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March 17 - 23, 2022 VOL. 37, No. 11

Women’s History Month:

California Org Honors Leaders, Discusses Priorities

the state from different professional including media To mark Women’s History Month, backgrounds, The California Black Women’s executives, public health professionals, Collective (CBWC) honored more than activists, politicians and more. 100 Black women leaders from across Charlene Muhammad | California Black Media

Make Room, Gas and Food:

Insurance Payments Might Go Up, Too

The organization also held a series of panel discussions leading up to the celebration and highlighted several policy priorities, including aging and elder care. The Hon. Cheryl Brown, a retired California Assemblymember and a Commissioner on the California Commission on Aging said 23% of Black women live in poverty, which is the second highest percentage in the U.S. -- only behind Native American women.

Brown pointed out that Gov. Gavin Newsom set aside $2 billion for the Master Plan on Aging, a 10-year project, but she questioned, how would the people the money is intended to help access the money. Brown said currently there are not effective systems in place to inform people about the help they need. The funds, she said, will funnel down through the California Department of Aging down to county agencies. “That’s why it’s critical to get involved on those levels,” Brown emphasized. Ahead of Women’s History Month, a group of influential California Black women brought their perspectives together last month in a virtual “fireside chat” to take a broader look at aging and elder care in the Black community. Whether they were expressing the joys of caring for a loved one or exposing the range of challenges Black women face as they age, the panelists shared useful insights that could shape public health policy or improve ways African American caregivers attend to the needs of aging family members. “This is our third event as part of the California Black women Empowerment series,” said Yvonne Wheeler, a member of the strategy team of the CBWC. The event was organized in partnership with Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA). “Our goal is to talk about the issues that are important to Black women Continued on page 8

On State of the State, Gov. Newsom and Republicans Offer Clashing Views Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Tanu Henry | California Black Media

As gas and food prices continue to shoot up at a rapid clip, Californians might be hit with sticker shock from another bill that skyrockets later this year: their health insurance premiums.

According to officials at Covered California, monthly premiums for insurance coverage could jump by as much as 100% -- or an average of about $70 -- for more than 2 million Continued on page 7

As the cost of gas continues to soar in California, Black leaders, state lawmakers and frustrated citizens are urging Gov. Newsom to take immediate action to decrease high prices at the pump. Last week, Shane Harris, president of San Diego-based People’s Association of Justice Advocates (PAJA), wrote a letter to Newsom. Harris urged

the governor to declare a “state of emergency,” allowing him to cut the gas tax, which Harris believes helps to drive up the cost of gas. “We are seeing gas at nearly $5.50 a gallon, which is nearly three dollars more than the national average,” Harris said. “I am writing you as Continued on page 2

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March 17 - 23, 2022

EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON

ALEX PADILLA

JAMES BUTTS

ELOY MORALES

DIONNE FAULK

AROUND THE CITY

A Message from County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres

Dear Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) Staff, Students, Families and Community: In our continued commitment to serving our community and providing current information, we have some important updates in this week’s message. Special School Board Meeting A Special Board of Education Meeting will be held on March 17, 2022 at 5:00p.m. At this meeting, a Resolution will be presented to approve an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Harridge Development for the joint occupancy development of District owned unutilized property located on portions of Morningside High School and Woodworth Elementary School.

PRESIDENT/ EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Willie Brown PUBLISHER Kenneth Miller VICE PRESIDENT Gloria Kennedy PRODUCTION Kenneth Denson QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER Gloria Kennedy Inglewood Today Weekly is a legally adjudicated newspaper of public circ ulation, published weekly by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. News and press releases may be submitted for consideration by mail to 9111 La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 or by email to itnetworks@msn.com.

You can reach us at 310-670-9600 or by fax 310-338-9130 www.inglewoodtoday.com The artistic contents of Inglewood Today Weekly are copyrighted by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. and permission to reprint any article herein must be obtained in writing from the Publisher.

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Please click here to access our virtual meeting information. Warren Lane School Closure Update We would like to provide you with an update on the Warren Lane School Closure. As previously shared, Inglewood Unified School District’s enrollment has declined significantly for years - from 12,119 students in 2013, to 7,627 in 2022. It is projected to further decline to 6,781 students by the 2024 school year. In order to address this decline, and ensure we are able to direct resources fully to support student success, in June 2021, the District formed a School Closure and Consolidation Committee (SCCC) to review and make recommendations regarding the closure/consolidation options for District schools. The SCCC conducted multiple public meetings beginning in September 2021 through January 2022. The goal of the school closure and consolidation is to maintain fiscal solvency and provide resources that support student academic success, while contending with declining enrollment. IUSD is committed to focusing its limited resources on student needs and will continue to take appropriate measures to build a strong foundation for the District’s success. On Monday, March 7, 2022, the District hosted a virtual Warren Lane Stakeholder Engagement Meeting. The goal of this meeting was to collaboratively develop recommendations to assist families with the transition. At the meeting, there were many concerns shared regarding the future plans for the property of Warren Lane Elementary. Please know that the District will be retaining the property and researching various use options. In addition, the District will be connecting with each Warren Lane family to discuss next steps in their child’s transition for the 2022-23 academic school year. Warren Lane Elementary and Inglewood Continuation High School are just two of the many consolidations and closures that Inglewood Unified will face. It is not our desire to close schools, however it is our responsibility to address declining enrollment, in accordance with AB1840 and the Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) recommendations.

We understand that these decisions are difficult but necessary to address in order to maintain fiscal stability and transition out of state receivership. IUSD is committed to maintaining a wonderful District for Inglewood families and community, and placing our students at the heart of our decision-making. We will communicate future plans and decisions on our District website and during our Board of Education Meetings. To stay connected and receive our District’s weekly newsletter, click here to subscribe today. You can also stay informed by

visiting our SCCC webpage on the district website. IUSD will continue to share updates, as they become available. We understand that this is a very difficult process and your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated. #WeAreInglewoodUnified Sincerely, Erika F. Torres, Ed.D., M.S.W County Administrator Debra Duardo, Ed.D., M.S.W Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools

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March 17 - 23, 2022

Toks Omishakin, Transportation Sec. Nominee, Moves Up to Cabinet Level

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

In February, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Adetokunbo “Toks” Omishakin Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). Omishakin, 44, makes history as the first African American to serve in that cabinet-level position responsible for overseeing all state agencies that regulate and support transportation and administer services related to the sector. “@CAgovernor want to express gratitude for new appt to Cabinet Secretary @CA_Trans_Agency,” Omishaken thanked the Governor in a Twitter post after his nomination was announced in February. “Looking fwd to continued #partnership and realizing shared vision to implement initiatives with #Equity #Climate #Safety focus, for CA’s transportation system, now and in future. #CAForAll,” Omishakin’s tweet continued. In California state government’s chain of command, Omishakin’s role as Secretary is a step up from his last role: Director of California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). Gov. Newsom appointed him to lead CalTrans in September 2019. Earlier this month, Omishakin’s wife and two children joined him as he took the oath of office in Sacramento to begin serving in the governor’s cabinet. At the swearing in ceremony Gov. Newsom said Omishakin brings experience and vision to the role. “As head of the largest and most complex transportation system in the nation, I’m confident that he’ll continue to bring his forward-thinking leadership and dedication to serving the people of California,” Newsom stated “(Omishakin will) advance our ongoing work to build safer, healthier,

Continued from page 1: On State of...

someone who works on a daily basis with communities who are already struggling to pay their rent and essentially living check to check.” PAJA is a national civil rights organization and policy institute founded to direct action with a balanced standard of justice for all no matter their race, religion, criminal record, sexuality, gender status, or citizenship. Across social media, African Americans are blasting the sharp increases in gas prices. Ellen Nash, a San Diego resident and chair of the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) posted a photo on Facebook of a gas station in Beverly Hills, where reports say fuel is above $6 per gallon. “We are experiencing a gas prices epidemic,” said Nash. “Time to shelter in place again. And work remotely!! With A few exceptions. This is ridiculous.” Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 as

and more sustainable communities that serve all Californians.” The same day Omishakin took the oath of office, Gov. Newsom swore in Amy Tong, 48, to succeed his African American Secretary of California Government Operations Agency (GovOps) Yolanda Richardson. Richardson resigned from the role in February, citing personal reasons. That same week California’s first African American Surgeon General Nadine Burke-Harris also resigned “to focus on her family.” Tong previously served as Director of the California Office of Digital Innovation. Before that, she was Director of the California Department of Technology. “A veteran of state service, Director Tong’s deep experience in the public sector and leadership in the technology field have helped guide key efforts to make government more efficient and effective, including our work to bridge the digital divide and help state agencies navigate complex challenges during the pandemic,” Newsom said, pointing out Tong’s past accomplishments. In his role as CalSTA Secretary, Omishakin will oversee Caltrans, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the California Highway Patrol, the HighSpeed Rail Authority, among other

agencies and transportation-focused committees. He is assuming the position after President Joe Biden signed a $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure bill into law last year. The legislation will direct billions of dollars into the state for wildfire preparation, public transit projects, bridge and road repair, and broadband internet. California will receive $25 billion from the federal government for highways under the Reconnecting Communities Initiative. The program was created to undo some of the effects of the economic and social disruption caused by highway construction through a number of majority Black communities under the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956. The U.S. Transportation Department estimates that, between 1957 and 1977, nearly 480,000 households across the country were forced out of their homes to accommodate the highway construction, which started under President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration. Some of those highway projects entrenched segregation by isolating some of those majority-Black communities and cutting off their access to resources. In an April 2021 interview with California Black Media, Omishakin

President Vladimir Putin authorized “special military operations” that began with missile and artillery attacks on major Ukrainian cities. Western allies, including the United States, announced sanctions, including restrictions on Russia’s central bank and global payments system. Since the attacks that have caused over a million people to flee Ukraine, a former Soviet republic located on the southeastern doorsteps of Russia, gas prices in California and the rest of the country have soared. Economic experts say that the U.S. only gets 5% to 10% of its crude oil and refined products from Russia, but gas prices have passed the $5 mark up and down the state. In certain places, such as Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, gas is hovering around $6 per gallon. Before the war in Ukraine started, Newsom suggested that state legislators consider suspending the entire 18.4 cents federal gasoline excise tax. “Well, now we have a war going on in Ukraine and while I know that we get our gas here in California from a

variety of countries it is still clear that the war in Ukraine is adding on to an already growing crisis at our pumps here in California,” Harris wrote. “While I understand the foundation of the gas tax provides more funding to our state toward things like infrastructure, I also see real people hurting and that is concerning.” The gas tax in California is at 51.1 cents per gallon, and it is scheduled for another increase in July. California Assembly Republicans last week said they are backing a bill, AB 1638, that Assemblymember Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) introduced. It would eliminate the current gas tax for six weeks. At the release of Harris’s letter, San Diego County recorded its steepest hike in the average-price of gasoline since Sept. 28, 2019. Self-serve regular fuel rose 8 cents to $4.975, in 16 days, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) and Oil Price Information Service (OPIS). Hardworking families are having to cut back from other expenses just to fill up their gas tanks,” said Sen.

said CalTrans needs to “engage more” with Black and Brown communities. “We need to reach out more to people and businesses to let them know what opportunities exist,” he said. The position of Secretary of the California State Transportation requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $227,178 annually. Omishakin, born in Knoxville, Tenn., is registered without a political party preference. Omishakin earned a Master of Arts degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Jackson State University, a Historical Black University and College (HBCU) in Mississippi. He is completing a doctorate degree in Engineering Management at the University of Tennessee. From 2011 to 2019, Omishakin was Deputy Commissioner for Environment and Planning at the Tennessee Department of Transportation. In August 2020, Omishakin opened the CalTrans Office of Race and Equity (CORE), which works closely with the Office of Civil Rights to combine equity initiatives. The office hosts a virtual business summit to support small business owners. “Omishakin has implemented innovative strategies to create a more equitable, world-class transportation network for all users while improving the safety and livability of neighborhoods across the state. Under his leadership, Caltrans has worked to accelerate more than 100 roadway projects during the pandemic, adjusted operations to help keep goods moving amid supply chain challenges and spearheaded the transformative Clean California program that is revitalizing public spaces across California,” said Newsom.

Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) on March 2. “Higher gas prices are eating up their budgets for food and groceries, prescription medications, school supplies, and other necessary expenses. With such an enormous surplus, this is just unacceptable.” A study conducted by UCLA’s Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy revealed hardships Blacks and Latinos are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study estimates that more than 1.9 million adults in California were unable to pay their rent on time in July 2020. “Californians pay the highest gas tax in the nation, which is adding to the skyrocketing cost of fuel,” said Assemblymember Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach). “Our communities are struggling to make ends meet while Sacramento leadership works to increase the cost of living even higher.”

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March 17 - 23, 2022

Area Communities S e r v i n g L a d e r a , H a w t h o r n e , W e s t c h e s t e r, L a w n d a l e , G a r d e n a , C a r s o n

Angel City Sports Offering Multiple Clinics & Events This Spring! ACS hosting everything from team workouts to adaptive golf & wheelchair basketball! Inglewood Today News

LOS ANGELES – Angel City Sports, the acclaimed organization behind the Angel City Games presented by The Hartford, is offering a wide range of clinics and events this spring from March 16 through April 13. Registration and more information can be found at http://angelcitysports.org. On March 24 at 5:30pm PST, ACS will host a virtual book reading with Lex Gillette, author of “Fly”, the acclaimed book about how Gillette lost his vision at age eight and became an adaptive athlete who travelled the world. On March 26 from 4:30-6:30pm, ACS will host a wheelchair basketball skills and drills open gym at Harvard-

Westlake (3700 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Studio City, CA 91604). March 30 will feature another free adaptive workout led by the team at Abilities Recovery Center from 10:0011:00am PST (at Abilities Recovery Center, 2285 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064). On April 7, ACS will host an adaptive golf clinic for all ages, skills, and disability levels at Westchester Golf (6900 W Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045) from 10:30am12:00pm. And April 13 will feature one more free adaptive workout led by the team at Abilities Recovery Center from 10:0011:00am PST (at Abilities Recovery

African Americans distrust social media As source for COVID-19 vaccine information PRNewswire

DURHAM, N.C., -- A new nationwide questionnaire reveals that a majority of African American adults believe that social media is the No. 1 source of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, and that false information intentionally targets the Black community. Through a 20-minute online training, The Truth Check.org provides you the tools needed to discern accurate information from fake and false messages and resources on social media. The Truth Check.org provides African Americans with the skills needed to avoid misinformation on social media The insights, released today by The Center for Black Health & Equity (The Center), a national nonprofit organization that facilitates public health programs and services to benefit communities and people of African descent, reviewed responses by 791 African American adults between the ages of 18 and 54, and discovered: The top five most-frequented sources for COVID-19 vaccine information are: the news (48 percent), internet (43 percent), social media (39 percent), family and friends (35 percent) and doctors (35 percent). When it comes to feeling confident

that they are getting accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine, 33 percent of the African Americans questioned say they completely trust their doctors to provide the information, and 18 percent completely trust their family and friends. Social media ranked last of the choices, with only 6 percent of participants saying they trust online platforms completely to provide accurate information. The top three sources believed to be primarily responsible for sharing misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine targeted to the Black community are: social media (27 percent), the news (25 percent) and internet (15 percent). Nearly seven-out-of-ten (69 percent) believe that targeting all Americans with misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine is somewhat to very intentional. 60 percent admitted they have shared information they learned on social media with family and friends, and about a third (35 percent) reshared it on their own social media platforms. “This practice of receiving and sharing misinformation amplifies health disparities and harms the Black community, which is already dying from COVID-19 at disproportionate Continued on page 7

Center, 2285 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064). “Our special clinics and events are wonderful opportunities for communities and adaptive athletes,” said Clayton Frech, CEO and Founder of Angel City Sports. “It’s a great way for families and friends to get together, get some exercise, gain skills, and learn more about adaptive sports.” Launched in 2015, the Angel City Games presented by The Hartford is one of the largest multisport adaptivecompetitions in the U.S. and a celebration of adaptive and Paralympic sports featuring inclusive competition open to athletes of all skill levels who have physical or visual impairments.

The 2021 Angel City Games presented by The Hartford were back to being in-person after the 2020 Games were virtual. The Games featured a wide range of exciting adaptive clinic sports, including Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Tennis, Table Tennis, Rowing, Boccia, Goalball, Judo, Sitting Volleyball, 5-a-side soccer, Amputee Soccer, and Wheelchair Football. Confirmed competition sports will include 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis. For more information, please visit the ACS YouTube channel, and follow @ angelcitysports on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

HHS Announces Funding for Substance Use Treatment and Prevention Programs Grants to Focus on Increasing Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment for People Battling Opioid Use Disorder IT News Wire

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is announcing two grant programs totaling $25.6 million that will expand access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder and prevent the misuse of prescription drugs. By reducing barriers to accessing the most effective, evidenced-based treatments, this funding reflects the priorities of HHS’ Overdose Prevention Strategy, as well as its new initiative to strengthen the nation’s mental health and crisis care systems. “Every five minutes someone in our nation dies from an overdose,” said Secretary Becerra. “This is unacceptable. At HHS, we are committed to addressing the overdose crisis, and one of the ways we’re doing this is by expanding access to medication-assisted treatment and other effective, evidenced-based prevention and intervention strategies. We’re also traveling the country to listen and learn about new and

innovative ways HHS can support local communities in addressing mental health and substance use. Together, through our Overdose Prevention Strategy and National Tour to Strengthen Mental Health, we can change the way we address overdoses and save lives.” Following President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address earlier this month, HHS kicked off a National Tour to Strengthen Mental Health in an effort to hear directly from Americans across the country about the challenges they’re facing and engage with local leaders to strengthen the mental health and crisis care systems in our communities. This funding announcement is part of this new initiative, which is focused on three aspects of the crisis Americans are facing: mental health, suicide, and substance use. “This funding will enhance efforts underway throughout our nation to get help to Americans who need it,” said Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Continued on page 8

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Sports & Entertainment Ju Ju Watkins Steals Show in Sacramento I GOT MINE--Sierra Canyon star Ju Ju Watkins embraces her first championship trophy in high school after leading her team to the CIF Open Division State Championship in Sacramento on March 12. (Kenneth Miller/ Photo)

By Kenneth Miller, Publisher

SACREMENTO—There were a bevy of CIF State basketball Championships on the line March 11 and 12 here at Golden 1 Center the home arena of the NBA Kings, but in the end, there was just one shining star. Oh yeah, there were champions crowned in all divisions, including the most dominant boys’ team Corona Centennial which capped a brilliant campaign by sweeping the Open Division sectional, regional and ultimately the state championships. Los Angeles City Section Division 3 State finalist Venice offered the most intriguing storyline of the tournament, being the only City Section team in the finals and having the opportunity to become the first City team since View Park in 2018 to win state, but Venice failed against Pleasant Valley 57-53. However, when the final curtain dropped on the 2021-22 high school basketball season there was just one transitional star player who elevated her teammates to a stratosphere not deemed possible. If you have not heard about Judea ‘Ju Ju’ Watkins by now well you best get used to hearing and seeing her for years

to come. Watkins, a 6’2 junior at Sierra Canyon, is arguably the best high school girls’ basketball player in the history of California. Sorry, Cheryl Miller, Cynthia Cooper and Lisa

Leslie! Don’t take my word for it, just read what the two women coaches who know Watkins best had to say about her after she dominated the Girls Open Division State Final with a 23 point 19 rebound, six assist and three steal effort that was breathtaking enroute to leading her team to an 85-61 shellacking of Archbishop Mitty of San Jose, CA. “Every team is special in their own right, but this team is like really special in how much they care for each other, it’s genuine, they root for one another success and obviously when you add someone with Ju Ju’s talent, one of the top players in the country, to the mix of all these really talented kids, I think

she accelerated our veteranship,” said Blazers head coach Alicia Komaki. Sierra Canyon located in Chatsworth is a school of the rich and famous with star children such as LeBron James sons Bryce and Bronny James in the boys program, but this season it was the girls team with the star power with the daughters of former NBA players Gilbert Arenas and Zack Randolph on the team. Both sophomores Izela Arenas and MacKenly Randolph were huge in the championship playing alongside Watkins. Randolph enjoyed a doubledouble with 13 points and 10 rebounds while Arenas was clutch from beyond the arch. “The biggest thing with both of those kids is they don’t want to be Zack Randolph and Gilbert Arenas daughters. They want to be Izela and MacKenly and they made that kind of clear, like we’re hoopers and we don’t care who our dads are. Our logo is all work no hype,” added Komaki who guided Sierra Canyon to their fifth state title in the past decade. “We don’t want to talk about celebrities and our school, we just wanted to work and I think that this team did it as good or better than any other teams I ever had.” Sierra Canyon lost the sectional title to Etiwanda on their way to a 30-2 record, but in hindsight Komaki felt her team needed that lost. It has really helped that Watkins came aboard as a transfer from Windward where she never won a championship. “I coach Ju Ju with USA basketball as the head coach for the U16 team. She was on my team when we won the gold medal and was the Most Valuable Player. Ju Ju can score at all three levels even with great defense. She has tremendous skill coupled with incredible athleticism. She had 19 rebounds tonight. The sky is the limit for that kid, if she can continue to play discipline defense and stay on the floor and not get in foul trouble and know when she can gamble to block shots, she’s going to be a pro someday. She is fantastic and she is the best player in her class. I am glad she plays for USA basketball,” said Mitty head coach Sue Phillips. Watkins averaged 20 points, 5 steals, 5 rebounds and 3.7 assist in the 2021 FIBA 16 under tournament. She is the first female athlete to sign with Klutch Sports and is the granddaughter of the late Ted Watkins. “My mom Sari and father Bobby have been great influences in my life. They were both basketball players in high school and they’ve supported me a great deal,” said Watkins. The next high school basketball season cannot arrive soon enough.

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BUPPIE | BUSINESS

Cal Reparations Task Force: Yale Prof. Traces Long History of Racism in Public Health Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Dr. Carolyn Roberts, a professor at Yale University, provided to the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans detailed descriptions, both verbal and visual, of the horrific experiences Africans endured during the transatlantic slave trade. A historian of medicine and science, Roberts said the trauma descendants of enslaved Africans suffered during transportation to the United States was only the beginning of a “broken relationship” between African Americans and the United States’ healthcare system. “It is important for us to recognize that many critical issues that we are wrestling with today have long, old, and deep historical roots,” Roberts said. “These include racial bias and disparate medical treatment, race-based medicine, and medical exploitation. In our historical analysis, we must consider not only American slavery and its afterlife, but also the transatlantic slave trade.” The transatlantic slave trade was the “largest forced oceanic migration in human history,” a passage that was responsible for transferring between 10 million and 12 million enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas from the 16th to the 19th century, Roberts said. A majority of the African people taken captive were young women and men who were on the cusp of starting families. This generation of Africans ended up contributing to the enrichment

of the enslavers, Roberts said. For the voyage, Africans were placed in tiers below the decks of cargo ships that would sail up to 5,000 miles across the ocean Roberts said to make sure that the enslaved stayed healthy for the duration of the trip and arrive to their destination alive, slave traders hired medical doctors. “A majority of enslaved people who arrived in the United States arrived onboard British slave ships,” Roberts said. “British slave ship medicine was based on systemic violence and dehumanization. (The doctors) performed invasive and forced medical inspections. Women and girls were pinned down and their legs were held open so that doctors could see if they had previously borne children.” Drugs, whips, and pistols were used by slave traders if the enslaved women and men did not comply with the medical practitioners’ orders. Roberts

said it was common for doctors to assume that Africans had the capacity to withstand extreme physical pain. Roberts was one of several experts that spoke during the public, mental and physical health segment of the twoday meeting held in January. Dr. Tina Sacks, an associate professor at UC Berkeley’s School of Social Welfare; Dr. Cassondra Marshall, UC Berkeley Public Health professor of Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health; Brett Andrews, CEO of PRC (formerly Positive Resource Center) in San Francisco; and Melissa Jones, executive director of BARHII (Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative) were other panelists during the meeting. Roberts did not stop with the horrific details captured Africans suffered on the high seas. She forewarned the nine-member panel about a graphic image she was about to display. It was a black-and-white photo of a human cadaver on a gurney. Surrounded by White doctors, the image depicted a surgical examination being performed on a Black man. These acts of inhumanity had an adverse effect on Black Americans, Roberts said, and the resulting cruelty and racism endured 157 years after slavery was abolished in the United States. “So, a new management of healthcare enters the world. This is a form of healthcare where medical violence against Africans and African descended people became an acceptable normative, an institutionalized practice for over a century in the context of the British

slave trade. This forced Black people into a unique and troubling relationship with Western medicine before they set foot in the United States,” Roberts explains. “It also created a new understanding of the doctor-patient relationship, a relationship that was violent, personalized, extractive, and exploitative,” she argues. Over the years, the enslaved Africans and their freed descendants learned to trust themselves by concocting their own medicinal formulas. “They developed their own medical systems. They blended medical knowledge from Africa with medicinal plants in the Americas,” Roberts said. “However, they could not avoid White doctors who began to use their bodies to advance medical science. Roberts holds a joint appointment in the departments of History/History of Science and Medicine, and African American Studies and a secondary appointment at Yale School of Medicine. Roberts’s research interests concern the history of race, science, and medicine in the context of slavery and the Atlantic slave trade. “It’s a sobering moment when we began to understand the health impacts of multigenerational racism and oppression,” Dr. Cheryl Grills, a member of the Task Force, said. The Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans will have its eighth meeting at 9:00 a.m. on March 29 and March 30. To watch or participate, join the livestream here.

Howard University Receives $2M to Digitize Black Newspaper Archive By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Howard University has received a $2 million donation to digitize its Black Press Archives, that contains more than 2,000 newspaper titles including publications like the New York Amsterdam News, Chicago Defender, Washington Informer, Baltimore AFRO, and other historically Black publications. The University said it hopes to make the archives more broadly available to researchers and the public. “Once digitalized, Howard’s Black Press Archive will be the largest, most diverse, and the world’s most accessible Black newspaper database,” Benjamin Talton, the director of Howard’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, told the Associated Press. The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center houses the archive, which dates to the 1970s and includes newspapers

the Logan Family Foundation, which supports social justice causes in journalism and the arts. “We will be able to go back and look at these archives and these newspapers and the way the Black press was covering the world and have a greater understanding of who we are as a society, who we were back then and who we are now,” Nikole Hannah-Jones told the news service. “Right now, we really are only getting a very narrow part of from Africa and the Caribbean. the university, officials stated. The $2 million grant from the Howard University credited its the story, and that is the part of the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation Center for Journalism & Democracy story told through power and through should also help increase diversity in for helping to secure the funding from the ruling class.”

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022041559 The following Person is doing business as: One Body Concept 131 W. 64th Pl, Unit 5 Inglewood, CA 90302

Registered Owner(s): Life In The Shed, 131 W. 64th Pl., Unit 5, Inglewood, CA 90302 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on February 22, 2022. I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Life In The Shed, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on February 22, 2022 NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2022 IT0042230120020189 Inglewood Today

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022030506 The following Person is doing business as:

JD Fabrication 7625 Rosecrans Ave., Ste 38, Paramount, CA 90723 2740 Golden Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806 Registered Owner(s): J&D Fabrication LLC, 7625 Rosecrans Ave., Ste 38, Paramount, CA 90723 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on February 8, 2022 I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) J&D Fabrication LLC, Owner. This statement was filed with the County NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Sectiohn 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on wich it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in Clerk on February 8, 2022. this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original March 10, 17, 24; April 7, 2022 IT0042230120020190 Inglewood Today

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022055281 The following Person is doing business as: Quantum Handyman Services 405 E 98th St. Inglewood, CA 90301

Registered Owner(s): David Ortiz, 405 E 98th St., Inglewood, CA 90301 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on March 10, 2022. I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) David Ortiz, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on March 10, 2022. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original March 17, 24, 31; April 7, 2022 IT0042230120020192 Inglewood Today

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022043973 The following Person is doing business as: Custom Life Solutions 1327 E Crane CT Compton, CA 90221

Registered Owner(s): Charles Walker, 1327 E Crane CT, Compton, CA 90221 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on February 24, 2022. I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Charles Walker, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on February 24, 2022. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original March 17, 24, 31; April 7, 2022 IT0042230120020193 Inglewood Today

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022017905 The following Person is doing business as:

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022053647 The following Person is doing business as:

3RC Realty 6715 Wooster Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90056

Marabate Studios 803 Jade Pl Montebello, CA 90640

Registered Owner(s): Angeles 90056

Robert Drewery, 6715 Wooster Ave., Los

Registered Owner(s): Mark Marabate, 803 Jade Pl, Montebello, CA 90640

This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on January 26, 2022.

This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on March 09, 2022.

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Robert Drewery, Owner.

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Mark Marabate, Owner.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on January 26, 2022

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on March 09, 2022.

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original February 24; March 3, 10, 17, 2022 IT0042230120020187 Inglewood Today

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original March 17, 24, 31; April 7, 2022 IT0042230120020191 Inglewood Today

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022038831 The following Person is doing business as: Party Planning Tami 8910 S. 6th Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305

Registered Owner(s): Tamika Laquan Williams, 8910 S. 6th Ave., Inglewood, CA 90305

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case # 22BBCP00099 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Petitioner: Michael Robert Oved, 4647 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Apt

This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on February 16, 2022.

4, Studio City, CA 91604, has filed a petition with the Superior Court

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Tamika Laquan Williams, Owner.

91502, to change his name.

Of California, County Of Los Angeles, 300 E. Olive, Burbank, CA

FROM: Michael Robert Oved – TO: Michael Robert Kierstein Oved

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on February 16, 2022 NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original February 24; March 3, 10, 17, 2022 IT0042230120020188 Inglewood Today

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on, April 22, 2022, 8:30 AM, Dept. A, 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: Mar 17, 24 31; April 7, 2022

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Californians if federal government subsidies provided by the American Rescue Plan are allowed to expire at the end of 2022. An estimated total of 14 million Americans could be affected by the price increase. “The American Plan built on the Affordable Care Act and provided more financial help than ever before to help people get covered and stay covered largely in response to the pandemic,” said Peter V. Lee, former Executive Director of Covered California. Lee was speaking during a press briefing held earlier this month to inform the public about what he sees as an impending crisis if the federal government does not take action. As a sidenote during that virtual meeting, Lee announced that he was stepping down from Covered California. In February, the agency’s Board of Directors announced Jessica Altman, former Commonwealth Insurance Commissioner of Pennsylvania, as Covered California’s new Chief Executive Officer. Lee said funds the federal government currently provides to states to help lower health care premiums for Americans led to record numbers in enrollment across the country, including about 1.8 million new signups in California. The largest increases in enrollment in California were among African Americans and Latinos. About 90% of Covered California enrollees have received discounts on their premiums through the program. “The American Rescue Plan increased affordability by paying a bigger share of consumers’ monthly premiums. As a result, the portion that consumers pay dropped significantly by 23 % nationally and 20 % here in California,” said Lee. “Those are big drops. That meant that two-thirds of our consumers were eligible for a plan that cost $10 or less,” Lee continued. “For a lower income consumer, low cost is a critical ingredient for getting and keeping coverage.” Covered California is the Golden State’s federally subsidized public insurance marketplace where individuals and businesses can purchase health care plans.

Lee said nearly $3 billion from the American Rescue plan allowed California to subsidize the insurance costs of more middle-income people. The eligibility window expanded to include Californians earning up to $52,000 as a single person or $106,000 as a family of four. Before help from the American Rescue Plan kicked in there were hundreds of thousands of Americans paying up to 30 % of their income for insurance, according to Covered California. If the federal supplement expires, “those who can least afford it would be hit the hardest,” warned lee. Lee says the program is helping more middle-income people than ever before. “In California today, about one out of 10 of our subsidized enrollees earn above 400% of the poverty level. They are getting financial help that is needed and meaningful,” said Lee. “Without the extension of the American Rescue Plan, those gains would be wiped away and consumers would be faced with staggering cost increases.” Lee says if the federal subsidies expire, the loss of funding will also hurt people who do not qualify for the subsidies and pay for insurance at market rates. He estimates, for Californians earning more than $52,000 a year, there premiums could increase by an average of more than $270 per month or nearly $3,000 annually. “As people drop their coverage, the rising premiums would be felt by everyone. When you price people out of coverage, people that drop coverage first are healthy people. If you’re sicker, you keep your coverage,” said Lee. “What does that mean? If the American Rescue Plans subsidies are not continued, we are very likely to see a premium spike. As health plans say, ‘next year will be the year we have fewer insured people, they are going to be sicker on average, we are going to have to boost our premiums,’” Lee emphasized. If the U.S. Congress does not act to make the subsidies permanent – or at least to extend them -- Californians will first see the new increased amount of their monthly premiums in the fall when they receive their renewal notices for 2023.

Continued from page 4: African...

rates,” said Delmonte Jefferson, executive director for The Center. “Truth Check aims to correct this contagious spread of inaccurate and false narratives.” The Center has launched TheTruthCheck.org, an online resource to provide African Americans with social media literacy and factchecking skills needed to avoid the influence of misinformation regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. To learn more about the campaign and how to spot misinformation on social media, visit TheTruthCheck.org.

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Page 8 Continued from page 1: Women’s History...

in California and today the topic is ‘Black Women Aging With Dignity and Respect.’” During their remarks, panelists outlined resources Black women need to make sure that their needs are met while elevating some concerning statistics. “Black women in California have many barriers in their everyday life. As we get older, the issues don’t change. The issues just get more complicated,” said Regina Brown Wilson, moderator of the event and Executive Director of California Black Media.” “Before COVID-19, we were already experiencing financial hardship, poor health outcomes, and when the pandemic hit, older Black women were among the most vulnerable because of their circumstances, Wilson stated. “Approximately 80% of Black women are breadwinners who earn 40% of the household income. Seventy-four percent of Black women breadwinners are single mothers.” The panelists were Brown; Sylvia Drew Ivie, Special Advisor to the President, Charles R. Drew University; Delane Sims, Founder and CEO, Senior Moments; and Shavonda WebberChristmas, Community Benefits Program Manager at LA Care Health Plans. The women helped shed light on issues that Black women experience as they age in their older years. Webber-Christmas said it is critical to ensure that there are culturally competent providers helping Black women navigate resources available

March 17 - 23, 2022 to them and to make sure that they are practicing the self-care they need to maintain long, healthy lives. “If you’re missing food, your likelihood of being healthy is low. So, we do try to look at the whole person and not just medical needs when we talk about the services that we contract for, or services that we provide grants for. We want those to be holistic,” she said, highlighting some of the wraparound social services LA Care provides to the people it serves. “I think that when we talk about older women, we’re not talking about someone who just became that person,” Webber-Christmas added. We’re talking about someone, if you look over the life course of the individual, it’s incremental. What we are doing today determines what we experience in later life.” Sims spoke about the experiences of Black women who live longer and the various challenges they face as caregivers. Her own father lived to be 115 years old, she shared. Sims said taking care of him became a challenge as his other caregivers aged. “It was daunting to say the least, to be sort of thrust into caregiving and not being prepared, but just feeling like it was something I absolutely needed to do to honor my mother and certainly my stepfather. But that is also one of the challenges,” said Sims. She encouraged Black women caregivers to seek emotional support, avoid missing meals, talk to someone and even join a support group. Brown said Black families must take

a collective look at caring for their aging loved ones. “We have to look out for each other,” she said. “It has to be an intergenerational thing.” Kellie Todd Griffin, convenor of the CBWC said there is an emerging trend of communal living among Black single mothers. “They are buying homes together. Sharing in the costs of daycare and helping each other out. We have to be creative,” she said. Griffin said it is also important for Black women to organize. “We have got to raise our voices and knock on doors. When we show up at the Capitol and in those district offices, that’s when they start listening to us,” she pointed out. “It is important to show up to those town hall meetings that legislators have in their communities.”

Continued from page 4: HHS...

Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the leader of SAMHSA. “Expanding access to evidence-based treatments and supports for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder has never been more critical. Strengthening the nation’s prescribing guidelines to prevent misuse is equally critical.” The two grant programs are: The Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs (SPF Rx) grant program provides funds for state agencies, territories, and tribal entities that have completed

a Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant plan or a similar state plan to target prescription drug misuse. The grant program will raise awareness about the dangers of sharing medications, fake or counterfeit pills sold online, and over prescribing. The grant will fund a total of $3 million over five years for up to six grantees. The Medication-Assisted Treatment – Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction (MAT-PDOA) grant program provides resources to help expand and enhance access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). It will help increase the number of individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) receiving MOUD and decrease illicit opioid use and prescription opioid misuse. The grant will fund a total of $22.6 million over 5 years for up to 30 grantees. No less than $11 million will be awarded to Native American tribes, tribal organizations, or consortia. Anyone seeking treatment options for substance misuse should call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) or visit findtreatment.gov. Reporters with questions should email media@ samhsa.hhs.gov. More information on the National Tour to Strengthen Mental Health is available at https://HHS.gov/ HHSTour.