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L.A. FOCUS

2015

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Bishop Jakes’ Mega Fest Returns To Dallas PAGE

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Meagan Good Returns To Primetime In ‘Minority Report’ PAGE

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SEE PAGE

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Bishop Blake CeleBrates 75th Birthday

With Star Studded Fundraiser To Pay off Cathedral Over 3,000 turned out to the West Angeles >> Cathedral on Friday, July 31 to celebrate the 75th birthSaving Grace: Gaius Charles

day of Bishop Charles E. Blake...

SEE PAGE

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contents

August 2015

L.A. Focus Publication

(Left): Hosts of event, First Lady Myesha Chaney and Pastor Wayne Chaney, Jr. on the red carpet at the Fifth Annual Long Beach Gospel Festival; (Center): Michelle Obama introduces the 2015 Special Olympic World Games during the opening ceremony held in the Memorial Coliseum (Photo Mark Ralston/Getty); (Right): Aretha Franklin and Shonda Rhimes pose together after Aretha’s concert at the Microsoft Theater (Photo: Rickey D. Brown)

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Commentary

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“Donald Trump Strikes A Nerve”

Calendar/Around LA

Upfront

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Head To Head

50th Anniversary of Voting Rights Acts Brings New Concerns; The Jury is Still Out on HUD Rules to Combat Segregation in Housing

Headlines From Africa

Natalie Owens—Faith Inspirational Missionary Baptist Church

Through The Storm After Losing Everything,“Broke Celebrity” Couple Rebuilds

Inside Hollywood Meagan Good Returns To Primetime This Fall In Fox’s “Minority Report’

Naturi Naughton

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

Photographers Advertising

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

18 First Lady Files 19 Pastor Profile 20 Church News

With Chez

Cream by Crystal Nicole Jones

Gaius Charles

Church Community Mourns The Passing of Rickey Grundy

New MLK Community Hospital Brings First Rate Healthcare To South LA

13 One On One

Russell Simmons’ Art For Life Charity Benefit

New Study: 40% Of CA’s Black Families Are $10K-30K Short Of What They Need To Get By

10 Feature Story 12

16 17 Money Matters

Red Carpet Style

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23 24 Finding Your Pretty 25 In Good Taste 30 Saving Grace All Roads Lead To Dallas

From The Editor Lisa Collins

Eye On Gospel

Lecrae will share the stage with Jill Scott on August 19 at the Greek Theater.

See Calendar on page 14 for more.

Leo Thomas—Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church

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From The Pulpit of Greater Zion’s 10th Pastoral Anniversary

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Marc T. Little

Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co.

On The Cover:

Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church Law Offices of Marc T. Little

Cover Design: Tatiana Rivera

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

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

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

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

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Larry Elder

Commentary

Guest Columnist

Donald Trump Strikes a Nerve

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usinessman and celebrity Donald Trump, in his nearly hour-long, teleprompter-less announcement of his GOP presidential candidacy, said: "The U.S. has become a dumping ground for everybody else's problems. ... When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best. They're not sending you. They're not sending you. They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."

His crude and over-the-top comment instantly made him the most hated white man since Donald Sterling.

Never mind that Trump hit on a topic the media are loath to admit: our borders remain porous.

The backlash against Trump was fierce. NBC, which carried Trump's show, "The Apprentice," ended their relationship with him. Univision dropped Trump's Miss USA pageant. ESPN moved a golf tournament from a Trump-owned resort to another site. Macy's dropped Trump's menswear line. And New York's Mayor Bill de Blasio said, "We are reviewing Trump contracts with the city." For New York City, the Trump organization runs a carousel, ice-skating rink and golf course.

Former New York governor and Republican presidential candidate George Pataki also attacked Trump. Pataki sent a letter to about a dozen rivals for the GOP nomination urging them to denounce Trump.

Actress America "Ugly Betty" Ferrera said: "I heard what you said about the kind of people you think Latino immigrants are — people with problems, who bring drugs, crime and rape to America. While your comments are incredibly ignorant and racist, I don't want to spend my time chastising you. I'll leave that to your business partners like Univision and NBC, who have the power to scold you where it hurts. Instead, I'm writing to say thank you! You see, what you just did with your straight talk was send more Latino voters to the polls than several registration rallies combined!"

But polls show most Americans believe that our borders are not only porous — but are porous by design. According to a January Rasmussen poll: "Most U.S. voters think the Mexican government doesn't do enough to stop illegal immigration and drug trafficking and favor stopping foreign aid to our southern neighbor. ... 55% say Mexico is not interested in stopping illegal immigration."

Within days of Trump's comments, two women, one in Texas and one in California, were murdered by illegal aliens.

In the case of the California woman, she was out on a walk with her father in a pop-

ular tourist area of San Francisco. She was shot and killed by an illegal alien who had been previously deported five times and convicted of felonies seven times, but was nevertheless out, free and on the streets.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement claims they placed a detainer order on the illegal alien.

But San Francisco is a so-called "sanctuary city," meaning that unless the feds have a court order or warrant demanding that the local authorities turn over a violent offender, the ICE detainer order gets ignored.

According to a local ABC news affiliate, the confessed killer admitted during an interview that he picked San Francisco precisely because it is a "sanctuary city."

Within hours of the California killing, a Laredo, Texas, woman was beaten to death with a hammer by her illegal-alien husband. He too, had been previously deported — four times — and the Laredo police admit that they'd had three violent encounters with the illegal alien and his wife. Yet the PD never notified border patrol.

Recall the nearly 60,000 unaccompanied alien children — UACs — that came into the country over our southwest border last year. According to ICE records, nearly 98 percent of the kids are placed with extended family, guardians or foster caregivers in this country, and given a notice to appear before an immigration judge at a future date. As many as 90 percent of the kids never show up. And while the flood of last year has diminished, UACs still come.

The Federation for American Immigration Reform estimates that illegal immigration costs Californians $25 billion per year, when you include the cost of educating children of illegal aliens.

Peter Kirsanow, a black member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, said the commission studied the impact of illegal immigration on urban employment. He said that all commission members — conservatives, moderates and liberals — agreed that porous borders especially threaten the job prospects of those living in urban America.

He sent a letter to Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, then head of the Congressional Black Caucus, to ask why little is being done about it. He never heard back.

While Trump unfairly maligned all Mexican illegal aliens, he nevertheless articulates what the polls show: most Americans believe that illegal immigration threatens prosperity and that it changes the American electorate to create more Democrats.

Larry Elder is a best-selling author and radio talk-show host. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

From the Editor “Never Forget The History”

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reconstruction and in states like South Carolina the legislature was majority African American, but when the election of 1876 ended in a tie between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden ended in a tie, a deal was made known as the Compromise of 1877. Tilden would concede the election if U.S. troops—then protecting the rights of blacks—were removed from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction and historians argue left blacks to the mercy and rule of the then racist Democratic Party.

The Ku Klux Klan became rampant, doing all it could to disenfranchise African Americans and though effective, it didn’t totally stop blacks from voting, so whites used the law—developing literacy tests—and subsequently eliminating blacks from exercising their political power.

It would take the efforts of groups like the NAACP, the Civil Rights movement and the work of Dr. Martin Luther King and those who marched at Selma to get a voting rights act passed in 1965.

Controversy over the act boils down to the federal governments ability to monitor election systems for discriminatory practices in voting in those Southern states who have a history of discrimination.

Critics of the act were successful in challenging it in the Supreme Court in 2013.

The result: congressional districts in four states are now being redrawn to the disadvantage of blacks and to the advantage of conservative.

“Let’s understand the history to maintain the progress we started,” Butterfield urges, “and don’t forget about voter registration. We’ve got to engage our communities. Let them know that the law of the land has changed and the only way to combat that is to push back with an effective vote.”

For more on this story, see our Upfront on page 7. Turning to our cover story, congratulations are in order for Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and the work he’s done to bring quality healthcare back to South Los Angeles with this month’s official opening of the Martin Luther King Community Hospital (see our cover story on page 10).

Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and now they have it—an important milestone in an underserved community.

On a more personal note, the L.A. Focus staff has been on a kick to get healthier this summer--becoming more conscious of what we eat and in most cases, shedding some very unwanted pounds. Credit for my dropping 19 pounds in just over three weeks and other staffers losing anywhere from 18 to 25 pounds goes to Dr. Tim Collins at Harbor Comprehensive Health/Weight Loss in Wilmington. For all of you who might say—Wilmington is too far, I can only testify to you that it was well worth the drive. See his ad on page 6 and keep the faith.

L.A. Focus/August 2015

K. Butterfield, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to voting rights. That’s because he’s passionate about his mission of getting people to know the importance of them and what happens if you don’t.

This month, the voting rights act marks its 50th anniversary, but for Butterfield, the celebration is bittersweet given the 2013 Supreme Court decision to strike down Section 4 of the act, which meant that states no longer have to get federal clearance before making changes to state voting laws.

It’s a personal matter for the 68-year old Congressman, who grew up in the Jim Crow south. His father was one of the lucky ones—granted by whites the privilege of voting partly due to his education and light skin, but they did not appreciate his efforts to register other blacks to vote. That did not, however, stop him from doing all he could to help blacks exercise their voting rights.

To understand the voting rights act, Butterfield says you have to go back to 1860 and President Lincoln’s election bid. At the time there were 4 million slaves and Lincoln’s reassurance to slave owners was that he was not going to end slavery, but was simply going to stop the expansion of slavery in Kansas and some of the other territories going west.

They, however, didn’t believe Lincoln and with his election in 1860, seven southern states ceded from the Union. By the time he took office in March 1860, four more states ceded, creating a flag, currency, starting a militia and inevitably firing the first shots that started the civil war.

In September of 1862, Lincoln signed a preliminary Emancipation Proclaimation, giving those 11 southern states 100 days to put down their arms and come back into the Union. The Southern states said go to hell and on Jan 1 1863, Lincoln put his final signature on the Emancipation Proclaimation.

It had some problems. It only applied to the 11 states in rebellion, not the border states. Secondly, Lincoln’s authority was in question. Without Congress, it was argued he did not have the authority. So Lincoln settled the question with the passage of a 13th Amendment in 1865. 4 million slaves were now legally free with nothing but their faith in God, family and community.

With the help of Quakers, abolitionists and kind-hearted whites, the first thing they built was churches and next to the churches, schools where educated blacks would teach them how to read and write. (They seemed to have had their priorities straight back then).

Then in 1870, the15th Amendment was added to the constitution that finally gave slaves the right to vote. African American men became registered voters and they started exercising their power. 22 African Americans were elected to Congress during

LISA COLLINS Publisher

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UpFront 50th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act Brings New Concerns

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ugust 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act—one of the most important milestones of the civil rights movement.

But for those like Congressman G.K. Butterfield, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, the battle for voting rights has entered a new chapter.

“June 25th, 2013, our enemies won,” Butterfield says. “They convinced the U.S. Supreme Court—in a 5-4 decision, with Clarence Thomas voting the majority—that Section 4 was unconstitutional.”

Section 4 barred designated parts of the country—particularly in the south— from making changes to state voting laws without federal clearance.

Following that decision, conservative Putting the history of the vote into perspective:

• 1790

Only white male adult property-owners have the right to vote.

• 1855 Connecticut adopts the nation's first literacy test for voting implemented to discriminate against Irish-Catholic immigrants.

• 1870 The 15th Amendment is passed giving former slaves the right to vote and protects the voting rights of adult male citizens of any race.

• 1889 Florida adopts a poll tax. Ten other southern states follow suit.

• 1890 Mississippi adopts a literacy test to keep African Americans from voting. Numerous other states also establish literacy tests. But the tests also exclude many whites from voting.

To get around this, states add grandfather clauses allowing those who could vote before • 1870, or their descendants, to vote regardless of literacy or tax qualifications.

• 1915 Oklahoma was the last state to append a grandfather clause to

lawmakers quickly began passing restrictive laws that led to burdens on eligible voters including cutting voting hours, purging voter rolls, ending same-day registration and establishing voter ID laws.

“The states are just going rampant implementing discriminatory legislation,” Butterfield lamented.

“They packed as many black folk into congressional districts in order to comply with the Voting Rights Act. But by packing blacks into the congressional districts automatically meant that the other districts are more Republican.

“In my state, North Carolina, we have 13 congressman, and only three Democrats, in a state that is 50 percent Democrat.

To that end—Butterfield and memits literacy requirement (1910). The Supreme Court rules that the clause is in conflict with the 15th Amendment, thereby outlawing literacy tests for federal elections.

• 1920 The 19th Amendment guarantees women's the right to vote.

• 1924 The Indian Citizenship Act grants Native Americans the right to vote in federal elections.

• 1944 The Supreme Court outlaws "white primaries" (Smith v.

Allwright —Texas).

• 1957 The first law to implement the 15th amendment, the Civil Rights Act, is passed. The Act set up the Civil Rights Commission—among its duties is to investigate voter discrimination.

• 1960 In Gomillion v.

Lightfoot (Alabama) the Court outlaws "gerrymandering" (or manipulating the boundaries of an electoral constituency to favor one group or party.

• 1965 A victory in Selma leads to passage of The Voting Rights Act, protecting the rights of minority vot-

STEPHEN ODUNTAN

bers of the Congressional Black Caucus are encouraging their constituents to not forget how hard fought getting the vote was, stating, “Let us get ready for 2016 and maintain the progress that we’ve started.

We have to get as many people registered t o vote.”

ers and eliminates voting barriers such as the literacy test. The Act is expanded and renewed in 1970, 1975, and 1982.

• 1966 The Supreme Court, in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections, eliminates the poll tax as a qualification for voting in any election. A poll tax was still in use in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia.

• 1970 Literacy requirements are banned for five years by the 1970 renewal of the Voting Rights Act. • 1971 The 26th amendment sets the minimum voting age at 18.

• 1972 In Dunn v. Blumstein, the Supreme Court declares that lengthy residence requirements for voting in state and local elections is unconstitutional and suggests that 30 days is an ample period.

• 2003 Federal Voting Standards and Procedures Act requires states to streamline registration, voting, and other election procedures.

• 2013 In Shelby County v.

Holder, the Supreme Court strikes down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act.

The Jury is Still Out on HUD Rules to Combat ODUNTAN Segregation in Housing STEPHEN Staff Writer

Pastors Combat Violence With Days Of Prayer

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find their dreams limited by where they come from, and a zip code… This important step will give local leaders the tools they need to provide all Americans with access to safe, affordable housing in communities that are rich with opportunity.”

Neighborhoods have a huge impact to the well-being of families and their children, according to a recent study that showed relocating children to low-poverty neighborhoods yielded higher incomes in the future by almost a third. The same study found that adults who moved to lower-poverty neighborhoods had better health outcomes.

“Bundled together with where you live is a whole bunch of other things like where your kids go to school, what kind of transportation is going to serve you, what kind of jobs you have access to,” said Debby Goldberg of the National Fair Housing Alliance.

In a 2013 report by professors John Logan and Brian Stults at Brown and Florida State, Los Angeles ranked as one of the ten most segregated cities.

Analyzing a 2010 Census data, Logan Housing Segregation continued on page 22

n response to the outbreak of gang violence that pervaded the city over weeks. Los Angeles pastors and ministers have taken up the mantle to combat forces through 100 days of peace 100 and prayer.

“We have decided to occupy strategic and specific corners of our communities where violence have recently flared and become a public concern,” Rev.Lewis Logan said. “There are certain communities that are known where groups of young brothers and sisters are shooting and murdering each other.”

In 2005 Logan opened his church doors to gang intervention methods and have since charged pastors and community leaders to make their churches available for meetings and implement safe programs for the youths, go out to the heated areas and not succumb to fear.

“We have to do something immediately," Logan said. “We are the change we're looking for and violence doesn't take off a weekend, so it's important to get out sooner rather than later.”

However, he finds communicating and Pastors continued on page 22

Court Orders Chief Beck to Answer Questions in Fatal Police Shooting Los Angeles chief police, Charlie Beck has been ordered by court authorities to answer questions in connection to the fatal August 11, 2014 shooting which claimed the life of 25year-old Ezell Ford.

According to a report issued by KPCC News, Magistrate, Judge Margaret Nagle found the shooting conspicuous and requested that Beck address the contradicting findings, whether it was in standing with the policy.

"This is not the ordinary case," Nagle said.

"It's a high-profile, high-visibility case, and whether the policy of the policymaker — the police commission — is being enforced or implemented appropriately, I think is something on which Chief Beck can, and, in this case, should, be questioned."

Further investigation by the Los Angeles Police Commission revealed that officers Sharlton Wampler and Antonio Villegas had no reason to question the victim, but, in their defense, Ford appeared nervous walking with his hands in his waistband area and did not stop when instructed to.

But, according to Police commission, Wampler, violated policy by stopping Ford under such circumstance which, therefore, makes the shooting not justifiable.

“Villegas was wrong to draw his weapon but, acted appropriately in firing it because he believed Wampler's life was in danger,” said Police Commission.

Ford’s family has since sued the city, the department and the officers involved in the shooting.

The trial date is set for November.

Bill Targets Police Asset Seizure State lawmakers are considering a proposal that will prohibit California law enforcement agencies from keeping money, cars and homes seized from suspects who have not been charged with a crime. Lawmakers say police agencies are using 1980s anti-drug laws called “civil asset forfeiture” to compensate for budget cuts.

The laws suggest officers need only offer probable cause that the property has been used for crime in order to collect items from people. They then turn around and bolster their budget with seized items. Lawmakers suggest police agencies are focusing their limited resources on forfeiture-related matters rather than on traditional crime fighting.

The bill passed the full Senate on a 38-1 vote, and last month passed out of the Assembly Public Safety Committee on a 6-0 vote, despite intense opposition by lawenforcement agencies.

“I just think this is a core American principle of justice that you can’t have your life, liberty or property taken from you without due process of law and the fact that has not been the case with civil asset forfeiture for a couple decades I think is a national mistake, but we have a chance to correct it,” Hadley said.

L.A. Focus/August 2015

Supreme Court ruling passed last month will soon have profound affects on the lives of millions of Americans seeking federal housing grants.

In a close 5-4 decision, the nation’s highest court reminded state and local governments of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 that prohibits discriminatory policies which segregate minorities in poor neighborhoods, even if they do so unintentionally.

New federal rules will require municipalities to submit study patterns of residential segregation including related impediments associated with access to quality housing and social services. City officials will then submit a list of goals they believe will improve access to housing, integrating communities and distributing other social services more evenly.

“As a former mayor, I know firsthand that strong communities are vital to the well-being and prosperity of families,” said HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Secretary Julian Castro.

“Unfortunately, too many Americans

News Brief

Staff Writer

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Who’s The Fairest (Politcal Party) Of Them All? ndependent minds such as ter at concealing their racist overnor Nikki Haley ness and differences deep into myself are often perplexed Let the Political Party sentiments. got the ball rolling our national political culture, Liberals Will Fuel at why black conservatives Without Sin Cast the “The problem is the and the job was finalmost guaranteeing that an Racial Tensions everyday discrimination, ished by Republican State era where people are judged pledge wholehearted alleFirst Stone Forever inequality, and mainstream Rep. Jenny Horne, who stood by the "content of their char- giance to the GOP. Take for instance comments made by silence about these things by folks who before the South Carolina acter" would be impossible.

House of Representatives identifying herIt is why after almost two terms of a “Clueless” actress turned Fox News con- pretend to care about racism,” writes antiself as a descendant of Confederate black man occupying the White House tributor, Stacey Dash in the wake of the racism activist Tim Wise in an article recent shooting at the historic AME titled Racism, White Liberals and the President Jefferson Davis, and made an racial tensions continue to rage. impassioned plea to move the bill to The latest example of this can be found church in Charleston. Rather than Limits of Tolerance.

Black nationalist Malcolm X had even remove the flag with haste and not allow it in the recent Supreme Court decision legit- embrace the “bring down the Confederate flag” campaign, the harsher words for white liberals. to get hung up with amendments. "disparate imizing 48-year old conserva“White conservatives are not friends of But this is not and will not be good impact" in federal tive shifted the dis- black people, but at least they don’t try to enough for liberals. housing policy. The course to black-on- hide it. [But] liberals are more hypocritical In 1963, newly elected Alabama gover- Fair Housing Act of black violence. than conservatives.” nor George Wallace took the oath of office 1968 prohibited dis“The real issue in Essentially Malcolm X accused liberals in Montgomery, former capital of the crimination in housthis tragic shooting,” of “perfecting the art of posing as the Confederacy, and issued forth his famous ing policy. But, again, she said, “is the evil Negro’s friend and benefactor,” while phrase, "segregation today, segregation not enough for liberthat exists in our using blacks as a “pawn or tool” in the tomorrow, segregation forever." als. hearts toward each political fight with white conservatives.

Might we think that, along with the flag, Now, per the court other.”

Cleary Malcolm X’s comments reflect a removed was the last remnant of a culture ruling in Texas Stephen Oduntan Oh really? That kind sweeping generalization arguably not that rejected the idea that all people in our Department of Star Parker of utter rubbish lends credence to why con- applicable in today’s political climate. But land are equal both under our constitution Housing and and in the eyes of God? Community affairs v.

Inclusive servative political commentator Ann even if white liberals have a monopoly on Unfortunately, if you think that, you are Communities Project, any business deci- Coulter had the gall to proclaim that black hypocrisy, at least liberal ideology, for the very wrong. Because liberals won't let it sion, even though demonstrably not moti- conservatives were “better” than the most part, clashes with prejudice.

Conservatives, on the other hand, often happen. vated by discrimination, can be deemed blacks who are on the political left. “Our Racism is a mindset that strips individ- discrimination if it is shown to have "dis- blacks are so much better than their disguise underlying racial animosity to blacks,” Coulter said. dismantle programs geared toward minoruals of their humanity; that casts them as parate impact" on different communities.

The right-wing Coulter, who perpetu- ity needs. To conservatives, it is all about objects; that denies that each is a unique This makes it virtually impossible to divine creation. make business decisions without thinking ates bombastic anti-liberal rhetoric, personal responsibility, limited governapplauds black conservatives like Dash ment, and a strong national defense.

The moral power of the civil rights move- about race. ment was to wake America up to this truth And the Department of Housing and that have built a career on blaming liber- Meanwhile, Leftist policies committed to assisting the poor are nothing more than and it succeeded because it appealed to the Urban Development has just issued a new als for racism/social woes.

The sad reality is black conservatives entitlements to enslave the recipients. moral conscience of the nation. It prevailed 377 page rule, the Affirmatively The movie, “The Help,” provides a perbecause it was a religious movement led by Furthering Fair Housing Rule. Cities who wage vicious attacks on liberals do not a Christian pastor and not a political move- nationwide must meet vast new reporting represent the long and honorable tradition fect example of this mindset. When the ment led by a community organizer. requirements to the federal government on of black conservatism in America. Black maid asks to borrow money to send her But what came next was a far different housing patterns. The Feds will then conservatives such as Reverend Martin children to college, her employer refuses to loan her the money on the grounds, “a true story, and it is why pulling down the decide if they are discriminatory, and use Luther King come to mind.

This paradox is not just about the Christian don’t give charity to those who is Confederate flag, although a laudable and the power of federal funds to impose from positive step to move the country in the Washington politically determined local party’s platform. Though both parties well and able. Say it’s kinder to let them have—at times—been wrong on race; the learn to work things out themselves.” right direction, will not make much of a dif- outcomes.

The modern-day version of this mentalference.

Racial manipulation, Confederate-style, GOP’s recent track record raises troubling When civil rights turned into laws, when has just been replaced by racial manipula- concerns. The same Conservative Party ity would be the conservatives’ tireless it moved out of the church and into the tion, liberal-style. The victim is American that has branded itself ‘tough on crime’ efforts to shrink existing federal programs hands of politicians and the politically freedom and the very minorities that these that gave rise to private prisons and that support the nation’s most vulnerable families and individuals. ambitious, it took on the same characteris- policies, which have failed time and again, meanwhile decimated the black family.

Yep, the same party that passed nefarIronically, both liberals and conservatics of the disease it was meant to eradi- are supposed to help. cate.

A nation under liberals, rather than a ious voter ID laws that depress minority tives could learn something from Rep. When civil rights law became not about nation under God, is a nation in which turnout. The same faction that has done a Jenny Horne. The Republican, who called herself a descendant of Confederate obliterating unequal treatment under the racial strife will never leave us, no matter terrible job of outreach to blacks.

You can bet your pajamas that most President Jefferson Davis, severed politilaw but about using political power to how many symbols of a painful past are conservatives do not share black main- cal ties with fellow GOP lawmakers to vote socially engineer outcomes, the same indi- removed and buried. to take down the Confederate battle flag. viduals whose humanity we wanted to save Star Parker is an author and the presi- stream political values.

Of course, expressing allegiance to any If only more often we saw political fracwere turned into new kinds of political dent of CURE, the Center for Urban given political party does not mean whole- tions put inflated egos aside and unite for objects for liberals to manipulate.

Renewal and Education. hearted subscription to every aspect of it. the common good. Such a stance would be As a result, we engraved race awareMany white liberals may simply be bet- deeply inspiring.

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Headlines From Africa Burundi: With close to 70% of the vote, President Pierre Nkurunziza was elected to a controversial third term— but the United Nations Electoral Observation Mission maintains it was hardly an atmosphere conducive for an inclusive, free and credible electoral process. Instead observers report an environment of “profound mistrust” between opposing political camps after Nkurunziza’s run despite the two term limit set forth in the nation’s constitution.

L.A. Focus/August 2015

Gambia: In a surprise jesture celebrating the release of his ascension to power 21 years ago, President Yahya Jammeh ordered the release of more than 200 prisoners last month, including over 30 who were jailed as a result of plots to overthrow him. Amnesty was also granted to those convicted during the rule of the political party Jammeh overthrew when he took power in 1994.

Ivory Coast: While the roots of witchcraft run deep in the Ivory Coast (over 95 percent of the population believe in witchcraft), officials are troubled by a growing trend of children being labeled as witches and subsequently tortured by their parents or guardians in an effort to exorcize their witchcraft. One woman inflicted severe injuries on a five-year old girl using a machete.

Kenya: Declaring himself the first Kenyan-American to be president of the United States, President Obama urged the nation to change its habits and reject the oppression of women, domestic violence, sexual assault and genital mutilation as well as ethnic divisions and government corruption, while clashing with President Uhuru Kenyatta on LGBT equality, which Kenyatta countered was not on the minds of his nation. Obama also said the U.S. would intensify its efforts in battling the terror group, al Shabaab.

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Niger: Leaders of Niger’s Christian community issue pleas for help in their efforts to rebuild some 70 churches destroyed in a massive wave of arson attacks perpetuated earlier this year by Islamic militants angered by the attendance of President Mahamadou

A look at current news from the continent of Africa Issoufou and other African leaders at the anti-terror rally held in Paris in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attacks. The government had promised assistance after the attacks that also left 10 dead, but that support has yet to materialize.

Nigeria: Praising President Muhammadu Buhari as a leader with a “reputation for integrity and a very clear agenda” for battling Boko Haram, President Obama pledged that the U.S. would work more closely to tackle the Boko Haram threat and to support Nigeria in its efforts to become an anchor of prosperity and stability in Africa.

Sudan: Sudanese authorities arrested 12 young Christian women in Khartoum and forced them to strip out of their clothes after they left a church service wearing what was deemed “immoral dress.”

Two of the girls were reportedly freed and not charged with any crime, while 10 others were charged with violating the dress code under the Sudanese Criminal Code. The women were subsequently released on bail and await hearings.

Swaziland: The release last month of two prominent opposition politicians arrested over a year ago for allegedly calling for the overthrow of absolute monarch King Mswati III is being viewed by some as a strike against dictatorship.

Tanzania: Tanzania officials revealed that if fully involved in the oil and gas industry, the private sector has ample potential in the development of the Tanzanian economy—that the oil and gas industry investment has potential opportunities that could exceed $25 billion in the coming 10 to 15 years. This will significantly affect sectors of agriculture, fishing, goods and services particularly in the southern parts of Tanzania where gas and oil have been discovered.

Zimbabwe: In an effort to end the energy deficits—and power outages—that have thwarted the growth of Zimbabwe’s economy, the nation has partnered with China in a $319 million expansion of Kariba Power Station project which could help reduce the electricity crunch that has slowed the progress of its manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

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Bishop Blake Celebrates 75th Birthday With Star Studded Fundraiser To Pay off Cathedral

O

ver 3,000 turned out to the West Angeles Cathedral on Friday, July 31 to celebrate the 75th birthday of Bishop Charles E. Blake, presiding prelate of the Church of God In Christ and pastor of West Angeles COGIC. The four hour long ceremony—punctuated by performances from Stevie Wonder and Smokie Norville, doubled as a fundraiser to cement the legacy of Bishop Blake and the church by paying off its mortgage.

“I am humbled and overwhelmed by the amount of love and support that is being shown to me upon this milestone of turning seventy-five years old. I am taking this as an opportunity to provide a legacy for the generations that will come after me,” he added. “Thus, all of the proceeds from my birthday celebration will go toward the diminishing of the West Angeles Cathedral mortgage.”

The church’s overall fundraising target was $30 milllion, $19 of which would go to paying off the mortgage. The goal of this event however was to raise $1 million, but before the night’s end, longtime members Magic & Cookie Johnson had significantly reduced that goal with their generous donation of $5 million. But Johnson went one step further, stating, Bishop, no matter what we raise—I think we are about $300,000 – $400,000 in, but if we fall short, Cookie and I are going to match it.

We’re going to make up the difference. So tonight we’re guaranteed to raise a million dollars.”

“When Cookie and I decided to give the $5 million it was a no-brainer,” Johnson added, while making reference to the fact that Bishop Blake had also donated a personal check of $100,000. “The blessing for me is that I have a man that I respect and

love and try to be like. You are first class.”

Cookie and Magic weren’t the only generous donors. On hand to present their checks were Apostle Frederick K.C. Price and family, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer on behalf of Faithful Central Bible Church, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland representing the AME church and countless pastors and bishops from around the country. Those— like Bishop T.D. Jakes— who couldn’t be on hand sent video greetings. Bishop Noel Jones made a special effort the following Sunday to deliver his donation and gift.

On program were Judge Mablean Ephraim, Miguel Nunez, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and actors Samuel and LaTonya Richardson Jackson, who also presented a check for $100,000. Other notable guests included actors Courtney Vance and wife Angela Bassett, Bishop Carlton Pearson and Apostle Beverly

JINOYE HENRY Staff

“Bam” Crawford.

“I consider it an honor just to be here,” said Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas. “My assignment tonight is not as an elected official, but my assignment is to give honor where honor is due. His spirit is both discerning and disarming and he does that with a kind of grace and graciousness that we all seek to emulate.”

Keynoting the evening was Rick Warren, best-selling author of the Purpose Driven Life and pastor of the Saddleback Church, was acknowledged Bishop Blake for all of his accomplishments and got the crowd laughing with his reference to the Bishop’s good looks.

For the past forty-six years, Bishop Blake has been the pastor of West Angeles COGIC in South Los Angeles. The 25,000member congregation is one of the largest churches in the metropolitan area.

(Left): Bishop Charles Blake, Cookie & Magic Johnson; (Right): Samuel & LaTanya Richardson-Jackson. (Photo Credit: Rickey D. Brown)

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STEPHEN ODUNTAN

L.A. Focus/August 2015

Staff Writer With an official opening set to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Watts Riots, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is delivering on a long standing promise made to the more than 1 million residents of South L.A. —including Compton, Inglewood, and Lynwood— for a quality facility set to transform health care delivery in what was considered one of the most medically underserved areas of the United States.

The $250 million state of the art, Martin Luther King Community Hospital (MLKCH) —featuring everything from community kitchens to a fitness park to promote wellness and prevention —is part of a $620 million campus revitalization effort offering first rate patient care and employing the latest technologies.

“It looks like Beverly Hills,” said Watts community activist “Sweet Alice Harris”.

“I’ve lived here 60 years. I’ve seen people die in their homes for not having anywhere to go,” added the 81-year-old and founder of Parents of Watts, a local youth outreach group.

“Our number one priority is to provide clinical excellence,” said Dr. Elaine Batchlor, President and Chief Executive of the hospital. “Everything here is new. We built this hospital from the ground up specifically designed to meet the urgent health needs of this community, and we are eager to welcome them.”

The new hospital, which includes an urgent care clinic, outpatient center, and mental health facility, is partnering with the county of Los Angeles, University of California and various healthcare providers to assist residents.

With a total of 131 beds, including 93 medical/surgical beds, 20 intensive care beds and 18 obstetrical beds, MLKCH is expected to cater to thousands of patients every year-- the majority of which are on

10

“

I resent the term Killer King. It is a term that seeks to stigmatize the experience of this new fabulous hospital.

This hospital is the center of medical excellence. It should not be subjected to that kind of stereotyping and stigmatizing. So I will fight very mightily against that kind of effort to do so.

- Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas

”

Medicaid, Medicare or not insured at all.

For eight years, South L.A. residents have been deprived of an urgent care clinic hospital Dr. Batchlor said. “This state-of-the-art facility”, she added, “would fill the void left by the closure of Drew Medical Center.”

Numerous steps have been implemented to ensure hospital efficiency. The new facility will store all of its records electronically as part of a comprehensive shift toward paperless documentation.

“We are what every other hospital in the country wants to be,” reports Jim Lott, the hospital’s Chief Strategy Officer. “We have a unique care model that you may not see at other hospitals.”

Fact is, the number of hospitals with a basic electronic health record system tripled from 2010 to 2012, with more than four of every 10 hospitals now equipped with the new health information technology, according to a 2013 report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“In this day and age of complex medicine,” said Myrna Allen, a chief nursing officer, “it’s essential we provide coordinated care, meaning there are medical staff available 24-7 to oversee the care of a patient.”

Hospital administrators told LA Focus they expected the new hospital would see 112 patients a day. But unlike its predecessor, the Emergency Department (ED) no longer has a trauma center. In the event that a patient needs one, he or she will be transported to the next closest trauma facility.

Given the high incidence of trauma-related deaths in the South L.A. area, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas has asked the county officials to consider proposals on how to bring a Level I trauma care center to South L.A. “Ensuring quality trauma care is a priority for me,” said Ridley-Thomas, who has championed the

Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:29 PM Page 11

project. “We need more information and analysis to get a complete picture of the county’s trauma care needs.

In particular, the trauma care system must provide intensive services, including trauma prevention strategies in those ‘hot spot’ areas with persistently high trauma rates.”

The Board of Supervisors voted June 30 for possible solutions to bring a Level I trauma center back to South L.A. Ridley-Thomas recommended that the board submit practical ideas, including a timeline and report back within 90 days.

Latest data shows that L.A. County as a whole has one of the best trauma care systems in the world, with an overall mortality rate at 3.6 percent, well below the national average of 4.2 percent. However, South L.A. accounts for 20 percent of the trauma-related deaths while it is only 10 percent of L.A. County’s population.

“It’s crazy out here on these streets,” said Bryant Allison, a Willowbrook resident. “I’ve been shot three times and there was no trauma clinic nearby to treat my gunshot wounds.”

MLKCH will not be open to ambulance activity until August 11, said Lott, but added the emergency department has already had a robust response with walk-in patients.

Meanwhile, the Affordable Care Act, which required that most Americans obtain health insurance by 2014 or pay a tax penalty, aims to reduce patients from going to emergency for relatively minor medical issues by increasing access to primary care doctors.

As part of an effort to reduce preventable emergency use explained Beatriz Mallory, MLKCH’s interim vice president for communications, the hospital implemented a fast-track model for streaming emergency patients with low-acuity illness or injury.

“The second a patient walks in our door, they are immediately sent to what we call the ‘fast-track area.’

There, a patient will be evaluated based on three categories: urgent, emergent or non-emergent. Our goal is to avoid long and unnecessary wait time in the emergency room Mallory said.

“Unnecessary wait time creates overcrowding conditions,” said Medical Director for Hospital Medicine Efrain Talamantes, one of the newly recruited physicians at MLKCH. “It would put some patients at harm if we don’t detect something soon enough.” With the fast-track system “nurses can quickly identify when and if vital signs are abnormal and if so, direct the patient to the ED.” On average, Californians who were admitted into the hospital after visiting an emergency room waited roughly five hours, according to a 2014 national report on U.S. emergency medical care. The same report awarded California an “F” for lacking access to speedy treatment, noting that the state had the lowest number of hospital emergency rooms in the nation.

The hospital’s predecessor, King Drew, made national news in 2007 after a homeless woman named Edith Isabel Rodriguez collapsed on the floor in the emergency room, complaining of severe stomach pain.

Emergency-room staff ignored Rodriguez. At one point, waiting room video footage captured a janitor mopping around Rodriguez as she vomited blood. She later died.

“We have so many backup procedures in place to avoid the kind of problems that happened [at] [King/Drew,” Mallory said.

After decades of errors, mismanagement, reports

F.Y.I. • The hospital will partner with the University of California, Los Angeles to serve the community by providing inpatient primary care, obstetrics, basic emergency services, and health education and outreach services.

• 131 beds • It will create more than 1,800 jobs in the area with approximately 900 at the hospital.

• The Outpatient Center provides outpatient services including general medicine, cardiology, dermatology, dentistry, geriatrics, HIV and AIDS, neurology, orthopedics and physical therapy, and mental health services through the Augustus Hawkins Mental Health Center.

•For each patient, there is a dedicated care manager coordinating their care both within the hospital and even after discharge. of sloppy nursing care and patient deaths, the embattled hospital was dubbed by some as “Killer King.”

“I started working a King hospital when the name ‘Killer King’ was given to us. That name preceded the opening of the hospital,” said Samuel Shacks, former vice chancellor of the pediatrics at King/Drew. “That name was not an earned name, it was a given name.

We had a very developed staff and good doctors who knew how to tackle the difficult area we were in.”

Shacks started his residency at King/Drew in 1977 and took on a faculty position in 1982. He stayed at the hospital for 19 years. “Many people in the area ignored King and went outside our corridor to visit other hospitals. People did not fight to speak up about the troubles we faced serving the area. They always thought it was better for them to not be at King,” Shacks said.

Investigation revealed King/Drew paid more per patient for medical malpractice than any of the state’s 17 other public hospitals or the six University of California medical centers. Federal regulators eventually pulled funding from King/Drew that forced the hospital’s closure. Subsequently, tens of thousands of South L.A. patients scrambled to find alternative medical service.

Asked how MLKCH planned to change the mindset of South L.A. residents some of whom perhaps still harbor feelings of mistrust, Ridley-Thomas, noting that this was a question he is often asked responded, “I resent the term Killer King.” It is a term; he said, “That seeks to stigmatize the experience of this new fabulous hospital.

“This hospital,” he added [is] the center of medical excellence. It should not be subjected to that kind of stereotyping and stigmatizing. So I will fight very mightily against that kind of effort to do so.”

Ridley-Thomas added he was not worried about those in the community who for whatever reason decided not to seek treatment at the new facility. The hospital will be “over subscribed” within a short span.

Anyone who chooses not take advantage of excellent healthcare because his or her judgment is clouded by

mistrust will be losing out on a huge benefit.

Crenshaw Christian Center’s Dr. Betty Price, a longtime community activist with deep roots in several projects to “revitalize” South L.A. said, “I believe people will be very thankful that someone is willing to invest that much time and money as part of an effort to bring quality healthcare to South L.A. Thank God for Dr. Elaine Batchlor and staff for a job well done.”

Dr. Batchelor brings over 25 years experience specializing in the healthcare industry. She has played an active role on multiple healthcare boards, serving most recently on the board of Integrated Healthcare Association, a statewide organization central to promoting continuous improvement of managed healthcare. She also served on the executive leadership team of L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest public health plan that provides health care to disenfranchised communities.

About 65 percent of the people in Compton, a city of fewer than 100,000 is Hispanic and 35 percent African American, according to the 2010 census. Los Angeles County is also home to more than 762,000 undocumented immigrants, according to some studies.

Many will rely on MLKCH for healthcare service.

Many low-income patients Dr. Batchlor explained have limited or no access to healthcare due to a variety of reasons. “So we will be providing service to patients regardless of their inability to pay or immigration status. We’re here to cater to everyone. We want everyone to view this as their hospital.”

Pastor Michael J.T. Fisher of Compton’s Greater Zion Church Family said the hospital couldn’t have come at a better time. “Too many people in the area have to travel outside of the community for inpatient care, so this will alleviate the worries of transportation issues.”

“We have medical services in our backyard now,” he said. “Even more than that there are the jobs being provided.”

By creatively marshaling the economics of health care delivery, the hospital is helping to reinvigorate the neighborhood economy, create jobs and expand opportunities.

Yet for all the new facility has going for it, MLKCH has a significant shortage of medical physicians. Many physicians do not find working in low-income areas economically attractive. That’s particularly true in under-resourced South L.A., where doctors in general, come at a premium.

Unfortunately “safety-net” hospitals (nonprofit hospitals that waive the bill upon determination of inability to pay) located in largely uninsured population cannot pay a doctor as much as a private practice would, hospital administrators said.

“We’ve got to get more qualified physicians to work in our community,” said Lott.

Prior to its opening, the hospital’s received “over 13 thousand applicants”, Dr. Batchlor revealed. While she has hired the best of them, an estimated 700 primary care physicians and about 800 specialists are still desperately needed in the community at large.

“We will continue to improve as we increase with the volume of patients,” said Sajid Ahmed, Chief Information and Information Officer at the hospital.

“We are very excited about the task ahead of us.”

“We have needed this medical center,” Sweet Alice Harris stressed. “We needed it badly. [Now] we got the best.”

(Left): MLK Hospital CEO Elaine Batchelor (Middle): Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Chief Medical Officer, John Fisher and Chief Strategy Officer Jim Lott; (Right): patient room

Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:29 PM Page 12

T h r o u g h t he Storm After Losing Everything,“Broke Celebrity” Couple Rebuilds

M

arried nearly 15 years ago, Flex Alexander and Shanice Wilson were black Hollywood royalty.

Flex was the star of his own award nominated series "One on One" (also starring Kyla Pratt) and pop star Shanice was reaping the fruits of her hit Grammy nominated single “I Love Your Smile.”

“We were ballin’, making 1.5, 1.7 million a year,” said Flex, who also played Darnell on the sitcom “Girlfriends.”

But when the financial crisis hit America in 2008, Flex and Shanice were hit too.

Shanice’s career never really took off after her Grammy nomination and after five seasons, Flex’s TV series ended. To them, it seemed, the lights went off.

“You know it as you see it coming,” said Flex. “The show was over. Our expenses were still high, but there’s nothing coming in.

“I had set a good amount of money to the side, but then there was nothing coming in to repleni s h that, so we

were steadily pulling, pulling, pulling and it dwindled.

There was no money in the bank. I’m talking nothing in the account.”

“And it’s not like we were doing anything crazy,” he continued. “We weren’t living crazy with gold toilets or popping bottles. But juggling credit cards to pay bills, it just became a lot and next thing we knew there was nothing we could do.”

On the brink of bankruptcy, the couple was forced to relinquish their assets one by one: from designer watches and wedding rings to their luxury cars.

“Our mortgage was $4,000 to $5,000 a month. We lost our home,” he said. “We had to deplete our retirement savings. There were times when we just like, poured down crying. There ain't no pain worse than that.”

Losing their home caused Flex to reevaluate himself.

He revealed his mistake was in purchasing expensive gifts for his kids and his wife on credit.

“As a man, you take all that on your shoulders, no matter what,” he says. “It's my job to protect, and it's my job to provide. So, you feel like a failure.”

For however bad it was, they felt the need to keep up appearances, and kept mum to their close friends about their hardship—especially their celebrity friends such as comedian Kim Whitley.

“We were still in the industry, still in the business going to events. It's like, 'Man, gotta make sure we've got this money for valet,'" Flex said.

“I’m going to tell you what’s really embarrassing?” Flex continued.

“Filing bankruptcy. We went in there and we’re like ‘Lord please don’t let us see no black people because they’re going to know who we are!'”

“It’s hard being a broke celebrity,” added Shanice, who admits her mistake was not keeping a close eye on her money, which was being managed by a family member.

“But at least 90% of this country has gone through what we went through,” Flex said.

The worst part, though, was breaking it to their children, 12-year-old Imani and 10year-old Elijah.

“I told them we we’d eventually be moving to a house with a pool, but we had to stay at a hotel meanwhile,” Shanice said.

When money for the hotel stay dried up, they Shanice Wilson and Flex Alexander were forced to lean on family.

“When we didn’t have gas money or groceries or whatever, my mom stepped in,” said Shanice.

For income, Flex began starring in stage productions and they slowly saved enough money to move into a rental house—with a pool. To complete the rent, Shanice’s mother and other family members moved in too.

“I stayed focused,” Flex said. “I meditated, prayed and just tried to stay active and not sit around and say ‘woe is me.’ I had my health and I had my right mind I can still go out there and try to make some things happen. So that's what I did. I stayed active and did the best I could for my family.”

In 2014, OWN picked them up for a reality show focusing on their financial troubles and sharing a house with extended family.

“I had a vision board and I wrote ‘reality show’ on a check and I even had Oprah Winfrey’s name on my vision board,” explains Shanice. “So I’m just blown away.”

Now in it’s second season, “Flex and Shanice” premiered on OWN last month, and this time around the couple can be seen working on their careers.

“I think this season people are going to say, ‘Wow, I remember last season they talked about how they lost their house and this season I see the light at the end of the tunnel now,’” said Shanice. “You see us working on our dreams and I’m in the studio recording and Flex is on stage doing stand up and I think people are going to say, ‘If they can do it, I can get my butt up and do it too!’”

“Comedy is my first love. I’ve been working really hard to just get back to it and really build it back up again. Because I took such a break before,” added Flex, who is emc-ing for the second installment of the “Comedy Underground” on The Urban Movie Channel.

“We’re not completely back where we were but we’re not where we used to be. We’re climbing back by being smarter and taking our time and trying to do the right thing, so talking about it continuously reminds us to be mindful of what we do today.”

“The highlight for me was when my husband got my ring out of the pawn shop,” Shanice said. “Because we had to pawn my ring so that we could continue to live.”

For such a private couple, opening up about their financial status was difficult. Now, Flex says, there’s no way he’ll get tired of sharing their story—in hopes of helping someone who is going through the same thing.

“The time I stop talking about it could be the time a certain person needs to hear it. If I don't speak it and they don't hear it, then they can’t get healing; they cant move forward in their own struggles. We’ll talk about it again and again because we want to let people know the mistakes we made.”

Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:30 PM Page 13

INSIDe HO L LY w OOD with Tatiana Rivera Meagan Good Returns To Primetime This Fall In Fox’s “Minority Report’ Good news for Meagan Good who is returning to primetime television this fall two years after the end of NBC’s “Deception,” which ran for only one season.

In Fox’s “Minority Report,” a continuation of the 2002 Spielberg directed film starring Tom Cruise, Good will star as police detective, Lara Vega.

Taking place in 2064, ten years after the end of the Precrime program in Washington D.C., Good plays a detective haunted by her past who's contacted by Dash (Stark Sands), a pre-cog who's disturbed by visions of murders he can't stop.

“She is vulnerable because she has been through something,” Good told Eurweb.

“And everything she does is about justice and about the right thing. Everything about it was just incredible and got me super excited.”

"There is a tenderness there that people don't get to see, and Dash brings that out of her," she says about her character. "Just him being himself breaks her shell, and they both want to protect each other, ultimately."

“Our future is a happier place. But we definitely go to some dark places,” Good continued.

Minority Report premieres Sept. 21 on Fox.

Sherri Shepherd To Return To ‘The View’ Sherri Shepherd has closed a deal to return to “The View” as a lead contributor for the upcoming 19th season. Deadline

reported that she is expected to appear in about 50 episodes.

Shepherd, who joined the cast in 2007, left last year, explaining that God told her to.

After its underperforming 18th season—the first without longstanding co-host and co-creator Barbara Walters—ABC News is hoping to revamp The View. Shepherd will join, Whoopi Goldberg, who will be the only returning host, joined by Raven-Symone, Michelle Collins, Candace Cameron Bure, and Paula Faris.

In her year without “The View,” Shepherd made her Broadway debut in Rodgers And Hammerstein’s Cinderella as the wicked stepmother and joined the cast of the TV Land comedy The Soul Man. She also co-starred in upcoming films “Ride Along 2” and “Woodlawn.”

Kevin Hart, LL Cool J & Tracy Morgan To Get Stars On The Walk of Fame In 2016 Comedian Kevin Hart, rapper-turned-actor LL Cool J, TV comedic Tracy Morgan and gospel great Shirley Caesar are among the 29 new inductees that will receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2016 also includes Bradley Cooper, Quentin Tarantino and Michael Keaton, Steve Carell and Kurt Russell in the motion pictures category, while Kathy Bates and Rob Lowe will be feted for their turn on TV. Adam Levine will be inducted in the recording category along with fellow musicians Cyndi Lauper and Bruno Mars.

RaveRevIewS

Fantastic Four Four young outsiders teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe which alters their physical form in shocking ways. They must learn to harness their new abilities and work together. Co-starring Michael B. Jordan. In theaters August 7.

Straight Outta Compton NWA emerges from the streets of Compton, Ca. in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes pop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.

Starring Ice Cube’s son, O'Shea Jackson Jr. In theaters August. 14.

war Room

Our Kind of Traitor

Tony and Elizabeth Jordan are a couple who seemingly have it all— great jobs, a beautiful daughter and their dream home. In reality, their marriage has become a war zone and their daughter is collateral damage.

In theaters August 28.

A couple find themselves lured into a Russian oligarch's plans to defect are soon positioned between the Russian Mafia and the British Secret Service, neither of whom they can trust. Starring Ewan McGregor & Naomie Harris. In theaters TBD.

Taraji P. Henson & Viola Davis Up For Same Emmy; Make History two black actresses have been nominated in the same year for this category.

It wasn’t until 1982, the Emmy’s 34th year, that a black actress even received a nomination (Debbie Allen for “Fame”). Before Kerry Washington's 2013 nomination for Scandal, the last black woman to be nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series was Cicely Tyson in 1995.

“I’m not trying to defy odds,” Davis told The Wrap. “I feel like I just move through life doing what I do and I think that, in doing that to the best of your ability, that’s the most progressive thing that you could do in your life.”

In a separate interview, Henson told The Wrap, “I was scared to death. I struggled with it because I was like, ‘Oh, my God. She is so ghetto.’ But then I was like, ‘But she’s so real.

She speaks the truth.'”

Also up for an Emmy is Anthony Anderson for "Blackish," Keegan-Michael Key for "Key & Peele," Niecy Nash for "Getting On." The Primetime Emmys will be held Sunday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. on Fox.

NaturiNaughton Best known for playing lil’ kim in the movie “Notorious” New Jersey native Naturi Naughton came to fame as part of the girl group 3lW as a teenager. the 31-year-old went on to star in the tony award-winning Broadway musical “hairspray,” for three years before starring in “Fame,” for which she sang the hit single, the short lived NBC show “the playboy Club” and lifetime’s “the Client list” opposite loretta devine and Jennifer love hewitt. these days Naughton stars as a New york gangster’s wife in “power,” the highest rated show on starz.

Q: What does your character Tasha go through in this next season?

A: You're going to see Tasha make some tough choices when it comes to her husband Ghost [Omari Hardwick]. If he doesn't get it together things are going to go down. Tasha starts to really become an individual in season two. Before she was so attached to Ghost and that was her identity. Now her identity starts becoming I’m a woman who can take care of myself, save my own money and try to figure it out for myself.

Q: Shortly after the first season aired last year, an order for a second season renewal, were you expecting that?

A: We had to start very small and build our way up.

We had just aired episode one and we got such a huge feedback from fans on Twitter and online. When we got picked up for season two I was just so proud. We had worked really hard. It was a huge confirmation that we were on the right track.

Q: How much do you film outdoors versus in a studio?

A: We should a lot outdoors which is why we’re always freezing. We shot through blizzards we just never stopped shooting. We shot all over Queens, Long Island. We used the city as a character in our show and I think that's whats smart about “Power.”

Q: Why did you switch from music to acting?

A: When I was in 3LW I feel like they tried to blackball me in the industry then. I wanted to get back in the record business and when I was pushed out of that group I was put in this box where nobody could sign me. But Thank God I was able to do Broadway and that audience embraced me so I was able to have a career in acting. It only motivated me to do other things.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be an entertainer?

A: I started singing in church in my hometown, East Orange, New Jersey. I knew when I was about five or six that I wanted to be a performer. Singing is my passion and something that I still love to do and I'm always going to want to do it. That's how I got into this business, so I will never let it go.

L.A. Focus/August 2015

Veteran actresses, Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson are both nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at this year's Emmy Awards. If either of them should win, they would be the first black actress to win this category in Emmy's 67-year history.

Davis is nominated for playing tough lawyer Annalise Keating on the ABC series “How to Get Away with Murder,” while Henson is nominated for her role as hot-headed family matriarch Cookie Lyon on the Fox show “Empire.”

This marks the first time in history Viola davis, taraji p. henson

Q&a

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Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:30 PM Page 14

Calendar of events

crenshawchristiancenter.net

Ongoing LaLa Anthony attends the Pixels New York premiere at Regal E-Walk in New York City.

Summer Crafts & Creation In The CAAM Courtyard Relax and create a project Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays (Through Aug. 30) 1pm–4pm• Free (Parking $10) California African American Museum 600 State Drive • Exposition Park • Contact: (213) 744-7432 caamuseum.org

Monday, August 2 In Concert: Aretha Franklin 7:30pm • $50—$125 Nokia Theatre L.A. Live 777 Chick Hearn Court microsofttheater.com Target Sundays at CAAM: Screening of “Selma” Musical artists and performers, and the entire family can chill creating great artworks in our free workshops • At dusk Free (Parking $10) CAAM • 600 State Drive Exposition Park Contact: (213) 744-7432 caamuseum.org

Wednesday, August 5

L.A. Focus/August 2015

Crenshaw Christian Center Women’s Retreat “Coming Through Victoriously in Any Situation” (Through Saturday) Feat. Dr. Betty Price & Dr. Gloria Williams Newport Beach Marriot Hotel & Spa • Info: (800) 943-4388

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d y attende Halle Berr

Friday, August 7 28th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival (Through Sunday) Jonathan Butler, Babyface, Stephanie Mills, Andrew Gouche, Jeff Bradshaw & more.

7pm–10:30 (Fri.) Noon–10:30pm (Sat. & Sun.) $55–$200 (Parking $10) Rainbow Lagoon Park 400 Shoreline Village Dr. Contact: (562) 424-0013 longbeachjazzfestival.com 15th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament & Dinner Honoring Bo Jackson, Oscar Robertson with special guest Derek Jeter • 9am • $600 & up Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Century City Call: (310) 445-2588 Haroldpumpfoundation.com

Foxx Follies Theatre Workshop presents Supreme Sunshine Modeling School Founded by Rubye Kessee Wallace to teach girls & boys (ages 7-18) who are interested in becoming professional models 3pm-5pm 8 Week Course: $80 Vision Theatre 4395 Leimert Blvd Info: (323) 758-8759

Sunday, August 9 In Concert: Gladys Knight with The O'Jays 7:30pm • $40–$119.50 Nokia Theatre L.A. Live 777 Chick Hearn Court microsofttheater.com

Concert: Chaka Khan 7:30pm Free with Fair admission $11 Adults • $8 Kids 6-12 • $10 Parking Ventura County Fair 10 W. Harbor Blvd.

Venturacountyfair.org

Friday, August 14 22nd Annual Crawfish Festival(Through Sunday) 5pm–11pm (Fri.) See times $13 presale $30 (includes admission & feast) • 12 & under free Rainbow Lagoon 400-403 Shoreline Village Dr • Long Beach Longbeachcrawfishfestival.com In Concert: Salt N Peppa with Spinderella 7:30pm Free with Fair admission $11 Adults • $8 Kids 6-12 • $10 Parking Ventura

Tuesday, August 11 In

Saturday, August 8 3rd Annual Mobile Retail & Food Truck Expo 8:30am-1pm Free • L.A. Trade Tech 400 West Washington Blvd Contact: (323) 753-2335 49th Annual Watts Summer Festival Music, food booths, children’s area & more • Noon–7pm Ted Watkins Park 1335 E. 103rd St wattstax.com

eveNT SPOTLIGHT Friday, August 28 Help 2.0 Tour with Erica Campbell & Friends Featuring Gerald & Tammi Haddon, more friends TBA 7pm • Faithful Central Baptist Church The Tabernacle • 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave. Inglewood • etix.com

Awards the ESPY

American arrives at at the Angela Bassett ic-Con om C at l oven pane Horror Story: C go held in San Die

Golden Sta te Warriors player Step Curry brou ght his da he n ughter Rile Nickelode y to the on Kids' C hoice Spo rts Awards

Recording artist Ciara Future Zahir Wilburn attend the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards 2015

Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:30 PM Page 15

Actor Anthony Mackie, Falcon in "Ant-Man," takes flight on Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla .(Ryan Wendler, photographer)

County Fair 10 W. Harbor Blvd.

Venturacountyfair.org In Concert: George Clinton 9pm • $29.50–$45 Club Nokia 800 W. Olympic Blvd

Saturday, August 15 Walk For Education Food, music, celebrities, kids play zone, prizes, goodie bags & health resources • 8am 5K walk.

Exposition Park (South Menlo & Coliseum) Info: (213) 639-3800 Uncf.org/lawalk Southside Church of Christ and CCCI hosts STANDup Pick up free school supplies. Drop off old shoes & clothes. Health screenings, free child I.D., games, prizes, music. • 10am Southside Church of Christ 1655 W Manchester Ave Cccinvolve.org 18th Annual Venice Beach Gospel Crusade Rally City-wide choirs, musicians, artists, speak-

ers & more 11am–5pm Venice Beach Boardwalk Corner of Pacific & Winward St. Info: (323) 766-1194 Disciplesonthemove.com Next Dimension University host Commencement & Award Ceremony Honoring Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker & more 3pm • Free West Angeles Cathedral 3045 Crenshaw Blvd Info: (888) 206-4344 Summer Breeze Festival: Keith Sweat, K-Ci & JoJo, Color Me Badd, Al B. Sure!

4pm • $40–$150 Queen Mary Events Park 1126 Queens Hwy Long Beach Queenmary.com

Wednesday, August 19 In Concert: Jill Scott & Lecrae 7:30pm • $71+ The Greek Theatre 2700 N. Vermont

93.5 KDAY presents The Comedy Get Down Cedric The Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, George Lopez & Charlie Murphy 8pm • $49.50–$250 The Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd Inglewood Fabulousforum.com Phineas Newborn Jr. Music Arts Scholarship presents A Gala Affair 3rd Annual Emancipation Proclamation dinner featuring music, workshops, scholarship winners & history concert 7pm–8pm VIP Reception 8pm-11pm Program/ Concert Tickets: (909) 418-8530 Jetmacinc.com On Stage: The Black Version Improvised show featuring cast with film and television credits ranging from Mad TV and Saturday Night Live to the Boondocks and Reno 911 8:30pm • $30 • Largo 366 North La Cienega Blvd Tickets: (310) 855-0350

Theblackversion.com The Platform Workshop for Christian Songwriters Instruction on songwriting, music ministry and the business of music with award winning Babbie Mason 8am–5pm $99.00 • Crenshaw Christian Center - 7901 South Vermont Ave Register: carolrossburnett.com

Sunday, August 23 Holman United Methodist Church sponsors Annual Outing to Smooth Summer Jazz $45 • 6pm Tickets: (323) 731-7285

Friday, August 28 FAME Church’s 5th Annual Golf Tournament, Dinner Dance and Table Games To benefit scholarship fund $100 (includes lunch, gold clubs, balls) • $150 (includes dinner dance) 11am (dinner 6pm) Rio Hondo Golf Course 10627 Old River School

Road • Downey Contact: Vicki Phillips (213) 700-6569 Famechurch.org On Stage: To Death Do Us Part • 8pm • $30 James R. Armstrong Theater 3330 Civic Center Dr Torrance • Eventbrite.com

Saturday, August 29 Barbara Morrison presents I Wanna Be Loved With The John Daniel Stephens 18 Piece Orchestra (Through Sunday) • $30–$65 Madrid Theater 21622 Sherman Way Canoga Park Tickets: (310) 462-1439 3rd Annual Rhythm & Joy Festival Eco-friendly family fun, music ranging from jazz to funk, Agape International Choir, drum circle, yoga classes & more noon–9:30pm • Free Warner Center Park 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd • Woodland Hills Rajfestival.com

Sunday, August 30 Smooth Summer Jazz Dave Koz, Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Kenny Lattimore, Maysa, Macy Gray & more 6pm • $13–$146 Hollywood Bowl 2301 N. Highland Avenue Hollywoodbowl.com In Concert: Erykah Badu 7pm • $15–$130 Hollywood Bowl 2301 N. Highland Ave Tickets: (323) 850-2000 Hollywoodbowl.com

Friday, September 4 In Concert: Patti LaBelle 7:30pm • $37–$117 Los Angeles County Fair 1101 W. McKinley Ave Pomona Fairplex lacountyfair.com

around los angeles Saturday, August 22

r Kat Graham at “Vampire Diaries” co-sta Comic-Con Party Entertainment Weekly's

Gospel singer and songwriter, Jessica Reedy on the red carpet at the Fifth Annual Long Beach Gospel Festival

Keke Palmer attends Ent ertainment Weekly's Comic-Con 2015 Party at The Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego

L.A. Focus/August 2015

the ilson arrives at Actor Dorien W stival Fe l pe ng Beach Gos Fifth Annual Lo

15

Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:30 PM Page 16

Re d Carpet Style

AngeLA SiMMonS run dMC’s daughter channeled a flapper girl in a Jovani Fashions custom dress

CynThiA BAiLey the “real housewives of atlanta” star hit the carpet in all black

Red Carpet Hits by Tatiana Rivera Russell Simmons' annual charity benefit, Art For Life, this year celebrated 20 years of his Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation. Held in New York, the event honored Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Dave Chappelle, and Ava DuVernay with a roaring ‘20s theme.

Aoki Lee, RuSSeLL & Ming Lee SiMMonS the family gathered for a picture

gAyLe king the “CBs this Morning” co-anchor kept with the theme in a

eLLe VARneR the kept it simple in white but vamped it up with a little red lipstick

Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:30 PM Page 17

MoneyMatters 40% Of CA’s Black Families Are $10K-30K Short Of What They Need To Get By

S

gt. Camelia Straughn, a Sacramento resident and 20-year vet in the U.S. National Guard, is deployed right now in Cuba. For her, active duty on the Caribbean island that is currently re-establishing ties with the United States means overseeing the logistics of her platoon.

While Straughn is making sure all the ships run on time for the service men and women stationed with her— and that everyone has what they need to get their jobs done—she finds herself constantly thinking about her children back in California. That worry has become a central part of her daily routine. Do they have everything they need? Do they have enough food or pocket change? Can they stretch their allowance into the next week?

Straughn, who is a single mom, says she has always been realistic with her kids. She has a 25-year-old adult son and two teens: a 16-year-old daughter and her baby, a 14-year-old son. She says she has always been up front with them, insisting they excel in their studies and extracurricular activities to secure scholarships for higher education because there is a “99 percent chance that mommy will not be able to pay for college.”

“I always pay my rent first,” says Straughn, who complements her military income by working as a life coach.

“Then, I generally pay a little on everything else so nothing gets shut off. Because of my tight budget, we can’t afford a lot of meats or fresh fruits, so we stock up on prepackaged foods.”

Straughn is not alone. One in three California households (31 percent of all households in the state)—almost 99 percent of them with at least one head of household working full time—do not make bring home enough money to cover basic costs of living. That’s according to a new study titled “Struggling to Get By: The Real Cost Measure in California 2015.”

The report assesses the financial stability of families in California using an index called the Real Cost Measure. It takes a “bare-boned” look at basic needs by assessing the things all families need to allot monies for – transportation, childcare, health expenses, taxes, housing, food, etc.

Then, it looks at the real cost of those things by location in the state.

“We hope our report helps put the focus on actual families, and allows people see the real costs of living in a particular community and the trade-offs that low-income families face if their income is not enough to meet those costs,” says Peter Manzo, CEO and President of United Ways of California, the not-for-profit education, health and poverty advocacy organization that conducted the research. “Do they double up in an apartment with relatives or another family, do they go without child care or medical care, skimp on food, or some combination of all of those?”

Manzo says, with the findings of the study, United Ways of California hopes to ease the financial burdens of working families in California.

“If we’re successful, community residents, United Ways and other community organizations, business leaders, philanthropy and policymakers will take the results into account when they make important decisions that affect these families,” he hopes.

The Real Cost Measure employed by United Ways of California to compile the data for “Struggling to Get By” is different from other indices that have historically measured poverty. Manzo says it digs deeper, relying, in part, on U.S. Census data to paint a more precise, more factual picture of what families need to survive in particular areas of the state. Each year, he says, families that fall below the Real Cost Measure across the state wind up $10,000 to $30,000 short of what they need to meet their basic needs.

Money Matters continued on page 25

On the Money Dionne Warwick’s IRS Woes Famed singer and songwriter Dionne Warwick will need fans to “Say a little Prayer” for her as Internal Revenue Services will not let her just “Walk on by” with her owing over $6 million in back taxes.

According to a news release from Centric T.V, the IRS is adamant to reclaim what is owed to them and have since subpoenaed all Warwick’s bank accounts and payment documents from her booking agent, Red Entertainment.

In her defense, the 74-year-old New Jersey native filed chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013, after claiming she only had $25,500 in assets and $10,727,429 in liabilities. Warwick was later found in contempt of court after the court gained information that Warwick was being paid by her company under another name.

After being sued by the court, Warwick later countersued as she believes the $6 million deficit should be non-existent given that she had filed for bankruptcy.

The IRS, however, said that debt should not have been forgiven initially.

Kevin Sasaki, Warwick’s publicist, told the National Enquirer news in an interview that his client on several occasions attempted to offer repayment plans and proposals to the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board for taxes owed but was never acknowledged.

Dionne Warwick

Biz NewsBriefs Drake Donates $75,000 To Troubled High School

Canadian rapper, actor and song writer, Drake is once again using his gifts to reach and change lives. The famed rapper last month donated $75,000 to help create recording studio at Strawberry Mansion High School in Philadelphia.

According to reports from the Huffington Post, the troubled public high school has been in need of a music recording studio for an extensive period, and thanks to Drake students now have that resource readily at hand.

“I was deeply affected by the news report

on the challenges faced by the Philadelphia students,” Drake said.

The recording studio has been in place since last summer but, because of the stigma attached to the community and the institution, there was a challenge in locating an instructor who was willing to work in that vicinity and with the students.

"This is about you. This is about your principal. This is about your future," Drake said at a private gathering with some of the students. "I want to see you succeed."

The school have since received a music teacher and students are now drawn to music and are making the most of the opportunity they’ve been given.

Members of Congress Host Summit to Address Diversity Among Federal Asset Managers Four leading Democratic members of Congress hosted Chief Investment Officers (CIOs) from some of the largest federal pension plans and senior executives from the nation’s leading minority and women-owned asset man-

Leve I: Marketing Feasiblity 3 weeks (Sat. 9:30am-11:30am) August 1 - August 22 & September 5 - 9 Level II: Business Plan Writing Workshops Off-site 8-Week Business Plan Writing Workshops: Tuesday sessions @ 6:30pm & Thursday sessions @ 9:30am U pcom ing Events: Wed., Aug. 5 6pm-8pm, Your Health IS Your Wealth: How To Succeed in the Billion Dollar Fitness & Wellness Business 3rd Annual Mobile Retail & Food Truck Business Expo on Sat. August 8 8:30am - 1pm at L.A. Trade Tech College • 400 W. Washington Blvd., corner of 23rd St. & Grand Ave.

agement firms for a half-day summit to discuss the underutilization of these firms in the management of federal retirement plan assets.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and senior Committee member Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), presented the event, which focused on best practices from state, local and private sector retirement plans for identifying and engaging minority and womenowned asset management firms, as well as concrete steps that can be taken to ensure minority and women-owned asset firms are able to meaningfully participate in the management of federal retirement assets.

“Part of closing the wealth gap requires that minority and women-owned business are afforded equal federal contracting opportunities to grow their businesses and create jobs. We in Congress have a role to play in connecting these communities and businesses, and today’s summit was an excellent step in that direction,” said Ranking Member Waters.

Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:30 PM Page 18

ChurchNews Church Community Mourns The Passing of Rickey Grundy

T

he L.A. church and gospel community was mourning the death of Rickey Grundy, a celebrated musician, gospel choir leader and founder of The Rickey Grundy Chorale.

Grundy, who studied at USC’s Conservatory of Music, released two albums, one of which, The Rickey Grundy Chorale, charted top ten on Billboard Magazine’s Top Ricky Grundy Gospel Albums chart.

The L.A. native was the son of Evelyn Perkins, first Lady of True Friendship Baptist Church and the stepson of Pastor James Perkins and was known for his contribution to the gospel music industry.

In more recent years, Grundy focused much of his attention on serving local churches and religious communities in Southern California, having served as choir coach at various churches and a choir director at First AME Church and Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

“Thoughts and prayers go out to the Gospel Community after hearing about our brother and friend,” said Yolanda Adams.

Grundy died on July 27, 2015, after battling a brain infection. He was 58. I In related news, our condolences to Pastor Marvis Davis (New Bethel Baptist Church in Venice) on the passing of his mother.

5th Annual Long Beach Gospelfest Draws Thousands Upwards of 20,000 turned out to the Marina Green Park on Long Beach’s shoreline for the Fifth Annual Long Beach Gospel Fest, founded by Pastor Wayne Chaney, Jr. and wife Myesha of the Antioch Church of Long Beach.

Showcasing some of the best gospel artists in music today, the concert featuring multi-award winning performers Tina Campbell, Tasha Cobbs, Deitrick Haddon, Kierra Sheard, Jonathan Nelson, Myron Butler, Jessica Reedy, Brian Courtney Wilson is the largest of its kind in Southern California.

The free included a morning worship service led by Pastor Chaney and a special tribute honoring the victims of the Charleston Emanuel AME Church mass shooting.

“In terms of the crowd, it ranks with leading concerts,” Chaney said. “It’s the premier event in California for gospel music.”

L.A. Focus/August 2015

Bishop Paul S. Morton Passes The Torch to Bishop Joseph Walker Some of the biggest names in Christendom—Bishops Charles Blake, T.D. Jakes, Noel Jones, Clarence McClendon and Marvin Winans among them—turned out for the passing of the torch from retiring founding Bishop Paul S. Morton to newly installed Bishop Joseph Walker for the leadership of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International.

Bishop Black presided over the ceremony that served not only as a celebration of Morton’s tenure, but his contributions to the body of Christ.

Said Blake, “It is my joy to hereby install you to a season of retirement and rest as the presiding bishop founder of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, Inc. We know you’ll be an even greater blessing in the future.”

As part of a resolution read by Walker, the group agreed to “advance the principles, teachings and positions of the fellowship as an eternal witness and reflection of the work and contributions of Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. and to honor him with the title “founding bishop” throughout the life and ministry of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.”

Morton capped his prolific career in ministry and over 30 years as a gospel recording artist with a final live recording at the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church that featured Pastor Shirley Caesar

18

Church News continued on page 25

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

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

Bethesda Temple Church Apostolic Faith 1101 W. Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 299-2591 Interim Pastor Robert Lockett Sunday School: 9:40am Morning Worship: 11am Evening Worship: 6pm Bible Study (Wed): 7pm Prayer (Sat): 7am Evening Prayer (Mon.): 6:30pm

First AME Church (FAME) 2270 South Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 730-7750 • F: (323) 735-7829 • www.famechurch.org Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, Senior Pastor/CEO Sunday School: 10am Worship: 8am, 10am, Noon Youth Church (Fame Renaissance): Noon Wed. Prayer Service: Noon Wed. Bible Study: 7pm Radio: 10:30am on KJLH-102.3FM First AME is the oldest Black Church in the City Grace United Methodist Church 4112 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 294-6653 • F: (323) 294-8753 • graceumc1@earthlink.net Rev. Pastor Paul A. Hill • www.graceumcla.com Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Sunday School: 9:45am Morning Worship: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 7pm Fri. Alcoholic Anonymous: 7pm Tues. Prayer Fellowship: 6:30pm Super Seniors (Thurs/Bi-Monthly): 10:30am Follow us on Facebook Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996 Dr. Solomon Drake Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm

Bethlehem Temple Church, INC. 958 East 52nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 232-8429 • F: (323) 232-8660 Pastor Elder Gentry Richardson, Jr. Sunday: Christian Education: 9am Morning Worship: 11am PYPU (youth services): 4:30pm Evening Worship: 6pm (5pm 5th Sun.) Monday Prayer Revival: 7pm Wednesday Ministerial/Teacher’s Prep. Class: Noon; Bible Class: 7:45pm

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Morning Glory Service (2nd & 4th): 8:30am-9:30am Christian Education Classes: 9:45am-10:45am Sunday Morning Worship: 11:15am Tuesday Prayer: 7pm Wednesday Bible Class: 7pm 1st Sunday Nights: 7pm Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 • www.cccf-ucc.org Pastor James K. McKnight Sun. Early Worship: 8am Prayer Meeting: 10:30am Morning Worship: 11am Wed. Afternoon Bible Study: 1pm Wed. Prayer Meeting: 6pm Wed. Evening Bible Study: 7pm View Pastor McKnight’s Sermons on YouTube Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Rev. Frederick Price Jr. Sunday Service: 10am Bible Study (Tue): 11am & 7pm Tue. Night Kidz Unlocked: 7pm Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7pm Intercessory Prayer (Wed.): 7:30pm Prayer & Praise (Thurs.): 6:30pm

Sunday School: 8:00, 9:45 & 11am Fuse Worship (Sunday): 6pm Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 11am Bible Study (Thurs.): Noon Sun. Radio: KJLH 102.3FM: 11am E: Holman@holmanumc.com

Sunday Church School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:30am & 12:30pm Wed. Bible Study: noon & 6:30pm Prayer Meeting: 6pm Follow us on Twitter @dacrossculture www.thecrossculture.org Macedonia Baptist Church of Los Angeles 1751 East 114th Street Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 569-9561 • Macedonia.baptist114@gmail.com Pastor Shane B. Scott Morning Worship: 10am Sunday Small Group: 8:45am Tues. Mid-Day Bible Study: 11am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: 6:30pm www.macedonia-la.org Miracle Center Apostolic Church 2638 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-5121 or 735-5122 Dr. Roy S. Petitt • Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 8am, 11am & 6pm Tues. Prayer & Bible Class: Noon Rights of Passage: 7pm Wed. Bible Study: 8pm Thurs. Prayer/Bible Class: Noon Fri. Faith Seminar: 8pm Radio KTYM-1460AM: (M-Fri.) 8am - 8:15am

Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:30 PM Page 19

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of LA, Inc. 4269 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 Rev. Melvin V. Wade, Sr. Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:45am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Mid-Week Worship (Wed): 7pm Bible Study (Wed.): 8pm

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

F: (323) 291-1133 • msmbc-la.org • mt.sinai@msmbc-la.org Pastor George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am, 10am Noonday Worship (1st Sun): Noon Sunday School: 8am, 10am Noonday Prayer (Mon): Noon Noonday Bible Study (Tues): Noon Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Our Goal: To win more Christians & develop better Christians to the glory of God. (Matt. 28:18-20) Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church 6614 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 753-3189 • F: (323) 753-1018 • www.mttabormbc.org Dr. Ticey M. Brown, D. Min. Pastor/Teacher Early Morning Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid Morning Worship: 11am Tues. Bible Study: 10am & 7pm Meeting/Bible Study: 6:30pm–8pm First Sun. Communion: 11am & 5pm Baptism First Sunday

One Church International 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • www.onechurchla.org Sr. Pastor Toure’ Roberts Sunday Worship: 9am, 11am & 1pm Wednesday Midweek Service: 8pm www.Channel1Live.tv—View live streaming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. Matthew Tabernacle of Praise “The S.T.O.P.” 3770 Santa Rosalia Dr. Baldwin Hills, CA 90008 (323) 291-1115 • F: (323) 293-0471 Rev. C.Barry Greene, Pastor Morning Worship: 8am Church School Hour: 10:15am Tuesday Hour of Power: 7pm

www.pleasanthillbaptistchurch.org Praises of Zion Baptist Church (“Praise City” 8222 So. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003 (323) 750-1033 • F: (323) 750-5458 • www.pozlive.com Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, Sr. Pastor Early Morning Worship: 6:45am Educational Hour: 9:15am Mid-Morning Worship: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 7pm Sunday Broadcast: 7pm

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

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

Salem Missionary Baptist Church 729 S. Park View St. Los Angeles, CA 90057 (213) 738-1077 • jrwilliams57@peoplepc.com Pastor J. Williams Sunday School: 10am Morning Worship: 11:15am Ministry For Alcohol & Chemical Addiction Wednesday: 5:30pm Bible Study Thursday: 7:30pm Office Hours: Mon 1:30pm-5:30pm; Thurs 2:30pm-7:30pm St. Paul’s Mission Fellowship Church 4816 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90018 Cell: (760) 214-8282 • burtcj@cox.net Rev. Dr. Charles J. Burt, Senior Pastor Morning Worship: 11:30am

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

St. Rest Missionary Baptist Church 709 W. Manchester Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323)752-6179 Rev. Torrey Collins, Pastor Sunday School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:45am Evening Worship: 3:30pm Tues. Bible Study: 7pm Wed. Bible Study: 11am Choir Rehearsals (Wed. & Fri.): 7pm Southern Missionary Baptist Church 4678 West Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 731-2703 • F: (323) 737-5202 • E: smbcla@gmail.com Rev. Xavier L. Thompson, Sr. Pastor L.I.F.E. Groups Sundays: 8:30am Morning Worship: 10am Baptism & Communism (First Sunday): 5pm Word Wednesday: 6:45pm “One Church For All Generations”

L.A. Focus/August 2015

Sunday Worship: 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Wednesday Bible School: 6pm Men’s Ministry Meetings 2nd Tues: 6pm Youth Mentoring Program 3rd Sat: 10am-11am

Natalie Owens is not just the first lady of Faith Inspirational Missionary Baptist Church of Compton, she’s a preacher herself.

The assistant pastor, and wife of Pastor Rafer Owens, has been preaching for 20 years and is a certified life coach and motivational speaker who teaches classes to empower people.

“Your purpose is the reason you exist and my purpose is to speak life to people and encourage them to be the best that they can be,” says the Carson, CA native.

The mother of six certainly recognizes how to triumph over obstacles—as her 10-year-old daughter is a special needs child who was born with several birth defects.

“She’s on a feeding tube, she’s had leukemia, she’s had a bone marrow transplant and she’s had 29 surgeries. That journey has taught me patience and it tested my endurance and faith,” she said.

“The way she was born has made me a better person. It helped me to focus more on God and it strengthened our family. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.”

These days, she teaches a 12-week Life Empowerment Class with a team inspired by the “Twelve Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” by John Maxwell and speaks at women’s conferences, workshops and bible studies.

“The theme for our church is ‘saving souls and changing lives.’ Our goal is to win the city of Compton for God. “We want you to have a successful productive life. I enjoy having a hand in making peoples lives better through the power of God. I enjoy the sacrifice and commitment.

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

The Church where “It pays to be nice”.

New Shady Grove Baptist Church 1509 W. Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 753-0198 • www.newshadygrove.com Rev. Jewett L. Walker, Jr.

first lady files

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Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:30 PM Page 20

The First Saint John Bible Church 11030 S. Willowbrook Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 566-5055 • F: (323) 566-0219 Pastor/Teacher: Bishop Michael A. Brass, Jr.

UpLift Christian Fellowship 4745 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90056 (310) 927-3476 Pastor Anthony Thompson

Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center 2556 N. Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001 (626) 797-3585 • F: (626) 797-3233 • www.lifelinefcc.org Pastor Charles D. Dorsey

Sunday Worship: 10am Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trinity Baptist Church 2040 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-0044 • F: (323) 735-0219 Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr

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

Sunday Worship: 7:30 & 10:30am Sunday Church School: 9am Radio Broadcast KJLH FM: 9am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: Noon-7pm www.trinitybaptistchurchofla.org

Sunday School: 8am & 10:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 11am Evening Worship (North Campus): 7pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7pm Sun. Radio Broadcast KJLH 102.3FM: 10am www.westa.org

In Carson

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

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30am Children’s Church (Except 5th Sun): 9:30am 2nd & 4th Sun. Speak Life Youth Ministry: 12:30pm Wed. Bible Study: Noon Streaming live at judsonbclive.net

Peace Apostolic Church 21224 Figueroa Street, Carson, CA 90745 (310) 212-5673 Suff. Bishop Howard A. Swancy 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: Pastor Leo Thomas • Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church How did you get saved and why?

When I got saved I was 26. My fiancée, now my wife for 23 years, was attending Central Baptist Church. At that point I was already seeking spiritual awareness. I just didn't know how or what. But I had attended some churches and when I went there is when I accepted Christ.

Part of it was just an innate desire. Knowing that I had been very fortunate growing up in South Central and seeing friends killed or go to prison.

Being involved in gangs, which my brother and I were, and knowing that, just by luck or by chance, I had escaped some of that, caused me to seek God. I knew people who were religious and that seemed to be a source of strength for them. It was just something that I had a desire to know more about.

L.A. Focus/August 2015

When did you answer the call to preach?

In 1991 I accepted Christ. I was making moves in the church and by ‘93 I was a deacon. In ’94 I kept having t h e s e visions o f

20

Name: Leo Thomas Church: Mt. Sinai in San Pedro Hometown: South Central, L.A. Education: BA in business, degree and honorary Doctor of Divinity from Saint Thomas Christian University Married/children: 23 years to Lady Kimberly Thomas, father of four preaching—visions of a church setting with a panoramic view and me leading the service behind the pulpit. I had conversations with my father in the ministry and another church leader and at that point I was seeking direction on how to know if you’re being called to preach. I shared with them the visions I was having and they both confirmed for me that they definitely felt I was called to preach. That validated it for me. I preached my first sermon October 29, 1995. I was ordained in 1997.

How did you come to Mt. Sinai?

Mt. Sinai is my first pastorship. The Lord started speaking to my heart and told me it was time for me to leave my home church. I really didn't know what that meant but a week or so later I got a call from my pastor. He told me there was a church in San Pedro who was looking for a younger preacher. Out of 21 preachers at Central, I was the only one my pastor felt was called to pastor.

I went down there and met with the deacon board, who said their pastor was looking to retire soon, and seeking a pastor who might replace him. I joined that church in December 2005 under the impression that in a few years there might be an opportunity for me to step into that role. The following year, in December 2006, I was voted in as a pastor.

What is your preaching style?

That’s a great question. I’m a exegetical preacher.

I don't do a lot of topical preaching. I believe in opening the word of God and expounding on that specific

text and building a bridge between what was being done and how it currently applies to our lives.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced since becoming pastor?

One is to not take the behaviors or the demeanors of church people personal. It’s really about staying focused on what you’ve been called to do, and to have a desire and a heart for people, and wanting the best for people—even though the same people who are praising you today could be asking you to be crucified tomorrow. My grandmother used to say, “a pat on the back is eighteen inches away from a kick on the butt.” I try to remember that. It almost puts up a wall and you’re hesitant to trust. That's difficult as a pastor because you have to be able to trust—not only your calling—but you have to be able to trust the people that God surrounds you with. It does require a certain level of cautiousness.

Another challenge is trying to convince people that you have to love in “spite of.” The Bible says that love covers a multitude of sins and we’re required to love people. We think about what happened in South Carolina. One of my associate ministers—that’s his home church. Here’s a person that does such an atrocity and the Bible says we still have to love them. That's a hard thing to do.

What would you characterize as your greatest strength?

I believe I’m a pretty good administrator. I’ve worked in the leadership field in restaurants for over 30 years. At one point I ran an organization where I had over $1 billion dollars in annual sales that I was responsible for and a lot of folks that worked underneath me. I’m able to identify skills and assess talent and able to administer through that and get the best out of people in those positions. I’m also able to identify potential de-railers and weaknesses and keep the train moving. As a matter of fact, if someone asked me if I’m an exceptional Sunday morning preacher, I would say no, but my administrative skills are what has helped Mt. Sinai be what it is today.

What are your defining moments?

Accepting Christ. April 1991. Since then I’ve been all in.

Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:30 PM Page 21

From The Pulpit: of Greater Zion’s 10th Pastoral Anniversary -- “Protecting What God Has For You” I Kings 7:1-2 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. Then a Lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.”

There was at the time of the text a famine in the land that was so devastating that the people had begun to die out because of starvation. So severe that the bible says people resorted to eating the droppings of pigeons and doves.

The famine was so bad that the

I

Bishop neil C. harris

people resorted to eating dead donkey’s heads…so severe that mothers resorted to the boiling of their babies and eating them for food, because the people were in desperate need of a breakthrough.

In the midst of this context of need, the man of God rose to the occasion. In II Kings 1, the people were warned to hear the voice of the Lord.

Verse 2 identifies the speaker as the man of God, so in the midst of need the man of God stood up and made a proclamation.

Here’s what he said: Tomorrow about this same time there will be enough food around here for everybody. In the midst of this context of need the prophet Elisha commanded the people of God to hear the word of the Lord, because one word from God can turn things.

With one word, the man of God shifted things for the people of God. He said by this time tomorrow everything is going to turn around. He was right in the middle of the famine, but he defied the famine and spoke against the famine for the people in this season that we’re in now as we move into the 21st century.

We need men and women that will say something and make it happen.

Jeremiah 1:9 Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. Because when you speak I want you to have the power to shift things.

Translation: A servant, an advi-

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

sor, an associate minister, a deacon, a trustee who was hanging around with the king heard what the man of God said and decided he had to give his views. He said even if the Lord makes windows in heaven, could this thing be.

Translation: I don’t believe a word that preacher just said will never happen.

First of all, the man was out of line because he was a servant, not a spokesman.

The man of God’s response was: behold you shall see it with your eyes but you will never eat thereof.

Translation: The Lord is going to do what He said He was going to do and He will do it right in your face, but because you don’t believe it, He is going to let you see it, but you will never benefit from it.

You have to keep in mind what happened in this text. The man was present when Elisha prophecied, which means he was covered under the prophecy, but he missed what God had for him simply because he did not receive the word of the Lord that came to the man of God. You have to keep in mind that the enemy of the faith has a desperate diabolical desire to put a wedge between you and your man of God. The devil wants to do at least four things: One, he wants to curse your future.

Two, he wants to rob you of your inheritance. Three, he wants to short circuit your flow of blessings to your life from God He wants to make sure whatever God is sending down to you never reaches you.

Four, he wants to deprive you of the oppor-

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

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

In Compton

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

Early Morning Worship: 7:30am Sunday School: 9:45 & 10:15am Mid Morning Worship: 10:45 am 1st. Sun. Holy Communion: 7:30 & 10:45 am Sat. Broadcast KTYM 1460AM: 10-11pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer & Bible Study: 7pm

Sunday G.I.R. Up Leadership Class: 8am Morning Worship Tuesday: 10am Teaching Empowerment Night: 7:30pm

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

The Liberty Church 14725 S. Gramercy Place, Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 715-8400 Pastor David W. Cross Early Worship: 8:30am Morning Worship: 11am Children’s Church: Both Services Word Power Wed.: 7-8pm www.thelibertychurch.com

In Hawthorne

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

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

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

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

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

In Gardena

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

Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford

In Inglewood

Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer: 5am, Noon & 7pm Wednesday Pathway: 7pm

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

L.A. Focus/August 2015

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

Sunday Morning Worship: 8am & 11:30am Sunday Evening Worship: 6:30pm Bible Studies: Wed. 7:30pm & Sat. 9am Food for Your Soul Radio & Television Ministry: KTYM 1460AM: Mon - Fri. 6:30am Church Channel: Tues. 5:30pm & Fri. 2:30pm

tunity of being blessed enough to help fund his kingdom.

So the enemy of the faith will do whatever he has to do to destroy your trust in the man of God. In this season you have to fight to protect what God has for you. That means you have no friends who don’t like your pastor.

If they lie on him they can’t be your friend.

If they talk about him, they can’t be your friend, because the devil will use anybody.

Why will he go to such great lengths to get you to distrust your man of God? Faith is what it will take for you to go the extra mile not love. Faith will make you dance to the music even if you cannot stand the tune. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Substance is spiritual. Substance is what you are hoping for but evidence is tangible. When you get to the evidence of something, you no longer need faith for it.

If you can only celebrate when you get it, you miss faith. The word of God is substance.

You can’t please God without faith.

Faith comes by hearing the word of God, but how can you hear the word of God without a preacher. You have no right; you have no authority; you have no license to stand in judgment over your gift.

You have one responsibility…open your gift. How do you open your gift? When he stands up with the word of God, open up your spirit to receive what thus said the Lord. If God has problems with him, God will deal with him and still bless you.

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Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:30 PM Page 22

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

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

First Church of God Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 • (323) 757-1804 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 on 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 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 Elements Bible Study: 8am & 10:15am Spanish Worship Service: 3pm Family Night Bible Study (Wed.): 7pm

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

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

L.A. Focus/August 2015

Housing segregation continued from page 7

22

and Stult concluded a neighborhood that scored 60 and above on dissimilarity index was considered highly segregated. Los Angeles had a blackwhite dissimilarity score of 65.0.

Authors of the 1968 Fair Housing Act wanted to reverse decades of government-fostered segregation. But presidents from both parties have hitherto—with the exception of Obama— declined to enforce laws that would prevent discrimination in federally administered housing programs.

The court’s latest ruling—notably another instance in which Obama stretched his executive power to combat America’s entrenched racial division—put some muscle behind the Obama Administration’s slogan: “One’s zip code should not determine

In Monrovia

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

In Pasadena

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

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

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

In Van Nuys

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

In Westchester

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

Morning Worship: 9am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Intercessory Prayer Thursday: 11:30pm - 12:30pm

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: Thurs. by appt • On/off Parole, Now What?: Thurs. by appt

one’s future.”

However, housing experts caution that the rules ultimate effect depends on whether local communities actively pursue the goals they set for themselves, and what kind of standards HUD holds them to.

Already, some Republicans are stepping up their opposition, calling the new rules a federal outreach and making moves to block it.

Castro said the rules left it to local partners to come up with a satisfactory compromise between investing in low-income neighborhoods and building more affordable housing in highopportunity areas.

“I see this as a helpful tool to address the kinds of challenges that we’ve seen in Baltimore and Ferguson and other cities,” Castro said.

Pastors continued from page 7

encouraging other clergy to participate and feel comfortable about participating in the peace movement.

“If we want results we’ve never seen we have to do things we’ve never done,” Logan added.

The Rev. Winford Bell, pastor of Mt. Olive second Missionary Baptist Church and founder of the non-profit organization, Silver Lining of Hope, supports Logan’s initiative after losing his son to similar circumstances.

"The reality is, we have to go to them," Bell Said. “We have a problem in our community that the church needed to address as a collaborative.”

Through an undying quest for peace, Logan and his team held their first meeting last month. Meetings will continue through to September.

Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:30 PM Page 23

Eye On Gospel All Roads Lead To Dallas It promises to be “more than a festival” and instead an experience. Indeed the countdown to Megafest has begun as all roads lead to Dallas. There’s a film festival, a golf tournament, an international choir showcase, a barber and stylists hair battle, a comedy show and a power packed line up of some of the biggest names in religion and entertainment, including Bishop Tudor Bismark, Pastor Sheryl Brady, Joyce Meyer, Serita Jakes, Sarah Jakes-Roberts, Dr. DeForest Soaries, Hill Harper, David Oyelowo, Australian activist Christine Caine, DeVon Franklin and Sheryl Underwood. Tyler Perry will showcase his new play, “Madea On The Run” at the three day fest while a film festival will showcase more than a half dozen new films and feature master class sessions.

Highlights include components of T.D. Jakes confab favorites like Woman Thou Art Loosed and ManPower, while musical guests include Marvin Sapp, Hezekiah Walker, Tasha Cobbs, Bebe Winans and Donald Lawrence.

Since launching in 2004, MegaFest has become one of the largest faith-based multi-day festivals in the nation.

More than 75,000 from 20 states and 31 countries attended in 2013 yielding an economic impact upwards of $41 million.

"MegaFest harkens back to a simpler time when families spent quality time together," Jakes said. “With so much chaos and turmoil ensuing in the world today, it will be critical for families to reconnect and recharge their batteries in a fun-filled, inspirational environment.”

Anthony Brown Returns Anthony Brown & group therAPy returned to the gospel forefront last month with a new CD, Everyday Jesus. Recorded live at New Psalmist Baptist Church, in Baltimore MD to a capacity crowd earlier this year, it is jam-packed with 14 innovative tracks that range from urban inspirational and show-tunesque to high-energy

praise, beautiful ballads and tried and true church music.

"Everyday Jesus is a collection of songs for the everyday believer, literally they are songs for every season," said Brown. "As a Christian, I experience 'real life' scenarios that test my faith and pushed my creativity and writing to the limit. This album is full of songs for everyone ... they speak to every situation - whatever you are facing, wherever you are in life and whatever you need: There is a Jesus for that."

The impact of his first single, "Worth" is already being felt, as one of gospel’s top-selling digital songs. Special guests on the CD include Chrystal Rucker, Darrel Walls (of the Walls Group), Maurette Brown Clark, Gaye Arbuckle and Da TRUTH. Brown's first Tyscot Music & Entertainment project, "Anthony Brown & group therAPy" was released in late 2012 and its lead single, Testimony, was dubbed by Billboard Magazine as the "Top Gospel Song of 2013."

The 2014 29th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards saw the self-titled album win for "Group/Duo of The Year," "Contemporary Group/Duo of The Year," "Contemporary Male Vocalist of The Year" & "Music Video Of The Year" for "Testimony."

Stage Two For Jonathan Reynolds Jonathan McReynolds burst onto the scene in 2012 as one of the freshest voices in gospel music with his debut CD, Life Music, featuring the singles “No Gray,” “I Love You,” and “Lovin’ Me.” McReynolds will release his sophomore album Life Music: Stage Two, on Friday September 18, 2015. Featuring the singles “Pressure” and “Gotta Have You”—which is receiving airplay on multiple formats including gospel and urban AC—McReynolds has crafted a distinctive sound while collaborating with producers and artists that include India.Arie, Chuck Harmony, Claude Kelly, Warryn Campbell, PJ Morton, Derek Minor, DJ Camper and Israel Houghton.

“I wrote my first album as a college student,” said the

Dove and Stellar Award-nominated artist. “This second album, as a college teacher. My life has changed – different pressures, more revelation, more musical ideas. The one thing that hasn’t: my approach to songwriting. Still aiming to be transparent and genuine. Message first.”

Call Him Bishop Marvin Sapp Congratulations to Marvin Sapp who was consecrated a bishop last month during the national gathering of The Global United Fellowship in Jacksonville, Florida. Sapp— who had his three children by his side—was elevated to Bishop over the Central Province of Global United Fellowship. He will oversee 70 pastors and their churches in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Missouri. The Global United Fellowship was established in 2013 under the leadership of Bishop Neil C. Ellis, and is a cross-denominational fellowship of more than 400 churches around the world. Briefly: Marvin Sapp, Jason Nelson, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Smokie Norful, Isaac Carree, Jonathan McReynolds and Jessica Reedy headlined an , 'All Star Gospel Tribute to Grammy-nominated artist Kim Burrell'.

Marvin Sapp

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Finding Your Pretty with Chez

I

n

t h e 1980s there was an epidemic that came out of nowhere and quickly swept the nation; even reaching parts of Canada and Europe, and it was taking no prisoners.

Old, young, men, women and children were at risk for falling for it. It even got our beloved Michael Jackson, and it lasted for years. Although we survived and most of us -by the grace of God- have overcome the damage it has done, sadly, you can still find remnants of it today.

Victims that just refuse to let go. It was… the “JHERI CURL!”

I was two-years-old and preparing for my walk down the aisle as the honorary flower girl in my aunt’s winter wedding, when my grandmother decided that she’d had enough with my kinks and took me to the beauty shop to get a Jheri Curl.

“It will be perfect for the wedding,” she said.

And my sweet grandmother was right—it was perfect for the wedding. My Grandma didn’t know that she was falling victim to the epidemic. Her cascading curls and “good” hair came with a certain naivete’ when it came to the well being of my kinks mine being the first real kinks she’s ever had the honor of combing. She unknowingly turned me into an ‘80’s Jheri Curl toddler” .

Yes, there are pictures of me with the infamous plastic bag on my head, and yes, all my hair ended up falling out because, just as you might have thought, Jheri Curl chemicals are way to harsh on a toddler’s hair, which resulted in my daddy cutting my hair into a short, natural, style, which I wore for a while, and I was often mistaken for a little boy. “Ohh, what a cute little boy,”a lady said one day as we walked down the street,“I’m not a boy I’m a girl,”I replied.

After the Jheri curl fiasco, I was about four when I started the creamy crack … relaxers. And for over 20 years I had been getting my fix every six weeks.

Then I moved to L.A. Upon my arrival in L.A. I noticed no one was getting a perm. I don’t know one L.A. woman who is addicted to the creamy crack. Coming from Kansas City, Missouri, where everybody I knew was a perm addict, that was so

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strange to me. Maybe it’s because L.A. is not as humid as K.C. and your naps will lay straight longer or maybe L.A. is just trippin’?

To this day I still don’t understand the reasoning behind it. So, I don’t know if I chose to go natural or L.A. bullied me. All I know is that my hair is in its natural state and it’s been a challenge.

I had never seen my natural curl pattern before and didn’t even know how to comb it. I’ll admit, when pressed out my hair does feel silkier and looks shinier than when permed, but how long can it stay straight?

Oh, until I take a hot shower or even wash my face and a little water touches my edges, and poof… afro edges.

Also, I’m not your stereotypical black woman that is afraid of water. I love water and not only am I a great swimmer, but I love to swim the breast stroke -which, by the way is under water. And nothing is more relaxing to me than floating on my back, with my ears submerged under water, listening to the muffled sounds of the world as I gaze into the sky.

All this bliss was snatched away when I went on this “natural hair” journey. You see, I love my sistas that like to rock their natural curls, afros, twists or braids, and often times I feel a little envious. They look as though they feel so free, but a girl like me likes to have hair that blows in the wind and falls over one eye.

I like to look like I just walked right off the pages of the Victoria Secret catalog. So, I’m officially fed up with natural hair and I ‘m going back to a perm soon, but transitioning back to relaxed from natural has got my nerves shot. What if all my hair breaks off? What if my scalp can’t take it? What if…?

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Janet Singleton

New Orleans native, Janet Singleton just loves her hair stylist of more than 20 years, Michael Peters.

“Michael is very professional, punctual and not only does he take great care of my hair and scalp he is just an all around great guy,” she said.

Janet says since going to Michael her hair stays shiny, well conditioned and expertly styled. “I have the confidence in knowing that I look my best.”

Not only does the realtor get a lot of compliments on her hair but she has referred many friends, clients and colleagues to him and they have all been very pleased with how amazing he is.

Michael Peters says he loves styling hair not only because it makes his clients look good, but says he really enjoys the mental and spiritual interaction. “It makes my day

to see a client leave my salon feeling good after spending an hour or two with me. I always try to keep the conversation positive and uplifting.

The stylist of over 20 years specializes in color and hair extensions but can also do a mean cut, is a pro at texturizing and can solve all your natural hair worries, and accredits his creativity to his DNA. “I was born into a family of stylists and creative people. Both my grandmothers were renowned hair stylists. My mom is a pianist, my dad was an actor and my sister, Valerie is also a fabulous hair designer with her own salon in Long Beach, California.

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Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:31 PM Page 25

Crystal Nicole Jones

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ow you can have your cake and eat cheesecake too!” Winner of Food Network’s Season 9 “Cupcake Wars,” Crystal Jones is setting out to shock your taste buds one “mini creamcake” at a time.

When she won the reality show competition in 2012, one of the judges, internationally recognized French pastry chef, Florian Bellanger, even said she reinvented the cupcake. Interestingly enough, Crystal accidently discovered the tasty treat when she was called back to the show.

“The first time I didn't win; it was more of a technical issue—my signature cheesecake cupcakes didn't have enough time to set, so the next time I went on I reinvented my product.”

What she came up with was a “creamcake,” which is a half cake, half cheesecake hybrid with frosting and a Cookie crust.

Fan favorites include her Suzie Strawberry and Charlie Chocolate Chip (named after her grandparents), the Roman Red Velvet, and the Olivia Original made with white chocolate or Butterfinger.

Her company, Cream by Crystal has been featured on the Kris Jenner show and has catered for celebrity birthday bashes, kid charity events the IBA awards, Arsenio Hall’s launch party, an Animal defenders Gala hosted by bob barker and many bravo events.

Interestingly, the St. Louis, Missouri native, who studied network and marketing in college was stuck in a New York City corporate rut when she decided to head west and pursue a career in entertainment.

“Being here I realized I needed a backup plan. So instead of just focusing on entertainment alone, I ended up starting Cream by Crystal because I was talented and good at baking,” says the self-taught baker who was guided by her grandmother.

“We always made this cheesecake recipe together and I decided to bring that recipe back around and modernize it. That was my backup plan and it took off! I ended up on TV anyway.”

Visit Creambycrystal.com for more.

Susie Straw berry Cheesecake Parfait Style

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Money Matters continued from page 17

“We do a Real Cost Measure budget for each county,” he says. “Only then can you can start to segment what might be helpful for single mothers or what might be helpful to non-English speakers, and so on, in a particular community.”

For minorities, the “Struggling to Get By” report paints a grim picture.

Minority households disproportionately have inadequate incomes. Los Angeles County, where there are 13 million residents (most of them Black or Latino) and 65 neighborhoods with, on average, with about 150,0000 people – has the bottom five neighborhoods in the state based on the Real Cost Measure. They are these U.S. Census-designated areas : Watts, Huntington Park, USC/ Bell Gardens, South Central Los Angeles and Los Angeles County Central.

Manzo recognizes that there needs to

be more awareness for the data his group has crunched to register and begin to impact state policy, so everyday Californians should begin to share the stories of their hardship.

“It may seem like just a little thing, but policymakers and civic leaders do need to hear from community residents as often as possible – even if it’s just a call or a short e-mail,” he says.

Church News continued from page 18

and Rance Allen, Zacardi Cortez, Tasha Cobbs, and Le’Andria Johnson and son, P.J. Morton. The sold out gala was hosted by Tamela and David Mann.

“God has been faithful,” said Morton. “This has been a great chapter in my life.”

L.A. Focus/August 2015

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25

Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:31 PM Page 26

SavingGrace

W

Gaius Charles

L.A. Focus/August 2015

ith passion, perseverance, zeal and strong faith, Gaius Charles knew at an early age he was destined to become an actor. In his mind, there was no question about it.

The New York native, best known for playing Dr. Shane Ross for two seasons in Shonda Rhimes’ ABC romance series “Greys Anatomy,” last month returned to TV as Black Panther leader, Bunchy Carter on NBC historical-drama series “Aquarius.”

“I have been very blessed to be on some great prime time television shows.

I’m really excited about this new project. It is really cool because I get to reunite with some folks I’ve worked with from “Friday Night Lights” and it’s great to know TV is still a place to tell amazing stories and connect with your audience in an extraordinary way,” Charles said.

With his stint on Grey’s Anatomy all but done, Charles also stars in the recently released film, “The Stanford Prison Experiment” as Paul Vogel.

“The film is about a real life experiment that took place at Stanford University in the early 70s, one of the most famous psychology experiment ever,” Charles said. “The experiment, which was supposed to be uneventful, just went awry and they had to shut it down.”

Making strides, the budding actor has played Brian 'Smash' Williams in NBC’s drama “Friday Night Lights” for three seasons, had reoccurring roles on “Law and Order SVU” and landed a CIA officer role in the movie “Salt” starring Angelina Jolie and then appeared as Max in the feature film “Takers”.

Tracing his passion to childhood days, Charles recalled being drawn to young actors on TV and pictured himself acting.

Growing up in New York and New Jersey, Charles had a few influential figures in his life that helped to steer his decisions. He admired the work of actor Sydney Poitier and wanted to be just like him when he got to that level in his career.

“I always thought that this was cool because I come from a pretty traditional family and I didn’t really know anybody who was a professional actor,” Charles said. “I started taking acting classes when I was in the 7th or 8th grade and it just felt like this was something that was meant for me and I just ran with it all through high school.”

The first day of acting class Charles told his drama teacher that he was going to become a successful actor and there were no two ways about it.

“She was just very encouraging and inspiring and she supported that dream from early on as so many others have. I’m very grateful for that,” Charles added.

After high school, he continued his academic pursuits at Carnegie Mellon University where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and soon after graduating, Charles ventured into primetime TV as Carver in the 2006 NBC drama “The Book of Daniel.”

In what he describes as one of his most memorable experience Charles recalls how he got the role on “Friday Night Lights.”

“That was a direct answer to prayer. I remember before I went up for my screen test for the role, I was in New Jersey at the time and I had to fly to LA. The night before I left, I heard God saying I’m giving you this part,” Charles said. “When I got the part I was ecstatic and I just realized that God orchestrated it. He stitched the whole thing together so divinely, only He could design it.”

Despite his rise to fame, Charles has always taken his faith seriously and strikes a balance between faith and his career.

“I see my career as something that is a calling, I see it as something that is grounded in my faith and in what I do,” Charles explained. “I really feel a sense of calling as an actor to be able to tell stories and really speak to humanity and the experience of humanity both the beauty and the brokenness. I think it can really profoundly impact people, be very cathartic and even minister to people so I am very proud to be able to contribute to that experience.”

For as long as he could remember, ministry has always been an integral part of Charles’ life. Though acting was his professional pursuit he still had a heart

26

for ministry.

“I wasn’t a youth pastor, but I was just active in youth ministry. I just really had a passion for helping people and encouraging people, letting my light shine,” Charles said.

For the past four years he has been involved in an outreach program in Uganda called Games for the Goal where he has done youth conferences and motivational speaking to youths, helped to sponsor soccer tournaments and administer HIV testing and education for rural Ugandan communities.

Being saved since his teenage years, Charles continues to give credit to God for the saving grace he has experienced in more ways than one.

“Grace is what propels me, grace is what delivers me, grace is what sustains me, and grace is what keeps me,” Charles said. “I would be lost, I would be nothing without the grace of God in my life. So grace means more than I could even express.”

Seeing God’s hand at work in his life, Charles sometimes thinks of himself as an artist with a portfolio that represents an incredible sense of nuance and range that’s speaks to generations to come.

As such, before auditioning for any role he is always prayerful in accessing his connection to the role and what he can contribute to the character to enhance and relate to the specified audience.

“I look for opportunities to serve and encourage other people. I’m getting a lot more young actors who are starting to seek me out and ask for advice on different things and it is very humbling to be able to share any little bit of advice or experience that I can to help them reach their goal,” Charles said.

Because of his undying passion for serving, Charles believes mentorship is important even in the acting community and urges upcoming actors to believe in God and in their God given talent and potential.

“Believe in the passion and the dream that God has given you if God is indeed leading you in this field. Many times our breakthroughs can be hinged on whether we really believe in it or not,” Charles said. “I encourage any young person or anyone in this industry, wherever they might be to believe in yourself, believe in your passion and purpose and trust in God for your breakthrough.”

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Focus 8.e$S_Focus 7-04 8/3/15 7:31 PM Page 28