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People Files: Is Kanye West’s Sunday Service Biblical or Just His Latest Project PAGE

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UPFRONT

Maxine Waters Makes Good On Her Promise To Go After Trump Financials

>> News Briefs: Family of John Singleton Urges Blacks to Get Blood Pressure Checked

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contents

L.A. Focus Publications

MAY 2019

Left: Speakers at the UCLA Black Law 50th Anniversary Solidarity Gala included (l-r) Actor Courtney B. Vance, Ayuko Babu (Pan African Film Festival Executive Director) and Attorney Benjamin Crump, Keynote Speaker (Photo Credit: Tshombe Sampson); Middle: (l to r): Allison Williams, Gloria Steinem, Arianna Huffington, Julia Stiles, Diane von Furstenberg. Front row: Hadeel Mustafa Anabtawi, Anita Hill, Katy Perry, Susan Burton, who received The People's Voice DVF Awards, and Nadia Murad (Photo Credit: "DVF Awards for Getty Images.; Right: Councilmember Curren Price, Pastor Crawford of ECM hosted a two-day celebration to mark the reopening of “South Park 2.0!

21 First Lady Files Commentary Eye On Gospel 22 From The Pulpit People’s Files 23 Through the Storm 6 UpFront 14 Calendar/ Around LA 25 In Good Taste 7 Head to Head 16 Red Carpet Style Saving Grace One On One Headlines From Africa 26 Feature Story Hollywood Buzz 8 17 Church News Money Matters 18 10 Biz News Briefs 20 Pastor Profile 4

From The Editor “The High Cost of Free”

Religious Leaders Urge City Council to Stand Up for Economic Opportunity and Support Digital Rooftop Advertising

Maxine Waters Makes Good On Her Promise To Go After Trump Financials; Heated Charter School Debates Ignore One Key Fact: Black Students Are Underperforming

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Game Changers

Dr. Michele G. Turner’s Mission to Set Black Students At USC Up for Success

Brenda Underwood - Emmanuel Bible Church

Tamela Mann’s Latest Venture;Jekalyn Carr Celebrates Birthday with New Single

Believe In Me’ John 20 - Grace United Methodist Church

Is Kanye West’s Sunday Service Biblical or Just His latest Project?

Angela Goudy Hill’s Mirac;e Baby

Guest Chef Miss Quad Webb Jalapeno’s Cheese Hush Puppies

Reparations: Idealistic or Realistic?

“Little” Movie Premier

Malinda Williams

Megan Good

Gospel’s Golden Boy Reflects On A New Album, A New Tour, His Exodus Music Festival & The Changing State of Gospel Music

Hip-Hop Philanthropy

Gov Prioritizes Hate Crimes With 15M Emergency Fund to Black Religious Groups,Non Profits

Mellody Hobson & George Lucas Seek Control of Ebony

Pastor Luther Keith Central Baptist Church

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

Lisa Collins Gerald Bell, Keith DeLawder Kisha Smith Ian Foxx, Rickey Brown Leatha Davis Antoinette Banks

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.

Wendy Raquel Robinsonand Amazing Grace Conservatory proudly bring a heartwarmingly relevant, toetapping interpretation of “Our Westside Story to Southwest College this month. For more information, check our calendar starting on page 14.

Rising Star Alert;On the Home Front; Prayers for John Singleton

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

Bishop Charles Blake Bishop Noel Jones Pastor Michael Fisher Rev. Xavier L. Thompson Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer Pastor Emeritus Melvin Wade Rev. Edward V. Hill II Bishop Robert T. Douglas, Sr

advisory board Napoleon Brandford Pastor Beverly Crawford Lem Daniels Bob Blake

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

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Commentary

PASTOR EDDIE ANDERSON Guest Columnist

Religious Leaders Urge City Council to Stand Up for Economic Opportunity and Support Digital Rooftop Advertising

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conomic disparity and lack of access and opportunity are two issues that continue to gnaw at the foundations of many communities across Los Angeles. As the income gap between the wealthy and the working poor increases with each passing year, it is time for people of conscience to stand up for those being left behind. That is why we are asking the Los Angeles City Council to place their support and energy behind the economic opportunity that digital rooftop advertising represents for our communities.

Digital rooftop advertising is a very real opportunity for advancement that our communities are in danger of losing if a motion to ban the devices moves forward at Los Angeles City Council. Through a startup company called Firefly, this technology not only provides an extra $300 a month to struggling rideshare drivers who carry the device while they work, it also provides advertising space free-of-charge to community religious groups and nonprofits.

Firefly has stepped up and provided an innovative way to earn extra income for rideshare drivers who otherwise are at the mercy of rideshare companies and the race to artificially depress fairs ahead of company IPOs. These drivers are part of the unstable “gig” economy, which means they work without benefits, paid vacation or a 401(k) plan. They earn a small amount for every trip they make, with many drivers forced to work longer hours to make ends meet. As fares charged by rideshare companies have been repeatedly decreased, taxi drivers are forced to follow suit to compete for riders, limiting their income as well.

Firefly’s signs have put a little extra money into the pockets of drivers in need so they can better support their families and communities. Most of the drivers who benefit from the extra $300 they’re now guaranteed every month simply want to make enough to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads. For all too many, an additional $300 is an opportunity for once to stop choosing between paying bills and buying groceries, a catch-22 that continues to ensnare the working poor.

To L.A.’s nonprofit and religious groups, these signs also have meant free access to

From the Editor

an advertising platform where they are able to share resources directly with community members and reach more people. Firefly has welcomed these groups who are traditionally locked out of advertising space due to lack of funds or opportunity. To charitable groups who must make every dollar count, this is an invaluable opportunity to grow and do the most good.

We understand the city council is worried about blight, but truly, that is only a concern for those who have food, housing and income security. It’s time for all Angelinos to rethink the problem and reframe the conversation.

This issue boils down to a debate about economic justice and social equity. By disallowing the signs, we are asking for sacrifices from people who are already struggling. These drivers are earning extra money doing something that is perfectly legal under current law. Los Angeles is actively benefiting from the additional income and support provided to nonprofit groups directly because of digital rooftop advertising. We should leave it alone and allow them to continue to benefit from this opportunity.

We stand with all rideshare and taxi drivers trying to earn a living, including the many immigrants and minorities who desperately need that extra $300 a month. We stand with our churches, synagogues, nonprofits and community groups who benefit from the expanded reach and access to capital that this technology provides.

We hope that the Los Angeles City Council will join us and stand up for their communities, from professional drivers and their families to the nonprofits that help keep us afloat. Justice is the moment when we make hard and even unconventional decisions to benefit those who have been left behind. We are asking policymakers to consider who would be hurt by this motion, and instead of taking resources out of our communities, stand up for justice, so that new money flows into neighborhoods where it’s most needed.

Rev. Eddie Anderson is senior pastor at McCarty Memorial Christian Church. Rabbi Joel Simonds is the founding executive director of Jewish Center for Justice.

LISA COLLINS Publisher

“The High Cost of Free ”

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t’s amazing to me how many people really believe that they can get something for nothing. I do an event every year and am always amazed at the number of people who ask me for free tickets and the number of times I have to tell them that the hotel charges for everyone who eats and that even when I do offer them a complimentary ticket (free to them), their lunch is still on me.

Everything costs.

I’m equally amazed at the promises being made as the race for the Democrat nomination for president shifts into high gear. Fact is, many of the candidates in the crowded field of 20 are laying it on pretty thick in an effort to gain traction with all too indecisive voters: there’s healthcare for all; free college, livable wages, jobs for all, subsidized housing, universal pre-school and $1000 per month to every American family for life.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe that everyone should have a livable wage and a job that affords them the ability to buy a home. My heart aches for students that come out of college in more debt than they can pay off in a decade and I can always use an extra $1000.

I also love the idea of universal healthcare, but I also know that doctors and nurses have to be paid; that there is a cost to the manufacturing of the medications they prescribe; and that hospitals have to pay their employers a living wage. None of it is free.

Someone is paying and at this stage in my life, I’m wise enough to know that at the end of the day, it is American taxpayers like myself who are footing the bill.

Lately, all this talk of big government has been paralleled to the rising popularity of socialism which was fueled on the national political front with Bernie Sanders 2016 run for the White House.

A recent Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation survey found that 51 percent of American millennials would rather live in a socialist or communist country than in a capitalist country. Only 42 percent preferred the latter.

Many now point to the huge popularity of Congresswoman Alexandria OcasioCortez–viewed by many as a rising star of the Democratic Party–and who sees herself as a “Democratic socialist.”

She recently proposed a green deal that would include $4.6 trillion in infrastructure spending and includes the upgrading or replacing of every building in the nation for state-of-the-art energy efficiency. That somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 million commercial buildings. (How realistic is that). Oh, and by the way, it would completely do away with air travel in favor of rail. (Huh?) One of the shifts toward a more socialistic view have to do with the skyrocketing costs of living and affordability in cities like ours which directly correlates to the explosion of homeless people we see on the streets.

But what most people don’t realize is that “free” comes with a stiff price tag.

In a piece that appeared on the web site Vox, Manhattan Institute fellow Brian Riedl looked at the 10-year costs of the various promises made by Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and other self-described democratic socialists and calculated what they would actually cost American taxpayers.

Though conservative in his estimates,here’s what he came up with: "Free college" ($807 billion); Social Security expansion ($188 billion); single-payer health care ($32 trillion); guaranteed jobs at $15 per hour plus benefits ($6.8 trillion); infrastructure ($1 trillion); student loan debt forgiveness ($1.4 trillion) for a total of about $42.5 trillion over 10 years.

Keep in mind that these figures don’t account for what we are already spending.

Even after massive cuts in other programs, you still come up $34 trillion short over 10 years.

To raise that $34 trillion, Riedl calculates, would require "seizing roughly 100% of all corporate profits as well as 100% of all family wage income and pass-through business income above the thresholds of $90,000 (single) or $150,000 (married)." Or a national sales tax of 87% on everything you bought just might do the trick.

It has been said that socialism is quite like robbing Peter to pay Paul–once Peter has no more money–and if he has no incentive to make and create more wealth since he is getting robbed–Paul stops getting paid.

Socialism is being credited with crippling Venezuela's once-thriving economy and leading to the attempted coup against President Nicolas Maduro that recently made headlines.

“Madura an avowed socialist, has turned oil-rich Venezuela into a place where there are shortages of everything from toilet paper to beer, where electricity keeps shutting down, and where there are long lines of people hoping to get food,” wrote esteemed economist Walter Williams. “Some people are eating their pets and feeding their children from garbage bins. Today, Venezuela is among the world's most tragically poor countries.”

Trump is stoking fears of socialism as a key strategy against the Democrats. While most doubt that he will be successful in the smear campaign, we would all do well to remember that there is a cost to everything and as we listen to candidates recite the litany of things they hope to do for us and this country, we should always remember to consider the costs.

Keep the faith.

UpFront

News Briefs

Maxine Waters Makes Good On Her Promise To Go After Trump Financials

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ast month, Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee Maxine Waters along with Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff issued subpoenas to Deutsche Bank seeking financial information on President Trump’s finances. Democrats also subpoenaed JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America as well as Citigroup in their quest to find information about President Trump’s finances. They want to know whether Russia had financial leverage over Trump.

“We know that Deutsche Bank is one of the biggest money laundering banks in the country, or in the world perhaps. And we know that this is the only bank that will lend money to the president of the United States because of his past practices,” Congresswoman Maxine Waters said. “He won’t show his tax returns and we have certain information that leads us to believe that there may have been some money laundering activity that might have been connected with Mr. [Paul] Manafort, with some people in his family.”

Earlier this year, President Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, testified that Trump inflated his assets to Deutsche Bank in order to purchase the Buffalo Bills.

The president has been plagued by lawsuits and investigations since taking office more than two years ago. In June of 2018, Letitia James, the first AfricanAmerican and first woman to be elected New York Attorney General sued

President Trump’s charitable foundation along with its’ directors claiming they violated state and federal charity laws.

Accusing the charity and the Trump family of sweeping violations of campaign finance laws and self-dealing, James called on the charity to be closed down and is seeking $2.8 million in restitution.

In another lawsuit, Trump was also forced to pay a $25 million settlement to former students who attended Trump University.

“I believe that this is a problematic president who has proven that he has taken advantage of others in the past. I know that he has had bankruptcies. We know that there are a lot of stories he hasn’t paid contractors, he hasn’t paid subcontractors,” Waters said. “We know a lot about the history of this president and it doesn’t look good ... So, we think that in addition to what Mr. Mueller is doing and now what we are able to do with our subpoena power, we’ll find out more and we’ll be able to answer that question directly.”

Since running for President Trump has refused to release his taxes unlike past presidents who released theirs during their campaign. House Democrats want to delve deeper into his finances to see whether there has been money laundering as well as if there are connections with Russia.

In a response to the subpoena, President Trump filed a lawsuit in federal court against Deutsche Bank as well as Capital One to block both banks from

revealing the Presidents assets.

“The president will do anything and everything he can to obstruct justice,” Maxine Waters said. “He will do everything that he can to shut down an investigation. He has cast a gauntlet, and he has said that he’s going to fight.”

House Democrats are unfazed by the lawsuit. Both Deutsche Bank and Capital One are cooperating with the subpoena and plan to hand over the documents requested.

Deutsche Bank said in a statement that it was ‘in a productive dialogue with the House Financial Services and Intelligence Committees. ‘ “We remain committed to providing appropriate information to all authorized investigations in a matter consistent with our legal obligations,” the bank said.

Heated Charter School Debates Ignore One Key Fact: Black Students Are Underperforming frican-American children are California’s lowest performing group of students, only above students with special needs. Only 2 percent of Black kids in the state attend schools that are considered “high performing.” And only 10 majority AfricanAmerican schools, located mostly in hard-to-count, high-poverty census tracts around the Bay Area and Los Angeles, score, on average, above the state math and language arts requirements.

On top of that, nearly 68 percent of all African-American students in California perform below their grade level in English and language arts. In math, about 80 percent of Black students fail to meet the state’s proficiency mark.

Black children are also three times more likely than Whites to be suspended for similar behaviors, according to a report by San Diego State University’s Community College Equity Lab and UCLA’s Black Male Institute.

When it comes to getting admitted to a California State University or University of California school, only 22 percent of Black high school seniors graduate from schools where a majority of their racial group passes the required courses.

“The critical question is not being asked: ‘what is best for our children?,’” said Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), a member of the Assembly Education committee. She was speaking at a hearing held earlier this month on three charter school bills — AB 1505, AB 1506 and AB L.A. Focus/May 2019

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1507 — before her colleagues voted to move them out of committee. The package of legislation would place significant restrictions on charter schools, if the full legislature passes them and Gov. Gavin Newsom signs them.

Then, last week, the Senate Education Committee voted in favor of another charter school bill. This one, SB 756, would place a five-year ban on certifying any new charters. The language in the bill, introduced by Sen. María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), states that it is designed to ensure public charter schools do not “replace or undermine” the state’s public school system.

In California, roughly 52,800 Black students attend charter schools.

Although the independent taxpayerfunded schools only account for about 10 percent of public schools, they enroll 3 percent more Black students than the traditional district schools.

Because such a high percentage of African Americans attend charters, opponents of the bills see the package of proposals as a direct attack on Black students.

“Charter schools have been a way within the public school system for African-American and all families to have choice,” says Margaret Fortune, an African-American educator who founded and runs Fortune School, a network of seven charter schools in Sacramento and San Bernardino that focuses on closing the African-American achievement gap and preparing students for college beginning in Kindergarten.

REBECCA Contributor

TANU HENRY

California Black Media

She says, under current California law, the number one consideration for a charter school to be approved is the academic performance of students. Under the new proposals, one of the criteria would be money — if the applying charter impacts the finances of the local school district.

The legislators who authored the bills and their supporters say they introduced them to bring about more accountability and that charter school reform is long overdue.

“School board members have a fiduciary duty to ensure the fiscal health of their district. They know the needs of their schools the best and should be able to consider the fiscal impact on their students and district when considering whether to approve a new charter school,” said Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland).

Critics of the legislation have said nowhere in the language of the new bills or public statements about them, have the bills’ legislative sponsors taken a critical look at why Black students are underperforming across the state.

Last week, nationally recognized television journalist and commentator Roland Martin moderated a town hall in Sacramento focused on school choice.

Martin said charter schools are the only option for African-American families who don’t have the means to move to a better performing school district.

During the town hall, Martin stated reasons he supports charter schools and has launched a national initiative to Charter school debate continued to page 25

Herb Wesson Announces Unveiling of Obama Boulevard The City of Los Angeles will officially unveil Obama Boulevard in honor of America’s 44th President on Saturday, May 4th.

Obama Boulevard will replace Rodeo Boulevard, a 3.5-mile street that runs from “The Heart of Screenland” better known as Culver City, to Mid-City Los Angeles.

“I’m thrilled that Los Angeles will be home to Obama Boulevard,” said L.A. City Council President Wesson. “History is important and this is one way we’ll ensure that America’s 44th President’s legacy is shared for generations to come for Angelenos and visitors alike.”

A free daylong music and street festival is planned for the unveiling ceremony which will begin at noon on May 4th where Obama Boulevard will intersect with Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in one of Los Angeles’ most iconic Black neighborhoods.

Family of John Singleton Urges Blacks To Get Blood Pressure Checked Condolences have come rolling in following the tragic loss of groundbreaking Hollywood filmmaker John Singleton at age 51.

“Rest in Power, my friend. One of the greatest to ever do it,” posted Regina King, who was featured in Singleton's classic “Boyz N The Hood”. “Mourning the loss of a collaborator & True Friend John Singleton,” wrote “Shaft” star Samuel L. Jackson. Filmmakers Ava DuVernay and Jordan Peele also paid respects to the man they say paved the way.

Singleton suffered a stroke two weeks ago while in the hospital after feeling weakness in one of his legs following a flight back from Costa Rica. He had been in intensive care at Cedars-Sinai Hospital for thirteen days when his family took him off life support.

Thankful for the support of fans and colleagues, a spokesperson addressed the chronic health issue that took Singleton’s life prematurely-- high blood pressure or hypertension.

“Like many African Americans, Singleton quietly struggled with hypertension. More than 40 percent of African American men and women have high blood pressure, which also develops earlier in life and is usually more severe. His family wants to share the message with all to please recognize the symptoms by going to Heart.org”.

L.A. County Officials and Special Needs Network Break Ground on New Center

Last month, Special Needs Network (SNN) President Areva Martin-- along with support from Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas-- broke ground on a new autism center located within the three-story, 55,000 square foot building to be constructed on Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital’s campus in the heart of South L.A. “If you speak to anyone affected by autism, a learning, intellectual or developmental disability, the chances are that you will hear stories of hidden suffering, shame, and discrimination in nearly every sector of their lives.

The Special Needs Network autism wellness center seeks to change that,” said Martin.

The first of its kind in California, the center will not only serve as a research institute but also offer a range of services including: diagnostics, job training, occupational and speech therapy and life skills training.

Impacting one in 59 children, autism is the fastest growing childhood disability in the U.S.

HeadToHead Reparations: Idealistic or Realistic?

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In journalism, a "lede" is the right have pretty much said the the introductory section of Media Matters' same thing about how one escapes a news story, intended to Fake-News Pro- poverty and gets to the middle class.

Slavery entice the reader into reading the Finish high school, don't have a kid Headline full story. Traditionally, the lede is before you're 20 and get married the first (or "lead") paragraph. But in today's before you have a kid. You follow that forfast-paced news media, enticements include mula, you will not be poor. And they don't the story's headline, subheading and a short say that formula does not apply to blacks or summary that precedes the actual story, does not apply to people who used to have usually distinguished by a different type- ancestors who were slaves. This is America face. for crying out loud!

The term "burying the lede" refers to a This is the greatest newspaper story that is downplaying the country in all of human significance of the actual story by "burying" creation. You can go important information deep in the article. from nothing to someNow, "burying the lede" ought not be con- thing faster than in fused with "fake news," an expression popu- any other country in larized by President Donald Trump. After a the world. And we recent television appearance, I experienced ought to be taking the latter. The term resonates due to left- advantage of the Larry Elder wing outlets such as Media Matters, a web- opportunities that we site with a supposed mission of monitoring have right now instead of fighting old batconservative opinion. tles. It is divisive. Even Obama opposed In my recent appearance on Fox News' reparations in 2016 when he was asked "Fox & Friends," the hosts asked about Sen. about it, primarily because he thought it Cory Booker's, D-N.J., plan to introduce a would be politically too divisive. And he's bill for reparations. right. It is unpopular. Only about 26% of This is what I said, in its entirety: Americans support reparations. Let's knock "Slavery reparations, in my opinion, is the it off and let's move on." extraction of money from people who were A host asked a follow-up question: "What never slave owners and given to people who do you say about the inequity in society, that were never slaves. It was just too long ago. racism exists and this is one way to equal Slavery ended 150 years ago. The parallels the playing field?" So, I added: might be the reparation paid to Japanese "Look, in 1940, 87% of blacks lived below Americans put in relocation camps in World the federally defined level of poverty.

War II. But those monies were paid to them Twenty years later, in 1960, that number who were victimized or to their legal heirs. had been cut to 47% – a 40-point drop in 20 Same thing with respect to (the) Holocaust. years. The greatest 20-year period of ecoIt's just too long ago. nomic expansion for blacks in history. This "And what about intermarriage? What is before the welfare state, before race-based about people like (Sen.) Kamala Harris (D- preferences. My point is the real problem Calif.)? Her father is from Haiti (actually, right now are left-wing policies that have from Jamaica), and he has admitted that in made things worse. The welfare state has his family, his family owned slaves. So does incentivized women to marry the governKamala Harris pay a check, or does she ment and allowed men to abandon their receive a check? What about Obama? financial and moral responsibility. And Obama's mother – her ancestors owned Obama said a kid without a father is five slaves. His father is from Kenya. That area times more likely to be poor, nine times of Africa was a hot point for slave trading on more likely to drop out of school, 20 times the part of Africans enslaved by other more likely to end up in jail. Let's talk about Africans and then sold to European and what the welfare state has done to destabiArab slavers by African chieftains. Does lize the black family. During slavery, a black Obama pay a check, or does he get a check? kid was more likely to be born under a roof I mean, the whole thing is absolutely with his biological mother and biological absurd. father than today. That's the problem. Let's "And look, think tanks on the left and on deal with that."

Elder continued to page 25

Headlines From Africa Benin: Police rescued 216 human trafficking victims, mainly children, from forced labor and prostitution in Benin and Nigeria. 100 police officers across the two countries were involved in the rescue of 157 child slaves (36 boys and 121 girls) last month. Many were working in markets peddling goods or carrying heavy loads, while others worked as housemaids or were forced into prostitution.

Burundi: Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel has apologized to Burundi (as well as Rwanda and the Congo) for colonization and the kidnapping of mixed-race children born during its colonial rule, which lasted into the late 1950’s. The prime minister said that the Belgian government would make resources available to finance additional research and open up its colonial archives to help those seeking to gain access to their official records and or Belgian nationality.

Eritrea: As part of a proposed measure being discussed by senior White House officials, visas could be hard to come by and shorter for applicants from countries whose citizens have high rates of overstaying visas. Eritrea is among the African nations targeted in this measure along with Nigeria, Chad, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Ghana: The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Ghana as one of the 10 highest malaria-endemic countries in sub- Saharan Africa. As such it is one of three African countries set to receive a powerful anti-malaria drug as part of a pilot project—incorporating 360,000 children—to help reduce the incidence of the deadly disease.

Libya: Clashes between Libya’s Tripoli-based unity government forces and fighters of military commander Khalifa Haftar have raged since April 4, when the strongman launched an assault to seize the capital. The UN has warned that thousands of migrants and refugees fleeing violence are now trapped in detention centers and facing enormous dangers.

Malawi: Malawi has launched the pilot phase of Africa's first ever malaria vaccine. The RTS-Svaccine—which took 30 years and nearly $1 billion to develop— is only helpful for children under 2 who receive four doses over the course of 18 months.

Nigeria: Violence in Nigeria, and against Christians, has risen in recent months, with at least 280 people from Christian communities killed by Fulani militants throughout Nigeria between February and March 2019. Boko Haram is looking to transform Nigeria into an Islamic state based on Sharia law and the uptick highlights a growing concern in Nigeria's Christian communities.

Blacks have been trying to mately 4,000,000 Africans and Are Blacks level the economic and societheir descendants were enslaved Close to tal playing fields in this counin the U.S. and colonies that Receiving try for some time. When it comes to became the U.S. from 1619 to the concept of granting “repara- Reparations? 1865. The institution of slavery tions” to Black people as a form of restitu- was constitutionally and statutorily sanction for the years that Blacks spent sub- tioned by the U.S. from 1789 through 1865. jected to the barbaric institution of slavery African Americans continue to suffer in America, it has seemingly been over- debilitating economic, educational, and looked and ignored by the majority of leg- health hardships, including but not limited islators that have to the nearly 1,000,000 Black people incarcome and gone in the cerated, an unemployment rate that is U.S. Congress. more than twice the current unemployMany Blacks ment rate of Whites, and an average have heard and even wealth of less than 1⁄16 of that of White used the phrase, “40 families, a disparity which has worsened, acres and a mule,” not improved, over time. which was a guaranWhile the focus has been on highlighttee made to formerly ing the social effects of slavery and segreenslaved people of gation, the continuing economic implicaJeffrey L. Boney African descent that tions remain largely ignored. These ecowas the first attempt at seeking to provide nomic issues are the root cause of many some form of reparations to Blacks who critical issues in the African American had been enslaved. community today, such as education, U.S. history has set precedent for pro- healthcare and criminal justice policy, viding reparations to several groups, including policing practices. including Japanese Americans, who have The call for reparations represents a suffered challenges. commitment to enter a constructive diaIn 1942, during World War II, the U.S. logue on the role of slavery and racism in created internment camps where roughly shaping present-day conditions in our com125,000 people of Japanese descent were munity and American society. essentially enslaved as a result of an execCongresswoman Jackson Lee recently utive order from then-president Franklin introduced HR40, a bill to establish a Delano Roosevelt. The rationale for their Commission to Study and Develop inhumane detention was that people of Reparations Proposals for African Japanese descent were suspected to have Americans Act. This piece of legislation been conspiring against the U.S. would create a Commission aimed at Congress decided to institute a repara- studying the impact of slavery and contintion fund after recognizing the actions of uing discrimination against African the U.S. government resulted in estimated Americans, resulting directly and indirectlosses of several billion dollars sustained ly from slavery to segregation to the desegdue to the loss of property and the ability regation process and the present day. to make a living suffered by those of The Commission would also make recJapanese descent. As a result, each sur- ommendations concerning any form of vivor was eventually awarded $20,000, apology and compensation to begin the with approximately 80,000 people of long-delayed process of atonement for slavJapanese descent claiming the reparations ery. that they were entitled to. The action cost “The impact of slavery and its vestiges the U.S. government approximately $1.6 continues to affect African Americans and billion in reparations and remains a dark indeed all Americans in communities stain on America’s history. throughout our nation, which is why I am As with Japanese Americans during pleased to introduce H.R. 40,” said and after World War II, African Americans Congresswoman Lee. “This legislation is continue to experience their own unique intended to examine the institution of slavchallenges and issues. ery in the colonies and the United States From a historical perspective, approxi- from 1619 to the present, and further rec-

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A look at current news from the continent of Africa Senegal: The West African nation of Senegal is waging war with toxic air that seems to be exacerbating asthma and other illnesses among its people, particularly its children. The African nation’s pollution levels are three-seven times higher than what the World Health Organization has deemed as acceptable.

Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio recently garnered international attention when he declared rape to be a national emergency. In his statement, President Maada Bio included seven concrete initiatives; including a special police division to expedite reporting procedures, an immediate push to make “sexual penetration of minors punishable by life imprisonment,” and a national emergency hotline.

South Africa: As South Africans prepare to go to the polls for the sixth time in the country’s post-apartheid history on May 8 (with the ruling African National Congress set to win), it is being reported that the nation is on the short list of destinations Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle are considering to make their home for four months of the year.

Sudan: Organizers of the protests that drove Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir to resign and the ruling military council reported that talks on forming a citizen-led transitional government were “transparent” and “fruitful.” Both sides have agreed to a joint committee comprised of members of both the military council and the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change, a coalition of opposition groups led by the Sudanese Professionals Association, to tackle political disputes.

Uganda: With the kidnapping last month of California resident Kimberly Endicott and her tour guide, the U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisories for 35 countries and a new indicator to highlight the risk of Kidnapping and hostage taking. High-threat countries including Uganda will now be labeled with a "K". Other African nations making the list include Nigeria, Kenya, Mali, Ethiopia and Sudan.

Zimbabwe: The Zimbabwe government has set aside $53 million and said it will give priority to elderly white farmers when it starts compensating commercial farmers whose properties were seized nearly 20 years ago under Robert Mugabe.

LISA COLLINS Editor In Chief n gospel music, the name Kirk Franklin is synonymous with success.

Everything he’s touched has turned to gospel gold making him for the last two decades, the face of gospel music. It is a title earned for the barriers he’s broken in everything from mainstream and white Christian radio airplay to major concerts and TV appearances; for setting new standards of professionalism in album production, project marketing and artist imaging; and pushing the gospel industry to greater commercial success as witnessed by a litany of firsts, including first gospel artist to ship gold and first gospel artist to sell a million units.

No one artist is credited with doing more to change the face of contemporary gospel music than Kirk Franklin. In the nearly three decades since his debut, cumulative sales of his recordings have topped 13-million units making him the second best-selling gospel artist of all time with such classic hits as “Stomp”, “I Smile”, “Now Behold the Lamb”, “Hosanna” and “Imagine Me”–all original compositions.

Success for the 5'5" gospel dynamo has brought the kind of adulation normally reserved for secular artists.

Truth is, when the multiple Grammy-winning recording artist skyrocketed onto the music scene in 1993, no one could have predicted the kind of success that has followed.

“In June, it'll be 26 years since "Why We Sing" came out,” said Franklin. “I’m just extremely grateful people still want to talk to me? It doesn't have to be that way after 26 years”. He pauses for a moment before continuing.

“Musically, you have the moments of insecurity of, you know, is there anything more to say, significant to

L.A. Focus/May 2019

I 8

say. And then there's the fear of does anybody want to hear what I have to say?

Given that “Love Theory”, the lead single from his highly anticipated thirteenth studio album, Long Live Love, has held the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart for eleven weeks straight and the song is also making a strong impact at urban radio and on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart, Franklin has very little to fear.

“I hope and pray that when people hear the album that it can show how big God can get, how big God is.”

It is something he knows first-hand thanks to his own story of overcoming struggle and hardship.

Born and reared in Ft. Worth, Texas, Franklin began playing piano at the age of four after being adopted by a great aunt, Gertrude Franklin, when his mother–a teen mom–abandoned him. On Saturday mornings, the elderly Franklin would collect cans to pay for his music lessons. On Sunday mornings, that same woman, the only mother he ever knew, made sure he was in church.

By the time he was out of kindergarten, he was singing and playing on the white church circuit. At the age of seven, he was offered a contract with a Christian record company. (His great aunt thought him too young and so it was declined). At 11, he was appointed Minister of Music at the Mt. Rose Baptist Church. It was then that he began to write and rearrange Christian music.

"I went through a bad time where, like a lot of youngsters, I drifted away from the church,” Franklin recalled.

“I began smoking pot and drinking with my buddies.

Then, at age 15, a buddy of mine was shot to death. It was at that moment that my life changed. He was the first person my age that had died. I'd been in church all my life but that was the first time I was faced with the issue of what's going to happen to me when I died. That summer I gave my heart to Christ."

At 19, Franklin did his first home recording. "It flopped," reports Franklin. He did, however, get the attention of gospel great Milton Biggham, who hired him to work with the DFW Mass choir and subsequently the Gospel Music Workshop of America. In 1992, Franklin organized "The Family"–a 17-member aggregation of talented vocalists and musicians and recorded–includ-

In June, it will be 26 years since "Why We Sing" came out. I’m just extremely grateful people still want to talk to me? It doesn't have to be that way after 26 years... Musically, you have the moments of insecurity of, you know, is there anything more to say, significant to say. And then there's the fear of does anybody want to hear what I have to say?

ing Tamela and David Mann–and recorded "Why We Sing.”

He sent the tape to Biggham, who passed on it. He’d also given a copy to Daryl Coley, who played it for GospoCentric Records founder Vicki Lataillade, who immediately signed Franklin to her newly established label.

In 1993, "Why We Sing" was released. Within a month, it was charting among Billboard's top five hottest selling gospel releases in the nation and Franklin was doing what he’d set out to do: “reach kids with a kind of gospel that gets them excited and encourages them to want to know more about Jesus."

Today, at 49, he is one gospel’s elder statesman, freely encouraging and promoting the newest wave of rising gospel stars, but unlike others who have aged off the charts, Franklin remains a triple threat as the genre’s top selling recording artist, one of its biggest innovators and its most recognizable superstar.

He’s returned to the charts after a three-and-a half year recording hiatus, which is not at all uncommon for the Grammy-winning artist whose presence is never lost on the gospel charts thanks to artists like the Walls Group and Tasha Page-Lockhart who are signed to his Dallas —based Fo Yo Soul Entertainment. Then there are any number of ventures that keep him busy in between projects. After all, he’s the host of BET’s Sunday Best, which the network recently brought back after a fouryear hiatus with season nine premiering on Sunday, June 30. Then there is the Sirius XM Praise Channel he launched in 2013, touring, TV appearances like TV One’s Uncensored which aired last month and his work with other artists, including Marvin Sapp and Tamela Mann, for whom he wrote and produced, “Take Me To The King”.

For all of his accomplishments, Franklin doesn’t do well with adulation.

“Compliments can be cool. But not glory,” he states.

“I just think that that is so dangerous...”

At one point, industry insiders gauged the growth of the industry–and its potential–by the strides Franklin was making. If Franklin could do it, it might be possible for other gospel artists. But, in truth, Franklin was unlike other gospel artists. His celebrity had always transcended the bounds of gospel to mainstream, leading him to sometimes feel as if the weight of the gospel industry rested on his shoulders–a responsibility he has not always wanted to bear.

And while he has certainly set the pace, he is honest about his shortcomings when it comes to gospel’s changing music styles.

“I've had a lot of fear because the music turned very worship very quickly and when I tried to do those type of songs, they don't translate the same for me,” Franklin stated candidly. “I'm not trying to slight the new movement. I've just found that I don't do it as well as they do and there have been moments when I've tried to do it because I saw that it was the new thing. When you see the move change, you don't want to be left out.”

Prone to mood swings, Franklin is admittedly impulsive, which, he says, works well on stage or in the studio, but not necessarily offstage. “I'm very high highs, low lows. At my lowest, I'm going to probably be at the park, sitting by the creek.”

“As a kid, I would climb on top of the roof and have these late-night conversations with God and they were very therapeutic for me and I've always had an affection to being outside with God… in the park, outside by the river.”

It is, however, at those moments when he has written some of his best work. Ironically while others can recount countless stories of the impact of Franklin’s songs–from very first gospel anthem, “Why We Sing” to “Hello Fear”–the recording star doesn’t find his music to be all that therapeutic for self-healing.

“There may be like one song on each album that I go to when there's this need for that medicine moment.

There's a song titled “Just For Me” off the new album that is a very therapeutic for me,” he reveals. “The song says, "Just for me, many doors you've closed, just for me.

Sometimes you will say no, so I'll be tested in your fire to purify my desires. So, my blessings won't be just for me."

And then the chorus says, "But it don't feel good, but growing never does. It don't seem fair for you to call this love. But unnecessary pain is the ingredient for change even when life may be bittersweet, it's working just for me."

“A lot of the music that I do use when I'm at that low medicine moment is very retro. You know, it'll be old Andrae [Crouch]. It'll be old Edwin [Hawkins and that is a lot of my medicine. And a lot of times it's not always music. I tell my friends all the time that Jesus is my medicine and that they [also] need me to be on my medicine.”

Although he recently reconnected with his father shortly before his Dad’s death, Franklin remains

estranged from his birth mom who abandoned him as a toddler and is honest about the bitterness that has remained, counting his nuclear family –comprised of wife, Tammy and their four kids–as his support system.

“God is the writer and I'm the pen”, was a 26-year old Kirk Franklin’s quote to a Dallas newspaper on the inspiration for his music when he first exploded onto the gospel stage. It is a statement he has tried to live out away from the spotlight.

“I always want to live a life that is close enough to Him that if He ever wants to grab a pen and use me, He doesn't have to look far.”

At the forefront of Franklin’s mission is a “Kingdom agenda” to which end, he launched “The Exodus Festival” last year on his home turf in Dallas as gospel’s answer to “Coachella”.

The 2nd Annual Exodus Music & Arts Festival–featuring Travis Greene, Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Vashawn Mitchell and Kelontae Gavin– gets underway on May 26 in Irving, Texas.

“We've partnered with Live Nation,” Franklin reports. “Last year was a success and we're praying this year is even stronger. I like Dallas as a hub, but I think that the music is so broad internationally that we can do an Exodus Brazil, an Exodus South Africa, an Exodus East Coast or West Coast– something great that can be a destination spot for people. Also, that it can grow into a two, three-day event that has maybe a film festival component to it for faith-based content or a book is symposium for writers, panel discussions. Maybe there's a creative technology discussion that can be technology curated for the common good of man. Whatever I assign myself to, I always want it to have a kingdom agenda at the end.”

In the meantime, Franklin is set to hit the road July 11 for a 25-city tour with stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, Detroit, and Houston in support of Long Live Love, which is set to hit retail at the end of the month.

All said, Franklin finds himself at a loss when it comes to deciphering the current state of gospel music still adapting to the transition from physical to digital downloads and digital downloads to streaming and its impact on sales, which have been down.

After thinking about it for a moment, his answer is both straightforward and simple: “gospel music is in God's hands”.

MoneyMatters

KEITH DELAWDER Staff Writer

Hip -Hop Philanthropy hile hip- hip, as a genre, may be known for material excess and outlaw lifestyles, the tragic passing of Nipsey Hustle put a spotlight on what the 33-year old rapper turner entrepreneur was doing in and for the community. But Hussle was hardly alone in his spirit of giving back. For years, rappers who have made it to superstardom have been using their means to improve the communities they came from and create the difference they would like to see in the world.

Like Nipsey, famed L.A. rapper/music producer/entrepreneur Andre “Dr. Dre” Young put his money into creating an educational institution that allows bright minds to have access to the resources they need to harness their creativity into the professional world. In 2013 Dre, along with Interscope records executive Jimmy Iovine, donated a combined $70 million to establish their own school at USC-the Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy of Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation. The program, which graduated its first class of students in 2018, is a unique cross-disciplinary school that was established to nurture the next generation of creators at the intersection of four essential areas: arts and design, engineering and computer science, business and venture management and communication.

Rapper/ business mogul Ice Cube is using the success of one of his greatest hits, “It Was A Good Day” to raise money in support of autism. In a partnership with the nonprofit organization, Autism Speaks, and clothing company, Represent, Cube designed limited edition shirts with a logo from his iconic 1993 music video, sold for $24.99 to raise money for autism research.

According to Cube, his decision to work with Autism Speaks came because he has a family member with autism.

“My goal through this campaign is to not only help raise awareness but to also support this great organization’s efforts in promoting solutions for the needs of those with autism and their families,” he told AllHipHop. Compton rapper The Game is looking to give back globally with his charity organization, The Robin Hood Project, which he started with $1 million of his own money.

“I figured once you have everything, as a celebrity– money, cars, family, fans. Once you’ve been around the world. What else is there to do besides start giving back?”

Game said in an interview with MissDimplezTV. “So I created The Robin Hood Project solely for positivity, giving back and helping people in need, people that are struggling, people that come into hardships in their life.”

The inspiration for starting the charity came after meeting a young Nigerian kid named Jon when he was in Australia. Jon told him that he and his family were among 20 people living in a one-bedroom apartment and expressed how hard it’s been to get to that point. Game gave Jon all the money he could at that moment-- which was only $20 Australian dollars-- but couldn’t sleep for a week after the encounter, wishing he could have done more.

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Since starting the Robin Hood Project has received over a half million dollars to go along with his own contributions which he has given to global causes, such as victims of a typhoon in the Philippines, as well as locally-- covering the funeral costs of a six-year-old girl in Los Angeles who lost her life.

In January, Meek Mill announced the formation of the Reform Alliance alongside Jay-Z and several businessmen and sports team owners who pledged to donate an initial combined $50 million to “dramatically reduce the number of people who are unjustly under the control of the criminal justice system–starting with probation and parole,” according to its website.

Kendrick Lamar gave his high school $50,000 to help improve their music department; donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Compton’s school district’s sports, after-school, music and other programs and local charities.

Long Beach rapper Snoop Dogg is using his love of

sports to get kids off the streets and avoiding the gang culture that caught him at a young age. In 2005 Snoop founded the Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL) and it is now one of the largest football organizations in Southern California with 50 teams, more than 1,500 players and 75 cheerleaders.

“We went on a mission to try to stop the violence by going to the roughest neighborhoods and grabbing these kids, coaches and ex-gang members and throwing them in the fire and saying, ‘This is what we want to do,’” said Snoop.

The league has provided a pathway to college with over 30 current NCAA Division 1 athletes having come out of SYFL, and several NFL players as well including exDenver Broncos running back and Super Bowl Champion Ronnie Hillman.

“I don’t even look at this as philanthropy,” says Snoop, “It’s just what I love to do: help.”

On the Money

Biz News Briefs After 77 years in business, Johnson Publishing, the former publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines, filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation last month in its home base of Chicago. In a press release, the company stated that it was “caught in a tidal wave of marketplace changes and business issues which, despite exhaustive efforts, could not be overcome.”

Among those issues were the bankruptcy of a retailer that carried its Fashion Fair Cosmetics and competition from digital rivals.

While the company founded by John H. Johnson, sold both Ebony and Jet in 2016, it maintained ownership of an extensive archive of 4 million photographic images and 10,000 video assets that chronicle nearly eight decades of black history and culture and

L.A. Focus/May 2019

Mellody Hobson & George Lucas Seek Control of Ebony

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iconic images of the likes of Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Muhammad Ali. The move to file for bankruptcy and sell its assets was thought to be the end of an era. That is until Ariel Investments CEO Mellody Hobson and her husband, filmmaker George Lucas (Star Wars) filed a motion in Chicago’s federal Bankruptcy Court seeking to foreclose on the archives and take control of the company’s assets, based on a loan they made to the company four years ago to keep it afloat.

“The Johnson Publishing archives are an essential part of American history and have been critical in telling the extraordinary stories of African American culture for decades,” a press statement from the company read. “We want to be sure the archives are protected for generations to come.”

Prudential Invests in “Opportunity Youth” Doubling down on its commitment to make lives better by solving the financial challenges of our changing world, Prudential Financial, is committing more than $180 million through 2025 to support young people aged 15-29 worldwide who lack access to school, training or regular jobs — a segment of the global population often referred to as opportunity youth.

“Businesses like ours have a role to play in ensuring that global economic progress benefits all members of tomorrow’s workforce,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO Charles Lowrey. “Our goal is to improve young people’s lives by creating pathways for them to achieve financial wellness, strengthen their communities and ultimately help drive the global economy.”

Prudential’s investment will help young people across the globe gain the right skills to compete for and succeed in quality jobs. This population segment, which accounts for 350 million people worldwide, represents untapped potential for the future workforce. The company will support dedicated partnerships through grants, corporate contributions and impact investments to improve financial security for youth in more than 70 countries.

“We’ve seen firsthand from our work with partners around the world the positive ripple effect that supporting youth in this way has on local communities,” said Lata Reddy, senior vice president of Diversity, Inclusion and Impact, and chair and president of The Prudential Foundation. “Integrating this population into the workforce will drive revenue growth for businesses and the global economy. With the right skills and training, opportunity youth can be both an engine of growth and a catalyst for positive social change.”

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Game Changers:

KEITH DELAWDER Staff Writer

Dr. Michele G. Turner’s Mission to Set Black Students At USC Up for Success

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s executive director of USC’s Black Alumni Association (BAA), Dr. Michele G. Turner, is on a mission to advance policies and practices that promote higher education access, equity and inclusion at USC. In over a decade of service, Turner has led the Black Alumni Association (BAA) to raise millions of dollars in endowments not just to increase the number of black students at USC, but to help cover tuition costs.

Turner took the position at her alma mater’s BAA to be a role model for young people and lead by example. Along with her work at USC, Turner is an entrepreneur who owns several businesses, is CEO of a successful healthcare company, and is a published author who released her first book, “AFFIRMED: Life Lessons In Racial Healing and Transformation” which breaks the silence of being biracial in America and emphasizes the importance of affirmation and the need for racial healing in today’s political climate.

USC’s Black Alumni Association is a hybrid organization that utilizes their pipeline of successful black alumni to create, not just a sense of belonging, but models for students to see themselves in their own future

We need to understand how privilege is very racialized,” says Turner. “The number of seats affected by the scandal really weren’t enough to move the needle for black admissions, but the interesting thing about the conversation is that it did reveal to us how how privilege works on a different level. as black professionals.

“Some of the challenges involved with being black at USC is in regard to undergraduate enrollment being currently at 4%. This means, while you’re there for a incredible education, your experience being one of few can be very isolating,” says Turner. “You may be a brilliant student but if you don’t know who your community is, you may not have the opportunity to get equitable well rounded experiences and a major challenge is, ‘how do I belong or thrive in a place like this?’”

Through her office’s Best Practices Mentoring Program, students get targeted support along with access to a network of over 200 black alumni utilized to move successfully through workforce pipelines.

“The 4% number is really a reflection of

affordability,” says Turner. “In a school that receives 66,000 applications there is quite a number of black students who are in that pool for consideration, and yet it’s not enough to be admissible. You need to be able to make a good decision, for your family in terms of affordability. So the USC Black Alumni Association has always had a mission of fundraising for scholarships for black students specifically.

“There’s a misnomer out there that says, ‘we have plenty of low income grants and money’. Well we’re a middle class demographic now, but the fact is racism has caused systematic gaps in wealth. We’re only one generation-or-so into being professionals so we don’t have to same kind of ability to utilize resources to afford things like $70,000 per year educations.”

It’s this same access to wealth at that was spotlighted in the recent ‘college admissions scandal’ which illuminated the cross section between wealth and race in having access to elite education.

“We need to understand how privilege is very racialized,” says Turner. “The number of seats affected by the scandal really weren’t enough to move the needle for black admissions, but the interesting thing about the conversation is that it did reveal to us how how privilege works on a different level. We certainly don’t have the resources for someone to change our test scores because they own the testing center.

We don’t have those kind of relationships, so it just wasn’t our fight. But we learned a lot.”

In the end, says Turner, it’s not money, but the same factors for success at USC

apply equally to black students.

“The biggest factor for success is ambition and vision. But,” she adds, “you have to be affirmed and given the confidence that you can be in the room and do what you came to do, because once you think you can do it, you can do it.”

In college, Turner wanted to become an entrepreneur because she saw how business ownership could change the narrative for her family. Upon graduation, she went to work for IBM where she developed the problem solving, team building and leadership skills that would ultimately fuel her success as an entrepreneur in a business she established with her husband providing healthcare in underserved communities Desiring to further connect her personal success to purpose, she returned full circle to USC as executive director of the USC Black Alumni Association.

“I saw this as my way to help young people who had the same dreams I had once,” says Turner.

This year, Turner authored her first book, “AFFIRMED: Life Lessons in Racial Healing and Transformation”, growing out of her experiences as a biracial woman, while emphasizing the importance of affirmation and the need for racial healing in today’s political climate.

The book spotlights thirteen uniquely different "life lessons" confronting the intersections of identity, conformity, tradition and heritage in a manner that exposes the strengths of choice in a changing world– and how they shaped her into the woman she is today.

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Eye On Gospel Tamela Mann’s Latest Venture She’s conquered the gospel music world with a string of hits including her trademark “Take Me To The King”.

She’s starred in three TV series– Meet the Browns, The Manns, and Mann & Wife and film credits include “Sparkle”, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” and “Madea Goes To Jail”.

On stage, she and husband, David Mann most recently performed before sold-out crowds with Tyler Perry’s Farewell Madea Tour. Offstage the couple was recently honored with the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Debut Author for Us Against the World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage and Family during the 50th Annual NAACP Image Awards earlier this year. Now, Tamela Mann is setting her sights on the fashion world.

Last month the Grammy® award-winning recording artist announced the launch of her women’s plus athleisure apparel, Tamela Mann Collection, which is available now for limited edition purchase online and is slated to hit retail stores in the Fall 2019.

“I chose to do this line for a number of reasons. The idea was actually birthed out of frustration; I would go shopping and most of the selections for plus-sized women were not as fashionable,” explained Tamela. “I wanted to create a line that would look good on curvy women as well as make them feel beautiful, sexy, and comfortable at the same time.”

The limited-edition launch of the sporty Tamela Mann Collection includes six super-chic styles of jackets, tops, and bottoms in shades of grey, black and black and white floral print. Many brands include plus-size offerings, but very few are devoted to making an athleisure line for women that help them express their unique style and flatter their

shape, as is the Tamela Mann Collection.

“I’m starting with athleisure wear because I know how important it is to women to have athletic gear functional enough to wear during a workout that seamlessly transitions to a stylish look perfect for running errands afterwards,” said Tamela. “The fit and quality of the garments are at their best, and I am really excited to share the variety of styles and colors of my first collection.”

In the meantime, Mann and her husband– who head up their independent entertainment company, Tillymann Music Group, are still promoting their book, Us Against the World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage and Family, as their current CD of the same name continues to garner airplay around the country.

Jekalyn Carr Celebrates Birthday with New Single To celebrate her 22nd birthday, gospel sensation Jekalyn Carr releasing a brand new track titled "I See Miracles." The inspiration behind the song came from the interactions Jekalyn has shared with people from around the globe as she ministered.

"During my visits to different cities, so many people would come to me, asking me to agree with them in prayer for what they were believing for. They would post on my social media, too - people from all across the world were trusting God for jobs, family restoration, finances for school, houses, children, needing cars, running for government office and on and on," says Jekalyn. "Then, it hit home as my family and I began to believe God to move some mighty mountains in our lives. In the spirit, we begin to hear: If you believe in something long and hard, if you believe in something with all your heart, it shall come to pass...I see miracles,

I see miracles, I see miracles, happening for you. I quickly began to learn that this was a faith activation message — not just for me but for people to hold on and not to quit to what they were believing for, because God is surely to bring it to pass."

The track was produced and written with Jekalyn's father, Allen Carr. The father / daughter duo come together again to present this inspirational and faith-activating song, "I See Miracles." As a team, they have garnered three #1 Billboard Gospel singles at radio within the last three years - "You're Bigger," "You Will Win," and "It's Yours." The label they operate - Lunjeal Music Group — became a 2018 Billboard Top 10 Gospel record label, along with Jekalyn being nominated for three Grammy Awards.

The singer just announced plans for her second annual "You Will Win" Conference to be held June 21 - 22, 2019 in Orlando, Florida..

Also this month: Gospel music superstar Kirk Franklin celebrates his 2nd Annual Exodus Music & Arts Festival on May 26 with special guests Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kelontae Gavin, VaShawn Mitchell, and Travis Greene. In partnership with Live Nation Urban, the gospel music festival will take place on May 26 at the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas. For more information go to @exodusmusicandartsfestival…Tramaine Hawkins is among the honorees to be inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame on May 8 in Nashville…Finally, Stellar Award winning and Dove Award nominated singer-songwriter, Maurette Brown Clark, is back with a desperately passionate song of devotion. The rousing anthem, “I Want God” (Nettie’s Child Music/IndieBlu), is the first offering on her recording label, Nettie’s Child Music. It’s also in keeping with her timeless, chart-topping hits such as “One God” and “It Ain’t Over (Until God Says It’s Over).” Backed by the Grammy® Award nominated act, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, the soulful track is the singer’s first release in four years.

PeopleFiles

PASTOR MICHAEL J.T. FISHER Guest Columnist

Are Kanye West’s Sunday Services Biblical or Just His Latest Project?

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be able to demonstrate His power and His glory in and through them. That has to be the message regardless of who’s delivering it, Kanye included.

People supporting Kanye and participating in his Sunday Services should understand that the Bible not only gives us leeway to ask questions, but Jude 3 tells us that we should “contend for the faith.” It’s reasonable and should be acceptable to challenge certain thought processes, refusing to just take these services at face value because Kanye’s name is attached.

Equally disconcerting are the statements made in support of the Sunday Services,–statements that provoke more questions than answers. One described the services as “just a vibe”. Another said, “it’s not ‘church’, it’s just Sunday service.”

That is a trick of the enemy. The word “church” is “ecclesia” and literally means, “the called-out ones” or “to be called out”. If it’s just a Sunday service, what service is being rendered, and to whom? Biblically, Jesus Christ only accepts the offerings or service from His church.

He’s coming back for the church, not just for a group of people who come together to feel good with music.

Those who participated in the Easter Sunday Service at Coachella believed they gathered in Jesus’ name. While I’m glad that Jesus was at Coachella, did anyone experience the Sunday Service and as a result believe in their heart and confess with their mouth Jesus Christ as Lord? Are folks being drawn to a service under the pretense of Jesus and yet there isn’t a way to bring them into the kingdom?

This isn’t an attack on Kanye, nor is it meant to be judgmental. It’s an attempt to reconcile a phenomenon that seems to want to attach Jesus’ name to it but has little behind it, when Jesus is about changing lives, salvation, purpose and redemption.

They are important questions. Romans 10 suggests that if you have zeal — or you’re having a really good time — but you lack knowledge, then you are trying to establish your own righteousness and making up your own rules for this thing we call church.

If it’s of God, then those who are participating and supporting should be able to Biblically defend and explain it. No one’s asking for perfection, but one of the defining characteristics of the church is conviction and conversion.

Finally, the message of the gospel cannot be diluted to make today’s culture comfortable. Our freedom in Christ is not so that we can do whatever it is we want to do, but we are still bound to the word of God and what the word calls us to do.

Michael J.T. Fisher is the senior pastor of the Greater Zion Church Family in Compton, California.

L.A. Focus/May 2019

n case you hadn’t heard, controversial rapper Kanye West has been holding Sunday services in the hills behind his Calabasas home for several months. On Easter Sunday, West took his worship gathering to Coachella, one of the largest and most profitable music festivals in the world. The event–held annually in Indio, California, boasts a lineup that includes the record industry’s biggest stars and a crowd numbering upwards of 180,000.

Though invite-only, word of the services has sparked almost as much attention as the release of new music from the rapper thanks, in part, to video clips posted by wife, Kim Kardashian. So much so that a tuft of “Holy Grass” from the Coachella service was reportedly being sold for as high as $570. A writer for the New Yorker, who was covering the event, noting that he key selling point to the Sunday Service gathering at Coachella was exclusive merchandise for exorbitant prices – from $50 tube socks to a $225 sweatshirt with the words 'Sunday Service at the Mountain' across it. Of Kanye West, she added, “He is the worship. He is creating a church in himself and selling it."

The services have, in fact, attracted as much controversy as they have curiosity, and everybody seems to have an opinion as well as plenty of questions. Those who attend have been defensive of the gatherings, but agree or disagree, either side has the right to engage in dialogue without being demonized about their respective opinions.

Some of those who may not agree with Kanye do so because what they see conflicts with what the Word of God tells us a Christian movement is supposed to look like.

According to Paul’s writings, the original church wasn’t led by singing, but instead by the preaching of the word of God. Specifically, Peter, Paul, and the apostles purely preached the cross–Jesus Christ crucified and the need to be baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit and they were consistent in preaching the concept of coming out from the world, being transformed and then renewed.

So where are the sacred ordinances of the church– baptism, salvation, etc.? Is there any conviction on the part of attendees?

Whenever we attend any kind of service, we’re not supposed to just leave inspired, but we should leave convicted. The Bible encourages us to “judge a tree by the fruit it bears” (Luke 6:43-45) and to “try the spirit by the spirit” (1 John 4:1).

If we are honest, the modern church is spending less time talking about conversion, yet while the approach may change, the message cannot. From Genesis to Revelation, God is looking for a holy people. And holy doesn’t mean perfect, but it does imply that God is intent about a people that are set apart from the world for His use that He may

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Calendar of events

Ongoing Soul of A Nation: Art in The Age of Black Power (Through September 1) General Admission: Free Advance Reservation: $1218 • Open Tues - Sunday 221 S. Grand Avenue Info: (213) 232-6200 www.thebroad.org BFit Yoga Class On the Macy’s Bridge Free •10AM -11:00AM Saturdays Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 3650 W. King Blvd Info: (323) 290-6636 Baldwinhills crenshawplaza.com Thursday, May 2 Inglewood Ministers 36th Annual Prayer Breakfast Keynote speaker: Pastor K.W. Tulloss 7:00am-9:00am • $35 Proud Bird Event Center 11022 Aviation Blvd moderatorprov@yahoo.com Saturday, May 4 KJLH Women’s Health Expo Featuring free health screenings, Vendors, Exercise, Holistic Wellness, Natural Beauty

and more • Plus meet “The Doctors” co-host Dr. Nita Landry 7AM — 4PM • Free Long Beach Convention Ctr 300 East Ocean Blvd Long Beach, 90802 www.kjlhradio.com Recharge! Hosted by Togetta Ulmer Special Guests include Erica Campbell and Priscilla Shirer 9AM • $35 Faithful Central Bible Ch 321 N. Eucalyptus Avenue Info: (310) 330-8000 Faithfulcentral.com An Evening With The Clintons 7:30PM • $59.50 - $375 The Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd Contact: (310) 330-7300 www.fabulousforum.com Sunday, May 5 In Concert: Algee Smith, Jacob Lattimore, Serayah $10-15 • 6:30PM The Mint 6010 West Pico Blvd Contact: (323) 954-9400 www.themintla.com Tuesday, May 7 Book Signing: Hana Yasmeen Ali (the daughter of

Muhammad Ali) “At Home with Muhammad Ali: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Forgiveness” 7PM • Free The Grove 189 The Grove Drive Contact: (323) 525-0270 Barnesandnoble.com Wednesday, May 8 Life Drawing Master Class with Charles Dickson Capture your story and create a mini-zine using a mix of collage, drawing and writing techniques Age 7 and up•7PM — 9PM Free (Parking = $12) California African American Museum 600 State Drive Contact: (213) 744-7432 http://caamuseum.org

Woman Awards Luncheon $200 • 11AM Omni Los Angeles Hotel 251 S Olive Street Contact: (213) 365-2991 ywcagla.org Friday, May 10 Kandi Koated Entertainment Presents: Welcome to the Dungeon Kandi Burruss with Tamar Braxton & Trina 9PM • $55-65 The Novo 800 W Olympic Blvd Info: (213) 765-7000 www.thenovodtla.com In Concert: Ariana Grande 8PM • $144 - $254 The Forum 3900 W.

Thursday, May 9 In Concert: Al Green 8PM • $60-$235 plus fees The Greek Theater 2700 North Vermont Contact: (844) 524-7335 www.lagreektheatre.com YWCA 2019 Phenomenal

Manchester Blvd Contact: (310) 330-7300 www.fabulousforum.com On Stage: Trevor Noah 7PM/9:30PM • $79+ Pechanga Resort & Casino 45000 Pechanga Parkway Temecula 92592 Tickets: (888) 810-8871 Pechanga.com Saturday, May 11 Ladylike Foundation’s 11th Annual Women of Excellence Luncheon Honorees include Marjorie Harvey & Storm Reid Host: Holly Robinson Peete 11AM — 3PM • $250 The Beverly Hilton 9876 Wilshire Blvd Contact: (818) 709-6630 www.thelady-

EVENT SPOTLIGHT Saturday, May 11 A Day In May with Lady Mae Blake 9:30AM — Noon • $40 Reception to follow West Angeles COGIC North Campus 3045 Crenshaw Blvd Contact: (323) 733-8300

L.A. Focus/May 2019

Taraji P. Henson stepped out in this gorgeous blue column gown for the premiere of “The Best of Enemies”.

14

Good Meagan and wife e L.A. n li k n ra at th Devon F ” d carpet on the re f “Breakthrough o re ie m pre

er brought daught Dennis Haysbert iere of em pr A. L. e th Katharine to “Breakthrough”

Sterling K . Brown – a Ryan M. Bath–wa ccompanied by wif e s on hand “This Is U to suppor s” co-s t L.A. prem tar Chrissy Metz at the iere of “B reakthrou gh”.

Usher and Diddy attend the funeral of Nipsey Hussle in Los Angeles.

Janelle Monae poses with Emma Roberts and Kelly Clarkson at the “Ugly Dolls” premiere.

like.com In Concert: The Spinners $34-$64 • 9pm The Saban 8440 Wilshire Blvd wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com Ladies Night Out Comedy Tour Hosted by NeNe Leakes.Featuring Loni Love, Sherri Shepherd, Kym Whitley and more 7:30PM • $39.50 — 69.50 Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Court Info: (213) 763-6020 www.microsofttheater.com FAME’s Annual Walk to End Hunger 7AM • Free 2270 S. Harvard Blvd Info: (323) 735-1251 Sunday, May 12 In Concert: Charlie Wilson & Patti LaBelle 7:30PM • $52 - $289 The Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd Contact: (310) 330-7300 www.fabulousforum.com

“Cooking with Miss Quad: Live, Love, Laugh & Eat” 7PM • Free The Grove 189 The Grove Drive Contact: (323) 525-0270 Barnesandnoble.com Wednesday, May 15 On Stage: Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill A glimpse inside Billie Holiday’s final concert $39 • Check showtimes Garry Marshall Theatre 4252 W. Riverside Drive • Burbank 91505 Contact: (818) 955-8101 garrymarshalltheatre.org Thursday, May 16 Bishop Kenneth Ulmer with Matt & Laurie Crouch TBN Free • 3:30PM — 6PM 2442 Michelle Dr/Tustin Register on eventbrite Friday, May 17 Workshop: Divorce Options: What You Need to Know $10 • 4PM — 5:30PM L.A. Law Library 301 West 1st Street Call: (213) 785.2529 (Those interested should

call (800) 399-4529 to be pre-screened) lalawlibrary.org/classes Saturday, May 18 Retirement Gala honoring Bishop Dr. William LaRue Dillard of Second Baptist Church, Monrovia 10:30AM — 3PM • $100 ($45 for children 3-10) Pacific Palms Resort One Industry Hills Pkwy City of Industry 91744 Contact: (626) 358-2136 www.sbcmonrovia.org 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival (Through May 19) Cooking demos, attractions, arts & crafts Adults $12 Children $5 • 10am—6:30pm 3250 S. Rose Ave/Oxnard www.strawberry-fest.org Amazing Grace Conservatory presents Our Westside Story (Thru Sunday) Southwest College Sat: 7:30PM • Sun: 3PM $25-40 1600 W. Imperial Hwy Info: (323) 732-4283 amazinggraceconservatory.

org.

Sunday, May 19 Special Needs Network’s 11th Annual Pink Pump Affair (Honorees include Robin McGraw & Vanessa Bell Calloway) Host: KCBS’ Pat Harvey 12:30PM — 3PM • $250 Beverly Hilton Hotel 9876 Wilshire Blvd Info: (323) 291-7100 Snnla.org Friday, May 24 RuPaul’s Dragcon LA 2019 Hosted by RuPaul with a host of celebrities including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Ross Mathews, and more •Performances, contests, vendors (Through May 26) $40 - $300 • 10AM L.A. Convention Center 1201 South Figueroa St www.rupaulsdragcon.com Saturday, May 25 In Concert: War & KC And The Sunshine Band With Tierra, El Chicano 7:30PM • $47 - $240+ fees The Greek Theater 2700 North Vermont

Contact: (844) 524-7335 www.lagreektheatre.com Sunday, May 26 New Kids On The Block: The Mixtape Tour With Salt-N-Pepa, Naughty Ny Nature and more 7PM • $29 - $219 The Hollywood Bowl 2301 N. Highland Avenue Info: (323) 850-2000 www.hollywoodbowl.com Spread the News Zine Making: Capture your own story and create a minizine publication using a mix of collage, drawing and writing techniques Ages 7 - up • 1PM — 3PM Free (Parking = $12) California African American Museum 600 State Drive Contact: (213) 744-7432 http://caamuseum.org

Thursday, May 30 Bam Crawford’s The Company Presents 8th Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference Speakers include Deborah Pegues, Cynthia Pope and World-renowned physi-

around los angeles Tuesday, May 14 Book Signing: Quad Webb

Actor Courtney Vance, Pan African Film President Babu and Attorney Crump attend the UCLA Black Student Law Association’s 50th Anniversay dinner in Los Angeles

Friday, May 31 Newport Beach Jazz Festival Featuring George Benson, Jeffrey Osbourne, Morris Day, Najee and more (Through June 2) Check show times/tickets Hyatt Regency Newport Beach 1107 Jamboree Rd Box Office: (949) 360-7800 www.festivals.hyattconcerts.com Saturday, June 1 In Concert: The Commodores 8PM • $45+ Pechanga Resort & Casino 45000 Pechanga Parkway Temecula 92592 Tickets: (888) 810-8871 Pechanga.com

d it for the cameras Tessa Thompson worke miere of “Avengers: at the star-studded pre Endgame”

Don Cheadle and wif e Bridgid take a moment to pose on the red carpet at the L.A. Avengers: End Game premiere

L.A. Focus/May 2019

ms pose husband Sid Willia e Maxine Waters and wife, Jennifer, pos his and en All on with Byr League Gala in ban Ur the at e tur for a pic Hollywood

cian/author Dr. Kristi Funk (Through June 1) $250 (includes sessions, meals & materials) Doubletree by Hilton Torrance 21333 Hawthorne Blvd Contact: (310) 330-4700 thecompanyinternational. com

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RedCarpet Style

MARSAI MARTIN looks fabulous in a pink ruffle Pamella Roland dress.

Stars turning out on the red carpet for the premiere of “Little’ seemed to be making statements with their fashion choices. Those pictured below stood out for us.

REGINA HALL KELLY ROWLAND was on point with this metallic sported a chic tuxedo pants pleated v-neck gown. suit for a classic look.

STORM REID poses in a red dress

JANELLE MONAE in a black blazer with a pleated skirt

INSIDE HO L LY W OOD with Neily Dickerson “Get Set For Summer” With the release of Avengers Endgame, the start of the 2019 summer must see blockbuster films are set to roll out, pun intended. I’m really excited to share my list of movies that I believe will make this summer a good one.

Let’s start with what’s in-store on the action front. The third installment from the John Wick series Parabellum– is high on my list, starring Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry and Laurence Fishburne. June 14 marks the return of “Shaft” with Samuel Jackson again in the lead. It will go head to head with Men In Black International (Also June 14). Other action favorites are sure to include XMen:Dark Phoenix (June 7); SpiderMan: Far From Home (July 2), 21

Bridges starring Chadwick Boseman (July 12), and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw featuring Jason Statham and Theee Rock (August 2).

If you’re looking for a good romantic comedy, check out Long Shot (May 3) and The Sun Is Also A Star featuring Yara Shahidi (May 17).

Then there are the thrillers or as I call them, scary movies, Ma–starring

the always sweet Olivia Spencer and due May 31–is sure to be a nail biter.

If monsters are your thing there’s always Godzilla: King Of The Monsters (May 31) If music is your thing be sure and check out the Elton John biopic: Rocketman (May 31). Aladdin, Of course, no summer would be complete without family fun/children movies, one of the most anticipated being “The Lion King” (July 19) with Beyonce, Donald Glover and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Will Smith star power is sure to drive the box office for Aladdin (May 24). There’s also Pixar’s Toy Story 4 (June 21), Dora And The Lost City Of Gold (July 31), and The Angry Birds Movie 2 (August 16).

Round up the family, go on a date and have some fun at the movie.

DUE IN THEATERS THIS MONTH

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ

Uglydolls May 3

The Sun Is Also A Star May 17

Rising Star Alert

You may or may not have seen her and you probably don’t know her name. Even if you did know her name–Ella Balinska– you might not know how to pronounce it.

But get used to that name because you’re going to be seeing a lot more of her.

She’s set to steal the show in what has been dubbed as the role of a lifetime–the yet unnamed Angel in the upcoming film reboot of “Charlie’s Angels”.

The 70’s TV action crime drama that inspired two hugely successful films– Charlie’s Angels and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle w i t h Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu–is scheduled to hit theaters November 15 and is one of the film industry’s most anticipated films.

Balinska is the daughter of model turned author/chef Lorraine Pascale and Polish musician, Count K a z BalinskiJundzill.

The role is a b r e a k through for the 22-year

John Wick: Chapter 3 May 17

old actress whose earlier roles were in mostly British TV productions.

"I've never really thought 'I want to make it', it's been more about, 'I want to wake up in the morning to do what I love,'" she told Miss Vogue.

"My goal is to be able to inspire people. If I can make an ounce of difference, then I've done my job."

On the Home Front Jennifer Hudson who was set to go to battle in court this month with her ex, David Otunga, but the parties both opted to postpone the court date in the hopes of reaching a settlement. At the crux of their issues is custody of their nine-year old son and custodial support. Seems Otunga, who was has their son the majority of the time, also wants Hudson to pay him a housing subsidy. Citing that they were never married, she doesn’t believe she has a duty to support him and feels he should get a job. Otunga was featured in Tyler Perry’s “A Madea Family Funeral”. They will be back in court in August if they aren’t able to come to a resolution. In the meantime, Hudson is set to star in the big screen version of “Cats” alongside Idris Elba, Taylor Swift and James Corden, and the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic which is set to hit theaters next summer…TV personality Wendy Williams is focusing her energy on her work upon filing for divorce from husband Kevin Hunter after over two decades of marriage.

Williams has also cut ties with Hunter, who was an executive producer for “The Wendy Williams Show” and is now looking to take greater control of her business. Hunter

Ma May 31

recently broke his silence on the divorce saying, “I am going through a time of self-reflection and am trying to right some wrongs. No matter what the outcome is or what the future holds, we are still The Hunter Family and I will continue to work with and fully support my wife in this business and through any and all obstacles she may face living her new life of sobriety, while I also work on mine.”

Prayers Going up for John Singleton, who suffered a stroke and was reported by TMZ as being in a coma.

According to documents obtained by TMZ, Shelia Ward (Singleton’s mom) asked a judge to appoint her temporary conservator as the 51-year old filmmaker was “unable to properly provide for his personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter.” As conservator, she would also handle his business and financial affairs. His daughter, however, insists her Dad is not in a coma and is getting better every day. Briefly: Best friends Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey have been lending advice to fans on OprahMag.com’s monthly video series “The OG Chronicles”. Topics of conversation vary every month from “family dilemmas” to “dating advice” and thse pair candidly tell personal anecdotes to their readers. And if you hadn’t already heard, Tyrese Gibson is set to play the late Teddy Pendergrass in an upcoming Warner Bros film. The R&B crooner, who got his start with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, went solo and topped the charts in the late 70’s with such hits as “Close The Door” and “Love TKO”.

Some in media dubbed him “the black Elvis”. But tragedy struck in 1982 when a near fatal car accident left him a quadriplegic, forever altering the course of his life.

Q&A Meagan Good Hometown: Panorama City, California Big Break: “Eve’s Bayou” Current Projects: “The Intruder”, “Shazam!”

Upcoming Projects: “Monster Hunter”, “If Not Now, When” Having started her acting career doing commercials at the age of four, Meagan Good has amassed over 70 credits in TV, film, and music videos. She was cast in her first film, “Friday” at 13, and received critical recognition two years later for her performance in “Eve’s Bayou” alongside Samuel L. Jackson. Her first lead actress role came in 2006 with “Waist Deep”–opposite Tyrese–followed by “Stomp the Yard”, “Think Like A Man”, “Anchorman 2”, and “Think Like A Man Too”, and TV series’ “Deception” and “Minority Report”. A devout Christian, Good co-authored her first book, “The Wait”, with her husband, producer/preacher DeVon Franklin.

How did you get started acting?

My mother wanted to be an actress and she thought if she couldn’t do it she’d get her kids involved. I’ve been doing it so long I can’t see myself doing anything else.

What’s been your favorite role so far?

“Eve’s Bayou” was my first favorite role because it felt like the first time someone really gave me a chance to show that I was capable of more than what I had done so far. I had done a lot of commercials and one or two line roles, but I hadn't had the opportunity to dramatically act.

What is the work-life balance dynamic like between you and your husband Devon Franklin?

DeVon has always been very career-oriented and focused and by the book. He’s willing to do the work and go above and beyond, so the way that he approaches life is like that across the board. And for me, while I have a great work ethic, I’m a lot more free-spirited and chill, and so when we came together we were able to give that to each other.

What advice would you give to a young person looking to follow in your footsteps as an actress?

Keep God as your main focus. Make sure your desire to do what you’re aspiring to do is deeper than just fame and being a celebrity. Be willing to work hard, and don’t believe that when a door closes it’s anything personal.

You’ve been criticized at times for your choices of fashion being “not appropriate for a woman of God.” How do you respond?

I think that it’s kind of unfair that there’s a picking and choosing on how some people make it the woman’s fault or responsibility if a man lusts after her…And modesty is also about your intention: What are you trying to accomplish? What are the intentions of your heart? And I know my intention is genuine.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a woman who represented God but was controversial, stood by what she believed and wouldn’t allow other people’s opinions of her to manipulate her directions. As someone who helped others, loved others deeply even if they tried to hurt her, was there for people when she could be, and ultimately made everything she did about God and not just about herself.

ChurchNews

Gov Prioritizes Hate Crimes With $15M Emergency Fund to Black Religious Groups, Non-Profits

A

African-American churches and other religious organizations are among vulnerable non-profits in California eligible to apply for security grants after Gov. Gavin Newsom approved $15 million in emergency funds this week to help religious and community-based groups protect themselves against hate crimes.

The governor made the announcement two days after a violent mass shooting at a synagogue just north of San Diego shocked Californians and people around the world.

On Saturday, John Earnest, 19, a White supremacist allegedly entered the Chabad of Poway Synagogue carrying an assault-style rifle and opened fire. Police said he killed one woman, Lori Kaye, 60, and injured three others, including a Rabbi and an 8-year-old girl. Authorities are investigating the case as a hate crime and possibly a federal civil rights violation.

“We all must call out hate — against any and all communities — and act to defend those targeted for their religious beliefs, who they love or how they identify,” said Governor Newsom. “An attack against any community is an attack against our entire state — who we are and what we stand for.”

Several lawmakers, activists and religious leaders have already stepped forward to thank the governor for his timely decision and his willingness to address a pressing safety concern in the state.

“Just weeks ago, African-American churches were burned in the South and these were confirmed as hate crimes,” said Shane Harris, President of the People’s Alliance of Justice, a national civil rights organization based in San Diego.

For the African-American religious community in California, the synagogue shooting brings with it echoes of a painful past.

In California, there are more hate groups than in any other state. Hate crimes are also on the rise in the state, increasing by 17.4 percent between 2016 and 2017, according to the California Attorney General’s office. The sharpest upturn in the state has been Anti-Jewish attacks which rose from 82 to 104 between 2016 and 2017, “We appreciate Governor Newsom commitment to the faith community. These resources will be helpful to protect our residents and communities that rely on our churches. I look forward to assisting Black churches in taking advantage of these resources,” said K.W. Tulloss, president of The Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Southern California.

The funding, which will be administered through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and will be awarded through a competitive grant process.

In national church news, New Birth Missionary Baptist Pastor Jamal Bryant partnered with rap-

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 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

Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082 Pastor Dwaine Jackson Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:15 am Bible Study (Tues): Noon Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 6:00pm

God’s Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ / Prayer Clinic & Deliverance Ministry P.O. Box 561368, Los Angeles,CA 90056 (323)293-7566 • www.gfdjc.org•gfdjc@att.net Dr. Ruby Cottle, Pastor & Teacher G.F.D.J.C Every Friday: 7:00pm -9:30pm Location: St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 West Adams Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90018

Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027 Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Senior Pastor Reappointed to Grant AME Church Los Angeles Rev. Dr. James A. Rumph

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

Sunday L.I.F.E Group: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service: 9:30am Wednesday Intercessory Prayer: 6:30pm Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm E-Mail: gtbcla@gmail.com

Calvary Baptist Church 4911 W. 59th Street,Los Angeles, CA,90056 (323)298-1605•F: (310) 568-8430 • calvarybaptistla.org Rev. Dr. Virgil V. Jones Sunday Prayer: 8:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 12:00pm & 7:00pm We are the Church on the Hill where the Light Shines Bright!

Grace United Methodist Church 4112 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 294-6653 • F: (323) 294-8753 • graceumc1@earthlink.net Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth, Pastor • www.graceumcla.com Early Morning Worship: 7:45am Sunday School (all ages) : 9:45am Morning Worship: 10:45am Tues. Mobile Prayer: 6:15am Wed. Bible Study: Noon Follow us on Facebook

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

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

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

Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 703-5868 • www.holmanumc.com Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., Senior Pastor

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

Living By Faith Fellowship Ministries Church Address: 8946 Sepulveda Eastway, L.A., CA 90045 Executive Office: 10925 Crenshaw Blvd,#107, Ing.CA 90303 (424) 313-7520 Bishop Horace A. Allen Sunday Worship(East): 8:00am Sunday School(West): 9:30am Worship Service(West): 11:00am Word Explosion(Wed/West): 7:00pm Prayer every Monday(West): 7:00am Service Locations

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

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

Gather, Grow,Go and Live The Gospel of Jesus Christ!

(East: 7510 S. Vermont Ave,•Los Angeles,CA 9004 (West: 8946 Sepulveda Eastway•Inglewood, CA 90303)

L.A. Focus\May 2019

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

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Church news continued to page 25

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

Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964 Reverend Johnteris Tate-Pastor Sunday Church School: 8:00am Worship Service: 9:15am Baptist Training Union: 7:00am Tues. Bible Study/Prayer:Noon & 7:00pm

Mt. Sinai Church 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 291-1121 F: (323) 291-1133 • office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8:00am, 10:00am Noonday Prayer (Mon): 12:00pm Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Noonday Bible Study(Wed): 12:00pm Radio: KKLA 99.5 FM (Sat): 9:00pm

Park Windsor Baptist Church 1842 W. 108th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 756-3966 • RevTerrellTaylor@sbcglobal.net Rev. Terrell Taylor Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7:00pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am

Please call for our Sunday School & Discipleship Schedule

Our Goal: To glorify God by winning more Christians and developing better Christians (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

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

Sundays: Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study & Mid Week Worship: Noon & 7:00pm Prayer Meeting: 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” St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed Corporate Prayer: 6:00 - 6:55 pm Monday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Noon Prayer: 12 Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7:00pm

CHURCHES CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES AND REVIVALS OR OPPORTUNITIES

RENEW, REJUVINATE & REVIVE Join us at

FIRST AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH PASADENA

Wednesday, May 14 Thru Friday, May 17, 2019 DINNER —5:00 pm BIBLE STUDY SESSIONS — 6:00 pm RENEW, REJUVENATE, REVIVAL 7:00PM Nightly FRIDAY NIGHT YOUTH EXPLOSION

DYNAMIC, HOLY GHOST REVIVALIST HALLELUJAH HYMNS GOSPEL PRAISES AND ADORATIONS 1700 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, 91103 (Corner of Raymond And Penn St.) Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary Reverend Dr. Larry E. Campbell, Pastor

New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 Elder Jeffrey M. Lewis Sunday Early Morning Worship: 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 One Church Potter House 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

www.pleasanthillbaptistchurch.org

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

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY OR REVIVAL HERE with our

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER of just $199

For information, call 310.677.6011

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 St. Rest Friendship Baptist Church 709 W. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, CA,90044 (323)752-6179•strestfriendshipglobal.net Rev. Torrey Collins, Pastor Sunday School: 9:00am Morning Worship:10:45am Bible Study(Tues):7pm Choir Rehearsals(1st & 3rd Wed.): 7pm

The Sanctuary Church of Refuge 888 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323)519-2341 • Sanctuarycor@gmail.com Pastor Markees Williams 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

Gather, Grow,Go and Live The Gospel of Jesus Christ!

L.A. Focus/May 2019

Paradise Baptist Church 5100 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 231-4366 Pastor Darryl Barnes Adult Life Sunday School Study: 8am Sunday Worship Servie: 9:30am P3 - Pray, Praise & Partake (Fri before 1st Sunday) Mission Bible Study(Wed): 12:00pm Women’s Bible Study(Thurs.): 7:00pm New Life Bible Study(Sat.): 9:00am

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

SHOWCASE YOUR

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West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3045 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 Bishop Charles E. Blake 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: 10am www.westa.tv

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

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

Resurrection Church L.A. 1135 East Janis St., Carson, CA 90746 Office Address: 1143 East Janis St., Carson, CA 90746 (310) 626-4864 •www.resurrectionchurchla.org

Victory Baptist Church 4802 South McKinley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 231-2424• Pastor Dr. W. Edward Jenkins 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 Sunday School: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm www.wellerstreetlive.com “We have not walked this way before” Joshua 3:1-6 Peace Apostolic Church 21224 Figueroa Street, Carson, CA 90745 (310) 212-5673 Suff. Bishop Howard A. Swancy

In Carson

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

Pastor Joseph Carlos Robinson Worship Services: 8:00am & 10:00am Bible Study Tuesdays: 7:30pm

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 First United Methodist Church- Compton 1025 S. Long Beach Blvd, Compton , CA 90221 (310)639-0775• Fax: (310) 639-1161 Dr. Arnetha E. Inge, Pastor Sunday School: 8:30am - 9:30am Morning Worship: 10:00 - 11:45 am TONGAN Worship: 1:00pm (2nd & 3rd Sunday): 7:30am - 10:30am Bible Study (Wednesday): 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Pastor Profile: Pastor Luther Keith Church: Central Baptist Church How Long at Church: 44 years Hometown: Fort Worth, TX Family: Wife Lizzy of 58 years, 1 son and two adopted sons Did you grow up wanting to pastor a church?

Oh no. My people didn’t make me go to church. I got saved after I got married at 26 years-old.

How did you acclimate to Christianity since you were an adult when you first got saved?

I went to church, but I didn’t fool with church folk. I always had a fear when it came to church because I thought everybody in the church was perfect. Then, when I really got in church, that’s when I thought to myself ‘this is the devil's headquarters!’

What convinced you to surrender your heart to Christ?

Marrying my wife who was already a believer. It wasn’t anything that she really did. Like anyone else, it was the Lord who saved me.

How did your personal faith lead you to pursuing ministry?

I used to have visions and dreams about ministering before I even got saved. My wife and I were members of Greater Light Baptist Church under Dr. Walter Washington. Eventually I became an ordained minister, but I wasn’t pastoring or even preaching that much.

L.A. Focus/ May 2019

So, you had no real interest in being a pastor?

No, I was working at a factory where we built furniture. There was a lady that I worked with who kept telling me her church was looking for a pastor. She said, "I would invite you over to preach at our church, but we don’t have any money." I said, "I don’t want any money because I'm working."

People used to get upset at me because I used to go to preach during revival and I'd never accept an offering. I always preferred to give. So, one Sunday I preached at my co-worker’s church and my wife’s group sang. Even on that occasion, it was never about pastoring there. This friend at work kept bumping into me at the water fountain and would say, "there’s a man who wants to talk to you."

I finally agreed to meet this man–an older white gentleman who was a consultant for the Southern Baptist Convention. This meeting was really an interview for the senior pastor position because the

20

current pastor was phasing out.

After the prior pastor phased out that's when they called me back in. Everybody on the pastoral search committee voted for me except for one black leader's son whose vote didn’t matter. So, I got to installed in 1975 but I continued to work my job for the first year. God gave me favor. He had to give me favor to come and pastor a conservative white church. I came out of a well-trained church, but I didn't have a lot of training for this pastoral role.

You have a reputation for having gotten a lot of kids out of gangs and closing up drug houses–what prompted that?

A friend of mine was working with a community youth gang service and he'd come to the Inglewood ministerial meeting and want to talk to the pastors. Well, I've always respected leadership, so, I told him, I said, "Come over by my church, man." So, I opened up my church for summer program and that's how we got started–getting them jobs, hosting parent awareness conferences, teaching parents how to protect their kids and shutting down drug houses.

What do parishioners get when they come to Central Baptist Church?

Training! My thing is Sunday school, Bible study and prayer. Those are my top three priorities. When you come into this church I'm going to assign you to a class. I don't even want to take you in if you're not going to be part of that, because I'm not looking for numbers. If I wanted numbers, I could have easily put my hand on a couple of thousand people a Sunday. But I build people and let them build the building. I send them to school. You tell me you’re called to be pastor, go to school, prepare yourself.

When you work in your gift, you're going to be excited about what you're doing. But if you're working just because you see somebody else do it, that might be good. But it's better when you work out of your gift because your gift will make room for you.

What's your gift?

I have the gift of leadership. I have planted over twenty something churches and I have a lot of pastors I consult with. Like I said, my biggest thing is training because an untrained leader is dangerous.

What ministry accomplishments make

you most proud?

God has always blessed me to draw people– to see people saved and see a lot of lives transformed. I have young folks in my church. I'm old, but I draw young people because I can relate. See, God gave me a gift, so I can talk on any level, whatever they want to talk about; streets, sports, politics, business. I read and study so that I can keep up with what's going on in the world around me.

You’ve survived four-stage cancer and lost 200 pounds in the process–what’s your secret?

Holistic eating. I eat according to my blood type and I believe in healthy eating and so God just transformed my whole life. I also believe in divine healing.

What's do you hope to be your legacy?

Getting people saved and a lot of lives transformed.

See, my thing is is getting people on the right track with the Lord…teaching them how to come out of darkness and how to be able to make themselves better and then go and help somebody else.

Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm)

First Lady Files

Crusade Christian Faith Center 801 S. La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8535 Bishop Virgil D. Patterson Sr.

Brenda Underwood Emmanuel Bible Church

Dr. Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am|10:45am| 5:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12pm|7:00pm FB: GreaterZion IG: GZCFamily www.gzcf.us

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

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

Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 In Inglewood (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

Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7:00pm Sunday School: 9:00am Sunday Worship: 10:30am

Church of God Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 757-1804 www.go2Hope.com Pastor Geremy L. Dixon Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wed. Mid-Week Service: Noon Wed. Teaching Ministry: 7:00pm 1st Sunday Communion 5th Sunday Baptism

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

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 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 (Wednesday): 7:00pm Afternoon Bible Study (Thursday): 1:00pm

True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 7901 South Van Ness Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 750-7304 Rev. James A. Perkins

Antioch Church of Long Beach Mailing address P.O. Box 2291, Long Beach, CA 90801 website:www.antiochlb.com

In Long Beach

Pastor Wayne Chaney Jr. Sunday Worship Services: 10:00am Long Beach Poly High School 1600 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach, Ca 90813

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 Bishop Sherman A. Gordon, E.D. Min

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

For Brenda Underwood of Emmanuel Bible Church, being an effective First Lady means spending a lot of time caring for people and the needs of others, and that is exactly what she’s been doing alongside her husband Pastor George D. Underwood since 2003.

“I assist my husband as the minister of music,” says Underwood. “But we also end up counseling people, and in general, render whatever services are needed.”

The Underwoods share a marriage of 34 years and four kids-- three of whom they’ve proudly fostered into their family as their own. The couple met in church while George was still an associate minister, and after their marriage, he became a pastor at her home church, providing for a smooth transition into the role of First Lady.

“It was easy at first because I already knew everyone, but to be a first lady you must be patient, willing to persevere, and deal with all kinds of personalities. It can be difficult and requires a lot of give-and-take.”

Underwood stays active in the community with her many different programs including hosting the “Woman to Woman Ministry” and trips to skid row three times a year to provide services to the homeless.

Underwood’s true passion is nurturing children.

Professionally, she runs a daycare center which teaches preschool to ensure that kids are ready to enter kindergarten and first grade and for all of her outstanding work in the community Underwood is being honored by the Top Ladies of Distinction in Ladera Heights.

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

Sunday School: 8:00 am Morning Worship: 9:00 am

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.

From the Pulpit of: Grace United Methodist Church “Believe In Me” John 20

A week makes a difference along this discipleship journey. At no other season in scripture do we see this more clearly than between Palm/Passion Sunday, Easter and the Sunday following Easter. Each is a 7day stretch where many things change rapidly.

Thomas was not present when Jesus appeared to his followers. Thomas had to rely upon the testimony of the others to substantiate the truth of Jesus.

Historically, Thomas has gotten a bad rap for being honest, skeptical, and more human than most would ever dare admit.

Thomas is supposed to accept that Jesus had been raised from the dead and just happen to arrive while Thomas was out of the room.

If we are honest, we struggle to accept that Jesus has appeared to people, that God has spoken to people, and to accept that God brings about healing miracles.

We struggle to accept that God forgives us of our sins and cleanses us of our unrighteousness, loves the sinner as well those who have been sinned against, and to accept that God’s grace is available to all and that you, nor I, have a heaven or a hell to put anyone in.

I prefer to call him “Truthful” or “Honest” Thomas.

Thomas told his truth and his faith made him whole, Thomas told his truth and he was set free from doubting Thomas told his truth and others were able to experience transformation.

I don’t know what you have seen, heard, felt, or experienced in, but it is your reality. It has shaped your right now. Your right now is here to prepare you for your what’s next.

Your what’s next will involve your doubts and disbeliefs being transformed into deliverance.

Your testimony about the dark and desperate places where you struggle to find the pieces of your heart and try to put them back together become clearer as you become honest with God about your doubts and disbeliefs.

You were not in Jerusalem. You did not see Jesus enter the room without opening the door. You did not place your finger in the nail holes. You did not do any of those things, but you have heard his words, “Peace be with you.”

In order for you to release doubt and disbelief about what God will do through Jesus, in your life, you have to receive the blessing of Peace — an understanding that he is with you in the capacity most needed for you to trust that though what you feel and see is chaos and desperation, what is coming is peace. In the peace that Jesus provides you experience deliverance. You can find peace in believing that.

Your what’s next will involve your tests and trials being transformed into your testimony.

As you go through the tests coming your way and you listen to the text you will hear his words, “Peace be with you.”

You see that

Pastor Cedrick Bridgeforth

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

Walking In The Spirit Ministries Double Tree (Sonoma Grill) 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk CA 90650 (213) 248-6343 P.O Box 1597 Norwalk CA,90651 Tim & Leshia Brooks Morning Worship: 11:00am Services Held Every 2nd & 4th Sunday and Free Breakfast Is Served Bible Study: 8:30am (Every 5th Friday)

In Pasadena 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 First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pasadena 1700 N. Raymond Ave, Pas, CA 91103•(626) 798-0503 admin@famepasadena.org•www.famepasadena.org Rev. Dr. Larry E. Campbell Sunday Worship Service: 5:30 am Church School: 10:00am Wed’s: • Sunrise Prayer Service: 5:30am • Hour of Power Bible Study: 10:30am • Sunset Prayer Service: 6:00pm •Evening Bible Study: 7:00pm Third Saturday Bible Study: 10:00am Children Ch 1st, 2nd, 4th Sun: 8 & 11:00am

what you are going through involves you but it is not about you. You will have a victorious testimony about life’s inevitable tests.

If you wish to proclaim how good God is, then you have to be willing to go through a test or two so you will have a testimony of how God will bring you through with a peace that surpasses all understanding–including yours. You can find peace in believing that.

Your what’s next will involve your brokenness and bitterness being transformed into better.

We spend far too much time being bitter when what we are called to and designed for is to be and to become better.

This one is tough. It is a tall order.

We have been conditioned to believe an eye for an eye is right and best way to go.

We believe if you kick my dog; I must kill your cat.

We believe if you one up me; I must bring you back down.

All of that may give us pleasure on some level, but it does not make us better, it makes us bitter. We live that way for a little while and we begin thinking we are victims or we start victimizing others. Both of which are the worst seats to occupy.

Remember the words Jesus spoke to Thomas when Thomas was vulnerable, open, desperate and honest. He said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!” Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” That will be our faithful response.

For those followers who were gathered when and where Jesus told them to gather, seeing him was enough for them to believe and to share.

For the disciples who encountered him on the way to Emmaus, it took them coming to the table and it was in the breaking of bread that they believed.

For Thomas, he needed some tangible proof, a direct word to help him believe.

You, no doubt, fall somewhere on that spectrum, but know wherever you are and however God chooses to send Jesus your way, it will be the way that works to move you from fear, doubt, despair and hopelessness to a faithful and fruitful belief in God’s goodness. And whatever that it is, it is right and it will bring you peace.

First AME Church Santa Monica In Santa Monica 1823 Michigan Ave, 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 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 Thursday:11:30am-12:30pm

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Call Kisha at (310) 677-6011 Boney continued from page 7 ommend appropriate remedies.”

Congresswoman Jackson Lee states that since the initial introduction of this legislation, its proponents have made substantial progress in elevating the discussion of reparations and reparatory justice at the national level, joining the mainstream debate on the issue.

She went on to state that some people have tried to deflect the importance of these conversations by focusing on individual monetary compensation, but the real issue is whether and how this nation can come to grips with the legacy of slavery that still infects current society.

According to the bill, the Commission would also make recommendations concerning any form of apology and compensation to begin the long-delayed process of atonement for slavery.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee believes that through legislation, resolutions, news, and litigation, Congress is moving closer to making strides towards reparations and that despite the progress that has been made in this country,– including the election of the first American President of African descent–the legacy of slavery still lingers heavily in this nation.

She believes this bill– examining the moral and social implications of slavery– is both relevant and crucial to restoring trust in governmental institutions in many communities, especially during a time where there are many reoccurring issues affecting African Americans in ways that are different from other communities.

“Today there are more people at the table – more activists, more scholars, more CEO’s, more state and local officials, and more Members of Congress,” said Congresswoman Jackson Lee as the topic of reparations for slavery for African Americans has intensified, with several Democratic presidential candidates, including Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Kamala Harris, former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Rep. Beto O’ Rourke, each voicing their support for reparations, supporting Rep. Jackson Lee’s bill.

“Though the times and circumstances may change, the principle problem of slavery continues to weigh heavily on this country. A federal commission can help us reach into this dark past and bring us into a brighter future.”

Jeffrey L. Boney is a political analyst and international correspondent for the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com and serves as Associate Editor for the Houston Forward Times newspaper.

Elder continued from page 7

Again, this is entirely what I said. When I got home from the studio, I saw this headline, atop my picture, in Media Matters: "Fox & Friends guest: Black families were better off as slaves."

Words fail.

Larry Elder is a best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host. To find out more about Larry Elder, visit www.LarryElder.com. Follow Larry on Twitter @LarryElder.

Through the Storm

otherhood was something Angela Goudy Hill dreamed of her entire life, but at forty-five years old– after years of trying to conceive, three miscarriages and being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)– she had come to the conclusion that it was not in the Lord’s plans for her.

PCOS is a disorder where cysts form on the ovaries causing hormonal irregularities and making conception difficult and often leading to miscarriage. Hill had unknowingly suffered many of the common symptoms of PCOS such as extreme menstruation cycles and weight gain for most of her life before finding that it was the culprit behind many of her miscarriages, the toll of which had started to weigh heavy on her.

“Every Mother's Day was just awful for me,” says Hill, the eldest daughter of Apostle Ron Hill, senior pastor of the Compton-based Love & Unity Christian Fellowship. “I just felt so bad for my husband because I was in a very bad spot. After the last miscarriage, I went into a major deep depression.”

Hill’s husband, Ron, had three sons with his first wife, and for Hill, her inability to provide him with a child of their own made her feel inadequate.

“I felt like a defeated saint– a failure. I was believing I wasn't a whole woman,” she says. “The devil, he tricks you to believing you can't have the audacity to ask God for this impossible thing because of your age, because of your weight, because of this PCOS- it's not going to happen. But deep down I believed I was destined to be a mom.”

Though she could not be a mother to her own child, Hill–a powerful speaker– was able to put her maternal energy into running children’s church at the request of her father. Though reluctant at first, Hill embraced the opportunity.

“I said, ‘well, Lord, maybe you gave me this position so that I could fulfill that need to be a mother with these children-- because those are my babies’, said Hill. “I'm very protective over them.”

Hill and her husband had considered spending thousands of dollars trying to get pregnant, but not only was she advised against it as a “geriatric mother”, but in her heart she could hear God’s call for a blessing.

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“Every time we were about to do [a procedure], I kept hearing God saying, ‘do not do this. I’m going to bless you.’”

It wasn’t just Hill who could hear God’s promise.

Prophetess Bonnie Chavda visited Hill’s church two years ago and planted the seed of what the Lord had in store for her.

“She said, ‘you’re going to have a surprise coming in December’. And I was like, ‘okay, okay’.”

Then one day, after Hill had returned to work after some time off, co-workers couldn’t help but notice a glow in her face.

“I kept saying, ‘Girl, that’s the bronzer!’ Then I realized I hadn’t put on any makeup,” recalls Hill.

A pregnancy test would subsequently confirm that she was two months pregnant. While the news should have been met with rejoicing and celebration, it initially brought up old anxieties for Hill who had miscarried previously at five, eight, and seventeen weeks.

“I was scared to tell my husband because I didn't want to lose another one-that depression is was just awful,” says Hill.

“As soon as I go to the doctor of course they’re like, ‘well you have PCOS, you’re overweight, you’re a geriatric mother. There’s a possibility you won’t carry this baby through’. I changed doctors the next day-- I didn’t want any negativity around this pregnancy,” says Hill.

She would get connected to her next doctor through a nurse who attended another local church in the area.

“She said to me, ‘God has placed me in your life. You’re going to have this baby’. And I switched to her doctor the next day,” Hill says.

While the pregnancy was relatively easy, the biggest hurdle came when she went into preterm labor several months early.

“It was three o’clock in the morning and I was in the emergency room going into preterm labor. I called my prayer warriors and said, ‘you guys, we need to stop this labor, because they’re already talking about transferring me to another hospital’,” says Hill. “Five hours later, the labor stopped-- and it was smooth sailing from then.”

“I felt like a defeated saint— a failure. I was believing I wasn't a whole woman. The devil, he tricks you to believing you can't have the audacity to ask God for this impossible thing because of your age, because of your weight, because of this PCOS-- it's not going to happen. But deep down I believed I was destined to be a mom.”

On January 16, 2019, while listening to the soundtrack to one of her favorite movies, “Star Wars”, Hill gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Though small-- at only 5 pounds 11 ounces-- she was perfectly healthy.

“She was looking around all over right after she came out and the doctor was like, ‘she’s too young to be this attentive’. I was like, ‘I know, she’s a miracle’.”

Now Hill is on a mission to share her testimony to inspire hope to other women struggling with conception.

“There are so many other options if you know you’re called to be a mother, like fostering a child or joining a children's ministry. I knew that God was calling me to be a mother-- I just didn't know which way, and He did it for me.”

Hill advises that sometimes taking the pressure off yourself and your partner is the best option.

“I had stopped praying about the baby, really,” Hill admits. “I just started praying about everyone else. I know that not thinking about it 24/7 brought the peace in my body I needed, and the healing that God needed to do in my body to be able to bring forth a child.”

During her darkest days after her miscarriages Hill says that she was “extremely despondent” and kept her depression a secret from friends and love ones, not disclosing how she felt until months after-- when she was already out of it. Now in reflection, she encourages people going through similar situations to take their focus off themselves and put it pack on God. “When people tell me, ‘Angela I’m waiting for this, I’m waiting for that’, I just say, ‘Just praise Him. You're not always going to feel like worshiping God-- but this is the trick of the enemy.

“I chose to just stay constantly in the Word…to keep praying, but I didn't focus on me. I was praying for others and I think that brought me out of that dark place.”

Today, Hill is in great health and looking forward to her first “Mother’s Day” with her miracle baby and a story of faith she is all too willing to share.

www.lafocusnewspaper.com

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Charter school debate continued from page 6

per/business mogul T.I., and VH1’s “Love and Hip Hop” personality Scrapp Deleon to bail out 23 non-violent and mostly first-time offenders in four Georgia counties, just time for the Easter holiday.

At the start of lent the New Birth set out to raise $40,000 for their “Bail Out” program, but ended up far exceeding their expectations-- they received $120,000 in the 40 days which allowed seven women and 16 men to be reunited with their families for Easter.

Pastor Bryant applauded his church community’s outpouring of charity, saying, “It's almost like finally meeting the good Samaritan — somebody who you don't know that you didn't see coming," in describing the program recipients' reactions. "They're appreciative to be able to press the refresh button."

The “Bail Out” program will extend past Easter Sunday. New Birth is linking each recipient with a mentor for weekly check-ins and also using a portion of the donations to jump-start college savings for the children of returning citizens.

explore the issue called, “Is School Choice the Black Choice?”

“You control the resources,” he told the audience. “You control who gets the janitorial contracts, textbook contracts, IT contracts. So you do not only control the education of our children, you control the economics of our neighborhoods.”

Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego)| recently proposed making Black students a high-risk group under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) because of low scores on statewide exams.

Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (DLos Angeles), the Chair of the Assembly Education committee, has pulled the bill.

The education chair’s staff said that this was not the only bill O’Donnell has withdrawn and that he is waiting for a state auditors report before hearing legislation that would tinker with LCFF funding.

During the town hall, several of the panelists called out Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who is African American and in whose district has three high performing charter schools that are performing above traditional district schools, two of those are Fortune schools.

“To see Black state legislators, Black city council members, Black county commissioners - who are some of the most ardent opponents of charter schools. Yet, they are representing constituents who have some of the worst academic records,” Martin said. “That to me is an abomination.”

In McCarty’s legislative area, which covers two school districts, Natomas Unified and Sacramento City Unified, Black students are performing below the state’s AfricanAmerican averages in both math and English. About 87 percent of students are scoring below their grade level in math and about 78 percent are not meeting the English requirement.

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SavingGrace Malinda Williams ome people gauge their success in the amount of money they make, the awards they win, or having reached a certain status in the entertainment industry-- but for Malinda Williams, her measure of success is whether she is able to touch people in sharing the love that has fueled her passion for the more than three decades since she made her acting debut on “The Cosby Show” at the age of 13.

Today, at 43, the actress–who has an impressive list of credits that include “First Sunday”, “Daddy’s Little Girls” and her breakout role in the highly successful Showtime TV series, “Soul Food”– says she’s met and exceeded her goals.

“My job as an actress is to tell the story of life in whatever way that shows up-- as a director, as an actor, and as a writer,” Williams tells L.A. Focus. “So, for every opportunity that I get to do that for me is a blessing.

Now, the fact that I've been doing it for 30 some odd years now, is almost inconceivable to me.”

The passion she exudes in every project she takes on is real and that is most evident as she discusses her latest TV movie, “Loved to Death”, which debuts this summer on TV One. Inspired by true events, “Loved to Death” tells the story of a love cut short by violence as Williams’ character tries to escape the abuse of a past lover.

Starring alongside Tobias Truvillion(“Brooklyn’s Finest”), McKinley Freeman (‘If Loving You Is Wrong”), Chrystee Pharris (“Scrubs”), and MC Lyte (‘Girls Trip”), the film explores the very real horrors of domestic abuse and its victims.

“One in three women who are murder victims are murdered by intimate partners. For that number to be by an intimate partner is, kind of, crazy,” says Williams.

“It's a lot more prevalent than we understand and realize, which is one of the things that drew me to the project.

“Loved to Death” also serves as a reminder that domestic violence affects everyone and it’s victims are too often innocent people who are just attempting to help.

“What’s really disturbing about the thought of domestic violence is that 20% of the murder victims are family members, police officers, innocent bystanders, and people who are trying to intervene-- so they’re not just victimizing one person,” says Williams, who admits to having a close call with a partner whose mannerisms were questionable. “[Domestic violence] can happen to anyone, no matter your race-- it is prevalent in every culture. So I think that it’s really about us addressing, not necessarily how we’ve gotten ourselves into a situation, but how we can get out of a situation.”

Not only does the film shed light on the dangers of domestic abuse, but it also addresses the warning signs and red flags people all too often choose to ignore.

“People think, ‘oh, I’m only being talked down too’, or ‘my partner only abuses me psychologically, or emotionally-- they don’t think they can correlate to actual physical abuse,” Williams explains. “I believe there’s this tendency [for victims] to not jump the gun and wait until they see some “real” signs of what they can identify as abuse, and by that time it’s so deep in the relationship and your mind and emotions are already invested-- and

L.A. Focus/May 2019

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Faith comes first-- it's paramount. First of all, everything that I do, I go to God first. So, I pray about it, meditate on it, and ask for it.

I ask for guidance. I ask for wisdom. I ask for the help for people who are going to assist me in achieving my goal. now you’ve actually become a victim.”

Williams is grateful for the platform on TV One-which was founded by one of entertainment industry’s most powerful women, Cathy Hughes-- for the ability to tell the empowering narrative.

“First of all, I love TV One,” says Williams. “I’ve seen them progressing in ways that is beautiful-- in particular, championing for us for women and I think it's fantastic.”

What is most striking about Williams is her positivity.

If you want to stump her, ask her about her challenges.

She’ll pause for a moment and then tell you that she just doesn’t view the challenges as obstacles.

“If something’s in the way, you go around it or find another route. That's what I've been taught and it's always worked for me.

That’s also where the faith that is the bedrock of her creativity plays a key role.

“My faith comes first-- it's paramount. First of all, everything that I do, I go to God first. Everything that I am, I take to God first. So, I pray about it, meditate on it, and ask for it. I ask for guidance. I ask for wisdom. I ask for the help for people who are going to assist me in achieving my goal. Faith is everything,” says Williams.

Williams also cites the loving support and wisdom of her parents for giving her the tools to be successful in her career.

“I get my artistry from my mom,” says Williams. “My mom can do anything. She cooks. She bakes. She knits.

She draws. She's an artist. And my dad always had these 'isms', he called the ‘Dadisms’, that he would send us out into the world with, because as a man he understood the world isn't all going to be a nice place for a young black girl. So, he taught me to go out there with confidence, but to take common sense as well.”

Williams is starting a new chapter of her life with the recent announcement of her engagement to journalist and digital media consultant, Tariq M. Walker.

“Yes, we are engaged, and we couldn’t be happier about spending our lives together,” she wrote in a statement on social media in March. “To be honest, from the moment we realized we were made for each other, we also recognized the impact we had on one another’s desire to be better individuals and inspire the best in each other. That is where ‘we said yes’ came in. We said yes to encouraging each other to reach higher and deeper for greater.”

Williams and Walker have also started a business

together-- their travel blog– thisisleaving.com – which affords them the opportunity to share their love of travel with others by giving the best tips and insights on all of the different destinations they’ve visited. The couple, who Williams says “has been traveling pretty much since they met” came up with the idea after realizing that they didn’t have enough time to share all they’ve learned on their journeys with friends and family.

“It's enriching for us physically,” says Williams on their travels. “It changed how we eat, and actually enhanced our relationship in lots of ways. We started a travel venture really to, what we call, ‘share the gospel of travel,’ which is to share the ways in which traveling the world enriches you as an individual and as a couple.”

With all the great blessings in her life, Williams defines her saving simply as “love”.

“And I don’t just mean love for my partner from Tariq,” the twice divorced mother of one adds. “I mean love in general because everything that I have done has been about love.

“Growing up, we hugged in our home-- I got a hug every day until the day I left home.

And so as an adult woman I realized there were so many people who aren’t getting hugged-- and it doesn't necessarily mean they need to be hugged physically, but that they’re b e i n g seen and not being heard. And so, through all of my work, all of the extensions of myself, they are all essentially of how I would like to spread love.”