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Jimmy Carter, 39th President and Global Humanitarian, Dies at 100
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
James “Jimmy” Carter, the peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia, who became the 39th president of the United States and later redefined the role of an ex-president through decades of humanitarian work, died Sunday at his home. He was 100. His son, James E. Carter III, known as Chip, confirmed the death but provided no immediate cause. Carter had been in hospice care since February 2023 after battling an aggressive form of melanoma that spread to his brain and liver.
Carter’s wife, Rosalynn, with whom he shared 77 years of marriage—the longest of any presidential couple—died on November 19, 2023, at 96. The couple’s final years were marked by their enduring love, and Carter’s last public appearance was at Rosalynn’s funeral, where he sat in the front row in a wheelchair.
Born in Plains on October 1, 1924, Carter grew up on a farm, served in the U.S. Navy, and rose to prominence as Georgia’s governor from 1971 to 1975. He was elected president in 1976, becoming the first man from the Deep South since 1837. The victory made Carter the only Democrat to hold the office between Lyndon B. Johnson and Bill Clinton.
Carter’s presidency, defined by ambitious domestic and foreign policy initiatives, faced formidable challenges. During Carter’s presidency, America struggled with stagflation, an energy crisis, and international turmoil.
The 1979 Iranian hostage crisis and the failed rescue mission that followed, combined with economic woes and a Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, led to his overwhelming defeat in the 1980 election by Ronald Reagan.
Despite serving just one term, Carter’s presidency is remembered by historians as one of the most consequential. He brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 1978, a milestone in Middle East peace efforts. Carter prioritized human rights in U.S. foreign policy, advanced environmental conservation, and created the
ever undertaken by
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As Trump Era Begins, Carter’s Legacy of Inclusion Endures
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior
National Correspondent
As Black America and other minority groups brace for hostility and uncertainty under the incoming administration of Donald Trump, the death of former President Jimmy Carter has reignited an appreciation for a leader who championed equality, justice, and humanity over self-interest and division. Carter, who died at 100, leaves a legacy rooted in humility and service, demonstrating what true leadership can accomplish.
Carter’s presidency from 1977 to 1981 brought meaningful progress in civil rights and inclusion. He appointed Patricia Harris as the first Black woman to a presidential cabinet, naming her Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and later Secretary of Health and Human Services. Andrew Young served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, further demonstrating Carter’s commitment to inclusion. His administration
included a record number of Black federal judges, strengthened rules preventing discriminatory schools from claiming tax-exempt status, and expanded food aid programs for impoverished communities, many of which benefited Black families in rural areas.
In a previously published interview, Deputy Assistant to the President for Reorganization Jay Beck spoke fondly of Carter’s dedication to fostering opportunity for marginalized groups. “One of the things that’s happened through President Carter over the years, he’s brought in people to the government to work, prove themselves, learn skills, and move up so that the next time there’s a job opening in management or whatever, they’re there. Boom, they can move up,” Beck told television station WALB. Many observers said Carter’s relationship with Black
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NEW YORK (AP) — An Alabama woman who says she was raped by Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs when she was 13 can proceed anonymously, for now, in her lawsuit against the rap moguls, a judge ruled Thursday. In her written order, Judge Analisa Torres also chastised the lawyer representing Jay-Z for what she described as his combative motions and “inflammatory language” against the plaintiff’s lawyer, calling them inappropriate.
The Manhattan jurist said the woman can proceed anonymously at this early stage of the litigation, but she may be required to reveal her identity at a later date, if the case proceeds. That would allow defense lawyers to collect facts necessary to prepare for trial. Torres also cited “substantial interest” from the public. Combs remains jailed in New York awaiting a criminal trial on federal sex trafficking charges. He also faces a wave of sexual assault lawsuits, many of which were filed by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, a Texas attorney who says his firm represents over 150 people, both men and women, who allege sexual abuse and exploitation by Combs.
The lawsuits allege many individuals were abused at parties in New York, California and Florida after receiving drug-laced drinks.
Combs’ lawyers have dismissed Buzbee’s lawsuits as “shameless publicity stunts, designed to extract payments from celebrities who fear having lies spread about them, just as lies have been spread about Mr. Combs.” Jay-Z has said in a statement that Buzbee is trying to blackmail him to settle the Alabama woman’s allegations.
In her lawsuit, the woman who says she was raped at 13 identifies herself as “Jane Doe.” She said she was living in Rochester in 2000 when she made her way to New York City and befriended a limousine driver who drove her to an after-party for the MTV Music Awards, where she says she was eventually attacked by Jay-Z and Combs. Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Jay-Z, asked the judge to dismiss the entertainer from the woman’s lawsuit and he requested a hearing on the case for the day after he made his requests in writing on Dec. 18. Torres wrote in her order Thursday that Spiro, who has been on the case less than three weeks, has submitted a “litany of letters and motions attempting to impugn the character of Plaintiff’s lawyer, many of them expounding on the purported ‘urgency’ of this case.”
Referring to Jay-Z by his legal last name, the judge added: “Carter’s lawyer’s relentless filing of combative motions containing inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks is inappropriate, a waste of judicial resources, and a tactic unlikely to benefit his client. The Court will not fast-track the judicial process merely because counsel demands it.”
A resident of the Bay Area, Franco-Clausen is an award-winning public advocate, speaker, political strategist and former elected official. She has contributed her thought leadership to drafting seventeen pieces of legislation in California. Notable among these accomplishments is her role in extending the statute of limitations for felony domestic violence survivors, advocating for the rights of foster youth, preserving endangered open spaces, and championing the restoration of voting rights for individuals on parole.
Franco-Clausen has spent the last 14 years serving on many local, county and state boards, political action committees and commissions, centered on criminal justice, LGBTQ and reproductive rights, gender-based violence and environmental protections.
California Black Media (CBM) spoke with FrancoClausen about her successes, frustrations and future plans heading into 2025.
Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
In the role that I sit in as the political director for Equality California, we endorsed 216 candidates. I think the one achievement after this election that I’m proud of is that we overturned Prop 8 to protect same-sex marriages here because they’re about to attack our rights on the federal level, come 2025. I’m glad at least we changed our California constitution to reflect and protect my marriage. How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
I contribute through my lived experience. I may have achieved a lot, but I come from those same communities that are marginalized, East Oakland, East San Jose, Watts. It gives me a different perspective. I am a formerly incarcerated youth who was in foster care. I think I contribute that bit of understanding, and I operate from an equity lens. I’m willing to push people to make them recognize that hey, you cannot forget about Black people. We are the most marginalized.
What frustrated you the most over the last year? What frustrates me is our inability to recognize that
we forget people. I was tapped to work on the Harris campaign from Equality California. And through that, being at that table, I was frustrated that they weren’t listening to Americans and not looking at the data. The reason Trump won is because he had consistent messaging, and we didn’t debunk it. I think I’m more frustrated that we don’t fully listen to people all the time when they’re critiquing us.
So, I’m frustrated that people at the top don’t always know what’s happening to people at the bottom and their messaging doesn’t reflect our issues.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
All those people that came out to support Kamala Harris. I was really proud that people came out. I was pretty proud that my son voted for the first time for a Black woman for President. What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?
Be fearless. Sometimes I second-guess myself. I push back, but I could push more because I’m qualified. I have the education, I have the experience, and I know what I’m talking about in all the rooms that I go in. And I must be confident in that.
In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?
Prioritization.
We’re still not seen as a priority, but everyone likes to add us to their talking points. Even though we have Black people in office, it doesn’t matter if we are not part of the budget. A budget is a statement of our values. If we’re not a part of the budget, but we’re a part of the talking points, there’s something missing. What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?
Writing a book. I think it’s important for us to tell our stories, not let other people tell them. And as I look forward to all the things that I’ve achieved, knowing where I came from, I think it’s important and powerful to tell those stories so other people can see themselves in not only the pain, but the power. I am also kicking off my campaign for Hayward City Council.
Katt Williams has expressed his regret for past jokes he made about late music icon Michael Jackson, as he believes they played into a damaging narrative against Black men.
During an interview at the Vulture festival, Williams took accountability for going too hard at Jackson, although he didn’t specify the context or nature of the jokes he was referring to. “I shouldn’t have, honestly,” the outspoken comic admitted while speaking about his material pertaining to the
By Edward Henderson
California Black Media
Shay Franco-Clausen is Political Director for Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.
Volume 51, Number 19
Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California
Departments of Energy and Education. His vision for alternative energy led to installing solar panels on the White House, which he called “a small part of one of the greatest and most exciting adventures
the American people.”
In his biography “His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life,” Jonathan Alter described Carter as “perhaps the most
Shay Franco-Clausen (Facebook) Equality California Political Director
Biden Commutes Sentences of
37 Federal Death Row Inmates
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The American Civil Liberties Union celebrated President Joe Biden’s historic action in commuting 37 federal death sentences. The group proclaimed that Biden has taken an “unequivocal stand against one of the most flawed and inhumane mechanisms of the U.S. criminal legal system.”
“President Biden took a historic and courageous step in addressing the failed death penalty in the United States –bringing us much closer to outlawing the barbaric practice once again,” said Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU. “President Biden has reaffirmed the power of redemption over retribution and reminds us that statesanctioned killing does not make us safer. The ACLU has long advocated against the death penalty and shed light on its fundamental flaws – it is error prone, racially biased, and a drain on public resources. And although we had hoped President Biden would commute all federal death sentences for those reasons, today’s milestone brings us much closer to our goal of outlawing the death penalty once and for all.”
people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018; Dylann Roof, who murdered nine Black worshippers at a Charleston church in 2015; and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the Boston Marathon bombers in 2013.
“Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss,” Biden said. “But guided by my conscience and my experience… I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.”
Federal Executions Halted
Shortly after taking office, Biden’s administration implemented a moratorium on federal executions through Attorney General Merrick Garland. Since then, no federal inmate has been executed.
service members prosecuted for private conduct related to their sexual orientation.
Broader Implications The use of capital punishment remains legal in about half of U.S. states, where more than two dozen executions have occurred this year, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Nationwide, over 2,200 individuals remain on death row.
On Monday, December 23, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row, changing their punishment from execution to life without the possibility of parole. The White House said the latest decision aligns with the administration’s ongoing efforts to curtail the federal death penalty, leaving only three individuals still sentenced to death at the federal level.
The commutations exclude cases involving terrorism or hate-motivated mass murder. Among those who remain on death row are Robert Bowers, responsible for killing 11
By commuting the sentences of 37 individuals on death row, Biden has taken the most consequential step of any president in our history to address the immoral and unconstitutional harms of capital punishment, the ACLU said in a release. “With a stroke of his pen, the President locks in his legacy as a leader who stands for racial justice, humanity, and morality. This will undoubtedly be one of the seminal achievements of the Biden presidency,” Romero asserted.
The decision reflects Biden’s long-standing opposition to capital punishment, dating back to his time as a senator and reiterated during his 2019 presidential campaign when he called for eliminating the death penalty.
Clemency Milestones
Biden’s decision follows his announcement of clemency for approximately 1,500 individuals earlier this month, the most significant such action by any president in a single day. Those granted clemency included individuals in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic who successfully reintegrated into their communities.
The president has also granted categorical pardons for non-violent marijuana possession and to former LGBTQI+
Billie Allen, one of the 37 whose sentences were commuted, has long maintained his innocence. In a recent interview, Allen expressed hope that Biden would take action, saying, “As someone who’s innocent, he should do the right thing sooner instead of later.” Allen described the grim atmosphere at Terre Haute federal prison, where most federal death row inmates are housed, during Donald Trump’s presidency. Execution rehearsals reportedly increased following Trump’s election, and some staff members taunted inmates in anticipation of resumed executions.
A Step Toward Reform Biden said his decision ensures that future administrations cannot easily reverse the moratorium or carry out executions based on outdated policies. “My administration remains committed to a fair and effective justice system, ensuring accountability while providing second
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke Leads
Push for Marcus Garvey’s Exoneration
Congresswoman
and 20 of her colleagues are urging President Joe Biden to exonerate Marcus Mosiah Garvey, the Pan-Africanist leader whose 1923 conviction for mail fraud has long been viewed as politically motivated. In a letter to the president, the lawmakers described the case as rooted in prosecutorial misconduct designed to discredit Garvey and undermine his work for racial justice and empowerment.
“Exactly 101 years ago, Mr. Garvey was convicted of mail fraud in a case that was marred by prosecutorial and governmental misconduct,” the letter stated. “The charges against Mr. Garvey were not only fabricated but also targeted to criminalize, discredit, and silence him as a civil rights leader.”
Born in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, in 1887, Garvey was the youngest of 11 children. His father, Marcus Garvey Sr., a stonemason, steered him to achieve. Garvey described his father as “severe, firm, determined, bold, and strong,” qualities that shaped his own steadfastness. His father’s
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extensive library sparked Garvey’s love for reading and ideas. At 14, Garvey became a printer’s apprentice and later moved to Kingston, where his involvement in union activities and participation in a 1907 printer’s strike ignited his passion for activism. He traveled through Central America as a newspaper editor, highlighting the exploitation of migrant workers, and studied at Birkbeck College in London, where he worked for the African Times and Orient Review, advocating for Pan-African nationalism.
In 1912, Garvey returned to Jamaica and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) to unite the African diaspora to “establish a country and absolute government of their own.” His correspondence with Booker T. Washington brought him to the United States in 1916. Garvey settled in Harlem, establishing a UNIA chapter and promoting economic independence for Black communities.
Garvey launched the Negro World newspaper in 1918, which reached hundreds of thousands of readers globally, and the Black Star Line in 1919, a shipping company intended to foster trade among Africans in the Americas, Caribbean, and Africa. The Negros Factories Association, another Garvey initiative, aimed to create manufacturing hubs across the Western Hemisphere and Africa.
Garvey’s work peaked in August 1920 when the UNIA claimed 4 million members and held its first International Convention at Madison Square Garden, where Garvey addressed a crowd of 25,000, urging pride in African history and culture. However, his separatist philosophy faced criticism from established Black leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois, who called Garvey “the most dangerous enemy of the Negro race in America.” Garvey dismissed Du Bois as a tool of the white elite.
Despite his achievements, Garvey’s growing influence made him a target of federal authorities. His 1923 mail fraud conviction centered on selling Black Star Line shares. Historians and advocates have long argued that the charges were baseless and designed to dismantle his movement. President Calvin Coolidge commuted Garvey’s sentence in 1927, and he was deported to Jamaica. Garvey continued his advocacy until his death in London in 1940. His remains were returned to Jamaica in 1964, where he was proclaimed the country’s first national hero. His legacy is honored through symbols like Ghana’s Black Star Line and national soccer team, named in tribute to Garvey’s vision of African unity and empowerment.
Efforts to clear Garvey’s name have persisted for decades, with hearings led by Congressman John Conyers in 1987 and resolutions introduced by Congressman Charles Rangel in 2004. Congresswoman Clarke has now taken up the mantle.
“A pardon for Mr. Garvey would honor his contributions to Black history, remove the shadow of an unjust conviction, and reaffirm this administration’s commitment to advancing racial justice,” the letter stated. Garvey’s influence on the civil rights movement and his advocacy for economic independence continue to inspire newer generations. His speeches, writings, and initiatives laid a foundation for Black empowerment and unity worldwide. In Washington, D.C., Garvey’s legacy is commemorated with a bust in the Organization of American States’ Hall of Heroes, a testament to his impact on the fight for racial justice.
The lawmakers’ letter also addressed the broader implications of exonerating Garvey, particularly as debates over the teaching and preservation of Black history intensify. They argued that correcting this historical injustice would reinforce the importance of preserving the truth about
leaders like Garvey.
“Clearing Mr. Garvey’s name would set the record straight and restore his legacy as an American hero,” the lawmakers wrote.
Garvey’s advocates see his exoneration as not only a long-overdue correction of a historical wrong but also as a reaffirmation of the contributions of Black leaders to global progress. Clarke, alongside colleagues such as Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-GA), has called on President Biden to act.
“This is about justice, not just for Marcus Garvey, but for all those who believe in the power of truth and reconciliation,” Clarke stated.
“A pardon for Marcus Garvey would not only honor his life’s work but also correct a stain on history,” the lawmakers wrote further. “This is a moment to ensure his name is remembered for his accomplishments, not for an unjust conviction.”
Jimmy Carter, 39th President and Global Humanitarian, Dies at 100
Continued from page A1
misunderstood president in American history.” In contrast, Kai Bird’s “The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter” highlighted his moral conviction in tackling issues others avoided, even at political cost.
After leaving the White House, Carter devoted himself to humanitarian work, transforming the role of former presidents. Through the Carter Center, founded with Rosalynn in 1982, he worked to promote democracy, monitor elections, and combat diseases like Guinea worm. The Center has monitored 115 elections in 40 countries and played a key role in nearly eradicating Guinea worm disease.
Carter and Rosalynn’s decades-long partnership with Habitat for Humanity further exemplified their commitment to service. Wearing tool belts and working alongside volunteers, they helped build or renovate more than 4,000 homes in 14 countries.
In 2002, Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize for his “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”
Gunnar Berge, a Nobel committee member, called Carter “the best ex-president the country ever had.”
Carter’s post-presidency also saw moments of controversy. His 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” drew criticism for its comparison of Israeli policies to South African apartheid. Yet, even in contentious circumstances, his tireless advocacy for peace earned him widespread respect.
“During his presidency, Jimmy Carter advocated to have Medicare cover all Americans. After his presidency, he continued humanitarian works that everyone, regardless of political affiliation, should respect,” said former Congresswoman Nina Turner.
Carter maintained a modest lifestyle, choosing not to capitalize on his presidency. He and Rosalynn lived in
the same Plains home they built in 1961, and Carter often said he wanted their gravesite in Plains to benefit the local economy through tourism.
In their later years, the Carters celebrated milestones with family and friends, including their 75th wedding anniversary in 2021. Guests included civil rights leader Andrew Young, country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, and former President Bill Clinton.
“Simply put, Jimmy Carter was a good man,” said former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “He was the epitome of a servant leader, changing the world and setting the highest example of what it meant to honor God, family, and country.”
Carter is survived by his four children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a legacy of public service that transformed lives around the globe. He will be buried next to Rosalynn under a willow tree near a pond he helped dig in Plains.
As Trump Era Begins, Carter’s
Legacy of Inclusion Endures
voters and civil rights leaders formed the foundation of his leadership. Martin Luther King Sr., known as “Daddy King,” was an advisor and confidant, guiding Carter on policies to advance civil rights. Coretta Scott King, Andrew Young, and other civil rights leaders saw Carter as someone who could carry the movement’s progress forward. “He was an upright man, different from the other Southerners,” said Bobby Fuse, a civil rights activist who supported Carter’s gubernatorial campaign in 1970. Carter’s ability to rise above the racism entrenched in his Southern roots defined much of his political career. As a young school board member in Plains, Georgia, he resisted pressure to join the White Citizens’ Council and objected to his church’s exclusion of Black worshippers. Rachel Clark, a Black woman who worked on the Carter family farm, helped influence his moral compass. She taught him about selflessness and community, lessons that guided him throughout his life. “He even got teased in school for sounding Black,” said Jonathan Alter, author of “His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life.” When Carter ran for governor of Georgia in 1970, his campaign initially used dog whistles to appeal to white voters. However, after his victory, his inaugural address declared, “The time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter
appointed Black judges, supported fair housing laws, and challenged systemic racism in ways that surprised even his critics. Martin Luther King Sr. praised Carter, writing, “I know a man I can trust, Blacks can trust, and that man is Jimmy Carter.”
After leaving the Oval Office, Carter’s commitment to service never waned. Over four decades, he and his wife Rosalynn partnered with Habitat for Humanity, building thousands of homes for needy families. Mark Minick, a Friends of Jimmy Carter Board member, described Carter’s relentless dedication. “He was initiating it, he was asking for volunteers,” Minick stated in a 2023 interview. “He never minded asking you to do anything, and if he did ask you to do something, you’d figure out how to do it.” Carter’s human rights advocacy extended globally. His negotiation of the Camp David Accords remains a pivotal achievement, securing peace between Israel and Egypt. Even later in life, Carter stood firm on controversial issues like Palestinian freedom. The Council on AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR) issued a statement recognizing Carter’s courage. “President Carter was a humanitarian role model,” said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. “Even when he faced vitriolic attacks for his prescient book ‘Palestine: Peace, Not Apartheid,’ he stood firm.” Carter’s connection to the Black Press also marked a historic milestone. In 1977, he invited Black journalists to the White House for the first time and issued Proclamation 4507, declaring Black Press Day. That year coincided with the 150th anniversary of “Freedom’s Journal,” the nation’s
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Yvette Clarke (D-NY)
Mufasa: The Lion King
By Dwight Brown
Film Critic for NNPA News Wire
“Every being has a place in the circle of life,” and “No more kings, we are all one.” Those lines of dialogue sum up the two major themes of this entertaining prequel/sequel. It’s the successor to 2019’s photorealistic/animated The Lion King ($1.6B international box office), which was the live-action version of the 1994 traditionally animated The Lion King ($981M).
Anyone guessing what this chapter’s box office receipts will be, needs to consider the heavy competition during the holiday season. Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Wicked and Moana 2 are soaking up all the oxygen in the room. That said, Mufasa: The Lion King will definitely charm families and sell a lot of tickets. That’s due to its captivating, lifelike photoreal computer-generated imagery and a narrative that’s compelling for its entirety (1h 58m).
Director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) and screenwriter Jeff Nathanson (2019’s The Lion King) have created a storyline that champions all the values good parents would want to bestow on their children: Finding ways to survive and thrive in the darkest moments, cherishing friendships and family no matter who they may be and standing up to bullies. All are good messages, in times like these. Values that need constant reinforcement.
Rafiki (John Kani), an older griot-like mandrill, schools the lion cub Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) on her ancestors and heritage. His recollections are witnessed by a fidgety audience of two: Pumbaa (Seth Rogan) the warthog
and Timon (Billy Eichner) the meerkat. Rafiki: “It’s time. I will tell you a story…” Mufasa (Braelyn Rankins), a small lion cub, is separated from his parents during a natural disaster. He washes up on a riverbank and is saved by another cub, Taka (Theo Somolu). His rescuer, a prince, brings him back to his pride. Esche (Thandie Newton), Taka’s mom, wants to nurture the orphan. Obasi (Lennie James), his dad the king, thinks the interloper should be eaten or banished. Of course, mom wins out.
Years go by, and the older Mufasa (Aaron Pierre, Rebel Ridge) has been relegated to hunting with Esche and the females as a punishment. Paradoxically, the hunting expeditions have become a training ground for the young warrior lion who learns to trust his instincts. Meanwhile Taka (Calvin Harrison, Chevalier) has been pampered and sheltered. Like his dad, who sleeps all day. When Obassi’s pride is threatened, Mufasa and Taka are told to escape. Along their path the two meet and befriend Rafiki (Kagiso Lediga) a young mandrill, Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) a lioness and Zazu (Preston Nyman) a hornbill bird who’s Sarabi’s flighty majordomo. This new extended family seeks a promised land named Milele, which is their destiny. They’re followed by an evil group of animals bent on their annihilation.
The story-within-a-story format gets a bit confusing. Some viewers may wonder why this allegory didn’t just spin Mufasa’s yarn directly, without constant interruptions as Rafiki tells his tale. That’s a justifiable concern. However,
the rest of the narrative plays out like a gem of an action/ adventure/animation/family film. Kids are fed lofty notions about perseverance and helping others, that’s the subtext. But they’ll likely get caught up in the non-stop action and dazzling landscapes, from taupe plains to snowy white mountains. Watching the lions and animals run, especially when provoked by disasters or enemies is quite exhilarating. The rivalries and love triangles mix in drama and romance. There is no boring moment. No let down. Lots of kinetic energy. This genre requires strong visuals and audio effects, and they’re on view and heard. Visual effects supervisors Adam Valdez and Audrey Ferrara, visual effects producer Barry St. John and animation supervisor Daniel Fotheringham make the beasts and their movement vivid and thrilling. Production designer Mark Friedberg’s sense of design and color makes the landscapes evocative. Every moment and its essence are recorded by cinematographer James Laxton, while film editor Joi McMillon intuitively knows when to cut a scene. It’s likely the footage will be as much fun to watch on streaming services and TV, too. Crashing sounds, swirling waters and big cat roars sound just right and accentuate the commotion, courtesy of supervising sound editor and re-recording mixer Onnalee Blank. Melodies flow courtesy of Dave Metzger’s enchanting musical score. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s (Hamilton) catchy tunes, which further develop the plot or characters, are memorable. Like the popish “I Always Wanted a Brother” or somber “Brother Betrayed,” which expand on the lion
brothers’ feelings. While “We Go Together” sums up the film’s thesis on how disparate groups should coalesce for common goals: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The cast conveys philosophies and deep emotions with just their voices. Interchanges between Pierre and Harrison, from hopelessly bromantic to bitter and conniving, are convincing because the two actors have chemistry. Rogan and Eichner’s hilarious asides, improvised jokes and rapid-fire jibes will make kids giggle and adults howl with laughter. As Boon and Newton bestow their certain grace on the lionesses those characters become beguiling. And when you need a villain, call Mads Mikkelsen, TV’s Hannibal. He plays Kiros, the evil lion, like he knows how to make audiences loathe an antagonist. Jenkins directs all on view well, with a great attention to detail. His passion for storytelling, instincts for guiding performances and ability to corral tech aspects are solid. Even young audiences viewing this The Lion King saga, without knowing its evolution, will still have fun following the storyline, attaching themselves to the likable characters and ogling the action/adventure aspects.
Thirty years after the original The Lion King, who could imagine that themes like “Every being has a place in the circle of life” and “No more kings, we are all one” would still be so relevant. They are. They’re more fitting than ever.
What Snoop Wants: Arizona Bowl
By JOHN MARSHALL AP Sports Writer
The bowl was previously sponsored by Barstool Sports and the digital media company used its own cast of characters on the broadcast, which was streamed on its digital platforms. Snoop Dogg takes over this year. The rapper/entertainer is the latest celebrity to sponsor a bowl, following the footsteps of Jimmy Kimmel and Rob Gronkowski at the LA Bowl. And, Snoop being Snoop, he wanted to put his own spin on his own bowl.
“College football fans are exhausted by the constant talk around NIL, conference realignment, coach movement, transfer portal and super conferences,” Snoop said in a video posted on social media. “So it’s time that we get back to the roots of college football — when it was focused on the colleges, the players and the competition, the community, the fan experience and the pageantry.”
With that will be an NIL component.
The bowl can't pay players just for playing in the bowl, but both teams participated in football clinics on Friday and will get paid for their services. Other bowls have given single players NIL opportunities, but this is believed to be the first to offer it to every player on both teams.
“I love the fact that the Arizona Bowl is unique and tries new things, and obviously having Snoop here is
unique,” Colorado State coach Jay Norvell said. “The NIL component, it’s the future. It’s what football has become now. We think it’s fantastic for our kids and then the interaction with the kids is the hidden gem of the whole thing.”
The NIL component of the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl comes a month after a similar effort in The Players Era Festival basketball tournament in Las Vegas. The eight-team tournament said it paid out $9 million in NIL money to participating players for activities outside the competition. It also offered $50 million in NIL opportunities over the next three years for services and activities compliant with NCAA regulations. Are the Players Era Festival and Arizona Bowl the start of a new future? It is not out of the question in big-time college athletics, where schools are already preparing for the era of revenue sharing with players next year.
“Revenue sharing between the players and the athletic departments is already on the horizon, so whether that takes the place of these types of arrangements or they're completely separate has yet to be determined," Adair said. "We're just trying to be flexible, ahead of the curve and make an impact any way we can.” Just the way Snoop wants it.
Tiffany Boone, Aaron Pierre and Kagiso Lediga in Mufasa The Lion King
Ethics Committee Finds ‘Substantial Evidence’ of Misconduct by Former Congressman Matt Gaetz
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The House Ethics Committee released a detailed report on Monday, revealing extensive evidence that former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz engaged in criminal and unethical behavior during his time in Congress. The bipartisan 42-page report, adopted on December 10, outlined multiple violations, including statutory rape, payment for sex, illegal drug use, and acceptance of impermissible gifts.
The report follows Gaetz’s resignation from Congress in November after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him as U.S. Attorney General. Gaetz eventually withdrew his name after Senate Republicans and others widely criticized him and publicly opposed his nomination.
Allegations and Committee Findings
The committee found “substantial evidence” that Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old girl in 2017, paid her $400, and engaged in similar transactions with other women. The report spelled out that Gaetz had sex with the underaged girl twice during a party, including at least once in front of witnesses. The panel concluded that the actions
constituted statutory rape under Florida law, violating both state statutes and House ethics rules.
Between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz reportedly paid tens of thousands of dollars to women for sexual activity, often using electronic payment platforms like Venmo and CashApp. The transactions were linked to events involving illegal drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy.
The report also documented that Gaetz accepted impermissible gifts, including a 2018 luxury trip to the Bahamas, and misused his position to provide favors. One instance involved arranging for his Chief of Staff to falsely identify a woman as a constituent to expedite her passport application.
The findings stated that Gaetz violated House Rules, federal and state laws, and ethical standards prohibiting prostitution, drug use, and improper acceptance of gifts.
Justice Department and Ethics Committee Investigations
The Department of Justice previously investigated Gaetz on allegations of sex trafficking but declined to press charges. After the DOJ concluded its probe, the Ethics Committee resumed its review in May 2023. Over
the course of the investigation, the committee issued 29 subpoenas, reviewed nearly 14,000 documents, and interviewed more than two dozen witnesses. Gaetz did not cooperate with the investigation, ignoring subpoenas and refusing to provide requested documents. The report noted that he obstructed the
investigation by withholding information and refusing to answer questions about his conduct.
Controversial Nomination and Withdrawal
Gaetz resigned just days after Trump nominated him for U.S. Attorney General. Critics claimed Gaetz lacked the credibility to serve particularly as the Justice Department had previously launched an investigation into the congressman. The report also pointed to Republican divisions surrounding Gaetz’s nomination. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene allegedly threatened to expose misconduct by other Republicans if they unsealed the Ethics Committee’s findings or blocked Gaetz’s confirmation. Gaetz ultimately withdrew his nomination, stating he did not want to distract from the incoming administration’s transition efforts.
Final Notes from the Report The Ethics Committee ultimately determined that Gaetz’s actions discredited his position in the House. The House committee cited accountability in releasing the report. Gaetz maintains that he did nothing wrong.
A Day Without Child Care
By Emma Biggs and Dee Dee Fields
As we end the year, we look back at some of the important viewpoints about early childhood education shared during 2024. Here’s one from leaders in North Carolina that applies on a national level. On May 16, we will be closing our childcare centers for a day — signaling
a crisis that could soon sweep across North Carolina, dismantling the very backbone of our economy: childcare. This one-day action, organized by a coalition of partners under Child Care for NC: United for Change, is not merely a protest; it’s a stark preview of the devastating impact awaiting us as federal pandemic-era funding ends. Without decisive action, North Carolina risks losing over 1,500 childcare programs, affecting nearly 92,000 children and their families. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about our state’s future and the lives of the working families who depend on these essential services.
We are not newcomers to this field. With over half a century of combined experience in childcare, we’ve dedicated our lives to the education and well-being of children. From operating small family childcare home centers to managing large facilities, our careers have been built on the belief that every child deserves a nurturing, stimulating environment to grow. Chronic underfunding threatens the very foundation of this belief. I was thrust into the world of childcare out of necessity when I lost my childcare voucher as a single mother. This personal crisis not only led me into the field but has fueled my commitment ever since. At Pathway Preschool Center, we’ve used the latest round of federal funds to improve teacher salaries and enhance our facilities significantly. These changes aren’t just numbers on a page — they mean that parents can go to work knowing their children are in safe, stimulating environments.
This May 16th, we are not only closing our center; we are taking our cause to Raleigh, where we will join hands with many to demand sustained support. Without the necessary funding or resources, I will have to continue raising fees for families and reducing our hours to manage costs; something we just cannot afford to do. I am stepping out because I know my center is not alone in this battle.
On May 16th, I’m bringing a busload of staff from my center and the families we serve to share our personal stories, handwrite letters to legislators and speak out about what these cuts mean for not only our community and state but the rest of the country. My question to legislators is this: “Who stands to lose care if you don’t act now?” We will not fail the marginalized Black and brown children who will be the most impacted by your inaction, and until you recognize the value of what early childhood educators do every day, we will not rest.
Like Emma, I started my career in childcare to make a safe space for my daughter and give her the quality experience I envisioned for her. I did not know at the time that there were so many aspects of the profession that were detrimental to childcare providers and that I would face many costly lessons over the years. Even though I still love what I do and hold early childhood education close to me, I am completely drained mentally, physically, and emotionally. As the director of Landeeingdam Daycare Inc., I see every day how crucial adequate funding is to maintain quality care. Thanks to the recent grants, the additional assistance I could afford was a game-changer for our children’s daily educational experiences. Without continued funding, not only might I lose this help, but we may also be forced to cut services or close, decisions that would reverberate throughout our community. On May 16th, I will stand with Emma and other childcare providers at Halifax Mall to share my story and those of the families we serve.
Financial instability is a standard to many in our field, forcing numerous providers and childcare workers to take on second jobs just to make ends meet. Despite our designation as ‘essential’ during the pandemic, this status was short-lived, and the support that once seemed like a breakthrough is now a failed promise. The recent stabilization grants briefly expanded our capabilities and
allowed for critical hires that profoundly impacted our children’s daily experiences. Yet, as this funding expires, the risk of reducing services or even closing our centers remains heavy, a decision that would devastate our communities. It’s not just about keeping the doors open; it’s about maintaining a quality of care that includes providing our staff with necessary benefits like paid time off, health insurance, and other essentials that help retain them, ensure their well-being, and ensure a safe and pleasant environment for our children.
The childcare crisis demands more than temporary solutions; it requires a fundamental reevaluation of how our society supports those tasked with caring for its youth. Our firsthand experiences underscore the critical role of childcare as more than just a service — it is an economic driver and a pillar of stability within our communities. The end of federal funding threatens an essential service that is already difficult for many families to obtain. For many centers, particularly those serving low-income families, the end of these funds will mean drastic cuts in services or straight-up closures. We’ve already begun to see the strain on our centers in Charlotte and Durham, where operational adjustments — from reducing hours to increasing fees — are Band-Aid solutions to a bleeding financial wound. The potential closure of childcare centers carries broader implications beyond the immediate disruption to family routines. The economic impact is significant, hampering North Carolina’s recovery and growth when many are still dealing with the pandemic’s lingering effects. The end of stabilization grants threatens the livelihood of thousands of care workers, with nearly three in ten programs facing closure. This is not just a disruption; it is a devastation to the community and economic threads that hold our state together.
Every cut in childcare funding is a cut to a child’s future, a family’s stability, and our state’s economic vitality. Behind the numbers are stories of real people making painful choices: educators like us who love our work but face financial instability and parents who may no longer have access to affordable care. These are not just policy failures; they are personal crises affecting thousands. It is time for North Carolina’s legislators to step forward and recognize childcare for what it is: an essential infrastructure critical to economic stability and deserving of sustained investment. We need a reinvestment in our state’s future through robust support of childcare. This means not only preserving but increasing state funding to ensure that childcare centers across North Carolina can continue to serve their communities without sacrificing quality or accessibility. To our fellow North Carolinians, we ask you to join us, whether in person on the steps of the General Assembly, in spirit or by contacting your representatives. Support us in demanding that our legislators act now to preserve and enhance this vital sector. Our actions today will define the future of our state and the legacy we leave for our children.
We are closing our centers on May 16 to stand up for this cause, but more importantly, to ignite a movement that echoes through every legislative hall and into every corner of our state. This is not just about childcare. It’s about the kind of North Carolina we want to live in. We refuse to step back into a past where childcare is undervalued and underfunded. Instead, we demand a future where our children and families flourish.
Emma Biggs is a member of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) and the director of Pathway Preschool Center in Charlotte. Dee Dee Fields is a National Domestic Workers Alliance member and director of Landeeingdam Daycare Inc. in Durham.
A participant at the Child Care for North Carolina: United for Change rally in Raleigh listens to a lawmaker who’s a member of the state’s early childhood caucus.
Biden Vetoes Bipartisan Bill to Create New Federal Judgeships
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
President Joe Biden has vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have created dozens of new federal judicial positions, citing unresolved questions about its provisions and timing. The decision, made in the final weeks of his presidency, has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans and heightened partisan tensions over judicial appointments.
The “Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024” (JUDGES Act) proposed adding 66 federal judgeships over the following three presidential terms. Biden rejected the bill, stating it lacked clarity and failed to address how judicial needs and caseloads should be assessed adequately.
“I am returning herewith without my approval S. 4199,” Biden wrote in his veto message to Congress. “S. 4199 seeks to hastily add judgeships with just a few weeks left in the 118th Congress. The House of Representatives’ hurried action fails to resolve key questions in the legislation, especially regarding how the new judgeships are allocated, and neither the House of Representatives nor the Senate explored fully how the work of senior status judges and magistrate judges affects the need for new judgeships.” Biden also criticized the bill for disproportionately benefiting states where judicial vacancies have been intentionally left open. “Those efforts to hold open
vacancies suggest that concerns about judicial economy and caseload are not the true motivating force behind passage of this bill now,” he added.
The bill passed unanimously in the Senate, but faced significant resistance in the House, where it passed earlier this month on a largely party-line vote. Republicans, led by Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), the bill’s sponsor, have argued that the legislation addresses longstanding shortages in the federal judiciary.
“Issuing this veto is partisan politics at its worst,” Young said in a statement. “The president has chosen to prioritize his party’s agenda over the urgent need to address judicial understaffing.”
Democrats accused Republicans of delaying the passage of the legislation until after President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory, calling it a strategic move to give Trump greater influence over the judiciary. Many Democrats have been working to limit Trump’s opportunities to appoint additional judges, citing concerns about his administration’s efforts to reshape the federal courts.
“The efficient and effective administration of justice requires that these questions about need and allocation be further studied and answered before we create permanent judgeships for life-tenured judges,” Biden wrote in his message to Congress.
Traffic Stops, Racial Disparities, and the Call for Systemic Reform
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National
CorrespondentTraffic stops remain the most common reason for police-initiated contact across all racial groups, according to a new report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). The report, part of a series examining police interactions with U.S. residents since 1996, reveals that racial disparities in these encounters persist. The Prison Policy Initiative responded to the report by noting a need to address inequities and rethink public safety strategies. The BJS data show that Black drivers are more than twice as likely as drivers of other racial groups to be searched or arrested during a traffic stop. Black individuals are also
over three times as likely as White individuals to experience the use of force in their most recent encounter with law enforcement. Although Black people accounted for only 12% of those whose most recent contact was initiated by police or related to a traffic accident, they represented one-third of those who reported being threatened or experiencing nonfatal use of force.Alarming Trends for Older Adults and Women The report also laid bare troubling trends regarding the use of force against older adults and women. In 2022, people aged 65 or older made up 5% of those who experienced the threat or use of force. While the figure may
seem small, it represents a more than tenfold increase since 2015. The rise suggests that even older populations are not spared from escalating police aggression.
Women also face an increasing risk of police force. In 1999, women comprised only 13% of those subjected to police force. By 2022, that figure had doubled to 28%.
Among those who experienced force, women were more likely than men to perceive it as excessive, with 51% of women reporting excessive force compared to 44% of men.
Persistent Disparities Across Age Groups
Young adults aged 18-24 were the most likely age group to experience police contact, with 25% reporting interactions in 2022. They were also the most likely to experience police-initiated contact (15%) and traffic accident-related contact (4%). Alarmingly, more than 1 in 5 individuals who reported the threat or use of force in their most recent police encounter were between 16 and 24 years old. The Prison Policy Initiative noted that these kinds of interactions can have life-threatening consequences, as over 70% of police killings in 2023 began with non-violent incidents or situations where no crime had been reported.
Systemic Issues and Data Gaps Officials at the Prison Policy Initiative published a “wish list” of 22 critical gaps in criminal legal system data. The list includes data on arrests for technical violations, the quality of healthcare in correctional facilities, and the outcomes of pretrial supervision. Officials said the
absence of such data hampers efforts to understand and address the criminal legal system’s impact fully.The Case for Alternatives to Policing
Further, the available data suggest that many police encounters could be handled more effectively by alternative community resources. In 2022, nearly 30 million people initiated contact with police, but only half of those interactions involved reporting possible crimes. Many sought help for non-crime emergencies, such as medical issues, car accidents, or quality-of-life concerns. A 2022 analysis of 911 calls in major cities found that only 4% involved violent crimes. Officials said this indicates a need for investments in community-based services to reduce the risks associated with police intervention.
The Path Forward
Some officials noted that the decline in police contact does reduce opportunities for abuse. However, they said, the deep-seated racial disparities in policing remain unresolved.
“Just because the sheer number of police interactions was lower than it has been in decades does not mean the problems with our nation’s fraught system of policing are solved,” the Prison Policy Initiative stated in its release. “Racial disparities in police interactions, misconduct, and use of force remain pervasive and demand immediate attention.”
AssemblymemberFormerChris Holden
By Edward Henderson California Black Media
In 2012, Assemblymember Chris Holden was first elected to the California State Assembly representing the 41st District in the San Gabriel Valley.
He was re-elected to that position for the following four terms.
While in office, Holden championed efforts to improve education outcomes for students and advocated for social and racial justice. Legislation he wrote or sponsored also focused on, innovation in transportation, protecting developmental disability service providers and improving public health, more broadly.
Holden, a graduate of San Diego State University, lives in Pasadena with his wife, Melanie, and children Nicholas, Alexander, Austin, Mariah and Noah. Holden is the son of former State Senator and LA City Councilmember Nate Holden.
Before he closed out his final year of service in the Assembly, California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Holden. He reflected on his accomplishments this year and his goals moving forward.
Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
I’m really blessed to be at a particular point right now where I can say that a project I’ve been working on for well over 36 years -- the light rail system -- made its way into Pasadena from downtown LA. Now it’s making its way through the San Gabriel Valley to Pomona.
We didn’t have the money to complete it through from Pomona through Claremont to Montclair. We were able to
get the money in this year’s budget. I’m glad that I was able to be a part of the Legislature at that time, to be able to do the hard work to put those resources into place, along with my colleagues.
How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
I’m the first African American to be elected to the Legislature from the San Gabriel Valley, representing the 41st Assembly District, where African Americans make up about 7% of the population.
For me to have an opportunity to represent a multiethnic and diverse district is exciting, but to be able to bring a voice for a lived African American experience from the San Gabriel valley is very important.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
I still am frustrated that we aren’t seeing the kind of progress on affordable housing to allow underrepresented communities to be able to afford to live in the community that they grew up in. California has become so expensive and finding the techniques and the ability to create affordability and more housing is a struggle.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
There has been a lot of movement around reparations through community engagement. Dr. Shirley Weber put forth the bill to establish a reparations task force and that task force met for a number of years. Two members of our caucus served on it, Sen. Steven Bradford and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer. A thousand-page report and a hundred recommendations or more came out of that. And now we’re in the process of finding ways to implement some of those recommendations. It’s going to
be a longer process, but I’m hopeful because California, once again, is on the front end of taking on a really challenging issue.
What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year? Always be mindful how quickly the winds can change. We’ve gone from 10 years of having budget surpluses to this year having a $45 billion deficit. Being able to go from having resources that you can put in a budget to address some of the community’s needs to this year -- not having the ability to do as much of that. We must always be mindful of the fact that in public policy, you have to be mindful of how to prepare for times that may not be as fruitful.
In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?
Inequality.
What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?
Well, I won’t be in the legislature in 2025, but I love public policy. I’d like to find myself in a position where I’m continuing to have an influence on how public policy is shaped and formed. Term limits have a way of weeding out a lot of institutional knowledge. And so, I’d like to be in a position where priorities I stood for don’t get lost in the public discourse in terms of helping to shape some of the things. I would have loved to have been able to continue on as a legislator, if I had more time on the board. But I’m just looking forward to being a vital voice going into next year in a different role. It will also be an opportunity to lay a foundation to take another run, possibly for a seat on the LA County Board of Supervisors in 2028.
By Edward Henderson
California Black Media
Former California Assemblymember Reggie JonesSawyer represented the 57th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Exposition Park, South Los Angeles, and downtown Los Angeles, including Skid Row.
Elected to the State Legislature in 2012, Jones-Sawyer served for 14 years, earning a reputation for being a progressive reformer and champion of second chances.
Jones-Sawyer focused on reforming judicial, criminal justice, and police policies to ensure greater public safety and equal treatment under the law. His P.E.A.C.E. Act (AB 89) transformed the recruiting process for law enforcement by raising the age limit to 21 and introducing new college curriculum requirements for cadets.
He also worked to improve living standards for socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
California Black Media (CBM) spoke with JonesSawyer as he concluded his term. He reflected on his accomplishments this year and shared his goals moving forward.
Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
The things we did on reparations because it is the beginning of reversing the river of racism that’s been permeating our community. And if we’re successful at over 100 recommendations, we will have generational success that will go well beyond what people are expecting now and into the lives of your children, your grandchildren,
your great-great-grandchildren, and so forth. I think the first step is the apology -- the letter that formally says that California is extremely sorry for what they did and how they were complicit in perpetuating a lot of the same policies and procedures that were perpetrated against African Americans in slave states, even though we were officially not a slave state, we still apprehended escaped slaves.
How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
Since I first got to the Assembly, I’ve always worked on public safety issues. And this year it’s really been the fruition of all that I worked on. When I got elected, I told my staff: before I leave the Assembly, marijuana would be legal, and we would close a prison. Right now, we’re closing three prisons. And as you know, I worked on making sure that cannabis was legal here in California, because it was being used to lock up African Americans.
We had 136,000 brothers and sisters locked up in our prison system. That number is now down to 96,000.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
This thing called fear. Fear is probably the most powerful emotion that’s out there. And so there are people who would like to have us go back to those days of three strikes, go back to the days where punishment was more important than rehabilitation, go back to the days where we didn’t have second chances. And a lot of this. It’s because of fear.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
The number of people who have the courage of their convictions. The courage to stand up against all of these individuals who want to turn us back.
What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year? Stay true to who you really are. Don’t try to be someone else to appease others and do what other people want you to do even though that is not where your heart is, where your soul is, or who you really are. Not only does that create stress, not only does that create problems for you, you lose your soul. In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?
Complacency. We’ve got to get out and vote like our lives depended on it – vote like, people who fought for us to vote for the first time, we got to look at it like it’s not a right and a privilege, but it’s our legacy, our heritage.
What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?
I have legislative and administrative expertise, which I think could be helpful for some organizations, some governmental agency. I’m also in the doctoral program at USC. And so, I think Dr. Jones-Sawyer really would like to use all his skill sets for African Americans, and not have to worry about the confines of being an elected official and really be able to do things that I couldn’t do.
By Edward Henderson
California Black Media In November, former California Assemblymember Kevin McCarty was elected Mayor of Sacramento. He was sworn into this new role on Dec. 10.
Before becoming Mayor, McCarty represented the 6th Assembly District for 10 years. This district includes most of Sacramento and parts of Sacramento County.
During his time in the Assembly, McCarty authored over 90 measures that became law including the Universal Preschool Act, the American River Parkway Conservancy Act, Independent Investigations in Police Shootings, among others. McCarty and his wife Leticia have twin daughters, Victoria and Barbara. California Black Media (CBM) spoke with McCarty as he concludes his term in the Legislature to reflect on his accomplishments this year as he enters his new role as Mayor. Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
I had a bill that was an urgency measure that was signed in June. It creates a new class for high school students to learn about financial literacy; to learn about
dollars and cents and what it means to be a young person today as far as credit cards, student debt, buying a house and all the things that come that come with being an adult. I’m excited that my bill became law.
How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
Black Californians are certainly a part of my legislative agenda. My Assembly district was very similar to California, way less than 10% Black population. But the issue is that education and health care and housing and poverty loom large -- how they impact Black Californians.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
We are in a downturn in our economy with our state budget. So, I wasn’t able to score some final victories on some of my top priorities like the middle-class scholarship to make college debt-free.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
There’s so much work to be done and this was my final year in the Legislature. So, looking at all of our successes and trying to be able to make a difference and help change people’s lives throughout California.
What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year? It takes time. This work is not easy. Look at this firestorm we’re
Hon. Chris Holden
Hon. Reggie Jones-Sawyer
Kevin McCarty, Mayor of Sacramento
7 Questions for California Black Chamber of Commerce CEO Jay King
By Edward Henderson California Black
Media
Grammy Award winning singer and record label executive, Jay King, was elected CEO/President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) in June of 2019.
The CBCC is the largest African American non-profit business organization, representing thousands of small and emerging businesses, affiliates and chambers of commerce throughout California.
King is also a member of the popular 1980s R&B group Club Nouveau. In his role as an artist and activist, he has stood up for issues affecting underrepresented Californians for over three decades.
As the President of the CBCC, King says he is determined to put his mark on developing and expanding the capacity of African American businessmen and women.
California Black Media (CBM) spoke with King recently. He reflected on the Chamber’s accomplishments, disappointments, lessons learned this year and goals moving forward.
Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
Making the voice of micro and mini-micro businesses
loud, forcing policymakers and other decisionmakers across the state to start paying attention to them. With legislation in place now -- AB 1574 and AB 2019 - that mandates that the state and agencies affiliated with the state extend
opportunities to micro and mini business owners and give them a chance to participate in government contracting in a real way.
How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
I really want to contribute to the world and the state of Black businesses because of the systemic inequities in the past. Small business, micro businesses and mini businesses are too often overlooked. I think it would be egotistical to believe that I make any significant impact on my own. Whether it’ s the Asian Chamber, Hispanic Chamber and other organizations that are fighting the same fight. I think it’ s a collective, so I’ m proud to be part of the collective.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
We say we want to give access to capital to small businesses, and yet we continue to create barriers that deny them access to capital.
And even if we get them access to capital, we don’ t create pathways for that success -- whether it’ s through education or resources, or through language – providing support in a language that they understand because, maybe, they’ re from another country Or, we don’t even provide cultural-specific resources for people who are from this country.
We ignore and negate the systemic racism, bigotry, prejudice, and bias that African American and other ethnic
businesspeople and communities have experienced.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
Watching some of the small business owners that we worked with -- these micro businesses -- and seeing the potential and the power that is in front of us. If we equip them the right way, if we train them the right way, if we develop them the right way, they can not only flourish, but they can scale and start hiring people in their communities.
What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?
We have to fight for Black businessowners, but they also have to be prepared. Just because we want to push them through, because we want them to have a contract, we have to be very careful about who we get in the game, and make sure that they’ re ready. Because if they’ re not, it affects us all down the line.
In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?
Self-belief. I think we have been conditioned on victimization and victimhood. We think that if we don’ t get the help we need that we will falter.
We must have real belief that we have made it this far despite every barrier, every obstacle, every disillusionment that has ever come our way. And we are still standing. What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?
I want to change the trajectory of micro and mini business owners.
Cold Weather Safety for Children
By The Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center
Children are more vulnerable than adults to the effects of cold weather. The Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center developed these tips to help families and staff keep children safe, healthy, and warm in the winter.
Bundle up! Children are at greater risk for frostbite than adults. The best way to prevent frostbite is to make sure children dress warmly and don’t spend too much time outside in extreme weather.
Dress children in layers of warm clothing. If the top layer gets wet, they will still have a dry layer underneath.
Tuck scarves inside coats and jackets to prevent them from becoming strangulation hazards.
Car seats and winter coats don’t mix. Bulky coats can compress in a crash and create a loose car seat harness. Instead, lay the jacket or a blanket over the children once you’ve safely strapped them into their car seat.
Keeping Healthy Outdoors
There’s no set amount of time for children to play outside safely when the weather is cold. Use your best judgment. When the cold becomes unpleasant, it’s time to go inside.
If you are unsure if weather conditions are safe for outdoor play, check the Child Care Weather Watch Chart.
Have children come indoors periodically to prevent hypothermia or frostbite. A temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit and a wind speed of 15 mph creates a wind chill temperature of -19 F. Under these conditions, frostbite can occur in just 30 minutes. Frostnip is an early warning sign of frostbite. The skin may feel numb or tingly or appear red (on lighter skin).
To prevent frostbite, check that mittens and socks are dry and warm. Frostbite occurs mostly on fingers, toes, ears, noses, and cheeks. The affected area becomes very cold, firm, and, depending on the color of the skin, turns white, yellowish-gray, or gray. Even though it’s cold outside, it’s important to use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Children are more likely than adults to become dehydrated.
Staying Safe Indoors and in Vehicles
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, including furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and portable space heaters.
Set up a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters. Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
Vent all fuel-burning equipment to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Install and maintain CO alarms. Keep alarms at least
15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.
If you need to warm up your vehicle, remove it from the garage as soon as you start it to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. Don’t leave a vehicle running inside a garage.
If vehicles are parked outside, check to make sure the tailpipe is not blocked with snow, which can also cause problems with CO.
Sleeping Safely in Any Season
Keep babies’ cribs free of stuffed animals and blankets.
A firm mattress covered with a tight-fitting crib sheet is all that an infant needs to sleep safely.
If you are worried about keeping babies warm, dress them in a wearable blanket, also known as a sleep sack.
Infection Control
Cold weather does not cause colds or flu. However, viruses that cause a cold and the flu are more common in the winter when children spend more time indoors.
Keeping everyone’s hands clean is one of the most important ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash hands with soap and clean running water and rub them together for at least 20 seconds.
Teach children to cough or sneeze into their upper sleeve or elbow, not their hands. Adults should model this behavior.
Review program policies on handwashing; cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting; and excluding children and caregivers who are sick.
Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all children 6 months and older receive the seasonal flu vaccine every year. All early care and education program staff should also get vaccinated for the flu.
Joyful kid in winterwear looking at camera in natural environment in winter
The U.S. Centers for Disease
Jay King, president of CEO if the California Black Chamber of Commerce