Mayor Bass Delivers Keynote Address for CDU ‘Long White Coats’
In Dec. 2023, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass delivered the keynote address at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science 2023 Long White Coat Ceremony. Approximately 250 friends and family members packed the Keck Building Lawn to see 24 Physician Assistant Program graduates receive the distinct honor. Mayor Bass, a Charles Drew PA program alumna, aligned with the new graduates’ readiness to serve their communities.
L.A. Public Library offers easier way for Adults to Earn HS Diploma
In April 2014, The Los Angeles Public Library became the first public library in the country to start a Career Online High School for adults. Since 2014, they have graduated over 875 students, offering a less traditional way for adults to obtain their accredited high school diploma. Their most recent graduation ceremony was held this Fall and reported in the Sentinel in Nov. 2023. The students graduate with one of 10 career certificates so that when they finish their studies, they have a job portfolio ready to go if they want to enter the workplace after graduation.
California Hospital Medical Center Partners with Morehouse School of Medicine
California Hospital Medical Center announced a new partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine in Sept. 2023 with the aim of expanding and diversifying the healthcare workforce. The Morehouse School of Medicine is the program’s academic sponsor allowing post-graduate residents and fellows to benefit from training focused on addressing health inequities and underserved patients. The announcement launched the first phase of the More in Common Alliance, a historic partnership between CommonSpirit Health/Dignity Health’s parent company, and Morehouse School of Medicine.
Entrepreneur’s Innovative Wig Glue Revolutionizes Hair Industry
Karen Fox, the CEO and founder of Fox Grand Luxe, revolutionized the hair industry with her groundbreaking wig glue, which offers a secure and long-lasting hold for all hair types. As reported In a June 2023 story, By utilizing high-quality ingredients that are gentle on the skin, the glue provides a comfortable and secure hold without causing damage. Its water-resistant and humidity-proof formula ensures that wearers can confidently enjoy their wigs in any weather or during any activity, free from concerns of displacement or discomfort.
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Santa Monica College Celebrates 1st Annual Black Student Graduation Ceremony
This year, 405 Black students graduated from Santa Monica College and were honored at John Adams Middle School auditorium in Santa Monica, CA. The event was organized by the SMC Pan African Alliance, where a dinner reception for graduates and their families/guests followed the graduation ceremony. A few points highlighted the accomplishments of SMC’s 405 Black graduates: 574 degrees and certificates awarded to 405 students, two Bachelor of Science in Interaction Design degrees awarded, 384 Associate degrees, including 108 Associate Degrees for Transfer and 181 Certificates of Achievement and 169 students graduated with more than one degree or certificate.
USC, Local Medical Authorities Talk About Pharmacy Deserts in South L.A.
Local medical professionals gathered for a panel to discuss pharmacy deserts in South Los Angeles at St. Mark United Methodist Church. The panel presented by USC’s Dornsife Spatial Science Institute, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics along with the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI) and the Community Scholars Collaborative on Health Equity Solutions, spoke on causes and possible solutions of pharmacy deserts in South L.A. Led by Dr. Dima M. Qato, associate professor at USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the panel included Dr. Jerry Abraham, Kedren Community Health Center; Dr. Oliver Brooks, chief medical officer Watts Healthcare Corporation; Dr. David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD, president and CEO Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science; La Shawn K. Ford, Illinois General Assembly representative; Melvin Thompson, Chicago community leader; Dr. Ibrahim A. Younis, pharmacy partners lead, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; and Dr. Rickie Keys from The Equitable Growth Fund.
Honor Thy Father Awards Held in Leimert Park Village
The 2023 Honor Thy Father Awards paid tribute to the historical Leimert Park Village under the umbrella of A.V.V.A.L.P. and Africa Town in honor of their Juneteenth celebration. Estelle for Humanity co-sponsored the event, which paid tribute to five outstanding fathers whose love, leadership and enduring commitment have made a profound impact on their families and communities. The honorees were Nike Davis, Virgil E. Coleman, Carl Hughes, Ronnie Gardner, and Dean Martin. Davis received the recipient of “More Than a Father – An Activist and Coach” award for extending his love beyond his family to embrace the community as well.
Holliday Receives Community Impact Award for Transforming Lives of Unhoused People
Katina Holliday, founder and CEO of Holliday’s Helping Hands (HHH), was awarded the Los Angeles County African American Employee Association’s Community Impact award for helping LA’s homeless population as well as formerly incarcerated mothers recently released from prison. Holliday, a former family nurse practitioner, was among the honorees at the “Rising In Power & Prevailing in Excellence” event this year.
L.A.’s First All-Black Girl Scout Troop Remembers Their Trailblazing Leader
Girl Scout Troop leader Surbrida ‘Sue’ Morris launched the first all-Black Girl Scout Troop in Los Angeles in 1963 until her passing on December 23, 2022, she changed the world, one girl at a time until they too became professionals, wives, and mothers. She was 91-years-old. The first all-Black Girl Scout troops began around 1917 and would take nearly 50 years before an all-Black troop would be created in south Los Angeles under Morris’ “super-vision.”
Nehemiah Project LA Aims to Help Transitioning Youth
This year, Bishop Ed Smith was highlighted for his Nehemiah Project L.A., which is a faith-based initiative that works with various nonprofits, businesses and government agencies committed to serving transitional foster youth into better lives so they can sustain a successful life. The NPLA had acquired a house with the goal of getting more for housing transitional youth.
