South Korea’s Martial Law Crisis Raises
California Legislative Black Caucus Celebrates Historic Milestone With Record Number of Women Members
The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC)
made history on Dec. 2. For the first time, most of its members are women. Nine out of its 12 current members are Black women, the highest number in the organization’s 57-year-history. During the last legislative session, five out of 12 CLBC members were women.
For the 2025-26 Legislative session, three CLBC women members are serving in the State Senate and six in the State Assembly.
Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood) and Sen. Akilah Weber (D-LaMesa) were sworn in on the first official day of the 2025-26 Regular Session in the chambers of the State Senate by the Hon. Patricia Guerrero, Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.
“Yesterday, I was sworn in as Senator of the 39th Senate District! I am so honored to do this work and excited to get started, Weber posted on her Facebook page Dec. 3. “I introduced my first bill on my first day, SB 32 to address maternity ward closures in the state. Let’s go Senate District 39.” Before winning her Senate seat, Weber had served in the State Assembly for three years representing the 79th District in San Diego County.
She was also sworn in as Chair of the CLBC on Dec.
2.
Weber and Richardson are joining CLBC member Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights), who had previously been the only Black woman serving in the State Senate. Smallwood-Cuevas was elected in 2022.
“This has been a long journey,” said SmallwoodCuevas. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all of you coming together and standing up and supporting this effort to ensure that Black women have a voice here in Sacramento, representing the communities we all care about. We grew our caucus but this is just the beginning of making sure that the California State Legislature is representative of California.”
New CLBC lawmakers in the Assembly -Assemblymembers Sade Elhawary (D-South Los Angeles), Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) and LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego) -- were also sworn in on Dec. 2 on the Assembly floor.
Elhawary, Ransom, and Sharp-Collins and are joining Richardson as the newest members of CLBC. However, Richardson previously served in the Assembly before being elected to Congress in 2007.
“There are some incredible people here who turned out the vote,” said Richardson at a CLBC reception held to welcome new members. “Call me landslide Laura.”
Richardson paid tribute to the icons in California politics who paved the way for her and other newly elected Black women.
“When I took my portrait, I wore a white turtleneck and a red jacket like Congresswoman Maxine Waters,” added Richardson. All of us women are here because we stood on the backs and shoulders of women who served here capably and are respected and that has translated into giving us a chance.”
Richardson also acknowledged that there would be challenges ahead.
“In times like these, we don’t need to agonize. We need to organize,” she said. After her swearing in, Sharp-Collins said she is “honored and humbled to represent the people of the 79th Assembly District.
“I plan to continue the work I have done for many years to advance the district -- especially in helping support our most vulnerable residents,” Sharp-Collins continued.
Returning CLBC members in the State Assembly are: immediate past CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), and Assemblymembers Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) and Mike Gipson (D-Carson).
Outgoing CLBC members include Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Inglewood), who was termed out and is running for Lieutenant Governor. Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), and Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) also left. McCarty did not seek reelection to the Assembly to run for mayor of Sacramento, a race he won. Holden and Jones-Sawyer were termed out.
The CLBC was established in 1967 by Black members of the California Legislature to address the concerns of African Americans and other citizens of color. Mervyn Dymally, who represented parts of greater Los Angeles in
the Assembly and State Senate, led the founding. Dymally was also the 41st lieutenant governor of California and served in United States Congress before returning to serve in the Assembly.
The California Legislature is also making history this legislative session with an unprecedented 58 women lawmakers, almost half of its 120 total members.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this outstanding group of new Senators who were sworn in today,” said Senate Pro Tem McGuire (D-Healdsburg), who led the convening session that officially began the upcoming twoyear legislative session.
“They’re hard-working, innovative, and ready to tackle the tough challenges ahead,” McGuire added.
Later that evening, the CLBC held a reception to welcome its new leadership and members. Weber and Bryan were elected by the CLBC in August to serve as its next Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.
The new members of the CLBC say there are inspired, motivated and ready to start working on behalf of their constituents.
“I’ve spent my career standing up for people, and I’m proud to represent the people of Assembly District 13,” said
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Anthem’s Anesthesia Limits Under Fire After CEO Assassination Health Care Outrage:
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a busy Midtown Manhattan Street has intensified scrutiny of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s controversial new anesthesia reimbursement policy, set to roll out next year in several states. As outrage grows among medical professionals and policymakers, connections between systemic healthcare grievances and the brazen attack have sparked heated discussions across the country. Anthem’s Policy Under Fire Anthem’s plan will limit reimbursement for anesthesia services during surgeries based on predetermined time limits, using metrics known as “Physician Work Time values” from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). If an anesthesiologist’s care exceeds the allowed time, Anthem will deny payment for the additional time, according to notices issued to providers in states including New York, Connecticut, Missouri, and Colorado.
“With this new policy, Anthem will arbitrarily predetermine the time allowed for anesthesia care during a surgery or procedure,” the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) said in a statement. “If an anesthesiologist submits a bill where the actual time of care is longer than Anthem’s limit, Anthem will deny payment. Anthem will not pay anesthesiologists for delivering safe and effective anesthesia care to patients who may need extra attention because their surgery is difficult, unusual, or because a complication arises.”
Dr. Donald E. Arnold, ASA president, condemned the policy in a strongly worded open letter to Anthem’s parent company, Elevance Health Inc. “The Anthem policy provides no justification for paying for anesthesia services for only a portion of a patient’s surgery,” Arnold wrote, calling the policy “inappropriate and misguided.” He emphasized the potential dangers for patients, especially those requiring extended or complex surgical procedures. “This egregious policy breaks the trust between
Anthem and its policyholders who expect their health insurer to pay physicians for the entirety of the care they need,” Arnold added. Fallout from UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Assassination
Thompson’s targeted killing has cast a shadow over the healthcare industry. The 7 a.m. attack unfolded outside the Hilton Midtown as Thompson prepared to attend his company’s annual investor conference. Surveillance footage shows the gunman, a masked figure in a hooded jacket, shooting Thompson multiple times, even clearing weapon jams with apparent ease before fleeing. Investigators have since linked the attack to potential grievances within the healthcare system.
A shell casing found at the scene bore the word “depose,” and a live round ejected during the incident was inscribed with “delay.” Police are investigating whether these cryptic messages reference the industry phrase “delay, deny, defend,” often associated with controversial insurance practices.
The NYPD has released photos of a person of interest who was captured smiling at the front desk of a nearby hostel. Law enforcement officials described the suspect as a “light-skinned male” wearing a cream-colored jacket, black face mask, and a distinctive gray backpack. They have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the
suspect’s arrest. Thompson’s widow, Paulette, revealed to NBC News that her husband had received threats before his death. “There had been some threats… a lack of coverage? I don’t know details,” she said. “I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”
Growing Pushback from Policymakers
Meanwhile, Anthem’s policy has already been halted in Connecticut following public outcry. “After hearing from people across the state about this concerning policy, my office reached out to Anthem, and I’m pleased to share this policy will no longer be going into effect here in Connecticut,” Comptroller Sean Scanlon announced.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also criticized the policy, calling it “outrageous.” She posted on X, “I’m going to make sure New Yorkers are protected. “ Patient Safety in Jeopardy Critics argue that Anthem’s policy prioritizes profit over patient care. “The proposed Anthem policy reflects a significant disconnect between Anthem, its patients, and their needs,” said Arnold, who warned that the policy could jeopardize patient safety during more prolonged or complex surgeries.
Medical professionals said anesthesia care should be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. “The length of surgery is a function of the surgeon, not the anesthesiologist,” explained Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa, founder of the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction. “The anesthesiologist is at the mercy of the surgeon for however long they need to take to do the surgery well.”
Unanswered Questions
As Anthem faces mounting criticism, the implications of the assassination and the insurer’s controversial policy remain uncertain. Investigators continue to piece together clues from the attack, including the slaying suspect’s movements and cryptic inscriptions on ammunition.
“We will not rest until we identify and apprehend the shooter in this case,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch vowed.
WELLESLEY, Mass. (AP) — Herlda Senhouse, who founded a jazz dance group to raise money for Black students in the 1950s and lived to become the secondoldest person in the United States, has died at age 113. Senhouse died “peacefully in her sleep” on Saturday, said Stephanie Hawkinson, public information officer for the town of Wellesley, Massachusetts, where Senhouse had lived for the last four decades.
“She never missed an opportunity to learn more, do more, experience more,” said Hawkinson, who met Senhouse on her 108th birthday and had celebrated with her every year since.
Born Feb. 28, 1911, in Piedmont, West Virginia, Senhouse was sent to live with an aunt in Woburn, Massachusetts, at age 16 and graduated from Woburn High School. According to the Boston Globe, she dreamed of becoming a nurse but was turned away by a nursing school after it had met its quota of two Black students in 1931. She later worked as a housekeeper for several families and founded the Boston Clique Club, which raised money to improve educational opportunities for Black students in Boston.
At age 105, she enrolled in the New England Centenarian Study, which seeks to determine how people like her age so slowly while delaying or escaping aging-related disease. She also bequeathed her brain to researchers, Hawkinson said.
According to the Gerontology Research Group, the oldest person in the United States is Naomi Whitehead, 114, who lives in Greenville, Pennsylvania.
Hawkinson said Senhouse often said the secret to her longevity was never having children, though she enjoyed children and caring for them. She surrounded herself with a community of relatives, friends and members of her church, and was always up for an adventure, Hawkinson said.
“She was truly an inspiration to so many in our community,” she said.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department is demanding records related to the shooting of an Illinois woman who was killed in her home by a sheriff’s deputy as it investigates how local authorities treat Black residents and people with behavioral disabilities.
The government made a list of demands in dozens of categories in a letter
Photo Caption: Incoming members of the CLBC are: (From left to right) Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood; Asm. Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton); Asm. LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego); and Asm. Sade Elhawary (D-South Los Angeles).
Photo Caption: Returning members of the CLBC are (top row): Sen. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego); Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights); Asm. Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles); and Asm. Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City). (Bottom row): Asm. Mia Bonta (D-Alameda); Asm. Mike Gipson (D-Carson); Asm. Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood); and Asm. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley).
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Biden Announces $1 Billion in Humanitarian Aid and $600 Million for African Infrastructure Investments
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
During his visit to Angola, President Joe Biden announced more than $1 billion in humanitarian aid to assist Africans displaced by severe droughts and food insecurity, alongside $600 million in new U.S. investments in infrastructure projects under the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor initiative. Biden hopes that these measures will serve as a reminder of the U.S. commitment to fostering long-term African partnerships, emphasizing trade, investment, and sustainable development.
“The United States continues to be the world’s largest provider of humanitarian aid and development assistance. That’s going to increase, you know, that’s the right thing for the wealthiest nation in the world to do,” Biden said.
Hosted by the United States and Angola, the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor Summit brought together leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia to accelerate infrastructure projects
to connect the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Central to these efforts is the Zambia-Lobito rail project, a transformative 800-kilometer line linking Angola and Zambia, with groundbreaking targeted for 2026.
Driving Regional Economic Growth
The Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor is part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), a U.S.-led initiative focused on infrastructure projects that promote inclusive economic growth. Total U.S. investments in the Corridor now exceed $4 billion, with international commitments surpassing $6 billion.
Agriculture and food security remain key components of the initiative. Biden celebrated the first shipment of goods from Angola’s Carrinho Group along the Corridor to the DRC, marking a milestone in regional trade. Biden said the U.S. is also investing in sustainable farming practices and infrastructure, enabling smallholder farmers to access markets and enhance production.
“These investments aren’t just about aid; they’re
about creating opportunities, building infrastructure, and unlocking the potential of this region,” Biden said during his remarks. Energy and Digital Connectivity
Clean energy projects are also at the forefront. U.S. company Sun Africa is leading efforts to expand renewable electricity to underserved communities in Angola, supported by significant U.S. financing. Additionally, officials said investments
South Korea’s Martial Law Crisis Raises Alarms in U.S. as Trump Eyes Similar Powers
By Stacy M. Brown
Protests have erupted in South Korea’s capital, Seoul, where demonstrators clashed with soldiers and police following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law. The controversial order, which grants military authorities sweeping powers over governance, has sparked widespread opposition and is drawing concerns in the United States, where President-elect Donald Trump has expressed plans to invoke a similar Insurrection Act if reelected.
The U.S., a key ally of South Korea, expressed serious concerns about the developments. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett confirmed that Washington was not informed of Yoon’s decision. “This crisis threatens not only South Korea’s democracy but also the stability of the alliance structure the U.S. has worked to strengthen in East Asia to counter North Korea and China,” former deputy director of national intelligence Beth Sanner said on CNN.
Martial Law Sparks Political and Civil Chaos
Inside South Korea’s National Assembly, lawmakers voted unanimously to revoke Yoon’s martial law
declaration, invoking constitutional authority that requires the president to comply with their decision. However, Yoon has not rescinded the order, and military officials have stated it will remain in effect until the president acts.
In a televised address, Yoon defended the move as necessary to “defend the free Republic of Korea” and claimed it targeted “pro-North Korean anti-state forces.”
He accused the opposition Democratic Party of obstructing his policies, including budget approvals and cabinet appointments, to destabilize the country.
Protesters demanded an end to martial law outside the Assembly and called for Yoon’s resignation. Chants of “End martial law!” filled the air as armed troops withdrew from the parliament building. The crisis marked the first imposition of martial law in South Korea in 1980, when the nation used it during a military dictatorship.
U.S. Concerns Over Executive Power and the Insurrection Act
The South Korean crisis is reverberating in America, where Trump’s reported plans to invoke the Insurrection Act have reignited debates over executive power. The Insurrection Act, originally enacted in 1792 and last updated in 1874, allows a president to deploy the
military domestically in cases of rebellion, civil unrest, or obstruction of federal law.
Despite the act’s intended use for extraordinary circumstances, critics contend its ambiguous language poses a significant risk of abuse, especially from a president who has pledged to impose dictatorship from the start of his term. One provision empowers the president to use military force or “any other means” to address any “unlawful combination or conspiracy” that interferes with federal law. Legal experts warn that this broad discretion could enable a president to justify military deployments for almost any domestic issue.
Adding to the concern, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the courts cannot review a president’s decision to invoke the act. Congress can only counter such a decision by passing legislation to end the deployment, requiring a two-thirds majority to override a presidential veto.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., has introduced legislation to reform the act, describing it as a “giant loophole” in democratic safeguards. “Donald Trump’s plans illuminate his total misunderstanding of the U.S. military’s purpose. It exists to defend the nation, not to serve personal political goals,” Blumenthal said. “Unchecked
Democratic Women Legislators Forge Historic Resistance as GOP Takes Federal Control
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
In a historic shift following the 2024 elections, a record-breaking number of Democratic women will serve in state legislatures starting in 2025, solidifying state-level Democratic power amid a looming federal Republican
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trifecta under the incoming Trump administration. The legislators, many in leadership roles, will spearhead resistance efforts while shaping the Democratic Party’s future leadership pipeline. State legislatures, widely recognized as the bedrock of American governance, now host 1,584 Democratic women lawmakers, outnumbering their Republican counterparts by nearly two-to-one. Women will hold roughly onethird of legislative seats nationwide, with at least 19 states increasing the total representation of women. The milestone marks a stark contrast to Congress, where the number of women legislators has declined for the first time since 2016. Notably, Democratic women will serve as House speakers in eight states, including Hawaii, which will see its first woman in this role. Additionally, for the first time
in U.S. history, three states will boast majority-women Democratic legislatures. Nearly 100 women will hold senior leadership positions, emphasizing their growing influence on state-level governance. Officials said the victories reflect the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee’s (DLCC) commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within state governments. The DLCC said it repeatedly has underscored the importance of electing women to counter the incoming administration’s policies, which critics warn could jeopardize economic opportunities, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, education, and climate progress under Project 2025.
“Electing a record number of women to state legislatures couldn’t come at a more impactful time,” said DLCC Interim Communications Director Sam Paisley.
“Project 2025 and the incoming Trump administration dangerously target women and minorities, and states will represent the most powerful counterbalance to stop the MAGA hate from becoming the law of the land. Women deserve a seat at the table at all levels of government, and their growing numbers in state legislatures will impact policy today while building a strong pipeline of future leaders.”
With Democratic women now leading in eight state Houses and holding pivotal roles in nearly 100 legislative leadership positions, the DLCC said it plans to leverage their presence as a critical firewall against what it describes as threats posed by a federal GOP-dominated government.
“The work we’ve done ensures a powerful and diverse firewall is present in the states,” Paisley added.
7 Questions for CAAASA
Dr. Adam Clark, president of the California Association of African American Administrators and Superintendents Association
By Edward Henderson California
Black Media The California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) is a group of educational leaders from across the state. The organization is committed to identifying critical issues in
public education related to the performance of African American students and addressing them through education reform initiatives.
Its membership includes school superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors, and administrators. CAAASA has a long-standing history of hosting institutes, meetings, conferences, and various special events focused on education.
Serving as an informational resource to the California Department of Education (CDE), CAAASA makes recommendations on several of the department’s priorities, including curriculum and instruction, staff development, parent involvement, funding, and gender specific issues.
CAAASA has submitted testimony to the Speaker of the Assembly aimed at improving the status of African American males relative to their over-representation in the penal system and underrepresentation in the nation’s colleges and universities.
Additionally, CAAASA has worked in partnership with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) to sponsor events and programs that have been successful in addressing the needs of African American students.
This year, the organization sponsored a statewide conference in Sacramento titled, “Education is a Civil Right.”
Recently, California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Dr. Adam Clark, the President of CAAASA, about the organization’s successes, disappointments, lessons learned and future plans heading into the new year.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
What was your most important achievement in 2024 and why?
The most important achievement was organizing our statewide professional development summit to mark the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. We focused on research and strategies to improve education for African American and other students of color. Afterward, we partnered with the National Coalition of Educational
California Legislative Black Caucus Celebrates Historic Milestone With Record Number of Women Members
Equity to host a convening in Washington D.C., continuing our efforts to drive progress. How did your leadership and investments improve the lives of Black Californians?
We launched two new Leadership Academies for aspiring administrators and superintendents. These programs help build a pipeline of future administrators committed to improving education for all students, especially students of color. By focusing on closing opportunity gaps, we’re ensuring Black Californians have the support and resources they need to succeed in the education system.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
The ongoing inequities Black students face are the most frustrating. Despite our progress, challenges still exist.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
I was inspired by the collaboration and energy at our national conference in Washington D.C., where leaders from across the country united to focus on educational equity. Seeing so many passionate advocates gave me hope that real, lasting change is possible when we work together. What lesson did you learn in 2024 that will guide your decisions next year?
I learned the importance of collective action. Building coalitions of educators, lawmakers, and civil rights leaders is essential to addressing the root causes of inequity in our schools.
CBM: What is the biggest challenge Black Californians face in one word?
Inequity.
CBM: What is your main goal for 2025?
My main goal is to speed up the implementation of evidence-based strategies that improve Black student achievement. Through partnerships, policy work, and professional development, I want to ensure our schools are equipped to meet the needs of Black students and help every learner succeed.
District and the State as a whole.” “There is so much work to be done,” she said.
Assemblymembers LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego), Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), and Senators Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) and Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood) join hands in
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Jay-Z Denies Sexual Assault Allegations, Accuses Lawyer Tony Buzbee of Blackmail
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Jay-Z has forcefully denied allegations of sexual assault involving a minor, calling the claims a calculated attempt at blackmail. The accusation emerged from a civil lawsuit filed by an anonymous accuser, who alleges the music mogul, along with Sean “Diddy” Combs, raped her at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000. The accuser was 13 years old at the time. In a statement to E! News, Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, expressed the personal toll the allegation takes on his family, particularly his children: 12-year-old Blue Ivy and 7-year-old twins Rumi and Sir.“My only heartbreak is for my family,” he said. “My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims and explain the cruelty and greed of people.”He added, “I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age. It is unfair to have to try to understand inexplicable degrees of malice meant to destroy families and human spirit.”Lawsuit and Response
The lawsuit, originally filed in October and refiled in New York last week, alleges that Jay-Z raped the girl while Combs and another individual referred to as “Celebrity B” watched. The suit claims the girl was taken to the afterparty under false pretenses by a limousine driver who said she “fit what Diddy was looking for.” After denying her
entry to the awards ceremony, the driver allegedly invited her to the party.
Jay-Z vehemently denied the allegations in a statement released via his Roc Nation platform. He specifically called out the accuser’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, for attempting to extort him.
“My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee,” Jay-Z said. “What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!”
Jay-Z urged Buzbee to pursue a criminal complaint instead of a civil suit if the allegations were genuine. “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree? These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.”
Combs’ Denial
Diddy’s representatives also denied the accusations.
“This amended complaint and the recent extortion lawsuit against Mr. Buzbee exposes his barrage of lawsuits against Mr. Combs for what they are: shameless publicity stunts, designed to extract payments from celebrities who fear having lies spread about them, just as lies have been spread about Mr. Combs.”
They added, “As his legal team has said before, Mr. Combs has full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone— man or woman, adult or minor.”
Background on Tony Buzbee
Black Virginia News Publisher and BlackPressUSA. com correspondent Lauren Burke reported that Buzbee has a history of filing high-profile lawsuits against wealthy Black entertainers and athletes, including Deshaun Watson, Travis Scott, and now Jay-Z and Combs. He previously represented over 120 clients who sued Scott following the deadly 2021 Astroworld Festival crowd surge. Burke also drew attention to Buzbee’s political affiliations. Though he ran as a Democrat for the Texas State House in 2002, he supported Republican Rick Perry’s 2012 presidential campaign and hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump in 2016.
Jay-Z concluded his statement by hinting at potential legal action.
“You have made a terrible error in judgement thinking that all ‘celebrities’ are the
Queen Bey and Yale:
The Ivy League University is Set to Offer a Course on Beyoncé and Her Legacy
By SUSAN HAIGH
is not the first performer to be the subject of a college-level course. There have been courses on singer and songwriter Bob Dylan over the years and several colleges and universities have recently offered classes on singer Taylor Swift and her lyrics and pop culture legacy. That includes law professors who hope to engage a new generation of lawyers by using a famous celebrity like Swift to bring context to complicated, real-world concepts.
Professors at other colleges and universities have also incorporated Beyoncé into their courses or offered classes on the superstar.
Brooks sees Beyoncé in a league of her own, crediting the singer with using her platform to “spectacularly elevate awareness of and engagement with grassroots, social, political ideologies and movements” in her music, including the Black Lives Matter movement and Black feminist commentary.
“Can you think of any other pop musician who’s invited an array of grassroots activists to participate in these longform
How One Community is Trying to Break the ‘Vicious Cycle’ of Child Care and Housing Crises
By Katie Dukes Director of Early Childhood Policy, EdNC
“If you don’t have the child care in order for people to go to work, they don’t have the income to pay for housing; it’s this vicious cycle,” said Melanie Shaver, superintendent of Hyde County Schools in North Carolina. “So how can we break that cycle at the root cause?” Shaver is leading her district’s attempt to answer that question. Hyde County Schools is now offering universal pre-k to both 3- and 4-year-olds districtwide, at the Ocracoke School on the island and the Mattamuskeet School on the mainland, with the goal of expanding to include early care and learning for children from birth to age 2 in years to come. And the revived Hyde County Education Foundation — chaired by Shaver — is buying two sites to build workforce housing for teachers and other essential workers. It’s a project based on community needs and with community collaboration, and one that became more urgent after the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian five years ago. While Hyde County sits at the far eastern edge of the state and has its own unique geography, this project could be a model for communities in western North Carolina as they develop long-term recovery plans after the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
The housing crisis When Shaver took on the role of superintendent in 2021, she learned that most of Hyde County’s teachers would be eligible to retire within five years. “When you learn you have 60% ready for retirement, first of all, how am I gonna get these people, and where am I gonna put these people?” Shaver said of recruiting new teachers. On the mainland, Shaver said, affordable housing is hard to come by because a portion of the housing stock is inhabited only part-time, mostly by hunters who come to Lake Mattamuskeet seasonally. And on Ocracoke, many houses serve as second homes, and short-term rentals are inhabited by visitors only during the summer tourism season. The high price of homes and lack of long-term rental properties is a major issue for the island’s workforce, including prospective teachers.
“We are seeing fewer applicants,” said Jeanie Ownes, principal of the Ocracoke School. “One of the questions they always ask is, ‘Where can I live?’ and I do think that is deterring a lot of people from applying here.” Housing pressure increased after Hurricane Dorian destroyed dozens of homes and damaged many others in 2019. Sara Teaster, a member of the Hyde County Education Foundation (HCEF) Board of Directors, shared her struggle to find housing. Teaster had visited Ocracoke and loved it, so
Students in Ocracoke School’s universal pre-k classroom for 3- and 4-year-olds walk in a line together toward the playground. Photo by: Katie Dukes, EdNC
when a job opened on the island in 2019, she jumped at the chance to relocate full-time. Someone loaned her a house while she searched for a permanent place to live.
Then Dorian hit, destroying and damaging homes that had offered 12-month leases. Teaster said that some homeowners switched from offering those long-term rentals to weekly vacation rentals so they could recoup the costs of rebuilding. Then COVID-19 hit, bringing remote workers with higher incomes to the island, which Teaster said added pressure to the off-season rental market. Add to that the overall rising costs of homes, interest rates, and insurance over the last five years, and the result is an inaccessible, unaffordable housing market for the year-round residents who make the island so appealing to guests. But Teaster said she got lucky. “Four months after I moved here, I was able to find a yearly rental that was affordable, and I lived there for four years,” Teaster said. “Loved it. Would have continued to live there, but the owner decided that they wanted to come back and live in their home.”
Almost 50 years old, Teaster moved four times in four months after losing that rental. She sent her pet to live with her mother out of state. She’s making it work for now by house-sitting while she continues to search for housing she can afford. And hers is just one story. According to Shaver and Owens, two staff members of the Ocracoke School left their jobs — and the island — because they couldn’t find permanent housing and were no longer willing to live in RVs and campers on lots that can cost up to $1,200 per month to rent.
The childcare crisis
Tekisha Jordan, the district’s pre-k administrator for the last 17 years, said that when Shaver came to Hyde County, licensed childcare was also hard to come by. The mainland has two programs: Head Start, which is licensed to serve up to 40 students aged 3-5, and Linda’s Childcare Home, which is licensed to serve up to eight students from birth to age 12. There’s also unlicensed childcare. “Basically, [parents] have relatives that care for their child, a friend that cares for them,” Jordan said. “And we definitely see a big difference when they reach pre-k since the childcare center closed, socially and emotionally.”
By the time Dorian hit the island, Ocracoke’s only licensed childcare program had already been closed for two years. Ocracoke Child Care was a high-quality nonprofit center that touched the lives of most families on the island. Alice Burruss, who previously taught pre-k and is now the first-grade teacher at Ocracoke School, served as the center’s assistant director starting in the mid-1990s. Both of her children attended the program during her 10 years at Ocracoke Child Care.
“While I was there it was so important for us to have [students] learn and not just be little kids that you’re babysitting,” Burruss said. “It really was a learning facility.”
But since the program closed in 2017, young children on Ocracoke haven’t had that learning opportunity. “We live in a space where there are very few places for little kids to socialize, get that interaction with each other,” Burrus said. She pointed out that there’s not even a public playground or park on the island.
“And then you walk into a classroom as a 3- and a 4-year-old with 15 other kids, and imagine how overwhelming that is for you,” Burruss said. Burrus and her colleague Amanda Gaskins Jackson, who teaches kindergarten and attended both Ocracoke Child Care and the Ocracoke School, can tell the difference between students who have and have not experienced early care and learning in a group setting before starting school, especially since the pandemic.
Along with Jordan and Owens, Burruss and Gaskins Jackson provided examples of how those differences show
up in young learners:
Sharing
Sitting in a circle on the carpet
Learning to trust adults outside of their families
Following group directions
Washing hands
Standing and walking in a line
Having independence from adults
Without the childcare center, students were simply less prepared to function in a learning environment with other children. They were missing out on some of the critical brain development that occurs in the first 1,000 days of their lives. “Instead of spending the time in pre-k where we would focus on fine motor skills, getting you ready for writing and letter recognition and all those prefoundational skills, now it’s we have to learn how to coexist together, and sit for a little bit of time, listen to a story without seeing it on a screen,” Burrus said.
Shaver called early childhood education “critical” and said, “It does make a difference with your kids. It makes a difference not only on their readiness [to learn], but their social ability and their emotional intelligence to be able to then come and transition into a school.” For children who have been affected by trauma like Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19 — or more recently, Hurricane Helene for children in western North Carolina — stability is key to their healthy social and emotional development. “And so I think looking at early childhood is one piece of that root cause, but looking at that housing piece is another,” Shaver said.
Breaking the ‘vicious cycle’
Since Hurricane Dorian hit the island in 2019, the school district has been using the Ocracoke Child Care building as classroom space for their youngest students while the Ocracoke School was being reconstructed. As Shaver began to prepare for the Ocracoke School’s official reopening in 2023, she started thinking about how the childcare building would be sitting empty once again. And she was still wondering how she would hire new teachers when there was nowhere for them to live and no space to build multi-family housing units on the island, even if someone was inclined to do so.
Then she had an idea — maybe the empty Ocracoke Child Care site could be converted to workforce housing. Shaver realized that the HCEF hadn’t been used for 15 years, so she went about reviving it as a nonprofit entity that could address two crises at once by supporting the development of workforce housing and enhancing early care and learning opportunities.
The HCEF by-laws state: “The Foundation recognizes that due to the remote nature of Hyde County, and the housing shortage, the development of housing will provide both the Mattamuskeet and Ocracoke School communities and others the opportunity to partner with the Hyde County Board of Education and others in a common goal of improving public education by ensuring adequate housing.”
HCEF’s Board of Directors is made up of an equal number of mainlanders and islanders because, as stated in the by-laws, “the Board acknowledges that just as mainland Hyde may not know or understand all the nuances for Ocracoke, Ocracoke may not know or understand all the nuances of the mainland. Anytime a decision directly affects an area, an equal or majority number of board members from that area is needed for a vote.”
With the HCEF re-established and a new board in place, Shaver took the first step toward fulfilling its mission — Hyde County introduced universal pre-k for 4-year-olds when the Ocracoke School reopened in 2023.
Because Hyde County Schools had already been providing NC Pre-K to eligible 4-year-olds, adding the rest of the county’s 4-year-olds was a logical place to start filling the community’s early care and learning gap. Then Shaver went about finding members of the defunct Ocracoke Child Care Board, so they could start having serious conversations about the property by changing hands. She learned that board members had been holding out hope that the center would be able to reopen one day, and they remained passionate about their commitment to providing early care and learning to Ocracoke’s youngest residents. So, Hyde County Schools extended its universal pre-k program to 3-year-olds, to add programs for birthto-2 students in coming years. In addition to NC Pre-K funds, the district uses Title I funding and grants to finance the expanded Pre-K program. Jordan described how parents on the mainland reacted when she announced that all 3-year-olds — not just those with special needs or on the island — would be eligible. “I’m gonna cry, but they was like, ‘Oh my God, thank you Tekisha!’ And I’m like, ‘No, oh my God, thank you Dr. Shaver!’” Jordan said. In its first year, the multi-age pre-k classroom at the Matamuskeet School on the mainland has 18 students, and the one at the Ocracoke School has 13. “The whole school benefits when we get them earlier,” Jordan said. “We take them at 3, they transition to 4, we get them ready for kindergarten. If there are any delays, it’s normally picked up in kindergarten. The kindergarten teacher and the pre-k teacher collaborate, sit in on IEP meetings, and then it just follows from kindergarten to first grade. The whole school benefits.” The district’s commitment to expanding early care and learning opportunities aligned with the values and priorities of the Ocracoke Child Care Board. Owens said it’s about more than aligned values, though. It was about doing what’s best for their neighbors. “I think us being so small, it truly is about community,” Owens said. “So, while we are talking early childhood education, it’s almost like, ‘Well, yes, they’re part of who we are, and we are going to take care of our littles.’ The Ocracoke Child Care Board sold their building to the district for $10. The Outer Banks Community Foundation and a local Occupancy Tax Board each donated $25,000 to help HCEF get architectural plans and cost estimates drawn up. Shaver identified a similar opportunity to develop workforce housing on the mainland at a shuttered 26-unit public housing development called Hycienda Heights. With 10 units planned for the Ocracoke Child Care site, the total estimated cost of purchasing both properties and converting them to workforce housing is about $4 million.
When asked where HCEF would find the money, Shaver joked, “Fish frys! And we’re gonna do a lot of bake sales!” She knows they’ll likely take out a loan for some of it, but the Board is also seeking philanthropic donations and other funding sources to reduce the size of that loan. “We’re willing to beat any bush, look under any couch cushion, meet with anybody who asks,” Shaver said. When the units are complete, HCEF plans to offer them for yearly rent to teachers first, then other essential workers who need time to secure permanent housing. And they’ll use any profits to make further investments in early care and learning, including opening birth-to-2 classrooms. “One of the reasons I’m excited about this Hycienda Heights property, if we can obtain that as well, is that it has a community center there on site that could be easily formed into that zero-to-2 [space],” Shaver said. The same goal exists in Ocracoke. “On the island, that’s kind of how we do things; we do take care of each other,” Owens said.
The Future of American Education: A Call to Action
is the
of success, and this fundamental right must be upheld without compromise.
President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to dismantle the Department of Education, a bold and contentious move that has sparked nationwide debate. His decision addresses frustrations over perceived federal overreach and alleged “woke” indoctrination in schools. Against declining academic performance, Trump envisions a comprehensive restructuring to rectify mismanagement of taxpayer funds and undue influence on the nation’s youth.
During a September rally in Wisconsin, Trump reaffirmed his commitment, stating, “We will ultimately abolish the federal Department of Education.” His pledge resonates with voters eager for educational reform and accountability.
The department primarily focuses on funding programs such as Title I, which aids low-income districts, and special education initiatives rather than direct instructional oversight. Critics question its overall efficacy, proposing to reallocate responsibilities to other agencies. Suggestions include shifting the student loan program to the Treasury Department, delegating Title IX enforcement to the Justice Department, and converting Title I funding into state block grants with reduced federal oversight.
Trump’s initiative reflects a broader conservative critique of federal education policy, advocating for increased local autonomy and reduced federal intervention. As education reform discussions intensify, the consequences of eliminating the Department of Education will shape future policy debates and electoral outcomes.
The education system faces extraordinary disruptions exacerbated by the pandemic. Despite additional COVID funding, many students experienced alarming setbacks in core subjects, raising concerns about long-term implications.
Recent data highlights troubling trends among nineyear-olds:
A five-point decline in reading scores in 2022, the largest drop since 1990. A seven-point decline in math scores, marking the first decrease in this age group for the subject.
These statistics underscore the pandemic’s impact on learning, emphasizing the urgent need for effective strategies to support student recovery and ensure success.
Immediate action must address both knowledge gaps and disparities worsened by the crisis. Educators and policymakers must focus on innovative solutions that ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Democratic Governors
Double Down on Trump Strategy; Pick Party Leaders
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
While officials and residents of the District of Columbia gear up for a MAGA Republican takeover of the federal government, a large group of Democratic governors met in California to solidify a defense against certain attacks from Donald Trump’s incoming administration, a GOP majority in the House and Senate, and a hostile U.S. Supreme Court. Democrats elected Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly to serve a full term as Chair of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) for 2025. The decision came during the DGA’s annual meeting in Los Angeles, where Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was also elected as Vice Chair for 2025 and Chair-Elect for 2026. Kelly began 2024 as DGA Vice Chair and assumed the Chair role in August after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joined the Democratic national ticket. Under her leadership, the DGA successfully held onto every Democratic governorship in the 2024 election cycle. This included critical victories in battleground states such as North Carolina, where Josh Stein won, and Washington, where Bob Ferguson secured his governorship.
“I’m proud of the DGA’s success in 2024 and look forward to building on our momentum to win both competitive races in Virginia and New Jersey next year,” Kelly said. “As Democratic governors, we’re delivering real results for the people of our states and making lives better for millions of Americans by focusing on the issues that matter most. We’re keeping our foot on the gas and ready to get to work in 2025.” During her time as governor, Kelly has focused on bipartisan
projects and more than 57,500 new jobs, including the state’s largest economic project—a Ford battery plant in Glendale. Beshear’s administration also legalized sports betting and prioritized infrastructure development.
“In Kentucky, we’ve shown that when you focus on the challenges families face every day, Democrats can win anywhere,” Beshear said. “I’m excited to build on that record to help elect and re-elect Democratic governors across the country.”
The DGA’s annual meeting took on added significance with a gathering of prominent Democratic leaders, some of whom are considered potential 2028 presidential candidates. Governors Gavin Newsom of California, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, JB Pritzker of Illinois, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Tim Walz of Minnesota attended the Beverly Hilton alongside a packed crowd of donors, strategists, and lobbyists.
Despite the speculation, Kelly remained focused on near-term goals. “Trust me, we’re not thinking beyond ’26 at this point,” she said. The meeting also highlighted Democratic governors’ plans to navigate the challenges of a second Trump administration. Some governors are preparing to push back against potential policies that threaten civil rights and democracy. “You come for my people; you come through me,” Pritzker asserted. In states like New York and California, governors are laying the groundwork to defend against federal overreach. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James announced plans to counter any regulatory threats from Washington, and Newsom called a special legislative session to prepare for potential clashes with the Trump administration. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee pointed to past experience resisting Trump policies. “We’ve already taken considerable efforts to prevent him from abusing our state financially and targeting us,” Inslee said. “You can’t say we’re ‘Trumpproofed,’ but we’ve made significant progress.”
As Democratic governors prepare for the 2025 and 2026 election cycles, their strategy blends defense against federal policies with a focus on delivering results at the state level. “We will continue to do what we do, which is work with whoever we need to work with to get what we need for our states,” Kelly said.
local governments. Key functions include:
Funding:
Title I Grants: Allocates $18.4 billion annually to support low-income districts, enhancing educational equity.
Special Education: Provides $15.5 billion yearly to assist schools in serving students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Civil Rights Enforcement: Ensures compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws, protecting students from discrimination based on sex, race, disability, or other factors.
Higher Education Oversight: Establishes regulations for institutions participating in federal student aid programs, overseeing the $1.6 trillion federal student loan system. Education is a non-negotiable priority. Parents and community leaders must work to safeguard the education system. The future of our children—and the fabric of our society—depends on advocating for policies that give every student the chance to succeed.
Anthony Tilghman Award-Winning Photojournalist, Executive Director of #MakeSmartCool Inc. www.anthonytilghman.com
By Anthony Tilghman Education
cornerstone
The Role of the Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education primarily handles funding and policy enforcement, leaving curricular oversight to state and
Seven Questions for the Social Justice Learning Institute
Jr. | California Black Media
The Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI), based in Inglewood, is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing communities of color across Los Angeles County and beyond.
With a focus on education, health equity, and youth empowerment, SJLI runs impactful programs that tackle systemic inequalities and help build stronger communities. In addition to its work in Los Angeles, SJLI has expanded its efforts to Houston, Texas.
California Black Media (CBM) recently spoke with Derek Steele, SJLI’s Executive Director. He discussed the organization’s achievements, challenges, and future plans. Steele, a former engineer who transitioned into the field of health equity advocacy, has been at SJLI for more than a decade. His background in system-building and community organizing has shaped SJLI’s approach to solving critical issues like food insecurity and education disparities.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
1. What stands out as SJLI’s most impactful achievement in 2024?
SJLI’s Urban Scholars Program remains a bright spot despite our challenges. The program provided students with the academic support they needed to stay on track for graduation.
We maintained a 96% graduation rate across all sites.
This fall, we’ve seen a 97% retention rate for students going into their second year of college This achievement is a testament to SJLI’s focus on bridging the gap between high school and college, ensuring that students have a smooth transition.
2. How has SJLI’s leadership and investments improved the lives of Black and Brown youth in LA County?
We must invest in both education and health. In addition to academic programs, SJLI has made a significant impact through our health equity initiatives, particularly in food access. Just last year, we distributed 1.2 million pounds of produce throughout LA County. This, along with their retreats and college tours, provided much-needed support for students and their families.
3. What has been the most challenging aspect of SJLI’s work in 2024?
While there was progress in 2020 and 2021 following the social justice movements, many of the commitments made during that time have since been rolled back. This made 2024 particularly challenging as efforts to push forward key initiatives, such as the Black Student Achievement Plan at Los Angeles Unified School District, slowed down.
The challenge has been the full-throated walk back of a lot of those commitments.
4. What inspired SJLI to continue its mission despite the challenges of 2024?
SJLI’s dedicated team and the support of the community have kept the organization moving forward.
Our staff members have a deep commitment to the mission, and they are true believers in what we’re trying to achieve. The involvement of the broader community has also helped. Community members come by on Fridays for our produce distribution, and some even join us at events like the equity social.
5. What is one lesson SJLI learned in 2024 that will shape its decisions in 2025?
One of the biggest lessons learned is the importance of building strong, aligned partnerships. SJLI has collaborated with the Brotherhood Crusade and BAM LA forming the Bloom Alliance— an initiative that stands for Building a Lifetime of Options and Opportunity for young Men which was launched by the California Community Foundation.
Partnership matters, but alignment in those partnerships really matters. Having a clear plan in place allows the organization to stay adaptable when challenges arise. You have to plan the work and work the plan.
6. What is the biggest challenge facing Black and Brown communities in LA County in one word?
The biggest challenge is displacement. With rising housing costs, many families are being forced out of their neighborhoods, some leaving the state entirely or becoming homeless. More than 50% of people are housing burdened, spending over half of their income on housing. So, SJLI is working on Sankofa at Centinela, a 120-unit, 100% affordable housing development that will also house our new 25,000 square foot headquarters.
informational,
psychosocial and advocacy support during the pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Women of ages -- with all forms of insurance -- are accepted and encouraged to apply for services. Given that community-based doulas focus on marginalized patients and under-served families, they are more likely to support clients challenged by institutionalized racism and cultural incompetence within the medical setting. While serving past birthing clients in extreme situations, Frontline’s team of doulas strive to act with strength and compassion like soldiers on the frontline of battle. For this reason, supervisors and mentors Dr. Sayida Peprah and Khefri Riley affectionately gave them the name “The Frontline Doulas.” California Black Media (CBM) spoke with co-founder Khefri Riley. She reflected on Frontline’s accomplishments this year and the organization’s goals moving forward. Responses have been edited for clarity and length. Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
In 2024, we are humbled to have been awarded the contract for the Los Angeles County Medical Doula Hub, which means that we are charged with creating a hub of connectivity and support for generating training and helping to create the new doula workforce for the medical doula benefit that went live in California on Jan. 1, 2023.
The major accomplishment of this historical benefit -- in which we were part of the co-design team and are currently still working with the DHCS (Department of Healthcare Services) – is to bring equitable birthing services to Los Angeles County, especially for Black and Indigenous birthing families.
How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
We believe that the revolution begins in the womb. What we mean by that is we have the potentiality and the ability to create intentional generational healing from the moment before a child was conceived, when a child was conceived, during this gestational time and when a child is born.
And there’s a traditional saying in indigenous communities where what we do now affects future generations going forward. So, the work that we do with birthing families, in particular Black birthing families, is to create powerful and healthy outcomes for the new generation so that we don’t have to replicate pain, fear, discrimination, or racism. We can replicate joy and happiness and truth and collective liberation, and we can do that in birth. That’s where it starts.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
Working in reproductive justice often creates a heavy burden on the organization and the caregivers that deliver the services most needed to the communities. So, oftentimes, we’re advocating for those whose voices are silenced and erased, and you really have to be a warrior to stand strong and firm. Our dedication to our communities can sometimes be tiring -- repeating the same thing over and over. But you know the statistics, the dire outcomes, can take a lot out of you. What inspired you the most over the last year?
My great-grandmother. My father was his grandmother’s midwife assistant when he was a young boy. I grew up with their medicine stories -- the ways that they healed the community and were present to the community, even amidst Jim Crow. Knowing their resilience and their passion and their incredible gifts, who are we not to continue their lineage and uplift their message of loving the babies, loving the mothers and birthing people and loving the earth. What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?
I find that you have to really reach for your highest vision, and you have to stand firm in your value. The
you have as a sovereign self, the
Khefri Riley (Facebook photo) co-founder of Frontline Doulas
Dr. Sayida Peprah co-founder of Frontline Doulas (X photo)
Edward Henderson | California Black Media
Frontline Doulas provides African American families
perinatal
SJLI Urban Scholars preparing to advocate for the Black Student Achievement Plan at a LAUSD School Board meeting.(Courtesy photo)
A day out with the SJLI team. (Courtesy photo)
Joe W. Bowers
California Respects the Power of Your Vote
By Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. California Secretary of State
Californians can confidently claim this: California has made more significant reforms to our election laws and expanded voting rights than any other state.
The relevance of this accomplishment deepens as we prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act next year. This landmark legislation began to undo our country’s long history of voter suppression, intimidation, and disenfranchisement that far too many Americans experienced at the polls for decades.
My own parents, who were sharecroppers, were denied their right to vote in the Jim Crow era South. Before moving to Los Angeles from Hope, Arkansas, my parents, David and Mildred Nash, could not vote. My father was an adult with six children before he registered to vote and was only able to exercise that constitutional right for the first time here in California.
As California Secretary of State, I do not take the progress we have made over the years lightly. My staff and I hold sacred the obligation to ensure that our elections are safe, free, fair, and accessible to all. Therefore, before certifying the results for this year’s election on Dec. 13, we have taken a number of steps to ensure that every vote is counted. We have also made sure that our ballot counting process is credible and free from interference.
To meet that deadline without a hitch, California requires elections officials in all 58 counties to turn in their official results by a certain date. This year, that date was Dec. 6. By law, every eligible voter in our state receives a vote-by-mail ballot. This ensures all registered voters can exercise their right to vote.
Whether you placed your ballot in a designated dropoff box, voted by mail, or cast your ballot at a polling center, votes are safe and secure. And we allow voters to sign up to receive text message, email, or voice call notifications about the status of their own ballots by using the Where’s My Ballot? tool. To learn more or to sign up, paste this URL in your web browser: https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/
The ballots of Californians who voted by mail are also protected. The United States Postal Service partners with the State to make sure ballots are delivered on time. All mailed-in ballots are sent by First Class mail with a postage paid envelope provided to every eligible registered voter.
Election Security is our number one priority. That’s why my office designed and implemented a program to back up that commitment. For more information, visit this URL: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/electioncybersecurity
Additionally, California takes preventive actions to make sure our voting technology keeps our elections safe
and protects everyone’s votes.
For example, county voting systems are not connected to the internet, which protects them from cyberthreats. The State also performs regular and rigorous testing to make sure the voting systems are working optimally, and only authorized personnel are granted access.
Staff members are also given phishing and cybersecurity training.
VoteCal, the state’s centralized voter registration system, is also key. The system is regularly updated, and it is used as a resource for counties to verify voter signatures.
California also provides security at all counting locations and makes sure ballot drop-off boxes are secured and monitored.
And all election processes are open to observation during specified hours.
In my role as Secretary of State of California, there is nothing more important to me than defending our democracy. I am committed to safeguarding voting rights, and to leading our state in upholding the highest democratic standards by implementing policies and practices that Californians and all Americans can trust and look to for instruction and hope.
You can contact the California Office of the Secretary of State at 1-800-345-Vote or elections@sos.ca.gov with inquiries or to report suspected incidents or irregularities.
Congress Honors Shirley Chisholm with Congressional Gold Medal for Trailblazing Legacy
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) and
Representative Barbara Lee (D-Calif.-12) announced the passage of bipartisan legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the late Shirley Chisholm, a pioneer in American politics and the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968. The Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act will now head to President Joe Biden for his signature.
The bill, introduced in the Senate by Senators Butler and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and in the House by Rep. Lee, received widespread bipartisan support. The legislation recognizes Chisholm’s extraordinary contributions to American society, including her advocacy for racial and gender equity, low-income communities, and her historic 1972 presidential campaign.
“Shirley Chisholm’s courageous leadership opened doors for countless others and redefined what was possible in American politics,” said Butler. “This medal is a tribute to her unwavering dedication to justice and equality.” Lee, a protégé of Chisholm, spoke eloquently about the significance of the honor. “As the first Black woman
elected to Congress and the first to run for president from a major party, Shirley Chisholm’s legacy is unparalleled. Her motto, ‘Unbought and Unbossed,’ continues to inspire
leaders today,” Lee said.
During her seven terms representing New York’s 12th Congressional District, Chisholm introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation and was a vocal advocate against the Vietnam War. In 1972, she made history as the first Black candidate and the first woman to seek the Democratic presidential nomination. Though her campaign faced significant barriers, including exclusion from televised debates, Chisholm’s run was a symbolic act to pave the way for future diverse candidates.
“I ran because someone had to do it first,” Chisholm wrote in her book, The Good Fight. “The door is not open yet, but it is ajar.”
Chisholm’s legacy was recalled in New York, where officials recently commemorated her 100th birthday on November 30. Vice President Kamala Harris, whose historic 2024 presidential bid followed in Chisholm’s footsteps, routinely paid homage to Chisholm. “So many of us stand on her broad shoulders,” Harris said. “Let us continue to speak truth to power and fight for equality and justice for all.”
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress bestows, and Chisholm’s recognition follows her
posthumous receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2015. Senators and representatives across party lines lauded the legislation, with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) calling Chisholm “an inspiration for millions” and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) highlighting her role as a “catalyst for progress.”
Chisholm’s life began in Brooklyn, New York, where she was born Shirley Anita St. Hill on November 30, 1924. She graduated cum laude from Brooklyn College and earned a master’s degree from Columbia University while working as an early childhood educator. Her political career began in 1964 with her election to the New York State Legislature, followed by her historic win in Congress four years later.
“Shirley Chisholm was a fighter who shattered glass ceilings and inspired generations,” said Warnock. “Her life’s work reminds us of the power of representation and the need to continue her fight for equity.”
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of which Chisholm was a member, expressed pride in her legacy. “Her unbought and unbossed spirit guides our work today,” said Elsie Cooke-Holmes, the sorority’s international president.
Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., California Secretary of State (Courtesy Photo)