The sound of Whitney Houston’s voice blared over speakers in Leimert park as people danced and sang along during a vigil in her memory on Monday night.
“She sang songs that were uplifting, she sang songs about real life, she sang songs that were moving, that would move people,” says Tyronne Alonzo Rouege, who has followed Houston’s career from the beginning.
While some of the fans celebrated her life, others were overwhelmed.
“I can’t believe she’s gone. It’s very emotional that’s my favorite song they’re playing,” weeps Adinett Nsabimana. “I couldn’t believe it. I just read something about her two days before. She was going to perform for Clive Davis that night and she left right before the Grammys. Just like Michael Jackson died before his comeback.”
Fans lit candles in memory of the iconic singer. Some embraced each other, expressing their sorrow and disbelief at Whitney’s death.
“I still can’t believe it. It’s still surreal to me,” says Danny Woods, a blues singer who admired the pop star. “But she’s a living legend that will never go. Her voice is forever.”
Fans at Leimert Park vigil didn’t want to talk about the superstar’s erratic behavior during her final days. They say they want to remember her as a beautiful icon and the legend she has now become.
“She’s known for her talent and that’s something that no one can take away from her,” says Woods. “It’s sad to say, but I think she was a victim of her talent.”
Councilman Parks flips the switch that lit Leimert Park’s Christmas tree on Monday, November 28. (Photo: Walter Melton)
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A stuffed animal or toy train may seem like the perfect pastime for a child here in Los Angeles. But in the Diouf household, playtime is anything but ordinary.
Obinne Onyeador remembers when the streets of Leimert Park were jumping all night.
Black Women for Wellness (
When you walk through the doors at Lucy Florence Cultural Center, you are taken aback by the bright colors and elegant decorations. There’s a coffee bar to grab a bite to eat. The hallway leads to hidden rooms filled with artistic treasures. There’s even a room with a stage, piano and rows of seats to put on a good show. 
We are in a season of resurrection. The photo was taken on Easter 1961; a past season of resurrection. We stood before our twin sisters with no knowledge of the many rebirths we would experience during this lifetime. We were young, protected, loved and unafraid. We stood before our twin sisters knowing nothing about the wonderful adventures in our future. That was 50 years ago. Today, we are living proof of the Divine MotherFatherGod and the spirit of resurrection. We embrace countless lessons about life, death, fear and achievement along the way. We are boys, students, men, teachers, retail buyers, managers, dancers, coaches, designers, owners and creators. We’ve died and been reborn so many times we’ve lost count of our birthdays! This is a season of resurrection; but is it our season of resurrection?
