Suite Life SoCal Magazine Fall 2020 Issue

Suite Life SoCal

25 16

Contents 16 SOCAL VIEW | COVID

25 SUITECAUSES

Borderline Personality A parochial look at happenings at the International border with Mexico during the Pandemic through the eyes of one of California's forgotten counties and her People.

The Social Ripple Effect Activist Sade Sellers and the Battle to Conquer the Polls this November

COVER FEATURE

BY ASHLEY YANCEY PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRYMON

BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

 25

 16

Activate The Activist LA births a new generation of youth activists. Meet some of the Southland's brightest and vibrant voices to help drive citizens to vote and mobilize toward change.

Essential Workers in California's Valley of the Sun A salute to the essential workers of Southern California's Imperial Valley and how this county tries to turn it around and find healing while living and working in the era of pandemic.

BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

 18

Vaccine Myths and Realities Charles R. Drew University President Dr. David Carlisle Answers Common Concerns

BY QUINCI LEGARDYE

 22

BY ASHLEY YANCEY

 30

100 Years of Women and The Vote with Judge Tricia Taylor

BY MISCHA DUFFIE

 32

40 Acres and A Mall: Damien Goodmon Leads a Coalition to Save the Crenshaw Mall

BY ANGELA JACKSON

 33

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IN EVERY ISSUE From the Publisher 8 From the Editor  10 Contributors  12 The Suite List featuring Event, Media and Marketing Professionals  64

55 32

22 61

35

45 45 SUITETALK

55 ART & CULTURE

#6FTAWAY, And I Feel…?

Fifteen Minutes with KAI BYRD, the Photographer Who's Documenting LA's Quarantine Emotional Rollercoaster

BilionAir Carter: He's Got That Energy

STORY BY ASHLEY YANCEY STORY PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA JACOBY INSTAGRAM PHOTOS BY KAI BYRD

 45

Angela Davis Releases “Seize The Time”

STORY BY ANGELA JACKSON PHOTOS BY TRISHA BRENEÉ

 55

Entertainment Event Spotlights  58

The Music Center's Community Renewal Plan: Where Art Shapes Community Reform STORY BY ANGELA JACKSON

Social Justice icon Angela Davis continues to create news and inspire young artists

 60

 48

61 SUITE ESSENTIALS

35 SUITEBIZ

Barack Obama Announces New Memoir, “A Promised Land”

The Business of Business: An Interview with Constance Anderson

Prepared to Pivot: Business Owner Michelle Johnson Pivots on a Dime

Barack Obama releases volume 1 of his Presidential Memoirs

 62

BY QUINCI LEGARDYE PHOTOS BY KRISTINA DIXON

 50

The Suite List

 35

New Octavia E. Butler Biography Released By Lynell George

featuring Event, Media and Marketing Professionals

Black Women Rise: Leader Coalition Takes Shapes from the Ashes of the Pandemic

 52

BY ANGELA JACKSON

 64

BY WENDY GLADNEY

Connect Black LA Launches New Community Resource Website

 40

 66 SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2020

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from the publisher

A child shall lead them Welcome to our long-awaited Fall Issue for 2020.

This edition is dedicated to the energy, passion, and determination of young people who said, “Enough is enough! I have to act!” Even though many of you may not know of them because most are new on the scene, you recognize their drive and motivations. Through generations, we have had examples of young people rising to answer the call. This year, we lost a giant, The Honorable John Lewis, who started as a young activist protesting and organizing in the 60s. Of course, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only twenty-ve years old when he was thrust onto the scene.

With this issue, we are proud to spotlight the work of Sade Sellers, founder of The Social Ripple Effect, as our cover feature. Like most of us, she felt the pain with the murder of George Floyd, and she took to the streets, not knowing exactly where she would end up. But it did not matter, and soon she was off and running. As documented on her website, she has taken up 20 causes, obtained 60 volunteers, and conducted 5 events, and I am sure those numbers are rising every day.

In addition to our other stories showcasing activism throughout the Southland, we are also honored to prole the tremendous work of Constance Anderson, President of The Center by Lendistry. Anderson's dedication to increasing the opportunities for small businesses, especially minority-owned and women-owned businesses, is aweinspiring. She means business.

Sarah R. Harris Publisher-in-Chief

@suitelifesocal

#suitelifesocal

Finally, preparing for this issue was also a reection on what we all are going through with the effects of the pandemic and all the manic occurrences that have made 2020 to be a year unlike any other in the last few decades. Our January 2020 issue was all about the outlook for 2020. Well, no one could see this coming. However, we have persevered and will continue to do so.

We look forward to 2021 and planning more issues to come.

Suite Life SoCal is here to stay. We hope you stay with us.

Thank you to my wonderful team for never failing to go beyond my expectations.

Stay suite!

Sarah 8

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2020 has revealed to me: “...That nothing is impossible. Honestly, 2020 has given me many revelations about myself, the world, and our priorities. I was able to reevaluate what makes me happy and fulfills my dreams. This magazine is one of them, and I look forward to pursuing it to the fullest opportunities possible. Understand what’s real to you and be real to it. Most of all, be good stewards. We have been given a great responsibility of taking care of this earth and each other so that generations to come may thrive as well. At this point, I believe we are dealing them a very shorthand.”

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING | SPRING 20202020 7

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from the Editor

We are enough Suite Life SoCal Magazine Fall 2020 edition is a reection of one women's vision, determination, and compassion for Southern California. I know this because I witnessed our publisher, Sarah Harris, defy her circumstances and push forward to not only keep the magazine through COVID-19 but to grow this magazine online.

I am ever so grateful to Harris for her tenacity. Equally as inspiring are the team of writers and photographers that were understanding while the magazine pivoted. Each contributing writer and photographer remained prepared to receive assignments when requested. In my 30 plus years as a journalist and writer, I have never worked with a more dedicated, professional, and humble team.

COVID-19 shook the core of the world's systems. While we all have had to adjust, the world is trying to gure out how to move forward effectively. In the meantime, people are acknowledging that they have to take accountability for themselves and own their part as a citizen.

Indeed this year has given us 20/20 vision. What may have been hidden has now been uncovered. This is true in our homes, communities, cities, and states.

Angela R. Jackson, MS Managing Editor @ajgrateful2be

@tymaamproductions

authorangelarena.com

COVID-19 and social injustices like police brutality woke the world up to the need for each community member to hold each other accountable. In Southern California, each community is handling the varied challenges differently, but there is one thing we must all do the same, we must all vote in the upcoming election, and as The Social Ripple Effect urges, we must all educate ourselves on not just the candidates running but the propositions on the ballot.

We are all we've got, and we are enough! Vote! Power to the people.

With Gratitude,

Angela 10

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2020 has revealed to me: “I have always believed that adversity creates opportunity. Now I know that adverse times are the most opportune times for great change. 2020 has indeed brought clarity and clear direction for obtaining a world rid of racial injustice.”

Contributors

Adversity reveals weaknesses and strengths.

What has 2020 revealed to you?

Here’s some of our revelations.

If you have a story idea or you are interested in writing for us, contact us at suitelifesocal@gmail.com.

Follow and Share with us at: @suitelifesocal | #suitelifesocal suitelifesocal.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

Joshua Berrymon

Kristina Dixon

“With all that has happened in 2020, one thing I can say that I've learned is acknowledging how small my problems are. This year has definitely shed light on a lot of underlying issues. And overall, we have had so much tragedy that it just leaves you with no choice but to build and strengthen your mental health. This time has also brought to light my weaknesses, which has allowed me to attack them head-on. To answer what I discovered in my strengths, it's that I'm only as strong as my weaknesses. I'm looking forward to finishing this year out strong!"

“The one top thing or take away I have learned for 2020 is to stay faithful to God. I discovered tenacity is my strength and the quality or fact of continuing to exist is persistence."

11onevisuals 11onevisuals.com

coolin_caughtit

WRITER

WRITER

Mischa Dufe

Wendy Gladney Williams

“With all that has happened in 2020, something I was already practicing has been re-emphasized; and that is the importance of loving people intentionally and thoroughly while I can. I already knew that life is precious. I already knew that life could change without a moment's notice. The takeaway for me, therefore, has been to honor my commitment not to let life catch me taking any relationships or any moments for granted. "

mischainspires mischainspires.com

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“One top thing I have learned so far in 2020 is that none of us are in complete control. Some things will happen that we cannot control.

We must understand our anchor and stay true to our values, and trust that God will bring us through. I have also discovered my strength during these days. We are faced with challenges almost daily, but I am becoming more confident in my purpose and calling during this lifetime. It is so important not to major in the minors.”

@wendygladney | @seasonofgreatness wendygladney.com | seasonofgreatness.com

WRITER

Quinci LeGardye

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suitelifesocal@gmail.com “2020 has reminded me that there are no shortages of sorrows in the world. It has taught me, though, that within myself, there is a reservoir of strength, empathy, and love. My willingness to share these qualities with other people who need them has become my greatest strength. If 2020 has taught us anything, it should be that people need people, and helping a person in need is the bravest action one can take during these tumultuous times."

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is for you, “Oftentimes unapologetically, I have learned to surrender to my feelings-whether I'm riding a high-functioning, productive wave or suffering through a lethargic, melancholy spell, I give myself the space to feel those feels. I regret none of it, haha! As far as my strength, I don't know.

And I'm okay with that too."

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C O N C I E R G E

M A G A Z I N E

Suite Life SoCal

FALL ISSUE VOLUME 2, NUMBER 3 OCTOBER ! NOVEMBER ! DECEMBER

PUBLISHER-IN-CHIEF

Sarah R. Harris MANAGING EDITOR

Angela R. Jackson, MS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Sarah R. Harris SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING

Lela Christine SUBSCRIPTIONS & SALES

Sarah Harris CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

WINTER 2021 ISSUE

Mischa Duffie

ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE:

Wendy Gladney Williams

DECEMBER 4, 2020

Quinci LeGardye Eddie Trujillo Grijalva

SUITE LIFE SOCAL MAGAZINE

Ashley Yancey

Address: 6709 La Tijera Blvd, #625, Los Angeles 90045 Phone: 323.445.6745

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Email: suitelifesocal@gmail.com

Kristina Dixon

Visit us online: www.suitelifesocal.com

@suitelifesocal , #suitelifesocal Suite Life SoCal Magazine is published quarterly. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use of the contents in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Letters to the publisher are welcome. Email submissions to suitelifesocal@gmail.com. © 2020 Suite Media

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SoCal Life | COVID-19

Borderline Personality A parochial look at happenings at the International border with Mexico during the Pandemic through the eyes of one of California’s forgotten counties and her People.

BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

T

he people of the southernmost California counties, San Diego and Imperial counties, have long dealt with the contentious issue of the border. The Pandemic has complicated the challenges at the border and added strain to an already stressful situation.

Budget and stafng issues have reportedly, on occasion, caused 7-9 hour waits at the Calexico Port of Entry. There have been cases of people suffering heatstroke in their cars, in some cases dying from waiting so long in the heat. The people of Imperial County listen intently to happenings at the border. It affects them in several ways. Their economy and livelihoods largely depend on the agricultural industry, who’s workforce are directly affected by decreasing border trafc.

An estimated 1.5 million Americans are living in Mexico, according to the Washington Post. Of the 1.5 million, over 250,000 live in the border towns, like Tijuana and Mexicali. A good chunk of them cross between Mexicali and Imperial Valleys every day to go to work, visit family or go to the doctor. Several U.S. citizens even have insurance plans in Mexicali, and many U.S. citizens work in Mexico. Therein lies the conundrum of the border: two nations whose people’s lives are inextricably intertwined.

These are the people most affected by the Pandemic 16

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and the original March 24th order to limit all non-essential trafc across the border. These hard-working people who kept this country going during the unimaginable Coronavirus have felt the brunt of the virus and its economic hardships. They also deal with stings of racism as they constantly hear out in public, on the news or social media, the calls for the borders to be closed. The slurs and the shouts of “go back to Mexico” that have become louder and more frequent of late.

Speaking with a friend living in Mexico as a U.S. citizen while working in an Imperial Valley Clinic, he told me, “All this happening on the border directly affects [my] day and ability to work.” He went on to mention, “Even though ofcials managed the wait time down to an hour or two, those one or two hours is the difference of you making it into work that day -- the difference between feeding your family or not.”

Imperial County board members were so dismayed about long waits, staff shortages, and the lack of federal planning and answers; they sent a letter to federal ofcials.

Reported by the Calexico Chronicle, it stated: “Any changes or modications made at the port of entry directly impacts our local economy, and it’s imperative that the county of Imperial is informed with advanced notice to prepare for the impacts or to be given the opportunity to provide input prior to the implementation…”

“

...those one or two hours is the difference of you making it into work that day – the difference between feeding your family or not.”

PHOTO CREDIT: TIJUANA REVOLUTION ST. - LESZEK WRONA: DREAMSTIME

The letter was an apparent reaction to the lack of communication between the federal agencies and local border authorities. Also, a plea for better communication and cooperation while working towards a safer, more efcient border, serving the people of both Nations.

It’s feared lack of coordination between authorities will allow for further corruption and inhumane treatment of immigrants. An Associated Press report states: “The head of Mexico’s National Immigration Institute said recently more than 1,040 immigration ofcers have been referred to internal affairs or forced to quit after they were caught demanding bribes and other acts of corruption”. They were said to be recommending coyotes to families, which are illegal guides that get money to deliver immigrants to the

U.S. Hopefully, these actions will make it safer for legal immigrants in Mexico.

Regardless, the people of Imperial County, like all of SoCal, are dealing with the Pandemic and the border like they handle anything, with grit, grace, and humility. All we can do is turn on the local radio station or podcast and listen to that “Border Report” on our way to work and plan accordingly.

The people of this SoCal Valley have been crossing between the two nations visiting family, conducting business, worshiping, and living life before the border ever existed, and they will continue to for generations to come. A long line, masks, temperature checks, and a few insults aren’t going to stop them. + SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2020

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SoCal Life | COVID-19

ESSENTIAL WORKERS

in California’s Valley of the Sun A SALUTE TO THE ESSENTIAL WORKERS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S IMPERIAL VALLEY AND HOW THIS COUNTY TRIES TO TURN IT AROUND AND FIND HEALING WHILE LIVING AND WORKING IN THE ERA OF PANDEMIC.

BY EDDIE TRUJILLO GRIJALVA

L

ong after our fates are rendered on this planet and all that’s left of our generation and the Corona Virus is in history books, there will be a few lines of essential occupations that will be credited with preventing the collapse of the thin veneer of our civilization during this Era of Pandemic.

Of course, the medical eld front-liners will receive their due, the doctors, the nurses and techs will go down as indispensable, and rightly so. What about those noble hands pushing a broom across a hospital room oor? The people manning the supermarket registers, the girl stocking the shelves. Thank God they showed up for work! Especially in those early days of the Pandemic. When we were bombarded

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by bad news, bad numbers and worse rumors. Scared people ocked to the stores in a thinly veiled panic to buy all the food and supplies possible, then the shortages began.

If you think about it, it’s hard to argue that garbage men, operators, truckers and eld workers didn’t keep the country going for a few months there. The garbage was picked up without fail, keeping our neighborhoods sanitary and livable.

Simultaneously all the business of the country was being facilitated and kept aoat by cell phones and telephone operators. During this Pandemic if you needed a doctor you spoke to the operator rst. If you needed to le unemployment, the operator or receptionist made it happen.

If you needed to order out, it’s that person answering the

phone taking your non-contact order so you could get the kids fed safely that evening, who deserves the recognition of heroes. Every time a hospital was called to check on a patient by loved ones it’s those voices of angels who directed us to them.

As the son of a Mother who raised 3 siblings on the wages of a PBX Operator for the Imperial Valley’s Clinicas de Salud del Puebla for 35 years, and at 66 years young, has not missed work or shirked one of her responsibilities during the entire Pandemic. These actions make me extremely proud of my mother Norma of her bravery and courage, and of all her colleagues. They’ve stuck together side by side, scared but brave. The people of SoCal and The Imperial County owe them a debt that we can never repay. Even during the darkest days, the women of the “Clinicas” have and always will be there for the people of the Imperial Valley, always ready to help, without question.

Like my mother tells me when I beg her to retire; to stop working her risky clinic job. She says: “They take so many precautions with the testing, temperature checks, distancing and tele-medicine. I’m safer at that clinic than I am anywhere else. Besides,” she explains, “there may come a day when one of us or you need a doctor. Wouldn’t you like someone there who knows the doctor and knows how to explain to him what’s wrong with you?” Of course, I was forced to begrudgingly concede.

Another occupation that ended up being essential for our SoCal County during the Pandemic was drug counselors.

People didn’t just stop being addicted because the Pandemic

happened, and many addicts require medical attention.

These counselors were calling people during the worst months of June, July, and August. When Imperial County reported hundreds of new cases a day and had a 24% positivity rate, they called just to make sure the patients were alright and getting what they needed. Additionally, they set up AA and NA Zoom meetings, assuring them that their clinic wouldn’t close or abandon them. They continued to help their patients with resources, programs, and even their stimulus checks while getting them their physicals, addressing medicinal needs, and taking care of blood and urine tests, which are highly needed in the environment of rehabilitation.

One substance abuse counselor I spoke with, Alex, has been working in the County for a few years now. He started his career working with foster kids and moved on to Prison substance abuse counseling and now he works helping addicts on the street, before they make it to prison.

One conversation with him and you know why he does it; taking risks on helping people who others see as criminals or unrepentant addicts for a living. It’s just who he is. You don’t embark on a career like that by accident. So, I didn’t bother asking why he does what he does. I did ask, with all the shortages and circumstances of the Pandemic how has it affected his job?

He answered:” Well, we take precautions, but in the Valley, we don’t have enough resources to really know who’s [Covid] positive. We’ve had a few situations here and the tests have proven not to be 100% accurate.” This revelation put a chill down my spine.

“

It’s the messaging, we must stay consistent on the messaging of wearing a mask, not gathering in groups, good hygiene and washing your hands. That is what’s going to get us through this.”

— Imperial County CEO Tony Rouhotas Jr.

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SoCal Life | COVID-19 So, you don’t know if your co-workers are positive for sure? Plus you don’t know if the patients are positive, that’s crazy. I asked him point blank. Have you ever thought about quitting?

“I’ve thought about it, you know.” He explained.

“But I just don’t have that luxury. We’re essential but we have nothing to fall back on. The hardest thing to me during the pandemic was our lack of preparedness, the lack of personal protective equipment (P.P.E) and employees having to ght administration to get common sense policies and procedures in place.”

It has been a learning process for all businesses and organizations. The biggest lesson that should have been learned is change has no remorse and strikes fast. So, feeling bad about my previous question when I asked him about quitting, it was obvious, he had no quit in him. I asked Alex how worried he was for his job and his family on a scale from 1-10?

“In March through July, and August I was at a constant 9 or 10 for months. Now I’m around a 6. Which is manageable for me.”

Why six?

“Well, things have gotten a little better in our county.” he answered.

“It looks like our numbers; rate of infections and new cases are going down. Let's just hope it stays that way.”

We here in the Imperial Valley live in unique circumstances, we are going through a pandemic and a 120˚ summer with an international Border in our backyard, we had the highest positivity rate in the whole state at around 23-25% and we were reporting hundreds of new cases a day in June and July. Our Valley lost a lot, 317 souls, 317 families are incomplete today. All that being said, it is getting better for us here in the Imperial Valley, bit by bit. How? The virus didn’t just disappear like some leaders suggested. It took an incredible amount of work and sleepless nights with real leadership that doesn’t attack science but listens to what it is saying.

I learned this while speaking with the Imperial County CEO Tony Rouhotas Jr. who made room out of his 12 to 15-hour workday of saving our county to let me bug him, which I appreciated. When asking the County’s CEO about essential workers it seemed the rst people on his mind were the migrant eld workers that our Imperial Valley depends on.

He told me: “These people get up at 3 am, get on that bus and come over here and spend the whole day working in the sun.

These are the same people who cross the border. When people say they want to close the border they don’t realize that we are a truly binational community, truly unique, one side doesn’t work without the other, and these are the people they say are stealing American jobs. We can’t close that border, we just can’t, we need these people as much as they need us.”

When he told me this, I couldn’t help but remember my younger days in the Valley, a group of friends and I toiling in the asparagus, learning the value of a dollar and just exactly how hard life would be working like this daily. The Valley sun your constant taskmaster makes you realize the value of an education quickly, and Tony was right, the only Americans I’ve ever seen out there 20

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working those backbreaking eld jobs were myself, my friends and that’s about it. There was no one from America knocking down doors for those jobs. For a Mexican immigrant though one of those jobs is an opportunity to feed their kids and make it possible for their children to live the American dream.

The thing Rouhotas told me that made my ears perk up was when he mentioned to me: “Just imagine the last 6 months without food.”

We live in a rare place where we can grow crops and produce our agriculture on an industrial level almost all year long. The country would be in big trouble without our little Valley to feed it. Doesn’t matter how many doctors or ventilators we have when famine has set into a region, and everyone is starving. All in one terrible moment of epiphany I grasped what Rouhotas was trying to tell me.

We were, have been and still are on the brink of calamity if we commit a misstep concerning this pandemic. Strong and steady leadership is the only way through. For the Imperial County that voice of leadership has been Tony’s.

He’s been on the radio, the TV and all over the internet telling the people of the Valley that we got this. He’s been the steady hand on the tiller that we needed.

At one point this year the virus was ravaging our community so badly the CDC sent a team with experience in contact tracing in African border regions during Ebola outbreaks. We were reporting up to 300 new cases daily and had a ridiculously high positivity rate of 24%. Everyday someone new was sick.

We haven’t gotten to this point today, which still isn’t ideal, by wishing. The numbers, while still bad, have improved. I asked Mr. Rouhotas how did the numbers decrease? He said, “It’s the messaging, we must stay consistent on the messaging of wearing a mask, not gathering in groups, good hygiene and washing your hands.

That is what’s going to get us through this. We’ve also given away about one million masks to any one who’s in need but mostly to eld workers crossing that border everyday helping this Valley feed the world.”

Our essential workers have really saved us all in ways they will never know. They allow us to work from home.

They allow us to argue about what we’re watching on Netix tonight. They get our food and medicine delivered to us. The least we could do is donate to causes that help essential workers with childcare, rent payments and health insurance. People can give, advocate or volunteer at the United Way of Imperial Valley. If you are an essential worker or are looking for work, the Imperial County Social Services provides many assistance programs, Medi-Cal, CalWorks and food stamps or cash-aid. They also assist with child welfare services and adult protective services.MyChildCare.ca.gov is a portal for essential workers who qualify for free childcare. Remember it takes a village and we are all in this together. +

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Vaccine

Myths W and Realities Charles R. Drew University President Dr. David Carlisle Answers Common Concerns

BY QUINCI LEGARDYE

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ith the rush to produce an effective vaccine and the troubling policies of the current administration, many are concerned about whether the vaccine will be effective or harmful.

A Pew Research Center survey conducted last spring found that African-Americans were 20% less likely to say they would get the COVID-19 vaccine than white and Hispanic-Americans. Also, there have been reports that clinical trials for the coronavirus vaccine have not recruited an adequate number of Black and Latino patients.

Speciď€ cally, with the Black community, a primary reason for vaccine hesitancy comes from mistrust of the medical community. The concerns are valid, stemming from a long history of unwilling experimental treatments on Black patients.

Concerned community members usually cite the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, where researchers intentionally did not treat Black syphilis patients to study the disease's effects until death; or Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were studied without her consent, leading to key medical discoveries for which her family was not compensated.

Despite these concerns, Black medical professionals have spoken out in support of the COVID-19 vaccine, arguing that the vaccine is the best chance to mitigate a disease that's disproportionately affecting the Black community.

Suite Life SoCal spoke with Dr. David M. Carlisle, President and CEO of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. As president of the venerated Historically

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SoCal Life | COVID-19

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“I would encourage patients and individuals to go to providers that they trust and empathize with, and just ask them, is this vaccine going to hurt me or harm me?”

Black Graduate Institution in South Los Angeles, Dr. Carlisle has spoken out multiple times about the importance of the vaccine for communities of color while acknowledging the history behind the Black community's distrust.

When addressing the skepticism that many Black people have towards the healthcare industry, Dr. Carlisle says, "The vast majority of people in the health care system have nothing but their patients' best interests at heart, and can be trusted.

The health care system exists to benet people. And so when you have a good relationship with a provider, you want to utilize that relationship to get the best care possible. So I usually speak to the fact that health care providers are empathetic, they're sympathetic, they're supportive, and they typically have the patient's best outcomes in mind."

Dr. Carlisle also spoke on the need for people to get the vaccine as soon as it is available, despite concerns that the rst vaccine available could be awed. He emphasized that once a vaccine has reached the point of distribution, it is typically safe.

"Lots of people don't want to be early adopters of anything, especially something that has the potential, hypothetically speaking, to not be a benet to them. But I think the reality here is that when we have a vaccine that's out of the clinical trial phase, that's actually being distributed, it's

being distributed because it's proven to be both safe and efcacious."

"We have to remember that A frican American communities are particularly vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19. And apart from public health measures, the only advance that we can make to reduce the likelihood somebody can acquire COVID-19 and have a bad outcome will be the vaccine. That will be the next signicant step for preventing COVID-19. So literally, people's lives are on the line. And the more people who actually take the vaccine early on, the fewer people will acquire COVID-19. And for a community that's experiencing a disproportionate share of a burden of disease, this is an important consideration."

The main advice Dr. Carlisle has for people who are hesitant about the vaccine: talk to your provider.

"I would encourage patients and individuals to go to providers that they trust and empathize with, and just ask them, is this vaccine going to hurt me or harm me? And I'm sure the answer is going to be overwhelmingly [that] the vaccine for COVID-19 is going to benet you. And we urge you to receive it. Given the potentially fatal nature of COVID19, we urge nobody to hesitate to receive the vaccine as soon it's available. You don't want to end up on the wrong side of that equation." + SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2020

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SuiteCauses | THE VOTE

Social

THE

Ripple

STORY BY ASHLEY YANCEY PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRYMON

EFFECT

D

Activist Sade Sellers and the Battle to Conquer the Polls this November

espite being in the middle of a global pandemic, Southern California has had a busy summer. In the wake of both Breonna Taylor's and George Floyd's murders, millions worldwide took to the streets, protesting and demanding justice, Los Angeles included.

Who can forget one day, in particular, June 7th, 2020, which saw an astonishing 50,000 protestors ooding the streets of Hollywood, creating a viral moment that captured international headlines? In the midst of this, we saw one of Los Angelenos' rallies stand out from the rest–Sade Sellers, the founder of The Social Ripple Effect.

"The narrative at the time was all the protests are burning things down, and they're so full of hate and anger, so we wanted to do something where everyone could come," said Sellers when reecting on her rst rally. Sellers had only been formally protesting for a week when she found herself at the center of one of the city's more publicized, visible rallies located in the backyard of Hollywood's legendary Laugh Factory. After learning that the original organizers of a June 1st protest backed out due to a potential National Guard presence and safety threats, Sellers was angry and decided to do something about it. "I wasn't trying to knock [the original organizers], but it felt like a place of privilege to say, 'Well, I'm afraid so I can't go outside.' I have to wear Black skin every day, and I still have to go outside." While only a handful gathered, within a couple of hours, the crowd had grown into hundreds.

"We noticed a lot of people were bringing their kids and their dogs. People who are wheelchair-bound showed up." A few days later, when she decided to celebrate the life of Breonna Taylor, she hired an ASL translator. "If the revolution isn't intersectional, it's not worth it. It has to be for everyone. It can't just be for some of us," she said. "Black people are not monolithic. There are some of us that are handicapped. Some are deaf, gay, trans, so we wanted to make sure it could be all-inclusive, and we kept it that way, for the entire time we were here." After recognizing the impact of her rallies, Sellers felt compelled to do more. Her non-prot, the Social Ripple Effect, was born.

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Youth-led movements championed by young, ofteninexperienced community members are as American as apple pie.

There's Marsha Taylor who was only 15 years old when she took ownership of the Black Panther Party's Free Breakfast program in the late 60s. And then, of course, there's Martin Luther King, Jr. who was in his mid-20s when he was chosen to lead the Montgomery Bus Boycott, his rst signicant foray into organized activism. "I like the way he didn't talk at you; he talked to you. I like the way he led crowds and got people to not follow him, but join him," said Sellers as she reected on King's legacy. Despite his initial lack of experience, there's no denying he signicantly disrupted the status quo and made everlasting change. "We always like to bring up MLK because, 'He's peaceful, he's peaceful!' but the man got shot on a balcony at the same time."

She also closely follows the leadership of the Black Lives Matter founders, Opal Tometti, Patrisse Cullors, and Alica Garza.

"We always look at them as the litmus [test]," explained Sellers.

Despite her having not yet met them, this doesn't stop her from tuning in to the BLM social media platforms to ensure the Social Ripple Effect remains aligned with their overall goals and mission.

"I really like the LA chapter because they're very organized, they know what they're talking about, and they move in a way that gets people to move into action." Another activist Sellers holds in especially high esteem is Molly Watson. A grassroots activist focused on voter registration and education, Watson currently serves as the Senior Development Manager for Courage California.

"Everyone always says, 'I want to volunteer in Rwanda,' 'I want to volunteer in China,' or 'I want to volunteer in India,' and they never volunteer in their own communities," Sellers explained. "It's really about starting within your own self-you have to acknowledge your own pain and past, and then you need to start in your community. From there, you can watch the ripples go out wide."

The organization has a Five-Five-Five practice it relies on to educate and inspire everyone on how to be most impactful. By educating yourself on ve topics, educating ve family members or friends on topics, donating to ve causes, signing ve petitions,

@sadesellers @socialrippleeffect thesocialrippleeffect.org

IN THE FIELD PHOTOS COURTESY OF SADE SELLERS

and recruiting ve people is how you start the ripple.

A major proponent of voter education, the Social Ripple Effect is focused on hosting informationals about the various California propositions appearing on November's ballot. "Every Friday, up until the election on November 3rd, Social Ripple Effect will be at different locations around the city," she said when describing her Proposition Pop-ups. "We spend three hours literally telling you about the propositions. We tell you what they mean-what your 'yes' vote means and what your 'no' vote means." She posts the locations and other details of each pop-up on the organization's Instagram page, @socialrippleeffect.

Sellers recognizes that California's propositions are designed to be confusing, misleading, and ultimately nds them to be problematic. "We have pamphlets that we deciphered in plain language because the propositions are designed for you to not know what you're voting on." In the coming weeks, as Election Day draws close, The [Social] Ripple Effect will be hosting virtual ballot parties SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2020

27

SuiteCauses | THE VOTE as well. "We will go over the entire California ballot—all the measures, all the propositions, and the people who are running—virtually through Zoom so anyone in California can join if they want to learn."

When it comes to the specic propositions, there are a couple of primary interest to Sellers. The rst is people opposing Proposition 16 to terminate Afrmative Action. The activist is quick to highlight unique ways Afrmative Action has been manipulated to support privileged classes. "If you're against Afrmative Action, I really hope you're against legacies because that is afrmative action. Just because someone's dad's name is on the library means they get to attend that college or get to be inducted into that sorority? That's the same thing as afrmative action, so how do you not see the difference?" She continued to elaborate. "They like to spin it and say it's only for People of Color, or it's for Black people… It's not like you are going to get hired over a White guy, but [Afrmative Action gets you access and put into] an interview room," Sellers added as she declared her "YES" on Proposition 16.

In addition, Sellers is also an advocate for supporting Proposition 17, which grants voting rights to those on parole.

"That would allow over 50,000 parolees—people who are currently on parole in the state of California who paid their dues and went to prison—to vote. They went to jail. They are now back into society, doing what they have to do." She continued, "My aunt is a Parole ofcer... some people are on parole for decades—ten years, twenty years—how do you take away that freedom from someone who did their duty, who paid their time, is back paying taxes, but they can't vote?" She sighed, "Two-thirds of people on parole are black and brown. So that's two-thirds of people in our communities who cannot vote legally."

After a brief pause, she quickly added with a chuckle, "Rent control is also coming back. So, anyone who lives in LA knows we need that one!"

Throughout her newfound activism journey, the young activist has come across her share of wolves in sheep's clothing who can misguide and confuse their audiences who are tuning in. "I noticed when [some activists] speak, they're just saying buzzwords that get you excited, like 'defund the police.' When you talk to them in person, they actually don't know what they're talking about. They don't know policy, they don't know legislation, and they don't know laws." She continued, "That's how I feel about one such activist. He says these really powerful things that sound good on Instagram and Twitter for you to retweet and post, but you actually don't know what he's talking about, and he doesn't really do action steps."

When asked about the concept of activists becoming celebrities, and if it's problematic, Sellers had a thoughtful response. "I think you can't help if people want to follow you, and they resonate with your word. I think it's when you start to lose yourself and enjoy the celebrity, and all the perks that come with it, and you forget the mission… that's when it becomes a problem." She further explained, "[The Social Ripple Effect] got approached to partner up with a lot of different organizations during this, and some we did and some we didn't. What we've noticed is a lot of people are ghting the good ght, but they're also using it as an opportunity to elevate themselves and positions to put themselves around celebrities that showed up.

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FALL 2020 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

That's why we were very selective on who we partnered with."

Despite all this, Sellers has discovered hidden gems and allies in her quest for justice and equality. “We're working very closely with The Conversation Truck, who took renovated food trucks, gutted them, and put couches and screens in it." The truck allows a safe space for Black people to talk. "When for your whole life no one's been listening to you and now all of a sudden you get a mic, you get to say all the things you want to say, and there's no judgment, and it's not ltered," she said. "We've been partnering with them at a lot of our events because we feel like it's very healing. We're hoping they'll join us for the rest of the year."

Sellers also has found a partnership with her long-time best friend EJ Josephh, an actor, who has created his own organization, Amplify the Movement, which aims to bring awareness, and opportunities, for Black creatives and entertainment professionals in the industry. When it comes to preserving their mental health, the two often decompress, vent, and enjoy exploring Los Angeles together. Sellers, an accomplished screenwriter at her core, and Josephh enjoy watching movies and reality television as well as frequenting some of their favorite food spots in North Hollywood. "New Deal has the best sausage and gravy biscuits!" gushed Sellers. "I really love Blakhaus in North Hollywood. It's a Black-owned restaurant that has hookah and fried Oreos," chimed EJ. "They have a Better Than Popeye's Chicken Sandwich, and it is better than a Popeye's sandwich!"

When considering all the work that is ahead and best practices on how we can all get involved, Sellers acknowledges that not everyone is able to get out and march or rally. One demographic she considers are immigrants, who put their green cards and visas at risk if they march. "I do think you can be a part of the ght without actually having to be physically there, but you have to do something. You just can't sit at home watching Twitter and watching the news and being a bystander. Either it's your pocketbook or your mind, education, donation, petition, whatever you want to do, but you have to have your hand in some part." Josephh is equally as optimistic while taking care to acknowledge that no one truly knows what the future holds. "I don't know what's next, but it's gonna be big. Watch out for it!" +

“

I do think you can be a part of the ght without actually having to be physically there, but you have to do something... I don't know what's next, but it's gonna be big. Watch out for it!

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2020

29

SuiteCauses | THE VOTE

Activate LA births a new generation of youth activists.

Meet some of the Southland’s brightest and vibrant voices to help drive citizens to vote and mobilize toward change.

Thandiwe Abdullah

A bright light among her generation, Thandiwe Abdullah has BLM Youth Vanguard made her mark in history as one of the young co-founders of BLM Youth Vanguard, @thandiweabdullah a youth-led #BLM offset focused on organizing @blmlosangeles around justice for Black children. An activist from a young age, Abdullah is the oldest child of Melina Abdullah, a co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter of #BLM. Most recently, Abdullah was featured on the August 2020 cover of Teen Vogue, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment. "I think this [anniversary] gives us the opportunity to critically think about who certain laws serve, who they exclude, and ways to truly make the voting process equitable."

Lauren Halsey

An award-winning and widely accomplished contemporary artist, Summaeverythang Lauren Halsey found herself uniquely Community Center positioned when the pandemic struck. With @summaeverythang art galleries shuttering, Halsey manifested her laurenhalsey.com creativity into a communal space to serve others. By transforming her meeting place for art enthusiasts into a food distribution center, Summaeverythang Community Center, located in South Central, was born. “There's a lecture from 1975 that I've listened to like 200 times since 2014," says Halsey. "Toni Morrison says that for Black people to be dependent on media and government 'is hopeless, ridiculous, childish, and it's an affront…We didn't use to have to wait for the word.' This has inspired me how to be and act."

CROWD PHOTO CREDIT: UNTITLED TITLE | SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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FALL 2020 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

Kinsale Hueston

Featured in Time as one of “34 Changing Womxn People Changing How We See the Collective World,” award-winning poet and proud Navajo Nation member Kinsale Hueston has @changingwomxn spent the last several years fighting for justice for Native women. Using art to serve as a catalyst of change, she recently launched Changing Womxn Collective, a publishing platform and digital space for womxn of color. “It’s so important to connect with other young artists and amplify their voices,” she says. “I feel like things are speeding up, like, 100 miles per hour right now, in terms of politics and movements, especially climate justice. I really, really want to bring people together and start something new.”

Tyler Okeke

Ahead of the upcoming November Power California election, 19-year old Tyler Okeke has organized a grassroots effort to lower the @tyl3r.okeke California voting age to 16. A proud Vote at 16 youth organizer for Power California, he has spent the last several years working to increase the number of eligible voters in the state. As he recently shared with NPR News, “Voting is just the logical next step in making sure that a generation — that is so passionate about change and is so deeply affected by the decisions that are being made now — that we are inserted into policy-making and have a say in our democracy."

Activist The

BY ASHLEY YANCEY

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2020

31

SuiteCauses | THE VOTE

100 Years of Women and The Vote with PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDGE TRICIA TAYLOR

Judge Tricia Taylor

BY MISCHA DUFFIE

W

e would call the little girl who tests out and skips half of kindergarten smart. We would probably call the little girl who tests out and skips half of third grade a genius. But what would we call the sixteen-year-old walking around University of California, Los Angeles’s campus trying to gure out another major after discovering that the road to becoming a pediatrician had the two subjects she dislikes—math and science—at every turn? I’ll tell you what we call her; we call Tricia Taylor. No. Correction. Because of a very wise friend, we call her Judge Tricia Taylor.

Not too independent to take a friend’s advice in a moment of indecision, Taylor was encouraged to alternatively consider majoring in Sociology in undergrad and later encouraged by the same friend to attend USC’s Law School after not really knowing what direction she wanted to go in upon receiving her undergraduate degree from UCLA. Still thankful to this day, Taylor, 40, credits her close friend with pointing her in the direction of the path that led to her historic judgeship appointment in October of 2019.

Though ambivalent on some level about what path to take in college, Taylor who was born in Maryland and settled in California at seven years old with her family always had certainty around her commitment to being successful. And how could she not be successful with a mom who taught she and her three siblings growing up that there is no such thing as I can’t. “We could not say ‘I can’t’ in our household. My mom never said we couldn’t say it.

She just showed us. She was a single mother raising us on her own.

She worked, got her education and she never gave up. She set the bar high in terms of work ethic. So, when I face a challenge now, I know that I can nd a way.”

Looking back at how women found a way one hundred years ago to win their right to vote after facing countless battles that involved suffrage, oppression and civil rights, Taylor feels a deep sense of gratitude for where she is in history and speaks from that place of gratitude with the following: “If you look back at the literal blood that has been shed to grant us access to the right to vote, for me voting is not just my right, it is my responsibility—especially as a person of color, especially as a woman. So, we vote to hold on to the right. We vote for future generations.”

Taylor’s acknowledgement that we still have to keep clearing the way for the generations to come does not prohibit her from celebrating the progress that has been made. The fact that she believes from a representation standpoint that her role as a Black woman judge moves the needle doesn’t blur her vision regarding the extent to which too many women of color still suffer in our communities and the work we must do to address this suffering.

“By the grace of God, I can be a judge. And being a judge means

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something to a woman of color entering my courthouse who sees me on the bench. She sees a judge who is representative of her and our society.”

Committed to excellence and endowed with the honorable power of dispensing justice, when asked by a mentor just a couple of weeks into her judgeship how she liked it, Taylor responded, “I wish I was already a better judge. I wish I knew more so when people come in my court, I can give them better service.” As Taylor approaches the one-year mark of her appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, she thrillingly told me that being a judge is hands down the best job she’s ever had. Because there was a time when judge did not and could not exist in the front of a women’s name, may women everywhere remember that a win for women in one area of history is a contribution to a win for women in another area of history.

Reflections on Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg After a long week on the bench, one might have expected Judge Tricia Taylor to be depleted of energy. Instead, on this rst Friday of October in the year that has tried all of our patience, she was the effervescent spirit one could only hope for when standing uncomfortably before a presiding judge. Tasked with discussing one of her inspirers' life and legacy, I started off our conversation asking Judge Taylor what comes to mind when she thinks about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life. Without dithering, she replied, "One of my most profound, meaningful parts about her life is she had this experience after law school where, despite her experience, she couldn't nd employment. It reminded me of me. I had the exact same experience." Judge Taylor further reected upon how Justice Ginsburg wore big clothes to hide her second pregnancy because she knew she would be discriminated against as she pursued her law career. "A real woman who was crafty," is how Judge Taylor described Justice Ginsburg's foresight.

Listening to Judge Taylor's reections, I was reminded that rejection, with all of its dread, is an equal opportunity inconvenience that stands ready to reroute the best of us. Yet, it is not ours to give up or give in because, as Judge Taylor so brilliantly articulates, "We can bemoan the fact that racism, sexism or classism exist, but you have to have something inside yourself that says regardless of whatever type of ism, I'm still going to achieve." +

40 Acres and A Mall

BY ANGELA JACKSON

A

fter one heartfelt conversation with Damien Goodmon, Executive Director of the Crenshaw Subway Coalition, I was blown away by what I heard. I had no idea the extent to which community leaders and community members in the Crenshaw District in Los Angeles, California, had been organizing and ghting to keep the Crenshaw District from falling prey to the hands of big business and regentrication.

Since 2006, when the city made it clear that they planned to build a subway that would run through the Crenshaw District, Goodmon and other community organizers set out to make sure the people's voices were heard. In 2011, after their thoughts and concerns fell on deaf ears, a more organized and dedicated effort known as the Crenshaw Subway Coalition was born.

The Crenshaw Subway Coalition meets regularly to educate community members, presents before community-based organizations and in the media, as well as advocates before the MTA board and elected ofcials on behalf of the people it represents. According to Goodmon, the organization is "radically inclusive." Membership is open to all community members, and friends of the community can join their efforts.

Detailed information about the Crenshaw Subway Coalition can be found on their website at www.crenshawsubway.org. When they can hold meetings in person, they take place at the Umoja Center, the coalition's home, located in Leimert Park at 3347 W 43rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90008. Goodmon can be reached on social media @damienISgoodmon on Twitter and Linkedin. +

Goodmon, a passionate Change Agent and Thought Leader, has dedicated his life to ghting regentrication in the Crenshaw District. When asked why this effort is so essential, Goodmon responded, "We recognize that we live in a country where Black communities are constantly under threat. In eight minutes and 46 seconds, our communities can be wiped out -- replaced. This increased consciousness is allowing for people to have to recognize our dignity, to build off our agency, and to provide stability. We have a right to be here and to create something specic to our culture."

PHOTO COURTESY OF CRENSHAW SUBWAY COALITION

Goodmon and other leaders involved with this movement, after 14 years, built a community effort that has given a voice to the people, sent big business packing, and created partnerships with organizations like the Smithsonian Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Determined to make sure that the proposed transportation system did not run through the Crenshaw District and displace the very people that built the community, Goodmon and the coalition created a movement supported by community partners "dedicated to community planning, operation, and ownership."

Currently, Goodmon and his band of organizers and activists are protesting "the proposed sale of the Crenshaw Mall to New York City-based real estate company, LivWrk, a rm that has several close and personal ties to Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and CIM group." The CIM group is the same group that backed out of an agreement to purchase the mall after Goodman and the community applied pressure.

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2020

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Suite Biz

AT THE CENTER OF BUSINESS

constance anderson PLUS

Black Women Rise

SuiteBiz

THE

Business of Business AN INTERVIEW WITH

Constance Anderson STORY BY QUINCI LEGARDYE | PHOTOS BY KRISTINA DIXON

today's workplace.

Anderson heads new The Center

by Lendistry, the non-prot arm of Lendistry, the nation's #2 Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Advantage Lender. The Center provides help for small businesses through counseling, technical assistance and lending, prioritizing small businesses in underser ved communities.

Anderson has spent this turbulent year helping small business owners get organized and access disaster loan programs, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). According to Anderson, "During the pandemic, The Center, as of September 30, 2020, has helped nearly 4000 clients with more than $180 million in funding."

Before joining The Center last year, Anderson served as director of a prominent business development corporation, and she has served as a board member on multiple large non-prots. Her storied career has led her to her current passion for helping small businesses.

"I knew that [The Center] would allow me to; I like to use the term, stretch and ex. I came into this environment being totally fearless. And I'm going to look at every opportunity that is presented to me that will allow me and the organization to continue to grow and provide services," Anderson said.

An essential feature that Anderson has championed at The Center is their one-on-one consultation services for businesses.

Anderson listens to business owners' specic needs and asks what they need to get to the next level.

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"We're really looking at where that client or business owner is today? What are their needs? What's going to help them to become sustainable? What's going to help them to access capital, and how would we go about doing that?" Anderson explains.

Access to capital is a common pain-point for small business owners from underserved communities, especially Black-owned businesses. There are many reports of large banks discriminating against Black customers, and access to capital through a line of credit can be a determining factor whether a business can stay open during a time of nancial hardship.

During the pandemic, Anderson has also worked to help business owners nd new sources of income. In one success story, Anderson told Suite Life SoCal, she helped Rosalind Pennington, owner of The New Townhouse restaurant in Los Angeles, get a contract with L.A. County to provide food for senior citizens. Since then, Pennington has received two additional contracts and hired back her chefs and back-ofce staff.

"The Center was key in helping me to pivot during COVID-19.

They provided the necessary resources to help my business develop and grow in general. They also offered 15 online classes to help my business grow during the pandemic." Pennington explained.

"In addition, the classes were not just for me as an owner, but The Center provided resources for me to educate my staff with the certication courses needed in the restaurant industry," Pennington enthusiastically shared.

PHOTO OF ROSALIND PENNINGTON BY IAN FOXX

T

he nature of business is continually evolving. Since March, small businesses across the country have adapted to limited in-person contact and other challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. For small businesses struggling to adapt or get off the ground, The Center by Lendistry, led by President, Constance Anderson has become a intime. rhythm with trustedHow partnerto in aLEAD challenging

“

I knew that [The Center] would allow me to, I like to use the term, stretch and flex.

” SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2019 2020

17 37

SuiteBiz The business of being in business is complex outside of a pandemic.

When asked what type of help her clients usually need when they come to her, Anderson emphasized the need for good bookkeeping and organization.

"One of the struggles is a business owner not being able to apply for some of the easiest, best funding in the world because they don't know where their corporate documents are. They don't have a ď€ nancial statement. They don't have any way of telling me what their revenue looked like two years ago through today so we can support all of those efforts."

Anderson's passion for small business seems like a calling, especially considering that she can help business owners who have historically lacked access to the management skills and capital that she can provide.

"I have friends that own businesses. I see their challenges, and I see where the services that we provide can support them. So, for me, the gratiď€ cation that I get from supporting a small business helps me to sleep at night. Just the idea of being able to be available for a business owner to call me and say, 'Hey, Constance, this is my struggle. Can you help me or do you know someone who can?' That's what I want to be.

That's what I strive to be. That's what I'm passionate about. So when I'm in a position to support small businesses, I think it is a blessing."

Small businesses that need assistance can beneď€ t from Anderson and her passionate team of professionals by logging on at thecenterbylendistry.org. + @thecenterbylendistry

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thecenterbylendistry.org

0 5 TH

ANNIVERSARY

Gala SINCE 1970

CELEBRATION

S AV E T H E DAT E 6 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 STAY TUNED @ BBALA.ORG For more information, call (323) 291-9334 or email to: bbamail2009@gmail.com

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM SUITELIFESOCAL.COM || FALL FALL 2019 2020

17 41

Suitetalk

Black Women

Rise

BY WENDY GLADNEY

S

ometimes, good things can come out of life's most tragic events. We are experiencing trying times that are making all of us rethink how we operate and how we carry out our daily lives. The fallout of COVID-19 has touched both our personal and professional lives. Some have lost jobs, some are wondering if they will lose their homes, and some have even lost loved ones. Day-to-day operations as basic as how our children will receive the education they deserve, or how we can show compassion to someone who is suffering are all being questioned and challenged; but that does not mean the need stops. Life and the work continue.

It has been said that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. A few months ago, several grassroots women leaders in the greater Los Angeles area were brought together by Kandee Lewis. Each of us care about our communities and lead organizations that meet various needs of the people we serve. The roll call consists of Janette Robinson-Flint from Black Women For Wellness; Sonya Young Aadam from California Black Women's Health Project; Tera K. Hilliard from Forgotten Children, Inc.; Gloria J. Davis from Girls Club of Los Angeles; Lorna Little from St. Anne's; Karen Glenn from Transitions 2 Success; Leah Sayles from United Voices of Literacy; Kelly Redmond from Impact Media; Arnetta Mack from Mack Enterprises Unlimited; Shaunelle Curry from Media Done Responsibly; Kandee Lewis from Positive Results Center; Janet Kelly from Sanctuary of Hope; and myself from Forgiving For Living, Inc.

SHAUNELLE CURRY

GLORIA DAVIS

WENDY GLADNEY

KAREN GLENN

Media Done Responsibly

Girls Club of Los Angeles

Forgiving For Living, Inc.

Transitions 2 Success

TERA HILLIARD

JANET KELLY

LORNA LITTLE

ARNETTA MACK

Sanctuary of Hope

St. Anne's

Mack Enterprises Unlimited

KELLY REDMOND Impact Media & Entertainment Coalition

JAN ROBINSON FLINT Black Women for Wellness

KANDEE LEWIS

“

Positive Results Center

FOUNDER, BLACK WOMEN LEADERS OF LA

We may not

have chosen the time, but the

time has chosen

Healing Without Hate: It's a choice.

It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

us.”

Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is an international coach, consultant, trainer, author and speaker.

She can also be found live on Instagram @Wendygladney on Wednesdays at 12 noon PST.

#blm #blackwlla blackwlla.com

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Forgotten Children, Inc.

LEAH SAYLES United Voices of Literacy

SONYA YOUNG AADAM

CA Black Women's Health Project

From this group of ladies who are committed to making a difference, Black Women Leaders of Los Angeles (#BWLLA) was born. When we rst started meeting (via zoom) we wanted to respond to respond to the cries of people such as George Floyd who used his last breath to call out for his mother. We wanted to make sure we could help those who were suffering from both COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter Movement. Women and mothers are the heart of the community. Most of us in the group were already familiar with each other's work and we understand the power in numbers. #BWLLA's mission is to uplift the voices of Black women, children and families; providing, protecting, educating and advocating for their health, wellness, safety and nancial empowerment. It is also our vision through collaboration and shared leadership to support the growth, development and empowerment of Black women, children, families, and businesses to strengthen Black communities.

We know there are others who are touching and doing great work in the community and it is our goal to walk side by side to provide support where we are planted. Caring about our mental health, wellness and providing resources to Black women, girls and children experiencing trauma during these trying times is our goal. We also believe it is important for us to not only have a seat at the table, but to also have a voice that is heard and acted upon. To keep small businesses and small nonprots alive they must have funding and be part of the decisionmaking process to positively impact our communities.

John Lewis said, “We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.” It is imperative that we make sure the work and sacrices of what is happening today, as well as the work and sacrices of our ancestors, is fullled and not in vain. +

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2020

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Suite

talk

#6FTAWAY Photographer Kai Byrd captures a COVID-riddled Los Angeles from a distance

ANGELA DAVIS RELEASES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED BOOK, SEIZE THE TIME

BARACK OBAMA ANNOUNCES NEW MEMOIR, A PROMISED LAND

OCTAVIA E. BUTLER NEW BIOGRAPHY RELEASED BY LYNELL GEORGE

Suitetalk

“#6FTAWAY And I Feel…? ” STORY BY ASHLEY YANCEY KAI WITH CAMERA PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA JACOBY INSTAGRAM PHOTOS BY KAI BYRD

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Fifteen Minutes with

KAI BYRD, the Photographer Who’s Documenting LA’s Quarantine Emotional Rollercoaster

F

resh off the heels of shooting her rst mainstream magazine cover with Teen Vogue, to say photographer Kai Byrd has been thriving during quarantine is quite the understatement. "It was super emotional," Byrd reects when remembering the surreal moment she got the email she'd been picked for the leading teen magazine's August 2020 issue.

While she is no novice to shooting magazine covers – she'd shot others before including the inaugural Suite Life SoCal cover during Summer 2019 – there was no denying she'd never before seen this large of a platform or widespread exposure. "'Why me?' was the biggest question, so I had to switch my thought process to 'Why not me?'"

From the moment the country went into lockdown at the end of March, Byrd has been diligently at work with #6FTAWAY, her video journalism passion project, carefully documenting the emotions surrounding fellow Angelenos' quarantine experiences. "I wanted people to nd someone they could relate to that was sharing their story," she explained. "Even now, I still think it's therapeutic overall, and I know it denitely brought awareness and gave people comfort." With over 100 #6FTAWAY stories captured, she has carefully curated thoughts and feelings from a plethora of locals from millennials to change makers, and celebrities, including CNN and NPR political correspondent and attorney, Angela Rye. A self-described empath, one of the biggest things this experience has revealed to Byrd is the idea that she, herself, is an activist, having carved out her lane to affect change. "I'm not the type that wants to go outside and protest. That's never been me, so I always thought I wasn't either passionate or an activist, or maybe I just didn't want to be for the cause in that way," the visionary explains. "But I am [an activist] because I care a lot deeply about the well-being of people, especially Black people."

By using her art to share Black stories, Byrd has shown herself and the community that activism is best utilized when coming from a place of love. “I'm looking at your eyes, in the camera, and just trying to get your feeling through your emotion. So, once you send me your voice memo when I'm at home, sometimes I tear up, sometimes I'm excited, and I'm just listening," she says. "I'm always like, 'Ooh, that gave me chills!' It's the empath in me that has always been in me. It keeps me rooted in the fact that I feel so deeply about everyone else and how they're doing during this time."

As a result of her hard work, Byrd has found herself with a growing contact list of new connections. A photographer by trade (she counts Yara Shahidi as a client!), she's quickly

learning that videography and creative direction are areas in high demand from her audience. "I've had people I'm meeting with who want to discuss their projects… a lot of people want to put me on their roster and reach out. It's great for my business." In the coming months, Byrd has several creative directing and editorial opportunities for various clients. Also on the horizon is a condential fashion project to be published soon.

"Now that we've entered the fourth quarter, I ipped the camera back to the photographer herself." With everything going on, how does Kai Byrd feel? "I feel overwhelmed and excited, but it's a good thing!" she gushes. "I've really been in the space of thinking, futuristically, of how can I enjoy my life?

Because I feel like everybody's been saying, and COVID teaches you, that life is not promised." + To learn more about Kai Byrd’s ongoing #6FTAWAY campaign, please visit her on IG @kaibyrd_ . To learn more information about her photography, please visit her website at kaibyrdphotography.com.

@kaibyrd_

Suitetalk

Angela Davis Releases New Book, Seize The Time Seize The Time

by Angela Davis Published by Hirmir Publisher Book $45.00 Publication Date: October 20th, 2020 Pages: 192, 175 Colour Illustrations

I

nspired by a private archive and featuring contemporary work by artists who acknowledge the continued relevance of Angela Davis’ experience and politics, the essays, interviews and images in this book provide a compelling and layered narrative of her journey through the junctures of race, gender, economics and politics.

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Released in coordination with the book, an exhibition catalogue for a retrospective on Davis's life containing many historical images, will eventually open at the Oakland Museum of California in 2021. For more information, visit, www.zimmerlimuseum.rutgers.edu. +

DESCRIPTION

EXHIBIT IMAGES COURTESY OF HIRMIR PUBLISHER

Beginning in 1970 with her arrest in connection with a courtroom shootout, then moving through her trial and acquittal, the book traces Davis’s life and work during the subsequent decades and her inuential career as a public intellectual. Profusely illustrated with materials found in the archive, including press coverage, photographs, court sketches, videos, music, writings, correspondence and Davis’ political writings, the book also features interviews with Angela Davis and Lisbet Tellefsen, the archivist who collected those materials.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gerry Beegan is chair of the art and design department at Rutgers University.

The Virtual Book Launch can be seen on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/4a4euMlqR70

“Angela Davis: an icon who continues to create news and inspire young artists” — Hirmir Publisher

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ORDER NOW at EsoWon Books 4327 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008 Ÿ (323) 290-1048 esowonbookstore.com

KANDEE LEWIS Positive Results Center FOUNDER, BLACK WOMEN LEADERS OF LA

KAREN GLENN Transitions 2 Success

JANET KELLY Sanctuary of Hope

SHAUNELLE CURRY

GLORIA DAVIS

WENDY GLADNEY

Media Done Responsibly

Girls Club of Los Angeles

Forgiving For Living, Inc.

KELLY REDMOND

JAN ROBINSON FLINT

TERA HILLIARD

Impact Media & Entertainment Coalition

LORNA LITTLE St. Anne's

Black Women for Wellness

ARNETTA MACK

LEAH SAYLES

Mack Enterprises Unlimited

United Voices of Literacy

Forgotten Children, Inc.

SONYA YOUNG AADAM

CA Black Women's Health Project

Follow the mission and work of the Black Women Leaders of Los Angeles at:

BLACKWLLA.ORG

Suitetalk

Barack Obama announces new memoir, A Promised Land A Promised Land The Presidential Memoirs Volume 1

by Barack Obama Book $45.00 Publication Date: November 17th, 2020 Pages: 768

Audio Book $65.00 Unabridged Read by The President On Sale 11-24-20

I

n the stirring, highly anticipated rst volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from a young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the rst term of his historic presidency—a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.

Obama takes readers on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to the watershed night of November 4, 2008, when he was elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the rst African American to hold the nation’s highest ofce.

Reecting on the presidency, he offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of both the awesome reach and the limits of presidential power, as well as singular insights into the dynamics of U.S. partisan politics and international diplomacy.

Obama brings readers inside the Oval Ofce and the White House Situation Room, and to Moscow, Cairo, Beijing, and points beyond. We are privy to his thoughts as he assembles his cabinet, wrestles with a global nancial crisis, takes the measure of Vladimir Putin, overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to secure passage of the Affordable Care Act, clashes with generals about U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, tackles Wall Street reform, responds to the devastating Deepwater Horizon blowout, and authorizes Operation Neptune’s Spear, which leads to the death of Osama bin Laden.

A Promised L and is extraordinarily intimate and introspective—the story of one man’s bet with history, the faith of a community organizer tested on the world stage. Obama is 50

FALL 2020 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM

candid about the balancing act of running for ofce as a Black American, bearing the expectations of a generation buoyed by messages of “hope and change,” and meeting the moral challenges of high-stakes decision-making. He is frank about the forces that opposed him at home and abroad, open about how living in the White House affected his wife and daughters, and unafraid to reveal self-doubt and disappointment. Yet he never wavers from his belief that inside the great, ongoing American experiment, progress is always possible. + “A riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making—from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy.”

— Hirmir Publisher

“This beautifully written and powerful book captures Barack Obama’s conviction that democracy is not a gift from on high but something founded on empathy and common understanding and built together, day by day.”

— James Fugate, EsoWon Books

ORDER NOW at EsoWon Books 4327 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008 Ÿ (323) 290-1048 esowonbookstore.com

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | SPRING 2020

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Suitetalk

Lynell George releases new biography on Octavia E. Butler A Handful of Earth, A Handful of Sky: The World of Octavia E. Butler

by Lynell George Book $30.00 Publication Date: October 20, 2020 Pages: 176

A

handful of Earth, A Handful of Sky: The World of Octavia E. Butler offers a blueprint for a creative life from the perspective of award-winning science-ction writer and “MacArthur Genius” Octavia E. Butler. It is a collection of ideas about how to look, listen, breathe—how to be in the world. This book is about the creative process, but not on the page; its canvas is much larger. Author Lynell George not only engages the world that shaped Octavia E. Butler, she also explores the very specic processes through which Butler shaped herself—her unique process of self-making. It’s about creating a life with what little you have—hand-me-down books, repurposed diaries, journals, stealing time to write in the middle of the night, making a small check stretch—bit by bit by bit. A Handful of Earth, A Handful of Sky draws the reader into Butler’s world, creating a sense of unmatched intimacy with the deeply private writer.

There’s a great resurgence of interest in Butler’s work.

Readers have been turning to her writing to make sense of contemporary chaos, to nd a plot point that might bring clarity or calm. Her books have become the centerpiece of book-group discussions, while universities and entire cities have chosen her titles to anchor “Big Read,” “Freshman Read,” and “One Book/One City” programs. A Handful of Earth, A Handful of Sky brings Octavia’s prescient wisdom and careful thinking out of the novel and into the world.

A Handful of Earth, A Handful of Sky will be beloved by both scholars and fans of Butler, as well as aspiring writers 52

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and creatives who are looking for a model or a spark of inspiration. It offers an album of a creative life—a map that others can follow. Butler once wrote that science ction was simply “a handful of earth, a handful of sky, and everything in between.” This book offers a slice of the in between.

Lynell George is a journalist and essayist. After/Image: Los Angeles Outside the Frame is her rst book of essays and photography, exploring the city where she grew up. As a staff writer for both the Los Angeles Times and L.A. Weekly, she focused on social issues, human behavior, visual arts, music, and literature. She taught journalism at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, in 2013 was named a USC Annenberg/Getty Arts Journalism Fellow, and in 2017 received the Huntington Library's Alan Jutzi Fellowship for her studies of California writer Octavia E. Butler. A contributing arts-and-culture columnist for KCET Artbound, her commentary has also been featured in numerous news and feature outlets including Boom: A Journal of California, Smithsonian, KPCC The Frame, Los Angeles Review of Books, Vibe, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Essence, Black Clock, and Ms. Her liner notes for Otis Redding Live at the Whisky a Go Go earned a 2018 GRAMMY award. +

ORDER NOW at EsoWon Books 4327 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008 Ÿ (323) 290-1048 esowonbookstore.com

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Tune in at: anchor.fm/angela-jackson4 SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2020

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art & Culture ENTERTAINMENT

PLUS The Music Center's Community Renewal Plan AND Entertainment Events

art & Culture | entertainment

BilionAir Carter

STORY BY ANGELA JACKSON PHOTOS BY TRISHA BRENEÉ

He’s Got That

ENERGY

J

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ust two years ago, rapper/writer/actor BilionAir Carter decided he would combine his love for music, his ability to write creative lyrical expressions, and his business sense to launch his music career. Carter set out on a path that would lead him to a hit video on YouTube.

As an indie artist on the rise, COVID-19 meant a necessary mind-shift. According to Carter, "Before COVID hit, I was focused on creating opportunities to perform live. When the pandemic hit, I had time to sit and study the game. I had time to reflect that the missing link was marketing." Carter explained that rather than hinder him, COVID catapulted him into developing his own market. This refocusing led to his hit video, Energy, with more than 160,000 views in just three weeks.

Carter shared that he originally planned to put out his video, “Energy”, in August, but the video was not shot to his standards. What appeared disappointing turned out to be a blessing. "Having a quality video, a catchy song, and the marketing in place, I knew it was bound to blow," Carter affirmed.

When Suite Life SoCal asked Carter where he got his inspiration from for “Energy”, Carter stated, "When I heard the music, I heard the lyrics. I started singing the hook and it just flowed."

"Energy is everything. In life, whatever you put out, that's what you're going to get back. Energy is positive, it's universal, and it's gritty enough to reach the youth." Carter added.

Great lyrics, great music, and finances are Carter's recipe for success. “You have to have a budget. You have to save. It's going to take a big budget to reach a big market. A lot of artists keep making music and spend their money on studio time when they should be saving their money to market the music they already have created," Carter informed.

He credits his clear understanding of marketing to what he has learned with a company he partnered with called Mic Check Global.

Reflecting on the wisdom he has gained, Carter cautioned indie artists not to grow other people's brands but to focus on building their brand. For example, "Why post your video on WorldStar, a platform on YouTube, and push people to WorldStar when you can have your own YouTube channel and put your video on that page and build your brand?"

Finally, Carter summed up. "Your mindset, your product, and your marketing have to be in sync." While it may look easy, Carter shared that he has invested heavily in himself to move from idea to hit video in under two years. "Now that I have my market in place, I am going to flood the people who are listening with great music." + Stay tuned to BilionAir Carter at bilionaircarter.com, on all major music platforms and @bilionair_carter

@BilionAir Carter

“

Your mindset,

your product,

and your marketing have to be in sync.

”

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art & Culture | entertainment

EVENT SPOTLIGHTS 2 The Left: A Tribute to the Life of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes

PHOTOS: @SHAWNDOWDELLPHOTOGRAPHER

OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 8

Atlanta’s Aurora Theater digital series presents 2 The Left: A Tribute to the Life of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes – a one-woman musical and multimedia experience written and performed by Kerisse Hutchinson; the production will stream worldwide October 23 - November 8. Expect to view an inspiring, music-lled, multimedia production chronicling the life and spiritual journey of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, the controversial member of the Atlanta-bred 90s pop music phenomenon, TLC. For tickets and more information, visit auroratheatre.com.

The 12th Annual Virtual Strong Threads Festival OCTOBER 24 The 12th Annual Virtual Strong Threads Festival is happening Saturday, October 24. African-American history and culture are presented in music and dance. This virtual event will be held from 8:30 am - 11:30am PST. The festival features 22-year-old singer-songwriter Camm Wess from Hopkins, SC, who has performed at large venues on many tours. From Whiskey Jam in Tennessee to the rising star stage at Essence Festival. Camm gained national attention by nishing as a nalist on the NBC show, The Voice. For more information, contact the organizers at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-virtual-strong-threadsafrican-american-festival-2020-tickets-118801555651.

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Pre-Party To The Polls NOVEMBER 3 One Music Fest presents its Pre-Party To The Polls on November 1, 2020 from 5 pm - 8 pm. in a joint effort along with Revolt, The Roots, and Live Nation-Urban to get the community out to vote in the national election on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The event will broadcast live on prospective organizations' YouTube Channels.

For more information, visit lahiphopevents.com

Thursday Night Sesh THURSDAYS Experience Live Hip Hop music from local indie artists every Thursday night at the Lexington Bar on 129 East 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90013. MASK REQUIRED...NO MASK, NO ENTRY! Thursday Night Sesh is promoted by @Westcastsesh. Doors open at 8:00 pm. This is a free event—food, drinks, rafes, and free parking available. Artists who desire to perform, contact the promoter at westcoastsesh@gmail.com, and on all social media platforms @westcoastsesh.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater DECEMBER 2 – DECEMBER 31 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presents its rst-ever virtual season celebrating six decades of revelations on December 2 - 31, 2020. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congress as "a vital American cultural ambassador to the world," is known for uplifting and uniting audiences across the globe with messages of hope as it will this holiday season with a free virtual season from December 2 – December 31, 2020, celebrating six decades of Revelations, thanks to the generous support of Bank of America. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey's extraordinary dancers will elevate a legacy of innovation and excellence in artistry with a reimagined season featuring premieres by Associate Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, in partnership with Company member Clifton Brown, and former Company member YushaMarie Sorzano, and Ailey's Resident Choreographer Jamar Roberts, as well as a variety of other special programs. Vist alvinailey.org for more information.

PHOTO CREDIT: AILEY'S JACQUELINE GREEN AND YANNICK LEBRUN PERFORMING ALVIN AILEY'S PAS DE DUKE AT THE WOOLWORTH BUILDING. PHOTO COURTESY OF AILEY

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art & Culture | entertainment

THE MUSIC CENTER’S

Community Renewal Plan Where Art Shapes Community Reform

BY ANGELA JACKSON

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N

o one can deny the power of the arts and music on a culture's well being. Now more than ever, this medium is needed to bring the people together and to heal. The Music Center in Los Angeles, California, is one of the nation's most highly regarded art performance centers. As a result of COVID-19 and a response to racial inequalities, The Center has expanded its mission to include its Community Renewal Plan.

The plan includes three phases; Phase 1 is The Center's response to ensure its stability and longevity. Phase 2 is centered around recovery, which activates The Center's civic role and delivers healing resources. Finally, Phase 3 is the plan for renewal, which will empower The Center's emergence as an increasingly relevant cultural destination.

Staying true to the mission of its Community Renewal Plan, The Center has provided several virtual cultural performances. This year, their annual B-Boy Summit 2020 entertained and educated Angelinos with a three day festival and summit online. A spotlight was shined on Hip Hop's cultural importance and its power to "help advance social change and healing."

As the summit has been done for more than 20 years, local artists were highlighted this year. The organizers made special efforts to highlight social justice organizations in multiple cities across the nation. According to their website, "The Summit was Grand Park's rst digital partnership and was intended to preserve the integrity of the B-Boy Summit."

While The Center's management team effectively fundraises to meet its annual need.

The need has increased, and the community needs The Center in a way it has never needed this collaborative before. As a result, The Center needs its citizens even more.

Volunteers are the backbone of The Center and help keep its many moving parts well oiled.

With The Center leading its way in performing arts, as The Center takes on the Community Renewal Plan, one would expect The Music Center of Los Angeles to pave out a bold new path for arts, entertainment, and social reform. To nd out additional information, visit www.musiccenter.org. +

Suite

ESSENTIALS SHE’S NOT PLAYING AROUND, AT LEAST NOT THIS TIME! MICHELLE JOHNSON IS PANDEMIC PROOF

PLUS

Connect Black LA Launches

the Suite List EVENT, MARKETING & MEDIA RESOURCE GUIDE

Suite eSSEntials

Prepared to Pivot

BUSINESS OWNER

Michelle Johnson

PIVOTS ON A DIME

S

he's an entrepreneur, an executive, and the President of a prominent alumni association, and she's a boss at all three. Michelle Johnson is managing her business, a nonproď€ t, and her career endeavors like an expert juggler. Like an expert juggler, being thrown bowling pins, she handled COVID-19 like a pro.

According to Johnson, her business "Let's Play Ultimate Adult Game Night is everything that COVID doesn't allow. It is touching. It is being close up and in close corridors. It is indoors and outdoors. We (Johnson and her long-time partner Rock Tribble) looked at it and said this concept can't survive.

We're going to have to pivot to something that allows for a virtual experience."

Fortunately, Johnson and Tribble both have an extensive technical background and could not only visualize the shift but could manage the technical part of the shift that so many other brick and mortar businesses do not possess. But it wasn't just the specialized experience that allowed Johnson to move forward quickly and with ease. Johnson used her business development and management skills and decided to bring on two new partners to make the necessary changes manageable.

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"A lot of small businesses take everything on their own shoulders because they want to own everything, so they overburden themselves in business." Johnson shared. To ensure her small business did not make this mistake, they brought on seasoned professionals Noemi Lujan to handle the publicity and legal aspects and LaVant Wooten to manage the accounting.

"The idea wasn't how much of the business can I retain; it was how much of someone's gift can we bring in to take the burden off of me...We have to constantly evolve as a business because circumstances will leave you behind." Johnson informed Suite Life SoCal Magazine.

So how does Johnson balance a successful business, her career, and her role as the President of the UCLA Black Alumni Association (UBAA)? "I bring my virtual business into UBAA, purely in a nonproď€ t way, so those two things work hand in hand...The primary balance is my internal balance and my ability to not lose my mind in the spaces I am in...My world became a virtual space."

"One of the hidden blessings of this situation (COVID-19

Pandemic) we nd ourselves in is that we actually become more connected." Johnson shares. According to Johnson, she has had people from South Africa tune into one of her virtual events. This reality has changed her perspective. "We are breaking down miles between us. They shrink to a link. This link connects us all in an instantaneous way. We can be more in touch with our brothers and sisters...giving us access to each other." Johnson shared enthusiastically. This expanded thinking has moved Let's Play toward being a leading conduit that brings people all over the world together.

UBAA has signicantly benetted from Johnson's expanded vision. With Johnson at the helm of the organization, UBAA has held very successful virtual social events. UBAA has brought people like the great social educator Jane Elliot, and a host of other guest speakers to help Black alumni and students successfully transition during COVID-19 and to manage the effects of the Black Lives Matter movement.

ROCK TRIBBLE

“

The idea wasn't how much of the business can I retain; it was how much of someone's gift can we bring in to take the burden off of me... We have to constantly evolve as a business because circumstances will leave you behind.

”

UBAA has been able to greater connect with all alumni virtually, including the Black Alumni athletes, whose platforms help bring greater access to resources needed to fulll the nonprot's mission. Additionally, these virtual events allow people who may not be ready to meet to discuss difcult matters within a group setting to take part. "The virtual space gives us a little bit of a buffer so we can have tough conversations without feeling as though we are boxed in, in a room together," Johnson added.

NOEMI LUJAN

So what's on the horizon for Let's Play? Let's Play continues creating a virtual space every Friday for adults to party and play beginning at 8:30 pm and lasting until the DJ can no longer spin. Denitely stop by to play via Zoom or on Facebook. "I guarantee you will come out like you have been to the club." Johnson gleams.

The company will continue to make itself available for funerals. If you or someone you know is faced with how to connect loved ones to honor a loved one who has passed, consider Let's Play to assist you with planning a special home going away ceremony. Contact Johnson and her team at www.letsplayultimateevents.com or search Let's Play Ultimate Events LLC and Let's Play Ultimate Adult Game Night on Facebook.

LAVANT WOOTEN

BY ANGELA JACKSON

SUITELIFESOCAL.COM | FALL 2020

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PHOTOS BY LADY ON THE ROCKS & YELP.COM

Suite eSSEntials

SPOTLIGHT Certified mobile bartenders in specialty libations, Lady On The Rocks, services high volume clubs, sports bars, lounges, and fine dining restaurants. Services include the full bar experience; portable bar sprouts, bar mats, wine opener, garnishes, cooler for beer, and much more. Visit their Instagram @ladyontherocks_ to follow and stay in touch. To learn more, call (661) 347-6257.

The

Suite List

An Industry Listing Guide featuring Event, Media, PR and Marketing Resources Watch this space for updates. For more information, contact us at: (323) 445-6745 or suitelifesocal@gmail.com.

Calendars & Eblasts

Consultants

Décor

Black Book LA Makiah Green info@blkbkla.com blkbkla.com FB/TW: BlackBookLA IG: blackbookla_

A Personnel Touch Faye Geyen fayer49@yahoo.com FB: fgeyen LI: in/apersonneltouch

Dazzle & Design, LLC Linda Patterson (310) 774-6537 linda@dazzleanddesign.com dazzleanddesigndecor.com

Heartsung, Inc. Lura Daniels-Ball (213) 400-3489 luraball@gmail.com www.heartsung.com FB: lura.ball

DJs

Black Cultural Events blackculturalevents.com info@blackculturalevents.com FB: BlackCulturalEvents TW: BlkCulturalEvnt LI: black-cultural-events Fusicology fusicology.com FB/TW/IG: fusicology SuiteEvents Sarah Harris events@suiteevents.com suiteevents.com The Loop 411 Gayle Corn theloop411blog@gmail.com theloop411.com FB/TW/IG: theloop411

Catering M&G Catering Micheal Chatman (909) 320-0341

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Mack Enterprises Unlimited Arnetta Mack (323) 789-6224 mackenterprises1@aol.com mackenterprises.net FB: mackenterprises Personal Services Plus Wendy Gladney (951) 313-4732 wendy.gladney@gmail.com IG: wendygladney / seasonofgreatness wendygladney.com Wade & Associates Margo Wade LaDrew (310) 674-6700 margo.wadeassociates@gmail.com FB: margo.ladrew

DJ Higher Lvl Jon Harris (951) 347-6242 djhigherlvl.mgmt@gmail.com djhigherlvl.com @djhigherlvl Good Boy Entertainment Kerry Neal (310) 946-2321 kerryeneal@gmail.com goodboyentertainment.com

Event Production Fun-PR Events Service Tiffany Bradshaw, MBA (866) 219-8558 Tiffany@Bradshaw&Co.com Fun-pr.com

Splendid Affairs Sabra Diogioes-Waddy (818) 605-7405 sabra@splendidaffairsinc.com splendidaffairsinc.com FB: splendidaffairsinc The Baker Group Tammy Dickerson tammy@tbakergroup.com tbakergroup.com FB/TW/IG: tbakergrp The Todd Group Todd Hawkins todd@thetoddgroup.net thetoddgroup.net FB: thetoddgroupla TW: thetoddgroup WP Miller Special Events William P. Miller (310) 242-1039 wpmiller@wpmillerspecialevents.com

wpmillerspecialevents.com FB: WP MIller Special Events IG/TW: wpmillermoments

Event Space

Bella Luxe Loft 6081 Center Drive #102 Los Angeles 90045 terrina@minordetailsproductions.com (323) 423-6446 minordetailsproductions.com bellaluxeloft.com FB: minordetailsproductions TW: loft_luxe / IG: bellaluxeloftla IG: mdpevents TW: MinorDProds Minor Details Productions Terrina Scott

Photographers 11:ONE VISUALS Kristina Dixon (310) 855-2032 11onevisuals@gmail.com 11onevisuals.com muckrack.com/kristina-dixon-1 FB/TW/IG: 11onevisuals Foxx Media Group Photography by Foxx Ian Foxx ifoxx@sbcglobal.net foxxmedia.smugmug.com FB: FoxxPhotography Kai Byrd Photography Kai Byrd kaibyrd@gmail.com kaibyrdphotography.com FB: Kai.Byrd IG: kaibyrd_ Malcolm Ali Photography Malcolm Ali malcolmali@aol.com FB: malcolm.ali.98 Sabra Marie Photography Sabra Marie (909) 215-2104 photos@sabramarie.com sabramariephotography.com @sabramarie

Print & Web Design B. René Norman (323) 359-0755 blest1_two@me.com René Cross-Washington Art Director/Creative Consultant (323) 292-8302 rcwgrafx@aol.com reneella.smugmug.com/Art/ReneCross-Washington-Graphics ATTAIN Design and Marketing Communications Kelcey Newman Creative Director (805) 822-9392 kelcey@attaindmc.com FB: kelcey.newman JAGs Design Studio James Green (951) 251-4852 Info@jagsdesignstudio.com jagsdesignstudio.com Kaleidoscope Consulting Group Bonique Edwards Website Development | Graphic Design | Social Media (310) 500-2222d kconsultinggroup.com FB: kaleidoscopeconsulting IG: kaleidoscoperocks LI: kaleidoscope-consulting-group Mack Enterprises Unlimited Arnetta Mack (323) 789-6224 mackenterprises1@aol.com mackenterprises.net FB: mackenterprises

SuiteEvents Sarah Harris (323) 445-6745 sarah@suiteevents.com suiteevents.com FB/TW: @suiteevents

Printer L.A. Business Printing Eric Johnson 6840 La Cienega Blvd Inglewood, CA 90302 (310) 649-5855 eric@labusinessprinting.com

Publicists/PR/Marketing CB Communications Cheryl Brownlee (916) 806-3384 cbcommunications@ymail.com cbcommunications.net CW&Company, Public Relations Counsel Clarence R. Williams Owner (323) 979-4355 crwsm9@aol.com facebook.com/clarence.r.williams ESP Public Relations Edna Sims, Owner 310-770-8117 esppr@mac.com espr.net FD Parker & Associates Farrah Parker (310) 350-1984 fparker@fdparker.com fdparker.com FB: Farrah-Parker IG: fdparkerpr TW: LeavUrImge2FDP KRPR MEDIA FIRM KimiRhochelle Porter (909) 543-2978 kimirhochellepr@gmail.com krprmedia.com kimirhochelle.com FB: kimirhochellepr TW: kimirhochelle | krprmedia | urbanlyfestyles Platinum Star PR Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA m.lemelle@att.net (213) 276-7827 platinumstarpr.com FB: marie.lemelle IG: platinumstarpr TW: platinumstar Reinvent Communications Vincent Jones reinventcomm.com IG: reinventcomm The Society Nineteen Group Lela Christine lela@societynineteengroup.com societynineteengroup.com FB/IG: societynineteengroup

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Suite eSSEntials

Connect Black LA

Celebrates Launch of its New Resource Website

L

os Angeles County businesses and residences now have an exclusive site designated for all things resourceful to the black communities. CONNECT BLACK LA! ConnectBlackLA is a Community Resource Space for Black Americans in Los Angeles County to share information and resources in their VOICE to help others in their everyday lives. It is a portal to create vital, informative, and to inspire conversations through forums created by YOU. ConnectBlackLA was birthed out of the COVID-19 pandemic to help our communities in some way. With the death of George Floyd, an African American man, who died in Powderhorn, a neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, the creators (Margo Wade LaDrew of Wade of Wade & Associates Group and KimiRhochelle of KRPR Media, LLC/KimiRhochelle Public Relations; knew then that there

was a need to provide a platform to connect the community to resources. This platform must have opportunities to be heard and, more importantly, to have that content message shared and distributed from grassroots levels. Through Connect Black LA, members can connect with others and their community businesses, ofcials, and more.

With a combined experience of over 45 years collectively of community outreach, entrepreneurship, health, entertainment, special event management, marketing, consumer promotions, and more; this power team has set the stage for the community to assimilate information.

“We created the perfect space where those that fuel the engine of community engagement, resources, and information can thrive unapologetically for positive outcomes, states KimiRhochelle. +

About KRPR Media, LLC / KimiRhochelle Public Relations KimiRhochelle Porter of KRPR Media, LLC / KimiRhochelle Public Relations has worked as a publicist for over 20 years to include clients such as The Long Beach Jazz Festival, The Hapawards, The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, The Las Vegas City of Lights, The National College Resources Foundation, The Black College Expo Tour, Thixotix Modeling Troupe, Inner City Youth Los Angeles, and The Orange County Black History Parade to name a few. As well, KRPR Media has provided successful marketing and promotions services to major producers such as AEG, Live Nation, and Golden Boy Promotions, leading to sold-out concerts. Porter has successful placed clients' content in leading media sources to include: TMZ, Fox News 11, CBS 7, CNN, The Trevor Noah Show, The Doctors, Billboard Magazine, Essence Magazine, GQ Magazine, and many more.

KRPR Media, LLC is one of THE SOUGHT-after entertainment public relations firms. Under the guidance of founder, KimiRhochelle, KRPR Media, LLC continues to break the box of creativity, promotional strategies, and content deliverance. For features / interviews, please email: KimiRhochelle-Entertainment Publicist, media@krprmedia.com, www.krprmedia.com or 909-543-2978.

About Margo Wade LaDrew Margo Wade LaDrew is the President and CEO of Wade & Associates Group, LLC, a boutique agency specializing in Special Events, Project Management, Program Development, and Community Outreach.

LaDrew has over 30 years of sales and marketing experience in several sectors, including the Health & Beauty, Corporate, and Entertainment industries. She is also the founder of the Black Beauty and Wellness Foundation, which focuses on the Health, Fitness, and Mental Wellness for Black Women and girls and the National Development and Fundraising Company for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, the only nationally recognized Black Rodeo globally. Her agency has consulted with Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital since 2014 and is responsible for several of their community outreach programs to include “Know Your Basics” and “Man-Up for Your Health.” LaDrew has served on the National Board for the National Council of Negro Women and the Transitions Optical Cultural Diversity Board and is a part of several health program publications and projects. For more information on Black Beauty Shop Foundation, visit blackbeautyshop.org.

@connectblackla

ConnectBlackLA's mission is to support Black communities in all walks of life and to provide a vehicle to connect with local, regional, and national black businesses, share information, resources and programs and opportunities available along with a platform to discuss vital topics that affect us individually and as a collective voice in one community space.

CBLA is a one-stop shop for gaining information about: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Black Beauty Black Entertainment Black Businesses Faith-Based Communities

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

County Officials Black Health & Fitness Black News Forums & more

Register today at: connectblackla.com 64

FALL 2020 | SUITELIFESOCAL.COM