A Brotherhood Health Fair & Forum

Los Angeles

Last Saturday, the Brotherhood Crusade, along with Mothers in Action, the California Endowment and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services sponsored a community action forum and health fair in collaboration with L. A. Care, T.H.E. Clinic and Lewis Metropolitan CME Church, who was also the host of the affair. KJLH’s Jacquie Stephens was the moderator of the forum.

Both Congresswoman Diane Watson and Councilman Bernard Parks stressed the importance for the community to always participate in this kind of forum, and they also commended Danny Bakewell, President of the Brotherhood Crusade for his leadership role in serving the community in critical areas of need. Councilman Parks further focused on the status of the community in the areas of health, governmental services, and access to local, state and federal funds.

There were several representatives from the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), including the Director, Bryce Yokomizo. (DPSS is the Brotherhood’s biggest supporter in the Los Angeles County and they have always been there to assist the Brotherhood Crusade in serving the community). They spoke about real bread-and-butter issues and the impact on everyday people; they also expounded on the Cal WORKS, Welfare-to-Work and GAIN programs, and how the overhaul of the welfare system has placed the responsibility on its participants to recognize the 60-month time limit.

Other elected officials sent representatives with words of support to the attendees; and they also commended Brenda Marsh-Mitchell, President of Mothers In Action who was the driving force behind the entire program. Representatives were there from the offices of Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke, Speaker Herb Wesson, Assemblyman Mark Ridley-Thomas, and Senator Dianne Feinstein.

While the forum was underway, there were workshops, free health screenings, vendors, kiddie land and free food. T.H.E. Clinic provided the community with eye exams, dental check-ups, diabetes screenings, mammograms, immunizations and many more services.

The community residents showed their full support for the event by showing up with their entire families and participating in all the activities. It was a fun-filled day for the entire family.