent to 50.66 percent. district.”

While, on the surface, this seems to help Justices Samuel Alito, John Roberts and black voters, the districts’ boundaries Anthony Kennedy agreed that the districts snaked and weaved through areas to favored Republicans, but disagreed that include minorities who would ordinarily be they were determined by race. in other districts, thereby reducing the “Partisan gerrymandering is always power of the black vote in other areas. This unsavory, but that is not the issue here,” is a standard practice of gerrymandering Alito wrote in his dissenting opinion. “So that confines the influence of minorities to long as the Legislature chose to retain the designated “minority majority” districts basic shape of District 12 and to increase and decreases their impact in whiter, more the number of Democrats in the district, it Republican areas. was inevitable that the Democrats brought According to the Washington Post, in in would be disproportionately black.” arguing Cooper v. Harris, North Carolina While the Supreme Court decision admitted that its lawmakers used race to marks a victory for North Carolina and determine the district lines, but they only future gerrymandering disputes, the did so to preserve the Republican majority court’s acceptance that states can predeterin the state Legislature. mine election results by finessing the sysWait, what? tem is troubling.

The Supreme Court has always been cool The overtures are also bad harbingers with using partisan politics to minimize the for an upcoming Wisconsin case that chalimpact of voters. The nation’s highest legal lenges partisan gerrymandering. authority has never struck down a map Neil Gorsuch, Donald Trump’s recent drawn to give one party the advantage over addition to the Supreme Court, did not vote the other. According to the Supreme Court, because he was not yet on the court when nothing in the Constitution prevents politi- the case was heard. cians from using political bias to disenfranchise voters. Lawmakers are even allowed Michael Harriot is a staff writer at the Root, to use race to create voting areas that ben- host of The Black One Podcast and the ediefit their specific political party, as long as tor and chief of the daily digital magazine, race is not the determining factor.

NegusWhoRead.

A look at current news from the continent of Africa the ballot, she would make a good case and race against President Paul Kagame, who is widely expected to win in August.

Senegal: Several hundred middle and high school students from Senegal and surrounding countries were in Dakar building robots last month. The goal of the annual robotics competition is to encourage African governments and private donors to invest more in science and math. This year's theme—"Made in Africa"—focuses on how robotics developed in Africa could help local economies.

Central Africa Republic: Tensions are running high among civilians as violence surges. 300 were killed last month, sending shockwaves through an already traumatized population, many of whom fear that the country is descending back into chaos. 40,000 have fled.

South Africa: The leadership of South Africa's ruling African National Congress debated a motion of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma. This as Johannesburg's City Press newspaper published emails revealing the indebtedness of Zuma and his allies to the controversial Gupta family of Johannesburg. The emails allegedly showed how the family "seduced Cabinet ministers and CEOs of state-owned companies” with opulent hotel stays and chauffeur-driven trips to their home in Dubai.

Gambia: Trafficking victims from Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana and other African nations have documented their shocking testimonies of being bought and sold openly in modern day 'slave markets' in Libya, survivors to the United Nations. The International Criminal Court is now considering investigating.

Swaziland: The United States has assessed Swaziland's capital city Mbabane as a 'critical-threat location' for crime in a report just published. Street robberies are prevalent with criminals brandishing knives or machetes and violent deaths (often gruesome) and rapes occur 'frequently'.

Togo: Ghana & Togo Partner to Eliminate Female Genital Mutilation, the ritual of removing some or all the external female genitalia. An Excisors Reconversion Seminar was held to get practitioners to become ambassadors to their fellow women practicing FGM to put an end to the act.

Liberia: Age and health factor have been a major point of argument among critics who think 72-year old Vice President Joseph Boakai is too old and unhealthy and may not be able to carry out the tasks of a President if elected in the October polls. Boakai said that despite his age, he has never missed a day from work.

Uganda: Three groups involved in a battle to control the growing evangelical church movement in Uganda have proposed policy to regulate faith-based organizations. If passed, the policy will effectively put a leash around the necks of Born-Again churches and, by extension, on their faithful. Said to be behind the scheme is an invisible hand; a top politician who sees the Born-Again churches as a political base.

Rwanda: 35-year-old businesswoman Diane Shima Rwigara will not let the leaking of nude photos deter her from running for president in the upcoming elections. "The incident made me stronger, more resilient and determined to continue with this cause," said Rwigara, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in finance from Cal State University and believes that once she makes it to

Zimbabwe: Once considered the breadbasket of Southern Africa, Zimbabweans are now ranked the poorest nation in Africa. A Johannesburg-based market research firm New World Wealth, ranks the wealthiest to poorest countries on the continent. Mauritians are the wealthiest people in Africa per capita, a study shows.

L.A. Focus/ June 2017

Ghana: The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa has called on the government to deal mercilessly with those who have looted state coffers to the tune of millions and also confiscate their assets. In a Facebook post, Braimah expressed shock that state officials could embezzle huge sums of money that could be used to build hospitals and schools for the ordinary taxpayer.

9

ith nearly half a million followers on social media, four books, an ever-increasing number of speaking engagements and media coverage, co-leadership with her husband— pastor and author Touré Roberts—of their thriving megachurch in a city known for its rich and famous, Sarah Jakes Roberts is making her mark.

Part of the evangelistic excitement surrounding her is due to early exposure from appearances with her famed father, Bishop T.D. Jakes, at his high profile evangelistic events such as Megafest. Then there’s the youthful exuberance of her 28 years and the way her vulnerability translates to social media followers who comment on everything from what she wears to her “in-your-face” sermons. Add to that the power-couple persona projected through the style in which she and her husband are shaking up the perception people have of traditional church with their multi-ethnic following that is all too willing to stand in line to attend Sunday morning services.

More and more, crowds that once came to hear Jakes Roberts because she was the daughter of one of America’s favorite pastors, are now coming to hear what she has to say. It is a mission of empowering women that was birthed out of bad choices and the pain that came with them. Pregnant at 13. Married at 19 and in 2012, at 23 finding herself divorced and the single mother of two.

To understand her journey is to truly understand the gospel, given her not so stereotypical trajectory of divine design, that serves as proof positive to how only God could make something so right of something so wrong.

Jakes Roberts embraces the evolution, a process the West Virginia native has characterized as moment to moment, counting among her own most transformative moments, meeting her husband, Touré; and sharing her testimony of having a child at 14 at her Dad’s popular Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference in front of 20,000 women.

“All of a sudden, the one thing I thought would disqualify me, helped to release other women from the shame of their past,” Jakes Roberts recalls.

What she discovered in the process is that it was her own experience and not being the daughter of T.D. Jakes that has made her so relatable to the thousands of women who follow her on social media, show up at her speaking engagements or attend the L.A.-based church she is first lady and unofficial co-pastor of.

W

DENNIS J. FREEMAN Contributor

“I didn’t think I could rise to the level of what my family represented and while it hurt, God has a way of making all things work together for our good. By sharing my testimony—as difficult and challenging as it was to go through—it helps people to realize that whether you’re born into a family like mine or not, life doesn’t spare its rod on any of us...

”

SARAH JAKES

The revelation came at a time when Jakes Roberts least expected it—during her tumultuous first marriage to NFL linebacker Robert Henson.

“It was a really toxic relationship,” she admits. “There was a lot of infidelity and I was going off and acting like a crazy person. I started blogging because I was upset with God. I thought that because I was a teen mom, the one thing I was supposed to do was to get married.

“I was so broken by this idea I was damaged goods I thought getting married would fix it. I didn’t realize you had to marry someone God had for you—that you had to have a healthy relationship. So I started blogging to help other women make peace with their past so that they could live a fulfilling life and avoid my mistakes.”

Four months and hundreds and thousands of hits later came a revelation.

“I just felt that instead of empowering women from my pain, I could empower them from my overflow, but to do that I had to be being willing to sacrifice a marriage that wasn’t healthy and to risk being criticized again as a church girl and teen mom who’s now getting divorced,” Jakes Roberts continues.

It was a difficult choice for Jakes Roberts who had grown up watching people criticize her Dad and whose own childhood rebellion grew in part out of the insecurity of feeling unable to live up to what her last name —or even what being a preacher’s kid —meant.

“I didn’t think I could rise to the level of what my family represented,” she says, “and while it hurt, God has a way of making all things work together for our good. By sharing my testimony—as difficult and challenging as it was to go through—it helps people to realize that whether you’re born into a family like mine or not, life doesn’t spare its rod on any of us. That we have a responsibility to figure out what are our patterns that created the issues and then how to use our experiences to serve this world and make it a better place.”

Jakes Roberts has long since realized that the platform she now has was her destiny.

“I’d never anticipated having a platform,” she states.

“When you get pregnant at 13 and your father is T.D. Jakes, the last thing you want is to put your life on a stage for people to dissect and critique. I thought ministry was for perfect people who’d done everything right.”

Instead, Jakes Roberts would have been content with a nine-to-five job and caring for her children.

and a space for us to really show up as representatives of Christ, encouraging people to stay positive, keep your head in the game, not to allow your challenges and circumstances make you feel like your losing, but to learn from them.”

She met her husband, Touré, in 2014, when she was asked to speak at the recently divorced pastor’s church, One Church LA. They were engaged within six months, married shortly thereafter and in short order became partners in leadership at his thriving Hollywood-based ministry.

Looking back, she says, “I never thought I would date a pastor, but I met Touré and wanted to help facilitate what God was doing in his life. If that was just making sure dinner was ready when he got home or if there was an opportunity for us to combine our efforts to build something for the kingdom.”

To that end, her leadership role in the church has come organically, first with her praying at altar calls and then with her taking over Wednesday night services.

“As our families settled and we were blending, God helped us to see how we could come alongside one another and complement our purpose and vision.”

Unofficially referred to as a copastor, Jakes Roberts is working to complete the mandated courses for ordination and will likely be ordained in the coming months.

In conversation, she comes off candid, open and passionate especially when addressing all she hopes to do in ministry.

“I’m still adjusting to the fact that I’m a preacher and stepping into the [co] pastor thing with a lot of reverence, but I want to know my word. I want to make sure I’m fully equipped to take on that mantle.”

Her integration into leadership has been seamless with the church escaping the exodus of mostly female parishioners that happens following the marriage of a single pastor and instead has continued to grow.

People are still quick to judge, but Jakes Roberts credits that to the day and age we live in with social media, though there's scant evidence of any resentment in her growing popularity.

“All of us—

regardless of what size your platform is— have to deal with the reality of people’s judgment. I try to create an opportunity for discourse that is productive and not just criticism. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

What helps is having wise counsel around me. People who aren’t just saying, ‘Oh, that was great’, but who are questioning me and keeping me in line and to help balance my blind spots.”

That wise counsel includes her parents, especially her mother, Serita Jakes, a model first lady.

“My mother is my best friend,” Jakes Roberts reveals.

“I seek her advice every day on everything from what the kids are ordering on iTunes without permission to what she’s cooking for dinner or if there’s something challenging happening at the ministry. All of us, my husband, my family and my parents—stay connected. We see them as our covering so getting to glean from their wisdom has helped us significantly.

“The difficult part about being the child of someone who has a legacy,” she reflects, “is that everyone thinks the only reason this is happening for you is that you’re connected to them.

While the last name may open the door, you have to allow what God is doing on the inside of you to keep you in the room. Your work ethic has to show up.

“To also have reverence for the fact that God is using you, so I try to keep my heart pure and my hands clean, because I recognize that handling people’s souls comes with great responsibility and I never want any of my stuff to get in the way of what God wants to do through me.”

L.A. Focus/ June 2017

“That’s what I wanted, but I was pushed into making some decisions about my destiny and releasing myself out of the box that my guilt and shame built.”

That moment came in 2011 when at a Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference, Jakes Roberts was asked to introduce her Dad—a moment that nearly brought him to tears.

“At that point, I was into this rhythm of embracing the uncomfortable so I said yes. I grabbed the microphone and the video is on YouTube somewhere. You can hear my voice trembling, but I shared my testimony about having my baby at the age of 14 and about how my Dad’s ministry helped to loose me from the shame of my past.”

The experience offered not just liberation, but reinforcement.

“From that moment forward,” she adds, “people asked if I’d share my story to their women’s group or youth conference. So speaking became the organic overflow of me ultimately following the direction of what God was doing in my life. What I now know is that the people who need to feel that they’re not in it alone and the people who need to understand that God’s grace is sufficient for them are more important than the people who criticize and have opinions that can sometimes be hurtful.”

It was in that process Jakes Roberts discovered the woman she believes God placed her on this earth to be.

“I wake up every day thankful to God for seeing something in me I didn’t see in myself—to trust me with influence…with being a servant each and every Sunday.”

Though speaking is clearly a gift, it is writing where Jakes Roberts has felt the most comfortable, authoring three books—her 2014 memoir, Lost & Found; a devotional Colliding with Destiny: Finding Hope In The Legacy of Ruth; and Dear Mary: Lessons From the Mother of Jesus for the Modern Mom—prior to the April 18, 2017 release of her latest book, Don’t Settle for Safe: Embracing The Uncomfortable To Become Unstoppable.

The book, available online and at Barnes & Noble, has the endorsements of Erica Campbell, DeVon Franklin & Meagan Good, Cookie Johnson, Tasha Cobbs and Michelle Williams among others.

Notes Jakes Roberts, “Don’t Settle for Safe” is all about taking this idea of once I get this bank account, once I get this person, once I get this degree than I’ll be settled. But the reality is “safe” doesn’t come as easy as we think. Getting people to understand that there is no such place as safe has become my mission. After that pregnancy, I thought if I could just get married, get a good job, that will be safe for me. But embracing the uncomfortable — saying I still believe I’m worthy in spite of all I’ve gone through—those decisions have led to incredible blessings in my life. Blessings every person is worthy of regardless of their background.”

Ironically, the happily-married mother of six challenges her own comfort zone every time she gets up to speak.

“I get on stage, let myself go and what happens I don’t know,” she states. “That’s not safe, but it is effective and that’s all that matters to me. I’m blown away that it touches people the way it does, but I’m genuine. I’m a what you see is what you get kind of person. On social media, people always say you’re my best friend in my head. I like that because what it says is that what’s in my heart is reaching their hearts and people feel genuinely connected to it.”

It also speaks to the power of social media—something both she and her husband have embraced as effective ministry tools.

“We have a mandate to go into all the world and sometimes you don’t need a passport to do that,” Jakes Roberts points out. “You can pick up your phone. There is a voice

11

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On the Money

Ralph’s South L.A. Grand Reopening Showcases $5 Million Renovation

Mo Bridges Inks NBA Deal

The Washington Preparatory nic treats. The renoHigh School marching band, comvation also includes a munity representatives, local digni“Money Shop” offertaries and officials from Ralph’s all ing a wide variety of came together last month to mark financial services, the completion of a $5 million renoincluding money vation and grand re-opening of its transfers, money South Los Angeles store located at orders, payroll and 1730 Manchester Avenue. Richard government checkThomas, the store's most senior cashing. associate, had the honor of cutting Twenty new the ribbon. The 45,000 square-foot hires from the comstore’s renovation includes expandmunity round out the ed and upgraded produce, meat, staff of 90 full- and seafood, bakery and deli depart- Ralph’s VP of Public Relations, Kendra Doyel makes donation part-time Ralph’s ments. The store will also offer cus- to Washington Prep High School marching band at grand associates and the tomers a wide range of fresh, organcompany has said it reopening of South L.A. location on Manchester. ic and natural meats, produce and will also make donaseafood. tions to George Washington Preparatory High School and “Our remodeled Western & Manchester store has an La Salle Elementary School as part of its ongoing comeven greater focus on health and wellness with a large mitment to make a positive impact in the community. assortment of natural and organic offerings,” said Valerie Kendra Doyel, a spokeperson for the store, also took Jabbar, Ralphs president. “We designed this store with the opportunity to tout the company’s “Community the neighborhood it serves in mind – offering specialized Rewards Program, “where folks can sign up their favorite design features, an outstanding selection of fresh food non-profit on the Ralphs.com website and a portion of options, personalized customer service and great prices.” your proceeds—every time you shop at Ralph’s or Food The reopening came months after the store came For Less—go to that non-profit.” under scrutiny by residents who complained that the “We’re very excited to have this renovation,” said a store was filthy and posted pictures on Facebook that representative of the Southwest Neighborhood Council. went viral leading to local news coverage. Officials coun- “It’s good to be able to come to the local store and not tered that a renovation was already in the works. have to drive out of the community.”

New to the store are an expansive selection of natural “This is a welcome change,” said Broderick Runyon, foods, including organic, gluten-free and other specialty, who lives just blocks from the store. “It’s as if they lisdietary-specific items; an in-store Starbucks café with tened to the community and that they do care about how seating and free Wi-Fi and a full-service bakery with eth- they are represented here.”

Moziah “Mo” Bridges was just 12 when he attracted national attention with his appearance on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank to promote his handmade bow and neckties business, Mo’s Bows. Though he didn’t secure a deal with the sharks, Daymond John offered to mentor the Memphis native for free.

In the two years since, sales of Mo’s Bows at retailers like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales have soared and Bridges—who was invited to the White House in 2015— was named to Time Magazine’s “Most Influential Teen” list.

Last month, the now 15-year old teen signed a lucrative licensing deal (sure to net him seven figures) with the NBA, giving him the rights to manufacture his distinctive hand-sewn neckwear using vintage patterns with an African flair with the logos of NBA clubs. Bridges, whose goal is to make Mo’s Bows a household name for kid entrepreneurship and men's accessories— is already producing and selling his NBA bowties for the Memphis Grizzlies, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Golden State Warriors.

“Partnerships like this one will help me reach my goals of having a full clothing line by the time I graduate from college," said Bridges, whose bow and neckties retail between $45 and $50.

For more details and/or to purchase the bowties, visit www.mosbowsmemphis.com

Biz NewsBriefs Cathay Bank Taps Alan Wright As Vice President

Southern California’s first Chinese-American Asianowned and operated banking institution, Cathay Bank has appointed Alan Wright as senior vice president and team manager of Business Development.

The South L.A. native, who brings more than 20 years of corporate banking experience to the position, most recently served as first vice president with California Bank & Trust.

With his new appointment, Wright will direct a team of Cathay’s senior lenders and banking professionals in addressing the growth, acquisitions, recapitaliza-

tions and traditional financial needs of middle market companies in Southern California.

Whoopi Goldberg Launches Line of Organic Medical Marijuana Products

Actress and TV personality Whoopi Goldberg has partnered with entrepreneur Maya Elizabeth to launch a cannabis line specifically designed to relieve painful menstrual cramps, called Whoopi & Maya.

Elisabeth is the founder of Om Edibles, an all-female medical marijuana business located in northern California that has a growing reputation as one of the best creators of medical cannabis products in California.

The products—only available to medical marijuana prescription-carrying California residents—include organic tinctures, skin rubs, extracts, bath soaks, and even drops that can be taken orally. All of the products are rich in magnesium, iron, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

The idea for the product line came from Goldberg's own experience with painful menstrual cramps, discovering that cannabis was the only thing that gave her relief.

For more information, visit www.whoopiandmaya.com

Dia Simms Takes Helm at Combs Enterprises

Sean "Diddy" Combs, CEO of Combs Enterprises, announced the promotion of Dia Simms to president.

Simms will oversee business activities across the companies and investments built and cultivated by Mr. Combs.

She will work directly with Mr. Combs to ensure that Combs Enterprises exceeds its financial and operational goals, as well as continuing to grow and expand globally and fulfill its broader strategic vision. Simms will also lead efforts across Combs Enterprises to identify and pursue strategic investments that expand the reach and influence that Mr. Combs has on entertainment, media, fashion, spirits, culture and other sectors. Under her new leadership, Combs Wines & Spirits will fold into Combs Enterprises as she oversees both ventures.

States Sean Combs, "Dia's passion, ambition, hard work and commitment to excellence have produced an unparalleled record of success. She has created and grown countless businesses and inspired those around her to excel. Not only am I confident she will succeed in her new role, I am excited about everything Combs Enterprises will accomplish under her leadership."

Dare U to Care Outreach Ministry announces sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program. Our organization will be serving food at the following addresses during the hours listed for lunch beginning 6/12/2017, between the hours of 12pm to 1pm:

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L.A. Focus/ June 2017

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L.A. Promise Charter High School to Engage Students in Theater And Film Charter schools have become the norm now in Los Angeles. Excelling at smaller learning communities has become a way of life for educators in South Los Angeles. LA Promise Fund for Public Schools is keeping up that push with the debut of the LA Promise Charter High School this fall.

That has school principal Qiana O’Leary gushing in exuberance.

“Super excited,” is the way O’Leary best describes her feelings about the opening of the strategically-planned film and television-themed school. “Every time I talk about it, I get excited about it all over

again.”

O’Leary has 440 reasons to be joyous.

That’s the number of students she will eventually be overseeing at LA Promise Charter High School. But for the 20172018 school year, which begins Aug. 15 for O’Leary and her staff, the first class will consist of 110 9th grade students.

Over the next several years, the school will add an additional 110 students until it reaches the maximum amount of 440 912th grade students. The uniqueness about LA Promise Charter High School #1 is that it will have a focus on the arts,

mainly theater and film. Considering Southern California is the hotbed for entertainment, it seems only natural that access to that avenue would be made available to local students seeking to get into that field.

O’Leary, who went to school in South Los Angeles, wishes she had that door opened for her. Now that this opportunity has been afforded to her students through this particular smaller learning community, O’Leary is pumped.

“We knew we needed a similar pathway,” O’Leary said. “It’s the framework in which

DENNIS J. FREEMAN Contributor

we teach. Hollywood has been in our backyard.”

Charter schools, according to the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA), is closing the gap on learning and college-readiness. In its 2014 report, the CCSA states that 75 percent of AfricanAmericans graduate within four years from charters schools in comparison to the 61 percent that receive a diploma from other district schools.

Even more stunning is the number of students who graduate completing collegeready courses. According to the CCSA 2014 report, nearly three-quarters of charter-based students (73 percent) graduate being college-ready (A-G courses).

When it comes to traditional district schools, that number reaches only 14 percent.

And when it comes to Englishlearning students, charter schools are a more viable option as 72 percent graduate, while only 52 percent from regular schools are able to pick up a diploma after four years. The success of charter schools and the idea of school-choice has won a groundswell level of support.

Established brands such as 20th Century Fox, American Heart Association, Teach for America, STARZ, United Way, LA Trade Tech, Big Brother, Big Sister LA, and Kaiser Permanente, among others, are all on the LA Promise Fund train in backing this academic endeavor.

Board members include representatives from Lucasfilm, Liongate, Univision Communications, Citibank, Wells Fargo & Co. and Goldman Sachs.

“We get strong support from our board members,” said O’Leary.

The power of LA Promise Charter High School, would be like any other charter school, and that is having the ability to incorporate real-life professions or industries into the curriculum. While O’Leary is excited about the prospect the school has to offer students and their families, the buy-in process is going to require active and engaging work in the community.

Partnering with Manual Arts High School, West Adams High School, and John Muir Middle School, all traditional schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District, the LA Promise Fund has taken that first step. For O’Leary, the next level of engagement is holding once-a-month, meetand-greet opportunities to connect with prospective students and their families.

These meetings will take place on the third Thursday of each month until the school year begins, she said.

“We want to build an educational paradise,” O’Leary said.

inSiDE Ho L LY W ooD with Neily Dickerson Summertime & The Blockbusters Are Coming Summer officially starts June 20 and the blockbuster movie season is upon us and I am so ready. Get out a pen & paper to prepare yourself for what’s to coming; May releases included Guardians of the Galaxy - I liked the first one best, King Arthur - loved this film, Snatched, Alien: Covenant, Baywatch - it delivered the satire I expected, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales - I could see it again!

In June, Wonder Woman will be released. For all you 1970s babies, can’t you hear the Wonder Woman theme music in your head? I’m excited

about this film and ready to do Wonder Woman’s signature spin. The Mummy looks a lil’ scary, but I might be brave enough to view it. All Eyez On Me this is destined to be a sing/rap-a-long moment for all Tupac fans. Cars – I’m going to find a one of the babies in my life to take as an excuse to see this.

One Transformers: The Last Knight it’s part of what we do… Baby DriverThe cast includes Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx so I’m definitely there.

Despicable Me 3 - again, using babies for this one. Because he’s always good for a laugh, The House featuring Will Ferrell will definitely be seen.

July brings some goodies to the big screen including Spider-Man: Homecoming, War for the Planet of the

Apes. Look forward to Girls Trip with Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall & Tiffany Haddish.

Atomic Blonde should be good. I don’t think I’ll need the babies for The Emoji Movie.

August offerings include The Dark Tower starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey. With Idris Elba starring, I’m already seated in the theater for this one and ladies you know why. The Hitman’s Bodyguard should be a fun ride with Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds. Those are some of the stand out films that are slated for this summer. Grab your popcorn and your blanket y’all, this year’s summer box office films are sizzling hot!

DUE in tHEatErS tHiS montH

All Eyez On Me June 16

Better Off Wed June 16

TV’s Newest Divas Daytime TV is about to get hotter with the June 5 premiere of Daytime Divas on VH1. The show, starring Vanessa Williams and Tichina Arnold, is based on Star Jones’ fiction novel, Satan’s Sisters, which delves into the behind the scenes catfights of a popular talk show called “The Lunch Hour”. The drama –filled hour long show has a recurring cast that includes Patti LaBelle, Eve, Tasha Smith and La La Anthony as well as special guests like Tamera Mowry, Kelly Osbourne, Star Jones, Joy Behar and Sonny Hostin.

Star Jones will serve as an executive producer. Williams plays Maxine Robinson, the creator and executive producer of the daytime talk show.

Tyra Banks Sued

HoLLYWooD BUZZ

The parents of a reality show contestant is suing the creators of America’s Got Talent alleging that their daughter was verbally abused and “physically manipulated” by Tyra Banks during a March 19 performance. According to documents filed in L.A. Superior Court, the young lady and her husband by publicly humiliated by judges, some audience members and Banks, who allegedly shook the lady’s shoulder, pulled her hair back and physically manipulated her. Banks went on to suggest that the woman was accidentally conceived while also poking fun of her performance on camera. As a result, the woman claims to have been traumatized as well as suffered deep depression. Seeking a jury trial, the suit claims intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress along with civil battery and civil assault.

While it is normal for reality show contestants to sign waivers against taking such

Q&a

ZoeKravitz

Transformers June 23

action, her parents maintain that they got her to sign a contract without their consent.

Speaking of lawsuits, Barry White son, Daryl White filed suit against his former stepmother, Glodean White, claiming that the agreement that he made for payments from the star’s widow had stopped rendering him cash-strapped and nearly homeless.

He maintains that he has never viewed his Dad’s will and is taking the legal action to see what was in it and to finally find out what his Dad intended for him to have.

Showbiz News Good Morning America co-host Michael Strahan is expanding into production under a new deal with ITV America in which he and his company, SMAC Entertainment, will create unscripted programming for television. ITV America and SMAC Entertainment already are in business together on the series Tackle My Ride for the N F L Network ( w i t h Leftfield Pictures) as well as projects i n development includi n g Spark t h e

Jurnee Smollett-Bell

Baby Driver June 28

Future with Wiz Khalifa (with ITV Entertainment), Pros vs. Kids and Not for Primetime, and Guinness World Records (with High Noon & ITV Entertainment). Strahan also serves as the host of ABC’s The $100,000 Pyramid and is a NFL analyst.

Things are about to heat up for Halle Berry. Aside from starring in “Kidnap (due at the box office in August) and Kingsman: The Golden Circle, due out in September, Berry has been tapped to star alongside Samuel L. Jackson in a yet another remake of the 1958 horror classic, The Blob. She is also wrapping work on Kings, a drama about a foster family in South Central, set a few weeks before the L.A. riots in 1992.

Briefly: Bad news for all you Underground fans. The hour-long series—starring Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Aldis Hodge, exec produced by John Legend, and centering around the Underground Railroad —was cancelled. Insiders say that the show was being shopped to other networks, but at post, there were no takers…Good news for Madea fans. With Boo! A Medea Halloween beating out Jack Reacher on its opening weekend at the box office and going on to gross over $75 million, cinched the chances that there would be a Boo 2! A Medea Halloween and it’s happening this October…Mixed news for writer/director Gina Prince-Bythewood. While Shots Fired—the police drama she cocreated with her husband—was cancelled, Prince-Bythewood has been tapped to direct Silver & Black, the film that is based on Silver Sable & Black Cat (aka Felicia Hardy) characters from Sony’s Marvel Universe revolving around its signature hero Spider-Man. Prince-Bythewood, who wrote and directed Beyond The Lights and Love & Basketball is the latest female filmmaker to direct a superhero film.

Hometown: Los Angeles Big Break: Californication Current Project: Rough Night, Divergent Series: Allegiant - Part 2, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2 As the daughter of musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet, Zoe Kravitz is no stranger to Hollywood. Instead of leaning on her parent’s fame, the actress, model and singer has built a name for herself, chasing her passion for acting. After high school, the hard-working teenager worked on “Assassination of a High School President” with Bruce Willis and since then, appeared in X-Men: First Class, Divergent and The Road Within for which she won the Milano International Film Festival award for Best Actress and Napa Valley Film Festival award for Best Supporting Actress. Kravitz currently plays Bonnie Carlson in the TV mini-series Big Little Lies.

Describe the character Bonnie and how you get the role.

Bonnie is a sensitive soul with a moral compass. She is a mother whose close relationship with her teenage stepdaughter threatens Witherspoon’s character. I was cast without an audition. During an initial meeting with director Jean-Marc Vallée, he said to me, “You feel very Bonnie.”

Was it easy for you to relate to the character Bonnie?

I think how the script is written, every character appears to be one way and we are all painted in this way where we think “okay, I know who she is” and then as the story goes it kind of ripped and you realized, I knew nothing, that’s how we walk into this world thinking that we know what people are like and you actually know less than we think. I definitely had that moment with both of my parents when I realized: I’m a human being who is still trying to figure it out.

What was it like working with Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, and Reese Weatherspoon?

It was great. It was nice for me and Shailene to work together in a different and more grounded environment. This role is so much more human than the Divergent world and also to get to play more mature characters because Shailene and I grew up together so it was a beautiful journey to come to this point where we get to play young mothers together. This entire experience was so warm and full of laughter and tears and we all became so close.

As an actress, what challenges do you face in the casting community?

I’ve had many experiences in this industry where my ethnicity has been a problem. I was once told that I couldn’t have an audition for a small part in The Dark Knight Rises because the casting directors weren’t “going urban”. The issue is people don’t think outside their own box. You can read a script, and the character description will say, Jane, 26, beautiful and outgoing, and you’re just supposed to assume that person is Caucasian. But then it will say Sarah, 27, AfricanAmerican, funky. That has always been shocking to me. continued to page 26

Kevin Hart attends the Captain Underpants premiere with his 9-year old son

Calendar of events

Ongoing On Stage: Five Guys Named Moe Starring Obba Babatunde, Reginald VelJohnson (Through June 11) Check for prices and showtimes Nate Holden Performing Arts Center 4718 W. Washington Blvd Contact: (323) 964-9768 www.ebonyrep.org On Stage: “The Bodyguard” Through June 11 Starring Deborah Cox Segerstrom Center for the Arts 600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa Tickets: (714) 556-2787 www.scfta.org On Stage: August Wilson’s “Fences” Through June 17 Long Beach Playhouse 5021 E. Anaheim Street Long Beach Tickets: (562) 494-1014 www.lbplayhouse.org Exhibit: Ella At 100: Celebrating The Artistry of Ella Fitzgerald Items on display include photos, wardrobe pieces, performance footage and more (Through September 10) $10.95 – 12.95

Contact: (213) 763-6020 www.microsofttheater.com

M-F 10:30am - 6:30pm; Weekends:10am - 6:30pm The Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd Contact: (213) 765-6800 www.grammymuseum.org

Wednesday, June 7

Friday, June 2 In Concert: The Total Package Tour Featuring New Kids on The Block, Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men 3PM • $39 - $383 Hollywood Bowl 2301 No. Highland Avenue Contact: (323) 850-2000 www.hollywoodbowl.com Newport Beach Jazz Festival Featuring Vanessa Williams, The Ojays, David Sanborn, Bobby Caldwell, Kandace Springs, Norman Brown and more (Through June 4) $65 (day) $120 (2 day pass) Hyatt Regency Newport Beach 1107 Jamboree Rd Box Office: (949) 360-7800 www.festivals.hyattconcerts.com

Interfaith Summit on Homelessness Essential resources and information on housing 8:30AM – 2:00PM • Free California Endowment 1000 Alameda Street HomelessInitiative@lacounty.gov

Tuesday, June 6 Resurrection Church L.A.’s 10 X Better 10th Anniversary (Through June 27 June 6: Pastor Michael Fisher • June 13: Bishop Kenneth Ulmer • June 20: Pastor Wayne Chaney • June 25: Pastor Darryl Williams & Pastor Kenneth Moales, Jr. •June 25: Special Night of Worship w .

Shari Demby •June 27: Elder Adrian Reid Resurrection Church 1135 E. Janis Street Carson, CA 90746 Information: (877) 922-6226 Resurrectionchurchla.org

Friday, June 9 Anchor of Hope Formerly Incarcerated Re-Entry Ministry Conference & Expo 9:00AM – 4:00PM • Free West Angeles COGIC (Crystal Room) 3045 Crenshaw Boulevard Guest speakers include Jerome Horton & Pastor Kelvin Sauls Information: (323) 432-3976 www.aohministry.org

Saturday, June 10 The 39th Annual Playboy Jazz Fest M.C.: George Lopez Featuring

Saturday, June 3 In Concert: Trey Songz With Mike Angel 8:30PM • $41.50 - $64.50 The Novo 800 W Olympic Blvd Info: (213) 765-7000 www.thenovodtla.com

EVEnt SpotLigHt

Woman To Woman Tour Featuring Barbara Mason, Betty Wright, The Emotions, The Moments, The Temprees & Brenda Holloway 8PM • $52.50 – 225.50 Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Court

Sunday, June 18 15th Annual HUF Awards and Scholarship Brunch Presented by Judge Mablean 12PM-4:00PM • $90 Long Beach Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom 701 W. Ocean Blvd Long Beach, CA 90831 www.hufawards.com

L.A. Focus/ June 2017

Model Winnie Harlow poses at the screening of “Loveless” on the red carpet at the 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival

16

t Martin a & Areva . y r la d a n G a L ir Dr.Nita mp Affa Pink Pu the 2017 ery at the son was glimm Taraji P. Hen usic Awards 2017 MTV M

Zoe Salda na & husb Perego st and Marc the premir o e of Guard the Galax ians of y Vol.2 in L.A

Yvonne Orji elegantly clad in a romper at the 2017 MTV Music Awards last month.

Friends of businesswoman Del Richardson Price (wife of Councilman Curren Price (sixth from left in turquoise top and white slacks) turn out to a pool party to show their love.

Common, Gregory Porter, Lalah Hathaway, Corinne Bailey Rae, Roy Ayers, Bobby Hutcherson, a salute to the late Al Jarreau and more (Through Sunday, June 11) 3PM • $23 - $176 Hollywood Bowl 2301 No. Highland Avenue Contact: (323) 850-2000 www.hollywoodbowl.com 8th Annual LA Food Fest 2:00PM – 7:00PM • $50 – $95 LA Memorial Coliseum 3911 South Figueroa Street Award winning top chefs and restaurants, favorite trucks, street stands, carts and more www.lafoodfest.com Black Girls CODE: A Virtual Reality Experience Girls ages 10-17 will learn how to use Unity3D, an industry standard game development platform, to develop a simple Virtual Reality experience. No prior experience is necessary.

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM • $35 Apply: http://bit.ly/bgc_scholarships) Google 320 3rd Ave • Venice www.blackgirlscode.com/parents.html

3900 W. Manchester Blvd Contact: (310) 330-7300 www.fabulousforum.com

Sunday, June 11 Workshop: Collecting Art For Beginners Free • 2-4PM California African American Museum 600 State Dr • Exposition Park RSVP preferred (213) 7442024 www.caamuseum.org

Monday, June 12 Booksigning: Kevin Hart “I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons” Free • 7PM Barnes & Noble 189 The Grove Drive Contact: (323) 525-0270 www.barnesandnoble.com

Tuesday, June 13 Film Screening: The Silent Killer: Prostate Cancer in the African American Community Screening and Q&A Panel discussion featuring Prostate Cancer Specialist Dr. Stanley Frencher, Survivor Alonzo Williams (Wreckin Cru), Actor Ricco Ross, Director Landi Maduro and Producer Chris Edwards 6:00PM – 9:00PM • Free The Los Angeles Film School

6353 Sunset Boulevard

Wednesday, June 14 The ABCs of Financing Your Small Business and Building Your Retirement 5:30PM – 7:30PM • Free VEDC Headquarters 5121 Van Nuys Blvd.

Second Floor Van Nuys Contact: (818) 907-9977 www.vedc.org

Thursday, June 15 18th Annual GLAAACC Scholarship Luncheon: Superstars For Success 11:30am 1:30pm L.A. Hotel Downtown 333 South Figueroa Street Information: (323) 292-1297 www.glaaacc.org

Friday, June 16 In Concert—Future: Nobody Safe Tour 7PM • $47 -443 3900 W. Manchester Blvd Contact: (310) 330-7300 www.fabulousforum.com Holman CDC’s 2017 Quiet Champion Awards Luncheon Honoring Brenda Shockley and Col. Patricia JacksonKelley 11:30AM – 2:30PM • $100 Millenium Biltmore Hotel 506 S. Grand Avenue Information: (323) 731-0140

www.holmanumc.com

LAX Airport Information: (310) 577-8530

www.staplescenter.com

Saturday, June 17

Tuesday, June 20

Friday, June 23

On Stage: “Choir, Choir” Starring Eric Dawkins, Angie Fisher, Dayne Dooley, Patrick Wise, Moriah Johnson and more Presented by Jack Lightsy Productions 8PM • $40 - 75 Wilshire Ebell Theatre 4401 W 8th Street Information: (310) 963-4704 www.jacklightsyproductions.com

BBA’s 2017 Salute to Black Music Awards Dinner Honoring Clarence Avant Honorary Chair: Quincy Jones 6PM • $350 Millenium Biltmore Hotel 506 S Grand Avenue Information: (323) 291-9334 www.bbala.org

Thursday, June 22

In Concert: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly & Friends 7:30PM • $65 – 350 USC’s Galen Center 3400 S. Figueroa Street Contact: (213) 740-4672 www.galencenter.org

Sunday, June 25 BET Celebration of Gospel Event Hosted by Major Featuring performances by Israel Houghton, Mali Music, Tasha Cobbs Speakers: Pastor Toure Roberts & Sarah Jakes Roberts 11:30am – 2PM • Staples Center www.betexperience.com

Monday, June 19

BET Experience (Through Sunday, June 25) Featuring performances from artists like Keyshia Cole, Bryson Tiller, Jhene Aiko, Jidenna, an open casting call, Kids Choice Sports Awards, Slam Dunk contest, Fashion & Beauty; Celebrity Basketball Game, celebrity meet and greets and culminating with the BET Awards honoring some of the biggest names in the music industry 7:30pm • Prices vary Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa www.betexperience.com

Second Annual Los Angeles Classic Car Show Entries are 1959 and older 10AM – 6PM • $25 Long Beach Convention Center 300 East Ocean Blvd Contact: (310) 367-8439 www.bombsmagazine.com

AME Investiture Council of bishops gather for general board meetings, VIP reception, gala dinner, etc.

(Through Wednesday) Hilton Hotel

In Concert: Kid Cudi, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa and more 7:30PM • $59.50 - $139.50 Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa Contact: (213) 742-7340

Annual Women’s Day at New Pleasant Hill MB Theme: Women Giving God What We Owe Him . . .

PRAISE!!

9537 South Vermont Avenue

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer & SEIU Local 721 African American Caucus Juneteenth Celebration Live music, Southern cuisine, African dancers, door prizes and more Red Carpet 7:30pm • Celebration: 8:00pm $5 California African American Museum 600 State Drive Information: (213) 744-2111

around los angeles

In Concert: Chicago & the Doobie Brothers 7:30PM • $15 -337

ught color to the Tracee Elis Ross bro month.

MTV red carpet last Areva Martin, Vanessa Williams , Kym Whitely & Mari Morrow at the 2017 Pink Pump Affiar Gala.

classy at the Christina Milian rocked Authur.

L.A. premire of King

Actress Issa Rae at the MTV Awards last month.

Re d Carpet Style

NAOMI CAMPBELL in a glamorous sleek Atelier Versace dress.

RIHANNA in an off-white, strapless Christian Dior dress.

Celebrities looking amazing as they attend the previews of new films, of various genres, from all around the world, at the 2017 70th annual Cannes Film Festival which took place May 17th to 28th, in Cannes, France.

JASMINE TOOKES looks stunning in her lavender, Georges Chakra Couture dress.

JOURDAN DUNN wearing a beautiful cream gown with blue embroidery by Elie Saab.

MARY J BLIGE in her lovely black semisheer Reem Acra gown.

Eye On Gospel Yolanda Adams Dream Come True Music isn’t the only business for gospel’s second best selling artist, Grammy-award winning vocalist Yolanda Adams, who says her dream has come true with the launch of her own brand of coffee—Yolanda Adams Coffee— last month.

"My new coffee venture is a labor of love in honor of all my relatives and friends who enjoy coffee. I remember as a child waking to the aroma of my grandmother and grandfather's favorite blend. The scent would hit my nose on those weekend mornings when I'd spent the night. I could hear the percolator on her gas stove making rhythmic staccato sounds as the water rushed over and saturated the coffee grounds. It was almost like science project perfection. I later found out, while studying how to best prepare coffee, that Granny had it right all along."

In keeping with the singer’s healthy lifestyle, the brand boasts shade-grown coffee, sourced from a healthy soilbase with no pesticides used during the growing process.

Retailing at $10.95 per 12ounce package, the tea is available in eleven flavors, including Columbia Decaf, Crescent City Blend, Double Dark F r e n c h R o a s t , Texas Hill Country Pecan, French Vanilla, Hazelnut

Cinnamon Cookie, Dark Chocolate Decadence and Yolanda’s Signature Blend.

It is hardly the first business venture for Adams, who launched a clothing line in 2011 and who just last year, launched her Simply Yolanda line of beauty products.

Retailing for $10.50 - $18.50, the six products for sale include Chocolate Body Soufflé and Love Body Oil. The 5’10” Houston native and radio host was recently inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Cece Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Jekalyn Carr sang a medley of Adams’ most popular hits including "The Battle is The Lord's"and "Open My Heart."

The event also honored individuals and organizations that are impacting our culture both past and present.

This year's honorees were Amy Grant for Helping Hands, Dr. Shirley Caesar for Shirley Caesar Outreach Ministries, Compassion International and Natalie Grant for Hope for Justice.

Among the legacy artists inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame by proclamation were Dorothy Love Coates & The Gospel Harmonettes, The Roberta Martin Singers and The Harmonizing Four.

Worth The Wait Chart-topper Travis Greene releases his new single “You Waited” – via live performance and interactive social experience. The acclaimed recording artist – who jump-started the year with worldwide buzz and career accolades including 2 GRAMMY® nominations, and winning a leading 7 awards at the 2017 Stellar Awards – now marks “You Waited” as the lead single from his highly-anticipated upcoming album Crossover: Live from Music City.

The video for “You Waited”, captured at Greene’s soldout live album recording in Nashville, precedes the launch of Crossover Radio, an interactive game-themed platform allowing fans to engage with their local radio stations to petition for airplay.

Greene’s release of “You Waited” dropped just before the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, where his hit single

netted him the award for “Top Gospel Song”.

Full Tank 3 Fresh off the heels of his 2016 book: The Full Tank Life: Fuel Your Dreams-Ignite Your Destiny, the godfather of gospel jazz, Ben Tankard is back with the third installment of his Stellar Award-winning Full Tank album series. His new Full Tank 3: Cantankerous album features an all-star cast of special guests including multi-award winning saxophonist Gerald Albright, guitarist Phil Hughley, saxophonist Cord Martin, Grammy® award-winning group Take-6 and song contributions from Judith Christie McAllister, Faith Hill and Sean “Diddy” Combs and Sting.

“It is super tough carving out time to be in the studio to record when you have reality TV cameras around you all day, but I have to say this record was a fun and rewarding experience,” says the Grammy®, Dove, and Soul Train-awarded artist, producer and reality TV dad.

“I am especially excited about my gospel instrumental rendition of 'Like The Dew' featuring Gerald Albright.”

“I am also excited about my smooth jazz single “Remember Wayman” which I wrote and produced in honor of my old NBA buddy and smooth jazz artist the late Wayman Tisdale.”

Whether serving locally with pastoral duties at their thriving church The Destiny Center, shooting the next reality TV show season with his wife Jewel and their wonderfully wild, whacky and adventurous blended family, to piloting his airplane across the country to speak and play concerts, you can rest assured that the Tankards will always live life on a full tank!

Briefly: Sad to report that Tye Tribbett’s BET show, Joyful Noise, has been cancelled…Tasha Cobbs is slated to headline the BET Experience’s Sunday afternoon gospel closer at the Staples Center later this month.

Other artists scheduled to perform include Israel Houghton, Mali Music and Jonathan McReynolds.

Pastor Toure Roberts and Sarah Jakes are set to bring a powerful message.

ChurchNews Right Rev. Clement Fugh To Be Named President of the AME Coucil of Bishops, To Lead AME Church

O

n Tuesday, June 19th, the Right Rev. Clement Fugh— Bishop of the 5th District—will ascend to the highest office in the AME church, as president of the 201-year old denomination’s Council of Bishops and the official head of the AME church for the next year.

“It’s the passage of the baton and leadership for the connectional church for at least the next 12 months,” said Fugh, who took over leadership of the AME Fifth District last year.

“For the 5th district we are doing it as a time of celebration.”

The group’s annual meeting, dubbed “the Investiture”—slated for June 19 -21 at the Hilton LAX— will bring together all 21 active bishops as well as some retired bishops, leaders of the groups largest churches as well as department heads and AME members.

Fugh, who joined the bishopry in 2012, was assigned to the coveted fifth district last year. For all the West Coast had to offer, it came with its share of challenges, but Fugh’s vision is just as big as his title.

“All visions are bigger than what you can do, so the challenge that came with this assignment was to create in this district the mindset that we are a holy nation living out a destiny that God had ordained for us,” says the Memphis, Tennessee native who grew up in church and was admitted into the AME conference when he was 19.

His biggest challenge is getting people to come to church given the declining attendance of churchgoers and millennials across the nation. What he has found to be most successful is modeling Christ and finding innovative ways to get—and keep—people engaged.

“In most of our congregations, it’s the people before the millennials who are paying the bills so you have to give them something to keep them engaged, and then it has to be fresh. We have to be open to let somebody with youth and vitality and vision come and say hey we can do this another way that will be equally effective and then step back and let them try it. That engages them to want to stay.

“Part of our theme is from Nehemiah 8, so once the people understood again what the calling is they lamented on how far behind they have fallen and once you restore the confidence the next level, of course the same passage, is to share what you have with those who have nothing prepared. After celebrating who we are in Christ our next thing is to do something for the people around us and as part of the investiture we plan to make a couple substantial contributions to agencies that address issues like homelessness and child trafficking. To let the people know we are not just satisfied with staying within our stain glass stone walls buildings but we are essentially doing what’s going on and plan to make a difference.”

Pastor William Smart Receives Giants of Justice Award Congratulations to Pastor William D. Smart, President and CEO of the L.A. chapter of SCLC and Co-pastor of Christ Liberation Ministries on his receiving the Giant of Justice Award. The award—presented by the Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE)—was handed out on May 25th in a ceremony held at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church.

Greater Zion To Open Diner, Recording Studio in Compton Father’s Day will mark the grand opening of the GZ Diner, a restaurant that will be owned and operated by the Compton-based Greater Zion Church Family. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, the restaurant will offer affordable comfort food and barbecue for take-out.

“I decided to do it so that we would be able to add to the economic revitalization of Compton and provide Church News continued to page 26

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

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

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South L.A. 10905 S. Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 566.5286 Pastor Reginald A. Pope Sunday Worship: 8:00 & 11:00am Sunday School & C.B.T.: 9:40am Monday Evangelism Training: 7:00pm Wednesday Prayer: 11:15am Sunday Radio KALI 900am @ 7:30am www.bmbcla.com

First AME Church (FAME) 2270 South Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-1251 • F: (323) 735-3353 • www.famechurch.org Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, Senior Pastor/CEO Sunday School: 10am Worship: 8am, 10am, Noon Teen Church (2nd Sundays):Noon,Allen House Wed. Prayer Service: Noon Wed. Bible Study: 7pm Radio: 10:30am on KJLH-102.3FM First AME is the oldest Black Church in the City Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027 Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Senior Pastor Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm

Grace Temple Baptist Church 7017 South Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192 Bishop Miquail M. Broadous Sr., Senior Pastor Sunday School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:00am Wednesday Worship: 6:45pm E-Mail: gtbcla@gmail.com

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

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

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

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 Rev. DeNon Porter

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

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

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

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

Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-8869 •F: (323) 731-0851 www.christianfellowshipla.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

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.

Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Rev. Frederick Price Jr.

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

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

Sunday Church School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:30am & 12:30pm Wed. Bible Study: noon & 6:30pm Prayer Meeting: 6pm Follow us on Twitter @dacrossculture www.thecrossculture.org

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

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

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

New Pilgrim Baptist Church 8225 So. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003 (626)215-5175 • Office: (323) 789-6218 Bishop R. A. McKinley, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 11am Second Location Golden West Baptist Church 4856 Golden West Ave, Temple City, CA 91780 Sunday Worship: 9am

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

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

“You can end your search for a friendly church”

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church 2009 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 293-6448 • F: (323) 293-6605 Dr. Sylvester Washington Sunday School: 8am Morning Worship: 10am Tues. Bible Study: 11am Wed. Evangelism Class: 6:30pm First Sun. Holy Communion Service: 4pm www.pleasanthillbaptistchurch.org

CHuRCHes CeLeBRatinG anniVeRsaRies, ReViVaLs & sPeCiaL eVents

SHOWCASE YOUR CHURCH ANNIVERSARY OR REVIVAL HERE

62 Years of God’s Faithfulness Praises Of Zion Missionary Baptist Church

with our

Sunday, June 18: Father’s Day Musical 4:00pm June 7th & 8th 2017 Youth & Young Adults Revival @7pm Guest Speaker: Rev. Terry Brooks

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER

June 11, 2017: Youth & Young Adults Annual Day Musical @3:30pm Theme: "Make It Your Lifestyle" 1 Timothy 4:12 Guest Recording Artist: Malcolm Williams

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For information, call 310.677.6011

For information, call (323) 750-1033 8222 S. San Pedro Street • Los Angeles, CA 90003 Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1300 E. 50th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 235-2103 • F: (323) 235-3177 • www.mtzionla.org Dr. Edward V. Hill, II, Pastor Sunday Intercessory Prayer: 9:15am Morning Worship: 9:30am Children’s Church: 9:30am Sunday School: 11:30am Baptism: 2nd Sun. & Lord’s Supper: 1st. Sun. Tues. Pastor’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Wed. Noon-day Prayer: Noon

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

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

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

Sunday Early Morning Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30 am Morning Worship: 11am Tuesday Prayer and Bible Band: 11am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30pm Wednesday in the Word: 7:30pm

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

www.Channel1Live.tv—View live streaming

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

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

Early Morning Worship: 6:45am Educational Hour: 9:15am Mid-Morning Worship: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 7pm Sunday Broadcast: 5:30am Live streaming Sundays:12pm http://www.pozlive.com St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Rev. Dr. Lovely Haynes Sunday Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed: Prayer Bible Study: 6pm - 6:55 pm Mon. Night Bible Study: 7pm Tue Choir Rehersal Wednesday Prayer: Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7pm • Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7pm Thurs. Evangelism: 7pm (enrollment required) 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

L.A. Focus/ June 2017

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)

Sunday Worship: 9am, 11am & 1pm Wednesday Midweek Service: 8pm

Praises of Zion Baptist Church (“Praise City” 8222 So. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003 (323) 750-1033 • F: (323) 750-6458 • www.pozlive.com Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, Sr. Pastor

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St. Matthew Tabernacle of Praise “The S.T.O.P.” 740 W. 59th Street,Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 291-1115 • F: (323) 293-0471 Rev. C.Barry Greene, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship Service: 8:00am Prayerline Tuesdays&Wednesdays: 6:00am Wordline Tuesdays: 7:00pm (712) 775-7031 Access Code: 814352108

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

Email: thechurchstop@yahoo.com pastorcbgreene@aol.com Southern Saint Paul Church 4678 West Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 731-2703 • smbc@smbcla.org Rev. Xavier L. Thompson, Senior Pastor/Teacher L.I.F.E. Groups Sundays: 9:30am Morning Worship Service: 11:00am Baptism & Communion (First Sunday): 4:00pm Weekly Bible Enrichment Tuesdays: 7:00pm North Campus: 9:00am Wednesday Bible Enrichment: 7:00pm 11137 Herrick Av • Pacoima 91331 (818) 899-8031 st.paul@smbcla.org • “Loving People Making Disciples”• Trinity Baptist Church 2040 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-0044 • F: (323) 735-0219 Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship: 7:30 & 10:30am Sunday Church School: 9am Radio Broadcast KJLH FM: 9am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: Noon-7pm www.trinitybaptistchurchofla.org

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

West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3045 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 Bishop Charles E. Blake Sunday School: 8am & 10:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 11am Evening Worship (North Campus): 7pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7pm Sun. Radio Broadcast KJLH 102.3FM: 10am www.westa.tv

Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center In Altadena 2556 N. Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001 (626) 797-3585 • F: (626) 797-3233 • www.lifelinefcc.org Pastor Charles D. Dorsey Sunday School: 9am Early Worship (Glory Prayer): 8am Morning Worship: 10:30am Evening Worship (1st & 2nd Sun.): 5pm Wed. Bible Study: 7pm

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

Carson

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: 12pm Every 1st Wed Mid Week Worship: 7pm Streaming live at judsonbclive.net Peace Apostolic Church 21224 Figueroa Street, Carson, CA 90745 (310) 212-5673 Suff. Bishop Howard A. Swancy Sunday School: 10am Morning Worship: 11:45am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Noon Day Bible Class: 12:30pm Wed. Bible Class: 7:30pm

Pastor Profile: Rev. Tyron Robinson Church: Pilgrim’s Hope Baptist Church How Long: A year and a half Hometown: Los Angeles Family: Jasmine Morton-Robinson, four children Education: University of California at Berkeley How did you come to accept the call on your life?

It was over a series of time. I’d go to church and really enjoyed everything about church as a child and it just came. Some days I started recognizing the voice of God speaking to me early on and then I was about 13-yearsold singing in church and it was clear as day to me that there’s something more to this than just participating in the choir or helping around the church. I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I started and pastored my first church when I was 24 in 2000.

L.A. Focus/ June 2017

How did you come to start your own church?

I knew that there was an executive spot for me at some point, but I didn’t go running after it. Instead I was working with other people until it came down to this is my time,—it’s now or never. I had a group of people supporting me and the call of God, so I took a shot. It didn’t start off pretty.

I jumped off the cliff on the 4th Sunday in August 2000 at a hotel in Westchester with an intimate group of people. To be very honest, that first church did not survive.

Anybody that says that they had it a l l

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together on day one—I don’t want to call anyone a liar— but that first year of pastoring was very difficult, but I’ve never looked back though and as of today, I’ve been pastoring 17 years.

What were the challenges?

I was newly married and my personal life was in disarray. I’d graduated from college and knew the call of God was on my life, but personally I had some lose ends that needed tying up in the process of trying to manifest the call of God. Looking back I can say that was a process He [God] was taking me through, not to mention just being a first-time pastor and starting a church.

Your first time out is like starting a business. You had to have ministry, money and members. I had big ministry ideas, but I didn’t have the money I needed and I had only a handful of members.

How did you overcome those challenges?

Lots of prayer, practice and patience. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I’ve learned the secret of: you make the mistake, you mourn the mistake, then you get up and by faith move on. Making mistakes is inevitable, but once the mourning period is over, you have to be willing to reinvent yourself and try again.

Who has most influenced your preaching style?

Bishops Paul S. Morton, Clarence McClendon, the late Bishop Miquail Broadus and Dr. C. L. Franklin have really influenced me over the past 25 years and one of them is currently my father-in-law.

I pride myself on being a student of the word of God, so when you say, “influencing my preaching” it’s not just that I get their tape and starting preaching like they preach, their style of delivery, decorum, their discipline.

I’ve had the opportunity to personally meet and know all but one, which is Dr. C.L. Franklin, who passed when I was a little boy but I never wanted to imitate any of them as much as I could help it, but there’s an impartation there —something that has been deposited into the way I do the word of God. How does it feel to be the son-in-law of Bishop Paul Morton?

I just got married on March 31, 2017, but it feels normal. We are regular people. Of course, it has its moments when it’s surreal considering that he’s one of my preaching idols, and that he’s now family.

Have you been in church all your life?

I joke about it, but the truth of the matter is, I was born on a Sunday and all I know is church on Sunday.

The church has been the rock of my life as God has opened doors for me to be able to experience a lot of

things both nationwide and worldwide.

What would you say is a recurring theme?

The supernatural healing power of God. He’s able to heal. He’s able to save. He’s able to deliver supernaturally and that this is the benefit of being a part of his kingdom. If you look me up on Instagram, I have three I use repetitively: #IPreachGrace, #IPreachHope and #InTheKing-dom. When you put the three together you get a glimpse of what my assignment is to the body of Christ; to preach grace and hope in the context of the Kingdom of God and that God is able to heal no matter what is going on.

What do you hope to accomplish at Pilgrim’s Hope?

To become the force of hope on the east side of south LA. That when people come to our church, they will connect to the spirit of God, grow in the things of God and become healthy functional contributors.

I’ve only been at this church since November of 2015, so I’ve been working overtime and in overdrive giving the church an opportunity to discover my heart for God and for loving people. Right now, we’ve been doing everything possible to build the spirit of the church. The predominate focus has been reaching people inside the church who’ve been displaced or fallen through the cracks and helping them to become spiritually healthy so that they can connect or reconnect with the reality of God. Then we will be able to effectively outreach to the community.

What do you believe is your biggest strength?

The ability to translate complexities about the mind of God, and then love the people into accepting the fact that as believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are supposed to take on His mindset about everything going on in this world. That takes a degree of learning on the part of people and it takes a degree of loving on the part of the pastor, so you’ve got this learning and loving going on.

How has it been adjusting to this congregation?

I was a praying man in the four churches I pastored, but this church has made me a more intense man of prayer because I had to become totally different to allow God to use me to meet the needs of the people here.

Would the colleagues you went to school with be surprised to find out that you’re a pastor?

Actually, on Facebook, about two months ago, some of my high school classmates chimed in on a ministry post I made and I was totally blown away to hear them say, ‘we knew it all along’. was having identity issues in high school—couldn’t figure it out, couldn’t get it right. The only thing I could Pastor Profile continued to page 26

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IN HIS HANDS

PASTORAL VACANCY Greater Temple of God Christian Fellowship —a cornerstone for over 49 years in the South L.A./Watts community is accepting applications for a pastor. We are seeking a man of God in accordance with Titus 1:7: “For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quicktempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain” The Pastor will lead bible study, work closely with the deacons, trustees, and other committees.

Applicants may request an application by email at: Pastor4GTOG1 @yahoo.com

Ana Guerrero

Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray

Dr. Kathryn Jeffery

You are cordially invited to attend the

10th CounCiL distRiCt Women’s steeRinG Committee

WALK TOWARDS THE CRY 5K RUN/WALK

42nd Annual Awards & Scholarship Luncheon sunday, June 25th 1:30pm -‐6pm Proud Bird

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Theme: “Embracing the Future” Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kathryn Jeffery, PhD. Special Guest: Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, PhD. VIP Reception $150.00 General Admission $75.00 Entertainment, Vendors and Raffle. Sponsorship and Advertisement opportunities are still available.

Fundraiser to Assist with Combating Human Trafficking and Sexual Assault

Start Time: 8:00 a.m.

El Dorado Park 7550 E. Spring Street • Long Beach

tickets now on sale at: https://10thcouncildistrictwsc.eventbrite.com For more info, call 323-735-0879 or 323-309-7321

Registration: $35 Parking $7 (Cash only)

For additional information, visit: www.cryheardsupport.com (Click the Coming Events banner)

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

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

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

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

Bishop Richard Sanders incredible story of faith

Available Now For information on how you can pick up a copy

CALL (310) 639-0568

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

www.thelibertychurch.com Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus) Sunday School: 9am Morning Service: 10:45am Wed. Mid-Week Bible Study: 7pm Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • E: GreaterZionCF@gmail.com Reverend Michael J. Fisher & Dr. W. Jerome Fisher, Pastor Emeritus Sunday Morning Worship: 9am, 11am & 5pm Wed. Bible Studies: Noon-7pm www.greaterzionchurchfamily.com

Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, P.O. Box 5449, Compton 90220 (310) 604-5900 Fax: (310) 604-5915 Dr. Ron C Hill Sunday Morning Worship: 8am & 11:30am Sunday Evening Worship: 6:30pm Bible Studies: Wed. 7:30pm & Sat. 9am Food for Your Soul Radio Ministry: beblessedwebradio: Mon - Fri. 6:30am IMPACT TV: Tuesdays 3:00pm

The City of Refuge 14527 S. San Pedro Street, Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 516-1433 Bishop Noel Jones Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Evening Worship: 6pm Bible Study (Wed): Noon & 7pm BET/Fresh Oil (Wed): 7am

In Gardena

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

In Inglewood Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer: 5am, Noon & 7pm Wednesday Pathway: 7pm Thurs Bible Study: 10am Sat Marriage & Family Prayer: 7:30am 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 • 9:30am • 11:45am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7pm www.faithfulcentral.com The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood

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

In Irvine

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

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

From the Pulpit:

The Bethlehem Church

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Pastor Christopher Bourne “It’s For The Cause” --Titus 1: 4-5

L.A. Focus/ June 2017

ou are here for a cause!

A cause is a purpose. It can be defined as a reason to take an action. It is a motivation to do something that will bring about a desired result.

There is purpose for you being right where you are! Some of you may be in the place of wondering why you’re where you are in this season. You may be asking: What’s God got for me in the place that I am? Why haven’t other things and plans come to pass in my life?

God is still working the purpose and plan He has for your life. No matter where you are or what you do, there is a cause if you are walking in the will of God. It is not by mistake or accident that you’re on the job you’re in. It’s not by mistake that you are part of this church. It’s not a mistake that you have the gifts and talents you have. It’s for a cause. The key for us is to find out the cause and the purpose of it.

The cause and the purpose of God in our lives is always bigger than we are. Have you noticed that the life of people who have made a major impact in your life is always bigger than themselves? They fulfill the cause/purpose. Look at Bishop TD Jakes. Check out the life of Oprah Winfrey. See the life of Bishop Charles Blake and any of our coaches and teachers who have impacted us positively, because they operated and functioned in their cause.

In the book of Titus, the Apostle Paul writes to his spiritual son, Titus. It’s interesting because Titus doesn’t have a lot of notoriety throughout the Bible. However, we know that Paul must’ve thought enough about him to call him a son and leave him on Crete Island for ministry.

Paul says in Titus 1:5: “for this cause left I thee in Crete”.

Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete had some Jews who had probably been converted by Paul’s preaching and others may have come into the faith earlier around the time of Pentecost.

Whatever the case, Paul left Titus in Crete. It may have been the place where Titus was born/raised/live as some have suggested. It may have been that Paul left Titus there because Paul knew he could trust Titus in doctrine and in deeds.

Maybe you were left where you are for the cause. It’s not that God doesn’t love you—it’s for the cause. You got left there for purpose.

Maybe it wasn’t meant for you to get that promotion and leave, because the cause was not yet fulfilled. You’ve been trying to leave that marriage –but God has you in it for the cause. Stop trying to leave the plan and purpose of God and find out what the cause is.

Besides, you really don’t want to go against the purpose or cause God has set for your life—just ask Jonah. He deliberately went away from God’s purpose and ended up in the belly of a whale.

Some folk may be going through specific things right now, because they’re going against God’s purpose for their lives— so they struggle. Paul helped Titus to understand he was there for the cause. In essence, he was saying, ‘Titus, you are where you are to “set in order the things that are wanting.”

A godly cause has to have order. It appears from this that the apostle did not spend much time in Crete, and that he was obliged to leave it before he had got the Church properly organized.

Have you ever seen or been a part of something that was for God and it was unorganized? It’s a bad reflection of how our God would have us to operate. The word says in 1 Corinthians 14:40 – Let all things be done decently and in order!

Paul trained, taught, in-structed, prayed for and trusted Titus to do a great job in continuing the work of the Lord on Crete Island.

Have you ever considered that maybe God has you where you are to help build The Kingdom of God and help get things in order? But we can’t honestly do the church work and get it in Pastor Christopher Bourne

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

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

In Long Beach

Worship Services: 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am Tuesday Youth BibleStudy: 7pm WednesdayBible Study: Noon

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

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

order if we aren’t in order ourselves first. If you are living contrary to the word of God…If we have half a foot in and one and a half foot out. We must first give ourselves to the Lord.

In 2 Corinthians 8:5 Paul said, ‘And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord and unto us by the Will of God’.

Child of God, yes, I’m sure you want to fulfill all your dreams and goals, but it starts with fulfilling the cause and ministry of Jesus Christ for your life. Get it together with God first. Make sure Jesus is your Lord and Savior first! Too many people strive for the titles and success without having the Savior.

Lastly, you and I cannot fulfill God’s purpose and plan alone because the cause and plan of God is bigger than us. We need helpers who have a love for God’s people—who are willing to learn and be instructed in the things of the Lord. People who will teach and train others to uphold the integrity of The Church Titus was to ordain elders. Nowadays, so many folk want to be called a bishop. However, there are some major qualifications with that office. The office require-

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

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

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

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

ments consist of: blameless, not overbearing, not quick tempered, lover of hospitality, sober, lover of good men, temperate, husband of one wife, not for dishonest gain, self controlled, and holy. (Many folk would be disqualified).

You may not be an elder or bishop, but you are saved and qualified to help for the cause. Some of those qualifications are: God-fearing, saved, sanctified, willing men and women who love the Lord and God’s people.

We need a few good men. We need some precious daughters of Zion. We need some anointed singers. We need some gracious greeters, because we are doing it for the cause. Jesus came and did all God instructed Him to do for the cause.

We are witnesses to carry on the work for the cause.

The cause is Christ Jesus! Whatever He tells us to do, do it for the cause. When you do the cause, your family will be better. When you do the cause, your finances will be better. When you do the cause, your marriage will be better. Doing the cause will bless us in ministry.

Commit to the cause. Pray for the cause. Whatever Jesus says do, do it for the cause.

Through the Storm Judge Hatchett Takes On Cedars Sinai Following Death of Daughter-in-law

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V celebrity Judge Glenda Hackett couldn’t have been happier when, last spring, she arrived in Los Angeles for the birth of her now 1-year old grandson, Langston. It was the second child for son Charles Johnson IV and his 39-year old wife, Kyira, who had checked into Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for a scheduled C-section delivery.

The plan was for Hackett to be with their firstborn, Charles V, just 18 months old at the time, as her son and Kyira left for the hospital. Sadly, Kyira would never return home.

With her husband by her side, Kyira delivered a healthy baby boy at 2:33p.m. By 3:00p.m., Kyira was taken to a post-anesthesia care unit and was bonding with their baby boy at 3:04p.m.

But jubilation turned to concern when a little more than an hour and a half later, Kyira’s was experiencing symptoms often associated with uterine atony, the failure of the uterus to contract after delivery, which can lead to a deadly condition known as postpartum hemorrhage.

By 5:24p.m., Kyira’s foley catheter—inserted into her bladder to drain urine—was instead draining bright red blood. Records indicate that a resident physician was called by a nurse about the increasing concern for excessive bleeding.

The bleeding would continue for hours as the situation became more and more dire and hospital support staff worked to get a handle on the situation. Yet, despite blood in the foley, no urine output, abnormal labs, symptoms suggesting acute blood loss, enlarging hematoma, it was not until about 11:30 p.m. and thereafter that a surgical discussion was held and consent provided for surgery.

At approximately 11:25p.m., her doctor was notified with a concern “for active internal bleeding.” While shortly thereafter, a massive transfusion protocol was initiated on Kyira, another hour would pass before she was taken to surgery around 12:30 a.m.

Kyira’s last words to her husband were, ‘I’m scared’. He held her hand and told her everything would be okay.

During surgery, Kyira was found to have three liters of blood in her abdomen. Kyira was pronounced dead at 2:22 a.m. on April 13, 2016, twelve hours after giving birth. The autopsy recorded the cause of death as “due to hemorrhagic shock, due to acute hemoperitoneum (blood in the abdomen).

Last month, Hatchett and her son Charles S. Johnson IV held a press conference to announce that they had filed a medical malpractice lawsuit on March 22, 2017 in the Superior Court of California against Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, five doctors and others, for the wrongful death of 39-year old mother and wife, Kyira Adele Dixon Johnson.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages for wrongful death and negligent infliction of emotional distress, stating that Kyira’s death was a result of the defendants’ failure to properly and timely respond to her symptoms, and adequately treat her.

“We’re talking about a woman who was not only in good health, but exceptional health,” stated her husband, Charles Johnson. “She was allowed for her condition to deteriorate and to bleed internally for more than ten hours at Cedars Sinai while my family and I begged them to do something. Essentially, she passed away due to their negligence. This is not a medical tragedy. This is a medical catastrophe. It should have never happened.”

“There were so many places they could have intervened,” Hatchett added.

In fact, medical research cites the major factor in the adverse outcomes associated with severe hemorrhage as a delay in initiating appropriate management.

You know you're blessed in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is better than your dreams.”

- Kyira Dixon Johnson

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Kyira Johnson hours after giving birth to a healthy boy and just hours before bleeding to death.

stormwatch Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality.

According to medical research, about 4 percent of women have postpartum hemorrhage and it is more likely with a cesarean birth, given that cesarean delivery results in twice the average blood loss of vaginal delivery. Still conditions that increase the risk for postpartum hemorrhage include the early detachment of the placenta from the uterus, birthweights over 8.8 pounds, multiple pregnancy, obesity, pregnancyinduced hypertension, medications used to induce labor or stop contractions, a tear in the cervix or vaginal tissues, the use of forceps in delivery, a high number of previous births and in some cases even general anesthesia.

The most recent Practice Bulletin from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists places the estimate at 140,000 maternal deaths per year or 1 woman every 4 minutes. Quick detection and treatment is critical with experts citing the major factor in adverse outcomes is a delay in initiating appropriate management.

“I was very prayerful and reluctant to come forward but the thing that I realized is that this is so much bigger than me and my family,” Johnson said. “So many families get railroaded when things like this happen and they don’t have the resources or a mother who has a platform to get their voice heard, so I’m not only committed to advocating for my wife and speaking Kyira’s name, but this is important that this doesn’t happen to any other families because what we’re learning is that things like this are happening far too often.”

The hospital released the following statement: ‘Cedars-Sinai is firmly committed to the highest levels of quality, has a comprehensive program to review any problems in patient care, and takes action any time it needs to make changes to maintain our high level of quality. Any time there are concerns raised about a patient’s medical care, we conduct an investigation to determine exactly what happened, including reviewing hospital procedures and the competency of healthcare providers, and make changes as needed to ensure that we continue to provide the highest quality medical care.'”

For Hatchett, that it happened at Cedars Sinai, is even more ironic.

“We’re talking about a world-renown hospital and it just is so unbelievable,” states Hatchett, host of the two-time Emmy-nominated nationally syndicated show, Judge Hatchett, now in its 16th season. “We have two precious little boys who will not have their mother on Mother’s Day—not just Mother’s Day, but every day.

How do you explain that to a two year old, particularly under circumstances that should have never happened? His Dad says, ‘Mommy is in heaven’, and he is like ‘Well, when is she coming home?’

“Kyira was the most amazing woman I’ve ever met in my life,” Johnson says. “She spoke five languages—was an incredible entrepreneur and mother. She was a licensed pilot, a solo skydiver, ran marathons, raced cars, extremely kind and giving.

She changed my life.”

In the year that has passed, both Hatchett and her son have leaned heavily on their faith.

“I grew up in the church,” Hatchett reveals. “The faith I learned from my parents is what I tried to instill in my children.

My son starts every morning on his knees and he said to me something very profound, I’ve not had to ask God why it happened, but for direction.”

“I stay away from why, because ‘why’ will drive you crazy,” Johnson explains. “I pray for answers and directions as to how, meaning how do I get through this. How can I be the best father I can be? How do I raise my sons consistent with the values and ideals that my wife would want?”

For Hatchett, the loss has struck to her very core.

“I pride myself on being a very strong woman.

My father died suddenly 23 years ago and I honestly thought that was the most difficult thing I would ever have to face in my life, but I was absolutely wrong. It’s compounded with the pain my son is going through, dealing with my grandchildren, knowing that she will never be with them. This should not have happened. I trust this lawsuit will spare other families the enormous pain that we are suffering.”

First AME Santa Monica 1823 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 450-0331 F: (310) 450-4680 Rev. Reuben W. Ford, Pastor

In Santa Monica

Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11am Bible Study/Prayer Meditation: Thursday 6pm

First Lady Files Crystal Haley United Christian MBC

As the daughter of Rev. Willie Chambers, pastor of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Riverside, Crystal Haley grew up knowing what the life of a pastor was “The church in the heart of the like. But she never envisioned herself community with the Community at heart.” one. In fact, when Pastor Nathanial Haley (United Christian’s Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles) first stated his interest in her two decades ago, she declined. The couple, who Arise Christian Center In Westchester have known each other 25 years, eventually moved past friend6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C, Westchester, CA ship and have been married and doing ministry together for 10 90045 years.

(310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • “The hardest thing for me was having to share my husband Arisechristiancenter.com with a lot of people,” reveals the 40-year-old Inglewood native.

Pastor Ron Taylor “The phone calls and texts in the middle of the night took some getting used to.”

Morning Worship: 9am & 11:15am But the joys of being a pastor’s wife outweigh that challenge.

Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm “My biggest joy is just loving on the members and being able to Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7pm help,” says Haley, who oversees the women’s ministry Sisters Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am United in Christ and outreach ministry as well as directing the Intercessory Prayer Thursday: 11:30pm - 12:30pm choir. “I am able to work like I was before I was a pastor’s wife.

Pasadena In That’s a great blessing for me. It would have been hard for me Bethlehem Church to just sit because I love praising the Lord and helping.”

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

Outside of church, this mother of six (she and her husband have a blended family) and grandmother of two has her hands just as full working full time for the Riverside Unified School District and majoring in psychology at Southern New Hampshire University .

The lessons she learned growing up a pastor’s daughter are now sustaining her. “My parents always instilled prayer in us. And they always told us you can’t go anywhere without God and education.”

the Supreme Court is once again unambiguously conservative, and nine times out of ten, presumed to be no friend to people of color. Barring imprisonment, impeachment and/or electoral defeat, Trump and the GOP Congress have the potential to damage the country a great deal with draconian policies and threats to civil rights and civil liberties, from travel bans and immigration sweeps to voter purges.

Thomas has the power to tip the scales and reverse course on Trumpland, derailing the Republican agenda if he chooses to become David Love continued from page 9 a black man who seeks justice.

However, in a few opinions, such as a cross burning If Thomas wanted to act more like his predecessor case, Thomas pleasantly surprised observers in civil Thurgood Marshall, now would be a good time for him to rights advocates and the black community. “In our cul- turn a new leaf and make that change. ture, cross burning has almost invariably meant lawless- David Love is a writer for The Grio, a guest commentator ness and understandably instills in its victims well- on CNN and MSNBC, a writer Atlanta Black Star and a grounded fear of physical violence,” Thomas wrote in journalism instructor.

Virginia v. Black.

Pastor Profile continued from page 22 While it is reasonable to have a healthy dose of skeptiget right were my grades and athletics. I knew I loved cism that Justice Thomas will moderate his stance in light playing football, had a passion for baseball and I always of the North Carolina gerrymandering case–against the wanted to make good grades because I compete against backdrop of over 25 years of a staunchly conservative myself. (It’s my thing, I don’t like to compete against other record—it is worth considering. With his colleague Neil people). But here it is 25 years later and these guys were Gorsuch replacing the late Antonin Scalia on the bench, saying we knew it all along.

Kravitz continued from page 13 What projects are you currently working on?

I am a part of the Fantastic Beasts Films and I am very excited. We start filming in the summer and I get to work with Eddie Redmayne and David Yates. The script was under wraps so even signing the contract I had not read the script, I just went based on who was involved. It was an interesting experience, to sit back and watch a movie that you loved, and then get to walk out and say, I get to be a part of it.

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

Spirit of Zion Fellowship Church In Van Nuys 10853 Victory Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 (805) 517-1907 • www.mtzionla.org Pastor E.V. Hill II Sunday Worship: 1pm Children's Church: 1pm

St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church 1720 N. Walnut Avenue, La Puente, CA 91744 (626) 918-3225 • F: (626) 918-3265 Pastor Anthony Dockery

In La Puente

Sunday School: 9:30 AM Early Worship: 8:00 AM Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Spanish Service: 9:30AM Bible Study: Every Wednesday 7:00 PM www.stsbc.org

Church News continued from page 20 opportunities for our members, particularly our youth,” said Pastor Michael Fisher. “I’ve always wanted to do it, but I had to wait for the right opportunity, so when the space opened up, we decided to move forward.”

The restaurant is just one part of the church’s expansion.

In July, we’re about to launch a complete renovation of our apartments next door to the church to provide housing to those who need it and we are going to open a state of the art music studio where people will be able to come and record their music. There is no recording studio in Compton. We’re calling it Reshift Music Group and it will be open by the end of July.”

Compton continued from page 6 hosted by the Chamber was totally out of control and in my opinion an embarrassment to the city of Compton,” her statement said. “They allowed one person to bully them into changing their own rules of engagement provided to all candidates ahead of time. They allowed one person to argue with the moderator and speak out of turn. I told the Chamber then, I would not be participating in future debates…My team and I chose to use that Saturday as an opportunity to connect with voters directly. By now, I am sure that informed voters know the differences between myself and my opponent.”

He also added, “I would like for this election to be fair and not about private investors putting up somebody that they can run or somebody that will be their puppet. That’s my biggest concern.”

“I support Mayor Brown,” said Compton business owner Kathleen Blackstone. “The Mayor's Healthy Compton Initiative is a wonderful example of leading cultural shifts in community with jobs, new businesses and mentoring programs for our youth.”

Fisher urged Compton residents to exercise their voting power this June, insisting, “This election is going to shake and shift Compton. It’s going to determine what kind of community we live in.”

SB179 continued from page 6 every public school, community college, CSU or UC campus -- the bill easily passed committee with the votes of the Democrat majority,” according to a statement released by SaveCalifornia.com.

SaveCalifornia.com is not the only organization voicing concerns over the bill. California Family Council have also joined in on the fray.

California Family Council CEO Jonathan Keller sounded off about the matter.

“We believe government documents need to reflect biological facts for identification and medical purposes,” Keller said. “Secondly, the bill advances a falsehood; that being male or female, or no gender at all is a choice each person must make, not a face to celebrate or accept. Laws like this simply erase any meaningful definitions, if being male or female is completely divorced from biological facts.”

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L.A. Focus/ June 2017

ohn Gray never wanted to be a pastor. He couldn’t relate to them and felt they were corny. Instead he felt better suited to be an attorney—even an R&B singer or comedian. He ultimately settled on the latter, releasing two CDs and touring with Kirk Franklin, DC Talk, Out of Eden and The Katinas.

God, however, had other plans and while it took Gray eight years to say yes to them, the Cincinnati, Ohio native has never looked back.

That faithfulness has more than paid off. In 2013, he was appointed Associate Pastor at Houston-based Lakewood Church—ranked as the largest church in the U.S.—under Pastor Joel Osteen. Last year, he was one of four co-hosts on The Preachers, a talk show on Fox—a test run that would earn him an Ebony Power 100 honor. He also hosts a daily show, John Gray World, on the Hillsong Channel and TBN In April, he and his wife Aventer made their television debut on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network with the premiere of the hour-long reality series, “The Book of John Gray”. That same month also marked the release of his first book, I Am Number 8: Overlooked and Undervalued, but Not Forgotten by God—all of which has made Gray somewhat of a media sensation in the Christian world and beyond.

But for the musically-gifted preacher, whose down-toearth demeanor and boisterous and edgy humor make him oh so approachable, that was hardly the goal.

“The goal was not to be on TV. I was just trying to stay obedient,” Gray states. “The goal was to serve God in whatever door He opens and be faithful to Him. Gray’s fight between light and darkness on behalf of those he seeks to help has him tackling a number of issues from gun violence, demons and adultery to infertility and low self-esteem, while also taking on he and his wife’s own personal challenges, including his ongoing battle with diabetes and growing up fatherless and her weight and thyroid issues. And with all the negative imaging born of previous Christian reality series, the Grays were clear on what they were not going to do.

“Where we are as a nation and how people see individuals of faith, it was important for us to show another picture of what that looks like, without belittling anybody else,” said John, who grew up in church and was directing the church choir at seven. “I grow wary of people blasting the entire church because of the negative imagery coming from one particular segment.”

Instead, they wanted to present what they felt was a more accurate picture of the intersection of faith and humanity.

“This is not religious programming — it’s h o p e p r o -

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John & Aventer Gray

gramming. Our goal was let’s be who we are and to give them encouragement and hope, and show them what faith in action looks like which is we serve a supernatural God, but we have issues just like everybody else,” John explains. “One thing my wife and I had to agree on was whatever we do those cameras are going to capture the real us not some made up version.”

They admit that many in the religious community were nervous.

“They thought it would be some mess, but here’s the thing: we work at Lakewood Church so Pastor Joel’s name is also on the line,” John states. “It was important that every show reflected well upon the legacy of the pastors and the history of the church, so were not going to be doing salacious things. That’s just not who we are.”

“Our primary focus,” Aventer adds, “is to make sure people are deflected from us and seeing Jesus in a real way and how Jesus meets you where you are, how you don’t have to look at people in leadership and feel like they don’t struggle because nothing could be further from the truth.”

To that end, there were no limits on where they could shoot except as Aventer points out, their bedroom.

“As a pastor and my wife as a minister, CEO and mother, we need to have some boundaries,” John says. “If you see everything, it becomes common. If the one thing my wife is not, it’s common.”

Ironically, the experience was at times just as enlightening for them as it was for viewers. For Aventer, it was the impact a childhood incident of sexual abuse had on her husband.

“Some of those details she didn’t know,” John points out. “Opening that door caused me to have to address some things that had been dormant or that I thought were nonexistent. That was difficult on my part.”

For her part, Aventer shared on her thyroid issues, the treatment of which led to a major blow up between she and her husband.

“I pondered whether or not I would share about my thyroid issues because I hadn’t figured out a balance of what diet I need, but thyroid awareness is becoming more prevalent now for women and our bodies are so super sensitive.

“People are like, she used to be so small or ‘Oh, she let yourself go’”, she continues, “when it’s actually a health condition. I’m trying to find a way to balance what I eat to combat the condition I have so it was hard to share, but it also was freeing when I did.

They credit the success of their marriage to staying power.

Says John, “Marriage is always under attack, particularly marriages of faith. There have been many times I’ve felt inadequate and unable to be what my wife and children need me to be, stemming from deep-seated issues of not having my father present and not seeing a marriage. My wife, on the other hand, her parents have been

Where we are as a nation and how people see individuals of faith, it was important for us to show another picture of what that looks like, without belittling anybody else... I grow wary of people blasting the entire church because of the negative imagery coming from one particular segment.”

“

mar..ried 49 years, so she saw something different.

“So I knew how to quit, I didn’t know how to stay, but what this woman has done to my life is nothing short of a miracle because where I was weak, she was supernaturally strong,” says John, who co-produced the film, Unconditional—starring Michael Ealy—in 2012. “There have been times in this marriage where I’m sure my wife wants to put me in the garbage, but the reality is she loves me and has made a commitment to me in spite of everything she sees and knows is an inconsistency.

“That’s what God’s love looks like. My wife reflects the loving character of Jesus towards me in the way she loves and forgives me, the way she covers me and the way she fights for me.

“If my wife leaves me,” he continues, “I’m leaving me and going with her and I’m passionate about that. Every time the enemy attacks, I say I’m staying. Some people quit and others stay. The ones who are successful are the ones who stay.”

With his growing success so often comes the question why doesn’t he start his own church, to which he is quick to respond, “We have enough churches.

“I believe I’m called to help build multiple churches.

It’s not that I’m afraid to do it, but I don’t need to be the senior pastor. I don’t think it’s impossible, but right now it’s not on my radar. I leave it to God.” At present, their work at the Lakewood Church remains a priority.

“Pastor Joel and John do a really good job of bridging the gap,” Aventer observes. “You have a white pastor who is very influential and a black pastor is very influential. In this [racially-tinged] climate our nation needs this and that might be part of the reason the Lord has us in the season serving at Lakewood Church where so many ethnicities are represented.

The infusion of comedy in his communication of the gospel has clearly given him an edge in a personality-driven media like television and the talk circuit as well as with the upwards of 9,000 people who regularly attend his Wednesday night services at Lakewood, but the Grays don't let any of what’s happening go to their heads.

“I never think I’ve arrived,” states John. “My goal is to serve God and teach the gospel with an uncompromising voice. Hopefully, if I do what I’m supposed to do, all the other things will come, but my success won’t be measured

by TV. God is the indicator of my success.”

Bishop Richard D. Sanders Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church

Pastor Stan Richards Beacon Light Baptist Church

Pastor Kerrin Robinson Greater Faith Church of Ohio

Pastor Michael Fisher Greater Zion Church Family

Pastor Michael Whitfield New True Faith Church

Pastor Kevin Stafford Zion Baptist Evangelistic Temple

Bishop Johnny Withers Unity Christian Fellowship

Pastor Adrienne Zackery Crossroads United Methodist Church

Pastor Lance Riley Neighborhood Church of Long Beach

Pastor John Kenney Christ First Church

Pastor DeVondre Adams Kingdom Culture

Pastor Jack Wilson Solid Rock Baptist Church

Pastors for Compton (PFC) is a coalition of pastors committed to holding those in political office accountable not only to the local community of Compton, but to Los Angeles County as well. We realize that if we are not at the table, we will be on the table.

To that end we will urge our constituents to fully engage in the political process; to become more aware of the decisions that impact their lives; and to coalesce the resources of our churches and members to the greater good of our collective communities.