SCLC So Cal - 7th Annual Community Labor Luncheon

Greetings my sisters and brothers. We are so happy that you decided to join us for the 7th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr month of sacrifice Community Labor Luncheon. We are excited that we are honoring four (4) outstand- ing people and that we have one of the voices of America joining us to help give us a per- spective of what we as a people need to do in order to make America the country that Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed that it can become Often when we think about Martin Luther King we don’t think about dreaming, we think about nonviolence and we think about creating the beloved community. These actions can only happen when we the people be- lieve not only in ourselves but in our fellow sisters and brothers…it is then that we can make the changes that are necessary to bring about a radical new change for America. This luncheon has been about sacrifice, something that Martin Luther King, Jr. did and something that we all as people and inheritors of the movement realize we have to do. As we reflect on the legacy and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is im- portant to remember his powerful call for a beloved community. Dr. King envi- sioned a society in which all people are treated with dignity and respect, and in which justice and equality are guiding principles. While we have come a long way in the pursuit of this vision, there is still much work to be done. In order to move into the promise of the beloved community, we must continue to strive towards creating a society that is just and equitable for all. This means working to dismantle systems of oppression and discrimination, and building a community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. It means acknowledging and addressing the ways in which our society has failed mar- ginalized communities, and working to create pathways to opportunity and suc- cess for all people. As we peruse America we realize that all of the problems we see are fixable and we offer a panacea to that by just doing the necessary work, building the necessary bridges, bringing forth that community, and making the changes we need to make. I implore you today, when you leave here don’t be the same. You will hear something, you will sense something, you will activate something within your soul. Yes this is the time for me to bring forth the promise of the beloved community. Pastor William D. Smart Jr. Co-Pastor Christ Liberation Ministries President/ CEO, Southern Christian Leadership Conference -Southern California 1

Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell currently serves on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. As the daughter of parents who were public serv- ants and a third-generation Angeleno, Mitchell leads with a deep under- standing of the vital safety net LA County provides to millions of fami- lies and is committed to ensuring that all residents can thrive. Since being elected to the Board of Supervisors on November 3rd, 2020, Supervisor Mitchell has made poverty alleviation a countywide priority and has anchored an equitable recovery plan from the health and eco- nomic pandemic caused by COVID-19. Within her first year as Supervi- sor and with support from the County Board of Supervisors, Mitchell passed a landmark guaranteed income program, made LA County the first in the nation to phase out urban oil drilling and has strengthened the County’s ability to quickly respond to mental health crises among our unhoused residents. Supervisor Mitchell is honored to represent the two million residents of Los Angeles County’s Second District – including the neighborhood she grew up in – Leimert Park, along with the cities of Carson, Compton, Culver City, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Ingle- wood, Lawndale, Los Angeles (portions), Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and a dozen unincorporated communities. 2

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Charles (Chuck) Dickerson is the Executive Director and Conductor of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles where his mission has been to cultivate musical expression as a vehicle for personal development, and to bring to fruition the full musical and academic potential of young inner city residents in Los Angeles. The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los An- geles is the official orchestra of California State University, Dominguez Hills, and is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras, and a national leader in efforts to diversity in the arts. Over his 40 plus years of conducting, Charles has directed performances of many of the greatest orchestral and choral works throughout the Unit- ed States, Europe, and Asia. He has prepared choruses for concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestras in- cluding the Phil’s 2012 performance of the Mahler Eighth Symphony and performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Maestro Gustavo Dudamel conducting. He holds important compositional and arranging credits. His best-known work is “I Have A Dream,” a choral and orchestral setting of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s landmark speech. The work was performed for the un- veiling ceremonies the King Memorial on the National Mall in Washington DC, and at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles as Los Angeles County’s official celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the speech. He has also arranged and conducted orchestral performances of the music of Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Motown and others. 4

He holds a Master of Music Degree from California State University, Los Angeles with a focus on conducting, and degrees from Howard University (B.S.) and American University (J.D.). He has studied with esteemed Con- ductors Gustav Meier, Daniel Lewis, and Kenneth Kiesler. He also current- ly serves as Director of Music at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, and formerly served as Music Director and Conductor of the Southeast Symphony (2004-2011). He has held important public and civic leadership positions in Washington DC and Los Angeles. Charles is a maestro who enjoys conducting and arranging music for symphonies and orchestra, but nothing gives him the pleasure and satis- faction of working with the students of The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, where he is able to teach young people in Los Angeles the great music of the world, and provide opportunities for them to perform that music in some of the greatest setting of the world and in our commu- nity. We equip minority youth, especially Black and Latino youth, with the tools needed to join major orchestras, and present those young people as candidates for employment. And even if a student doesn’t seek a career in music; the discipline required teaches teamwork, respect for the work of others, responsibility, practice, self-reliance and confidence, which are skills they will need in any path they choose. An avid baseball fan, Maestro Dickerson is married and has two adult children. 5

Capri Maddox is the Executive Director of the LA Civil Rights Department, which enforces civil rights law in private sector commerce, education, em- ployment, and housing and works to address hate, inequity, and structural racism through community partnerships and its five advisory bodies. Ca- pri was appointed as the department’s founding Executive Director in 2020 by former Mayor Eric Garcetti and currently serves Mayor Karen Bass in this role. As Executive Director, Capri led the department’s early achieve- ments, including the award-winning LA For All Campaign, an anti-hate PSA campaign featured in 18 languages and on over 5,000 ad spaces, the Office of Racial Equity, which implements $10 million in community-driven pro- gramming, and equity reports on issues such as Violence Against Black and Latina Women and the city’s budget. Prior to leading in the LA Civil Rights Department, Capri was appointed as Senior Advisor to City Attorney Michael N. Feuer, where she established the Foster Care Diversion Program. Capri was also appointed to serve as Executive Director of Partnerships at LAUSD by former Superintendent Austin Beutner, and as President of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works by former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Capri has worked for the city of Los Angeles for over 30 years in various roles, from neighborhood pros- ecutor to complex litigation and general counsel, and is a proud double- graduate of Cal State LA with a juris doctorate from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. She also serves on the President’s Council at Cal State LA, the Board of Trustees at Southern California Public Radio (LAist 89.3 FM), and is a proud member of First AME Church. She resides in Los Angeles County with her husband, Kerman, and sixteen-year-old son. 6

Areva Martin is one of the most sought-after autism experts in the nation. From humble beginnings in America's heartland, Areva's passionate advo- cacy on behalf of those whose voices are marginalized propelled her to the top of her field, graduating with honors from the University of Chicago and Harvard Law School. Relocating to Los Angeles, she founded a thriving legal practice specializ- ing in ADA, Employment and Housing Disability Discrimination, Family Law, and School Law (bullying & harassment), among others. But when Areva's son, Marty, was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, her profession became personal. Suddenly, this highly capable and accom- plished woman's most important title was \"mom fighting for her child.\" Areva quickly tackled the complex web of diagnoses, misconceptions, and treatments with the same vigor she had marshaled in every one of her cas- es. She was fortunate. Her education and network enabled her to navigate the medical establishment and find the best treatment and resources for Marty. Areva's eyes were now wide open and her heart even more so. She realized not all parents and guardians had her advantages and immediately did something about it - founding the Special Needs Network (SNN), a non- profit organization created specifically to help minorities and low-income 7

families advocate for their autistic children. SNN has raised millions of dol- lars and provided for over 15,000 families in low- income communities across California. Her “Pink Pump Affair,” a fundraiser for her Special Needs Network has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the cause, and will celebrate its 15- year anniversary this year. With accolades and awards too numerous to name, Areva continues to be the voice for those with special needs and those who are most often over- looked and ignored. Ariva’s show, “The Special Report with Areva Martin” can be viewed on Face Book and You Tube. The show takes a deeper look at race, culture, politics and the economy. Her compassion, her work and her inspiring speeches are a catalyst for change as she challenges, advocates, and creates new ground for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Areva lives in Los Ange- les with her husband and three children. A lover of all thing’s social media, she is a runner with a passion for half marathons 8

“We are building a world where Black workers thrive in an equitable economy that sustains and builds vibrant families and communities.” From their humble beginnings, the Los Angeles Black Worker Center (LABWC) has emerged as a community staple to close the employment equity gap for Black workers. Initially incubated as a project at the UCLA Labor Center in 2009, the LABWC opened its doors in 2011 at the Paul Robeson Center in South Los Angeles. This center was co-founded by Lola Smallwood , who, as a project director for the UCLA Labor Center, directs the Los Angeles Black Worker Center (LABWC) Project. This is the first worker center in California focused on addressing the Black job crisis. The LABWC aims to build power among Black workers to create greater access to quality jobs, address employment discrimination, and transform industries that employ black workers through unionization and policy change. The LABWC grew out of Lola’s work as coordinator of the UCLA African American Leadership School (AAULS) founded in 2002. The AAULS focuses on developing the next generation of workplace leaders through popular education, peer mentorship and building skills for change. The motivation to start LABWC was spurred by sobering 2008 labor mar- ket statistics: the national unemployment rate of Black workers, at 8 per- cent, was double that of white workers. In Los Angeles, Black unemploy- ment was at 14 percent. Similarly, more than 34 percent of working-age adults were underemployed in low-wage jobs. 9

In 2019, the Los Angeles Black Worker Center leadership transition to a dynamic leadership of co-directors to continue to focus on the defense and protection of Black workers so that they, along with the families and communities that rely on them, thrive. Co-Executive Director of Organizing and Programs, Janel Bailey, who is a campaigner and has devoted her time to organizing to improve the lives of working people, especially queer and Black workers. Born and raised in Chicago, Bailey worked most recently with the Service Employees In- ternational Union in the Midwest, the national Jobs with Justice network, and the Worker Center for Racial Justice in Chicago and Co-Executive Director of Operations and Finance, La Tonya Harris, who is a native of South Los Angeles who has dedicated more than twenty years to working with community-based organizations in administration and technology management, formally LABWCs Operations Director, and she previously held positions at the U.S Census Bureau as an Assistant Manager of Ad- ministration and Assistant Manager of Technology. They are truly on a mission to bring equity and equality, dignity and eco- nomic inclusion to Black workers performing a variety of jobs in Los An- geles. 10

Keynote Speaker: U.S. Senator REV. DR. RAPHAEL G. WARNOCK Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta (MLK’s Church) The Honorable Reverend Dr. Raphael Gamaliel Warnock serves as the Senior Pastor of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, spiritual home of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the junior United States Senator from Georgia. The son of two Pentecostal pastors, Dr. Warnock responded to the call of ministry at a very early age, and at age 35, became the fifth and the youngest person ever called to the senior pastorate of Ebenezer Baptist Church, founded in 1886. Before coming to EBC, “America’s Freedom Church,” Dr. Warnock was blessed to study and serve within the pastoral ranks of leading congregations also known for their deep spiritual roots and strong public witness. Under Dr. Warnock’s leadership, the church continues its legacy of social activism with both spiritual and numerical growth. Dr. Warnock graduated from Morehouse College cum laude in 1991, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, from which he graduated with honors and distinctions. Seeing his pastoral work as tied to the ministry of scholarship and the life of the mind, Dr. Warnock continued his graduate studies at Union, receiving a Master of Philosophy degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the field of systematic theology. He has also received honorary degrees from The Morehouse School of Medicine, Fisk University and the University of the Virgin Islands. Dr. Warnock is an Ascend Fellow at The Aspen Institute, a Senior Fellow at Auburn Theological Seminary and a graduate 11

of the Summer Leadership Institute of Harvard University and Leadership Atlanta. Dr. Warnock is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., and a Lifetime Member of the NAACP. While his activism was honored in 2016, as his footprints were placed on the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, his activism did not stop there. Dr. Warnock continues to be a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, voting rights, ending poverty and climate change. Among other honors, Dr. Warnock has been recognized as one of “Atlanta’s 55 Most Powerful” by Atlanta magazine, one of “God’s Trombones” by the Rainbow Push Coalition, a “Good Shepherd” by Associated Black Charities, “A Man of Influence” by the Atlanta Business League, one of The Root 100 in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 (TheRoot.com a division of the Washington Post), one of the “20 Top African American Church Leaders” by TheRoot.com. He is a National TRIO Achiever Award recipient and has been honored by induction into Morehouse College’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers. Dr. Warnock is also the recipient of Morehouse College’s prestigious Bennie Trailblazer award and Union Theological Seminary’s distinguished Union Medal. The Atlanta Journal and Constitution has hailed him “a leader among Atlanta and national clergy, a fitting heir to the mantle once worn by The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” On January 6, 2021, Dr. Warnock made history by becoming the first African American elected to the United States Senate from the state of Georgia and, on December 6, 2022, he made history again by becoming the first African American elected to a full 6-year term in the United States Senate from the state of Georgia. Only the second African American to represent a southern state in the Senate since Reconstruction, Dr. Warnock is honored to have been appointed to the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; and Commerce, Science and Transportation committees. He also serves on the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. Whether preaching in the pulpit or speaking on the Senate floor, Dr. Warnock is committed to working tirelessly on behalf of the nation and all Georgians. His first book is entitled, The Divided Mind of the Black Church: Theology, Piety & Public Witness (NYU Press, 2014). His memoir, A Way Out of No Way: A Memoir of Truth, Transformation, and the New American Story (Penguin Press) was released in June 2022 and his children’s book, Put Your Shoes On & Get Ready! (Penguin Press) was released in January 2023. Senator Reverend Warnock is the proud father of one daughter, Chloé, and one son, Caleb. 12

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“Moving into the Promise of Beloved Community” Welcome & Introduction of the President of SCLC-SC- Attorney Jamie Wright, Vice President, Board of SCLC-SC President's Greeting Pastor William D. Smart Jr. President and CEO, SCLC-SC and Executive Director of Hurting and Hungry Introduction of the Mistress of Ceremonies Pastor Thembekila Crystal Coleman-Smart Executive Director, Women of SCLC Mistress of Ceremonies The Honorable LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell District 2 Opening Prayer / The Blessing of the Food Rev. Dr. Ken Walden Black National Anthem - Lift Every Voice and Sing Recording Artist -Trimmel Holloway (Melman) _âÇv{ |á fxÜäxw Lunch Entertainment - Trimmel Holloway (Melman) Americus, Georgia Presentation of SCLC-SC Community and Labor Awards MLK Community Service Award L.A. BLACK WORKERS CENTER The Diane Nash Civil Rights Award ATTORNEY CAPRI MADDOX 14

Building Beloved Community SCLC-SC IN ACTION VIDEO \"The Fruits of Our Fight - Dr. King's Vision at Work\" SCLC-SC, Chateau Marmont Hotel and Unite Here Local 11 MLK Social Justice Award ATTORNEY AREVA MARTIN President's Award CHARLES DICKERSON ESQ. Presentation The MLK Young Dreamers for Justice fÑxv|tÄ TãtÜw cÜxáxÇàtà|ÉÇ Rev. Warnock Video Introduction of Senator, Rev. Raphael Warnock Pastor William D. Smart & Supervisor Holly Mitchell Keynote Speaker U.S. SENATOR REV. RAPHAEL G. WARNOCK PASTOR OF EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH GEORGIA About Our Voters Empowerment Camp Sandi Cook Closing Remarks and Call to Action President, Pastor William D. Smart Jr. Benediction Rev. Dr. Ken Walden Holman United Methodist Church 15

SCLC- SC IS ON THE MOVE !!!! Get involved. Everyone is welcome. Let's Build Sacred Beloved Community. Check Instagram @sclc_socal and SCLC-SC.ORG FOR BIG EVENTS COMING UP SOON  HURTING AND HUNGRY CHARITIES FOOD AND NECESSITIES  COMMUNITY WELLNESS SPA DAY - SERVING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLNESS TO OUR COMMUNITY  BLACK WOMEN IN BUSINESS INCUBATOR AND MARKETPLACE  YOUNG DREAMERS DAY IN THE PARK YOUTH INVITED 9-18, 18-27 THE TOPIC FOR MAY - \" HAVING HARD CONVERSATIONS\"  VOTER EMPOWERMENT BOOTCAMP  HEALING REIKI AND MEDITATION CIRCLES.  HEALTH CHECK INS-WOMEN OF SCLC-SC TRIAGE TEAM 16

MLK Young Dreamers for Justice is a youth organization dedicated to so- cial justice, through service, activism and friendship. The organization was co-founded in 2019 by then 16 year-old Josh Smart and 13 year-old, Ella Rosenson. One of their primary initiatives has been to Get Out the Vote. Since the 2020 elections, the Young Dreamers have written nearly 4,000 postcards! Postcards were sent to marginalized communities in which vot- er suppression and disenfranchisement were, and continue to be, at play. These communities were provided information on how to register and where to vote. The Young Dreamers understood, and continue to understand, that their country, their rights, their planet and their futures are at stake. This group of 11 to 23 year-olds threw their support behind Senator Warnock in his runs for Senate and the subsequent run-offs. They were thrilled by his wins and encouraged that the 1500 postcards they wrote to Georigians made a difference. Even though many Young Dream- ers are not yet old enough to vote, they have been laser focused on how they can effect change. Past and future MLK Young Dreamers for Justice events include: food give-aways, toy drives, poetry slams, and social justice panels. The 17

Young Dreamers bridge communities through social events like: picnics, bowling, discussions on current events and topics that are of importance to them, strategy meetings, and partnerships with other social justice youth orgs. Additionally, there is an educational component, in which The Young Dreamers are taught the principles of Dr Martin Luther King Jr and the value of building the Beloved Community. Gen Z is ready to change the world. This work also intersects with our charge to offer mental and physi- cal support to all of those in need . 18

FIGHTING MEDICAL APARTHEID BUILDING A WONDERFUL INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY PROMOTING CULTURE AND THE ARTS SHARING AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE AND ACTION Our Triage Community Health and Wellness Team is comprehen- sive and addresses the needs of not only the body, but the mind and spirit as well. We are a team comprised of Pastors, Nurses, Ad- vocates, Medical Assistants, Social Workers and Insurance Enroll- ment Representatives who are committed to enhancing the overall health of our community. We provide valuable services including health screenings and education, social referrals and resources, food distribution, prayer and counseling just to make a few. We look forward to growing and serving even more people in this new year. 19

Women of SCLC- SC Healing Circles have been having a powerful impact throughout the community. By building a sense of community care and empathy, We have actualized our Beloved Community and emphasized the importance of our mental, physical and spiritual health. 2190

  Since 2013, Hurting and Hungry has been deeply involved in the distribution of food to those who have been affected by hunger and poverty. Hurting and Hungry is the effective arm of the Poor Peo- ples Campaign of SCLC-SC. Our focus sites for distributing food and necessities are the Children’s Collective, various churches, parks, and community centers around Los Angeles County. Over the last 10 years, Hurting and Hungry has been deeply in- volved in the helping and healing of the food disparity. But we real- ize that more is needed. We attempt to serve the community wholis- tically. We do this by meeting more family needs. Everything from school supplies, health supplies, warm clothing, sneakers, books, lots of toys for holidays, gift cards and more. Our goal is give what our community needs and to be intentional. Sometimes that simply means prayer and someone to talk to. Our efforts have grown tremendously with the help of our awesome volunteers, offering, donations, and collaborative work. Thank you to each of you who is making Hurting and Hungry Chari- ties a Sustainable, Well- Grounded, and Action-Centered Organiza- tion. 2118

 

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Special thanks to Supervisor Holly Mitchell for being our Mistress of Ceremony today, and for all that you do in our community. You are the embodiment of Beloved Community. ~~~ g{tÇ~ lÉâ to our SPONSORS SEIU UHW Cal State L.A. L.A. City Council District 9 Our Authors Study Club Black Jewish Justice Alliance MRT Teamsters Local 848 Sanctuary of Hope CA Legislative Black Caucus (Asm Wilson) ICYOLA Special Needs Network Unite Here! Local 1 LADWP LA County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO AFSCME Local 3090 SEIU USWW SEIU 720 SEIU 2015 Fannie Lou Hammer Institute Women’s March Foundation Kenneth Orduna   27

Tv~ÇÉãÄxwzxÅxÇàá PROGRAM CREDITS Pastor William D. Smart and Pastor Thembekila C. Coleman Smart- Executive Producers Pastor Thembekila C. Coleman Smart - Scriptwriter, Program Director, Casting Director, Run of Show John Ek and Ayahlushim Getachew - Finance and Fundraising Host Event Coordinators Ian Foxx Media - Producer and Director, Video and photographer Arnetta Mack/Mack Enterprises Unlimited - Media and Design, Event Flyer, Souvenir Journal, Banners, Signage, & Promo Items Sandi Cook - Program Chair, Community Outreach Coordinator, Planning and Development, Ross Jordan - Sound, Stage, Production Coordinator, Visual and lighting technician Tina Louise Stephens - Researcher, Writer and Production Assistant Marcus Redd - Production Coordinator, Videographer, Editor, Post Production KarmaNia Smart - Graphics and flyer design, Event manager, Social media specialist Barbara Maynard - Public Relations Michelle Fowle - Graphic Artist Trimel Holloway - Musician Lura Ball- Planning and Production Coordinator, Outreach Coordinator Phil Taylor - Videographer and Editor - Phil Taylor.net Stanley Stain - Production Assistant Nicki Rosenson - Youth Coordinator 28

NATIONAL SCLC PRESIDENTS 1957 – 1968 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1968 – 1977 Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy 1977 – 1997 Rev. Joseph E. Lowery 1997 – 2004 Martin Luther King III 2004 Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth 2004 – 2009 Dr. Charles Steele, Jr. 2009 – 2011 Howard W. Creecy, Jr. 2011 – Present Dr. Charles Steele, Jr. EXECUTIVE BOARD SCLC - SO CAL CHAIRPERSON Anton Farmby Vice President, SEIU USWW PRESIDENT & CEO Pastor William D. Smart, Jr. Co-Pastor Christ Liberation Ministries Executive Director, Hurting & Hungry Association VICE-CHAIR Jamie E. Wright, Esq. CHAIRPERSON FINANCE COMMITTEE John Ek EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR- WOMEN OF SCLC Pastor Thembekila Crystal Coleman-Smart sclc-sc.org

Zelle 213-268-3082 Paypal @SCLCSC We invite you to become a member! For details, go to: www.sclc-sc.org