#NNPA BlackPress

Working Moms Create A Safe Indoor Space For Parents and Children to Bond Over Fun and Creativity with Little Play Society

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL — Working Moms, Latanya Foster-Phillips and Teree Henderson have teamed up, bringing the love of their babies and motherhood to the forefront to welcome Little Play Society to Los Angeles.

Published

6 years ago

August 25, 2019

Oakland Post

Latanya Foster-Phillips and Teree Henderson (Courtesy photo)

By Saybin Roberson

Working Moms, Latanya Foster-Phillips and Teree Henderson have teamed up, bringing the love of their babies and motherhood to the forefront to welcome Little Play Society to Los Angeles.

One of first of its kind, Little Play Society (LPS) is a community-driven indoor play, creative, and social space for mothers and their children. Created to provide a communal space for parents to play with their children beyond parks and the home, as well as providing a space for parents to find a safe space for parents of young children.

In November of 2018, the ladies attended an event focused on Black mothers in L.A., and felt that something was missing in the city focused on mother-baby interaction, from there they conceptualized LPS.

“It was really in that moment we decided to do it ourselves,” Henderson says, adding, “We knew that the need was there and we knew the need wasn’t being met.”

Their determination and perseverance have since brought to Mid-City the multipurpose space in just eight months. Picking Mid-City as the location to provide a space for children, that too was missing from the area.

“We knew what we needed to do to get it done, so we just did it,” Henderson stated.

LPS will feature programmed classes including art, interactive story-time, dance, and music and movement classes for children. As mothers, both feel inclusion and socialization are important for young children, another natural service provided by LPS.

“I personally think it’s pretty important to expose your kids to different environments, different people, a lof to different things as early as you feel comfortable because that’s how they learn,” Foster-Phillips expresses, adding, “our goal is to help offer a space that kids can come in and start to socialize with other babies and toddlers.”

In efforts to make the space open for all, parents can also attend programs designed for new mothers and more. LPS will also include childbirth education and postnatal support groups led by professional doulas

“It’s more about getting the parents in and having them along with their kids have a space they can grow and commune in a safe and proactive environment,” Henderson explains.

The motto and mission, “cultivating creativity and community through play” aligns with the concept, grounding the founders as they progress each day. “It’s been a definite labor of love,” Foster-Phillips states.

As graduates of Howard University, Foster-Phillips from Detroit and Henderson from Washington, D.C. have made L.A. their home for both work and family. As mothers of toddlers, the working mothers have now added entrepreneurs to the list of duties.

“Some days are harder than others,” Foster-Phillips says, continuing to say, “I think we’re kinda just happy to be able to do all three.”

Inspired by their boys, both Henderson and Foster-Phillips are excited to be able to manifest their dreams and continue to be mothers, backed by amazing support systems and joy for what they are creating.

Henderson adding, “This is just a testament that moms can do anything!”

Little Play Society is open Monday through Friday. Options to reserve private play for two-hour blocks are available every day Monday through Thursday, with free play on Fridays. LPS also launched a crowdfunding campaign to expand and grow the mission to best benefit children and their parents.

To find out more about Little Play Society visit littleplaysociety.com and follow @LittlePlaySociety on Instagram. For more information on the crowdfunding campaign please visit https://ifundwomen.com/projects/little-play-society.

This article originally appeared in The Los Angeles Sentinel.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Should I pay for insurance on a rental car?

Don't Miss

POLITICS 2019: Moses still maneuvering to get on mayoral ballot

Oakland Post

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

Published

12 hours ago

May 30, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

#NNPA BlackPress

Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

Published

2 days ago

May 29, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

#NNPA BlackPress

WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2025

admin

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists: