The Ebell of Los Angeles will host a special luncheon with trailblazing media pioneer Regina Jones on Feb. 10 at 11:30 a.m. at its historic campus at 743 S. Lucerne Blvd in the Mid-Wilshire community of L.A. to celebrate Black History Month.
Jones will sit down with acclaimed journalist Karen Grigsby Bates for an intimate interview, featuring two clips from the recent feature film documentary, “Who the Hell Is Regina Jones?”
“I’ve been a member of the Ebell for about eight or nine years and they invited me to speak,” she said.
“I would’ve never [volunteered] for this! At 82, I’m learning I have no filter and whatever the truth is will come out of my mouth. I’m doing this because if my story helps one person get up and keep going no matter what, then I’ve accomplished something with my life.
“I’ve put together a book of poetry called ‘Pieces of My Life,’ and from that came the documentary. South Central L.A.-raised, married at 15, had my first child at 16, and ran a newspaper with my husband for 16 years. He once wrote for the [L.A.] Sentinel and was the first Black television anchorman in L.A.”
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Regina and her former husband, Ken Jones, founded SOUL Newspaper in 1966, which ran until 1982. The publication covered musical genres like jazz, funk, gospel, and R&B.
She played a significant role in preserving and promoting Black entertainment history through the newspaper. From there, she formed Regina Jones & Associates, which focused on entertainment publicity for major celebrities, film clients, and more.
In her discussion, Jones will explore the theme of her documentary: The survival of Black women.
“I’ll talk about a modern-day Black woman ahead of her time,” she shared.
“Nursing other babies of all colors at the beginning of when we were brought here to America. Things have improved, but not as much as they should. We’re still the mules of America. And that’s heavy on my heart.
“And if [attendees] have arguments,” she continued, “maybe I can poke some sticks in them and help them wake up, and they can also poke sticks at me because I love to be criticized. I’ve made mistakes and had to reexplore a lot of things. But we’re in this dilemma together and must figure out that we are more connected than we know. It’s not about me—it’s gotta be We.”
Among Jones’ fondest memories are of her nephew, former KJLH radio personality and program director Rod McGrew, who is credited with creating the “Kindness, Joy, Love, and Happiness” slogan, and of Lawrence Tanter, who once wrote for SOUL Newspaper before becoming the venerable public address announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1982. She once challenged the legendary Stevie Wonder to a game of air hockey—and lost.
The afternoon will conclude with an audience Q&A and the opportunity to purchase Regina’s newly published memoir and anthology of poems and essays. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Ebell.
For more information, visit https://www.ebellofla.org/events/monday-lunch-in-conversation-with-regina-jones
