March 14, 2019 

By Brian W. Carter 

Contributing Writer

 

Stacy Milner cares about Black youth and wants to make sure they have access to the tools necessary to be successful in life. She is also highlighting that path through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) with her diversity outreach program, Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP).

 

“We are dedicated to educating, training and recruiting the best and brightest diverse student leaders from our nation’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and other Predominately Minority Institutions (PMIs) for careers in the media, entertainment and communication industry,” said Milner.

 

Originally from Dayton, OH, Milner moved to Los Angeles to live with her aunt and uncle after high school.

 

“The goal was to gain residency to make college more affordable,” said Milner. “I got my first job as an NBC Page that began my career journey.”

 

She eventually became the executive assistant to the network chairman and president and went on to work at Paramount Studios as the assistant to the chairman of the studio’s television group.

 

“During my days of working for the top brass at NBC, I realized no one wanted to call for temporary support when a senior level executive’s assistant was out for the day,” said Milner. “After seeing the need for quality temporary support, I started my own employment agency, Executive Temps.”

 

She continued, “We have been exclusively serving the industry top tier temporary staff for 30 years. As a result of my early career success, I never attended college.”

 

EICOP is the bridge she created in which youth of color would cross to a higher education. Founded in 2010, EICOP is a scholastic, workforce development non-profit organization. They developed the bi-annual HBCU College Tours, which were designed to educate, develop and recruit gifted HBCU students for careers across the entertainment industry. It was out of the EICOP that a special program would be born.

 

“The success of our tours resulted in EICOP joining forces with The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities under President Obama’s administration to showcase talented young men and women produced by our nation’s HBCUs,” said Milner. “From this partnership we launched our signature Los Angeles based HBCUs in L.A. Internship Program.”

 

The program focuses on educating, developing, training and placing students in internships with major studios, networks, talent agencies and production companies. It serves as an innovative pipeline to provide access and opportunity to student groups who have traditionally been underrepresented.

 

“The HBCU in L.A. Internship Program provides an immersive educational real-world work experience essential for launching and leveraging a career inside Hollywood’s coveted inner circle,” said Milner.

 

HBCUs in L.A. provides housing for a select group of the top performing student leaders to participate in an 8-10-week paid summer internship experience.

 

“Our goal is to increase attendance at Historically Black Colleges and Universities through our program,” said Milner. “When students see HBCUs providing these types of pathways to their career goals in the entertainment industry, they will see one more reason to opt for the rich experience of attending an HBCU.”

 

HBCU in L.A. celebrated their inaugural year in summer of 2017, which saw the first group of 15 interns arrive in Los Angeles, having been chosen from more than 700 applicants. In 2018, 30 interns were invited to participate, chosen from more than 2000 applicants.

 

“Interest in the program is not surprising considering the lack of access that has persisted for the population it serves,” said Milner. “The impact has been tremendous given the fact the in just two short summers 10 HBCU students are now living and thriving in Los Angeles working with major talent agencies, studios, networks and production companies.”

 

Milner discussed when the reveal of the Oscar nominees in 2016 began early calls for more diversity in the entertainment industry. The HBCU in L.A. program became a timely response to that lack of diversity.

 

“Following the #OSCARSOWHITE backlash, the industry was looking for a solution to their lack of diverse representation,” said Milner. “HBCU in L.A. has proven to be that solution when it comes to meeting the industry’s desire to recruit and develop a workforce that is reflective of the communities they serve.”

 

HBCU in L.A. is growing and there are plans to expand the program beyond Los Angeles in 2020. Milner is in planning to create a semester-based HBCU program. This summer will see the kick-off of HBCU Hollywood Welcome Week inviting a new class of HBCU students to the L.A. program. Milner also wanted to share something with the community.

 

“We invite your readers to join us in our mission of creating a more diverse and inclusive entertainment industry,” said Milner. “Tell your friends and support these kids.

 

“If you know of a company that would be interested in becoming a sponsor or if you would like to donate to our organization.

 

“Together we can shape the entertainment industry for the next generation.”

 

For more information on Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program and the HBCU in L.A. program, please visit us at https://www.eicop.org.

March 07, 2019 

LAWT News Service 

 

On Saturday, March 2nd 2019, The Southeast YouthSource Center- Los Angeles Youth Opportunity Movement Watts (LAYOM- Watts) in partnership with Focused on Youth a Southern California based non-profit began construction on a functional clothes closet to provide business professional clothes for the LAYOM Watts participants. The majority population of LAYOM-Watts participants consists of at-risk youth, many are Foster youth, current or former probation youth, homeless, and/or low income. In realizing the gap in services for the immediate needs and lack of business professional clothing, LAYOM-Watts and Focused on Youth thought it best to have an on site wardrobe. As of today Focused on Youth has donated over $5,000.00 worth of interview, office attire, accessories, as well as hardware and fixtures.

 

The Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters has also played an monumental part in bringing the project to fruition. Ted Jimenez, the Carpenters Union Special Representative collaborated with the Carpenters Union Participation Program (CUPP) and made the dreams of turning a small space, 5x7 feet, male locker room into a beautiful boutique. Six amazing volunteers on Saturday, spent eight hours providing labor, materials and equipment to make the clothes closet a fully functional. This venue will soon provide participants with their next interview outfit.

 

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 11, Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (IBEW Local 11, EWMC) also sent six volunteers who contributed their time and skills on Saturday. New electrical lines were laid, receptacles were put in place, and lighting fixtures were installed. This project could not have taken form if it was not to the generous people of the community who had the desire to partake in this small but impactful project.

 

On Saturday there was representation from Mayor’s Garcetti’s Office as well as Councilman Buscaino’s Office. Certificates honoring the volunteers were distributed for the hard work and their commitment to the community.

 

The clothes closet is expected to open on Tuesday, March 19th 2019 to LAYOM-Watts participants. Please call LAYOM-Watts if you are interested in programs and services, (323) 971-7659.

 

If you are interested in donating your gently used business professional clothing please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

March 07, 2019 

By E. Mesiyah McGinnis 

Contributing Writer 

 

When ordinary people accomplish unbelievable achievements, they usually do so, with more heart than resources.  Their defiance and rebelliousness are key to their economic transformation.  Yet, through their personal gains and triumphs, they focus on uplifting communities.  And in doing so, they become our heroes in business.  

 

On Thursday, February 28, at the California African American Museum (CAAM), the Black Business Association (BBA) honored five community champions of human rights, social justice, and economic empowerment.  Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., Bernard & Shirley Kinsey, Gwen Moore and Carl Dickerson, received Outstanding Recognition Awards, at BBA’s 2019 Annual Black History Awards Dinner, in celebration of Black History Month. 

 

“This is not the end of Black History Month. It’s important that we celebrate history, and Black folks every day of the year.  It’s our legacy of Black folks that this nation’s foundation was built on,” said Earl “Skip” Cooper II, BBA president and CEO.  He was overwhelmed by the line-up of honorees chosen. 

 

The event attracted community leaders, business owners and various members of society, eager to celebrate the immense accomplishments of these Black entrepreneurs.   This year’s theme was Black Migration.  The organization saluted community builders who have paved the way for and inspired successful Black entrepreneurs from around the world. 

 

l. Dickerson, founder and chairman of the board of Dickerson Employee Benefits Insurance, received the Lifetime Entrepreneur Award of Excellence.  He served over 50 years as an insurance salesman, and was known for his dependability and timeliness.   Because of prior commitments, Mr. Dickerson was unable to attend the event. 

 

Bernard and Shirley Kinsey were awarded together because of their history of running leading businesses as partners.  Mr. Kinsey is a Los Angeles philanthropist and entrepreneur with a passion for African-American history and art of the 19th and 20h centuries. He and his wife, Shirley, have been called, "one of the most admired and respected couples in Los Angeles." They received the Lifetime Achievement in Black Heritage Arts Award.   Mrs. Kinsey referenced their challenging but successful journey, migrating from the South to the West.  “And we did it without ‘Green Book,’” she said.  Mrs. Kinsey went on recognize those who paved roads before her.  “Tonight, we humbly accept this award, and those whose shoulders we stand on and whose voices we hear … you all are the answers to the prayers of our ancestors.”

 

Mr. Kinsley shared that the dynamic business duo was celebrating 52 years of marriage.  “She is the best part of my day and night,” he said.  He elaborated on the balance of being married and business owners.  “You have to see the future together and that’s what we did.”  Kinsey urged the audience to keep Black dollars circulating in the community. 

 

Danny J. Bakewell Sr., has fought, marched and protested for civil justice though out his life.  He is the founding member and current board chairman and former president and CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade and currently the executive publisher/CEO of the Los Angeles Sentinel and the chairman of Bakewell Media.  He received the Lifetime Civil Rights, Entrepreneurial Award of Excellence. He is the founder of Taste of Soul, the largest street festival west of the Mississippi, with over 350,000 attendees. 

 

Mr. Bakewell praised Mr. Cooper for his leadership of the BBA and for creating the event.  He then mentioned working with his family as a highlight in his business career.  The man from New Orleans reflected on the award.  Whether shutting down construction sites because they weren’t hiring Black people or shutting down the Tournament of Roses parade for not having Black board directors, Bakewell fought for the improvement of Blacks in business and provided jobs and housing opportunities for thousands.

 

“I can’t believe people want to honor me for the things that I’ve done, when the things I have done are things I’m supposed to do,” he said.  “Black folks needed me at the time to provide some leadership and fill a void in our community.”  He urged attendees to honor the past but implored them to honor the current historical leaders in their own neighborhoods and families. 

 

Gwen Moore, former legislator in the California State Assembly and now founder and CEO of GeM Communications Group, received the Lifetime Professional Award of Excellence.  She is responsible for numerous pieces of legislature that were passed during her tenure as a legislator and she was the first African American female elected to the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees. 

 

“When I was in the legislature, I got more bills signed into law than any other legislator,” she said.  Moore is also responsible for bills that forced large supermarkets to have restrooms and the California Lifeline Bill for people who couldn’t afford a cell phone or basic telephone service.  She thanked her fellow awardees and attendees for coming.   “Let me say, thank you to the BBA and thank you to all who came out.  We need more people to get involved because this is how we make a difference.  This how we make a change.”  

 

“African Americans have made contributions that stand as a testament to their resolve, resilience, and courage. Over the course of our Nation’s history, African Americans have endured egregious discrimination and bigotry. They have, nevertheless, always been determined to contribute their earnest efforts to America’s greatness. This annual observance is an opportunity to remember the challenges of our past, but also to honor

 

countless African-American heroes who inspire us to shape our country’s future,” said Cooper II.

 

About the Black Business Association:

 

Since 1970, the Black Business Association (BBA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, headquartered in Los Angeles, has been instrumental in the growth and development of thousands of African American businesses, providing innovative information and service programs to our constituents, advocate for change and adherence to laws and programs, and assisted companies and individuals to move up the ladder of success. www.BBALA.org