L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas led the groundbreaking ceremony for the newest addition to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Campus in Willowbrook: a medical office building that will increase access to healthcare in South Los Angeles by creating more space for physicians to care for patients.
God’s spirit enveloped the California African American Museum as Los Angeles came out for a gospel music tribute to the legendary Aretha Franklin on Aug. 30. The “Queen of Soul” passed away in Detroit, Michigan on Aug. 16. The two-hour event, organized by L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and gospel music broadcaster Quaford Coleman, attracted more than 2,000 people who filled the museum’s interior and overflowed to hundreds outside the facility. In both places, the audience clapped, sang and shouted throughout the joyous celebration. Highlighting the tribute were selected songs from Aretha’s “Amazing Grace” album, which she recorded in 1972
Sunny skies and beautiful weather were the perfect complement to the June 29 groundbreaking ceremony on a new affordable senior housing development for seniors and special needs residents.
When it comes to John Wesley Mack, the opinion is unanimous. Civil rights legend, social justice warrior, and groundbreaking public servant are words that illustrated his life and career.
An unusual Labor Day celebration took place at West Angeles Church of God in Christ (COGIC) on Sept. 4, as Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. launched the first regional donation drive to aid victims of Hurricane Harvey in the Houston, Texas metropolitan area. Scores of vehicles descended upon the church’s parking lot to drop off non-perishable food, bottled water, toiletries, diapers, baby formula, women’s sanitary products, new undergarments, new children’s clothing, new adult clothing, cleaning products, plastic garbage pails, plastic trash bags, shovels and tools. Also, L.A. Lakers president Ervin “Magic” Johnson secured a donation of 300 pairs of shoes
Hundreds of people joined Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas in marking the 25th anniversary of the 1992 Civil Unrest in Los Angeles with a teach-in and a candlelight vigil.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; director/actor Justin Baldoni, and Karina Moreno Corgan, principal of Dolores Mission School received the 2017 Spirit of Healing Award from the Los Angeles Christian Health Centers (LACHC) on April 8. The three visionaries were honored for their leadership and dedication to humanitarianism and transforming lives. “In their own unique way, each of the Spirit of Healing honorees has used their gifts, whether as a public servant and elected official, actor and entrepreneur, or educator, to enrich the lives of others, advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable and share God’s love with the community,”
The city of Los Angeles honored the late Bishop Bennie Roberts Benbow on Feb. 12, by designating an intersection of South Vermont Avenue as Bishop Benbow Square. The event took place during the 100th birthday celebration service of Bishop Benbow, which was held at 88th Street Temple Church of God in Christ. He was the founder of New Light Church of God and Christ and the 88th Street Temple COGIC. L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas made a surprise visit to the church for the commemorative occasion and he commended Pastor Anthony Williams, the grandson of the late bishop, for continuing