Morning Briefing: Progress Through Self-Reflection

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Today, three writers share their stories about race, solidarity and self-care. Austin Cross wrote of the messages about race he internalized from his father: "After more than 30 years of playing by the rules my father taught me, I understand just what I have inherited: an antique set of rusty shackles."

Cheryl Farrell penned a piece about the community and solidarity that allows her to manage the slights and aggressions she faces as a woman of color, and of a certain age: “The Sistahood represents a legacy of women who thrive in the face of negative racial stereotypes. We have a collective resolve that influences political outcomes, effects social change, and just as important, we manage households.”

And Erick Galindo wrote about needing to get out of L.A. to recenter and experience joy, even if only briefly: “I don't know, maybe for you it's meditation or church or going for a run. But for me, jumping in the car with no particular place to go but for a meal is my balancing force.”

Self-examination is critical for all of us if we’re going to find a path forward. Hopefully, these storytellers provide some inspiration.

Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.

— Jessica P. Ogilvie

The Past 24 Hours In LA

L.A. Protests: When L.A. Pride organizers decided to hold a Black Lives Matter solidarity march, there's one thing they forgot to do — consult with Black activists. A group of surfers headed into the ocean in Santa Monica for a "paddle out" to memorialize the life of George Floyd and other victims of police brutality.

Coronavirus Fallout: Emily Guerin followed up with some businesses on a stretch of Lincoln Blvd. in Venice to see how they're doing with reopening. An emergency rule that imposed zero bail for low-level offenses as a way to prevent COVID-19 in jails is ending, though maybe not in L.A..

Horror In The Antelope Valley: The body of an African American man in his 20s was found hanging in a square outside Palmdale City Hall. Police say it was suicide, but many residents and activists are skeptical.

Affirmative Action: Voters may be able to overturn a ban on affirmative action at state agencies and universities; it’s been a divisive issue among Asian Americans.

Homelessness: L.A. County's homeless count shows a disturbing 13% rise.

Entertainment: The Motion Picture Academy unveiled its latest inclusion initiative on Friday. AirTalk's FilmWeek reviews The King of Staten Island, Da 5 Bloods, Artemis Fowl and more.

First Person: Cheryl Farrell lived in a tree-lined suburb that was perfect for morning jogs, until she noticed people seemed uncomfortable as she approached; some even crossed the street. Austin Cross continues to reflect on the lessons he learned from his father about how to stay safe as a Black man growing up in the U.S. In need of unplugging, Erick Galindo dropped off the grid for a couple of days for a road trip – and found a little self-care can go a long way.

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Weekend Reads

There's a lot going on in the world right now, and it’s hard enough to keep our day-to-day lives in order without trying to stay current on the news. But if you have some time this weekend, these articles provide some much-needed insight into the current moment in L.A., as well as news you may have missed.

A writer ties the past two weeks’ protests to the burning down of Greenwood during the Tulsa Massacre of 1921. (LA Watts Times)

Confused about how the protests played out in L.A. over the past two weeks? Check out this timeline. (Los Angeleno)

Community activists, including clergy members, are speaking out against the purchase of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza mall by local real estate developer CIM Group. (LA Sentinel, Wave Newspapers)

From beatings to vaginal searches to verbal abuse, women and gender non-conforming folks offer first-person accounts of being arrested during L.A.’s recent protests. (LA Taco)

Culver City has an ugly history of racism, dating back to the massacre of indigenous people. (Streetsblog LA)

NPR profiled The Smell, a downtown L.A. music venue that’s been around for more than two decades. (NPR)

If you’re looking to support Black-owned local businesses, here’s a list of more than 260 to choose from. (Los Angeles Times)

Photo Of The Day

A surfer takes part in a "paddle out" in Santa Monica, honoring the life of George Floyd and others who have lost their lives to police violence.

(Photo by Nicole Gormley)

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The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don't pan out. Others get added. Consider this today's first draft, and check LAist.com for updates on these stories and more. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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