- FA-MLI Inc's Newsletter
- Posts
- A Question of Culture Newsletter
A Question of Culture Newsletter
Spring / Summer 2026 Edition

Welcome to this special edition of A Question of Culture — our chronicle of art, activism, music, mentorship and community transformation. This season brings an extraordinary convergence of events, milestones and movements, all rooted in the belief that culture saves lives.
From our young men in suits sitting down to leadership dinners, to stages in Hollywood and San Pedro, to the hallowed grounds of Leimert Black Arts Village — FA-MLI is everywhere culture matters. We invite you to join us, celebrate with us, and carry this work forward.
— Torrénce BRANNON-Reese, MSW
Founder & Director, FA-MLI Inc.
Special Honor : Awardee for Human Rights Work

The Los Angeles–Lusaka Sister City Committee In Partnership with LAAAW PAC
Celebrating Africa Day
Honoring Torrénce BRANNON-Reese, MSW
Human Rights Award — Spring Luncheon
📅 Sunday, May 24th, 2026 · 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 Westin Los Angeles Airport
🎟 Ticket info: 562-920-3128
"Our Future's Wealth is in Our Children's Health"
Events & Celebrations |
01 🎷 Live Music · May 1st, 2026 |
Street Corner Renaissance at the Catalina Jazz Club
The acclaimed a cappella group co-founded by Torrénce BRANNON-Reese and Maurice Kitchen takes the stage — joined by the great Chicago South Side songstress Windy Barnes, whom they will back up and who will join in on their signature songs.
📍 Catalina Jazz Club, Hollywood |
📅 Thursday, May 1st, 2026 |

02 🎶 Music Festival · May 16th, 2026 |
San Pedro Music Festival
Street Corner Renaissance continues their California mini-tour as one of the featured acts at this beloved outdoor festival at the popular Crafted Courtyard.
📍 Crafted Courtyard, 112 E. 22nd St., San Pedro, CA 90731 |
📅 Saturday, May 16th, 2026 |
🎟 Free tickets: sanpedromusicfestival.com · VIP available |

03 🥂 Breakfast Event · Malcolm X Human Rights |
FA-MLI 4th Annual Malcolm X Human Rights Breakfast
Honoring Dr. Johnnie Raines, Clinton Drummer and Larry (Love) Stiner for their transformative work with vulnerable youth. Live entertainment and great food.
📍 Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, 4305 Degnan Blvd., LA 90008 |
🎟 $50 General · $100 VIP |
💳 famlisoul.org · Zelle: [email protected] · 323-864-2656 |

04 📸 Historic Milestone · May 30th, 2026 |
30th Anniversary — Cultural Renaissance Classic Photo Gathering
Launched by Torrénce BRANNON-Reese in 1996 upon the inspiration of Jazz Singing Legend Dwight Trible. Living artists are invited back, and others deserving recognition today will be welcomed and honored.
📍 In front of the Vision Theater, People Street, Leimert Village |
📅 Saturday, May 30th, 2026 |

05 🎊 Cultural Festival · May 30th, 2026 |
34th Annual Malcolm X Legacy Celebration & Cultural Festival
"Save da Children, Save da World"
Co-hosted by Selah Blak Sol. Featuring the Organic African Fashion Show, City-Wide Talent Showcase, and City-Wide Essay & Oratorical Contest — cash prizes for top three students in each contest.
📍 Leimert Black Arts Village, Los Angeles |
📅 Saturday, May 30th · 12 Noon – 7 PM |
📞 323-245-2133 · famlisoul.org |

06 🎸 Legendary Night · June 21st, 2026 |
Legendary Nights — Torrénce BRANNON & his Everything with Soul Band
A landmark evening at the venerable Catalina Jazz Club — the best in New Orleans music, classic Soul, Blues, Jazz, Reggae and more. An unforgettable night of living legends.
📍 Catalina Jazz Club, Hollywood |
📅 Sunday, June 21st, 2026 |
Ongoing Programs |
Tuesday Night Forums | See a Man Be a Man Life Mastery — Tuesdays at 5:30 PM |
A Question of Culture | Film & Discussion Forum — Tuesdays at 6:30 PM PST |
Malcolm X Corridor | Historic street sign achievement promoting justice & legacy |
New Orleans Tour | "Da Soul of America" — October 23–27, 2026 · famlisoul.org |
Volunteer | Call 323-245-2133 to join FA-MLI and the Malcolm X events |
FAMLI Youth Program | See a Man Be a Man — preparing students for leadership, life & excellence |
Our Distinguished Members |
A Question of Culture Community
Dr. Kimberly Grigsby · Dr. Ina Bazley · Ms. LaDonna Hightower
Ms. Nzingha Ejukwa · Mr. Msonga Mbele – Andre Parvenu
Mr. Tierre Van Meter · Mr. Henry Vincent
Professor Susan Turner-Jones · Dr. Earnestine Thomas-Robertson
Ashley Perkins, LCSW · Mr. Rod Shears
Get Involved · Show Up · Make History
Volunteer: 323-245-2133 · Info: 323-864-2656
famlisoul.org · Zelle: [email protected]