L.A. Focus On The Word June 2016 Issue

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SAVING GRACE Greenleaf’s Lynn Whitfield PAGE

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INSIDE HOLLYWOOD Oprah Tapped To Star In “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Leaks PAGE 23

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Faithful Central’s Bishop Kenneth Ulmer Launches Urban-Based Community

Trauma CenTer >>

THROUGH THE STORM A Death Sentence Teaches Zenay Arnold How To Live

Lamont Dawson has lived in Baldwin Village—often called “The Jungle” by locals—all his life.

After his son was mistaken for a gang member and stabbed to death in 1998, Dawson, typically active and upbeat, began sinking deep into depression....

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contents

June 2016

L.A. Focus Publication

L-R Mark Ridley - L.A. pastors attend Faith Leaders Breakfast at Dulans; Baseball hall of famer Dave Winfield, wife Tanya and son Dave Winfield Jr. attend The Ladylike Foundation where Tanya Whitfield was an honoree; Pastor Xavier Thompson with President Bill Clinton at clergy meeting held at Southern Missionary Baptist Church

14 23 From The Editor Inside Hollywood In Good Taste 16 One On One Upfront 24 6 Saving Grace 17 Eye On Gospel 25 Finding Your Head To Head 7 Headlines From Africa 26 Pretty Church News 18 Feature Story 8 First Lady Files 19

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Commentary

Calendar/Around LA

The Battle for Religious Freedom

Through The Storm A Death Sentence Teaches Zenay Arnold How To Live

Claire Mack

Dr. Kenneth C. Ulmer Brings Trauma Center to Urban Community; America Mourns Passing of Muhammad Ali

Jessie Usher

Lynn Whitfield

The Rise of Tim Bowman Jr.

Debating Party Loyalty on Both Sides

With Chez

Wells Fargo Partners With West Angeles COGIC.

Inglewood Rising: New Stadium Marks Massive Transformation for City of Champions

Biz News

10 11Dollars & $ense 13 Red Carpet Style

Russell Simmons Reaches Lawsuit Settlement•White House Announces 21 Million Grants For Summer Jobs

With Bob Blake

staff Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers Contributors Photographers Advertising

Lisa Collins Stephen Oduntan Emma Gannon Larry Elder Bill Jones, Ian Foxx Kisha Smith Leatha Davis

Marcena Hooks

Mark RidleyThomas and Alberto Ratana at Community Coalition Dedication Ceremony for Sylvia Thomas May 2

20 Pastor Profile From The Pulpit 21 Rev. Gerald Waddis

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Marc T. Little

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

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

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

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

Copyright, January 1995 by L.A. Focus :uscripts/photographs are not accepted, nor shall any responsibility for them be assumed.

Cover Design: Joseph Anthony

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Commentary

David Love Guest Columnist

Condemning Police Violence Doesn't Mean We Don't Care About Other Violence We pay lots of attention when police kill unarmed black people — and we should — but do we care as much when black people kill each other?

We do, and it is ok to care about both at the same time.

In a damning report on the Cleveland Police Department, the U.S. Department of Justice takes that city’s police force to task for its excessive, unnecessary and unreasonable use of deadly force. The cops in Cleveland, according to the DOJ, shoot at people who pose no threat, brutalize unarmed people and misuse stun guns.

Meanwhile, the CPD has agreed to accept federal oversight and limits on how and when their officers are able to use force.

That is serious business and certainly a matter which demands our attention, whether in Cleveland, or Baltimore or Ferguson, or any other of a countless number of cities across America.

And yet, at the same time, there is a violence of a different type taking place in the community, and we need to address it. For example, in Chicago, 12 people were killed and 43 wounded, including a 4-year-old girl, during the Memorial Day weekend. This comes as Baltimore — the scene for protests and unrest of late, due to the police killing of Freddie Gray — has experienced a deadly month with 35 homicides, 108 so far this year.

Someone, somewhere is asking why black folks don’t rally in the streets when members of the community kill each other and the police are not involved. It is a fair and reasonable question.

Before we go any further, let us first dismiss those voices from Fox News and similar places who will bring up so-called “black-on-black” violence because they want to change the subject and make you forget that police brutality is a chronic problem in communities of color. They want to pretend we are not monitored, harassed and hunted down, dismiss our pain and our fear for our children’s safety and sweep the crisis of police violence and racist policies under the rug. Or, they wish to downplay the violence occurring in the white community and act as if black people are inherently violent or some special case. So, let’s not even go down that path.

But let’s get back to the violence in the black community that is not the fault of the cops but due to our own actions. Certainly, there are many who have sounded the alarm on this epidemic, of babies killing babies, of the community turning on itself, of honor students, star athletes and pregnant mothers snuffed out by a bullet, taken from us in the prime of their life, way too soon.

Further, we should keep in mind that this is a public health crisis. Homicide is the leading cause of death for young black men — more than car accidents, diseases and

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suicide combined, and at a rate six times higher than whites. Let that sink in for a minute.

Those who would suggest we cannot focus simultaneously on police violence and violence from the kid across the way are presenting false choices. In a way, they are two sides of the same coin, all part of a vicious cycle.

Nothing should stop the community from speaking out and demanding action in order to rein in police abuse, whether it means the federal government investigating every last police department in the land of the free, or setting uniform guidelines for law enforcement across the country.

Yet, if #BlackLivesMatter, should it matter to you who does the killing or how those lives are lost? Should it matter if the gang wears blue and carries a badge? We must get a hold of the fact that there are no gun manufacturers in the black community, and still it seems some black children can access a weapon more readily than they can find a good education or a nutritious meal.

The NRA and its wholly-owned subsidiary known as Congress, or any given state house, are playing both sides of the fence. And they care little about who gets killed so long as they are moving their product and their checks come in, and the Second Amendment has nothing to do with it. They enact laws making it easier for whites to kill blacks in the name of self-defense (Stand Your Ground) and for people to carry guns in public places (Open Carry), including in parks, schools and churches. And they maintain their poker face when children are slaughtered, as in the case of the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting, when a gunman killed 20 children and 6 adults in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012.

If politicians and their masters in the gun lobby react with indifference when children in suburbia are murdered, one can imagine their reaction (or lack thereof) when gun violence tears apart the inner city. But if the black community does not care when black people are murdered from within, why should anyone else? And doesn’t homicide in the black community just make the racist abusive cop’s job that much easier?

In a nation plagued by racism, poverty and violence, black folks are dealing with a number of issues, including internalized racism, trauma, stress, deprivation, lack of self-esteem and lack of opportunity. Just to add to that, black families have been decimated due to the war on drugs and mass incarceration. Going after bad cops alone will not overcome these challenges.

So yes, it is OK for black America to condemn both police violence and teen and gang violence at the same time. It is also very necessary.

David Love is is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared on CNN and been published by The Grio, The Progressive, and The Guardian.

From the Editor Why He Really Was A Great One

“If I thought the war was going to bring freedom and equality to 22 million of my people they wouldn’t have to draft me, I’d join tomorrow…I have nothing to lose by standing up for my beliefs. So I’ll go to jail.

We’ve been in jail for four hundred years.”

He did not fight for another three years, but he had the ear of America and on matters of race and equality, he became a voice, stating, "Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong."

In what was an iconic moment, he was chosen to light the Olympic torch in 1996 and would go on in 2005 to receive the highest U.S. civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Wrote one writer, “In a career full of seemingly magical feats, Ali’s greatest trick may have been his transformation—from one the nation’s most reviled characters to one of its most beloved.”

Such accomplishment from a boy who —like many black boys— struggled in school. He took up boxing at the age of 12 after telling a police officer that his bike had been stolen. The officer invited him to join a group of young boxers and the rest is history.

And while Ali loved the fight, he hated the training, telling himself, ‘Don’t quit.

Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'”

Now that’s a lesson for today’s youth.

Not only did he have wit and wisdom, but Ali was oh so inspiring, believing that a man who had no imagination had no wings.

'Muhammad Ali was a gift from God,' said Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, 'not only to Muslims but to the world.'

I will close with what is to me one of Ali’s most compelling quotes: “Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it.

Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare.

Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”

Keep the faith.

L.A. Focus/June 2016

2363. That’s the number of days he reigned as world heavyweight champion. 56-5.

That’s his record in the ring, including such historic bouts as the 'Rumble in the Jungle' against George Foreman in 1974, which was viewed by over a billion people in 100 countries worldwide via closed circuit television. 94 seconds was how long it took for him to knock out Jim Robinson (1961) marking his quickest fight. 0.04 seconds is how long it took for him to reach a balsa board 16.5 inches away in a Sports Illustrated test of just how quick he was. (He would go on to punch through the board is 0.19 seconds).

He was first to call himself the greatest, but it didn’t take much time for the rest of us to agree. Ironically enough, he says he called himself the greatest before he knew he was that great.

As a little girl growing up when he was Cassius Clay I remember us all gathering around the TV before a fight to hear him go on about how pretty he was, how he was going to beat his opponent, how he would sting like a butterfly and float like a bee.

Having been raised with a healthy respect for humility, it was startling to hear someone be so sure of themselves, almost conceited, but there was a sense of pride in his victories for black people.

You couldn’t help but look at him with awe. And boy oh boy, he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. He once criticized Dr. Martin Luther King and civil rights leaders for their non-violent stance, stating, “I believe in the eye-for-an-eye business. I’m no cheek-turner. The NAACP can say ‘turn the other cheek,’ but the NAACP is ignorant.”

Strong in his convictions and willing to take a stand, he refused to go to Vietnam.

“I have been warned that to take such a stand would put my prestige in jeopardy and could cause me to lose millions of dollars which should accrue to me as the champion,” Ali said at the time.

“The real enemy of my people is right here”, he continued. “I ain't got no quarrel with the Vietcong...no Vietcong ever called me nigger.” I will not disgrace my religion, my people or myself by becoming a tool to enslave those who are fighting for their own justice, freedom and equality…

LISA COLLINS Publisher

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UpFront Faithful Central’s Bishop Kenneth Ulmer Launches Urban-Based Community Trauma Center

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amont Dawson has lived in Baldwin Village—often called “The Jungle” by locals—all his life. After his son was mistaken for a gang member and stabbed to death,, Dawson sank deep into depression. The traumatic events so consumed the 56-year-old that it led to a downward spiral into drug addiction and alcoholism.

“I have never gotten over my son’s murder,” said Dawson as he counted his change outside a Crenshaw liquor store.

Behind the grim imagery lies the hidden collateral damage of dealing with psychological wounds—in that few local trauma centers in urban areas cater to despondent individuals suffering grief, violence, or even the day-to-day challenges of urban dwelling.

It is a reality that weighed so heavily on Dr. Kenneth Ulmer, pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood that he is launching The Ulmer Institute (TUI)—a first-of-its-kind urban psychological facility to deal with trauma.

“This endeavor is long overdue. Our communities have been dying, and treatment centers have been failing these communities,” Ulmer said.

TUI plans on providing access to psychological resiliency training, world-class treatment, and cutting edge research in communities that often lack counseling and transitional support.

Last month, Ulmer hosted an in Beverly Hills, announcing TUI’s collaboration with top experts in the Jewish community knowledgeable in combating trauma related issues.

“We are excited about this project because it affects peoples lives,” said Israel Consul General David Siegel. “As we all know, it is a significant issue in our community as well.”

“IDF Chief Psycho-logist Dr. Eyal Fructer, was responsible for creating a computer program to help soldiers before

they go into battle to build their resilience. The results were there was no posttraumatic stress.

“But what about the families of these soldiers? What about trauma in our homes or our streets,” asked Siegel rhetorically.

“Everyone has urban communities and at some point deal with some level of violence.

Whether military or civilian; trauma is still trauma.”

Having spent 34 years in community leadership in L.A., Ulmer has seen how unresolved trauma has negatively impacted many diverse backgrounds and views this as part of a personal mission.

“I will personally be extremely hands on,” said Ulmer. “Due to the successful leadership training of our partners, we can help multitudes of people regain hope and become healthy participants in their communities.”

It was a visit to Israel that inspired him to create the center. While in the Holy Land, Ulmer, accompanied by some colleagues, witnessed a rocket explosion in Tel Aviv flying directly overhead, impacting the Iron Dome. Seeing terrorism close up left a profound effect on Ulmer and the entire team.

“We didn’t know what was going on,” recounted Dr. Kenneth Polite, a psychologist and ordained pastor who was also present. “We heard a massive bomb blast and the next thing was pandemonium.

“We were standing on the corner of the street and watching people scattering all over the place. People were leaving their cars in the middle of the road and running for cover. Ten minutes later everything went back to normal.”

The frightening encounter prompted

STEPHEN ODUNTAN Staff Writer

Black Lives Matter Activist Convicted of Felony Lynching

them to look more deeply into Israel’s community intervention model and if it was plausible in the states—particularly urban areas. Ulmer then reached out to Fruchter, the IDF Chief Psychologist.

To that end, TUI intends on implementing programs that will cater to a broad population in the L.A. County area—with a potential client pool of 92,000 – 165,000 residents. TUI will feature specialty-specific wings to meet the needs of patients. These include a confidential Trauma Support Helpline, mental preparedness training programs that will target children who are more likely exposed to violence, and lastly counseling services to individuals diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and trauma spectrum disorders.

Polite said it is paramount TUI provide resources to meet the basic needs of those in urban areas that are more prone to trauma events, as many individuals are unaware of the symptoms.

“Trauma has become a part of everyday life for a lot of African-Americans we don’t give it much thought,” said Polite.

“We live in a trauma-compacted society.

It is critical we provide help.”

America Mourns Passing of Mulhammad Ali—”The Greatest”

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uhammad Ali, a three-time heavyweight champion and one of the most influential athletes in American history both in the ring and out, has died. He was 74 years old.

Hospitalized in the Phoenix area with respiratory problems, the official cause of death for Ali—who battled Parkinson’s Disease for 32 years—died of septic shock.

But it is not how he died that most will remember Muhammad Ali, instead it is how he lived and how he changed the fabric of sports and the culture of a nation with his bold, brash, compassionate, wise and outspoken persona.

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, he dazzled the boxing world with his dazzling display of moves and quickness in the ring and his panache and outspokenness outside of it.

“Braggin' is when a person says something and can’t do it. I do what I say,” Ali said.

He changed his name to Muhammad Ali after converting to Islam in 1964, soon after he claimed the world title with a monumental upset of Sonny Liston that captured the attention of the nation.

It was a fight everyone thought he would lose and it was after winning that he proclaimed himself “the greatest”.

Fact is, he became one of the most

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News Briefs

talked about men in the world. Openly attacking American racism, he refused to be drafted in 1967 saying his religious beliefs precluded him from fighting and most famously stating, “No, I am not going ten thousand miles from home to help murder and burn another poor nation simply to continue the domination of white slave masters of the darker people the world over…No Vietcong ever called me nigger.”

Courts rejected both arguments, judging him guilty of draft evasion and he was banned from the ring for more than three years.

His career spanned from 1960 to 1981 and included such historic bouts as the 'Rumble in the Jungle' against George Foreman in 1974, dubbed “the greatest sporting event of the 20th century”.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1984 at the age of 42. That same year at a benefit, he would make the following statement: "People say I talk so slow today. That's no surprise. I calculated I've taken 29,000 punches. But I earned $57 million and I saved half of it. So I took a few hard knocks. Do you know how many black men are killed every year by guns and knives without a penny to their names?"

Fact is, Ali left Americans with a wealth of spirit, inspiration and wisdom.

A Black Lives Matter activist has been found guilty of disrupting an arrest while law enforcement took a suspect into custody last year.

Police arrested Jasmine Richards in September during a peace demonstration at La Pintoresca Park in Pasadena on August 29, 2015.

The BLM activist was charged with “felony lynching”—a charge that carries a maximum of four years in state prison.

Under California’s penal code, "felony lynching" was defined as attempting to take a person out of police custody.

Upon hearing the verdict, Richards, who initially appeared stoic, later broke down into sobs.

“I don’t want to go to jail,” Richards said, crying harder. “I don’t want to go through this anymore.”

Her attorney, Nana Gyamfi said her client was disappointed by the verdict and that she was only peacefully showing her opposition to police activity.

“What I tried to get the jury to do is not equate blackness with violence. Just because you see black bodies and the black bodies are angry or disappointed or angry or cussing, that is not a crime,” Nana said.

“Unfortunately, I was not able to do that.”

Richards will return to court for sentencing on June 7, 2016.

Masculine Cartoon of Michelle Obama Ignites Social Media Storm A controversial cartoon of Michelle Obama tweeted by Ben Garrison last month sparked fierce debate on social media.

The cartoon titled #MakeTheFirstLadyGreatAgain depicted First Lady Obama in a butch and masculine appearance next to a feminine Melania Trump. Some accused Garrison—a proMelania Trump political cartoonist—of going too far and that the caricature was downright racist.

After Garrison tweeted the picture Twitter reacted quickly with dozens of people defending Obama.

“If you’re not upset by this Michelle Obama cartoon, you’re part of the problem,” read one tweet.”

Imani Gandy wrote: 'Oddly, they feel the need to denigrate Michelle to prop up Melania, when that's so not the point. But they're too stupid to [understand] that.'

Another tweet from GrrrGraphics reads: "It's ok if you can't draw well enough to capture Michelle's beauty, anyone can draw a basic white woman."

Meanwhile, several conservative followers commended Garrison for boldly coming after Michelle unabashedly.

Others in support said Melania was undoubtedly more the appealing First Lady compared to the “manly” Obama—just one of the many perks of passing the presidency to the Trump family.

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Debating Party Loyalty on Both Sides e must frankly face the seventies. This is not a question fact that the front run- Grim Choices about whether Donald Trump is ners in both political parties rep- as evil as Hillary Clinton. He may well be resent a new low, at a time of the proverbial "lesser of the two evils" in domestic polarization and unprecedented that sense, and yet be the more dangerous nuclear dangers internationally. This President to have in the White House. year's general election will offer a choice Some have argued that a President between a thoroughly corrupt liar and an Trump could surround himself with experiutterly irresponsible egomaniac. enced and savvy advisers to cover for his The Republican establishment, whose own shallow understanding of many serial betrayals of their supporters created national and international issues. But the setting for a Donald Trump to arise, Barack Obama has must now decide how best to deal with the already shown us apparent inevitability of his candidacy. that a headstrong Choosing among various unpalatable egomaniac can ignore options may require some tricky maneuver- even unanimous ing on their part, but they have been used advice from military to tricky maneuvering before, which is how advisers. That is how they find themselves in this predicament in he pulled troops out the first place. of Iraq and set the Apparently some Republican leaders stage for ISIS. have opted to try to make the best of a bad Those of us who are Thomas Sowell situation by creating at least the illusion of far more concerned party "unity" going into this year's elec- about the fate of this country than about tions. But the toxic image of Donald Trump the fate of the Republican party face far can follow the Republicans repeatedly in tougher questions than how to get through future elections. this year's election.

The careers of young Republicans are Some people are said to be thinking especially at risk of acquiring an indelible about a third-party candidate. Desperate stain by being associated with Trump, times may call for desperate measures. But much as Marco Rubio may never live down if such a desperate choice is made, a third his association with Senator Chuck party has virtually no chance of electing its Schumer's attempt to create bipartisan candidate. amnesty.

The most a third party could hope for The smart money says that, when all is would be to take enough votes from both said and done, Republican voters are going Democrats and Republicans to deny either to have to vote for Trump. If they stay party's candidate a victory in the Electoral home, that is the same as voting for Hillary College. That would throw the election of Clinton. the President of the United States into the As former Speaker of the House Newt House of Representatives.

Gingrich put it, Hillary Clinton in the No one knows who would then become White House means a Supreme Court President. But it would be hard to find packed with justices who will undermine someone worse than either Hillary or the Constitution for decades to come. He Trump. has a point — but not necessarily a decisive The very fact that we are left with such point. desperate options is not only a rebuke to Seeing the freedom for which genera- the professional politicians, but also a tions of Americans have fought and died painful revelation about the voting public. eroded away by judicial sophistry in the Immediately after electing a President coming years is certainly a grim prospect. with virtually no track record, on the basis But nuclear annihilation is one of the of rhetoric and symbolism, and seeing disfew prospects that are even worse — and a aster after disaster during his administraman with a runaway egomania may not tion, many are now prepared to do the have the finesse or the depth to steer same thing all over again. through troubled international waters that More than two centuries ago, Thomas include a nuclear Iran and a nuclear North Jefferson said, "Eternal vigilance is the Korea. price of liberty." If so, can people who canIf a man in his sixties has not yet not be bothered to look up from their elecmatured, he is unlikely to grow up in his tronic devices expect to remain a free peo

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Sowell continued to page 12

Headlines From Africa Botswana: Botswana Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi credits the “prayers of the church” to his country’s well-being. Masisi says because the church prayed for peace and stability, the nation will be celebrating its 50th year of independence in unity and undisturbed peace.

Chad: After being convicted of crimes against humanity—including war crimes and rape during his eight-year reign—Hissène Habré, the former dictator of Chad, was sentenced to life in prison.

Eritrea: The exodus of tens of thousands of Eritreans is being attributed to an international conspiracy supported by human smugglers and not human rights violations. Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, argued that the migration which he said was not peculiar to Eritrea instead was due search of improved opportunities oversees.

Ethiopia: US Ambassador to Ethiopia, Patricia M. Haslach is applauding the Ethiopian government's commitment to alleviate poverty and empower women. The Ambassador said that the role of Ethiopian women in social, economic and political arenas has been improved and that the government is engaging in areas that empower women.

Kenya: A report study suggests that Al-Shabaab was exploiting Kenya's prisons, turning them into thriving recruitment grounds. President Uhuru Kenyatta announced plans to stem radicalisation among inmates by building a separate prison for terror suspects.

Liberia: A decade after a 14-year civil war that killed nearly 250,000 people, the United Nations Security Council voted to end sanctions and an arms embargo on Liberia, noting the nation’s stabilization and “the sustained progress made by the government of Liberia in rebuilding Liberia for the benefit of all Liberians.”

Nigeria: Time was up last month for Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s president and former army general, who promised to stamp

A look at current news from the continent of Africa out Boko Haram within 12 months – and has failed to do so, despite a tough military crackdown in the country’s north-east. While the terrorist group, blamed for 20,000 deaths over the past seven years, has taken a beating, it is down but not out.

Rwanda: Fitch Ratings, a global leader in credit ratings and research, has affirmed Rwanda's stable economic outlook, reflecting confidence in the country's leadership and management of the economy in the short/medium term."Rwanda is implementing structural reforms to its fiscal framework to alleviate dependence on donor grants as they are being phased out and converted into concessionary loans over the coming years," said Fitch.

Senegal: Meeting with religious leaders, representatives of civil society and political activists, President Macky Sall has opened a national dialogue to center on amending the constitution.

Discussion is expected to key in on the creation of parliamentary seats for Senegalese in the diaspora, health, education and security. Topping the agenda is a proposed reduction of the the presidential term from seven to five years.

Somalia: At least 15 people— including two members of parliament—were killed after Al Shabaab gunmen stormed Mogadishu’s Ambassador hotel frequented by government officials and foreigners on June 1. At least 50 others were wounded during the evening siege.

Sudan: The Sudanese government deported hundreds of Eritreans despite the fact that they might suffer severe violations from an extremely repressive regime.

Tanzania: At the official opening of the International Conference on “Safe guarding African World Heritage; as driver of Sustainable Development”, Tanzania PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa warned that many of the nation’s protected areas - national parks and world heritage sites found in Tanzania and other African states - are susceptible to effects of climate change, treasure trove and civil conflicts.

Zambia: Zambian officials will receive a helping hand from Russia in the development of their nuclear power industry.

Moscow has agreed to train 20 students in Russian universities on an annual basis while also assisting in the construction of a nuclear research center.

L.A. Focus/June 2016

Ghana: Officials have launched a new drive to to protect children from exploitation—namely child labor, trafficking, homelessness and forced marriage—that is set to engage chiefs and community leaders who would be in the best position to intercede. Police recently rescued over sixty children who were being trafficked to neighboring Nigeria.

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n an era when “Black of the Los Angeles Sentinel made lives matter” has Will Party Loyalty a ruthless but accurate observabecome a crucial rally- Trump Fears About tion: The election made “wishying cry across the country Donald Trump for washy” black Republicans “take and when African-American Black Republicans? open stands on topics they had concern for racial inequality and discrimi- skirted or about which they had doublenation hovers at extraordinary levels, it talked for years.” can be difficult to assess the political sigA look at the numbers hints at this tennificance of a group as marginal as black sion and indicates that black Republicans’ Republicans. Only 11 percent of black peo- politics and political affiliations don’t conple identify as or lean Republican, and in vey simple answers, despite the boasts of the last 50 years or Trump’s black faithful. In fact, it appears so, black Republicans’ as though black Republicans are divided in political and policy their attitudes toward Trump. For examviews, especially on ple, among black people who identify as issues connected to very conservative/moderately conservarace, have largely tive/lean conservative, Trump’s unfavoraplaced them at odds bility rating sits at 76 percent; among with the mainstream black affiliates of the Tea Party, it is 61 of African-American percent. Some of this debate has played political opinions. out in public spaces like social media and a political Being news channels, where black Trump cable Leah Wright minority among black supporters have battled viciously with Rigueur people and a racial black Republicans in the #NeverTrump minority within the GOP makes for a pre- camp. carious position, indeed. The recent emerThere’s even a level of diversity within gence of Donald Trump as the presump- the latter camp, with some black tive Republican presidential nominee has Republicans rejecting Trump for his destabilized black Republicans’ already racism, whereas others accuse him of not shaky foundation even more. Trump is being a “true conservative.” And there are deeply unpopular among black people. those, like Lisa Fritsch, who accuse him of According to recent surveys by Reuters, both but place the blame squarely on the roughly 80 percent of black people view Republican Party for creating the condiTrump unfavorably. Among black women, tions that produced a viable Trump candiTrump’s disapproval rating appears to be dacy. As Fritsch writes in her piece, approaching 100 percent.

Republicans are guilty of a kind of “paraGiven this context, black support for noia that a black conservative can’t really Trump appears peculiar, to say the least; be trusted. After all, at the end of the day, but at first glance, it appears that he has a they’re still black first.” following among some black audiences. To Fritsch’s accusations capture some of hear his black surrogates (including Ben the contradictions inherent in the Carson), one would think that many black Republican Party right now. While voters enthusiastically support the Trump’s rise is unprecedented, it’s not surRepublican nominee. The National Black prising, since the GOP hasn’t been the Republican Association endorsed Trump “party of Lincoln” and civil rights in more back in January, while NBCBLK diligent- than 50 years. For some black ly tracked down enthusiastic groups of Republicans, Trump’s rise introduces a black Trump supporters at rallies in dilemma of sorts: Substantively and March. Most recently, the National aggressively tackling the problems with Diversity Coalition for Trump launched in the Trump phenomenon would mean critiApril, spearheaded by a group largely com- cizing the party as a whole, which would posed of African Americans. also mean indicting their own politics and But realistically, where do black willingness to affiliate with the GOP. Such Republicans fall on the issue of Donald soul-searching also means forgoing a seat Trump? Much like the infamous presiden- at the table (even if that seat never really tial election of 1964, the 2016 contest is existed to begin with). We see glimpses of forcing black Republicans to define their this in Carson’s endorsement of Trump, a loyalties. Writing about this exact tension move that has revived the neurosurgeon’s more than 50 years ago, the black editors political career and apparently has him Wright continued to page 12

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6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:21 PM Page 8

STEPHEN ODUNTAN Staff Writer

As spring came to an end in 1999, anxiety gripped Inglewood like Shaq at the freethrow line. The city was inching toward an unsettling reality. After hosting countless legendary games in the Fabulous Forum, the Lakers prepared for their final game.

Two franchise teams —both the Lakers and Kings— were set to begin a new era in basketball and hockey at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles—an exodus that would cost Inglewood roughly $1 million annually in lost revenue from ticket and parking taxes.

Inglewood’s future looked bleak.

Businesses picked up and left; its signature Market Street deteriorated. What’s more, the city had lost part of its identity.

Many could not fathom that Inglewood would ever host a professional sports franchise again. But with the closure of Hollywood Park, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. made it his mission to bring a professional sport team back to Inglewood and as fate would have it, several teams had been eyeing a move to Los Angeles, the deal set into motion when Rams owner Stan Kroenke purchased 60 acres of land in Inglewood.

Today, the “City of Champions” is not only setting out to recapture the former glory that often accompanies a successful professional sports franchise, but is striving to become an iconic mecca for multi-purpose entertainment as construction on Rams Stadium at Hollywood Park offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future.

The 298-acre development stadium complex at the old Hollywood Park Racetrack—expected to cost as much as $3 billion—will become a landmark fixture at Prairie and Century Boulevard marked by its dazzling translucent roof.

Dubbed by some as an “NFL Disneyland”, the complex will showcase a dazzling diversity of sights, including a 6,000 seat performance venue, more than 1.5 million square feet of retail and office space, and residential properties surrounding the arena.

The project has triggered bold predictions.

“I predict that within five years Inglewood will be the entertainment epicenter of Southern California,” said Marc T. little, president of the Inglewood area of commerce. “The light rail will be on-line, Century Boulevard will be renewed, Market Street will have a robust mixed-use development already occupied, the Forum will continue to be the number one concert destination for the Greater Los Angeles area and the Rams will be in their second season in the City of Champions.

“It will be unrecognizable from a commercial, retail, and entertainment perspective. I suspect that no area in Inglewood will be left untouched. It is a nine-square-mile city packed with opportunity.”

Already, the massive transformation—projected to bring in tens of million of dollars in annual revenue— is dominat-

ing public consciousness in the city and around the county.

Development officials with Hollywood Park Land have said that much of the city’s revenue would come from ticket tax, accumulative sales-tax revenue from the project’s retail operations, property taxes and a hotel occupancy tax. For Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. and others, it is confirmation that the cities best days are ahead, particularly given the recent announcement by NFL owners that Inglewood would host Super Bowl LV in 2021.

It is hard to believe such rapid development and change could occur in a city forever linked to the late rapper Tupac Shakur’s line, “Inglewood always up to no good”, but the city of 111,542 residents gained an unsavory reputation for a reason.

When Butts, a tough former ex-cop took office in 2011, Inglewood was in shambles, teetering on the brink of financial collapse. Its former mayor of 10 years had just pleaded guilty to political corruption. Its state Senator Rod Wright, resigned in disgrace after he was convicted of voter fraud. The city’s failing school system was taken over by the state about four years ago amid financial mismanagement, and the city was experiencing stubbornly high crime rates.

Today, that’s all in the past. Economic and property development and the Rams deal has made the city, once plagued by scandals and mismanagement, a more ideal attraction for investors, paving the way for an “Inglewood Renaissance.”

“Every other community around us is now starting to show change,” said Butch Grimes, a real estate broker with Team Equity.

“You’re starting to see areas being renamed. You’re starting to see more ‘Historic Preservation Zones’ housing areas being

6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:21 PM Page 9

Left;Mayor Butts and Rams’ owner Stan Kroenke; Right;Rams’ new stadium

“

I predict that within five years Inglewood will be the entertainment epicenter of Southern California. The light rail will be on-line, Century Boulevard will be renewed, Market Street will have a robust mixed-use development already occupied, the Forum will continue to be the number one concert destination for the Greater Los Angeles area and the Rams will be in their second season in the City of Champions.

”

part-time jobs with a local hiring goal of 35 percent.

Little, the Inglewood Airport Area Chamber of Commerce president echoed Butts projections that construction is expected to be a huge boost for small businesses and inject thousands of jobs into the local economy.

“Unlike most stadiums,“ explained Little, “a year-round experience is being created by the Rams owner, the National Football League and the Hollywood Park site developers that will keep families circulating throughout the parks, eateries, the casino, hotels, and a variety of destinations that will attract and grow existing and new local businesses.

“As these projects continue to come online, Inglewood residents will continue to be eligible for temporary and permanent employment. As they earn a living wage or better, the city and the local –[minority] businesses prosper.”

While those like Grimes believe African Americans will benefit from this big shift and change, not everyone, however, is happy about the Rams deal, concerned that revitalizing Inglewood has attracted white residents, and that as whites move in, poor blacks will be forced out.

“They’re trying to kick the blacks out of Inglewood,” said, Rico a neighborhood mechanic who fears Inglewood’s predominantly black community will become gentrified and that he might have to move if his rent increases.

Butts lambasted talk of gentrification in Inglewood, particularly irritated by those who conveniently fail to mention that Inglewood’s property values increased by 85.6 percent between 2012 and 2015 before there was any discussion about the stadium.

“Nobody cared when Inglewood was impoverished and went bankrupt, but now we have these last lifelines at our disposal, people are trying to say or do things to hinder progress.

“It’s a false assumption to believe that making the neighborhood nicer causes prices to go up, and that people of a certain income level can no longer afford to live there.

“Should the subsidies required for affordable housing projects be available from the state or other sources, I believe there is a pathway for current renters to be a vital and active part of the new Inglewood.”

Butts believes gentrification is nothing but a false purported fear—a fear constructed by people who harbor resentment with the extraordinary and transformative milestone happening in Inglewood.

“You can’t say to me a project that provides 40,000 jobs and has set aside some job training funds to train our residents is in anyway bad. You can’t tell me that to see depressed property values, which have been rising prior to the stadium being built, are bad.

“When people play these games talking about gentrification, it’s really a code word meant to give credit to a racial component that doesn’t exist,” he said.

The Inglewood Airport Area Chamber of Commerce says a change in the socioeconomic make-up of Inglewood is inevitable.

“Some will refer to this change as gentrification,” said Little, “which tends to carry a negative connotation. The perspective that change is negative comes about by only looking from a myopic viewpoint. The change coming to Inglewood will be favorable if not life changing for those who own real estate.

“There’s little that can be done to stop the change that's coming, and no one should want to halt progress.

“The reality is”, concluded Butts on the matter, “no one has forced anyone to sell his or her property. He said if a potential buyer offers the asking price or greater for a property listed for sale, then that person has the right to purchase the property. Period.”

Butts, however, might face bigger problems defending charges levied against him in a lawsuit filed May 18 that he engaged in “fraudulent” and “faulty” financial practices to paint a deceptively bright picture to mask the city’s economic woes.

The whistle-blower, Barbara Ohno, an Inglewood former budget and accounting manager, claims city officials fired her for trying to shed light on the egregious improprieties.

Meanwhile, despite many Inglewood residents backing the stadium construction, some are also concerned that the venue’s huge attendance numbers could adversely impact residential parking.

Inglewood resident Bronson Greenwood, although enthusiastic about the new stadium, expressed unease over increased traffic and limited parking space.

“I live right across the street from the Forum, and I already have issues trying to find a place to park when ever there’s an event there,” he said. “I’m worried that it could be somewhat of a burden.

“The Forum continued Greenwood, “holds roughly 10,000 people, but now that there’s going to be a new stadium, that number would inevitably quadruple, which will create even more inconvenience for the residents trying to find a place to park. That’s the only problem I have about the stadium.”

L.A. Focus/June 2016

created. “ Grimes underscored that Inglewood’s proximity to both the Los Angeles Airport and the soon to be renovated Century Boulevard-Prairie Avenue will make the area a magnet for tourism.

What’s more, he reckons property value in Inglewood could only increase over the years as the area starts to provide more services for the community such as restaurants, shopping arenas, entertainment and not to mention becoming a destination spot.

Building a stadium has definitely heightened interest in Inglewood as a property investment community said Butts, who also emphasized city officials are also focused on enhancing some of Inglewood’s blighted neighborhoods.

“There are acres across the street from the southern border of the nearly 300 acres parcel of land where the stadium is being built that hasn’t been developed in 30 years.”

Fact is, once NFL owners officially announced the Rams move, people began buying up property in Inglewood at a record pace and with property values spiking up to 86% in certain areas as reported by Butts during his sixth State of the City address.

Angela Whiteway, a real estate agent in Inglewood with Seville Properties has received calls from as far away as New York from people seeking property around the stadium area.”

Butts, credited for playing a significant role in spearheading the Rams move, told L.A Focus he began talking with Raiders owner Mark Davis in 2014.

“We negotiated the deal points, and my requirements were that the city would not put up any money toward private construction for a stadium,” explained Butts. “It must be one hundred percent financed by the developer.”

That deal did not come to fruition. Instead Kroenke is borrowing roughly $1 billion to help fund the stadium.

Both the Raiders and Chargers submitted relocation applications to the league in January. While the Rams offered a 50-50 partnership that would include the Chargers sharing in stadium construction cost and stadium revenue, from the Chargers perspective, they might be reluctant to chip in on the cost, as it might be too expensive for them to buy into, some economists argue. A decision is expected by the end of the year.

Once talk began circulating about a stadium coming to Inglewood, it didn’t take long before Inglewood residents rallied behind the plan. In fact, organizers submitted twice as many signatures from locals supporting the stadium initiative petition.

“We collected about 22 thousand signatures in less than 30 days,” Butts said.

Meanwhile, a sizable portion of funding has also been set aside to provide loans to minorities, women and veteranowned businesses, and guarantee local-minority hiring.

Understanding that cities survive off their indigenous property sales taxes and indigenous sales taxes, the deal was part of an effort to make Inglewood recession proof.

“If you look at the cities that have entertainment venues, they continue to draw people from other cities, and tend to do well even in a recession.”

The construction and completion phases will result in 40,000 construction jobs the mayor remarked. Over the next seven to 10 years there will be an additional 12,000 full and

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MoneyMatters

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Hashtag HollywoodSoWhite: Group Aims to Flip the Script on Tinseltown’s Lack of Diversity

he Hollywood Diversity Association (HDA), an L.A. area organization, is taking an important first step in a broader effort to add more color to the boardrooms, workforce and on-screen talent in Tinseltown, bringing Entertainment industry leaders together for a critical first conversation intended to push the diversity in Hollywood discussion.

“We all heard about the criticisms of the Oscars and how the Academy did not include minorities in the award process,” says James D. Pittman, HDA co-founder. “The recent research is extremely clear. There is a problem in Hollywood and we must do something about it.”

Although America is becoming more and more diverse, Hollywood – our familiar shorthand for the multi-billion dollar American film and television industry – has some major catching up to do.

According to the 2016 “Hollywood Diversity Report: Busine$$ as Usual,” compiled by the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies at UCLA, minorities only played 13% of leading roles in major films in 2015.

They only directed only 12% of those films.

“The data is abysmal,” says UCLA professor Dr. Darnel Hunt, who heads the Bunche Center.

“The unions have diversity officers, departments, etc.

They publicly talk about diversity but that’s not what the members always want. The unions are predominantly white and male, so pushing for diversity is voting against their own interests. That is the reality. Unions have been weak in pushing the football down the field.”

The picture gets whiter and more uniform when you take a look at the complexion of executive suites and employee rolls in Tinseltown. In the film industry, for example, studio heads are 94% white and 100% male.

The TV industry isn’t doing much better with the notable exception of ABC where CEO Channing Dungey

and one of the broadcast network’s main writers and producers, Shonda Rhimes, are black women. CEOs of television networks are 96%white and 73% male.

“Even being inside Hollywood, I have felt like I was standing on the sidelines,” says Vanzil T. Burke, cofounder of HDA and a former talent manager that represented celebrities, including Victoria Rowell, Jackie Christie, Todd Bridges and Michael Colyar. “I know I can no longer be a spectator.”

Burke says there has always been widespread belief that Hollywood needs more diversity but now the HDA has hard data to back that claim.

Some HDA supporters say Hollywood’s diversity problem is even more striking because the industry received so much in funding from taxpayers in California. In a 2009 Legislative Analyst Report, California provided about $700 million over the previous seven years in tax credits to the industry, although that number has decreased.

“There isn't anything in writing from the state forcing productions to be committed to diversity,” says Hunt.

“Even the Screen Actors Guild uses non-specific language about diversity, but numbers don’t support that pledge.”

Vanzil says the HDA has clear, achievable goals that can make a dent on diversity in the industry.

“By the end of the year, our goal is to have 500 diverse people in front of the camera and behind the scenes. We are aiming to have 50 minority organizations attached to to the organization as well,” he says. “We also want to have five major networks signed up.”

Long term, Burke says he wants the HDA to play a central role in sourcing talent for the industry.

“We want to be the go-to organization for networks and studios,” he says. We want them to be able to reach out to us and see who we can recommend for particular jobs.”

On the Money Whoopie Goldberg Signs New Deal With The View Raven-Symone along with Michelle Collins and Candace Cameron-Bure will soon announce their departure from Daytimes hit talkshow “The View”. Meanwhile Whoopie Goldberg has signed a $2.5 million deal to return to the show for it’s 20th season which will begin in September.

Although the Oscar, Tonny and Grammy award winner will be making half of her previous salary, according to the Daily Mail, she will have a four day work schedule.

Arriving by 8:30 am and leaving by 12:30 pm most days, leaving Joy Behar, who was said to be gunning for Whoopie’s position, to host Friday’s broadcasts.

Her deal also allows her to take off time for guest appearances on other TV shows and to film movie roles.

Meanwhile, whether or not Raven-Symone returns to The View or not, she probably won’t miss the paycheck given that she racked up an estimated $82 million in combined earnings to take the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highestpaid actresses. Credit business investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals, her own brand of Vodka, several restaurants—including the “Fat Raven-Symoné Burger” chain—in Washington, her own fragrance and a fashion line.

Biz NewsBriefs

L.A. Focus/June 2016

Hip Hop Mogul Russell Simmons Reaches Lawsuit Settlement

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Six months after a botched systems upgrade left the accounts of 132,000 RushCard prepaid debit card users locked out of their accounts, the company is preparing to settle several lawsuits stemming from the debacle, according to court documents.

The prepaid debit service owned by hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons will pay out $19 million to its customers for a technological “glitch” that prevented them from accessing their funds during a days-long outage.

In the aftermath of the much-publicized comput-

er glitch, Simmons provided free service to card holders for five months, sacrificing all of his company's profits to do so.

White House Announces 21 Million Grants For Summer Jobs White House officials announced a new set of grants are being put in place in eleven cities to help younger people obtain summer jobs and gain experience to move into steady career advancement.

It is a move that calls on businesses and organizations to take action to give young Americans that may have limited resumes and resources a better shot in the hiring process by providing summer jobs, training, mentoring, and job interviews.

President Obama launched the Summer Opportunity Project as part of an effort to decrease the percentage of youth experiencing violence over the summer, and to make sure young Americans have the support they need to get their first job. Summer Impact Hubs include: Baltimore ,Clarksdale, MS, Detroit, Flint, MI, Gary, IN, Los Angeles, Newark, New Orleans, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.

Rep. John Conyers and Sen. Elizabeth Warren Call For More Diversity at Federal Reserve Bank Last month, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), the Dean of the Congress and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) sent a letter signed by 127 Members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, urging the Federal Reserve to prioritize diversity in its leadership and to focus its attention on communities of color across plagued with high levels of unemployment across the country.

“Far too often, the voices of minorities are silenced because they aren’t sitting at the table,” said Congressman Conyers. “The Federal Reserve needs leadership that models the diversity that exists in this nation. Detroit and cities across the country with high minority populations have some of the highest unemployment rates and will be harmed if the Federal Reserve does not consider our needs when they make key policy decisions. Increasing diversity at the Federal Reserve will help ensure that the needs of people of color, women, labor, and consumers are part of the crucial conversations at our nation’s central bank.”

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Dollars and ense One of the most unexpected things in life occurs when you get a call telling you a loved one is gravely ill. I know because last month I got such a call. The call simply said, ‘Get home quickly, your mother is not going to make it. My whole world stood still. It had been less than six weeks since I had been with my mother, and although she had been sick, she was recovering nicely.

My mother passed on May 7, one day before Mother’s Day and I want to share with all of you how difficult this time is and how it is so very hard to focus on the business at hand and grieve also.

One thing that is just as sure is that this is no time to do financial planning. It is too late. The cost to memorialize my mother cost the family more than $10,000. In fact, the average funeral in the U.S. surpassed $7,000 in 2012 and now inches closer to $10,000, though the National Funeral Directors Association reports that funerals can cost up to $27,000, with the least expensive burials costing right around $2,000 to $3,000.

Problem is when the death is unexpected or the funeral unplanned, grieving loved ones are less likely to do the things that save money, namely comparison shopping for a funeral home, burial plot or casket, the three biggest funeral expenditures.

This does not take into account the freezing of my mother’s bank accounts for 45 days until all legal requirements were fulfilled. There were multiple properties to sort out, important papers to sift through, a whole lifetime of memories suddenly staring you in the face.

I was tasked with the insurance and property assignments, sifting through the taxes, etc. All the while I just wanted to grieve.

A lot of us have aging parents, so we need to be proactive versus reactive when it comes to handling our estate planning. It is too late to draft a will or trust when a

“One thing that is just as sure is that this is no time to do financial planning. It is too late.

The cost to memorialize my mother cost the family more than $10,000...”

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

loved one dies. So many people of color lose a lifetime of work and savings because of improper planning.

Dying without a will in California means that you have died intestate and your possessions are subject to intestate succession. That means the state will decide who gets what with the order of succession as follows for those who are unmarried: Children, parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins, more distant cousins, and if no takers fall into those categories, your posessions pass to the state of California. A different succession order applies to those who are married. Every state is different.

Even with a will, a trust is necessary to avoid California’s probate process which includes additional fees and can be very public, One of the best planning tools which you can do yourself is Suze Orman’s Must Have Documents. It can be found on her website at a cost of just $90. It is a complete step by step guideline which helps you navigate through the tough decisions you have to make as responsible people. Everyone does not have the money to hire a lawyer and this kit will help so much in getting you pointed in the right direction. The forms are shelf ready and only have to be executed by you.

I am not promoting Suze Orman’s company. There are many good resources out there that provide great information. This one seems to me to be the simplest.

Bad things happen and we have to be prepared when they occur. And for me being in the business of insuring people’s futures, when things like this happen it reminds me to make sure all my clients, friends and loved ones are prepared. We have to start preserving and maintaining our wealth and assets through proper planning. So many minorities lose their whole life’s work because they never took the time to take care of basic financial issues.

This is my six-month of writing this column and it is so refreshing to shed light on these basic concepts, which really can help preserve wealth for our families and as always you can give me a call.

6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:21 PM Page 12

T

Finding Your Pretty with Chez

he natural hair movement is here, either you get on board or your hair might fall out! Doctors and hair stylists have been warning sistas for years about the devastating affects relaxers and weaves have on our hair and scalps. Not only can prolonged weave wearers eventually develop traction alopecia, hair loss that is caused when to much tension is consistently put on the hair follicles by tight hairstyles such as extensions and ponytails usually developing around the hairline, but it may hinder you from noticing that you have developed CCCA. First noticed in African American’s in the 1950s and referred to at the time as hot comb alopecia because of the original theory that the application of hot petrolatum followed by a stove heated iron comb would cause the oil to travel down to the hair root, burn the follicle, and after repetitive injury scarring would result. Later finding out that men and women that do not have a history of such styling technique were also affected the name was

changed to Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA).

CCCA is a very common form of alopecia that black women develop and although relaxers, tight braids, heavy extensions and certain oils may be plausible contributing factors, it is also said to be hereditary.

Because a lot of our trusted hairstylists fail us time and time again, we must be self aware and take responsibility in the health of our own scalp and hair. “Hair is a cornerstone of self-esteem and identity for many people,” said Crystal Aguh, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, “but ironically, some hairstyles meant to improve our self-confidence actually lead to hair and scalp damage.

If you do notice thinning our balding the worst thing you can do is ignore it trying to cover it up. Get Pro active immediately by stopping the main stress factor that may be agitating the follicles and making an appointment with a dermatologist. The faster you catch CCCA the better.

Follow the doctor’s advice taking perscription pills etc. to get scalp inflammation down (as long as your scalp is inflammed your hair will not grow). Up your protein intake. You should have atleast half your body weight in mg a day. Drink lot’s of water, take vitamins, pray and don’t I repeat don’t stress. GOOD LUCK!!

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You no longer have to patiently wait for your curls to grow in order to achieve that glamorous twist out that all the natural sistas are wearing. Just twist your natural hair, whatever length it may be, then add natural textured clip ins and viola!

So Who Does Your Hair...

L.A. Focus/June 2016

The fabulous Samantha Rose has been a hairstylist for over 10 years, “I’ve been in love with doing hair since I was 5 years old. I love the fact that I can build up someone’s confidence and make them feel beautiful.”

The mother of one specializes in cuts, braids and healthy weaves, recomending that you do take breaks from your weaves.

Samantha believes that One major key to healthy hair is a deep conditioning treatment at least once a month if you have extensions or not.”Breakage is caused by

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Sowell continued from page 7 ple?

Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305. His website is www.tsowell.com. To find out more about Thomas Sowell and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

Wright continued from page 7 advising the party front-runner on everything from health care to the Supreme Court to potential vice presidential running mates.

These are not new debates for black Republicans. In many ways, the infighting that is emerging among black Republicans, Trump and the GOP involves old debates that feel new because Trump has stripped away the veneer of colorblindness. We see these kinds of clashes in the aftermath of the 1964 presidential election, when Jackie

not properly trimming your ends and not keeping your hair moisturized.”

With celebrity clientel and clients flying from everywher to sit in her chair, Samantha says she is proud to know that she has pieces of art walking all over the world.

Robinson launched the National Negro Republican Assembly, and years later with the creation of groups like the National Black Republican Council. We see flashes of it whenever Colin Powell berates the GOP for its “race problem.”

But in 2016, there is no organized or institutionalized black Republican response as there was in 1964 or 1974; nor are there loud and public individual responses from black Republican leaders like Robinson, Edward Brooke, Arthur Fletcher and others. The glaring silence

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among various black Republicans may be strategic, but it is also conspicuous. One only wonders how prominent black Republican figures like Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Rep. Mia Love of Utah and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will eventually react to their party’s nominee, or whether their silence is simply a statement in and of itself.

Leah Wright Rigueur is an assistant professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School.Follow Wright Rigueur on Twitter and at her website.

6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:21 PM Page 13

Re d Carpet Style

Idris Elba looks dapper as ever in Tom Ford.

The Grand Long Beach Event Center 4101 E. Willow Street, Long Beach 90815 Donation: $30.00 (Deadline - July 2, 2016

Kerri Washington expecting mother is beautiful in this high split Marc Jacobs black lace gown.

Lupita Nyong’ o stuns in Calvin Klein Jade Sequined Dress Featuring Velvet Straps and Sheer Tulle Train

For more information, contact: Minister Zachary Cue, Chair - cue_zachary@yahoo.com - (562) 760-7239 Rev. Lorrie L. Dixon, Co-Chair - lorriedix@gmail.com - (562) 704-6382 F.O.F.C.C. Church Administrative Office - (562) 595-1222

The first Monday in May Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour holds her annual fundraiser,The Met Gala,in New York. This year’s theme was Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology and the stars slayed the red carpet.

Naomi Campbell looks amazing in a jewel-encrusted Cavalli Couture gown.

Beyonce made heads turn in peach latex Givenchy.

6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:21 PM Page 14

Calendar of events

uesday, June 7 Resurrection Church 9th Church Anniversary & Church Dedication (Through June 28) June 7: Pastor Kimberly Ray 7:30PM June 14: Rev. Jason Robinson 7:30PM June 21: Pastor Jamal Bryant 7:30PM June 26: Pastor Martin Odom 8AM Bishop Sedgwick Daniels, 10AM June 28: Bishop Noel Jones 7:30PM Resurrection Church 1135 E. Janis Street Carson, CA 90746 Contact: (844) 573-7180 www.resurrectionchurchla.org Thursday, June 9 Afrobougee Mixer LA Showcases the best of Africa to the world.

7:00PM – 10PM Free The Firepit @The Standard Downtown LA 550 S. Flower Street Los Angeles 90071

L.A. Focus/June 2016

Laverne Cox attends 2016 Billboard Music Awards May 22 in Las Vegas.

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(Through Sunday) Master of Ceremonies: George Lopez Featuring Al Jarreau, Dianne Reeves, Stanley Clarke, George Benson, Fantasia and more 3pm + $20—$210 Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave www.hollywoodbowl.com

$48-68 • 8PM 8440 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills (888) 645-5006 www.sabanconcerts.com Saturday, June 11 In Concert: Chris Tucker 8PM • $49.50 – 65.50 Terrace Theater Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center 300 E. Ocean Blvd Long Beach 90802 (562) 436-3636 www.longbeachcc.com Our Changing Community Panel: Issues include how the local economy and housing market changing and what does it mean for you; low-risk paths to homeownership and options for affordable rental housing 9:30AM Faithful Central Bible Church The Tabernacle-West Wing North 321 N. Eucalyptus Avenue Inglewood 90302 Contact: (310) 330-8000 www.faithfulcentral.com

Friday, June 10 7th Annual Faithful Central Senior Prom “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” 6PM – Midnight • $55 Double Tree By Hilton Los Angeles Westside Contact: (310) 3308000 www.faithfulcentral.com

Long Beach Needs More Heroes 3rd Annual Foster Care and Adoption Expo 11:00Am-1:00PM Lunch will be provided Long Beach City College 4901 E. Carson Street Building E, Nordic Lounge RVSP: (888) 811-1121

In Concert: The Temptations Saban Theatre

38th Annual PlayBoy Jazz Festival

er Entertain dric The e C elB d n in a ill irthday Johnny G ’s 50th b y n n h Jo celebrate Air.

attends (Hollywood Exs) Sheree Fletcher bash. y da rth bi th Johnny Gill’s 50

Sunday, June 12 (Through August 7, 2016 Crafts and Creations in CAAM’s Courtyard 1PM-3:30P/Weds, Fri & Sun Free CAAM 600 State Drive Exposition Park Contact: (213) 744-7432 www.caamuseum.org Thursday, June 16 Connecting Women to Power Business

Conference 8:30am-5:00pm California State University, Dominguez Hills Loker Student Auditorium No cost to attend • Space is limited 1000 E. Victoria Street Carson 90747 Register online or by calling 1-888847-9652 www.boe.ca.gov/connectingwomentopower Friday, June 17 In Concert: DMX with Noa James 8:00PM Fox Theater Pomona 301 S. Garey Ave Pomona, CA 91766 (877) 283-6976 www.foxpomona.com In Concert: Mase 8:00PM Tickets: $15-$25.00 The Novo By Microsoft 800 W. Olympic Blvd Los Angeles 90015

EVENT SpOTLIGHT June 7,14,21,26,28 9th Church Anniversary and Church Dedication Worship Center 1135 East Janis Street Carson, CA 90746 844-573-7180 resurrectionchurchla.org

KeKe Palm er alo pics at Pum ng pose Leah Pum p for p’s Lady Li ke Founda tion.

First Lady Togetta Ulmer with Shawn attend The Ulmer Institute Launch Celebration.

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Sabastian connecting with the youth at a careers program for graduating seniors and students.

Information: (213) 765-7000 Saturday, June 18 Women Veterans and Women Caregivers R&R (Hosted by the American Red Cross LA Chapter, LA County Veterans Advisory Commission, Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and more!)

Come join us for a day of relaxation and resources!

Admission, parking, lunch and children’s events are free of charge.

10AM-2PM Bob Hope Patriotic Hall 1816 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Free health screenings, meet Black Inventor(s), fun for the kids, live entertainment, vendors and more 10AM-6PM Free Leimert Park Village 4300 Degnan Blvd Los Angeles, CA www.blackartslosangeles.org

Kenneth and Togetta Ulmer with L.L. Cool J and his wife Simone Smith at The Ulmer Institute Launch Celebration.

May 18th in Beverly Hills.

Dorinda Clark Cole 12PM-4:00PM Long Beach Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom 700 W. Ocean Blvd Long Beach, CA 90831 RSVP at www.hufawards.com Monday, June 20 Los Angeles Dodgers Teammate Networking Event Grow your network with key senior level executives within the sports industry) Registration: 5:40PM Networking Event: 6:10PM LA Dodger vs Washington Nationals: 7:10PM $73-93 Dodger Stadium 1000 Vin Scully Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012 Thursday, June 23 Clarence McClendon Ministries’ Presents Southern California Revival Tour of 2016 (Through June 24) Host Pastor: Jarron C. O’Neal (Fountain of Love Christian Center) 1100 E. Holt Avenue Pomona, CA 91767 www.bishopmcclendon.com

Los Angeles County Job and Career Fair 10am-2pm• Free LAX Hilton 5711 Century Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90045 BET Experience In Concert: Katt Williams & Mike Epps 7:30pm $59.50- $175.00 Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 742-7340 In Concert: Maxwell & Ro James 8:00PM Vina Robles Amphitheatre 3800 Mil Road,off Highway 46E Paso Robles, CA 93446 Tickets:$61-81 (805) 286-3680 Friday, June 24 Retirement Celebration Honoring Pastor Solomon L. Drake and First Lady Isabelle F. Drake 5:30-6:30PM - Photos 6:30PM- Seating Begins 7:00PM- Celebration Begins LAX Marriott Hotel 5855 W. Century Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90045 Tickets: (323) 759-4996 Tickets: $100.00

BET Experience In Concert:Usher and Bryson Tiller 7:30pm• $59.50- $175 Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa Los Angeles, CA 90015 www.staplescenter.com Saturday, June 25 BET Experience at L.A. Live Celebrity Basketball Game 1:00PM – 3:00PM Free L.A. Convention Center West Hall www.betexperience.com In Concert: Lil Wayne, 2Chainz, Fetty Wap, Tory Lanez, A$AP Ferg, Ty Dolla $ign and Kodak Black 7:00PM Tickets: $59.50-$175.00 Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa Los Angeles, CA 90015 www.betexperience.com T-Shirts & Brunch: Hosted by Vivica A Fox (Indulge on brunch menu inspired appetizers, and enjoy the live sounds of Reggie Strong and Dy’Verse Music Group with a performance by Allegro Nevella, sis-

ter to Yolanda Adams 1:00PM-5:00PM $35-250 California Market Center 916 S. Los Angeles Street Los Angeles, Ca 90015 Church One Community Fair (A free event for the community that will consist of: Employment Opportunities, Health Screenings, College Fair, Business Development, Networking) 9:00AM – 3:00PM Church One 700 E. 70th Street Long Beach, Ca 90805 (562) 633-2515 Community Coalition People Power Convention 2016 (This is a space for South LA residents to talk about what they’ve experienced in our community and to get training by experts on topics of health, civic engagement, mass incarceration and the economic crisis.)

9:00AM-3:00PM Southwest College 1600 W. Imperial Hwy Los Angeles, CA 90047 RSVP at www.action.cocosouthla.org/p eople_power_convention_2016

around los angeles

Sunday, June 19 14th Annual HUF Awards and Scholarship Brunch Mistress of Ceremonies: Kym Whitley Featuring entertainment by

Chamber of Commerce of

Shemar Moore and Wendy Raquel Robinson at Amazing Grace Conservatory (AGC) for the spring production of “Goodbye Birdie!”

Rowland and Tina Richard Lawson, Kelly yLike Foundation Lad Lawson attend the . noring Kelly Rowland Annual Fundraiser ho

Monday, July 4 Councilmember Curren Price and The New 9th District Celebrate the 4th of July Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Expo Park Concert at 12 Noon Los Angeles Coliseum Expo Park Saturday, July 9 BAM Crawford’s The Company Int’l Women’s Empowerment One Day Seminar “Legacy: Encoded Wealth” 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Double Tree Hotel TorranceSouth Bay Registration fee: $65.00 (Seminar materials and luncheon included) Parking is free Host: Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford (310)-330-4700

Brandy Norwood attends the spring production of “Goodbye Birdie ”

L.A. Focus/June 2016

ughter Ryan and Holly Robinson with da The LadyLike d en att mom Dolores Fundraiser.

Foundation’s Annual

Tuesday, July 2 94.7 The Wave’s Soulful Summer Presents Blackstreet, Johnny Gill, Al B Sure, After 7, Total Tickets: $60.00 - $140.00 7:30PM The Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd www.fabulousforum.com

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6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:21 PM Page 16

INSIDE HO L LY W OOD with Chez’Ney “The Immoratal Life Of Henrietta Lacks” HBO is bringing “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” to the small screen and Oprah is set to star as Henrietta, a poor African America Baltimore mother of five, who died of cervical cancer in 1951 at age 31.

Without her family’s knowledge her cancerous cells were removed from her body and cultured for medical research by doctors at Johns Hopkins, which led to significant breakthroughs in medical research, ranging from aiding the development of the cure for polio to AIDS-related treatments.

The HBO movie will be based on the novel “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. After Oprah read all 384 pages in one sitting she reportedly loved the book so much that in 2010 Harpo Films acquired the rights to the New York Time’s bestselling novel. Veteran Broadway director/producer and Tony Winner George C. Wolfe (HBO’s Lackawanna Blues) wrote the adaptation and will direct the film. Skloot serves as co-executive producer, while Henrietta Lacks’ sons David Lacks Jr. and Zakariyya Rahman and granddaughter Jeri Lacks are consultants. Shooting will begin this summer.

Shonda Rhimes Makes Divas Her Latest Project “Dare Divas” is the latest big studio project for the company that has conquuered television with the hit shows Grey’s Anatomy , Private Practice , Off the Map , Scandal , How to Get Away with Murder and The Catch. Now ShondaLand–– Rhimes’ production company–– is heading to the bigscreen with a movie based on the lives of the Detroit group of friends who are devoted to living their lives to the fullest.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, “The Dare Divas” were formed after Sheri Hunter lost her husband and when counseling didn’t work for her, decided to deal with her grief through experiences that made her appreciate life. Recruited three of her closest friends, she undertook a worldwide trip. They continued their wild ways, going skydiving, race car driving, white water rafting, cliff diving, and more traveling”.

Idris Elba Tests His Love Of Speed As if he doesn’t already have enough on his plate as he is presenting filming the lead role in Stephen King’s feature film adaptation of “The Dark Tower”; gearing up for the USA release this month of “A Hundred Streets” and next month of “Star Trek Beyond”; and set for the next installment of “Thor”, the Golden Globe-winning and Emmy Awardnominated actor and producer will test his love of speed and racing in a new TV series for the Discovery Channel.

In the four-part series, premiering on July 4, Elba will “immerse himself in rally driving, street racings, aerobatics and power boating to master not only the discipline of racing, but also the engineering science and history behind it.”

Said Elba: “I’m taking on the toughest racing challenges of my life for this new Discovery TV series.

Along the way I’ll meet extraordinary individuals, spectacular machines and hear amazing stories of how far people go to satisfy their love of speed.

The extreme challenges will take me right out of my comfort zone as I compete against the best on land, water and in the air.” Briefly: Jada Pinkett and Queen Latifah have signed on to join Regina Hall in Malcolm D. Lee and Will Packer’s film, Girl Trip, which will follow the Oprah ladies as they embark on a road trip to New Winfrey Orleans to attend the Essence Festival.

COMINGSOON

Now You See Me: The Warcraft Second Act The peaceful realm of A year after outwitting the Azeroth stands on the FBI, the illusionists resurbrink of war as its civiface for a comeback in hopes lization faces a fearsome of exposing the unethical race of invaders another. practices of a tech magnate.

June 10 June 10

Finding Dory The trio takes off on a life-changing adventure across the ocean to California’s prestigious Marine Life Institute.

June 17

Free State of Jones An epic action-drama set during the Civil War, and tells the story of defiant Southern farmer and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy.

June 24

Oprah’s Controversial “Greenleaf” Set to Debut June 21

L.A. Focus/June 2016

Oprah is bringing a new drama series to OWN. “Greenleaf”, a new original drama series from Lionsgate TV and Emmy-nominated writer/producer Craig Wright (Lost, Six Feet Under),follows the disreputable world of the Greenleaf family’s sordid secrets and lies, their

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Memphis mega church, and it’s all black members.

Keith David (Barbershop, There’s Something about Mary, Dead Presidents) plays the family patriarch Bishop James and Emmy award winner Lynn Whitfield (The Josephine Baker Story, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate) as his wife and first lady, Lady Mae Greenleaf. Centering on the journey of disenchanted preacher Grace Greenleaf whos daughter Faith fell victim to a mysterious death which brings back his daughter who has been astranged for 20 years. As she reenters the world of Calvary Fellowship World Ministries, the Memphis megachurch run by her powerful parents Bishop James Greenleaf and Lady Mae Greenleaf, it becomes evident that things are not as virtuous and the family is not as holy as they seem.

The series' executive producer Oprah Winfrey joined Greenleaf in a recurring role as Mavis McCready, the sister of Lady Mae Greenleaf. Kim Hawthorne, Lamman Rucker, Tye White, Deborah Joy Winans and Desiree Ross also star.

The drama filled series is kicking off with a two-night premiere on Tuesday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 22 on OWN and has already gotten a second season renewal.

Q&A Jessie Usher

The star of Labron James’ Starz series “Survivor’s Remorse” is making big moves in Hollywood with being cast in Independence Day: Resurgence. The Maryland native moved to Los Angeles with his family in 2003 and started landing small television roles including “Without a Trace”, “Numbers”, “Criminal Minds”, “Lincoln Heights”, and “Hannah Montana”.His first big role came in 2011 playing the role of Lyle Hugginson in Cartoon Network’s television movie “Level Up”.

Q: How did you feel about having to gain 20 pounds for the role and what was your reaction?

A: They called me literally seven weeks before the first day we were supposed to film and they asked me, “Would you be willing to gain some weight for this role?” And I was like, “Heck yeah; I’m down to do whatever it takes.” Then they set me up with a pro trainer. His name is William Thompson and he’s a really good weight gain coach. So I linked that next morning.

Q: What keeps you grounded?

A: My family. My friends and the people that I’ve always been around. I moved out to Los Angeles twelve years ago, and I pretty much had the same three or four friends ever since. They make sure I stay grounded. They don’t let me get away with nothing. For the most part, it’s about keeping the same people around you—people who really care about your well-being—they keep you focused.

Q: What are your long-term aspirations and do you have any hidden talents that we don’t know about yet?

I like to dance. I’m not going to say that I’m a good dancer. I’ve heard people say, “Oh my God, you’re such a good dancer” and I’ve heard others say, “You, sit down. That was awful.” So I don’t know, but I cook. I went to school for culinary arts. I love to cook.

As far long-term aspirations, other than acting, I do want to direct a little bit. I want to get on the production side and eventually start a production company and maybe make some projects of my own.

Q: What can you tell us about your role in Independence Day: Resurgence.

Well, I’m playing Dylan Hiller, he’s the son of Steven Hiller and Jasmine, who is played by Will Smith and Vivica Fox. At this point, this movie is coming out 20 years after the first one came out.

It’s sort of like, a post-alien attack world. Most of the world was destroyed in the first one so now everybody is unified and all of that kind of stuff.

As far as Dylan goes, he’s following in his dad’s footsteps by joining the military and now he’s a fighter pilot. He’s handling business. He’s the man.

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Eye On Gospel The Rise of Tim Bowman Jr. Growing up in a music family as the son of renowned jazz guitarist Tim Bowman, the nephew of Vickie Winans, and cousin to Mario and Marvin WInans Jr., Tim Bowman has been watching the music charts since he accepted his musical calling at 11 and dreaming about the day he was on top of them. Last month, he realized that dream when his sophomore album, Listen, bowed at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums Chart.

Bowman was the first artist signed to Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins’ new Universal distributed label, Lifestyle Music Group. "'Listen is an incredible album from start to finish," said Jerkins. "We wanted to create a project that transcends a single genre and we put our passion and heart into it and gave it to God." Bowman honed his talents recording such singles as “Shake Yourself Loose” (remix) featured on Winans’ hit song, “How I Got Over,” at the age of 17 and touring with the Winans. His 2012 debut, Beautiful, peaked at #8, but his second CD has struck a chord. His first single, "I'm Good", is a hit! It is currently trending #1 atop the Billboard Gospel radio charts.

Bowman will continue to promote the album this summer with key appearances including a performance at the BET Experience in Los Angeles later this month.

Stampley Debuts At #1

Interface Entertainment recording artist and international worship leader Micah Stampley’s new album, To the King: Vertical Worship debuts at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and No. 9 on Billboard’s Top Christian and Gospel Albums chart. This release marks the second highest album debut to date for the Los Angeles native who at the age of four joined his church choir.

“We were created for worship” says Stampley of the album that was recorded live in Dallas, Georgia at the Oasis Family Life Church. The CD contains new worship a n t h e m s penned by he and his wife/cowriter, Heidi and

revamped versions of some of the most well-known praise and worship anthems from his five previous recordings.

Sneed Presents Third Annual Levites’ Gathering Conductor, pianist, producer and recording artist Damien L. Sneed is set to present The Third Annual Levites’ Gathering, June 8-11 at The Cathedral at Greater Faith in New York. The conference is a forum for music ministers, musicians, psalmists, praise and worship leaders, sound engineers, gospel music industry leaders and more. This season’s theme is “Embracing The Prophetic—1 Corinthians 14:1” and will feature international guest speakers Bishop Iona Locke, Prophet Todd Hall, Pastor Kim Burrell, Prophet Andre Cook, Pastor Juandolyn Stokes, Pastor Jonathan Shaw, Pastor John Paul McGee, Pastor San Franklin and Pastor Chantel Wright.

Sneed believes that “Embracing The Prophetic—1 Corinthians 14:1” “Speaks to the fact that we all can benefit from a sure and direct Word from God about our lives, our situations and our future. This gathering has been designed for every person attending to receive direction and spiritual impartation to help bring them to fulfill their individual callings and successfully arrive at their God-given destinations in life.”

Sneed is an Artist-in-Residence at Nyack Christian College in New York City. He is also an adjunct professor at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Briefly: Tillymann Music Group inked an agreement with RED Distribution for physical and digital distribution of the complete catalog of PlatinumSelling Artist and Grammy Award® Nominee Tamela Mann including her upcoming album release, One Way, and her husband, NAACP Image® AwardWinning Comedian David Mann in the U.S…On June 4, Motown Gospel releases 1 Mic 1 Take, a ten-song acoustic gospel compilation including songs from Motown Gospel artists Smokie Norful, Tasha Cobbs, Myron Butler & Levi, Brian Courtney Wilson and newcomer Royce Lovett. “Putting world class artists in a legendary room performing their signature songs with scaled back production doesn’t present itself often,” says, Larry Blackwell, Vice President and General Manager of Motown Gospel. “I believe the artists captured the fundamental essence of our genre with their soulful performances”…Finally, the GRAMMY nominated female group Virtue (Ebony Holland, Karima Kibble, and Heather Martin) is the latest act to be added to the star-studded line up of gospel artists —Yolanda Adams, Travis Greene, Brian Courtney Wilson, Tasha Page Lockhart and Kierra Sheard—performing on Sunday, July 3 at the Ernest N. Moral Convention Center in tribute to the legendary Clark Sisters.

Virtue will perform their current radio single “Miracle” (off their seventh studio project Fearless) which was originally made popular by The Clark Sisters.

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ChurchNews Wells Fargo Partners With West Angeles COGIC

B

ishop Charles Blake, of West pastor Angeles Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and Presiding Bishop of the 5th largest denomination in the world, has become the face of a campaign to make significant improvements in the urban Los Angeles community through a recently announced partnership with Wells Fargo.

The official launch was marked by a full page ad in the Los Angeles Times last month prominently featuring Bishop Blake, demonstrating Wells Fargo's recognition of Blake and West Angles CDC's commitment to develop and improve their community.

"Wells Fargo Bank has been a committed partner to West Angeles Community Development Corporation.

For over 20 years, Wells Fargo Bank has demonstrated strong support for our programs in homeownership, financial capabilities and small business development here in South L.A.," Grant D. Power, Executive Director, West Angeles CDC. West Angeles CDC, with the support of numerous corporate partners, have developed over 400 units of housing, and commercial property, including West Angeles Plaza, in the inner city of Los Angeles. It has initiated and implemented scores of civic, social, financial and educational programs that have assisted thousands of congregants and Los Angeles County residents.

"The primary benefit of a mega church is that is has resources to initiate programs that are conceived for the work for the advancement of the community," said Blake.

West Angeles CDC newest development initiative will provide modern housing for senior citizens in the Los Angeles Community. Blake and West Angeles COGIC are in the midst of a capital campaign to develop the West Angeles Family Life Center which will provide educational, medical, financial, social and recreational resources to its congregants and community-atlarge.

"With the development of the Family Life Center, our goal is to leave a stable, future ministry legacy for the community, strengthen the fiber of the church's outreach to men, women, children, and families in the community, and to further impact the nation and world for Jesus Christ," stated Blake.

L.A. Focus June 2016

Apostle Fred Price Releases New Book The latest book from Apostle Fred Price comes with the following warning: Do not read this new book by Apostle Frederick K.C. Price — “The Victorious, Overcoming Life,” if you want to feel satisfied that you have served Our Heavenly Father to the fullest victoriously already — because you won’t. But if you are still willing to go before God and be honest about your purpose, the desires of your heart, and the unchecked goals on your bucket list, then read his book!

Price’s newest book—“The Victorious, Overcoming Life” —is a contemporary commentary on the Apostle Paul’s 1,900 year old letter to Colossians, while highlighting some of the letter’s timeless truths.

“Walking worthy of the Lord means living in such a way that the privilege granted to you of being a child of God is being exhibited to the world,” Price observes. “Our Heavenly Father doesn’t want us to become approval-hungry children, but (Church News

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

Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Rev. Frederick Price Jr. Sunday Service: 10am Bible Study (Tue): 11am & 7pm Tue. Night Kidz Unlocked: 7pm Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7pm Intercessory Prayer (Wed.): 7:30pm Prayer & Praise (Thurs.): 6:30pm First AME Church (FAME) 2270 South Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-1251 • F: (323) 735-3533 • www.famechurch.org Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, Senior Pastor/CEO Sunday School: 10am Worship: 8am, 10am, Noon Teen Church (2nd Sundays):Noon,Allen House Wed. Prayer Service: Noon Wed. Bible Study: 7pm Radio: 10:30am on KJLH-102.3FM First AME is the oldest Black Church in the City Grace Temple Baptist Church 7017 South Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192 Bishop Miquail M. Broadous Sr., Senior Pastor Sunday School: 9am Morning Worship: 10:00am Wednesday Worship: 6:45pm E-Mail: gtbcla@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:21 PM Page 19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marcena Hooks may be new to Los Angeles, but the OKC transplant made a smooth transition into her role as the First Lady of the New Hope Baptist Church in Los Angeles three years ago.

Hooks says she still feels like she stands out in her new congregation - but she’s made it her home.“I’m a bit younger,” Hooks says. “Most of [the congregants] could be my mom or grandmother. We’re just learning each other, we’re growing together. For the most part they respect me and I respect them. It’s been pretty smooth so far.”

Hooks, who’s been married to her husband, Dr. Larry Hooks II, for eleven years, originally met him through a mutual friend who worked with him at their church back in Oklahoma.

They now have two small children, ages seven and nine.

On top of motherhood, Hooks is pursuing her Master’s in Creative Writing at Antioch University, where she hopes to write Christian fiction romance novels. While she has a busy life outside the church, she has gradually taken on roles within the church as well. “I’m in the choir, I do some directing, I read the announcements, and I work on the newsletter,” Hooks says. And with her busy student mom lifestyle to add to her First Lady duties, she says that for now, “that’s enough.”

Hooks says she cares most about being seen as an approachable, “human” First Lady to her congregants.“I am human,” Hooks says. “I am not this Barbie doll figure that’s about the glamour and prestige in this title. I'm a real person that they can talk to and approach.”

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Rev. Dr. Lovely Haynes Sunday Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed: Prayer Bible Study: 6pm - 6:55 pm Mon. Night Bible Study: 7pm Tue Choir Rehersal Wednesday Prayer: Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7pm • Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7pm Thurs. Evangelism: 7pm (enrollment required) St. Matthew Tabernacle of Praise “The S.T.O.P.” 3770 Santa Rosalia Dr. Baldwin Hills, CA 90008 (323) 291-1115 • F: (323) 293-0471 Rev. C.Barry Greene, Pastor Morning Worship: 8am Church School Hour: 10:15am Tuesday Hour of Power: 7pm

www.pleasanthillbaptistchurch.org

Early Morning Worship: 6:45am Educational Hour: 9:15am Mid-Morning Worship: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 7pm Sunday Broadcast: 7pm

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

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

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 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/June 2016

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

Marcena Hooks

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

“You can end your search for a friendly church”

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

first lady files:

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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: 9:30am Sunday Service: 11am - 1:30pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm

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

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

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

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: Gerald Waddis Pastor Profile Name: Reverend Gerald Waddis Church: Central Baptist Church in Carson Hometown: Los Angeles, CA How long as pastor: Six months Family: Wife Darcus You just took over as pastor. Is it a big adjustment for you?

It's a huge adjustment for me... because coming behind someone that's been here 43 years... I've been here 25 years so I got to know him well. Plus I sat under his tutelage for years. Going from a minister to the top man pastor, that's the adjustment.

Was there any pushback from congregation members as to why you were chosen given that you were married to the pastor’s daughter?

The pastor prayed about it and actually I was the last one he thought of. My name came up, and my wife and I, we did the couples ministry. We've been doing it for 20 years. Plus we've been doing the financial ministry as well teaching, couples how to manage God's money. So he said he thought they were key elements that would make a great pastor."

Were you called to pastor then?

I was called to pastor about five or six years ago. I didn't think it would be here. My focus was my own work.

L.A. Focus/June 2016

Growing up, did you want to be a pastor?

I never thought I would. I had a fear of standing in front of people. I left church altogether growing up, I just stopped going cause I said no, I can't do it. With that, I ran into nothing but trouble and turmoil. So I realized when I met [my wife]... I started going to fellowship again at Faithful Central. The Lord told me to come be with her in church when we got engaged. Next thing you know I'm walking down to join.

Shortly after that I was called to be a deacon and then the Lord called me to be a minister. So I said I can't run from this. I prayed about it and then I talked to her dad.

He says "I'm gonna set up a date for you to preach." The next thing you know, three or four months later I'm preaching, standing in front of people.

How was it?

I was petrified. The people scared me so bad. I think I said "focused" about a hundred times. I started off

20

"see we have to focus, and if we stay focused, we'll get focused."

Have you gotten over your fear of speaking?

Yes. Just by doing it…by studying, praying and fasting.

And I constantly ask the Lord to take this fear away. It's not as frightening now.

Did you grow up in church?

Yes. Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Los Angeles.

What did you want to be growing up?

I just wanted to do something with my hands where no one bothered me. Woodwork, working on cars. I became a machinist in '79 . I was happy as long as my hands were doing something, where I didn’t have to speak. I'm an introvert.

Was it difficult for you to transition seeing yourself as a minister?

It was very difficult. The major change was when [my wife and I] went through counseling. I did not want to go through counseling, but we wanted our marriage to work. The counselor and his wife were tremendous. They really knew how to help people with their hurts. And I thought I wanted to be like them…to share what I learned through them with other couples.

Is there for you some concern then, that people aren't getting married like they once did and what that will do to the community?

I think a lot of times the difficult is not so much getting married, the problem is staying married. With couples..before they get to the altar, they’ve damaged each other, I want to stop them and show them - think of the other person's feelings. Get behind their eyes. Think of the best way that you could make their day easier.

What do you hope people get out of ministry after they hear you preach, coming to this church?

I just want them to get a closer relationship with the Lord. My hope is that they can apply the principles of the Word of God knowing that faith is a substance of things hoped for, as the Word says.

What do find yourself sharing about most in the pulpit?

My love and passion is marriage. I love to encourage couples to work it out. Think selfless. Humility moreso, and love.

This church - is somewhat a secret to

people in LA. Is it part of your mission to kind of spread the word about what you’re doing here?

Definitely. I want to expand with social media as well as to reach out to the community with door hangers. I want to reach the younger generation. We have young talented people here. I want to allow them to use their talents.

We have a couple’s ministry. We have a financial ministry, which is two hours a week that teaches all the aspects of finances, from stocks and bonds and retirement to the marketing techniques used to lure people in.

Being a good steward to God's money is so important. I really like to present practical messages where they can apply the principles, knowing the Word of God and how to transform that into their lives.

Is there a philosophy or scripture that comes to mind that has kind of shadowed or paralleled your success throughout your life?

I like to implement winning people to Christ. That's one of our mission statements: "Win, Love, Build" - winning people to Christ, loving people to Christ, and building them for Christ to go out for Christ.

6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:21 PM Page 21

From the Pulpit: Bethel Missionary Baptist Church -- “Get Here Any Way You Can”

Y

ou can reach me by railway; you can reach me by trail way, you can reach me by airplane; you can reach me with your mind.

You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man. You can reach me by sailboat, climb a tree a swing from rope to rope, take a sled down a snowy slope into theses arms of mine, but get here if you can There are hills and mountains between us that we have to get over. If I had my way, you would be closer. I need you closer.

You can windsurf into my life, pick me up on a carpet ride. I don’t care how you get here, just get here if you can.

That’s a song about a person who needed another person to be there with him, no matter how they got there.

In Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul is trying to get the Saints in Christ to be closer in love, in mind and in one accord. So he offers several ways that they might get there, but he wants them to get there. Here are some of the reasons: Consolation is a calling alongside for help and that is what God does for his children. He comes alongside—enables, comforts, and empowers. So He says consolation in Christ is one avenue you can take.

But get here if you can.

Sometimes, you have to overcome a lot of things to get where God wants you to be, but you want to get there if you can. As brother Malcolm would say “By any means necessary”.

Another avenue is comfort of love. If you

find solace in love; if love gives you that sense of belonging; that sense of serenity, use that comforting love as a means of uniting with fellow saints. The hymnwriter says, “Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.

You don’t have to be afraid of genuine love. Some things people call love is not love at all. The reason why I’m abusing you, cause I love you. That’s not love. The reason why I beat up on you, I love you.

That’s not love. The reason why I’m so jealous, cause I love you. There is no fear in love.

If you got Agape, the real love, you can feel comfortable in that love. You can trust that love. You can rely on that love. Perfect love cast out fear.

Get there any way you can. But make sure you get there. Love can be misused; it can be abused. But love still last. While we were still sinners. Christ died for us.

Scarcely, for a righteous man some would die. Perhaps for a good man some would dare to die. But God demonstrated committed love towards us, yet we were still sinners.

Comfort in love. If you got love you might not have a house full of the newest furniture. But you got a home.

Then there is the fellowship of the Spirit. Know that Jesus said in St. John 4:23” But the hour cometh and now is, that the true worshipper shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth, for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

God wants us to do what we do in the

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

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

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

Pastor Reginald A. Pope

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 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

The Liberty Church 14725 S. Gramercy Place, Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 715-8400 Pastor David W. Cross Early Worship: 8:30am Morning Worship: 9am & 11am Children’s Church: Both Services Word Power Wed.: 7-8pm

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

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

In Inglewood

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

another comforter. He will abide with you and be in you. I’ve given my life on the cross, and I’m going back to heaven, but, I’m not going to leave you comforter less.

I’m going to give you another comforter, one just like me. He will guide you in always of truth.

Have you ever noticed, people who walk with God, avoid a lot of pitfalls? The songwriter says, forget about yourself and concentrate on Him and worship Him, worship him. Christ the Lord. Minor differences are deleted when we worship in the Spirit. Barriers are broken down when we worship in the Spirit.

There’s the avenue of tender mercies and compassion. When we use the avenue of tender mercy we understand that it was not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His Mercy.

So, if you have to come by yourself, come; If you need someone to walk with you; come; If you want to walk, come: If you want to run, come.

Get here any way you can.

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/June 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

spirit…and be sure it’s the right spirit.

There are a lot of spirits out there and they will mess with your minds. The spirit of fellowship is gentle, it is kind and the spirit of God recognizes ungodly spirits.

When you get the right spirit you can handle the bad spirit. When the Holy Spirit guides you—when he empowers you, you can do the unusual in your life. Acts 1:8, says “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be witness unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” But, you’ve got to wait on the spirit.

The spirit can be tested. My late Pastor Iverson said a woman came up to him and said the spirit told me to tell you to give me $20.00. He said, go back and tell that spirit he missed it because I don’t have $20.00.” We lay a lot of things on the spirit. But the spirit of truth will always prevail. So, if you want to get to the right place with the right attitude, get in the spirit.

And the spirit does not make you do crazy things.

Thank God, when Jesus got ready to go. He said I’m going to send you

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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 www.go2Hope.com Pastor Geremy L. Dixon Morning Worship: 8am & 11am Wed. Mid-Week Service: Noon Wed. Teaching Ministry: 7pm 1st Sunday Communion 5th Sunday Baptism Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc.

1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90303 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760 Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr. Sunday School: 10am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm KYTYM 1460AM (Sunday): 11:30am www.jacobladderschurch.com 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 &

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

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

In Long Beach

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

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

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.bethelemchurchpasadena.org

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

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

6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:21 PM Page 23

T h r o u g h t he Storm A Death Sentence Teaches Zenay Arnold How To Live

Z

enay Arnold didn’t know just how much of a fighter she was until at the age of 32, shortly after her husband walked out on her, she was faced with a diagnosis that would forever alter the course of her life—and would, doctors predicted, kill her within seven years or less.

It all started with numbness in her hands & feet, aching in her joints and fatigue.

“I did not understand what was happening to me,” Arnold recounts. “My best recourse was to keep working long hard hours and praising God because the hours that I did not spend at work were spent at Church. I just thought I was tired and needed some rest. Doing all that I was doing was helping me keep a clear mind, but my body began to refuse my minds command to keep going!

“I woke up one morning and my body refused to move, I had to be rushed to the hospital. My body was frozen but the pain was absolutely real and unbearable. The doctors were asking me so many questions I had no answers to and after hours of testing the results changed the world that I had once had control of. I was forced into a place of not knowing my next move.

The test results: five Auto Immune Diseases had taken my body hostage. One of the more ferocious diseases was LUPUS. Mind you at the moment I did not understand the severity of what I was dealing with; or what was dealing with me. Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren Syndrome, Mix Connective Tissue and Raynauds.

“I was told that I only had a certain amount of time left before the illnesses would overtake me so I just actually went into survival mode. I didn’t think about my future. I was thinking about just living day to day.

I was really sick.”

The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans a n d Although lupus can strike men and women of all ages, 90 percent of individuals diagnosed with the disease are women between the ages of 15-44. A chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or

T H E

organs inside the body), Lupus is two to three times more prevalent among women of color and is marked by flares that can range from a rash or muscle pain to kidney disease and or failure requiring hospitalization.

Arnold’s chronic pain and flares from her Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren Syndrome, Mix Connective Tissue Disease and Raynaud's Syndrome were at times debilitating.

“I went to church,” Arnold says. “My pastor prayed for me daily on top of me spending time with God. When I was sick and stuck in bed, unable to function, I had a lot of quality time with God. Instead of letting the depression try to defeat me, I just kept focus on God. ‘This is gonna pass, I’m gonna get better.’

She believes she is still alive - having beaten the odds - because of her familial support and God. “God, prayer, my family...I wouldn't be here if it wasn’t for all of them, including my doctors. I have a great team of doctors of both Western and alternative [medicine]. I’m truly blessed. Along with my will to live, those are the reasons why I’m still here.”

That and her passion to help others diagnosed with Lupus through the “We Win Foundation” she started with her actress sister, Tichina Arnold (“Survivor’s Remorse”, “Top Five”, “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Martin”).

“We Win was born in the middle of my pain,” Arnold recalls.

“They initially gave me five to seven years to basically live. On the seventh year, I never forget, I didn’t even realize that time had passed. Tichina and I were talking, I was like ‘oh my god, I can't believe I lived passed what they said!’

“I said, I have to do something. Once I thought about it, I prayed about it, I went To Tichina. She was like okay, give me my marching orders,’ and we started the We Win Foundation.”

Having outlived her original prognosis, Arnold now works hard to take care of herself, maintain her relationship and faith, and channels her drive to live into creating a resource for other women facing a new autoimmune diagnosis.

“Our mission is to restore strength hope and comfort to sufferers and their caregivers.

We suffer but our caregivers, they suffer taking care of us. They sacrifice as well. We want to make sure we help all people. We have several programs that we do.”

We Win offers classes and programs like LupieYoga - yoga designed to help restore and comfort the body after a Lupus flare-up - and a program called The Selfish Project, in which patients are instructed to focus on taking care of themselves.

“We neglect ourselves because we’re so busy trying to not focus on the disease and yet we’re doing damage in the long term by not resting,” Arnold adds.

“We also have counseling and we are trying to push out our financial assistance program. Unfortunately the disease affects people financially. That’ something we’re looking into doing.”

Arnold’s says her lowest time - the period in which sufferers need the most help - came after her diagnoses. Now, Arnold uses her own inspiring story to inspire the women she meets through We Win. “We’re being effective,” she continues. “I look forward to us growing and doing much more. Going globally. This disease is not just here in the United States. It’s everywhere. Our Selfish Project has 60 graduates that went through it. LupieYoga - we do it annually as well as weekly. That number varies. Our last event had over 200 people. We’re slowly getting there.

“If I can help just one person that means a lot to me, so if I can help 200 people I’m just ecstatic. We’re trying to get grants.”

When it comes to those dealing with a diagnosis like her own, Arnold gives simple but sound advice - never quit.

“Do not give up,” she states emphatically. “Do not lose hope. If you have no hope, there’s nothing else. I literally just concentrate on ‘don’t give up.’

“I’m in a flare right now, my day's been interrupted. It’s upsetting. But I’m not a quitter. I know that this will pass. I constantly instill in women: just because you got diagnosed with a death sentence doesn’t mean you have to die.”

H E A R T

G A L L E R Y

“For The Love Of Sisters” games. Latrina has struggled in the past with school but with appropriate services and stability she is now making progress. She is also learning appropriate coping skills when she experiences a letdown or frustration. There are other siblings including three brothers that the girls would love to maintain their connections to for the rest of their lives and they would like a family that can support these important relationships. Be the family these beautieneed in their life!

Call 888-811-1121 to learn more about adopting these sisters today!

www.heartgalleryla.org www.shareyourheartla.org Photo by Anne Richardson-Daniel

L.A. Focus/June 2016

Lisa born in 2002 and Latrina born in 2005 are lovely sisters who desire the security and stability of an adoptive family. Both girls are healthy and eager to be adopted together! Lisa is a friendly and likable girl who gets along with everyone. She appears older due to her amazing vocabulary and maturity. Lisa is very bright, soft spoken but also an advocate for herself when needed. She is able to say what she likes and doesn’t like and is not a follower. She has positive relationships with adults and she relates well to her peers.

She enjoys listening to music, writing and reading.

Latrina is an outgoing and outdoorsy young lady.

Latrina really shines when she gets to explore nature!

The mountains hold a special place in her heart. She also likes doing arts and crafts and playing video

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6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:21 PM Page 24

Church News continued from page 18

continued to page 24) He does expect us to bear fruit.”

Women Who Attend Church Regularly Live Longer According to a new Harvard study, women who regularly attend church services live longer. In the study, titled “Association of Religious Service Attendance With Mortality Among Women,” researchers found that women who attended church more than once per week had a 33% lower mortality rate, compared with women who never attended church.

The research took place over a 20-year period and investigated the church-going habits of 74,534 Catholic and Protestant women with an average baseline age of 60 who participated in the U.S. Nurses’ Health Study.

Tyler VanderWeele, Harvard professor and author of the study, said church attendance was an under-appreciated health resource. “Religious attendance is a relatively good determinant of health. Our results suggest that there may be something important about religious service attendance beyond solitary spirituality”. ßIn addition to significantly lower risk of cardiovascular, and cancer mortality, VanderWeele found that women who attended church regularly were more optimistic, had greater social support, lower rates of depression and were less likely to smoke. VanderWeele also found that the women suffered less from anxiety.

L.A. Focus/June 2016

Bishop T.D. Jakes Talk Show Gets Green Light for September Bow September 12 is the official date for the launch of Bishop T.D. Jakes new talk show. The show, which will air in 29 markets, enjoyed a successful test run last summer.

“T.D. Jakes has a unique and uplifting voice that is well suited for daytime television. With Jakes at the helm, this program has an opportunity to attract blue-chip advertisers, generate large audiences and empower viewers across the country,” said Dave Lougee, president of Tegna Media.

“Once viewers found him, they liked him and we look forward to introducing him to a wider audience next fall.”

“This is an unprecedented opportunity to bring a new voice to a familiar platform,” said Jakes who pastors the 20,000 member strong Potter’s House in Dallas.

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6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:22 PM Page 25

Mack Claire

“I

believe in working smarter and not harder," says Claire Mack, the first and only African American former mayor of San Mateo. Not surprisingly, Mack also applies this philosophy to her cooking.

“I grew up in the 1940's when you had to cook,” says the San Mateo native who describes her cooking style as southern with a fusion of Creole. “Now, I really don’t cook that much. I get pre-cooked food from Trader Joe's and I’m done.”

But before the “instant age” of cooking, Mack says she learned to cook by watching her aunt and began testing her wares when she got married at 16.

“I learned to cook by osmosis,” says the mother of three daughters, one of whom is a professional chef. “The first meal I cooked for my husband was weenies and pork and beans. Needless to say, he was not happy.

But I have improved greatly since those days.”

“I make a great Thanksgiving dinner,”

Claire Mack’s Crunch Cake continues Mack, who compiled a book of family recipes called The Caterer. “Some of my specialties include lamb chops, yams, oyster dressing, and greens.”

Friends and family also can’t get enough of Mack’s sweet treats including her flambé and Crunch Cake featured below.

“I worked at a bakery as a teenager and that’s how I learned to make the Crunch Cake,” says Mack who used to distribute her cakes to several stores in Northern California.

“Making the crunch is not easy. It is much like a science project. When I first started it was hit or miss. I was finally able to perfect the recipe because I have very good taste buds."

What Mack also has is a love for helping others. She served three terms as Mayor of San Mateo and was instrumental in developing jobs for low-income youth, improving the cities foster care programs and beautifying the cities parks and recreational areas.

Claire's Crunch Cake Crunch Ingr edients: 1 1/2 cup suga r 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup white Karo Syrup or Corn syru 2 tbsp. baking p soda Whipped C ream Ingred ients: 2 cups or 1 pi nt, heavy whi pping cream 1 cup powde red sugar/con fectioners su 1/2 cup instan gar t coffee (mor e for a strong 2 teaspoons er coffee tast vanilla e) Instructions : Use white instructions or yellow ca on box. Afte ke mix and r cake is ba follow each layer in ked let it co half. ol and cut Crunch Inst ructions: Use a heav y 4 1/2 qu art alumin saucepan. Pu um commer t liquid ingred cial type ients and su um-low heat gar in pan ov . Stir occasion er medially, until su mixture is cl gar dissolve ear and begi s. When ns to boil, in high; cook un crease heat til mixture re to medium ac vent mixtu re from scor hes 270-280 degrees; stir to preching and Remove from be co heat. Stir in ming too fo baking soda amy. fiercely). Whi (m ixture will fo le foaming, po am up ur out and sp onto a long pi oon out the ece of extra he mixture avy aluminum let cool undi sturbed for foil. Do not sp 1 hour. Afte read; break into ch r mixture ha unks that will s cooled, fit in to a larg tic containe r with a lid e Ziploc bag or plas. Break chun pieces to put ks into even on the cake. smaller The crunch time in an ai can be stored rtight contai for some ner.

Whipped C ream Frosti ng: Beat whi coffee and va pping cream nilla until th , sugar, e cream hold To Assembl s sturdy soft e: Slice your peaks. halved cake that you have layers once 4 layers. Spre more so ad whipped each layer an cream concoc d carefully st tion on ack the laye whipped cram rs . Spread rem over the top aining Refrigerate. and sides of Just before assembled la serving the yers. and smash th cake, genero e top with th usly mash e crunch mix ture.

Dare U to Care Outreach Ministry announces sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program. Our organization will be serving food at the following addresses during the hours listed for lunch beginning 6/09/2014, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.: TH ATHENS PLACE 1014 W. 120 ST LA CA. 90044 TH AVALON GARDENS 701 E. 88 PL., L.A., CA 90002 ESTRADA COURTS 3232 ESTRADA ST. LA CA. 90035 FLORES DEL VALLE 225 N. AVENUE 25 L.A., CA. 90031 GREATER BETHEL 8500 S. FIGUEROA ST. L.A., CA. 90003 TH IMPERIAL COURTS 2210 E. 114 ST., L.A., CA 90044 ST JORDAN DOWNS 2101 E. 101 ST., L.A., CA 90059 LOS ANGELES ADVENTIST 846 EL SEGUNDO BLVD. LA. CA. 90059 LUNCH IS ON US! 14903 S. WESTERN AVE. 90249 LYNWOOD METHODIST 4207 CARLIN AVE. LYNWOOD, CA. 90262 PACIFIC ARTS COLONY 303 PACIFIC AVE SAN PEDRO, 90731 RD PUEBLO DEL RIO 1801 E. 53 ST., L.A., CA 90058 ST RANCHO SAN PEDRO 245 1 SAN PEDRO, SAN PEDRO, CA. 90731 SHIELDS FOR FAMILIES 1500 KAY ST., COMPTON, CA 90221 SHIELDS FOR FAMILIES #2 12021 S. WILMINGTON, L.A., CA 90059 SOUTHSIDEBETHEL 10400 S. SAN PEDRO ST LA. CA. 90003 TH TR COMPANY 316 W. 120 ST., L.A., CA 90061 TESORO DEL VALLE 2301 HUMBOLDT ST. LA.,CA. 90031 TOBERMAN NEGHBORHOOD 131 N. GRAND AVE. SAN PEDRO, CA. 90731 TOMORROW AERONAUTICAL 961 W. ALONDRA AVE LA. CA. 90220 VERMONT APARTMENTS 4915 S. VERMONT AVE LA. CA. 90037 WILLIAM MEAD HOLMES 1300 CARDINAL STREET LA. CA. 90012 WILMINGTON ARMS 700 W. LAURALE COMPTON, CA. 90220 YALE TERRACE APT 716 YALE ST. LA. CA. 90012 “In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

“To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (202) 260-1026, toll-free (866) 632-9992, or (202) 401-0216 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. “If you have any questions please contact: Claudia Quan323.418.0545 or 310.386.7918

6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:22 PM Page 26

SavingGrace Lynn Whitfield

L.A. Focus/June 2016

When Oprah set out to make Greenleaf, her hour-long drama surrounding an African-American mega church pastor that will debut on OWN later this month, she had but one actress in mind for the role of it First Lady—Lynn Whitfield.

If Whitfield has proven anything with her body of award-winning film and TV roles— from a cold mother-in-law to be on the hit ABC series How to Get Away With Murder to critically acclaimed work in “Eve’s Bayou”, the Oprah Winfrey miniseries “The Wedding” and her Emmy award-winning performance on The Josephine Baker Story - it is that she meticulously does her homework when it comes to learning about, and gradually becoming, her characters.

The show, which debuts this summer, delves into the less than glamorous story behind megachurch leaders - but Whitfield says they were careful not to exploit the seedier details.

“We are humanizing people who happen to be a part of the church. “It’s not vulgar, but it is honest.”

Still the show has generated formidable buzz for Winfrey, not all of it positive. And while Winfrey knows that dealing with the church may come with harsh repercussions, she is prepared for the backlash and spoke to her good friend, Bishop T.D. Jakes about it in advance of its release to assure him of her intentions.

Said Winfrey, “From my lips to your ears, 'I, Oprah Winfrey, am not going to do anything that disrespects the church. I am sitting where I am today because of the black church. Our intention is to use this as a platform for telling great stories.”

Greenleaf centers on the journey of estranged daughter and disillusioned preacher Grace (Merle Dandridge) who has returned home after 20 years on the occasion of the mysterious death of her sister, Faith. As she reenters the world of Calvary Fellowship World Ministries, the Memphis megachurch run by her powerful parents Bishop James Greenleaf (Keith David) and Lady Mae Greenleaf (Lynn Whitfield), it becomes evident that things are not as virtuous as they seem and that the family’s outward display of faith hides sin and misdeeds.

Whitfield was already in her element coming into the role. She served as a surrogate for President Barack Obama for both of his campaigns, and visited churches and spoke to First Ladies across the country. She considers her relationship with God a close one, and frequently credits her faith to her ability to act.

This wasn’t, however, the case when she was young.

“I grew up Episcopalian. My grandfather was a Methodist, my grandmother was a Baptist so it was always around, but I didn’t really have a real relationship,” Whitfield says. “I didn’t feel the Spirit and the power and the protective hand of God (or his foot in my behind.) I didn’t feel all those things.”

It wasn’t until she hit a low point going through a divorce at the height of her career—after winning the Emmy and having a beautiful baby girl— that Whitfield found herself at West Angeles COGIC on a New Year’s Eve. “All the seats were gone,” she recalls. “There was no room at the inn and somebody pulled me in and said sit down. I sat there and that was my introduction to what praise and worship was…to ushering in the Holy Spirit.

That was my introduction to building my own personal relationship with God. I might not step into a corporal place

26

of worship for weeks or months, but my relationship is solid and I’m so grateful for that.”

The eldest of four caught the acting bug early growing up in Baton Rouge where her father, a dentist, was integral in community theater. The Howard University graduate cut her teeth performing with the Black Repertory Company in Washington, D.C. before moving to New York City where she appeared in several off-Broadway productions. She broke into television with 1981 with a guest role in “Hill Street Blues”. More episodic TV would follow before she landed co-starring roles in a string of TV movies including “The George McKenna Story” and “The Women of Brewster Place”. But it was her role in the 1991 biopic, “The Josephine Baker Story”, that brought her critical acclaim and an Emmy.

Starring roles in “Stompin’ At The Savoy”, “A Thin Line Between Love & Hate” and “Head of State” and a string of co-starring roles in TV series like “Without A Trace” would follow.

For all she has done, Whitfield believes her role in “Greenleaf” is one she was born for. She credits her relationship with God for her unique perspective into the human spirit itself, a skill, she says, has allowed her to delve deep into her Greenleaf character.

“I didn’t know why they wanted me to do it because there wasn’t much on the page,” Whitfield says.

“Lady Mae was a steely woman who didn’t have much to say about anything and it was all sour grapes. But I didn’t believe that to be the spirit of the woman. I didn’t believe that she didn’t adore her family, want the best for people.

Her time campaigning for Obama directly aided Whitfield’s understanding of Lady Mae’s life.

“They sent me out a lot and I went to lots of churches,” she continues. “I got to see First Ladies all over this country, Ohio, Tennessee, Pennsylvania. And there’s so many commonalities in them.

Whitfield says she thinks Lady Mae’s saving grace comes down to the authenticity of her character.

“She really wants the best for her family and she really does love the Lord. She’s lost her way - and she wants the best for everyone. As opposed to knowing God, ‘you handle this for me’ - no, she’s out there in it, lost blinders.

“I believe my saving grace is something in my heart that I am still excited about God and acting - I'm excited about possibilities,” Whitfield reports.

“People say black don’t crack, but you know... I don’t land anywhere I stay that can make me cynical. I don’t believe my own hype. I have to come from a place that is open or I’m going to become a parody of myself. I am not interested in that. I want to keep it fresh. My saving grace is I really want it fresh. When it’s not, I’m not happy.”

Whitfield is satisfied with the way Greenleaf handles the subject of megachurches and the clergy that run them.

“We’re not looking at it for drawing lines or pointing fingers and blame. We’re not attacking any church or any spiritual leader. We’re just simply saying that every leader has issues.” What the show is doing is saying don’t look at the man, look at your own spiritual relationship. What do you believe in.”

Look for Whitfield in the two-night premiere on Tuesday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 22 on OWN.

6.16Q_Focus 7-04 6/6/16 8:22 PM Page 27

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