May 25, 2013

‘Images Of America: Leimert Park’ Chronicles Los Angeles’ Past And Present

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*Event Producer and local historian Cynthia E. Exum has released a new book that chronicles the diverse history of one of Los Angeles’ most iconic areas. Exum co-authored Images of America: Leimert Park with Maty Guiza-Leimert, wife of Walter H. Leimert III, whose grandfather Walter H. Leimert, Sr. purchased 231 acres in what was then [...]




Global Fun at Leimert Park Village African Art & Music Festival

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*The Vision Theatre Back-lot once again served as the host site for the 4th Annual Leimert Park Village African Art and Music Festival. The event celebrated the diverse African diaspora inLos Angeles, with music, art, poetry, childrens and teen activities, ‘Leimert Park After Dark,’ and much more. Several thousand people spent most or all of [...]




Sheryl Lee Ralph Named Ambassador for Leimert Park Village Book Fair

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*Sheryl Lee Ralph has been dubbed the ambassador of the 6th Annual Leimert Park Village Book Fair. The actress and author will welcome thousands of book readers and culture seekers to the small corner of Los Angeles to be a part of the daylong free fair on Saturday June 30. “We are honored to have [...]




LA Parishioners Mourn Whitney, Vigil Planned for Tonight & BET Airs Tribute

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*The loss of Whitney Houston affected millions of fans across the world. In Los Angeles, as in other cities, mourners honored her with a moment of silence at the First A.M.E. Church at the morning service. Pastor John J. Hunter described Houston as “one of the most dynamic voices of our time,” according to an [...]




Tyra Banks Promotes ‘Modelland’ at LA’s Eso Won Books

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*Supermodel-turned-business mogul Tyra Banks captured the Emmy Award twice for the “The Tyra Banks Show,” holds court weekly as the host on “America’s Next Top Model” that is broadcast in 170 countries, and is hitting the books at Harvard Business School—where she actually bunks in the dorms. With accomplishments like that, the 36-year-old dynamo should be content—but [...]




EUR on the Scene: Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration in LA’s Leimert Park

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*It is starting to look a lot like Christmas in Leimert Park Village. 8th District Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, his wife Bobbie and staff ushered in the Holidays with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration in Leimert Park on Monday, November 28th. A large, merry crowd was in attendance for the festive celebration that also [...]




Between the Lines: MTA and The Mayor On The Leimert Park Stop Vote

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*The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority did its usual “rope-a-dope” with the black community last week on the most important infrastructure investment of the next 100 years. Several things came into crystal clear reality; 1) some people don’t see our community as part of the future of this city. 2) those that we think are [...]




Radio Host Tammi Mac & Vanessa Bell Calloway Team for Minority Talent Showcase

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*LA radio personality/actress Tammi Mac and fellow actress, Vanessa Bell Calloway, have hooked up to present aspiring minority talent the opportunity to perform in front of industry movers and shakers. Mac, afternoon drive host at Stevie Wonder’s 102.3 KJLH, is the mastermind behind “Mac’s Minute Microphone Mixer,” a talent showcase that provides entertainers the opportunity [...]




Najee Ali Back on the Streets (Video): Feted with Welcome Home Reception

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*Los Angeles activist and “street soldier,’ Najee Ali, is back … on the streets after a stint in prison for bribery. Ali (in photo with Congresswoman Karen Bass) was greeted warmly with a reception at the Lucy Florence Coffee House and Cultural Center in LA’s Leimert Park district. Check it out:




Video: Harmony ‘Love’ Bailey Sings at New Performing Arts center in L.A.

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*Recently, jazz and blues legend Barbara Morrison introduced 6-year-old Harmony “Love” Bailey as the first performer to open the new Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center. Little Miss Harmony did the honors by performing “Almost There” from the hit Disney movie “The Princess and the Frog.” Morrison predicted her new place will be the launching pad [...]




2nd Annual Leimert Park Village African Art and Music Festival

Jay Boykins plays the saxophone at the festival

*Los Angeles-Leimert Park Village was all abuzz throughout Labor Day Weekend. The occasion was the 2nd Annual Leimert Park Village African Art & Music Festival. The 2010 theme was “Community Counts.” Throngs of people from the community and beyond enjoyed some soulful music, dance and had a nice poetic experience. I was one of many who were in attendance [...]




Photo: Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz Visits Leimert Park Store

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LOS ANGELES, CA – On Friday, June 25, the Chairman and CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, paid a visit to the Starbucks on Crenshaw and Coliseum in Leimert Park. As part of his visit, Starbucks invited select community members and staff to attend a private meeting to talk about Starbucks’ commitment to the community and [...]




NeNe, the Sweeter Atlanta Housewife?

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*”Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, NeNe Leakes, is trying something new. This Friday, June 25, she is serving up some chocolate at the candy shop located at 912 South Barrington Ave in Brentwood (Los Angeles). She will be dipping all of those chocolaty cravings and sneak peaking the upcoming gossip on one of TV’s guilty [...]




Kleopatra Girl’s Ringside Report: ‘Grace,’ Brenda Lee Eager’s One Woman Show

Brenda, CeCe and Pat were all in sync to deliver a poignant show (Photo: Brandy Sanders)

*In February I was introduced to “soul” singer Brenda Lee Eager by Brandy Sanders (founder of the Kierrah Foundation) when I was handling the Wayne Simmonds event for Black History month (readers may recall my write-up). I have to admit I was not familiar with the petite singer who stands about 5′ in heels, at [...]