Bakersfield News Observer 9.13.23

Grammy Museum to Launch 50 Years of Hip-hop Exhibit Featuring Artifacts From Tupac, Biggie

Washington Bracing for Federal Government Shutdown

News Observer

Coco Gauff Makes History: Youngest U.S. Open Champion Since Serena Williams in 1999

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Coco Gauff has etched her name in tennis history as she clinched the U.S. Open singles title, becoming the youngest player since Serena Williams’ historic victory in 1999 when she was just 17 years old. Gauff’s remarkable triumph came after an intense three-set battle against Aryna Sabalenka, with a final score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. Amidst the crowd’s roar and the flashbulbs of countless cameras, Gauff stood on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, her trophy shining brightly, and her victory speech filled with a sense of readiness for the fame that will undoubtedly come her way. “I’m ready,” Gauff proclaimed, her youthful confidence evident. “I embrace it. I know how to keep my peace but also embrace all of this around me.” As Gauff accepted her winner’s check of $3 million, she took a moment to graciously thank tennis legend Billie Jean King, who stood alongside her on the stage. The gesture highlighted Gauff’s perspective, humor, and charm that has set the stage for American sports’ next global superstar. “She is so humble,” said Pere Riba, Gauff’s coach, in the post-match interview. “Her work ethic is so strong, so professional, and she has very good manners. Put all of that together, and she will only get better. She can handle it all.” Gauff has long been earmarked as one of tennis’ next superstars. Her maturity on and off the court, intelligence, and ability to articulate herself have endeared her to the American public and the global tennis community. Even prominent figures in the political arena couldn’t contain their excitement. President Joe Biden took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to congratulate the young champion. “Congrats to U.S. Open Champion Coco Gauff,” he tweeted. “You electrified Arthur Ashe stadium and the entire nation – the first of more to come and proof that anything is possible if you never give up and always believe. You’ve made America so proud.” Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who cheered Gauff during her first-round match against Laura Siegmund, also extended congratulations. “We couldn’t be prouder of you on and off the court – and

we know the best is yet to come,” Barack Obama wrote. The former First Lady paid tribute to Gauff’s “hard work and grit” and shared a cherished photo of their meeting after that memorable first-round match. Former President Bill Clinton joined the chorus of praise, describing Gauff’s victory as “incredible” and expressing optimism for the future of American tennis. Serena Williams, whom Gauff

credits for inspiring her dreams, shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, “Ahhhhh!!!! Amazing!!!!” Gauff reflected proudly on her victory. “My dad took me to this tournament, sitting right there, watching Venus and Serena compete, so it’s really incredible to be here on this stage,” she stated.

Mothers in Mourning: Moms, Allies Protest Gun Violence in California

Aldon Thomas Stiles Califoria Black Media

On Sept. 9, elected officials, community leaders and concerned citizens took to the streets of Watts in South Los Angeles to march against gun violence in California.

Dubbed the “Mothers in Mourning March,” the women-led event was organized by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) featured guest speakers and over 34 participating organizations.

Participants marched from Jordan High School to Edwin Markham Middle School and walked back to Jordan in temperatures that hovered up to the high 80s, shouting impassioned chants like “put those guns down,” “stop the killing,” and “start the healing.”

On Sept. 9, elected officials, community leaders and concerned citizens took to the streets of Watts in South Los Angeles to march against gun violence in California. Dubbed the “Mothers in Mourning March,” the women-led event was organized by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) featured guest speakers and over 34 participating organizations.(

Photo: Aldon Stiles, CBM)

“We are proud to be here at Jordan, and from the housing complexes to the highways we are making our voices known: Let our babies live,” Gipson posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. At a post-march rally, speakers shared personal accounts, some tearful, about their experiences with gun violence.

“For our children we lost, we are their voices, and their voices will continue to be heard here and everywhere around this nation,” Mattie Scott, the California chapter leader of the advocacy organization Mothers in Charge, said. “We will stop the killing and start the healing because this is for all of us or none of us.”

Scott reminded voters that they have power to push anti-Gun policies against the forces across the country that fiercely oppose them -- from “our house, to the courthouse, to your house, to the White House.”

As of last year, firearms are the leading cause of death among children in the United States.

While the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that California has the 8th lowest death rate by guns and Los Angeles has seen a decrease between 2021 and 2022, Los Angeles County accounts for a majority of California’s gun related deaths, according to Hope and Heal Fund.

African Americans between the ages of 15 and 34 experience gun-related deaths more than any other group in the United States, according to the Center for American Progress.

Overall, Everytown Research & Policy reports, that Black Americans “experience 12 times the gun homicides, 18 times the gun assault injuries, and nearly 3 times the fatal police shootings” as compared to White Americans.

Karren Lane, the Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles, stressed the importance of all Californians getting involved in the legislative process to help stem gun violence.

“Our commitment is to prevent that violence,” she said. “We cannot do that as a city without the organized political power of everyday people.”

Continued on page A2

Black Women in Tech Share

Concerns, Hopes About A.I. Industry

McKenzie Jackson

California Black Media

Sofia Mbega’s first exposure to technology – more specifically, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) -- happened years before she moved from East Africa to the Golden State.

Mbega was a student at the University of Dodoma in Tanzania, when her mother, Gloria Mawaliza, suggested she take a technology course after learning about computer science from co-workers at the international children’s nonprofit World Vision.

Mbega, now a Stockton resident, said taking courses in software engineering, which she received a degree in 2015, was previously unheard of in Tanzania.

“We were the first batch of students,” Mbega said of herself and her classmates. “It was a new profession for my country.”

When she learned about A.I. systems, a topic that continues to grab headlines across the U.S. with experts and pundits wrestling with its merits and dangers, Mbega

was intrigued.

“I was so excited,” she recalled. “But I did not picture things would be like this. I thought A.I. would only be something to help software engineers.”

The technology has moved well beyond that purpose.

A.I. floodgates opened into the mainstream of human consumption late last year with the release of the generative A.I. ChatGPT, which uses natural language procession to create humanlike conversational dialogue for public use.

A.I.’s popularity has spearheaded discussions on how chatbots and other A.I. applications like face recognition and A.I. voice generator will impact the workforce, educational systems, entertainment, and individuals’ daily lives.

Despite only accounting for a small percentage of the technology sector workforce, Black women like Mbega, a 31-year-old independent data analysis contractor, are constantly assessing the positives and negatives of A.I. and

Continued on page A2

September 13,

Lil Nas X Documentary Premiere Delayed by Bomb Threat at Toronto International Film Fest

TORONTO (AP) –- The premiere of the documentary “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” was delayed after a bomb threat was called in at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The Saturday night premiere of the film at Toronto`s Roy Thomson Hall was delayed by about 20 minutes while authorities verified that the threat wasn`t credible. Lil Nas X was kept off the red carpet during that time.

Judy Lung, vice president of public affairs and communications for TIFF, said in a statement that Toronto police investigated the vicinity of the red carpet ahead of the screening.

“Our standard security measures remained in place during this time and the screening commenced with a slight delay,” Lung said. “To our knowledge, this was a general threat and not directed at the film or the artist.”

“Long Live Montero,” directed by Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel, documents the pop superstar`s eight-month tour beginning in September 2022 for his full- length debut album “Montero.”

Kamala Harris Says Hip-hop is `The Ultimate American Art Form`

WASHINGTON (AP) –- Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday hosted a celebration of hip-hop`s 50th anniversary with appearances by some of the music genre`s pioneers and stars.

Common, Jeezy, MC Lyte and Roxanne Shante were among the hip-hop artists invited to join Harris for the party at the vice presidential residence.

Hip-hop`s 50th birthday has inspired a host of anniversary events this year. Many trace the genre`s creation to an Aug. 11, 1973, back-to-school party where 18-year-old Clive Campbell, also known as DJ Kool Herc, deejayed at a Bronx apartment building in New York City.

Harris said hip-hop is “the ultimate American art form” that “shapes every aspect of America’s popular culture.”

“Hip-hop culture is American culture,” she told the crowd.

Hip-hop has grown into a global artform, becoming one of the world’s most influential cultural forces, an integral part of social and racial justice movements and a multibillion-dollar industry built on generations of rapping, emceeing, deejaying, breaking and graffiti.

Harris noted that Public Enemy rapper Chuck D has described rap as “Black America’s CNN.”

“It has always channeled the voices of the people. It tells the stories that don’t make the news,” she said before joining her husband, Doug Emhoff, to watch musicians’ performances.

Saturday`s celebration was a collaboration with Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective and Live Nation Urban.

“This is a hip-hop household!” Emhoff said.

Vegas Man Tied to Extremist Group Gets Life Sentence for Terrorism Plot Targeting 2020 Protests

LAS VEGAS (AP) –- A man with ties to a farright extremist group advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for his role in a plot to firebomb a Black Lives Matter protest in Las Vegas in 2020.

A state judge in Las Vegas sentenced Stephen Parshall on Tuesday as part of a plea agreement, court records show.

Prosecutors have said he was one of three white men who planned to firebomb and damage federal buildings at the protests against racism and police violence. They described the trio as part of the boogaloo movement –- a loose, far-right alliance that says it is preparing for another American Civil War. Parshall pleaded guilty in June to assisting, socializing or conspiring to commit an act of terrorism, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

In March, Parshall was sentenced to 33 years in federal prison with lifetime supervision upon release after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a young girl. That abuse was uncovered in 2020 while police and federal authorities were investigating Parshall`s plot to cause violence at the Black Lives Matter protests in Las Vegas. The abuse started when the victim was younger than 10, according to federal prosecutors.

Parshall’s lawyer did not immediately respond to an email request for comment Wednesday evening.

Coco Gauff (PHOTO: ELSA/GETTY)

Kamala Harris Stands Strong Against Racist Attacks, Affirms Readiness to Lead

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

In the face of a sustained Republican campaign to stoke fears among white voters, Vice President Kamala Harris remains resolute, highlighting her trailblazing achievements and defending her legacy against racially charged attacks.

She further emphasized the historic barriers she has shattered throughout her career, including being the first woman district attorney in San Francisco and the first Black woman to serve as California’s attorney general.

Prominent figures within the Republican Party have continued the GOP’s attempt to cast doubt on President Joe Biden’s ability to complete a potential second term, equating a vote for him with a de facto endorsement of Harris as president. Former South Carolina Governor and GOP Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley asserted, “A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for Kamala Harris,” while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, positioning himself as a contender for the 2024 presidential race, labeled Harris as “impeachment insurance.”

“They feel the need to attack because they’re scared

that we will win based on the merit of the work that Joe Biden and I, and our administration, has done,” Harris responded. She further emphasized the historic barriers she has shattered throughout her career, including being the first woman district attorney in San Francisco and the first Black woman to serve as California’s attorney general.

When questioned about her readiness to assume the highest office, if necessary, Harris affirmed her preparedness while expressing confidence in Biden’s leadership. “Joe Biden is going to be fine. Let me tell you something: I work with Joe Biden every day,” she told CBS News. “The work that our administration has accomplished under Joe Biden’s leadership is transformative.”

As Republican criticism has increasingly taken on racial undertones, Harris has emerged unbothered. In a July op-ed for the Los Angeles Times, Jackie Calmes remarked, “Republican racism has finally weaponized Kamala Harris.” Harris, the first woman, Black American,

and person of South Asian descent to hold the office of Vice President, has consistently confronted such attacks with unwavering resolve.

Harris has decried a broader national agenda she perceives, encompassing contentious issues such as book bans and so-called “don’t-say-gay” laws. She also spoke vehemently about the historical legacy of slavery and racism, dispelling any notion of what DeSantis called its benefits. “Come on — adults know what slavery really involved. It involved rape. It involved torture. It involved taking a baby from their mother. It involved some of the worst examples of depriving people of humanity in our world,” Harris passionately declared. “We will win reelection,” Harris declared to CBS over the weekend. “There’s too much at stake, and the American people know it.”

Federal Judge Orders Immediate Relocation of Children from Angola Prison

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Chief Judge Shelly Dick has ordered Louisiana officials to cease housing children, predominantly Black boys, in the former death row section of the Louisiana State Penitentiary, commonly referred to as Angola. The order dictates the swift removal of the children from the facility by September 15, ending nearly ten months of what the judge deemed abusive conditions.

Following a rigorous seven-day hearing in August, Judge Dick verbally delivered the decision. During the proceedings, lawyers representing the children and their families presented compelling evidence that the minors were consistently subjected to solitary confinement and denied their fundamental right to education, proper treatment, and other vital rehabilitative services while enduring inhumane conditions.

The situation mirrors that of Angola’s long and racist history. State officials built the prison on land that was once an 8,000-acre farm in West Feliciana Parish, a remote part of Louisiana. The farm was named Angola after the country where its former slaves came from. It was first used as a prison in 1880 when prisoners lived in the old slave quarters and worked on the farm. The state took over Angola in 1901, reportedly because of unhinged brutality against inmates. By 2008, Angola State Prison was the size of Manhattan, with 18,000 acres. In the maximum-

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security jail, almost all the inmates are African American, and all the officers who watch over them are white. The prison officers are called “Freemen,” not guards. Today, Angola houses about 6,300 prisoners, more than 75% of whom will be Black.

Judge Dick unequivocally determined that the conditions in Angola constitute cruel and unusual punishment. She further highlighted that the prevailing punitive environment, coupled with systemic failures in programming, clearly violates the 14th Amendment and federal laws safeguarding children with disabilities.

Furthermore, the judge’s ruling underscored that the state had reneged on every assurance it made during a prior court hearing in September of the preceding year, where it pledged not to mete out punitive measures against children. The judge found the state guilty of:

1. Confining children to cells for extended periods as a punitive measure.

2. Resorting to handcuffs, the use of mace, and denying family visits as punishment.

3. Failing to ensure sufficient staffing, including the absence of licensed social workers or professional counselors.

4. Neglecting to provide adequate standard and special education services when required.

5. Failing to administer necessary and appropriate mental health treatment or social services.

Lead counsel David Utter spoke on behalf of the litigation team, expressing gratitude towards the clients and their families for their courage in coming forward and opposing these cruel conditions. Utter emphasized the urgent need for Louisiana’s leaders to redirect their efforts toward providing the necessary care and support to enable these children to thrive and realize their full potential.

Utter’s statement concluded with a resounding call for investment in children, advocating for transforming the juvenile justice system in Louisiana to rectify longstanding systemic failures. He stressed that a state where all children, regardless of race or ethnicity, have equal access

to opportunity is entirely achievable.

During the proceedings, lawyers representing the children and their families presented compelling evidence that the minors were consistently subjected to solitary confinement and denied their fundamental right to education, proper treatment, and other vital rehabilitative services while enduring inhumane conditions.

Mothers in Mourning: Moms, Allies Protest Gun Violence in California

Continued from page A1

She went on to speak about how the march might have an impact on those who have a vested interest in the prevention of gun violence.

“This event is so significant because one mother suffering alone feels isolated and silenced,” she said. “But when we come together and organize our voices, we are political power. We are organized power.”

Speakers also focused on explaining anti-gun violence bills that Gov. Newsom has signed and others the Legislature has approved.

Assembly Bill (AB) 28, for example, which has been approved by the Legislature, would impose an 11% tax for sales for firearms and firearm related items like ammunition and other “precursor parts.”

Gov. Newsom signed AB 1621, authored by Gipson, last year. It bans ghost guns, which are “unserialized and untraceable firearm” parts that can be assembled without any form of regulation or oversight.

LA Unified School District board member Tanya Ortiz Franklin, one of the speakers, encouraged Californians to vote to protect their children.

“We have the power to change the world with the kids in our district. We have future presidents, we have future engineers, we have future public safety officers, we have future changemakers right here in our district. But they need to have a future and they have to live into their potential and it’s going to take all of us demanding that,” she said.

Franklin’s voice echoed that of many of the women and allies attending the march who chanted at intervals, “No more silence, end gun violence!”

Black Women in Tech Share Concerns, Hopes About A.I. Industry

Continued from page A1

what it is like to work in the industry.

Mbega, a California resident since 2018 and member of Black Women in A.I., a three-year-old organization that aims to educate and empower Black women, helps.

Although she is still excited about A.I., Mbega says alarm bells are ringing.

If you ask large language model-based chatbots like ChatGPT a question. It will answer. People have used A.I. to do draft emails, compose music, write computer code, and create videos and images.

Mbega worries that bad actors could use A.I. for nefarious reasons.

“Someone can make a video of someone saying a crazy or bad thing and people will believe it,” she said.

Oakland resident Joy Dixon, a software engineering manager at Hazel Health and the founder of Mosaic Presence Inc., is concerned about students becoming too dependent on A.I. to do educational tasks such as write papers and solve problems.

“How much is it really advancing them?” Dixon asked. “Is it doing us a disservice that we won’t see now, but maybe in five to 10 years?”

Her main concern with A.I. though is prejudices present in the technology.

“A.I. is built on models of people, and people have their own biases and challenges,” Dixon said. “Computers aren’t neutral.”

There are documented instances of A.I. image

generators producing distorted or stereotypical images of Black people when directed to create an image of a “Black” or “African American” person. The technology has created images depicting Black people with lighter skin tones or non-Black hair.

In July, Bloomberg analyzed more than 5,000 images generated by Stability AI’s Stable Diffusion and revealed that the text-to-image model amplified stereotypes about race and gender. It portrayed individuals with lighter skin tones as having high-paying jobs and people with darker skin tones having occupations such as dishwashers, janitors, and housekeepers.

Google disabled it’s A.I. program’s ability to let people search for monkeys and gorillas through its Photos app eight years ago because the algorithm was incorrectly putting Black people in those categories.

A.I. developers have said they are addressing the issue of biases, but Dixon, 53, who has worked in tech since 1997, believes the problem will persist unless more people of color participate in constructing the systems A.I. technology is built upon.

“When car airbags were first released, they killed more women than saved women because nobody tested them on crash dummies that were the size of women,” she said. “There is similar concern about A.I. If you are only building models with a certain subset of the demographic, then you are leaving whole groups out.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Sept. 6 to examine the use, development, and risks of A.I. in the state and to shape a process for deployment and

evaluation of the technology.

Newsom called A.I. “transformative technology” and noted that the government sees the good and bad of A.I.

“We’re taking a clear-eyed, humble approach to this world-changing technology,” he said.

Dr. Brandeis Marshall, a data scientist and professor at Atlanta’s Spelman College, said Black women in technology have skills equal to or better than their counterparts, so more should be involved in the construction of A.I. systems. However, they do not get the same opportunities.

“I meet plenty of Black women who have all the chops, but they haven’t been promoted,” she said. “You tend to be the only one in the room.

Black Women in A.I. founder, Angle Bush of Houston, said Black women can contribute much to A.I.

“We have had to be innovative,” she said. “If we don’t have something, we figure out a way to create it. There are a lot of ideas that haven’t come to fruition because of lack of access and opportunity. It has nothing to do with our aptitude.”

Mbega believes the technology can be groundbreaking in health care and help identify ailments such as brain cancer.

Marshall said any discussions of A.I. systems taking over the world like in a Hollywood blockbuster are overblown.

“Right now, we get inundated with all the cool things,” she said. “Then, we seem surprised that there are harmful things. Let’s get a 360 view before we put all of our chips in one basket.”

Prominent organizations joined the lawsuit, including the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Prison Project, the ACLU of Louisiana, the Claiborne Firm and Fair Fight Initiative, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, and with attorneys Chris Murell and David Shanies.

Grammy Museum to Launch 50 Years of Hip-hop Exhibit Featuring Artifacts From Tupac, Biggie

By MARIA SHERMAN

AP Music Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) –– The Grammy Museum announced Thursday that it is launching the “Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit”, celebrating 50 years of the music and culture 's global impact.

The 5,000 square foot exhibit will include rare artifacts such as Tupac Shakur's handwritten 1992 essay “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” __ in which the young hip-hop superstar found parallels between one of the best-known speeches in American history, a cry for freedom given by founding father Patrick Henry at the Second Virginia Convention, and the experiences of being a minority in the U. S.

The exhibit also includes Notorious B.I.G.'s red leather pea jacket, worn in the music video for Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s “Players Anthem,” and LL Cool J's red Kangol bucket hat.

“Hip-Hop America” goes beyond simple chronology: visitors will explore the music, choreography, fashion, business, activism, car culture, and the history of hip- hop by navigating displays dedicated to regional music scenes, technological advancements, formative media engines like “Yo! MTV Raps” and beyond.

It will open Oct. 7 and run until September 4, 2024.

Two outfits designed by hip-hop fashion legend Dapper Dan can be found on display: the black leather jacket Melle Mel wore during a performance at the 1985 Grammy Awards and Busy Bee`s characteristic black-andyellow leather bucket hat and jacket.

“Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit” will also feature an interactive “Sonic Playground,” which will allow visitors to experiment with DJing, sampling, and rapping.

“The exhibit has been carefully curated to reach everyone from hip-hop connoisseurs to uninitiated novices,” says co-curator Jason King, dean of the University of Southern California`s Thornton School of Music. “And we've thrown in a few left curve surprises like sections on hip-hop sonics and car speakers, and on the connections between hip-hop and partner genres like R&B.”

He told The Associated Press: “Hip-Hop America is an intriguing look at a thunderous form of 'can't stop won't stop' culture that has continued to shift and push the envelope of innovation for the past 50 years.”

Cybersecurity Issue Prompts Computer Shutdowns at MGM Resorts Properties Across the US

LAS VEGAS (AP) __ A “cybersecurity issue” led to the shutdown of some casino and hotel computer systems at MGM Resorts International properties across the U.S., a company official reported Monday.

incident began Sunday and the extent of its effect on reservation systems and casino floors in Las Vegas and states including Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York and Ohio was not

immediately known, company spokesman Brian Ahern said.

“MGM Resorts recently identified a cybersecurity issue affecting some of the company’s systems,`` the company said in a statement that pointed to an investigation involving external cybersecurity experts and notifications to law enforcement agencies.

A

post on the company website said the site was down. It listed telephone numbers to reach the reservation

AM I OKAY TO DRIVE?

Washington Bracing for Federal Government Shutdown

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

As Congress reconvened after their routine summer break, there was nothing to suggest what many Washington insiders and pundits have believed all along: a federal government shutdown will happen. “The questions flying around the Capitol come in two categories. Top of mind are the logistical ones: When will the government shut down? And for how long?” Philip Elliott wrote for TIME.

The critical issue is the passage of a short-term spending bill to stave off the looming government shutdown scheduled for October 1. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, caught in the crossfire of a political maelstrom, finds himself in a most precarious position. According to CNN, during a recent private conference call, the Speaker urged his colleagues to support a short-term spending deal to avert an impending shutdown. He proposed postponing the larger funding fight until later in the fall, a strategy that some view as prudent to ensure the government continues to function.

The House and Senate face substantial differences in their funding proposals, with McCarthy’s prior deal with the White House crumbling under the pressure of demands from the conservative wing of his party. As a result, the two chambers are hundreds of billions of dollars apart, increasing the urgency to find a compromise.

According to NBC News, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R-Ky.) has made clear that he and his fellow Republicans intend to stick to the previous terms of the deal. “The speaker and the president reached an agreement which I supported in connection with raising the debt ceiling to set spending levels for next year,” McConnell said, according to the network. “The House then turned around and passed spending levels that were below that level. Without stating an opinion about that, that’s not going to be replicated in the Senate.”

The White House and senators from both sides of

the aisle advocate tying the short-term funding bill to critical provisions such as $24 billion in aid to Ukraine and an additional $16 billion for communities devastated by natural disasters. However, a vocal faction of House conservatives opposes swiftly passing additional aid to

House adds another layer of complexity. Some hard-right conservatives have declared their willingness to block the rule vote for the spending bill if their demands are not met.

McCarthy must decide whether to align with conservative hardliners, risk a head-on collision with the

latter option could jeopardize his standing among the MAGA wing and possibly lead to his being removed as Speaker. “Certainly, I’m willing to shut the government down,” Kansas Republican Sen. Roger Marshall stated.

“Whatever it takes to force the issue, to slow down the government spending up here, I’m willing to do it.”

Meanwhile, Reuters said investors have concerns over a possible shutdown, which could have ramifications for the economy heading into the year-end and beyond. A significant portion of government functions could grind to a halt, and Goldman Sachs strategists estimate that such an event could lead to a 0.2% reduction in U.S. economic growth for each week it persists.

A shutdown would represent the fourth in the last ten years, affecting most federal civilian workers. Military institutions could experience severe impacts, but troops and some Defense Department civilians would be required to stay at their posts without receiving pay. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers also could be furloughed without pay, causing disruptions in services ranging from passport applications to national park maintenance. Workers deemed essential would remain on duty without pay, but mail delivery, tax collection, and debt payments would continue. Most Social Security payments would continue, because of automated processes. However, depending on the shutdown’s length, customer service for Social Security claimants and beneficiaries could face significant disruptions.

“Our seniors deserve to be a priority,” Max Richtman, a former staff director at the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and president and CEO of the nonprofit National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, wrote in an op-ed. “And they shouldn’t have to worry about their earned benefits because MAGA House members once again are willing the hold the government hostage to their extremist aims.”

Ukraine.

The procedural hurdle of securing a rule vote in the

White

or forge a compromise with Democrats, passing the spending bill by a two-thirds majority. The

FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Amid Rising Cases and Hospitalizations

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech in response to the surge in cases and hospitalizations. Both manufacturers have reported that their vaccines demonstrate effectiveness against the currently dominant EG.5 strain in the United States.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, an independent expert group advising the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will now assess the safety and efficacy of these updated vaccines and provide recommendations for their deployment. Following approval by the CDC director, the vaccines will be available for administration.

The advisory group plans to convene immediately, suggesting that the vaccines may soon be accessible at select pharmacies and healthcare facilities.

Health authorities have emphasized the urgency of vaccination once the shots become available. The new release coincides with a late summer surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations and growing concerns over the potential impact of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus, in the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, underlined the importance of vaccination in protecting against severe COVID-19 consequences.

“The public can be assured that these updated vaccines have met the agency’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. We very much encourage those who are eligible to consider getting vaccinated,” Marks stated in a news release.

Dr. Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, noted that despite an increase in infection rates and hospitalizations, the rates of severe disease, hospitalizations, and death are still significantly lower than in previous years.

Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, highlighted the significance of this decision, especially with COVID-19 cases on the rise again. He said that nearly all individuals aged six months or older in the U.S. are eligible for this season’s COVID-19 vaccine, even if they have not been previously vaccinated.

The updated vaccines are approved for individuals 12 and older, with emergency use authorization for those aged six months to 11 years. The bivalent Moderna and Pfizer/ BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States.

According to the FDA, babies and young children from six months to four years who have not been vaccinated can receive three doses of the updated Pfizer/BioNTech shot or two doses of the updated Moderna booster. Those who have been previously vaccinated will follow specific dosage guidelines. For those five and older, a single dose of the updated vaccines is recommended at least two months after their last COVID-19 shot, irrespective of previous vaccination.

Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, emphasized the critical role of updated vaccines in protecting the population during the peak respiratory virus season. “COVID-19 remains a leading cause of death in the U.S. and poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations, particularly as we enter peak respiratory virus season,” Bancel stated.

The mRNA vaccines have been adjusted to combat the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant of the coronavirus and related strains.

The FDA anticipates that COVID-19 vaccine compositions may need annual updates, similar to seasonal influenza vaccines.

Dr. Ugur Sahin, CEO and co-founder of BioNTech, stated, “Our goal is to provide people worldwide with COVID-19 vaccines that are adapted to circulating virus variants or sub-lineages.”

The updated vaccines, administered in a single dose, are expected to be available at no cost to those in need.

Novavax’s updated COVID-19 vaccine has not yet received FDA authorization but is currently under review for individuals aged 12 and older.

Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans cover the total cost of vaccines, eliminating co-pays for

Health authorities have emphasized the urgency of vaccination once the shots become available. The new release coincides with a late summer surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations and growing concerns over the potential impact of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus, in the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

The

House and Senate face substantial differences in their funding proposals, with McCarthy’s prior deal with the White House crumbling under the

pressure of demands from the conservative wing

of his party.

As a result, the two chambers are hundreds of billions of dollars apart, increasing the urgency to find a compromise.

House,

Black Economic Alliance Foundation Joins Fearless Fund in Fighting Lawsuit

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The Black Economic Alliance (BEA) Foundation, a leading organization mobilizing Black business leaders and advocates, announced the submission of an amicus brief advocating against a preliminary injunction to halt the Fearless Foundation, a foundation that aids women of color in securing venture capital for their startups, mainly focusing on Black women entrepreneurs.

BEA CEO Samantha Tweedy emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship, highlighting its pivotal role in achieving the American dream and economic prosperity. She noted the systemic obstacles Black entrepreneurs, particularly Black women, faced in establishing and expanding their businesses. “Fearless Fund helps Black women overcome those barriers, which is good for Black work, wages, and wealth and good for our economy as a whole,” Tweedy wrote in a statement on Monday, Sept. 11.

“Given BEA Foundation’s own recent polling that showed widespread support for businesses taking active steps to reflect the racial diversity of this country, it is clear that those trying to claw back pathways to economic progress for the Black community are out of step with the vast majority of Americans.”

The amicus brief by the BEA Foundation focuses on the challenges confronting Black women entrepreneurs.

The amicus brief by the BEA Foundation focuses on the challenges confronting Black women entrepreneurs.

It highlights the persisting discriminatory systems, pointing out that Black women business owners encounter a rejection rate three times higher than their white counterparts. Moreover, Tweedy noted that Black women receive less than one percent of venture capital funding. The Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, one of the initiatives, aims to rectify these historical injustices and unleash a reservoir of untapped talent and innovation for the betterment and growth of the economy.

The legal action against Fearless Fund represents a broader trend of attempts to roll back advancements in racial diversity within the business sector, civil rights advocates stated. Recent polling shows widespread support for businesses promoting racial diversity in America. The support is robust across different races, ideologies, and generations. It is also rooted in the belief that diversity drives greater profitability and innovation.

Earlier this year, Edward Blum’s American Alliance for Equal Rights launched legal action against Fearless Fund. The lawsuit, brought before the U.S. District Court in Atlanta, alleges that the Fearless Fund discriminates against non-Black women. Experts said the suit could present a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse on race in the workplace.

Renowned civil rights advocate Ben Crump and others have vowed to combat Blum’s actions. Founded in 2019 by three Black women, Fearless Fund has championed economic empowerment and opportunity for women of color. Their flagship initiative, the Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, has provided substantial financial support to Black women entrepreneurs, with awards reaching up to $20,000. However, Blum’s American Alliance for Equal Rights contends that this program violates a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits racial discrimination in contracts.

Blum asserts that certain members are being excluded based on race, and they demand redress for what they perceive as a violation of their rights. Alphonso David, a civil rights attorney, President, and CEO of The Global Black Economic Forum, emphasized the undeniable inequality in today’s playing field. “Today, the playing field is not level — that is beyond dispute,” said David, a civil rights attorney, and President and 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 severely underestimated the resilience of Fearless Fund. “Blum thought they would be the easiest ones to pick off. Oh, was he wrong,” Crump remarked. Support for Fearless Fund’s cause extends to organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the National Women’s Law Center, and the law firm Gibson, Dunn, and Crutcher. “This attack does not change our mission,” declared Arian Simone, CEO, and co-founder of the Fearless Fund. “We will remain steadfast on ensuring that the Fearless Fund will continue to empower women of color entrepreneurs.”

Confronting Diabetes and Lupus During High Temperatures Four Tips to Help Those with Chronic Medical Conditions Stay Safer

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – July 2023 broke worldwide records as the hottest month ever recorded. Current predictions indicate that the heatwaves will be hotter and longer through the upcoming fall season. Ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations is an urgent matter for the State.

African American and Black adults aged 50 and up or with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and lupus, are particularly at risk. These health challenges are more prevalent within that community due to socioeconomic factors, health care disparities and genetic predisposition, exacerbating the overall impact of extreme heat.

According to the U.S. Office of Minority Health, Black adults are 60 percent more likely than white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes. According to the California Department of Public Health, 2020-2022 data reveals significantly higher death rates due to diabetes for Black Californians. High temperatures can make it more difficult for people with diabetes to regulate their blood sugar levels and can cause blood pressure to rise, increasing the risk of complications.

Dr. Sharon K. Okonkwo-Holmes, a family practice physician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, and an instructor at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena, emphasized, “The escalating

impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, especially within African American communities, demands our immediate attention. As heat rises, so does the urgency to implement strategies that ensure their safety and wellbeing.”

Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that African American and Black women are more likely to get lupus and experience severe symptoms. They are also at greater risk of health complications and death from the autoimmune disease. High body temperatures caused by extreme heat and prolonged sun exposure can affect a person’s immune system. The heightened immune response could worsen symptoms in lupus patients, highlighting the need for focused measures to ensure their health and safety.

The state’s Heat Ready CA campaign urges residents to take proactive measures in protecting vulnerable individuals from the impacts of escalating temperatures and offers the following four tips for older adults and those with underlying health conditions to help protect from heat illness:

Check Your Medications: Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see if any of your medications affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Keep Cool: Set your air conditioning to 75-80

degrees. Visit spaces with air conditioning, like a cooling center, library, community center, or shopping center if air conditioning isn’t available.

Know the Signs: Heat exhaustion signs include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Heat stroke symptoms include a fever of 103 degrees F or higher, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice someone suffering from heat stroke.

Stay Connected: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and heat advisories so you know when extreme heat is coming. This is especially crucial for older adults who are isolated. Have access to a working phone and keep an emergency contact list and phone numbers.  If you have older family members or neighbors, make a special effort to check in on them – sometimes they might be shy about asking for help.

As we see a hotter, drier shift in climate, it is important that we come together to address the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations. Through proactive efforts and strategic planning, we can strive for a more resilient society that helps prepare and safeguard the well-being of all community members. For more information about heat safety for vulnerable populations and resources to create an extreme heat plan, go to HeatReadyCA.com.

California Black Media Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed

Joe W. Bowers Jr. and Edward Henderson

California Black Media

Black Women’s Group Holds Gov. Newsom’s Feet to the Fire on Senate Appointment

On Sunday, the California Black Women’s Collective (CBWC), a coalition of women from different professional backgrounds, issued a statement responding to remarks Gov. Gavin Newsom made to NBC’s Chuck Todd on “Meet the Press.”

When asked what he would do if Feinstein were to step down due to her failing health, the Governor said he would appoint a short-term caretaker to replace her.

“Interim appointment,” Newsom told Todd. “I don’t want to get involved in the primary. It would be completely unfair to the Democrats that have worked their tail off. That primary is just a matter of months away. I don’t want to tip the balance of that.”

U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) is running for U.S. Senate to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein against two other Democratic contenders: U.S. Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA30) and Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA-47).

In 2021, when Newsom appointed Sen. Alex Padilla to replace former Sen. Kamala Harris, he promised to appoint a Black woman to the U.S. Senate.

Kellie Todd Griffin, founding convener of CBWC, said she expected Newsom to keep his promise.

“I fully expected that he will keep his word. We ran a respectful campaign, “Keep the Seat,” that highlighted the need for a Black woman to be appointed as well as provided two highly qualified options with Hon. Karen Bass and Hon. Barbara Lee. He appointed Senator Padilla instead,” said Griffin.

“His commitment after that act was clear and a promise to appoint a Black woman if there was another opportunity to appoint to the US Senate arises. The notion

of a caretaker is not what was promised nor is it expected to be acceptable,” Griffin continued. “Appointing a caretaker has not happened since the 1930s in California history.”

Lee, who is the only Black woman in the race, said in a statement, “Black women deserve more than a participation trophy. We need a seat at the table. I am troubled by the Governor’s remarks.”

Last week, Lee also made headlines when she led members of the California Congressional Delegation in writing a letter to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) urging a swift investigation into the allegations of violations of federal labor law by the Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point and related entities.

On Labor Day, the members urged NLRB to investigate the hotel’s use of automated management practices -- together with the company Instawork -- to punish workers who participate in strikes or honor picket lines, as well as look into incidents of violence and property destruction against striking workers.

Both sets of issues are subject to pending unfair labor practice charges.

“The conduct alleged above is profoundly troubling and raises serious concerns about the ability of workers at this property to exercise their core labor rights,” said Lee in the letter. “We ask that the NLRB investigate these issues thoroughly and prosecute the companies involved for all violations of the National Labor Relations Act.”

This is the second time Lee has written a letter concerning the Laguna Cliffs Marriott. In July, a letter was sent “regarding reports of racial exclusion and problematic employment practices.”

The most recent letter was signed by Lee and Representatives Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Lou Correa (D-CA-46), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), and Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34).

Then, on Sept. 4, President Biden announced that he intends to nominate Lee to serve as a United States Representative at the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, scheduled to take place in New York City from Sept. 18 to Sept. 26.

California to Roll Back Grant Program That Helps

Low- and Middle-Income Residents Build ADUs

The California Housing Finance Agency’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant Program may receive only $25 million in new funding instead of the $50 million investment lawmakers initially proposed after negotiations with Gov. Newsom.

The state had previously allocated $100 million to increase the housing inventory and address the homelessness crisis, but these funds were depleted months ago.

Since its inception, the program has provided up to

$40,000 towards pre-development and non-recurring closing costs associated with the construction of the ADUs, an innovative, affordable, and effective living option for low-to-middle-income residents. The predevelopment costs the grants cover include site prep, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact, fees property survey and energy reports. One of the hurdles for ADU construction has been the reluctance of California lenders and major banks to offer ADU loans. Although CALHFA provides a $40,000 grant to qualified homeowners, the overall cost of an ADU can range from $300,000 to more than $400,000.

Funding for the program is in flux because of a disagreement between CalHFA and lawmakers over how to use it.

Lawmakers and Newsom signed a budget bill that would restore the $50 million funding in July only to see another budget bill in August take the money back. Now an amendment will put half of the money back to restart the program this month.

Crackdown: Gov. Newsom Adds Muscle to Fentanyl

Fight by Increasing National Guard Presence at Border by 50% Building on California’s $1 billion investment to tackle the fentanyl and opioid crisis, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Sept. 7, that he is increasing the deployment of California National Guard (CalGuard) service members by approximately 50% (from 40 to 60 soldiers) at the four U.S. ports of entry along the state’s U.S.-Mexico border.

This expansion enables CalGuard to further support U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) narcotic search operations, including through the operation of a vehicle X-ray system used for detecting the transportation and concealment of narcotics. This increased deployment builds on Newsom’s prior expansion of CalGuardsupported operations that contributed to a 594% increase

in seized fentanyl in the state last year.

“Fentanyl is a deadly poison ripping families and communities apart,” Newsom said in his announcement. “California is cracking down -- and today we’re going further by deploying more CalGuard service members to combat this crisis and keep our communities safe.”

Last year, CalGuard’s efforts helped law enforcement seize 28,765 lbs. of fentanyl, an amount with an estimated street value of more than $230 million.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, a majority of the fentanyl entering the U.S. is smuggled through ports of entry by U.S. citizens, not by migrants seeking asylum.

Over 150 Americans die every day from overdoses and poisonings related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

State Arrests 11 After Sting Operation Exposes Illegal Contracting in Sutter County

Last week, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) announced that it conducted a successful undercover operation to crack down on unlicensed contractors. This two-day operation took place in Yuba City in August and resulted in the identification of multiple individuals engaged in illegal contracting practices.

Even though, Gov. Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2019 last year – legislation designed to increase the participation of small businesses owned by Blacks and other ethnic minorities in government contracting – those companies continue to fall behind their White counterparts

Suspected unlicensed contractors were invited to submit bids for different construction projects at a specified location. As a result of this undercover operation, 11 individuals were served notices to appear in criminal court and may now face legal repercussions, including hefty fines and possible imprisonment.

“Contracting without a valid contractor’s license is classified as a misdemeanor in California, carrying significant penalties that include fines up to $15,000 and potential incarceration,” stated CSLB Registrar David Fogt. “CSLB is committed to enforcing license requirements to ensure consumers are protected from unlicensed individuals who have not met experience requirements and do not have workers’ compensation insurance for employees.” All individuals implicated submitted bids surpassing the legal threshold of $500 for contracting without a license, with amounts ranging from $1,000 for painting to $13,500 for concrete work.

The suspects could also face additional charges for unlawful advertising. Licensed contractors are required to include their license number on all business-related materials (such as advertisements, vehicles, business cards). The civil penalty for not complying with this requirement could lead to a $1,000 fine for first-time offenders.

Dr. Sharon Okonkwo-Holmes

Elected Officials and Faith Leaders Join State Ed Chief Thurmond to Discuss Antisemitism Solutions

Jr.

Joe W. Bowers

California Black Media State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, organized a virtual roundtable discussion titled “Education to End Hate: Countering Antisemitism” that brought together about 350 attendees, including elected officials and faith leaders, according to the Department of Education (CDE). The aim of the discussion, which was held Aug. 23, was to address the role of education in combating the recent increase in antisemitism.

Steve Zimmer, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, moderated the discussion and cited statistics on the increase of antisemitism and hate crimes in California.

Antisemitism and other hate crimes have surged in California, rising by more than 20% last year. The main targets were Black, LGBTQ+, and Jewish people. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported that antisemitic hate crimes had increased by over 40% between 2021 and 2022, especially in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Kern counties.

Thurmond is involved in initiatives related to Holocaust and genocide education, and he aims to utilize education to reduce acts of hate. He is co-chair of the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education along with Dr. Anita Friedman, Executive Director of Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, Sen. Henry Stern (D-Calabasas), and Attorney General Rob Bonta. He has also partnered with the National Equity Project to help implement the $20 million Antibias Education Grant Program to empower educators and students in addressing hate, bigotry, and racism.

“I have pledged that the CDE will intervene whenever we learn about an antisemitic act or other forms of hate at a California public school. We will work side-by-side with school and district leaders to ensure that teachers

have the resources and partnerships needed to address both the immediate crisis and the long-term educational implications. My priority is to empower educators and students to confront the hate, bigotry, and racism rising against several communities in the state and nation,” said Thurmond.

Thurmond initiated the “Education to End Hate” series to tackle hate and racism through education. The next event in the series is scheduled to take place on Sept. 12, 2023.

Several members of the Jewish Legislative Caucus, Senators Stern, Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), and Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) and Assemblymembers Laura Friedman (D-Burbank) and Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), gave opening remarks for the roundtable.

The caucus members thanked Thurmond for his leadership and partnership and emphasized the importance of educating students about the history and impact of antisemitism and other forms of bigotry. They also urged schools to adopt the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, which includes a unit on Jewish American studies, to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and identities.

“It is no secret if you are Jewish or if you have Jewish friends or interact with Jewish students or folks in the community, the tremendous levels of anxiety that our community is feeling at this moment [is} really unprecedented for my lifetime,” caucus co-chair Gabriel said.

Following the remarks from the Jewish legislators, a panel of Jewish community leaders presented different perspectives on the issue of antisemitism. On the panel were Rabbi Meyer May, Executive Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museums of Tolerance; Dr. Friedman; and Sarah Levin, Executive Director of Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa (JIMENA).

The panel members discussed the rich history

and multifaceted elements of Jewish identity, the rise in antisemitism across the political spectrum, the intersectionality of antisemitism with other forms of oppression, and the specific ways that education can play a role in countering antisemitism throughout the state. They also identified important resources that teachers can use to address antisemitism and all forms of hate.

Rabbi May said that being Jewish means caring for the community and treating others with dignity: “Judaism for me is an all-encompassing experience. … I have an equal responsibility every day to treat my fellow persons with human dignity. That should be the core value for every human being: that we treat others with human dignity and understand that everyone has the same basic needs, that they want to support their families, have joy, and pride in their families and perpetuate their culture.”

Friedman said that antisemitism affects not only Jews but American society, more broadly. She warned that it is a sign of something wrong that needs to be fixed.

“It’s a signal, like the canary in the coal mine, that something is not right and needs to be fixed,” Friedman said.

The state’s ethnic studies curriculum, which faced strong backlash when it was first released in 2019, was a recurring topic during the discussion.

Wiener said the first draft of the state’s ethnic studies curriculum, had “despicable” and “straight-up antisemitic” language. He said Jewish groups lobbied to change the final version, but some districts are being pressed to use the old draft, which is illegal. He also said some authors responsible for antisemitic language in the curriculum are shopping their services as “liberated ethnic studies”.

In response to Wiener’s concern, Thurmond said he had sent many letters to districts reminding them of the legal limits of ethnic studies, which should not be antisemitic or use any unapproved version of the curriculum. He also urged anyone who witnessed antisemitism in schools to contact his office.

“We’d like to get that phone call,” Thurmond said. A full recording of the webinar can be viewed on the CDE Facebook page.

“This article was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.”

Support the Black Community Read the Bakersfield News Observer

California Leads the Way to A 28th Amendment for Gun Safety

By Janell Gore South Kern Sol

In June, Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a 28th amendment to the constitution in regard to gun safety. To pass the amendment, an Article 5 convention is needed to propose the change to the Constitution. The release explains that California is the first state to do this with a joint resolution.

The resolution was introduced by California State Senator Aisha Wahab and Assemblymember Reggie JonesSawyer, and on Wednesday, the California State Senate approved the resolution. In order for the amendment to be adopted to the constitution, 33 states need to pass a resolution.

According to a release in June, the amendment would

Raise the federal minimum age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21;

Mandate universal background checks to prevent truly dangerous people from purchasing a gun that could be used in a crime Institute a reasonable waiting period for all gun purchases  Bar civilian purchase of assault weapons that serve no other purpose than to kill as many people as possible in a short amount of time

The same release originally announcing the amendment stated that 110 Americans lose their lives to gun violence every day. The release also cited the Giffords Law Center, stating that California is ranked number 1 in gun safety and, at the time, had a 37 percent lower rate of gun violence deaths than the national average. At the time

of this article, the percentage is now 39 percent lower than the national average. The report also ranks California as the 43rd lowest state for gun violence. In August, Newsom, when explaining the need for stricter gun laws, said that more people would die from gun violence than did in the terrorist attack on September 11th.

“In the time it will take to pass our Right to Safety Resolution calling for a constitutional convention, more Americans will lose their lives to gun violence than were killed on September 11,” said Governor Newsom in an August press release. “How many more lives must be lost before we act? In California, with the help of the Legislature, we are providing a path to a safer America.”

Wahab also spoke about the need for stricter gun safety in the August release.

Vernia L. Doyle January 6, 1947 –- August 18, 2023

Vernia Lee (Norwood) Doyle, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Friday, August 18, 2023.

She was born January 6, 1947 to Samuel and Daisy Lee Norwood. In the early 1950’s, the family moved from Texas to Shafter, California, in search of work. Eventually, they settled in Bakersfield where the Norwood family began to grow and grow.

Vernia attended Lerdo Elementary School as well as the local schools in Bakersfield. In her early adult life, she decided to move to Los Angeles, California where she resided until her demise. She loved LA and enjoyed a full vibrant life there. She really was a true “valley girl”, adventurous and-loving. She quickly learned the ins and outs of the city; hardly ever getting lost. She had a keen sense of direction not only in Los Angeles, but in any city or state she visited. She waited on no one to take her shopping; she would drive anybody’s car, or catch the subway, and even walk—she could figure it all out!

In 1970, Vernia began a life-long career at West LA Veterans Administration as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant. She received numerous service awards and certificates. She was loved by patients, doctors, and co-workers alike. And, after 48-years of service, she retired in 2018.

“As someone who values both the Second Amendment and has personally experienced the impact of gun violence, I am proud to partner with Governor Gavin Newsom on the Right to Safety Resolution,” said Wahab in the August release. “Together, we are advocating for rational and responsible measures regarding firearms regulations, standing up for the memory of all individuals who have lost their lives to, or been deeply affected by, the tragic consequences of gun violence.”

After the resolution was passed, Newsom stated that the nation is one step closer to safer communities.

“2,574. That’s how many Americans are estimated to have been killed by gun violence since the Right to Safety Resolution was introduced just three weeks ago. Enough. Today, we are one step closer to safer communities in all 50 states,” said Newsom in a release on Wednesday.

In 1978, Vernia met and married Luciano (Lucius) Doyle. To this union, no children were born. After thirty-five years together, Lucius passed away; leaving her to continue doing life without him.

Vernia loved the LORD and would witness to family, friends and anyone else who would listen. She was a faithful member at Church of Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith in Los Angeles under the leadership of Elder Leroy Chappelle and in later years, Pastor Michelle Beale. She gladly served for many years as a Missionary, in the Street Witnessing Ministry, and Aisle and Altar Workers Ministry. She also attended City of Refuge (Bishop Noel Jones) with her sister.

Vernia was happiest when she was shopping or traveling and she did a lot of both. She and sister, Stephanie went shopping “every” Saturday; leaving early in the morning and returning after dark. They never seemed to tire of going from store to store and especially the 99 cents stores (which she called the “Ninety-nine”).

Her greatest shared memories were when she went to Israel and her boat ride on the Nile in Egypt. She also loved New York and traveled there several times visiting her brother SJ and friends; Gloria, TaWanna, Hazel and Pauline.

Although Vernia was poised, prissy, and sophisticated; she would come unhinged around family and friends. She was an underestimated and undiscovered comedian. She was hilarious! But most of all, she was the best “Big” sister ever. She laughed hard, talked long, and loved unconditionally.

She lost her voice due to a stroke in 2022, but not her laugh. We will miss her laughing loudly at The Golden Girls and The Beverly Hillbillies re-runs.

Vernia was preceded in death by husband, Lucius Doyle; parents Samuel and Daisy Norwood; two brothers: Samuel Jr.(SJ) and McKinley Norwood.

She leaves many family members to mourn her passing; four sisters: Stephanie Norwood, Los Angeles, California; Phyllis Luckey; Darlene Williams; and Yolanda Prichett, Bakersfield, California.

Four brothers: Franklin, Douglas, Ronnie, Robert Sr. (Pamela) Norwood. Three brothersin-love; James Luckey Sr.; William Williams and Havander Prichett; Aunts: Edelsa M. Norwood, Bakersfield, Ca.; Hazel Lawrence; Kansas City, MO.; god-daughter and namesake: Vernia Lynn, Kansas City, MO., and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Services for Vernia is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2023 10:00 a.m., Transformation (Unity) Apostolic Church, 2001 Truxtun Avenue; Minister Julius Norwood, officiating. Viewing is scheduled for Friday, September 22, 2023 4pm-6pm at Rucker’s Mortuary 301 Baker St. Bakersfield, Ca.

At her request, she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside California. All services entrusted to Rucker’s Mortuary.