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Racially Motivated Violence Against Black Teen Prompts $10 Million Claim Against LAUSD
A distraught mother and her legal team announced a $10 million lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) on Dec. 16, alleging that her son was the target of bullying because of his race.
“CS DOE is a 14-year-old African American student at Verdugo High School. He is a Ninth Grader,” reads a statement the plaintiff’s attorneys shared with California Black Media (CBM).
“Almost from the first day of class (in August 2024), CS DOE was targeted by Latino students who called him racial slurs, physically attacked him and threatened to stab him.” The family’s identity has not yet been released to the public due to safety concerns, according to their attorneys Bradley C. Gage and Caree Harper. The student’s mother is identified only as A.O. in the complaint.
The first video, filmed in August, showed several nonBlack students punching and kicking a Black student in a bathroom on campus while yelling racial slurs. The mother claims that the students who attacked her son were not punished, and the administration asked her to move her son to another school for his safety.
“They wanted him to leave the school without giving any disciplinary action towards those students,” said the student’s mother. “He’s not going anywhere. He’s going to finish. I wanted him to at least stay until the December winter break, and then I was going to transfer schools for him.”
Before she could enroll her son in a different school the attacks escalated. In December, a second altercation, on a video shared with news media, showed 4 to 6 boys attacking a Black student and using racial slurs. The video also shows a person in a safety vest trying to stop the fight and telling them to “handle it after school.” Then, the video ends.
CS DOE, a14-year-old freshman, left the school but was followed by a car, according to Gage. Several individuals exited the vehicle, one with a “large butcher knife.” A fight ensued and two people were stabbed. The Black student was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon but was later released into his mother’s custody.
Harper, who is handling the criminal charges, expressed frustration with the school and the District Attorney’s office. She criticized newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan J. Hoffman, for charging a 14-year-old for “defending his life” while reconsidering the resentencing of Eric and Lyle Menendez, brothers who were convicted of murdering their parents in the 1980s.
The high school freshmen is scheduled to appear in juvenile court on Feb. 1, but Harper says she will reach out to the District Attorney and make the case against charging the young man. “His mama had to go find him because he was hiding and fleeing for his very life,” said Harper. “So, we want to have a conversation with the new district attorney, who will hopefully see it as Bradley and I see it: this was a man who was defending his life against certain death.”
According to the boy’s mother, the young student is still traumatized and has not been able to return to the area because it remains unsafe. Racial slurs have also been spray painted on their home.
The victim’s mother says that it has been difficult being separated and that her son has been scarred by the incident.
“I’m sad. I’m devastated, you know,” said the mother. “I still feel like they’re after him. I still feel like they can kill him, possibly.”
The LAUSD and principal of Verdugo High School did not respond to CBM’s requests for comment.
If you are – or someone you know is – has experienced a hate crime or hate incident, please visit CAvsHate.org for more information and to find out what you can do about it.
7 Questions for Social Justice Executive Kaci Patterson
The Black Equity Collective (BEC) is a communityfocused, public-private partnership with Black equity as its central, driving force.
BEC’s focus is to strengthen the long-term capacity and infrastructure of Black-led social justice organizations in Southern California.
Born out of two organizations – the Social Good Solutions Firm and the Black Equity Initiative -- BEC’s mission is centered on the belief that progress on Black equity and racial justice must be part of any credible social justice movement in the United States. Additionally, the collective believes equity is only achieved when philanthropic investments, public policies, and institutional practices converge to boldly confront racial injustice.
Kaci Peterson, the founder and Chief Architect of Social Good Solutions and the Black Equity Collective, has over 18 years of experience in the non-profit and philanthropy sectors, managing several multi-milliondollar grant-making portfolios.
California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Peterson recently. She discussed the organization’s successes, disappointments, and lessons from 2024 as they continue their initiatives into the new year.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
This year, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary as a firm. Since the firm’ s inception we are proud to announce that cumulatively we’ve been able to raise and leverage over $55.5 million for Blackled organizations in California.
One of the things that we have accomplished -- and we are very proud of -- is our expanded membership. We had an initial goal of 30 to 40 organizations. We have a current membership of 54 organizations and a waiting list of over 120.
How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
We launched a survey involving 200 Black-led organizations to study the economic impact of Black-led organizations on California’ s GDP. The results of that survey will be released in early 2025. One of the reasons that survey is important is that it develops a narrative around why there is severe underinvestment in Black-led organizations.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
The decline in philanthropic investment after the height of commitments following the murder of George Floyd, following COVID. There was really this opportunity for philanthropy to permanently shift course and take a different approach when it comes to Black-led organizations.
While some have, for the most part, philanthropy has retreated to a place of familiarity, which is pulling back on their funding.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
I am always inspired by the leaders on the ground who just continue to do monumental work. The fact that here in Los Angeles, we’ve been able to stand up a doula hub in response to the policy advocacy work that so many of our leaders, our Black women in particular, really pushed and got state legislation passed a couple of years ago so that doulas can be an approved and reimbursable expense through Medi-Cal. There has been a real push to make the implementation of that law real.
I’ m proud of the collaboration that we’ve been able to do with other Black-led networks across the state.
What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?
I started an 11-week sabbatical on Nov. 1. I think oftentimes as Black leaders, we are burning the candle at both ends. And I don’ t think Black people are even aware of the social, emotional, and physical toll that taken on us
-- even subconsciously. We must really see, rest, retreat and take respite as part of our journey to justice. In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face? Erasure.
We’ve really leaned into a narrative of Black permanence and what it means to preserve our community, our culture, our contributions, our language, our history, our leaders, our institutions. There is so much effort to erase us through burnout and fatigue, through underfunding of our organizations. To erase our history by banning books and not allowing certain things to be talked about.
We must have a counter battle. What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?
I really want to start up an endowment for the collective. I think it’s really important to be able to preserve all of the things that the collective has contributed to the ecosystem so far -- the philanthropic ecosystem in particular. To be able to create and establish an endowment for the collective that allows that work to happen in perpetuity is really important.
Prankster Arrested After Reportedly Filming Himself Spraying Food at Walmart: ‘Reckless’
A prankster was recently arrested and charged after allegedly spraying bug killer on food in an Arizona Walmart, police say.
Charles Smith, 27, was charged with felony-level poisoning and misdemeanor-level criminal damage, in addition to misdemeanor charges of endangerment and theft. The Mesa Police Department confirmed the arrest in a statement to Fox News Digital.
The incident began on Dec. 19 at around 8:30 p.m., police said, when the suspect entered a Mesa Walmart “intending to film pranks for social media.” He then grabbed a can of bug killer “without paying for it,” according to the police’s statement.
According to the authorities, Smith aimed the spray at both produce and prepared food items, such as rotisserie chickens.
Charles Smith, 27, was recently arrested by the Mesa Police Department for a dangerous prank he pulled in a Walmart involving bug killer.
“He then sprayed the pesticide on various produce items, including vegetables, fruit, and rotisserie chickens that were available for purchase,” the Mesa Police Department’s statement said. “Smith filmed his face, the pesticide can, and the act of spraying. He later posted the video online.” Smith later voluntarily turned himself in and admitted to the crimes.
“Through investigative means, and with assistance from the Tempe Police Department, detectives were able to identify Smith as the suspect,” the statement added. “Mesa Police contacted Smith and he turned himself in voluntarily. During the interview, Smith admitted to the theft and spraying of the pesticide.”
“Thanks to the tireless work of our officers and detectives, an arrest occurred less than 24 hours after police were notified of the incident,” the police department continued. “We also extend our gratitude to the Tempe Police Department for their valuable contributions and collaboration in quickly solving this case.”
Authorities added that the incident exemplifies “the potential dangers of reckless actions disguised as social media pranks.”
On Sunday, Walmart told Fox News Digital that customer safety “is always a top priority,” and confirmed that all tainted products were removed from shelves.
“We have removed all directly impacted product and have cleaned and sanitized the affected area of the store,” the company continued. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers as we work to resolve this issue. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement during their investigation.”
Snoop Dogg’s daughter, Cori Broadus, has announced that she’s expecting her first child—an unexpected but joyful surprise for the 25-year-old reality star. Despite describing her pregnancy as “high risk,” Cori and her fiancé, Wayne Deuce, are “so excited” to embark on this new chapter together.
The baby will mark Snoop Dogg’s eighth grandchild.
On Monday, December 23, Snoop Dogg’s only daughter, 25-year-old reality star Cori Broadus, revealed she’s expecting her first child, a baby girl, with her fiancé, Wayne Deuce. “This baby is so unplanned, but we are soooooo blessed,” she told E! News. “I’m a high-risk pregnancy and doctors were very concerned for me and the baby, but God has his hands on me, and me
so excited their baby girl is having a baby.” However, the rapper “was hoping for a grandson.”
Civil rights attorney Caree Harper, Najee Ali civil rights activist, complainants’ mother, civil attorney Bradley C. Gage, describe to the press the nature of their suit against the Los Angeles School District for failing to protect a Black student. Verdugo Hills High School on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2024 in Tujunga, CA. (Solomon O. Smith / for California Black Media)
By Solomon O. Smith California Black Media
File photo: Kaci Patterson, founder of Los Angeles-based Black Equity Collective, represented grassroot
photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
By Edward Henderson California Black Media
Prankster arrested after reportedly filming himself spraying food at Walmart: ‘Reckless’
Black D.C. Residents Troubled by City Vacant Property Law
By James Wright Jr.
The Washington Informer
For years, Howard University students, faculty, and staff, as well as residents of the Parkview and Columbia Heights neighborhoods have stopped by Morgan’s Seafood located on the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Kenyon Streets in Northwest, to grab a fish sandwich, dinner or other treats that the carryout offers.
Romeo Morgan has managed Morgan’s Seafood for a few decades. However, several years ago, a developer demanded Morgan sell his property for $1.3 million.
“My property is worth five times that much,” Morgan, 59, told The Informer. “The developer refused that amount and then he told me he will force me to sell the property.”
Soon after, Morgan said he received a notice from the District government that his property was designated as “blighted” because it had graffiti on the north side of the building. Morgan said he had no idea who put the graffiti there, but strongly believes it came from someone associated with the developer.
Morgan closed the eatery temporarily due to the coronavirus pandemic and serious health problems but is working to revive the establishment. However, since his initial tussle with the developer, he has been assessed back taxes, accused of rat infestation, charges of litter and other complaints by District agencies.
He said the D.C. government’s actions were baseless.
“I was told that during the pandemic, my taxes would be in abeyance,” he said. “But I received a $70,000 tax bill and had my property sold at a tax sale. How can that be? I thought tax sales were suspended during the pandemic.” Morgan fought the District government and won but noticed that other Black property owners were similarly harassed with false vacancy notices and unfounded complaints.
He said the District government is harassing Black businesses on Georgia Avenue and the immediate area to sell their properties to developers at a cheaper rate than the market would demand. Then, Morgan said, developers
would either sell it at a higher price to make a healthy profit or build an upscale establishment on the property designed to make it profitable.
“This is happening throughout the whole corridor, but it is especially happening in lower Georgia Avenue,” Morgan explained. “Properties that are not owned by Black people are left alone and are okay.”
The Vacant to Vibrant Bill
On Nov. 15, Morgan was one of the non-government witnesses at a Committee of the Whole D.C. Council hearing on the Vacant to Vibrant Amendment Act of 2024, which aims to address blighted buildings in the District.
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), who chairs the committee, is the author of the bill.
“For years, the committee which has had oversight over the Department of Buildings and its predecessors, the Department of Consumer Regulatory Affairs has heard complaints and seen firsthand problems with vacant property in this city,” said Mendelson. “And property oftentimes can become a nuisance and a significant blight to the community. It’s a problem that the city has dealt with for decades, how do we get property that’s vacant back into use?”
The bill is an expansion of legislation enacted by the same title in 2004.
Mendelson said D.C. Council members Anita Bonds (D-At Large), Robert White (D-At Large) and Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 4) are co-introducers of the measure.
Morgan was at the hearing to inform Mendelson on how his legislation should address the concerns of Black business owners.
“One of the things I have been trying to get the city council to do is put forward legislation of a $10,000 fine, $1,000 [fine] or community service and one year, if possible, in jail if you get caught putting graffiti in the District of Columbia,” Morgan said to Mendelson. “Because this is a big problem. And this is the way they are using vacant property, as saying your property is vacant [because of the graffiti]. That is what they have done with my property.”
Supporting Morgan is Kay Pierson, a business consultant in the city and a force behind the study: “The Struggle for Survival: Black Businesses on Georgia Avenue Face Systemic Displacement.”
Pierson and Morgan are members of the Georgia Avenue Coalition, with the mission to protect Black-owned establishments along the corridor. She said Mendelson’s bill doesn’t address the concerns of Black business owners of residential and commercial property.
“While the Act is intended to compel absentee owners to keep their properties active and kept up, the vacancy/ blighted procedures are being used to displace African American property owners,” Pierson said.
She said of the 106 properties currently marked vacant and blighted over 10% are on Georgia Avenue.
“Over 12 Black-owned businesses and residences have closed or sold at tax sales in the past few years due in part, to the use of the vacant and blighted designation,” Pierson said. “Anyone can file a vacant/blighted complaint in a simple online process. An inspector comes out, confirms the designation and the owner is forced to appeal or pay an exorbitant increase in property taxes. The appeal can take months, or years, while new taxes are imposed almost immediately.”
Community Members Testify at Hearing, Time Ticking on the Bill
Tabitha Lofton testified at the hearing on behalf of her parents, who are trying to hang on to their original home in Langdon Park in Ward 5 in Northeast.
“My parents have owned the home since July 1977,” Lofton, 49, said. “Their property has been put on the blighted list, but we have tried to comply with the regulations. I have made several calls and emailed D.C. officials and inspectors but to no use.”
Lofton noted the increase in taxes that have taken place over the year, with $800 every six months in 2017 to presently, $50,000 every quarter.
Jeremy Sherman, the vice chairman of 1A04 advisory neighborhood commission based in the Columbia Heights
Mendelson
Lawmakers Urge President Biden to Finalize Equal Rights Amendment Before Transition
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
As President Joe Biden’s tenure ends, a coalition of more than 100 House Democrats has urged the administration to ratify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as the 28th amendment to the United States Constitution. The lawmakers claim that Biden’s actions will advance gender equality and defend constitutional rights, particularly as the country prepares for a new government that is openly hostile to reproductive freedom and LGBTQIA+ rights.
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In a letter led by Representatives Cori Bush, Ayanna Pressley, and Jennifer McClellan, the lawmakers urged Biden to direct the Archivist of the United States to certify the ERA. “Solidifying your legacy on equal rights with a final action on the ERA would be a defining moment for the historic Biden-Harris administration and your presidency,” the letter stated.The ERA, which guarantees that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex,” was passed by Congress in 1972 with bipartisan support. The House approved it with a 354-24 vote, and the Senate approved it with an 84-8 vote. The amendment met its ratification threshold in 2020 when Virginia became the 38th state to approve it, fulfilling the requirement for three-fourths of state legislatures to ratify it.Despite meeting the requirements outlined in Article V of the Constitution, the ERA still needs to be certified. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), tasked with certifying and publishing amendments once ratified, has yet to take action due to a 2020 opinion issued by the Trump administration’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC). The opinion argued that because the ERA did not meet Congress’s 1982 deadline, it “expired and is no longer pending before the states.”Federal law (1 U.S.C. § 106b) mandates the Archivist to certify an amendment once threefourths of states have ratified it. Lawmakers contend that the Trump-era opinion should not obstruct the certification process and called on Biden to issue a proclamation recognizing the ERA.“While there are federal laws that protect against sex discrimination, these protections are not explicitly enshrined in the Constitution,” the letter noted.
“Adding the ERA to the Constitution would establish an unambiguous guarantee that sex-based discrimination
is unconstitutional.”Bush added, “We were hoping to be progressing forward on gender equality and women’s rights, but we are going backward. At this point, we have an avalanche of destruction coming our way.”The Biden administration has previously expressed support for the ERA. In his August 23, 2024, proclamation on Women’s Equality Day, Biden called Congress to recognize the amendment’s ratification. ERA supporters insist that no further action from Congress is needed, as the amendment has already met the constitutional requirements.Polling indicates broad public support for the ERA. A 2020 Pew Research Center poll found that 78% of Americans believe the amendment should be part of the Constitution. Recent state-level votes further demonstrate this support, with Nevada and New York enshrining state-level ERAs into their constitutions by significant margins.“With a hostile administration on its way to strip us of our freedoms, we must do everything to address this injustice and enshrine the ERA,” Pressley said.By certifying the ERA, lawmakers believe that legal safeguards against sex discrimination would strengthen. They said that would help address concerns that include salary discrepancies, employment injustices, and reproductive rights. The legislators believe that the move is essential to preserving advancements in gender equality and shielding weaker rights from political changes and court interpretations.“By directing the Archivist to publish the ERA, you will leave an indelible mark on the history of this nation, demonstrating once again that your legacy is one of expanding rights, protecting freedoms, and securing a more inclusive future for all Americans,” the letter concluded.
as stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, and business equity. The report notes that 78% of homeowners own a potentially appreciating asset beyond their primary residence, compared to only 48% of renters. Just 39% of renter households have income exceeding their monthly expenses, compared to 54% of homeowners. The limited cash flow makes it difficult for renters to save, pay off debt, and invest in assets that can build wealth. Renters saw a 43% increase in net worth between 2019 and 2022, outpacing the 34% increase for homeowners. Pandemic-era support measures helped to spur the growth, allowing many renters to reduce debt and invest some of their earnings, researchers said. However, the end of support programs and rising housing costs reversed those gains. Rent prices surged by 27% from early 2020 to August 2022, exacerbating financial strain. Half of all renter households now spend a reported more than 30% of their pre-tax income on rent, while 27% spend more than half of their income on housing. Experts said these rent burdens leave little room for saving or investing, perpetuating the cycle of financial instability. The report identifies several systemic obstacles
Romeo Morgan, owner of Morgan’s Seafood, located at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Kenyon Streets in Northwest, has been advocating for Black entrepreneurs who are dealing with what he calls false vacancy notices and unfounded complaints. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
Questlove Readies New Doc Spotlighting ‘Saturday Night Live’ Music Performances
“Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music,” will broadcast live on NBC Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. It will become available to stream on Peacock the next day.
NEW YORK (AP) — Who works harder than Questlove? The Academy Award winner has teamed up with Emmy winner Oz Rodriguez and NBC for a new film, “Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music,” celebrating 50 years of the program and spotlighting its memorable live music performances.
The three-hour special will feature sketches, performances and over 50 interview subjects, including Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Mick Jagger, Dua Lipa, Darryl DMC McDaniels, Tom Morello, Kacey Musgraves, Olivia Rodrigo, Paul Simon, Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake.
“Everyone knows the most famous ‘SNL’ appearances, whether it’s Elvis Costello, Prince or the Beastie Boys, but they’re the tip of a huge iceberg,” Questlove wrote in a statement. “The process of going back through the incredible archival footage was like being in a time machine, DeLorean or other. I’m so happy I went on the trip and now get to share it with everyone.”
Last week it was announced that Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson's latest documentary, “SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius),” which examines the legacy of Sly & The Family Stone, will be featured at next year’s Sundance Film Festival.
His directorial debut, “Summer of Soul," a documentary spotlighting the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, earned him an Oscar. The leader of The Roots who appears on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” also published in 2024 the book "Hip-Hop Is History."
“Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music,” will broadcast live on NBC Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. It will become available to stream on Peacock the next day.
Art Evans, the prolific actor best known for his role
and inspiration he leaves behind.”
“Art was a remarkable talent who touched many lives with his work,” Evans’ representatives, LyNea Bell and Charleen McGuire, said in another statement. “He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our condolences go out to his wife, Babe, and their family during this difficult time. Art’s legacy will never be forgotten.”
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” sets a new mark for the most time spent at No. 1 on Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart since its 2013 inception, spending a record 21st week atop the Dec. 28-dated tally.
Travis Hunter’s Fiancee Leanna Lenee
Faces Backlash Over Viral Video
Curious about why Travis Hunter’s girlfriend, Leanna Lenee, is facing backlash? A viral video has placed the NFL star’s partner under intense scrutiny, sparking debates among fans. So, what is the truth behind Travis Hunter’s girlfriend’s viral video and why are fans criticizing her? Let’s unravel the details behind the controversy surrounding Travis Hunter’s girlfriend’s viral video.
Leanna Leene faces backlash over new viral video
Leanna Lenee recently came under fire after a social media post highlighted a dollar-sign “$” tattoo on her ring finger. Fans quickly criticized the tattoo, with one calling it inappropriate for a “wedding ring finger” and others suggesting Hunter should end the relationship. This is not the first time Lenee has been in the news for the wrong reasons. On Sunday, a video shared by Akademiks TV on X showed a woman resembling her twerking with an unidentified man, leaving fans disappointed. Previously, she also got criticism due to an old music video with her former boyfriend. (via Sportskeeda) The most recent controversy was at the Heisman Trophy ceremony when Lenee continued sitting while her boyfriend was declared the winner. A second video added fuel to the fire when she appeared awkward and impatient with Hunter interacting with his fans. In the meanwhile, Lenee also appeared upset with the NFL cornerback speaking to cheerleaders at one of the games. (via People) Following the backlash at Heisman, Travis Hunter took a stand for his girlfriend on a live stream on Twitch. He requested his fans to stop worrying about his life and his girl. The 21-year-old further added, ”My girl been with me for five years. y’all are just now starting to talk about me… y’all go do something else with y’all life. Clickbait pages stop, y’all better stop I’m telling y’all. Something bad is gonna happen to y’all [if you] keep doing that.” (via The Spun) Amidst the controversy, Travis Hunter deactivated his Instagram account to seemingly avoid the negativity around his personal life.
Enhanced Michael Jackson ONE Immerses Fans in the King of Pop’s Unmatched Brilliance
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA
Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Las Vegas, NV – “Michael Jackson ONE,” Cirque du Soleil’s dazzling tribute to the King of Pop, has entered a new era with groundbreaking technological enhancements, refreshed performances, and a renewed run through 2030. Premiering the updates at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the 90-minute spectacle continues to honor Jackson’s legacy with cutting-edge visuals, new choreography, mesmerizing drone displays, and newly designed costumes.
white as they soar through the audience, forming intricate shapes before returning to the stage. The Smooth Criminals descend from the ceiling, intensifying the battle between exploitation and artistry.
In “Leave Me Alone,” “Tabloid Junkie,” and “2 Bad,” the carefully crafted stage layout enhances the dynamic choreography. “Stranger in Moscow” features an intricate rope act symbolizing the loneliness of the Beggar Boy character from the iconic song.
crowd to roar its approval.
The latest unveiling drew notable attendees, including Jackson’s son, Prince, and estate co-executor John Branca. The most recent updates ensure that “Michael Jackson ONE” will remain a must-see for longtime admirers and new fans. And, beginning at 7:30 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Dec. 24, the Black Press of America’s Let It Be Known News will air a presentation about the King of Pop, his genius and lasting legacy. The broadcast will feature Branca, hip-hop legend Chuck D, and more.Branca, who shared a close friendship with the late pop icon, recounted Jackson’s love for Cirque du Soleil in an exclusive conversation with Let It Be Known News during a VIP meet-and-greet. “His security didn’t want to go to San Francisco, where Michael wanted to see a Cirque show, so he asked me to drive him,” Branca said. “I was nervous, but we went, and he loved it. He was just as excited to meet the cast as they were to meet him.”The Story and Characters
Premiering the updates at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the 90-minute spectacle continues to honor Jackson’s legacy with cutting-edge visuals, new choreography, mesmerizing drone displays, and newly designed costumes./Courtesy Cirque du
The state-of-the-art theater now features advanced high-tech drones and immersive digital panels, providing audiences with an unforgettable sensory experience. The innovations bring every moment to life, enhancing the production’s visual storytelling. /Courtresy Cirque du Soleil/MJ Estate
As noted in the production notes, the narrative centers on a character named Mephisto, a sinister media mash-up machine representing the relentless paparazzi and tabloid exploitation. Mephisto’s elite force, the Smooth Criminals, clashes with Michael’s dance corps, the MJ Warriors, who embody Jackson’s artistic strength and resilience. The four misfit characters—Clumsy, Shy, Smarty Pants, and Sneaky—guide the audience through a journey where they are led by Michael, whose presence is felt throughout the show via video, narration, and symbolic elements conveying hope, comfort, dreams, and belief.
New Enhancements and Cutting-Edge Technology
The state-of-the-art theater now features advanced high-tech drones and immersive digital panels, providing audiences with an unforgettable sensory experience. The innovations bring every moment to life, enhancing the production’s visual storytelling. “These new upgrades allow us to expand upon our storytelling,” said Mike Newquist, President of the Resident and Affiliate Shows Divisions at Cirque du Soleil. “We’re always seeking ways to keep the show fresh and exciting for our audiences, making sure each performance leaves a lasting, profound impression.”
The show opens with “Beat It,” where Mephisto’s paparazzi stand menacingly on stage. Drones flash red and
“Smooth Criminal” captivates with an expanded ensemble performing breathtaking flips and spins. The performers wow the audience by flawlessly executing the Smooth Criminal lean. Later, the battle between the Smooth Criminals and MJ Warriors reaches a thrilling climax in this sequence.
The well-designed costumes add to the breathtaking visual elements. In “BAD,” Clumsy dons a bold blue leather outfit and earns a matching jacket by the song’s end. “Jam” bursts with bold red visuals, and dancers in white costumes, each marked with an “M” or “J,” assist Shy in navigating a challenging world.
Reimagined Numbers and Fan Favorites
Set to Jackson’s greatest hits, including “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” “Beat It,” and “Smooth Criminal,” the production spotlights some of Jackson’s fans’ favorite songs. Perfectly coordinated choreography and mesmerizing visual elements bring each of Jackson’s tracks to life.
“They Don’t Care About Us” remains a standout, with updated visuals highlighting contemporary struggles such as racism, violence, and climate crises, all of which Jackson strongly protested through song, film, and spoken word.
Another highlight, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” introduces performers manipulating illuminated diabolos, dressed in black PVC pants and military jackets. The addition of “Another Part of Me” features a unifying dance sequence that celebrates Jackson’s message of inclusivity.
The first single from the Bad album, “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” delivers an emotional duet, blending footage from Jackson’s Dangerous tour with live vocals. The fiery performances of “Dangerous” and “Dirty Diana” include shooting flames, while “Thriller” enchants with ghouls descending from the ceiling and costumes that honor the groundbreaking 1982 concept.
“Scream” features footage of Michael and Janet Jackson, while the finale, set to “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” turns the theater into a dynamic celebration, with dancers performing in the aisles and acrobats launching from trampolines.
A Magical Hologram Moment Jackson’s hologram appears at one point, causing the
Jose Concepcion, the show’s dance coach, spoke passionately about his journey from Puerto Rico to Michael Jackson ONE. “I was a student competing in dance competitions worldwide,” he told Let It Be Known News. “When we saw the audition for Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson show, we went for it. Getting that call changed my life.” Now responsible for maintaining the integrity of Jackson’s choreography, Concepcion added, “It’s of extreme importance for us to do justice to the great artist Michael was.”
Michael Jackson ONE celebrates the King of Pop’s genius with moonwalking on walls, reimagined videos on massive screens, dazzling choreography, and cutting-edge technology. “We’re always looking for new ways to honor Michael’s legacy,” Newquist said. “This production ensures that his artistry and message will continue to inspire and mesmerize audiences for years to come.”
Since its opening, the ever-evolving production has captivated audiences with over 4,500 shows and audiences exceeding 5.5 million. Michael Jackson ONE performs Thursday through Monday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and has recently extended its contract at Mandalay Bay through 2030. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit cirquedusoleil.com/michael-jackson-one.
Pharrell Williams Joins UNESCO as Goodwill Ambassador, Pledges to SupportandEducation Culture
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Pharrell Williams, the multi-talented artist and humanist known for his global hits and philanthropic work, has officially joined the ranks of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the appointment and cited Williams’ commitment to education, culture, and peace.
“A complete artist, Pharrell Williams is also a humanist who works to put culture at the service of peace and bringing people together,” Azoulay said. “He believes in the power of creativity and education to build a better future. His commitments resonate with UNESCO’s mandate.”
Williams said the new role aligns with his mission to support marginalized communities. “Words cannot describe how I feel about being chosen by UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador,” he said. “Thank you to DirectorGeneral Audrey Azoulay for this opportunity. I’m honored to continue our work in evening the odds for children and adults through education with YELLOW and Black Ambition.”
The appointment ceremony took place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, where Williams addressed an audience of 800 secondary school students and emerging creatives in fashion, music, and film. The event featured a screening of Piece by Piece, an animated LEGO biopic directed by Morgan Neville that chronicles Williams’ artistic journey.Williams’ influence spans music, fashion, and philanthropy. An Academy Award-nominated musician
and filmmaker, he has earned 13 GRAMMY Awards and is celebrated for chart-topping hits like “Happy” and “Get Lucky.” His leadership as Men’s Creative Director at Louis Vuitton further showcases his versatility and global reach. In June 2024, Williams held his fourth Louis Vuitton fashion show at UNESCO’s Paris Headquarters, titled “The World is Yours,” celebrating diversity against 194 Member State flags.Williams’ dedication to education is evident in his charitable initiatives, including “From One Hand to AnOTHER,” “YELLOW,” and “Black Ambition.” All of Williams’ charitable programs have a mission to uplift marginalized communities through entrepreneurship and education.As part of his new role, Williams will represent UNESCO at major international cultural events and support the organization’s educational and cultural programs worldwide. His mentorship will mainly focus on empowering young creators in Africa, where UNESCO supports the development of cultural industries.UNESCO, which promotes global cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication, sees Williams as a fitting advocate for its mission. With 194 member states and a presence in 54 countries, the organization works to foster peace and security through collaboration.“I’m honored to continue our work in evening the odds for children and adults through education,” Williams said. “Together, we can build a future where creativity and culture unite us all.”
Soleil/MJ Estate
Prince Jackson, the oldest son of the King of Pop, takes in a recent performance of Michael Jackson ONE with cast members/Courtesy Cirque du Soleil/MJ Estate
William “Bam” Sparks: Bridging the Digital Divide with Culture Wireless
By Noah Washington
The Atlanta Voice
“Why can’t we impact the infrastructure? Why can’t we own everything? Because at the end of the day, the moment we say something about it, that’s when it takes off,” said William “Bam” Sparks, 40, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Culture Wireless, reflecting on Black
Sparks (above) attended Albany State University to study chemical engineering before transferring to Georgia Tech to complete his degree. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice.
culture’s innovation and potential. In recent years, internet connectivity has become necessary and essential to education, professional advancement, and daily life. However, certain communities, particularly those near Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), are often excluded from reliable, high-speed internet access. Sparks, Culture Wireless’s CMO, has been actively working to address this issue. Based in Atlanta, Culture Wireless was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic to close the digital divide in underserved communities, particularly around Atlanta University Center and its surrounding areas.
Sparks attended Albany State University to study chemical engineering before transferring to Georgia Tech to complete his degree. Upon graduation, a different path unfolded. During his time at Georgia Tech, he was introduced to the entertainment world by his cousin, Douglas Peterson, a friend of Atlanta rapper T.I.
When T.I. sought to establish a sports agency called Grand Hustle Sports, Sparks became one of the first people contacted. He pivoted to sports management, putting his chemical engineering background on hold to pursue this new career. His networking skills and business acumen quickly earned him a reputation, leading to success in the entertainment and sports management sectors.
Sparks, a “Grady baby” from Collier Heights, first encountered the internet access issue at the AUC in 2020. There, he noticed a significant gap in connectivity between different Atlanta communities. “We went to the AUC
to discuss E-Sports,” Sparks recalls. To his surprise, he found that while the area had high bandwidth capabilities, affordable internet options were lacking due to high costs from providers like AT&T and other ISPs. This inspired Sparks to create Culture Wireless, recognizing that existing networks often overlooked underserved communities. He observed that fiber internet costs were unaffordable for many residents. Thus, the idea for Culture Wireless emerged, aimed at providing affordable internet access for all.
In collaboration with various providers and local organizations, Sparks implemented a small data center and established a “mesh network” that connected nodes to provide internet access to the AUC area. This network proved essential after COVID-19, particularly as students struggled to complete assignments due to limited connectivity. The initial project served as a pilot for Culture Wireless’s broader mission to bridge the digital divide.
As a Black-owned Internet Service Provider (ISP), Culture Wireless faces the challenge of bringing affordable connectivity to underserved areas. Sparks highlights the Biden Administration’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which initially subsidized internet costs but was exhausted by early 2024. According to Sparks, his vision extends beyond Atlanta. “80% of HBCUs are in internet deserts,” he explained, referring to the limited infrastructure at many of these institutions. Culture Wireless aims to provide broadband access to HBCUs across the country, creating a foundation of connectivity
that fosters educational and economic opportunities. Despite their progress, Culture Wireless has faced obstacles. As venture capital (VC) funding for Black businesses reportedly declined by 60% in 2024, Culture Wireless felt the impact. “It’s a struggle. I feel like our issue has been finding people who invest in what we do,” Sparks said, referring to investors’ focus on trendy industries over internet equity. Nevertheless, Sparks believes that his team at Culture Wireless has the expertise and dedication to effect real change.
Together with his team—CEO Al Adjahoe, COO and co-founder Jerome Howard, Chief Brand Officer Marcus Stevens, and Chief Strategy Officer Pete Johnson—Sparks is confident in Culture Wireless’s potential to scale. Currently serving the AUC area and surrounding neighborhoods, including Vine City, The Bluff, and Clayton County, Sparks reflected, “After COVID, I saw that our kids didn’t have internet access. And
team press on, their mission centers on ensuring underserved populations are connected. “We, Black people—we are the culture, but we don’t own any of the infrastructure,” Sparks stated. Culture Wireless’s long-term goal is to equip the culture with the tools to
Biden Commutes Sentences of 37 Federal Death Row Inmates
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The American Civil Liberties Union celebrated President Joe Biden’s historic action in commuting 37 federal death sentences. The group proclaimed that Biden has taken an “unequivocal stand against one of the most flawed and inhumane mechanisms of the U.S. criminal legal system.”
“President Biden took a historic and courageous step in addressing the failed death penalty in the United States –bringing us much closer to outlawing the barbaric practice once again,” said Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU. “President Biden has reaffirmed the power of redemption over retribution and reminds us that statesanctioned killing does not make us safer. The ACLU has long advocated against the death penalty and shed light on its fundamental flaws – it is error prone, racially biased, and a drain on public resources. And although we had hoped President Biden would commute all federal death sentences for those reasons, today’s milestone brings us much closer to our goal of outlawing the death penalty once and for all.”
By commuting the sentences of 37 individuals on death row, Biden has taken the most consequential step
of any president in our history to address the immoral and unconstitutional harms of capital punishment, the ACLU said in a release. “With a stroke of his pen, the President locks in his legacy as a leader who stands for racial justice, humanity, and morality. This will undoubtedly be one of the seminal achievements of the Biden presidency,” Romero asserted.
On Monday, December 23, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row, changing their punishment from execution to life without the possibility of parole. The White House said the latest decision aligns with the administration’s ongoing efforts to curtail the federal death penalty, leaving only three individuals still sentenced to death at the federal level.
The commutations exclude cases involving terrorism or hate-motivated mass murder. Among those who remain on death row are Robert Bowers, responsible for killing 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018; Dylann Roof, who murdered nine Black worshippers at a Charleston church in 2015; and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the Boston Marathon bombers in 2013.
“Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable
loss,” Biden said. “But guided by my conscience and my experience… I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.”
Federal Executions Halted
Shortly after taking office, Biden’s administration implemented a moratorium on federal executions through Attorney General Merrick Garland. Since then, no federal inmate has been executed.
The decision reflects Biden’s long-standing opposition to capital punishment, dating back to his time as a senator and reiterated during his 2019 presidential campaign when he called for eliminating the death penalty.
Clemency Milestones
Biden’s decision follows his announcement of clemency for approximately 1,500 individuals earlier this month, the most significant such action by any president in a single day. Those granted clemency included individuals in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic who successfully reintegrated into their communities.
The president has also granted categorical pardons for non-violent marijuana possession and to former LGBTQI+ service members prosecuted for private conduct related to their sexual orientation.
Broader Implications
The use of capital punishment remains legal in about half of U.S. states, where more than two dozen executions have occurred this year, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Nationwide, over 2,200 individuals remain on death row.
Billie Allen, one of the 37 whose sentences were commuted, has long maintained his innocence. In a recent interview, Allen expressed hope that Biden would take action, saying, “As someone who’s innocent, he should do the right thing sooner instead of later.” Allen described the grim atmosphere at Terre Haute federal prison, where most federal
A Step Toward Reform Biden said his decision ensures that future administrations cannot easily reverse the moratorium or carry out executions based on outdated policies. “My administration remains committed to a fair and effective justice system, ensuring accountability while providing second chances where possible,” Biden said. “This is a step toward that vision.”
25 Years for a Fatal Dispute:
Florida Woman Sentenced in Shooting of Neighbor
Susan Louise Lorincz and Ajike “AJ” Owens (Marion County Sheriff’s Office) By New York Beacon Staff Report
By Edward Henderson
California Black Media
The Equal Justice Society (EJS) aims to transform the nation’s consciousness on race through law, social science, and the arts. Their legal strategy aims to broaden conceptions of present-day discrimination to include unconscious and structural bias by using social science, structural analysis, and real-life experience.
Currently, EJS focuses its advocacy efforts on school discipline, special education, the school-to-prison pipeline, race-conscious remedies, and inequities in the criminal justice system.
The Oakland-based nonprofit also engages the arts and artists to create work and performances that allow wider audiences to understand social justice issues and struggles.
California Black Media spoke with Keith Kamisugi, Director of Communications at EJS, on the organization’s successes, disappointments and plans moving forward to the new year. Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
The Equal Justice Society’s most important achievement so far in 2024 is the substantive advancement of reparations in California as one of the leaders of ARRT (the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation and Truth) with eight reparations measures passing the state legislature and signed by the Governor and one ballot measure presented to the voters in the general election, (Prop. 6). The cumulative outcome of reparations legislation is a small step for reparations advocates but a giant leap for Black Californians.
On the international front, EJS President Lisa Holder delivered remarks in April 2024 at the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland.
How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
In addition to our work with the reparations movement, EJS has directly impacted Black school children and Black women through our lawsuits against several California school districts and against manufacturers of hair relaxers, which caused women to develop uterine and ovarian cancers. In September 2024, EJS’s clients, the Black Parallel School Board (BPSB) and individual families, finalized a five-year plan that improves policies to ensure that students with disabilities, and particularly Black students with disabilities, are no longer subjected
to unnecessary exclusion from integrated environments, among other resource and discipline inequities, within Sacramento City Unified School District.
The lawsuit against manufacturers of hair relaxer products led to a June 2024 expose in The New York Times Magazine questioning why hair relaxer products are still being aggressively marketed to Black women when the products have been linked to reproductive disorders and cancers.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
We have been troubled by the misinformation resulting from some media outlets about reparations developments, such as wrongly equating reparations solely with financial compensation and characterizing stalled reparations legislation as structural defeats for reparations. While financial compensation is part of any comprehensive reparations, it is not the totality of how we repair the harm. Of the 115 recommendations from the California Reparations Task Force Final Report, only one was focused on how to calculate financial compensation. The vast majority of reparations legislation invokes the UN principle of systemic and institutional repair that ensures that the harm of antiblack discrimination ceases and never happens again. Moreover, in terms of characterizing the progress of reparations in California, when we look at 400 years of oppression through White supremacy, one legislative session is not enough time to judge success or failure.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
EJS was inspired by the 630-plus organizations and businesses – majority non-Black – that endorsed the California Reparations Task Force final report or the study of reparations. These endorsements exemplify the broadbased support for the reparations movement from entities that recognize the social imperative to repair the harm caused by 400 years of White supremacy and who seek to support reparations in all its forms -- compensation, apology, satisfaction, rehabilitation and guarantees of nonrepetition.
What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?
Although not a new lesson, something we re-learned in 2024 was the incredible lengths to which the Right Wing will devote resources towards destroying race conscious remedies and truthful narratives that seek to simply level the playing field, afford equal opportunity, provide a factual historical accounting, and repair the harm four centuries of
terror and oppression, specifically race-forward harm repair policies such as affirmative action, reparations, critical race theory and DEI. Since 2023, 86 anti-DEI bills have been introduced in 28 states and in Congress. Fourteen of those bills have become law and more than half the states have passed so-called “anti-woke” laws that prohibit narratives that tell the truth about the history of racial oppression in America.
The California African
of Commerce (CAACC) is the largest statewide
American business association. Its mission is to drive economic opportunity and wealth creation for African American businesses and connect and harness the collective strength of their statewide network of member organizations to advocate and protect common interests.
California Black Media (CBM) spoke with CAACC Chairman Patricia Watts on this year’s successes, disappointments and plans heading into 2025 Looking back at 2024, what stands out as your most important achievement and why?
The CAACC proudly played a pivotal role in the State of California African American Economy Summit, one of our signature events for 2024. This summit is designed to strengthen Black economic influence through education and fellowship, bringing together the state’s most influential Black business leaders, policymakers, and economic thinkers. Our discussions covered critical economic topics relevant to California’s African American business community, including policy, government contracts, and equity. Through our educational and advocacy programs, we aim to promote equitable public policies that expand access and broaden the landscape of economic opportunities for the African American community. By leveraging these powerful networks, CAACC is committed to bolstering Black business success and strengthening our communities. How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
Our leadership and investments have been centered on empowering African American Californians by providing consistent support, resources, and connections that address their economic needs. Through our ongoing programs, we
deliver relevant information on critical economic issues and policies, as well as technical assistance that helps businesses navigate the complexities of today’s marketplace.
We also partner with our corporate members and sponsors to design customized programming that aligns
with their needs while promoting economic growth within the African American community. By fostering these collaborations, we ensure that our network of African American businesses has access to valuable opportunities and resources, creating pathways to success.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing our ambitious goals with the need to deliver consistent, relevant programming. We have big ideas and turning them into reality requires diligent effort and coordination among various stakeholders.
Additionally, fostering and maintaining strong relationships with business organizations, as well as state and local municipalities, is an ongoing task that requires significant time and resources. Our focus has always been supporting Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and small businesses and ensuring that our programs meet their evolving needs while expanding our reach.
Despite these frustrations, we remain committed to our mission and are constantly learning and adapting to improve the support we provide to our community.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
Over the past year, one of the most inspiring developments has been the formation of a tri-ethnic partnership between the CAAAC, the Cal Asian Chamber, and the Cal Hispanic Chamber. This collaboration represents a united effort to drive positive change and growth for diverse businesses across our communities.
A key highlight of this partnership has been the Annual California Diversity Awards, where we come together to recognize and celebrate individuals and corporations that actively support and champion the growth of diverse enterprises. It’s a powerful reminder of the collective strength and resilience within our communities.
Moreover, our partnership extends to advocacy, where we have come together to sponsor legislative bills, including AB 2019. These initiatives reflect our shared commitment
to creating equitable opportunities and promoting economic empowerment for minority business enterprises throughout California. Seeing these efforts come to life has been a truly inspiring and rewarding experience.
What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?
One key lesson we learned in 2024 is the importance of aligning our efforts with the specific strategic initiatives of our corporate members when it comes to supporting the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) community. Each of our partners has unique goals, and by tailoring our programs to meet these needs, we can more effectively drive mutual success.
Our ultimate goal is to help MBEs become contractready through targeted training and professional development. This approach not only ensures that MBEs are prepared to take advantage of opportunities but also aligns with the broader objectives of our corporate partners. We’ve seen that our ethnic business communities are eager for opportunities in wealth creation, access to informed legislative policies, and other critical areas that impact their growth. This lesson will guide us in continuing to develop customized, impactful programs that bridge the gap between MBEs and sustainable business success in the coming year.
In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?
Stability.
What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?
Our primary goal for 2025 is to drive growth in the number of new African American businesses, increase the volume of contracts awarded to these enterprises, and strengthen connections with the State of California. By expanding our network and fostering strategic partnerships, we aim to create more opportunities for African American businesses to thrive and secure sustainable growth.
By Edward Henderson
California Black Media
The California Association of Black School Educators (CABSE) is an organization consisting of elected and appointed school officials, administrators and instructors from across California who are committed to advancing equity for Black students.
CABSE members represent governmental agencies, charter schools and charter school organizations, public school districts, traditional public schools, and community colleges. The organization’s primary goal is to expand PK-14 educational opportunities for all students in California, with an emphasis on under-represented and under-served
Black students.
California Black Media (CBM) spoke with CABSE
President Satra Zurita and Conference Chair Micah Ali about this year’s successes, disappointments, and plans for the organization coming into the new year. Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
Ali: I would have to say that two highlights have been the ongoing support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Engie, and other sponsors that have enabled us to bring together like-minded education leaders twice a year to collectively advance innovative and meaningful strategies to achieve change on behalf of Black students across our state. The other is the feedback we have received from presenters, attendees, and vendors alike about how our convenings and our collective work has inspired them to act within their local school districts and community colleges. It is a groundswell of solidarity and action that, yes, we hoped for, but have been overwhelmed with great pride and joy at seeing it manifest.
How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
Zurita: CABSE’s leadership and investment in improving the education system for Black students in our great state has resulted in a long-standing focus on transforming public education and its response to Black students. By pulling from the very wisdom of those educators and leaders who care deeply about Black students and who are showing great promise through their efforts. CABSE creates a venue where educators can be unapologetic about our mission, even in the face of longstanding implicit bias, low expectations, and unabating under-support of Black students. Something powerful happens when changemakers come together to make change. What frustrated you the most over the last year?
Zurita: Continuing to see the deep impact of COVID-19 Pandemic school site closures on students academically and emotionally --
especially Black students. This makes our work and our advocacy more vital than ever. We’ve made some gains but have a long way to go. I think folks really don’t understand the sweeping impact of that time. Our schools are still in catch-up and recover mode from the learning loss.
CBM: What inspired you the most over the last year?
Zurita: Seeing our CABSE convenings grow in depth and breadth -- our strategies, powerful content and reach.
In addition to attendees from virtually every area of the state, CABSE has benefitted from the faithful attendance of districts from the East, Midwest, South and Southwest US. This has brought a wonderful new dimension to CABSE, as it relates to best-practice sharing. We get to learn from the strengths and successes. There is something
to say about solidarity that reaches across state lines. It gives me great hope. What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?
Ali: Our Blueprint for Education Equity is a crowdsourced framework of strategies that have shown great promise for improving the education experiences and
opportunities for Black students. In 2024, we developed an equity self-assessment tool for districts to use in evaluating their own efforts on behalf of Black students. What we found is that virtually every district that participated in our survey indicated they have begun implementing most of our Blueprint strategies, whereas when we first launched the Blueprint, a number simply were not. One thing we learned, though, is that most districts are not as intentional as they could be at measuring how well those implemented strategies are helping Black students. For example, a recent report indicated that dual enrollment programs increased greatly across the state, but Black students remain underrepresented in them. This is both a challenge and an opportunity -- and we are here for it. In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?
Zurita: Many Black students across our state are dealing with a host of challenges: homelessness, food insecurity, exposure to violence, not to mention bias remains a pervasive problem. To add to the challenge, educators are worn out, tired, and frustrated. We now need to think about how we can simultaneously inspire and empower students and educators alike. The system needs an overhaul.
What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025? Zurita: In 2025, we hope to stand CABSE up as a fully functioning non-profit organization engaged in research and policy design. Ali: We also aim to deepen the content of our convenings, including adding a Math Track and what we are calling
Satra Zurita
Micah Ali
Patricia Watts
By Edward Henderson
The Equal Justice Society website about page.
What Do Standardized Tests Say About College Achievement?
By Annie Lennon | Stacker
The Sacramento Observer (Stacker)
– Every year, millions of high schoolers prepare for the arduous process of college admissions. Most will take either the SAT or the ACT, multi-hour examinations that can feel like the climax of an epic battle students have been waging ever since they entered the halls of formal education.
But is it a battle worth fighting in the first place?
The SAT is one of the longest-standing standardized college admissions in the United States. Along with its counterpart, the ACT, these tests have been at the center of heated debates. Some say these tests only serve to reinforce racial inequities in education. Supporters of SAT and ACT scores say that they help universities understand how likely students will be to succeed in college by predicting grades, chances of graduation, and success after college.
Numerade analyzed academic research to see what standardized test scores say about academic success.
The SAT contains two sections: math and evidencebased reading and writing. Most answers are multiplechoice, but some math questions require entering an answer instead of selecting one. An optional SAT essay was discontinued in 2021, however, a small number of schools still choose to offer it.
The ACT is a little different in that it contains four sections: English, math, reading, and science. All of its questions are multiple-choice, and it has an optional writing section that may be required by some universities.
Standardized testing may be better predictors than generally supposed
In a study published in January 2024, Harvardbased research initiative Opportunity Insights, along with researchers from Brown University, Dartmouth College, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, investigated the value of standardized test scores in the college admission process. They found that SAT and ACT scores—but, surprisingly, not high school GPA scores— can better predict academic success in college. “Test scores have vastly more predictive power than is commonly understood in the popular debate,” John Friedman, the lead author of the study, told The New York Times.
The study looked at students who were admitted to all eight Ivy League colleges plus Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Duke, and the University of Chicago between 2017 and 2022. It found that students with perfect scores on the SAT or ACT, 1600 or 36 respectively, achieved a 0.43 point-higher first-year college GPA than students who earned SAT and ACT scores of 1200 and 25. However, students with a perfect (scaled) GPA of 4.0 in high school achieve less than a 0.1-point higher GPA in their first year of college than students with a high school GPA of 3.2.
Some have raised concerns that these standardized test scores may not show the full picture. They worry these tests could be biased against students who aren’t able to afford the additional cost of tutors or other resources that can help them prepare for college, a question the Opportunity Insights paper also answered. Controlling for family income, race, gender, and legacy status, the study found that there was no evidence that students from higherresource backgrounds performed better than peers from lower-resource backgrounds. In fact, their college GPAs were practically identical.
All together, the researchers concluded that standardized test scores may help highly selective colleges provide upward mobility and accept students from a wide range of backgrounds.
A history of imperfectly measuring potential Standardized tests emerged alongside the growth of publicly funded education in the mid-1800s. As more
children entered the education system, oral examinations were replaced with standardized written tests.
The first standardized college entrance exams in the U.S. appeared with the College Entrance Examination Board in 1900, formed from 12 colleges, including Harvard University and Columbia University. SATs were introduced less than a century ago in 1926, and ACTs came in 1959. Both became staples of the college application process.
In recent years, however, some have started to doubt the efficacy of standardized tests for college applications.
In May 2020, for example, the University of California decided to drop SAT/ACT scores to allow for fairer evaluation of college applications.
The COVID-19 pandemic spurred other universities to reconsider their SAT/ACT policies too as the testing bodies were forced to close temporarily. During this time, many colleges made test scores optional.
Since then, however, some colleges such as Dartmouth, Yale, and Brown have announced that they will once again require applications to include standardized test scores. Other colleges however, such as the University of California system, have declined to even consider these scores, while others like Emory and Vanderbilt have extended testoptional policies.
Whether or not colleges decide to include standardized test scores in their admissions process depends on views about how well they help identify the most academically prepared students.
Previous research published in October 2023 from Opportunity Insights shows that students from less
advantaged backgrounds receive lower standardized test scores on average and are less likely to undergo testing than peers from higher-income families. Only a quarter of children from the bottom 20% of income distribution take the SAT or ACT versus about 80% for those in higherincome families. For those who do take the test, only 2.5% of those in the lower-income bracket score 1300 or higher versus 17% for those in the top 20%.
With the findings from the latter Opportunity Insights research, the SAT and ACT may easily be dismissed as tests only for the wealthy. However, economist David Deming, who worked on the paper, cautions against oversimplifying these exams as “wealth tests.” Doing so overlooks their capability to help administrators discover the potential in candidates regardless of background. He argued that if SATs or ACTs were removed altogether, it might disadvantage lower-income students even more. Deming told the Harvard Gazette, “If you get rid of the SAT, as many colleges have done, what you have left is things that are also related to wealth, probably even more so. Whether you can write a persuasive college essay, whether you can have the kinds of experiences that give you high ratings for extracurricular activities and leadership; those things are incredibly related to wealth.”
By Quintessa Williams Word In Black
The holiday season is more than just a break for Black K-12 students — it’s a chance to unwind and recharge after navigating a fall semester filled with challenges. Along with the normal academic pressures, students this year dealt with the weight of book bans, efforts to censor black history, the 2024 presidential election, and racist messages sent to kids after Donald Trump won.
Diving into culturally relevant reading over the holidays can be transformative for Black students. Research indicates that reading can reduce stress by 68%, surpassing other relaxation methods such as listening to music or walking. These books also celebrate Black heritage and reinforce a positive Black identity, providing a much-needed sense of belonging and empowerment.
So, whether you’re gifting one to an individual student or an entire classroom of kids, these six books are perfect for inspiring and uplifting Black K-12 students this holiday season.
For Elementary School Students
Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora: This heartwarming tale follows Omu, an elderly woman who prepares a delicious stew with an enticing aroma that travels throughout her neighborhood. As neighbors follow the scent to her door, Omu generously shares her meal with everyone — only to find her pot empty when it’s time for her own dinner. In a touching turn of events, the community comes together to show their gratitude by bringing her a feast. This story illustrates themes of generosity, community, and thankfulness, — making it ideal for Black elementary students during the holidays.
The Nutcracker In Harlem by T.E. McMorrow: This retelling of the classic Nutcracker tale celebrates Black culture, jazz, music, and the magic of the holiday season. Set in 1920s Harlem, this version follows a young girl named Marie who receives a Nutcracker doll at a Christmas party. That night, she embarks on a magical journey where toys come to life, and she discovers her own voice and confidence. For Middle School Students:
As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds: Genie, 11, and his soon-to-be 14-year-old brother, Ernie, spend a summer with their grandparents in rural Virginia, away from their Brooklyn home. During their stay, they learn about their family’s history, their grandfather’s blindness, and what bravery truly means. This novel for middle schoolers delves into themes of family and courage and encourages reflection and personal growth during the holiday season.
Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA.
Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA
Numerade
Numerade
Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. This story originally appeared on Numerade and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.