When it comes to the world of sports commentary, few voices, faces or names are more recognizable than that of Stephen A. Smith.

 

Better known to many sports fans as Stephen A., the edgy and opinionated sportscaster, can be viewed mornings on the hit ESPN television series, “First Take.” If you miss the telecast, you can listen to Smith daily on his nationally syndicated sports radio show, “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” which airs on 710 AM ESPN Los Angeles and SiriusXM’s ESPN Channel 80. Smith can also be seen regularly on ESPN television, giving commentary for primetime N.B.A. and N.F.L. games, and he even appears on commercials as a spokesperson for Oberto All-Natural Beef Jerky. Smith’s busy workload is the reason many in the broadcast industry consider him to be the hardest working man in sporting news.

 

In recent years, his status has grown from well-known to high profile celebrity, as his face and name are more recognizable than many of today’s popular athletes. You know a celebrity’s popularity goes up a notch when “Saturday Night Live” does character impersonations of them. Smith has even extended his career to “part time” actor, having guest starred in a reoccurring role on ABC’s soap opera, “General Hospital,” which happens to be his favorite show.

 

With a career spanning over 20 years, Smith has developed great personal and working relationships with many of today’s top-tier athletes. For example, he exclusively interviewed boxing legend Floyd Mayweather before Mayweather’s highly publicized match versus Manny Pacquiao, who Mayweather went on to defeat. Smith was able to gain private access to Mayweather’s home and daily routine for an in-depth look behind the scenes into the boxing legends lifestyle. Smith’s interview with “Money Mayweather” is considered to be the most memorable interview the boxer has given throughout his illustrious career.

 

Stephen A’s celebrity was capsulized with public affection when NBA Hall of Famers Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson mentioned Smith during their Hall of Fame induction speeches. Smith is known for having a great friendship with both O’Neal and Iverson but none more personal than with Iverson, who Smith considers to be “a little brother.” Smith and Iverson developed a tight bond during Smith’s days covering the Philadelphia 76ers, working as a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer. When asked on how he felt about being mentioned by the two legendary players during their biggest post playing moments, Smith shared that the moment proved to be “one of the most humbling nights,” of his life.

 

Born and raised in Hollis Queens, New York, Smith’s humble beginnings were rocky as he suffered from dyslexia which attributed him academic struggles.

 

“I got left back in the third grade because I had a first-grade reading level,” said Smith. “I got promoted at the end of the summer back to my right grade, which was the fourth grade; went through the 4th grade, got left back again because my reading was still at the first-grade reading level.”

 

Smith recalls his peers making fun of him which motivated him to seek help and educate himself. He buried his head in books and mastered the art of reading comprehension.

 

“Ultimately, I tried to read more and more significantly, which obviously elevated my level of knowledge,” said Smith. “I could always talk. As my mother would say, I came out of her womb talking. So, the combination of the two, combined with my basketball background, I ended up going to Winston-Salem (State University) after being at FIT, which was the Fashion Institute of Technology. People use to laugh and talk about [Fit] ‘that is a junior college, what are you majoring in, sewing?’ I majored in advertisement communications, but what people did not realize was that we were 35 and four, ranked fifteenth in the nation as a junior college (basketball team). So that ultimately led me into getting into Winston-Salem.”

 

Smith credits his transition to a Historical Black College and University (HBCU) to a man by the name of Harold Kitt. Kitt arranged for Smith to have a basketball tryout with Hall of Fame coach Clarence Gaines. During the basketball tryout, Smith hit 17 straight three pointers impressing coach Gaines enough that Smith was signed to a scholarship on the spot.

 

In his first year at Winston-Salem State University, Smith cracked his knee cap in half and would never be the same player. His basketball playing career was pretty much over but the injury is what led him to start working and writing for the school newspaper. Smith continued to play basketball while also working as a disc jockey at the school’s radio station. He took 18 credit semester hours and worked weekends for the Winston-Salem Chronicle. He later transitioned to a daily gig with the Winston Daily Journal.

 

“That ultimately parlayed into internships in Atlanta, and back in Winston-Salem and for the Greensboro News and Record,” said Smith. “I landed a high school job at the New York Daily News. Parlayed that 14 months later into a job at the Philadelphia Inquirer, where I got promoted like 9 times in 11 years. After that, everything just took off when I ultimately did television for CNN/SI, during the [NBA] lockout short season in 1998 and 1999. I went from that to FOX Sports, then went to ESPN from there in 2003 and the rest is history.”

 

Smith’s primary goal while climbing the ranks in the newspaper industry was being able to editorialize and be a respected columnist. In 2003, at the time Smith became a general sports columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, he was the 21st African American in the country’s history to hold such a position.

 

“You didn’t have Black sports editors, you didn’t have Black columnists, so you weren’t having Black reporters being elevated to that position where they had the opportunity to express themselves,” said Smith. “So, it was always my goal and the fact that I was able to parlay that into doing this, that’s why it is a very big deal to me because others have the luxury of being around at a particular moment in time where they get the license to do that. Me, I had to work my way up through the trials and tribulations, that minefield of journalism to elevate to the point where I had an opportunity just to give my opinion. You had to work back in the day to be licensed to do that, now you don’t.”

 

Smith continues to push for diversity, being a vocal advocate for Black coaches getting a fair shot at being hired in college and on the professional level. Smith shared that his most popular line is, “I am not just a Black man, I’m a brotha. I love my people, I’m not anti-anything. But I’m pro-Black and I’m not apologizing for that to anybody. That’s who I am.

 

“That doesn’t mean we don’t hold our own accountable, because there are standards that we have to meet just like everyone else and it’s pretty hard to tell other people what they need to do for us, if we’re not willing to do things for ourselves.

 

“So, to whom much is given, much is required. To be blessed to be in the position that I am in, it would be a crying shame if I got here and all I thought about was me, and I didn’t think about the brotha’s that I could help and the sista’s I could help. Now I will extend my hand to White folks, to Latino’s and everybody. Anybody that wants it bad enough. I’m a God fearing individual and I’m going to do what my soul tells me to do, so it’s not just about helping Black people, it’s about helping people period. But I make no apologies that some of them people, damn sure are going to be Black. I’m not going to be somebody that doesn’t extend a helping hand.”

 

Smith is also an advocate for diversity in the sports and entertainment industry and proud that the ESPN show, “First Take,” has two Black men behind the scenes pulling the strings. David Roberts works as Vice President of Audio Network Content for ESPN and Antoine Lewis, works as Coordinating Producer for ESPN’s “First take.”

 

“Dave Roberts is a different beast,” said Smith. “Yes, he’s a Black man, yes that matters, but Dave Roberts is the greatest boss that I ever had. Our sensibilities are locked step.

 

“He is not just somebody who oversees me on television, he’s the boss of radio and he has been in television for over two decades; a lot of people don’t realize it because he is the general manager of the audio division. This dude has an extensive television background but he is a phenomenal boss who cares about promoting Black folks who are worthy. But he doesn’t limit it to just them just as I don’t.

 

“We’re about mass appeal, we ain’t about Black appeal. Black appeal, I absolutely mandate that comes with it; I don’t want mass appeal at the expense of the Black community but I’ll be damn if I just want to appeal to the Black community. I want appeal that resonates nationwide, if not globally. That’s who I am, that’s what I am about. The wider my voice ranges, the better it is for everybody because I’m confident that I’m going to have the sensibilities necessary to contribute to uplifting my community. Again, I’m not against anybody, I love my people and I’m not just one to think about elevating myself by leaving us behind.”

 

Smith spoke on his controversial remarks regarding Black Lives Matter and wanted to clear the air on allegedly speaking out against the movement.

 

“I never spoke against Black Lives Matter,” said Smith. “What I asked was, are you doing something that is constructive?  If you refuse to shake the hand of a Bernie Sanders, while at the same time protesting Donald Trump, well who’s on your side? You’ve alienated two extremes. Somebody’s going to be President. You’re going to need somebody’s help. You have to take a side. You can’t just be down the middle and say I’m not taking any side when you have a cause.

 

“When you look at it from that perspective, those are the kind of the things that we have to think about. Me, I am registered Independent, that’s not necessarily taking a side, Republican or Democrat. But what I do strive to do, is take the side of the truth or what comes closest to it. This makes sense. What are we doing? Are we doing things that are beneficial and productive to our community? Those are the kind of things I pay attention to. But I pay attention to it for our community. I got mine, I’m alright. I’ve got a television show, I’ve got a national radio show. I making good money, I’m in a position to take care of my family, I’m okay, so why am I doing it? I’m doing it because I got a love for us and I want to make sure that while I’m climbing, there are others that are climbing with me. That’s my purpose and I am not apologizing for that to anybody.”

 

As for his legacy and how he hopes to be remembered after his career, Smith shared he wants to be remembered as somebody who was just as real and straight up as he could possibly be. “Someone who cared about people and cared about being fair. That’s it.”

Category: Cover Stories

Bill Cosby is blind. 

It’s been more than two years since the embattled, television and film legend, who was once known as “America’s Dad,” has spoken out publicly. During a recent interview with the NNPA Newswire, Cosby revealed that he’s lost his sight.

 

Waking one morning about two years ago, he nervously called out to Camille, his wife.

 

“I can’t see,” he said. Doctors later confirmed the worst: that there was nothing that could be done to repair his vision.

 

“When he would perform, we’d draw a wide straight yellow line from backstage to the chair on the stage and he’d rehearse the walk, hours before the show,” said Andrew Wyatt of the Purpose PR firm, a public relations agency in Birmingham, Ala. Wyatt has worked with Cosby for years.

 

Wyatt said that his star client has decided that it’s time to talk. Together, Wyatt and Cosby said they grew comfortable that the NNPA Newswire would be more interested in “facts over sensationalism.”

 

Cosby has shunned most media inquiries, since allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced in late 2014; some of those accusations dated back almost fifty years. In 2015, According to CNN, Cosby was charged with three counts of felony aggravated assault in a case involving Andrea Constand, a former Temple University employee.

 

Earlier this year, CNN reported that Cosby’s, “criminal sexual assault trial will stay in Montgomery County Court in Pennsylvania, but the jurors will come from another Pennsylvania county.”

 

In February, a federal judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed against Cosby by accuser Katherine McKee, according to USA Today.

 

“This marks the third defamation lawsuit against Cosby that was either withdrawn or dismissed recently, prompting some Cosby crowing,” USA Today reported. “However, another defamation case against him, filed by six accusers, is still pending in the same federal court in Massachusetts.”

 

While the beleaguered superstar declined to address any of his legal cases, his youngest daughter, Evin felt compelled to speak out.

 

In a statement, which can be read in its entirety on BlackPressUSA.com, Evin, 40, questioned the veracity of the allegations against her father.

 

“The harsh and hurtful accusations…that supposedly happened 40 or 50 years ago, before I was born, in another lifetime, and that have been carelessly repeated as truth without allowing my dad to defend himself and without requiring proof, has punished not just my dad but every one of us,” Evin said.

 

Perhaps, the closest Cosby came to addressing his ongoing legal battles during the interview was when he opined about the true history of America.

 

“The history about African-Americans is a history of the United States; but the true histories, not the propaganda that is standard in our nation’s history books,” Cosby said. “The great writer, James Baldwin, said, ‘If you lie about me, then you lie about yourself.’ The revolution is in the home. There is something about someone saying, ‘I didn’t know that,’ that could cause a change in that person’s thinking.”

 

Cosby said he thinks about his illustrious career that, at least for now, has been placed on hold because of the court cases.

 

Few have achieved the legendary status enjoyed by Cosby.

 

His career has spanned more than six decades and includes a host of best-selling comedy albums and books, gold and platinum records, and five Grammy Awards.

 

With his role in “I-Spy” in the 1960s, Cosby became the first African-American co-star in a dramatic series, breaking TV’s color barrier and winning three Emmy Awards.

 

After starring opposite Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier in the 1970s trilogy, “Uptown Saturday Night,” “Let’s Do It Again,” and “A Piece of the Action,” Cosby’s star soared even higher in the 1980s when he single-handedly revived the family sitcom and, some argue, saved NBC with “The Cosby Show.”

 

“Darn right,” he said, when asked if he missed performing. “I miss it all and I hope that day will come. I have some routines and storytelling that I am working on.

 

Cosby continued: “I think about walking out on stage somewhere in the United States of America and sitting down in a chair and giving the performance that will be the beginning of the next chapter of my career.”

 

 

 

A Commentary By Evin Cosby

 

I am the youngest of five. I remember our family trips and moving to NYC just so we could be closer to my father as he worked. From the time he worked in Las Vegas to the Cosby show in NYC, he always wanted us to be close, to be a part of his whole life, at home and on stage.

 

I felt loved and remembered loving the moments that my parents shared with us by exposing us to all types of people from all walks of life. We grew up appreciating my father's success because we knew the prejudice and racism he endured getting to where he got and how hard he worked for our family.

 

Because I loved my childhood, I couldn’t wait to have a family of my own. I have two amazing children who love their grandfather. I already work hard as a single mother, with no full-time help, and with a career in fashion design, I am lucky that I have supportive friends that I call family because my children and I need that support.

 

The public persecution of my dad, my kids’ grandfather, and the cruelty of the media and those who speak out branding my father a “rapist” without ever knowing the truth and who shame our family and our friends for defending my dad, makes all of this so much worse for my family and my children.

 

When people are so quick to cast hate, and make accusations of horrific violence against my dad, they are callous in their carelessness about the harm they are causing to others. I thought when my brother Ennis was murdered, that was the worst nightmare of all time.

 

It’s so hurtful to this day. I try to block out the day he was killed, but that pain has only worsened in these last years. For some reason, my family’s pain has been a trigger for people to seize upon us harder.

 

On the same day that Ennis was murdered, a woman came out claiming that my father had a “love child.” She was arrested for extortion. She was not my father’s daughter.

 

On the day I gave birth to my son, another women came out, but that case was dismissed too – the district attorney investigated her claims also and didn’t press charges.

 

Two years ago, and over 10 years later, several women came out. Like the woman from 2005, they claimed to have been raped and drugged.

 

But, like the one from 2005, their stories didn’t match up.

 

Instead of going through the criminal justice system, these stories never got investigated and just got repeated. They have been accepted as the truth. My dad tried to defend himself. His lawyers tried to defend him, but they all got sued.

 

People were constantly reaching out to me about why doesn’t your dad say something. I kept saying he’s trying, but the media is only interested in the stories of the women. Friends of ours tried to help, but the media wouldn’t print what they said or knew.

 

Our friends that spoke up were pressured to shut up. No one wanted to print their supportive words.

 

We live in a scandalous country where the more sexualized and provocative the story, the more attention it gets. We get all sorts of mixed up messages in our society.

 

We are told that we have fundamental rights to be innocent until proven guilty. But, if enough people think you are a bad person, you are branded a bad person and the media just reinforces that.

 

My dad, like anyone in this country, deserves to be treated fairly under the law. My dad broke barriers and raised the conscious of America on important topics, especially for the advancement of women.

 

On “The Cosby Show” he only depicted women as smart and accomplished.

 

On “The Cosby Show” and on “A Different World,” he took on then taboo subjects like menstrual cycles and rape, and even did a show on AIDS before anyone else would bring it up.

 

I am his fourth daughter. He raised me to go to college, start my own business, and be my own woman. He is helping me raise my children and teach them family values. I know that my father loves me, loves my sisters and my mother. He loves and respects women.

 

He is not abusive, violent or a rapist. Sure, like many celebrities tempted by opportunity, he had his affairs, but that was between him and my mother. They have worked through it and moved on, and I am glad they did for them and for our family.

 

The harsh and hurtful accusations of things that supposedly happened 40 or 50 years ago, before I was born, in another lifetime, and that have been carelessly repeated as truth without allowing my dad to defend himself and without requiring proof, has punished not just my dad but every one of us.

 

They have punished the talented people who were still earning money and feeding their families from my dad's shows and work.

 

I am pleased that finally we are seeing the whole picture and seeing cases and claims dismissed from court. I just hope that those who pre-judged my dad are now willing to admit that they were wrong.

Category: Cover Stories

The multi-talented Chris “Ludacris” Bridges has enjoyed a remarkable career. As a recording artist, Bridges has sold more than 15 million albums domestically, thanks to the blockbuster success of such singles as “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker” and “My Chick Bad.”

 

All of these records were accompanied by ingenious videos that demonstrated Luda’s far-reaching imagination and his willingness to stretch the boundaries of what rap videos could look and feel like. Blessed with an unrivaled mix of lyrical acumen, wit and imagery, he has solidified himself as one of music’s premiere entertainers.

 

Though best known for his infectious tunes, Ludacris has proven himself equally adept at composing powerful songs with serious subject matter, such as the hit “Runaway Love.” Furthermore, his versatility and artistic complexity enabled him to make a seamless transition to acting.

 

On screen, he most recently co-starred in Furious 7, a follow-up to his stellar work in the Fast and Furious franchise’s 2 Fast 2 Furious, Fast Five and Fast & Furious. He was a member of the A-list ensemble assembled for the romantic comedies New Year’s Eve and No Strings Attached.

 

Ludacris also delivered critically-acclaimed performances in Hustle & Flow and the Academy Award-winning Best Picture, Crash, as well as on such television series as Empire and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Plus, since stepping back into the studio, he’s been wowing music fans with his 8th studio album, Ludaversal.

 

The consummate businessman, Luda’s latest venture includes the highly-anticipated Chicken-n-Beer  restaurant coming soon to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.  In addition, he is dipping his hands in the tech space by partnering with apps such as Roadie, an on-the-way delivery service.

 

Luda's philanthropic efforts rival his entertainment accomplishments. He partnered with Crash writer/director Paul Haggis and Artists for Peace and Justice to help raise more than $4 million for Haitian relief efforts. And he's raised more than $100,000 for Atlanta flood victims through The Ludacris Foundation, too. Having partnered with Jane Fonda, Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela, to name a few, the foundation continues to inspire youth through education.

 

Here, Luda talks about reprising the role of Tej Parker in The Fate of the Furious opposite Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham, Charlize Theron and Tyrese.

 

Kam Williams (LA Watts Times-LAWT): Hi Luda, thanks for another interview.

 

Ludacris (L): What’s up, Kam?

 

LAWT: I really loved this film!

 

L: You and me both. so, I’m glad that you feel it.

 

LAWT: Furious 7 left me in tears, given the sensitive way they handled Paul Walker’s exit. So, that left me ­wondering whether they’d be able to get back to the action following such a moving conclusion. But they handled the transition seamlessly and very tastefully. It works ­perfectly.

 

L: It does, Kam. And I feel like this is the most clever of all of them. It’s really smart. If you see it twice, you’ll notice a lot of things you missed the first time. I’m just happy that we continue to outdo ourselves, man, because, at this point, it’s like, “How are we doing this?” There’s definitely a higher power controlling the franchise.

 

LAWT: What’s it like shooting without Paul?

 

L: It’s very emotional. That’s a void that will never be filled. All we can do is carry on his legacy by making the best movie possible. That adds a little pressure on us . 

 

LAWT: But you did manage to outdo yourselves. Other than James Bond and some of the comic book adaptations, I can’t think of another franchise with such staying power.

 

L: Exactly! That’s what we like to do... break records!

 

LAWT: How do you explain the series’ enduring appeal?

 

L: I think maybe our really being a family off-screen might have a lot to do with the chemistry you see on-screen. 

 

LAWT: What’s new about your character, Tej, this go-round?

 

L: Tej Parker’s happy because he got himself a tank provided by the U.S. government. And you also get to see some skills that you never knew he had. I just love how he continues to grow along with the entire franchise. That makes it so special.    

 

LAWT: You have some excellent lines in this episode, and so does Tyrese. The film also features some great banter between Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham’s characters. And Charlize Theron was a terrific villain.

 

L: I think Charlize’s addition is one of the picture’s greatest qualities. While women were already fans of the franchise, her performance literally taken it up another notch, because she brings her own fan base.  

 

LAWT: She disappeared into the role so well, I didn’t even know it was Charlize for at least 10 minutes after she made her first appearance.

 

L: Dude, that’s what I’m trying to tell you. She’s so good at what she does that she make Vin and everybody else around her better. We just continue to up the ante.

 

LAWT: You know what was hilarious? How Clint Eastwood’s son, Scott, is in the film, but playing a nerd instead of a macho character you’d expect.

 

L: We always like flipping the script a little and doing the unexpected which is why it’s so successful.

 

LAWT: In my review, I said this film is worth the price of admission for the opening scene alone, like Taken, District B-13 and the remake of Dawn of the Dead. That drag race was breathtaking and kept me on the edge of your seat.

 

L: Exactly, Kam! And it moves from one action sequence to the next without ever losing the integrity or continuity of the storyline.  

 

LAWT: What’s going on with you musically, Luda?

 

L: Everything’s good! I’m getting back into the bloodstream of music. I just dropped a single called Vitamin D. Everybody’s talking about the video. You definitely need to check it out. There’s this whole hoopla about this CGI (computer-generated) chest and abs I have in it.  

 

LAWT: Tell me a little about your upcoming projects.

 

L: I have an independent film called Ride coming out, and I do some voiceover work in a movie called Show Dogs. Besides that, on TV, they’re bringing back the  show Fear Factor with me as the host.

 

LAWT: Congratulations! Harriet Pakula-Teweles asks: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d like to star in?

 

L: If Halle Berry does a remake of Monster’s Ball, I’d like to play Billy Bob Thornton’s character.

 

LAWT: [LOL] Ling-Ju Yen asks: What is your earliest childhood memory?

 

L: My earliest childhood memory? That’s a good question, Kam. Just going out to the park with my mom, and playing on the slides and the swings.

 

LAWT: Was there a meaningful spiritual component to your childhood?

 

L: I grew up Christian, if that’s what you’re asking. I prefer not to get into discussions of religion these days. But I’m very much a believer in a higher power.

 

LAWT: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

 

L: If I could have one wish instantly granted, I would probably ask for world peace. 

 

LAWT: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

 

L: Wow! That’s such a good question. I really have to think about that... I wish somebody would ask me if I could cook, and I’d tell them, “Hell no!”

 

LAWT: Well, what’s your favorite dish to eat?

 

L: Chicken Parmesan.

 

LAWT: Larry Greenberg asks: Do you have a favorite movie monster?   

 

L: The Predator, because he had dreadlocks. I felt like he was Jamaican. 

 

LAWT: Susan Doran asks: How did you come up with the name Ludacris? I figure that the “cris” part comes from Chris being your real first name. 

 

L: That’s exactly right. Since my music embodied the dictionary definition of “ludicrous,” I think it was kind of creative to combine it with my name and come up with “Ludacris.”

 

LAWT: Finally, what’s in your wallet?

 

L: An American Express Black Card, man.

 

LAWT: Thanks again for the time, Luda, and best of luck with the film, the new single and the new TV show.

 

L: Thank you, Kam.

 

Category: Cover Stories

Councilwoman Tana McCoy is not your everyday politician.  In fact the Compton City Councilwoman appointed just over a year ago doesn’t consider herself a politician at all.  “I wasn’t looking to get into politics, politics came looking for me,” said McCoy who is currently running for office.

 

Tana McCoy got into to politics after long time Councilwoman Yvonne Arceneaux retired and the Compton City Council tagged McCoy to replace her.  Before becoming a member of the Compton City Council Mrs. McCoy had a long history of working in the city she loves. 

 

 

She was a 40 year employee of the city; she has been a resident her entire life, her children live in the City of Compton and her grandchildren live in the city as well. 

 

 

 

What Tana McCoy did make her life’s work was doing things and getting things done for the people of Compton.  Long before she joined her colleagues as a city official, Tana McCoy was about being a servant of the people.  “I was always involved in something within the community, from providing meals for our seniors to making sure that our children have a safe place to play”.  That is what McCoy did before she was elected and that is her mission now, only from the other side of the dais.  She believes Compton is a wonderful city that people from the outside need to see and experience on their own. 

 

“We have made tremendous strides in bringing services to the residents of the city, we have new housing popping up all over my district (District #3), “we have a new shopping center on the corner of Compton Blvd. and Central, we have partnered with Neighborhood Housing Services and have now created a first time homebuyers program”.  All of this is about moving Compton forward.  A mission that McCoy does not take for granted and understands that the task is ongoing.

 

That is why for the first time in her life she is out knocking on doors and campaigning to be re-elected to the Compton City Council.  When asked what will be her priorities over the next four years if re-elected. She says her first priority is to rebuild the infrastructure and repair the streets in the city.  “We promised the voters that we would repair the streets and one of my main focuses is to get this done in an efficient but timely manner”.  She says jobs are also a big part of her campaign platform.  Compton has made tremendous strides over the past four years; new businesses are popping up everywhere.  Companies like UPS have made significant investments into bringing businesses to the city and with these investments comes jobs.  Quality jobs, good paying jobs that help build and strengthen families and communities.  McCoy believes that Compton is a great place for both small businesses and big businesses alike.  Not only is UPS opening a major distribution center in the former Brickyard facility but Compton is also opening up its first In N Out Burger in the city this year as well.

 

People have a negative perception of Compton “I remember when I was in Washington DC with my son for a field trip and a lady introduced me to some people and said can you believe she is from Compton?”  Well the now councilwoman and then city employee was offended by the statement; she replied “why do you say it like that?  Have you ever been to Compton?  Do you know the people in Compton?  Well before you make a statement like that you should first get to see and know the city”. The person obviously apologized, but it is that type of commitment to the city and to its residents which drives Tana McCoy to want to continue the mission that she has been a part of for the past 13 months.

 

Councilwoman McCoy along with her colleagues has made significant strides in moving the city in the right direction.  They have reduced the city’s 43million dollar deficit by almost 40%.  They are continually working to not only trim the fat from the budget but also continue the funding to provide quality services to the residence.  “Safe parks and programs for our youth and support services and activities for our seniors are two of my top priorities” said Councilwoman McCoy.  She also played a key role in bringing new City Manager Cecil W Rhambo, Jr. to the city.  She says she has the utmost confidence in Mr. Rhambo and his ability to move the city forward.  “He is a former LA County Sheriff who has a plan and a vision for how to get things done.  He is very organized and most importantly he wants to be here.  He is not a career city manager but he is a career public servant” and that will suit the city very well.

 

As a long standing member of Unity Christian Fellowship Church in Compton, Councilwoman McCoy has an unwavering faith that she will be successful in her bid to be re-elected to the city council.  She clearly believes that as a council person or as an everyday citizen her job is and will always be about serving the city and residents she loves, and that is the City of Compton.

 

That is why the Los Angeles Sentinel and the LA Watts Times proudly endorse Councilwoman Tana McCoy for City Council (District #3). 

Category: Cover Stories

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