Hundreds of Los Angeles residents turned out for an informational “Unity in the Community Roundtable” held at USC on December 8 featuring renowned Harvard legal scholar Charles Ogletree as the moderator.
Senator Curren D. Price, Jr. , whose district includes Culver City, invited Professor Ogletree and a host of other distinguished experts who assembled to discuss health and education issues related to the minority communities in Los Angeles. The event was hosted by USC Dornsife, Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics.
Concerned citizens and community activists from throughout Los Angeles filled the auditorium of USC’s Salvatori Hall where they engaged in a spirited and deeply informative discussion with the panelists and Professor Ogletree.
Among those topics explored were: the Affordable Care Act, finding common ground in a post-election era, the role of business, religion, labor, education and student leaders play in shaping America’s future, how to promote community awareness, supporting small businesses, and creating jobs.
Health expert Fred Swan stressed to the audience the importance of understanding the President’s Affordable Care Act and how to access it, while panelist Dr. Rodney Hood, former president of the National Medical Association, impressed upon the audience the role that diet and exercise play in good health.
“Doctors cannot give you good health,” Dr. Hood said. “You have to organize to make your community healthy through an awareness of health disparities and environmental factors that affect your health.”
Dominique DiPrima, host of the early morning talk radio show, The Front Page on Los Angeles radio station KJLH 102.3-FM also provided the audience with health and exercise tips.
Financial advisor, Clifton Blevins discussed healthy financial strategies and attorney Marcelus McRae, explained legal redress for those who felt discriminated against while seeking proper medical care.
A panel that included high-profile attorney, Carl Douglas and prominent educators explored the role that education plays in the advancement of individuals and how the lack of education can contribute to problems with the criminal justice system.
“I am convinced that the more information we provide to the people in our community, the better we are able to serve them and their needs,” said Senator Price. “I was proud to bring such an esteemed scholar like Dr. Ogletree to address our citizens and I look forward to convening more Community Roundtables like this to educate and empower the citizens of Los Angeles. It was extremely informative and extremely gratifying.”
Other panelists included: Rick Hackley, owner of the Boll Weevil Family restaurant franchise; Andrew Lachman, educator and business leader; Luciano Aguilar, Hawthorne School Board Member; Larry Williams, owner of the Williams Talent Agency and Cheryl Morrow, Vice President of Morrow Enterprises.
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