Veronica's View; Giving Thanks in the Midst of a Storm

Summary

---

Another light could soon be extinguished. It's a light that has been shining here in Los Angeles as an emblem of pride for many years. And that's the light at King/Drew Medical Center. The proposed closure of its trauma unit is nothing short of traumatic for the residents of this community and it's ardent supporters. To them it signals a trajectory many fear may result in the eventual closure of the hospital and medical center which were created in the aftermath of 1965 Watts civil unrest to provide health care to the under served, disenfranchised residents in that community.

The defeat, disappointment and disillusion resulting from the presidential election was depleting for many, as hopes were not only dashed, but snuffed out. We sorely needed a radical shift in our national agenda. The current administration has commandeered four more years which are guaranteed to be onerous and disquieting. In the words of Betty Davis from her 1950 classic movie All About Eve, "fasten your seat belts everybody; it's going to be a bumpy ride."

Finally, I'd like to give thanks for you, the readers, the supporters and the advocates of the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper. Your devotion to social justice has inextricably bound us. You are the voice of our community. We are here to speak for you. Because if we don't tell your stories, who will?

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

Veronica's View; Giving Thanks in the Midst of a Storm

In the midst of these inscrutable and arduous times, the season of thanks could not have come at a better moment.

The onslaught of adversities that have plummeted this community has been exacting to the mind, ...

See the full content of this document

---