"The Courage" and "Para Todos Los Ninos" exhibits at the Museum of Tolerance (MOT) have been extended through Dec. 23. These exhibits highlight in separate but related installations the contributions of both Latinos and African-Americans to the Civil Rights Movement. "Courage" is the story of the Rev. Joseph Delaine and some citizens of Clarendon County, S.C., who, in 1950, brought a lawsuit to challenge racial segregation in schools that led to the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education. This interactive, multimedia presentation depicts what life was like for African Americans living in the South during this time and features a diorama of Delaine’s fire-bombed church, and re-creations of the separate and unequal classrooms that existed at the time. Also, while most people know about desegregation in the South, a separate exhibit at the museum, "Para Todos Los Ninos: Fighting Segregation in California," focuses on a lesser-known case: the story of the landmark case in Southern California that took place almost 10 years before Brown v. Board of Education. This new bilingual exhibition shows the history of segregation in California through the personal story of the Mendez family and their struggle to end school segregation. Their sacrifices resulted in the closing of not only Mexican-American schools but also abolishing segregated schools for Asian-American and Native-American children as well. The museum is at 9786 W. Pico Blvd. (at the southeast corner of Pico Boulevard and Roxbury Drive), Los Angeles.
The California African American Museum (CAAM) will present "How We Roll," an exhibition featuring African Americans in skateboarding and surfing. "How We Roll" takes the viewer through an historical step-by-step fantastic voyage of how surfing evolved into skateboarding, the kinship with roller-skating, and how "The Roll" created a cultural revolution that has influenced many parts of popular culture over the past four decades. This exhibition is free to the public, and began its six-month run on July 28 at CAAM, 600 State Drive, Los Angeles. When entering the museum, viewers can see artwork in an 11,000-square-foot enclosed modern courtyard. The 5,100 cubic feet of wall space allows the skateboarders (who are also the artists, photographers, musicians, and much more) to create large-scale installations. Central to the exhibition is a Skater's Gallery featuring action pictures, personal stories, skater bios, magazine covers, decks/boards and artwork from many legendary skateboarders. Other sections of the exhibition expound upon the influence of musical genres such as punk rock, hip-hop, jazz and reggae on the industry and culture, and the importance of the skate shop as the core or hub of the culture.
"Our Love of John T. Scott," currently on exhibit at the California African American Museum, will run through Oct. 31. The late New Orleans African American artist was known for his variety of artwork, including his paintings and sculptures. Attendees will have the opportunity to see much of his work at CAAM. The museum is at 600 State Drive, Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has started its Parks After Dark (PAD) program at three Los Angeles County parks. PAD will offer surrounding communities and youth extended park hours and activities and will be implemented at three county parks: Ted Watkins Park and Franklin Roosevelt Park in the Florence-Firestone area; and Pamela Park in unincorporated Duarte. Extended park hours will take place Wednesdays through Saturdays until Sept. 4. PAD will provide youth with productive activities to decrease the likelihood of participation in at-risk behavior, including gang activity and is a component of the county's gang initiative intended to reduce gangs and gang violence. The goal of PAD is to strengthen individuals in communities and influence them to see their communities and neighbors in a better light.
Mummies of the World, the largest traveling exhibition of mummies ever assembled, has opened at the California Science Center. It's a collection of more than 100 mummies, both intentionally preserved and accidentally made by nature. The mummies come from Egypt, Asia, Oceania, South America and Europe. The exhibition also demonstrates how mummification is often a natural process, one that occurs in the hot, dry desert sands of Peru or as a result of extreme acts of nature, as in the eternal ice of the Italian Alps.
Shriner's Hospitals for Children will present the 2010 Rhythm on the Vine concert series, May through December, at South Coast Winery in Temecula. Proceeds benefit medical care for kids, 18 years and younger, at no cost to the patient or family. On May 14, Shriner's will present Stephanie Mills, featuring Najee in concert. Mills is a Grammy- and American Music Award-winning R&B performer and Broadway star who will be complemented by Najee's NAACP Image Award-winning contemporary jazz instrumentals.
The University of Manners, where kids learn how to behave properly, takes place Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at 6560 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles. Admission is $20.
Afro-Caribbean dance classes with dance ethnologist Kimberly Miguel Mullen are held on Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Crenshaw Yoga and Dance, 5426 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, and on Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice. There is live drumming, and the class is for all levels.
The Inglewood Improv features sketch improvisation shows, stand-up comedians and improv performer open-mic showcases with audience participation Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. The Improv also provides weekly acting classes for youths ages 12 through 17, as well as adults. The Improv is at 2519 Manchester Blvd., Inglewood.
Registration is under way for the 2010 season of weekend excursions to Camp Seely in the San Bernardino mountains. The trips give families and other residents an opportunity to experience two days of outdoor activities, including hiking and other exploring, spending time with nature, or just relaxing. Indoor activities will also be available. Outings will be offered in 2010 on the weekends of March 13 to 14; April 17 to 18; May 15 to 16; June 5 to 6; Sept. 11 to 12; and Oct. 16 to 17. There are fees involved that cover the cost of meals as well as a heated sleeping cabin for each group and many activities.
"Master Your Mind for Success in 2010" is the theme of the Goal Achiever's Workshops that will be held Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 to 10 a.m., at the House of RA, 7823 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles.
KRST Unity Center of Spirituality will sponsor African-centered activities and programs including empowerment sessions, black gnostic studies, and more, Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The center is at 7825 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles.
On the third Wednesday of each month from 5 to 9 p.m., summer celebrations will take place in downtown Culver City. Angelenos will be able to taste food from the area's restaurants, sip wine and cocktails as the sun goes down, hear live music under the stars, shop and sample from one-of-a-kind boutiques and view art at gallery openings. The summer block parties will feature special offers and free goodies from more than 25 participating businesses throughout the downtown area, as well as outdoor entertainment and activities ranging from wine and food tastings to free pole-dancing lessons. Valet and free two-hour parking are available. Dates for the parties will be July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15 and Oct. 20.
Walking With Dinosaurs will play its final engagements at Honda Center in Anaheim Sept. 1 to 5, followed by seven performances at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, Sept. 9 to 12. Walking With Dinosaurs — The Arena Spectacular is based on the BBC television series. Tickets are now on sale.
California State University, Dominguez Hills Multicultural Center will unveil "Manifest Diversity," a large-scale multimedia mural created by students under the guidance of Los Angeles muralist Eliseo Art Silva to celebrate the diversity of CSU Dominguez Hills, the local area, as well as historical social accomplishments that have contributed to a more inclusive and multicultural America. The unveiling will take place Sept. 9, 3 p.m., as part of the university's 50th anniversary. Family and friends of mural honorees, along with local officials, students and university faculty and staff, will be present at the event and reception, which will take place on the East Walkway outside the Loker Student Union. The event is open to the public. CSU Dominguez Hills is at 1000 E. Victoria St., Carson.
The California Foreclosure Institute (CFI) will present a free foreclosure workshop Sept. 9, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Lloyd Taber-Marina del Rey Public Library, 4533 Admiralty Way. The free two-hour workshop is for investors and realtors and will be about getting started on finding and buying foreclosure properties. The guest speaker will be Lloyd Segal, author of "Stop Foreclosure Now" and "Foreclosure Investing." Reservations are required.
"Sammy Davis Jr. and Friends" will be presented Sept. 11, 8 p.m., at the Lucy Florence Cultural Center. David Williams will perform as Davis. Tickets cost $20. The center is at 3351 W. 43rd St., Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Third Church of Religious Science's free Third Annual Anniversary Concert will be held Sept. 12, 2 p.m., at 4323 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles. Some of the concert's entertainers will include April Colon-Haywood, Ellen Cooper, Sherwood Sledge and others.
The Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corp. (VSEDC) will have Business Plan Writing classes throughout September. Classes begin Sept. 14, 16 and 30. This comprehensive, eight-week course covers various business plan components including marketing, operations, financial projections and more. To enroll or view the class schedule, visit tinyurl.com/vsedcseptclassesandapp.
"Entertainment Industry Insurance: From the Basics to the Latest Developments," will take place Sept. 15. Registration and lunch will begin at 12 noon, and the program will be from at 12:30 to 2 p.m. Are you adequately insured for your activities on the Internet? Are you "betting the company" by skipping critical insurance coverage? What do you do when you've been sued but the insurance company refuses to defend? Speakers at this program will aim to provide answers to these questions, as well as a briefing on the latest in cutting-edge insurance issues for entertainment industry businesses and professionals. The program will take place at Lawry's, 100 N. La Cienega Blvd. (1/2 block north of Wilshire Boulevard), Beverly Hills. There will be free underground self-parking. The event will be presented by the Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA). Speakers will include Cassandra S. Franklin, who advises entertainment industry companies on obtaining insurance coverage appropriate for their risks; William M. Shernoff, the leading plaintiff's attorney in the insurance "bad faith" field, author of more than 50 articles on insurance, and featured speaker of "The Shernoff Insurance Bad Faith Seminar," and Jeffrey P. Hermes, author of the article "Cyber Insurance and Media Organizations."
The African-American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame's annual induction ceremony will take place Sept. 17, noon to 2 p.m., at the Oxford Palace Hotel & Galleria. The event will include a luncheon. Tenth District Los Angeles City Councilman Herb Wesson is expected to attend. There will be several former Olympians at this year's ceremony. Inductees include Sammy Lee, Barbara Ferrell, Anita DeFrantz and Marilyn White. The event will be emceed by former Olympian John Carlos. Community members will also be honored, including Crenshaw High School principal, Carrie Allen, who will receive the Education Award; musician Billy Mitchell, who will receive the Youth Education Award; and Kingdom Day Parade founder Larry Grant, who will receive the Community Build Up Award; and others. The hotel is at 745 S. Oxford Ave., Los Angeles.
A speakers series event titled "Sexual Health and Seniors: The Truth about HIV/AIDS" will take place Sept. 18, noon to 3 p.m. There will be a panel discussion. Prior to the panel, Dr. Nina Harawa, an epidemiologist at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, will give a presentation. Lunch will be provided for free. Only 100 people will be seated. The event will take place at Grace United Methodist Church, 4112 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles. Free rapid HIV testing will be administered.
Classical guitar lessons with the renowned Christopher Parkening will take place Sept. 18, 2 to 6 p.m., at Raitt Recital Hall, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. The Pepperdine University Fine Arts Division will present the class. Parkening is a distinguished professor of music and chair of the Guitar Department at Pepperdine. For more than a quarter century, his concerts and recordings have received worldwide acclaim. There is no admission charge to audit the class.
The Robey Theatre Co. will present the world premiere of "The Reckoning" at the Los Angeles Theatre Center Sept. 25. Written by Kimba Henderson, the play is about one plantation, two families and so many secrets. Rubaiyat, a Louisiana crawfish farm owned by the Robillards, an affluent African-American family, was once a sugar plantation worked by slaves, and is consequently filled with all manner of secrets and treacheries. As LJ, the family's fiery but aging patriarch, prepares to hand over control of his estate to his devoted yet defiant daughter, secrets long buried gradually come to light, and the resurgence of an age-old betrayal will bring the Robillards face-to-face with the family whose long-held claims to Rubaiyat and bitter desperation have made them a dangerous force with which to be reckoned. The Los Angeles Theatre Center is at 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles. There will be previews Sept. 22 to 24 at 8 p.m. Admission cost $30, but students can get in for $20. Preview show admission cost $15. A limited number of tickets will be available for each Thursday performance for $10.
The 15th Anniversary Victorious Living Women's Conference will take place Sept. 25, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Manhattan Beach Marriott, 1400 Park View Ave., Manhattan Beach. Having a healthy mind, body and spirit will be addressed at the conference. Health screenings will be provided. The invite will also include exhibitors and expert panelists. The special conference rate is $85, and the deadline will be Sept. 15. The keynote speaker will be Wendy Gladney, president of Forgiving for Living Inc.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) will host the 5th Anniversary JAZZ on the Grass benefit concert Oct. 2, 2 p.m., at the estate of Lynne and Oz Scott, renowned director and producer, in Sherman Oaks. Rooted in the Robinson legacy of promoting social causes through art, JAZZ on the Grass has four hours of live musical performances, cuisine and a silent auction featuring vacation packages, sport and music memorabilia. Hosted by comedian and actor Chris Spencer, JAZZ raises funds for JRF's comprehensive program including financial support, mentoring and professional development. Some of the guest artists will include musicians Boney James, Sheila E., Marcus Miller and many more. Tickets are on sale online and via phone until Aug. 20 for the "early bird" price of $300.
The New Frontier Democratic Club's 50th Anniversary Gala will take place Oct. 9 at the Performing Arts Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. The keynote speaker will be San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, and the special guest speaker will be James E. Clyburn, majority whip in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Ryan Stiles and Greg Proops will headline a night of all-star improv titled "Whose Live Anyway?" on Oct. 15 at Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. "Whose Live Anyway?" is 90 minutes of improvised comedy and song based on audience suggestions. There will be two shows, one at 7 p.m. and the other at 9:30. The show will be at the campus' Smothers Theatre. Tickets cost $65 for the public and $10 for full-time Pepperdine students.
The Fourth Annual Halloween Masquerade Ball will take place Oct. 30, 8 p.m. to midnight, at the Solair Wilshire, 3785 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. The event will be hosted by Women4Wesson, the Los Angeles Sentinel and Mothers in Action, and its proceeds will go toward benefiting homeless children. To attend, each person must pay $55. Checks can be written to: W4W, P.O. Box 1248, Los Angeles, CA 90016. There will be food, live entertainment and a Best Costume Contest.
