23rd Annual Empowerment Congress Summit Press Release

The 23rd Annual Empowerment Congress Summit

The 23rd annual Empowerment Congress Summit will take place Saturday, January 17, at the University of Southern California. The summit, which begins at 9 a.m., will celebrate the 50th anniversary of key events in the civil rights movement including the Selma to Montgomery Marches and the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

 Professor Cornel West, the prominent author and academic, will serve as keynote speaker at the summit’s plenary session at Bovard Auditorium. Special guests include Los Angeles County Supervisors Sheila Kuehl and Hilda Solis and Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell. The critically acclaimed spoken word performers, Get Lit, will also participate. Both West and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who founded the Empowerment Congress, will hold a media availability immediately.

Workshops led by distinguished experts will begin at 11 a.m. on topics ranging from sex trafficking, child welfare, violence as a public health issue and others. A resource fair will be held in the afternoon, with more than 30 booths providing information about county and community services.

The Empowerment Congress was born in the aftermath of the Los Angeles civil unrest of 1992. Then City Councilman Ridley-Thomas founded the Empowerment Congress to serve as a model of civic engagement based on the principles of participatory democracy, reciprocal accountability and intentional civility. Now widely regarded as the forerunner to the neighborhood council movement, its motto is to Educate, Engage, Empower.

The Empowerment Congress Summit is a free event, but attendees are required to register: http://empowermentcongress.org/ecsummit23/

National BLACK OUT September 8!

African American life is obviously being expressed as something America can do without or holds no value, lets show America just how valuable we are. We need to continue to bond together and fight in numbers and Monday September 8th, TOMORROW, will be another chance to tell America its time to cut the crap, not only are we here but we belong here!

Free Concerts At BHCP Leading Up To BET Experience

 

Eric Benet, Marsa Ambrosius, Candice Glover, RaVaughn, Eric Bellinger and more are set to headline free concerts at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza Promenade starting May 31.  These concert are scheduled every Saturday leading up to this years BET Awards and BET Experience at LA Live.  Below is the media advisory I just received.

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE AND MUSIC MATTERS TEAM UP WITH BALDWIN HILLS CRENSHAW
TO PRESENT THE ROAD TO THE BET EXPERIENCE CONCERT SERIES
——-
FREE, WEEKLY SATURDAY CONCERTS BEGIN MAY 31 AT 3 P.M.
FEATURING ERIC BENET, MARSHA AMBROSIUS, CANDICE GLOVER, DAY 26 AND MORE
——-
#BETX / #BETAWARDS / #BETXbhcp

LOS ANGELES, CA – May 23, 2014 – BET Networks and AEG today announced a partnership with Baldwin Hills Crenshaw in Los Angeles, CA to present an exciting, free weekly Saturday concert series beginning May 31 leading up to the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-ColaÒ June 27 – 29, 2014.  The concerts, free of charge and open to the public, conclude with a final performance on Saturday, June 21.

Just a few of the artists scheduled to perform include Eric Benet, Marsha Ambrosuis, “American Idol” winner Candice Glover, Day 26, RaVaughn, Eric Bellinger, Adrian Marcel, Dondria, Mila J. and more.  Be sure to visit www.baldwinhillscrenshawplaza.com for the latest updates.

The road to BET Experience at L.A. Live presented by Coca-ColaÒ is guaranteed to be an exciting journey as the Los Angeles community gears up for the upcoming BET weekend that includes 3 nights of concerts at STAPLES Center and Club Nokia, a 2-day FREE fan fest, the Sprite Celebrity Basketball game, Genius Talks, live tapings of “106 & Park,” a Gospel showcase and more – all leading up to the “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 29, 2014.

“We’re thrilled to expand the impact of the BET Experience at L.A. Live to include a weekly concert series at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw,” said Paxton Baker, EVP and GM of Centric and BET executive in charge of BET Experience.  “We will showcase an exciting musical line-up featuring some of our Music Matters artists and a few surprises along the way on the Road to the BET Experience.”

“We are excited about our partnership with BET,” said Kenneth T. Lombard, Vice Chairman – Investments & Partner at Capri Capital Partners, the owner of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw. “For the past five years, we‘ve strived to support our community through the BHCP Live! music series.  This year’s partnership with BET through The Road to the BET Experience and its highly-acclaimed Music Matters program is another example of our commitment to bring top-notch, free entertainment to our shoppers and our surrounding communities.”

BET Networks’ music initiative, Music Matters, has a history of showcasing rising stars across multiple platforms.  From hip hop’s Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, R&B’s Marsha Ambrosius and Elle Varner, and the elevating gospel of Mali Music and LeCrae, Music Matters is dedicated to connecting artists to their fans.

All concerts begin at 3 p.m. Outdoor seating on the promenade is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early.

Single day tickets and 3-day package for STAPLES Center and Club Nokia concerts are all on-sale now. Single day STAPLES Center tickets are priced starting at $59.50, $99.50 and $149.50. The 3-day STAPLES Center Concert ticket packages are $199, $299 and $399. Tickets for the Club Nokia shows are on-sale now with prices ranging from $25 to $79.50. Tickets can be purchased at www.betexperience.com or at www.AXS.com.
To have exclusive access to the best seats and roll like a true VIP throughout the weekend, a limited number of VIP Packages are available. Both the Gold and Diamond VIP Packages include the only public access to purchasing “BET Awards” tickets.  Get the best of everything with the Diamond Package that includes hospitality throughout the weekend, a special “BET Awards” red carpet experience and much more!  Visitwww.betexperience.com/VIP for more information.

All information about the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-ColaÒ can be found at BETExperience.com.  Guests can purchase tickets, book exclusive hotel rates and sign up for the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-ColaÒ newsletter to receive updates and announcements before they are available to the general public.  Follow the Experience on Twitter @betexperience.

ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks – BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE
BET Networks, an entertainment powerhouse, and AEG, one of the leading entertainment companies in the world and developer/ operator of L.A. LIVE, have teamed up once again to create the BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE (BETX), June 27 – 29, 2014 presented by Coca-ColaÒ.   This three-day festival will be filled with music and comedy concerts taking place at Club Nokia and STAPLES Center; “106 & PARK” tapings in Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE; BET Fan Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center including seminars, celebrity basketball games, celebrity meet & greets; GRAMMY® Museum exhibits and other special appearances.  The weekend will be capped off with the “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE.

ABOUT “BET AWARDS”
The BET AWARDS is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company.  The BET AWARDS franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET’s #1 telecast every year.  It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.

ABOUT MUSIC MATTERS
Launched in 2010, the BET Music Matters initiative highlights emerging new artists by showcasing their talents through live performances including monthly showcases and the Music Matters Tour.  Music Matters has helped propel the careers of artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Marsha Ambrosius, Miguel, J. Cole, Melanie Fiona, Estelle, Elle Varner, K. Michelle, Eric Roberson, Big K.R.I.T., Emeli Sande’, Luke James, Stalley, Mali Music, Astro Kid and more.

ABOUT BALDWIN HILLS CRENSHAW
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw (BHC) is an 870,000-square-foot retail destination located at the intersection of Crenshaw Blvd. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Los Angeles, California.  Anchored by Macys, Sears and WalMart, with over 100 specialty stores, state-of-the-art cinemas and dining options, BHC has long been recognized as the hub of the surrounding communities. From a signature concert series known as BHCP Live!, monthly Kid’s Club and a weekly Farmers’ Market to the many public services offered at the mall, it is clear that BHC is more than just a place to shop, it’s a central gathering place for the local community.  BHC is entrenched in the local lifestyle, and is committed to making this neighborhood an even better place to live, work, shop and just BE! BHC has teamed up with several leading community partners to support a variety of worthwhile events throughout the year, and continue to support programming that reflects the history and interests of our local residents.

Vicky’s Secrets Opening Up in Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza

VICTORIA’S SECRET COMING TO BALDWIN HILLS CRENSHAW
The brand’s first South LA chain to open Fall 2014

LOS ANGELES (May 6, 2014) – Following the recent major renovation of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, another prominent brand will be added to the mall’s expanding lineup of top retailers and restaurants. Victoria’s Secret, the nation’s leading lingerie brand, will be opening their first store in South Los Angeles this fall.

The 8,509-square-foot store will be located on the ground floor of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw (BHC), directly across from the main entrance. It will feature the brand’s newest store format, offering a full range of its signature lingerie loungewear and beauty products. The store will feature a combined Victoria’s Secret and PINK retail concept.

Victoria’s Secret will join a growing list of women’s apparel and beauty retailers at BHC, which currently includes Macy’s, Forever 21, Claire’s and Lane Bryant. The shopping center is planning a celebration for the grand opening of the store this fall, complete with giveaways.

“Our team is thrilled to have one of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands open a brand new storefront here at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw,” said Ken Lombard, Vice Chairman – Investments & Partner at Capri Capital Partners, the owner of the shopping mall. “We are proud to partner with top caliber tenants like Victoria’s Secret, which I am certain will be a popular addition to our growing roster of retailers.”

After undergoing a $40 million top-to-bottom renovation—the largest mall construction project in Los Angeles in 2011— BHC has reemerged as the one of the most popular malls in the city’s urban core. The upgrade included the addition of state-of-the-art movie theaters, over 100 specialty stores, several restaurants headed by some of the city’s leading chefs, a dining court with a seating area for children, a new outdoor promenade and updated signage and facilities throughout the property.

“We constantly strive to improve the shopping experience at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw by responding to feedback and working to bring in new retailers that our customers and the community want to see here at the mall,” said Sharron King, BHC General Manager. “We are confident that the addition of Victoria’s Secret will be very well received and that we’ll see long lines of customers in the new store come opening day this fall.”

About Baldwin Hills Crenshaw

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw (BHC) is an 870,000-square-foot retail destination located at the intersection of Crenshaw Blvd. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Los Angeles, California.  Anchored by Macys, Sears and WalMart, with over 100 specialty stores, state-of-the-art cinemas and dining options, BHC has long been recognized as the hub of the surrounding communities. From a signature concert series known as BHCP Live!, monthly Kid’s Club and a weekly Farmers’ Market to the many public services offered at the mall, it is clear that BHC is more than just a place to shop, it’s a central gathering place for the local community.  BHC is entrenched in the local lifestyle, and is committed to making this neighborhood an even better place to live, work, shop and just BE! BHC has teamed up with several leading community partners to support a variety of worthwhile events throughout the year, and continue to support programming that reflects the history and interests of our local residents.

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw is managed and leased by Primestor Development, Inc. Primestor is a full service commercial real estate firm specializing in the management, revitalization, and development of shopping centers in urban locations.

4th Annual Angel City Derby

CLIMB Non-Profit Organization presents the 4th Annual Angel City Derby June 21st, 2014. As one of the Media Partners of this years Angel City Derby, I am to excite for yet another awesome day of networking, enjoying smart and educated people, at the race tracks.  Located at the legendary Santa Anita Race Track and inspired by the “Kentucky Derby,” expect a fun filled day designed for networking, fashion, style, and support of a worthy cause: our very own community.  Proceeds raised at this event will go toward developing underserved youth to recognize their innate ability and potential to be competitive collegiate participants, stewards of their community, and effective global leaders.  Established in 2005, CLIMB, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) community based non-profit organization based out of  Los Angeles, California.

Angel City Derby brings together Los Angeles finest and brightest urban professionals.  The event comprise of Complementary Hor’ Dors, Good Music, Horse Races (10), Gift Bags, Best Dressed Contest, Best Female Hat Contest, and much more to enhance the experience of our distinguished guest.

This will be the 4^th annual Angel City Derby and its expected to attract several hundred urban professional throughout Southern California.  It has been a great success in the past and we are sure this year’s event will have a similar response if not better.  The video below is actually 2012 Angel City Derby but gives an excellent idea of the event.  Also below is the actual press release for this years derby.

4th Annual Angel City Derby

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             

Press Contact: Ken Billups 

info@climbinc.org

 

LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION BRINGS THE DERBY TO L.A.

Racing to Raise Funds to provide entrepreneurship and art programs for local youth

Los Angeles, CA – Creating Leaders In Mind and Body, Inc (CLIMB), a local non-profit will be hosting its Third Annual Angel City Derby: Day at the Races on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at the historic Santa Anita Race Track. The third annual event attracted more than 700 guests and raised more than $15,000 for the charity and this year will be no different! Ladies will be adorned in their over the top hats and dainty dresses while the men will show off their Derby Best, all in the name of charity.

“As a product of the greater Los Angeles community, I feel it’s my duty to continue to create effective programming and opportunities for today’s youth,” said CLIMB, Inc. founder, Ken Billups. “However, those ideas require funding to launch and CLIMB is consistently evolving to create memorable events that will generate the resources needed to support our community.”

Inspired by the world-renowned “Kentucky Derby”, CLIMB will hosts an exciting day of networking, fashion & style, competitive fun and most importantly the opportunity to support a worthy cause: tomorrow’s youth.  The Angel City Derby will be comprised of complimentary hors d’oeuvres, good music, raffled prizes, horse races and swag bags. More fun will be discovered during the Best Dressed contest, Best Female Hat contest, and many more accents that will enhance the experience of our distinguished guests. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.climbinc.org/derby.

For more event details or sponsorship opportunities, please email info@climbinc.org

Who:                            CLIMB, Inc.

What:                            Angel City Derby: Day at the Races

When:                           Saturday, June 21, 2014

                                    12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where:                          Santa Anita Race Track, Arcadia, CA. (Enter & Park: Gate 6)

CLIMB, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a wide-range of services to the community through mentorship, educational programs, professional development seminars and workshops, community initiatives and enrichment activities. CLIMB, Inc. is committed to providing the community with the proper equipment that will assist in “reaching the top.”

CLIMB, Inc. started as a grassroots initiative whose efforts continue to provide resources, opportunities, positive role models and activities that support the development of education, self-esteem and character building of our community – join the CLIMB to success!

 

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Take Back Your Neighborhood!

Los Angeles County Launches Update to ‘The Works’ Mobile Application

Are you tired of seeing vehicles illegally parked on front lawns in your neighborhood? Frustrated by graffiti on public buildings, in local parks and at other landmarks? The County of Los Angeles has a solution for you. Today, the Department of Public Works launched an update to ‘The Works’ iPhone app to provide more solutions and expand functionality to three other County departments.
Initially launched in 2012, ‘The Works’ app enables constituents to connect with the County to request services and report possible violations. Residents can now interact with the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Public Health, and Regional Planning by:

• Requesting facility and trail maintenance at County parks, as well as reporting potential health and safety concerns
• Reporting potential public health violations at hotels, motels and apartments — such as unclear or cloudy pool water, broken pool gates or fences, and missing pool lights or drain covers
• Reporting possible property violations, including excessive vegetation, junk or trash; illegal parking; inoperable vehicles; occupied RVs; and improper signs or banners

Users can submit a detailed description of an issue and attach related site photos. While not required, users may provide contact information for additional follow-up. They are also able to see status updates to their request in real time when they subsequently access the app.The app targets users in the County unincorporated areas, as well as incorporated cities that contract with the County. The app is able to determine the appropriate agency based on the address or GPS coordinates. If a user requests a service that is handled by a local city they will be provided with a phone number at that city for further investigation.

For more information and to download the app, visit: http://dpw.lacounty.gov/theworks/