(Left to Right) BLOOM Director, Robert Lewis; actor/spokesman Larenz Tate;  Brotherhood Crusade Advocate, Eric Aguiar; BLOOM Youth Lazarrius Taylor; Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise Owner, Karim Webb; Brotherhood Crusade VP of Programs & Operations, Dr. Nathan J. Sessoms; and UPS Area Human Resource Manager

The California Community Foundation (CCF) hosted A Better Future, A Better Community BLOOM luncheon at the California African American Museum (CAAM) for South Los Angeles business leaders and owners.  The luncheon was developed to encourage South L.A. business leaders and owners to support the BLOOM initiative through possible internships, job placements and mentoring for the BLOOM youth.

BLOOM is a five-year grantmaking initiative designed to help black male youth 14-18, who have been involved with the probation system, toward a path of education and employment opportunities. 

 “Young black men of South Los Angeles deserve true equity and equality in order to gain employment,” said BLOOM Initiative Director, Robert Lewis.

During a panel discussion, Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise Owner Karim Web; UPS Area Human Resource Manager LaShawn Stanford; and Lazarrius Taylor, a BLOOM youth from Brotherhood Crusade, shared with guests their reasons for becoming involved with BLOOM.

Actor/BLOOM Spokesperson Larenz Tate also spoke about the importance of the BLOOM initiative, regarding it as a necessity for black male youth who want to be heard. Tate recently directed the video for R&B singer Melanie Fiona’s new single, “Wrong Side of a Love Song,” where he allowed two BLOOM youth to be production assistants for the day.  Tate also spoke of his time with the youth on-set and the importance of them learning what it takes behind the scenes to build characters on-screen.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

California Community Foundation (CCF) is a public, charitable organization serving Los Angeles County since 1915. It encourages philanthropy by individuals, families, companies and organizations, and serves as a steward of their charitable funds and legacies. It also makes grants to nonprofits and collaborates in addressing the needs of vulnerable members of the community. In addition, it engages in community problem solving with business, civic, government and other

organizations. For more information, visit www.calfund.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/calfund.