The Best Is Yet to Come in 2009

Yes Dear,
It is exactly 5 days until the New Year, and I am so glad to be able to surround myself with people that I love.
Do me a favor and take a moment of your time, just 5 minutes or so, and reflect on what your expectations of other people are. What is it that you can do to make this world a better place? Let's start with the person in the mirror. If we each take a moment to think about what it is that we contribute to this place we call home, and then take the necessary measures to ensure that we are, in fact, making some kind of positive contribution - then we are good to go!

There are several questions that I have asked myself. What kind of person am I going to continue being? Are you a giver or a taker? Because if you are the one always on the receiving end, instead of reaching out and giving/helping others, then perhaps in 2009 that is something one can work on...I'm just saying....

Laugh a little harder. Close your eyes and take a deep breath and try loving a little deeper. Just try it. It doesn't hurt. It heals!
Until next time,
C

A Year to Remember

It's a nice crisp day here in Sunny California. The temperature is a smooth 62 Degrees and the sun is out.
I was just in Chicago where it was considered a heat wave for this time of the year - 33 Degrees; chilly for me, but nice, crisp and clean. It was a nice change for a few days.
We celebrated what we were grateful for (we gathered in a circle and each mentioned what family branch we were from, and said two things that we were grateful for) and completed the circle of life by having funeral services for my favorite Great-Uncle JR., the day after Thanksgiving.
My Great-Aunt Birtha called us all to her table. She is the Matriarch of our family, and lives in Chicago. She and Uncle JR. were married for 50 years.
We came from California, Michigan, Ohio, Nevada, Louisiana and Bermuda. All to bid Uncle JR. farewell. We will truly miss Uncle JR.,
and continue to treasure our Great-Aunt Birtha. Life truly is a cycle...

I'm hoping that you and yours get a chance to reflect on what it is that is important to you, and tell those that you love, that they are truly valued.

Then get out of the house and do something fun!

Truly,
C

Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed

I feel so thankful to live in a time and age where we as a group of people have decided to work together for a common cause. We have all had a chance to watch the news and look around and see how our country is wavering. We each must have taken a moment to see that our concentration must be that of the business of healing this country. The business of providing jobs for people so that they can have a decent place to live and food on the table. Everyone you see needs food, clothing and shelter. I have to eat and you have to eat. Remember that...

Luke 17: 6 says that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, anything can happen. To say it better, Mark 11:23 "Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him."

Barack Obama is living proof of that.

I'm going to say a prayer and get some rest. You do the same, now.

Yes We Can!

C

Yes, We Can!

Good Morning all of you fellow American citizens! It's November 4th, and it is time for us to take advantage of - you guessed it - the right to vote!

Get up and on it!

Have a great day at the polls.

Truly,
C

Allensworth, CA - You still have time!

Good Morning!
If you're thinking about getting up to the 100th Anniversary of the all Black Township in Southern, CA, that was made into a historical park, please, by all means, get on the train - Amtrak (http://www.amtrak.com/), and leave the driving to them, or, better yet, grab your Grand-parents and children, put on some sun sreeen and a nice hat, get up and go to Allensworth!(http://maps.google.com/?q=from:%20512%20Grace%20Ave.%20%233%20Inglewood%20CA%2090301%20to:%2034.0559505209715%20-118.236382544324%20%28Los%20Angeles%20-%20Union%20Station%20800%20N%20Alameda%20St%20Los%20Angeles%20CA%2090012-2902%29)

Hope to see you there!



C

Stevie Wonder's - KJLH Radio - Inglewood, CA

I listen to this radio station every single day. I love getting up in the early mornin's dawn and listening to Dominique DiPrima on the Front Page( 4:30am - 6:00am - M-F). She's an intelligent, beautiful, insightful, funny woman. In my opinion, she is the 21st Century Harriet Tubman on the airwaves. She is soulful and deep. She speaks volumes of truth and shares her knowledge, awakening those who are ready, and will make one take hold of their conscious minds... I also listen to the Mid-day Massage, given by Kevin Nash ( 1:10 pm - M-F). It's beautiful...

Please take a moment to visit Stevie Wonder's Radio Station - KJLH Radio. I've mentioned it before, but now I'd like you to visit it, when you get a chance.

http://kjlhradio.blogspot.com/

C

Hidden Beach Records - Yes We Can! Listen to Songs

Allensworth Celebrates it's Centennial

Everyone should go on line and purchase a ticket from Amtrak (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25528 ) and head to the 100th Anniversary of the all Black Towhship, founded by Colonal Allensworth, 100 years ago.


http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=24825

My friend Shirley and I visited the State Park back in February/2008 - and it was very very educational. Young and old, black, yellow brown and white were there. http://beverlyhillsbusinessexcellence.blogspot.com/2008/02/allensworth-ca-all-black-community.html
Everyone learned something about the history of the state of California and the township of Allensworth, CA, and what caused it's demise. Very interesting...

I'm so excited about the up and coming event. You're invited!

If you get a chance, do come.

I hope to see/meet you there!

Bisous Bisous,
Carla

Rafael Saadiq @ Hollywood & Highland

Well, Raphael was bringing on the heat last night. KJLH Radio and MySpace had a listening party for him last night at Hollywood & Highland, here in Los Angeles, CA.

Oh my goodness, his performance was off the hook! His latest album entitled,"The Way I See It" is now one of my favorites.
Please take a moment and listen for yourself.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=69995997

I have been a fan of his since the days of Tony! Toni! Toné! Remember the song - It Feels Good!? - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOl6pYXNzig

Then Raphael and a few other really good talent formed a group called
Lucy Pearl back in the late '90's, w/ Dawn Robinson(formerly of En Vogue) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (formerly of A Tribe Called Quest). To this very day, I still love and play the song by Lucy Pearl - Dance Tonight (http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=33077157 ) - Did you ever listen to the strings and the horns on this song?...

Well, he didn't stop there. For the past few years he's been performing solo, and he keeps putting out a great sound. Last night he was doing his thing, and it was really good...

Raphael Saadiq has done it again!

C

You Know What Words Can Do

My Mother is forever quoting the movie,
" The Great Debators" - The part when Forrest Whitaker's character, Dr. Farmer, is talking to Denzel Washington's character, Melvin B. Tolson, at a Sunday afternoon dinner party at Dr. Farmer's home. He and Tolson get into a heated conversation over whether or not Tolson is a good influence on Dr. Farmer's son. The conversation progresses, and at a pivitol point, Dr. Farmer jokingly says, " You know what words can do!" to Melvin Tolson.

It's true. If you ever think about it. Words can hurt or heal. It's just that simple. I remember distinctly reading somewhere in the Bible that " the power of life and death are in the tongue".
Be careful what you say to people. Once it's said, you can't retract it. Can't erase the hurt. I don't care how hard you try. So, think before you speak. Really. Life is so precious, and too short to go around spitting out things that hurt instead of heal one another. Of course, this is my opinion...
Until next time....Carla

DESIDERATA - found in Old St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland, circa 1692; author unkown.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant - they, too, have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself to others, you made become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements, as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble - it is a real possessions in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many people strive for high ideals. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it transcends time and space.

Take kindly to the counsel of years, while gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune, but do not distress yourself with imaginings; many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

Your are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, there is no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with yourself, as a god in your own right and do not confuse spirituality with supernatural.

Whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Hancock - the Movie, starring Will Smith

This past week just flew by, but what made it so enjoyable was going to see the movie, "Hancock", starring Will Smith, Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron.
Val and Jimmy called from Philly and said, " Sissy, you've got to go see the movie "Hancock". It was so good. As a matter of fact, I didn't want it to end!"
So, what did I do?
I called my Mother in San Francisco, CA and said, " Mother, I just got off of the phone will Val and Jimmy, and they said that the movie "Hancock" was great! We've got to go see it.
She said, " Okay, great. I'll be the judge of that."
You see, my Mother is the movie aficionado of the family. She's seen it all - so she thought. Well, I then called my Aunt KellyRose and we hopped in the car and headed to AMC Magic Johnson's Theater and saw the film.
http://losangeles.mrmovietimes.com/movie-theaters/AMC-Magic-Johnson-Crenshaw-15.html
It was excellent! ( Okay, so my family loves film)

Got home, called my Mother, and to my surprise, she gave the film two thumbs up. YES!

So, do your self a favor and get out of this hot sun and slip into a nice cool movie theater, and see the film "Hancock" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448157/.

Let me know what you think....

Until next time....
C

Sunday Morning

It's another beautiful sunny day in Southern California. Today is one of those days where you roll out of bed, hop in the shower and put on some shorts and flip-flops and head to The Original Pancake House on Pacific Coast Highway. http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/index.html Since breakfast is my favorite meal, I think that's what I'll do!
Enjoy your Sunday....

To Our Future - Evans/Montgomery Family

Rhoda Terry, Valerie Edmonson and Moi,
Celebrating Becky's earning a Masters Degree in Library Science,
from the University of Maryland

Becky earned her Masters in Library Science
from the University of Maryland
We are SO proud of her! 

This past week flew by like a dream sequence. The entire family's been planning for this occasion for quite a while, and to think that May 23rd, 2008, was finally here!

Rebecca earned a Masters Degree in Library Science.

It was so nice to celebrate the graduation of someone so dear to me. Rebecca, the first born child of my Aunt Arketia and LaRue,

graduated from the University of Maryland, on Friday, May 23rd.

We could say she was focused on education because her Aunt Gladys put a book under everyone's nose the second that any of us could lift our heads up(3-6 months old). Or, we could say it was because she spent many days out on campus at SFSU with her cousin(moi), who thought that Rebecca was her child, and loved her and her sister as such; it could have been her cousins Al-T & Valerie & Jimmy, who had driven them to school, helped with homework, and Jimmy who moved Becky from Dorm room to Apt., making sure that Becky knew that she could come and crash at their home when ever she wanted to. Or it was also Aunt Caroline and cousins Rechia, Rhonda and Rhoda, who picked them up as often as they could, and made sure that they spent Christmas Holidays with them. Kay-Kay, the baby girl of the family, and Rhoda's lovely daughter, makes everyone's heart happy - so Kay-Kay helped too. Malisa, Rebecca's baby sister, has a son named Brandon, and he too, made sure that Rebecca stayed on task - how? By loving his Auntie sooo much. Brandon and Malisa, you both made a difference.

I chose to believe it was a combination of all of the above - We are family!

It was the kind of occasion that made all of our hearts glad. We felt so blessed by Jehovah to gather together for a happy occasion.
I sat there and cried - again( I did the same when she earned her undergraduate degree from Morgan State Univ. 2 years earlier). Rebecca knows me so well until she knew that I'd been crying tears of joy. Why? Because she brings me and my family joy. There were three generations of us there, ranging from 5-65 years of age.
After the graduation, we had dinner at a fabulous restaurant called Clyde's of Columbia, MD. http://www.clydes.com/main/index.cfm No two Clyde's are the same; at the Clyde's of Columbia, MD., they have a room called the Library. It was perfect! Since Rebecca earned her Masters in Library Science, we reserved - you guessed it - the Library Room, where a party of 30 fit nicely!
Oh, it was so nice. Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Ernest drove up from Louisiana for the occasion, and loved the atmosphere.Quite a few of her co-workers showed up - I mean, her manager and at least 6 co-workers, and each had nothing but wonderful things to say about Rebecca's personality and work ethics. I held back the tears this time because we'd already embarrassed her enough by chanting our African Tribal cheer when we made a toast to her over dinner. Just think, 3 generations ago, our Grand Parents worked hard and paved the way for us, all of us. Their hands were rough so that we could have soft hands. So if you can, those of you reading this, take a moment and step back and assess how your parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins ( thanks Val and Jimmy for your hospitality) and those who are not physically related to you, have loved and nurtured you, and have made sacrifices and choices so that you could achieve more.
Then, after thanking God for who you are, give them a hand.

A Day of Reflection

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life was sacrificed on this day April 4, 1968, at 6:01pm.

There are a variety of reasons why this man died, but the premise is better summarized in a parable.
Two men are given the task of running a race where the Grand Prize is justice, equality, financial stability and advancement. The race had begun, but only one of the men running the race was literally held back for 100 years, while the other men were allowed to take off, dashing towards the finish line, where the people who sponsored the race, and different sections of the audience were simply appalled over the fact the second runner up got to the finish line and actually completed the race. The second runner up knew that the odds were against him when he set out to run the race, but his very life and that of others depended on the completion of the race. Some of the people in the audience saw that the race was in the first runner's favor, and start to boo when the second runner up had the nerve to continue running! Although the first runner ran and completed the race years before the second runner up, for some reason, some of the members of the audience were so disturbed by the second runner up even showing up at the finish line, until they set out for the tracking field, and stoned the second runner up to death. Why? Because the second runner up was too dark and wanted equality. The second runner up also complained about running a race that was geared towards the first man winning. Sections of the audience thought that the second runner up had a lot of nerve and that he should have felt lucky to even be in the race - never mind the outcome. Some in the audience wanted to know why the second runner up even wanted to run in the race, knowing that he was being held back and the odds of winning were clearly against him. Well, the second runner up ran the race because he felt that he had a chance to change the outcome, despite the odds. There were several members in the audience - red, yellow, white and brown, that supported and cheered the second runner on, despite the odds.
The second runner up kept running, building up momentum because he could see the finish line and believed that there was power in completion.

So goes the story of what happened to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

If you really think about it, Dr. King Jr., was a God fearing, family man that believed in practicing what he preached. His desire to have clean water, provide a decent living environment for his wife and children, proper education for his children and equal opportunities for growth and advancement for every American, along with the right to worship God in a safe place - is what he non-violently fought and died for.

Pure and simple.

We've come a long way in America thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Reverend Abernathy and others that laid the foundation for black, red, yellow, white and brown people to have the opportunity to walk down the street, sit at a restaurant shoulder to shoulder, attend theatre, sitting side by side or even travel throughout this beautiful country - and not worry about race/creed/religion being the determining factor.

The late Yolanda King had welcomed me into her home here in Los Angeles, CA and shared some of the most rare and precious photos taken of the four generations of men that she came from. It was an amazing journey through decades of passed down generations of knowledge, integrity and wisdom. Yes, Yolanda King helped pave the way through her active participation in spreading the word via a play entitled " Achieving THE DREAM". It was magnificent. Linda Hopkins was amazing as a guest vocalist, adding so much emotion to her song. "Achieving THE DREAM" was very inclusive. Emphasizing the thoughts of the late Prophet Ghandi. The play, "Achieving THE DREAM", really made one visualize the importance of world peace.

Donzaleigh Abernathy shared her Dad's story with me one late afternoon up at Dawn Sutherland's lovely home here in Los Angeles,CA. We laughed, talked about fine jewelry, and cried over the loss of family. You too Donzaleigh, have made sacrifices and have proven to work diligently towards a better, more beautiful America.

Thank you Coretta Scott King, Reverend Ralph and Juanita Abernathy, President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Senator Ted Kennedy, and the entire Kennedy Family, James Peck, John Lewis, A. Phillip Randolph, The Freedom Riders, Dr. Elizabeth Parent, Glen and Helen Smiley, Stevie Wonder, Dr. Nathan Hare and Dr. Julia Hare, Dr. Richard King, Dr. Asa and Pat Hilliard III, Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, Dominique DiPrima, Gladys Evans, Bertha Sims - Rankins, Dorothy Sims, Theresa and Reverend Gideon Evans, Herman and Bobby Horn, Janice Tolbert, Walter and Bernadine Towns, James Zwerg, Vernon Johns, Claudette Colvin, Rosa Parks, Reverend Bennett, Albert Thomas Jr.( who at 40 yrs old, was the first Black man to stand up to the blatant miss treatment of Black men at the Clorox Corp., in Oakland, CA) and James and Valerie Edmonson Jr., of Helena Arkansas, and his nephews, Dr. Percy Bland, and the late Byron Bland of Helena Arkansas, who recently earned a PhD at the age of 42, and passed shortly there after. Byron Bland was a fine example of achieving the American dream via higher education, that Dr. King Jr. spoke of. Yes, these men and women, along with a host of others, stepped up to the helms and clearly driving through racial hatred, political opposition and even death. This was done so that people of color can sleep, eat and work in a country that provides so many opportunities to achieve the American Dream!

I'm grateful to live in a time and age where racial tolerance and cultural acceptance is taught to our children.

We are living during a period of time where change is inevitable.
Either get with it, or it will steam roll right past you like a Pullman Sleeper Car.

Please read the book "Partners to History" written by Donzaleigh Abernathy, Forward written by the late John F. Kennedy Jr.
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780609609149

"Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns"

This morning I called my Great-Aunt Theresa and asked if she was doing anything special this afternoon ( yes, I know that it's Easter Sunday - she already got her prays on) and she said no. So, we popped into Tal's on Florence Ave.,
In Inglewood, CA and had brunch. The entire staff was there - Bridgette and Leonard and Rose, and it was very nice. The food was good old traditional Southern comfort food. Aunt Theresa had Salmon Croquettes, grits and eggs, and I had bacon, scrambled eggs and home fried potatoes (the ones with onions and bell peppers) and she had green tea and I opted for coffee. It was as if I'd stepped into a diner in Shreveport, Louisiana - yes, that good!
Well, we then drove over to Hughes Shopping Center, right off of Sepulveda Blvd., and Centinella, and saw "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns". Aunt Theresa was thrilled to see Madea in action again. We sat and laughed so hard throughout the movie! Aunt Theresa kept saying, " That Tyler Perry is so so smart!" Or, " That Tyler Perry and Mudea are at it again, and I just LOVE it!" Auntie is 80+ and thinks that Tyler Perry brilliant, and wants the world to know it - so it is done!
Angela Bassett, Jenifer Lewis, and that oh so fine, fine, fine young man named Rick Fox were all excellent!

I love the fact that Tyler Perry always ties in the importance of thinking about how one's choices in life will have a positive or negative effect on one's future.

The entire cast was great and I am encouraging everyone to go out and see "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns" this week if you want to see something with flavor.
www.tylerperry.com/ http://www.thebridgecinema.com/guide/details_mov.asp?mov=61885&l=7801

It's Saturday Morning!

Woke up to a cool 61 degrees, and opened all of my windows and doors to let the fresh air in. It's Saturday, and I've decided to do several things today - or nothing at all. I'll give myself another 30 minutes before I make a decision. I've been running non-stop for the past 2 weeks, and last night was no exception. My day started at 5:00am with getting ready for a very nice networking breakfast at El Torito's Grill in Beverly Hills. I got quite a bit accomplished on my 'Things To Do" list, and wound down the evening meeting my friends at The LUXE Hotel Rodeo Dr., for dinner. Otto, the Bartender at Cafe' 360, located in the LUXE Hotel, makes the best pomagranate maritini's in the world! So, that is where we kicked up our heels. I ordered the Grilled Salmon on a bed of spinach with grilled red potatoes and beets - ummmm - very nice! Jennifer, Andre, MiMi and I had such a great time wrapping up our week. We were discussing Jennifer's trip to Greece this summer. Andre suggested that she take a route though the Southern part of Italy, and I suggested that she start up North in Italy, and work her way down south and then over to Greece. We'll see what route she takes, but what ever route she takes, it'll be a great experience. Jennifer and I then stopped into the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for tea and coffee and desserts. Yes, I had quite a busy week, but it's always nice to wind down with friends.

Well, I've got to run! I've decided to get up and on it!

Chat with you soon...C

Aretha Franklin - The Queen of Soul Still Reigns

My cousin Ralonda and I got a chance to attend one of the BEST concerts of all times. Tell me if you can guess what song this is -
"What you want? Baby I got it! What you need? - you know I got it! All I want you to do for me..."
The second song that makes me sway back and forth is - well, try and guess it. It starts out with, "I got a phone call from my sister Carolyn. She said, Gotta find me an Angel..." Oh my goodness! Then she sang 'My Funny Valentine' and 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', just to name a few. Yes, you guessed it!
I just heard Aretha Franklin sing those songs LIVE, just an hour or so ago, at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles(NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE), to a multi-cultured crowd, completely jam packed audience. People were standing up and dancing in the isles. She even did a few new songs that are on her newest album. I can't wait to buy it.

She was excellent!

Aretha Franklin is a great American Icon, and she was in our midst this evening, and we all showed her how much we appreciated her Soulful sound.
Speaking of which, the Good Roland Bynum and his wife Carolyn, along with Jacquie Stephens, were sitting to my left. Roland Bynum is a true Professor of musicology. He is also Smokie Robinson's nephew.
What a great mentor and a community activist in the LA area. Both he and Jacquie Stephens make sure that the community at large, is engaged in conversation relating to current events that are taking place every day. Along with Dominique DiPrima, who hosts 'Front Page' every morning(an excellent talk show that encourages one to "Free their minds"and to remember that knowledge is power), positively represent KJLH Radio - 102.3 on your FM dial(www.kjlhradio.com).
Thank you Thomas Owens, for truly letting your word be your bond.
What an amazing Staff over at KJLH Radio. Stevie Wonder, not only are you an American Icon, you are a brilliant man. The world is a better place because of your contributions - Globally. Believe that.

Allensworth, CA: An all Black Community

Colonel Allensworth was a man with a vision. He actually created the first and only all Black township called Allensworth, CA in 1908.
(http://www.friendsofallensworth.com/allensworth/allensworth.html)

Yesterday, Shirley and I took a very comfortable ride on an Amtrak train, to Allensworth Historical Park(http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak) for the day. It was like a coming home, or family reunion. People came from everywhere, and we swopped stories of our families, food, children dancing and having potato sack races and all kinds of games and activities for everyone. Every nationality was there, and it was so nice. It reminded me of a time, not so long ago, when WE loved each other...
Ms. Hackett was born in the house that we visited yesterday(http://www.friendsofallensworth.com/township/township.html);
She took us all on a tour of the property.
(The first school in Allensworth was taught by her Mother and Aunts back in 1909.)
Ms. Hackett, and others, took the time to re-educate the young and old.
I have adored her for years. She said to always strive for higher ground.
You know what I mean?
She's having a book signing event May 17, 2008, so get your Amtrak tickets(Please contact Mr. Victor Carter, (661) 633-1577 or at info@friendsofallensworth.org he can tell you what code to give Amtrak, so that they will stop at the trainstop in Allensworth,CA. Otherwise, I kid you not, the train will not stop. Thanks Amtrak for accommodating us!

Try and make it to Allensworth, CA., for the book singing event! You won't be sorry...

Black History Tour of Los Angeles Feb 2, 2008

Dr. Shepherd was kind enough to reach out to the Community and take 6 bus loads of people of all walks of life, from 3725 Don Felipe Dr., Consolidated Realty - to some of the most interesting places throughout Southern California. It was very nice to know that in 1845, the last Californian Governor under Mexican rule was Pio de Jesus Pico - an African-Mexican. We went down to Olivera Street and read the names of those who were amongst the founding families of Los Angeles - LOS POBLADORES. Children and people young and old were gathered there at the sight of the plaque that lists the names of the founding families. It also lists their ethnicity. We also went by the three block area that African Americans had to live in from 1890-1905. The area is in the Temple District. It was very interesting... We visited Sugar Hill/West Adams District, Marvin Gayes' home where he met an untimely death. We then drove past the first, second and third Black Fire Stations and the First African Methodist Episcopal Church (2270 S. Harvard Blvd.)We then drove by the former houses of Ethel Waters (1919 S. Harvard Blvd.), Johnny Otis(2077 S. Harvard Blvd.),

Hattie McDaniel (1910 S. Harvard Blvd.) and Louise Beavers (1911 S. Harvard Blvd.)


It was so nice to see how Black Hollywood lived during the 1920's-40's. (Check out the book on Hattie McDaniel's life, 'Hattie McDaniel:Black Ambition, White Hollywood', Jill Watts, Author)

Shirley Smith told us all about the Black Saints that are buried here in LA, and showed us the first Catholic Cathedral in Los Angeles. She's a Docent at the very nice new Cathedral down town.


We also went down on Weller Street, and area that Black folks used to shop and hang out back in the 1910-1930's. We went by Bridgette " Biddy" Mason's dedicated plaque/wall. Biddy Mason was (Biddy Mason Wall - USC Dornsife) brought here from Texas for a visit with her slave master. With the help of several people, she hired an Attorney and fought for the right to remain here in California, as a free person. After the judge heard her story, he freed her and her daughters.
She purchased property in what is now downtown Los Angeles, and became one of the wealthiest women in Los Angeles. She helped feed the poor, heal the sick and helped birth children(Biddy Mason studied Midwifery, and carried a medical bag, because she was a bonafied healer, and helped so many) as a Mid-Wife.

The next time that you're in the downtown area, I dare you to look up Biddy Mason!
(The Biddy Mason Wall is located at 333 S. Spring St., LA, CA)

Thank you Dr. Sheperd, Shirley and Pat for inviting me on such a lovely, educational journey in Los Angeles.

California African American Museum Exhibitions - Jan 31 - June 1, 2008

Oh my, my, my. What a timely exhibit - 'The African Presence in Mexico - From Yanga to the Present. Who Are We Now? Roots, Resistance, and Recognition and Common Ground'.

Everyone should go and see this empowering exhibit. Please take the time to see what people can accomplish if they work together. Visit their website: http://www.caamuseum.org/ ...