By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief Belinda V. Jackson, a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, may not have been born in Los Angeles but from the looks of her credentials, Los Angeles has been her birthplace in helping to fulfill dreams for millions who have passed her way. For 23 years she has graced the stage at the…
The Southern Truth By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief In recognition of National Women’s History Month and the 2024 theme: “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” the Black Business Association, under the leadership of the organization’s first female President and CEO, Sarah R. Harris, presents the 21st annual Salute to Black Women Business Conference, Vendor Faire, and Awards…
LOS ANGELES, CA: The African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI) has selected Kelly Redmond as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Redmond is passionate about building a beloved community, impacting systemic change, advancing Black equity, leadership development, cross sector strategic partnerships, and building strengths-based cultures. Over the past 30 years, she has co-led with iconic…
By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media The #BlackDocsBelong campaign held a rally in Pasadena last Friday calling on Black medical doctors to join their movement dedicated to keeping and growing the ranks of Black physicians. We actively support and advocate for Black trainees and physicians facing workplace discrimination,” states the website of Black…
The Queen of Sheba. I am the Queen of Sheba, more famous than others, and attractive: I am beautiful and chaste. There is a mirror in my chest, In which young men may behold whatever they wish. While one of them views it, he pulls a rope, the bellows are compressed, And darkness suddenly bursts forth…
Dick Gregory and Hugh Hefner at the 2011 Los Angeles Press Club. Dick Gregory said that it was Hugh Hefner, Founder of the Playboy Club, who gave him the $30,000 to to force the FBI to search for the bodies of the three civil rights workers slain in Mississippi during Freedom Summer. He also said that it was Hugh Hefner who gave him the opportunity to leave the Chitlin circuit by hiring him to perform in first class arenas. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Dick Gregory speaking at rally in Inglewood after Donovan Jackson was beaten by police in 2002. Martin Luther King III was in attendance at the rally. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Nigger: An Autobiography by Dick Gregory, September 1964 The autobiography of comedian and social activist Dick Gregory, co-authored with Robert Lipsyte, nigger was originally published in September 1964 by E. P. Dutton, and has since 1965 been reprinted numerous times in an edition available through Pocket Books, altogether selling more than one million copies to date.[1] The book has never been out of print since its publication.[2] Gregory continued his life story in two subsequent books, Up From Nigger and Callus On My Soul. Gregory earned a $200,000 advance from the book.[3]