South Central, Los Angeles–Gregory Everett was one of the first Black men that I would consider an elder, that I connected with once I returned back to Los Angeles from college. It was during a community forum at the Crenshaw Kaiser Dec 2018, about swastikas that had been drew on the faces on Black women on the Great Crenshaw Mural. The painting has been on Crenshaw since 2000.
Gregory Everett was an inspiration to me because of the passion and commitment he had to telling and archiving local Black history. He produced the documentary 41st and Central along with his wife, about the history of the Los Angeles Black Panther Party. A history that was seemingly lost in time, until Gregory Everett ran into some of the former members at a community meeting in L.A. Gregory Everett understood the importance of recording our history and the power of freedom through education. He was dedicated to telling our stories and Black Los Angeles has another legend to always keep in mind and honor.
The last time I talked to Gregory was in December 2020, when he responded to my message asking if he would come on my podcast. I got a call from him and he gave me a lot of information. He said you know we could do a podcast about the Black Panthers, but I have a lot more information. What stood out to me the most during our conversation was that he talked to me about the various programs for youth that used to be available when he was growing up and how this was taken out of the community over time. He talked to me about what sparked his interest in film and production.
He was willing to grind and he did but felt there were these restraints on how far he could go with his craft in a field dominated by others who did not share similar life experiences as him. He told me something else I wont write online but the moral of the story I got from him was that we as Black people needed to stick together and work with each other. By doing so we not only help our communities but we can maximize what we all have tenfold. I feel terrible and deeply saddened by this loss to our community. Talk to your elders today and get those stories. Rest in power to a great man. You are definitely a seed and will be missed.
Everett also worked as a music director and on various film sets including Kush Groove. He was an extremely devoted husband and father, and leaves behind his wife and two sons.
To donate to Gregory Everett’s family click HERE:
“On January 24, 2021, the world lost Gregory “G. Bone” Everett, one of the most passionate, generous, determined, loyal, and inspiring humans to ever live. Gregory was committed to his wife Lorean and their two boys Gregory Jr. (18) and Jeffery (16) and his deep love for his family was apparent to everyone. Gregory’s love for his community, friends and peers was unmatched. He directly created, supported and encouraged so many around him; quick to offer people opportunities to help them grow and never shied away from helping someone learn. He was extremely special in that way.
Gregory also made a huge impact on the entertainment community. Whether it was Executive Producing “K-Ci & Jojo Come Clean,” and “41st and Central”, or his involvement in the “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” “Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles,” or his numerous music videos, Gregory left behind a tremendous body of work. However, the “Emergency Management Videos for MTA” were the most special as they were something Gregory and Lorean created together.
At this time, we want to sow back more into Gregory’s family than he gave to all of us. Donations collected will go directly to his family for the memorial and other expenses. Any donations are greatly appreciated, and if all of us who loved and respected him pitch in, we can eliminate the financial burden for Lorean and the kids.
R.I.H. “G-Bone”
