February-29 2024

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Advocates Weigh in on Calif. Black Caucus Reparations Package

(D-Inglewood), Asm. Isaac Bryan

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

On Feb. 21, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) held a press conference at the State Capitol organized to introduce a package of reparations legislation the lawmakers call “a starting point” to atone for the state’s legacy of discrimination.

All 12 members of the CLBC were present to explain their efforts to rectify the damages caused by the systemic discrimination against Black Californians detailed in the 1,100page report by the first-in-the-nation California reparations task force.

The nine-member panel submitted the recommendations on June 28, 2023.

CLBC chairperson Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) said it may take three to seven years to pass legislation aimed at implementing the task force recommendations.

The package the CLBC members presented consists of 14 legislative

proposals, each designed to address different aspects of systemic racism and inequality.

One proposal by Assemblymember Cory Jackson (D-Riverside), ACA 7, seeks to amend the voter-passed initiative, Prop 209, that prohibits considering race, color, sex, or nationality in public employment, education, and contracting decisions. This amendment would allow the governor to approve exceptions to the law in order to address poverty and improve educational outcomes for African Americans and other marginalized groups.

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) discussed legislation aimed at compensating families whose properties were seized through eminent domain as a result of racism and discrimination.

The package of bills includes a measure proposed by Assemblymember Reggie Jones Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), Assembly Bill (AB) 3089 to formally acknowledge California’s history of

slavery and discrimination, requiring lawmakers to issue a formal apology.

Additionally, a proposed constitutional amendment, ACA 8, sponsored by CBLC chair, Lori Wilson aims to ban involuntary servitude, particularly within the state’s prison system.

Reparations advocates and social justice groups from statewide organizations shared their support and criticism of the 14-bill reparations package with California Black Media (CBM).

A Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) stated that the CLBC’s package does not address direct-cash payment, which, for that group’s leadership, is a nonnegotiable component of any proposed compensation package.

“Our coalition’s unwavering commitment has been to pursue lineagebased reparations, encompassing direct monetary payments/compensation, state recognition of descendants as a

protected class, and the establishment of the California American Freedman Affairs Agency through Senate Bill (SB) 490,” CJEC member Chris Lodgson outlined in a statement.

Lodgson continued, “We believe these vital components are imperative and a necessary first step toward true Reparations. As we’ve communicated to elected officials directly for some time, we believe any Reparations package must be targeted explicitly and exclusively to California’s 2 million Black American descendants of person enslaved in the U.S. (American Freedmen).”

Media present at the news briefing persistently questioned Wilson and other CLBC members about direct payments.

Wilson mentioned that the budget deficit California is currently facing has become consideration in discussions about compensation. A Legislative Analyst’s Office report released Feb. 20,

Continued on page 8

California Legislative Black Caucus introduces a 14-bill reparations package at the State Capitol on Feb. 21, 2024. Shown left to right: Asm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), Asm. Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Asm. Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Asm. Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Asm. Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), Asm. Tina McKinnor

(D-Ladera Heights), Asm. Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), Asm. Corey Jackson (Moreno Valley), Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), and Asm. Mia Bonta (D-Alameda). CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Publisher’s Message

Inglewood’s History is Black History

By Willie Brown

As we close out Black History Month, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Black people from Inglewood who have made history.

Supermodel, actress and TV producer Tyra Banks is an Inglewood native who went from gracing the covers of Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Bazaar, Essence and Ebony to producing her own long-running hit reality show, “America’s Next Top Model.”

Emmy and SAG Award-nominated actress, writer and producer Issa Ray was born in L.A., but has a thriving business in Inglewood. In 2019, the creator of HBO’s “Insecure” opened Hilltop Coffee, a popular community hub that hosts creative coloring parties, financial literacy workshops, and other events in addition to serving a full menu of coffee and tea drinks and breakfast and lunch items. Issa has

two other locations in View Park and Eagle Rock.

The city of Inglewood made history long before Sofi Stadium became a landmark for NFL football and world-class entertainment.

Some notable achievements include Inglewood being home of the first Foster’s Freeze. The fast-food chain was first opened by owner George Foster in 1946 and is still operating today on La Brea Avenue.

In 2012, the Space Shuttle Endeavor retired after 25 missions into space. Inglewood made history as the city through which the rocket was transported from LAX to its final destination at the California Science Center in Exposition Park.

Several movies have been shot in the city, including “Beverly Hills Cop II,” “L.A. Confidential,” “There Will Be Blood.” and “Swordfish.” “The Wood” is a coming-of-age film about teenage boys growing up in Inglewood.

Since 1983, Inglewood has had 4 Black mayors, including Edward Vincent, whom the park is named for, Roosevelt Dorn, Daniel Tabor and current Mayor James Butts.

Every city has a history, and if you are blessed to live here, these things are worth noting. So the next time you engage in a conversation about Inglewood, be sure to share these tidbits of information about the city that you live in and love.

Inglewood’s history is part of black history, and deserving of its own place within Black History Month.

A Forgotten Legacy: The Role of the Second Amendment in Black History

By Craig J. DeLuz | California Black Media

The streets of America, once shrouded in shadows, are filled with the flicker of hope as Black History Month comes upon us. A time to reflect on the struggles and successes of African Americans in this great nation. But amongst the celebrations and festivities, there is one crucial aspect that often remains shrouded in the darkness of ignorance.

The Second Amendment.

It’s a delicate topic, one that is often swept under the rug and avoided during this time of year. But let’s not forget the role that this amendment has played in securing the rights and liberties of not just African Americans, but all Americans. From the Civil War through the civil rights movement and even until today, the Second Amendment has been a powerful tool in the hands of those who have fought for justice and equality.

But unfortunately, as with most things in Black history, this topic has been silenced and overshadowed. The harsh reality is that laws were put in place to keep slaves and freed Black men from obtaining firearms. And even after the Civil War, many states passed what’s

known as Black Codes, intentionally designed to restrict African Americans from exercising their right to keep and bear arms.

These laws, coupled with the growing violence against African Americans, gave birth to an unlikely ally in the fight for civil rights: the NRA. Yes, you heard that right. The National Rifle Association, often portrayed as a white, racist organization, was founded by three union officers who fought for the end of slavery and the civil rights of African Americans. They recognized the need for individuals to defend themselves against the tyranny and violence of the Ku Klux Klan, as the government was not doing enough to protect them.

But as with most things that go against the status quo, there were those who were not pleased. And thus, the gun control movement was born. But make no mistake, it was not about protecting people or reducing violence. It was about keeping guns out of the hands of African Americans.

The Black Panthers, a civil rights group, understood this all too well. In the late 1960s, they called upon the American people to take note of

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Fearlessness.

This

is what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s.

It’s not easy to accept that memory loss that disrupts daily life could be a sign of Alzheimer’s. Or that nearly two-thirds of people diagnosed are women, including Black women. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, like monitoring Type 2 diabetes and lowering blood pressure. Because you have what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s. Talk to your health care provider about signs, screening and early detection.

Learn more at TakeOnALZ.com

By

Charles Jackson

Tonight, Inglewood city council meeting was somewhat reflective of the

Inglewood City Council

procedure, leading to an introduction to Roberto Chavez, HUD Housing Manager by the city manager. Mr. Chavez unveiled efforts by the city to

Buckhanon, Budget Manager. She spoke at length concerning the Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Ms. Buckhanon presented bullet points related to the

Ms. Thompson guided those in attendance on a reflection of some of the events that she was able to follow and visit over the course of the month, as

Celebration and historical informative events surrounding Black History Month.

Mayor Butts and city clerk Aisha L. Thompson guided the meeting through the necessary parliamentary

apply for a state funding grant, set aside in support of a public Local Housing Program.

Another point of interest was a first quarter budget review presented in detail by Keauonna

city’s key economic indicators, their direction, and some possible reasoning for the statistics,

well as an introduction to the important activities surrounding and supporting the March 5th primary election.

Area Communities

Serving Ladera, Hawthorne, Westchester, Lawndale, Gardena, Carson

Help for Storm Victims: FEMA Arrives in California to Provide Relief

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

For Jessica Calix, a mother from San Diego, and her 8-year-old son, it was just another typical Monday. She dropped him off at his public charter school and worked on some volunteer activities for the Parent Teacher Association.

However, later that day, torrential rain showers came and washed away the life she knew in a matter of moments.

“I started seeing cars all over the place,” said Calix, who experienced firsthand the Jan. 22 storm that killed three people and significantly damaged more than 800 homes, including hers, in primarily lower income communities where the rate of flood insurance coverage is exceptionally low.

“Within an hour I found out that my street is flooded. My neighbor Face Timed me from the water in her living room. In that moment I knew that everything was gone.”

The storm dumped more than 2 inches of rain in just two hours. According to the National Weather Service, it was the fourth wettest day in San Diego since 1850.

“At its highest point, there was 7 feet of water. A whole neighborhood turned into a lake. People were in there fighting for their lives. Rescue workers didn’t have the supplies to help them. It was such a crazy situation,” Calix said.

Nearly a month later, on Feb. 19, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance had been made available to California to aid recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding, from January 21-23, 2024.

preventable. It was a shock to know my neighbors were in the water and the fire department was just sitting in their cars waiting for someone to bring supplies to save people. There were no helicopters, no backup, nothing. How are we unprepared for this in every way?”

Now that FEMA assistance is available in California, authorities have provided information to help storm victims access it.

How can flood victims apply for

“Our number one goal right now is to encourage folks who are uninsured or underinsured to apply for FEMA,” FEMA External Affairs Officer Brady Penn told California Black Media.

“It takes 20 minutes for most folks. Once you’re registered, usually within a couple of days people can see money in their bank accounts. Things are moving quickly and there has already been quite a bit of money already dispersed through these programs,” Penn added. “We really want as many people as

disaster recovery centers,” said Penn. “There will be at least one, potentially several disaster recovery centers in the county in the coming weeks that will open. Those will be a one-stop shop for people who were impacted by those storms to go and get assistance. If you applied for FEMA assistance online and you were confused by something or got a letter/call that you didn’t understand, we want you to be able to go in and get assistance. Small Business Admin will be there, state and local people will be

FEMA assistance?

The FEMA app is a one-stop shop for victims to register for assistance, click on a desktop link or call 800-621-3362.

possible who were impacted by that storm in January to apply so they can jumpstart their recovery and get back on their feet.”

there as well. That’s the current layout.”

While the federal aid was a welcome relief, Calix was underwhelmed by the city’s initial response to the disaster.

“When you’re in an underserved community, you know it. It’s an attitude. You see it when you need to call a firetruck or anything, you see this attitude that they don’t believe you until the problem is glaring,” she stated. “That was the tone of what was happening. That’s why the all the flood damage happened. It was

What information is FEMA going to ask for when registering?

•A current phone number that can be used to contact victims

•Address of the damaged primary residence

•Social Security number

•A general list of damages and losses

•Information about insurance coverage

•Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

FEMA officers are currently in the San Diego area assessing damage and aiding with registration to receive services. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

“We are also planning to open

Calix is hopeful that the FEMA assistance will help the many displaced individuals affected by the flooding last month. She still acknowledges people are hesitant to trust outsiders and many fear they will be denied the services they need.

“It’s this weird balance of trusting the process and things will be ok. When you’re a parent you just have to be strong and not let the uncertainty weigh you down. You have to believe that some kind of miracle is going to come through,” she said.

Sports & Entertainment

Inglewood Takes Step Toward New NFL Stadium; Rams Fans Rejoice

By laist.com

Plans to bring a new NFL stadium to Inglewood move forward, but lots of questions still persist.

Plans to bring a new NFL stadium to Inglewood are moving ahead, after the city council voted last night to advance a proposal to build an 80,000-seat stadium.

The developer says construction could start by the end of this year. But there are still lots of questions about the project.

Southern California Public Radio’s

Clippers reveal new themed logo, uniforms in anticipation of move to Inglewood, CA

By Sports Daypop

The Los Angeles Clippers introducing new themed logos and uniforms on Monday as part of their rebranding ahead of their move to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA in 2025. The Clippers said in a press release: “Embracing our maritime roots in a modern design, we take inspiration from past and future as we embark on a new era at Intuit Dome.”

The Clippers’ current logo features a basketball with a large blue C in the middle, with the red letters L and C inside. The new logo still features red, blue and white still as the primary colors, also including a ship with a large

blue C around it, resembling a compass. In a nod to the team’s San Diego Harbor origins, the hull of the ship includes basketball seams.

The Clippers also introduced three editions of their uniforms — Icon, Association and Statement — which they will wear next season. The organization also posted images of new font script, which will appear on the navy, red and pacific blue garb modeled by Paul George, James

Continued on page 7

L.A. Rams fans at an Inglewood City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. This family — third generation Rams fans — drove from Riverside to show their support for moving the team back to L.A. (Ben Bergman/KPCC)

Ben Bergman joins Take Two to talk through the details.

SBA Equity Action Plan Aims to Support Minority Small Business Owners

By Aden Ferguson

The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced its Equity Action Plan, an initiative aimed at providing increased support and opportunities for minority-owned small businesses across the country.

The plan focuses on three key areas - access, resources, and investment.

The SBA hopes to improve minority entrepreneurs’ access to the federal contracting space, which has historically disadvantaged business owners of color. The agency plans to increase outreach to inform minority business owners of SBA resources available to them, including financing programs, training, and mentoring.

Additionally, the Equity Action Plan looks to boost investment in minorityowned firms through modifications to the SBA’s loan programs. Studies have shown that minority-owned businesses have been disproportionately denied access to capital, hampering their growth. The SBA will implement an equity scorecard to track lending to entrepreneurs of color and help address gaps.

Advocates for minority-owned businesses have applauded the plan because access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for minority-owned firms. They believe that the SBA’s increased focus on equity will go a long way toward leveling the playing field and realizing the full economic potential of diverse-owned businesses.

According to SBA Administrators, the Equity Action Plan will spur job creation and economic growth. Minority-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments of small business ownership. As a result, the SVA must support their

inclusive and sustainable development.”

The SBA’s initiative comes on the heels of Census data showing the number of minority-owned firms increasing significantly over the last decade. The SBA projects that minority-owned

businesses could produce over 1 million new jobs by 2025 if support keeps pace with demand.

With the implementation of its Equity Action Plan, the SBA aims to ensure minority entrepreneurs have equal

access to resources that enable small businesses to start, grow, and compete. For minority business owners, it’s an opportunity that’s been a long time coming.

the racist California legislature that was passing laws specifically aimed

was never firebombed and has never received death threats, was granted a concealed handgun license. Yet he who

at disarming Black citizens. And just like the KKK, the inspiration for these laws came from an unlikely source: Nazi Germany. The language used in these laws was almost identical to that of the Nazi regime, showing the true intentions behind gun control.

But for some, history seems to repeat itself endlessly. As we see yet again with the rise of hate groups and acts of violence against innocent citizens, the importance of the Second Amendment cannot be understated. It was created to prevent a new government from slipping back into tyranny and to allow individuals to protect what is theirs from any threats.

And yet, even in modern times, there are those who continue to deny African Americans their Second Amendment rights. As prominent lawyer and gun rights commentator Colion Noir stated, “Dr. King would look at me with a bit of confusion as he happily struggled with me...that I, a young Black male living in the heart of the South, whose house

had encountered all of these things was denied.”

It’s time to shed light on the role of the Second Amendment in Black history. To educate ourselves and others on the importance of this amendment in securing not just civil rights, but all rights. Let us not be afraid to speak out and defend the Second Amendment, for it is the one that defends all others. And let us never forget the words of one man who truly understood the power of this amendment: “When you touch the Second Amendment, you can’t become more anti American, because America would not be without her guns.”Willian Owens, President / Founder at America’s Altar.

About the Author

Craig J. DeLuz has almost 30 years in public policy and advocacy. He is currently President of the Robla School District Board of Trustees where he has served for almost 20 years. Learn more at CraigDeLuz.com or follow him on X at @CraigDeLuz.

OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

The

Original

NAME CHANGE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case # 24TRCP00034

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Lamonte Stephen Scott, 2505 W. 80th Street, Inglewood, CA 90305, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, Southwest District, 825 Maple Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503, to change his name.

FROM: Lamonte Stephen Scott -TO: Tony Lamont Scott

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on March 15, 2024, 8:30 am, Dept B, Room 340, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Publication Dates: February 8, 15, 22, 29, 2024.

NAME CHANGE

Harden and Kawhi Leonard for the uniform release.

The Clippers said that the Icon and Association editions “feature a modernized version of the classic Clippers script, a longtime fan favorite, in bold Clippers navy and red. The uniforms are simple and streamlined, with a thin trim of pacific blue, which stretches from the global logo like the

horizon line of the ocean. Even the font of the numbers evokes those on Naval warships.”

The Clippers currently share Crypto. com Arena with the Lakers. They will open the Intuit Dome this summer and play their home games in the new Inglewood, Calif., facility beginning in 2025.

Continued from page 1: Advocates...

estimates that the state’s budget shortfall could expand to $73 billion by May.

“In regard to direct-cash payments to individuals we will continue to have that discussion as we navigate the next few years,” Wilson said. “As noted, we’re halfway through a legislative session. We have about three months of the legislative process in each house (Senate and Assembly) to work through these existing bills. In the next session, we have two years, and during that twoyear session, we will consider of the fall concluding additional payments whether they are direct-cash payments or direct payments to communities,” Wilson said.

The Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth (ARRT), a collaboration of California’s leading Black power-building and justice groups, supports seven of CLBC’s 14 reparations bills with proposals that include the restoration of property, establishing the property tax assistance for Descendants of enslaved persons program, a formal apology for human rights violations and crimes against humanity, amending the California Constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude for incarcerated persons, and prohibiting discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles.

“The California Legislative Black Caucus reparations package marks a historic and meaningful moment in time. ARRT encourages lawmakers to pursue an even more expansive and definitive action to fulfill the reparations

principles as recognized by the United Nations,” stated James Woodson, AART co-founder and Executive Director of the California Black Power Network. “Reparative justice must be impactful, transformative, and enduring, thus paving the way toward atoning for the wrongdoings deeply imprinted in the state’s history and healing this democracy.”

ARRT is a collaboration between the Black Equity Collective, the California Black Power Network, Catalyst California, Equal Justice Society, and Live Free USA, Live Free California.

Former members of the California reparations task force have partnered with AART: Loyola-Marymount clinical psychologist professor Dr. Cheryl Grills, Oakland-based civil rights attorney Lisa Holder, Chair of the Department of Geography at the University of California Berkeley professor Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis, and Oakland-based attorney Donald Tamaki.

“We absolutely are (in support of direct-cash payments),” Woodson told California Black Media. “I think we got to have it all. There were multiple harms that were caused and one of them was financial and that needs to be compensated for cash payments. And there are also systemic harms that were created. We need to change laws. We need to change how rules work because a lot of it flows out of anti-Black racism. We have to have everything because if you leave anything out it’s not for reparations.”

Sources shared with CBM that there will be a series of listening sessions with

the CLBC to help educate Californians about the reparation bills and the workings of the legislative process.

The members of the CLBC are Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City); Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood); Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa); Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights); Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda);

Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena); Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson); Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Riverside); Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D- Los Angeles); Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood); Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento); and Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles).