MHD Off the Record MHDCD8

On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Tanisha Hall, founder of the White Hall Arts Academy, a performing and visual arts education facility here in South Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, the White Hall Arts Academy offers a blend of classical and contemporary arts training to children and adults. Tanisha is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with an instrumental focus on voice. She has been teaching private lessons since 2002 and has enjoyed a 15-year career in the music industry before starting White Hall Arts Academy. She, along with her team of highly talented and qualified instructors, specializes in teaching voice, various musical instruments, studio engineering, stage performance, acting, videography, songwriting, microphone technique, music production and so much more.
Resources:
www.whitehallacademy.or
www.instagram.com/whitehallartsacademy

The 1992 Los Angeles Uprising was sparked after a jury acquitted four LAPD officers who had been charged with using excessive force in the arrest and beating of Rodney King on April 29, 1992. For the anniversary of the civil unrest, MHD and his co-host, Chavonne Taylor, discuss new policing and public safety models with PUSH LA (Promoting Unity, Safety & Health in Los Angeles) convener Leslie Cooper Johnson and former LAPD Officer Brian S. Bentley.
Leslie Cooper Johnson is the Vice President of Organizational Development at Community Coalition, or CoCo, a social justice organization in South Los Angeles, where she has worked for the past 15 years. A lifelong resident of Inglewood, she received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. As part of her role at CoCo, Leslie convenes the PUSH LA collective, which stands for Promoting Unity, Safety & Health in Los Angeles.  PUSH LA was formed in response to decades of racist policing and has a mission to “reimagine protect & serve.”
Brian S. Bentley is an author and a former LAPD officer. His first book, One Time: The Story of a South Central Los Angeles Police Officer, graphically depicts his involvement in suspect beatings and describes in detail the gratification he and his partners received from their actions. He claims some officers are addicted to violence and can't stop on their own. His book lets readers see firsthand how police brutality is accepted and encouraged in law enforcement. Bentley spent most of his career at Southwest Division. He was one of the few LAPD officers who lived in the division they patrolled. 
Resources:
REIMAGINING TRAFFIC SAFETY & BOLD POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IN LOS ANGELES
Episode Spotify Playlist
Community Announcements
Hire L.A. Day Job Fair
Thursday, May 2, from 4 PM to 8 PM at  Los Angeles Southwest College, in the Multipurpose Room located at 600 West Imperial Highway.Visit www.HireLAYouth.com for more information
 Vermont-Slauson Development Corporation Workshops
May Business Workshops Visit vsedc.org/event for schedule or call (323) 753-2335 for more information
Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve Event
On Saturday, May 4th the LAPL and Los Angeles Audubon Society hosts an Open Wetlands event at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, with the collaboration of Nature Nexus Institute staff. Volunteers help visitors learn about the unique ecosystems found at Ballona. Binoculars are available to borrow.Nature Nexus will pick up participants for free at the Hyde Park Library and ferry them to the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve! For more information and to RSVP email: baldwinhillsliteracy@lapl.orghttps://www.lapl.org/whats-on/events/visit-ballona-wetlands-nature-nexus-institute-1

On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with the owners and founders of Word of Life Christian Bookstore. The bookstore was founded by Joseph and Evelyn Curtiss in 1961 following their move to South LA during the Great Migration. As the oldest operating Black Bookstore in Los Angeles, it has become a community pillar, managed and now owned by their son Jonathan Curtiss and his wife LaShalle, who celebrate 35 years of marriage. Alongside their two adult sons, they ensure the bookstore's growth and its mission to support the community through connections with over 500 churches and faith-based organizations. The Curtiss family's dedication extends through the United Gospel Outreach, a nonprofit offering essential services to South LA families, established by Joseph and Evelyn in 1968.
Resources:
www.shopwordoflife.com
6321 West Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043
323-295-8223
Community Announcements
SCOPE Seeds of Unity Fest
Saturday, April 20th from 11am to 3pm at Harvard Park Located at 1535 W. 62nd StreetLink to register: https://secure.everyaction.com/grvfVypwikK9xqN1Co52kQ2
Crenshaw Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 10am - 3pm (rain or shine)Located in the Historic Fire Station 54 parking lot at 5730 Crenshaw Blvd (off of Crenshaw and Slauson, adjacent to U.S. Bank)Link: foodaccessla.org/crenshaw-farmers-market

Sit Down with a Staffer Resources:
Economic and Development Workforce Department (ewddlacity.com)
Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (vsedc.org)
My LA 311 (myla311.lacity.org)

On this episode, MHD talks about the fascinating and rich history of the great City of Los Angeles with Evan Lovett.
Evan Lovett is the dynamic creator of social media mainstay "L.A. in a Minute" and host of its engaging podcast, In a Minute with Evan Lovett.   He emerges from the community of North Hills, fueled by a profound love for Los Angeles. A UCLA journalism graduate, he has worked for the L.A. Times, NBC, and later began working in the AdTech space. Launched in 2022, the series delves into L.A.'s rich history and culture, earning features on KCRW, KIIS-FM, Access Hollywood, KTLA, and more. Lovett's work is a blend of personal storytelling and educational content, aimed at highlighting LA's diverse heritage and intriguing history.
Resources:
www.instagram.com/lainaminute
www.tiktok.com/@evanlovett
Community Announcements:
SCOPE Seeds of Unity Fest
The community organization, SCOPE, is hosting their 3rd annual Seeds of Unity Fest in Partnership with South LA EcoLab Bring the family out to enjoy good music, great food, amazing art, and helpful resources! Saturday, April 20th from 11am to 3pm at Harvard Park Located at 1535 W. 62nd StreetLink to register: https://secure.everyaction.com/grvfVypwikK9xqN1Co52kQ2
Free Income Tax Filing (Exposition Park - Bethune Regional Branch Library)
Free income tax preparation and filing by UCLA through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.Walk-ins are available, but appointments are strongly preferred. There is no guarantee all walk-ins will be fulfilled.Sunday, April 7th at 1pm Exposition Park- Bethune Regional Branch Library 3900 S. Western AveFor more info: www.lapl.org/whats-on/events/free-income-tax-preparation-and-filing-34Book an appointment: vitaatucla.org

On This episode, MHD talks with A New Way of Life founder, Susan Burton, about her journey to criminal justice activism and the ways we can support those who are coming home after being incarcerated.
Susan Burton, an esteemed advocate for criminal justice reform and the founder of A New Way of Life, who has dedicated her life to supporting formerly incarcerated women by providing housing, legal services, and a path to personal empowerment. Having personally navigated the challenges of re-entry after nearly two decades in and out of the criminal justice system, Susan's journey began with her own struggle for recovery following the devastating loss of her young son. Her experiences fueled a commitment to change, leading to the establishment of A New Way of Life in 1998, a beacon of hope and transformation for countless women.
Resources:
www.beingsusanburton.com
www.anewwayoflife.org
Spotify Playlist:
playlist.sptfy.com/SusanBurton
Community Announcements:
The LA Citywide Residential Speed Hump Program
Opening Thursday, March 21st 2024, at 9:00 am. For more information on how to apply for a speed hump and the criteria, visit https://ladot.lacity.gov/projects/safety-programs/speed-humps
Western Our Way Community Workshop
Tuesday March 26, 2024 6:30pm St. Brigid's Catholic Church 5214 South Western AvenueRSVP Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/western-our-way-community-workshop-tickets-847685529237
Evermont Housing Info Session
In-Person Information Session on Saturday March 23 at 11:00 AM Constituent Services Center 8475 S. Vermont AveOnline Webinar Information Session on Thursday March 28 at 6:00 PM via Zoom.For more information and to register, visit evermontsouthla.org

On this episode, MHD talks about education, family, and community with Inglewood's own D Smoke.
Daniel “D Smoke” Farris is an acclaimed American rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame after winning Netflix's "Rhythm + Flow" in 2019. Known for his seamless blend of rap, R&B, jazz, and gospel, and for incorporating both English and Spanish in his lyrics, D Smoke's music often tackles themes of social justice, community, and identity. His debut album, "Black Habits," released in 2020, was critically praised and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. With a background as a music educator and a family deeply rooted in music, D Smoke's work is characterized by its lyrical depth, musicality, and a mission to inspire and educate.
Resources:
www.dsmokemusic.com
www.instagram.com/dsmoke7

Episode Playlist:
https://playlist.sptfy.com/mhdotr25

Community Announcements:
Line Dancing Class
Fridays 10:00am - 11:30am Constituent Services Center, 8475 S. Vermont Ave, 90044www.instagram.com/p/C3vHUk7OTSh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Summer Night Lights Hiring Hub
Saturday March 9th from 8am - 2pmSouth LA Sports Activity Center, 7020 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 90003.Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/C306IOsrjl1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
CA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan Program 
www.CalHFA.ca.gov/dream(877)9 CalHFA