21 minute read
From The Editor “Turn Up and Turn Out”
Just as it seemed we as a country were coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we find ourselves faced with another challenge as the Delta variant of the virus spreads more rapidly throughout our communities. On top of the pandemic, we are also heading into another fire season while many of our neighbors remain unhoused. We know that low-income Californians, people of color and women who take care of their families while also providing essential care for others are feeling a disproportionate share of these burdens. It is during this time that Republicans have chosen to once again return to the Donald Trump playbook of political games by attempting to recall Governor Gavin Newsom and overturn his election without any merit or standing. This recall effort -_ in addition to being completely baseless and a blatantly political power grab -- is completely inappropriate during this period where we need to allow our elected leaders to handle very significant challenges. This recall election of the governorship alone will cost Californians $215 million in taxpayer money, money that could have been spent battling wildfires, developing housing, or combatting a pandemic that continues to threaten our health and public safety. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I know how much Californians -- and African American Californians in particular -- have to lose from this Republican ploy. We know that recall supporters from the Trump camp understand they cannot win in a normal election, they are yet again using underhanded tactics to undermine our democratic elections. As we fight against voter suppression in Congress and in states like Georgia, we must realize that the recall election is the California version of that same Republican agenda. Governor Newsom won his position in 2018 and has since set an example to the nation for what strong leader ship can do in the face of crisis. Since the very beginning of this pandemic, we remember California was and continues to be looked upon as a gold standard for testing, vaccination, and virus protocols. Governor Newsom has proven his ability to lead California through the pandemic, and his resume ensures he is more than up to the task of controlling the Delta Variant. Now, the Trump-backed recall is setting its sights on dismantling all the work we as a state have done to keep this virus under control, and for no more than a political ploy to steal a governorship from the voters who put Governor Newsom in office. The good news is that we have faced these challenges before, we know the good work we are capable of doing. Although it will take time and a continued effort from our leaders to get through these crises, we will return to a sense of normalcy once again with strong leadership and good decision making as Governor Newsom and his team have already shown capable of executing. Ignoring these problems and instead being forced to deal with a completely unsuitable recall for Californians by Trumpbacked groups is a recipe for disaster. The ploy to recall the governor is one of several democratically elected positions that Trump-backed groups have targeted to recall. From progressive district attorneys to city council members and from California delegates to local school board members, these recall groups insist upon wasting taxpayer dollars, costing Californians hundreds of millions of dollars, just to win political games. These recalls are a waste of our money and are completely detrimental to overcoming the challenges we have at hand. Simply put, the recall effort of Governor Newsom and every Trump-backed recall effort will hurt Californians--not just our recovery from Covid but reproductive freedom, education funding, civil rights and other longtime conservative targets. We have come a long way since the beginning of the pandemic, the early helplessness we all felt is finally transitioning to hopefulness. We cannot afford to forfeit all that we have worked for over petty political stunts. It is time to fight these recall efforts and ensure our leaders can focus on the issues that matter for the health, safety, and welfare of every Californian. Women and people of color stand firmly behind Governor Newsom. We know that the health of our families, our neighborhoods and our rights depend on defeating the recall. We invite all readers to join us on September 14 -- or as soon as you get your mail-in ballot -- in voting NO on the recall.
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Rep. Barbara Lee represents California’s 13th Congressional District including portions of Alameda and San Francisco counties in the United States House of Representatives.
From the Editor
rom Hurricane Ida to the September 14
Frecall election, Delta’s ravaging of the unvaccinated and the death of 13 U.S. soldiers, this past month has been a whirlwind, and with all that’s going on it’s easy to be distracted from the real issues. Now, I’m someone who believes that there is a time and place for recall elections, particularly in the case of elected officials breaking the law or falling way short of expectations, but now is not that time. Governor Gavin Newsom has not broken any laws, nor has he done any less than he promised–which is to make the best decisions he could on those things that improve and impact the quality of life of Californians from the alleviation of poverty to a historic housing and homelessness funding package and major policy changes around criminal and juvenile justice reforms. I must disclose that I was contracted to do faith outreach for the Gavin Newsom for Governor campaign and was engaged as a consultant for the Stop the Republican Recall of Gavin Newsom. That said, I’ve gotten to know Gavin Newsom over the last few years and have found him to be sincere in his efforts to act in the best interests of his constituents, whether they voted for him or not. What’s more, he is determined in his efforts to keep them safe during a pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 622,000 Americans. To be sure, it would be impossible for him to please everyone but what is clear is that he has made the tough decisions he believed would abate the COVID-19 pandemic–despite the protests of Republican anti-vaxxers, while also rebuilding our communities, economy and healthcare delivery system. But what’s at stake in this election is really about democracy; about having a leader that the majority of Californians have agreed upon, and that will not happen if the Governor is recalled. Instead, all it will take for someone to be the next governor of California is getting the most votes, meaning that someone with just 10% of the vote–or less–could pull this election out. And that, say those like Supervisor Holly Mitchell, is tantamount to stealing an election one could never have won outright. For those of you thinking about sitting out this election–or not even considering this as a “real election”, think again. This election has real implications that could impact your life. If you are not happy with how Gavin Newsom has performed, you can say so when he runs for re-election next year. In the meantime, take this election seriously and cast your vote on September 14. The decision of whether or not Gavin Newsom remains as Governor will be determined by whether or not you turn out to vote. For more on what’s at stake in this election, check out our story on page 10. Speaking of elections, the fact that so many want to draft Congresswoman Karen Bass in the 2022 race to become L.A.’s next mayor is perhaps the truest testament to her qualifications; her track record; to the respect voters have for her and to the satisfaction of those she has represented in her more than 17 years in elected office. To that end I add to the collective chorus of “Run, Karen, Run”. For more on that story, see page 6. Also, in this issue, the sixth installment in our series on domestic abuse that couldn’t be more timely given the recent headlines surrounding the slaying of prominent Bank of America executive Michelle Avan, who was allegedly killed by a fellow bank executive she had dated. Though seldom talked about in the circles of those who are successful, it remains a clear and present danger in our communities, particularly during a pandemic that has at times isolated us from each other. It is just as clearly a reminder that we should pay closer attention to what’s going on in the lives of those close to us. So often, it’s easier to pretend that all is well. Truth is, all of us have our issues and none of us can escape those times when things aren’t going well. Those times when a word or the ability to share what we’re going through can make all the difference. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” So, if you have the power to make someone happy, do it. Be a vessel, be the change, be the difference, be the inspiration, be the light. Keep the faith. LISA COLLINS Publisher
“Run Karen Run”: The Campaign to Make Congresswoman Karen Bass L.A.’s Next Mayor
LISA COLLINS
Staff
As the California recall race reaches fever pitch in the countdown to September 14, there is yet another political campaign that is gathering steam as what began as a behind-thescenes move to enlist Congresswoman Karen Bass in the 2022 mayoral race has gained momentum both in L.A. political circles and the media. Leading the charge are black women’s democratic clubs that have launched online campaigns to draft the Congresswoman into the race, including the California Black Women’s Democratic Club which posted: “We believe the residents of Los Angeles would like to have a progressive option in the field of candidates. We also know that Bass is a solution-focused candidate who has a track record of solving complex problems.” They were the same black women who rallied around Bass when she was eyed as a possible replacement for the senate seat vacated by Kamala Harris in a “keep the seat” campaign that included black leaders and women’s groups across the state and nation, but ultimately ended when Governor Gavin Newsom instead chose Alex Padilla. Yet another campaign –dubbed “Run Karen Run”–from veteran political strategist Kerman Maddox of Dakota Communications and others–is asking business and community members to sign letters encouraging Bass to run while also gaging support on behalf of the 67-year old legislator. “The arc of her journey has been really impressive and I’m excited about the groundswell of support she’s receiving, which is highly unusual for someone just rumored to be running,” Maddox said. “The possible entrance of Bass, who has been one of the few politicians I can say didn’t do a Jekyll and Hyde after being sworn into office, has been the most welcomed news since Biden announced he’s sending Mayor Eric Garcetti to India”, Democratic political strategist Jasmyne Cannick wrote in a recent op-ed. “Who we elected is who we got with Bass, a compassionate, thoughtful and bold leader on important issues”. City Councilmember Mark RidleyThomas is also among the many urging Bass to run having made the decision that he would not seek the post. “If Karen Bass were to launch a campaign, she would be formidable, because of her experience at the federal level; because of her experience at the state level; because of her former experience as a health care professional; and because of gender. Those factors are really going to be important,” Ridley-Thomas said of the field of likely candidates that include City Attorney Mike Feuer, Councilmember Joe Buscaino and Kevin de Leon, City Council President Nury Martinez and billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso. A recent poll bears witness to just how formidable a force Bass would be. Conducted by FM3 Research, the survey of 803 people put Bass in the lead with 22% of the respondents indicating that they would vote for her. The poll also indicated that Bass had the advantage of being the best known among the candidates and led with Black Angelenos and people on the Westside and South Los Angeles. Fact is, Bass’ name had surfaced relative to the mayoral race even before Ridley-Thomas bowed out the race. Back in April, a spokesman remarked that though people had asked her to consider running, “she was not considering running for mayor at this time”. Bass, who had been mum on the issue, was recently quoted in an interview with KPCC/LAist, that she was “overwhelmed and humbled by people pushing me to do this, and I will say that I am seriously considering it.” She is expected to announce her intentions later this month and if the answer is affirmative, will have nine months to fundraise and put together an effective campaign. No one questions the qualifications of the L.A. native whose national profile rose with her chairmanship of the Congressional Black Caucus, her consideration as a vice presidential candidate by Joe Biden and her current leadership in the legislative reckoning over race and police violence. Observed Maddox, “Karen Bass is a uniquely talented elected official who has the ability to work with and connect with supporters and critics to get things done because everybody respects her and people really like her and in electoral politics likeability is priceless. “As she was being vetted to be on the ticket as Joe Biden's Vice Presidential running mate,” Maddox continued, “people talked about her integrity, her accomplishments, her leadership skills and her career trajectory but the thing I heard more than anything throughout that process was her ability to bring people together because people trusted her and genuinely liked her.” The six-term lawmaker, who founded the social justice non-profit, the Community Coalition–has since 2011–represented California’s 37th Congressional district, which stretches from Inglewood to Century City and includes Leimert Park, Culver City, MidCity, West Adams, Mar Vista, Westwood, Ladera Heights and University Park. If elected, Bass would make history as the first woman to serve as L.A. mayor. It wouldn’t be the first time Bass has made history. In 2008, she was elected to serve as the 67th Speaker of the California State Assembly, becoming the first African American woman in United States history to serve as a Speaker of a state legislative body. Election watchers will be looking to see if the early buzz and name identification pay off at the polls. To avoid a November runoff, Bass would have to get more than 50% of the vote. The primary election is set for June 7, 2021.
L.A. City Council Adopts Antiracism Motion to Ensure Equity
In an effort to address generational inequities that perpetuate racial disparities across city services, the Los Angeles City Council has unanimously voted to adopt an “Antiracism” motion, calling upon the Civil and Human Rights + Equity Department to produce a Racial Equity Audit of City programs, policies and practices; and to develop a plan that addresses barriers to economic stability, specifically among African Americans. “As leaders of a city as diverse as Los Angeles, it is our responsibility to ensure the equitable distribution of city services and resources. But in order to do that, we must have the tools in place to effectively examine the ways in which we have unwittingly fallen short. Only when we are clear on our flaws, can we course-correct,” said Councilmember RidleyThomas, who introduced the motion along with Councilmembers Curren Price and Marqueece HarrisDawson. “We have reached a critical turning point and if we are ever to reconcile with the past wrongdoings done to the Black community and tackle race relations, it is our duty to push for measures that ensure there is a more equitable and fair distribution of services that addresses systemic inequities to erase color-lines,” said Councilman Curren Price. “We cannot sit back and watch history continue to repeat itself. We want to put an end to the cycle here and now.” Capri Maddox, who serves as Executive Director of the city’s Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department, also known as LA Civil Rights said her agency was grateful for the opportunity to support the initiative. “Systemic racism didn’t come out of thin air - it came from centuries of policies that separated Black communities from their wealth, their health and their freedom,” Maddox said. “But just as our country designed a system of inequality, we can also build a future of inclusion and justice - and Los Angeles is showing the way.” Mayor Eric Garcetti agreed. “There is no question that work remains to close the racial gaps that exist in our country when it comes to wealth, health, and education,” Garcetti said. “The motion builds on the equity work we’re doing in Los Angeles, and I’m proud to work alongside Councilmembers who are committed to confronting structural racism and fulfilling America’s promise to all its people.”
Governor Signs Bill to Speed Up Compensation for Student Athletes
The effective date of the “Fair Pay to Play Act”– granting college athletes the right to compensation for their name, image, and likeness and allowing them to earn money from sponsorships, endorsement deals and other activities–has been moved up from January 1, 2023 to being effective as of September 1, 2021 having been passed by the California Senate and clearing the State Assembly last month and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. In 2019, California became the first state in the nation to give student athletes the right to compensation for their name, image, and likeness with the passage of SB 206. SB 26– authored by Senator Steven Bradford (DGardena) and Senator Nancy Skinner (DBerkeley), and co-authored by Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita)– also extends that protection to include the California Community Colleges. “As a former athlete, a longtime coach in my community, and author of the groundbreaking SB 206, I am pleased to see continued bipartisan support on the issue of fair compensation for college athletes,” said Senator Bradford. “The state and nation are now in solid agreement that students who generate millions and millions of dollars for universities should not have to struggle to purchase books, food, and have a place to sleep while others benefit from their talent and hard work. SB 26 is about bringing fairness and justice to the matter of compensation for college athletes faster by ending the modern day chattel slavery of college athletes than what we thought was possible when we started this fight and making sure we protect the civil right of a person to own themselves.
Hate Crimes Rise in U.S. Spike, Highest in 12 Years LAUREN VICTORIA BURKE
NNPA Newswire According to the FBI, the number of hate crimes in America rose 6 percent from the previous year in 2020. The increase was the highest level in 12 years. The main targets of hate crimes in the U.S. are Blacks and Asians. The FBI reports that there were 7,759 hate crimes in 2020. That total was an increase of 6 percent from 2019 and the most since 2008. Hate crime numbers have risen steadily over the last seven years. The new numbers feature attacks targeting Black people. Hate crimes on Black people went up from 1,930 to 2,755 in 2020. “These statistics show a rise in hate crimes committed against Black and AfricanAmericans, already the group most often victimized. Notably, they show a rise in hate crimes committed against members of the Asian-American Pacific Islander community. This also confirms what we have seen and heard through our work and from our partners,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland in a statement on the report. “Preventing and responding to hate crimes and hate incidents is one of the Justice Department’s highest priorities. The FBI Hate Crime Statistics for 2020 demonstrates the urgent need for a comprehensive response,” Garland added. During the presidency of Donald Trump hate crimes rose. With a President who has mainstreamed the rhetoric of White nationalists, the groups have become more emboldened. The FBI’s report on August 30 is one of several that has focused on rising hate crimes in the U.S.
City Council Votes to Move Community Build into the Afiba Center; Exec Director Says “It Ain’t Over Yet”
TINA SAMEPAY
Contributor
The L.A. City Council has voted to approve a measure introduced by District 8 City Councilman Marqueece Harris Dawson to move Community Build into the AFIBA Center. The move is the culmination of a longstanding battle between Harris-Dawson and Executive Director of “the Afiba Center”, Jabari Jumaane along with community members over the fate of the A.F.I.B.A. (African Fire Fighters Benevolent Association) Center, which has operated in a city-owned property on Crenshaw for more than 20 years, providing cultural programming and resources to the African-American community. During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Harris-Dawson’s office placed padlocks over the gates and evicted the Afiba Center. Dawson’s grounds for seizing the property was that the center did not allow the city access when requested. Jumaane disagrees, adding that he believes he became a sore spot for HarrisDawson after he began to question the Councilman’s commitment to the Black community, especially the Destination Crenshaw project. “His project Destination Crenshaw has come under a lot of scrutiny,” Jumaane expressed. “All of us like art, but if that’s all you are proposing, you need to put something in place that helps these young brothers and sisters own these commercial spaces.” Destination Crenshaw declares the goal of the multi-million dollar project is to ensure the Black esthetic of the area remains in the face of gentrification. Jumaane feels the Councilman could ensure this, by putting the full force of his office behind making sure the people are not easily replaced from the community. “He [Dawson] is good at photo-ops, showing up places and smiling, but they are selling you out on the back burner. It is time for somebody to be in that office who is going to stand up for our people,” Jumaane said. “If you can’t be bold and speak out now--when will you be able to?” In recent months, a mediator was brought in and Jumaane was under the impression the Afiba Center was close to reaching an agreement with the Councilman’s office. At one point, calls and texts to the mediator went unanswered. When Jumaane was finally able to make contact, he was told the mediator had been sick. The Councilman's office then authored a motion on June 2, suggesting the Afiba Center be leased to the non-profit, Community Build, at no-cost. The motion was seconded by recently elected City Councilwoman Nithya Raman. This caused supporters of the Afiba Center to protest outside of Community Build’s current office in Leimert Park. “Sausedo did not offer any ill words, he brought refreshments out and I let him know that although we had spoken, it was the community that said they wanted to come out,” Jumaane illustrated. “If people are speaking up for the institution, I am going to be speaking up with them.” During a zoom call Jumaane says Sausedo had not yet committed to taking over the space and shared that Community Build does not want to hurt their name by getting caught between the feud. When reaching Community Build for comment, Sausedo made clear the space on Crenshaw which houses the Afiba Center, is not large enough in size to handle the operations of Community Build. “We are not moving. We have been asked to manage the building and programming,” Sausedo said. Community Build was made aware of the ongoing dispute of the space by HarrisDawson’s office. In a statement, Community Build responded, “The councilman made it clear that because of Community Build’s reputation with implementing processes and being systematic in our endeavors, he felt these strengths would bode well for achieving his vision for maximizing the use of the AFIBA Center by the entire community.” According to Harris-Dawson’s office, the recent motion was to create a pathway for community groups, neighborhood councils and non-profit organizations to readily use the space every weekday of the year, free of cost. “The building is for the community and any community group will be given the opportunity to use this public space for programming,” stated a spokesman for the Councilman. Jumaane says Sausedo shared he has a plan of bringing 5,000 jobs to the area and that he was interested in the space still being called the Afiba Center. That is, if Community Build agrees to manage the space. Still, Jumaane continues to fight back against what he calls an unlawful lockout that was denied to the councilman in a 2020 court order. He views the recent motion and actions on behalf of HarrisDawson's office as blatant disrespect, and an overall disregard for the decimation of Black cultural institutions in Los Angeles. “Anyone can make a mistake, that’s what makes you human, but disrespect is intolerable,” Jumaane shared. “We are the only district with any real percentage of African culture. That’s what this district represents, and it’s being eroded...The struggle continues. It ain’t over yet.”
