Nonprofit Spotlight: A Place Called Home (APCH)



APCH members run in the 2014 Jive Live New Year's Race. | APCH Facebook

APCH members run in the 2014 Jive Live New Year’s Race. | APCH Facebook

Intersection’s Nonprofit Spotlight series profiles South L.A. organizations that are propelling positive change in South L.A.

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A Place Called Home provides children in South L.A. educational programs, counseling and mentorship.  By promoting creative expression and providing specialized tutoring programs, APCH helps builds a bridge towards success for many South L.A. youth. Charyn Harris, who leads APCH’s music programs, answered a survey for us telling us more about the organization’s work.  

What is APCH’s purpose? APCH is a community partner that offers a safe haven to youth daily as well as resources to families.

When was APCH founded? The organization was founded in 1993 by Debrah Constance. It started with 12 youth members in a local church. Many of the youth were trying to escape involvement in the rampant gang activity that existed during that time. Debrah was extremely successful in working with them and many of the original members are now thriving.

Snapshot from APCH Garden Program sponsored by Chipotle | Photo Courtesy of APCH

Snapshot from APCH Garden Program sponsored by Chipotle | Photo Courtesy of APCH

Which areas does APCH serve? The community of South Los Angeles. It is located in Council District 9. [Read more…]

Jason White’s heart of music at West Angeles Church



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Los Angeles native Jason White is the minister of music at West Angeles Church of God in Christ in the Crenshaw District, one of the biggest churches in L.A. He began playing the piano by ear at the age of five and hasn’t stopped since. Not only is he a minister, but also White is the music coordinator for shows such as American Idol and X Factor.

White believes that the art of music comes from a heart of worship and commitment to his talent. He says its a gift that God destined him to live out.

Listen to White’s commentary — and his music — in an audio story from Annenberg Radio News:

 

 

Profesor Galactico’s ska-alternative ‘Pit Stop at the Moon’



Profesor GalacticoProfesor Galactico’s upcoming EP, “Pit Stop At The Moon,” will feature the sounds of ska, Motown, and R&B. But the South Central native and “ska-alternative” artist names a far different style — the ranchera ballads of Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez — as one of his earliest musical influences.

Learn more about Profesor Galactico’s inspirations in an audio story from Annenberg Radio News — and hear his sounds for yourself. 

Central Avenue Jazz Festival in pictures



The music was bopping, the audience was dancing and prancing and photographer William Short captured some of the scenes during the performances of Katia Moraes & Sambaguru and their Brazilian sound, and the big band sounds of the Gerald Wilson Orchestra, led by 93-year-old Gerald Wilson.

You couldn’t help noticing some mighty fine hats among the audience members at the Jazz Festival. Take a look in this slideshow — also by William Short.