Op-Ed

A Nation in Love with Drugs: Supply and Demand

Recently, the U.S. Coast Guard seized a submarine carrying nine tons of cocaine with a street value of $239 million.  I don’t know about you, but I really don’t think that building a wall is going to solve America’s love and lust for drugs both legal and illegal.  

My Reflections on the State of Black Los Angeles

I want to start by expressing my weariness regarding the continuous reports on the state of Black America. It seems that year after year, these reports surface without any discernible progress from the previous ones.

When Faith and Medicine Come Together

Speaking before a group of pastors at a luncheon at Harold and Belle’s last week, health activist (and Sentinel columnist) Tony Wafford described the driving force behind his work in typically blunt fashion: “I don’t want to see Black people die,” he said.

A Ram in the Bush and A Negro in the Cut

I know you’re wondering what I’m talking about.  I’m talking about Joseph Abiodun Ladapo.  Ladapo is the Surgeon General of Florida and Governor Ronald Dion DeSantis’ handpicked negro.  

1.5 million Angelenos Face Drastic Cuts in Food Aid

Trinidad Luna is a Los Angeles resident living with type 2 diabetes and amputations below both knees who relies on monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, known as CalFresh in California, to support his dietary needs. 

MLK was a Force for Change in Education and Workforce Development 

On Monday, January 16, we celebrated the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a civil rights and social justice champion in the US and beyond. The outstanding work of Rev. Dr. King transformed society for the better and continues to inspire our march toward economic empowerment, equity, and equality.    We cannot understate Rev. Dr. King’s vision and unbridled advocacy for African Americans and other underserved communities that were denied access to quality education, equitable-paying jobs, and access to capital, credit, and housing under redlining, Jim Crow laws, and other forms of discrimination throughout the United

The Cost of Affordable Housing is Lower than the Cost of Homelessness

This Fall, Duane moved into his own apartment after 15 years of homelessness. He said he feels like he’s living someone else’s dream and takes pride in decorating and settling into his new home. That’s another win from my friends at Harbor Interfaith, a rehousing provider in the South Bay. In San Pedro, a new supportive housing development, Beacon Landing, is under construction, and will welcome 89 people home next year—89 more success stories like Duane. I’m a Realtor, a past Chair of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, and a former Republican. I see so much of our homeless

COMMENTARY: “Grateful After the November Mid-Term Results

To further resist the threat of authoritarianism, we must lift up young leaders who will be democracy’s champions for this and future generations. People For the American Way’s Young Elected Officials Network is celebrating the election of young leaders as new members of Congress from across the country: Greg Casar from Austin, Texas; Emilia Sykes from Akron, Ohio; Maxwell Frost from Orlando, Fla.; Summer Lee from Braddock, Pa.; Robert Garcia from Long Beach, Calif.; Sydney Kamlager from Los Angeles, Calif; and Jasmine Crockett from Dallas, Texas. Dozens more were elected to local and state offices, building a crucial leadership pipeline.

COMMENTARY: Your Obituary Goes Right Here! “Quit Playin”

We get syrupy about “Hidden Figures” from all over and know little about the heroes and sheroes who grew up in our own back yard. Mrs. French L. Cowens was born French L. Jackson to Willie Mae and Willis Jackson in Gladewater, Texas. She grew up in old North Central Dallas.

COMMENTARY: Collision Course (Part 2)

“Although I have no personal knowledge of when Dr. King died, I fully support the research of Dr. William Pepper, who has established that King’s life was terminated at the hospital. His research came through a credible witness, Johnton Shelby, whose mother personally witnessed the event. According to these sources, King did not die immediately, but shortly after being shot and transported to the hospital, when he was smothered to death with a pillow by the head surgeon, Dr. Breen Bland.” — Phillip F. Nelson, author of “Who REALLY Killed Martin Luther King,” in an interview with Our Weekly.