pictured above (nphocus photography): Eze Burts, volunteer Youth Basketball Instructor, leads program participants through pushups during routine health exercises for the CLIMB Youth Basketball Camp

Only about a third are in the ‘healthy zone.’ L.A. Unified’s scores also edged up but are below the state average.

By Corina Knoll (LA Times)

When it comes to their physical fitness, students are taking baby steps toward better health, according to results from the 2008 California Physical Fitness Test released Tuesday.

The annual public school test measures six areas, including cardiovascular endurance, body fat percentage and strength and flexibility. Every spring, students in grades five, seven and nine run a mile, among other activities. They are scored on whether their performance falls in the “healthy fitness zone,” a term used to reflect a reasonable level of fitness. 

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Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you: Brandon Banks (aka Eazee).

I figured I would take time to spotlight this young man, his various happenings, and continued committment to CLIMB, Inc.

Initially met him, not sure where…just seems to work like that here in LA in the high school scene and naturally through the social scene. I think it was sometime around the college years, aware of his many functions and social events, which led us to befriend one another, ultimately developing a relationship between two of LA’s favorite children.

I’ll fast forward to two points of interest:

1) Since the inception of CLIMB, Mr. Brandon Banks has been a strong supporter of what has been my most passionate business venture. With a shared interest in community service and making a difference in the city we both love, Banks has taken it upon himself to lend not only his time but also his skill as a “creative” in graphic design. Lending the services of his design brilliance (flyer sample) has been not only beneficial to the org, but a sure reason as to the branding/marketing that’s a pillar of our success.

2) His very own blog, where LA happens » www.eazeest.com

Get to know this man, he’s “one to watch”. Regardless, you’ll probably see and hear about him just by sheer association.

BY LEILONI DE GRUY & OLU ALEMORU, Wave Newspaper Staff Writers

Millions have been galvanized by the election of President-elect Barack Obama, and L.A. backers vow to sustain the momentum for change.

More than a week after an historic election that saw the United States elect its first African-American president, some of the euphoria has subsided as President-elect Barack Obama turns his attention away from campaigning and toward building a new government.

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The right to marry does nothing to address the problems faced by both black gays and black straights.

by Jasmyne A. Cannick

I am a perfect example of why the fight against Proposition 8, which amends the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, failed to win black support. 

I am black. I am a political activist who cares deeply about social justice issues. I am a lesbian. This year, I canvassed the streets of South Los Angeles and Compton, knocking on doors, talking politics to passers-by and working as I never had before to ensure a large voter turnout among African Americans. But even I wasn’t inspired to encourage black people to vote against the proposition.

Why? Because I don’t see why the right to marry should be a priority for me or other black people. Gay marriage? Please. At a time when blacks are still more likely than whites to be pulled over for no reason, more likely to be unemployed than whites, more likely to live at or below the poverty line, I was too busy trying to get black people registered to vote, period; I wasn’t about to focus my attention on what couldn’t help but feel like a secondary issue. 

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Ridley-Thomas Election Night Victory Video from Mark Ridley-Thomas on Vimeo.

(shoutout to my good colleague and notable supporter of MRT, Jaaye Person-Lynn)

reference: personal website | wikipedia

Mark Ridley-Thomas wants to raise pay for employees and reopen King-Harbor hospital. He easily defeated L.A. Councilman Bernard C. Parks for the seat.