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Mayor Eric Garcetti and Nickerson Gardens Residents in Watts Celebrates Being Awarded $3.7 Million Jobs Plus Initiative Grant

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL — The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) has been awarded a $3.7 million grant aimed at giving job training and supportive services to 250 residents of Watt’s Nickerson Gardens.

Published

5 years ago

September 26, 2019

Oakland Post

Mayor Eric Garcetti and HACLA President and CEO Doug Guthrie share a moment on stage (Courtesy Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles)

By Saybin Roberson

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) has been awarded a $3.7 million grant aimed at giving job training and supportive services to 250 residents of Watt’s Nickerson Gardens.

“Angelinos will benefit from the Jobs Plus program are going to take us to unimaginable places, places we never believed possible,” Mayor Eric Garcetti shared in the excitement of the new program that will change the community.

The Jobs Plus Initiative Grant was given by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will train and place residents for careers in healthcare and construction. Wednesday, September 4, residents and special guests celebrated the new opportunity and multiple centers set up for peak prosperity among the community.

Mayor Garcetti greeting children of Nickerson Gardens (Courtesy Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles)

“We see Watts rising, thanks to state dollars that are putting Watts at the front of the line,” Mayor Garcetti stated. “We know that we aren’t just turning around and transforming lives; we are saving lives.”

In attendance at Nickerson Gardens Sage Center alongside Mayor Garcetti were Congresswoman Nanette Barragan, Councilman Joe Buscaino, HACLA President & CEO Doug Guthrie, and HUD Field Office Representative Ray Brewer. A special testimony was also shared amongst attendees from a Nickerson Gardens resident, Julie Legardye.

“It takes a lot of people to make things like this happen, there is not one person, in particular, it’s everybody working together,” Congresswoman Nanette Barragan stated. “Partnership – it’s working together at all levels, local, state, and federal, that is what we need to do.”

Congresswoman Barragan shared her excitement surrounding the partnership between HACLA and the Department of Health and Human Services. A component of the Jobs Plus Program created to address the disparities in healthcare.

“What better than to hire from within, within our community to address these disparities and have people in these careers who not only understand those disparities but help close the gap,” congresswoman stated. “What’s exciting for me, is that it’s going to be happening right here in Nickerson Gardens,” she continues to say. This bond will allow residents to join the healthcare workforce through training and jobs.

Julie Legardye shares her testimony among neighbors and friends of Nickerson Gardens (Courtesy Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles)

“The work is just starting, and we must make sure we follow through. That the people need the opportunities, get the opportunity and we put people to work right here,” said Congresswoman Barragan who promised to fully commit to the community to produce positive results.

Another highlight to the event was a special moment shared by a beloved resident of 10-years, Julie Legardye who currently works for the Painters Union for the past seven years.

“I got started with job and housing fair. I always took advantage,” Legardye stated as she shared her journey with the crowd. “It was just a job to me, but now it is a career, and it pays well. I just encourage everybody to take advantage of the jobs that they have here because it pays off in the end.”

Following the press conference, a Community Resource, Health, and Employment Fair officially launched the four-year Jobs Plus Initiative. During this time residents were invited to tour the Job Plus Center, the Watts/LA AJCC Portal & Employment Tech Center, Youth Leadership Center, and more.

Danielle Smith, resident, and mother living in Nickerson Gardens shared her gratitude and enthusiasm, “I feel good about this event. It is a positive thing going on and we need all that they are bringing to the table.”

As an employed member of the community, Smith is hopeful she too can go further in her career with help of the Jobs Plus Program and looks forward to the positive benefits the youth center will bring about.

“I’m most excited about the Youth Center. We need to be more focused in on our youth, so that’s a good thing,” she shared. Among many other residents, Smith was joined by members of her family for food, fun, and celebration of a brighter future thanks to the Jobs Plus Program.

This article originally appeared in The Los Angeles Sentinel.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org