Dr. Keith Black is one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons. He is the chair of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. His additional titles include professor of Neurosurgery, the Ruth and Lawrence Harvey Chair in Neuroscience, and director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute.

Black has received numerous awards and honors and is a Time Magazine Hero of Medicine recipient.

Simply stated, he is brilliant… a prodigy…the brother is bad to the bone and worthy of our collective ‘we see you’ accolades.

There’s the adage that says we should give people their flowers while they are living, and this piece seeks to do just that. Dr. Black’s story is one that must be told.

Dr. Keith Black, son of Robert and Lillian Black, was born to parents who understood early on that Black and his younger brother, Robert Jr., deserved the best educational opportunities that they could provide for them.

His parents, both educators in the deep south (Alabama) moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when Black was 10 years of age to ensure that his educational curiosities and passions were nurtured. At 17, Black showed early flashes of brilliance when he published his first scientific paper winning the national Westinghouse Science Talent Search competition.  

Under the tutelage of Frederick Cross and Richard Jones, inventors of the Cross-Jones artificial heart valve, Black, a high school student, would learn to perform transplant surgeries and heart valve replacements on laboratory dogs.

He would enroll at the University of Michigan, receiving his undergraduate degree and completing medical school in six short years.

According to Dr. Black, the road to neurosurgery is arduous. It is fraught with naysayers, especially for people of color ‘are you sure you are smart enough to do that?’ And lest we forget, neurosurgery is the crème de la crème of medicine, a field so specialized that it requires years of training after completing four years of medical school.

Dear readers, it is not for the faint of heart. It is a profession you must know in your knower (as my grandmother would say) you want to pursue. Besides his surgical brilliance, there are many reasons the L.A. Watts Times decided to profile Dr. Black. 

He is a scientist at heart, a dedicated family man, respected by most, a doctor who gives of himself to the community, and has sage advice that young people should hear.  The L.A. Watts Times had the honor of speaking with Dr. Black.

LAWT:  Your parents seemed to encourage your passion for science early in life. Can you talk about what it meant to you to have that kind of encouragement as a young person?

Dr. Keith Black:  I think the impact of having my parent's vision and support was essential for my success. I would not be where I am today without that. The greatest blessing that any child can have is two supportive parents. And I was particularly blessed because both my parents were educators. They understood the value of education, and my father was a scholar of different strategies for raising children.

He dreamed that every generation would do better and be better than the prior generation despite the obstacles and hurdles they might face. The “King Richard” movie reminded me of my father and mother. They were focused on putting things in place that would enable my brother and me to succeed.

I describe my father as the ultimate educator. He put both his sons in an environment that allowed us to be exposed to different things and have opportunities to see things. He watched us carefully and looked at how we responded and interacted with different environments. And he looked for things that we resonated with, and he nurtured those things.

For example, when he saw early on that I had a passion for science as I searched different streams in our neighborhood looking for tadpoles, he cultivated that interest. When he saw that I was on the back porch dissecting a frog that I had caught, he went to the slaughterhouse and bought me a cow’s heart that I could dissect. He encouraged that.

And since he knew I had a love and passion for science, he got me a chemistry set when I was young. And when I blew up the kitchen with that chemistry set, I didn’t get in trouble. [Laughter]

There are many headwinds particularly against children that come from non-privileged backgrounds that impact their ability to thrive. These children must have a lot of tailwinds to push them through and that’s what my parents provided for me. They not only provided me with support, but also with tools to navigate those tough headwinds that every Black child encounters.

LAWT:  As you pursued internships and fellowships in neurosurgery, can you discuss how racism impacted your journey and how you navigated those biases?

KB:  It would have been completely naïve to believe that everyone was on a level playing field. As an African American, what I always say is that if you’re in a boxing match, and it’s a close call, you’re not going to get the benefit of the doubt, you’re not going to win on a decision. That decision is most likely going to go against you. You’ve got to win with a knockout.

That was my philosophy that I grew up with. My parents always instilled in me that I had to be better than the person standing beside me to at least get the same opportunities. And I had to be better by a significant margin. It’s not fair, but I accepted that circumstance. I always knew that I had to be better. 

When I decided I wanted to be a neurosurgeon in medical school and I put on my only suit and tie and went to meet with the chair of neurosurgery at Michigan, I didn’t know that he was a racist and that he didn’t like Black people or women.

So, when he looked at me and said what makes you think you can be a neurosurgeon, you must be smart to be a neurosurgeon, you must be able to think on your feet, I didn’t let his words discourage me. I took that negative energy and let it fuel me to become more prepared.

So, if there is conscious or unconscious bias against you because of your race or gender, you must have the mindset going in that you will outperform.  You must demonstrate that you are ready to be in the game and that your head is in the game.

LAWT:  The percentage of Black doctors who select neurosurgery as their specialty remains low. Your thoughts about that?

KB:  It is slowly changing. At Cedars-Sinai, we have 400 applicants for two neurosurgery slots and there is a natural tendency to select those that are like you. African Americans have a lower percentage of getting matched in neurosurgery programs. So, we have created scholars programs at Cedars. We have created the Denzel and Pauletta Washington gifted scholars program where we had 25 scholars to come through the program, five of whom are now neurosurgeons.

We’ve been very successful at getting students prepared, making research and publishing opportunities available, and getting them prepared to compete for neurosurgery slots. I am very proud to say that one of the neurosurgeons on my faculty now – Lindsey Ross  - came through our program. Dr. Ross was discouraged, coming out of UCLA, from being a neurosurgeon.

They diverted her to general surgery, but we mentored her and now she’s thriving in neurosurgery.

We also have the Ray Charles scholars, the Sony scholars, many who come from HBCUs. We bring them to Cedars, mentor and prepare them to compete, and to successfully secure spots in neurosurgery programs. And this year, of those 400 applicants, we selected two minorities who made it on their own merit.

LAWT:  In a perfect world, what would you like community groups to do more of to introduce kids to neuroscience, the STEM areas?

KB:  I’m bias - I think neurosurgery is the best field on the planet! The STEM fields are the opportunity areas, where the jobs are - science, technology, and math. We must step up as a community and provide support, structure, and opportunities.

We have a program at Cedars called Brainworks.  About 3,000 students - 7th, 8th, and 9th graders - come to Cedars and for a day, they get to be a neurosurgeon, but that’s only one time I can touch them. Then they go back into their environment, and we have no touch point for 363 days. 

We must create a structure where we have touch points every day. No one group can do this alone. We must partner with high schools, middle schools, universities, technology, and biotech companies to create a network to show kids the opportunities in STEM and the medical field and reiterate the message that these opportunities are exciting, fun, and financially rewarding.

LAWT:  In terms of health equity, how hopeful are you that lack of access for Black people will one day be a thing of the past?

KB:  I am cautiously optimistic. So, we are sitting here in 2022, when Martin Luther King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech how many decades ago? I didn’t believe that in 2022, health equity would still be an issue. At least now, we are shinning more light on the problems.

We know that African American have mistrust of the health care system, and there are physicians who don’t realize that they may treat a patient differently because of race, so we’re looking at ways to train and broaden understanding in that area. 

At Cedars, every resident, fellow, and physician must undergo unconscious bias training to address those biases. There are many factors to address, and change will not happen overnight, but as we apply more science, more resources, we will make progress.

LAWT:  How does your faith impact your work as a neurosurgeon?

KB:  Being alive is a miracle. I guess the best way I can describe it as a scientist, as a physician, and a neurosurgeon … there is a saying that if you want to understand art, you study the artist. If you're going to understand God, you study life, and what He has created.

So, when you look at the human brain, you are looking at God’s art. That doesn’t mean I have a particular religion, but you cannot look at the human brain, the process of life, and not be in awe. It’s not random, science is always trying to explain it, but there is still that awe.  You have that sense deep down that there is something extraordinary about all of us being here.

LAWT: A few fun questions … favorite place in the world?

KB:  Amalfi Coast. I love the people, the beauty of the ocean, and the hills.

LAWT:  Favorite sports team in LA?

KB:  The Lakers, but I have them on probation!

LAWT: Favorite restaurant?

KB:  It’s hard to beat Nobu Malibu for the ambiance … good food…

LAWT:  Favorite LA beach? 

KB: Zuma – it’s just a beautiful beach.

LAWT:  What would you write on your headstone?

KB: He was a good guy who cared for his children, his family, and friends, and he tried to leave the world a little better than he found it.

As an elected official, Mike Gipson helped construct and strongly supported legislation on criminal justice reform, labor, affordable housing, and healthcare.  

On February 7, 2015, Gipson was sworn in at California State University Dominguez Hills as the Assemblymember for California’s 64th District. In this capacity, he represents the communities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, South Los Angeles, Torrance, Watts/Willowbrook and Wilmington.  

Throughout his tenure, he has devoted thousands of hours developing initiatives for the betterment of the greater Los Angeles area.

His peers also trust him in leadership positions.

In February 2018, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) appointed Assemblymember Gipson (AD-64) as the Secretary/Treasurer.  

As Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair, Gipson influenced the "majority caucus' legislative decision-making process." 

He didn't shy away from addressing national issues. Gipson held weekly strategy sessions to consistently realign caucus' priorities. He has carried this torch since 2016 and again in 2017, 2018, and 2020. 

Recently, local residents, community organizations, and other public servants focused their energy on the continual rise in the epidemic of ghost guns that are plaguing Black and Brown communities in Los Angeles, California. 

In light of this heightened concern, Gipson hosted the AB 1621 Ghost Gun Press Conference, at the Los Angeles Sentinel headquarters on April 15, 2022.  

Also, during a press conference hosted by District Attorney George Gascon and Los Angeles elected officials in January 2022, he announced a $50,000 crime tip award authorized by Governor Gavin Newsom for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of perpetrators responsible for the murder of 16-year-old TioniTheus. 

Gipson actively supports the eradication of homelessness and functions as the lead assembly member on gun violence prevention.

In addition to his efforts to regulate 'ghost guns,' he has also initiated measures to standardize the criminal justice system. 

Gipson has championed critical budget priorities as well.

This included the first state income tax credit for working families, amending the highest family grant, and as a result, lifted 135,000 children out of poverty.

Also, he managed to pass a comprehensive transportation proposal. 

Other legislation that Gipson championed included AB 1608, which he introduced to boost transparency in police departments. 

The measure would also differentiate Coroner's offices from Sheriff's departments.   

A resident of Carson, Gipson has three sons and two grandchildren.

D'Ance, his third son, died at the age of three as a result of a hit-and-run driver. 

Born and raised in the Watts, Gipson has an undeniable devotion for public service.

His life has been guided by a desire to make a real change in the lives of those he encountered in his community and beyond. 

Alex Padilla is not your ordinary U.S. Senator.  He has a degree in mechanical engineering from MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and easily could have parlayed that degree to pursue personal accolades and a life of leisure and personal wealth. 

But, the first time U.S. Senator did not choose the simple path. 

Instead, he decided that a life of service to those who grew up like he did, unprivileged in a working class family, and that commitment to service has ascended him to one of the highest seats in California and throughout the nation.

As voters begin mailing in their ballots, they will find Padilla’s name on their ballot twice.  Once to complete the term of now Vice President Kamala Harris, who stepped down to become America’s first female vice president and first vice president of color, and once to serve the six-year full term as California’s United States Senator.

Padilla is driven by memories of a segregated California, memories that still have a deep influence over the man who now represents the country’s most populous state. Padilla took office on January 20, 2021 (Inauguration Day). 

He is California’s first U.S. Senator of Mexican decent and in a time when America is wrestling with being a country where people of color are the majority, he is a voice for and of the people.

Post-Donald Trump, Padilla finds himself in the uncommon position of being one of the few voices of the masses in what is still a majority White, majority male-dominated Senate. 

And while the Democrats hold the slimmest of majorities in the Senate with Vice President Harris serving as the tie-breaking vote, this current election season threatens to push the Democrats back into the minority where the unrelenting Republican Party could seize control of the Senate, and possibly even Congress.

Padilla was recently quoted in an article in the Atlantic that he wants “to ensure that the American dream my family has experienced in the San Fernando Valley is still within reach.” The past four years have tested that dream for millions, especially Black and Brown Americans. But Padilla is hopeful that the Democratic Party will keep it alive?

Padilla himself comes from a working-class family.  His mother, Lupe, who passed away in 2018, worked as a housekeeper and his father, Santos, worked as a short order cook and still lives in the same Pacoima home that Padilla was raised in. 

He often speaks about his parents, reflecting on the guidance and promises that inspire him to this day. He also frequently shares how graduating from college and finding a better life for himself and his family were always dreams that his parents desired for him.

In 1999, Padilla began his political career and ran for Los Angeles City Council 7th District seat where he used his youth and working-class background to appeal to voters. As a result, he garnered support from some of the city’s most powerful local labor unions. 

From his council seat, he ascended to become the youngest president of the Los Angeles City Council before transitioning to Sacramento to serve as a California state senator and later, secretary of state.

During his time as secretary of state, Padilla transformed into the loudest voice in California encouraging voting rights and access to the polls.  Also in this position, he advocated and pushed through California’s same-day voting registration law and allowed 16-and-17-year-olds to preregister to vote online. 

In addition, he made it possible for Californians to register to vote at the same time they received their driver’s license, which has become an extremely popular occurrence for residents.  He also received both national accolades and national criticism when he refused to cooperate with the Trump administration in 2017 by refusing to investigate voter fraud in the 2017 presidential election.

Padilla has not shied away from discourse or fights with his Latino/x Senate counterparts, especially, Senators Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas.  

This was never more on display than when he first arrived in the U.S. Senate to impeach Donald Trump for provoking the January 6 Capitol insurrection, in stark contrast to his Latino counterparts, Cruz and Rubio.

And he has not simply been a backer of the Latino agenda, but he has also been outspoken on issues that address the lack of representation within the Black community and other disenfranchised groups as well.  He views the issues facing America regarding voter suppression as an attack upon us all.

Alex Padilla recently questioned a panel of voting rights experts in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing examining the rise in attacks on voting rights throughout the nation.

The panel included Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund; Stacey Abrams, founder of Fair Fight Action; and Dr. Carol Anderson, Charles Howard Candler professor of African American Studies and chair of African American Studies at Emory University.

Padilla has been outspoken about restoring and improving access to the ballot for the American people and about voter suppression tactics being rooted in White supremacy.  

“Some of our Republican colleagues raised the frame of working to make it easier to vote, but harder to cheat…study after study report after report, investigation after investigation continues to document that voter fraud in America is exceedingly rare,” stated Padilla during voter suppression hearings. 

He further insisted, “During the Jim Crow era, we know that racially targeted and racially motivated voter suppression was often blatant. Legislators adapted overtly racist policies like literacy tests, and poll taxes in an effort to shape the electorate. 

“Today’s voter suppression playbook is still rooted in White supremacy, and motivated by the same factors as their Jim Crow predecessors, but looks different.

Overtly racist policies have been replaced by facially neutral ones like mandated in-person voting requirements.

“The decommissioning of polling sites and manipulated discriminatory photo ID laws is as mentioned, but just because these new voter suppression tactics are facially neutral, it can be harder for people to recognize and understand their pernicious effects.”

Padilla has proven himself throughout his political career to be a man of the people. 

A tireless fighter for the rights of the underserved, oppressed and a relentless advocate for communities of color, and has certainly earned the right to be re-elected as California’s U.S. Senator. 

Rarely, do we get an opportunity to actually vote for one candidate twice in one election, but in this election, Alex Padilla has the right to be voted for TWICE.