On Saturday, October 17, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. PST, Bakewell Media and the Los Angeles Sentinel will present the Taste of Soul Online and On-time Virtual Concert, sponsored by Hyundai.  The virtual event will feature a wide array of talent. Participants can access the Taste of Soul event via livestream at www.tasteofsoul.org.

The anticipated virtual show will be 6pm-8pm P.S.T and will feature musical performances by artists such as: After 7, Anthony Hamilton, Deborah Joy Winans, Doug E. Fresh, En Vogue, Fred Hammond, Kool Moe Dee, MAJOR. and more! The show will be hosted by comedian and actress, Kym Whitley. Local politicians and community leaders will be featured to discuss information about health, voting and current events. There will be celebrity appearances by Darrin Dewitt Henson, Dr. Bobby Jones, Faithe C. Herman, Kim Fields, Lamman Rucker, Loni Love, Wendy Raquel Robinson and more! DJ Mal-ski will host the final part of the show: the Virtual Taste of Soul House Party from 8pm-9pm P.S.T.

 

Kym Whitley

Known from her frequent appearances on Larry David’s groundbreaking HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” or “The Tom Joyner Morning Show,” a nationally syndicated radio program, Kym Whitley is a multi-talented comedienne, actress, activist, author and —mother.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Kym has been based in Los Angeles for years. She was a schoolteacher in Compton back in the day but always loved performing and, especially, comedy. A chance encounter with the legendary Redd Foxx (who told her she had “the comedic goods”) led her to pursue acting more seriously.  Her first performance was in the Shelley Garrett play, “Beauty Shop,” which started in L.A. and wound up doing a national tour. In the mid-to-late 90s, Kym appeared in “Married with Children,” “Moesha,” and “The Wayans Brothers” among others. She is also no stranger to the big screen. Her first big film role was as Auntie Suga in the 2000 film, “Next Friday.” Since then, she has appeared in “The Nutty Professor,” “Along Came Polly,” “College Road Trip” and dozens of other films.  She also voiced the character, Melonee in 2011’s “Rango.” As of late, some of Kym’s projects have become more personal. She adopted her son, Joshua in 2011 when he was just three-days-old. Oprah Winfrey tapped Kym for the reality TV series, “Raising Whitley,” which ran on the OWN Network and essentially told Kim and her son’s story. In addition to all her work as an entertainer, Kym is a dedicated activist. Her ‘Don’t Feed Me’ campaign started out as something she did for Joshua but evolved into an ongoing, high profile project to raise awareness of food allergies for children and adults.  Kym holds an honorary doctorate from UVa — Lynchburg and serves on the boards of both The Jefferson Homes Adoption & Foster Home and The Special Needs Network.

 

DJ Mal-Ski

DJ Mal-Ski is a DJ and producer, who crosses musical and cultural genres. He has worked with many artists who include Kanye West, the group Mary Mary, and Stevie Wonder to name a few and has been one of the featured DJs on 102.3 KJLH FM. DJ Mal-Ski has performed at a variety of venues, being the official DJ at the L.A. Coliseum for the L.A. Rams, USC Trojans and at The Staples Center for the L.A. Sparks. He has also been a DJ at The Grammy Awards Luncheon and the NAACP Award Breakfast to name a few venues. DJ Mal-Ski’s current residency is with Morongo Casino in Palm Springs. As a producer, Mal-Ski has worked with R&B artist, Kenny Lattimore on his album “Anatomy of A Love Song,” and singer and actress, Jill Scott’s #1 R&B album, “Light of The Sun.” Mal-Ski released an EP, “Light Show” in March 2017, which he aimed to set a new standard in music. He has also composed and written theme songs for television shows for several networks, composed and written original scores for award-winning independent films such as “In Disbelief” and for award-winning theatrical productions such as “From The Edge.”

 

Anthony Hamilton

Anthony Hamilton is a GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and actor, who has achieved global sales of over 50 million albums. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee notably performed for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle, cementing his place in the history books as the “narrator of love.”

His raw, awe-inspiring performances garnered the attention of NPR, where he starred in their Noteworthy documentary series. He appeared in “American Gangster” and lent his voice to "Freedom" from the Academy® Award-nominated “Django Unchained.” Additionally, Hamilton became the "first R&B artist to sell an album at Cracker Barrel."

 

MAJOR.

MAJOR. is a contemporary R&B singer and songwriter whose work is rooted in classic soul with pop influences. His career took off after he signed with Harmony Samuels' B.O.E. Music Group. He released his debut album for the label, “I Am MAJOR.” in 2016. The single "Why I Love You," earned the admiration of legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder and Patti LaBelle and peaked at number five on Billboard's Adult R&B Songs chart. This success was followed in 2017 with songs, "Honest," a remix of "Why I Love You," featuring Shaggy and Rock City, and the artist's third charting single, "Spend Christmas with You.  Major. Is also known for his hit song of consciousness, “Change Right Now.” The song is a call-to-action in response to the police shooting and senseless deaths of two African-American men, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.

 

Doug E. Fresh

The first human beatbox in the rap world, Doug E. Fresh amazed audiences with his mouthed imitations of drum machines, effects, and samples of hip-hop classics. He made his first appearance as an artist in 1983 on a single for Spotlight called “Pass the Budda,” with Spoonie Gee and DJ Spivey. His introduction to most hip-hop fans was with his performance in “Beat Street” behind the Treacherous Three. His first solo feature came in 1984, with “Just Having Fun,” waxed for Enjoy, and “Original Human Beatbox” for Vinentertainment. In 1985, he was one of the biggest names in rap music, and his first single for Reality, “The Show/La Di Da Di,” became a hip-hop classic. His first LP, 1987’s “Oh, My God!” featured most of his showpieces, like “Play This Only at Night” and “All the Way to Heaven,” along with nods to reggae and even gospel. In 1988, he released his second album, “The World’s Greatest Entertainer,” which reached the Billboard thanks to single, “Keep Risin’ to the Top.”

 

 

 

Fred Hammond

Active since the mid-'80s, Fred Hammond is one of the most popular praise & worship leaders in contemporary gospel music. He began singing with his church choir at the age of 12, played bass and sang with the gospel group, The Winans during the early '80s, then joined the group Commissioned later in the decade, showcasing his skills in arranging, production, and songwriting. Hammond's solo career began in 1991 with solo releases or as group efforts featuring the choir Radical for Christ, and has won Dove and Stellar awards.

While with Verity, Pages of Life: Chapters I & II (1998), “Free to Worship” (2006), and “God, Love & Romance” (2012) topped Billboard's gospel chart. Hammond’s “I Will Trust” (2014) hit the Top Gospel albums chart the week of its release. He followed with the live “Worship Journal” in 2016. In 2018, he returned with “Uncle Fred: Texture of a Man.” Hammond has worked with a cross-generational, gospel musicians, including the Williams Brothers, Yolanda Adams, and Israel & New Breed.

 

Kool Moe Dee

Mohandas Dewese, better known by his stage name, Kool Moe Dee, was one of the first rappers to earn a Grammy Award and was the first rapper to perform at the Grammys. In 1986, he went solo, releasing a self-titled album that ranked 83 on Billboard. Kool Moe Dee released his second album, “How Ya Like Me Now?” which was his most successful album commercially, achieving platinum status. He then went on to release his third album, “Knowledge Is King” in 1989, which went gold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Darrin Dewitt Henson

The multi-talented Darrin Dewitt is known for his role as ex-convict and family man, Lem Van Adams, on the hit Showtime series, “Soul Food.” In 2015, Henson was featured in the film “Chocolate City,” an African American version of “Magic Mike.” An incomparable choreographer, he has worked with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears and 'N Sync. Henson got his start with the late legendary Hip-Hop DJ, Scott La Rock of Boogie Down Productions at age 14, when he joined La Rock’s Vermont school tour. Darrin Dewitt Henson has hosted for Taste of Soul’s StarQuest Talent Competition.

The Taste of Soul Virtual event welcomes multi-talented performers and artists: AFTER 7, Deborah Joy Winans, Lamman Rucker, Loni love, Kim Fields, Dr. Bobby Jones, Faithe C. Herman, Wendy Raquel Robinson and Jade Novah.

 

 

 

En Vogue

In an industry full of imitators, En Vogue distinguished themselves as innovators in both fashion and music.

Their album, “Born to Sing,” went nearly double platinum and the hits kept coming: “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It),” the Aretha Franklin remake “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” and “Free Your Mind” came from the “Funky Divas,” their 1992 sophomore effort, and “Don’t Let Go [Love]” from the “Set It Off” soundtrack and EV3, their third album in 1996 and 1997 respectively. They also joined forces with pioneering female rappers, Salt-N-Pepa for 1993’s “Whatta Man,” an ode to good men everywhere. To honor En Vogue’s 30th anniversary, Rhino/WMG has released an expanded and remastered digital version of a 21-track collection featuring a selection of rare mixes, many of which are only now available digitally.

 

After 7

After 7 are Grammy and American Music Award nominees with a distinctive R&B sound, that reached a 30-year musical milestone in 2019. In 1988, original members Kevon Edmonds, Melvin Edmonds and Keith Mitchell were brought to Virgin Records by legendary hit-making duo Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. Their self-titled 1989 debut album reached platinum producing two #1 Billboard R&B singles, reaching top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, and were certified gold “Can’t Stop” and “Ready or Not.” In 1992, their sophomore project, “Takin’ My Time,” was certified gold: reaching #8 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart. In addition, After 7 released 2 singles, “Nights Like This,” used for the film soundtrack, “The Five Heartbeats” and “Not Enough Hours In The Night” for the TV soundtrack, “Beverly Hills 90210.” Their 3rd album, “Reflections,” released in 1995, spawned the lead single, “Till You Do Me Right” another Top 10 hit. Two compilation albums, “The Very Best of After 7” (1997) and “The Best of After 7” (2003), were also released. In May 2019, the group and fans worldwide mourned the sudden loss of original member Melvin Edmonds. In the late summer of 2019, songwriter and vocalist, Danny “SkyHigh” McClain succeeded Jason Edmonds. Recipients of the NAACP Image Award, After 7 has continued to date to be honored with countless awards and accolades.

 

Deborah Joy Winans

Actress and singer, Deborah Joy Winans, starred in the OWN family-drama series, “Greenleaf” from Executive Producer Oprah Winfrey. Winans and her brother, Juan, starred as their real-life aunt and uncle, Cece and Bebe Winans on stage in the musical “Born for This.”

The play, written by Bebe Winans and Charles Randolph-Wright (Motown), was performed in Atlanta and Washington D.C. at The Arena Stage. Winans was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and is part of the renowned gospel Winans family. Contrary to her family’s musical legacy, she was passionate about acting and the singing came later at the age of 18, when she was asked to act and sing in a church theatrical production.

 

 

Lamman Rucker

Lamman Rucker made his television debut in the year 2002, when he was cast for the role of T. Marshall Travers in the television soap opera, “As the World Turns.”

 

His most popular role came as Garrett Williams in “All My Children,” in the year 2005. He has worked in many television shows which include “All of Us,” “Law & Order,” “House of Payne,” and most recently, “Greenleaf.”

He made his movie debut in 1998 when he was cast for the role of Jimmy Ruffin in the movie, “The Temptations.” He is known for portraying the role of Sheriff Troy in the movie “Why Did I Get Married” and its sequel “Why Did I Get Married Too.” He is also known for the popular role of Will Brown in the 2008 movie “Meet the Browns.” In his career, he has worked in several movies which include “The Bachelor Party,” “Black Coffee,” and “The Man in 3B” to name a few.

 

Loni Love

While in college, Loni Love began dabbling in stand up, loving every minute of captivating an audience with her comedy. When she graduated from college, she took an engineering job in California, which worked for both her chosen vocation and her ‘side-gig’ as a comedienne. She quickly became a regular at the legendary Laugh Factory, working during the day as an engineer and at night doing her comedy. In 2003, she was a finalist on the revived Star Search, and not long after, Loni won the jury prize for Best Stand-Up.

From there, she was invited to showcase on HBO’s U.S Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. At this point, it was time to make a career change towards comedy. Love is currently a co-host of “The Real,” the one-hour daily talk show on Fox stations. Most recently, “The Real” has received a 2019 Daytime Emmy nomination for Best Talk show, as well as Loni and her co-hosts receiving the nomination for Best Talk Show Hosts. The show was nominated for four EMMY Awards, including Outstanding Talk Show, and won the EMMY for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Hosts. “The Real” also won a 2018 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Talk Series.

 

Kim Fields

Kim Fields is a veteran actress, director, producer and writer. Fields is best known for her starring roles in two iconic shows: “Living Single” and “The Facts of Life.” She has also appeared in many other film and television projects, including HBO's “The Comeback,” TBS's “Meet the Browns,” Lifetime's “The Division” and “Strong Medicine,” and A&E's “The Cleaner.”  Fields joined the cast of Bravo's “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” for one season.

She also competed in season 22 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Additional recent roles include the television movie “A Cross to Bear,” “What to Expect When You're Expecting,” and Hallmark Channel's “For Better or for Worse.” Fields starred in her third Holiday Love Christmas special, which she also produced, co-wrote and directed. She has directed hundreds of episodes of television on programs, including TV One's “The Rickey Smiley Show,” Nickelodeon's “Kenan & Kel,” FOX's “Living Single” and BET's “Let's Stay Together.” She also directed two of Tyler Perry's TBS series: “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne.” Fields is an award-winning film director and was awarded the honor of Director of the Year for her work on the short film Silent Bomb by the Black American Cinema Society.

 

 

 

Dr. Bobby Jones

Bobby Jones is a Grammy Award–winning Gospel music singer and television host from Nashville, Tennessee and the host and executive producer of several cable television's gospel music programs, including “Bobby Jones Gospel.” Jones has produced programs for BET since 1980, consistently ranking in the Top 5 of overall BET weekly programming.

 

In addition to his work for BET, Jones produced and hosted a similar half-hour program for WDCN-TV (now WNPT), Nashville's public television outlet, during the early 1980s. Bobby Jones Gospel lays claim to offering the first prime exposure to several Gospel music solo artists and groups including Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, and Smokie Norful.

Other artists featured have included Albertina Walker, Patti Labelle, and Dorothy Norwood. Jones also hosts shows for other television networks, including Bobby Jones' Next Generation on the Gospel Music Channel and Bobby Jones Presents for The Word Network.

On radio, he is the host of “Bobby Jones Gospel Countdown,” in addition to the “Bobby Jones Radio Show,” which is heard on Sheridan Gospel Network. Jones also oversees the Nashville Super Choir. The choral ensemble boasts prominent soloists and serves as the vocal collective for his BET series.

Jones is also the recipient of a Dove Award, three Stellar Awards, and a Presidential commendation from President George W. Bush. Jones has authored two books, his 2000 memoir, “Make A Joyful Noise” (St. Martins Press). In 1999, Jones released “Touched by God” (Simon & Schuster), a collection of inspirational stories by top Gospel artists about how God has changed their lives. Dr. Bobby Jones, leader of The Nashville Super Choir, has now opened his own production studio, Visions, located in Nashville, TN.

 

 

 

Faithe C. Herman

Faithe C. Herman started working in the Entertainment Industry doing background work with Kids Management. In August 2014, she signed with BMG Model & Talent, going on numerous auditions. Faithe had her big break when she auditioned for her first pilot, then titled, “The Untitled Dan Fogelman Project.” After two auditions, Herman landed the recurring co-star role of Annie Pearson in December 2015. Soon after shooting the pilot in January 2016, The Untitled Dan Fogelman Project, became “This Is Us.” Faithe is now a series regular on the show. In 2019, Herman starred in the superhero film “Shazam” with Zachary Levi, where her adult version was portrayed by actress, Meagan Good. When Herman has free time, she loves taking ballet classes, dance and art.

 

Wendy Raquel Robinson

Wendy Raquel Robinson is a Best Actress NAACP Image Award recipient, known for her groundbreaking roles as ambitious, leading women on television.  With a plethora of projects under Robinson’s belt, some of her credits include, Comedy Central’s scripted Motor City comedy series, “Detroiters.” She also has a recurring role on Netflix “Dear White People,” and HBO “Insecure.”  

She recently portrayed “Mrs. P” in ABC’s bold, provocative drama “Grand Hotel.” Her additional film credits include "Miss Congeniality," “Something New,” “Rebound,” “Two Can Play That Game,” ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy," Nickelodeon’s “See Dad Run,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “The Parkers,” “One on One,” ABC’s hit animated show, “The Proud Family,” “Family Guy,”  “Cedric the Entertainer’s Presents!” and NBC’s “Minor Adjustments.”  Her recent theatrical roles include JeCaryous Johnson’s “Things Your Man Won’t Do” and “Extremities,” directed by Brent Jennings. Her passion for educating youth interested in the performing arts allowed her and the late Tracy Coley to create a platform for youth; they co-founded Amazing Grace Conservatory, a theatrical training institute, that for over 20 years has been servicing at-risk youth, ages 5-18 years old, training and developing them as emerging well-rounded, culturally-aware artists.  Notable alumni include: Issa Rae, Ashton Sanders, and Aldis Hodge to name a few. Robinson was honored as one of KJLH 102.3 2017 Proven Achievers, the 2017 recipient of Selective Corporate Internship Program (SCIP) Humanitarian of The Year Award, and Junior Achievement of Southern California’s, and a “Spirit of Achievement Award.”  She was also honored with a Torch Award, “Spirit of Dance Award” for her philanthropic work in the Los Angeles community.  In 2019, Amazing Grace Conservatory was named as one of California’s 2019 Non-profits of the Year.

 

 

 

Jade Novah

Versatile contemporary R&B singer and songwriter, Lindsay Fields combines her love of both music and acting under the alias Jade Novah. After working as a backup singer and a songwriter-for-hire, she made her recording debut as Novah with the “Shades of Jade” mixtape in 2012. Novah is also known for her musical sketch comedy videos and her fully produced cover videos, including a version of Rihanna's "Diamonds" that got over ten million views on YouTube.

After a random meeting with Missy Elliott, she sang backup on her 2003 album, “This Is Not a Test!” Later, Fields earned a spot as a back-ground singer on tour for the Tyler Perry show’s “Madea's Big Happy Family.”

Deciding to focus on songwriting, she began attending writing camps while networking as a songwriter in New York and L.A. She eventually landed a publishing deal, and wrote songs for the likes of Mya, Melanie Fiona, and Christina Milian as part of the writing group the Pen Up Dolls. Over the next few years, Fields continued to find work as a songwriter and touring vocalist (Rihanna, Lady Gaga), all the while continuing to work on her own music.

Jade Novah's official debut album, “All Blue,” followed in mid-2018 via Let There Be Art/Empire.

Taste of Soul is a community event that highlights SoCal’s Black cultural experience fused with diverse cultures and traditions. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the street festival due to social distancing guidelines.

The 15th Annual Taste of Soul Goes Virtual event will keep the tradition going, keeping everyone safe and bringing the best in entertainment.

For more exciting line-up announcements, go to www.tasteofsoul.org or follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Stay tuned into your weekly L.A. Sentinel (print and digital) for more information on how you can support Black businesses.

 

 

There is something regal about “Selma” star, David Oyelowo (oh-YEL-ə-woh). You experience that sense of sturdiness in his film roles or interviewing him in person or virtually which was the case, last week, as part of TIFF’s master series. 

Stepping behind the camera directing his first film “The Water Man,” which screened at TIFF — he’s tapped into his childhood to make an adventure fantasy film where young Black kids can see themselves on screen.

The adventure, fantasy is written by Emma Needell. The story centers around a sensitive young boy, (Lonnie Chavis) who tries to save his mother (Rosario Dawson) from terminal cancer.

He does so by going in search of the town’s bogeyman, “The Water Man,” who is fabled to have conquered death.

The film, which Oyelowo also produces and stars in, is executive produced by Oprah Winfrey.

 

 

A bit about Oyelowo — in case you’ve been living under a rock without wifi, he’s British-American and the actor, producer, and now director is best known for his high-profile role to as Martin Luther King Jr., in the 2014 biographical drama film “Selma” directed by Ava DuVernay.

Some of his other credits include “A United Kingdom” (2016); “Queen of Katwe “(2016); “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011); “Lincoln “(2012), “Jack Reacher” (2012) and “The Butler” (2013). On television, he played MI5 officer Danny Hunter on the British drama series “Spooks” (2002–2004) and Javert in the BBC miniseries “Les Misérables” (2018).

Oyelowo shared that adventure pictures like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestial,” “The Goonies,” and “Stand By Me” served as inspiration.

Adding that those family-friendly films he watched growing up inspired his creative collaboration with his cast Rosario Dawson, Lonnie Chavis, Amiah Miller, Alfred Molina, and Maria Bello.  Here is what Oyelowo shares about directing and giving life to his new film — “The Water Man.”

WHO DID YOU MAKE THIS FILM FOR AND WHY?

I made it for my 12-year-old self. I made it for those kids who don't get to see themselves represented in this kind of story.

It's very rare to see a Black family at the center of this kind of story. And I'm not just making it for Black and Brown people.

I'm hoping that White people will watch it and see themselves represented in it because I believe seeing ourselves in different kinds of people is what engenders empathy and erodes ignorance.

And at this moment of so much division and divisiveness, anything that one can put out into the world that makes us feel more connected, I want to be part of that.

ON DIRECTING

Well, I did know that I wanted to direct. I have had a blessed career in terms of working with some truly phenomenal directors and I have always thought that was going to be my film school.

And when I was beautifully persuaded by Emma [Needell] to direct this I went to one of those great directors. I spoke with Ava DuVernay.

WHAT DID THESE DIRECTORS TEACH YOU?

The common thread I’ve seen with great directors is they hire great people who they trust to do their job well, which releases the director to do their job well, which is having an overview of the total vision for the story.

The less successful experiences I’ve had are when I’ve seen directors who are trying to micromanage everyone and tell them what their job is and how to do it well. I think hiring great people is the number one job of a director, and then empowering them to do their job well.

ON FANTASY FILMS

I have four kids, and I love watching movies with them, and I love watching movies which I grew up enjoying, and those films had adventure and escapism, but they also have a depth and a meaning to them.

You know, juxtaposing the world and struggle through the eyes of a child, and how we approach it as a grown-up, it makes it more relatable and it reminds us of what's important.

It enables grown-ups to reconnect with the truth of what love is through the eyes of a child who is discovering it in real-time.

WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THIS FILM?

What really drew me to the film is the fact that it has such heart. I love the themes of self-sacrifice. It has a huge adventure component to it.

But it’s also a film about navigating potential loss and discovering purpose. And whenever you find a film centered around kids that can have both adventure and meaning, I think that’s a pretty potent mix.

HOW BEING AN ACTOR HELPED HIM AS A DIRECTOR

There is so much more that goes into the making of a film, and I personally think some actors get a little self-important because we focus so much on what actors bring to a film.

But the crew and the work they do, and the post-production crew — there’s just so much that goes into making a film. And that is something that I now appreciate even more than I did before now that I’ve really interacted and intersected with all of those different facets of what goes into making a movie.

ON STORYTELL­ING

Look, storytelling is important. It’s not going to be how it is in the past. But this is something that people want and need.

We made this film before the pandemic, before a time where we anticipated everyone would be having to contemplate the illness or the potential death of their loved ones and how we can be socially and culturally responsible in order to try and avoid that.

But what is always going to be the case is that if you truly love someone, you know that to do anything you can to protect them is what love looks like. So to see that through the eyes of this 11-year-old boy, I believe everyone can relate.

ON HOW HIS KIDS (18, 15, 12, and 8) REACTED TO “THE WATER MAN”

That was the most nerve-wracking thing, showing it to my kids. Thankfully, Daddy did OK. They love the film (and) they recognize themselves in the film.

Noted activist, playwright and novelist, James Baldwin, wrote “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”  His words are as relevant today as they were when Baldwin first wrote them.

The world is out of sync.  The economy is on the brink of collapse, businesses are failing at an unprecedented rate, and unemployment is at an all-time high. 

Schools are forced to be session virtually, and while COVID-19 has already killed over 200,000, unfortunately Black and Brown people have died at far higher and disproportionate rate than others.  No matter what the current presidential propaganda is, we are not likely to see a vaccine for at least another 6 to12 months and the realistic perspective of what it will take to get life back to a “new normal,” is like trying to figure out who has the coronavirus and who doesn’t?

Whether you are a political junkie, a Black Lives Matter activist, or just working every day to do the best of your abilities for yourself and your family, this election will set the course for your life and the life of future generations for years to come!  Our reality is that November 3, 2020, will be our day of reckoning; a day that we as Black men and women will come to reckon with the simple fact that the Black community, not only here in Los Angeles, but across the country, will either rise up and let our voices be heard or we will stay home and passively allow others to decide what our destiny and future will be. 

Voting is a sacred right.  Many of our ancestors fought and died for us to have this right.  Many have been beaten, jailed and died to ensure that our vote and our voices would someday be heard.  We have all seen and heard of the attacks from the current White House Administration to weaken and or water down our right to vote.  We cannot and we will not let these actions occur.  Whether you intend to vote by mail or show up to the polls, we must make sure that our votes and our voices are heard loud and clear. 

It is easy to focus on the Presidential election, and for many of us, the answer is clear and simple.  Do we continue forward with the current Presidential Administration, an administration that cares nothing about our community, that cares nothing about our issues and cares nothing about our quality of life.  Or, do we embrace change, do we vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and begin to find a way out of the misery and nightmarish state we have suffered through for the past four years? Do we continue ignoring the devastation that America has been under from COVID-19? Do we watch passively as a government moves forward and the rich get richer, while the Black community, communities of color, women, and all good people of good will, concern and compassion for one another, continue to suffer? 

Los Angeles, we must show up to vote in mass; we must make it our responsibility to not only vote, but we must ensure that our family and friends also vote.  We must create phone banks of people and check-ins with our family and friends in other states to see to it that they too have cast their votes. 

The truth is, that California is a very Democratic state and most likely, California and its 55 electoral college votes will go to the Biden/Harris ticket.  But, what about the other states? What about those swing states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan or those bubble states like Arizona, Nevada and even Texas? 

We can be the swing that tips the scales of righteousness in our favor.  Just think, if we show up in mass and vote, like we never have before, how strong the Black vote could be.  We can make the difference on who will lead this country out of the pandemic and into the future ... that would be real power.

MONEY CAN’T BUY OUR LOVE

But, there are other elections at hand that we must pay equal attention to.  The Republican Party has put millions of dollars into the campaign to support agent provocateur Joe Collins for Congress in an attempt to defeat Congresswoman Maxine Waters. 

We, as Black voters can play a major role in sending a message, loud and clear, that some things and some people are afraid, and that no one is allowed to try and distract or twist our loyalty by agent provocateurs disguised as change agents attempting to do other people’s bidding.   

First, question is who is Joe Collins?  Where did he come from and who is funding his multi-million-dollar campaign against our Congresswoman, our member of congress who has not been afraid to ask the tough questions when the tough questions weren’t popular, and who is never afraid to stand up for US.  In this election, we must say NO! 

We must show up and let our voices be heard.  Let every and anyone know that there is no amount of money that they can spend that will compromise our allegiance to those who have stood with us when others turned their backs. 

Our pride, our opinion and our loyalty will not be bought and cannot be compromised, and we will take issue with anyone who sells us out and chooses dollars over dedication.

 

SUPERVISOR

While this race has two strong African American candidates, both vying to replace Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who is leaving office because of term limits, it is Los Angeles Councilman and former Council president, Herb Wesson, who has become the clear choice to become the newest member of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, representing the 2nd Supervisorial District.

The Second District is the home to the largest population of African Americans within the County of Los Angeles and Wesson has been able to garner a large and broad supporter base from across the district.  He has been endorsed by Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, the Los Angeles Federation of Labor and the Los Angles Sentinel. 

Wesson has also received the support and endorsement of mayors from across the 2nd District, including Mayors Eric Garcetti (Los Angeles), James Butts (Inglewood), Tasha Cerda (Gardena), Luis Solache (Lynwood) Alex Vargas (Hawthorne).  He has also received the endorsement of former 2nd District Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke, who is the first woman and first African American ever elected to the Board of Supervisors.

Black Votes Matter

No race in Los Angeles creates more debate than the race for Los Angeles District Attorney.  The current District Attorney, Jackie Lacey, is not the most popular candidate (even though she barely missed out on securing over 50 percent of the vote in the March primary to avoid a runoff), and not everyone is excited or confident about her effectiveness as District Attorney. 

 

However, her opponent, George Gascon, has an equally questionable background.  Many of the allegations that Lacey has been accused of here, in Los Angeles, Gascon has also been accused of during his time as District Attorney in San Francisco.  In addition to the allegations that Gascon was not an effective district attorney in the Bay area, we must also not forget that Gascon is a former LAPD officer who rose up and through the ranks as a loyal officer under former Police Chief Darryl Gates. 

Yes, the same Darryl Gates who pulled LAPD out of South Los Angeles during the Rodney King Verdict Rebellion; the creator of the Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums (CRASH) unit, the same police chief who created and believed in the “Chokehold,” which Sentinel Publisher and civil rights activist, Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., former Urban League president, John Mack, First AME Pastor Cecil “Chip” Murray, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters, successfully fought to have banned as a permittable use of force by LAPD.

The Chokehold was responsible for the deaths of countless Black men and women by the police long before the cell phone camera brought police brutality into the light of the public eye. 

EXPERIENCE COUNTS

In 1963, former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley broke through the glass ceiling to become the first African American elected to represent the 10th Council District of Los Angeles.  Bradley held this seat for 10 years, until he was elected mayor of the city in 1973. 

Following in Bradley’s footsteps, the seat has been one of only three seats considered by most as an African American seat. 

 

The 10th District covers some of the most diverse parts of the city, but the district is also home to some of the most sacred parts of the Los Angeles African American community. 

Now, former Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas is running to replace Herb Wesson as the councilman for the district.

Ridley-Thomas is no newcomer to Los Angeles or California politics and has a track record second to none.  He was first elected to the City Council, representing the 8th District in 1991, then went on to serve in the California Assembly and the California State Senate before replacing Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, representing the Second District.

Ridley-Thomas narrowly avoided a runoff and almost won the seat outright, but a field of five candidates vying for the office in the runoff made garnering the 50 percent +1 an almost mathematical impossibility. 

Ridley-Thomas has the track record, experience and expertise necessary to help guide the 10th Council District through the challenging times that the district and the City face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the drastic losses in City revenue and the need for experienced leadership as Los Angeles works to both socially and economically recover from the devastation of 2020. 

To add to Ridley-Thomas' ability to assist the City in moving forward, his knowledge of how the County of Los Angeles and the resources they possess and can provide, will be a critical element as the County and the State will all need to work together to help the entire city recover.

SERVICE REMAINS THE PRIORITY

Reggie Jones-Sawyer has been the Assemblyman for the 59th Assembly District for the past eight years.  During his time in the legislature, he has been one of the leading proponents in prison reform and re-entry assistance. 

 

He has advocated for housing and job training for those formerly incarcerated, as well as been of the State’s leading advocates for creating programs to deter the school-to-prison pipeline for underserved communities.

Jones-Sawyers 59th Assembly seat has been the target of outside influencers who see the seat as a “Latin Seat.”  However, Jones-Sawyer sees the seat and the office he holds as a seat of the people. 

He has actively been working throughout the community ensuring that his district has all of the resources his constituents need to navigate through the challenges and obstacles created by COVID-19 and the effects of the pandemic.

Jones-Sawyer is and remains and effective leader, deserving of the community’s support and VOTE.  We need to reward good and steady leadership and experience during these trying times and there is not a more effective leader in Los Angeles representing our community in Sacramento than Reggie Jones-Sawyer.

WE MUST VOTE, OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT

This election has numerous candidates and issues that can and will affect our community, both in the short and long run.  The candidates we elect can and will change the narrative for our community for the next several years and we must make sure our vote and our choices are loud and clear.   

The challenges that face our community and our people are tough and we need to make sure that we show up and vote for those leaders who will represent us and our issues to the fullest.  

 

This article is but a small glimpse into why certain races and certain candidates need our support and our vote now, more than ever, and we hope that you all take these thoughts into careful consideration as you show up and vote on November 3, 2020.