Community

Anti-Violence Ventures Presents “Black Men & Boys Take A Lead” as Brand Ambassador, Award Winning Actor Obba Babatundé Host Virtual Event On Saturday, November 14th

Guest Panelist: Emmy Award Winner Glynn Turman, Award Winning Actor James Pickens Jr. and American Filmmaker & Actor Reginald T. Dorsey

On Saturday, November 14^th at 12 PST, the Anti-Violence Ventures (AVV) will launch their first national conversation, “Black Cowboys Take the Lead: A Virtual Conversation With Black Cowboys.” The event will be hosted by award winning actor, Obba Babatundé and feature actors Glynn Turman, Reginald T. Dorsey and James Pickens, Jr as guest panelists, all of whom happen to be real Cowboys.

AVV’s “Black Men & Boys Take a Lead” is an innovative anti-violence social intervention. Anti-Violence Ventures is a prototype project designed as part of the Blue Shield of CA Foundation’s Reimagine Lab; an initiative focused on preventing cycles of violence now and into the future. Anti-Violence Ventures (AVV) centers around the intrinsic link between Black males and females in the three types of violence that are prevalent among Black couples, families, and in Black neighborhoods – domestic, family, and community violence.

“As a man who has witnessed the devastating effects of violence be it physical, mental or systemic, I believe strongly that we must begin to have a conversation to identify it in it’s different forms and as a collective come up with ideas and possible actions to fight against the continuance of violence.” – Obba Babatundé

In 2018, Blue Shield of California Foundation launched Reimagine Lab, a design lab intended to bring together leaders from diverse backgrounds to learn, reflect, and co-create promising ideas and solutions to break the multi-generational cycle of domestic violence. California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP) CEO, Sonya Young Aadam was selected as one of 16 fellows in the Reimagine Lab who came together around a vision for a better future and a desire to help make it a reality. AVV was developed and initially prototyped in late 2018. An updated scope includes CBO’s, Black male owned or led businesses, organizations and agencies to support embedding an aspect of partner, family and community violence prevention into some aspect of their general business, activities or programming.

“It is assumed that Black men and boys are not always comfortable talking about personal and community violence or prevention. We believe that with investments, incentives, support and encouragement, Black men and boys will engage in transformative dialogue and action around violence and violence prevention!” states AVV Founder and CEO of the California Black Women’s Health Project, Sonya Young Aadam

General DATA on Black Males:

20 million Black males in US

26% live in poverty

6x higher homicide rate

745,000 incarcerated

AVV 2018-19 surveys reveal:

33% experience 10+ family violence incidents;

60% witnessed 10+ community violence incidents

The AVV approach includes the co-laboring of Black males and females in naming the challenges and exploring solutions to the violence between and among them.

“We move beyond traditional narratives of “women-centered domestic/sexual violence”, male-centered street violence”, and the relative silence on family violence – “what happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors”. We inspire new ways of thinking that bridge the chasms between the forms of violence that are prevalent in Black relationships, homes, and neighborhoods – domestic violence, family violence, and street violence,” states Aadam.

ANTI-VIOLENCE VENTURES will support the Black community in identifying the who, what, why, and how violence prevention is possible for us and by us.

In 2020, CABWHP teamed up with Margo Wade LaDrew, President of Wade & Associates Group– a boutique agency specializing in local, regional and national Special Events, Project Management, Marketing and Community Outreach.

“We are so pleased to partner with CABWHP to develop innovative events to reach men of all walks of life and to meet them where they are. Our goal is to amplify the voices of Black men and boys and work to expand the project reach nationally,” says Mrs. LaDrew.

Margo is an expert when it comes to working and reaching Black Men as she was instrumental in both the development and launch of the first Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program. Her company managed the program and executed a 26 City Tour. In addition she represents and serves as the National Development Director for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo-The only Nationally recognized Black Rodeo Tour in the world for the past 26 years reaching thousands of Black men and boys across the U.S and abroad.

The “Black Men & Boys Take a Lead” Project will host podcasts, Virtual Events and Live Man Cave Conversations.” The focus is men talking, listening, and asking questions about various aspects of all forms of violence within the Black communities. While men can listen and ask questions as well as have some connection with other men expressing their thoughts, and their feelings; it is the live events where men can commune and fellowship around the same cause: Black men dealing with violence and exploring ways to prevent it!

There will be several Covid -19 Social Distancing live events that will bring Black Barbers as well as Fraternities and other men organizations together to discuss their thoughts about how Black men deal violence and solutions though out Southern California.

AVV “Black Men & Boys Take a Lead” programs and events are produced by Wade & Associates Group in partnership with the California Black Women Health Project (CBWHP). Media Partners include KRPR Media, LLC and Connect Black LA (CBLA).

For more information on the project, get involved and/or to check out other upcoming events, please visit: www.antiviolencevenures.org

For Media Inquiries/Features: KimiRhochelle of KRPR Media, llc / [email protected]

TO REGISTER FOR FREE: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_voCy1vtPT_22kM8xO4FkTQ

LA County Board Of Supervisors: Mitchell Wins, Securing 1st All-Woman Board

State Senator Holly Mitchell has defeated City Councilman Herb Wesson for a seat on the powerful L.A. County Board of Supervisors. Mitchell was congratulated by the county’s acting CEO, Fesia Davenport, and Mitchell reportedly received a call from Wesson conceding the race.

Mitchell’s victory means the five-member Board of Supervisors will for the first time in history be comprised of women.

Source: -cont- TheAist

The Importance of Black Voters, and the Stupidity of Ignoring Them

CBLA thought that although this story was published in 2011, it is even more relevant and true today! Read and let it sink in.

Jim Clyburn made a very good point in the Washington Post

“We keep talking as if it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter that Obama gets 92 percent of the black vote, because since he only got 35 percent of the white vote, he’s in trouble,” Clyburn said. “Well, Hillary Clinton only got 8 percent of the black vote. . . . It’s almost saying black people don’t matter. The only thing that matters is how white people respond. And that’s what bothered me. I think I matter.”

Clyburn is, unfortunately, spot on – and there’s two reasons why the phenomenon he describes is such a problem.

First and foremost is the idea that black voters are, indeed, treated as less important than white voters. I would even take it a step further: black voters are not only considered unimportant, but are considered only as black voters and nothing else – a very subtly derogatory and dehumanizing characterization in that it implies African Americans are just one dimensional simpletons, rather than multi-dimensional humans.

Source: Huffpost Read the complete story https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-importance-of-the-bla_b_98776

Additional $300 Unemployment In California “On Schedule” for September, says EDD

Millions of unemployed people in California will soon get a $300 per week boost to their benefits as part of the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program. That program is part of an executive order signed by President Trump earlier this month.

California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) the state’s approval for the money last week, and since then we have received hundreds of questions. Here are some answers.

When will people receive the money?

EDD said it will start processing payments beginning the week of September 7.

EDD says the LWA money will roll out in phases. According to EDD, the first phase covers people who “previously provided information that they were unemployed due to a COVID-19 related reason on their initial application and have already received their regular state or federal unemployment payments for benefit weeks between July 26 and August 15.”

EDD says the second phase will cover people “did not have the opportunity to indicate they were unemployed due to a COVID-19 reason on their initial application and still meet the minimum $100 weekly benefit amount eligibility requirement.”

EDD says it will send notifications to people in the second phase, asking them to complete a one-time self-certification if they are unemployed due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. Notifications will be sent by email, text message or mail starting in mid-September.

Source: cont- https://www.abc10.com/article/money/300-unemployment-boost-california-update/103-a0ad4026-41d2-43c4-9d40-a62b2a826e92

LA County Covid-19 Rent Relief

Program Application Period Open August 17th – August 31st

The LA County COVID-19 Rent Relief application began accepting applications at 8:00AM on August 17th. Tenants (renters whose name is listed on the lease or rental agreement) may apply by either calling 2-1-1, or by filling out the online application form that will be available on this page.

Application assistance through 211 LA is available daily from 8:00AM – 8:00PM, August 17th – 31st. (dial 2-1-1)

Who is Eligible? People who meet ALL of the following requirements:

Renters (residential properties only) within Los Angeles County Map of LA County
Can not live within the City of Los Angeles boundaries* (not sure? If your utilities are from DWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power), you are probably in the City of Los Angeles! You can also look at this City of LA Map. (Note, the City of LA had their own rental assistance program, which has closed.)
Must have experienced an inability to pay rent due to COVID-19
Must be below 50% of median income based on your household size (see income limits below)

You may qualify if the income of all adults (18+) in the household is at or less than the amounts below:

1 Person Household – $39,450

2 Person Household – $45,050

3 Person Household – $50,700

4 Person Household – $56,300

5 Person Household – $60,850

6 Person Household – $65,350

7 Person Household – $69,850

8 Person Household – $74,350

*Units located in the City of Los Angeles are not eligible for this program – LA City residents can contact 3-1-1 or view the LA City COVID-19 Rent Protections.

TO APPLY CLICK HERE

Source: 211la.org

Developer Backs Out of Deal to Buy Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza

Developer CIM Group backed out of plans to buy the iconic Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza shopping center following pressure from Black community leaders who argued the purchase represented gentrification and was a threat to South Los Angeles and its economic interests.

“CIM has concluded that the community, the mall and CIM are best served by us stepping aside,” CIM Group posted on social media late Sunday. “We wish the community great success in achieving all of its goals for the mall.”

The Los Angeles-based company had been in escrow to buy the site, which has been for sale since 2018. CIM owns billions of dollars of real estate throughout the United States, including the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and has received tens of millions of dollars in government loans and tax subsidies for its massive real estate deals.

But a group of housing justice advocates, community groups and civic leaders opposed the purchase, arguing the company would chase out minority-owned businesses. The coalition also cited allegations that CIM had strong ties to President Donald Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

CIM officials denied having any affiliation to the president.

“CIM helps communities achieve their goals and supports minority-owned businesses,” the company stated on Instagram. “CIM has no business with, nor is it ‘backed’ by Trump or Kushner. CIM never intended to demolish the historical mall.”

CIM’s plan would have scrapped the previously announced redevelopment that was planned by the current owner, Capri Capital Advisors LLC, one of the nation’s largest minority-owned real estate companies. Capri’s plan, endorsed by local elected officials and community leaders, called for building 1,000 mixed-income housing units and a 400-room hotel on underdeveloped portions of the property.

Crenshaw Subway Coalition Executive Director Damien Goodmon called CIM’s decision not to purchase the property a win in what’s been an “epic fight.” He said, “This is a tremendous Black victory and a testament to the power of our community.”

Source: https://abc7.com/baldwin-hills-crenshaw-plaza-mall-shopping-center-gentrification/6250108/

The Aunt Jemima Brand, Acknowledging Its Racist Past, Will Be Retired

Quaker Oats is retiring the more than 130-year-old Aunt Jemima brand and logo, acknowledging its origins are based on a racial stereotype.”As we work to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives, we also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers’ expectations,” the Pepsi-owned company said in a statement provided to CNN Business.Aunt Jemima’s appearance has evolved over time. The brand’s origin and logo is based off the song “Old Aunt Jemima” from a minstrel show performer and reportedly sung by slaves. The company’s website said the logo started in 1890 and was based on Nancy Green, a “storyteller, cook and missionary worker.” However, the website fails to mention Green was born into slavery.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/17/business/aunt-jemima-logo-change/index.html

Starbucks Bows to ‘Boycott’ Pressure, Will Let Staff Wear Black Lives Matter Gear

Starbucks announced it would allow employees to wear apparel in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, bowing to an intense social media campaign even as the company moves to crank out over 250,000 specialty shirts of its own.

This week, Starbucks was hit with online backlash and renewed calls for a boycott, following reports that it has banned employees from wearing pins and t-shirts at work in support of Black Lives Matter protests.

However, the reason for the policy is pretty technical, despite accusations to the contrary. To address the issue, Starbucks is planning to crank out hundreds of thousands of apparel items in support of a movement demanding change — but will also let its employees wear their own gear immediately.

“As we talked about earlier this week, we’re designing new t-shirts with the graphic below to demonstrate our allyship and show we stand together in unity,” Starbucks executives wrote in a letter to employees entitled “Standing together against racial injustice.”

The note added: “Until these arrive, we’ve heard you want to show your support, so just be you. Wear your BLM pin or t-shirt. We are so proud of your passionate support of our common humanity. We trust you to do what’s right while never forgetting Starbucks is a welcoming third place where all are treated with dignity and respect.”

Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/starbucks-dress-code-and-plans-to-create-250000-shirts-speaking-out-again-systemic-racism-133106893.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAG0ZFDlC4h7KoT9BYJbuPcBUTNKx9X3Nn4WhFND237G5Y0iN4ghM5iT24744K36mSbBfQ1vwp6UDLtJgAdBl-tPk0r_I5xFRc50nsemBD03yHdxs4qjQfWpzS44LPQtpakItRa5Q95P7mqC6cy5IX6Hk3pfcPqd_FW5Mcf309WVg

Los Angeles County Beaches Open

Los Angeles County beaches are reopening Wednesday to limited activities in what amounts to a small but symbolic milestone in the effort to slowly ease stay-at-home orders implemented to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Permitted activities will include running, walking, swimming and surfing. Group sports like volleyball are prohibited.

NOT PROHIBITED: picnicking and sunbathing, and their accessories — canopies, coolers and the like — will continue to be prohibited.

Face coverings will be mandatory for anyone on the sand but not for people in the water. Beachgoers will be required to practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from other groups, the department said.

Beach parking lots, bike paths on sand, piers and boardwalks will remain CLOSE

VISIT FOR MORE INFO AND LIST OF ALL BEACHES:
https://beaches.lacounty.gov/ .

Need Food? Here are LA Food Banks

NEED FOOD?
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VISIT https://www.lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator/
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Enter your address to find your local food pantry. .
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Note: Pantry distribution dates and times are subject to change.
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CalFresh/LA County DPSS: If you have lost your job, or just need assistance, please apply for CalFresh and other benefits online by visiting the Your Benefits Now (YBN) website at www.dpss.lacounty.gov/ and clicking on the YBN logo to get started.
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Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program: Go to www.phfewic.org/how-wic-works/apply-for-wic/
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Senior/Older Adults: For meals from LA County and City of LA, call 800-510-2020 .