Shirley Hawkins

Los Angeles

Contributing Writer at Los Angeles Wave

Founder of https://t.co/uzSK9hHy55 celebrating diversity in Southern California, highlighting entertainment, entrepreneurs, LA lifestyle & influencers.

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Articles

Men’s hiking group fosters health, fellowship

Feb 7, 2024 | wavepublication.com | Shirley Hawkins

By Shirley HawkinsContributing WriterLOS ANGELES — On the first Saturday of each month, dozens of Black men gather to hike up and down rustic trails, exchange feelings of shared camaraderie and marvel at the various wonders of nature. Jelani Nattey, 39, an Akron, Ohio transplant, founded the nonprofit Black Men Hike L.A. in 2019 after realizing that he yearned to explore the outdoors. “To tell you the truth, I was going through a period of depression,” Nattey said.
‘BOSS’ nonprofit helps young men pursue greatness

Jan 31, 2024 | wavepublication.com | Shirley Hawkins

By Shirley HawkinsContributing WriterLONG BEACH — Everett Glenn is on a mission to help African-American young men achieve greatness. Through his nonprofit organization, Business of Student Success, or BOSS, Glenn helps the economically disadvantaged and boys of color with the tools and skills to succeed in all aspects of their lives by fostering their intellectual, physical and emotional well-being.
Civil rights legend James Lawson honored in South L.A.

Jan 17, 2024 | wavepublication.com | Shirley Hawkins

By Shirley HawkinsContributing WriterSOUTH LOS ANGELES — Legendary civil rights leader the Rev. James M. Lawson was honored Jan. 11 when a blue and white street sign was unveiled in his honor on the lawn of Holman United Methodist Church. Adams Boulevard between Crenshaw Boulevard and Arlington Avenue will now be known as the “Rev.
Black Santa Claus spreads holiday cheer at local mall

Dec 20, 2023 | wavepublication.com | Shirley Hawkins

By Shirley HawkinsContributing WriterBALDWIN HILLS — Just in time for Christmas, Santa Claus has returned to the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw mall to spread Christmas cheer with local families. Dressed in his traditional red Santa suit and eagerly waving at passersby from his silver throne, Santa Claus (real name Rodney Brown) will be taking photos with local children and their parents from noon to 7 p.m. through Dec. 24. “This is my second year being Santa here at the mall,” Brown said.
Film festival to feature ‘City of A Million Dreams’

Nov 30, 2023 | wavepublication.com | Shirley Hawkins

By Shirley HawkinsContributing WriterLOS ANGELES — As a boy, Torrence Brannon-Reese, the founder and CEO of FAMLI, recalls the celebratory jazz funerals in his hometown of New Orleans where the recently deceased were lauded with music and dancing on the way to their final resting place.
Black man sells luxury tea to British Consulate, others

Nov 30, 2023 | wavepublication.com | Shirley Hawkins

By Shirley HawkinsContributing WriterLOS ANGELES — Lawrence Charles has risen from homelessness to becoming the founder and CEO of his luxury tea business Charles and Company.
Councilwoman helps spreads joy at pre-holiday event

Nov 21, 2023 | wavepublication.com | Shirley Hawkins

By Shirley HawkinsContributing WriterSOUTH LOS ANGELES — The spirit of Thanksgiving arrived early Nov. 17 when City Councilwoman Heather Hutt and more than 30 volunteers loaded up the cars of Council District 10 residents with free turkeys, vegetables, eggs, grains and snacks at the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex. As hundreds of constituents drove up in their cars, Hutt and volunteers delivered 700 turkeys to families in need.
40-plus double-dutchers finding joy in Inglewood

Nov 15, 2023 | wavepublication.com | Shirley Hawkins

By Shirley HawkinsContributing WriterINGLEWOOD — Every Saturday morning at 9 a.m., the women of the 40 Plus Double Dutch Club gather at Rogers Park to socialize and indulge in a childhood pastime: double dutch jump rope. The women — single, divorced, widowed and some even cancer survivors — take turns jumping between two rapidly swinging ropes as other members shout encouragement.
Culver City play reveals the 1970s saga of Jonestown

Nov 15, 2023 | wavepublication.com | Shirley Hawkins

By Shirley HawkinsContributing writerCULVER CITY — Writer, producer and director Sikivu Hutchinson has written a compelling play titled “White Nights Black Paradise” that will be presented at the Blue Door Theatre in Culver City Nov. 17-19. The play centers around the People’s Temple Agricultural Project, better known as the Jonestown Church, a multicultural temple that attracted a huge following of working-class congregants in the 1970s seeking a better life. The church was founded by the Rev.
Urban gardener is changing the landscape of South L.A.

Nov 8, 2023 | wavepublication.com | Shirley Hawkins

By Shirley HawkinsContributing WriterSOUTH LOS ANGELES — When it comes to urban gardening, Jamiah Hargins has emerged as a hero in his local neighborhood. Hargins is the founder of Crop Swap LA, a gardening collective that provides fresh fruits and vegetables to his neighbors through one of three microfarms he founded in View Park, Leimert Park and Hyde Park. “Infertility clouds our minds when we eat garbage food,” Hargins said.