Angela Davis speaks to a full house at Urban Issues Breakfast Forum



Line outside the California African American Museum

Line outside the California African American Museum

Standing in line, some speculated that Friday April 19 attracted the largest Urban Issues Breakfast Forum crowd they had ever seen. Three lines wrapped around the California African American Museum: one for VIPs, another for reservations, and a last line filled with hopefuls crossing their fingers for the chance to hear Angela Davis speak.

“We want an end to all wars of oppression,” Davis said to a cheering crowd. “We want freedom for all black and oppressed people now held in U.S. federal and state prison and jails.”

Davis, prominent black scholar, activist and feminist, referred to the prison-industrial complex, the idea that the prison system thrives due to its profitability. This was the topic of her talk as well as a central theme in her newest book, “The Meaning of Freedom and Other Difficult Dialogues.” [Read more…]

South LA one location for next gun buyback program



Listen to an audio story from Annenberg Radio News

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Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck on Tuesday announced the city is making it easier for residents to turn in guns. On May 4th, there will be four locations for gun buyback programs:  Elysian Park, Wilmington, South LA, and Van Nuys.  The program is aimed at reducing gun violence in the city.

“I encourage every Angeleno to turn in their guns and say no to senseless violence in our neighborhoods. We’re asking for your help in removing guns from our street.  Turn in your guns, keep weapons away from gang members and dangerous criminals,” said Villarigosa. [Read more…]

Los Angeles gets a federal grant for jobs



Get LA Back to Work campaignJenny Cobb finished teaching her spring semester class with a pang of fear. She felt she had taught her class the best she could, but her performance had nothing to do with future.

“In the summer of the 2011, I was no longer employed due to lay-offs,” said Cobb

LAUSD had laid off another round of teachers that year and she along with hundreds of other teachers were left to spend their summer in search of work. Cobb could not find a job for nearly a year with no luck. She says she was at the end of her rope until she received help from the Workforce Development Program.

“Being lost and uncertain of the future, I felt like life was going nowhere,” said Cobb. “Today I feel like I’m going somewhere.” [Read more…]

L.A.’s million trees, more or less



South LA auto repairman fatally shot; suspect sought



Teenage pregnancy increases likelihood of obesity later in life by 32 percent, says study



Obesity and teen pregnancy rates are both unusually high in South Los Angeles compared to the rest of the county, and a new study says one may make the other more likely.

Los Angeles Downtown News endorses Curren Price



Strength of Watts Towers examined for longevity



Seven Children, Two Adults Injured in South Los Angeles Crash



One driver tried to run, but was found and detained by police, authorities said.

South L.A. residents decry closing of juvenile court, other cuts



The Kenyon Juvenile Justice Center is scheduled to close in June, according to court officials. Cases will be transferred to multiple courthouses throughout the county.