Wow! It feels like we were just ringing in 2021 and now it’s time to say goodbye to another year. We are all a little older and hopefully, we are all a little wiser as well.
Just we ran into the new year an all still reeling from the effects of the COVID Pandemic, and while with the help of vaccines have opened the world back up, this OMNICRON variant has us all stumped.
What exactly is the new normal?
2021 started with great promise as Black America celebrated the election of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Our brothers and sisters
But the true state of America came to a realization on January 6, 2021, when former president, Donald Trump and his band of bandits, ignited a full-blown insurrection on the United States Capitol.
All of the U.S. House of Representatives feared for their lives and the world sat in awe and wonder, speculating on what America’s response would have looked like if those thousand, if not hundreds of thousands of insurrectionists, terrorists, law breakers, vandals or whatever term used, would have been Black people. in Georgia united to make Stacey Abram’s vision of a new Georgia a reality by electing the two democratic senators, including Georgia’s first African-American Senator, Reverend Raphael Warnock.
But in the end, America did the “right thing” and the Biden/Harris ticket was sworn in on January 20, 2021 with little distractions.
The Biden Harris administration went immediately to work, getting vaccines to the people, bringing the initial wave of COVID under control. As the world began to re-open, businesses were reassured and people started working again. And although this was a “New Normal,” it oddly felt somewhat normal again.
We also saw some semblance of justice in America when a predominantly White jury convicted police officer, Derek Chauvin for the heinous and brutal murder of George Floyd.
We also saw the conviction of three White Georgia men for the murder of Ahmad Aubrey.
While we still have a long way to go, and the conversation about “defund the police” has taken drastic turns to the right and to the left, cities and states across American have started implementing several and various forms of reallocating services from the police to deal with mental health, non-violent offenders, and other forms of conflict which have traditionally led to various negative outcomes from the police to predominantly men and women of color.
But all has not been good. America also saw Kyle Rittenhouse found innocent of murder when after gunning down three people with an assault rifle while participating in a Black Lives Matter protest over the killing of George Floyd.
But we all know that if a Black man had been the shooter, the verdict would have been drastically different.
We have also seen laws passed in mostly conservative red states to begin the suppression of the Black vote, forcing Black America back into a pernicious reality.
Georgia, Texas and a variety of other states have passed state laws in an attempt to ensure that what was accomplish in the 2020 election, cannot be repeated again. 
Hopefully, the John Lewis voter’s rights legislation, approved by congress but still needs Senate approval, will somehow level the playing field.
But as we enter 2022, this legislation seems to be, while not dead, at least on life support.
Then, there is life here on the Homefront (Los Angeles/Southern California), and while things are certainly better, we have much to address as well. Homelessness is on the rise with no real solution in site.
Many local and state level elected officials are calling this their priority, but we need real solutions and building all the affordable housing inside of communities of color is not and never has been the answer.
We must find ways to build more affordable housing and find ways to remove much of the bureaucracy that delays projects and begin moving not only California, but specifically, Black California, forward. We need more jobs, more contracts and more opportunities to advance our community in a unified way. What we have seen is an amazing demonstration of Black love and pride on various issues during this COVID-filled world to help those struggling to overcome the effects of the pandemic.
We saw community-based organizations like the Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade, The Urban League, Mothers in Action, and other organizations in partnership with our local labor community, work together to provide millions of dollars of free food, clothes and other gifts to families in need throughout 2021. We saw our Black churches and faith-based communities lead the efforts to educate our community on the importance of vaccinations, providing free testing and vaccinations all over our community.
We also saw our elected officials make big moves this year. Councilmembers Curren Price and Marqueece Harris Dawson have implemented “guaranteed income programs” within their district to help their constituents not only survive but create space to be able to ensure a certain quality of life despite their current financial situations.
We saw Assemblymember Mike Gipson and the California Legislature have provided millions in additional funding to hospitals like Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital to enhance the level of care that their already overworked and overburdened staff have had to endure throughout the pandemic.
We saw Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, who not only led the way on police reform as the Chairman of the Public Safety commission, but also provided food, jobs, job training and other resources throughout his district to ensure that everyone within their community had what they needed to make it through.
And then there is our newest State Senator Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who through her sheer will, determination and prolific negotiating skills, managed to deliver hundreds of millions of dollars of new jobs, police re-allocation dollars, and investment into our very own community.
We have seen Supervisor Holly Mitchell (the Sentinels “Person of the Year”) provide unparalleled leadership across her district and throughout Los Angeles County.
We saw land stolen from the Bruce Family returned thanks to the leadership of Supervisor Janice Hahn, Senator Steve Bradford and, Mitchell, and Governor Gavin Newsom.
Speaking of the Governor, we also saw an unprecedented attack on the Governor by the republican party who tried to recall him despite his leadership and life-saving decisions from the start of the pandemic through today. But again, our community was able to see through the smoke screen and not get fooled into electing Black faces with White agendas like Larry Elder, and overturned the recall efforts, yet, wasting millions of dollars on the bogus governor recall.
As we head into the new year lead by our faith, our love, and our commitment to a better future for all, we lean on the things that have brought us through every challenge we, as a people, have ever faced.
A sheer will to succeed and a refusal to fail despite the obstacles that we face. We all know that Black Lives Matter and that does not need to simply be a slogan that we wear on a T-Shirt we post in the window of our business or paste on our social media accounts.
Black Lives Matter has to be how we all live our lives. Corporate America has to continue not only to make attempts at stating their support of our efforts, but spend their dollars in a specific and direct way to prove that the vitality of our community matters.
They need to hire in a way that is inclusive, unapologetic and intentional to create opportunities for all.
The Black Community is and has always been STRONG!
No obstacle or challenge thrown our way is new. We have seen it all before.
We must embrace everything that is GOOD within our community, the small victories and the large ones.
We must continue to fight against the BAD, united in our unwavering faith for a better future for all.
We must embrace the UNIMAGINABLE, the good and the bad.
In 2021, a Black woman elected Vice President of the United States was unimaginable, a police officer being convicted for the murder of a Black man was UNIMAGINABLE, corporate America investing hundreds of millions of dollars int Black banks was unimaginable.
So, let’s not limit ourselves nor our vision that our community can grow and prosper, that home ownership is attainable that our businesses can be bigger and better than ever before, and that we can do for ourselves what we hoped others would do for us.
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES.
GOD BLESS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
THE L.A. WATTS TIMES
The Alzheimer’s Association focuses on the needs and concerns of families living with personal challenges of different types of Dementia. The entire organization pours extreme energy into excavating global research that leads to prevention and early detection.
The Los Angeles Sentinel had an exclusive interview with Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH, and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Alzheimer’s Association.
According to the association’s special report, “Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer's in America,” more than six million Americans are living with a variation of an Alzheimer's disease this year. Among that population, the impact of the disease varies in different ethnic and racial groups.
Black Americans are twice as likely to develop an illness related to Alzheimer’s disease, in comparison to other racial groups.
The study conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association also concluded the Latin x community are 1.5 times as likely to have dementia, when compared to other demographics.
Alzheimer's affects the lives of those who are experiencing it and attaches itself to their community of loved ones.
The racial disparity found within the general care of Alzheimer's patients carries the same viral weakness. The special report recorded approximately more than half of the caregivers that were people of color, found levels of discrimination when setting up care for their patients.
The special report stated, “Discrimination is the barrier to Alzheimer’s and dementia care.”
It explained the major concerns surrounding people of color, experiencing the challenges of dementia and how stems from the lack of confidence that they would receive proper support.
The report’s fact sheet stated 53 percent of Black Americans “trust a future cure for Alzheimer’s will be shared equally regardless of race, color or ethnicity,” leaving a little less than half of the studied population questioning the equality in health care needs.
Looking at the cost of care over time, Alzheimer's patients needed a total financial strategy of $355 billion to supply various needs and programs.
This was based on their financial projection that took place in 2021.
The 2021 special report, is an “Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures is a statistical resource for U.S. data related to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia.”
The 85-page report covers a breadth of context that prioritizes the concerns of people directly, and indirectly experiencing Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Hill is the chief of diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Alzheimer’s Association. He has sat at the helm of strong initiatives to directly respond to the needs of the Association’s outreach.
Under his leadership, there have been programs focused on providing communities with the proper support to address Alzheimer’s concerns. He has devoted his life energy to focus on the racial aspect of disproportionate care and outcomes within healthcare.
“The science of considering populations that are disproportionately affected by various health outcomes is critical for protecting public health.
Research suggests that what we experience in early life and through adulthood can significantly influence our ability to thrive as seniors,” said Hill in a prior interview with the National Institute of Aging.
According to a profile article published on the official website for Morehouse School of Medicine, Hill has always been dedicated to finding innovative ways to inclusion within healthcare. When choosing an academic institution Hill wanted to find one that was aligned with his morals of equality and he found that at Morehouse.
He stated, “In being part of the inaugural Master of Public Health degree program class, I was attracted to being part of the first MPH program at an HBCU and helping Drs. Bill Jenkins, Noble Maseru, Patricia Rodney, Zara Sadler and Dan Blumenthal – against very huge odds - make impact in diversifying the public health workforce.”
As chief of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Hill conducts a channel between organizations and developing cross-functional communities to address the need for diversity, equity, and conclusion.
During an exclusive interview with Executive Publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel, Danny Bakewell Jr., Dr. Hill elaborated on this intense focal point on Black people surviving the challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Some of the topics include “Preparing the Workforce to Care for a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Population of Older Adults” (Special Report — Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer's in America, page 18) and the statistical results of this chronic mental illness affecting people differently based off their race.
Solutions prepared to combat the noted racial disparities include reimaging the training and application of care towards racially diverse patients.
The special report stated, “Earlier reports on racial and ethnic differences in Alzheimer’s health care have proposed cultural competence education as one solution to address disparities.”
(Special Report — Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer's in America, page 79).
The report declares in confidence that training healthcare professionals to recognize and overcome “implicit bias,” would be effective strategy in eliminating some of the current racial disparities.
Racial discrimination among general health care has been verified through multiple studies throughout the years, between 2015 to 2016, Adult California Health Interview Survey concluded, that “discrimination in a clinical setting that make[s] a person less likely to have a future interaction with health care,” this information was provided in the Special Report — Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer's in America (page 79) of The Alzheimer’s Association)
Hundreds of people descended upon MacArthur Park on December 11 for the dedication of the UCLA James Lawson Worker Justice Center. The celebratory event recognized the enduring legacy of the nation’s premiere non-violence tactician – the Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr.
Politicians, clergy and labor leaders were in the audience along with community members, trade unionists and social activists who all united in tribute of the 93-year-old Lawson’s lifelong commitment to peace and justice.
Renowned for his teachings on nonviolent action, the pastor emeritus of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles was the master strategist behind some of the memorable marches defining the country’s Civil Rights Movement. Lawson worked closely with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and trained many of the future leaders of the movement including John Lewis, Diane Nash, Marion Barry and James Bevel.
His students participated in the Freedom Rides, the 1963 Birmingham Children’s Crusade, the 1966 Chicago Open Housing Movement and the Anti-Vietnam War Movement. Even before those campaigns, Lawson was an early convert to nonviolent resistance, which he demonstrated in 1951 when he said he was a conscientious objector and was arrested for refusing to report for the draft. In addition, he taught nonviolent tactics to Black students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957.
Since retiring from Holman UMC in 1999, Lawson continues to share his strategies and tactics with individuals and organizations around the world. The James Lawson Institute offers training in people organizing movements and nonviolent civil resistance. For the past 20 years, he has also served as a UCLA labor studies faculty member.
Following the unveiling of the building’s new name - UCLA James Lawson Worker Justice Center – the honoree, stepped to the podium in the midst of a prolonged, standing ovation from the audience.
“As a college student, I tried to prepare myself for going to jail. But I had no idea how to prepare for this moment, for this extraordinary experience of all of you and the coalition that came together to make this possible. I thank you very much. I could never have imagined anything like this in all of my life,” insisted Lawson.
“My journey thus far has been a journey of people, a journey of community and family. Whatever role I played, it’s because of people like yourselves in Nashville, Tennessee, in Memphis, and in Los Angeles,” he asserted, while encouraging the crowd to continue working for justice and peace.
“You who come together to make this day possible, I want to urge us to keep this coalition together and keep it moving towards dismantling the old ancient forces of spiritual wickedness. They are very, very real. We must dismantle them and in doing that, we will help ourselves achieve the stature of being fully alive and learning to love,” Lawson said, as the multicultural audience nodded and applauded in agreement with his comments.
In fact, Lawson’s impressive track record of working with disadvantaged groups in the pursuit of justice influenced a collaborative effort to purchase the building, obtain funding for its renovation and rename the facility in honor of the legendary civil rights giant. Thanks to the work of the legislators, California’s 2021-2022 budget included a one-time $15 million allocation to renovate the building.
California State Senator Maria Elena Durazo, who worked with Lawson on several initiatives, proposed naming the center for him, submitted the request for funding to the Senate and obtained the support of the Latino Caucus. State Senator Steven Bradford, chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, also backed the effort and persuaded his caucus to assist.
Assemblymembers Reggie Jones-Sawyer and Miguel Santiago led the charge for funding in the State Assembly and were supported by Assemblymember Evan Low, chair of the LGBTQ Caucus. On a local level, County Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis, Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilman Gil Cedillo sponsored resolutions promoting the project. They all shared public salutes during the dedication program.
“There is no American who has done more for peaceful, nonviolent, and social change in this nation than the Rev. James Lawson. Today, we dedicate this building and next, we advocate for the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” said Cedillo, who represents the district where the center is located. Illustrating the character of Lawson, Cedillo related that Lawson came to the USC Cancer Center hospital to pray with him and his family as Cedillo’s wife was in her final days of life.
Garcetti noted that Lawson not only connects God and labor, but also highlights the way individuals should approach the past, present and future. “We’re used to reading history and learning about history, but the Rev. James Lawson has taught us that we need to make history, not just mark history,” the mayor said. “On behalf of the City of Angeles, we say thank you to this angel. This man has shown us what it means to be in a world fighting for justice.”
Mitchell, chair of the Board of Supervisors, evoked laughter among the crowd as she shared memories of worshipping under Lawson while he was pastor of Holman UMC. Recalling that “the sound of his voice used to scare me to death,” she also credited him with patiently explaining the meaning of “plantation capitalism” after she admitted that she didn’t know the definition.
“Rev. Lawson is a visionary. He was a man before his time, but thank God he’s a man of our time,” said Mitchell, who went on to offer words that she felt reflected Lawson’s legacy. “Courage, faith, plantation capitalism, nonviolence, love, compassion and forgiveness. When he announced to the church that he would visit James Earl Ray (the convicted assassin of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) in jail, that’s when I learned what forgiveness and grace really looks like in human form,” she said.
“I am proud to be your friend. I appreciate the time and patience you gave me to try to understand the concepts you lectured and taught for many years. I appreciate you for investing in humankind all of your adult life.”
Jones-Sawyer related a past encounter with Lawson too, citing how when he first met the minister in 2012, he tried to impress Lawson by announcing that his uncle, Jefferson Thomas, was one of the Little Rock Nine, which refers to the famous case where students integrated Central High School in 1957.
“As I was going on about what my uncle went through, Rev. Lawson stopped me and said, ‘I knew your grandfather and Deacon Thomas and I talked about civil rights and how your grandfather wanted to get involved in the civil rights movement,’” Jones-Sawyer said, smiling at the memory because he didn’t previously know about the connection.
However, in preparation for his family’s heavy involvement with the movement, the assemblymember said, “Rev. Lawson taught nonviolence to those nine kids. He taught them to be courageous and bold. When we see his name [on the building of the center], we should thank God for sending us Rev. Lawson.”
Expressing comparable awe, Bradford called Lawson “a civil rights icon, a social justice icon and a person who’s been getting in good trouble for 93 years. The actions and words and achievement of Rev. Lawson have contributed to the success and prosperity of not only African Americans that we enjoy today, but to all Americans.”
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block emphasized Lawson’s long relationship with the university in his remarks, mentioning that the school awarded the legendary minister with its highest honor – the UCLA Medal – in 2018.
“For over 60 years, James Lawson has insisted that humanity’s salvation lies in reason and compassion, not violence or exploitation. His vision and valor has mobilized Americans, changed this nation and inspired activists around the globe,” declared Block.
“As a longtime professor, he has set an example for students and colleagues and motivated new generations to make change where it’s needed most. Rev. Lawson, for your work and legacy, UCLA is eternally grateful. We deeply thank you.”
Other program participants were UMC Bishop Grant Hagiya, Rabbi Steven Jacobs, L.A. County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera, Assembly Speaker Anthony Reardon, California State Controller Betty Yee, UCLA Dean of Social Sciences Darnell Hunt, Abel Valenzuela of UCLA Institute for Research on Labor and Employment and Kent Wong of the UCLA Labor Center.
Also, Ashley Williams, Rebecca Ortega and Niquio Valcobero provided musical selections.
Some of the other people who contributed to the naming and funding of the UCLA James Lawson Worker Justice Center were Governor Gavin Newsom, California Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins, State Labor Federation Secretary/Treasurer Art Pulaski, L.A. County Democratic Party Chair Mark Gonzalez, former UC Regents Chair John Perez, former SEIU Workers Untied General Manager Cristina Vazquez, and UCLA Labor Center Capital Campaign Director Larry Frank.
At the close of the dedication ceremony, Lawson presented a charge to the crowd, stating, “Economic justice for our 331 million people in the U.S. is perhaps the most daunting, complex issue we face, but if we do not achieve it, if we cannot achieve it, we as a people, will have failed this extraordinary vision of ‘we hold these truths to be self-evident – that all are created equal, that all are endowed with certain inalienable rights – life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.’ Let us continue the struggle with all we can muster.”
Lawson’s new book, “Revolutionary Nonviolence – Organizing for Freedom,” will be released in February 2022 and includes a foreword by renowned activist and professor Angela Davis.
The publication features his teaching on nonviolence organizing as well as provides a guide for the next generation of activists to build effective social movements.
The multitudes of tributes reflect the tremendous impact of Jacqueline “Jacquie” Avant, both in greater Los Angeles and internationally.
Following news of her tragic death during a home invasion on December 1, salutes and commendations filled the airwaves attesting to her grace, elegance, and joy in assisting those less fortunate.
In fact, Jacquie Avant contacted “Sweet” Alice Harris, on Nov. 26 and committed to ask friends to contribute to Harris’ fundraiser to purchase bicycles for South L.A. children.
Known for her philanthropy, support of the arts and community engagement, Mrs. Avant was the wife of Clarence Avant, a music legend often referred to as “The Godfather of Black Music.” They are the parents of two children – Alexander and Nicole.
With the Avants having extensive involvement in the entertainment and political arenas, associates in both fields along with others who had long relationships with the family flooded social media with condolences and reflections.
“Jackie was one of the kindest, most caring and considerate people we’ve ever known. When she walked into a room, her style, elegance and class was always on display. Her dedication to Clarence, Alex and Nicole was a demonstration of pure strength. Our hearts are broken, but our friendship, love and the laughter we shared for over 40 years will live on forever,” said Danny and Aline Bakewell, Sr. of The Bakewell Company and lifelong friends of the Avant family. 
Danny Bakewell, Jr., Sentinel executive editor and executive vice president of The Bakewell Company, echoed that sentiment, saying, “The only way I can describe Mrs. Avant was BEAUTIFUL. She was beautiful, inside and out. I have known her, Mr. Avant, Nicole and Alex almost my entire life.
Seeing her smiling face always brought a joy to my heart and losing her hurt me more than words can explain.
As Nikki once said to me, ‘We are family,’ and this will forever remain true.
“My prayers go out to Mr. Avant, to Nicole and to Alex and to all of their family and everyone who was blessed enough to have known the ‘Fabulous Jacqueline Avant.’
She will forever be loved and will forever be missed, but will never be forgotten,” declared Bakewell Jr.
Offering comparable words, former President Bill Clinton issued a statement, calling Mrs. Avant “a wonderful woman, a great partner to Clarence and mother to Alex and Nicole, an active citizen and a dear friend to Hillary and me for 30 years. She inspired admiration, respect and affection in everyone who knew her. We are heartbroken. She will be deeply missed.''
Entertainment mogul and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey asserted, “I can only imagine how the Avant family feels. Jacqueline Avant was the classiest, kindest, and most calming presence.
The fact that this has happened, her being shot and killed in her own home, after giving, sharing and caring for 81 years, has shaken the laws of the universe.
The world is upside down. And deeply in need of some love today.”
While Clarence Avant was heralded for his achievements in the music industry, Jacquie Avant garnered equal accolades for her deeds in the areas of social services and equity.
As president of the Neighbors of Watts, she implemented a series of childcare initiatives to assist working parents.
Also, she was a member of the board of directors of UCLA's International Student Center and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
In addition, Mrs. Avant served two terms as president of the board of directors of the Museum of African Art of Los Angeles as well as volunteered as a docent in the Pavilion for Japanese Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Her love of Japanese art led to her developing an admirable collection of lacquer objects such as inkstone boxes, incense containers and pipe cases. Over the years, she amassed extensive knowledge on the topic, which resulted in invitations to speak about her collection at college campuses and civic organizations.
Mrs. Avant’s daughter, Nicole, explained how her mother’s interests affected her family in a 2019 interview with NBC News.
“Well, they’ve been married for 52 years, and my mom is really the one who brought to my father and our family the love and passion and importance of the arts and culture and entertainment.
“While my father was in it, making all of the deals, my mother was the one who gave me, for example, my love of literature, my love of filmmaking, my love of storytelling. Her bringing that energy and her passion for the arts kind of kept my dad balanced. She’s the umbrella in his life,” she said.
Her talents and dedication to these types of endeavors were highlighted by celebrities, elected officials, civic leaders and others sharing expressions about her death. Actress Viola Davis, songwriter Diane Warren and U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass were among those issuing statements.
“Mrs. Avant was a force of compassion and empowerment locally and nationally for decades, as well as a model of service and giving back to those who needed it most,” said Bass. 
“My dear friend, Jacquie Avant, was murdered. This kind and compassionate woman was a friend to so many and we simply cannot accept what has happened to her. My condolences to Clarence, Alex and Nicole. We mourn with you. Love, Maxine and Sidney,” said U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
Legendary musician Quincy Jones reflected, “The heaviness of my heart today is unlike any other that I have ever experienced in my life. The news of the tragic loss of my beautiful ‘sister-in-law’ Jacquie Avant is devastating beyond words.
She was the purest of souls in every sense, and was the Rock of Gibraltar for Clarence, their children, and her friends.
We are all, every single one of us, better people because Jacquie was in our lives. Dearest Jacquie, I will forever miss your gentle smile, your ‘side-eye’ glances, and the beauty that inhabited every fiber of your heart. God bless you.”
NBA Hall of Famer and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson stated, “Jacquie was the sweetest person you could ever meet. She had a beautiful soul, kind heart and always had a kind word for everybody. She was quiet, yet powerful and very smart. We are crying for Clarence, Nicole, & Alex’s loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.”
With similar emotion, producer/director Tyler Perry wrote, “My heart breaks for Clarence and Nicole and all the Avant family. This world can be so cruel and cold!! I have no idea what kind of sub-human could shoot an 81-year-old woman and in her own home.
But you can rest assured that every available resource will be used to find whoever is responsible for this awful nightmare. This is tremendously sad.”
Pauletta and Denzel Washington expressed, “We are extremely heartbroken and will truly miss Jacquie’s elegance, beauty and kindness. We send our love and prayers to Clarence, Nicole, Ted, and Alex.”
Also, Dr. Keith L. Black, professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, shared, “Jacquie was graceful and giving, a wonderful mother and wife. She enriched the lives of everyone she encountered. When my wife, Carol, and I moved to Los Angeles, she and Clarence welcomed us with open arms and we will be forever grateful. Jacquie worked to make her beloved community of Los Angeles better in so many ways. Her warm and beautiful smile will be so sorely missed.”
He added that Jacquie and Clarence Avant were “staunch supporters of advancing brain research,” which is an initiative headed by Dr. Black.
Dr. Earnestine Thomas-Robertson, chair/president of the Los Angeles-Lusaka Sister City Committee Lusaka City Club, noted that Mrs. Avant’s death left her “speechless all day.” Reflecting on their years of friendship, Thomas-Robertson said, “Mrs. Jackie Avant was a bridesmaid in my wedding many years ago. She supported the international endeavors of the Los Angeles-Lusaka Sister City Committee.”
During the administration of Mayor Tom Bradley, Thomas-Robertson and Avant worked on a major African project called, “Treasures of Ancient Nigeria,” which was the first exhibit of its kind in Los Angeles. Describing Mrs. Avant as having “an international presence that embraced the African continent,” Thomas-Robertson added, “She was humble, generous and had a joyful and devoted love for Mr. Avant and the children, Nicole and Alex.”
Like their parents, the Avant children have professions in similar fields. Alex is an entertainment executive and Nicole is a film producer who served as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas during the administration of President Barack Obama.
Also, she is the wife of Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and she was a co-producer of the Netflix film, “The Black Godfather,” which is a documentary about her father's life and career.
Reginald Hudlin, who directed “The Black Godfather,” issued a statement saying, “Jacquie was the epitome of grace, elegance, kindness, and good taste. Like so many people in Hollywood, I owe so much to the mentorship and generosity of Clarence and Jacquie.”
Remembering the strong bonds that Jacquie Avant inspired, Debra L. Lee, co-founder and partner of The Monarchs Collective and former CEO of BET Networks, commented, “Jacqui Avant was my friend. I loved being around her. She was smart, elegant, stylish, beautiful, caring, compassionate, funny and she loved unconditionally. She loved her children, Nicole and Alex, her many friends, her community and her husband of 54 years, Clarence Avant.
“She did so much and gave so much to this community. She worked behind the scenes and in front when necessary to make this community better. She loved art and her collection of Asian lacquer boxes. She had a heart of gold and the patience of Job. She laughed at Clarence’s jokes, filled in the blanks of his stories and let Clarence be Clarence. She always made me feel welcomed and a part of her family. I am blessed in that way.”
Businesswoman and community activist Dale Cochran recalled, “Jacquie was the epitome of grace, class, style. beauty, and marvelous taste for the almost 35 years that I’ve known her. Her senseless tragedy defies credulity, as she was the kindest and one of the most generous people that I knew.
“She has been and always will be a role model to me and generations of young women who aspire to do well and do good at the same time. She has left an indelible imprint on my soul,” added Cochran, who also serves on Cedars-Sinai board of directors.
A native of Jamaica Queens, New York, the former Jacqueline Alberta Gray was born on March 6, 1940. She previously worked as a hospital technician and phlebotomist before becoming a runway model for Ebony Fashion Fair, the premier traveling fashion show where African Americans modeled outfits by renowned European designers such as Pierre Cardin, Givenchy, Yves St. Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier. 
While pursuing this profession, she met Clarence Avant, then a rising star as an executive in the music recording industry.
In “The Black Godfather,” she recounted the lengths that her future husband went to in his efforts to impress her, such as introducing her to stars like Harry Belafonte and taking her to famous clubs.
“He’d always have a car pick me up and I thought, ‘Who is this guy?’ And then one day, I guess he was really trying to win me over and for some reason, he mentioned how much he paid the Internal Revenue Service,” Mrs. Avant remembered. “I guess he was trying to tell me how much [money] he must have made.”
The couple eventually married and their union lasted 54 years. Together, they made significant impacts on various areas of life, both in Los Angeles and the world.
Clarence Avant’s accomplishments in the music industry were recognized in October with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Avant family was on hand to applaud the momentous achievement.
BHPD Chief Mark Stainbrook read the following statement on behalf of the Avant family: “The entire Avant family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love, support and condolences for Jacqueline Avant.
“Jacqueline was an amazing woman, wife, mother and philanthropist and a 55-year resident of Beverly Hills who has made an immeasurable positive contribution and impact on the arts community. She will be missed by her family, friends and all of the people she has helped throughout her amazing life.”
On December 2, Stainbrook announced that 29-year-old Aariel Maynor was arrested for the slaying of Mrs. Avant during a break-in of the family’s home in the Trousdale Estates neighborhood in Beverly Hills. When he was detained, Maynor had an AR-15 rifle, which police described as a “suspected weapon” from the crime. Stainbrook added that thus far, Maynor is the only “one suspect involved in the crime.”
Upon hearing about the arrest, the Avant and Sarandos families released a statement expressing, “Our deepest gratitude to the city of Beverly Hills, the BHPD and all law enforcement for their diligence on this matter. Now, let justice be served.”
The family also requested that in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to the Jacqueline Avant Memorial Fund for the new MLK Children’s Center in Watts, as per Jacquie’s wishes. Contributions to the fundcan also be mailed to P.O. Box 811473, Los Angeles, CA 90081. More information is available on the MLK Health and Wellness Development Corporation website at www.mlk-cdc.org.
City News Service contributed to this report.