L.A. Focus On The Word June 2018

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UPFRONT: Rudy Giuliani Issues Dare to Auntie Max PAGE

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RED CARPET: Janet Jackson Receives Icon Award PAGE

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SAVING GRACE Meet The Campbell’s >>

Erica Campbell stays busy, and that’s the way she likes it. Along with her duties as First Lady of the California Worship Center, mother of three kids, host of the morning radio show Get Up! With Erica Campbell, and singing engagements for her solo career as well as...

UPFRONT: Roseanne Begged ABC To Let Her Make Amends

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L.A. Focus Publications

JUNE 2018

Left: Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom and wife Jennifer with Apostle Beverly “Bam” Crawford at Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church. Center: Elise Neal, Vivica Fox & Lisa Raye attend the Special Needs Pink Pump Affair at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Ca. Right: Educationg Young Minds and A New Day Foundation’s Founder Dawnn Lewis along with the USC Black Alumni Association held their inaugural conference “Focused N F.I.T. For A Different World Program (Photo credit: Curtis R. Dowd, Jr.)

Commentary

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Educational Fraud Continues

From The Editor Unwinding It All

Upfront

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Rudi Giuliani Issues Dare to Auntie Max to Just:’Say impeachment, Sweetheart’;Renter’s Tax Credit To Be Expanded By Legislation

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Head to Head The Alienation of Kanye West

Headlines From Africa

Money Matters L.A. County’s Department of Consumer Affairs Is There For You...

Biz News Briefs BET’s Debra Lee Steps Down;Vermont Manachester

Corridor To Be Developed

10 Game Changers 12 Feature Story

A New Day At The Urban League, New Leadership Sets Out To Rebuild LAUL Brand

Cynthia Marshall

staff

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers Production Photographer Advertising Social Media

Lisa Collins Keith DeLawder, Gerald Bell Kisha Smith Ian Foxx, Rickey Brown Leatha Davis Andi Morin

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 Subscription rates $25.00 per year.

14 Hollywood Buzz 15 Eye On Gospel

Still On Top; The Wins Keep Coming

Morgan Freeman;Who Is Will Smith?; Power Gets Spin Off

One On One Rihanna

16 Red Carpet Style 18 Through The Storm 19

Calendar/Around LA

Billboard Music Awards

Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co. Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church Morgan Stanley Bob Blake & Associates

“Jonah” Macedoia Baptist Church

Crystal Nicole Jones - Strawberry Cheesecake Parfait

Erica Campbell

Be sure and check out the Tony-award winning production of “Color Purple” continuing at the Hollywood Pantages through June 17.

Beating Breast Cancer Together

Church News

24 Pastor Profile 26

Big Changes For United Methodists Grace and Holman Get New Pastors;Bethany Baptist Church West L.A. Breaks Ground On New Charter School;ECM Ministry Hosts Gang Symposium

Ivan Pitts - Second Baptist Church

honorary advisors West Angeles C.O.G.I.C. City of Refuge Greater Zion Church Family Paradise Baptist Church Southern Saint Paul Church Faithful Central Bible Church Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Mt. Zion MBC

Bishop Charles Blake Bishop Noel Jones Pastor Michael Fisher Dr. Aaron D. Iverson Rev. Xavier L. Thompson Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer Pastor Emeritus Melvin Wade Rev. Edward V. Hill II

advisory board

Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Lem Daniels Bob Blake

27 From The Pulpit 28 In Good Taste 29 30 Saving Grace First Lady Files

Melinda Campbell First AME Pasadena

Cover Design: UpScale Media

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Commentary

Elizabeth Primas Guest Columnist

Educational Fraud Continues

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hen the best educators in America traveled to Washington, D.C. for a series of events celebrating innovation in the classroom and to share best practices in K-12 education, they let officials at the Department of Education and the White House know exactly how they felt about the Trump Administration’s current push for school choice programs.

According to edchoice.org, school choice programs allow, “public education funds to follow students to the schools or services that best fit their needs—whether that’s to a public school, private school, charter school, home school.”

In April 2018, the Department of Education (ED) hosted the “Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s Drum Major Legacy: Innovative Pathways to Success” celebration; the event was sponsored by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans in collaboration with the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

The Education Department’s MLK Legacy event honored individuals who perform extraordinary acts of service in their communities, specifically those individuals who support high-quality education for children of color. Many of the awardees work with parents or community groups that provide primary care for children; some even provide educational support services outside of the traditional public school model.

School choice became a hot topic during the event, as several attendees were visibly disgruntled at the mention of the controversial approach.

The Trump Administration has proposed to decrease funding to authorized investments for public schools while increasing funding opportunities for school choice programs and private school vouchers. Ninety percent of children in America attend public schools. Increased funding to school choice programs, while reducing funding to public schools is a strategy that leaves behind our most vulnerable students.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has repeatedly said that she’s committed to uphold the intentions of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the education law signed by President Barack Obama. However, the prioritization of school choice programs in the proposed FY2019 budget contradicts one of the original intentions of the law: to promote equity and increase access to high-quality education for all students.

Furthermore, prioritization of school choice isolates homeless children, migrant children, youth in foster care and children from military families. In fact, ESSA requires that school districts report student outcomes for these groups for the very first time.

The 2018 Teacher of the Year awardees echoed similar concerns during their annual

From the Editor

White House visit in April. The top teachers in the country reported that they did not approve of funding private schools at the expense of their most vulnerable, at-risk students.

Every child should be entitled to high-quality education in the United States of America. Every neighborhood school should be equipped to provide high-quality courses and curriculum. Every student should have highly-qualified teachers and a menu of extra-curricular activities to choose from. Until the administration prioritizes the equitable improvement of all schools, their verbal commitment to uphold the original intent of ESSA is just another “alternative fact.”

Learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act at nnpa.org/essa.a Dr. Elizabeth Primas is an educator, who spent more than 40 years working towards improving education for children of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds and was the 2000 Teacher of the Year award recipient for Washington, D.C.. Dr. Primas is the program manager for the NNPA’s Every Student Succeeds Act Public Awareness Campaign. Follow Dr. Primas on Twitter @ElizabethPrima3.

LISA COLLINS Publisher

Unwinding It All

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after week—but President Donald Trump, many white fans and the political right have transformed this into a culture war that’s about almost anything but police violence.”

Touré went on to argue that while giving maximum respect to those who kneeled, it may be time for players to find a new way to express themselves on this issue in order to put the focus back on police violence—be it community involvement, mentioning the names of those killed during interviews or marches.

And while I agree in principle, I have come to the sad realization that there is no level to which Trump won’t stoop to hijack the spotlight.

With that, I say thanks to all of the valiant football players who took a knee or stood for what they believed, and whatever they choose to do going forward they have the respect and support of this publisher.

Finally, Californians have a decision to make regarding who will be the next governor of the state. In fact, the June 5 primary will determine a great deal more than just the next governor, but a full slate of leadership choices (as is reflected in the enclosed insert from the African American Voter Registration, Education and Participation Project).

I’ve already made my choice and will stand with Gavin Newsom for Governor, but my choice is not as important as you exercising your own choices at the ballot box. One need look no further than the White House to see what happens when people don’t come out and vote in force.

The lesson learned there is that we must all be politically engaged on some level and that, for most, starts easily enough with voting. As pointed out by AAVREP, Dr. King had this to say of those blacks who were slow to exercise their voting privileges: “There must be a concerted effort on the part of Negro leaders to arouse their people from their apathetic indifference… In the past, apathy was a moral failure.

Today, it is a form of moral and political suicide.”

Give us the ballot, he said years earlier, and “we will no longer have to worry the federal government about our basic rights… and we will fill our legislative halls with men of goodwill.”

So in voting you get to express the candidate who best reflects your values and what you stand for and not what you have fallen for.

Keep the faith.

L.A. Focus/ June 2018

et’s start with Roseanne? I can’t remember a time when the demise of a hit TV show had been more welcomed, more controversial and more speedy than the cancellation of ABC’s reboot of “Roseanne” following the fallout from her decidedly racist tweets about Valerie Jarrett.

As my Dad would say, it’s terrible when you find out that the joke is on you. But the real problem as pointed out by a New York Times contributor—who characterized President Trump as a living embodiment of Ms. Barr’s Twitter feed— is this: “having a major character on a prominent television show as a Trump supporter normalizes racism and misogyny and xenophobia.”

Don Lemon echoed the sentiment when on his nightly show, he posed the question, “What is America going to do about the normalization of racism?”

While I’m not so sure that racism is ever going to be normalized again as it once was, had ABC not acted so swiftly to cancel the show—the announcement coming ironically enough from Channing Dungey, the first African American woman to serve as president of a major broadcast television network—perhaps her words, just as the deeds and actions of Trump, would have empowered those like her to more brazenly share their twisted views.

As Valerie Jarrett shared in her response, “The tone does start at the top. We like to look up to our president and feel as though he reflects the values of our country. But I also think every individual citizen has a responsibility too, and it’s up to all of us to push back. Our government is only going to be as good as we make it be.”

Before moving on I want to acknowledge the response of Wanda Sykes, who I believe led the charge, quitting the show as a consulting producer before Disney/ABC execs cut the cord.

Kudos to Sykes for being among the first to take a stand.

Of course, no controversy would be complete without Trump stirring the pot of division with even more senseless tweets, that always seem to cast him in the role of victim. Check out our Head to Head on page 7 for a closer look at differing views on the fallout.

While on the subject of those taking a stand, the NFL has made official its new ruling that all players who are on the field when the national anthem is heard before a game must stand — or they can choose to remain in the locker room without penalty.

“Remember, all of this was supposed to be about raising awareness about police violence and we’ve totally gotten away from that,” cited cultural commentator Touré in an op-ed for thegrio.com. “It’s not the players fault—they’ve silently kneeled week

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UpFront Rudy Giuliani Issues Dare to Auntie Max to Just: 'Say impeachment, Sweetheart’

News Briefs

Roseanne Barr Says She Begged ABC To Let Her Make Amends KISHA SMITH Staff

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uring a recent appearance on Fox News’ “The Hannity Show”, former New York Mayor turned Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani issued a dare to Congresswoman Maxine Waters to continue calling for the president’s impeachment, while implying that there would be some harsh consequences.

“I challenge Maxine Waters to say impeachment,” Giuliani said. “Say it. Say ‘impeachment’, sweetheart. Just say it.”

“The people who will decide this are the people of the United States in the 2018 election,” Giuliani said. “And, boy, they are switching fast and Democrats are running for cover.”

“You don’t hear them say the words 'impeachment' anymore,” he added.

Waters, who has been very vocal in her calls to have Trump impeached, did so again last month following Trump’s decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal.

“Trump, further isolating the United States, thinks he knows better than our negotiators and all of our global allies who agreed to the Iran deal," Waters tweeted on May 9. "How long do we have to suffer his gigantic ego and narcissistic behavior? Impeachment is the only answer."

A week or so prior to that Trump had referenced Waters’ calls for impeachment at a Michigan rally in a bid to get voters out for the mid-terms to insure that Republicans don’t lose the House majori-

ty which some fear could lead to his impeachment.

“We have to keep the House because if we listen to Maxine Waters, she’s going around saying ‘We will impeach him,’ Trump said.

At a New York gala in April celebrating her being named to the Time 100, Waters issued this advice to Trump: “Please resign so that I won’t have to keep up this fight of your having to be impeached because I don’t think you deserve to be there.”

Giuliani, it seems, has had enough.

“And you know what’s gonna happen, you’re gonna go down,” Giuliani said, as if he was addressing Waters. “Not maybe you, because they vote for you, I dunno why, but they vote for you.”

In fact, the 79-year old politician, is well aware of the battle she has taking on particularly as she seeks re-election.

In a fundraising email entitled “Trump is coming for me – I need your help,” Waters said, “Trump is sending his allies and white nationalists, partnered with a new Political Action Committee (PAC) called “Rebuilding America Now,” to Los Angeles in an effort to defeat me in 2018.

But, said Waters, “Despite the risk, I am dedicated and committed to the proposition that we must resist Donald Trump and fight for his impeachment.

n the latest twist to follow the firestorm surrounding ABC’s cancellation of its megahit “Roseanne” reboot, the 65-year old comedian has revealed on social media that before her show was cancelled, she begged Disney/ABC TV Group Chairman Ben Sherwood to let her apologize and make amends for her tweet directed at former Obama senior advisor Valerie Jarrett comparing her to an ape.

“I begged Ben Sherwood at ABC 2 let me apologize & make amends,” the comedienne tweeted. “I begged them not to cancel the show. I told them I was willing to do anything & asked 4 help in making things right. I’d worked doing publicity4 them 4free for weeks, traveling, thru bronchitis. I begged4 ppls jobs.”

“He said: ‘what were you thinking when you did this?’ I said: I thought she was white, she looks like my family! He scoffed & said: “what u have done is egregious, and unforgivable.’ I begged 4 my crews jobs. Will I ever recover from this pain? Omg” Sherwood has since issued an official apology to the show’s now unemployed staff.

Not enough, he wrote in an official memo, had been said about “the many men and women who poured their lives into the show and were just getting started on the next season. We’re so sorry they were swept up in all of this and we give thanks for their remarkable t a l ents, wish them well, and hope to

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Renters Tax Credit To Be Expanded By Legislation

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L.A. Focus/ June 2018

oard of Equalization Member Jerome E. Horton is working with Assemblyman Miguel Santiago to introduce legislation that will reduce the housing cost for renters.

A full-fledged housing crisis has gripped California, marked by a severe lack of affordable homes and apartments for seniors and middle-class families – as a result of property values climbing to pre-recession levels. The median cost of a home in California is now a staggering $500,000, twice the national median cost.

As the Making Home Affordable Program, (HARP), signed into law by President Obama, is set to expire on December 31, 2018, now is the time for this type of legislation. HARP helped homeowners refinance their mortgage with an average rate reduction of 2.1 percentage points, saving an average of more than $4,100 in interest during their first 12 months, or about $345 every month. Additionally, homeowners who refinance from 30 year fixed mortgages to 15 year fixed mortgages can save up to $145,000.

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Assemblymember Santiago testified at the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation: “With the rising cost of rental housing in California, the expansion of the renter’s credit can increase access to housing for low-income families.” The legislation passed out of the committee with a 9-0 bipartisan vote.

The bill now moves to the Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations.

This bill will increase the nonrefundable renter’s credit to the greater of $60 allowed under current law, or 10 percent of the median rent in the county where the property is occupied for individuals and $120 under current law, or 20 percent of the median rent in the county where the property is occupied for joint filers, heads of households, and surviving spouses.

California has the third-lowest home ownership rate and the fourth highest rent in the country. The decline in home purchases is generally related to higher rents as it becomes a challenge to save enough for a down payment. There is a direct relationship between high rents

and high home prices. Additionally, studies find that housing costs are a burden on one’s finances when they surpass 30% of income. According to a Public Policy Institute of California study, nearly one in three California renter households spends at least half of their income on rent. While incomes have remained stagnant, rents in California continue to soar, resulting in many low- and middleincome workers cutting essential spending, which also hurts the State’s overall economy.

Even with rent control in cities like Santa Monica and Los Angeles, as of March 2018, the average rent for an apartment in Los Angeles is $2554, which is a 0.16% decrease from last year when the average rent was $2558, and a 1.64% increase from last month when the average rent was $2512.

The average rent in California has increased 60% over the past 20 years.

The flat “renter’s credit” amount has not been adjusted since it was enacted in 1972.

CBC Concerned about Facial Recognition Technology Sold by Amazon In a letter to Amazon president and CEO Jeffrey Bezos and prominent tech trade associations, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) expressed privacy and racial bias concerns about Rekognition, facial recognition technology that the company is marketing and selling to law enforcement agencies. In regard to privacy, the CBC expressed concerns that some law enforcement agencies will use the technology to surveil law-abiding citizens. In regard to racial bias, the CBC expressed concerns that the data used to deploy the technology would include an overrepresentation of African Americans and that the technology itself may misidentify African-American facial features, a problem called “algorithmic bias.”

“We are troubled by the profound negative unintended consequences this form of artificial intelligence could have for African Americans, undocumented immigrants, and protestors,” CBC Chairman Cedric L. Richmond wrote.

“Surveillance of perfectly legitimate and constitutionally protected activity will only further erode the public’s trust in law enforcement.”

Walmart To Subsidize Cost of Higher Education In Program Made Available to All Workers Last month (May 30), Walmart unveiled a new associate education benefit designed to remove barriers to college enrollment and graduation. The program is another step in the company’s commitment to train and educate workers to advance in the jobs of today - and the future.

In partnership with Guild Education, a leading education benefits platform, Walmart associates will be able to access affordable, high-quality associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Business or Supply Chain Management.

Under the program, which will be made available to all Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club associates, Walmart will subsidize the cost of higher education, beyond financial aid and an associate contribution equivalent to $1 a day.

Included costs include tuition, books and fees, eliminating the need for student loan debt and addressing one the biggest hurdles that keep people from returning to college. Degrees will be offered through the University of Florida, Brandman University and Bellevue University – nonprofit schools selected for their focus and strong outcomes on serving working adult learners. Hundreds of thousands of associates have already undergone skills training equivalent to more than $210 million in college credits.

Andrew Young Clears Schedule to Rest After Recent Medical Scare Former Atlanta Mayor/Ambassador Andrew Young was hospitalized after a minor infection developed into a high fever prior to a keynote speaking engagement at Fisk University. The 86-year-old civil rights leader is back in Atlanta being treated by his private physicians.

Grateful for the outpouring of concern and prayers from around the world, his family asked for privacy. “He has shown tremendous progress,” said wife Carolyn Young in an official statement. “We are confident that his condition will continue to improve. However, it will take time and lots of rest for him to fully recover. He has been encouraged to clear his schedule for the foreseeable future so that he can focus on his health and wellbeing.

This will help him regain his full strength, so that he can continue his lifelong fight for justice and equality for all.”

HeadToHead The Alienation of Kanye West

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n the aftermath of the servative blacks outside of Kanye and Kanye West dust-up, my Supreme Court Justice Clarence Democrats heart goes out to the white Thomas. (I might add in passing people who control the Democratic Party. that Dr. Thomas Sowell is one of the My pity stems from the hip-hop megastar's nation's most distinguished and accomNovember announcement to his packed plished scholars alive today.) concert audience that he did not vote in the The Kanye problem for the presidential election but if he had, he Democratic Party is that if the party doeswould have voted for Donald Trump. Then, n't keep blacks in line and it loses even 20 on April 21, West took to his Twitter to 25 percent of the black vote, it can kiss account, which has 28 million followers, to any hope of winning announce, "I love the way Candace Owens any presidential and thinks." Owens is Turning Point USA's many congressional director of urban engagement and has said elections goodbye. that former President Barack Obama Democrats may have caused "damage" to race relations in the already seen that United States during his two terms in threat. That's why office. they support illegal West's support for Trump, along with immigration and vothis criticism of the "plantation" mentality ing rights for noncitiWalter Williams of the Democratic Party, has been met zens. Immigrants from with vicious backlash from the left. In one south of the border who are here illegally song, West raps, "See, that's the problem may be seen as either a replacement for or with this damn nation. All blacks gotta be a guarantee against the disaster of losing Democrats. Man, we ain't made it off the the black vote. plantation." Rep. Maxine Waters said Keeping blacks blind to the folly of West "talks out of turn" and advised, "He unquestioned support for the Democratic should think twice about politics — and Party by keeping blacks fearful, angry and maybe not have so much to say." The bot- resentful and painting the Republican tom-line sin that West has committed is Party as racist is vital. Democrats never questioning the hegemony of the want blacks to seriously ask questions Democratic Party among black Americans. about what the party has done for them.

The backlash has been so bad that West Here are some facts. The nation's most had to hire personal security to protect troublesome and dangerous cities — him against threats made against his life. Indianapolis, Stockton, Oakland, Fortunately, the police are investigating Milwaukee, Cleveland, Kansas City, those threats.

Baltimore, Memphis, St. Louis and Kanye West is not saying anything Detroit — have been run by different from what Dr. Thomas Sowell, Democrats, often black Larry Elder, Jason Riley, I and other black Democrats, for nearly a halflibertarians/conservatives have been say- century. These and other ing for decades. In fact, West has tweeted Democratic-run cities are where quotations from Sowell, such as "Socialism blacks suffer the highest murin general has a record of failure so blatant der rates and their youngsters that only an intellectual could ignore or attend the poorest-performing evade it" and "The most basic question is and most unsafe schools. not what is best but who shall decide what Democrats could never is best." Tweeting those Sowell quotations afford for a large number of represents the highest order of blasphemy black people to observe, "We've in the eyes of leftists. been putting you in charge of The big difference between black lib- our cities for decades. We ertarians/conservatives and West is that even put a black he has 28 million Twitter followers and a Democrat in the huge audience of listeners whereas few W h i t e blacks have even heard of libertarian/con- H o u s e .

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Headlines From Africa

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hate to admit it, but I have people using outrageous antics West’s Embrace been sucked into the Kanye to market their product. of the MAGA West-Donald Trump media Madonna practically perfected Crowd Is storm. At first, I didn’t want to it. I’ve never heard a song by Doomed to Fail play a role in this manufactured rapper Azealia Banks, but her event, but there are some important mar- history of making crazy statements landed keting, media and political lessons here. her in Playboy.

West has always been a controversial But there is a danger that West’s antics figure. He’s a talented musician, who has will alienate his base. And that’s already won multiple Grammys. I bought two of happening. He’s already lost millions of his first CDs, back in Twitter followers. And West has been hit the days when people by abuse on Twitter as fans are horrified bought CDs, and I by his comments. He might be embraced enjoyed that his songs by MAGA lords, but they’re not going to were different from buy his album or go to his concerts. the usual guns and Part of the problem is because he’s allyblunts fare produced ing himself with the Trump administraby other rappers. But tion, which is one of the most white in recent years, contro- supremacist presidencies in several versy has over- decades. As ESPN’s Jemele Hill said, Manny Otiko whelmed his talent.

Trump has surrounded himself with open There was the thing with Taylor Swift, racists. He’s also implemented anti-immithe outrageous boasts and then the mar- grant, and anti-Muslim policies and riage to reality star Kim Kardashian. referred to African countries as “sh*thole Several people in the industry have whis- countries.” Even the phrase Make America pered that Kardashian’s reality TV antics Great Again (MAGA) is racist, because are overshadowing West’s career and he Trump supporters think America was has now been absorbed by the Kardashian great in the 1950s, when white males ran clan. And more recently, West was hospi- everything and people of color had no reptalized for “exhaustion” and rumored to be resentation. treated for a mental health condition. Now Is this what West wants to ally himself there is the sudden alliance with the with? If so, it’s no wonder his fans and Trump-MAGA (Make America Great management team have bailed on him. It’s Again) crowd. also ironic that West is getting praised by This MAGA love happened just when FOX News, a network that hates hip hop.

West is promoting his new album. FOX often tells entertainers that they West comes from the showbiz shouldn’t talk about politics, but loves to world, where there’s no such embrace Hollywood types if they have conthing as bad publicity. (Rapper servative views.

50 Cent once said that he didOne of FOX’s arguments against n’t mind some of the black Hollywood political commentators is they gossip sites running stories don’t know what they’re talking about. about him being gay, Well, that’s exactly the case with Kanye because at least they were West! Just look at some of his statements: writing about him.)

• Kanye says he loves Trump and he is West’s alleged alliance his brother, but he’s not political. with Trump has newsjacked • He also once said that he doesn’t see social media and made him the need to read books and bragged about trend on Twitter, which is all not reading contracts. great publicity for his album. • He also praised black conservative This kind of publicity would commentator Candace Owens, who said cost you millions of dol- that police violence wasn’t a problem with lars, and West just the black community. She also called Black got it for free.

Lives Matter whiny. Owens appears on There is Alex Jones’ conspiracy show, InfoWars, a history of continued to page 21

A look at current news from the continent of Africa

Congo: With confirmed cases topping 31, Congo’s fight to rein in a deadly Ebola outbreak has health officials scrambling to monitor for Ebola at busy ports in the capital, Kinshasa, just downstream from the infected city of Mbandaka.

Somalia: Hundreds of residents were forced to flee following fighting over the disputed Sool region between Somalia's Puntland State and Somaliland—which broke away from Somalia in 1991 and operates as an independent state .

Ivory Coast: Ivory Coast is asking donors and to help finance a 10-year, $1 billion reforestation strategy that would extend forest cover to 20 percent of national territory by 2030. The country has carried out sporadic campaigns to expel squatting farmers who have used the land illegally to grow cocoa.

South Africa: The African News Agency and the African Union Sport Council have pledged to expose and showcase to the world the talent of athletes from the 10 countries in the Southern African Development Community including Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and Angola. “We believe that this strategic partnership will aid us to ensure that we inform the world about the true narrative of what Africa is all about,” said CEO Grant Fredericks.

Eritrea: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed accusations by Eritrea of its supporting Eritrean rebel movements as "baseless." The statement in response to a press statement accusing neighboring nations, Sudan and Ethiopia, of conspiring to support Eritrean rebel groups and deploying armed opposition groups to facilitate hit and run attacks.

Gambia: President Adama Barrow says his country is ready for international business, calling the private sector a cardinal ally; adding that strategies had been developed to encourage the development of the private sector through entrepreneurship and trade.

Ghana: The Ministry of Health is set to launch a medicine policy to deepen efforts against counterfeit medication, illegal vending, pharmaceutical crime and substance abuse. The recent increase in the abuse of drugs including codeine is seen as a national threat requiring a concerted effort on the part of all stakeholders to curb.

Mali: Escalating Intercommunal violence in Mali’s northern Gao and Menaka regions has killed scores of civilians. The clashes occurred as a French military operation targeting the jihadist group Islamic State is underway.

Malawi: Malawi’s vice president Saulos Chilima has condemned high levels of corruption in his country, saying the vice was putting people’s lives at risk and that the corruption had reached embarrassing levels.

Nigeria: Four years after Nigeria launched the Safe Schools Initiative, schools in Maiduguri are holding emergency safety drills for students. Much of the funding has gone towards building higher school walls and other preventive measures aimed at stopping Boko Haram.

South Sudan: The U.S. has asked the U.N. Security Council impose sanctions against several South Sudanese officials, accusing them of obstructing peace efforts and blocking humanitarian assistance to civilians as South Sudan has been gripped by a civil war sparked by political rivalry.

Swaziland: The change of name from Swaziland to eSwatini has been made official. His Majesty King Mswati III has used eSwatini in previous official speeches.

Tanzania: More than 5000 —of the 24,097 girls aged 14— have been vaccinated against cervical cancer in the fight against Human Papiloma Virus. The government plans to extend the vaccination to the rest of the girls countrywide. The East African region is the leading burden carrier of cervical cancer with Tanzania among the five countries in Africa with the highest rates.

Uganda: In its quest to boost tourism, which brings in over $1.3 billion per year, Uganda is turning to what is known as “dark tourism” with the unveiling of a war museum showcasing colonial-era wars and more recent conflicts and featuring a torture chamber used by the late president Idi Amin.

Zambia: Zambia has called on the international community to increase support to assist mostly African cholera-affected states establish greater access to clean water and sanitation in order to eliminate the disease.

“Globally 16 million people have died from cholera, a preventable condition,” Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya said.

“The answer lies in global action to create universal access to clean and safe water.”

MarketPlace

FAT H E R â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S D AY S P E C I A L Wa n t a M a n C a v e ? or an A.D.U Garage Conversion C A L L T O D AY F o r A n A p p t !

MoneyMatters

On the Money

L.A. County’s Department of Consumer Affairs Is There For You... to over $8 billion in wages underpaid annually.

“LA County is reported to be the ‘wagetheft’ capital of the country and that’s a title none of us want Stiger have,” to

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hen most people think of government agencies they imagine long waits, red tape, paperwork and robotic bureaucrats-- reason enough to avoid them at all costs. Brian Stiger, Director of L.A. County’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has made it his mission to change that perception.

“Our mission is to provide extraordinary quality service to all people we come in contact with — consumers, businesses and communities— through education, advocacy and complaint resolution in promoting a fair and vibrant marketplace in Los Angeles County. It has been made clear that this is the expectation of the Board of Supervisors and we have bought into it.”

The agency, which was initially established in 1976 to investigate and resolve consumer complaints through prosecutions or mediation, serves all 88 cities and 120 unincorporated area-- totaling over ten million people-- making it the second largest consumer protection program in the country.

According to Stiger, the DCBA is one of our local government’s “best kept secrets”. They don’t want to be, to which end Stiger is working to get the word out about all that his agency does.

“We want to help anyone who has had an issue in the marketplace -- whether it be $100 that is lost or $10—we want to be able to investigate the complaint and figure out what happened.

The DCBA is the consumers’ first line of defense and protection in being assured they are being treated fairly in the marketplace, and receiving restitution when they are not.

“What we do is conduct investigations and work with the appropriate agency to take action against the business,” Stiger notes. “It can potentially result in a license revocation, suspension or in some cases an arrest due to the amount of fraud that’s involved.”

One specific area where restitution is particularly important is in wage enforcement infractions, or “wage theft”. Wage theft, the practice of employers failing to pay workers the full wages to which they are legally entitled be it paying less than the minimum wage, not paying overtime, meal break violations and or taking illegal deductions.

According to a report released by the Economic Policy Institute just last year, 2.4 million workers covered by state or federal minimum wage laws in the 10 most populous U.S. states report being paid less than the minimum wage in their state—approximately 17 percent of the eligible low-wage workforce amounting

laments.

“For those enterprises not following the law in regards to wage enforcement, the fines and penalties are very, very stiff. And for the most part those penalties would be paid to the employee, who in many cases are afraid to come forward in fear of losing their job or getting retaliated against. We will take anonymous complaints-- we just want to know if there is an issue out there that we need to know about and we can take it from there.”

Along with wage enforcement, the DCBA handles a high volume of complaints of issues including online fraud, immigration consultant fraud, and predatory lending such as payday loans.

“The problem is, once you get one of these loans, you almost always have to get another one and consumers can get into what we call ‘debt cycles’,” says Stiger.

“We would love for anyone issuing a loan to a consumer to do some analysis to make sure that the consumer has the ability to repay the loan, and we want to make sure that consumers are fully aware of what the repayment terms are.”

The pride of Stiger’s DCBA in their ability to personally assist individuals of the community for economic prosperity is their newest program, the Center for Financial Empowerment.

“We were able to establish this program about a year and a half ago as a pilot project designed to increase the financial stability of low-income individuals and families. It’s a resource where people can call and say, ‘Here’s my situation’, and we can provide some counseling and strategies to help them improve their situation. If we cannot, we can connect them with a local nonprofit or another agency that can serve them better.”

The DCBA not only helps the individual consumer, but assists business as well.

“We want to help entrepreneurs get established in the county, start a business and hopefully be awarded some county contracts. It helps the economy and creates jobs, and anytime we can do that then I believe we can help improve people’s lives.”

To access any of the Department of Business and Consumer Affairs’ services, call their toll free number at online them reach or 1-800-593-8222 www.dcba.lacounty.gov.

The Royal Family’s Royal Wealth Meghan Markle has officially joined “the Firm”, aka the royal family and will now hold the title of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex. In landing one of the most popular members of the Royal Family, Markle has traded in her acting career to devote her time to her royal duties, but she will hardly be at a loss for the upwards of $50,000 per episode she was reportedly earning as a cast member on the popular TV series, Suits.

In fact, the royal family is worth billions —with Queen Elizabeth’s personal net worth estimated to be upwards of $500 million.

Then again, the royal family generate millions in tourism to the British economy—close to $767 million per year according to estimates.

Prince Harry was reported to have a net worth of between $25-40 million and his—and now her—royal expenses (including Meghan’s royal wardrobe) are paid by the Duchy of Cornwall, the territories and holdings held by Prince Charles and they live rent free in their cottage at Kensington Palace .

By all accounts, there would not have been a prenup, which would not have been legally enforceable in the U.K. anyway.

Here’s how the other royals stack up: Prince Charles: $370 million Prince Philip (husband of Queen Elizabeth): $30 million Prince William: $40+ Princess Kate Middleton: $10 million Prince George: $3.6 billion Princess Charlotte: $5 billion Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice: $2.8 million

Biz News Briefs BET’s Debra Lee Steps Down

It’s official. Debra Lee has stepped down as Chairman and CEO of BET Networks after three decades with the company. “In 1986 I joined BET Networks to be its very first in-house counsel,”said Lee in a statement. “As a young corporate attorney I saw my role as the protector of the BET brand and its employees and today, more than 32 years later, I still see myself as the protector and defender of a brand that I have helped to grow as a top destination for audiences across the globe. I have called BET Networks home for over three decades and this team is part of my extended family.”

“While we will all miss Debra tremendously, we respect her decision and understand her desire to leave at the very top of the game with a legacy of significant contributions that spans decades,” said Viacom CEO Bob Bakish.

“I have seen first-hand how the network has grown under her direction, and I know that she will bring that same innovative thinking and strategic vision to her future pursuits. Debra has groomed an amazing group of senior executives, and I am confident that BET Networks will continue to flourish under their leadership.”

Stepping up is Scott M. Mills, who was named president of the network in December.

Vermont Manchester Corridor To Be Developed Last month, L.A. County took possession of a four-acre property at the corner of Vermont and Manchester that has been blighted since the 1992 civil unrest, and to embark on the process of developing one of the largest tracts of vacant land in South LA. The County plans to build 180 units of affordable housing and retail, as well a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) transit plaza, preparatory boarding academy and training center on the site. The County sued in December to condemn the property on the east side of the 8400 and 8500 blocks of South Vermont Avenue from owner Eli Sasson, who had left it largely undeveloped for 26 years. The two blocks have been subject to more than 35 notices of building code violations over that period. LA Superior Court Judge Daniel Murphy found that the county needs trumped any

hardship suffered by Sasson. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas hailed the court’s ruling, saying it paves the way for the proposed project to enter the development and implementation stages. “Local governments have an absolute obligation to think imaginatively about our most pressing issues – job creation, quality education, transportation, and the development of affordable housing and community centers,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said.

“With this project, we are taking an out-of-the-box approach to getting all of that done at the corner of Vermont and Manchester.”

LISA COLLINS Editor In Chief

or the Los Angeles Chapter of the L.A. Urban League, the timing of what was about to happen couldn’t have been more fortuitous. Widely circulated rumors were that the group had lost its trademark View Park headquarters to bankruptcy and that financial woes had derailed many of the programs that had grown to define its mission. Worse still, Los Angeles had once set the standard in terms of what a local chapter should look like, boasting an annual operating budget of $25 million during its heyday.

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L.A. Focus/June 2018

But last year, with the unceremonious departure of former president Nolan Rollins, the group—now of shell of what it had once been— was in desperate need of new leadership.

Having recently returned to Los Angeles after completing three years in the Obama administration as the U.S. Ambassador to the 36-member Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, a UN specialized agency in Montreal, Canada-- Michael Lawson was considering what the next chapter in his life was going to look like. He’d served six years on the LAX Commission prior to his Executive Branch appointment, and had long been a key power broker in L.A. social circles after becoming a partner at one of the city most respected law firms coupled with the work both he and his wife did on a number of boards, charities and political campaigns-including their fundraising efforts for President Barack Obama—who’d been a frequent guest at their home. All of which ironically enough led to them being honored with the Urban League’s prestigious Whitney Young Award just four years ago in 2014.

While Lawson was enjoying the time pondering his next steps and spending time with his first grandchild, he answer to what would come next surprising-

10

ly enough would come following a lunch meeting his wife Mattie was having with a friend.

The friend was L.A. Urban League Board Chair Noel Massie, and as it would pan out, it was Lawson who ending up being on the table. As Massie spoke with Mattie Lawson about the challenges the group was facing and its desire for someone to lead the group, she commented that she knew the perfect man for the job—her husband.

Upon hearing what had transpired over lunch when his wife returned home, Lawson says he thought about it for about 15 seconds before telling her , "You're right."

“Michael has a wealth of experience in the civic arena and has been a passionate advocate in the area of social justice surrounding people of color,” Massie said. “When combining Michael’s passions for serving and his extensive knowledge of Los Angeles, the executive committee feels very fortunate to have a candidate with his qualities accept the position.”

Up to that point, Lawson knew little more than anyone else knew about what appeared to be the demise of one of the city’s most historically active groups-- a group that had forged a legacy of leadership and empowerment under leaders like former L.A. chapter president John Mack.

“Not just under John Mack,” Lawson emphasizes, “but going back to the very beginning, the National Urban League looked to L.A. as their standard bearers. So, for the National Board, the strength of L.A. was very important and everybody watched and lamented what was happening in Los Angeles.”

And the fact that people were confused about what transpired hardly surprised Lawson. He was confused himself.

“I didn't know the specifics of the transaction,” Lawson admits. “I had heard some of the rumors that everybody else had heard, but nobody knew the facts and nobody was giving the facts. It wasn't a foreclosure,” he said referring to the organization’s storied headquarters that had become a city landmark. “It was a sale, but part of the issue with the Urban League has been this lack of communication and information. People were writing their own narratives.”

What Lawson did know was that the group was

I didn’t know the specifics of the transaction. I’d heard some of the rumors that everybody else had heard, but nobody knew the facts and nobody was giving the facts.

It wasn't a foreclosure. It was a sale, but part of the issue with the Urban League has been this lack of communication and information. People were writing their own narratives.

nowhere near what they had been in their glory days.

“When you contrast it to John Mack and his dynamic leadership of the group, his outspokenness and his very vivid presence on the L.A. political scene-- and you go from that to almost nothing…” Lawson’s voice trails off.

“There are a lot of issues around its recent downfall that raised concerns. One is the public perception of this iconic organization, and on that issue, the lack of communication impacted that perception. In terms of what went wrong and the characterization of who did what and why, I prefer not to comment.”

With so much left unanswered, it is little wonder that the most common response Lawson fielded when he took on the interim presidency in November came in the form of a question. “‘You could do a lot of other things, why are you doing this?’, was one of the responses I would get. But the one that I remember most vividly was, ‘Boy that's going to be hard.’ And my immediate response was, ‘If it were easier, I'd let somebody else do it.’

“I'm not saying that nobody else could do this,” Lawson continued, “but there are very few people with the experiences I've had who actually have the time to do this right now. I would not be pleased with myself if I had turned down this opportunity and the Urban League actually failed, when I had an opportunity to do something about it.”

In fact, Lawson’s biggest rationale for taking the job in February was centered in something his father would tell he and his three sisters growing up in Arkansas—"If you're not going to do something about something, don't complain."

One thing is clear: thanks to his hugely successful career, he doesn’t need the paycheck, and yet, he has just as surely understood that no one succeeds in a vacuum.

“Those of us who have been blessed to have had successful careers owe it to the rest of the community to do what we can do to help. That has been a part of the way Mattie and I have functioned since we met. When we first started working our immediate thought was, ‘Okay. What about the people who are coming behind us?’"

Lawson’s parents were educators at Philander Smith College, a historically black college in Little Rock. He received his Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School in 1978 in a class that included Merck CEO Ken Frazier and famed Harvard Law professor and author Charles Ogletree. American Express CEO Ken Chenault was a year ahead.

“There was an understanding that mediocrity was not acceptable, but at the same time you were not better than anybody else. There was also an understanding that because of the blessings that you've been able to take advantage of, you owe others who have not been as blessed.”

Lawson is comfortable both out-front and behind-thescenes, which is where he became a key power broker in Los Angeles after 31 years as an expert attorney specializing in executive compensation and benefits, and as a partner with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom— one of the largest and most respected legal firms in the world.

His wife Mattie McFadden Lawson—a seasoned philanthropist, political fundraiser and former Obama appointee who has sat on numerous boards and is successful in her own right— has shared his vision.

A testament to the respect both have in the community was evidenced in collective sigh of relief from those in the know with his appointment first as interim president last November and then as President/CEO in February.

“I believe Michael Lawson’s leadership, along with Mattie McFadden Lawson, will bring stability and leadership qualities necessary to relaunch the Los Angeles Urban League’s brand. I look forward to seeing what the next stage will bring,” says Wendy Gladney, President of Wendy Enterprises.

Perhaps the biggest indicator of what Lawson will do for the group was witnessed in the success of their 45th Annual Whitney M. Young Awards Dinner held last month, which raised upwards of a million dollars and garnered the participation from some of L.A.s biggest corporate donors.

Over the last six months, Lawson has had time to assess what needs to be done, and what has encouraged him in the process is the realization that for most people, the Urban League brand was still strong.

“People want the Urban League to thrive— to do what it does best which is to advocate for the underserved communities, and not just to advocate, but actually put in place programs that make a difference in people's lives,” Lawson stated.

What that may boil down to is a new incarnation of

Urban League.

“There's got to be a new incarnation,” he admits. “If you're not changing, you're dying. Yes, we're going to continue to do what we have done well, but we must innovate.

“Interestingly, when I first took over this position as interim, one of the first things I did was go around to announce that I was in the chair and to ask what people would like to see,” said Lawson, whose support of the organization prior was in being available to them for probono support on legal issues and as a donor.

“What surprised me was the number of people who said the main thing they missed about the Urban League was its voice. The other things the Urban League had been doing had been taken up by other organizations, but the voice was something they missed.

“Part of being supportive of the Urban League is being a part of the fabric of what the Urban League is-- and that’s being civically engaged and making sure the community is taking care of.”

In the years since Mack left the group in 2005 after more than 35 years at the helm, financial issues have dogged the organization, leading not only to the sale of their headquarters in View Park and the loss of some other properties and programs, including the training centers they’d operated on Crenshaw Boulevard. Their current office space is in the Bakewell building thanks to the generosity of L.A. Sentinel publisher Danny Bakewell.

In past years, the L.A. Urban League had been the community’s bridge to corporate America.

“That networking connection,” adds Lawson, “is at the core of what the Urban League is about, but more important is identifying the problems and the deficiencies that need to be corrected in our communities and finding the resources to change them, using corporations as part of the solution. So, our workforce development programs differ from just job training programs because we have a partnership with one or more companies who have agreed to hire the people who are coming to programs they helped design.

“It's not just here's your training now go out try to find something. It’s here's your training and here's a job.’

We're also training people to run businesses that will employ more people in our current communities. We'd like to pivot more toward tech-type industries as well, making sure that our people know or are comfortable in the tech zone. We're still penciling in exactly what it is we want to be doing, but those are the broad strokes of what we want the organization to look like.”

Lawson will have no shortage of issues to tackle.

“Staying true to the Urban League's mission of economic empowerment is number one and that’s a function of workforce development and job training, —a function of the entrepreneurship issues, a function of looking at the systemic and institutional barriers to both the job training issues, and to our small and medium-sized businesses getting a piece of the enormous infrastructure contracts that are being let out in this city. Also making sure we have access to capital and access to credit that will allow us to take full advantage of it.

“On the education side, it is about trying to figure out how to make sure our young people are prepared for the 21st century and being cognizant of what is happening in our communities and how it's going to affect us. The legalization of cannabis —whether you are for or against—it is happening and there are more jobs in and around this industry than just the sale of it. Los Angeles is ground zero for how this is going to be rolled out and it's going to become a larger industry.

“At the same time, I don't want the cannabis industry to look like the alcohol industry—a cannabis store on every corner. We've got to manage our community in a way that makes us proud of it.”

Lawson scoffs at the notion that this opportunity to lead comes at a time in his life when he could just as surely be taking it easy.

“Being a black man in America you never get to take it easy. You put on your armor every day. John Mack built a very strong empire, both at the national and at the affiliate levels. There are a lot of corporations supportive of the Urban League, even while the Urban League was going through its problems. And while a lot of those corporations and foundations closed their checkbooks, they did not go away.

“As a national institution, the Urban League is strong and the L.A. chapter is a critical part of that strength.

The corporate community in Los Angeles wants us to not just survive, but to thrive. I came in to reassure them that we're going to get the Urban League back on track.”

URBAN LEAGUE PROGRAMS

In partnership with Walsh/Shea Construction, LAUL developed the Construction Career Information Center (CCIC) to provide a full range of self-service information including Career Pathways and introductions to the California Building Trades. Additionally, enrolled participants are eligible to receive support services in the form of transportation, union dues, and tools. Curricular topics include: Emotional Intelligence; Construction Math, Measurements and Knots; Interview Technique and Workplace Retention Skills.

In partnership with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE, pronounced “ NIFTY” ) and American Airlines, the Los Angeles Urban League offers a Summer Entrepreneurial Business Institute for students ages 12-18 who reside in Los Angeles County. “ BizCamp,” the two-week summer institute invites students to take a critical look at the needs of their community and then take action by developing an original business concept to positively create opportunity.

All of this leads up to the grand finale the presentation of their business plan in the hopes of receiving a cash award to be applied to the development of their business moving forward.

Los Angeles Urban League has partnered with Avisare to help level the playing field for small businesses to compete for government contracts.

This cloud-based procurement platform allows small businesses to spend less time on research and more time bidding on relevant opportunities from government agencies and Tier 1 contractors.

Bet Tzedek provides legal support to small business entrepreneurs to nurture talent and empower those who seek to build a better future in marginalized and underserved communities.

Los Angeles Urban League

Michael and Mattie Lawson

Game Changers: Cynthia Marshall SACRAMENTO, Calif. — While residing in the Easter Hill Village public-housing project in Richmond, Calif., during her younger days, Cynthia Marshall’s mother put two books in her hands — a publication of mathematics and the Bible to guide her through her life’s journey to success.

For a young person living less than 18 miles east of San Francisco, those two books became the important focal point of Marshall’s life and career in telecommunications. They lifted her out of despair and a constant element of crime.

Now that she is the Chief Executive Officer of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, the professional sports team is discovering how the books still play an integral role in the task she has acquired. Marshall is an effective problem solver and has a strong Christian faith.

“She put those two books in my hands at an early age and said, ‘If you keep your head in these books they will get you out of poverty,’” Marshall said of the advice given by her mother. “That’s what I did.

When people ask me what is the secret to your success, I tell them it’s those two books. I kept my head and eyes in both of them because that is what I was told to do.”

Today, Marshall, who retired from AT&T as its senior vice president of Human Resources and chief Diversity Officer, is not only the first Black female CEO of an NBA franchise, she is the first woman ever to hold the position.

Marshall was specifically brought in to address and subdue an alleged culture of sexual violations against women within the Mavericks’ organization.

Mavericks’ owner, Mark Cuban, announced that there would be in-house investigations, and then introduced Marshall as the interim CEO who would lead the independent review as well as provide solutions to ensure women work in a respectful environment. “The CEO interim tag has since been removed,” Marshall said.

Cuban’s decision to introduce Marshall into the corporate world of sports brings hope to other African Americans and

Mark Cuban saw the value and didn’t care if I was a man, woman, Black, White, or Asian. He didn’t care,” Marshall said. “He wanted somebody equipped to do a job and it just so happens he called upon a Black woman to do it.”

“

women who would like to follow her path.

“Mark Cuban saw the value and didn’t care if I was a man, woman, Black, White, or Asian. He didn’t care,” Marshall said.

“He wanted somebody equipped to do a job and it just so happens he called upon a Black woman to do it.”

Marshall's climb to leadership roles has been one of determination. She earned every position she attained since graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, where she was the first Black cheerleader on the campus and earned degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources Management.

She started at AT&T in 1981, holding positions in operations, human resources, networking, engineering, planning, and regulatory and external affairs. She was named senior vice president of Human Resources in 2012, and then was appointed Chief Diversity Officer as a dual role in 2015. Black Enterprise listed Marshall as one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in corporate America the same year. She retired from AT&T in 2017 to start her own consulting firm.

Cynthia Marshall spoke with California Black Media to touch on her duties and vision.

CBM: “After you took the CEO position for the Mavericks, you said that the ‘system failed’ under the previous leadership.

What parameters have you put in place and have you made any progress?”

Marshall: “Yes, we have made progress.

We put together a 100-day plan and we had to start with telling people that we are

Noted Civil Rights Activist Xernona Clayton To Be Honored At First Ladies High Tea Noted civil rights activist Xernona Clayton will be honored with the “Legacy Award” at the 21st Annual First Ladies High Tea. Clayton is the Founder, President and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc. and Creator and Executive Producer of the Foundation’s Trumpet Awards. The Trumpet Awards is a prestigious event highlighting African American accomplishments and contributions. Initiated in 1993

by Turner Broadcasting, the Trumpet Awards has been televised annually and distributed internationally to over 185 countries around the world.

Ms. Clayton began her television career in 1967 and became the south’s first Black person to have her own television show.

The Xernona Clayton show was a regular feature on WAGA-TV, CBS affiliate in Atlanta.

She was employed at Turner Broadcasting for nearly 30 years and in 1988 was appointed Corporate Vice President for Urban Affairs with Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. In this capacity, she directed internal and external projects for the Corporation, and served as liaison between Turner Broadcasting and civic groups in Atlanta and across the country.

Clayton moved to Atlanta in 1965 where she accepted a position with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and worked closely with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She also traveled extensively with Mrs. Coretta Scott King on her nationwide concert tours.

Dedicated to promoting racial understanding, Xernona Clayton has been a leader in civic projects and civil rights activities.

The First Ladies Tea—which celebrates the role women play in impacting their communities and the next generation of leaders—will be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, September 8, 2018.

about zero tolerance. We put together a ‘respect-in-the-workplace’ training, harassment training, updated our code of conduct, and I started sitting down with the employees one by one. One of the first things that I did was roll out a set of values and hashtags. The hashtags are #RespectAtWork and #PerfectOur CRAFTS. The C.R.A.F.T.S. are our values — character, respect, authenticity, fairness, teamwork, and safety. When I say safety, it’s physical and emotional safety.”

“Those are the things we are trying to model in the workplace. And of course, we’re rolling out new policies. We have brought in a new senior vice president of human resources, who is also a Black woman.”

“Our leadership team has gone from no women to at least five women and three people of color. We’re making progress and that matters only because diversity matters. All the research says you make better decisions when you have a diverse group at the table.”

CBM: “You said that you first declined the offer to work for the Mavericks. But then changed your mind after talking to a couple people within the organization. What changed?”

Marshall: “First of all, they were asking ‘are you the new woman who is our new boss and Mark Cuban’s new boss?’ I was like wow, for him to tell people that he’s already excited about me coming in. The smart man that he is, obviously, he already did his homework and felt that I could help with this issue. Then they told me that this was not a workplace that’s really inclusive of women the way it should be. We were addressing everything, including pay disparities, which I am happy that we don’t have a big gender disparity around pay. Some things were done right, but clearly, some things were not done right. So we’re changing that culture.

Those women said, ‘We need you. We absolutely need you. This place needs to focus more on women.’ We’re doing that.”

CBM: “Do you know that what you are doing could be a blueprint for the NBA, the entire league itself? How do you feel about

that?”

Marshall: “Exactly.

When NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called me to welcome me to the NBA, and he was so welcoming, to have him call me and send me a huge message that the whole league is watching and dedicated to getting this right, yes, hopefully, we can lay out a blueprint. So, if any other organization has an issue we can lay out the template on how to address it.”

CBM: Do you know what this opportunity could do for your career and others who want to follow your path from where you started to where you are now?”

Marshall: “You know, I worked for AT&T for 36 years. So now I am committed to this. But my ultimate dream is to lead a small college. Whether it be a rural college, Christian college or historic Black college. I want to lead an institution that needs a lot of help, where I can call upon all my friends to help for free, and that we can give those students a good education for free. That’s my vision.

Eye On Gospel Still On Top Multi-award winner Tasha Cobbs Leonard added two more honors to her already-impressive list last night at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. The acclaimed Motown Gospel powerhouse nabbed the title of Top Gospel Artist and Top Gospel Album (for Heart. Passion.

Pursuit.) at the star-studded awards show in Las Vegas, NV. Last week, Tasha Cobbs Leonard also earned her fifth BET Award nomination in the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational category. The winners will be announced at the 2018 BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA on June 24, 2018.

Cobbs Leonard's current single, "I'm Getting Ready" featuring Nicki Minaj, broke into the Top 10 at Gospel radio and is just one of the reasons the CD remains in the top ten (at #2 as of this printing) after 39 weeks on Billboard’s gospel charts. Another fan favorite, "Your Spirit" featuring Kierra Sheard, has over 26 million total views. With over 1 million views each week, "Your Spirit" has been one of the top 5-viewed videos in Christian & Gospel music for over a month. The award wins, nominations and chart successes and just the latest in a series of nonstop victories for Cobbs-Leonard's

historic August 2017 album which, in just 4 months of its release, became the highest-selling new gospel album and longest-running #1 album of 2017.

The Wins Keep Coming The wins keep coming for gospel superstar J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise. Hairston and his group received their first Billboard Music Award on Sunday for Top Gospel Song for the radio smash, "You Deserve It," which spent 24 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Gospel Digital Song sales chart. The song and the similarly titled album is the first project on Hairston's new imprint, JamesTown Music. Hairston was also named a winner of the 2018 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Award for "You Deserve It," which was among the top ASCAP songs on the 2017 year-end charts. Additionally, Hairston was elected as Governor to the Washington, D.C. Chapter Board of the Recording Academy. As the Governor of the chapter, his primary responsibilities include serving as an advisor to help chart the course for his Chapter's music community along with other Governors. "This is an exciting season for myself and Youthful Praise" says Hairston. "I'm excited about where God continues to take us and the ability to further His message and for that I'm truly grateful."

It's been a busy time for Hairston. He began the year with "You Deserve It" earning him his first GRAMMY® Award nomination. He also won 6 Stellar Gospel Music Awards this year. If all that wasn’t enough, Hairston just launched a new syndicated radio show, Youthful Praise with JJ Hairston, and he is preparing for the summer 2018 publication of his new book, "Amazing Love," with his wife, Trina. Long-range plans include the recording of his first Christmas EP Live on September 10th followed by a new album recording in January 2019.

Briefly: Smokie Norful, Marvin Sapp, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Regina Belle are among those set to pay tribute to Dottie Peoples as the Essence Festival celebrates the 10th Anniversary of their all star gospel tribute. Peoples’ iconic 40-plus career in music includes the

Dottie Peoples

1995 release of her classic album, On Time God…Donnie McClurkin is prepping for the recording of his fifth solo album live on June 25. The performance will be filmed by TBN Television at the Holyland Experience theme park in Orlando, Florida. McDonald’s has renewed its commitment to the community and gospel with its 12 Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. The nationwide concert series, which kicked off May 17 and runs through October 22, features recording artist/preacher Deitrick Haddon, choir master Ricky Dillard, contemporary artists, JJ Hairston, LeAndria Johnson and Todd Dulaney, as well as hip-hop gospel artist Canton Jones.

As with previous years, the tour will celebrate McDonald's continued devotion to Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®). At each stop, the national tour will raise a love offering to support families served by the Charity. In just the last five years, the love offering has raised nearly $800,000 to aid in helping families stay close when their children are ill, raising nearly a quarter of a million dollars in 2017 alone…Finally, Dr. James Forbes, Rev. Jasper Williams, Pastor John Hannah, Bishop Paul Morton, Prophet Todd Hall and Dr. John Adolph are among the prestigious lineup of preachers set to speak at the 51st Annual Convention of the Gospel Music Workshop of America in Atlanta, July 13 through July 20. Chaired by Rev. Albert Jamison, the GMWA is the largest gathering of gospel music professionals in the nation.

INSIDE HO L LY W OOD with Neily Dickerson When a project is titled, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO, you know you’re about to get the truth of their experience and in this instance, the Gospel is according to fashion icon, Andre Leon Talley.

The documentary, gives audiences an intimate look into the life of not only a fashion icon, but a living African American trailblazer who bridges a southern upbringing to the streets of Paris's high-end fashion industry.

Andre’s love for fashion developed early in his childhood and he walked the necessary steps to make him stand out in an industry where doors weren’t always open to Blacks.

Raised by his grandparents in North Carolina, Talley was nurtured by his grandmother who instilled a standard of excellence that he applied in every area of his life from a $50 a

stint for Andy W a r h o l ’ s Factory in New York City to Women’s Wear Daily to being named editor-atlarge at Vogue in 1998.

While waking his runway Talley experienced racism and was taunted by those who were probably threatened by his talent.

A god-father of sorts, when you’ve been given the A. L. T. seal of approval, you know you’ve made it.

Just ask Puffy, Rhianna, Will.i.am and who make appearances in the film and a host of others who seek him out for guidance and counsel. As a liaison Talley is responsible for introducing

Michelle Obama to designer, Jason Wu, who designed her inaugural gown.

Bravo to Kate Novak and the entire team for producing an inspiring film that deals with the good, bad, and ugly of Talley’s story. I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Novak and applauded her for sharing all of Mr. Talley in an amazing way. I told her I think they will be nominated for an Academy Award and WIN! Hats off to Talley for being vulnerable, sharing his truth, and being an example of how to maintain integrity in challenging situations. I love that the opening music to the film is, Kirk Franklin’s REVOLUTION, and that’s exactly waht you experience during the film.

Now do yourself a favor and go see, The Gospel According to Andre.Life Of The Party

DUE IN THEATERS THIS MONTH

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

OCEAN’S 8 June 8 Morgan Freeman Devastated Over Allegations Morgan Freeman is the latest actor to be caught up in the throes of the #metoo following the accusations levied against the Oscar –winning actor by eight women whose allegations include unwanted touching and inappropriate comments.

“I am devastated that 80 years of my life is at risk of being undermined, in the blink of an eye,” Freeman said of the accusations.

“All victims of assault and harassment deserve to be heard. And we need to listen to them. But it is not right to equate horrific incidents of sexual assault with misplaced compliments or

humor.

I admit that I am someone who feels a need to try to make women—and men—feel appreciated and at ease around me.

As a part of that, I would often try to joke with and compliment women, in what I

TAG June 15

SUPERFLY June 13

thought was a light-hearted and humorous way.

Clearly I was not always coming across the way I intended. And that is why I apologized Thursday and will continue to apologize to anyone I might have upset, however unintentionally. But I also want to be clear: I did not create unsafe work environments. I did not assault women. I did not offer employment or advancement in exchange for sex. Any suggestion that I did so is completely false.

Freeman has already felt the sting of the movement with word that Visa was cutting ties with their longtime spokesman and SAG-AFTRA was reportedly considering corrective actions.

Who Is Will Smith?

Will Smith is about to remind the world of “who Will Smith is”. At least that’s his take on the reasoning behind the new music he is about to record as he returns to the studio for the first time in more than a decade.

(His last album was released in 2005).

The 49-year old superstar sent the internet into a frenzy when he released a video teaser of him rapping in a clip that has already been viewed more than 5 million times.

At one point, he called out fans, admonishing them to “stop the divorce rumors and mind your own d--- business.”

He also rapped about the mega money he’s

UNCLE DREW June 29 made in Hollywood, which was cited as one of the things that kept him out of the studio.

"What happens is you get to a point where you get empty. Now, I'm excited. I'm reenergized. I'm creating wildly like I used to. I'm ready."

Power Gets Spin Off Earlier this year, Starz gave an early renewal to its hit show, Power— starring Omari Hardwick, with an order for the show’s sixth season.

Directing the premiere episode will be Curtis “50 cent” Jackson. But perhaps the biggest news tied to the show is that producers have a spin off in the offing that would star Larenz Tate, who joined the cast in season 4 in the role of Councilman Tate.

News of the spinoff comes from theJasmineBrand, which noted that Tate— best known for his roles in Menace II Society and Love Jones — would be joined by other Power cast members. Power—which premiered in 2014 and follows James St. Patrick, nicknamed “Ghost”, owner of “Truth”, a popular New York City nightclub.

While getting started as major player in one of the city’s biggest illegal drug networks, he working against the odds to go legit but finds himself caught in the middle of the two worlds.

Finally: It’s official Married To Medicine’s Quad Lunceford has filed for divorce and moved out of the family home. While the move was anticipated, that fact that she took all of the furniture apparently was not.

Estranged hubby Greg Lunceford promptly filed a motion of contempt with the court saying that the premarital property was removed without his knowledge or consent.

Q&A

Rihianni Hometown: Bridgetown, Barbados Big Break: # 1 Hit “SOS” in 2006 Current Projects: Ocean’s 8, ‘Fenty Beauty” Hailing from Barbados, Rihanna came to the states at the age of 17 to audition for Def Jam Recordings CEO, Jay Z-- who was absolutely certain about signing her after she performed her future hit single "Pon de Replay". Since then, her music career skyrocketed to iconic stardom selling over 10 million albums, charting 14 number one singles, and winning 9 Grammy awards-- remaining a permanent fixture of pop music thirteen years into her career. She’s also started her own cosmetic beauty line ‘Fenty Beauty’, and built herself into a fashion icon, receiving the Fashion Icon Award at Council of Fashion Designers of America Lately you’ve committed yourself to having a healthier work-life balance, how has that felt for you?

“I used to be a ‘next-moment’ person. Only now are things hitting me, like I’m feeling them emotionally. I used to feel unsafe right in the moment of an accomplishment — I felt the ground fall from under my feet because this could be the end. While everyone is celebrating, I’m on to the next thing. I don’t want to get lost in this big cushion of success. But now, mentally, just to be away from my phone, to be in the moment, that has been key for my growth. Now, when I come to work, I’m all in. Because before you know it, the years will go by. I’m glad I’m taking the time. I’m happy.”

In your experiences, what have been peoples’ reactions to being a young black woman with power in America? ‘‘You know, when I started to experience the difference — or even have my race be highlighted — it was mostly when I would do business deals. And that never ends, by the way. It’s still a thing. And it’s the thing that makes me want to prove people wrong. It almost excites me; I know what they’re expecting and I can’t wait to show them that I’m here to exceed those expectations. But I have to bear in mind that those people are judging you because you’re packaged a certain way — they’ve been programmed to think a black man in a hoodie means grab your purse a little tighter.

For me, it comes down to smaller issues, scenarios in which people can assume something of me without knowing me, just by my packaging.”

You’re a pluralist in every sense of the word. Did you always have these dreams to do so many things, in addition to being an artist?

“I’ve always been a dreamer.. or let’s just say I kept my options open. In my heart, I knew singing was gonna be in my future, but I considered psychology, hairdressing, banking, teaching, acting, modeling, aviation, and philanthropy. I just didn’t know I’d pretty much be doing all of these things eventually!”

Are you comfortable with the title ‘role model’?

“No. Because what society has made that title. It has become a title of perfection and that is something no one can achieve. I can’t say that I’ll get it right every time. I wish. I’m a work in progress. I want to set the right example and, at the same time, live my life. I feel like pop stars can't be rock stars anymore because they have to be role models, and it takes the fun out of it for us, because we just want to have fun with art.”

Calendar of events

Ongoing On Stage: The Color Purple (Through June 17) Check for tickets and show times Hollywood Pantages Theatre 6233 Hollywood Blvd Contact: (323) 468-1770 www.hollywoodpantages.com

Friday, June 1 Newport Beach Jazz Festival Featuring Kenny Lattimore, The Commodores, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing and more (Through June 3) Check for show times and tickets Hyatt Regency Newport Beach 1107 Jamboree Rd Box Office: (949) 360-7800 www.festivals.hyattconcerts.com KIIS FM Wango Tango Featuring Ariana Grande, Backstreet boys, Shawn Mendes, Miguel, NF, Logic, Janelle Monae and more 6:30 pm • Prices Vary Banc of California Stadium 3939 South Figueroa Street Contact: (818) 559-2252

Saturday, June 2 Community Wealth Building Day Features home buying workshops, mortgage counseling, down payment assistance and more…

Special Guest: Mayor Aja Brown 11:30am – 4:30pm • Free

Greater Zion Church Family 2408 N. Wilmington Avenue Compton

2301 No. Highland Avenue Contact: (323) 850-2000 www.hollywoodbowl.com

Sunday, June 3

Community Job Fair 10:00 am – 1:00 pm • Free 8220 S. San Pedro Street Information: (323) 334-6766 personalinvolvementcenter.org

Los Angeles River Ride Great day of bicycling fun, exploration, a post-ride expo, a raffle, live music, and more 7:00 am • $50 The Autry Museum 4700 Western Heritage Way Info: (323) 667 – 2000 Ridewithgps.com

Monday, June 4 In Concert: Maroon 5 (Through June 5) 7:30PM • $40-170 3900 W. Manchester Blvd Contact: (310) 330-7300 www.fabulousforum.com

Coffee With A Cop Coffee & conversation with your neighborhood PD 8:00 am – 10:30am • Free Kaiser Permanente Baldin HillsCrenshaw medical Offices 3782 W. ML King Jr. Blvd Information: (323) 574-4159 Coffeewithacop.com

In Concert: Kevin Hart 8PM • $35 - $250 Hollywood Bowl

L.A. Focus/June 2018

Actress Gina Torres attending the royal wedding in a beautiful lace sheer dress by Costarellos

16

carn the red vie o s m a li e Wil rs mo Billy De Star Wa Solo: A e les e th g t n a A pet e in Los premier

Holman CDC’s 2018 Quiet Champion Awards Luncheon Honoring James T. Butts Mayor of Inglewood & Lawrence Frank 11:30AM – 2:30PM • $100 Millenium Biltmore Hotel 506 S. Grand Avenue Information: (323) 731-0140 www.holmanumc.com

40th Annual Playboy Jazz Fest M.C.: George Lopez Featuring Anthony Hamilton, Lee Ritenour, the Ramsey Lewis Quintet, Jazmine Sullivan, Tower of Power and more (Through Sunday, June 10) 3PM • $23 - $176 Hollywood Bowl 2301 No. Highland Avenue Contact: (323) 850-2000 www.hollywoodbowl.com 2018 3rd Annual People Power Convention Sponsored by the

EvENT SPOTLIGHT Sunday, June 17 16th Annual HUF Awards and Scholarship Brunch Presented by Judge Mablean 12PM-4:00PM • $90 Long Beach Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom 701 W. Ocean Blvd Long Beach 90831 Information: (323) 664- 5325 www.hufawards.com

Donald G lover in a ttendance Solo: A S at the tar Wars movie pre miere in Los An geles

ar at the Solo: A St Christina Milian les ge iere in Los An Wars movie prem

Saturday, June 9

Lula Washington Dance Theatre

Wednesday, June 6

Thursday, June 7

Friday, June 8

Choreography and dance with IGNITE as part of its Ford series 8:30 pm • $25 Ford Theatre 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard Information: (323) 461- 3673 www.fordtheatres.org

Salt-n-Peppa performed at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, NV

Karen Gibson & The Kingdom Choir;The British Gospel Choir hailing from South East England performed “Stand

By Me” at the Royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Community Coalition 9:00pm-3:00pm • Free Los Angeles Trade Technical College 400 West Washington Boulevard Information: www.eventbrite.com 22nd Annual Real Men Talk Father’s Day Brunch Hosted by Bible Enrichment Int’l 10:00am- 1:00pm • $60 Four Points By Sheraton Los Angeles Westside 5990 Green Valley Circle Info: (310) 330-4700

Tuesday, June 12 AARP Careversations On Caregiving Harold & Belle’s 2920 W. Jefferson Blvd Contact: (866) 740-6947 local.aarp.org

Wednesday, June 13 FAME Revival 2018 First AME Church of LA 2270 S. Harvard Blvd Contact: (323) 735-1251 www.famechurch.org

Saturday, June 16 In Concert: Diana Ross 8PM • $26-101 Hollywood Bowl 2301 No. Highland Avenue Contact: (323) 850-2000 www.hollywoodbowl.com Booking Signing: Michael Eric Dyson Free • 4-6PM Holman UMC 3320 West Adams Blvd Info: (323) 731-0140 www.holmanumc.com FCBC Burnt Offerings BBQ Competition 10:00am • $1- $50 Faithful Central Bible Ch 321 N. Eucalyptus Avenue Information: Pastor Bob Gaye (310) 330-8000 bfgay@faithfamily.org

Monday, June 18 West Angeles Church Annual Golf Tournament 10:00am- 7:00pm • $125 California Country Club 1509 S. Workman Mill Rd Info: (323) 733-8300 Westa.org

Dance & Drumming Grab a drum and explore one of Brazil’s most popular cultural expressions the samba!

7pm • Free Ford Theatre 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard Info: (323) 461- 3673 www.fordtheatres.org

Tuesday, June 19 BBA’s 2018 Salute To Black Music Awards Gala Honorees include Dr. Mike Davis and Siedah Garrett 6PM • $175-350 California African American Museum Info: (323) 291-9334 www.bbala.org

Thursday, June 21 BET Experience (Through Sunday, June 24) Featuring Chris Brown, Sza, Ludacris, Rae Sremmurd, Nas, LL Cool J, Ne- Yo and more. Pl;us Award show honoring some of the music industry’s biggest names 7:00pm • Prices vary Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa

www.betexperience.com In Concert: Wale $14.50 – 24.50 • 9:30pm 800 W. Olympic Blvd www.thenovodtla.com

Friday, June 22 Chocolate And Art Show Live Body Painting, vendors, Live music, face painting and free chocolate (Through June 23) 7:00pm – 2:00am • $15-20 The Vortex 2341 East Olympic Blvd ChocolateandArtshow.com

Saturday, June 23 Tapestry Women’s Fellowship Personal and interactive sharing of experiences thru the process of redemption 10:00am-1:00pm • Free Bible Enrichment Fellowship Int’l Church 400 E. Kelso Street Info: (310) 330 – 4700 www.bamcm.org

stages, over 100 vendors 1:00pm – 7:00 pm • Free Main Street/Santa Monica www.santamonica.com In Concert: Kevin Gates 9:00pm • $65 The Novo 800 West Olympic Blvd www.thenovodtla.com

Tuesday, June 26 Workshop: Point of Access: The fundamentals of Art Collecting Free • 7-9PM California African American Museum 600 State Drive • RSVP (213) 744-2024 www.caamuseum.org AARP Tek: Intro to iPhone, Beginner Workshop Learn how to get the most from your mobile devices Free • 10AM Center for Sustainable Communities 1051 W. Rosecrans Avenue Compton Contact: (866) 740-6947 local.aarp.org

around los angeles Jam Session: Samba

Ne-Yo rocking a crimson double breasted suit by Clavin Klein at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, NV

18th Annual Main Street Summer Soulstice Live music, 18 bands, 5

Friday, June 29 West Hollywood’s 18th Annual Diversity Employment Career Day Fair 11:00 am – 3:00 pm • Free Fiesta Hall Conference at Plummer Park 7377 Plummer Park www.citycareerday.com

Saturday, June 30 In Concert: Smokey Robinson 7:30pm • $35 - 175 The Greek Theatre 2700 N. Vermont Avenue www.lagreektheatre.com

Sunday, July 1 Reggae Night with Beres Hammond, Alpha Blondy and Protoje 7PM • $22 - $124 Hollywood Bowl 2301 No. Highland Avenue Contact: (323) 850-2000 www.hollywoodbowl.com

Thursday, June 28

itment as he Terry Crews shows exc at the DeadPool 2 walked the red carpet movie premiere

French Montana attend ed the DeadPool2 movie premier in Los Angeles

L.A. Focus/ June 2018

Officer Bozoma Uber’s Chief Brand the Billboard Saint John attends s Vegas, NV Music Awards in La

Sunday, June 24

In Concert: Janelle Monae 7:30pm • $60 The Greek Theatre 2700 N. Vermont Avenue www.lagreektheatre.com

17

Re d Carpet Style

ENVOGUE coordinated and looking radiant in shimmering long metallic gowns.

A night of #women empowerment as stars arrived on the red carpet at the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV

JANET JACKSON in a mint green tulle skirt by Rami Kodi, white t-shirt & belt.

TYRA donned a black velvet ruffle dress by Marc Bouwer.

CIARA is sizzling in a silvery beaded backless gown by Julien MacDonald

Through the Storm

T

KEITH DELAWDER Staff Writer

Beating Breast Cancer Together

African American women are dying of breast cancer at a rate of 40% higher than white women-- even though the occurence rate of breast cancer among black women is on par with their white counterparts.

According to Shyrea Thompson, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at renowned breast cancer research and advocacy group Susan G. Komen, much of the battle is fought through education and awareness-- where there has recently been some great improvements.

“In the past women of color we diagnosed at a higher rate, and still died at higher rates,” says Thompson.

“Over time we've seen diagnosis rates level to the same as white women which means that black women have heard the message about going and getting screened and having their mammograms.”

But that’s only half the battle, says Thompson, “Now we need to close the gap in getting black women to live.

There are barriers that we know exist that prevent black women from coming back and finishing their treatments after diagnosis which could be institutional hurdles, financial difficulties, or fear. So it's our job to figure out what we can do to help break these barriers and get black women into and through treatment so we can see the numbers of deaths go down.”

To help combat this systemic problem, Shyrea Thompson and her team at Susan B. Korman and the AD Council, is launching a new ad campaign called “Know Your Girls” to educate and inspire black women to understand their risk for breast cancer and take charge of their breast health. The campaign features music from Alicia Keys and voice-over narration from actress and breast cancer survivor Vanessa Bell Calloway, delivering a powerful narrative of self knowledge for black women.

“When the ad was pitched I was literally in tears,” recalls Thompson. “I think it's creating an opportunity for us to see ourselves in a way that we are not often represented-- from all body shapes and sizes, the hues and the hair types. I think we've had a chance to flip the script on how we often see campaigns for our community which may not reflect the voice of the community.

“I think it celebrates what the black community does well, and it's not telling us, yet again, something else we're dying of. It really sums up what our goal was.”

Along with empowering the individuals to be more conscious of their breast health, the “Know Your Girls” campaign aims to fight systemic problems within health institutions that hinder black women from being able to get the care they need.

“We lead what's called the African-American Health Equity Initiative, and it’s one of the Susan G. Komen's key pillars for achieving our big goals-- to achieve health equity for all people. And when you talk about equity it's not the same as equality, where everybody gets the same things. We’ve known for decades people have been discriminated against, done historical injustices on, marginalized, all of which have led to the reasons why we are dying more.

“We're hoping this not only starts a conversation, but empowers black women to go face the fear, and deal

“

NOW WE NEED TO CLOSE THE GAP IN GETTING BLACK WOMEN

TO LIVE.. IT’S OUR JOB TO FIGURE OUT

WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP BREAK BARRIERS TO GET BLACK WOMEN TO AND THROUGH TREATMENT SO WE CAN SEE THE NUMBERS OF DEATHS GO DOWN“

with the institution where there might be institutional bias against black patients,” says Thompson.

“With the support they've been able to get through the “Know You Girls” campaign, working through the system and providing a better understanding how to advocate for themselves and share that information with their community and their family, we can then shift our own behavior.

“Now in the community, we're fixing the problems together and we're empowering each other to keep that action going. That's really how you get to the mortality reduction, because it's not just holding accountable the system issues, we've also got to make sure that we take our sisters with us as well.”

Along with TV, radio, and an online platform, “Know Your Girls” is going even further to accomplish its goals of bringing breast cancer awareness to black women by taking to the streets in local communities through their “Know Your Girls Day Out” program.

“The campaign is interesting because we are taking something that traditionally feels like marketing and leveraging it as an outreach tour,” Thompson says.

“We have a ten cities initiative where we’re going into the communities and reaching people where they live, work, play and pray, giving them the resources and tools that have been made through the campaign to actually impact not only the way they get through the healthcare system, but also the healthcare providers themselves.

“We really do believe “Know Your Girls” speaks the language of black women, and we’re using it in a way they can access. If you’re someone who isn’t going to see us on TV or social media, we’re going to be at your church and we’re going to make sure to get the information in your hands.”

Shyrea knows first hand the the trials of having someone you love go through the crisis of finding a tumor, and teaches that the first line of defence is having healthy and open dialogues within your family.

“When my sister was 13 she found a lump,” Thompson recalls. “For a number of years my mother had different lumps and they were all benign.

Fortunately for my sister, hers were benign as well, but we went through the whole journey together as sisters and moms. We thank God that they were benign, but it started the conversation in our house. It also helped that our mother worked in healthcare so she openly talked about those things.

“Now with my children, I’ve been talking about my “girls” with my girls all my life. That’s the norm at our house.”

Between healthy dialog, educational efforts, access to screens and mammograms, and persistent treatment, Shyrea wants communities of color to know that breast cancer is beatable.

“Our big message for the campaign is that breast cancer is not a death sentence. When we launched we wanted to make sure that we had survivors at the forefront to show that people can continue to live happy, productive lives after getting diagnosed. I see woman who are diagnosed at 16 and again at 34 and are still living.

I see woman who have survived 12 years with their breast cancer and are able to watch their children grow up. I get to see these stories everyday, but the reality is that most black women don’t. If we’re not talking about the fact that we have cancer, you’re never in a position to hear that you’re Aunt who you’ve known your whole life has had cancer, but maybe through fear or shame, didn’t want to share. That’s why “Know Your Girls” is so important-- what we’re trying to do is get people to sit down at the table, share a meal together, and talk about their health history.”

www.lafocusnewspaper.com

Big Price on Shaq’s Big Florida House Pro basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal has put his 28-room lakefront mansion near Orlando, Florida on the market at $28 million. A longtime Orlando-area resident shortly after he was the #1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic, Shaq played for the Magic from 1992 to 1996 before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers for $121 million. At the end of the contract he returned to Florida in 2004 to play for the Miami Heat, then played for several other teams before retiring in 2011. O'Neal now spends most of his time in Atlanta where he works as an analyst for TNT on “Inside the NBA.”

Shaq’s massive Lake Butler estate within the private golf community of Isleworth, about 20 minutes southwest of Orlando's resorts and amusement parks, is sized to feel spacious to a man of 7’1” weighing in at 325 pounds. Completely customized to fit his varied lifestyle, it is not surprising that one outstanding feature is an indoor 6,000-square-foot basketball court with bleachers. Unusual extras include two garages that together will fit 17 cars, one a show-car garage with fitness center and the other having a dance studio and an enclosed recording studio, recalling his rap music hits of the 1990s.

Measuring in at 31,000 square feet and spread across the entire three acres, Shaq's mansion includes 12 bedrooms, 15 baths, chef’s kitchen with Viking, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, massive living room, formal dining, media room with bar and a “gentleman’s room” with game tables, and wet bar. The master wing has a bedroom with Shaq's custom 15-foot round bed, a four-room closet and his-and-her baths.

The guest wing has its own great room with bar and five ensuite bedrooms. Some unusual rooms include a temperature-controlled, cedar-planked humidor and wine storage and an aquarium-style room with saltwater triangular fish tank. Most impressive is the wall mural of a true-tosize tractor trailer barreling toward the interior of the room on an expressway.

With the front cab bumped out of the wall, the realism is electrifying.

The grandeur doesn’t stop with the interior. Shaq nicknamed his party-perfect outdoor area “Shaq-apulco” quite aptly.

The 95-foot long swimming pool seems to go on forever and has a large waterfall spilling over boulders. It includes a swimup bar and a spa large enough for a crowd.

The pool deck also has an extensive outdoor kitchen, all of which looks out over Lake Butler, the long private pier with boathouse and the life-size statue of Shaq’s favorite character, Superman, standing at the end overlooking the lake.

Roseanne continued from page 6 find another way to work together down the road.”

Sherwood went on to characterize what had transpired as a powerful reminder of the importance of words in everything we do…And the responsibility of using social media—and all of our programs and platforms—with careful thought, decency and consideration.”

Barr has continued to explain away the tweet, calling the incident a misunderstanding, but realizing that the joke was in bad taste.

“What I meant was she is like the character in the movie-who controls human beings, prevents their uprising. I am still sorry 2 have offended my black fans even if misunderstood tweet, and I was impaired. 2 am tweeting bad jokes. I do not forgive myself.”

Those who have chosen to stand with Barr and come to her defense—including firebrand radio talk show host and author Larry Elder—believe that the comedienne has been treated unfairly.

“If Barr honestly thought Jarrett was white, this changes the debate,” Elder wrote.

Barr closed out the tweet storm issuing yet another apology and prayers for the healing “of our divided nation.”

At press, she was reportedly seeking to get the personal phone number of Valerie Jarrett so she could personally apologize to her, tweeting “I can speak respectfully 2 those w whom I disagree.”

Backlash Ensues as The Obamas and Netflix Partner On Multi-Year Production Deal Aimed at Stopping Political Divisiveness Popular video streaming service Netflix announced this week that they have reached an agreement with Barack and Michelle Obama to produce original content.

According to the company, “the Obama’s will produce a diverse mix of content, including the potential for a scripted series, un scripted series, docuseries, documentaries and features.”

Although no timeline for release has been specified, according to a person involved in the deal the first content could appear in 2019.

"We hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world," Barack Obama said in a statement.

The former president and first lady will be both on camera as hosts or moderators, and behind the scenes as produces.

"Netflix's unparalleled service is a natural fit for the kinds of stories we want to share, and we look forward to starting this exciting new partnership," Michelle Obama added.

The Obama’s are looking to use the platform, which has over 125 million subscribers worldwide, to tell stories with the goal of combating the political divisiveness that has plagued the current political climate.

"I continue to believe that if we are hearing each other's stories and recognizing ourselves in each other, then our democracy works," he stated. "We are all human. I know this sounds trite, and yet, right now globally we have competing narratives." Obama said there's "a clash in the two ways of seeing the world" that can result in partisanship and people feeling threatened.

Despite their noble intentions, partisan backlash in the form of the resur-

Walter Williams continued from page 7 And what has it meant for us? Plus, the president you told us to hate has our unemployment rate near a record low."

It turns out that it's black votes that count more to black and white politicians than black well-being, black academic excellence and black lives. As for black politicians and civil rights leaders, if they're going to sell their people down the river to keep Democrats in power, they ought to demand a higher price.

Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. To find out more about Walter E. Williams and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.

Manny Otiko continued from page 7 which should be enough to kill her credibility. Jones has spent years denying that the Sandy Hook school shooting existed until he was sued by the parents of the children killed at the school.

African-Americans turning against West isn’t about group think. People are not rejecting him because he’s dallying with Republicans. They’re turning against him because he’s allying with racists and he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. It’s not about left or

rected #BoycottNetflix hashtag and treats from twitter users who claim to hold stock in the company-- saying that they would sell their shares, rose in the wake of the announcement. Boosted by right-wing blogs, some of the more popular #BoycottNetflix tweets have garnered thousands of likes and shares, with one Twitter user writing, “I’ll read my bible instead.”

While protests against Netflix have been making noise, experts say that it is unlikely that they will have any long term consequences for the company citing research that suggests the opposition will remain in a narrow echo chamber and digital audiences have a short attention span and even shorter memories.

In what has been the busiest week for the Obama’s since leaving the White House, Michelle Obama also revealed the cover of her upcoming memoir entitled Becoming, set for publication in November.

Becoming chronicles Obama’s life “from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address,” according to her publisher.

right, it’s about right or wrong.

But good luck to Republicans with their embrace of Kanye. He’s a loose cannon and when he explodes again, it’s going to be your problem.

Manny Otiko is a media professional who is based in Southern California.

Follow him @mannyotiko on Twitter.

This column represents the views of the author, not California Black Media.

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ChurchNews Big Changes For United Methodists Grace and Holman to Get New Pastors

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fter 40 years, Pastor Paul Hill is stepping down as senior pastor at Grace United Methodist Church.

Said Hill, “It has been a joyous life-giving journey to be engaged in ministry across these past 40 years. God has blessed me and my family with the privilege of leading 5 congregations of people in ministries in Los Angeles, Fort Worth, and Dallas. I have been privileged to share the Word of God in a variety of Congregations as we have sought to love and bless people as they have love and blessed us. Besides ministry in the local churches, we have been able to engage in some extraordinary works-among them HIV/AIDS education, a mentoring program called the "Freedom School", feeding people who find themselves living in the streets of the Los Angeles area, preparing second career persons for our pastoral ministry and local churches, and engaging people in social justice ministry.”

UMC West District Superintendent Mark Nakagawa tried talking Hill out of retirement but said he wouldn’t listen.

“We hate to see him go, but he deserves it!,” said Nakagawa. “Pastor Hill has been an exemplary figure not only for Grace United Methodist, but the communities he's served in every congregation he's lead."

Perhaps the most surprising news in the United Methodist Church is the impending departure of Pastor Kelvin Sauls.

Said Nakagawa", Reverend Sauls will be leaving Holman United Methodist church after six years. The yet to be named replacement will be announced in the forth coming weeks.'

Bethany Baptist Church of West L.A. Breaks Ground On New Charter School Bethany Baptist Church of West Los Angeles recently celebrated its 60th anniversary with a two-day celebration which highlighted the work of the Church’s community based organization, the Baldwin Bethany Community Development Corporation (BBCDC).

The celebration kicked off with a ground-breaking ceremony and reception with Bright Star Charter Schools. The school, Stella Middle Charter Academy, will be located on the Bethany Baptist Church campus in the Baldwin Village / Crenshaw Community and will have an enrollment of 500 students. The multi-million-dollar construction project will begin in July of this year and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2019.

Assembly member Kamlager – Dove stated, “Bethany Baptist Church of West Los Angeles has been an amazing partner in the South LA community and has shown the importance of merging the faith based community with education and family, and so the ground-breaking ceremony and the commitment to Stella Middle School really is another example of why it is so important to make sure we are connecting family to education and church”.

Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center Consolidated Plaza: 3725 Don Felipe Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90008 Corprate Office: 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 2A, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 295-5571 www.agapela.org Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Founder & Senior Pastor Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word Bethany Baptist Church of West LA 4115 W. Martin L. King Jr. Bl • LA 90008 (323) 296-7223 Dr. L.A. Kessee, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 8am •11:00am Sunday School: 9:45am Communion, First Sundays 6:00pm Prayer Service: 10:00am www.bethanywla.com

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Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm

Grace Temple Baptist Church 7017 South Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192 Bishop Miquail M. Broadous Sr., Senior Pastor Morning Worship: 9:30am Wednesday Worship: 6:30pm - 7:00pm L.I.F.E. Groups: 8:45am E-Mail: gtbcla@gmail.com 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 & 7:00pm Fri. Alcoholic Anonymous: 7:00pm 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 Pastor Dwaine Jackson

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

Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:15 am Bible Study (Tues): Noon Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 6:00pm

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: 10:00am Early Worship: 8:00am Morning Worship: 10:00am Mon. Centering Prayer/Meditation: 6:30pm Mon. Overeaters Anonymous: 7:00pm Wed. Bible Study & Eucharist: 7:00pm Wed. Alcoholic Anonymous: 7:00pm E: cgshepherd4041@sbcglobal.net Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 www.christianfellowshipla.org Pastor James K. McKnight Sun. Early Worship: 8:00am Prayer Meeting: 10:30am Morning Worship: 11:00am Wed. Afternoon Bible Study: 1:00pm Wed. Prayer Meeting: 6:00pm Wed. Evening Bible Study: 7:00pm View Pastor McKnight’s Sermons on YouTube

Sunday Service: 9:45am Bible Study (Tue): 11:00am & 7:00pm Tue. Night Children’s Ministry: 7:00pm Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7:00pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7:00pm

Pastor Shep Crawford of the Experience Christian Ministries, a church nestled between two rival gang areas in South Los Angeles teamed up with well-known and well-respected gang member/gang prevention counselor, Parie “Blue” Dedeaux of the Avalon Crips to host a symposium style discussion in an effort the promote peace in the community. Joining them on the panel was well-known rival gang members, respected “OG’s” and

Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Senior Pastor

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South L.A. 10905 S. Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 566.5286 Pastor Reginald A. Pope Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 8am • 11am Children’s Church: 11am (2nd/4th Sundays) Evangelism Training/Bible Study/Independent Prayer: (Mon): 7:29pm Mobile Prayer/Bible Study: (Wed) 11am Book by Book Bible Study (Wed.): 6:30pm

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

ECM Ministry Hosts Gang Symposium to Promote Peace

Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027

First AME Church (FAME) 2270 South Harvard Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-1251 • F: (323) 735-3353 • www.famechurch.org Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, Senior Pastor/CEO Sunday School: 10:00am Worship: 8:00am, 10:00am, Noon Teen Church (2nd Sundays):Noon,Allen House Wed. Prayer Service: Noon Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm Radio: 10:30am on KJLH-102.3FM First AME is the oldest Black Church in the City

Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-7285 • F: (323) 731-2609 • www.holmanumc.com Rev. Kelvin Sauls Sunday School: 9:30am(Youth) & 9:45(Adult) Sunday Worship: 8am and 11am Morning Worship: 11:00am Bible Study (Thurs.): Noon Sun. Radio: KJLH 102.3FM: 11:00am Praise and Worship: 2nd Wednesdays 6:30pm8:00pm Jazz for the Soul: 4th Wed’s 6:30pm-8:00pm Gather, Grow, Go and Live The Gospel Jesus Christ

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 Church School: 9:00am Morning Worship: 10:30am & 12:30pm Wed. Bible Study: noon & 6:30pm Prayer Meeting: 6:00pm Follow us on Twitter @dacrossculture www.thecrossculture.org Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of LA, Inc. 4269 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 Rev. Melvin V. Wade, Sr. Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:45am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Mid-Week Worship (Wed): 7:00pm Bible Study (Wed.): 8:00pm

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: 8:00am, 11:00am Discipleship Hour (Sun): 9:37am Noonday Prayer (Mon): Noon Noonday Bible Study (Tue): 12:00pm Tuesday Night in the Truth: 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. 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

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

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

People’s Independent Church of Christ 5856 West Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 296-5776

Sunday Early Morning Worship: 8:00am Sunday School: 9:30 am Morning Worship: 11:00am Tuesday Prayer and Bible Band: 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30pm Wednesday in the Word: 7:30pm

Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7:00pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am

Sundays: Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study & Mid Week Worship: Noon & 7:00pm Prayer Meeting: 6:30pm

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: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed: Prayer Bible Study: 6:00 - 6:55 pm Mon. Night Bible Study: 7:00pm Tue Choir Rehersal Wednesday Prayer: Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7pm Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7:00pm Thurs. Evangelism: 7:00pm (enrollment required) St. Matthew Tabernacle of Praise “The S.T.O.P.” 1740 West 59th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90047 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 56608, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 291-1115 • F: (323) 293-0471 Rev. C.Barry Greene, Pastor Sunday Worship Service: 8:00am PrayerLine: (Tuesday & Wednesday): 6:00am WordLine (Tuesday): 7:00pm ( (712) 775-7031 Access Code: 814352108) E: thechurchstop@yahoo.com pastorcbgreene@aol.com

CHURCHES CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES AND REVIVALS OR OPPORTUNITIES

PEOPLE’S INDEPENDENT CHURCH OF CHRIST

GRACE TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH

“The First Community Church of Los Angeles” (Non-Denomination) Founded 1915

Seeking a Pastor Now accepting Resumes Qualifications: Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Theology from 4-year accredited Seminary or University Licensed and Ordained Minister of the Gospel Submit Cover Letters and Resumes to: People’ s Independent Church of Christ c/o Deacon Samuel Cooper 5856 West Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90043

“Formerly Shepherded By The Late Bishop Miquail Broadous Sr.”

Seeking a Pastor Now Accepting Applications and Resumes LOOKING TO RELOCATE ?

Loretta R. Theus Realtor 1845 Precinct Line Road #206 Hurst, TX 76054 (469) 744-6836 (Cell) (817) 577-9004 (Fax) lorettatheus54@gmail.com

Deadline: June 30, 2018

Qualifications: Licensed Ordained Minister of The Gospel of Jesus Christ Experienced In Teaching and Preaching To receive an application packet please do the following: Send an email request to P.S.CGTBC@gmail.com or call the church office at (323) 971-8192 Submit all applications to: Grace Temple Baptist Church Pulpit Search Committee c/o Linda Broadous Miles 7017 South Gramercy Place Los Angeles, CA 90047

Deadline: June 30, 2018

New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 402 E. El Segundo Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90061 (310)324-0644 • F: (310) 769-1287 Rev. Sonja Dawson, Senior Pastor • Rev. Lonnie Dawson, Sr., Founder (1962 - 2010) Morning Worship: 7:30am & 10:45am Sunday School: 9:45am Wed. Prayer/Bible Study: Noon Pastor’s Bible Study: 7:00pm

One Church International 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • www.onechurchla.org Sr. Pastor Toure’ Roberts Sunday Worship: 9:00am, 11:00am & 1:00pm Wednesday Midweek Service: 8pm www.Channel1Live.tv—View live streaming

Pastor’s Bible Class & Sunday School: 8am Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Prayer: 7:00pm Tues. Bible Study: 8:00pm

www.pleasanthillbaptistchurch.org

Praises of Zion Baptist Church (“Praise City”) 8222 So. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003 (323) 750-1033 • F: (323) 750-5458 • www.pozlive.com Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, Sr. Pastor Early Morning Worship: 6:45am Educational Hour: 9:15am Mid-Morning Worship: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 7:00pm Sunday Morning Broadcast: 5:30am Live Streaming Sundays: 12:00pm Price Chapel AME Church 4000 W. Slauson Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-2406 • pricechapel@sbcglobal.net Rev. Benjamin Hollins Sunday Worship Service: 10:00am Sunday School: 8:30am Power Lunch Bible Study (Wed): 11:00am Praise & Worship Bible Study (Wed): 6:30pm

Southern Saint Paul Church 4678 West Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 731-2703 • smbc@smbcla.org Rev. Xavier L. Thompson, Senior Pastor/Teacher Corporate Prayer: 8:30am L.I.F.E. Groups: 9:45am Morning Worship Service: 11:15am Baptism & Communion (First Sunday): 4:00pm Pastoral Bible Study (PBS)Wednesdays:7:00pm North Campus: Worship Service: 8:00am 11137 Herrick Av • Pacoima 91331 (818) 899-8031 st.paul@smbcla.org •“Loving People Making Disciples” Trinity Baptist Church 2040 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-0044 • F: (323) 735-0219 Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship: 7:30 & 10:30am Sunday Church School: 9:00am Radio Broadcast KJLH FM: 9:00am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: Noon-7:00pm www.trinitybaptistchurchofla.org UpLift Christian Fellowship 4745 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90056 (310) 927-3476 • www.upliftla.org Pastor Anthony Thompson Sunday Worship: 10:00am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm

L.A. Focus/ June 2018

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

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: 8:00am Morning Worship: 10:00am Tues. Bible Study: 11:00am Wed. Evangelism Class: 6:30pm First Sun. Holy Communion Service: 4:00pm

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Victory Baptist Church 4802 South McKinley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 231-2424• Pastor Dr. W. Edward Jenkins

Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center In Altadena 2556 N. Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001 (626) 797-3585 • F: (626) 797-3233 • www.lifelinefcc.org Pastor Charles D. Dorsey Sunday School: 9:00am Early Worship (Glory Prayer): 8:00am Morning Worship: 10:30am Evening Worship (1st & 2nd Sun.): 5:00pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm

Sunday School: 10:45 am Morning Worship: 9:00am Bible Study Wednesday:Noon Radio Sundays: KPRO 1570AM: 9:00pm

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

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

Sunday School: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm www.wellerstreetlive.com

Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:45am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Noon Day Bible Class: 12:30pm Wed. Bible Class: 7:30pm

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

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

www.westa.tv

Sunday School: 8:00am & 10:30am Early Worship: 8:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Evening Worship (North Campus): 7:00pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7:00pm Sun. Radio Broadcast KJLH 102.3FM: 10:00am

In Carson

Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church 1249 East Carson Street • Carson, CA 90745 (424) 287-2809 Pastor Quentin T. Oden Sunday School: 9:00am Sunday Worship Service: 10:00am Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Facebook live Sundays at: Triedstonembcla 11:15am “Where the father leads, we will follow...” www.triedstonembcla.org

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: 9:00am Morning Service: 10:45am Wed. Mid-Week Bible Study: 7:00pm

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: 9:00am, 11:00am & 5:00pm Wed. Bible Studies: Noon-7:00pm www.greaterzionchurchfamily.com

Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, P.O. Box 5449, Compton 90220 (310) 604-5900 Fax: (310) 604-5915 Dr. Ron C Hill Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:30am Sunday Evening Worship: 6:30pm Bible Studies: Wed. 7:30pm & Sat. 9am Food for Your Soul Radio & Television Ministry: beblessedwebradio: Mon - Fri. 6:30am Church Channel: Tues. 5:30pm & Fri. 2:30pm

Pastor Profile: Ivan Pitts Church: Second Baptist Santa Ana How Many Years At Church: 5 Home Town: Los Angeles Family: Wife Tanishe, four children How did you first get the call to the ministry?

The short answer is, God tricked me. I really believe that I had a clear calling at age 12 but I didn’t know what to do with it, and who to talk to. So for the next 15 years, I completely ignored it-- and even tried to live a life that would “uncall” thee. I wasn’t into drugs or gang banging, but a little of everything else. I was just a little menace. I was always around the smoke, you may not have seen the fire but the brother was always smelling like smoke. In college, during my junior year of my undergraduate at San Diego State University, I met a pastor who was teaching at the University. He was cool, young and played basketball with us, so we would talk. When I got to a point in my life where I was really down and out, he began to mentor me. And he saw gifts in me that I didn't see in myself. And he encouraged me to go to seminary to test the waters, and I did. I went to seminary with no intention of pastoring, or doing long time ministry work. I figured that I would go to seminary, I would get a degree, I would teach in the morning and work at the church in the evening as a volunteer.

So how did God trick you?

He tricked me because I never imagined myself as a Pastor, up until the day I found myself leading a congregation. It was a progression that I never saw coming. I always saw myself as a teacher-- and working with young people in helping them understand the Word was my calling. But when I was in seminary in Atlanta, Georgia I had a Dean that wanted to send me to a little church in the middle of the country where they send students to learn pastoring. When I told him I wasn’t interested, he insisted saying that I needed to, ‘feel what it’s like to be behind the wheel of the car,’ if you will. Well, when I got to this church in the middle of rural South Carolina, there were 7 members there in the whole church! But love those people and I still do, and ended up Pastoring there for two years before moving New York with my wife who found a job there. So one night in New York, I was out with my wife in Harlem and I hear someone call me from behind, ‘Reverend Pitts!’ And I think to myself, ‘How could anyone possibly be calling me that in New York City?’ Well it was my classmate from seminary. Long story short, he takes

me to his church and they need a pastor, so I reluctantly agree to help short term-- which turns into every Sunday for 2 years and leads me to my next church where I pastored for 11 years.

What do you think kept you moving towards becoming a pastor when you didn’t see it for yourself?

I just blindly went through the doors God opened for me. One of both my greatests and most terrible characteristics is that I trusted quickly. I trusted those men and women who said, ‘Hey, you got this calling, I see this.

Here's an opportunity, the worst thing can happen is they could say no, right? Apply for the church.’

Considering your background, do you think of yourself as a non-traditional pastor?

Yeah, I would say I’m so far from traditional in a Baptist sense that it’s ridiculous. I don’t robe. I would prefer not to wear suit and tie on Sunday morning. I don’t “hoot”, though I do emote energy and excitement. I never want to be up there “playing” church, pretending I’m something I’m not. I always want to be authentic to who I am. And that if you are authentic within yourself, people may struggle initially because they want to put you in a mode of what they think you should be. My wife is not a typical first lady. I’m not a typical pastor from a perspective of what you would expect. But I've also learned that people will love you for who you are if you give them enough patience and space to process their own biases. As a matter of fact, at the last churches I’ve pastored, after I’d been there a while, the same people who tried to put you in a box will fight for you to not be in that box. For example I wore a robe one Sunday after not wearing a robe for ages.

And my people jumped all over me afterward, ‘Why did you wear that robe? That’s not you. Who are you trying to impress?’ And I said ‘I wore it for my momma,’ and they were like, ‘Oh, okay all right.’ But I said, ‘Wait a minute, you guys are the same folks who got on me for not having a black suit on Sunday.” And they’re like, ‘Oh well we didn’t know you better then.’

So you’re at Second Baptist Church in Santa Ana now, what have been some of the challenges in taking the reins of that church?

It has presented some challenges, and I’ve been incredibly stretched, but I’ve grown. We’ve done some important things as a church. When I got there five years ago, we were growing by leaps and bounds. Every day I was just like, ‘Woo we got somebody!’ But it has been more difficult the last two years than it was the previous three, for sev-

eral reasons. One is demographics. The black population in Orange County is shrinking. There has been the growth and emergence of some of the larger traditionally white churches that have made it very palatable for African-Americans to worship there. And Orange County has had no shortage of large Evangelical multi-cultural churches. And it’s hard for us to compete, if you will, with the likes of Saddleback, Free Chapel and others that have multi-million dollar organizations with facilities that are off the charts.

If I came to your church week after week what would be the biggest theme I would hear from you?

That’s easy, love. Every single message, is always going to point us back to love God, love yourself, and loving others.

I preach a lot of self-love because we can be so hard on ourselves. We have images in the media that do not encourage us to love ourselves. I talk a lot of about love and what that love looks like in forgiveness. What it looks like in mercy, what it looks like in striving for greater. I did a sermon series on dreams and dreaming big. If you really love yourself, and you love God, then you would hear what God wants, and what dreams God has placed in you to strive for. Mediocre is not enough, God doesn't want us comfortable. Out of love we walk in faith, out of love we forgive others. Out of love we strive to be all that God has called us to be. Out of love we serve our brothers and our sisters.

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

In Gardena

Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:00pm Bible Study (Wed): Noon & 7:00pm BET/Fresh Oil (Wed): 7:00am

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 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

In Hawthorne

Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00 am Sunday Bible Enrichment Class: 9:45am Mon.-Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12:30pm & 7:00pm

Victory Institutional Baptist Church 4712 West El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250 (310) 263-7073 • www.vibconline.com Pastor Richard Williams, III Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am Sunday Evening Worship: 6:00pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7:00pm Bible Study Tuesday: Noon & 7:00pm

In Inglewood Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer: 5am, Noon & 7:00pm Wednesday Pathway: 7:00pm Thurs Bible Study: 10:00am Sat Marriage & Family Prayer: 7:30am Blessed Family Covenant Church 325 North Hillcrest Blvd, Inglewood, CA, 90301 (310)-674-0303 • F: (310)-674-0303 • blessedfamilycovenant.org Rev. Wendy Howlett Sunday School: 8:30am Morning Worship: 9:30am Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: 7:00pm

Crusade Christian Faith Center 801 S. La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8535 Bishop Virgil D. Patterson Sr. Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7:00pm Sunday School: 9:00am Sunday Worship: 10:30am

Faithful Central Bible Church 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035 Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher Services at The Tabernacle: Sunday Services: 7:00am, 9:30am & 11:45am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7:00pm The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood www.faithfulcentral.com

First Church of God Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 757-1804 www.go2Hope.com Pastor Geremy L. Dixon

First Lady Files

Melinda Campbell

Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wed. Mid-Week Service: Noon Wed. Teaching Ministry: 7:00pm 1st Sunday Communion 5th Sunday Baptism

Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc.

1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90302 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760 Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr. Sunday Fresh Start & Prayer 9:00am Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7:00pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm www.jacobladderschurch.com Leap of Faith Community Baptist Church 3502 W. Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303 (310) 695-9925 Rev. Artis Glass Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Bible Study: Wednesdays Noon and 6PM

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 Early Worship: 8:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 11:00am Mid-Week Bible Study Wed.: 7:00pm Afternoon Bible Study Thur.: 1:00pm

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 Christ Our Redeemer AME Church In Irvine 45 Tesla, Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 955-0014 • F:(949) 955-0021 • www.corchurch.org Pastor Mark E. Whitlock, II Sunday Worship: 8:00am, 10:30am New Generation Praise Service: 10:30am Sun. Bible Univ.: 9:30am Tues. Interactive Bible Study: 7:00pm Wed. Pastor's Bible Study: Noon, 7:00pm Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Fri. Singles Bible Study (1st Fri): 7:00pm St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church 1720 N. Walnut Avenue, La Puente, CA 91744 (626) 918-3225 • F: (626) 918-3265 Pastor Tony Dockery

In La Puente

Sunday School: 9:30 AM Early Worship: 8:00 AM Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Spanish Service: 9:30AM Bible Study: Every Wednesday 7:00 PM www.stsbc.org Antioch Church of Long Beach 1535 Gundry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 591-8778 • F: (562) 599-6048 Pastor Wayne Chaney Jr.

In Long Beach

Worship Services: 8am, 9:30am, 11:30am Tuesday Youth Bible Study: 7:00pm WednesdayBible Study: Noon

First AME Pasadena If you attend service at First AME on Sundays, you won’t find First Lady Melinda Campbell sitting at the front in a chic dress.

“I don’t bring any style to our church,” says Campbell.

“That’s not me. Almost every Sunday I’m an usher so you’ll find me in the back wearing an usher’s uniform.

Our main goal is to serve the people, I don’t want them to see me as anything else except a servant of God.” Melinda has humbly served the congregation of First AME since 2014, teaching sunday and vacation bible school, as secretary of her local Missionary Society, and by starting a food pantry in the community that feeds an average 100 people every other Friday. She has aso started her annual “First Lady’s Scholarship Tea”, which raised over $7,000 last March in only its second year.

The theme at First AME this year is, “Building Healthy Relationships” which is something that Melinda practices in her personal life.

“My major role is to be a support system for my husband both at church and at home,” says Campbell. “I need to be there for him at church as well as be a rock for the family. I make sure that the home life stays balanced so even when he has a bad day, he comes home and everything is comfortable.”

Larry and Melinda Campbell Have been together since 1985 and have one son, Terrence, who is a Howard University Graduate and now works in Washington D.C. for Deloitte Consulting LLP. 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: 7:00pm Wed Youth & Young Adult Ministry: 7:00pm

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 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: 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Intercessory Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Pastoral teaching adults: 7:30pm Wed. Youth Ministry Boot-Camp; Youth Bible Study: 7:00pm & Choir Rehearsal: 7:30pm

Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com • www.grantamelb.org Rev. Michael W. Eagle, Sr. Sun. Worship Experience: 10:45am 3rd Sun. Healing & Annointing: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 6pm Mothers of Murdered Youth & Children Were all receive a little attention, affection and love.

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

From the Pulpit of: Macedonia Baptist Church

M

“Jonah”

L.A. Focus/ June 2018

y brothers and sisters, let me begin this sermonic journey by saying to you that every sermon does not need a subject. So, if you’re looking for a subject, the subject is Jonah. Jonah is referred to as a mighty prophet deeply in love with the nation of Israel. He believes that God loves the people of Israel— that God is a God of love.

But Jonah also believes that God is a God who hates sin.

As he is called to share with the people of Israel, God says to Jonah, Jonah I want you not to focus so much on the people of Israel, as I want you to speak specifically to the people of Nineveh.

The bible refers to Nineveh as a great city—a metropolitan city, wealthy and influential in nature— a city of bright lights. But Jonah has gotten to a place where as God calls him to speak to Nineveh, he feels as if the Ninevites are not worth of God’s love. Jonah has found himself moving from being a prophet of God to being the judge for God. The bible says that the word of the lord came to Jonah, the son of Amittai, saying arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it. God gives Jonah specific instructions. God is telling Jonah to go to Nineveh not to point out their sins, because the Ninevites know that they’re sinners.

But Jonah, I want you to go to the Ninevites and tell them I love them in spite of their sins. That even though you are a city of bright lights; even though you have allowed your wealth and influence to go to your head; even though you are hanging out in the red light district, I love you and because I love you I am going to send my preacher to preach to you.

Brothers and sisters, none of us are exempt from sin. I know your sin might not be my sin and you don’t do some of the things I do, but the bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We, like the Ninevites, are sinners.

The bible tells Jonah I want you to declare unto them my love for them and how I want them to turn from their wicked ways and how I want them to live for me and live in me.

The text says Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of God. Jonah is like many of us. He is saying why do I need to go talk to them people? They won’t listen to me.

And so as a result, I’m gon’ get in my car and go back to my house.

Now, anytime you disobey God, you are on your way down. To go to Tarshish, from the presence of the Lord, that is a sermon all in itself.

I don’t care who you are, but you can’t leave His presence. If I make my bed in Hell God is there. You can’t run from the presence of God. God is omnipresent, which means he’s everywhere at the same time.

Jonah decides he’s going to outsmart God. He said, ‘No God, I’m not going to go preach the Gospel. I’m going to go take me a cruise. Brothers and sisters, isn’t that like many of us? God tells us to do something and because it does not fit our agenda or vision or we don’t like how it—. because it causes us to get our hands dirty, we decide we gon’ go watch Paula White on TV. Let me just say, while Jonah is a man of God, Jonah, like 45, we don’t want no immigrants. But I hear God saying there’s not a Jew nor a Gentile, everybody is mine and you ought to be willing to share the gospel with everybody. If I can save you, I can save them.

G o d knew that Jonah would n o t like

28

(Pastor Shane Scott

Milestones: Battle for Second Place Heats Up In Governor’ s Race

Two new polls—released two weeks before the June 5 primary— show a narrowing battle for second place in California’s gubernatorial race. While Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom continues to lead, the race for second place looks to be a face off between San Diego businessman and Republican John Cox and former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

A margin of four percentage points separated Cox and Villaraigosa according to the latest poll from the Public Policy Institute of California, which had Newsom in first place at 25%, trailed by Cox with 19% and the former L.A. Mayor at 15%.

A poll conducted by the L.A. Times/ USC narrowed the margin between Cox and Villaraigosa to just one percentage point, with Newsom at 21%, Cox at 11% and Villaraigosa at 10%.

Newsom appears to be favored among black voters as well according to the California African American Policy Priorities Survey Spring 2018, a report that serves as a key barometer of where statewide primary candidates stand relative to their poten-

Lt. Governor Gavin Newson w. Ridley-Thomas

tial share of the Black vote.

“What I find most interesting about the survey results is the strong support for Gavin Newsom, among respondents who were overwhelmingly Southern Californians, where Antonio Villaraigosa is better known, and later won major Black support among the Black religious, civic, and political leadership establishment between 2001 and 2005, only to have this, and the endorsement of prominent, but local, leaders (when the survey was administered) result in a 2 to 1 preference for Gavin Newsom,” said Dr. James Taylor, Department of Politics Chair

at the University of San Francisco.

Newsom recently scored one of the biggest political endorsements in Los Angeles, particularly as it relates to the city’s African American community— that of County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

“Gavin has stuck his neck out for all of our communities, and he has set an example for other municipal leaders throughout the state,” Ridley-Thomas said in a provided statement, adding, ““He is a rather rare leader who not only can rally people behind a bold vision for change, but also has the commitment and determination to see those changes through.” endorsement Ridley-Thomas’ brings to three the number of county supervisors supporting Newsom.

Rounding out the list of mainstream contenders are State Treasurer John Chiang,—ranked fourth as 6% in the L.A. Times/USC Republican of ahead poll Assemblyman Travis Allen at 5% and fifth in the PPIC poll behind Allen with 9% to Allen’s 11%.

Sunday School: 9:00am Sunday Worship: 10:00am Tuesday Bible Study: 7:00pm Mid-day Worship Thursday: Noon www.bethelemchurchpasadena.org

First AME Church Santa Monica In Santa Monica 1823 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404 • (310) 450-0331 F: (310) 450-4680 Rev. Reuben W. Ford, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Bible Study/Prayer Meditation: Thursday 6pm “The Church In The Heart Of The Community with The Community at Heart” Email:famecsm@verizon.net Facebook: First AME Church Santa Monica

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: 10:00am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer (Fourth Wed.): 7:00pm Christians Uniting To Make A Difference -Eph. 4:13

Arise Christian Center In Westchester 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C,Westchester, CA,90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com Pastor Ron Taylor Morning Worship: 9:00am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Intercessory Prayer Thursday:11:30am12:30pm

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

Second Baptist Church 925 S. Shamrock Avenue • P.O. Box 479, Monrovia, CA 91017 •(626) 358-2136 •F: (626) 303-2477

Pasadena

In Monrovia

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

the assignment and would disobey the assignment, but God also knew that by and by, Jonah would give in to the assignment. That’s good news, because God has been patient with us.

Some of you here today you are the recipient of a God who has been gracious and merciful to you. You can stand and shout because God gave you a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance, and a fifth chance. Is there anybody that knows that God will give you another chance?

I don’t mean to bother you this morning, but I am excited about that oh so amazing grace because it is my testimony.

We’ve gotten away from evangelism— from telling people about the goodness of God. But if the church is going to survive—and the church is going to survive—it’s going to be because saved people have gone out and told unsaved people that what He did for me, He can do for you.

When unsaved folk are not joining the church as much as it suggests that they are in sin, unsaved folk, it suggest that there is also something wrong with the church.

The trick of the enemy was to get us to the place where we started saying “that ain’t none of my business.

If you got a neighbor that don’t know Jesus Christ, and you know it, that’s your business. If you got people in your house that don’t know Jesus, it’s your business. As for me and my house, we gon serve the Lord.

I am not trying to be abrasive. I’m trying to move you from being lukewarm to being hot. The mandate of the blood-washed church of Jesus Christ is to tell somebody about the saving power of the Lord. If you believe He saved you, then you ought to be believe that He can save someone else. The mandate is to start at home first. If you love that loved one, you don’t want to just give them stuff. You want to make sure that they have Jesus Christ.

Church news continued from page street influencers from the Crips and Bloods. The discussion moderated by Pastor Shep Crawford took place Sunday, May 20 at the Experience Christian Ministries during it's normal Sunday morning service.

“When Blue came to me about this, I was all for it right away! I am a father of six, and I am concerned about my kids, church and community as well. I don't want to wait for the next tragedy for us to come together only to forget in a week or two. We need to be proactive and take a more preventative measures and this sounded like a good time and place to start,” says Pastor Shep.

During the discussion, the group will speak peacefully and candidly on the history of the local gangs and why they exist to begin with, but more importantly the goal is to raise awareness to the “Watts Gang Truce” that took place in 1992, what it meant. The hope is to reignite interest in the “Gang Truce” which had many positive outcomes. The gentlemen will share with listeners how the Truce changed their lives and how a resurgence of it could help today. Blue, has worked hard over the years and has used is influence to help restore the neighborhoods and communities where gang presence has altered the landscape.

InGoodTaste

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Crystal Nicole Jones

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SavingGrace

KEITH DELAWDER Staff Writer

Erica Campbell

E

L.A. Focus/June 2018

rica Campbell stays busy, and that’s the way she likes it. Along with her duties as First Lady of the California Worship Center, mother of three kids, host of the morning radio show Get Up! With Erica Campbell, and singing engagements for her solo career as well as with her with her sister and recording partner, Tina Campbell, as part of the platinum selling duo Mary Mary, Erica uses her status as a public figure to share the light of wholesome faith-based living with the world.

“I know what God has called me to do and He's called me to be a mouthpiece and a voice,” says Campbell. “So I stand upfront a lot more and I think that's a privilege. It doesn't come without struggles or issues but it comes with a lot of blessings to have this level of influence. While God has opened this door for me, I have to walk through it.

“It is not the easiest thing in the world,” Campbell admits. “But I have a great team and great people who work with me and understand, and we make it happen.”

Campbell’s most recent project is a docu-series airing on TV One this summer called We’re The Campbells that features her husband, Pastor and award winning music producer/artist Warryn Campbell, and their children as they balance raising their family, building their own individual empires, growing their flourishing church ministry and maintaining their strong faith.

Despite being in the familiar “reality- show” format, Campbell contends that the show stays away from the over dramatized indulgence that is common-place from the genre.

“This is not going to be a drama-filled show,” Campbell says. “It’s going to be real life. In real life people have issues, we’re not pumping up anything. In real life, some things work and somethings don’t, and that’s what the show will be.”

Erica has learned a great deal about the pitfalls making a reality show from doing six seasons of the WeTv show Mary Mary.

“When I did a reality show with my sister, there were a lot of things that were magnified more than they should have been,” Campbell admits. “It wasn’t always our truth. It may have been a portion, but when you say it over and over again, it gets to the point where you go, ‘Oh my God, enough already!’

“You have to have strong relationships, because I can say to you, ‘I don’t like that.’ But when I hear you say it to somebody else, it just feels different. You can love the people you’re working with whether you’re family or not, but if you find out how someone feels on TV, that hurts. If you’ve been mad at me for years over something, but you’ve never told me, you just wanna say, ‘Why didn’t you tell me that before we got on camera?”

According to Erica, We’re The Campbells strives to be a different kind of TV program.

“We don’t see a lot of healthy relationships in television or healthy families. And healthy doesn’t mean perfect. It means there’s a great mix of the good, the bad, and the ugly, but a lot of love and laugher, cute and sexiness.

“I think between Warryn and I you’ll see our interconnection. You’ll see how we feel about each other and how we don’t take our relationship lightly. We don’t let

30

“

I know what God has called me to

do and He's called me to be a mouthpiece and a voice. So I stand up front a lot more

and I think that's a privilege. It doesn't come

without struggles or issues but it comes with a lot of blessings to have this level of influence. While God has opened this door for me, I have to walk through it.”

our emotions lead us, especially when things aren’t the way we want them to be. You have to be honest and that means being vulnerable.

“There’s something we do that we call “Love Checking”, and you’ll see a moment when “Love Checking” becomes very necessary because we were busy, and we had to check, ‘Are we good? Are we healthy? Are you upset? Do you want me to stop? What do you want?’ It’s all documented in the show.”

With all that’s going on in producing the show and the rest of their professional lives, continuing to establish and develop their two year-old North Hollywood parish, California Worship Center, remains their utmost concern.

“Our church family is our number one priority,” says Campbell. “We didn't want to integrate the show too much into the church because I didn't want to invade. I know cameras are my normal-- but it’s not theirs, so I didn't want to make anybody feel uncomfortable. Some people don't like cameras at all. So I didn't it to interrupt the flow of church.

“You will see us in service and you see us serving and loving on people. At that end of the service I literally stand at the front and people just come and hug. I think the best compliment I've ever received about my church is, ‘I felt love when I walked in the door-- it felt warm when I walked in here with love and respect.’ I’m very proud of that.”

Not only is California Worship Center is focused on creating a loving environment within their service, but they utilize their resources to aid people out in the community.

“Our outreach ministry is called ‘Beyond the Walls’, and every year we take $15,000 and go to two different grocery stores. One is in our church neighborhood in North Hollywood and then another in in L.A. near the

Inglewood area where I know a lot of African-American are.

“About 30 of us stand in out in front of the stores all day in our Cali Worship church t-shirts, and as people come we ask them if we can pay for their groceries.

Many people cry. Many people are overwhelmed. Some people aren't sure because they think we have an agenda but all we do is pay for their groceries and pray for them. It’s so wonderful, we love it!

As First Lady and director of the music ministry at California Worship Center, the responsibilities of leading an up-and-coming perish remain a fixed engagement on Erica’s schedule-- no matter where she is in the world.

“A lot of work for gospel artists happens on weekends,” says Campbell. “So I will do a Saturday night event and then get on a 5 or 7am flight from the east coast Sunday morning and get back to L.A. just in time to make it to 11am service!”

Through it all, it’s the strength she finds in her relationship with God that allows her to manage everything and fuels her to keep giving.

“Knowing that God loves me and he’ll equip me-- so I don’t need the equipment all myself-- is my greatest asset. I don’t do any of this through my own strength. I have an amazing support system around me full of wonderful people who love me and help me manage my chaos. But the beauty of it all is that I’m blessed to have a platform where people want to hear from me. I feel really honored and blessed to do what I do.

That’s my saving grace.”

We’re The Campbells premieres on TV O N E J u n e 19th.