Iconic Los Angeles news reporter Beverly White Retires after 41 Years in TV News
Reporter Beverly White, who graced the L.A. airwaves for the last three decades, retired after 41 years in TV news to pursue other opportunities in Florida. White was known for her fairness, compassion, and excellence. Photojournalist David Gregory said: “She’s like the queen mother of news.”
Reflecting on some of the stories she will always cherish, White said, “I covered Nelson Mandela when he was first released [from prison]. The station flew me to Miami. Also, I covered him when he came to L.A. [and appeared at] First AME Church. Just to be in that space was memorable.”
Related Articles
- https://lasentinel.net/beverly-white-closes-41-year-broadcasting-career.html
- https://lasentinel.net/loyola-marymount-recognizes-danny-bakewell-sr-in-special-mlk-interfaith-service.html
- https://lasentinel.net/bba-presents-2023-salute-to-black-women-business-conference.htm
Acknowledging her success in the city of angels, White said, “L.A. has been good to me and I’ve truly enjoyed my time here.” On Twitter she wrote, “This is for anyone who ever granted me an on-camera interview, gave me a news tip or blessed me w/a kind word. Thank you. I’m retiring today after 41 yrs in TV news. Y’all who watched & liked? I’m grateful 4 you too. Stay safe! And support journalism #1A.”
Danny Bakewell Sr. Honored by Loyola Marymount at MLK Interfaith Service
A beautiful service in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was held at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) on January 18, in the St. Robert’s Auditorium.
The interfaith service brought together students, faculty, and staff to recognize civil rights activist and Los Angeles Sentinel Executive Publisher Danny J. Bakewell Sr. on his outstanding work for Black people as well as the city of Los Angeles. While the event honored Martin Luther King Jr., it also discussed his legacy and how activists like Bakewell continue on his legacy.
“It’s important that we as a people recognize where we are, and not trick ourselves to believing we’re higher than we are. We’re doing better, there’s Black billionaires and millionaires that have come out of the Black community, and we’re very appreciative of them, but we need to look at the masses of the Black community,” said Bakewell.
“Everyday, everyone has somebody already advocating for them. It’s Black people that don’t have people advocating for us. The places where we put our interest and our energy, we can make change, but we got to do that.”
Black Business Association Sponsors Black Women Business Conference and Luncheon
Hundreds of people descended on the Hyatt Regency LAX Hotel for the 20th anniversary of the Salute to Black Women sponsored by the Black Business Association of Los Angeles.
The daylong event, centered around the theme, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” featured a business conference, vendor fair and awards luncheon in recognition of National Women’s History Month.
Eight women representing a range of professions and achievements were acknowledged at the luncheon and received commemorative plaques from BBA President/CEO Sarah R. Harris, BBA Board Chairman Earl “Skip” Cooper, emcee Kim Anthony-Morrow and several guest presenters.
In addition, life coach Wendy Gladney Williams moderated a “Season of Greatness” symposium, featuring 5 astounding women of excellence
Bakewell Media and Los Angeles Sentinel Present “Power, Leadership, and Influence of Black Women”
On Saturday, April 15, Bakewell Media and the Los Angeles Sentinel presented the “Power, Leadership, and Influence of the Black Woman,” at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
This prestigious event also celebrated the 90th anniversary of the L.A. Sentinel Newspaper. Over 700 people attended including public servants and other influential individuals who positively impacted the community.
Pat Harvey, CBS2/KCAL9 anchor and event co-chair, and moderator and honoree Mayor Karen Bass had an intimate conversation at the 2023 Power, Leadership & Influence of the Black Woman event on April 15 at the Beverly Hilton.
Ambassador Michael A. Lawson to Step Down from LA Urban League at end of 2023.
Michael A. Lawson, president/CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL) since 2018, announced in April 2023, that he intends to step down by the end of 2023.
Lawson who was initially heading into retirement after serving as an ambassador in the Obama administration, was called to serve once more, this time as the president/CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League.
When Lawson arrived at LAUL, the organization was facing escalating deficits, decreasing revenues, and a shortage of talent. The budget was balanced within three years and the organization became, once again, a driver of change, a community connection for jobs and resources, and a powerful voice against injustice and economic inequity.
Lawson, who officially ended his tenure, on December 21, 2023, said “Leading the Los Angeles Urban League has been an extraordinary honor,” He also commended his successor, Cynthia Mitchell Heard, by stating “ As I step down from my role as President and CEO, I am confident that the Los Angeles Urban League is in capable hands. Cynthia Mitchell Heard is a remarkable leader.”
Gloria Gray Sworn in as New Councilwoman for Inglewood City’s District 1
Former Healthcare Administrator, School Board member, and Water Board Director Gloria Gray was sworn in as the Councilwoman for Inglewood City’s Council District 1, on Sunday, April 30. Gray was sworn in by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the first Black woman to hold the office of mayor.
Gray capped her swearing-in festivities with a concert held by the Paul McDonald Big Band featuring Hope Diamond. She graciously thanked her partner, Leonard Tibbs; her daughters Monica Ector and Denise Mitchell; and grandchildren Michael Ector, Monet Ector, Ariss Mitchell, Arrington Mitchell, and Ariell Green.
Councilman Curren Price Vows to Clear His Name Against Unwarranted Charges
In June, Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price was charged by the L.A. District Attorney with multiple counts of embezzlement, perjury and conflict of interest.
Price, who has represented the 9th district since 2013, decided to step down as council president pro tem and surrendered all of his committee assignments. However, he did not state resign from the council, but stated, “While I navigate through the judicial system to defend my name against unwarranted charges filed against me, the last thing I want to do is be a distraction to the people’s business.”
On Oct. 13, LA City Councilmember Price filed a demurrer in response to the 10 criminal charges brought against him by the District Attorney’s Office. A demurrer serves as a legal challenge to the sufficiency of the Complaint.
On Monday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m., at McCoy Memorial Baptist Church, located at 802 E. 46th Street in South Los Angeles, a coalition comprising South Central neighbors and esteemed clergy members united in “Prayers for the Ninth,” an evening devoted to uplifting the District 9 community and showing support for Price.”
18th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival
The Taste of Soul Family Festival attracted the biggest crowd ever during the daylong event on Saturday, Oct. 21. According to city officials, nearly 500,000 people attended “biggest and baddest block party in all of Los Angeles,” which is how Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., TOS creator/founder, describes the iconic event.
The huge free festival, which extended along Crenshaw from Obama Boulevard to Stocker Street, was a multigenerational affair with activities for the entire family. Highlighting the event were 300 vendors offering food, shopping, job information, health screenings, financial management guidance and more.
Young people enjoyed Children’s World sponsored by First 5, Lucas Museum and Santa Monica College, and adults packed out the She Ready Comedy Lounge and Beer Garden hosted by Mothers In Action and Tiffany Haddish, TOS Celebrity chair.
Bakewell Media “Music for the Soul” Soundstage presented by Chevrolet featured The Whispers and The Delfonics Experience, Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage sponsored by City National Bank was headlined by Mali Music and Norman Hutchins, and the KJLH Music Stage presented by Delete the Divide starred Johnny Gill, October London, and KJLH owner Stevie Wonder.
“Taste of Soul is a huge undertaking. Words cannot express the appreciation that I have to all those who came out and supported Taste of Soul and the hundreds of businesses as long with our corporate and government partners that participated in the event,” noted Bakewell, who also commended the community for maintaining the event’s reputation as a safe place to visit.
Ambassador Diane Watson Celebrates her 90th Birthday
U.S. Ambassador Diane E. Watson enjoyed a week of celebration in honor of her 90th birthday on Nov. 12. Above, she received a proclamation L.A. City Councilmembers, from left Tim McOsker, Curren Price, Heather Hutt and Marqueece Harris-Dawson. Watson was also saluted by L.A. County Board of Supervisors, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles City Council, Los Angeles Unified School District, Homegirls Restaurant, and West Angeles Church of God in Christ.
On Wednesday, December 6, Metro celebrated the re-naming of the Leimert Park Metro Station for the Honorable Diane E. Watson.
She has worked as a teacher, administer and school psychologist for the Los Angeles Unified School District from 1958 to1976. She was a lecturer at California State University from 1969 to 1971 and health occupation specialist for the Bureau of Industrial Education at the California Department of Education from 1971 to 1973. From 1975 to 1978, she served on the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education.
Watson was a member of the California State Senate from 1978 to 1998. She was the United States ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia from 1999 to 2000. In 2003, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election to fill the vacancy after the death of Rep. Julian Dixon and was re-elected four times before retiring in 2011.
Brotherhood Crusade Honors Pat Harvey and Raises $1.2 Million
Surpassing all expectations, the Brotherhood Crusade raised a whopping $1.2 million announced President/CEO Charisse Bremond-Weaver during the organization’s 55th Annual Bremond/Bakewell Pioneer of African American Achievement Awards Dinner.
More than 2,000 people gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, on Friday, Dec. 8, for the popular event, which honored media icon, community advocate, and philanthropist Pat Harvey for her endearing 34-year career in broadcast journalism and philanthropic contributions to individuals and groups throughout the city.
“Pat Harvey is a remarkable individual whose outstanding career and steadfast commitment to community service has made a lasting impact on the lives of many,” said Bremond Weaver, who joined Brotherhood Crusade Board Chairman Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. in presenting Harvey with the award.
“We are honored to present this award to Pat Harvey, not only because of her stellar career over the past 34 years as an icon of news and media here in Los Angeles and throughout the country, but also because Pat’s willingness to get involved in her community, lend a hand and lend her voice to those things that are important to our people is what the Brotherhood/Bremond Pioneer of African American Achievement is all about,” said Bakewell.
Harvey responded, “Brotherhood Crusade’s shared commitment to community service truly resonates with me, and I am excited to lend my voice and efforts to furthering their initiatives. Together, we’ll continue creating stories of empowerment, resilience, and positivity for the communities we serve.”
