WSSN Stories

By Edward Henderson and Kassidy Henson | California Black Media

Four influential California Black women came together for a Facebook Live conversation focused on the COVID Delta Variant, the safety of vaccines and how they work.

Dr. Rhea Boyd, pediatrician, and minority community health advocate was the medical expert on the panel hosted by Regina Wilson, executive director of California Black Media, with the support of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The other two participants were former Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford and Teala Dunn, an actress and social media influencer.

The discussion was livestreamed on the CDPH’s Facebook page and is still available to the public.

With Wilson moderating, Dunn and Crawford posed a series of questions to Boyd – inquiries that reflected some of the most common concerns African Americans have regarding the COVID vaccine.  

“We are actually at the most dangerous point in this pandemic that we have been in yet,” Boyd responded. “The delta variant is more than twice as contagious which means you’re more likely to be exposed to it right now if you’re out in the community. Because of that it’s spreading like wildfire.”

Crawford shared that she has contracted the Cornonavirus twice.  She was unvaccinated during her first bout and experienced another breakthrough case after being vaccinated.

“The first time I got COVID, I lost my sense of smell for 9 months. I had plenty of lingering symptoms afterwards. Thankfully I didn’t have to end up in the ICU for anything. The second time around when I got COVID with the Moderna vaccine, my symptoms were cut in half. It felt like the common cold that time around. So, I felt very lucky to be vaccinated.”

The conversation also addressed – and debunked — many misconceptions about the vaccine and its effects on the body. Dunn asked a question about went to the heart of a major concern amongst Black women: reproductive health and the vaccine. Could the vaccine negatively affect pregnancy and cause changes in menstruation patterns.

“We have the lowest vaccination rate in our community,” said Boyd. “Nine out of 10 Black pregnant women do not have a COVID vaccine, and I want you to consider getting one, but I understand your concern because you want to keep your baby safe.  And what I want to say as a doctor is the number one way to protect baby and yourself during this pandemic is to get the COVID vaccine.”

Boyd went on to explain that if you breast feed after you deliver, mothers can share the immunity and antibodies that you build up from the vaccine to your child through your breast milk. She also assured the panel that the vaccine did not have any effect on menstrual patterns. She attributed an uptick in those cases to the increased stress and overall environment we are living in during the pandemic.

So far in California, 48.4 million people have received at least one COVID vaccine. That number represents more than 80 % of the state’s population who are eligible to get it. About 22.2 million Californians are fully vaccinated, accounting for more than 56 % of the state’s total population.

Boyd said many Blacks want to hear from a Black provider about the vaccine. But only 4% of our physician workforce is Black. We can’t talk to everybody one-on-one, which is why we have events like this one so you we can try and tell as many people as possible and hear from my face to yours that this vaccine is safe.”

Dunn responded to the information by asking what we can do to help protect our communities and what we can tell our friends and oved ones who are still unsure about the vaccine.

“Black folks have been through a lot with the pandemic. We know the toll that COVID-19 takes, and we are the most motivated to do something about it,” Boyd said. “Unfortunately, Vitamin D supplements and exercise are not enough to prevent anyone from getting the vaccine.”

For additional information about access to the COVID vaccine, visit vaccinateall58.com to find a local clinic or call 833-422-4255 to have your questions answered.

You can also watch the recording of the Facebook Live here.   

By Lue Dowdy

How many of you like poetry or spoken word? I know I do. Freedom of speech and expression is important especially for poets and spoken word artists. I love the word play and how the artist’s makes you feel, like my girl Makeda Kumasi. Makeda has a way of pulling you in. 

I’ve had the pleasure of watching this Queen in action. Not only is she a poetess/spoken word artist but she’s also a dynamic dancer, singer, and actress. Wearing so many entertainment hats she still finds time to be a boss by running and overseeing her very own production company titled, ‘WE 3 PRODUCTIONS’. Her production company is community based and teaches cultural dance and music to the youth, young adults, ad elders within San Bernardino and beyond.

Recently dropping her first Spoken Word Album “A SPOKEN WORD EXPERIENCE”, Makeda is making a name for herself globally. This project in my opinion is ‘THE TRUTH’. On the album you’ll hear heartfelt tacks like “Electricity’, ‘Fly Away Bird’, ‘Mother’, and ‘We Return’ along with 7 other amazing tracks. Performing professionally for years all over Southern California, other States, and Countries many have been touched by her performances. Make sure you get the album, which can be accessed on Spotify. 

Studies have shown that the teaching of Spoken Word  and Poetry is a great way to help students with cortical thinking and it teaches them how to use their powerful voices. Now a days you’ll be able to find poetry slams and spoken word contests located all over the word. It’s also therapeutic and a stress reliver. If you ever feel upset or stressed don’t be afraid to take them words to paper, pick up the pen.

Catch Makeda Kumasi’s next event the ‘Urban Djali Tour’ on YouTube live Friday 9/10. Link reservation through Eventbrite Online Events. Remember it’s ya girl LUE and this is WHAT IT DO, Until next week SNAP, SNAP! 

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Asking, “Where is this God?” “Where is the Promise of His coming?” All that talk about judgment day and the coming of the Lord is just preaching, just so many words. These people mock the idea of the Second Coming of Christ and the end of the world [2 Peter 3:3] however, they aren’t just so many words, they are truth and it’s God’s promise! And it doesn’t matter whether you believe it are not. God Word shall not return void! [Isaiah 55:11].

These scoffing hypocrites won’t examine the evidence. They don’t read the Bible. They don’t want to know the truth. They are scoffers, walking after their own lusts! So, they reject what the Bible teaches about the judgment of God! But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men [2 Peter 3:3-7].

And pretty soon things are going to get ominous, and the little rumbling is going to become a big rumbling. And then, out of nowhere a loud boom of thunder. A few seconds later the lightning will zing across the sky in the distance. Then suddenly the wind will begin to blow hard out of nowhere and the rain will begin to spatter, marking just the beginning of the full fury. Believe it or not! The Book of Revelation reveals the awfulness of God’s wrath. “He [who worships the beast] also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb” [Revelation 14:10].

“So, the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and the blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nation’s fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath” [Revelation 16:19-20].

“From [Christ’s] mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. [Revelation 19:15.

Listen, Ezekiel was called to do a job that required him to speak only when God told him to speak. God has conveyed that He is finished with disobedience and hard hearts. Enough was enough, and He was ready to judge and punish His people for their rebellious spirit and actions. [Ezekiel chapters 4 to 7].

A crisis lurking around the corner! Plagues and bloodshed are coming. Bones are going to be scattered, towns laid waste, and the high places of idolatry are going to be demolished. [Ezekiel 7:1-4]. I myself will shave you. I will not look on you with pity or spare you.  [Ezekiel 5:11b]. Because you have forgotten Me and cast Me behind your back, bear now the punishment of your lewdness and your harlotries.” [Ezekiel 23:35].

Flee from the wrath to come [Luke 3:7].

“Except the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved”, [Matthew 13:20].

Yet, “they did not repent… [Revelation 9:21].

But “They Mock and Laugh at the Idea of Future Judgment!” Woe, Woe, Woe, to the inhabitants on the earth… [Revelation 8:3].

Compton Councilmember Michelle Chambers and sister of actor Michael K. Williams released the following statement on the death of her brother:

“Our family has been shaken to the core of the loss of our Mike. Thank you to everyone who contacted us, flooded us with love, and more importantly, prayers. I will miss my brother, my best friend and birthday partner in this realm, but I know he will continue to watch over me and our family in heaven as he did on earth.”

By Merilee Kern

As we head into fall and are now back to school, it is more important than ever to carry on with healthy hydration habits from the long, hot days of summer. The human body is made up of 50% water, in order to achieve peak hydration needs, kids (ages 4-8) require five cups of water per day and kids (ages 8+) require 7-8 cups per day. 

“Unfortunately, water is not the most tasty or easy to drink liquid so often we substitute it with other things such as milk, sports drinks, orange juice or fruit concentrates,” says James Mayo, Co-Founder and CEO of SOS Hydration. “These substitutions offer some hydration benefits, but also come with excessive amounts of sugar and high calories that kids don’t need. Just take a peek at the nutrition panels the next time you reach for one of these beverages. Many of these drinks disguise their contents on the front by clever marketing or small pack sizes but look at the truth panel on the side to see the number of calories and also in many cases the amount of artificial ingredients. A carton of orange or apple juice can have 100 calories and a fruit concentrate pouch can have 60 with some cartons that call themselves honest still having a heaping of 40 calories and excessive sugar.”

The next option for hydration you might consider are the water enhancing powders. Many of these products tout ultra-hydration but, again, one would be wise to visit the nutrition panels first as they are often loaded with artificial ingredients.  “Some electrolyte drink options for kids on the marketplace lead people astray with their ‘organic’ ingredients or ‘physician recommended’ but be wary of sugar, which is not the ideal product for kid’s hydration,” James warns.

These realities led SOS Hydration to launch its first annual September “National Family Hydration Awareness Month” initiative, during which the public is invited to learn about the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits of pre-hydrating to avoid becoming dehydrated. Throughout National Family Hydration Awareness Month families will enjoy an assortment of activities and benefits aimed to help them become, and remain, hydration minded as the new school and business year kicks into gear. From its web site at www.SOSKidsHydration.com, families can learn more about the science of hydration and see the full line of SOS Hydration products for both adults and children.

Also starting this month, children across America can enjoy SOS Hydration’s healthier and more effective alternative to the mass-market sugary drinks targeted to children. The company’s new child–specific, low sugar electrolyte drink mix formula—SOS Kids, featuring PAW Patrol—is now available online at SOSHydration.com, Walmart.com starting September 11 and, also this September, will be exclusively available on shelves in every Walmart store throughout the United States.

“As a dad of two young girls I wanted a better-for-you lunch box alternative to the high sugar, unhealthy beverages marketed at children…plus I understand the power of PAW Patrol,” said James Mayo, Co-Founder and CEO of SOS Hydration. “My girls love the pups and I love what they stand for. With our company having formulated the first kids-specific electrolyte, vitamin and mineral drink, my wife and I felt the PAW Patrol franchise was a perfect partner since their values mirror our own. The pups now grace the packaging of our SOS Kids line that not only tastes great, but also gives children that boost of hydration—all without the artificial ‘nasties’ and high sugar content of other so-called solutions on the market.”

SOS Kids was specially-formulated for daily hydration by SOS Hydration Co-Founder and board certified Internal Medicine physician Dr. Blanca Lizaola-Mayo to help keep children optimally hydrated, and actually avoid becoming dehydrated in the first place—a condition that compromises the body and mind in a variety of ways. SOS Kids has only three grams of sugar; is boosted with Vitamins A and C, minerals Zinc and Magnesium; and contains no artificial additives—all designed to keep kids ahead of their hydration needs so they can perform better and get more from their days. “The first sign of thirst means you are dehydrated,” notes Dr. Lizaola-Mayo. “SOS helps the body absorb water two to three times faster than drinking water alone and provides a better alternative for children over juices, powders and other sports drinks laden with unnecessary sugar, calories, carbohydrates and additives.”

Mayo added, “SOS Kids is a valuable addition to our popular adult hydration line that is based off independent and 3^rd party research for maximum advocacy,” Mayo said. “We’ve also put our product formulas up for independent research so that we can base our claims on fact rather than self-promotional rhetoric. One need only review the ‘How does SOS Compare’ page of our web site to appreciate the comprehensive suite of reasons putting our formula in a scientific league of its own. We want consumers to fully vet us against our competitors as well as published scientific standards so they can truly understand appreciate what sets up apart and makes our product worthy of their hard-earned dollars.”

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Forbes Business Council Member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the  “Savvy Living” lifestyle TV show that airs in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta and other major markets on CBS, FOX and other top networks; as well as the “Savvy Ventures” business TV show that airs nationally on FOX Business TV and Bloomberg TV. As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReports / Twitter www.Twitter.com/LuxeListReports / Facebook www.Facebook.com/LuxeListReports / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week in support of the campaign to stop the recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) organized a ‘Black Leaders Press Conference.’ Ninety influential Black leaders in education, the church, politics, civil rights, and more – as well as members of the California Legislative Black Caucus — attended the meeting last Tuesday via Zoom.

Lateefah Simon, a Bay Area-based women’s and civil rights activist, moderated the zoom rally.

Each of the speakers took about one minute to voice their support for the governor and share why they intend to vote ‘no’ on the recall.  Many of them also spoke out against controversial recall candidate Larry Elder, who is L.A.-based radio talk show host and who says he not an African American but an American who is Black. He is the leading candidate vying to replace Newsom.

“We come together today as African American leaders because we understand the danger before us. We understand this is a right wing move and we’re not going to let it happen,” said U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA-37). “We can’t get confused by Larry Elder. I don’t care what he looks like. We know Larry Elder very well in Los Angeles. He has built his career on attacking black leaders.”

The meeting began with a prayer delivered by the Rev. Amos Brown, pastor of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco and president that city’s NAACP branch.   Brown prayed for the “redemption of our democracy” and that the promise of the nation be upheld.  

Congresswoman Lee echoed Congresswoman Bass’ support for Newsom.

“We know that the health of our children, our neighbors and our communities depend on Governor Newsom’s leadership. He’s been there for us, and we will be there for him,” she said.

California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond shed light on unprecedented education spending Newsom helped make a reality in the state.

“Our governor has given our schools a $123-billion budget for education. A record budget. It includes funding for broadband, mental health, community schools, universal meals for all kids, universal pre-school for all 4-year-olds, COVID tests, PPE and anti-hate. We don’t recall governors who do good things for African Americans and for all people. We say ‘no’ to the recall.”  

Malia Cohen, member of the California State Board of Equalization, called Black women to action, stressing that the recall election is especially urgent for women’s rights.

“If we lose Governor Newsom, we are losing our reproductive rights, we are losing our opportunity to have a champion that has been helping us fight the fight for child support and helping us lead the way for universal Pre-K.  This is a human being that is an ally.”

San Francisco mayor London Breed thanked Newsom for believing in her and first appointing her as well as providing logistical support to her city.

“Governor Newsom has been there for us. He has answered our calls. He has been active and reached out to us on so many different levels. And what I don’t want to do is to go backwards and stopped the progress we have been making,” Breed said.

“More importantly, I want to express that Gavin Newsom has been an amazing supporter and friend to African Americans – not just in his capacity as governor but when he served here as mayor of San Francisco,” Breed continued. “The first position I was appointed to was on the San Francisco Redevelopment Commission and Gavin Newsom appointed me. A lot of people think it was Willie Brown. It was not Willie Brown. It was Gavin Newsom.”

Brown was the first Black mayor of San Francisco and a former Speaker of the California Assembly.

Newsom, who joined the call, expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received thus far and reiterated the stances he plans to champion as governor. He pledged to continue to put women in positions of power, to build on economic and workforce development strategies for minority communities, and to continue to reform the public education system in California.  

His most candid moment came during a brief question-and-answer session near the end of the meeting. He was responding to a question posed to him by California Democratic Party Black Caucus chair Taisha Brown about his agenda for Black Californians once the election is over.  

“This is a point of passion for me. This is a point of pride that I didn’t just come to the issues of the African American community in the last 6 months since this recall became real,” he said. “This has been the cause a good part of my life, working with Rev. Brown and so many other leaders on this call. I look forward to continuing this work hopefully for many years to come when we defeat this recall.” 

Voting in the recall election has started in California’s 58 counties. Voters can return their mail-in ballots now by mail or at designated drop-off stations or polling centers in their counties.  Or they can show up to the polls on election day Tuesday, Sept. 14,to cast their vote.

By Lou Yeboah

Unexpectedly, without warning, without notice, sudden destruction comes. [I Thessalonians 5:3]. I hear the prophets crying out, “She was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.” [Ezekiel 19:12].

 “Yea, I will gather you, and blow upon you in the fire of my wrath, and ye shall be melted in the midst of the furnace; and ye shall know that I the Lord have poured out my fury upon you.” [Ezekiel 22:20-22].

Please don’t take these words lightly. If you believe the Bible to be true, then what Paul wrote will come to pass. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. “Likewise, as it was also in the days of Lot: [Luke 17:26-30]. Suddenly, it will be at the door. An awful and terrifying experience of a fury and power that knows no mercy – A fury and power that gives no warning, offers no second chances and is without escape! [Matthew 24:21-22; Luke 21:34-35; Isaiah 30:13].

But the great majority of people in this world have no clue, no concept of the devastating destruction that will soon be affecting this entire earth, what God calls the “Day of the Lord.”  

Listen, God has given us many examples in the Bible to warn us that He does not excuse, tolerate, or put up with sin. He punishes those who reject Him, hate Him, or ignore Him, whether it’s individuals, families, cities, countries, or the whole world. [Psalms 98:9]. The only difference from the old is that this time it will not be a flood, but fire.

I tell you, in the not-too-distant future, all people living on earth will see the skies suddenly become dark – this is the sign of the end of this age, the sign right before the day of the Lord. [Acts 2:20]. Then the first trumpet will blast, signaling that God’s wrath has begun on earth. [Revelation 8:1-7].

“The day of the Lord is near…” [Zephaniah 1.7, 14].

“Woe, Woe, Woe to those who dwell on the earth.” [Revelation 8:13].

I tell you, the time when you can be saved is almost gone! The voice of mercy is growing weaker and weaker, while the voice of judgment is growing louder and louder. Don’t wait until its too late! “Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.” [Luke 13:25].

Times of intensity are on the way. Do not wait! Do not postpone the matter any longer! “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near” [Isaiah 55:6].

You have waited and lingered still refusing the Savior, all His warnings so patient, all His pleadings so kind; Thus, you ate fruit forbidden, you believed Satan’s promise; Thus, your heart has been hardened, sin has darkened your mind. Then how sad facing judgment, you’ll recall with no mercy that you tarried and lingered till the Spirit was gone; What reproaches and mourning, if when death finds you hopeless. You have tarried and lingered and have waited too long. “[If You Linger Too Long” by Dr. John R. Rice, 1895-1980].

Oh, how will they scoff and laugh at this message?

By Jasmyne A. Cannick | Special to California Black Media

I can describe the leading crop of declared candidates angling to lead the second largest — and one of America’s more liberal and progressive leaning cities — in two words: White and male. So, when rumors hinted at a possible mayoral bid by Congresswoman Karen Bass, I thought to myself, now things just got interesting.

While the beloved Democratic Congresswoman, who served as the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and authored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, hasn’t officially declared her candidacy for mayor, the rumors alone have already overshadowed her would-be opponents and given Angelenos hope for an alternative to the candidates they’ve been presented with thus far.

Of the current mayoral candidates, one doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell after he spent his eight-year tenure as city attorney prosecuting the protestors and the homeless for everything from smelling bad to sleeping on the sidewalk while covering up the LAPD’s misconduct and hiding body camera footage at taxpayers’ expense. And speaking of the LAPD, one candidate is a former cop, and they aren’t too popular these days.  In addition, his approach to dealing with L.A.’s unhoused crisis has been opposite of how most voters want to see their elected leaders deal with the problem.

The possible entrance of Bass, who has been one of the few politicians I can say didn’t do a Jekyll and Hyde after being sworn into office, has been the most welcomed news since President Biden announced he’s sending Mayor Eric Garcetti to India.

Who we elected is who we got with Bass — a compassionate, thoughtful and bold leader on important issues.

Bass, like most female candidates who run for office, would definitely bring a different and I believe more thoughtful perspective and approach to L.A.’s longstanding and chronic issues, including our city’s chaotic unhoused crisis. 

In the past few elections, Angelenos have made it clear that they want leadership at all levels who will provide services to the unhoused, such as housing, mental health treatment, drug treatment and job training to help get them permanently off the streets and back on their feet. No longer is the criminalization of the homeless an acceptable solution to our city’s crisis.

But as exciting as a Mayor Bass would be, it’s a long way from bended knee to the altar — and she hasn’t even officially declared she’s going to run.

Councilwoman Jan Perry who ran for mayor in 2013, says today she is less concerned about whether or not voters vote for a woman because she is female.  

“Plenty of women have run for mayor who were viable candidates but couldn’t compete because they couldn’t raise the money needed to get their message to voters,” said Perry.

“We live in an expensive media market where we are deeply affected by candidates who are on television versus candidates who just put out a lot of mail.  I learned that firsthand in 2012.  Television works. Media works.  Social media works too.”

Given how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted voting nationwide, to Perry’s point, candidates who can afford traditional and digital media in the upcoming mayoral election will have a better chance of reaching prospective voters.

Perry estimates that in 2021, to run for mayor candidates will need to raise north of $5 million, money that has traditionally been much easier for male candidates to raise than female.

The fact is: men still have an easier path to the top while women have to do more to prove our worth. 

But raising the money is half the battle, the other half is getting the votes. In 2021, it isn’t enough to be the candidate with the largest war chest — just ask former Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey.

As progressive, liberal and “hip” as Angelenos like to consider themselves, that hasn’t always been reflected in our choice of elected officials and nowhere is that more apparent than in the city hall, where in our city’s nearly two-hundred-year history we have never ever not once elected a woman as mayor.

But there’s hope.

According to the 2018 Women in Leadership Pew Research Poll, “the public sees female leaders as having an advantage. In both business and politics, majorities say women are better than men when it comes to being compassionate and empathetic, and substantial shares say women are better at working out compromises and standing up for what they believe in. Similarly, more adults say female political leaders do a better job serving as role models for children and maintaining a tone of civility and respect.”

Maybe 2022 will be the year we finally join many other parts of the civilized world in electing a woman to lead our city.

And let’s be clear.  Bass isn’t just any woman, she’s a Black woman. Angelenos haven’t elected a Black woman in 20 years since they elected Jan Perry to the city council.

At the last Census count, Whites and Latinos still made up the majority of the population in Los Angeles, followed by Asians, with Blacks coming in just under 9 %.   

Will voters in Los Angeles show up in real life with the same level of energy they give to Black women on social media?  Because a Bass candidacy would definitely put to test L.A.’s self-proclaimed love of Black women.

In addition to Bass, Perry, who served as General Manager of the Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department until 2018, says she’s been asked to run for city controller in 2022.  If both women were to run and win their respective races, it would be a first for a city that hasn’t elected a Black woman since 2001. 

The field for mayoral candidates is still far from being defined as both Council President Nury Martinez and recently elected councilmember Kevin dè Leon are rumored to be seriously considering mayoral bids.

For now, a Karen Bass for L.A. Mayor campaign is far from definite but certainly exciting in a city where voters are looking for someone to lead with compassion and audacity on the homelessness crisis.

I say run Karen, run.

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About the Author

Jasmyne Cannick a Democratic political strategist who has worked at all levels of government.

By Karen Earl | Special to California Black Media

Hundreds gathered online and in person at Faithful Central Bible Church in Los Angeles for the home-going celebration of Michelle A. Avan on Aug. 27.

The 48-year-old senior banking executive was found beaten to death in her Reseda home on Aug. 5.  

Viewers of the livestream expressed prayers and condolences, and especially shared how beautiful the celebration of her life was.  Their sentiments reflected the beauty and solemnity of the invocation, songs by an all-female youth ensemble, and a video presentation of the beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend in her personal and professional life experiences.

Avan’s son Trevon Avan and daughter Nyah Avan shared some of their endearing and humorous moments with her.  They were best friends, more like sisters, said her daughter, as she took deep breaths.  She loved to dress up in her mom’s clothing, and grew to love to pick out Avan’s attire, especially for award ceremonies and galas.  

“I know her spirit will still continue to help me through my own award ceremonies, because she’ll give my aunties, my uncles, my cousins, my grandparents, my dad, her sister-friends, her village, the strength to help carry me and my brother on during these difficult times,” said her daughter, brimming with pride.

“I never thought that this would happen to someone like her; someone who believed in the people; someone who believed in being your true, authentic self, no matter what,” stated her son. “But on this day, we’ll celebrate my mom’s living legacy, he said.

Andy Sieg, president, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, reflected on the woman who had a remarkable impact on the company for over 23 years.

She landed her dream job and took charge of the hiring, development and advancement of women, people of color, and others with differences, when she was made head of Women’s and Underrepresented Talent Strategy for Bank of America last June, he reflected.

“That is a huge impact.  It’s across a company of 200,000 people,” said Sieg.  As teammate Susan Axelrod expressed, Avan’s unique gift was the ability to bring people together in very special ways, to lift up those left behind, to encourage others to extend a helping hand … Far beyond their mission of driving adversity, she stood for unity, empathy, acceptance,” he continued.

Meanwhile, police arrested 52-year-old Anthony Turner, her ex-boyfriend, alleging he entered her home on August 3, killed her, then left the next day. Bail was set at $2 million.

Turner faces one felony count each of murder and first-degree residential burglary, and has pleaded not-guilty.  He has been released on bail and a preliminary hearing has been reportedly scheduled for Sept. 30.

One in four women will experience a form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Within the Black community, 45.1 % of Black women have experienced intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. 

Family members, friends, concerned community members and colleagues of Black women and girls plagued by and ultimately killed in domestic or intimate partner violence bemoan the question over and over again, “Why did she stay?”.

Jenesse Center, Inc., in its 40-year history of meeting the needs of intimate partner survivors has learned that the answers are more nuanced, complex, and many, such as:

“I had nowhere else to go.” 

“I felt ashamed.” 

“I couldn’t call the police.”

Our Black girls and women face the added burden of structural racism.  Negative interactions between law enforcement and Black girls and women are rooted in the institution of slavery and have become institutionalized responses in the decades since. Far too often we are seen as “less than human” and as such, are not given the respect and grace to be in crisis and needing help; to be a victim, and not perpetrator of violence. If the police are called, far too many Black girls and women have themselves been arrested and persecuted as the “aggressor.” 

In other cases, Black girls and women have been killed by police responding to their calls for help. On average, it is expected that between 2.4 and 5.4 Black girls and women per 100,000 will be killed by police over the course of their lifetime.  Black women are 1.4 times more likely to be killed by the police than white women. They also fear not being believed and that if the police respond and do nothing, they and their children are at greater risk of increased acts of violence by their partner once the police leave. 

But also, Black women are conflicted by the thought of turning their children’s father over to the state, compounding years of social injustice in the criminal justice system. However, they also face further isolation, shame, and ridicule by family and friends for calling -9-1-1 even when their very lives are at-risk.  

Collectively, what is our community responsibility to safety and protection of Black girls and women in Los Angeles County?  How do we take a stand to protect our mothers and daughters? How do we amplify our voices to say, “enough is enough”?

The Jenesse Center, a domestic violence intervention organization based here in Los Angeles, calls upon elected officials, public policy makers, employers, and community and spiritual leaders to join us in solidarity toward action. The interventions and preventative support services we provide to victims and survivors of domestic are holistic, trauma-informed and culturally responsive.

We need informed advocates who relentlessly amplify the message that Black girl’s and women’s lives have value and drive action to ending intimate partner violence in our homes. Jenesse is ready to change the world by changing hearts and minds right here in our community.  

Are you ready to join us?

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About the Author

Karen Earl is CEO of the Jenesse Center, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides  domestic violence intervention and prevention support programs.