Good morning LA
This year, we will cover Black History Month as part of the The 8 percent, a series that focuses on the experiences of LA Black Community. Throughout the month, we are asking readers to share: What does it mean to you to be black in LA?
Here’s a little of what we’ve heard so far:
“There is a slow burning of anti-blackness felt in all aspects of life here … There is a thin veneer of liberalism loaded with the claim of justice and equality, but this is reserved for every group of non-whites except African Americans. “
– Brandon, Long Beach
“Being Black informs everything I do: driving, choosing a place to live, going to school, getting a job. You feel like you’re a stranger or a minority among minorities. “
– JessicaGlassell Park
“I am a local resident of southern Los Angeles. For a long time, being black in my community meant unity, happiness, joy, prosperity and love for each other … [Now] I see older blacks losing their homes due to death or foreclosure and resold to non-blacks. And I ask myself: what happened? Where did my people go?“
– Velincia, South LA
“A lot of being black in LA / The Valley for me has to do with duality: Know how to code the exchange and how to increase the darkness or decrease it at times. I know that in a perfect world we would say that we should just be ourselves, but in reality, you can’t do that sometimes. “
– Ashley, Hollywood
Keep reading to learn more about what’s happening in LA todayand stay safe outside.
Correction: Yesterday’s Morning Summary erroneously said that “some Los Angeles city councilors” took bribes to allow developers not to offer affordable housing. In fact, only ex-councilman José Huizar faces such charges. In addition, the same item erroneously said that there are 66,433 people living on the streets in the city. That’s actually the number for the whole of LA County. LAist regrets the mistakes.
What else you need to know today
Weekend readings
There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and it’s hard enough to keep up with our day-to-day lives, let alone stay up to date with the news. But if you have any time this weekend, here’s what you may have missed:
Mortality rates for black mothers and babies they are three to four times larger than for other racial groups. These midwives in Los Angeles intend to change that. (LAist)
National Police Foundation will analyze the LAPD’s response to local Black Lives Matter protests. (LA Sentinel)
Political strategist and commentator Jasmyne Cannick writes that without the support of black voters, the campaign to oust Governor Gavin Newsom is dead in the water. (LA Watts Times)
A local promoter is taking on a mission to revolt against the criminal justice reforms promoted by the new district attorney in LA. (LAist)
Jennifer Duarte, the Children’s Librarian at the Benjamin Franklin Branch Library in Boyle Heights, navigated doing her job and creating a paternity pandemic by designating times and spaces for everything. (The Eastsider)
The tragic death of a four-year-old girl at a Koreatown intersection shows Los Angeles’ failure to make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. (LAist)
Deaths due to coronavirus in the Latin / LA community have increased by 1,000% since November. (La Opinión)
For food vendors and day laborers coming out of hardware stores, this is what a typical day looks like. (LA Taco)
Has much to learn how to take the second dose of the coronavirus vaccine, from the waiting time between vaccines to what to do if the initial site closes. (LAist)
These black businessmen are creating new services, products and paths in Los Angeles. (LA Business Journal)
For kids with an incarcerated family member, this non-profit organization offers a space to express its pain – and process it through art. (San Fernando Valley Sun)
The deep history of LA with spicy food has led to some delicious – and very hot – local props. (Eater LA)
Before I go … how ‘Mr. Mayor ‘ Turned A ‘30 Rock ‘ Spinoff Into LA Comedy
The new comedy from NBC Mister Perfect, starring TV veteran Ted Danson as a wealthy advertising executive who became mayor of Los Angeles, is the latest of Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, who have been busy creating a modern TV comedy dynasty after the success of 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
But, as longtime New York City observers, what does it mean when they start writing about LA?
Help us cover your community
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The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don’t work. Others are added. Consider today’s first draft and check LAist.com for updates on these stories and more. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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