Civil rights icon Xernona Clayton became the first woman to be enshrined with a statue in downtown Atlanta on March 8. The eight-foot statue with its arms open, propped high on a pedestal, looks down on Xernona Clayton Plaza, making the petite icon a giant in the cradle city of the modern Civil Rights Movement.
The Rev. G. Mansfield Collins made a huge footprint during his nearly 102 years of life. His impact was clearly apparent as hundreds filled the sanctuary of Bryant Temple AME Church to salute Collins’ legacy. During an uplifting memorial service on Oct. 10, Collins’ enduring love for God, family and community was celebrated through music, reflections and presentations.
A provision in President Joe Biden’s $1.75 trillion Build Back Better plan will benefit community news publishers across the United States by providing a tax credit that rewards local news organizations for employing journalists.
Several Black-owned newspapers in California have received grants to help them weather the economic downturn the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. Facebook announced May 7, that it is awarding nearly $10.3 million to 144 local newsrooms through the company’s COVID-19 Local News Relief Fund Grant Program.
Publisher Lisa Collins, LA Focus hosted the 22nd First Ladies High Tea at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Apostle Beverly “Bam” Crawford and actress Wendy Raquel Robinson were the Mistress of Ceremonies and on a day when so many powerful and inspiring words were shared, one word captures the entire event most accurately: beautiful. As Legacy Award Recipient Marla Gibbs quipped “This isn’t low tea, it’s HIGH tea!”
The Black Business Association will honor gospel music legend Vicki Mack Lataillade at its Salute to Black Music Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 18, at 7 p.m., at the California African American Museum. Lataillade, the founder and owner of GospoCentric Records and B-Rite Music, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Lisa Collins, publisher of L.A. Focus, will also be recognized with the Outstanding Gospel Publication Award and Byron J. Smith, president of National Association Negro Musicians, will be honored with the Outstanding Artistic Vision Award. Radio pioneer Lee Baily, founder of EURweb.com, will serve as emcee. With a roster packed with major gospel stars, Lataillade has changed
The Black Business Association (BBA) will recognize gospel music legends at its Salute to Black Music Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 18, at 7 p.m., at the California African American Museum. Vicki Mack Lataillade, co-founder of GospoCentric Records will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award; Lisa Collins, publisher of L.A. Focus will be the Outstanding Gospel Publication Award recipient and Byron J. Smith, president of National Association Negro Musicians, will be honored with the Outstanding Artistic Vision Award. According to Earl “Skip” Cooper II, BBA president/CEO, acknowledging the genre is part of the organization’s annual commemoration of Black Music Month. In the past, the nonprofit has paid tribute to
I’ve always been grateful for people who go above and beyond and have a heart for helping others. As a child I experienced abandonment by my biological mother and sexual abuse by my father. I was raised primarily by my paternal grandmother who instilled certain core values into me that have guided my life. My grandmother encouraged my activities in school, church and community and because of the various activities I was involved with, I became a “product of the community.” As I worked in the community, the community sowed back into my life. Many people went above and beyond to help me, and they became the PLUS in my life.
Lisa Collins’ 21st Annual First Ladies High Tea is always a classy affair! Debbie Allen was surprised when James Pickens, Jr. delivered a touching introduction and presented her with the Icon Award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
From left, Aundre Russell, KJLH Radio; Lisa Collins, L.A. Focus; Chrystee Pharis, actress; DJ DimePiece, radio personality; Kameron Green, KJLH; and Cora Jackson-Fossett, L.A. Sentinel were on the media panel. (photo by Steven Williams)Once again, the Los Angeles/Orange County First Ladies Health Luncheon elevated awareness about health issues affecting communities of color. Pastors’ wives from across Southern California attended the event on Oct. 28 at the Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey. U.S. Rep. Karen Bass delivered the keynote address and Dr. Ian Smith encouraged the audience to actively participate in improving the health of their friends and neighbors. Also, the program featured a health