L.A. DIGEST
Wave Staff and Wire Reports
INGLEWOOD — A music education institution is partnering with the Los Angeles Urban League to work with private donors, foundations and public entities to fund scholarships for aspiring African American and other music students to begin in 2022.
The scholarships will enable students to enroll in 1500 Sound Academy’s six-month music and industry fundamenals program where they will learn all aspects of what it takes to make it in today’s music industry.
1500 Sound Academy is led by Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter producers James Fauntleroy and Larrance “Rance” Dopson, and entrepreneur Twila True. The academy offers state-of-the-art facilities, an award-winning staff and unique curriculum while functioning as a gateway between school and career by providing instruction in current and emerging business practices of the music industry for creators around the world.
“We are very excited to join forces with such a long-standing, prestigious organization that has helped so many African Americans and other minorities in our great community of Los Angeles, Fauntleroy, Dopson and True said in a joint statement. “We look forward to many years of partnership, and doing our part to help move forward the movement that the Los Angeles Urban League has been leading for decades.”
“Los Angeles Urban League is proud to be working with 1500 Sound Academy to expand access to the best talent, educators and music industry resources available today,” said Michael Lawson, president and CEO of Los Angeles Urban League. “Our backstage careers program continues to partner with industry leaders to expose our communities to the possibilities and potential of careers behind the scenes.”
KIPP opens new
school in Compton
COMPTON — KIPP Compton Community School recently celebrated the completion of its new Wolff Family Campus located at 1650 W. 134th St.
Previously co-located at other schools, the new 33,790-square-foot building offers bright, spacious, classrooms fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a multi-purpose room, and a turf-lined outdoor area with a play structure for kids of all ages. The school serves students from kindergarten through third grade.
In addition to the new facilities, a mural by local artist Moses X. Ball adorns the stairwell and hall at the school’s main entrance. Ball said the mural represents the power of the people, and features well-known figures like former President Barack Obama, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and others.
“Our school belongs to the people of Compton,” said LeAnna Majors, founding leader at KIPP Compton. “Knowing and understanding this, we will source partnerships to help alleviate barriers to learning that our students may encounter, and help provide for our community.”
Supporters rally at
Trinity Elementary
SOUTH LOS ANGELES — A rally to save Trinity Elementary from closing Nov. 12 attracted members of the community, students, parents and educators.
The Los Angeles Unified School District has announced plans to close the 117-year-old school and turn it into a corporate charter.
Rally organizers say they want to put pressure on Los Angeles Unified School District Local District Superintendent Frances Baez to halt the closure of Trinity Elementary because it would destabilize students and families trying to recover emotionally and financially from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trinity Elementary has a 99% student of color population, according to a release from members from Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment-Los Angeles Education Chapter.
The alliance members are asking school board members and interim Superintendent Megan Reilly to assist in the effort to keep the school open.
State to fund
Umoja programs
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Community College District is praising the state Legislature’s recent approval of $5 million in additional ongoing funding for Umoja programs at California’s community colleges.
Umoja (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) programs seek to educate the whole student — body, mind and spirit — and to provide robust wrap-around support services. For example, the programs can provide community and critical resources to enhance the cultural and educational experiences of students with positive learning and social environments, counseling, tutoring, cultural workshops, special events, leadership development, mentoring and connections to the network of historically Black colleges and universities.
Umoja programs also actively serve and promote academic success for students through curriculum responsive to the legacy of the African and African American diasporas.
Seven of the nine LACCD colleges have active Umoja programs, including Los Angeles City College, East Los Angeles College, Los Angeles Harbor College, Los Angeles Pierce College, Los Angeles Southwest College, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and Los Angeles Valley College.
Los Angeles Mission College and West Los Angeles College are currently revising their Umoja programs.
