December 22, 2022
By Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA
Contributing Writer
Returning with a live audience for the first time since 2019, the annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration, a one-of-a-kind, free holiday spectacular that has been a Los Angeles holiday tradition since 1959.
The 63rd annual, two-time Emmy® award-winning event at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion takes place on Saturday, Dec. 24, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The three-hour celebration features 21 music ensembles, choirs and dance companies from neighborhoods and cultures that make up L.A. County.
Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano and Emmy® award-winning television host Suzanna Guzmán returns as co-host for her ninth year, and will be joined by professional roller skaters, skate choreographer and coach Candice Heiden. Audiences can watch the live broadcast on PBS SoCal, streaming online at KCET.org and PBSSOCAL.org, or via the free PBS app. Encore broadcasts will be aired by PBS SoCal on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., and on KCET on Saturday, Dec. 24, at 11 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 25, at 6 p.m.
“Returning to this event is very uplifting to be part of this community open house,” said Jocelyn Wilkinson, the founder of the women's collective, ADAAWE, which is an afro fusion global soul bands has opened for James Brown and Michael Franti over the years. the Rose Bowl and the wedding of Stevie Wonder.
“The Music Center really took their time to handpick each group to show the diversity of neighborhoods and cultures that co-exist in Los Angeles and to celebrate all the contributions that our wonderful city has to offer.”
The line-up features colorful costumes and global sounds from Africa, China, India, Philippines, Mexico, Hawaii and more includes audience favorites, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles; gospel singers Lorenzo Johnson & Praizum; all-women global soul ensemble ADAAWE; Grammy® award-winner Daniel Ho with Hawaiian hula dancers Hālau Hula Keali’i o Nālani; Philippine folk arts dance company Kayamanan Ng Lahi; all-female mariachi ensemble Las Colibrí; Mexican folkloric dance troupe Pacifico Dance Company; current student and alumni ensemble Palmdale High School Choral Union and Sunday Night Singers; world chamber music ensemble Quarteto Nuevo; Asian/country fusion musicians Sound of China Guzheng Ensemble; children’s ensembles MUSYCA Children’s Choir and Our Lady of the Angels Children’s Chorus; and Urban Voices Project, a choir comprised of men and women surviving homelessness on Skid Row.
“ADAAWE is based on the tradition of women in Ghana, West Africa, who have a traditional song form called adaawe. The women come together in the village in the moonlight and sings traditional songs to uplift one another,” said Wilkerson who conducted research on traditional women’s music and get to know the women.
“They are constantly improvising and creating new lyrics on the spot. And that celebration, that spirit of celebration and strength is what inspired the group. I was privileged to be an exchange student in Ghana, West Africa when I was at UCLA. “
Newcomers to this year’s celebration is the award-winning blues band Sista Jeans Blues Machine; hip-hop dance ensemble Temper Tantrum; all-kids a cappella group Squad Harmonix; secular a cappella choir Voices of Reason; modern kathak (North Indian classical dance) ensemble Shivam Arts Dance Company joined by Clarita Corona of Arte Flamenco; tap dance ensemble Reverb Tap Company; keepers of the Ballet Russe legacy Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre; and the California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley Vocal Arts Ensemble.
“After these last rough few years, we will bring the Blues straight into everyone's hearts and minds and fill the audience with Christmas cheer,” said Sista Jean McClain who has been in the music business for more than 40 years. She was a background singer for mega-hit songwriters Dianne Warren, Franne Golde, and Dennis Lambert. “Singing and playing the blues is our way of paying it back to those who came before us.”
Sista Jean’s vocals appeared on Tina Turner's "What's Love Got To Do With It" movie soundtrack, Whitney Houston, Kenny G, and Aaron Neville’s Song "Even If My Heart Would Break" on The Bodyguard soundtrack, A Duet with Mick Jagger's 2nd Solo Album "Wandering Spirit", and Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time." Together since 2016, the members of Sista Jeans Blues Machine have sung and performed with celebrated artists like Bobby Caldwell, Chaka Khan, Larry Dunn Orchestra, Hugh Laurie, Lalah Hathaway, Jill Scott, Keb Mo, and more.
Tickets to the in-person event are free and available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. The show usually is filled to capacity. Attendees are encouraged to join the line as early as noon. The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located at 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Parking is free in The Music Center parking garage.
For more information, call (213) 972-3099 or visit the website at www.HolidayCelebration.org.
December 15, 2022
NNPA
Widely celebrated African American author, Jerald LeVon Hoover, is once again inspiring young people to make a positive change in their communities with the launch of a new children's book.
Titled A Basketball Hero is Born, the new children's reading book contains colorful pictures that warm the heart and keep young readers glued to its pages.
The plot follows the exciting adventures of Bennett Mayco Wilson who gets a basketball as a present from his father on his fourth birthday.
Affectionately naming the new basketball “Lucky,” the story unfolds as young Bennett tries to take his new best friend everywhere, including the dinner table, to school, and to bed when it is time for sleep.
Through colorful pictures with vibrant imagery, young readers will easily get drawn into Bennett’s fictional yet exciting world and learn valuable childhood lessons together.
Currently available for purchase on Amazon, A Basketball Hero is Born is a part of The Hero Book Series by Jerald LeVon Hoover, which emphasizes instilling a love of sports and friendship in young readers.
About The Author
Jerald L. Hoover is a multi-talented individual with countless accomplishments in the creative, literary, and entertainment worlds.
After winning an award for “The Best New Male Writer of the Year” for his fictional novel, My Friend, My Hero Jerald went on to be listed from 1994 – 1996 as a best-selling author among young Black writers in various African American publications.
In 1995, he was awarded the Writers Corp Award by then-President Bill Clinton.
In 1998, Jerald was inducted into the Mount Vernon Boy’s and Girl’s Club Hall of Fame.
Since then, Jerald has won several other awards and is also an in-demand motivational speaker who overcame a childhood speech impediment.
December 15, 2022
By Irvin L. Davis
Contributing Writer
Since the 1970’s when the student population at Dorsey High School became majority Black, this outstanding learning institution has consistently provided a supportive climate and atmosphere for Black students. Many Alumni and Parents describe the climate and school spirit at Dorsey as being similar to the climate at an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) Black Male Students who face certain specific challenges in the educational system and in society as a whole, have advocates and mentors throughout the staff and faculty on campus. 
One specific teacher / mentor who is making a difference in the Dorsey High School community is Mr. Darryl McKellar. McKellar has been an English teacher in LAUSD for over 20 years, and has been at Dorsey for ten of those years. McKellar is the creator of a support group called the YBMG or Young Black Men’s Group. McKellar stated “As a male teacher of color, I feel compelled to assist those students who look like me and come from similar backgrounds. Single parent households, growing up in the inner-city, lack of mentorship/guidance etc. I have been given a unique opportunity to be an educator of all students, however, I rarely see students who look like me receiving the extra assistance needed to be successful in the classroom and beyond. I have witnessed black boys get passed over and treated as “less than” time and time again within the educational system. So, 11 years ago while teaching at Washington High School, I started mentoring Young Black Men as a means to uplift, inspire, and support this underrepresented demographic.”
The YBMG meets once a week during lunchtime in McKellar’s classroom to discuss, troubleshoot, and analyze current issues that plague the Black community and come up with potential solutions to those problems. During weekly meetings, mentees are expected to share their ideas and perspectives to develop a deeper understanding of how to navigate effectively in the real world. Mentees are expected to offer varying perspectives and ask thought provoking questions that promote self-awareness, and a sense of responsibility and purpose.
“By developing a village mindset, and awareness of their true calling from the ancestors, it is my objective to continuously assist in their maturation as Young Black Men. I believe that mentoring and constant encouragement builds the self esteem of our boys as well as helping them to develop into well rounded and responsible men. This is something I haven’t seen take place in my 23 years of being in education,” said McKellar.
Some of the recent topics of discussion have been; Kyrie Irving and the concept of buck breaking, the importance of taking responsibility for your actions, cell phone dependency, the importance of getting out of your comfort zone, giving thanks and being a valuable member of your family / household, choosing the right friends, why education is important and reciprocity and servicing others as you want to be served.
Ashton Johnson, a 10th Grade Student who is a member of the YBMG stated that the organization has helped him to reflect on his purpose in life and what he has to offer to the world. “Mr. McKellar saw in me a kid who wanted to learn, a kid who wanted to thrive in life and he saw that I have something to give to this world,” said Johnson.
Quran Turner an 11th Grade student / athlete stated: “the YBMG allows me to meet other teens whose mindset aligns with mine. We speak on topics that aren’t discussed amongst friends on a day-to-day basis. The energy in the room is always positive and I always feel good after I leave. I get to build friendships and get knowledge from adults.” Bryst Mitchell, a senior, reflected “The Black Man’s group has been fun. I don’t really speak that much but in this group, I enjoy talking to other people about problems in the world or in the Black community. It’s a very nice and friendly environment.”
McKellar reflected: “The purpose and origin of this group was established as means to develop the socio-emotional understanding of adolescent young men of color. As my mentor taught me how to be self-aware, purpose driven, and confident, I am expected to teach these same skills to the next generation. By promoting self-esteem and the importance of living up to their potential, this groups primary purpose is to change the trajectory and stereotypes attached to Black men.”
The Dorsey High School community is proud of this organization and feels the benefit of it’s impact around the campus. The young men who participate show a sense of focus, consciousness, awareness, fellowship and self-love. We applaud and appreciate the efforts of Mr. McKellar and his students, and hope that this organization will continue to grow and develop, positively impacting the lives of our Black male students, thus uplifting the entire school community.
December 08, 2022
By Rodd A. Amos
Contributing Writer
The Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center has been cited by local and national media outlets as ‘something positive’ in the aftermath of the 1992 civil unrest. It is a neighborhood approach to the revitalization and empowerment of a community in crisis.
The Wooten Center, located on 91st and Western Ave in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of South LA, provides free after-school and summer tutoring programs to help students in grades 3-12 attain grade-level proficiency and promotion, high school graduation, and college and career access and success.
Executive Director, Naomi McSwain explained how local universities help to make an impact for her students:
“There was a time when there was zero involvement from universities at our youth center. But Pepperdine was the first to step up and provide volunteer tutors for our college and career readiness after-school program. Since then, we’ve built relationships with USC, UCLA, and St. Johns (NY). They help with student evaluations, Christmas toys, grant funding, meeting space, and more”, Naomi said.
Isidra Person-Lynn is lead English language arts teacher. The former KACE public affairs director and host of “Sunday Morning Live” tied her career in broadcasting to her role as tutor.
“Thanks to today’s smartphones, I ask students to write short news reports about something shareable from their lives. When they read their stories over Zoom, some add a little on-air flair, while others cringe at the sounds of their voices. I help them articulate and enunciate, so when they do have to read in front of their classes at school they feel more confident”, Isidra said.
The Wooten Center has come a long way since founder Myrtle ‘Faye’ Rumph opened its doors in 1990. It was in honor of her son's life, tragically taken in a drive-by shooting in 1989 – a crime that remains unsolved. In 2010, President Barack Obama named Faye one of 13 recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal, our nation's second-highest civilian award, for her work founding the Wooten Center.
Volunteers are wanted to tutor at least one student per week for 45 minutes per session in math or English language arts. Volunteers help students in grades 3-12 complete their online i-Ready diagnostics in the two subjects and the online lessons based on their results. Tutors also help students with homework and can request to work with elementary, middle or high school students.
Naomi spoke fondly of the impact the center has on the lives of their students.
“I say it a lot – having a caring heart is our No. 1 requirement for all staff. This goal is apparently working since I hear all the time that our staff are very caring and that we have a very loving environment. I hear it from our kids and parents via surveys and in person, usually with a big hug!”, she said.
● Budding artist Jalicia, 11, needs help with her math homework. She is understanding more about shapes and sizes.
● Khalil, 12, is a future video interactive gamer. By playing skill-based math games, he is engaged more in his studies.
● Meanwhile, aspiring entertainer Adrianna, 9, is getting help with science and math.
● And Terron, 15, is proud his math scores have soared from an F to a B.
Isidra takes pride in her work.
“My reward is when the student shares GPAs of making the Dean’s list, certificates, and high grades. I know it is not just my work. I am on a diverse team of parents, teachers, counselors and sometimes therapists. We are here for these diverse students and when they see results, we have willing workers. That makes life easier for all of us”, Isidra said.
"The Al Wooten Center embodies the notion 'the community knows what the community needs’”, said Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who represents District Eight, where the center is located. "Since 1990, the center has touched the present lives of young people and shaped their future through the care and services they offer. We are proud to support them through a $75,000 grant to continue serving the youth of South LA", he said.
For more information, visit https://www.wootencenter.org/