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

🎟  catalinajazzclub.com

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