L.A. Focus On The Word Issue 1 January 2016

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UPFRONT AT&T Settles With Byron Allen

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SEE PAGE

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Attorney Areva Martin

SAVING GRACE: Unforgettable: Remembering Natalie Cole PAGE

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“America’s Dad” Charged With Sexual Assault, Will Be Tried In Criminal Court >> The entertainer once known as “America’s Dad,” was

arraigned Wednesday (Dec. 30) on felony charges stemming from an incident where he allegedly drugged and violated a former Temple University employee 12 years ago....

BIZ NEWS BRIEFS Nicole Richie Expands Into Tech Accessories

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contents

L.A. Focus Publication

January 2016

(Left) First Lady/Gospel Superstar Erica Campbell poses with Dawnn Lewis at Concert For A Cause; (Center) Publisher Lisa Collins is flanked by City Councilman Curren Price and wife, Del, at his 65th birthday party; (Right) Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), Danielle Nicolet (Born Again Virgin), Marsai Martin and Miles Brown (Black-ish), Guillermo Díaz (Scandal) and Tika Sumpter (The Haves and the Have Nots) pose at a press conference announcing the nominees for the 47th NAACP Image Awards

16 From The Editor Red Carpet Style 18 Upfront 7 Church News 20 Head To Head 8 First Lady Files Headlines From Africa 21 Pastor Profile Feature Story 22 10

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Commentary

Calendar/Around LA

The Tamir Rice Decision and Why ‘Outrage Fatigue’ Only Hurts Us

Kennedy Center Honors Red Carpet

Supreme Court Reconsiders Challenge To Affirmitive Action; AT&T Settles With Byron Allen; New Laws In 2016

Thompson Appointment to Second Term as President of Baptist Minister’s Conference

Looking Back At 2015: Two Opposing Views

Kimberly Morrow-Victory Community Church

Fighting The Good Fight: L.A.’s Top Black Lawyers Speak Out On Police Abuse

12 Money Matters 13 Inside Hollywood 15One On One

Dollars and Sense With Bob Blake

Homesharing On The Rise

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers Contributors

Lisa Collins Stephen Oduntan Larry Elder

23 Through The Storm 25 From The Pulpit

Rev. Theo Wilkins: Three Oaks MBC

One Courageous Teen’s Story of Beating The Odds

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Marc T. Little

Photographers Advertising

Bill Jones, Ian Foxx Kisha Smith

27 28 Eye On Gospel 29 Saving Grace 30 Finding Your Pretty The Spot On Pico

With Brother

Remembering Natalie Cole

With Chez

Thomas Payne—Bryant Temple AME

Idris Elba

staff

In Good Taste

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

honorary advisors Bishop Charles Blake Bishop Noel Jones Paradise Baptist Church Dr. Aaron D. Iverso 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

When asked if the return of Iman Shumpert and Kyrie Irving would be the answer to the Cavaliers' problems, LeBron James said: "There's only one guy ever in the world that everything will be all right when He comes back and that's Jesus Christ. Other than that, you can't bank on nobody being okay."

On The Cover: Areva Martin, Winston McKesson, Carl Douglas, George Mallory and Brian Dunn Areva photo by Russell Baer Cover Design: Joseph Anthony

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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Commentary Hey, NFL, What About the Taxpayers' Concussion?

Larry Elder Guest Columnist

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hree NFL teams claim they want to come to Los Angeles, the nation's secondbiggest market. Their current home cities either did not agree to build a taxpayer-funded stadium or are dragging their feet in doing so.

Now each of the possibly L.A.-bound teams used to play in L.A., before they left for greener pastures — aka more taxpayer money than L.A. offered. The two competing L.A. stadiums, where a team or two might or might not be playing, supposedly are being built (or will be built) without tax dollars: one in L.A.-adjacent Inglewood, the other in nearby Carson.

The teams are: The Oakland Raiders, who actually left their birth city of Oakland, played in L.A. for a few seasons and then returned to Oakland when those taxpayers ponied up. Raiders' owner Mark Davis says he prefers to stay in Oakland, even as Rendering of proposed he confabs with the San Diego Chargers (more about them later) on a deal to share a new stadium to be built in Carson. Davis says the Raiders have $500 million to put into a new Oakland stadium — $300 million from the team and another $200 million from an NFL loan program — but insists that Oakland needs to put in $400 million or so to get a $900 million stadium built.

The St. Louis Rams, who used to play in Los Angeles for decades before the "Show Me State" taxpayers and politicians lured them to Missouri with a new stadium and amenities for which they'll still be paying if and when the Rams move. Like the Raiders, St. Louis now demands a new stadium for them to stay. St. Louis recently offered to pony up $150 million for a new stadium. That offer requires the NFL to put $300 million into the pot — and the NFL will only commit to $200 million.

The San Diego Chargers used to play in L.A. when the team began as the Los Angeles Chargers in the old American Football League that eventually merged with the NFL. To remain in San Diego, the Chargers also want a new stadium, but the city is mired down in environmental impact studies, challenges for funding and finagling tax revenues. The team already nixed an offer by the city for a downtown location, in part because the hotel industry didn't "offer" the Chargers anything to support that deal.

Why taxpayers give the already massively rich owners their tax money — only to be jilted if they don't do it again in 20 or 30 years — is worthy of a taxpayer-funded

study.

They shower tax subsidies and other public concessions on multibillionaire owners who pay multimillionaire players, all of which the decidedly nonwealthy fans end up paying. Nearly every stadium — via taxpayer money — gives owners grants, tax forgiveness, tax abatements, parking and refreshment concessions, sweetheart deals, free or below-market rent or some combination of all of the above.

Later, when owners demand that taxpayers pony up a spiffy new $600 million stadium with a retractable sunroof and luxury boxes, they truck down to city council and say, "Ante up, or I call the movers!" There's always another Suckersville, with an ego-driven but economically illiterate mayor willing to open the vault and yell, "Come on down!"

Politicians tell their constituents that taxpayerfinanced stadiums and arenas generate jobs and attract revenue. But Charles C. Euchner, author of Inglewood stadium "Playing the Field," a book about cities' bidding wars for sports teams, points out, "Money spent on stadiums is money not available for other infrastructure projects, and most U.S. cities are in a state of crisis regarding the condition of roads, water and sewer mains, bridges and tunnels and subways."

Tax subsidies and tax breaks guarantee profits for team owners. And if, despite this generous cushion, owners go bust (or say they do), cities line up to enrich them at taxpayer expense, only to get stiffed when another town blows them kisses.

When other businesses face revenues that are "not sufficient to the economics," they downsize, cut costs or shut down money-losing operations. But when it comes to sports franchises, let's call this what it is — massive, inexcusable corporate welfare, a shakedown that massively rips off taxpayers.

The movie "Concussion" depicts an NFL supposedly concealing evidence of the longterm brain damage from the head trauma experienced by players. Where's the film on the pocketbook trauma experienced by the taxpayers misled about the alleged, but non-existent, financial benefits of taxpayer-built stadiums? To the owners, it's a business. To the players, it's a job. It's only to the fans that it's a loyalty-driven passion.

So, fans, bend over and cough.

Larry Elder is a best-selling author and radio talk-show host. To find out more about Larry Elder, or become an "Elderado," visit www.LarryElder.com. Follow Larry on Twitter @larryelder. Distributed By Creators.Com.

From the Editor Happy New Year!

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ment to lose weight, to be better parents, to be better children, to be more productive employers, to be better Christians...to make more money...to stop smoking...to stop cursing...to forgive. The list goes on. Simply put, the New Year represents another chance to get it right.

To our advantage, we start it off as if we had a whole new slate, and all that had gone on before was miraculously erased. To our disadvantage, just as surely as we start anew, the habits of the past disrupt our charming illusions with their disarming and somewhat annoying presence and we forget that what we have so freely claimed or resolved to do requires some action on our part.

The good news is that God gives us another chance every day. What's more, is that what we wish for is nowhere close to what He offers freely. And for all of our shortcomings, He keeps all of his promises to us. The best part of all is that the only action He requires is that we love Him with all of our hearts.

Of course, if we truly love Him, we will keep His word. And if we work at keeping His word, we will indeed become better children, parents, workers, people, Christians, etc. Here's the rub: what we make of that chance He so freely gives us every day of our lives is up to us.

As we move forward into a new year we would do well to remember that the key to every man is his thought. What you can and cannot do starts and stops with you.

I leave you with the words of 19th century philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson: "In nature, every moment is new; the past is always swallowed and forgotten; the coming only is sacred....life is a series of surprises. We do not guess today the mood, the pleasure, and the power of tomorrow, when we are building up our being. The new position of the advancing man has all the powers of the old, yet has them anew. It carries in its bosom all the energies of the past, yet is in itself an exhalation of the morning..."

Happy New Year!

L.A. Focus/January 2016

n most cases, the big stories of the previous year bear witness to what we can expect in the year to come. Alas, for so many of the headlines of 2015 we shake our heads. Does this mean more of Teflon Donald Trump’s antics and the circus that he has made of GOP politics? Clearly we will see more of the (ever so painful and public) fall of icons like Bill Cosby, who was indicted on sexual assault charges as the year came to an end given our propensity for the internet, twitter, instagram and reality —all fruitful soil for scandal on the entertainment, sports and political fronts.

Likely, 2016 will bring more of the severe and crazy weather patterns that touched us all last year. Prayerfully, we won’t see another massacre like the one that left nine dead during Bible study in a black Charleston church, but unfortunately, the era of mass shootings still seem to be all the rage for the crazed.

Regretfully, we have come to accept more of the terrorism inspired by groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda and the daily threats and lone wolf violence that have fostered a sense of fear across the nation while fueling increased tensions toward the American Muslim community.

Hopefully we will see less of the police –involved shootings against young black males that dominated the headlines in 2015 and inspired the Black Lives Matter movement that has doubled as a battle cry.

Income equality surfaced as a key issue in the 2016 presidential race though the fact that we are not able as a race to enjoy more of the benefits of this capitalistic society is more perhaps a reflection of our inability to forge our truest economic clout. As mentioned in Dollars and $ense, a new column from Bob Blake (see page 12), though we as a people spend over a trillion dollars, we buy what we want, then beg for what we need.

The triumph that came with Byron Allen’s recent legal victory over AT&T (see page 6) serves as a reminder that we will have to act on economic inequities either in the courts or in the choices we make as we spend our hard-earned monies.

In the meantime, the New Year represents a renewal of sorts. A renewed commit-

LISA COLLINS Publisher

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UpFront A Divided Supreme Court Reconsiders Challenge to Affirmative Action

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new review of race-based college admissions could be a game changer for universities across the country in setting policies for making their campuses diverse. At least, that’s the fear being expressed by higher institutions as a divided Supreme Court prepares to reconsider a challenge to affirmative action at the University of Texas at Austin.

With liberal and conservative justices starkly divided, Anthony Kennedy who more than likely will dictate the outcome on the issue, was vividly frustrated that the case was back in the high court a second time without additional data countering whether the school’s admission process was working as intended.

“We’re just arguing the same case,” he said.

Kennedy recommended the case be sent back to a lower court for additional fact-finding.

In the oral arguments, Justice Antonin Scalia pressed the university’s lawyer to answer questions of racial preferences in admission at the selective institutions.

At least four Supreme Court justices, however, appear ready to strike down affirmative action.

Scalia, who has been a vocal critic of race-based policies— arguing they violate the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection, raised eyebrows with a comment he made in which he seemed to imply some African-Americans belong in lesser colleges.

"There are those who contend that it does not benefit African Americans to get into the University of Texas where they do not do well, as opposed to having them go to a less-advanced school, a slower-

track school, where they do well," Scalia said. He cited a brief that, he said, "Pointed out that most of the black scientists in this country don't come from schools like the University of Texas.

They come from lesser schools" where they do not feel they're being pushed in classes "that are too fast for them."

The denunciations were fierce.

Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), who chairs the Black Caucus, said Scalia's comments were "disgusting, inaccurate and insulting to African Americans.

Thousands of black Americans have excelled in top-tier universities."

Butterfield, a former judge, said Scalia should recuse himself from the pending University of Texas affirmative action case because he has "removed any presumption of impartiality."

Scalia also faced sharp criticism from Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, who released the fol-

STEPHEN ODUNTAN

lowing statement: “I am appalled by the inflammatory remarks Supreme Court Justice Scalia offered… that implied that black people were intellectually less capable than other Americans and therefore should not attend schools of high academic rigor.

Justice Scalia’s comments are unacceptable under any circumstance, but are especially alarming coming from the bench of the nation’s highest court, where this kind of thinking has no place...

“Justice Scalia’s comments,” the statement continued, “resurrect a sentiment that prevailed during the Jim Crow, ‘separate but equal’ era; a sentiment that enabled the legal confinement of African Americans to the inferior and underfunded spaces of our nation, and ultimately relegated them to a second-class life.

This sentiment is indicative of a court that, in recent years, has already taken steps to undermine affirmative action and the Voting Rights Act.” The Congressional Black Caucus, civil rights lawyers and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), echoed similar outrage.

"It is deeply disturbing to hear a Supreme Court justice endorse racist ideas from the bench of the nation's highest court," Reid said on the Senate floor.

"The only difference between the ideas endorsed by [Donald] Trump] and Scalia is that Scalia has a robe and a lifetime appointment."

But Gail Heriot, a law professor at the University of San Diego and a proponent of the "mismatch" theory, said the criticism against Scalia was unfair and unfounded. continued to page 24

AT&T Settles With Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios STEPHEN ODUNTAN

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Staff Writer against the few minorityowned networks—making it literally impossible to secure a carriage deal with DirectTV—because they used civil rights leaders and AfricanAmerican celebrities to pose as “fronts”, or “owners” of so-called “Black cable channels” that are actually owned/controlled by white-owned businesses.

Allen had for some time tried to secure a deal with Direct TV before filing the lawsuit.

Founded by Byron Allen in 1993, Entertainment Studios is a fully integrated global media production and distribution company with 8 HD networks, dozens of first-run syndicated shows, over 5,000 hours of HD programming, a film distribution company and a podcast network.

Allen has a similar action against Comcast pending.

“Comcast and Time Warner have too long avoided launching one hundred percent African American-owned cable channels or dedicating any of their huge advertising budgets to one hundred per-

DWP Settlement Approval Delayed The final settlement approval for overbilled DWP ratepayers, has been delayed until Feb. 5. In an effort to assure consumer’s claims are handled efficiently and in a timely manner, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elihu Beryl, stated he would agree to the proposal conditionally, but insisted on more disclosure and revisions to protect consumers.

The current settlement proposal contained a provision, where attorneys would receive a $13M payout immediately, almost ten months before consumers would receive their refund or credits, scheduled for March 2017. Also DWP would have full control over the amounts refunded or credited back to ratepayers with no review process.

Other changes requested by consumer advocates, were for DWP to discontinue threatening customers with disconnection for the unpaid overcharged bills and to allow for a review process to be created for consumers with billing issues.

Beryl stated he would approve the settlement, once these changes were made, giving consumers an easier claims process and would not approve attorney payment until consumers were paid.

Former President Jimmy Carter Cancer Free Former President Jimmy Carter, is now cancer free, he claimed in a statement before the church he attends in Georgia. A treatment, using immunotherapy to boost his immune system with a drug called pembrolizumab, is being heralded as one of the reasons.

Carter, 91, was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in August. The cancer spots were first detected on his liver and required surgery, but also had begun spreading to his brain.

According to Carter, his last MRI scan didn’t show signs of the original cancer spots nor any new spots and plans to continue his monthly immunotherapy treatments.

New Year Ushers In Controversial New Laws

cent African American-owned media companies,” said Mark DeVitre, President of NAAOM. “These companies sell their services to, and receive billions from African American consumers, yet offer then no channels which they truly own. The purposeful ways in which they go about discriminating against one hundred percent African American-owned media companies is a clear violation of [our] civil rights.”

“The matter has been resolved,” said Allen. “Our focus is to get Comcast done.”

Prompted by the UC Santa Barbara mass shooting in 2014, police—without any prior warning—will be able to seize your guns if a judge decides there may be a potential for violence. That’s just one of the many new laws taking effect in California January 1. The new law would allow families to obtain a “gun violence restraining order” and the factors a judge can consider range from the act of purchasing a gun to threats of violence.

In other new laws effective as the new year get underway, the minimum wage rises to $10 per hour, sex education is mandatory for students unless a parent seeks an optout for their child, all public schoolchildren will be required to be vaccinated and employers will be prohibited from paying any of their employees salaries less than those paid to employees of the opposite sex for “substantially similar work.”

And you may be seeing less Hover boards as riders will have to be 16 or older to operate them and will be required to wear equipment to help with visibility at night and travel less than 35 miles per hour.

L.A. Focus/January 2016

hairman and CEO of Entertainment Studios, Byron Allen won an important victory against AT&T and Direct TV, a year after filing a $10 billion lawsuit that alleged racial discrimination against black-owned media companies.

In the settlement reached late last month, AT&T services and DirectTV entered into an agreement with Entertainment Studios to carry the portfolio of Entertainment Studios’ seven HD television networks—JusticeCentral.TV Pets.TV, Recipe.TV, Comedy.TV, ES.TV, Cars.TV, MyDestination.TV, and Comedy.TV— to its 26 million domestic subscribers.

This is a significant win, especially given the consensus that minorities were losing the fight for diversity behind the camera as they are often misrepresented or under-represented.

The lawsuit had also taken a swipe at the Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, the NAACP and the National Urban League, claiming these organizations were paid hush money for their endorsements.

Last year, Allen told L.A. Focus “Sharpton and all these AfricanAmerican advocacy groups knew nothing about the media business.”

Powerhouse companies like Comcast, Allen claims, were able to discriminate

News Briefs

Staff Writer

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Looking Back At 2015: Two Opposing Views lease believe it: 2015 was only if that person renounces A Year Where chock-full of racism.

Islam. And Ted Cruz, who was America was unhinged Ignorance, Racism born in Canada to a Cuban this past year, to be sure, with father and an American mothThrived racists coming out of the wooder, wants to repeal the 14th work. This was the year we scraped the Amendment, granting birthright citizenbottom of the barrel, with some sectors of ship to children born in the U.S. of undocwhite America holding a good ol’ race riot, umented parents. He likened the Black rebooted for the twenty-first century.

Lives Matter movement to cop killers.

Let’s be clear: when you are black, or In 2015, angry whites responded to Latino, or another person of color, any #BlackLivesMatter with the declaration given year never fails to shock your spirit. that “All Lives MatWith the things coming out of the mouths ter,” an attempt to of some people, the offensive words and devalue black life and actions, you really have to wonder about downplay the protest this country. But 2015 was different, movement against pounsurpassed at least in recent memory. lice violence, instituIf a single person could represent the tional racism and the embodiment of this ignorance in 2015, it impact of the criminal would have to be Donald Trump. Now, justice system on Trump did not make America more racist. communities of color.

Rather, he only reflected that which In the process, they David A. Love already existed. captured the tone of segregationists of the As a presidential candidate, “The 1950s and 1960s who opposed civil rights.

Donald” was able to tap into the anger of As #BlackLivesMatter went to college, under-informed white voters who have so too did the racists. The racist chants of legitimate anger but, as usual, always the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at the blame the wrong people for their problems. University of Oklahoma, the defacing of The Republican Party has been hustling the portraits of black faculty at Harvard poor, uneducated white folks for decades, Law School, and the suspension of cadets giving them trickle-down economics and, at The Citadel for wearing KKK hoods are with a wink and a nod, telling them to a reminder that millennials have as big of point the finger at black and brown people a racism problem as their parents. for losing their jobs, or for their taxes going Moreover, the incident involving a up, or what have you. swastika made of feces at the University of But Trump has thrown away the com- Missouri — and attempts by GOP lawmakmon tactics of dog whistle politics and has ers to retaliate against the striking black tapped into white nationalism and creep- Mizzou football players — are proof that ing fascism in America. When some people black students are not safe on college camsay they want their country back, they puses. miss the days when whites had everything, Meanwhile, in 2015 we witnessed raw and African-Americans were invisible, or racism from the bench of the highest court at least seen but not heard. in the land. During oral arguments for the Trump began his campaign by calling University of Texas affirmative action Mexican immigrants “criminals, drug deal- case, Supreme Court Justice Antonin ers, rapists, etc.” and vowing to build a Scalia suggested that black students wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. And belong at “slower track” universities. more recently, he proposed a ban on the Speaking of Black scientists, he said entry of all Muslims into the country, as “They come from lesser schools where they well as a special identification badge for all do not feel that they’re being pushed ahead Muslims, not unlike the yellow star of in classes that are too fast for them,” Scalia David the Nazis forced Jews to wear in said. “I’m just not impressed by the fact Europe under Hitler. that the University of Texas may have But Trump is not alone among the GOP fewer. Maybe it ought to have fewer. And political field. Although not white, Ben maybe some — you know, when you take Carson and Ted Cruz — who are scraping more, the number of blacks, really compethe same barrel that is the Republican tent blacks, admitted to lesser schools, base — have appealed to racist white con- turns out to be less.” A proponent of the servatives. Carson suggested that a debunked “mismatch theory,” Scalia continued to page 24 Muslim should not become president, then

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Headlines From Africa Benin: Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou was uninjured when his helicopter crashed while landing in a stadium in Djougiou. Zinsou was recently nominated by Benin's ruling coalition as the only candidate to succeed President Thomas Boni Yayi when the first round of elections are held in February 2016.

Ethiopia: The Committee to Protect Journalists urged Ethiopian officials to release two journalists being detained during violent protests over a plan to expand the capital's administrative control into the Oromia region.

L.A. Focus/January 2016

Ghana: Transport minister, Dzifa Attivor resigned after a controversy erupted following reports she spent about $1M to repaint over 100 buses with portraits of the country's recent leaders. Attivor, reportedly commissioned a private firm to respray 116 imported passenger buses with the faces of the West African country's past leaders and current President John Mahama.

Kenya: The Islamic State (IS) faction of al-Shahaab, was linked to a failed bus attack near the Somalia border.

In a separate attack, gunmen killed two Kenyan policemen and wounded two others, the latest in a string of killings in the troubled far northeast of the country. The Shabaab, East Africa's long-time al-Qaeda branch, is headquartered in Somalia.

Mozambique: To protect the nation’s economy and stem the tide of foreign exchange outflows, government officials are planning to limit the use of credit and debit cards by its citizens. Authorities have yet to state what the limits will be in the nation that has been ravaged by a steep decline in commodity prices.

Nigeria: The National Christian Elders Forum publicly and stridently refuted false reports credited to an Iranian television station in which an Iranian lecturer posted that a “triangle of evil” composed of the Nigerian Army, Boko Haram, and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had united to destroy Shiites in Nigeria. “Apart from its sheer absurdity, this dangerous statement should not be dismissed because it is calculated to beat the drums of war in far away Iran to mobilize Muslim Shiites

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ow shall we remember Obama's happy tale of how he had 2015? Or shall we try to Remembering dealt a crippling blow to terrorists 2015 forget it? by killing Usama bin Laden (with It is always hard to know when a turn- an assist from the Navy's SEALS). ing point has been reached, and usually it Had Obama's lies about his triumph is long afterwards before we recognize it. over terrorism been exposed on the eve of However, if 2015 has been a turning point, the election, that could have ended his it may well have marked a turn in a down- stay in the White House. ward direction for America and for And that could have spared us—and Western civilization. the world—many of Obama's disasters in This was the year when we essentially the Middle East and elsewhere around the let the world know world. That is why it matters, and will that we were giving continue to matter in the future. up any effort to try to Lying, by itself, is obviously not new. stop Iran — the What is new is the growing acceptance of world's leading spon- lying as "no big deal" by smug sophistisor of international cates, so long as these are lies that terrorism — from get- advance their political causes. Many in the ting a nuclear bomb. media greeted the exposure of Hillary Surely it does not Clinton's lies by admiring how well she take much imagina- handled herself.

Thomas Sowell tion to foresee what Lies are a wall between us and reality lies at the end of that road.

— and being walled off from reality is the It will not matter if we have more biggest deal of all. Reality does not disapnuclear bombs, if they are willing to die pear because we don't see it. It just hits us and we are not. That can determine who like a ton of bricks when we least expect it. surrenders. And ISIS and other terrorists The biggest lie of 2014 — "Hands up, have given us grisly demonstrations of don't shoot" — had its repercussions in what surrender would mean.

2015, with the open advocacy of the killing Putting aside, for the moment, the fate- of policemen, in marches across the counful question whether 2015 is a turning try. But the ambush killings of policemen point, what do we see when we look back that followed aroused no such outrage in instead of looking forward? What charac- the media as any police use of force terizes the year that is now ending? against thugs.

More than anything else, 2015 has been Nor has there been the same outrage as the year of the big lie. There have been lies the murder rate shot up when the police in other years, but 2015 has set new highs pulled back, as they have in the past, in — or new lows. the wake of being scapegoated by politiThis is the year we learned from cians and the media. Most of the people Hillary Clinton's own e-mails, after three murdered have been black. But apparentlong years of stalling, stone-walling and ly these particular black lives don't matter evasions, that Secretary of State Clinton much to activists and the media. lied, and so did President Barack Obama No one expects that lies will disappear and others under him, when they all told from political rhetoric. If you took all the us that the terrorist attack in Benghazi lies out of politics, how much would be that killed the American ambassador and left? If there is anything that is bipartisan three other Americans was a protest in Washington, it is lying. The most recent demonstration that got out of hand. budget deal showed that Congressional "What difference, at this point, does it Republicans lied wholesale when they said make?" as Mrs. Clinton later melodramat- that they would defund Obamacare, ically cried out, at a Congressional com- Planned Parenthood, and other pet projmittee hearing investigating that episode. ects of the Democrats.

First of all, it made enough of a differAs for 2015, good riddance. We can only ence for some of the highest officials of hope people who vote in 2016 will have American government to concoct a false learned something from 2015's disasters. story that they knew at the time was false.

Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the It mattered enough that, if the truth Hoover Institution, Stanford University. had come out, on the eve of a presidential His website is www.tsowell.com. COPYelection, it could have destroyed Barack RIGHT 2015 CREATORS.COM

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A look at current news from the continent of Africa to attack Nigerian Christians”, chairman Solomon Asemota said in a signed statement.

Rwanda: Voters approved changes in term limits that could keep current President Paul Kagame in power until 2034. Ninety-eight percent of voters in 27 out of 30 districts approved Friday's referendum to allow Kagame to run again for office, initial results showed.

Somalia: Fearing that holiday celebrations might provoke al-Shabab militants, government officials banned Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

South Africa: The U.S. government stepped up its efforts in Johannesburg to combat illegal wildlife poaching, an expanding criminal enterprise that has driven several animal species toward extinction and fueled the growth of international gangs. As poachers killed a record number of Rhinos this year, the Obama Administration poured millions of dollars into training and intelligence gathering to help counter the losses.

South Sudan: President Salva Kiir, made a Christmas Eve decree dissolving the nation's 10 states and creating 28 new ones, a move which may threaten the peace deal signed in August to end the country's two-year civil war.

Uganda: Rival Burundi factions met in Uganda to resume negotiations aimed at ending months of political violence triggered by Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision to for election to an unconstitutional third term.

Zimbabwe: A delayed payment in December salaries for most of Zimbabwe’s public sector workers to early next month and unpaid annual bonuses, signal a cash crunch that brought threats of strikes from doctors and teachers. Doctors working at state hospitals and the main teachers' union demanded the payment of salaries and bonuses before December 31, warning of possible strikes in 2016. Zimbabwe spends more than 80% of its budget on salaries, mainly for the army, police, teachers and nurses, but only managed to pay soldiers early last month.

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“America’s Dad” Charged With Sexual Assault, Will Face The Music In Criminal Court

T

he entertainer once known as “America’s Dad,” was arraigned Wednesday (Dec. 30) on felony charges stemming from an incident where he allegedly drugged and violated a former Temple University employee 12 years ago.

Smiling and clutching to a cane, William “Bill” Cosby walked into a Montgomery County courthouse in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia, for a brief hearing that lasted less than 10 minutes.

Cosby, 78, did not appear visibly moved as Judge Elizabeth McHugh read out the three second-degree felony charges of aggravated indecent assault.

Asked if he understood the charges, Cosby replied “Yes.” The charges were filed just days before the 12-year statute of limitations was set to run out.

“After examination of all the evidence, we are able to seek justice on behalf of the victim,” announced the County District Attorney-elect Kevin Steele.

The criminal investigation in Montgomery County was reopened in July after new evidence came to light, Steele said.

Cosby’s bail was set at $1 million.

After posting 10 percent in cash of the $1m bond, Cosby was ordered to surrender his passport.

The embattled and disgraced comedian faces up to 10 years in prison for each charge if convicted.

"Make no mistake: We intend to mount a vigorous defense against this unjustified charge, and we expect that Mr. Cosby will

be exonerated by a court of law," his attorney Monique Pressley said in a statement.

Cosby’s sexual assault allegations began mounting last year.

More than 50 other women that include aspiring actresses and supermodels Beverly Johnson and Janice Dickinson have accused Cosby of sexual misconduct—with dozens of others alleging they were drugged when the fallen TV star raped them.

As for potential criminal charges, however, many of the alleged assaults date back decades, meaning the statute of limitations has expired in nearly every case.

But legal battles still loom.

At least one Cosby’s accuser, Lili Bernard, an actress, whose alleged rape took place in the early 1990s, lives in New Jersey, a state where there is no statute of limitations on sexual assault. She reported the assault to the Atlantic City Police Department in 2015.

“After he had won my complete trust and adoration he drugged me and raped me,” Bernard said in statement in May of 2015.

Nonetheless, Cosby’s reputation has taken a severe beaten and ultimately damaged his long career on television.

Though his estimated to be worth a whopping $400 million, some sources predict his net worth may significantly plummet while embroiled in multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

Moreover, Cosby’s main source of income comes from The Cosby Show, which ran from 1984 to 1992, but after a barrage of rape allegations that have plagued the comedian in recent months, several TV

networks pulled reruns of The Cosby Show.

The list of cancelled Bill Cosby shows continued to grow including a Netflix special set to air last Nov., the day after Thanksgiving titled Bill Cosby at 77.

Consequently, his standup tours and speaking engagements in which he could command minimum fee was $100,000 have dwindled away like echoes down a valley of rocks.

The Navy also stripped him of his honorary chief petty officer designation; Brown University revoked his honorary degree.

"It has become clear, by his own admission in legal depositions that became public this summer, that Mr. Cosby has engaged in conduct with women that is

STEPHEN ODUNTAN Staff Writer

contrary to the values of Brown and the qualities for which he was honored by the University in 1985," President Christina Paxson announced in an email to the campus in September.

Cosby has repeatedly denied the rape allegations. But as new evidence resurfaced, Steele, a top deputy in the DA’s office said, “Reopening [the latest] case” against Cosby “was our duty as law enforcement officers.”

Andrea Constand, the former Temple University employee at the center of the 2005 sexual battery lawsuit against Cosby, indicated, “she is willing to cooperate with [the DA’s office] going forward.”

Cosby is due back in court January 14, 2016.

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THE

GOOD

L.A.’s Top Black Social Justice Lawyers Speak Out On Police Abuse STEPHEN ODUNTAN Staff Writer

O

ver the past year, multiple controversial killings of unarmed victims—including Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., Tamir Rice in Cleveland and Eric Garner on Staten Island— garnered unprecedented national attention and exposed an ugly truth our nation has yet to deal squarely with—the notion of justice for all and the role race plays in the legal system.

While many of the high-profile cases splashed across our nation’s headlines draw a strikingly parallel pattern of facts, the “what-ifs and “if-onlys” in the events leading up to the fatal encounters leave open the unanswered question how to diffuse potentially violent confrontations with law enforcement altogether.

New research has found that police officers are increasingly discharging their weapons. Officer-involved shootings nearly doubled in 2015, a troubling statistic the new president of the Police Commission Matt Johnson described as an “alarming development.”

So this month, L.A. Focus is spotlighting some of the top legal minds in the city when it comes to civil rights— all of whom have made careers on social justice and have important insight to offer.

Areva Martin—Martin & Martin As a CNN legal commentatorAreva Martin, who— has become one of the most sought-after legal experts on television. Her encyclopedic knowledge of the law and unique ability to captivate viewers with riveting conversation has gained her great popularity with the media.

The go-to-legal expert and commentator has made countless television appearances on The Dr. Phil Show, The Doctors, Anderson Cooper 360, Nancy Grace, Good Morning America and various other daytime talk shows and cable news outlets including MSNBC, HLN, and Aljazeera.

Throughout her long career in public service, Martin has built a powerful legacy of fighting for civil rights and bringing justice to grieving families—many who were victims of police abuse.

Smartphones and video footage she noted have become “game-changing” checks on police power.

While litigating the use of deadly force by police often come with significant hurdles, there were several instances said Martin, in which a bystander pulled out his or her cellphone and began videotaping police officers making an arrest that played a major role in terms of providing an unbiased account of events, and holding law enforcement accountable.

“First of all, people need to know the courts have held

that, as a general rule, civilians have a constitutional right to record interaction with police as long as they are not interfering with the officers carrying out their duties in public spaces,” said Martin.

“Before the evidence of police dashcam videos, body cameras, and [smartphone wielding citizens] recording police interactions, it was usually the word of the officer against the victim; assuming the victim even lived to give his or hers side of events. Whatever the officer wrote in the police report was rarely challenged.

“And so if the opportunity presents itself, you want to record your interactions with police.”

Frequently commenting on such matters has not come without controversy. Martin has faced criticism for inciting anti-cop hysteria to gin up outrage. In August, a panel discussion on HNL’s Dr. Drew exploded after a retired NYPD officer said Martin “advocates shooting at police officers.”

Martin hit back saying, the officer’s comments was “reprehensible” and scolded him for spewing incendiary remarks.

“People are misinformed,” Martin told L.A Focus. “I often get into these heated discussions about police brutality on TV, and almost immediately once I’m off the air, I get a lot of abusive and offensive post on social media attacking me. I have been called a racist and a race baiter. They accuse me of being irresponsible and creating an environment unsafe for police.”

Douglas Hicks Law Firm Carl E. Douglas was a key member of what was known as “the dream team”—an elite legal fraternity of criminal defense attorneys, headed by Johnnie Cochran in the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Considered a celebrity lawyer in his right, Douglas has represented the likes of Michael Jackson, Queen Latifah, Tupac Shakur and Sean Combs. Within a year after leaving the Cochran Firm in 1998, he was one of the lawyers involved in a landmark case awarded $4.9 billion in damages from General Motors—then the largest verdict for a personal injury case in history. Ten years later, Douglas filed a $10 million lawsuit against the city of L.A. and the LAPD for the shooting death of Maurice Cox, an unarmed motorist, who was driving in South L.A. Police officers, Douglas said are attracted to the adrenaline rush that often comes with the job. Many police officers embrace the reality of choosing a profession where imminent danger and action is almost certain.

“It might sound simplistic but you have to play Simon

says during police encounters. Ask questions like ‘may I go into my glove compartment to retrieve my driver license?’ I say this because traffic stops are among the most unpredictably dangerous of all police encounters.”

Douglas is currently working on the case of Zennea Foster, a 38-year-old Black woman who was brutally beaten by police officers.

“My client suffers from Erb’s palsy, so she does not have use of her arm,” he told L.A Focus. “During the arrest, the officers yelled at her repeatedly because she was not giving them her left arm.”

George L. Mallory, Jr. and Associates Since 1986, the law firm of George L. Mallory has proudly served the Los Angeles area with a full-range of skilled, quality, and personalized litigation and legal services. As a smaller firm, they pride themselves on offering close, personal attention to their clients. They have represented celebrity clients and championed the rights of “ordinary people” including victims involved in automobile accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, and various other injuries related matters.

Mallory told L.A. Focus one of the reasons he became an attorney traces to his deep desire to protect and defend constitutional rights.

“I think it is extremely important that people realize we all have constitutional rights. But those constitutionals [must be] pursued in a courtroom—the place where you attempt to resolve disputes.”

Prosecuting police officers criminally for abusive behavior can oftentimes prove to be an uphill battle.

“This is because people too often tend to think the officer is being forthright,” Mallory said.

Fact is having a police-involved shooting caught on video does not automatically make a solid legal case against the excessive use of force. There are major legal, institutional and social impediments to prosecuting officers.

Nonetheless, “with the advent of cellphone video cameras and other recording devices,” said Mallory, “public perception of law enforcement has seen a major shift.

“More and more people are beginning to see that some of the officers version of events are not always consistent with the video evidence.”

The Law Offices of Winston Kevin McKesson Criminal Defense attorney Winston Kevin McKesson brings over 30 years experience in equal justice. His intu-

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itive and counter-argument prowess often undermines the ability of prosecutors to obtain convictions. He was instrumental in winning significant verdicts and/or settlements in countless cases ranging from prison death— based on the failure to provide medication—to police beatings, and unlawful terminations.

Before he opened the Law Offices of Winston Kevin McKesson in 1990, he worked at the Law Offices of the late Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. for several years. He believes the only information anyone should divulge during an arrest is the information provided on his or hers driver license.

“Police officers will go to extreme lengths to incriminate you; even if it means lying against you,” McKesson said.

Yes, there might be a variety of indicators, McKesson continued, that show significant improvements in the criminal justice system—at least from the turbulent civil rights era standpoint. But certain segments of the population still too often give police officers the benefit of the doubt.

Areva Martin

McNeill, “it was necessary to obtain obedience.”

Milton C. Grimes Attorney Milton C. Grimes is no stranger to big cases. He became nationally recognized after representing Rodney King in his civil rights suit against the City of L.A. in which he won a verdict of $3.8 million.

Colleagues describe him as someone who thrives on pushing the limit for his clients. For more than two decades he has tackled numerous police misconduct cases involving police brutality. He believes more focus should be dedicated to improving police training and the consequences of police officers abusing their authority.

Civilian deaths at the hands of police have gotten worse—not better, according to 2013 FBI data that showed 461 felony suspects were killed by police—the highest total in two decades.

Grimes noted compliance does not always prevent interactions with law enforcement ending badly.

Said Grimes, “If the suspect lies down, he or she might not be complying with the officers instructions.

Carl Douglas

“No matter how much evidence there is against a bad cop, we tend to find some people are still sympathetic toward the officer. They will exhaust every alternative not to convict law enforcement; no matter how blatant the abuse of authority appears.”

Ivie McNeill & Wyatt

Even if the suspect kneels down, they still might not be doing what the officer wants the suspect to do.”

“Rodney King was severely beaten because he did not put his hands behind his back. If you analyze the videotape, you see that each time King attempted to get up off the ground, officers struck him with their wooden batons.

Put your hands behind your back, Nigger.”

Grimes called the footage a classic case of law enforcement caught on tape beating a suspect into submission. Citing these types of civilian-police encounters, it could be difficult he said to follow the officers’ commands “verbatim” but added, civilians should always be mindful to cooperate with the arresting officer to a reasonable extent.

Caree Harper Caree Harper has a deep passion for providing diligent legal service. Before becoming an attorney, she was a police officer. The attorney who made national headlines last year in the case of Marlene Pinnock, the 51year-old Black woman whose brutal beating by a California Highway Patrol officer was caught on video, believes jury service is of paramount significance.

“I often find myself praying for a diverse jury panel and that prospective jurors do not say things to get themselves disqualified. If we have a jury panel full of retirees or people from upper-class backgrounds, you will find that it often is not reflective of the defendants’ peers.

“And so I’ve told friends and family members of mine they should not come smiling to me when they intentionally eliminate themselves from jury service. We as lawyers depend on the diversity in a jury panel for a fair trial.”

She believes more needs to be done in holding police officers accountable to curb the violent culture of policing in the black community.

“The general public has gotten used to seeing an officer beating a black suspect on TV, but if was a blonde white female caught on tape being brutally beaten by say, for instance, an officer of color, there would be a huge outcry. In fact, the officer would more likely end up in jail.”

Sadly, Harper added, “officers are getting away with videotaped murder.”

Brian Dunn — The Cochran Firm The late Johnnie Cochran hired Brian T. Dunn in 1992 as a specialist in civil rights litigation, specifically police misconduct cases. He has spent his entire career at the firm. Through the years, Dunn quickly established a reputation for himself as a talented and sagacious

John Sweeney In a career that spans over three decades, it is difficult to point to one or two cases that have defined his career. John Sweeney defended Michael Jackson at his child molestation trial, a case in which many experts

Brian Dunn believe it was Sweeney’s defense witness; film star Chris Tucker’s testimony that was pivotal to Jackson’s acquittal. In 2001, Sweeney won a $2.4 million verdict on behalf of an elderly man who was the victim of an unlawful police shooting.

He’s the only attorney in history who is believed to have received a not guilty verdict in a death penalty trial and a verdict above $1 million in a civil case.

Sweeney also represented the parents of Robert Thomas, a 21-year-old Compton man shot dead by L.A. County Sheriff ’s deputy. In 2013, a Compton jury awarded $7.5 million to the parents. Sweeney called the settlement an historical verdict.

“There used to be a time when a jury would never award anything remotely close to six figures in damages to an African-American victim of excessive force,” he said.

Olu Orange Olu Orange is a civil rights attorney who has won millions in verdicts and settlements in civil rights cases.

He has successfully litigated complex probate matters for iconic entertainers' estates as well. He also teaches trial advocacy as a faculty member at the University of Southern California.

Notably the legal system has also seen more plaintiff lawyers across the country taking on cases of police brutality, perhaps lured by big verdicts and settlements.

Orange believes it is an important milestone for the legal practice.

“I think it is a good thing because the more lawyers involved in these kinds of cases the more pressure it will put on police reforms.

“It ultimately serves public interest that people are now more than willing to question police behavior—particularly when it comes to killing people.”

On the other hand, police officials argue the best way to avoid a violent confrontation is to comply with the officer’s verbal command because it often sets the tone for the ultimate outcome of police encounters.

The problem countered some attorneys we consulted for this editorial is that any failure to immediately comply with arbitrary or quite frankly unreasonable police orders, often becomes a license for an officer to use excessive force, or worse, shoot to kill.

“It is now very common,” said Orange, “for an officer to fire their weapons when they perceive a possible threat as opposed to an actual threat.” A significant number of [civilians] have died explained Orange on the grounds an officer believed he or she posed a possible threat. But the civilian perhaps wasn’t a threat.

L.A. Focus/January 2016

Ricky Ivie, a senior partner of Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt offered some blunt advise about de-escalating confrontation with law enforcement. “You may be right, but it’s equally important for you not to be dead right,” he said.

“If you want to take full advantages of your rights, then get a lawyer.”

With some of the most highly experienced and topnotch lawyers on staff, Ivie McNeill & Wyatt has a unique combination of legal minds specialized in criminal law. The law firm has been serving the L.A. area since 1943 and has risen through the ranks becoming the largest African-American owned law firm in the state.

Ricky Ivie has tried over 75 jury trials including the published, precedent setting cases of Gerald Huffman et al vs. County of L.A. and Lincoln Pullen vs. The Vons Companies.

He said nothing beats hiring a legal expert to ensure that the “few bad police officers” that hide behind a badge and abuse their power are dealt with and rooted out quickly. However, “confrontation is not an option. You must always comply with police, no matter what.

Because being dead right,” he reiterated, “will do you no good.”

Robert McNeill echoed similar sentiments.

“Even if you have been falsely accused or wrongly arrested, do not talk trash to the police,” he said.

“Talking smack to an officer can only make matters worse.”

McNeill gained popularity from his TV commentary and numerous high profile cases including a 2006 landmark victory against Kaiser Health Plan. His extensive knowledge of the law earned him a spot on the Daily Journal’s prestigious list of top 100 lawyers.

Weighing in on the significant attention police bodymounted cameras has attracted in recent months, McNeill urged caution against jumping to conclusion and wrongfully convicting the officer.

The veteran attorney revealed that although cameras have often brought clarity to controversial officercivilian encounters, several cases have also been dismissed after video footage was viewed in its entirety.

“I’ve had cases that didn’t go anywhere because the video showed that the person was not obeying the officer's instructions.” Under such circumstances says

Winston McKesson

lawyer, handling numerous high profile police misconduct cases.

Despite a new wave of increased attention on officers prone to excessive force, police brutality is still rampant he said.

“Indeed, the general public are more aware of these incidents of police brutality, but we are still not seeing what I would consider to be significant change in the way police officers are behaving.”

Police officers’ continued Dunn, have the right to take your life and get away it. As a cautionary tale for young people—particularly young Black men—who tend to have more frequent encounter with law enforcement, Dunn underscored the importance of remaining calm and polite during such tense moments.

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Dollars and ense I’m the man they call. Someone dies. Someone’s short on cash.

Someone’s house burns down.

Someone get’s injured on the job.

Someone’s about to go bankrupt.

In short, they usually call me when someone is in trouble.

Of course, there are those who call me because of the circles I run in or because they’ve seen me at some upscale, posh political fundraiser. But mostly, I see people at the worst time in their lives. The problem is they usually call me too late.

So right about now you’re wondering who I am and who’s calling me. My name is Bob Blake and I’ve built one of the most successful multi-million dollar insurance agencies nationwide dealing mostly with municipal and public sector. The clients of my Long Beach-based firm include the city of Los Angeles, the county of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Compton city and school district, the Lynwood city and school district and people like you.

The reason I am excited to contribute this column to L.A. Focus is one, because Publisher Lisa Collins didn’t let up until I consented, and two, because Black people in this country— especially in the church— appear to be the least informed on why insurance is necessary to maintain human dignity at your worse time of need.

They will tell me the Lord is their insurance. Surely you cannot argue with that. We are best described as people who spend over a trillion dollars in America, yet we are the most ill informed with what to do with our wealth. In other words we, as a people, buy what we want, then beg for what we need.

How many times have you seen people taking up a collection or having a car wash to try to bury their loved ones? A simple and inexpensive life insurance policy that

“We are best described as people who spend over a trillion dollars in America, yet we are the most ill informed with what to do with our wealth. In other words we buy what we want, then beg for what we need.”

Bob Blake is President of Bob Blake & Associates Inc. and has more than 27 years experience in life & disability insurance market. To learn more visit www.bobblakeinc.com or call (562) 437-7723.

could cost as little as what one would pay for a pedicure could save families from this embarrassment. Also it allows the family to grieve without having to maybe go back to work right away.

Last month, I got word that a first cousin who was only 53 years old & my uncle passed away and were buried on the same day. When I have talked with my family about insurance, they always want to change the subject, yet no hesitation to ask for money to help with expenses. I want to be plain in making insurance simple so we as a people can educate & protect our families, allowing our children to grow up with dignity when these life situations occur.

I will be talking about all types of insurance to ensure you, the reader, have pertinent information to ask your insurance agent — the right questions to adequately cover your family.

Did you know that you could get insurance to cover cancer? Or that most bankruptcies in this country is a result of a disability. By having a disability insurance problem the situation could have been avoided. Nine out of ten people are hurt away from their job and are not covered by workers compensation. If you become ill, you are not covered for workers compensation.

At the top of your list for insurance should be a disability policy for income protection. In the coming issues I will cover life insurance, disability insurance, cancer insurance, renters insurance etc.

I want 2016 to be the year the people of faith in Los Angeles will now have a resource to make sure they make the right financial decisions for their family to ensure whatever happens they will be protected. I will share real life stories of situations over my entire 27-year career in the industry to illustrate both the good and bad decisions people have made when it comes to building wealth and protecting only their assets, but their wellbeing.

When your life is on the line, the right call can make all the difference.

30 + years

of experience in Civil Rights, Police Abuse, and Criminal Defense Law

AV rated attorney l Selected as Southern California Superlawyer 2004 to 2016

l

2000 Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Year

The Law Offices of Winston “Kevin” McKesson 6080 Center Drive, Suite 652 Los Angeles, CA 90045 Tel: (310) 242-5889 Fax: (310) 242-5890

Focus 1.16 quark_Focus 7-04 1/2/16 12:40 PM Page 13

MoneyMatters

W

On the Money

Home Sharing On The Rise To Offset Rising Rents & Lack of Affordable Housing

hen Linda C. lost part of her income three years ago, she did something she never would have considered, she took in a student coworker looking for inexpensive housing. To her surprise, the arrangement worked out. The $600 in extra income went a long way and the 20-year old co-ed also turned out to be a huge help watching her house and pets when she travelled for business.

For the last three years, Janet S. has been renting out a room to a friend of her son’s who had relocated to Los Angeles and found herself in the midst of a housing pinch.

When her rent rose to $2000 a month for a two-bedroom, Shaunda P. decided to share a home with her aunt and save for a down payment on a house.

For the last two years, Courtney Smith, is one of many host families across America who get paid up to $35 per day for sharing their homes with foreign exchange students.

“It’s been a great experience for my family. The money comes in handy and it’s pretty easy to evict a student, so there’s little downside,” Smith said.

Fueled by the foreclosure crisis, rising rents, the shortage of affordable housing and the growing number of elderly who want to stay in their own houses, home-sharing or what used to be known as “taking in boarders” is on the rise, with agencies and organizations popping up around the country that screen potential boarders to find appropriate matches and allay some of the fear that comes with allowing strangers into one’s home.

The average boarder pays about $700 a month and the average stay is six months to a year with optimal boarders being students, those coming out of a marriage or those who’ve lost jobs. Those most often looking to rent their homes include people who’ve suffered a loss in income or

elderly people who find themselves all alone in big houses.

But before trading a loss of privacy and parlaying empty rooms into cold cash, there is much to be considered, including screening for those with criminal records, histories of drug or alcohol abuse and insufficient finances.

Just last month, three people were shot as gunfire broke out in Venice during a house party at a California Airbnb rental.

Other big issues include smoking, pets, overnight guests, parking and what household chores would be shared, or in the case of the elderly what additional assistance may come into play.

Major and minor inconveniences can range from inappropriate nudity to renters eating all the food in the refrigerator.

Verbal arrangements are frowned upon, as they are more likely to end on sour notes. Comprehensive leases are suggested with the understanding that disputes could lead to legal evictions. Landlord insurance policies are also advised. Some recommend only renting to guests who have homeowners, renter's or personal liability insurance and are able to show proof they are insured. Beyond money, some elderly embrace home sharing for the companionship it offers as well as the contribution to household chores. Any agreements should outline activities subsidize the rent in part.

Home sharing is hardly a new phenomenon. In the 1800s, as many as half of urban Americans spent part of their lives either as boarders in others’ homes or as hosts of boarders in their own. They were replaced by rooming houses in the 1900s.

In some cities, renters are using their homes and apartments like mini-hotels. Sites such as HomeAway (foundMoney Matters continued to page 24

“The World’s Highest Paid Black Musicians”?

With the sale of his “Beats” to Apple last year—the largest annual payday of any musician in history, Dr. Dre skyrocketed to the top of Forbes list of the “World’s Highest Paid Musicians”. This year, however, the artist who grossed just $33 million this past year, finds himself at #30 on the list that is topped by Katie Perry at $135 million. Others making the list include Drake at #23 with $39.5 million; Justin Timberlate (#7 with $63 million) and at #8, P. Diddy with $60 million. Credit Diddy’s deal with Ciroc for his big bucks. A spokesperson for the vodka since 2009, Diddy reportedly helped increase sales from 40,000 cases sold annually to 2 million and has a 50/50 share of the profits. Jay-Z and Beyonce made the list at #13 and #14. She pulled in $54.5 million and he earned $56 million, thanks mostly to their highly successful “On The Run” tour, which grossed over $100 million. According to the magazine, touring has surpassed record sales to become the industry’s main moneymaker, with the highest average ticket price of $357 for the Grateful Dead. Ticket prices for Janet Jackson averaged $200.

Biz NewsBriefs Nicole Richie’s House Of Harlow Expands Into Tech Accessories

Famed TV personality turned fashion designer Nicole Richie, whose 7-year old House of Harlow 1960 line was named one of the 10 most successful celebrity fashion lines recently inked a deal with Irvinebased Company, Incipo to expand into tech accessories for iPhone 6 and 6s.

The cases are said to be slimed style and are available in minimal one-two piece designs, with a soft interior and hard shell exterior.

According to a report from House of Harlow 1960, each case is uniquely designed with a

variety of textured materials, raised logos, micro suede inner linings, and colors with metallic accents.

Additional cases will be added monthly and are available for sale online at House of Harlow 1960 website with price ranging from $40-$50.

Siebert Brandford Shank Announces New Ownership As Napoleon Brandford Retires Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., L.L.C. (www.sbsco.com), the nation's #1 ranked MBE municipal finance firm and a Top 5 ranked MBE corporate underwriting firm, announces a realignment of its ownership structure to create the preeminent black, Hispanic & woman owned firm on Wall Street.

Among the new owners is the Hon. Henry Cisneros, a former mayor of San Antonio and former HUD Secretary.

Co-founder Suzanne Shank will become majority owner and hold the title of Chairwoman and CEO as founding partner Napoleon Brandford retires from the firm.

"I've had two key long term objectives in my career. One was to build a top 10 Wall Street firm, and second was to

can help you start or expand your business with quality services including business trainings, counseling, loan assistance and affordable office space starting at $250 per month.

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L.A. Focus/January 2016

Upcoming Entrepreneurial Training Programs: Level I: Marketing Feasibility 3 weeks (Sat. 9:30am - 11:30am) January 9 - 23, 2016 & February 6 - 20, 2016 Off-Site 8-Week Level II Business Plan Writing Workshops February date - TBD Tuesdays, 6:30pm-9:00pm February date - TBD Thursdays, 9:30am-12:30pm Saturdays, 9:30am-12:30pm - (Orientation) January 9, 2016 Upcoming Events: 2016 Existing Business Roundtable (Orientation) Wed., January 13 6-8pm Strategic Thinking & Execution For Your Business Thurs., January 14 6-8pm

successfully transition it to the next generation, creating a legacy firm that maintains its industry leading presence," said Mr. Brandford. "I am proud that Henry Cisneros will join the ownership alongside CEO Suzanne Shank, former New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Victor Miramontes and SBSCO's head of sales and trading, Sean Duffy. This dynamic leadership will propel SBSCO as America's preeminent African-American and Hispanic financial firm."

Said Shank, “I am pleased to continue to build upon the legacy Muriel, Napoleon and I started in 1996,” said Ms. Shank. “It is significant that as we enter the 20th anniversary year of the firm, our municipal and corporate clients continue to reward us with major transactions for our proven superior structuring, pricing and distribution capabilities and our deep pool of employee talent. With our new, dynamic ownership and realignment, the firm is poised to have an even greater impact.”

SBSCO maintains 17 offices nationwide including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

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BuSineSS LitigAtion BuSineSS trAnSACtionAL CiViL rightS DiSCriminAtion entertAinment hArASSment meDiCAL mALPrACtiCe PerSonAL inJurY

GEORGE L. MALLORY, JR. & ASSOCIATES ATTORNEYS AT LAW A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2000 Los Angeles, California 90067-2701 Tel: (310) 788-5555 Fax: (310) 788-5570 Email: info@Mallorylaw.com Website: Mallorylaw.com

Focus 1.16 quark_Focus 7-04 1/2/16 12:40 PM Page 15

INSIDE HO L LY W OOD with Chez’Ney There She Goes Again

Anika Noni Rose Joins Cast of “Power”

Wendy Raquel Robinson doesn’t let any moss grow under her feet. After nine seasons, the final episode of the hit BET series, “The Game”, taped on August 5 in Atlanta and Wendy Raquel Robinson returned to L.A. But as it turns out, not for long. Robinson is present back in Atlanta shooting the new TV Obe series, “Here We Go Again”, with twotime GRAMMY® Award winner Letoya Luckett as her daughter. The half-hour series follows Maddy (Luckett), a single mother who is convinced there is a "Walker Women's Curse," after being born to her mother, Loretta (Robinson), at age 16, and having a child herself at age 16. Maddy refuses to let her daughter, Shante (Ferguson), now approaching her dreaded 16th birthday, become the next in line. The show is set to premiere on February 9.

Just days after a record-breaking season two, Starz announced that they would be renewing their New York based hit show, “Power”, for a third season and who better to add to the cast than the voice of Tierra, Disney’s first black princess. Anika Noni Rose is set to play the role of LaVerne Thomas, a street-smart cop from Tommy and Ghost’s old neighborhood. The Tony Award winner is set to heat up multiple episodes of the nail-biting series that is expected to air next summer.

My Friend 50 Business mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson already has “Power”, a hit Show on Starz, as well as the Sundance TV reality series “Dream School” and now he is planning to executive produce and star in FOX sitcom “My Friend 50”. The sitcom is a joint production by Will Packer’s Will Packer Productions, 50's G-Unit Film & Television, and Universal Television.

Written by Ava Tramer, the show follows Amanda Kramer, an unstable twenty-something who believes that joining 50 Cent’s entourage is the answer to all her problems. Her unlikely journey with 50 Cent’s crew takes the form of a bizarre documentary commissioned by the most unreliable narrator in history. Stay tuned for airdate.

Lee Daniels Teams With Queen Latifah On New TV Show It was just a matter of time, but with the super success of Empire, Lee Daniel’s is creating another FOX pilot starring Queen Latifah as Carlotta, an Atlanta beauty salon owner with musical talents of her own who becomes somewhat of a surrogate mother to three young women who have formed a girl group. The show follows the trio’s journey as they try to make it big in the music industry.

T.I. Cast In “Roots” Remake A&E is remaking the classic 1977 miniseries roots and has cast self proclaimed “King Of The South” rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris,to play Cyrus, a headstrong slave who fights for the Union Army against Confederate forces. Also starring in the four-night miniseries event is Mekhi Phifer whose character is a mute slave working on the Murray plantation who is not quit what he appears to be.

Oscar winner Forest Whitaker is also playing a slave who befriends Kunta Kinte and assists him in his escape attempts. Production is already under way in New Orleans and is set to premiere on History, A&E and Lifetime this year.

13 Hours

Ride Along 2

Fifty Shades of Black

An attack takes place on the U.S.Special Mission Compound and a nearby CIA Annex in Benghazi on the eleventh anniversary of 9/11.

Four Americans are killed in the attack,including U.S. Ambassador, J Christopher Stevens and Foreign Service Information Officer, Sean Smith. Jan 15th

As his wedding day approaches,Benjamin Barber,(Kevin Hart) must deal with his wife's tough cop brother James Payton, (Ice Cube) as they work together to bring down drug dealer, Pope (Benjamin Bratt). Jan 15th.

Get ready for an erotic spoof comedy as Fifty Shades of Black takes you through a maze of hard, rough, and pre-mature encounters from inside of Mr. Christian Black's playroom. The filmbis a parody of the 2015 erotic romantic drama film Fifty Shades of Grey. Jan 29th.

Sherlock: The Abominable Bride Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman reprise their roles as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson in a one-off episode set in Victorian London 1895. The series also features Amanda Abbington,Rupert Graves and Una Stubbs. Jan 5th.

AND THE NOMINEES ARE...

Michael B. Jordan will face off against Will Smith for outstanding actor in a motion picture at the 47th annual NAACP Image Awards next month. Both are heavy favorites in a category that also includes Chiwetel Ejofor, Michael Ealy, and Abraham Attah. Favored to win in the outstanding actress category is the phenomenal Viola Davis who is up against KeKe Palmer, Sanaa Lathan, Teyonah Parris and Zoe Saldana.

In the running for Outstanding Motion Picture award are Creed, Dope, Concussion, Beasts of No Nation, and the year’s top grossing black film, Straight Outta Compton.

Leading the pack in the music category is Janet Jackson with six nominations, including female artist, music video, outstanding song for both “Unbreakable” and “No Sleep”; and outstanding duo for “No Sleep” featuring J. Cole.

Expected to win big in the TV category is “Empire”, which scored a leading 12 nominations, including outstanding actor (Terrence Howard) and actress (Taraji Henson). For the “outstanding actress” win, Henson will have to beat out Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union and Nichole Beharie. Meanwhile, “Entertainer of the Year” nominees include Misty Copeland, Shonda Rhimes, Viola Davis, Pharrell Williams and Michael B. Jordan. The 47th Annual NAACP Image Awards airs live February 5th with the Anthony Anderson back to host.

Q&A IdrisElba

He has five films in the works including The Jungle Book, Star Trek Beyond and Zootopia, but the biggest buzz surrounding Idris Elba is Oscar buzz for his role as the Commandant in feature film, "Beasts of No Nation." The role has already earned Golden Globe, SAG and NAACP Image Award nominations for the 43-year-old British actor and star of the BBC series, Luther.

Q: What was the general feeling going onto the set of “Beast of No Nation” every day?

A: The movie was shot in Ghana—where my mom is from—and we had a very tight unit of actors with not many resources. But there was a huge effort; everyone from the supporting actors to the rest of the crew gave the same level of energy, even when some of the actors fell sick… In order for me to kind of command a presence needed for the role I was playing we basically stayed in character a lot. It was tough work, but there was great energy from all the actors on set.

Q: What is more important, playing a hero like Nelson Mandela or a thug?

A: You know playing Nelson Mandela is almost like playing this God-like character. As an actor, and after playing such an important role, you ask yourself where do you go from here; whom else can you play that’s like him? Not very many people. But on the other end of the spectrum, playing a commander of child soldiers in the Beast is, though a despicable role, it is also an important story. The perspective of this little boy and what he goes through as a child soldier; coupled with the role I played, as his commandant is an extremely important story to bring to audiences.

Q: You're a movie star with Oscar buzz. What brought you back to "Luther"?

A: Going back to "Luther" actually feels like a good step forward for me. It's such a great character, one that I feel is still in its infantile state. It's different from the films "Beasts of No Nation," "Star Trek" and the lot. This is a character that I've got a builtin audience for, they expect something from me, and it feels quite nice to be able to deliver that. The audience is still engaged after a two-year break.

Q: Were your parents supportive of you becoming an actor?

A: My Dad, who pasted away two years ago, said to me (puts on a thick African accent) ‘You know, boy, actors don’t make money.’ I was like, ‘Okay Dad; I still want to become an actor. I don’t really care about the money… But looking back, they were really supportive. Especially my Mom, she was very supportive.

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Calendar of events

Ongoing Exhibition: Geometrical Abstraction and Beyond (Through April 24) Illustrating the interplay of tradition, innovation and talent in 46 visual artists of African descent.

10am–5pm•Free CA AfroAmerican Museum 600 State Drive Exposition Park Contact: (213) 744-7432 caamuseum.org

Wednesday, January 6 People’s Choice Awards See your favorite stars from music, TV and movies 6pm • $50–$175 Nokia -LA Live 777 Chick Hearn Court (microsofttheater.com)

Friday, January 8

49500 Seminole Dr•Cabazon www.morongocasinoresort.com

4718 Lincoln Boulevard Marina Del Rey

Saturday, January 9

Thursday, January 14

BET Celebration of Gospel Hosted by Taraji P. Henson; Featuring some of the biggest names in gospel music Orpheum Theatre

Living The Dream Awards Luncheon Honorees include Anthony Anderson; Mistress of Ceremonies: Pat Harvey Co-Chairs include Mark Ridley Thomas and Sherry Lansing Presented by the MLK Community Health Foundation 11:00am -1:30pm Individual Tickets: $150 Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 135 North Grand Avenue Contact: (213) 622-2344 Mlk-chf.org

Refuel Church Leadership Summit Host Pastor Welton Pleasant Speakers include Bishop Johnny Withers & Bishop Alexis Thomas 8am • Free Christ Second Baptist Church 1471 Martin L. King Jr. Avenue Long Beach Information: (562) 599-3421 www.csbclb.org Reptile Super Show (Through Sunday) 10am–6pm •$14 Adults $9 Kids (12 & under) Pomona Fairplex 1101 W. McKinley Ave www.reptilesupershow.com

Annual SCLC-SC Interfaith Prayer Breakfast Keynote Speaker: DeVon Franklin 8am • $25

Holman UMC 3320 W Adams Blvd Info: (213) 268-3082 www.sclc-sc.org In Concert: Erykah Badu 7:30pm • $45 – 65 San Manuel Indian Casino 777 San Manuel Blvd Highland, CA Contact: (800) 359-2464 www.sanmanuel.com In Concert: Harold Johnson Sextet & Co 8:30pm • $15 + Dinner or two drinks minimum Catalina Bar & Grill 6725 W. Sunset Blvd Contact: (323) 466-2210 www.catalinajazzclub.com

Friday, January 15 In Concert: Tower of Power $39 – 78 • 8pm

Conversations at CAAM: Justice Audrey B. Collins Free • 1pm – 2:30pm California African American Museum 600 State Dr • Exposition Park RSVP: (213) 744-7432 www.caamuseum.org

In Concert: The Game 9pm • $32.50–$37 Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE 800 Olympic Bl clubnokia.com

Sunday, January 10

In Concert: Sinbad 9PM • $29-40 Morongo Casino Resort & Spa

New Year, New Dog Training Seminar (With world-class dog trainer, Jennifer McCarthy) 3-4PM • Free Healthy Spot

EVENT SPOTLIGHT City of Refuge’s 2015 Winter Revival (Through Jan 24) January 10/6pm— Pastor Melvin Wade, January 17/6pm –Bishop Kenneth Ulmer: January 21-22—Pastor Marvin Sapp, January 23-24: Bishop Clarence McClendon Free •14527 S. San Pedro Street • Gardena Information: (310) 516-1433 www.noeljones.org

L.A. Focus/January 2016

First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama glowed at the Kennedy Center Honors last month in D.C.

16

s she show nd stuns as mo ia D l a Z e nd a ya u nd A nn 2 e h T t support a Ball.

ly as ever as a looks as love Bad Gal Rihann mond Ball. ia D d Annual she hosts her 2n

Kevin Hart looks dapp er on The Annual Dia 2n d mond Ball red carpet.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith shine at 2nd Annual Diamond Ball.

Focus 1.16 quark_Focus 7-04 1/2/16 12:40 PM Page 17

Left: Gayle King is escorted by her daughter, Kirky Bumpus, to the Kennedy Center Honors Gala last month in Washington D.C.

The Canyon 28912 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills Contact: (818) 8795016/(888) 645-5006 www.canyonclub.net On Stage: “Martin: Call of Duty” Depicts the life of Dr. King from the bus boycott in 1955 to his death in 1968 West Angeles COGIC 3045 Crenshaw Blvd 7pm • Free Info: (213) 268-3082 www.sclc-sc.org

Saturday, January 16 24th Annual Empowerment Congress Summit Workshop topics include: funding for arts, healthcare reform, housing for homeless & more 9am–1pm • Free USC Bovard Auditorium Register: (213) 346-3246 empowermentcongress.org R&B Rewind Fest Headliners include Guy, Bobby Brown, Ginuwine & Tony!Toni!Tone!

8pm • $47.50–$153.50 Nokia Theatre-LA Live 777 Chick Hearn Court www.microsofttheater.com

Tennis great Serena Williams gives acceptance speech at Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the year ceremony Dec. 15th in New York

In Concert: The Best of Doo-Wop Vol. II 8pm • $35 - $65 Cerritos Center 12700 Center Court Drive Cerritos Contact: (800) 300-4345 www.cerritoscenter.com 28th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace & Unity Parade Vendors, crafts, music, dance, health pavilion, carnival rides & games.

10:30am–6pm (Parade begins at Martin Luther King Ave & Anaheim St.) Celebration at MLK Park 1950 Lemon Ave Long Beach Contact: (562) 570-6816 www.filmlongbeach.com In Concert: Warren G $25-35 • 9PM The Canyon 28912 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills Contact: (818) 8795016/(888) 645-5006 www.canyonclub.net In Concert: Inner City Youth Orchestra of L.A. “A Celebration of the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King”

7:30pm • Free Holman UMC 3320 W Adams Blvd Info: (213) 268-3082 www.sclc-sc.org

Sunday, January 17 In Concert: Brian McKnight 9pm • $65 - 175 Saban Theatre 8440 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills www.sabantheatre.org

Monday, January 18 31st Annual Kingdom Day Parade 11am–1pm Martin Luther King Blvd./Western Ave. to Crenshaw Bl/Vernon Ave. Festival at Leimert Park Info: (323) 934-3683 • (844) 454-6432 kingdomdayparade.org Annual “Cake For A King” Celebration Features an art workshop, documentaries, face-painting, storytime & birthday cake (while supplies last) 1pm – 2:30pm CA African American Museum • Exposition Park 600 State Drive

RSVP: (213) 744-7432 www.caamuseum.org SCLC-SC King Legacy Awards Gala Honoring Motion Picture Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, DeVon Franklin and Charisse Bremond-Weaver Honorary Chair: Matthew Johnson, Police Commission President $200 • 5pm/6pm Dinner Sheraton Gateway Hotel 6101 W Century Blvd Info: (213) 268-3082 www.sclc-sc.org

Tuesday, January 19 In Concert: The Jackson Southernaires 7pm • Call for ticket prices New Hope MBC 1567 S. Reservoir Street Pomona Contact: (909) 620-4950

Wednesday, January 20 Book Signing: Russell Simmons (The Happy Vegan: A Guide to Living A Long, Healthy, Successful Life 7PM Barnes & Noble/The Grove

189 The Grove Drive Contact (323) 525-0270 www.barnesandnoble.com

Friday, January 22 Zoe Christian Ministries Purpose Conference Consecration service to ordain Pastor Edward Smith as Bishop/Overseer Special guests: Bishop Virgil Patterson and Apostle Ron Hill 7pm 10252 Mills Avenue Whittier Info: (562) 906-5000

Saturday, January 23 In Concert: Snoop Dogg $65 – 75 • 10PM The Canyon 28912 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills Contact: (818) 8795016/(888) 645-5006 www.canyonclub.net Panel Discussion with Sculptors Charles Dickson, Duane Paul and Joe Sims Free • 1pm – 3pm CA African American Museum • Exposition Park 600 State Drive RSVP: (213) 744-7432

around los angeles Breakout star, John Boyega, shines at Star Wars premiere in Hollywood.

er hero, Chadwick Marvel’s first black sup Wars premiere in Boseman, attends Star oo Hollyw d.

Tuesday, January 26 California Missionary Baptist State Convention Winter Meeting (Through Friday, Jan 29) Keynote speakers include Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Dr. Roy J. Morrison and Bishop Kenneth Ulmer $80 • 7PM Nightly Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel Info: (888) 605-0866 www.cmbsc.com On Stage: “Fly” (Through February 21 The story of the first Tuskegee Airmen 8-10pm • $25-147 Pasadena Playhouse 39 South El Molino Ave (626) 356-7529 pasadenaplayhouse.org

Wednesday, Jan. 27 2016 LA Art Show (Through Sunday, Jan. 31) 11am–7pm • Sun: 11am5pm $15-35 LA Convention Center 1201 S. Figueroa Street Contact: (561) 822-5440 www.laartshow.com

The beautiful Lupita Ny ong’o poses with Star Wars Storm Troopers at Star Wars premiere.

L.A. Focus/January 2016

Ford s and Harrison Billy D. William e at tim ith ly get better w proves you on . re ie prem the Star Wars

www.caamuseum.org

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Re d Carpet Style

CICElY TYSON Kennedy Center 2015 honoree looks gorgeous in gold.

Janelle Monae Ditched her signature tux for this funky Giambattista Valli dress.Her sandals are by Stuart Weitzman.

Red Carpet Hits It was a star-studded evening in the nation’s capital at the 38th Annual Kennedy Center Honors last month. Among the honorees was Cicely Tyson.

Those turning out to celebrate her included Viola Davis,

KERRY WASHINGTON picked a stunning navy-and-black Marchesa gown that featured corsetry at the top and a fan of feathers

VIOlA DAVIS lAuRENCE FISHbuRNE & chose Carmen Marc Valvo, letting the WIFE GINA TORRES red and fuchsia of the skirt pop against make a handsome couple in the simpler black top. black accented with burgundy and gold.

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L.A. Focus/January 2016

“It was so easy!“ L.A. Focus Columnist Chez Hadley lost 19lbs in 21 days

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ChurchNews B

Thompson Reappointed President of the Baptist Ministers Conference

ecause of his overwhelming support and popularity, The Rev. Xavier Thompson, has been reappointed president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles for a second term.

Thompson recently completed his three-year reign in office while serving as senior pastor of Southern Missionary Baptist Church, in Los Angeles.

“I’m honored and I count it a privilege to serve. It feels awesome to be wanted,” Thompson said. “Due to the overwhelming support of my constituency, my peers, the fathers of the city of light, I consented to do another term.”

At the time of his appointment in 2013, Thompson made history, when he became the youngest president of the Baptist Minister’s Conference. During his tenure, Thompson and his executive cabinet were able to launch a capital campaign fund that raised upwards of $70,000.

“We were able to do some groundbreaking accomplishments,” Thompson added. “We have been able to offer aid and assistance to struggling churches in the city of Los Angeles and done an unprecedented amount of benefits services to pastors who were in need of financial support.

Additionally, we held a citywide revival and were able to provide assistance to those affected by national tragedies like the Oklahoma tornadoes.

Last year, Thompson spearheaded a two-mile march for justice and unity in response to police brutality. Yet, despite the continued success, he admits that he has found it challenging to unite pastors and getting them to work together on a unified platform.

“I believe that we have made a great many inroads in that respect and I look forward to all I believe we will be able to accomplish in unity in the year ahead, including the acquisition of a headquarter facility for the BMC.”

First Lady Erica Campbell Shares Warning for Part-Time Christians Ahead of 2016

L.A. Focus/January 2016

When she's not inspiring people with her music, gospel star Erica Campbell—first lady of the California Worship Center (pastored by husband Warryn Campbell— is warning people against having an inconsistent relationship with God. "Be consistent with God," Campbell tweeted. "Don't be a part time Christian and pray only when things are going bad and you're in need. Love, seek, serve and praise him 24/7."

The 43-year-old "I Luh God" singer does not reserve her praise for her music, but praises God even during trying times, such as when her car was recently stolen.

"Sucks to come home and find out your car was stolen," she revealed with an angry-faced emoji.

The post prompted Campbell's fellow gospel singer, Andrea Mellini, to offer empathy and encouragement.

"Well, bless 'em Lord! God has a tendency to give us double for our trouble," Mellini, the sister of gospel singer Donnie McClurkin tweeted. "Churchy & corny but true!"

It seems Campbell agreed when she responded by writing, "talking right sis," before creating another post to glorify God amid the frustrating circumstance.

"I will Bless the Lord at all times and his praises shall continually be in my mouth," Campbell wrote.

Hours after, Campbell's car was found with some major damages.

"The car was found wrecked with beer bottles inside," she revealed.

During an interview with The Christian Post last month, Campbell spoke about the importance of having peace throughout her day in order to maintain balance.

"You literally have to make sure that peace is always

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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

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

Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082 Rev. Theodore W. Payne, IV Sunday School: 10am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:30 am Bible Study (Tues): Noontime Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 7pm

Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Rev. Frederick Price Jr. Sunday Service: 10am Bible Study (Tue): 11am & 7pm Tue. Night Kidz Unlocked: 7pm Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7pm Intercessory Prayer (Wed.): 7:30pm Prayer & Praise (Thurs.): 6:30pm First AME Church (FAME) 2270 South Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 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

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 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

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

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.

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

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

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

Sunday 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

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

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

F: (323) 291-1133 • office@sinai.church • www.church.sinai Pastor George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am, 11am Discipleship Hour (Sun): 9:37am Noonday Prayer (Mon): Noon Noonday Bible Study (Tue): 12:00pm Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm E-mail: office@sinai.church Website: www.church.sinai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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

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

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

Kimberly Morrow Kimberly Morrow knew little about the role of first lady before marrying her husband a little over a year ago. The San Francisco native is the Founder/Director of the Urban Philanthropy Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to leadership development training for aspiring leaders and "philanthropreneurs”, and has sourced over $10 million in funding for worthy causes.

“I’ve gone to church, but I was more involved in the community. I didn’t know the impact being a first lady would have. Now, I’m a lot more conscious about what I do. Not much has changed. I’m authentic and I happened to just love people anyway. That gets me so much further than any technique or protocol. I’ve always been a public speaker, but learning to do it in a Christian way.

Morrow—who serves on the praise team and is looking to create some programs to help women develop their businesses and professional goals — is passionate about living Matthew 25:40 in her daily walk while assisting her husband, Pastor Tommy Morrow, at the Victory Community Church in Upland. Her book, "From Gifted to Greatness: Manifesting Your Greatness Through Giving", will be available on Amazon.com on January 7.

Says Morrow, “It’s one thing to be gifted but your gift won’t make room to you until your gift won’t make room to you until you are in service to people.”

Salem Missionary Baptist Church 729 S. Park View St. Los Angeles, CA 90057 (213) 738-1077 • jranniew@gmail.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 • 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”

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

L.A. Focus/January 2016

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

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)

first lady files:

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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

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

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

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

Pastor Profile: Rev. Theodore W. Payne IV • Bryant Temple AME Church Hometown: Inglewood, Ca Education: Wilberforce University, Bethel Theological Seminary Time At Church: 2 months Family: Married to wife, Jennifer; 4 children (two sets of twins) Caleb, Kenyon, Theodore 5th Brenson-Michelle Did you grow up in church?

I grew up in this church [Bryant Temple AME]. My grandfather served as the pastor for 33 years and I was saved here and I began my ministry here before I went away to college. He retired in 2002 and passed away shortly thereafter. I have now followed the person who followed him. So it is a great opportunity and an amazing circle of life.

L.A. Focus/January 2016

How did you get saved?

It was a guest preacher and I was about 11 years old. I just remember hearing the message and pastor made the call for the invitation for those would like to come and accept Christ. Initially, I was intimidated because of the other youth my age. I was concerned they would laugh, but the message was so strong and I just wanted to know more about Jesus, so I felt compelled as a child to just go up and give my life to God.

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Growing up, did you want to become a pastor?

I first felt the call to ministry as an 8-year-old boy. My family thought that was a little too young for me to understand what that meant. For a while I also thought maybe I wanted to be involved in the record industry, but God had other plans. I mentioned my salvation experience, but even in that time I was a mischievous, but at 15 I rededicated my life to the Lord and thereafter accepted my call to ministry.

What were some of the challenges you faced along the way?

I was in a real tragic car accident after my freshman year in college that presented challenges health-wise.

Then losing my granddad who was my mentor and my father in ministry, back in 2003 was pretty tough because I felt as though I was out here by myself, not necessarily with the guidance I probably needed at that

time in my life.

More importantly, just inward challenges—trying to maintain humility. People can tell you things and you can start acting like you are better than you actually are. That’s a dangerous place to be — to think so highly of oneself when the focus is supposed to be on Christ.

I had to experience that as a result of my arrogance.

That was all part of the journey. I’m grateful now because I’m just so humbled by all the Lord has seen fit to do through me and for me in spite of me.

What’s the biggest lesson that you have learned?

In whatever aspect of my life or ministry, the focus should never be on me. I would hate for people to think or ever redirect their focus from God because of something that I have said and so I’ve learned to do things in a way where someone would want to desire a relationship with Christ.

How has the attendance changed since you’ve been at Bryant?

We have been experiencing some growth each week. I’m starting to see some of our youths and young adults coming back and I’m excited about that. I have a heart for the youth, not to exclude the other portion of the congregation, but a lot of our churches, have a difficult time trying to maintain the millennials. So the fact that we are starting to see that demographic return excites me.

Describe your preaching style?

It varies. I like to think that I am charismatic and I will teach at times and I guess my people would say I’m charismatic. My mission now as it relates to Bryant is I want us to embrace our community.

We have a number of people in our community who are hurting and so I definitely want to continue to minister to the broken hearted. The demographic is somewhat changing, so I do want to embrace diversity as well. It is a place for all people and so I’m looking forward to the day when you come into Bryant temple you will see people of all nationality and races celebrating the goodness of the Lord.

What are some of your greatest strengths as a preacher?

My ability to relate. I know I’m not an inner-city guy, but I’ve lived all over the world and the country. I believe I have the ability to connect with all types of

people and that has helped me all through my ministry.

How involved is the church in the community?

Very involved. We have a ministry that caters to former addicts of alcohol and narcotics in partnership with the Amity Foundation and we minister to men recently released from prison. We also partner with homes that cater to abused women, so we are very active. For that I have to thank my predecessor, Dr. Oden, for those partnerships that continue to flourish today.

What goals do you have for the next five years?

Embracing the community, getting our people prepared for a culture that embraces diversity and innovation, — and looking forward to the subway system that is coming through the Leimert Park area in the sense that we will be accessible to more people. Also teaching our people to be physically responsible, welcoming families with loving arms and partnering with different ministries throughout the city—not just my denomination, but being an ecumenical pastor is paramount.

What do you hope to accomplish at Bryant Temple?

The sky is the limit. This is the fourth church I’ve pastored. After college and graduate school, I’ve served at churches in Missouri and Montana, most recently in Moreno Valley in California and now I’m here. I’m grateful because it is my home church and I love it dearly. I am just praying that it will be a great experience, a great marriage between the congregation and me.

Focus 1.16 quark_Focus 7-04 1/2/16 12:41 PM Page 23

From The Pulpit of: Three Oaks Missionary Baptist Church

T

here is one thing in this life as Christians that it’s imperative we don’t forget and that is the promises of God! That is the context of today’s theme. There is a promise God gave us and it is found in Psalm 30:5: “for his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

He promised that his anger is only for a moment, but following the anger of God, comes his joy and the truth of the matter is that you don’t have to wait until 8am in the morning to get the joy, because technically morning begins at 12:01am. I want you to touch yourself and declare it won’t be long before I get my joy back!

The Lord didn’t keep

you for no reason, but He kept you here because He knew that people are watching you and He wants to use you to prove to them that He is the only one who can restore your joy!

Your new car didn’t bring you joy.

Your new job didn’t bring you joy. Your good marriage didn’t bring you joy. Your promotion and raise didn’t bring you joy.

What brought you joy was knowing that while you were down the Lord was able to pick you up and you wouldn’t be down for long. You’re not joyful because of the blessing, but you’re joyful because you know the one responsible for the blessing.

People of God in the church have a hard time expressing true joy. We have to remember that joy is a fruit of Holy Spirit and God expects us to come to know His joy.

What is joy? Joy is something we choose to express. It’s not pie in the sky; it doesn’t come and go like the wind. So where does this kind of joy come from?

Joy is a matter of attitude that comes from the

Holy Spirit dwelling in us and our confidence in God, the belief that He is at work; that He is in full control and that He is in the midst of whatever has happened, is happening, or will happen. You can’t be full of junk and expect to have God’s joy.

The foundation and source of this kind of a joy comes from God himself and Paul affirms the source of christian joy in Philippians 3:1: "finally, my brethren, rejoice in the lord." So here we’re given the focus of what we are to rejoice and where that joy comes from. Rejoice in the lord.

But one thing is ironic,—that our capacity for joy is often directly relational to the depth of sorrow we might experience.

If you’ve had great sorrow, you will receive great joy!

John 16:20-24: “Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21, A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22, So with you: now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23, In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24, Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.

Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

The old saints said I’m saved by His

power divine. I’m saved to new life sublime. Life now is sweet and my joy is complete because I’m saved. Even through sorrow and hard times and pain, there is a certain joy that can be given to us that no one can take away no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.

Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. against such there is no law."

There’s nothing against living this kind of a life, no law against this. The bible knowledge commentary states… "joy or chara is a deep and abiding inner rejoicing which was promised to those who abide in Christ and obey his commandments. It does not depend on circumstances because it rests in God’s sovereign control of all things." So even the bible knowledge commentary states that joy does not depend on circumstances; it rests in god’s sovereign control of all things.

In 2 Chronicles 20, as a great multitude came against God’s people, King Jehoshaphat cried out to God a prayer that most of us have prayed at times in our spiritual journey: “We have no might against these that come against us, neither do we know what to do; but our eyes are upon you” (20:12). The Spirit of God came in the midst of the congregation… saying, Be not afraid nor dismayed…for the battle is not yours, but God’s (20:1415).

bishop Kenneth ulmer

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

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

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

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

In Gardena

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

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

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

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

www.thelibertychurch.com

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

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

In Hawthorne

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

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

L.A. Focus/January 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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 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" 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 &

Money Matters continued from page 13

L.A. Focus/January 2016

ed in 2005) and Airbnb (founded in 2008) help connect homeowners and travelers for short stays. An idea that is quickly catching the attention of government officials.

In the latest battle over home-sharing in Los Angeles, five tenants sued Airbnb after they say they were kicked out of their upscale apartments in the Fairfax District so their landlords could rent the units on the company's website for about $500 a night, compared to the $53 to $87 a night they were receiving for the long-term rentals.

One savvy landlord reported making half a million annually from the revenues earned from homes he leases by the night.

The ongoing controversy over short-term rentals prompted city officials to draft new regulatory initiatives. At least two city council members back the idea of creating a task force responsible for collecting taxes on short-term rentals.

In the meantime, as baby boomers age and cope with foreclosures, property taxes and rising rents/mortgages, home sharing is only expected to grow exponentially. A June 2015 housing analysis conducted by the Urban Institute projected the amount of senior households in the U.S. will surge to 46 million, up from 25.8 million in 2010.

Some home sharing services are run by non-profit agencies and are offered for free. Others charge a fee.

Los Angeles County’s Homeshare program bills itself as an affordable and mutually beneficial way to find safe, quality, and affordable homes or apartments to live in and pairing up people over 18 with those over 55 who want to share their home. While no fees are charged, the application process is extensive.

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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 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

Upfront continued from page 6 "There is now quite a bit of empirical evidence that racial preferences in admissions do not do a favor to African Americans. We would have more black scientists, engineers and physicians if colleges used race-neutral policies," said Heriot, who is a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. "We put that in an amicus brief, and I'm confident Justice Scalia was referring to that evidence."

In any event, while affirmative action has become such an inflammatory public issue, it should be noted most of the black students admitted to the UT Austin earned high grades in their high schools and were admitted based on their academic achievements.

A number of states—including Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and Washington—have already taken action to ban racebased programs in admissions, making it more difficult in many cases to cultivate a diverse student body.

Yet, a trend toward growing racial tensions on college campuses underscore the need for diversity and increased access to postsecondary education for all ethnicities to cultivate a broad range of intellectual and social perspectives.

Just last month, Janet Napolitano was in Los Angeles to address the challenge she has faced in ensuring student diversity at U-C campuses around the state.

The U-C system has suffered a decline in black student enrollment after California passed Proposition 209 in 1996—prohibiting government institutions from considering racial and gender preferences in state hiring, contracting and public education.

Napolitano, who served as the institution’s president since 2013, said, “Efforts to deal with that have not been effective. We want the population of students to reflect the diversity of California.”

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

Head 2 Head continued from page 8 reflects the white racist sentiment that affirmative action should be abolished because black people are ill-equipped and simply don’t belong.

Some racists responded to black people not just with words but with guns and murder. On June 17th a white supremacist, Dylann Roof, 21, opened fire on a Bible study at the historically black Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine in what became known as the Charleston Massacre. The bloodbath was a factor accelerating the debate over the Confederate flag, leading to its removal from the state capitol in Columbia.

And in Minneapolis, three suspects were arrested for shooting five Black Lives Matter protesters.

Even Hollywood, generally not known as a bastion of diversity and inclusion, has faced racist critics. Some were outraged that John Boyega, a black actor, would be cast in the leading role of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

These days, the new tactic of racists is to brand people of color as “racist” for shining a light on discrimination and extolling the virtues of diversity. Rosalind Brewer, the black CEO of Sam’s Club, found herself the target of a boycott by white racists after she discussed the importance of workplace diversity. She was branded a “racist” who hates white men after telling CNN her reaction after once meeting with suppliers and finding herself sitting at a table entirely of white men.

Indeed, racists got their groove back in 2015. And if you call them out on their racism, they will call you politically correct. Or racist. Expect it to get worse before it gets better. And remember that 2016 is an election year.

David A. Love is a Phidelphia-based writer and human rights activist and frequent contributor to thegrio.com.

Follow him on Twitter at @davidalove

Focus 1.16 quark_Focus 7-04 1/2/16 12:41 PM Page 25

T h r o u g h t he Storm One Courageous Teen’s Story of Beating The Odds

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he’s just 17, but already Ni’Tasha Denson has survived more hardships than some have endured in a lifetime. Diagnosed with glaucoma shortly after birth, Denson had been through seven surgeries to help her deteriorating vision before subsequently being declared legally blind in her left eye. At 8, after her mom was diagnosed with Schizophrenia and unable to provide for the family, Ni’Tasha entered foster care. Her first placement separated her from her four siblings leaving her confused and alone. She has since lived in a total of four homes. The last time she saw her Mom was when she was in the sixth grade, and she doesn’t know anything about her Dad. While there are those who believe it’s too early to say she’s beaten the odds, Denson knows different, given her familiarity with the stats. Nearly one-half of foster care children have learning disabilities or developmental delays. 75% are performing below grade level, and by third grade, 80% have had to repeat a grade. Less than 50% graduate from high school and just 3% graduate from college. Teen girls in foster care are 2.5 times more likely to become pregnant by age 19 than those, not in foster care and 50% of youth who have aged out of foster care end up homeless or incarcerated.

Last month at the Children’s Defense Fund’s starstudded 25th Annual Beat The Odds Awards gala at the Beverly Hilton— hosted by Conan O’Brien— Denson was one of five exceptional youth honored at a $500 a plate dinner attended by upwards of 500.

Founded by Marian Wright Edelman, the Children’s Defense Fund-California Beat the Odds™ program serves to identify and reward remarkable high school students who have achieved excellence in their overall academic performance, community participation and personal goals, demonstrating the qualities necessary to become future leaders.

"It means a lot for me to have received this scholarship,” Denson states. “It gives me an opportunity to achieve my dream of going to college and I hope such a story will inspire other youths and foster youths to look beyond their life at the point it is now and look forward to the future.

“CDF has provided tutoring, SAT prep and just a lot of support and guidance throughout my journey in high school to get to college,” Denson adds. “The staff is always there when the children need support, and I just know I can go to them with anything. The scholarship helps with a big part of me going to college and covering part of tuition.

“What makes Ni’Tasha special”, says her foster mom, “is just her ability to overlook a lot of the negative.”

“When I was 8-years-old, I was entered into foster care and it was difficult at first because I wasn't sure of the reason for my being in foster care. I was confused, coupled with the fact that I was living with a Hispanic family. Culturally I did not identify and that made it

”

Everything that has happened in my life is for a reason,” Denson states.

“I may be half-blind, but I see the world more fully than I ever have.

“

pretty difficult for me. Then not being with my biological family, made me feel like my family and I were some kind of strangers. I think for anyone that would be difficult. Plus, I didn't grow up with the traditional African American family, so I kind missed out on that.”

On top of that, she adds, “My vision wasn't too well, and I was constantly being teased and bullied because of my eye and different things.”

It has only been in the last five years, that she and one of her brothers have found stability in the loving foster home they currently reside.

“I really like it here,” she says. “I’m treated fairly and I have all the support I need, and after I go away to college I will be able to return here for holidays.”

Just as things were coming together for Denson, she was diagnosed with Glaucoma in her right eye as well, though she sees a doctor regularly to prevent blindness in that eye. And while she continues to move forward, she still misses her biological mom to the point of tears when the subject arises.

“If I could say one thing to my biological mom, it would be that I love her, I miss her and I want to reconnect with her.”

None of the challenges, however, have deterred her from her goals.

“I was nominated in the 10th grade by my counselor from a college readiness program that I had been in since the 8th grade,” said Denson, who enjoys playing volleyball and basketball and volunteering at her church when she’s not studying. “I wrote an essay about my life, the obstacles I overcame and how I overcame them and was achieving academic excellence.

“I believe I was able to adapt and go into the foster system and deal with the bullying at school in a positive way, and you don't see that often in young children."

Looking ahead, she is even more confident she has what it takes to make it.

“There are as many chances for me of beating the odds as there are opportunities for me to utilize

resources to further my education, and I just have to continue accepting these opportunities,” she notes. “I feel like the only way out is higher education. There are so many resources out there to help us achieve a higher education that we always miss or not all of us are aware of.”

These days, Denson is in the process of applying to colleges.

“I plan to major in the study of K i n e s i o l o g y, the study of h u m a n kinetics and movem e n t , which is closely related to sports m e d i cine,” she explains.

“I eventually want to become a physical therapist or a sports medicine physician.”

In the meantime, has been Denson strengthened by the support she is getting from the Children’s Defense Fund, a supportive foster family and the knowledge that with God all things are possible.

“Everything that has happened in my life is for a reason,” Denson states. “I may be half-blind, but I see the world more fully than I ever have.”

Note: For more information about the Children’s Defense Fund and the many programs they offer in their mission to advocate on behalf of America children, particularly poor and minority children and those with disabilities, visit www.childrensdefense.org.

Ni’Tasha Denson

Minister of Music Organist/Keyboardist For Hire

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L.A. Focus/January 2016

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InGoodTaste

ic o ’s The Spot On P r C h e r r y C o b b le

The Spot On Pico ria dinning expe g t could have gh tin ni ea te ur la yo t e es w lik ne of the ne ce that feels en n ity he C tc e ki th ’ in mothers foodie crazes n from your O . ot ily Sp m e fa Th d of Angels is with friends an e southern word of mouth Their signatur Pico! It was a , with downboxes” m ge “supper ly on en mfort co hidd d an affle W g in cook en & home southern ever, Yelp’s include Chick d link sandan w hospitality, ho rated The sticks, Chicken eese, collard ch ve wiches, mac & customers ha Stars! eyed peas, can5 k co ac Pi bl , n O ns ee ot gr Sp gravy ee M., Jimmy s, dirty rice, Owners Melon the died yam berry ed ue en bl , op ry L. er ies and ch fr A. and Reno e th g in tic ler. r no restaurant afte night eating and peach cobb to create a te d la te an od w go e of "W ck la l kinds of peosy schedules in spots. Given bu essions, The place where al n next to each of pr uld sit dow their primary ) is only ple co d share a meal," The P” O TS (“ co Pi Spot On d other an at ys a week an owners said. "We thought th open three da t ypo er ts ev ho n ve en hidd ant, gi has become a to was import ing on today". es et hl at d an thing that's go co is located for celebrities night southern The Spot on Pi get their late is u, Blvd and is ique men un e Th . fix 5661 W. Pico od at fo iay, m fa of d blen - 2AM, Thursd derived from a cre- open 9PM ay nights only. to on si vi a d thru Saturd ly recipes an where patrons ate a food hub

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Church News continued from page 20 present. And peace is not the absence of trouble, it's the presence of Jesus Christ," she revealed. "So I wake up in the morning and I go, 'Jesus, be with me today in every phone call, in every issue, in every problem, in every triumph. ... Be with me in every moment so I handle it right.'"

Hezekiah Walker Speaks Against Backlash He Received for Even Considering To Meet With Trump

"My title in the Lord's Church went from (Bishop) to prostitute on the pole, Uncle Tom, money hungry, fake, disloyal and dishonest to a coon dancing with the devil. What broke my heart is that all of the name calling came from some of my constituents and many church people," Bishop Hezekiah Walker wrote on Instagram. "Some of my constituents even alluded that those who agreed to meet weren't theologically educated enough and weren’t part of the high elite preacher circle that could handle Mr. Donald Trump. To those who made such statements and perpetuated the name calling it appears that you are no different from Trump."

T h e megachurch pastor/gospel superstar seemed to be referring to those like Pastor Jamal Bryant of

Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, Maryland, who used words like "prostitute" to describe pastors who attended the meeting.

"Prostitutes for Trump...don't let black pulpit become a pole," Bryant tweeted, to support his Nov. 25 Periscope on the matter.

Bishop Walker made it clear that he would not support Trump or the behavior from Christians who disagreed with the politician's supporters in a disrespectful manner.

"While many have a problem with Donald Trump I have a problem with both. I'm tired of the hypocrisy within the church and without."

Pastor Jamal Bryant Explains Why Trump Must Meet With Black Lives Matter Leader of Northwest Baltimore's Empowerment Temple Church, the Rev. Jamal H. Bryant, says he declined a controversial meeting with GOP 2016 presidential frontrunner Donald Trump last month because the billionaire refused to meet with representatives of Black Lives Matter.

Bryant, who previously dismissed black clergy who accepted Trump's invitation to meet on November 30 at Trump Tower in Manhattan as being worse than prostitutes, said if Trump intends to represent everyone as president then he must meet with Black Lives Matter and hear what the group has to say.

“I am not asking for a kidney transplant or a blood transfusion. If you want to be the president of all the United States, you can't just meet with people who you agree with. Hence, I say it would be beneficial and healthy for him to meet with the students who are agitating for change."

Yield 6 to 8 servings Topping: ons of brown sugar po les Tab 3 ½ Cup of sugar 1 Cup of flour mon 1 Tablespoon of cinna powder g kin ba of on spo 1 Tea eg 1 Teaspoon of nutm lk 4 Tablespoons of mi ract ext illa van of 1 Tablespoon 1 Egg (beaten) butter ½ Stick of unsalted Filing: (21oz) 1 Can of cherry filing rries che no chi ras ma of 20oz ter wa of ½ Cup 1 Cup of sugar ar ½ Cup of brown sug arch nst cor of s on po les 1 ½ Tab

ients in a Combine filing ingred n to 400 degrees. g dish. ove kin at ba he a o Pre int s: ur ion Direct slightly bubbling. Po d an ck thi is illa it van til un saucepan. Stir powder, cinnamon, ur, sugars, baking flo er elt eth (m r tog tte stir bu d Then, gs, milk an . Mix together the eg extract, and nutmeg fork. Bake for 30 a h wit stir d an re xtu ed). Add to flour mi 30 minutes for sit it n brown. Let minutes or until golde and then serve.

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Eye On Gospel

With Brother Steve

All The Buzz The biggest buzz in the industry is that Celebration of Gospel is back on BET. The annual special was cancelled last year but you can’t take away what the church folks like …oh no. The people responded and BET got the message loud and clear and on January 9 in Los Angeles, some of gospel’s biggest stars— including Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, Erica Campbell, Kurt Carr, Donald Lawrence, Tamela Mann and Kirk Franklin— will take to the Orpheum theater stage, with Empire’s Taraji Henson hosting.

Highlights of the show will include an all-star tribute to honor the late, gospel pioneer Andraé Crouch led by Dr. Bobby Jones.

Coming Soon Multi-Grammy®, Stellar and Dove Award winning artist, songwriter and producer, Israel Houghton takes his signature brand of music and ministry to cinemas with the one-night concert event, "Israel Houghton & NewBreed Covered: Alive in Asia." Houghton will present his extraordinary "Alive in Asia" concert and documentary which was captured live across Asia at sold-out stadiums in Jakarta, Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Seoul, South Korea; Tokyo, Japan and Manila, Philippines. This special event is presented by Fathom Events, RGM-NewBreed, Sovereign Agency and RCA Inspiration and will be shown in movie theaters across the country on Tuesday, January 19 at 7:00 p.m. local time. During the event Houghton will share exclusive behind-thescenes extras and footage from "Israel Houghton & NewBreed - Covered: Alive in Asia." He will also host a special conversation and Q&A with world-renowned pastors, ministers, athletes and celebrities recorded live from Lakewood Church in Houston TX. Tickets for "Israel Houghton & NewBreed - Covered: Alive in Asia" can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com. "It is a thrill to share 'Alive in Asia' with the masses," said Houghton. "We've never embarked on anything like this and people will be able to see the beautiful cultures and cities we visited as well as relive our extraordinary global worship experiences."

In other gospel news, Bill Moss, Jr. —the elder brother of J. Moss—recorded a live album, The Songbook Of Praise And Worship, last month in Detroit. The release marks the second CD for Moss, whose debut project was released in 2008. Moss is the Worship Pastor at Third New Hope Church, (Dr. E.L. Branch, Senior Pastor) and founder of the Moss Academy of Music.

Congrats To Tina Campbell Congratulations to Mary Mary’s Tina Campbell on the success of her book and CD. First of all, seeing her as Mama Tina with the children is worth a great Sunday afternoon any day…parenting at its best, ole school style.

You must get your hands on her new book, “I Need A Day to Pray”. Just imagine motivation, inspiration, confessional and scriptural all wrapped into one power packed book. You will open your heart, your mind and your spirit to focus on your prayer life and your relationship with God. Get your hands on this publication not just for yourself for as a ministry tool to help someone else. Her CD “It’s Personal” is

also off the chain. Tina has gone all the way out on this one—a great church CD with something for everyone on it. Stevie Wonder makes a guest appearance on the track, Love, Love, Love. Producers include her husband Teddy and brother-in-law, Warryn Campbell. Not the typical Mary Mary sound you’d think. Instead, Tina just goes straight church. One of my favorite songs is “Destiny”. It will bless you.

She is also gearing up for the new season of their Wetv show, so set your DVR, VCR or whatever you need to set and tune in for their new season.

Time Out To Remember Gospel lost two legends in 2015, one of whom was one of the greatest writers, singers, artist and producers of all time—the late great Pastor Andrae Crouch. His music will live on in hymnbooks forever. Then, as 2015 came to a close, we lost another great friend, Gentry McCreary. He was the first black gospel executive to work at Word Records, Light Records and Benson Records and paved the way for contemporary gospel while helping launch the career of those like Vicke Mack Lattaillade who founded GospoCentric Records,—the label that gave Kirk Franklin his start.

Industry Tip of the month: (Getting Started) If you are going to pick this year to put out your project, start now letting the people know who you are. Gone are the days of signing a record deal and the label putting up tons of money to put out your project…The majority of new artists are being signed on what they are able to bring to the label, their following, social media and who they are. Start now building your following of your fan base. Build up your facebook LIKE page, YouTube, Instagram, etc.

Labels look at your following, your pages, your engagements, your friends, etc. Friends, fans and followers convert into sales, consumers, and results. This is why so many artist are releasing their projects online first so their fan base can be the first to download the project. Also learn about how to release your project, locally, regionally and even nationally. If you’re really serious, don’t forget to pick up a copy of the Gospel Music Industry Roundup.

For just $20, it’s the best investment you can make in your career. Bettery yet, secure an ad in the 2016 Gospel RoundUp book, which is currently in production. Check me out on radio, TV and online at BroSteve.com or feel free to email me at BroSteveMedia@me.com.

Remember, tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life…

DOUGLAS H I C K S

LAW Carl E. Douglas

8484 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 548 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 T: (323) 655-6505 F: (323) 651-4990

carl@douglasHIcKslaW.com

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SavingGrace “Unforgettable”:Remembering Natalie Cole

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rammy award winning singer Natalie Cole, the daughter of legendary crooner Nat King Cole, who topped the charts with such hits as “Inseparable”, “This Will Be”, “Our Love” and “Unforgettable”, earned an NAACP Image Award for a starring role in her '2000 TV biopic, “The Natalie Cole Story”, and penned the best-selling autobiography, “Angel On My Shoulder”, has died. She was 65.

Cole died New Year’s Eve at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles due to complications from ongoing health issues with her son, Robbie, by her side.

"I had to hold back the tears. I know how hard she fought,” said Aretha Franklin. “She was one of the greatest singers of our time. She represented the Cole legend of excellence and class quite well."

Born the second of five children to the legendary Nat Cole and his wife, Maria in 1950, a young Natalie exhibited an early interest in singing and was performing by the time she was 11. It was in 1974 that she released her debut album, "Inseparable", featuring the smash hit single, “This Will Be”. It shot to the top of Billboard’s R&B charts and earned her two Grammy awards before going gold. She went on to release nearly 30 albums, including the 1991 release, "Unforgettable ... With Love," which sold 14 million copies and won her six Grammys, including album of the year. In her acceptance speech, she thanked her Dad “for leaving me such a wonderful heritage.”

Married three times, she had one son, Robbie and in 2001 starred in the made-for-TV movie, “Livin’ For Love: The Natalie Cole Story.”

In February 2008, she was diagnosed with Hepatitis C through a series of routine blood tests.

She was both confused and devastated by the diagnosis, having had no symptoms and only subsequently coming to understand that the disease had been dormant for over 25 years when it is believed she contracted it through drug use.

“I never had a kidney problem in my life, but there I was in renal failure with my kidneys functioning at less than 10 percent.”

Within five days of being diagnosed, she was on dialysis. It was one of a string of personal and professional struggles Cole has weathered—from overcoming drug addiction to the ups and downs of her recording career.

And despite the fact that she grew up in L.A.'s posh Hancock Park and is the daughter of the late, great Nat King Cole, she would say she didn’t have it all that easy.

"Nothing comes easy," she told L.A. Focus in 2009. "The last easy thing that happened to me was maybe when I was 13-14 years old before my father passed.The death of my father changed the course

"natalie was an exceptional jazz singer and it was an honor to have recorded and performed with her on several occasions. She was a lovely and generous person who will be greatly missed. --tony Bennett "more like family than friend was natalie. my heart aches. my sincere condolences to her family and may she now rest in peace." --Dionne Warwick "Sending prayers and condolences to all the loved ones of my friend. She will be truly missed but her light will shine forever!" -—Patti LaBelle

"As the new year was ushered in, an angelic instrument moved on. natalie Cole's voice was perfection.

And what a lady... You will be missed my dear.

Love." -- Lenny Kravitz "We will miss her like crazy." --rosie o'Donnell “ So terribly sad about natalie Cole. i loved her music and the way she carried on her father's legacy. riP natalie.” – Katie Couric “ my heart is beyond heavy. rest in Paradise. rest in his Peace. rest in Song” – Kim Fields “ my heart is heavy with the loss of a longtime friend. her presence and talent will be missed. good nights, Sis.” — Chaka Khan A voice from heaven has been called home.” —Cher “ one of the greatest, sweetest, most talented people i have ever met. — randy Jackson “ Sister beloved & of substance and sound. may her soul rest in peace.” —rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. “ in college, i named my bass guitar natalie! As a young stand up comic i opened for natalie Cole. She was all that, in all ways!” —Arsenio hall heartbroken about the passing of natalie Cole. i was a huge fan of hers and told her how i felt she was the ultimate. She was so supportive. — rev. Al Sharpton “ A beautiful friend, i had the honor to direct her life story for nBC. She's in heaven singing unforgettable with her dad!” — robert townsend “ Known her since the 80s and was always a fan since the beginning. What a loss.” —Vanessa Williams “ i really loved her. She was always so kind and fun and encouraging... “ —india Arie

of my life. Since then, it's been emotionally tough, sometimes physically d i f f i cult— always spiritua l l y c h a l lenging, e v e n t h o u g h with God you have the victory."

Longtime friends, like Quaford Coleman, credited faith and prayer for the positive attitude that was so characteristically her style.

“Natalie has had a circle of friends that have held a prayer vigil for her from the beginning,” said Coleman.

“That, I believe, was the wind beneath her wings.”

“As long as God is your partner, you can find some comfort in the fact that everything happens for a reason,” Cole had stated.

It was one of the reasons she said she was able to get up in the morning and do what she did.

“I have my moments,” Cole said. “but I just have never been someone to wallow and this has given me a great strength in the Lord and myself.

“You can have peace and joy and even as you’re wondering, okay, God may have some kind of a plan. When I look at my life, I realize that He has had a plan. I’m always asking God to let people see something in me and ask that question: what is it about her? That, I believe is the radiance of God coming through even in the midst of this.”

Performing proved to be therapeutic for Cole, whose biggest concern when first diagnosed with Hepatitis C was whether or not she would still be able to sing.

“The first thing I was upset about was how and if I was going to be able to work and God was faithful.”

She performed steadily up until early this year when she was forced to cancel her touring schedule due to her declining health.

"Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived ... with dignity, strength and honor,” read a family statement from twin sisters Timolin and Casey Cole and her son, Robert Yancy. “Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain unforgettable in our hearts forever."

L.A. Focus/January 2016

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Finding Your Pretty with Chez

T

here’s nothing worse than applying makeup to a dry face, shaking a dry hard hand, picking hangnails or a flaky scalp.

It’s getting cold and dry as we enter the winter months and you must protect your skin. We remember to lotion down our arms and legs and even oil our scalps. Make sure you moisturize and remember not to neglect small areas like your cuticles. Cuticle oil is essential to your winter up keep so make sure you add a good oil to your daily beauty regimen.

I like to use Dove Body Wash and lotion although a good Cocoa Butter always has my heart and leaves my skin with a little shine.

For my hair, I have recently been using Baby Don’t Bald that can be purchased at your neighborhood beauty supply. My go-to cuticle oil Mango Magic Cuticle oil which I apply several times throughout the day. Whichever moisturizer you choose make sure it’s not to thin and watery because summer will be here again and you will be wanting to show that supple skin.

Four Winter Skin Care Tips: (Web MD) 1.Seek a Specialist Going to an esthetician or dermatologist even once is a good investment. They can analyze your skin type, troubleshoot your current skin care regimen,

and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using. That doesn't mean you'll be stuck buying high-end products. "Inexpensive products work just as well as high-end ones," says David Voron, MD, a dermatologist in Arcadia, Calif. "In fact, the extra price you pay for the expensive stuff is often just for packaging and marketing.

2. Hook Up the Humidifier Central heating systems (as well as space heaters) blast hot dry air throughout our homes and offices.

Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out.

3.Grease Your Feet Those fruity lotions are fabulous for the summer months, but for winter you need to find thicker lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine instead. And use exfoliants to get the dead skin off periodically; that helps any moisturizers you use to sink in faster and deeper.

4. Ban Superhot Baths Soaking in a hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture.You're better off with just warm water and staying in the water a shorter amount of time."

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RASHARD MARSHELL Working in the corporate world was not cutting it for Rashard.

Quickly realizing that his dreams were a lot bigger he decided to go to beauty school. “ My current job was not providing the kind of lifestyle financially that I envisioned for myself so I headed to hair school.” After being a stylist for only two years he has opened RVM Salons and has three locations. “We take care of anything in our salon. All ethnicities are welcome we have a specialist in every field colorist, cutting, weaves or natural. All are welcome.” This highend salon offers champagne, wine , even lunch and Uber

service. Rashard says he now loves what he does and enjoys “transforming a woman from start to end.” "My goal is to create so every woman is most beautiful" As a stylist I believe in honesty, patience, creativity and hard work all functioning together to produce a beautiful end result for my clients.”

Hair care Tip:Always keep your scalp moistened and conditioned Product: Any leave in that doesn’t leave your hair sticky Must have: It’s 10, Joico wella, Paul Mitchell Price: $150 +

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