Author: Emilie St. John

The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is seeking donations to restore its building that was vandalized during peaceful protests against federal immigration policies in downtown Los Angeles. The anti-ICE protests were largely peaceful, however, the museum suffered vandalism in the wake of the demonstration attended by thousands over three days. The museum’s executive director, Marianna Gatto, spoke with 2UrbanGirls about the significance of the museum and its deep connections supporting immigration rights. “The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) is a museum about immigration; it is an institution led by immigrants and the children of immigrants. The IAMLA…

COMPTON – It’s a great day in Compton as the school district boasts an impressive graduation success rate in Los Angeles County and the state. With a 93% graduation rate in 2024, Compton Unified School District ranks #1 in LA County and #2 in the state among districts of similar size and socioeconomic status. CUSD’s College & Career Indicator (CCI) stands at an impressive 50%, also earning the #1 spot in LA County and the #2 ranking statewide among similar districts. In California, the Department of Education tracks metrics like Graduation Rates and the College & Career Indicator (CCI) to…

Dr. Flojaune Cofer is alleging she was on the receiving end of a bribery call from the head of the California Black Chamber of Commerce president Jay King. At the time of the call, Cofer was running to become the City’s first Black female mayor. Her opponent was former Assembly member Kevin McCarty. At the heart of the alleged call was King seeking Cofer’s support in extending the employment contract of then City Manager Howard Chan who was under scrutiny for being the highest-paid city manager in the state in 2022 and 2023, according to the Sacramento Bee. King is alleged…

Disney Parks is celebrating Black History Month with its popular ‘Celebrate Soulfully’ returning to the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World next month. From captivating performances —including gospel concerts and DISNEY ON BROADWAY performances — to meet-and-greets with beloved characters such as Princess Tiana, there’s so much to enjoy. “Celebrate Gospel” concerts return to the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park for two days in 2025, headlined by DOE on February 8 and Melvin Crispell, III on February 15. On both days, the beloved annual event brings together award-winning musical artists and community choirs from across Southern California. Melvin Crispell, III has…

LOS ANGELES — The Echo Theater Company has announced another electrifying three-play season for 2025 that will provoke, entertain and surprise audiences — and further solidify the Echo’s reputation as, per the Los Angeles Times, “the most vital center for offbeat drama in Los Angeles.” The new season opens on March 22 with the world premiere ofFlight. Written by Golden Globe and Princess Grace Award-winning writer Kate Robin and directed by Echo artistic director Chris Fields, Flight will star Peri Gilpin as a retired schoolteacher who hopes to use her recently acquired pilot’s license — and her husband’s Cessna — to better humanity. When she picks up a 16-year-old girl at a…

INGLEWOOD – The 4th Annual Women Rock Empowerment Summit will be held at the Inglewood Senior Center on May 3. The event is sponsored by the city of Inglewood, District 4 Councilwoman Dionne Faulk and City Clerk Aisha Thompson which is a free community event designed to bring together women to attend powerful and informative workshops that will help women gain confidence, practice self-care, and support each other’s personal or professional success. City of Inglewood Past guest speakers include Inglewood Assembly member Tina McKinnor, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, former Compton Councilwoman Michelle Chambers and a host of business women…

CARSON – Carson Assemblymember Mike Gipson announced he postponed a planned march for immigration rights on Jan. 25 due to the L.A. wildfires. The announcement was made through an email blast that went out to his constituents across the 65th Assembly District which includes Carson, Compton, Watts and Willowbrook which have a high concentration of Latino residents. “We recognized the importance of standing in solidarity with our community during these trying times and want to prioritize the safety and well-being of all attendees and participants and I deeply appreciate your partnership and support of this event and sincerely apologize for…

INGLEWOOD – Inglewood Assemblymember Tina McKinnor is introducing bills this legislative session designed to focus on education, housing and victims of eminent domain. Assembly Bill 51 would restructure Inglewood Unified School District’s (IUSD) receivership loan to 0% interest allowing the District to dedicate all of its resources towards student success and exiting receivership. “The voters overwhelmingly reelected me to continue the work of bringing bold, progressive leadership to communities in Los Angeles County and across California,” said McKinnor. “My first bill introduced this year is focused on supporting the work of Inglewood students, parents, teachers and administrators to return the…

Former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon declined to file charges against two Inglewood police officers determining the fatal shooting of Alexis Pulido on September 16, 2022, was justified use of force. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office completed its investigation dated June 5, 2024, and uploaded it to the department’s website. The report identifies Inglewood Police Department officers involved in the fatal shooting as Officers Javier Mosely and Robert Swenson. The incident began at approximately 6:28 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2022, when Pulido knocked on an Inglewood resident’s door seeking to charge his cellphone. When the couple…

INGLEWOOD – McDonald’s of Southern California, in collaboration with KJLH Radio hosted “Stuff a Bus” at locations in Inglewood, Lawndale and Los Angeles on Dec. 13. This marks the 3rd year that McDonald’s supported Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys by receiving toys from the community for the annual Christmas event. Councilwoman Heather Hutt with McDonald’s Owner Andrew Chang, McDonald’s Director of Operations Oscar Febres and KJLH DJs Tammic Mac and Guy Black The participating McDonald’s locations were at 2900 Imperial in Inglewood, 3602 S. La Brea Blvd. in Los Angeles, 15606 Hawthorne Blvd. in Lawndale. Last year Stevie Wonder…