Bakersfield News Observer 7.31.24 by Observer Group Newspapers of Southern CA

News Observer

Over 10,000 Calif. Black Women Join Kamala Harris Support Effort

By Tanu Henry California Black Media

At a rally held in front of City Hall on July 22 in San Francisco -- where Kamala Harris served as D.A. from 2004 to 2001 before becoming Attorney General of the state -- Bay Area elected officials, advocates and other stakeholders gathered to show support for one their own.

“Right now. she needs us more than ever,” San Francisco Mayor London Breed told a cheering crowd of well-wishers.

“We as Democrats, we don’t have time to waste,” Breed leaned in. “We don’t have time to mess around and figure things out. Kamala Harris is the person.”

The event was held one day after President Joe Biden announced his decision to drop out of the 2024 race for President and endorse Harris.

In various cities across California and around the country, Black women are coming together and echoing a similar level of passion to Breed’s as they express their full-hearted support of Harris’ run for the White House.

California State Controller Malia Cohen -- a former San Francisco official herself – described the diverse makeup of the Democrats attending the San Francisco rally and called on them to commit to Harris’s winning Donald Trump in November.

“One thing we have on this stage is the united understanding about what we need to do, which is get Harris elected,” Cohen told the crowd.

On July 22, the California Black Women’s Collective PAC (CBWCPAC) wrote an open letter to Vice President Kamala Harris signed by more than 1300 Black women from around California.

“As the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian woman to hold the office of Vice President, you have not only broken historical barriers. You have also served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals who see themselves reflected in your journey,” the CBWCPAC letter read.

“Madame Vice President, your steadfast dedication to addressing systemic inequities, championing comprehensive healthcare, and advocating for criminal justice reflect the values we need in a leader right now,” it went on.

On June 22, Kellie Todd Griffin, Convener of CBWCPAC, organized a call with over 10,000 Black women from across California. Another 9,932 registered for the call but could not log on because of capacity limits.

“We stand at a crossroads in our nation’s history, where the path we choose will shape the destiny of future generations,” said Todd Griffin.

Vice President Kamala Harris has the vision, the courage, and the unwavering commitment to lead us

towards a more equitable and just society that is inclusive of all voices and issues we face today.”

Todd Griffin added that California Black Women are rallying behind Harris “united in our shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive future.”

We know that our greatest strength is the way in which we use our collective power to transform the nation into the perfect union it proclaims to be. Vice President Harris is not just a candidate for the President of the United States; she is a catalyst for the change that is needed now,” Todd Griffin stated.

The night before, an estimated 90,000 Black women and their allies – about 44,000 of them on Zoom and tens of thousands more on other digital platforms – rallied to show their support for Harris. The historic Zoom call, on which more than $1 million was raised for Harris’s campaign in three hours, was organized by #WinWithBlackWoman, a political advocacy organization that boasts of a diverse network of Black women.

Among the women on the call were U.S. Reps Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3); former Democratic National Convention Chair Donna Brazile; the Rev. Berniece King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr; D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser; Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore, among others.

“President Biden’s endorsement of Vice President as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States is a pivotal moment for our country,” said Jotaka Eaddy, founder of #WinWithBlackWomen.

“As we gathered, we expressed our gratitude for the extraordinary work President Biden has done, while we affirmed our individual commitment to stand united in unwavering support of Vice President Kamala Harris as the leader of our nation needs.”

Eaddy says she is ready to confront the challenges ahead.

“The Journey to proclaim our democracy and advance our shared values begins now with unwavering determination and unified vision,” Eaddy continued.

“Unity among not only Black women, but all Americans is not just vital to the state of our democracy but necessary to propel our nation forward.”

On July 21, California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination at the Party’s convention this August Newsom posted on the social media platform X, praising Harris for being, “Tough. Fearless. Tenacious,” through her political career.

“With our democracy at stake and our future on the line, no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trump’s dark vision and guide our country in a healthier

direction than America’s Vice President, @KamalaHarris,” Newsom wrote.

Although some Democrats showed interest in an open convention that allows a competitive race between multiple candidates, most delegates have openly expressed support for Harris. Gov. Newsom defended his decision to back Harris and clarified that he has no intention of running for president at the DNC in Chicago. Despite being selected as one of President Joe Biden’s surrogates during the campaign trail, Newsom has shown unwavering support to both Biden and Harris.

California U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA-10) said that Biden’s endorsement “slammed the door” for other Democrats hoping to bid for a presidential candidacy.

“I think we’ve got a terrific opportunity with Harris,” he said.

The Obamas Formally Endorse Kamala Harris as Democratic 2024 Presidential Nominee

nominee for President of the United States.” Harris embraced the endorsement during a phone call with the Obamas, a moment her campaign shared via video on Friday morning. The pivotal endorsement coincides with Harris for President kicking off a weekend of action, marking 100 days until Election Day. With an army of 170,000 volunteers and 2,300 events planned across crucial battleground states, Team Harris is mounting an all-out effort to engage voters on their critical choices this November.

Barack Obama, who had previously withheld his endorsement, highlighted Harris’s exceptional qualifications and dedication to public service. “Choosing Kamala was one of President Biden’s best decisions,” he said. “Her track record is unparalleled: as a prosecutor, she defended the Constitution; as California’s Attorney General, she ensured fairness and justice; as a Senator, she was a formidable opponent to the Trump administration; and as Vice President, she has led the charge on healthcare expansion, climate change, and reproductive rights.”

The Obamas emphasized that Harris’s strengths go beyond her resume. “Kamala has the vision, character, and strength this critical moment demands. She gives us all reason to hope,” they noted.

The Obamas’ endorsement amplifies the momentum behind Harris’s campaign, which already enjoys broad support from labor unions, advocacy groups, and a multitude of Democratic officials.

In their concluding call to action, the Obamas declared, “We’re going to do everything we can to elect Kamala Harris the next President of the United States. And we hope you’ll join us.” With the Obamas’ powerful endorsement and a robust grassroots movement, Harris stands poised to continue to climb in a race some polls currently have as a dead heat. “Kamala Harris represents the best of America and will work tirelessly to create a

teammates Jordan Chiles, Hezly Rivera, Sunisa Lee and Jade Carey. It was her first competitive appearance in Paris, where she will try to add to her already impressive tally of seven Olympic medals.

Despite discomfort in her left leg, the American gymnastics superstar posted an all-around total of 59.566 and the Americans scored a 172.296, well clear of the field

Also in attendance were USA snowboarder Shaun White and his girlfriend Nina Dobrev. Athletes across the Olympic spectrum have said they want to make it a point to catch the most decorated gymnast of all time in what could be the final competition of her unparalleled career. Among them: LeBron James and the U.S. men’s basketball team, which was busy Sunday with Olympic qualifying.

Snoop Dogg Carries the Olympic Torch Before Opening Ceremony in Paris

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — Snoop Dogg is seemingly everywhere during the Paris Olympics, but on Friday morning you could catch him carrying the Olympic torch ahead of the opening ceremony. He was one of the final torch bearers of the Olympic flame, which was lit in April in Greece and slowly has journeyed toward Paris since. Snoop Dogg’s

Kellie Todd-Griffen, Convener of the Black Women’s Collective, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, U.S. Rep Maxine Waters, State Controller Malia Cohen, Yvonne Wheeler, President of the LA County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Asm. Lori Wilson CLBC Chair.

Several Prominent Californians Appointed to Presidential Delegations to Paris Olympic Games

By Lila Brown California Black Media

As the world turns its eyes to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games this week, four official delegations appointed by President Biden are representing the United States at opening and closing ceremonies.

Several prominent California officials and public figures are among the delegates.

On July 26, Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, led a delegation to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

Among presidential delegates to that event were California’s Democratic Senior Sen. Alex Padilla; Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; Casey Wasserman, Chairperson, LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games; and Brian Boitano, three-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist in figure skating. Boitano is from Sunnyvale in Santa Clara County.

“We must continue our urgent work ensuring that Angelenos benefit from the preparation for the Games, as well as in the decades following,” said Mayor Bass. “Together, we will showcase Los Angeles – not just the popular tourist

destinations, but each of our beautiful neighborhoods and communities. Together, we will leverage the Games to help local small businesses, create local jobs and create lasting environmental and transportation improvements throughout Los Angeles.”

The other two non-California appointees on that delegation were U.S. U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del) and Dawn Staley, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Head Women’s Coach, University of South Carolina.

“Mr. Douglas Emhoff, Second Gentleman of the United States, will lead the delegation to the Closing of the Olympic Games,” read a White House Press release dated July 22 announcing the delegations.

Emhoff was a Los Angeles entertainment attorney before moving to Washington when his wife became Vice President of the United States.

Californians appointed to delegation to the Closing Ceremony, which will take place Aug. 11, are Junior Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.); U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia (DCA-42); Denise Bauer, a former Los Angeles TV anchor who currently serves as United States Ambassador to Paris;

and Chaunté Lowe, a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, four-time Olympian and Olympic bronze medalist, Track and Field. Lowe is from Riverside.

The only non-Californian appointed to the Closing Ceremony delegation is two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup Champion in Women’s Soccer, Brianna Scurry.

“The Honorable Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, will lead the delegation to the Closing of the Paralympic Games,” read the White House press release. The Closing Ceremony will take place on September 8, 2024.”

Becerra is a Sacramento native and former California Attorney General.

According to the White House, members of each Paralympic Presidential Delegations will be announced at a later date.

Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth will lead the delegation to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on Aug. 28.

Project FREEDOM Unveiled to Combat Controversial Project 2025

cut or restrict food stamps and other social welfare programs.

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By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

A group of well-known Black Democratic leaders unveiled Project FREEDOM, a fresh strategy to combat Project 2025, a contentious 922-page plan to reform the federal government put forth by a conservative Washington think tank and other political allies.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have repeatedly warned in campaign speeches that if Donald Trump wins a second term, he plans to use the conservative blueprint to exert unprecedented presidential power, eliminate the Department of Education and federal housing assistance, and significantly cut or restrict food stamps and other social welfare programs.

Trump has tried to distance himself from Project 2025, calling some of the proposals “seriously extreme,” but its architects helped shape his Republican Party platform. Project FREEDOM, the organizers said in a virtual news conference, is designed to engage Black voters in four key battleground areas.

In the plan, the group says it aims to mobilize voters of color through town halls, community events, digital campaigns, and phone banks in Michigan, North Carolina, Las Vegas, and the Pennsylvania/Tri-State area.

Project FREEDOM aims to provide voters with a substantial policy agenda for Democrats ahead of the November election, offering a clear and precise contrast to Project 2025. Organizers say Project FREEDOM is

based on four pillars: Freedom to Live, Freedom to Learn, Freedom to Vote, and Freedom to Thrive.

“When people show you who they really are, you have a responsibility to speak your Truth. Project FREEDOM is our opportunity to speak in one collective voice and say, ‘This will not stand,” said Rev. Michael McBride, cofounder of Black Church PAC and the National Black Brown Gun Violence Prevention Consortium, which work to center Black and brown gun violence prevention practitioners and scale up life-saving interventions related to urban and communal violence.

They said Freedom to Live is born from the idea that the Black community should be able to “live freely and without fear.” Organizers are calling for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which Republicans in the U.S. Senate have stalled. “The way to really engage voters to go to the polls is to make sure they know we’re not just going for a celebratory vote. Instead, we’re going to the polls with our bag of demands with us,” said Tamika Mallory, co-founder of Until Freedom, an intersectional social justice organization.

Mallory emphasized the need to address income inequality, educational challenges, and police violence. She referenced the case of Sonya Massey, an unarmed 36-yearold Black woman and mother of two, who was fatally shot by former deputy Sean Grayson in her Illinois home. Grayson’s troubled history in law enforcement, including prior disciplinary issues, highlights systemic problems in

policing that Project FREEDOM aims to address.

Meanwhile, Freedom to Thrive calls for expanding the Child Tax Credit, increasing the federal minimum wage to match inflation, and a pilot program for Universal Basic Income in low-income communities nationwide. Additionally, Freedom to Learn focuses on education, including canceling student debt and protecting Black American history in public schools. Freedom to Vote aims to strengthen voting rights, advocate for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act’s passage, and reshape the U.S. Supreme Court.

Michael Blake, founder of Project FREEDOM and CEO of KAIROS Democracy Project, emphasized the urgency of the initiative. “Our democracy is under siege by a man and political machine that put themselves above all those in whom they detect ‘otherness,’” said Blake a former vice chair of the Democratic Party.

“We cannot afford to forget the pain inflicted on our people throughout Donald Trump’s administration, and we certainly cannot afford the destructiveness a second term would normalize,” Blake stated.

Project FREEDOM officials said, “Make no mistake: Communities of color are the frontline communities targeted by the poison that is Project 2025’s Christian Nationalist vision for the future, and Project FREEDOM is the antidote.”

New Book by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Stacy M. Brown

Explores 500-Year Legacy of Transatlantic Slave Trade

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent New York, NY —Select Books Inc. is thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of a groundbreaking book, The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-Year Legacy, scheduled for publication on October 8, 2024. Co-authored by National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and NNPA Senior National Correspondent and Let It Be Known News host Stacy M. Brown, this book provides a deep dive into the enduring impact of the transatlantic slave trade from 1500 to 2024.

The transatlantic slave trade represents one of history’s most horrific chapters, where millions of Africans were forcibly removed from their homeland, dehumanized, and exploited to build the so-called American dream. This book meticulously examines how the legacies of this era continue to influence American society, laying the foundation for the systemic racism that persists today.

In The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-Year Legacy, Dr. Chavis and Brown explore the ways systemic social demonization, racial enslavement, geopolitical imperialism, and ethnic cleansing were constructed and perpetuated over centuries. The book sheds light on how the ideology of white supremacy, rooted in the transatlantic slave trade, remains a pervasive force in contemporary racism and inequity.

Chuck D of Public Enemy, who wrote a powerful foreword for the book, underscored its relevance. “This book isn’t just about the past,” Chuck stated. “It’s about the living, breathing legacy of that past. The chains of slavery may have been broken, but the shackles of systemic racism are still very much intact. From police brutality and mass incarceration to economic disparity and educational inequality, the echoes of the slave trade reverberate through

every facet of American life. If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention.”

Chavis, a stalwart in the civil rights movement and a member of the Wilmington Ten, draws on his extensive experience and insight for this book. His leadership in the NAACP and work in environmental justice and economic empowerment highlight his dedication to combating racial injustice. Chavis’s life’s work reflects the resilience and resistance that are central themes in the book.

Meanwhile, Brown brings his exceptional reporting skills and profound understanding to the collaboration, resulting in a comprehensive examination of the transatlantic slave trade as a shared history—a narrative woven with threads of sorrow, resistance, collaboration, and resilience.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500Year Legacy offers a raw, unfiltered look at the atrocities of the slave trade and its enduring impact on Black America. The book serves as an urgent call to acknowledge the pain and suffering of the past and to continue the fight for justice and equality.

With endorsements from former African Union Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao and NBA legend Isiah Thomas, the book arrives at a critical moment when understanding the historical roots of contemporary racial injustices is more important than ever. As Chuck D poignantly states, “Fight the Power.” The book equips readers with the knowledge and motivation to challenge the status quo and strive for true equality and justice.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500Year Legacy is available for pre-order now at Amazon.com, and will be available for purchase on October 8, 2024, wherever books and e-books are sold.

For more information, contact Select Books publishers or visit www.SelectBooks.com. For review copies or to schedule an interview with the authors, please contact Kenichi Sugihara at kenichi@selectbooks.com.

First Lady Jill Biden stands with some members of the U.S. delegation to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Simone Biles Dominates Olympic Qualifying Round Despite Injury

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

With celebrities including Snoop Dogg, Flavor Flav, Lady Gaga, and John Legend watching, Simone Biles made a spectacularly successful return to the Olympics by dominating the qualifying round despite a calf injury that would have sidelined most athletes.

Team USA finished Sunday’s qualification session with an impressive score of 172.296, putting the group of athletes — including returning Olympians Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles — at the front of the pack heading into the all-around final on Thursday.

Biles, now 27, is the most decorated gymnast in history and considered the G.O.A.T of her sport — meaning Greatest of All Time. She debuted in this year’s competition in Paris after a widely publicized break, which began with her premature exit from the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health. The seven-time Olympic medalist has since spoken candidly about suffering from the “twisties,” a dangerous phenomenon where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness in the air.

Despite injuring her calf while warming up for the second round of qualifying events in the Bercy Arena, Biles delivered stunning and technically near-flawless performances on the balance beam, vault, floor, and uneven bars.

Video of the warm-ups showed Biles crawling back from the vault and then hopping on her right leg toward the edge of the mat. There, she told a teammate, “I’m gonna

need a wheelchair.” CBS News noted that the gymnast was later seen using a foam roller off the floor’s side. But the injury did not seem to limit Biles come game time. She performed an impressive vault routine that featured her trademark Yurchenko double pike, all with her ankle heavily taped. The routine earned her a spectacular score of 15.8.

Women’s gymnastics coach Cecille Landi, an Olympian who competed for France in 1996, told reporters that Biles had tweaked her calf several weeks ago and was on the mend during the training that led up to the games. “She felt a little something in her calf. That’s all,” Landi said after the qualifying session, according to the Olympics. The coach noted that Biles had no intention to leave the competition, saying, “Never in her mind.” Landi added that Biles’ calf had improved by the end of Sunday’s session. Heading into the final this week, Biles and Sunisa Lee will make history regardless of where they place in the event, as two former all-around champions competing in the same event for the same country. Landi acknowledged Biles’ stunning comeback and said that, knowing her track record, there could be even more room to grow.

“It was pretty amazing. 59.5, and four-for-four,” Landi said of Biles’ qualifying performance and score, which eclipsed that of Lee, the reigning champion, by a solid margin. “Not perfect. She still can improve … just really good.”

Flavor Flav is Soaking Up the Olympic Experience

Cheering On the

By JAY COHEN

PARIS (AP) — Flavor Flav stopped for hugs, handshakes and high-fives as he made his way around the Team USA House at the Paris Games on Thursday.

He never stopped smiling.

“This is quite an experience for me right now, you know, because the only time I've ever seen the Olympics was on TV,” Flav said. “You know what I’m saying? But I always wanted to see what it felt like being there. So now I got the opportunity to be here. It's the best."

Flav, a founding member of the hip-hop group Public Enemy, is in Paris as part of his duties as the official hype man for USA Water Polo — a partnership that came together after he connected with U.S. captain Maggie Steffens on Instagram in May.

The 65-year-old Flav is embracing his new responsibilities with his usual brand of seemingly boundless enthusiasm.

“I’m so ready, man. ... I’m so hype right now about this sport," said Flav, wearing a custom USA Water Polo clock around his neck. “I wish I was playing it. I’m hyping myself up right now to ask them to let me on the team.”

The road to Flav's Olympic debut began when Steffens posted on Instagram about her experiences with the U.S. women's program, which has won an unprecedented three straight gold medals going into Paris.

While paying tribute to her teammates and expressing her love for her grueling sport, Steffens also highlighted the constant financial struggle for most Olympic athletes. Flav’s manager brought the issue to his attention, and he promised his assistance in a comment on Steffens' post.

“As a girl dad and supporter of all women’s sports - imma personally sponsor you my girl,,, whatever you need. And imma sponsor the whole team,” Flav wrote. That exchange turned into a unique sponsorship

US Water

deal between Flav — whose legal name is William Jonathan Drayton Jr. — and USA Water Polo. Flav made an undisclosed financial contribution to the women's program as part of the five-year agreement, and he also agreed to collaborate on social media to help bring attention to the small sport.

He is planning to attend the Olympic openers for the U.S. women and men. The women face Greece on Saturday, and the men play Italy on Sunday. Flav, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Public Enemy in 2013, prepped for his Paris experience by attending two women's games, even joining the TV broadcast. He also jumped into the pool with the women's team.

“I tried it. I got to try it to see what it feels like,” Flav told the AP.

“And boy, I was in the water with the girls for like seven minutes. And I was treading water for seven minutes. And I’m not going to lie. But that was like the hardest seven minutes in my life.”

Flav said he “got lucky” and connected on two goals against Ashleigh Johnson — widely considered the best goaltender in the world — though he felt as if she might have let him score.

The significance of the moment was not lost on Johnson, the first black woman to play water polo for the U.S. Olympic team.

“We saw the video come out (on social media). ... It was so cool to see it,” Johnson said. “But I read through the comments and I see people asking questions about water polo and people of color wanting to start playing. And that’s a different community than I’ve seen talk about our sport in the way they were talking about it than I have like this whole time I've been on this team.”

That is something Flav hopes to see more of as he continues to cheer on the U.S. teams.

“When it comes down to water polo ... it's not really about people of color. It's about people that love to play it,” he said. “Water polo is for all races, all colors of people.”

Pharrell Advocates for Reviving Arts Competitions

Polo Team

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr.

PARIS (AP) — If

in Paris. He passionately shared his goal to see the tradition revived by the Olympics in 2028 the night before the Games’ opening ceremony.

“We get to remind people that at one point, the Olympics actually had the arts as a section that ran all these competitions,” Williams before the event. “Sculpture, architecture, visual arts. The idea we get to put the arts back in. ... Why not take this moment to bring awareness?” Art competitions first came into fruition at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm with medals awarded in five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting and sculpture. However, the International Olympic Committee ended the competitions in the 1948 games. An attempt to bring it back was denied four years later. Williams, the musician-turned-designer, hosted the ritzy A-list event at the Louis Vuitton Foundation building. Attendees included popular figures such as LeBron James,

Steven

Queen

and Zac

Williams called the inside of the event like an “indoor carnival.” He curated a select group of world-renowned artists including KAWS, Daniel Arsham and Derek Fordjour to design interactive art installations.

Some of the sports represented at the event included archery, tennis, basketball and equestrianism along with carnival games. “The game will begin on the inside tonight,” he said. Through donations, Williams said he wanted the event to support Olympic hopefuls as well as 36 athletes across 11 different countries who are competing on the Refugee Olympic Team this year.

“We get to raise money for the other athletes who don't have the means to get the gear or proper training equipment,” said Williams, who added that he spoke about creating music for the games with Thomas Bach, the president of the IOC.

The famed producer said he recorded a track called “Triumph is Cosmos.”

“This is like the victory lap around the solar system,” he said.,

Simone Biles made a spectacularly successful return to the Olympics by dominating the qualifying round despite a calf injury that would have sidelined most athletes.

Entertainment Writer

Spielberg, Mick Jagger, Zendaya, Anna Wintour, Charlize Theron, Serena Williams, Rosalía, Snoop Dogg,

Latifah

Efron.

AP Sports Writer

BAKCHIS in the Superior Court of California, County of KERN 2100 College Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93305 Branch: Probate THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that AMY BAKCHIS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: July 16, 2024 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: J-1 Room: Address of court: same as noted above IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legaI authority may affect your rights as creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request

pongase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener informacion para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www.lawhelpca.org) o poniendose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado. NOTICE-RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: The restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgement is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. AVISO-LAS ORDENES DE RESTRICCION SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PAGINA 2: Las ordenes de re-

Checkmate! In High Stakes Political Game, Maxine Waters Is Master Queen

By Kenneth Miller Special

to California Black Media Partners

In a few weeks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the world will be watching history as Kamala Harris steps into her own as Standard Bearer of the Party. Somewhere amid all of the blowing horns, balloons and wacky outfits will be California’s own political powerbroker and “Master Queen” Congresswoman Maxine Waters (DCA-43), arguably the most powerful Black elected official in America right now.

For more than 40 years -- 33 of them serving in the United States House of Representatives -- “Auntie Maxine” as she is affectionately called by her admirers, has proved her might and her mettle.

She has successfully advocated for $10 billion in funding for Section 8 housing and secured $50 million in funding for Youth Fair Chance, $400 million for Minority Aids Funding and $6 billion for Neighborhood Stabilization.

She is always there at the forefront fighting for what is best for the communities she serves.

In our divided political universe today, many of us are constantly presented with the argument in our content feeds across digital platforms that our system of governance is fixed and failing us, and our elected officials are out of touch and, therefore, there is no reason to vote. Buying into this notion plays into the hands of powerful political interests, some of whom are the philosophical heirs of those who denied Blacks voting rights to begin with.

That is why leadership is paramount – real leadership, trusted, courageous and reliable, that is demonstrated by the actions and deeds of those we elect to serve.

Such was the case when Waters learned California Gov. Gavin Newsom released his state budget without any funding for the Martin Luther King Community Hospital (MLKCH) in South Los Angeles which was on the brink

of closing yet again. Fumed, Waters encountered Newsom at an event and cornered him about the MLKCH dilemma. In a letter sent to Newsom, Waters appealed; “I call on you as the Governor of the Great State of California to reverse your decision of 2022 and immediately support legislation that will adjust MLKCH’s supplemental funding methodology to include outpatient services, including the approximately 125,000 ED services provided by the hospital every year.

This will cost an estimated $25 million per year. More importantly, it will save countless lives.”

Newsom had previously vetoed legislation authored by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Assembly Bill (AB) 2426, which aimed to expand MLKCH’s supplemental funding in order to cover hospital-based outpatient services provided in the emergency department. The bill provided MLKCH approximately $25-$30 million in additional funds annually.

Not long after Waters sent a letter to Newsom on June 14, Newsom reversed course and signed off the legislation to fund MLKCH.

It was a gangsta move as we say in the hood, and copied on the letter was a list of critical community stakeholders which included pastors, elected officials and civil rights leaders.

“This unique hospital serves some of the poorest and sickest people in the State of California and perhaps the entire country. Our community depends on MLKCH, and we cannot allow it to close,” Waters wrote.

Waters was just warming up after the victory for MLKCH when she turned her attention to the City of Inglewood in her Congressional District.

According to an article in the Los Angeles Times -and confirmed by Waters in an interview with South Bay Black Journal – the Congresswoman is now objecting to Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts most prominent projects,

The People Mover (ITC), a $2-billion transportation line that would link SoFi Stadium to one of Los Angeles’ newest rail lines (K-Line).

“It will not provide convenient connectivity to employment or public services for local residents,” she said.

“The ITC is designed primarily to allow public transit users to connect the extra 1.6 miles from Metro’s K Line to sports and entertainment venues. Shuttle buses could most likely accomplish the same goal at a fraction of the cost, but have not been seriously considered as an alternative,” Waters told the Times.

Affirming her commitment to prevent the project from moving forward, Waters stated:

“To the degree that I can do anything to stop it, I will,” Waters said.

In addition, Waters believes the project will impact the state’s housing problem.

“The ITC threatens to exacerbate this crisis by displacing long-time Inglewood residents and small and minority-owned businesses and diverting resources away from some of the most urgent needs of the local communities in my district,” she wrote.

The four-term mayor has courted billionaires and inked deals to build SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome that have transformed his community.

As one might expect, Butts was not happy about Waters' position.

“You can’t come in at the 11th hour with a little fairy tale story about how something is so terrible,” he said. The letter was “ill-conceived” and many of the points “fully invalid,” Butts told The Times, adding that Waters did not reach out to him to discuss the matter.

However, this is what leadership is all about, challenging the most powerful within your own party with conviction.

Waters’s outspokenness and tenacity sacrifices has

Kamala Harris: The Down-Ticket Savior California Needed

President Joe Biden not seeking re-election isn’t just good for Democrats looking to stave off a second Donald Trump presidency, but it’s good news for all the other candidates (and propositions) on the ballot.

Before Biden’s announcement, it was reported that millions of Democratic voters were planning to sit out the November election altogether.

This unexpected, but much needed, turn of events has generated a wave of reactions across the nation, but one thing is clear: Vice-President Kamala Harris’s entry into the presidential race is going to provide a significant boost to down-ticket races for the Democratic Party.

Before Biden’s delayed departure from the election, the Democratic Party was doing an excellent job at ignoring the increasing number of voters of all ages who were not willing to compromise their morals or values in November and vote for Biden – “the lesser of two evils” from their perspective.

From the administration’s handling of the IsraelHamas War, immigration, the economy, and more -- these Democrats were okay with dealing with the consequences of Biden losing, understanding that their voices would still go unheard, and they would struggle whether Republicans or Democrats win the White House.

And that was before Biden’s Weekend at Bernie’s debate performance.

Biden staying on the ticket wasn’t just going to hurt

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

Three days after U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro posthumously exonerated the remaining 256 African American Port Chicago defendants who were courtmartialed for mutiny in 1944, he visited the historical site to participate in the 80th-year commemoration of the worst homefront disaster in the U.S. history. Del Toro said the occasion at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine Memorial on the Suisun Bay, 35 miles north of San Francisco in Contra Costa County, was two-fold. According to him, the 90-minute ceremony was organized to honor all who died in the blasts and officially announce the absolving of Black men who were unjustly courtmartialed for refusing to load bombs on naval cargo ships during World War II due to safety concerns.

“This event marks a turning point in our nation’s history, a moment when we confront the ghosts of the past and embrace the promise of more justice,” Del Toro said. “For eight decades, the story of Port Chicago has been a stark reminder of a grave injustice. We as a nation will never be able to express our full gratitude to all deceased and their families for their dedication, service, and sacrifice.”

On July 20, a diverse group of 500 people were shuttled from the Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) to the Port Chicago Naval Magazine Memorial where two deadly explosions occurred on the night of July 17, 1944. The ceremony was hosted in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial, and the U.S. Army’s 834th Transportation Battalion.

The event also marked the 30th year the site was erected as a memorial.

Along with Del Toro, dignitaries and elected officials in attendance were U.S. Congressmen John Garamendi (DCA-08) and Thurgood Marshall Jr., whose father, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, sought justice for the Port Chicago 50, the Black men who were wrongfully

our chances to keep The White House and democracy alive in the US, but it was going to hurt all the local and state candidates and propositions on the November ballot had Democratic voters sat this one out.

I haven’t seen this much excitement for a candidate since then Senator Barack Obama earned the nomination of the Democratic Party back in 2008.

Whether you like her not, for millions of Democrats, Kamala Harris represents a new era of leadership, one that is more inclusive and reflective of America’s diverse population. Within hours, her candidacy galvanized a broad coalition of voters, including women, People of Color, and young people. This renewed enthusiasm at the top of the ticket is going to have a ripple effect, energizing the base and increasing voter turnout, which is crucial for down-ticket candidates.

For states like California and counties like Los Angeles, the largest in the US, this is a game changer.

Californians have 10 ballot propositions on their November ballot. Among them, a controversial ballot proposition to repeal parts of Proposition 47 (Prop 47) and increase drug crime and theft penalties and allow a new class of crime to be called treatment-mandated felonies, which would require offenders to either participate in drug or mental health treatment or both.

Prop 47 was a ballot measure passed by California voters in 2014 that made some non-violent property crimes, where the value does not exceed $950,

into misdemeanors. It also made some simple drug possession offenses into misdemeanors and provided for past convictions for these charges to be reduced to a misdemeanor by a court.

Low Democratic voter turnout could work in favor of this conservative-backed proposition.

Harris’s historic candidacy as the first Black and South Asian woman on a major party’s presidential ticket holds immense symbolic value. Her presence has already mobilized minority voters who feel underrepresented in the political arena. Increased turnout among these demographics can significantly impact races at all levels which is going to be especially key for progressive candidates like L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón and criminal justice reform measures on the November ballot whom these voters are more likely favor.

Facts. Harris’s candidacy has energized the base, already mobilized key voter demographics, and strengthened the party’s overall electoral chances. As we move towards the election, Harris is going to be a powerful catalyst for important down-ticket races. She was just the lifesaving move that had to happen in order to bring the Democratic Party back to life because all races on the ballot with Democrats were going to suffer had Biden stayed on the ticket. Now, on to November.

convicted in the fall of 1944 of insubordination during World War II.

Kelli English, the NPS’s service-wide Program Manager for Cooperating Associations and Partnerships, said tears from colleagues were flowing the day they heard about the exoneration of the men. English is part of the NPS crew that conducts tours of the National Memorial and shares the history of the tragedy.

“They never should have been court-martialed in some cases and convicted of other cases, but it does provide some closures for the families and descendants of those men,” English told California Black Media. “It’s so important to us. It’s the only amount of justice delivered years after the fact.”

The blasts resulted in the death of 320 sailors, 202 of them Black American sailors who were loading nearly 5,000 tons of munitions from a train into the naval cargo ships. About 400 more people were injured and the cargo train and both ships – SS Quinault Victory and SS EA Bryan – were destroyed.

The explosion shook the San Francisco Bay and could be felt as far away as Nevada. The blasts damaged many surrounding structures and buildings in the nearby town of Port Chicago. In the mid-1960s, the United States government bought 5,000 acres of land in the Port Chicago area and the town ceased to exist by 1969.

The White officers in command were given hardship leaves while the surviving Black sailors were ordered to clear debris from the blasts and painfully retrieve the appendages of their fellow servicemen. The treatment of the Black sailors exemplified the racial policies manifested by the Navy.

After threats of disciplinary action, 208 of the Sailors resumed work but it did not stop the Navy from convicting the men at a summary court-martial for rebellion. Over the years, two sailors had the charges expunged from their records, which left 256 convicted Black men.

Fifty of the Black sailors stood their ground and in September 1944 were found liable for mutiny, a serious offense that tarnished their military record. The 50 sailors were represented by Thurgood Marshall, who was the chief counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the disaster and racism in the Navy led to President Harry Truman desegregating all four branches of the military.

Ten years later, Marshall was able to win the monumental Brown v. Board of Education case that ruled separate but equal public schools were unconstitutional.

“It’s deeply moving to me that his work and the work of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund caught the attention of the sailors, and the family involved in Port Chicago,” Marshall Jr. said of his father who later became a US Supreme Court Justice. “They contacted them for guidance, and he was able to come out here to California to do what he did so well.”

Carol Cherry traveled from Chicago to attend the 80th ceremony. Her father Cyril Oscar Sheppard Jr. is now officially one of the 50 former mutineers. Cherry was presented with the ceremonial U.S. flag by the English.

Rev. Diana McDaniel, President of the Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial was one the guest speakers. Her uncle Irvine Lowery was one of the surviving Black sailors who was ordered to collect the remains of the deceased after the explosion. McDaniel told CBM that Lowery was injured in the blast when he was in the barracks but was not aware of it.

Other speakers at the event included English, NPS Superintendent K. Lynn Berry, Supervisory Park Ranger, Hilary Grabowska, and Lt. Col. Lauren Cabral, MOTCO Commander of the 834th Transportation Battalion

“I ask that all of you amplify the message so that we can get to many family members that we have not been able to reach to let them know what has occurred,” Del Toro told reporters.

Carol Cherry, left, was presented with the Stars and Stripes flag by Kelli English, right, from the National Park Service to conclude the ceremony. Her father Cyril Oscar Sheppard, Jr. was one of the 50 Black sailors convicted of mutiny after the explosions at Port Chicago killed 202 Black sailors. CBM photo by Antonio R. Harvey.

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro was the keynote speaker. He exonerated 256 Black sailors accused of mutiny when they refused to load munitions on ships due to safety concerns. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Jasmyne Cannick

Special to California Black Media Partners

Maxine Waters (D-CA-43)

California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback:

Bo Tefu, Joe W. Bowers Jr. And Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media Californians for Kamala: Rep. Maxine Waters Leads Coalition Rally to Support V.P. Harris

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) hosted a press conference on July 26 at the Proud Bird Event Center Tuskegee Room near LAX to rally behind Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.

The event brought together election officials, community leaders, faith-based organizations, and notable figures from South Bay Los Angeles County cities.

“This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history,” Waters declared. “I urge everyone to get involved and help us bring about the change we want to see by supporting a leader who truly represents our values. Kamala Harris is from California, and we need to stand behind her.”

Key supporters spoke at the event:

The Rev. Robert Shaw II and Rev. Ann Champion Shaw from First AME Church Los Angeles (FAME) offered an invocation, praying for Harris’s protection and success. Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles Mayor, highlighted the importance of unity. “We need to stand up for women’s reproductive freedoms, immigration reform, and sensible gun control,” he said. “Kamala Harris can bring these changes.”

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) praised women’s leadership. “If you want something done, ask a woman to do it. Kamala Harris will get it done as our next President of the United States.”

Former State Senator Rod Wright emphasized the stakes. “If you read the platform of Donald Trump, some of y’all might have to learn how to pick cotton again. You might have to learn how to tap dance. We’re talking about the future of your existence in this country. Kamala will be the president. What she will do is protect the future of your children.”

Yvonne Wheeler, president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, emphasized labor support. “We got to get our children registered to vote. They will move us ahead.”

Sweet Alice Harris, a longtime community activist, added her passionate support. “We got to be ready to work hard and make sure Kamala Harris gets to the White House. It’s time for a change, and she’s the one to make it happen.”

The rally showcased California’s unified effort to ensure a strong voter turnout for Kamala Harris, emphasizing the crucial role of voter participation in shaping the nation’s future.

Kamala Harris Has Already Locked Up Support She Needs to Win Dem Nomination

According to the Democratic National Convention (DNC), support from the California Delegation -- as well as preliminary counts from other states -- has likely already secured Kamala Harris’s nomination as the Party’s candidate for President.

Nancy Pelosi motioned to endorse Harris for president at a virtual meeting of the California DNC delegation this past week.

With an endorsement from California’s delegation, Harris secured enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination. Pelosi’s announcement came after President Joe Biden withdrew his nomination as the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party.

Harris is set to visit the battleground state of Wisconsin, focusing on working-class voters who make up 63% of the state’s population, according to the United States Census Bureau.

Harris says she intends to earn the presidential nomination and gain the support of fellow Democrats.

“I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party’s nominee, and as a daughter of California, I am proud that my home state’s delegation helped put our campaign over the top. I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon,” said Harris. Despite Harris gaining majority support, Democratic delegates are free to vote for a candidate of their choice until the deadline on Aug. 7. So far, Democrats have raised over $100 million for Harris.

Calif. Dept. of Finance July Report: Income Up; Inflation

Slowing

California’s personal income increased by 8.2% in the first quarter of 2024 due to higher wages, salaries, and property income, stated the July report released by the state Department of Finance last week.

The report indicated that California’s real gross domestic product grew by 1.2% in the first quarter of this year. In the past two years, national inflation rates decreased by 6.1%, slowing down inflation to 3% in June 2024. However, the report showed that the national unemployment rate gradually increased by 4.1%, a total of 162,000 individuals are without formal jobs. However,

California’s unemployment rate remained at 5.2% in June this year. The state’s labor force increased by 7,200 people and civilian household employment grew by 17,500 jobs. A majority of the jobs created by the state were driven by trade, transportation, and utilities. Other sectors such as government, private education, health services, and hospitality and leisure added jobs in the past year. However, the manufacturing sector experienced the largest job loss, losing nearly 3,000 jobs in June. Other sectors that suffered great job losses included construction followed by mining and logging.

The state permitted a total of 106,000 housing units in May, a 5.1% increase from last year. The median sale of a single-family home now costs approximately $900,720 in June 2024.

California’s Preliminary General Fund agency cash receipts were $361 million, a little above the forecast for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

“June is an important month for personal and corporate income tax receipts because it contains the due date for second quarter estimated payments,” the report stated.

According to the financial report, personal income tax cash receipts were $145 million in June, remaining slightly above the forecast for the current fiscal year. Annual withholdings, a percentage of an employee’s earnings paid directly to government-mandated collections, decreased by 9.9 %. The report highlighted that single-month readings are often misleading and inaccurate due to calendar changes that affect the timing of payments and stock-based compensation.

Sen. Bradford Responds to Deputy-Involved Killing of Unarmed Black Woman

After seeing a video of a deputy-involved shooting death of an unarmed Black woman in Illinois last week, the vice chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) stated that he sees “no appropriate justification for this deputy’s actions.”

Sonya Massey, 37, was shot in the face by a Sangamon

County Sheriff’s deputy after she called 911 to report a prowler. The deputy who shot Massey reportedly worked for six different law enforcement agencies in four years and had two Drinking Under the Influence (DUI) charges.

“SB 2 created a process for peace officers who violate the public trust to be decertified. This law has already protected the public from at least 80 now-former officers who will never again wear a badge in California,” Bradford viewed the incident within the context of California law.

“Strong police accountability laws increase the public’s trust in our law enforcement by removing those individuals whose actions erode that trust,” he added.

Bradford said The Sangamon County, Illinois case is an “inexcusable tragedy.”

“After looking at the video of the shooting and reading about the case, I see no appropriate justification for this deputy’s actions,” Bradford said in a July 24 statement to California Black Media. “The death of Sonya Massey should never have happened.”

Bradford wrote Senate Bill (SB) 2, the Kenneth Ross Jr. Police Decertification Act of 2021. It created a statewide decertification process to revoke the certification of a peace officer following the conviction of serious crimes or termination from employment due to misconduct.

SB 2 was signed into law on Sept. 30, 2021, by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The California bill has no bearing on the case in Illinois, but it puts the spotlight on how rogue cops can move from one jurisdiction to another and land a job. The deputy in Illinois was charged with first-degree murder.

Thus far, SB 2 is effective, Bradford stated.

Gov. Newsom Issues Executive Order to Remove Homeless Encampments

Last week, in an executive order, California Gov. Gavin Newsom gave s state agencies the green light to get rid of homeless encampments statewide.

This action is supported by a recent decision handed down by the United States Supreme Court in June permitting states to crack down on makeshift camps set up by homeless persons. In the executive order issued July 25, Gov. Newsom authorizes state and local governments to clear camps and directs them to adopt policies and mobilize resources to do so in within an orderly and sustainable framework.

“This executive order directs state agencies to move

urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them -- and provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same,” said Newsom.

“The state has been hard at work to address this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part,” he said.

Several mayors initially expressed concerns about the executive order but are willing to work with Gov. Newsom and the state agencies to address homelessness in their cities.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she looks forward to collaborating with the state.

“Strategies that just move people along from one neighborhood to the next or give citations instead of housing do not work,” said Bass.

Bass appreciated the governor’s effort but is hopeful that state officials can work on strategies that help improve people’s lives.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones of San Diego praised the governor for his timely executive order.

Jim Wunderman, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council, a public policy group backed by business leaders, supported the directive.

“Getting our many thousands of unhoused residents indoors and out of unsafe, unhealthy and inhumane outdoor encampments is critical to ending California’s homelessness crisis,” said Wunderman.

Despite the pushback from local leaders, Newsom’s directive urges state agencies to partner with local organizations and request services for homeless people from camps. However, state agencies can offer resources and support but there is no obligation for agencies to help displaced people find homes.

Celebrating 40 Years, Bill Pickett Rodeo Partners with BeyGOOD Foundation

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) announced July 26 that it has teamed up with the BeyGOOD Foundation to support Black Equestrian programs.

BIPR says the collaboration honors the rich legacy of Black cowboys, cowgirls and ranchers, whose contributions have shaped American history.

“We are excited to partner with Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation to support Black Equestrian culture through our BeyGOOD grants program. We have committed $400K and will be providing grants to nonprofit equestrian organizations from Los Angeles, Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas,” said BeyGood Foundation Executive Director Ivy McGregor in a statement.

“Saturday night (Aug. 20) was our first stop,” McGregor continued. “Next up Georgia and then Texas. We are excited about the impact and honored to get to share their impact stories.”

Margo Wade LaDrew, the National Development and Partnership Director at BIPR, said she is “proud of this historic partnership.”

“No one has ever invested in Black ranchers and equestrians to this magnitude,” LaDrew continued. “These partnerships signify more than just financial support. They represent a long-overdue recognition and validation of the contributions of Black ranchers and equestrians to the rich tapestry of American culture and history.”

During the BIPR event at the Industry Hills Expo in The City of Industry on Saturday July 20, BeyGOOD awarded two grants: one to Love This Horse Equine Rescue, and another to Urban Saddles.

Board member Allie Harvey from Love This Horse, Equine Rescue in the Mojave Desert accepted a $25,000 grant on behalf of Seventeen-year-old Erna Valdivia who made history as the first African American woman to compete in the Tevis Cup, widely regarded as the most prestigious and challenging endurance ride in the world.

At the event, the Tevis Cup witnessed a historic moment as Valdivia crossed the finish line of the grueling one-day, 100-mile race in the California Sierras. Riding her Arabian rescue horse named “Love Story,” Valdivia captivated hearts and inspired generations.

The grant to Urban Saddles was accepted by Ron Recasner. Urban Saddles provides a safe environment for young people to engage with the equestrian lifestyle,

Other Black equestrian organizations recipients will be surprised with grant awards at the BIPR in Atlanta on Aug. 3. For more information, visit www.billpickettrodeo. com.

California Civil Rights Council Push to Regulate AI in Job Recruitment

The California Civil Rights Council proposed rules that prohibit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) during the job recruitment process last week.

The amendments to FEHA were proposed early this year to regulate employment practices carried out by businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. The council held a hearing during an official meeting last at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

The proposed amendments would make it a violation of state law to use automated systems to make hiring decisions in a discriminatory way.

Supporters say ules under the proposed Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) law would protect employees from experiencing harassment or discrimination from their employer using AI software.

In recent years, AI has been used in every stage of the hiring process, stated tech experts at a council hearing on algorithms and bias. The experts acknowledged that AI systems were used in recruitment, screening, analyzing, and making recommendations based on applicant interviews, even as far as during employment.

“The Council has determined that the proposed amendments are not inconsistent or incompatible with existing regulations,” the Council stated in defense of the proposed rules.

“Currently, there are no regulations expressly addressing the use of automated‐decision systems to make or assist in making hiring or other employment decisions,” the council added.

Under this proposal, employers are prohibited from using AI systems that screen out, rank, or prioritize applicants based on their religion, disability, and medical conditions. The law also prevents employers from using automated systems that make decisions based on voice, facial expressions, and other physical characteristics including gender, race, and nationality.

State legislators are still evaluating, Assembly Bill (AB) 2930, another law similar to FEHA that requires employers to notify applicants that automated systems are being used to make decisions in the recruitment process.

The use of AI systems can result in discrimination against minority groups and worsen systemic inequality in the job market, the council stated. With these new AI bills, civil rights groups are advocating for equal opportunity and fair employment practices in the workforce.

offering training in horse skills and life-skills.

FB screenshot of Sonya Massey

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo celebrated its 40th anniversary with a partnership with the BeyGOOD Foundation, donating a total of $50,000 in grants. Ron Recasner accepted $25,000 for Urban Saddles, and Allie Harvey accepted $25,000 for Love This Horse Equine Rescue. Seventeen-year-old Erna Valdivia made history as the first African American woman to compete in the prestigious Tevis Cup endurance ride.

We Need Black Teachers in More Ways Than You Think

By Aziah Siid Word In Black | Sacramento Observer

(WIB)

– For grade-school teachers, keeping up with student slang is a race as old as the teaching profession itself, and one they can never win. Changing as quickly as the weather, the hot slang word or phrase of the moment — the one that’s so lit everyone in the caf is using it — is usually hella dead by the time most adults they know catch up.

When it shows up in the classroom in students’ oral answers and written exams, slang can leave teachers scratching their heads. That’s led some educators to take extreme measures: one teacher went viral for an outright ban on slang, while another pranks his own students with fake slang.

But some Black K-12 educators have taken a different view. They have embraced slang as a valuable teaching tool for Black students, one that celebrates their identities, culture, lived experiences, and linguistic ingenuity.

Chris Emdin, an associate professor at Teachers College, proposes a new approach to teaching he calls Ratchetdemic. It centers the language and culture of Black students’ lived experiences in a way that may not align with traditional academia.

“We don’t need their permission to create language, especially as people who created hip hop. This can be a valuable teaching tool for our kids about linguistic ingenuity,” he says.

The Need for Black Teachers is Evident

Data underscores Emdin’s perspective. According to the language learning website Preply, about 3 in 10 parents said slang should be allowed in school, and 40% of teachers agreed that slang could help students express themselves. Thirty-six percent of teachers said accepting slang shows respect for students’ cultural identity.

At the same time, more than half of teachers surveyed worried that slang could lead to misunderstandings or miscommunications between teachers and students, and 50% believe it could disrupt the learning process. Earlier this year, a teacher went viral for posting a list of slang words she banned from her classroom.

But Emdin believes that’s the wrong approach. Students learn best, he says, when they feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to the classrooms. Acceptance of slang language on things like term peppers and in oral reports illustrates that.

“To be ratchetdemic is to have no part in starving the authentic self, while still maintaining high academic standards and high academic rigor,” Emdin, who wrote a book on the subject, said in a Harvard EdCast episode.

“I chose the word ‘ratchetdemic’ because it’s a merging of being ratchet and academic,” he said. “I was intentional about utilizing a colloquial slang word and merging that with being academic. I understand that for some folks to ratchet is to be loud or to be abrasive, but there are variations in ratchet.”

At the same time, many slang words are rooted in African American Vernacular English, which some studies recognize as a legitimate English dialect with its own rules and functions.

One way to help schools achieve that level of comfort for Black students is to diversity the workforce — a longstanding problem in U.S. public schools. Study after study shows achievement among students of color rise if they are taught by a teacher who looks like them making it potentially easier to relate to or understand slang. Yet, the percentage of Black teachers working in public schools is around 7% nationwide.

Until that elusive goal is reached — and until slang is universally accepted in school — teachers are finding different ways to catch up. Educators have taken to social media platforms, sharing ways they use to keep up with their students. Some recommend simply asking for clarification when a student says something new or unusual. Other teachers suggest keeping a weekly diary of every new word that shows up in

the classroom or is overheard on campus. If research hasn’t shown enough, staying connected and in touch with your students goes beyond simply standing in front of the classroom. Learning their cultural dishes, staying up to date on their catchphrases, and countless other ways are open for teachers to show up for their students.

When it shows up in the classroom in students’ oral answers and written exams, slang can leave teachers scratching their heads. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)