MHD Off the Record

MHD and new co-host Chavonne Taylor discuss the importance of viewing psychology and mental wellness from a community perspective with Dr. Cheryl Grills. Dr. Cheryl Grills is a Clinical Psychologist with a current emphasis in Community Psychology. She is also a full-time Professor and director of the Psychology Applied Research Center at Loyola Marymount University as well as a Governor appointee on the California Reparations Task Force and Chair of LA County Sybil Brand Commission. www.bellarmine.lmu.edu/psychology/parc/ourteam/cherylgrillsphd Episode Spotify Playlist

For this episode, Marqueece Harris - Dawson is joined by Martin Draluck, Chef de Cuisine at Post and Beam in South LA, formerly of Hatchet Hall in Culver City. You may know Chef Mark for his work on the Netflix Docuseries High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America. 

For this episode, Marqueece Harris - Dawson is joined by the ladies from HBO Max’s Sweet Life: Los Angeles: Amanda Scott, Briana Jones, and Tylynn Burns. Their conversation focuses on generational wealth and what young Black people can do to build wealth and community ownership. 

LA is the creative capital of the world and continues to lead in media and entertainment. How can the media operate as a tool to inform and empower? Media outlets play a vital role in keeping the public informed and engaged. This conversation with Dominique DiPrima and MHD takes an in depth look at the role of Black media and how its influence and power can shift public opinion on any subject.

This episode takes a deeper look into what makes safe communities. My guest, Aqeela Sherrills and I are both strong advocates for holistic Community Safety Partnerships that empower residents to play a role in public safety. These programs have helped contribute to improved public safety and foster better relationships between the police and communities. Aqeela’s dedication to ending violence and promoting community-based public safety began in Watts, Los Angeles, where he joined the Grape Street Crips. At age 19, Aqeela and Hall of Fame NFL star Jim Brown co-founded the Amer-I-Can Program, Inc. to address the impact of systemic racism and heal gang violence in cities across the country by empowering individuals to overcome factors that negatively influenced their lives.  From 1989 to 1999, more than 400,000 adult and juvenile inmates in 16 states were trained in the Amer-I-Can curriculum, and 1500 high risk youth were diverted from continued involvement with California criminal justice system.  During that time, Aqeela was a chief architect of a historic truce between the Crips and Bloods in Watts. That ceasefire began to fray because of the systemic racism that creates conditions that bred crime, drugs, and violence. Aqeela and his brothers created the Community Self-Determination Institute in 1999 to tackle those personal and social issues, including healing communities’ post (and present) traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Aqeela serves as the Senior Advisor to the Alliance for Safety and Justice’s Shared Safety Initiative, a national nonprofit working to replace justice and prison system waste with common sense solutions that create safe neighborhoods and save taxpayer dollars. He is a member of the Board of Directors of The Alliance for Safety and Justice, and Chairman of the Board of the Newark Community Street Team.

On this episode, LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with three trailblazing leaders featured in the current City Hall exhibition, "When Black Women Lead, Communities Thrive, Everybody Wins". In honor of African-American Heritage Month, the group discusses the pivotal, often unrecognized role Black women play in shaping Los Angeles through housing, health equity, and community advocacy.The conversation explores the "underground railroad" of support that exists among women leaders, the challenges of balancing direct service with upstream policy change, and the personal sacrifices required to lead community institutions.Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Founding President of Ward Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), who has led the development of more than 400 units of affordable housing and serves on the LA County Metro Board.Bernita R. Walker, CEO and Co-founder of Project: PeaceMakers, Inc., a survivor, longtime advocate, and retired Deputy Sheriff whose work in domestic violence prevention spans more than four decades.Brandy Muñiz, Executive Director of All Peoples Community Center, an 84-year-old institution where she leads housing initiatives and community-centered programs addressing poverty and systemic inequities in Historic South Central.Community AnnouncementsWhen Black Women Lead: Communities Thrive, Everybody Wins Exhibition3rd Floor Bridge Gallery, Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012February 2–26, 2026 | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Closed weekends)Free and open to the public (visitor badge required after security screening)

Tamekia Strayhorn is the Founder Executive Director of Here to Help Foundation, a South Los Angeles–based community development corporation focused on housing stability, economic opportunity, and support services for individuals and families navigating housing insecurity. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach by centering dignity, access, and long-term stability for residents often overlooked by traditional systems.Resources:Website: www.heretohelpcdc.orgAddress: 7409 Crenshaw BlvdPhone: (323)305-6631Community AnnouncementsWhen Black Women Lead: Communities Thrive, Everybody Wins Exhibition3rd Floor Bridge Gallery, Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012February 2–26, 2026 | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Closed weekends)Free and open to the public (visitor badge required after security screening)

Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and co-host Chavonne Taylor discuss the importance of viewing psychology and mental wellness from a community perspective with Dr. Cheryl Grills. Dr. Cheryl Grills is a Clinical Psychologist with a current emphasis in Community Psychology. She is also a full-time Professor and director of the Psychology Applied Research Center at Loyola Marymount University as well as a Governor appointee on the California Reparations Task Force and Chair of LA County Sybil Brand Commission.www.bellarmine.lmu.edu/psychology/parc/ourteam/cherylgrillsphdEpisode Spotify Playlist

On this episode, Chavonne Taylor speaks with Paco Retana, Vice President of Programs at Wellnest, a nationally acclaimed, and leading provider of emotional health and wellness services to children, young adults, families, and their communities. As Vice President of Programs at Wellnest, he is responsible for all clinical services, including program evaluation and training. He also oversees the areas of outpatient, early intervention, intensive services and life learning/transition age youth services. He is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Masters in Social Welfare from UCLA.Resources:www.wellnestla.orgwww.wellnestla.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Wellnest-2021-Annual-Report.pdfRing the Alarm The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America

In this episode of MHD Off the Record, Council President Marquise Harris-Dawson sits down with former Los Angeles Mayor and U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti. Returning to his roots in the San Fernando Valley, Garcetti reflects on his journey from the youngest City Council President in LA history to representing the United States on the world stage.Ambassador Garcetti served as the 42nd mayor of LA from 2013 to 2022 after 12 years on the City Council, including six as Council President. As mayor, he led major initiatives such as raising the city’s minimum wage to $15, securing the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and launching LA’s Green New Deal. He later served as U.S. Ambassador to India from 2023 to 2025, strengthening diplomatic and strategic ties between the two countries. He currently serves as Chair of C40 Cities, the global network of mayors focused on tackling the climate crisis.Resources:www.ericgarcetti.comCommunity Announcements:If you or someone in your household relies on Medi-Cal, now is the time to act.Apply or renew your Medi-Cal benefits today at dhcs.ca.gov/Medi-Cal.If you need help navigating the process, the Mayor’s Fund We Are LA Hotline is available at 213-584-1808.

Los Angeles is a huge city with many resources and opportunities. However, figuring out how to get access to the right resources—whether it’s housing, jobs, or financial support—can be overwhelming. So who should be responsible for making sure people get the help they need? Should the government be doing more, or are community organizations better equipped to step in? Are we empowering ourselves, or are we asking too much from the system?Sitting down with Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson to answer these questions are Lauren Brazile, President of We Grow LA, an organization dedicated to empowering communities through resources, education, and support, and Rocsii Woolley, Founder & CEO of The Source LA, who has helped thousands secure jobs, housing, and business opportunities while advocating for community-driven solutions*****************************************************Sign up for our newsletter at beacons.ai/mhdcd8******************************************************ResourcesLauren Brazile is the president of We Grow LA (WGLA), an organization dedicated to empowering communities through resources, education, and support. Under her leadership, WGLA strives to create a more equitable and just society for all. She has been instrumental in providing the community with essential tools and knowledge, as evidenced by her participation in events like the Know to Grow Masterclass, where she collaborated with figures such as comedian Watts Homie Quan, choreographer Storm DeBarge, and educator Champ Reggie Foster.Lauren is also an active member of GLAAAC, NAACP, and Forbes BLK and is currently a fellow in the Black Girl Ventures 2025 cohort and BMO Bank 2025 Venture cohort. Her commitment to economic empowerment and community advocacy continues to shape opportunities for those historically excluded from access to resources and support.Website: www.wegrowla.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/wegrowla (@wegrowla)Rocsii Woolley is a devoted wife, mother, woman of faith, entrepreneur and community leader. As the Founder and CEO of The Source LA, she has been a driving force in providing housing, employment, and essential resources to underserved communities. With over a decade of HR experience, she’s helped hire over 10,000 community members and supported more than 400 individuals in securing stable housing. She also manages the Watts Business Source Center at Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC), offering business solutions to local entrepreneurs, and serves as Chapter Advisor for The Black Professionals Network, strengthening professional connections and fostering community development.Rocsii’s impact has earned her numerous accolades from the County and City of Los Angeles, Inglewood, Compton, Long Beach, and the state of California, including the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and medallion. A marketing expert with a large social media following, she also provides strategic social media services through her consulting agency, helping businesses expand their reach and impact. As a mentor and business visionary, Rocsii remains committed to creating pathways for others to succeed and thrive.Website: www.thesourcela.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/thesourcelaWant to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8...

On this episode, we’re exploring how Los Angeles is redefining public safety beyond enforcement. The Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, led by Deputy Mayor Karen Lane, is building a citywide network of programs rooted in prevention, healing, and opportunity. We’ll be discussing everything from youth mentorship and violence interruption to reentry support and community-led crisis response.Karen Lane launched the city’s first Office of Community Safety under Mayor Karen Bass. With deep roots in criminal justice reform and philanthropy, she leads efforts to invest in community-driven safety strategies and sustain programs that strengthen families and neighborhoods.Gilbert Johnson leads the City’s Strategic Reentry Initiatives, connecting justice-impacted Angelenos with employment, housing, and support services. A South Central native and longtime community organizer, Gilbert’s work centers on helping people rebuild their lives after incarceration and contribute meaningfully to their neighborhoods.Community AnnouncementsLA Mobility Plan - www.mobilityactionplanla.orgJustice Fair 2025 - www.justicefair.org

On this episode, LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with singer, songwriter, producer, and artistic creator James Fauntleroy. James is a four-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. He recently co-wrote "Die With A Smile" by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, which won an award at the 2025 Grammys, hit No. 1 (5 wks) on Billboard and became the fastest song to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify on its way to topping the platforms global chart for 200+ days - the longest in the apps history.James also co-wrote seven songs on Bruno Mars’ multi–Grammy-winning album 24K Magic, including That’s What I Like, which earned Song of the Year and made him the first [pure] songwriter to ever win an Album of the Year Grammy.Driven by a belief in access and opportunity, Fauntleroy builds platforms that merge creativity with community impact. In addition to a number of creative initiatives, he founded Laboratory, a workforce and entrepreneurship hub located in the Crenshaw District, and co-founded the 1500 Sound Academy, an international music school expanding access for creatives worldwide. Through partnerships with leading brands such as Disney, NFL, Roland, and others, James continues to build projects that bridge music, design, and education. Across all of his initiatives, Fauntleroy is dedicated to creating opportunities for all voices and building pathways to sustainable careersResourceswww.goodwillsouthflorida.org/about-goodwill/spirit-goodwill-bandwww.grammy.com/artists/james-fauntleroy/17853Community Announcements:Food Resources in LAwww.instagram.com/p/DQaSSGjEm1U/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Brotherhood Crusade Turkey GiveawayWhere: Algin Sutton Recreation Center 8800 S Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90044When: Thursday, November 20th from 10am to 1pm. Note: First come, first served. Drive Thru ONLY. More info: Stacy Hill-Williams (323)846-1649 swilliams@brotherhoodcrusade.org

Cooking With Gabby was founded by Steven “Chef Steve” Vasquez Sr. and his wife Lisa. Their vision was to address the serious health challenges facing children and families—specifically poor nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It began with Chef Steve and his daughter Gabby cooking healthy meals together and sharing the benefits of nutritious eating, fitness, dance, and active lifestyles throughout their community, starting when Gabby was a young child.By 2006, Cooking With Gabby had formalized its mission: to reduce health disparities in low-income communities, where issues like obesity, diabetes, and poor nutrition are prevalent. As a non-profit, the organization has since reached thousands of children and families, equipping them with tools and education to lead healthier lives from an early age.Resources:www.cookingwithgabby.orgCommunity AnnouncementsHalloween Events  Halloween at St. Andrews ParkSt. Andrews Park 8701 S St Andrews Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90047Thursday, October 30th 6 to 9 p.m., with a $2 haunted house.Friday, October 31st 4:30 to 9 p.m. this time, the haunted house is free! Haunted Night in the Park! King Park Rec Center 3916 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90062Friday, October 31st 2:30 to 7 p.m - Completely free for all ages! Halloween Night PartyHarvard Park Rec Center 1535 W 62nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90047October 31st from 4:30 to 8:30 p.mDia de los Muertos24th Street Theatre 1117 W 24th St, Los Angeles, CA 90007Sunday, November 2nd, from 6 to 10 PM

On this episode, Los Angeles City Council District 8 staffer, Chavonne Taylor, speaks with Jay McAdams, Executive Director of the 24th STreet Theatre, a unique organization blending professional productions and world-class artists with quality arts education since 1997. Their mission is to engage, educate, and provoke young people and their families with excellent theatre and arts education.  Jay is a producer, having produced dozens of theatrical productions over the last 20 years and won LA Weekly’s 2011 Production of the Year Award. He is also a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and is a 2011 Leadership LA Fellow. Among his other leadership training is LA County Arts Commission’s Arts Leadership Initiative, the Annenberg Leadership Institute, and the prestigious Stanford University Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, where Jay won a Center for Social Innovation Fellowship.Resources:www.24thstreet.orgwww.instagram.com/24thstPHONE: (213) 745-6516E-MAIL: theatre@24thstreet.org

On this episode, the roles have shifted a little... Producer, Chavonne Taylor, steps into the host role to interview Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson about Proposition 50, the single item on California’s November 2025 special ballot.At its core, Prop 50 would put new, temporary voting maps in place for the upcoming election — a direct response to efforts in Texas and other states to tilt congressional districts in President Trump’s favor. The measure has sparked confusion and misinformation, with some claiming it ends independent redistricting. In this conversation, we break down what Prop 50 actually says, why it’s temporary, how it connects to national politics, and what’s at stake for Black and Brown communities in California and beyond.Resources:Statewide Special Election – November 4, 2025Registration deadline: October 20Ballots mailed: October 6Ballot drop-off locations open: October 7Early in-person voting begins: October 25 (in all Voter’s Choice Act counties)Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by: November 4 and received by November 12Every active registered voter will automatically receive a vote-by-mail ballot. You can return it by mail, drop box, or directly to your county elections office.For details, visit sos.ca.gov/elections or call 916-653-6814. www.instagram.com/mhdcd8www.mhdcd8.comCommunity AnnouncementsTaste of Soul 2025 – tasteofsoulla.com___________________________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

On this episode, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson sits down with with Maya Suzuki-Daniels and Lupe Carrasco Cardona about immigrant rights, community safety, and the grassroots organizing behind the Harbor Area Peace Patrols. These patrols, launched in San Pedro, are part of a broader effort by the Community Self-Defense Coalition — an alliance of more than 65 organizations across Los Angeles and Southern California working to defend immigrant rights and respond collectively to ICE activity. Maya is a teacher, union leader, and a founding organizer of the Harbor Area Peace Patrols. Lupe is an award-winning Ethnic Studies educator, chair of the Association of Raza Educators in LA, and a steering committee member of the Community Self-Defense coalition. Together, along with many other community members, they’re helping shape community-led models of safety and solidarity that challenge traditional policing and center immigrant justice.Resources:www.instagram.com/communityselfdefensecoalitionwww.instagram.com/harborareapeacepatrolsCommunity AnnouncementsCentral Ave Jazz Fest - centralavejazzfest.comCalifornia Secretary of State Voting Info - sos.ca.gov/elections or call 916-653-6814____________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

Renata Simril is the President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation, a nationally recognized leader in youth sports equity and legacy planning. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded access to sports for young people across Southern California, particularly in underserved communities, with a focus on closing the play equity gap.Born and raised in Los Angeles, Renata brings a deep understanding of the city’s challenges and opportunities. Her career spans the military, private sector, and public service, including leadership roles at the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers, and the City of Los Angeles. She also played a key role in the development of the Staples Center and was instrumental in launching the Play Equity Fund where she serves as president, the only nonprofit in the country focused solely on equity in youth sports.A fierce advocate for inclusion, Renata operates at the intersection of civic leadership, community impact, and youth development. As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, she is helping shape a legacy that ensures all Angelenos, especially those in historically excluded neighborhoods, benefit from this global event.Resources:www.la84.orgwww.playequityfund.orgIG: @renataangeleno @la84foundation @playequityfundCommunity Announcements:CicLAvia - www.ciclavia.org/ciclavia_historic_south_central_meets_watts25California Secretary of State Voting Info - sos.ca.gov/elections or call 916-653-6814_____________________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

On this episode, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson delves into the critical issues of immigrant rights, the profound impact of storytelling, and how both shape justice and community in Los Angeles.Angelica Salas is a nationally recognized immigrant rights leader and Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (or Chirla), a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that advocates for the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees, working to advance justice and full inclusion for all immigrants . An immigrant from Durango, Mexico, Angelica came to the U.S. as a child and later became a citizen in 2008. Since joining CHIRLA in 1995 and becoming its director in 1999, she has helped grow the organization into one of the country’s most influential immigrant-led groups, leading major local and national campaigns for immigrant justice—including drivers’ licenses for undocumented people, in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, and DACA protections. She also helped found key national coalitions like FIRM and NPNA and serves as a powerful spokesperson for immigrant communities across media and policy spaces.Resources:www.chirla.orgInstagram: @chirla_orgErnesto Rocha aka ‘undocubae’, is an organizer, storyteller, artist and TEDx Speaker. He has over 15 years of community organizing and storytelling experience. His work focuses on advocating for systematically impacted communities, immigrant rights and low wage workers in various industries in Los Angeles. Ernesto uses the power of story to explore identity and narrative formation as a process of collective empowerment and liberation. He is a sought after curator and creative director that works with non-profit organizations, governmental agencies and art/cultural centers to produce original storytelling installations/activations to advance the understanding of complex social justice issues. He worked at Community Coalition for 8 years and served as the Associate Director of Art + Culture. He graduated from UCLA with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Chicana/o Studies and is currently pursuing his Masters in Fine Arts from the USC Roski School of Art.Resources:Instagram: @undocubaelinktr.ee/undocubaeCommunity AnnouncementsFamily Source Centers: l4families.orgLA Legacy Business Grants: bit.ly/LAlegacy (link is case-sensitive)LA Business Source Centers: bit.ly/BusinessSource10 (link is case-sensitive)__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!

In this episode, Los Angeles City Council Staffer, Chavonne Taylor, sits down with Andre Christian of Watts Life United, Roman Maldonado from Thee Illusions Car Club, and Dwight Lewis of the National Lowrider Association. These men are some of the organizers behind the Stop the Hate & Stop the Raids Solidarity Ride taking place August 10th and kicking off  9am at Mcarthur park. This event was created in direct response to the recent wave of ICE raids across Los Angeles, especially in South Central. It aims to demonstrate solidarity and support within communities facing political turmoil. The ride is explicitly designed as a Black and Brown initiative, emphasizing moving together as one.We talk about how the lowrider community is using culture as protest, as protection, and as a tool to strengthen Black and Brown unity during a time of fear and rising tension.Resources:Register for the Lowrider Solidarity and Unity Ride at https://bit.ly/unityridelaFor questions about the event email wattslifeunited@gmail.com or call Nira at (323)213-7588Community Announcements:South LA Pride: www.southlapride.comLA Legacy Business Grants: bit.ly/LAlegacy (link is case-sensitive)LA Business Source Centers: bit.ly/BusinessSource10 (link is case-sensitive)__________Want to learn more about Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and LA's Council District 8? Follow @mhdcd8 on Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at mhdcd8.org!