Story

Isabel and her classmates are captivated with the notion of someday working for a television station.

A media exploration tour of The NFL Network was a step toward realizing that dream. Glover Cleveland High students got a peep behind the scenes of the NFL Network. Including a live broadcast of “Total Access.”

“I got much inspiration from this tour and plan pursue this as a career. Especially behind the scenes instead of in front of the camera,” said Isabel.

Stephen James, founder, CEO at Eyes Wide Open Foundation, organized the tour in collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District and NFL Network.

His aim is to propel high school students into sports media jobs, particularly students of color.

“It’s all about diversity, inclusion and getting kids exposure to this industry,” says Stephen.

Fifteen students engage network professions and discuss their own aspirations.

Among the NFL Network staff in attendance was Senior Manager Studio Environmental Health & Safety Linda DeYampert.

DeYampert explains how important this tour is for the students and the sports entertainment industry too.

“As a person of color I’m eager to see young people thinking outside the box. We need the their passion about sports,” says Linda.

Stephen worked at the NFL Network for more than six years and agrees with Linda. “It’s all about diversity, inclusion” and getting kids exposure to this industry. I took 8 months of planning and discussions with Linda before Stephen finally received an approval for the tour. Now they are discussing 6 more visits over the next year.

The impact of the tour was immediate. One student inquired about applying for an internship and employment.

Cleveland High senior Michael Duffy was impressed with how the NFL Network professions execute their jobs.

Michael’s most memorable take away was “how important it is to make your own opportunities and build relationships.”

The City of Los Angeles has renamed Rodeo Drive to President Barack Obama Boulevard.
The official dedication ceremony attracted more than 10 thousand people near the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson took the stage to welcome leaders who partnered with his office to host the event including Mayor Eric Garcetti, L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and L.A. Urban League President and Chief Executive Michael Lawson.

Special counsel Robert Mueller’s highly anticipated report continues to raise more questions than answers. Two counter terrorism experts shared their expertise and analysis to provide somme clarity the special councel’s report.

Although Special Counsel’s Russia probe is over MSNBC Analysis Malcolm Nance and national security expert Professor Dr. Erroll Southers are convinced without a doubt the FBI is almost certain to continue its counterintelligence investigation into Russian espionage efforts related to the 2016 election. Keep Reading

Geneva Walker has lived on the streets for 12 years. She scheduled a meeting with the Pasadena Outreach Response Team (PORT) at the Lake Avenue overpass. As the team arrived, Geneva had an epiphany.

“ I want to get off these streets,” she said. “These streets are beating me up. I want to change my life.” Keep Reading