“As Californians, we have to grow together,” said former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who is now a heavyweight contender in a packed race toward the June 5 primaries for California’s next governor. Villaraigosa spoke to the Sentinel this week about his plans for the state’s infrastructure, economy, educational system and healthcare system. His mission, he said, is to be a governor for “everyone… from Nickerson Gardens, to Panorama City, to the Bay Area”, and everywhere in between.
One of the major parts of his plan is to strengthen the state’s middle class, creating a more viable economy here through effective education, jobs, and a health system that promotes preventative and comprehensive care.
“California is the 6th largest economy in the world, but we also have the highest effective poverty rate in the country. We can’t leave so many people behind,” Villaraigosa.
“We live in a progressive state, but California can’t truly be progressive unless we are making progress for everyone. To be truly progressive, we need a constant and consistent focus on closing the gap between rich and poor by lifting more Californians into the middle class and keeping them there.”
The long time politician said the sacrifices of those who fought for equality here in the Golden State were the foundation of his own career and personal success. As governor, he wants to help other Californians in the same way. Villaraigosa, 65, grew up in East Los Angeles, raised by a single mother.
At age 16, a spinal tumor paralyzed him from the waist down, a crisis that left him with a self-defeating attitude and a sense of hopelessness. Failing grades, fighting and ultimately suspension led him to drop out of Cathedral High School. But with the help of public high school teacher Herman Katz, Villaraigosa was able to get back on track.
“I was one of those kids they didn’t think was going to make it, but I was blessed to live in a state that gave kids like me a second chance,” he said.
“I might have gotten into UCLA through the back door, but I walked out through the front door—with a life-changing college degree in my hand. I then went to the People’s College of Law, a school dedicated to the public interest. That’s why I know firsthand how an education can open doors and change the course of a life.
“In my mid-twenties, I was elected President of the American Federation of Government Employees, a local union representing employees who enforced civil rights laws in five states. Over the next fifteen years, I continued to work as a union organizer for the Service Employees International Union, United Teachers Los Angeles and then served as President of the Southern California chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union…”
By 1994 Villaraigosa was elected to the State Assembly, where he tackled some of the same issues he hopes to continue to address as governor.
“[In 1997] I was elected Assembly Speaker. While serving, I brought together environmental and business groups for a $2 billion park bond, the largest in California’s history, authored the Healthy Families program for nearly three quarters of a million uninsured children and passed a $9 billion school bond measure, the largest to that date. “In 2001, Villaraigosa ran in his first race for mayor of Los Angeles, losing out to James Hahn whose family had political strongholds in the city. But he continued to move forward in his career and was elected to the City Council’s 14th district seat in 2003. In 2005, he placed first in the primary for mayor and won the run-off election on May 17, receiving 58.7% of the vote. That summer, Villaraigosa was sworn in as the 41st and first Latino mayor since 1872, of Los Angeles. Attendees to his first inauguration included then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; former Governors Gray Davis, Pete Wilson, and Jerry Brown; former Vice President Al Gore, U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
He was re-elected in 2009, receiving 55.65% of the vote against attorney Walter Moore. His entire mayoral term was marked by a focus on transportation, infrastructure, public safety and education. One of his signature projects was the Purple Line extension to Santa Monica, dubbed “Subway to the Sea.”
In 2008, Los Angeles County voters passed Measure R, an additional half-cent per dollar sales tax that increased the sales tax rate in Los Angeles County from 8.25% to 8.75% and is projected to generate up to $40 billion over thirty years for transportation. Villaraigosa heavily championed the measure that included funding for the portion of the "Subway to the Sea.
He also worked with fellow politician Wendy Greuel, then Chair of the City Council's Transportation Committee, to issue an executive directive aimed at banning road construction during rush hour in traffic-plagued Los Angeles, and established anti-gridlock zones and launched Tiger Teams to improve traffic flow during peak rush hour times.
For his part in education, Villaraigosa attempted to take over the Los Angeles Unified School District, hoping that he could alleviate economic disparity through improving curriculums in low performing schools. He was unsuccessful, but was able to create the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, a subset of LAUSD.
Also as mayor, Villaraigosa proposed a Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness initiative, which adds certain units to the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments and reorganizes some of the current practices. Villaraigosa's latest development in the policy realm of homeland security is the creation of his Homeland Security Advisors, a group of approximately 40 leaders. The panel includes Police Chief William Bratton, former L.A. FBI chief Ron Iden, former Mayor Richard Riordan, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and former District Attorney Ira Reiner. It will be co-chaired by his Deputy Mayor for Homeland Security and Public Safety Arif Alikhan. The panel planned for such issues as counter-terrorism measures, evacuation planning and emergency preparedness, according to past news reports.
“The numbers tell the story of what happens when we focus on big things together,” Villaraigosa said.
“While I served as mayor, we doubled the number of high-performing schools and graduation rates went from 44% to 72%. We expanded the public transit system and, with Measure R, raised $40 billion for transportation projects, including new rail and bus lines. Los Angeles was the first big city to set a goal to become independent of coal by 2025 and during my tenure, we reduced overall greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 30 percent.
“Today, I want to be California’s next governor because I believe that we need to bring this state together around a shared vision—lifting more families into the middle class and creating high-wage jobs by improving our schools and investing in our infrastructure like roads, bridges, transportation, ports and waterways. We can rebuild a California that gives every family the chance to succeed…”
While proud to become the state’s first Latino governor since 1875, I would be prouder still to be everyone’s governor and work every day to unite our incredible state in the service of lifting more families into the middle class.
For over two years, biracial actress Meghan Markle and Britain’s Prince Harry’s relationship have made headlines across the world. The budding romance which sparked after the two were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend, led to one and a half years of dating, and soon after a royal engagement.
From Markle’s upbringing by her Black mother, Doria Ragland, and her White father, Thomas W. Markle in View Park-Windsor Hills, to her former marriage to actor and producer Trevor Engelson, many headlines attempted to attack her character and values.
Although the actress has received heavy ridicule over her past life, many people of color and millennials see her as a “true life Cinderella,” using #IssaRealLifeFairytale and #SecureTheCrown on social media. 
Despite the mixed views on the couple’s relationship and or relevance, one thing no one can deny, is the royal wedding’s display of love and celebration of Black culture!
On Saturday, May 19, millions of Americans tuned in to watch Markle and Harry tie the knot at the St. George’s Chapel at the Windsor Castle in England. Some people even hosted royal wedding viewing parities.
The ceremony began with Markle walking up the steps of the castle as British royalty, friends, and the couple’s family eyed her modern style bridal gown. Also present during the wedding were Black celebrities, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, Idris Elba and his financee Sabrina Dhowre, and Markle’s co-star from the TV show “Suits,” Gina Torres.
Prince Charles, father of Harry, walked the bride down the aisle to his son since Markle’s father was unable to attend the wedding due to medical reasons.
The non-traditional wedding continued with odes to Black culture throughout the ceremony with the address given by Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church USA, Reverend Michael Curry, and a gospel performance by choir conductor Karen Gibson and the Kingdom Choir who sang, “Stand By Me.”
“The late Dr. King said, ‘we must discover the power of love and when we do that, we will make the world a new world.’ Love is the only way, there is power in love,” said Curry.
“My brother, my sister, God loves you, God bless you, and may God hold us all in His All Mighty hands of love.”
Markle continued to make a statement through her choices of incorporating non-traditional elements into the wedding. She asked 19-year-old Black cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, to play during the wedding, used bridesmaids and page boys from both the bride and the grooms side, and chose a unique wedding flavor, lemon and elderflower cake covered in fresh flowers, completely different from the traditional rich fruit cakes with marzipan and thick white icing the royals are accustomed to.
For some, the statement was a response to the negative light that shined on South Los Angeles and Markle after the announcement of her engagement. Proving that beautiful things can come from the city of South L.A., the Black community, and Black culture.
Transforming from Actress to Duchess
Markle, now known as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex, will continue on her journey of “royal boot camp.” She has given up her acting career, social media, blogging, signing autographs, privacy and her personal safety, leaving her friends and family behind to start a new life in England. However, she will continue her work of international advocacy alongside her husband, Prince Harry.
Although Markle is not the first American actress to marry into the royal family or the first woman of African American descent to marry into the royal family (it is believed that King George III wife, descended from Black Portuguese royalty), she is however, the first in contemporary times. Additionally, Markle’s mother, Ragland, is the first African American parent of a member of the British royal family! For some, Markle and Ragland’s image in the royal family, will act as a representation for young women and girls of color, proving that despite the racism going on in the world, times are changing.
(AP Photos)
Donald Glover attends the world premiere of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” in Hollywood on May 10, 2018.
(Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
The latest installment of the Star Wars’ trajectory, “Solo: A Star Wars Story” features the casting of award-winning writer, director, musician, stand-up comedian and actor Donald Glover as the suave, intergalactic gambler and owner of the Millennium Falcon. Solo is a prequel that details the commencement of the bond between Hans Solo, played by Alden Ehrenreich, and Lando Calrissian.
Billy Dee Williams originated the role of Lando in the epic “Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back,” widely considered the best Star Wars film to date. He had very simple advice for Glover, “‘Just be charming.’”
“It was actually really sage advice because it helped me simplify my approach,” Glover mused. “I think I just try to surprise people enough, but also give people what they came to see which is smooth and cool Lando.”
Glover grew up loving the Star Wars’ franchise. He made comparisons between “Star Wars’” movies and the Bible.
“This is the stuff dreams are made of remarked fellow “Solo” co-star Thandie Newton during a press conference held Saturday, May 12, at the Pasadena Convention Center. The entire cast as well as Oscar award-winning director Ron Howard discussed the project.
Howard assumed the reins after the film’s original directors, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller parted ways due to “creative differences” with Lucasfilms showrunner Kathleen Kennedy in June of 2017, months after filming had begun.
The role of Lando was an important one for Glover to land as the Star Wars’ franchise has close ties to his childhood. Glover recounted that Lando was one of the first toys his father gave him as a child.
Solo Press Conference: (L-R) Actors Donald Glover, Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Joonas Suotamo, Paul Bettany and director Ron Howard at the "Solo: A Star Wars Story" news conference.
(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Getty Images for Disney)
“When I heard they were making this, I told my agent, ‘If they’re making anything with Lando in it, I have to be Lando,’” Glover revealed during the “Solo” press conference. “And he was like, ‘I hear you. I don’t like your odds.’ Once it was confirmed that Lando was one of the characters, Glover gushed “I really auditioned like it was the only role I wanted in the world. It really was.”
Glover has had quite the year. From wrapping the second season of what has been deemed the best show on television with Atlanta on FX to nearly breaking the internet with Childish Gambino’s release of “This is America” that debuted at number one on the Billboard chart and now emerging as the star in Solo as Lando Calrissian.
“You get to experience something most people don’t experience because there’s a large amount of love from fans that most people don’t ever feel,” Glover continued. “It feels almost undeserving especially and it’s scary too because you get so much love and support up front and then you have to go do the job.”
Known for his work on “Community,” “Atlanta,” “30 Rock” and as his alter ego Childish Gambino, this is just the latest accomplishment Glover has added to his long list.
“I want to use it to do better things culturally and bigger things,” Glover told the Los Angeles Sentinel.
Filmmakers (Back Row) Jonathan Kasdan, Simon Emanuel, Lawrence Kasdan, Joonas Suotamo, Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Paul Bettany, John Powell, Jason McGatlin, Chewbacca,
(Front Row) Alan Horn, George Lucas, Clint Howard, Ron Howard, Emilia Clarke, Alden Enrenreich, Donald Glover, Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Alan Bergman pose together at the world premiere of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” in Hollywood on May 10, 2018.
(Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)
“Atlanta,” an American comedy-drama television series created by and starring Glover, wrapped its second season. The modern-day renaissance man is also set to appear in Disney’s remake of the “Lion King” as the voice of Simba.
When questioned about how he stays true to what makes long-standing, well-loved characters like Lando and Simba and yet brings a fresh approach, Glover explained “Jon Favreau (Director of the Lion King remake) is really good with outlining what the movie’s about now. It’s the same story, but the focus is on something a little different which I think is great.”
“Solo: A Star Wars Story” also stars Alden Ehrenreich (Han Solo), Emilia Clarke (Qi’ra), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), Thandie Newton (Val), Paul Bettany (Dryden Vos), Phoebe Waller-Bridge (L3-37) and Woody Harrelson (Tobias Beckett) opens in theatres Friday, May 25.
Cicely Tyson, an Emmy and Tony Award winner, was honored by Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on Friday, April 27 at the TCL Chinese Theatre with a hand and footprint ceremony. Tyson was recognized for her more than sixty-year career within the entertainment industry.
Tyler Perry, renowned filmmaker, paid tribute to the actress before the ceremony. Perry casted Tyson in 2005 for his movie Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
“I remember being a little boy watching her. It was such a profound moment to see a woman with grace, class and strength,” said Perry.
“Even now I remember watching President Obama put the Presidential Medal of Freedom around her neck. To see her legacy immortalized in this concrete is amazing,” continued Perry.
Tyson’s legacy also includes her activism for promoting the arts. The Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange, New Jersey promotes artistic culture for students between sixth and twelfth grade.
Tyson credits a majority of her success from the strength of her family. She spoke about why her family still lives through her in spirit.
“I also want to address the people who could not be here. I’m the sole surviving member of my entire family and obviously I’m here for a reason. There spirit is still here with me. My parents and everyone are all with me today,” said Tyson.
The Los Angeles Sentinel spoke to Tyson following the ceremony. 
When asked, “What wisdom over the years has made you such a success?”
Tyson replied, “It came from my mother. I would feel awful not receiving certain roles or having bad auditions. She told me that when God gives you something, you will receive it on his time!”
Her most recent work includes roles in How to Get Away with Murder and Netflix’s political drama House of Cards.
Other Hollywood legends handprints are immortalized in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre. Icons such as Will Smith, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe are just a few of the notable names.
Tyson ended her speech with, “When I think God knows that I have served his purpose, then he will call me. Not saying that I’m ready to go but I will hear him. Thank you!”
(Photos by Kristina Dixon)