Why Love and Kindness Are More Important Than Ever Right Now

These days, love and kindness are needed more than ever. By Buddy Sampson In a world where headlines often highlight division, uncertainty, and unrest, love and kindness can feel like luxuries—something we celebrate in theory but put off in practice. But today, in this...

July 21st, 2025 | Commentary | Read More

Douglas “Blaque Beethoven” Hardin-Artistry Over Violence

Cover and Inside Photo: Douglas “Blaque Beethoven” Hardin. By Buddy Sampson Our world has changed dramatically, and those societal changes have seeped into our culture, affecting the music we listen to as well. Much of today’s music, particularly in hip hop, are draped in violence, drugs...

July 17th, 2025 | Entertainment, People You Should Know | Read More

“One Of Those Evenings,” The new single from Mbaji, Co-Writer of “Falling Like Dominoes.”

Mbaji- The songwriter and producer has a new single release “One of Those Evenings,” available on all platforms. BackHouse Nation has a hot new single, “One Of Those Evenings,” available on all platforms. The single is written and produced by Mbaji, known for co-writing hits for Donald...

July 15th, 2025 | Entertainment | Read More

The Sacred Ache: When Longing Leads Us Home

Cover and Inside photo: Cathy J. Yuhas. There are moments in life—often unexpected, often quiet—when something deep within us stirs. It could be a whisper at midnight, a tear that rises uninvited, or the ache of remembering someone we’ve loved and lost. In those moments, we feel it: a longing....

July 12th, 2025 | Columnists, Kim Somers Egelsee | Read More

The LA Clippers Trade Norman Powell

Sharpshooting guard Norman Powell was traded to the Miami Heat. The LA Clippers have traded Norman Powell, acquiring John Colllins from the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade, it was announced by President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank. As part of the trade, the Clippers are sending Norman Powell,...

July 9th, 2025 | Sports | Read More

The Mid-City Arts and Music Festival-Embracing Diversity on Community Streets

Cover and Inside Photo: Nick Spano, who spearheaded the Mid City Arts and Music Festival. By Buddy Sampson When I first moved to Los Angeles in 1981, I lived in an apartment that was near LaBrea and Washington. Although in many respects it was considered the “hood,” it had a rich history- including...

July 2nd, 2025 | Community News, Entertainment | Read More

Young Retro- Changing the Narrative

Cover and Inside Photo: Young Retro aka David Solis. Photos by Sheri Determan. By Buddy Sampson In the current climate, inspiration is needed more than ever. Artists that can appeal to the masses, and give a positive message can change the narrative. And the rap game, which has captured the imagination...

June 28th, 2025 | Community News, Entertainment | Read More

The Leimert Park Juneteenth Family Reunion Celebration

Cover and Inside Photo: Queen Aminah. Her positive example as an entrepreneur and leader is an inspiration to the community. Juneteenth- A Symbol of Pride in the Black Community By Buddy Sampson Juneteenth, a nationally celebrated holiday, commemorating the release of African-American slaves on June...

June 21st, 2025 | Community News | Read More

Hearted

Laurel Janssen Byrne. By Laurel Janssen Byrne A local friend of mine recently posted this request on his socials: “I think we’re all used to seeing negative posts…does anyone have something positive they’d like to share or celebrate?” We’re all guilty of posting a ranting complaint or a...

June 20th, 2025 | Columnists, Kim Somers Egelsee | Read More

Joy in Translation: Starting Over in Southern France

Cover- A peace bird symbolizes transformation. Inside photo – Leslie Lorraine Wing. Sometimes change and transformation requires not only a change in location, but a change in spirit as well. By Leslie Lorraine Wing When my marriage ended and my children moved into their own beautiful lives,...

June 2nd, 2025 | Columnists, Kim Somers Egelsee | Read More