08.16.23 Bakersfield News Observer

Blind-Sided Icon: NFL Star Michael Oher’s Explosive Claim Reveals Twists in ‘The Blind Side’ Movie Tale Page A3

News Observer

Most Black Women Voters Are Financially Insecure California Study Says

Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

A study released last week by the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CBWCEI) presents a grim picture of the financial stability of Black women voters in the state.

A total of 1,258 women participated in the poll used in the study. Their answers give insight into the web of challenges Black women across California confront daily.

“Black women in California and around the country are struggling socially and economically while serving as primary breadwinners of their households,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of CBWCEI. “The results are sobering and paint a picture of the pressures that threaten Black women’s stability and financial security. This data is a call to action for meaningful change to policymakers, advocates and community leaders to address these pressing issues and disparity gaps.”

The survey conducted by EVITARUS, a Black-owned public opinion research and public policy consulting firm based in Los Angeles, provides an in-depth analysis of Black women’s opinions about state and federal elected officials. It also reveals CBWCEI’s top policy priorities for enhancing the well-being of women and girls in California.

Top among the issues Black women face are racial discrimination, lack of opportunities for career advancement, adverse mental and physical health conditions, pay inequity, parenting challenges, among other serious issues.

EVITARUS Managing Partner Shakari Byerly served as the principal investigator and lead researcher on the study. She said the survey reveals the financial and economic burdens that Black women confront as they contribute to their families, communities and the state.

Griffin, Byerly, Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), and Dr. Thomas A. Parham, President, California State University Dominguez Hills held a virtual media briefing on Aug. 8 to discuss the study’s results.

“This type of project is exactly why the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) pushed to have the California Black women think tank funded through the legislature,” said Wilson, who chairs the CLBC. “California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute received $5 million in funding from Gov. (Gavin) Newsom to launch this first-ever think tank to focus on Black women in California.”

Titled “The California Black Women Voters’ Quality of Life Survey,” the 26-slide PowerPoint presentation makes public the opinions of Black women who took the survey between May 24 and June 6.

The results reflect political party, age, profession, income, and geographical and other demographic information about the participants.

Byerly said EVITARUS had “good coverage” in terms of selecting women who were eligible and active voters. Eighty percent of the women who took the poll voted in the November 2022 General Election.

“We have a probability-based model used for who might be identified as Black, but then we also had a pool of the general voting public who were allowed to participate,” Byerly said. “We did a screen to determine whether they identified as Black and also as a woman, either they were cisgender or transgender.”

Approximately 40% of those polled stated that systematic racism and discrimination have hampered their income and earning abilities, which sheds a light on the structural inequalities faced by Black women, according to the survey.

Not having enough cash saved for retirement (77%), maintaining or achieving financial stability (76%) and

being unable to make ends meet (70%) were among primary concerns. Nearly two-thirds of Black women reported having difficulty coping with stress, reflecting the emotional toll of navigating social and economic pressures.

The study found that nearly 2 in 5 Black women work multiple jobs yet still struggle to meet basic expenses. The researchers say this is due to inflation and the rising cost of living in California. Among Black women who are employed, two-thirds are the primary breadwinners in their households.

In addition, 89% of Black women emphasized the importance of having Black representatives in elected office, reflecting their desire for diverse and inclusive political leadership. Among California’s 2.5 million Black population, Wilson said there are over 1 million Black women and girls in the state.

Assembly Bill (AB) 179, which was championed by Wilson, paved the way for the creation of CBWCEI, a non-profit “think tank” focused on improving structures and practices that impact the lives of Black women and girls across the state.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a trailer budget legislation in September 2022 allowing the think tank to receive $5 million from the state to conduct such studies. The think tank is housed at California State University at Dominguez Hills.

CBWCEI also serves as a resource for lawmakers, elected officials, business leaders, and advocacy organizations. The poll on Black women voters is the first public project of the think tank.

“It is essential that we do all that we can to protect them,” Wilson said. “We need real data on the experiences

of Black women so that the legislators, anyone involved in advocacy positions, can make meaningful policies that would drive the change we need to improve their lives.”

New Jersey Lt. Gov. Remembered as Fighter for Those in Need

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) –– Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, the first Black woman elected to statewide office in New Jersey history, was remembered in a memorial service Saturday as a trailblazer who fought to help those in need.

The Rev. Al Sharpton and a host of New Jersey officials addressed mourners Saturday in the packed Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Mourners included Oliver`s 95-year-old mother and other family members as well as five current and former governors of the state.

Sharpton told mourners that Oliver, also the first Black woman to lead the state Assembly, “never forgot why she was in the room.”

“She never backed down, she never sold out, she never turned her back on the people that made her. She was and is ours and always will be,” he said, drawing thunderous applause and bringing many in the crowd to their feet.

Gov. Phil Murphy praised Oliver, 71, who died Aug. 1 following a hospital stay for an undisclosed medical issue, as a “first-rate fighter for every New Jerseyan.”

Dionne Warwick, a New Jersey native, called her friend “a person who never, ever met a stranger” and who “knew everyone intimately even though they were not intimately known.”

“She loved to laugh __ and she loved a good piece of gossip, too,” Warwick said, drawing laughter herself.

Oliver’s U.S. flag-draped casket lay in state Friday near the state seal in the Capitol rotunda, drawing a stream of legislators, former staffers and members of the public to pay their respects.

In addition to serving as Murphy’s top deputy, stepping in while he was out of the state, Oliver also oversaw the Department of Community Affairs, which coordinates state aid to towns and cities and supervises code enforcement. Oliver was in the Assembly, serving as speaker from 2010 to 2014, before becoming Murphy`s running mate in 2017.

Born and raised in Newark, Murphy earned a sociology degree from Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University and had a master’s degree in community organization from Columbia University. She won an Assembly seat in native Essex County in 2003 after serving on the Essex County board of chosen freeholders from 1996 to 1999.

Charged with Hate Crime, Lawyer May Argue Self-Defense in Dancer`s Death

NEW YORK (AP) –– A 17-year-old pleaded not guilty Friday to hate-motivated murder in a stabbing that followed a clash over men dancing, and his lawyer said the youth “regrets what happened” and may argue he was defending himself.

Charged as an adult, Dmitriy Popov was being held without bail after his arraignment in the killing of O`Shae Sibley, a professional dancer.

Prosecutors say the killing was fueled by bigotry that was trained on Sibley and his friends as they cut loose to a Beyoncé song while pumping gas at a Brooklyn filling station. Sibley, 28, was stabbed after he and a couple of his friends confronted the defendant “to speak out and protect himself and his friends from anti-gay and anti-Black slurs,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said Thursday.

“Defending yourself from the anti-gay or antiBlack comments, arguing back, it’s not a cause for someone to take a weapon and do what was done in this case,” the prosecutor said.

Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CBWCEI) (left) and Sha-

Black and Hispanic Households Consistently Saw Lower Cash Balances and Relative Gains During Pandemic

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Black and Hispanic households consistently maintained lower median cash balances than their white and Asian counterparts during and post-pandemic, according to a new JPMorgan & Chase Co. comprehensive Household Pulse study.

Placing a spotlight on American households’ financial landscape, the financial giant analyzed administrative banking data to track the cash balance of around nine million Chase customers from January 2020 to March 2023.

Through financial analysis, Chase provided an important glimpse into the economic trajectories of diverse households by revealing stark cash balance discrepancies among its customers based on race and ethnicity.

The study underscored that the imbalances are not merely numerical; they also reflect the broader dynamics of the American socioeconomic fabric.

Black and Hispanic households saw more balance gains during the pandemic, especially when the government provided economic impact payments and expanded unemployment insurance.

However, study authors emphasized that the pandemic’s financial effects were not evenly distributed across all demographic groups.

Despite reports of higher income growth for Black

and Hispanic individuals before and during the pandemic, there was a significant difference. Black and Hispanics maintained cash buffers substantially below their white and Asian counterparts.

The authors noted that existing disparities defied the expectations that predicted higher income growth would bridge the gap.

The study showed that households’ combined checking and savings balances decreased in all income quartiles in the second half of 2022.

But the trend was reversed in March 2023, as tax returns began flowing in, providing a much-needed boost to many households’ financial standings.

As of March 2023, a stark divide was apparent between income quartiles.

The highest income quartiles saw median balances of approximately $9,000, while the lowest struggled with balances of around $1,300.

That represented a substantial decrease from the pinnacle observed in April 2022 post-tax return distributions, where balances stood at approximately $10,700 and $1,400, respectively.

Further data dissection underscored the persistent cash balance gap among racial and ethnic groups. Despite the relative gains made during the pandemic, Black and Hispanic families consistently faced lower median cash balances than their white and Asian counterparts.

Black and Hispanics maintained cash buffers substantially below their white and Asian counterparts.

Peak balances for Black and Hispanic families in April 2021 reached $4,300 and $4,600 respectively.

In 2021, there was a consistent decline in the numbers.

In April 2022, Black families reached about $3,200 and Hispanic families reached roughly $3,500, and that was due to tax season.

In March 2023, balances for both groups slipped below $3,000, a figure approaching their respective prepandemic levels. Click here to view the full study.

But Popov`s lawyer, Mark Pollard, said Friday that it was his understanding that his client didn`t say anything hateful during the confrontation and was backing away when the trio of older, taller men approached.

“I strongly suspect that we will be going self defense and that he had a reasonable grounds to reasonably believe that he had to defend himself in this situation,” Pollard said outside court.

“He regrets what happened, certainly, but it doesn’t mean that he’s guilty of a crime,” the attorney added.

After a beach outing, Sibley and four friends stopped for gas, and one of them started dancing, prosecutors said. Popov and a few other people came out of the gas station`s store and assailed the dancers with anti-Black and anti-LGBTQ+ slurs, essentially telling them to “get that gay s__t out of here,” according to prosecutors.

Trying to defuse the tension, Sibley and his friends responded that they were just enjoying themselves and had the same right to be there as did those sneering at them, prosecutors said.

Security camera videos showed the two groups exchanging words for a few minutes. Both sides walked away, though one stayed behind, recording on his phone. Sibley and two friends returned and confronted the youth, and Sibley followed him as he walked toward a sidewalk and out of the frame.

Video shows the two reappear as Sibley rushes toward the youth, who darts around him, and both again disappear from view. A moment later, Sibley walks backward into the frame, checking his side, then collapses to the sidewalk.

Sibley was from Philadelphia, where about 200 people attended his funeral Tuesday and friend Otis Pena called him “a beacon of light for a lot of us in our community.” Politicians and celebrities including Beyoncé and Spike Lee have paid tribute to Sibley since his death.

Sibley used dance to celebrate his LGBTQ identity in works such as “Soft: A Love Letter to Black Queer Men,” choreographed by Kemar Jewel. Sibley performed with the Philadelphia-based dance company Philadanco and took classes with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Ailey Extension program in New York.

Popov, a high school senior, was born in the U.S. to a family of Russian origin, his attorney said. He described his client as a “level-headed” teen who holds two jobs and attends church.

The youth`s relatives declined to comment on the case as they left court.

kari Byerly, Managing Partner, EVITARUS (right).

Asm. Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) said the results of the study conducted by EVITARUS for the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute indicate that the State Legislature must do more for Black women. CBM photo by Robert Maryland. June 30, 2023.

Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act Marks One Year of Progress in Boosting American Semiconductors and Innovation

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

President Biden on Wednesday, Aug. 9, highlighted the significant strides achieved on the anniversary of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act which aimed to rejuvenate America’s semiconductor leadership, fortify supply chains, bolster national security, and enhance competitiveness on the global stage.

“One year ago today, I signed into law the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to revitalize American leadership in semiconductors, strengthen our supply chains, protect our national security, and advance American competitiveness,” Biden emphasized.

Semiconductors, the bedrock of modern technology, were conceived in the United States. Yet, the White House said that America’s share in global production has dwindled from nearly 40% to just over 10%, rendering its economy vulnerable to international disruptions.

According to a White House Fact Sheet, the President’s comments resonated with his pledge to reinvent the landscape.

“The CHIPS and Science Act aims to change that,” Biden declared in a separate statement.

Administration officials said a pivotal facet of the “Bidenomics” agenda, the CHIPS and Science Act, has elicited tangible responses.

Corporations have pledged over $166 billion in investments toward domestic semiconductor manufacturing, spawning job opportunities across diverse communities.

Administration officials said that the heart of the Act, a $53 billion infusion into U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, research, development, and workforce initiatives, is pivotal in propelling the nation’s technological progress.Further, the legislation mandated a 25% tax credit for capital investments in semiconductor manufacturing, which officials said has been instrumental in maintaining

Semiconductors, the bedrock of modern technology, were conceived in the United States. Yet, the White House said that America’s share in global production has dwindled from nearly 40% to just over 10%, rendering its economy vulnerable to international disruptions.

America’s position at the forefront of innovation.

“Semiconductors power everything from cell phones to cars to refrigerators,” Biden stated.

“But over time, the United States went from producing nearly 40% of the world’s chips to just over 10%, making our economy vulnerable to global supply

chain disruptions.” He continued:

“Over the coming months, my Administration will continue to implement this historic law, make sure American union workers, small businesses, and families benefit from investments spurred by the CHIPS and Science Act, and make America once again a leader in

semiconductor manufacturing and less dependent on other countries for our electronics or clean energy supply chains.” Administration officials reiterated that the White House’s unwavering dedication to revitalize the job market has been palpable.

Already, officials have established a set of five Workforce Hubs to foster pipelines for Americans to access well-compensated positions in the semiconductor industry and other sectors witnessing an upsurge due to Biden’s Investing in America agenda – a comprehensive strategy encompassing the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Additionally, the White House unveiled a nationwide Workforce Sprint, which is laser-focused on cultivating avenues into advanced manufacturing roles, including within the semiconductor realm.

Further, more than 50 community colleges have proactively introduced new or expanded semiconductor workforce programs. The National Science Foundation also invested in the American semiconductor workforce through groundbreaking initiatives, encompassing the manufacturing workforce, backing researchers, and advancing curriculum development.

Strategic partnerships with major semiconductor and technology companies also have reinforced the endeavor, solidifying the nation’s position as a crucible of innovation and knowledge exchange.

The White House noted that applications by students for full-time jobs posted by semiconductor companies soared by an impressive 79% during the 2022–2023 academic year, in stark contrast to the 19% growth witnessed in other industries.

“Over the past year, agencies across the federal government have been developing and executing on programs established under CHIPS to encourage domestic semiconductor manufacturing, invest in research and development, and support supply chain resilience and workforce development,” the White House said.

Georgia Prosecutor Nears Endgame in Trump Election Probe with RICO Violations Alleged

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

In a saga that seems to be spiraling into a legal quagmire, former President Donald Trump is once again teetering on the precipice of potential criminal charges as Atlanta-area prosecutor Fani Willis is set to present her case before a grand jury this week.

Several witnesses already have been called to testify in Willis’ investigation into Trump’s alleged attempt to

overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia.

And a conclusion seems only days away.

Various reports suggest that Willis’ penchant for employing the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) will play out against Trump.

In 1970, Congress enacted the RICO statute which broadened the scope of prospective prosecutions against participants in organized crime.

Under RICO, prosecutors can freeze the assets of suspects until the case’s outcome.

If the RICO charge is proven, it could lead to a maximum of 20 years in prison for each racketeering count.

A guilty defendant also loses all assets related to racketeering, including those connected to lawful businesses.

against him.

“The Georgia RICO law is tougher than federal law in some ways, such as a five-year mandatory minimum prison sentence. That’s the kind of thing that will adjust some attitudes,” Aronberg told Newsweek.

Willis is about to share her findings.

Speculation suggests that around twelve people may be charged alongside Trump, who reportedly has started fundraising by portraying the potential charges as Democratic interference in the 2024 election.

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Additionally, a judge could impose financial penalties.

In 2022, Willis extolled RICO as a tool to convey the “whole story,” appreciating the intelligence and discernment of jurors who yearn for accurate judgments.

“The racketeering statute does not look simply at a single crime, it tries to look at the big picture of view,” Morgan Cloud, a law professor at Emory University, told CBS News.

To prove a RICO case, prosecutors must convince a jury that at least two of the racketeering activities are related in terms of method, purpose, or victims.

Cloud believes that the main goal of Trump was to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

“It has to be not just one separate isolated event but a series of interrelated actions,” Cloud told the outlet.

To convict Trump, Willis must prove that he actively played a leading role, according to law professor Anthony Michael Kreis from Georgia State University.

Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg said that if Trump were charged under RICO, he would have co-defendants, increasing the risk of someone turning

Having already been convicted by a civil jury in a sexual assault case and three times indicted on criminal charges this year, the twice-impeached ex-president is currently bracing for a trial in Manhattan over allegations of business fraud tied to a 2016 hush money payment to cover up an alleged affair with an adult film actress.

He also faces federal charges in two separate investigations led by special counsel Jack Smith.

One investigation centered around mishandling classified documents in Florida.

The other is about subverting the 2020 election in Washington, DC.

Trump has fervently maintained his innocence throughout these legal entanglements.

What makes a potential conviction in Georgia worrisome for Trump even if he wins a second term, it may be harder for him to interfere with a trial and conviction in the Peach State.

Presidential powers, omnipotent on a federal stage, do not influence local matters.

“Not only would he not be able to pardon himself [if he’s re-elected], but the pardon process in Georgia means Gov. (Brian) Kemp would not be able to pardon him either,” former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti told CNN.

“There’s a pardon board. So, it’s a more complicated

If the RICO charge is proven, it could lead to a maximum of 20 years in prison for each racketeering count. A guilty defendant also loses all assets related to racketeering, including those connected to lawful businesses.

process. He also would not be able to shut down the investigation in the same way,” Mariotti explained. Cameras are allowed during court proceedings in Georgia, subject to judicial approval.

The Georgia Supreme Court, which expanded the law to cover smartphones, affirmed that “open courtrooms are an indispensable element of an effective and respected judicial system.”

Finally, the state mandates that charges be made public promptly, meaning any indictment would immediately face unsealing.

Tulsa Race Massacre Survivors Seek Reversal of Dismissal in Historic Court Appeal

By Stacy M.

pursuit

They have appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, urging a swift reversal of Tulsa County District Judge Caroline Wall’s controversial dismissal of their lawsuit.

At a press conference held at the Oklahoma Supreme Court, the legal team representing the survivor expressed confidence in the likelihood of the Oklahoma Supreme Court overturning Judge Wall’s ruling. “The facts of this case align with the long-standing property-based limitations of Oklahoma’s public nuisance statute,” said Damario Solomon-Simmons, the lead attorney for the survivors and founder of Justice for Greenwood.

“The District Court’s imposition of a heightened pleading standard on the survivors is unprecedented in Oklahoma’s legal history,” Solomon-Simmons continued.

“Our clients have sufficiently pleaded a public nuisance claim, as defined by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in its landmark decision on Johnson & Johnson in November 2021.”

Randle, 107, Fletcher, 108, and Van Ellis, 102, are the remaining survivors of the horrific massacre, which destroyed the thriving Greenwood District in Tulsa and caused the loss of countless lives and property, has long been overlooked, and the survivors have been denied justice.

Their legal team contends that Judge Wall’s ruling imposes an unjust and burdensome requirement on parties alleging public nuisance claims.

The court mandated that the survivors provide a specific abatement remedy to address the issue before any discovery, trial, or liability determination occurs.

The survivor’s co-counsel Randall Adams, a Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP litigation partner, said this unusual pleading standard lacks any foundation in Oklahoma’s notice pleading code or prior case law.

Further, he said the District Court allowed the defendants to violate an agreement made in open court, promising not to file new motions to dismiss the survivors’ unjust enrichment claims.

Despite the agreement, the defendants filed a second motion to dismiss the unjust enrichment claims, and to the dismay of the survivors’ legal team, the District Court granted these baseless motions.

“It is imperative to recognize that allowing Judge Wall’s decision to stand will have severe implications for individuals and businesses across Oklahoma seeking to uphold their legal rights,” Solomon-Simmons emphasized.

He claimed that a favorable decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court would “uphold the values of justice and fairness for all state residents and resolve the complaints of those who had suffered because of the Tulsa Race Massacre.”

Randle, 107, Fletcher, 108, and Van Ellis, 102, are the remaining survivors of the horrific massacre, which destroyed the thriving Greenwood District in Tulsa and caused the loss of countless lives and property, has long been overlooked, and the survivors have been denied justice.

Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Lessie Benningfield Randle, Viola Fletcher, and Hughes Van Ellis, Sr., the last three known survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, have continued their

of justice.

Blind-Sided Icon: NFL Star Michael Oher’s Explosive Claim Reveals Twists in ‘The Blind Side’ Movie Tale

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Michael Oher, a former NFL star known for inspiring the film “The Blind Side,” has filed a petition in a Tennessee court with claims that the family who took him in lied about an important part of his life story.

Oher says the family used him for money, causing controversy around the once celebrated story of triumph.

The retired football star filed a petition in Shelby County, Tennessee noting that the Tuohy family, who were portrayed as his adoptive parents in the film, never legally adopted him.

Instead, they manipulated him into signing documents that made them his conservators after he turned 18.

These conservatorship papers allowed them to make financial decisions on his behalf.

Oher’s legal filing claims that the Tuohys used their authority as his conservators to make a profitable deal for the film adaptation of his story.

The movie earned over $300 million and won an Oscar for Sandra Bullock’s portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy.

According to reporting by ESPN, the Tuohys allegedly received substantial royalties, while Oher received nothing despite being the central figure in the narrative.

Documents filed in court alleged that the movie paid the Tuohys and their two birth children each $225,000, plus 2.5% of the film’s “defined net proceeds.”

Oher, whose eight year career included playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and Tennessee Titans, didn’t receive compensation.

The court filing suggested that the Tuohys continued to promote the false narrative of Oher’s adoption, using it to their advantage for personal gain.

Oher’s lawyer, J. Gerard Stranch IV, said Oher discovered the truth in 2023, causing deep emotional

distress.

The revelation shattered Oher’s belief in the family’s claim to be his adoptive parents, the attorney claimed.

Oher’s legal filing seeks to terminate the conservatorship held by the Tuohys and prevent them from exploiting his name and likeness.

The petition also demands a full accounting of the profits generated using Oher’s story and compensation for Oher’s rightful share of these earnings.

Born into a family grappling with drug addiction, Oher faced hardships, including foster care placements and homelessness.

His trajectory changed when he was taken in by the Tuohy family, which provided stability and support.

ESPN noted that Oher’s athletic talents thrived, propelling him to a successful college and NFL career.

However, the court filing highlighted that if Oher had been legally adopted, he would have retained control over his financial matters. Tellingly, the conservatorship arrangement stripped him of this autonomy, which became instrumental in the family’s alleged financial exploitation.

Further, the Tuohys had previously claimed they received only a flat fee for the movie and shared what they earned with Oher.

But recent revelations counter these assertions.

“The lie of Michael’s adoption is one upon which Co-Conservators Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy have enriched themselves at the expense of their Ward, the undersigned Michael Oher,” Oher’s lawyers wrote.

“Michael Oher discovered this lie to his chagrin and embarrassment in February of 2023, when he learned that the Conservatorship to which he consented on the basis that doing so would make him a member of the Tuohy family, in fact provided him no familial relationship with the Tuohys.”

Queen Latifah, Chuck D and More Rap Legends on `Rapper`s Delight` and Their Early Hip-Hop Influences

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. and GARY GERARD HAMILTON

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) –– Remember the first rap song you heard? Some of your favorite rappers and DJs certainly do. While hip-hop celebrates 50 years of life, The Associated Press asked some of the genre's most popular artists to recall their first memory of hearing rap and how the moment resonated with them.

In interviews with more than two dozen hip-hop legends, Queen Latifah Chuck D, Method Man, E-40 and eight others cited The Sugarhill Gang`s "Rapper's Delight" as the first rap song they heard. But not all were hooked on the new musical style by that track, and their answers reveal the sense of discovery that marked rap`s early years.

Hip-hops roots are traced to 1973 in the Bronx and it took a few years before rap records emerged __ "Rapper's Delight" was a major catalyst for introducing the rap music to a much broader audience.

Here are the stories of a dozen hip-hop stars who got hooked on the genre around the time "Rapper`s Delight" ruled. In part two, another group of legends and young stars reminisce about connecting with rap by hearing songs by acts like Tupac Shakur, Grandmaster Flash, 2 Live Crew or Run-D.M.C.

CHUCK D

As a sophomore at Adelphi University, Chuck D was about to hit the stage to perform over the melody of Chic`s "Good Times" at a party in October 1979.

At least, that's what he thought.

When he stepped behind the microphone, Chuck D heard a different version of the song. It kept going and going for –- 15 minutes straight.

"I get on the mic to rock the house. Then all of a sudden, I hear words behind me as I'm rockin'. I lipsync. The words keep going. (Expletive) are rockin' for like 20 minutes," said Chuck D, a member of the rap group Public Enemy who created " Fight the Power," one of hip-hop's most iconic and important anthems.

"After it's all over, cats are giving me high pounds like 'You went on and on to the break of dawn dawg,'" he continued. "Back then, it's about how long you can rap. I went and turned to the DJ and looked at the red label that said 'Sugarhill Gang 'Rapper's Delight.' I was like 'Oh, they finally did it.' They were talking all summer long that rap records were going to happen."

He was stunned: I was, like, 'It's inconceivable. How could a rap be a record?' I couldn't see it. Nobody could see it. And then when it happened, boom."

QUEEN LATIFAH

For Queen Latifah, "Rapper's Delight" was the first rap song she and a lot of others heard and memorized where she grew up in Newark, New Jersey. But the biggest record in her world as a kid was Afrika Bambaattaa and the Soul Sonic Force's 1982 song " Planet Rock. "

While the Oscar-nominated actor can be seen chasing bad guys on CBS' "The Equalizer," many forget her roots as a rapper, with hits like "U.N.I.T.Y. and "Just Another Day."

"It changed the sound," she said. "It's more of a synthesized, 808s, hi-hats. The whole sound of it was different. Some of hip-hop in the original days was live music. It was live bands playing break records. Like 'Good Times' was the beat to 'Rapper's Delight.' Some of those records took actual disco records, played the music and rhymed to them."

E-40

While heading to school as a seventh grader in 1979, E-40 heard a new rap tune on a local radio station that normally played R&B and soul music in Northern California.

It was "Rapper's Delight," which interpolated Chic`s hit "Good Times." That's when he knew hip-hop was going to be a part of his life forever.

"I was like 'Ohh, this is hard. I'm hooked,'" said E-40, who recalled the moment while driving to Franklin Middle School in Vallejo, California. He and fellow rapper B-Legit used to sport the same kind of fedora hats and big gold rope chains Run-D.M.C. performed in.

"From then on, I loved rap. In 1979, when I first heard The Sugarhill Gang, I wanted to be a rapper. I would play around with it. ... We grew up on New York rap. All of us did. We wanted to be hip-hop. We wanted to breakdance. We did it all.

“But that changed everything after we heard Sugarhill Gang. Next thing you know, you're hearing Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Kurtis Blow and Roxannne, Roxanne."

LIL JON

"Rapper's Delight" was probably the first hip-hop song Lil Jon heard. But he became a "super fan" of the genre as a middle schooler in Atlanta after seeing rap groups the Fat

Boys and Whodini. It was his first time seeing professional rappers onstage.

"I might have been a fan of rap before, but I had never been to a rap concert. I've never seen rappers in person," he said. "Maybe just in the magazines. That turned me into like. ... a super fan of hip-hop."

The first hip-hop record Lil-Jon bought was Run D.M.C.'s "Sucker M.C.'s (Krush- Groove 1)."

"I remembered my homeboy that lived in the neighborhood. I had to go through some woods to his house with the album," he said. "We put the album on at his house. We were going crazy over listening to lyrics and beats."

ROXANNE SHANTE

Roxanne Shante's first rap experience didn't come in song form. She was introduced to hip-hop through the late comedianpoet Nipsey Russell.

"He had the ability to rhyme at any time," said Shante, a host for SiriusXM's Rock the Bells Radio. At age

him to hit up the local record store where he would buy the latest hip-hop album then blasted it on his radio for anyone to hear in Oakland.

"I had to get a radio with two speakers. That was mandatory," he said. "I was the guy with the radio who was hitting play going 'You ain't never heard that before.` ... I had the whole room, the whole bus jumping."

DOUG E. FRESH

Hearing "Rapper's Delight" for the first time changed the trajectory of Doug E. Fresh's life.

"I remember when my sister came home and told me about a guy named D.J. Hollywood, who we considered the first real M.C.," he said. "She came home and told me about a rap he had. And the rap went, 'Ding, ding, ding, ding, dong, dong, dong the dang, the dang, dang, dang, the ding dong dong. To the hip hop. ...'"

Fresh then added: "I turned around and said, 'Teach me that, show me.' And after that, it's been me and hiphop since that point."

Method Man ever heard. But the first hip-hop song that really resonated with him was Run-D.M.C.'s " Sucker MCs (Krush-Groove 1 )."

"I had never heard this record and I thought I was up on everything at the time, " Method Man said of the 1983 song, which proceeded Run-D.M.C.`s first single "It's Like That" from their self-titled album. He said "Sucker MCs" helped pave a way to usher in a new school of hip-hop artists.

"We were on a sixth-grade class trip to Long Island, and everybody was singing it word-for-word," the "Power Book II: Ghost" actor remembered. "They must have played that record 24 times on our class trip."

BIG DADDY KANE

Around age 12, Big Daddy Kane might not have remembered all of his homework assignments, but he certainly could recite every lyric to the late Jimmy Spicer`s 1980 song " Adventures of Super Rhymes," one of hiphop`s first songs recorded in a studio.

Kane heard "Rapper`s Delight" first, but Spicer`s

14, she became one of the first female rappers to become popular after her song "Roxanne`s Revenge" and gained more notoriety as a member of the Juice Crew. She also took part in Roxanne Wars, which was a series of hip-hop rivalries in the mid-1980s.

Shante said "Rapper's Delight" was the record most parents brought into their home as the "party song." But in her mind, Russell had just as much of an impact.

"That would be my first encounter with loving what would become hip-hop," she continued. "This way of having a certain cadence, this way of being able to do these certain rhymes was just incredible to me. ... He was able to freestyle all day, every day. And that's who I am. That's what I still do today."

TOO SHORT

It's 1979. Too Short was around 13 years old. He normally listened to a variety of funk songs ranging from the Ohio Players' "Love Rollercoaster" and Funkadelic`s "Knee Deep." Then one day at his father's house, he heard "Rapper's Delight" blaring through a stereo system.

"I was on my funk stuff, then this 'Rapper's Delight' record came out and it was like 15 minutes long," he recalled. "I'd be at my pop's house just bumping the loud stereo."

As "Rapper's Delight" gained momentum in 1980, Too Short gravitated more toward beatboxing. That led

DJ KID CAPRI

DJ Kid Capri, arguably one of hip-hop`s most famous DJs in the `90s, grew up on soul music. His father was a soul singer. His grandfather played the trumpet. And his uncle, Bill Curtis, was the leader of the Fatback Band –- which he says made the first hip-hop single " King Tim III (Personality Jock) " before "Rapper's Delight" was released a few months later in 1979.

Capri's uncle gave him the opportunity to hear a rap song for the first time.

"I was right there," Capri said about the Fatback Band, a funk and disco ensemble who became known for their R&B hits including "(Do the) Spanish Hustle, " "I Like Girls" and "I Found Lovin'." But it was "King Tim III" that had a strong influence on him __ especially since it came from family.

"The world thinks 'Rapper's Delight' was the first rap record, but it was 'Personality Jock,'" he said. "My uncle, he's my family. He's the one that did it. So, I've always been around it. That's what made me be so infectious in it, because I've seen every level to where I'm at right now. I took all those things important to me on stage right now. When you see me on stage, you can see all those things wrapped up in me."

METHOD MAN

Yes, "Rapper's Delight" was the first-ever rap song

storytelling on the 15-minute song resonated with him the most.

"When this song came out, just the way Jimmy Spicer was styling on them and telling the story about Dracula and a story about Aladdin, I thought it was real slick," he said.

DJ JAZZY JEFF

DJ Jazzy Jeff always had an affinity for music. But when the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star heard "Rapper's Delight" for the first time, he felt like the song spoke to him like no other.

"I think that was the first time I felt like the music was mine," he said. "Before then, I loved the music, but the music was kind of my older brothers and sisters, and I just liked it because it was theirs. This was the one that somebody made just for me."

JERMAINE DUPRI

Jermaine Dupri couldn't have envisioned his successful career without listening to "Rapper's Delight" around the age of 10.

"I remember the lyrics of the song. I remember it like it was yesterday," said Dupri, a rap mogul who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018. "I just started learning the song. I never knew it was going to take me on this journey."

The retired football star filed a petition in Shelby County, Tennessee, noting that the Tuohy family, who were portrayed as his adoptive parents in the film, never legally adopted him. Instead, they manipulated him into signing documents that made them his conservators after he turned 18.

Homage to California’s Indigenous People

Edward Henderson

California Black Media

Last week, the world celebrated Indigenous People’s Day. In 1994, the United Nations designated Aug. 9, as an annual commemoration of the world’s indigenous people as a way to heighten awareness about challenges faced by Native communities worldwide and to inspire global leaders to protect their rights.

According to the 2020 census, California is home to 110 federally recognized Native American tribes and more than 630,000 people who identify as indigenous or of indigenous descent. This makes California home to the largest indigenous population in the United States.

“It’s important that people who live here in California know the history behind the lands they are staying on,” Kascia Samel, a librarian at the American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) told California Black Media.

“The indigenous people are still here fighting for recognition whether it’s to seek more help for the community or to address past histories,” she said.

According to information provided by the AIRC of the LA County Library, the indigenous population in California was 500,000 in 1770. Tragically, the impact of European diseases, reduced this number to between 150,000 – 300,000 by 1849.

In 1851, U.S. Congress negotiated 18 treaties with indigenous Californians that would have left them 7.5 million acres of the state’s total of 100 million acres. Despite this, then Gov. Peter Burnett in his annual address to California state lawmakers stated, “the war of extermination will continue to be waged between the two races until the Indian race becomes extinct must be expected.” The following year, U.S Senators lobbied the Senate to not approve the treaties and settlers drove them from the lands that should have been theirs.

According to the Library of Congress, before the arrival of Europeans to California in the 1500s, the state’s native peoples were dispersed across the state and isolated from each other by language, tribal differences and geology. There were as many as 135 dialects among several tribes that included the the Karok, Maidu, Cahuilleno, Mojave, Yokuts, Pomo, Paiute, and Modoc.

Today, California tribes own about 7% of their

unratified treaty territory. While injustices still persevere, progress has been made culturally for indigenous communities.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland is a prime illustration of how Indigenous people have shattered barriers and ascended to the highest echelons of America’s social, economic and political structures.

Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino) achieved a historic milestone in California by becoming the first Native American elected to the California Legislature

in 2018. Furthermore, through executive order N-15-19, the state has mandated the release of an annual report to update Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state on the status of the indigenous community so progress can be toward rectifying injustices of the past.

In 2019, Newsom apologized to Native American Californians for the state’s “historical wrongdoings.”

“California must reckon with our dark history,” said Newsom. “California Native American peoples suffered violence, discrimination and exploitation sanctioned by

state government throughout its history. We can never undo the wrongs inflicted on the peoples who have lived on this land that we now call California since time immemorial, but we can work together to build bridges, tell the truth about our past and begin to heal deep wounds.”

Ramos applauded Newsom for his action.

“This action will go a long way to start the healing process between the state and Native American communities throughout California,” said Ramos. “This historic acknowledgment by the Governor marks the beginning of a new relationship between the state and the more than 700,000 Native Americans who make the State of California their home.”

Culturally, the general public has gained more access to the contemporary lives of indigenous communities in recent years. Samel credits this to keeping traditions alive and the entertainment industry investing in stories from the community.

“I think there is more media representation. If you look at shows like Reservation Dogs, kid’s shows like Spirit Rangers, there’s a lot more books being published as well. There’s still pow wows going on and other community events happening. This is a great time for people to learn more about indigenous cultures and see how their histories effect our histories.”

This California Black Media report was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.” Interview Notes with Kascia Samel “It’s important that people who live here in California know the history behind the lands they are staying on. The indigenous people are still here fighting for recognition whether it’s to seek more help for the community or to address past histories.”

Having indigenous people’s day helps highlight the people within the community.

“I think there is more media representation. If you look at shows like Reservation Dogs, kids shows like Spirit Rangers, there’s a lot more books being published as well. There’s still pow wows going on and other community events happening. This is a great time for people to learn more about indigenous cultures and see how their histories effect our histories.”

LAO: Gov Newsom’s Mental Health Proposal Is “Unclear” on Children’s Services

Antonio Ray Harvey

California Black Media

On Aug. 10, the California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) issued a report evaluating the impact of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Behavioral Health Modernization Proposal. The plan was released in June.

The LAO provides fiscal and policy advice to the California Legislature. It serves as the “eyes and ears” for lawmakers and is known for its fiscal expertise and nonpartisan analyses of the state budget.

The LAO report expressed uncertainly regarding the potential effects of the governor’s proposal when it comes to children and youth mental health services spending.

According to the LAO, current regulations mandate a certain level of Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding for children and youth mental health services. “However, there is no such statutory requirement included in the Governor’s proposal.”

“Whether the current level of county spending on children and youth services would be maintained within MHSA is uncertain,” the LAO stated. “While counties would have less flexibility to spend funds on some children and youth services, counties likely would be able to increase spending of FSPs for children under 18. Consequently, and because there is no funding requirement for children and youth, the net effect on spending is unclear,”

The funding categories outlined in the governor’s proposal encompass children and youth with serious emotional disturbances and substance use disorder as a target population. The proposal also requires DHCS to provide oversight over county expenditures on children and youth behavioral health services.

The Governor’s proposal is reflected in Senate Bill (SB) 326, as amended on July 13, 2023, which would make far-reaching changes to the Mental Health Services Act

(MHSA), and Assembly (AB) 531, as amended June 19, 2023, which proposes a $4.7 billion bond for behavioral health facilities and housing for veterans.

The statistics on mental illness among Black youth are troubling, according to experts. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports that suicide rates among Black youth have risen to more than 12 per 100,000 youth in 2020, up from six per 100,000 in 2014. That number is much higher than the rates for White, Hispanic and Asian youth.

Nationally, rates of depression and anxiety have surged among Black youth as well. According to the National Institutes for Health, Black youth exhibit a greater susceptibility to stress, depression, and anxiety.

The CDPH reported that more than 16% of the state’s mental health clients were African American between 2007-2008. The overall Black population in California is less than 6%.

Newsom’s $4.7 billion Master Plan for Kid’s Mental Health released in 2022, the state allocated $30.5 million to 63 organizations providing mental health services that utilize community and evidence-based practices to provide support for parents, grandparents, and other family givers.

“California is stepping up to tackle the mental health crisis facing kids across the country. We’re overhauling our mental health system with an unprecedented all-ofthe-above approach to connect families with the care and support their kids need to grow up healthier and stronger,” Newsom stated in the plan.

The Governor’s Master Plan and LAO’s analysis came a week after the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) held a virtual discussion titled “Advocacy Listening Session for Diverse Racial and Ethnic Communities.”

The listening session focused on six specific populations to gather input for community members on the most significant mental health needs of the population and effective advocacy for better access to behavioral health services.

Tom Orrock, MHSOAC’s Deputy Director of Operations, and staff welcomed nearly 60 Listening Session participants to the online meeting that lasted 90 minutes.

Natalie Champion, Project Manager for Los Angelesbased California Black Women’s Health Project (CBWHP), was one of the speakers during the session. Champion and her husband, Marcus Champion, were part of the effort that helped Secretary of State Shirley Weber create the Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans through Assembly Bill (AB) 3121.

Champion said CBWHP created a mental health program that provided state training for over 160 Black women to become mental health advocates in communities across the state. CBWHP is the only statewide, nonprofit that is committed to improving the health of 1.2 million Black women and girls through advocacy, education, outreach, and policy, she said.

Champion also proposed that the MHSOAC create systems to address the “snow balling impact” of mental illness in the Black community.

Natalie Champion was one of the participants in the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission’s Advocacy Listening Session for Diverse Racial and Ethnic Communities. Champion is the project manager for the Los Angeles-based California Black Women’s Health Project. (Courtesy of Championship Photography)

Chattel slavery, Jim Crow laws, redlining, racial terror, convict leasing, mass incarceration, and “ongoing antiBlack discrimination that exist historically and currently” aligns with mental illness in the Black community, she said.

“These things have never been redressed,” Champion added. “So, when we talk about the mental health needs in our community, all of this has to be lifted up.”

“It’s actually a form of reparations,” she pointed out.

Fearless Fund and Allies Stand Firm Against Legal Challenge

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

A resounding call for justice echoed through the halls of the news conference held in New York as attorneys representing the Atlanta-based Fearless Fund declared their unwavering commitment to fight against a lawsuit they deem both misguided and frivolous.

The venture capital firm, dedicated to dismantling barriers faced by women of color in accessing funding, is facing legal action brought forth by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, a nonprofit helmed by anti-affirmative action activist Edward Blum.

The legal challenge, brought before the U.S. District Court in Atlanta, poses a potential turning point in the ongoing debate over considering race in workplace matters.

A powerhouse legal team, including prominent civil rights advocate Ben Crump, declared they would fight Blum and others, alleging that the Fearless Fund discriminates against non-people of color.

“We stand here not just to defend a cause but to defend the Fearless Fund from the enemies of equality,” Crump passionately stated.

Founded in 2019 by three Black women, the Fearless Fund has championed economic empowerment and opportunity for women of color.

The fund’s cornerstone initiative, the Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, has provided financial support to Black women entrepreneurs, with awards amounting to as much as $20,000.

However, the American Alliance for Equal Rights argues that the program violates a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 that bars racial discrimination in contracts.

The organization claims that some members are being excluded from the contest due to their race, demanding relief from what they perceive as an infringement on their

rights.

“Today, the playing field is not level — that is beyond dispute,” emphasized Alphonso David, a civil rights attorney, and President & CEO of The Global Black Economic Forum.

“Those targeting Fearless Fund want to propagate a system that privileges some and shuts out most. They want us to pretend that inequities do not exist. They want us to deny our history.”

Crump asserted that “Blum ‘thought they would be the easiest ones to pick off. Oh, was he wrong.’”

Others joining in defense of the Fearless Fund include the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the National Women’s Law Center, and the Gibson, Dunn, and Crutcher law firm.

“This attack does not change our mission. In fact, we will remain steadfast on ensuring that the Fearless Fund will continue to empower women of color entrepreneurs,” said Arian Simone, CEO and co-founder of the Fearless Fund.

Backed by industry giants like J.P. Morgan Chase and Mastercard, the Fearless Fund has invested over $26.5 million in businesses led by women of color.

They’ve awarded grants totaling more than $3 million to Black women-owned businesses.

“This lawsuit turns civil rights law on its head,” affirmed Jason Schwartz, Partner at Gibson Dunn.

“Offering grants to Black women small business owners fill an important void to achieve economic freedom.”

Blum’s claims are baseless and seek to subvert existing law, added Alphonso David, another of the Fearless Fund’s lawyers and president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum.

“We are prepared to vigorously defend Fearless Fund and the critical work that they do,” David stated.

Live Oak Campground, Santa Barbara, CA/USA - October 5, 2019 2019 Santa Ynez Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow Wow. Native Americans in Full Regalia. Santa Ynez Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow Wow.

Attorney Benjamin Crump

California Black Media Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed

Joe W. Bowers Jr. and Edward Henderson

California Black Media

Your roundup of stories you might have missed last week.

Poll: Black Voters’ Are Concerned About the Quality of K-12 Education in California

Last week, the Black in School Coalition released the results of its comprehensive survey titled “California Black Voters Perspectives on the Quality of Education for Black Students.”

The coalition commissioned this statewide survey of 1,200 Black voters for the third consecutive year to assess their viewpoints on education funding, school performance, and the biggest challenges facing Black students today.

The Black in School Coalition is a statewide organization that works to improve academic and social outcomes for Black students in California.

The data gathered from the poll is intended to offer policymakers, educators, and other relevant stakeholders insights into the education related concerns of Black voters. These insights can be used to help them develop more effective policies and programs to improve the quality of education that Black students receive.

Currently, 70% of Black students are not meeting English language arts standards and 84% are not meeting math standards.

The survey found that 84% of Black voters want education funding to target the lowest performing schools.

Additionally, 71% of Black voters believe that allocating additional money based on student performance would improve education for Black students.

79% of respondents support a legislative proposal to change the way that LCFF is funded by creating a

because it can have a devastating impact on their academic achievement.

48% of Black voters disagree that the California legislature is working hard to improve education for Black students. Only 27% of respondents agree that Gov. Newsom is doing enough to improve educational outcomes for Black students.

All of these findings suggest that Black voters in California are deeply concerned about the state of education for Black students.

Dr. Margaret Fortune, President and CEO of Fortune School of Education said during the release of the poll, “I think that the point of this work is to improve the academic performance of all of our students including those that are the lowest performers.”

Brian Rivas with The Education Trust-West and a Black in School Coalition member said in the Coalition’s press release, “Almost half of those surveyed do not believe the California Legislature is working hard to improve education for Black students, and that is a problem. We must do better.”

Clarence Avant, “The Black Godfather,” Dies at 92 in Los Angeles

Clarence Avant, known for his exceptional ability as a “kingmaker” and deal closer in power circles from Hollywood to Washington died at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday. Avant, born in Greensboro, N.C., was 92.

“Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘The Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports,” read a statement released by his children Alex and Nicole Avant and his son-in-law Ted Sarandos.

A close friend of Quincy Jones, Avant’s influence impacted the careers of a many celebrities and politicians, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama; Michael Jackson; Jimmy Jam; Snoop Dogg; Terry Lewis; Whitney Houston; Jay-Z, among others.

Mark Ridley-Thomas’ Attorneys: “No Need to Incarcerate”

On Aug. 7, prosecutors asked a federal judge to sentence former Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas to six years in prison. Ridley-Thomas was convicted on federal corruption charges in March.

In a memo, prosecutors stated that Ridley-Thomas “made his self-interested demands known” to a University of Southern California (USC) dean and sought favors from the university for his son in exchange for county business.

In response to the prosecutor’s memo, Ridley-Thomas’ attorneys asked the judge to consider a range of 21 to 27 months in prison. They also requested a downward variance featuring no time in prison and a period of probation with home confinement, community service and a monetary penalty.

“There is no need to incarcerate Dr. Ridley-Thomas to protect the community,” his lawyers wrote in the memo.

“The shame of his convictions is punishment and provides ample specific deterrence.”

U.S. District Judge Dale Fischer is scheduled to hand down her sentence Aug. 21.

It is uncertain how Judge Fischer will rule in the case, however, former USC dean Marilyn Flynn, who was charged along with Ridley-Thomas received a three-year probation sentence.

California Officials Travel to Kenya to Get Insights on Universal Basic Income

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and state Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) recently traveled to Kenya to study a universal income program the country utilizes to support one of its most

Rift Valley regions of Kenya. While a similar program in California would look vastly different due to the wide-ranging incomes found in the state, Mitchell and Haney were inspired by aspects of the project. The mobile money distribution system that villagers use allows individuals to receive cash transfers via mobile phone apps without being connected to a bank.

“Cash performs better than some of the other critical services that we in government prioritize,” Mitchell told the LA Times. “We create this cliff effect: if people do what we ask them to do like go to school or get a raise, then we drop them from the social safety net. My dream is for us to rethink the way we administer these programs and create a culture shift and cut some of the red tape.”

Existing programs in California are limited and in early development stages but have been met with support from the Legislature.

Gene Hale Foundation Donates $25,000 to Support College -Bound Los Angeles County Students

Last week, the Gene Hale Foundation, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles County, donated $25,000 to the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) Education Scholarship Foundation to support a program designed to assist college-bound students.

The recipients of these scholarships are students all from Los Angeles-area high schools, including Susan Miller Dorsey Dorsey High School, Crenshaw High School, Washington Prep High School, Jordan High School and Hamilton High School.

Hale and his wife, Crystal Hale, are dedicated philanthropists who support numerous charitable causes.

Hale is currently chair of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce and the Gardena Police Foundation. He also serves on the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission.

new grant for California’s lowest performing subgroups, including Black students.

50% of respondents do not think that schools in their area are providing quality education for Black students. This finding suggests that Black students are not receiving the same quality of education as their White peers.

93% of respondents think that chronic absenteeism is an urgent problem. This is a major issue for Black students

“Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come. The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss,” the statement continued.

In December of 2021, Avant’s wife, Jacqueline Avant, was shot during a home invasion at the family’s Beverly Hills mansion.

impoverished regions. The goal is to see if a similar program could benefit California residents as well.

In the towns of Kisumu County, Kenya that they visited, residents have received $25 a month for the past five years as part of the world’s largest guaranteed income project. GiveDirectly, the non-profit funding the $30M initiative, disburses millions of dollars to 20,000 individuals residing in 295 villages across the Western and

(Shutterstock Photo)

Crystal Hale and Gene Hale are holding the check in the center. Scholars L-R behind the check

– Leah Sheffield, Hendra Benson, Hunter Langley, Jovon Reed-Brown, Chris Kariuki, Apriltroy Coleman, Heaven Watson, M’Kayla Weatherspoon, Neena Harris, and Aammarah Gage (Courtesy Photo)

“Passing the Torch of Faith: Pastor Freddie Louis Thomas, II Officially Installed to Lead Jerusalem Mission Community Church of God in Christ”

By Autumn Nichols

Contributing Writer BAKERSFIELD, Ca - The Installation Service for Pastor Freddie Louis Thomas, II took place on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 3:30 P.M, at Jerusalem Mission Community Church of God in Christ. In the heart of a close-knit community, where faith and fellowship unite, the baton to further advance Jerusalem Mission Community and the kingdom of God was passed from father to son. pA captivating and harmonious chorus of voices from Jerusalem Mission as well as Greater Harvest Christian Center choirs filled the air, setting a transcendent and uplifting tone before the commencement of the installation service. This event brought together believers, clergy, and friends from all corners. Those present at Jerusalem Mission Community Church of God in Christ on August 5th, witnessed the legacy of the founder, Pastor Freddie Louis Thomas, Sr. D.D.C transitioned from the position of Pastor after 39 years. This was an occasion that not only marked a shift in leadership but also embodies the deep-rooted values of unity, devotion, and spiritual growth.pThe installation of a pastor within the COGIC community is a tradition steeped in history and meaning. It is more than just a formal appointment; it is a sacred moment where a spiritual shepherd is officially entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and nurturing the congregation. This ceremony symbolizes the continuity of faith, the passing of the torch of leadership, and the commitment of both pastor and congregation to the mission of the church.pNumerous friends, family members, and community associates expressed their confidence in Pastor Freddie Louis Thomas, II, affirming that the church will be in capable hands. During the installation service, a series of quotes were shared that encapsulated the spirit and significance of the occasion:

“Be ready for the mission” - A call to readiness and celebration, acknowledging the unique journey each individual has undertaken.

“We celebrate you! I called you out from among them…” - Recognizing the individual’s distinct calling and separation for a purpose.”Surrender all your hopes and your works will succeed.” - Emphasizing the importance of surrendering personal aspirations to achieve success in the mission.”Legacy continues. Be well, do well!” - Acknowledging the continuation of a legacy while encouraging personal well-being and excellence.”Walk

in faith, trust in God and know that we all love you.”Encouraging faith and trust in God while expressing collective affection.”You stayed true to your father and the course that God had for you.” - Commending fidelity to the path chosen by God.These quotes collectively underscored themes of dedication, leadership, faith, legacy, and the importance of community.  Standing beside her husband as her son became installed, was Dr. Dorothy Thomas Sr. She spoke with great

pride as she reminded Thomas, II to always abound in the work of God while encouraging him to accept the weight of this responsibility with humility and determination. She

offers him wisdom to take life step by step and conquer challenges with faith. “One day at a time […] There is nothing impossible.” With hope for the future, the former First Lady affirmed the enduring value of holiness and principles leaving the congregation with these words, “One thing that will never change at Jerusalem Mission: Holiness is still right. Adjustments will be made but holiness is still right!”

The installation of Pastor Freddie Louis Thomas, II marks the beginning of a shared journey of faith, where pastor and congregation walk hand in hand, striving to deepen their relationship with God and make a positive impact on their community. With open hearts and a steadfast commitment to their mission, it became apparent that they look forward to a future filled with spiritual growth, transformation, and an unwavering devotion to the principles that guide their faith.pThe pastor’s installation is a reminder that the church is not just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary where individuals come together to support, uplift, and inspire one another. Through this celebration, the community reaffirms its commitment to fostering spiritual growth and continuing the legacy of faith that has been passed down through generations.p“As long as there is breath in my body, this is the house of the lord. Continue to pray for my father. Please continue to love and support him in the house he house built for God. Only what we do for God will last. Please pray for me as I walk the path that my father has begun and I hope to do him proud“ ~

Freddie Louis Thomas, II

Black Lawmakers Reflect on Triumphs and Challenges of Legislative Service

Regina Wilson and Joe W. Bowers Jr. California Black Media

At a candid panel discussion hosted by the California African American Political Action Committee (CAAPAC), five former Black California lawmakers shared their experiences and accomplishments, highlighting the challenges of serving in the State Legislature and the foresight required to build consensus and drive positive change.

CAAPAC is a non-partisan political action committee that supports candidates who are committed to addressing America’s historical and systemic problems. It believes that serving communities requires integrity, passion, and determination.

The panel discussion was held during CAAPAC’s annual retreat, which took place Aug. 11-13 in Santa Barbara.

Participating on the lawmaker panel conducted before current and aspiring legislators, as well as lobbyists representing a variety of interests were California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who formerly represented the 79th Assembly District and served as chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC); Herb Wesson, former Speaker of the California Assembly (47th District); Rodrick Wright, former State Senator (35th District) and Assemblymember (48th District); Cheryl Brown, former Assemblymember (47th District); and Autumn Burke, former Assemblymember (62nd District).

The panelists explored a range of topics, including the significance of bipartisanship and the need for people with shared goals and political objectives to present a united

front.

Wesson said, “We as a caucus vowed to one another that if ever we were angry, whenever there was a disappointment, that stuff stayed between us. We agreed that we were going to focus on being united, even though there were only four of us in the Assembly. We were in lockstep whenever we could be, but if we disagreed, we disagreed.”

Weber recounted her journey as an Assemblymember, highlighting the negotiations and persuasion it took to pass Assembly Bill 392, a landmark piece of legislation that limited the use of force by law enforcement officers. The bill faced opposition from law enforcement advocates but ultimately gained bipartisan support. Weber credited the bill’s passage to relationships she made with legislative members from both parties, as well as her work with community advocates to ensure the bill was signed into law.

“We had an army that was in every building, raising the heat on the issue,” Weber said.

Burke stressed the importance of accommodating diverse viewpoints, especially those of women legislators who bring unique perspectives from their experiences as caregivers and community leaders.

“A lot of us run our homes, so we know how to keep a budget. We know what they need,” she said, highlighting the contributions of women legislators in California who have been central to shaping many policies that impact the lives of people every day.

When the conversation turned to representation, the legislators acknowledged the challenges of representing diverse constituencies within their districts.

Brown recounted how members of the legislature and outside groups criticized her for focusing on the needs of aging Californians.

“You know there is a silver tsunami coming (she said in almost every floor speech she made), look around folks it’s here. There are more people that are over the age 65 than under the age of 18, which is why I have been working for years to ensure we address the needs of seniors,” Brown stated.

In the 2023-2024 budget the governor allocated $50 million dollars to address a range of issues relating to older adults.

(L to R):  Herb Wesson, former Speaker of the California State Assembly; Rodrick Wright, former State Senator (35th District) and Assemblymember (48th District); Cheryl Brown, former Assemblymember (47th District) Chair of California’s Commission on Aging; Autumn Burke, former Assemblymember (62nd District) and,  California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who formerly represented the 79th Assembly District and served as chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). (Photo by CBM Staff)

Burke also discussed the challenges of representing a district whose demographics span people from different socioeconomic backgrounds. She said that a good leader must balance the needs of affluent neighborhoods with those of lower income areas, while also emphasizing the importance of addressing the unique concerns of each community.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Weber encouraged the next generation of legislators to prioritize unity, maintain integrity, and work relentlessly for the betterment of California.

“When we come together and have a unified agenda, we can achieve great things,” Weber said.