Photo by Billy Bennight
By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
WINDSOR HILLS — U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters was honored April 27 at the Turning Point Spring 2025 Empowering Lives and Inspiring Change luncheon with the Legacy Leadership Award, using the opportunity to vilify President Donald Trump and his administration in her acceptance speech.
“I’m getting ready to beat the hell out of Trump,” Waters said, receiving a thunderous round of applause from luncheon attendees. “I know that people are worried about their nonprofit organizations. He said that you’re not going to be funded.
“He’s taken over the Justice Department. He has intimidated lawyers. He’s intimidated the press. He’s intimidated everything except Black women. We are not going to be intimidated by Trump.”
A master at whipping a crowd into a frenzy, Waters reminded the attendees that, “This is a very crucial time in the history of this country.
“We’ve never seen anything like this before,” she said. “We need people to stand up, we need people to organize, we need people to protest.
“Most people don’t understand that Social Security is in danger,” Waters continued. “Most people don’t understand when you say they are about to get rid of Medicaid. Many people don’t understand that the president of the United States is destroying the Department of Education, taking away Head Start, taking away Pell Grants, and the shoe is going to drop, and we have to hit the streets.
“Don’t tell me, ‘Maxine, I got your back,’ if I can’t feel it. Everybody has value and needs to be fought for. Children need to be loved. The fight is on, and I’m in the spot.”
The second annual Turning Point luncheon, held at a private residence in Windsor Hills, also honored state Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (Impact Leader Award); Assemblyman Mike Gipson (Community Builder Award); and Spirit Awakening Founder Akuyoe Graham (Changemaker Award).
The focus of the fundraiser, hosted by KJLH radio personality Tammi Mac, was to raise critical funds to sustain and expand Turning Point programs that support reentry populations and their families.
“Organizing is critical and important,” said Smallwood-Cuevas, who then proceeded to encourage the luncheon attendees to generously donate to Turning Point, kicking it off herself with $1,000, followed by Gipson, who also pledged $1,000, and Susan Burton, founder of A New Way of Life, who donated $500.
“No one is going to save us, but us,” Smallwood-Cuevas added. “The administration doesn’t care.”
Gipson said he was “Blessed to be among the drum majors,” who are a “wonderful example to all of us in elected office.”
“I feel I’m not worthy,” said the Watts native, who was recognized for his community advocacy and justice reform. “I was created to do the thing I’m doing in the California Legislature. It’s part of my DNA. I’ll never forget where I came from. We’ve come too far to go back.”
“As we move forward, our commitment to making a positive impact in our community remains resolute,” said Michelle Perkins, founder of Turning Point, an alcohol and drug education program. “We envision a future where Turning Point continues to be a beacon of hope, providing workforce development and resources to empower individuals and communities.”
Perkins said her organization understands that reentry is not just about reintegration, it’s about transformation.
“Our programs equip individuals with the tools to rebuild relationships, achieve stability, and thrive in their communities,” Perkins said. “This gala is a vital opportunity to rally together and support these life-changing efforts.”
“Michelle Perkins had the audacity to say, ‘I’m going to take everything that I’ve learned and I’m going to share it in ways that will empower other women, other women of color, other Black women,’” Waters said. “I’m going to let them know that no matter what you’ve gone through, you can be successful. You’ve got to believe in yourself.”
Award-winning actor, author, educator, and artist Akuyoe Graham is the founder of Spirit Awakening. This nonprofit organization offers educational programs in schools and juvenile facilities throughout Los Angeles County.
“I’m so grateful,” said the Ghana native, of being recognized by Turning Point. “This is work that is near and dear to my heart.”
Graham said she knew early on that she could utilize the gifts God had given her in a meaningful way.
“I knew the power of the arts to rehabilitate and transform change, and to inspire,” said Graham, who was recognized for her tireless work in transforming lives through the arts and self-expression.
Among the luncheon attendees were celebrities Mario Van Peebles and his sons, Marley and Makaylo, as well as former Temptations member Louis Price and his actress/producer wife, Faye Hauser. Singer Adam Aejaye Jackson performed.
Turning Point is a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower individuals and families impacted by incarceration, homelessness, addiction, and trauma. The organization fosters resilience, reunites families, and builds stronger communities through mental health services, job training, and supportive housing.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
