Bakersfield News Observer 02.05.25 by Observer Group Newspapers of Southern CA

Lakers Land Luka Dončić in Blockbuster Trade, Ship Out Davis

By Austin Gage

In the dwindling hours of Saturday night, the Lakers completed one of the most shocking trades in professional sports history by acquiring superstar guard Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks for a package going the other way involving superstar forward Anthony Davis.

The Los Angeles Lakers have traded for Luka Dončić, forward/center Maxi Kleber and forward Markieff Morris in exchange for Anthony Davis, guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks. The Utah Jazz also joined in on the three-team trade as they acquired guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks this year. In the words of ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, who was the first to break the news of the incredible deal, “Yes, this is real.”

For years, Lakers fans have been infamous on social media for their photo swaps and edits of NBA superstars in the Purple and Gold. When Paul George was on the move back in 2017, Lakers fans created images of the former Indiana Pacer, at the time, in their jersey. When Kawhi Leonard requested a trade from the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 and later became a free agent after his 2019 Finals run with the Toronto Raptors, Lakers fans swiftly developed images of the “Klaw” alongside all-time great Lebron James. Both players, as with many other stars outside of James and Davis back in 2018 and 2019 respectively, failed to make their way into a Laker uniform. However, Saturday night gave these fans a victory they could not even see happening. While there seemed to be a sense of realism and reason for many of the moves similar to the ones mentioned above of happening, a trade for

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HBCUs In Jeopardy of Losing Funding for Black Cultural Studies

“This is only the beginning of a long fight,” according to Democratic North Carolina Congresswoman Alma Adams. She is addressing the Executive Order to pause federal loans and grants. There is an overwhelming concern in the Historically Black College and University community that many key programs focused on race and equity will be impacted. Adams, a ranking member

of a House Subcommittee on Higher Education and the Founder and Co-Chair of the Bicameral HBCU Caucus, issued a statement to Black Press USA once a federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s funding freeze. Adams, whose state houses 11 HBCUs, the largest number in any given state, believes, “President Trump is dismantling equity in education with the stroke of a pen by rescinding federal initiatives for MSIs.” HBCUs are two hundred year old institutions that are one of the largest segments of this nation to create the Black middle class. Adams passionately expressed, “he’s [President Trump] jeopardizing the futures of countless students.”

According to the Trump White House, the pause is meant as a review period for federal loans and grants to organizations and agencies. A White House official told this reporter Historically Black Colleges and Universities are fine. However, if African American History and or Woke programs are taught with federal funds, those monies will be extracted from the school and or program. Walter Kimbrough, the Interim President of Talladega College exclusively told Black Press USA the initial announcement of the funding freeze “was a shock to the HBCU community, which has continued to enjoy broad, bipartisan support.” However he sharply questioned, “how can you be an

HBCU without African American history?” “The terms of the executive order is 90 days… It is a review process to say that there is discretionary spending…. to a contract, to a non governmental organization.” Trump White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller also gave the press an example of teaching “critical race theory” which he says would lose the federal funding. “The pause on the federal loans and grants will involve “a politically appointed individual… who simply reviews and approves the expenditure so that we have democratic control over the operations of government,” emphasized Miller who further acknowledge “this doesn’t impact any programs that Americans rely on.” Adams, a former alumna of North Carolina A and T and a former professor of an HBCU believes this examination of federal funding is ”putting HBCUs, which are already underfunded but vital to our communities, directly in harm’s way.” Meanwhile, Kimbrough wants the 111 Presidents of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities to meet with President Trump detailing, “we are eager to meet with the new administration to remind them of the consequential role HBCUs make to our nation, and to solicit their support and further investment.”

14 Places in Calif Where Black Businesses and Culture Thrived Black History Month 2025:

known for its Southern cooking.

original buildings have been restored.

2. North Richmond (Contra Costa County) –Developed during World War II, North Richmond attracted Black workers to Kaiser Shipyards. One of the first downtown Black owned businesses was O.B. Freeman’s Shoeshine on Macdonald Avenue which became a popular gathering place for Black motor-bikers.

3. Oak Park (Sacramento County) – One of Sacramento’s oldest Black neighborhoods, Oak Park grew due to the lack of racial covenants that restricted Black land ownership during the Great Depression. It became a hub of Black culture and entrepreneurship. For example, renowned culinary artist George Dunlap opened a string of restaurants in the area, including Dunlap’s Dining Room,

4. West Oakland (Alameda County) – A major center for Black migration during WWII, known for its jazz scene and civil rights activism. The neighborhood was home to the Black Panther Party headquarters and a center of Black commerce and entertainment in the 1940s and 1950s. Seventh Street served as the cultural hub of the area and was lined with Black-owned businesses, including Slim Jenkin’s Place, one of the most popular jazz

first African American elected to a state public office when he won an Assembly seat. Rumford owned a pharmacy on Sacramento Street, which was a hub for the Black community.

6. Bayview-Hunters Point (San Francisco County)During WWII, the establishment of Hunters Point Naval Shipyard attracted an influx of African American workers. Around that time, 59% of the neighborhood’s population was Black. The area, which has a rich history of activism, remains the neighborhood with the highest concentration of Black San Franciscans.

7. Seaside (Monterey County) – The presence of the Black community in this area grew significantly due to the presence of Fort Ord, a U.S. Army base. By the 1960’s, Seaside had the largest concentration of American Americans between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Over a quarter of Seaside’s population was Black at the time.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, released this statement following President Donald Trump’s latest decision to fire the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Rohit Chopra. Director Chopra’s term is not set to end until 2026. Congresswoman Waters recently released a fact sheet exposing President Trump and Elon Musk for their stated plans to eliminate the agency.“President Trump’s decision to fire CFPB Director Rohit Chopra marks the end of an era of strong consumer protection and the beginning of a plan to end this important agency. Since taking the helm of the CFPB in 2021, Director Chopra has worked tirelessly to ensure the agency fulfills its critical mission of protecting American families in the financial marketplace. In the face of repeated and coordinated attacks, Director Chopra’s fearless advocacy on behalf of working-class families has returned more than $6 billion to harmed consumers. That’s not all. Director Chopra has taken decisive action to address the harsh reality that hardworking families are increasingly stretched thin and living paycheck to paycheck. Under his leadership, the CFPB has taken action to eliminate costly and illegal junk fees imposed by big banks, hold student loan servicers like Navient accountable for defrauding hardworking students, protect servicemembers from high-interest loans, promote transparency in the small business lending market, ban medical debt from being used to block creditworthy borrowers from accessing credit, tackle discrimination in housing and the economy, and take on big banks like Wells Fargo for repeatedly breaking the law and exploiting the very consumers they claim to serve.

“While his accomplishments are too long to list, Director Chopra also advanced reforms to promote competition and strengthen privacy protections for consumers, actions that earned him unusual praise from Congressional Republicans. It’s no wonder why four out of five Americans support the CFPB, including a staggering 77% of Republicans. Even a conservative Supreme Court hostile to all kinds of regulatory agencies agreed that the CFPB and its funding is constitutional.

“Director Chopra, we thank you for your years of public service and remain grateful for the incredible work you have done in the past few years leading the excellent CFPB staff in protecting our nation’s consumers.

“Make no mistake, today’s decision is the first step by Trump, his co-President Elon Musk, and their Republican allies in Congress to dismantle the agency entirely, leaving consumers with no place to turn to for help and no real watchdog to hold predatory lenders and other bad actors accountable. Rest assured, my fellow Committee Democrats and I

Now-former Dallas Mavericks’ guard Luka Dončić, 77, dribbles against now-former Los Angeles Lakers’ forward Anthony Davis, 3, on December 12th, 2023 in an NBA basketball game at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)

Dončić

Slovenian guard,

By Edward Henderson California Black Media

firestorms that ravaged Southern California have drawn attention to historically Black communities like Altadena, one of the first

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Alma Adams

April Ryan

Democrats Silent as Trump’s Authoritarian Grip Tightens, Leaving Supporters Outraged

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Except for outspoken lawmakers Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Democrats have remained frustratingly silent as Donald Trump solidifies his grip on power. Despite his administration’s policies, a government funding freeze, and his allies pushing the racist and oppressive Project 2025 agenda onto Americans, Democratic leadership has offered no real response. For many loyal Democratic voters, the past month has been a slap in the face. As Trump and his enablers work to dismantle civil rights protections, former President Joe Biden walked out of the White House without a clear strategy to protect Black Americans, Latinos, women, and other marginalized communities. Instead, Biden’s departure sent a chilling message: You’re on your own. His silence and that of other complacent individuals have left many questioning the Democratic Party’s willingness to fight, with some likening it to abandoning its base to a modern-day Jim Crow era.

Yet, even with Trump’s administration moving rapidly to disenfranchise millions, Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have barely mustered a public outcry. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), which boasts a record number of members this session, has been equally absent. With Trump’s allies openly threatening democracy, Black Americans and other marginalized groups expected their elected leaders to take an aggressive stand. Instead, they’ve been met with silence and inaction. What’s particularly infuriating to many is that the warnings about Trump’s return to power were clear. His policies were openly laid out, and his intentions were never hidden. The Supreme Court ruling that provided him with immunity also extended to Biden while he was still in

office. Unlike Republicans, Biden and the Democrats chose not to use it. Some legal scholars argued that, based on the authority provided by the Court and the Constitution, Biden could have declared that the nation was facing a clear and present danger. With a strong legal team and a split Congress, he could have denied Trump the office, at least temporarily, while the courts sorted it out.

Instead, Biden, Bill Clinton, and especially Barack Obama attended Trump’s inauguration. That decision has fueled even more outrage among African Americans, who now feel utterly abandoned by a party they have historically supported.

Jeffries posted on X (formerly Twitter) on January 29:

“The illegal GOP funding freeze ends Medicaid as we know it, throws children off of Head Start, and starves seniors who rely on Meals on Wheels. Extreme MAGA Republicans support this scheme to rip off hardworking American families. House Democrats will Stop the Steal.”

The post offered no concrete plan to counter Trump’s policies. It also failed to address the direct attacks on African Americans, even after Trump’s press secretary publicly signaled to journalist April Ryan of Black Press USA that the federal government would not recognize Black History Month.

That exchange further infuriated Black voters, particularly given their longstanding loyalty to the Democratic Party. But the frustration boiled over when Professor Hassan Kwame Jeffries, a self-described longtime Democrat and podcast host, dismissed concerns about Democratic inaction. He posted on X:

“I’m seeing a lot of this, all versions of the same question: what’s the Democrats’ plan to deal with # Trump’s madness?? The plan was vote for #Harris. You said no to the plan.”

Rather than galvanizing support, Jeffries’ dismissive

tone only alienated those who had backed former Vice President Kamala Harris. His post sparked widespread anger.X user Ariana Jasmine expressed the growing outrage among those who supported Democrats, demanding action:

“The nation is falling apart; please, for the love of God, say or DO SOMETHING!!!”

Another user, @ArchangeAntoine, responded bluntly to Jeffries: “Weak statement! You are discounting the millions of people who said yes. Now again, what the fck is their plan?”*

Despite Trump signing pardons for January 6 rioters and his allies openly embracing white nationalism, many 2028 Democratic hopefuls have remained silent. According to Politico, the shift in strategy is deliberate. Instead of directly challenging Trump’s authoritarian rule, Democratic leaders are focused on biding their time, avoiding “outrage cycles,” and looking for bipartisan opportunities. The article notes: “Just a few thousand showed up to protest Trump’s inauguration.”

This is a sharp departure from 2017, when millions mobilized against Trump’s first term. Democrats appear paralyzed, unwilling to take the kind of resistance-driven approach that once defined their opposition to Trump. Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow spoke openly about the inaction, telling Politico: “My advice is, call it out, be blunt, but don’t shriek about it.”

Meanwhile, Crockett and Ocasio-Cortez stand alone in calling out Trump’s attacks on Black Americans and marginalized communities. Despite their growing influence and millions of social media followers, Democratic leadership continues to ignore them. The outrage over the party’s silence is growing. X user @WintersPolitics captured the frustration: “Am I the only one who is mad as hell that AOC and Jasmine Crockett are seemingly the only members of the Democratic Party who are using their platforms to speak out against Trump and MAGA, the oligarchy?” With Trump moving swiftly to consolidate

Trump’s Trade War Hits Black America Hardest as Tariffs Drive Up Costs

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior

National Correspondent President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs—25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on imports from China—has sent shockwaves through global markets, sparking retaliatory measures from trade partners and raising concerns about the economic strain on American consumers. But for Black Americans, already facing disproportionate financial burdens, the fallout could be devastating.

“Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe (and maybe

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not!),” Trump said in a statement. “But we will Make America Great Again, and it will all be worth the price that must be paid.”

For many in Black communities, the cost of that

“pain” is far from abstract. Chaniqua Jones, a schoolteacher in New York, is already struggling with budget cuts in her district. “First, consider that most of our students struggle with basic necessities like food and shelter, and many tell us that if they can’t work, they can’t eat,” she said. “That and reduced school budgets that we’re already dealing with will hurt more because, something to remember, we can only use one vendor that the Department of Education approves for supplies, and that vendor can charge anything they want, including, if they choose, as much as $10 for a pencil.”

Jones’ concerns are echoed by business owners, truck drivers, and families who will feel the effects of higher prices in ways the White House appears to have ignored.

Jonathan Dolphin, a truck driver from Pennsylvania, sees the changes already. “The trucking industry isn’t the same anymore,” he said. “Hauling heavier loads doesn’t pay us more, and the brokers still charge higher rates. Those people who voted for Trump now have to see how idiotic that was.”

Fuel prices are among the biggest concerns for workingclass Black Americans. Canada, the largest supplier of crude oil to the U.S., is now facing a 10% tariff on energy exports. Gas prices in some parts of the country are expected to rise by 30 to 70 cents per gallon, disproportionately impacting on lower-income families who spend a higher percentage of their income on transportation.

George McKenzie, a wildlife photographer in Florida, has already seen gas prices climbing. “I’m honestly worried about the price of gas and food going up,” he said. “As someone who travels frequently for work, any increase in fuel costs directly affects my livelihood.”

Existing disparities in Black communities compound the economic damage from the tariffs. The median household income for African Americans in 2023 was $52,860—well below the national median of $74,580. The

racial wealth gap, exacerbated by decades of discriminatory housing and employment policies, means Black families have fewer financial reserves to absorb rising costs.

The tariffs also threaten the already fragile food security in Black communities. The U.S. imports 63% of its vegetables and 47% of its fruits and nuts from Mexico, and tariffs could push grocery prices even higher. Many predominantly Black neighborhoods already struggle with food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, healthy food. Higher food costs could worsen the crisis.

“It’s already expensive to eat healthy where I live,” said Alicia Brown, a 28-year-old mother of two in Chicago’s South Side. “A gallon of milk is already $5. If they start charging more for fresh produce, people are going to have to make tough choices between food and rent.”

The auto industry, another key economic driver, is also set to take a hit. In 2023, the U.S. imported $69 billion worth of cars and light trucks from Mexico and $37 billion from Canada. Ford F-Series pickups and Mustang sports coupes rely on engines manufactured in Canada. Tariffs on auto parts will drive up costs, adding an estimated $3,000 to the price of some vehicles.

For Black auto workers in cities like Detroit and Atlanta, job security is now in question. Many automakers are considering layoffs or plant closures if production costs soar.

“We’re looking at a repeat of what happened in 2018 when Trump’s first tariffs led to layoffs,” said Maurice Richardson, a 58-year-old autoworker in Michigan. “Except this time, it’s going to be worse.”

The trade war has already drawn strong pushback from U.S. allies. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Trump’s move “short-sighted and reckless,” adding, “If he thinks Canada will just sit back and accept these tariffs without response, he is gravely mistaken.” Canada has announced its own retaliatory measures, imposing a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods.

Mexico, meanwhile, has slammed Trump’s justification for the tariffs, with President Claudia Sheinbaum calling it “an unjustified economic attack.” Mexico has signaled it

may retaliate with tariffs on American exports, including corn and soybeans—moves that would further impact U.S. farmers and lead to even higher grocery prices. China, the third nation targeted by Trump’s new tariffs, has also vowed to take action. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced plans to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization, warning that “the U.S. has chosen a path of confrontation that will hurt American workers more than anyone else.”

In Washington, Congress’s response has been swift. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the tariffs. “It would be nice if Donald Trump could start focusing on getting the prices down instead of making them go up,” Schumer stated.

“All tariffs are not created equal. Donald Trump is aiming his new tariffs at Mexico, Canada, and China, but they will likely hit Americans in their wallets. I am concerned these new tariffs will further drive-up costs for American consumers.”

The senate leader continued:

“We should be focused on going hard against competitors who rig the game, like China, rather than attacking our allies. If these tariffs go into full effect, they will raise prices for everything from groceries to cars, to gas, making it even harder for middle-class families to just get by.”

The economic storm created by Trump’s trade war is already brewing. The U.S. economy saw inflation drop from its peak in 2022, but analysts now predict a sharp reversal, with costs climbing for everyday necessities. African Americans, who have historically been left behind in economic recoveries, are likely to bear the brunt of the damage.

“This is what happens when policy is made without thinking about the people who will be most affected,” said Dr. Jamal Reed, a District of Columbia-based economist. “This isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s an economic disaster waiting to happen.”

8. Watts (Los Angeles County) – Famous for the Watts Towers, the city became a significant hub for Black cultural and political movements. Watts became predominantly Black in the 1940s. War industries were a primary source of employment for new workers coming into Watts. The neighborhood is also known for the Watts Uprising, a series of protests in 1965 mainly opposing police brutality.

9. Ladera Heights, View Park and Baldwin Hills (Los Angeles County) – These adjacent neighborhoods are considered some of the wealthiest historically Black communities in the U.S. African Americans were not allowed to live in the area until 1948 when the Supreme Court ruled against racial restrictive covenants. By 1970, residents of the area were 75% Black. Celebrities including Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Nancy Wilson, Michael Cooper, Regina King and Issa Rae have called the area home. Ladera Heights, View Park and Baldwin Hills are often referred to

the “Black Beverly Hills.”

10. Leimert Park (Los Angeles County) – A cultural and artistic center for African Americans, Leimert Park is known for its jazz heritage and Black-owned businesses. The area is home to one of the largest and oldest Juneteenth celebrations in the country.

11. Inglewood (Los Angeles County) - In 1960, only 29 of Inglewood’s population of 63,390 were Black. But by 1980, 56% of the city’s population was Black. “White Flight” from the area during the 1970s sparked the influx of Black residents. In 1983, Edward Vincent Jr. Became Inglewood’s first Black mayor. Inglewood has become a sports and entertainment hub under current mayor James Butts.

12. Southeast San Diego (San Diego County County) – The area is home to Bethel AME Church, the oldest Black church in San Diego, founded in 1887. Before gentrification and redevelopment began to intensify -beginning in the 1970s through the 2000s -- the Imperial Avenue Corridor was known as a mini “Black Wall Street.”

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renowned for its jazz scene, with famous clubs like Jimbo’s Bop city.

14. Compton (Los Angeles County) - In 1960, Compton’s Black population was 40%, a figure that was around 5% ten years prior. The rise in the area’s Black population was due, in part, to a real estate tactic called “Blockbusting” where real estate agents would induce White homeowners to sell their properties at reduced prices by suggesting Black families were moving into the neighborhood. Then, those agents would sell those homes to Black families at higher prices. In 1969, Compton

led our franchise to a championship and cemented himself as a perennial NBA All-Star,” said Lakers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka.

With that said, a big question mark for Dallas from the outside for going through with the trade includes Davis’ age and health. While he is still playing at an All-NBA level, as he was selected for his tenth All-Star game just a few days ago, he is also 31 years old. It is fair to question how many years he has left as an exceptional player in the NBA along with injury concerns that have marred many of his previous seasons.

Dončić himself is currently out with a calf injury that has sidelined him for over a month. While the Mavericks reportedly had concerns regarding the 6’6’’ guard’s conditioning, a big part of his game does not have to do with explosive athleticism. Defense, as Harrison mentioned above, is a valid worry, but the opportunity to trade for one of the best scorers/playmakers the league has ever seen in his prime is one that could not be turned down.

For his career, he has averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. As it currently stands, his career points per game average is the third highest in NBA regular season history. Just last season, Dončić dropped a Mavericks franchise-record 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks and earned the NBA scoring title after averaging 33.9 points per contest. “Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come,” said Pelinka. “His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team. Looking at the other pieces in the deal, Christie is a 21year old guard with potential for the Mavericks. Averaging 8.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists this season for Los Angeles, the former second round pick in 2022 fills a solid depth piece on both sides of the ball for Dallas, a franchise that seems to be emphasizing defense when it comes to current roster construction. Kleber and Morris are more of throw-ins from Dallas to Los Angeles in the exchange, and former first-rounder Hood-Schifino will receive a fresh start in Utah after struggling in his first two campaigns with Los Angeles. A new era for the Lakers seems to be set into action, and Dončić will form a phenomenal partnership with James as the roster looks ahead into the future along with current implications.

“Sports are about transformative moments. We are inspired by these moments Lakers fans know, expect and love with a franchise that continually ushers in new eras of greatness,” Pelinka said. A key date is February 25th, when Dallas travels to Crypto.com Arena to take on Los Angeles in what potentially will be Davis’ return and Dončić’s first game against his former team.

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Ricky – 2025 Sundance Film Festival Filmmaker Rashad Frett wins

“Directing Award: U.S. Dramatic”

By Dwight Brown NNPA News Wire

What is life like after being locked up in prison from age 15 to 30?

How do you adjust to an outside world without the human development skills your contemporaries have? Writer/director Rashad Frett has a clue and fathoms it, along with co-screenwriter Lin Que Ayoung, in his intense, harsh reality, post-incarceration drama.

Ricardo “Ricky” Smith (Stephan James, Race) walks nervously around his old Hartford, Connecticut neighborhood. Disoriented in a place where he once ran the streets. Hoodlums threaten him. People are standoffish, wondering where he’s been. The little self-esteem he musters comes from his hair cutting skills. He’s a barber. He can make a living. And he must. His parole officer (Sheryl Lee Ralph) is on his ass, and he’s got to attend group therapy meetings, get on someone’s payroll and rehab himself. Fortunately, Ricky’s has a great comradery with his younger brother James (Maliq Johnson, TV’s The Equalizer). Unfortunately, a testy relationship with his strong-willed Caribbean mother (Simbi Kali) keeps him off kilter. He’s reconnected with old friends and bad influences like Terrence (Sean Nelson, Fresh), flirts with Jaz (Imani Lewis), young single mom from around the way, and is hotly pursued by the older woman (Andrene Ward-Hammond) from his ex-offender’s support group. It would all be much easier to navigate if Ricky had parental training, a strong father figure, positive role models and friends he could trust. He doesn’t.

As he tries to pull his life together and stay out of the pen, he does so lacking coping tools, maturity and basic discipline—like being on time. Ricky’s a man/boy living in a man’s world that’s passed him by. A vulnerable novice with technology (smartphones), dating etiquette, rules of the street and sexual interludes. The script sets the character’s persona and situation well. You know where his heart ann ambitions are, but that doesn’t negate his lack of abilities. For every good choice he makes, there’s a bad one. Easy to blame the system or his home life. But it’s really on him. Frett’s direction is inobtrusive. Very casual. Involving. Like you’re just hanging out with the good and bad angels on Ricky’s shoulder tagging along for the ride. No wonder his cinema verité style won a 2025 Sundance directing award.

The

Frett can share accolades for the film’s pacing with editor Daysha Broadway. Sam Motamedi’s cinematography deftly captures faces in a cars, sex scenes by lamplight and the awkwardness of car crashes. Production designer Aariyan Googe’s taste in interiors and exteriors reflect a working-class neighborhood. Everyone’s clothes look like they’re off the rack from T.J. Maxx thanks to costume designer Ari Fulton. While any musical score that includes Nat King Cole singing “Fallen Leaves” and the very hip trio of Alex Isley, Masego and Jack Dine jamming on “Good & Plenty” is setting a nice cross-generational vibe.

The footage cruises by in 1h 49m and the rhythm doesn’t die until the audience has exhausted all hope for Ricky taking charge and turning his life around. If he doesn’t, what’s the point of the film? If he does it too quick, will it feel too Hallmark greeting card easy? The former is more the case. It’s easy to feel like the plotline slams too many heavy, negative incidents against the protagonist. Ricky, “I never thought I’d live this long.” Neither will the audience. Ricky finding redemption becomes a sticking point. One that will stymy audience appeal.

Holding it down for the young formally imprisoned men who’ve done their time and sought salvation, is the intuitive actor Stephan James. In his hands, Ricky’s inner turmoil feels real. Pity that the character’s anxiety is too often depicted with visual tricks and the filmmakers didn’t trust James’ angst to do the job. His approach to Ricky is more like a subtle Ice Cube roaming the neighborhood than a Denzil Washington imposing his strong-willed character. James doesn’t overact; he inhabits the role. Ralph is the exact opposite; her performance is showy, and she isn’t helped by cumbersome dialogue. Love the natural portrayals by Johnson as the jovial sibling, Lewis as the love interest who gives Ricky hope and Ward-Hammond as the lecherous witch who abuses him.

Frett and the script will pay a price for not taking Ricky out of his failure spiral soon enough. Yet anyone watching this ex-con in the hood tale will appreciate Frett’s directing. An instinctive sense of guidance to an everyday reality that feels lived in. For more information about the Sundance Film Festival go to: https://festival.sundance.org Visit Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk. com.

Stephan James stars in Ricky, photo courtesy of Sundance Institute and by Sam Motamedi

Rashad Frett director of Ricky,

photo courtesy of Sundance Institute and by Rashad Frett

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF GERALD SADANALA JESUDASON CASE NUMBER: BPB-24-003538 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of GERALD SADANALA JESUDASON

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by NANCY JESUDASON in the Superior Court of California, County of KERN 2100 College Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93305 Branch: JJC

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that NANCY JESUDASON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: March 6, 2025 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: J-1 Address of court: same as noted above IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

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

Advocates and Legislators Join Forces in Human Trafficking Fight

By Antonio Ray Harvey

California Black Media

Vanessa Russell, the founder and executive director of Love Never Fails, a non-profit committed to ending human trafficking and supporting survivors, announced that it has partnered with California state lawmakers to tackle the violent crime affecting thousands of girls, boys, women and men every year.

On Jan. 27, Russell announced that Love Never Fails has launched the AI Advocate Panel, an app featuring a diverse group of 15 human trafficking survivors. She was speaking at a news conference held at the California State Capitol hosted by Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield). The event was organized to observe Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month.

“It’s an application and panel of 15 survivors of human trafficking,” Russell said. “It will provide an application to average and everyday people, giving insight on legislative bills that have to do with human trafficking and domestic violence, and providing feedback from this panel of survivors on whether bills are harmful or helpful to survivors of human trafficking.”

The app will break down bills related to gender-based violence in easy-to-access language as they make their way through the Legislature, according to Russell. The panel of survivors featured on the app will provide insights and recommendations drawn from their lived experiences.

Russell said the voices of the survivors will help shape policies and drive progress in the fight against human trafficking.

Love Never Fails was formed in December 2011 after Russell discovered that one of her teenage dance students was a victim of human trafficking in the San Francisco Bay Area.

At the news conference, Grove celebrated Senate Bill (SB) 1414 and SB 14 becoming law during the last legislative session. Both bills were authored by Grove.

Other speakers at the news conference were Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), Sen. Suzette MartinezVallardares (R-Santa Clarita), and Solano County District 1 Supervisor Cassandra James.

SB 1414 was a bipartisan measure co-authored by Grove, Rubio and Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Merced). It was co-sponsored by Love Never Fails and 3Strands Global Foundation. SB 14 and SB 1414 increased penalties for people convicted of soliciting minors for sex and violating human trafficking laws, making the offenses serious felonies.

SB 14 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. in California

“Love Never Fails and Vanessa Russell were instrumental (in the passage) of SB 1414,” Grove said.

“They came back to tell us once the buyer pays that price -- whatever the dollar amount is -- it is one of the most brutal times for the individual who was trafficked, bought and sold.”

Grove shared data from a report issued by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) that of all suspected human trafficking incidents across the country, 40% of sex trafficking victims were identified as Black women and girls.

Citing another study focused on Native American women, Grove highlighted that Indigenous women are extremely susceptible to go missing and become human trafficking and murder victims. She also noted that 60% of trafficked victims are alumni of the foster care system.

“Not one child or individual, regardless of their age, should be affected by this horrific crime,” Grove said. Russell said she also created AI Advocate to oppose SB 357, the “Safer Streets for Act” authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) that proposed decriminalizing loitering for the intent to engage in sex work. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed that bill into law in

September 2022. Russell told California Black Media (CBM) that the bill “legalizes prostitution” and that the act of exchanging sexual activity for money has increased since SB 357 became law in 2023.

“Once that bill went into law making it legal for loitering for the purpose of prostitution, it meant that survivors like the one you see today would be forced to go out and be sold,” Russell said. “We saw the demand for sex went up three times (than normal) once that bill was passed.”

Human trafficking and related activities like prostitution are commonplace on the streets of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Stockton, San Diego, Sacramento and other large California cities, according to Public Policy Institute of California. Hotline data from 2015 through 2021 reveal that the reported number of people experiencing trafficking nationwide rose from 12,000 in 2015 to more than 22,200 in 2019 and then fell to 16,700 in 2021. James, who said her supervisorial district covers most of Vallejo, said she has seen an increase in human trafficking among all women and girls, including immigrants who are not lawfully in the country.

“This

Harvard Under Fire for Slashing Slavery Initiative Staff as Black History Faces Nationwide Attacks

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Harvard University abruptly terminated staff contributing to the research component of its Slavery Remembrance Program on January 23, leaving employees without notice and sparking outrage about the institution’s commitment to its $100 million Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Initiative. The decision comes during a national wave of setbacks to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts, widespread layoffs of minority employees, and actions by states and schools to diminish the teaching of Black history.

The Slavery Remembrance Program, a cornerstone of the Legacy of Slavery Initiative, was implemented to address Harvard’s extensive entanglements with slavery. Harvard says the latest developments would not affect ongoing research and activities. The 2022 report by the university’s Presidential Initiative on Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery detailed how Harvard enslaved over 70 individuals, benefited financially from slavery-related industries, and upheld racial hierarchies through “race science” and eugenics.

Richard J. Cellini, the program’s director, was also dismissed after he reportedly challenged the university’s

administration for allegedly interfering with the research’s scope. Cellini had accused Sara Bleich, the initiative’s overseer, of attempting to suppress findings that uncovered descendants tied to Harvard’s slavery legacy. According to reports, Cellini gave the administration an ultimatum: either allow the program to conduct its research without obstruction or fire him. Days later, his termination followed.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from within and beyond the university. Staff told The Harvard Crimson they had no prior indication that their roles were at risk. One former employee described the layoffs as devastating. “We were conducting vital work, uncovering Harvard’s ties to slavery and its legacies. Cutting this program sends a clear and troubling signal about where priorities lie,” the employee told the newspaper.

Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Advisory Council member Henry Louis Gates Jr. publicly praised Cellini’s contributions, stating in a university press release, “Richard Cellini’s superb efforts launched us on our way on this historically important mission. We are indebted to Richard for his early guidance and his ambitious leadership.”

Harvard announced the program’s next phase will proceed under the leadership of American Ancestors,

In Fire’s Wake, a CommunityComes Together to Prevent Future Disasters

By Ben Jealous

we address the aftermath of the wildfires, let us resolve not just to build back better but also smarter, with a commitment to the environment and future generations. As a pastor, I am guided by the principle that caring for creation is an integral part of our faith. Let us take inspiration from the teachings of love and stewardship, embracing the role of being good caretakers of God’s earth. Without a shadow of a doubt, community solidarity is crucial in the fight against climate change.”

Those are the words of Rev. Dr. Larry E. Campbell, Senior Pastor of Pasadena, California’s historic First African Methodist Episcopal Church. Forty-nine members of his congregation lost their homes to the Eaton Fire last month.

The Eaton Fire raged through the Pasadena area hitting the neighborhoods of Altadena especially hard. Altadena, where many of Pastor Campell’s congregants live, is an unincorporated part of Los Angeles County just north of Pasadena, nestled in the foothills up against Angeles National Forest. I grew up in a California community similarly on the edge of the wilderness. We were used to fires happening out in the forests, but not in our neighborhoods. Thanks to extreme drought, climate whiplash, and the other effects of the climate crisis, the people in these communities now need to grapple increased firestorm threats in their towns and cities.

Altadena lost at least 17 lives and thousands of homes to the flames – many more than the City of Pasadena which, while also devastated, lost just under 200 homes. And the city leaders and community activists of Pasadena have stepped up in a big way to help their neighbors.

“In this community we don’t make very large distinctions between Altadena and Pasadena. We all grew up together, we all went to school together, and when families who lost their homes in Altadena reached out to family members for shelter it was their family and friends in Pasadena who opened their doors and welcomed them in. We really are one big community,” Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton told the Los Angeles Sentinel.

In the face of tragedy, community leaders are also stepping up not only to rebuild, but to strengthen their communities – and all of ours – against future disasters by working to combat the cause of the fires: warming due to the continued burning of fossil fuels. In 2023, the Pasadena City Council passed a Climate Emergency Resolution, setting a goal for Pasadena to run on 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. Now, in the wake of the fires, a broad coalition of local activists and advocates are pushing for Pasadena to hit that target.

Those of us who grew up in the Black Church

understand Adam’s commandment was to defend the Garden, protect the Garden, nurture the Garden. And the Garden right now is out of balance in a profound way. We should all take inspiration from how communities like Pasadena and Altadena are coming together to care for the Garden and take a stand for their future and ours.

This sort of resilience is a familiar part of Altadena’s rich history – and its Black history, in particular.

Altadena was one of the first places in Southern California where a thriving Black middle class took root in the last century. It was home to such luminaries as: Octavia Estelle Butler, the celebrated African American author and first science fiction writer to receive a MacArthur Fellowship (also known as the “Genius Grant”); the writer, activist, and early Black Panther leader Eldridge Cleaver; Sidney Poitier, the Hollywood and civil rights pathbreaker who was the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor; and Charles W. White, a local artist famous for his depictions of Black history.

Even Altadena’s earlier history dating back to the 19th century held stories of both Black achievement and racial unity. Robert Owens was born into slavery in 1806 and later became the wealthiest Black man in Los Angeles County. He made his home just above Altadena at El Prieto Canyon, which was named for him (“El Prieto” being Spanish for “the dark-skinned one”). Altadena is the final resting place of Ellen Garrison Jackson Clark, the abolitionist and civil rights pioneer. And it was the final home to Owen Brown, son of the abolitionist John Brown and the last surviving participant in his father’s raid on Harper’s Ferry. The younger Brown was celebrated locally among the area’s mixed Black and white post-Civil War community.

But a UCLA study found Altadena’s Black residents suffered disproportionately in the recent fires, due to past policies like redlining. Sixty-one percent of Black households were inside the Eaton Fire perimeter versus 50 percent of non-Black households. Nearly half of Altadena’s Black residents had their homes destroyed or severely damaged. And 57% of Altadena’s Black homeowners are over the age of 65, making them particularly vulnerable in the disaster’s aftermath.

This, the first week of Black History Month, let us resolve not to let the climate crisis take away our history. And let us remember that what is really at the heart of Black History Month is our people’s commitment to making us truly one nation. It should be a priority to prevent future disasters that would lay waste not only to homes and buildings but to rich local histories and precious generational wealth. The people of Altadena and Pasadena are showing us what that path forward looks like.

a genealogical organization. However, critics argue the abrupt staff dismissals undermine the credibility of the university’s stated commitment to reckoning with its history. “Institutions like Harvard have the resources to set an example for accountability,” said one academic familiar with the initiative. “But actions like these raise serious doubts.”

The controversy follows Harvard’s 2022 acknowledgment of its historical reliance on slavery. According to its report, the university’s leaders, faculty, and donors directly profited from slavery, with more than a third of donations during the first half of the 19th century coming from five individuals tied to the slave economy. Some enslaved individuals lived and worked on Harvard’s campus, serving presidents, professors, and students. The report also revealed that the university played a prominent role in the proliferation of racial pseudoscience, with faculty conducting dehumanizing research and promoting eugenics.

Former Harvard President Lawrence Bacow, who launched the initiative in 2019, described the program as essential to addressing Harvard’s past. “We must do what we can to understand and confront our history and the harm it caused, while building a future rooted in equity

and inclusion,” Bacow said in 2022. The initiative’s recommendations included memorializing enslaved individuals, supporting descendant communities, and funding scholarships for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). However, the layoffs have led some to question Harvard’s willingness to fully embrace these recommendations, especially when Black history and DE&I programs face unprecedented threats nationwide. Across the country, states are banning or restricting the teaching of topics related to slavery and systemic racism. Several major corporations have scaled back DE&I initiatives, and schools have faced backlash for attempts to promote racial equity. The report acknowledged that Harvard’s very existence was intertwined with slavery, stating, “Harvard depended upon the expropriation of land and labor—land acquired through dispossession of Native territories and labor extracted from enslaved people.” Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. has raised the call for continued accountability. “This will be a systematic, scholarly, sustained effort to establish the facts about this dark chapter in our university’s history and begin the long journey of healing,” Gates said.

Vanessa Russell, founder and executive director of Love Never Fails, speaks at the California State Capitol during a press conference organized to observe Human Traffic Awareness and Prevention Month. Jan. 27, 2025. (CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey)

Cassandra James, a Solano County Supervisor, said human trafficking has increased in her district and she sees that the crime is also surging across the state. (CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey)

What RFK Jr. Might Face in His Nomination Hearings This Week

By Arthur Allen

President Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer with no formal medical or public health expertise, as secretary of Health and Human Services. Two Senate committees will question Kennedy this week on how his disproven views of science and medicine qualify him to run the $1.7 trillion, 80,000-employee federal health system.Here are four considerations for lawmakers on the Senate Finance and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committees, which will host Kennedy for questioning on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively:1) Kennedy’s unconventional health claims.

For decades, Kennedy has advocated for health-related ideas that are scientifically disproven or controversial. He created and was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by Children’s Health Defense, a group that champions the false idea that vaccines cause autism and other chronic diseases and has sued to take vaccines off the market. Kennedy has said covid vaccines are the deadliest in history, antidepressants lead children to commit mass shootings, environmental contaminants may cause people to become trans, and HIV is not the only cause of AIDS. He also pushes the use of products that regulators consider dangerous, such as raw milk, and for broader use of some medicines, such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, to treat conditions without FDA approval. He says public health agencies oppose their use only because of regulatory capture by big drug and food interests.“He believes you can avoid disease if you have a healthy immune system. He sees vaccines and antibiotics as toxins,” said Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Top Trump health nominees — Kennedy, Marty Makary for FDA commissioner, Jay Bhattacharya for National Institutes of Health director, and former U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director — are generally disdainful of the agencies they’ll be leading, Offit said.“They think they are going to go into office, pull back the curtain, find all this bad stuff, and reveal it to the American public,” he said. During a measles epidemic in 2019 and 2020 that killed 83 people, mostly children, in Samoa, Kennedy, as chairman of Children’s Health Defense, warned the country’s prime minister against measles vaccination. This behavior alone “is disqualifying” for an HHS nominee, said Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association.Equally problematic, in Benjamin’s view, was Kennedy’s legal effort in 2021 to get the covid vaccine pulled from the market. “He can’t say he’s not antivax,” Benjamin said. “He wasn’t following the evidence.”A Kennedy spokesperson did not respond to a request for

comment.2) Kennedy’s chances appear good, despite opposition.

Kennedy’s nomination has emerged in a moment when Trump is on a roll and mistrust of public health and medical authority in the wake of the pandemic has created an opening for people with unorthodox views of science to seize the reins of the country’s health system.

After former Fox News personality Pete Hegseth was confirmed as Defense secretary last week despite his controversial qualifications for the job and stark warnings from former top military brass, many Washington observers think RFK Jr. is going to be hard to defeat. In a meeting on the Hill with Democratic senators and their aides last week, Offit said, “the feeling was that he would likely be confirmed.”

Trump has demanded that Republican senators line up behind his nominees and has so far succeeded. It’s thought that Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine could oppose Kennedy, based on their opposition to Hegseth. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the other Hegseth “nay” vote, is a polio survivor who has not spoken publicly about Kennedy but said in December that opposing “proven cures” was dangerous. Other senators whose Kennedy votes are said to be in question include Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the HELP Committee chair, a physician who gave a lukewarm response after meeting Kennedy. Others have reported that Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who shares Kennedy’s concern with the spread of obesity and chronic illness, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), who attended law school with Kennedy, might vote for him. Neither senator’s office responded to a request for comment. Advancing American Freedom, a conservative advocacy group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, has fought Kennedy’s nomination with a major ad buy.3) The hearings are going to be heated.

Democratic senators are coming with plenty of ammunition. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent Kennedy a 34-page letter containing 175 questions on everything from his anti-vaccine statements and actions to his waffling positions on abortion to his stances on Medicare, drug prices, and the cause of AIDS.While public health and medical groups did not coordinate with Pence’s conservative organization, questions about Kennedy’s earlier stance in support of abortion rights could raise hackles on the GOP side of the aisle. Although his group is far from Pence on reproductive rights, Benjamin said, “if it helps derail him, I hope some senators are listening to Pence. Any shelter in a storm.”“The hearings are going to be very difficult for him because he’s told a web of untruths as he’s marched across the offices,” said Leslie Dach, executive chair of Protect Our Care, a Democratic-

aligned advocacy group.Public opinion reflects leeriness of Kennedy on health, though not excessively. In a poll released Tuesday by KFF, 43% of respondents said they trusted him to make the right health recommendations. About 81% of Republicans in the poll said they trusted Kennedy — almost as many as trust their own doctor.4) What happens if Kennedy takes office.

At the NIH, FDA, and other federal health agencies, nervous scientists speak of early retirement or jumping to industry should Kennedy and his agency heads take office.

The pharmaceutical industry has kept quiet on the nomination, as has the American Medical Association. Many patient advocacy groups are worried, but wary of creating friction with an administration they can’t ignore or defeat.

Kennedy’s comments on AIDS — suggesting that gay

men’s use of stimulants, rather than the HIV virus, were its cause — are troubling to Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute. But “I don’t know if he’s going to get confirmed or not,” he said. “If he does, we look forward to working with him and educating him.”

At the J.P. Morgan Healthcare conference earlier this month, Emma Walmsley, CEO of GSK, a leading vaccine maker, said she’d “wait and see what the facts are” before predicting what Kennedy would do. Vaccines, she noted, are “not our biggest business.”

GSK is one of a handful of vaccine makers remaining on the U.S. market. That number could shrink further if the Trump administration and Congress undo a 1986 law that provided legal protection for vaccine makers — as Kennedy has advocated.

Merit Vs DEI

By April Ryan

“He [President Trump] is sanctioning…employment discrimination,” says Marc Morial the President and CEO of the National Urban League. Morial said he has talked to McDonald’s executives who recently dropped their DEI efforts as well as Walmart and he stepped off an unofficial board of Facebook as they moved to end DEI without consulting with that board. Morial made these statements on the Black Press USA show Make it Plain. Make it Plain He spoke on the cancellation of diversity equity and inclusion through a new executive order signed in the first days of this new Trump administration.

The Trump EO focuses on the word “merit” as the new hiring protocol. The definition of merit the administration is adhering to is people selected based on their ability. For the companies and federal agencies embracing the executive order Moral expressed “we have to judge you on your results.” According to the Urban League stats the current American workforce of those under the age of 40 is made up of more women than it is men. Also, the workforce under the age of 40 is half white and the other half is made up of nonwhite workers. “When you start excluding people from these businesses who will do the work,” questioned

the head of the rights group. The National Urban League this week led a roundtable discussion with other heads of civil rights groups and leaders from other racially diverse communities on the challenge of DEI in governmental departments and private sector businesses. The leaders particularly Morial were anticipating the cancellation of DEI in the federal government and private sector business is not a surprise as “Project 2025 telegraphed all these things would happen.” Morial has talked to companies who have publicly said they are walking away from DEI. “Some are trying to have it both ways… as some have stepped away [from DEI] completely. “When asked if the coalition of leaders would meet with President Trump, Morial emphasized substance over a photo op saying, “we are not opposed to a meeting with the president, but it has got to be real.” Meanwhile, when it comes to Black buying power, Morial told Black Press USA Thursday that the black buying power in this nation is close to “$2 trillion” and combined with other minority groups it is $5 trillion” the Urban League also tallied the most purchased item by Black consumers in this country, GRITS.

Businesspeople, teamwork and fist of hands in circle for collaboration, synergy and motivation of global equality from above (Photo By Jacob Wackerhausen)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services secretary, arrives for a meeting on Capitol Hill on Dec. 18. (AL

Little Tracking, Wide Variability Permeate the Teams Tasked With Stopping School Shootings

By Cheryl Platzman Weinstock

Kennedy spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.2) Kennedy’s chances appear good, despite opposition.

untruths as he’s marched across the offices,” said Leslie Dach, executive chair of Protect Our Care, a Democraticaligned advocacy group.Public opinion reflects leeriness of Kennedy on health, though not excessively. In a poll released Tuesday by KFF, 43% of respondents said they trusted him to make the right health recommendations.

About 81% of Republicans in the poll said they trusted Kennedy — almost as many as trust their own doctor.4) What happens if Kennedy takes office.

At the NIH, FDA, and other federal health agencies, nervous scientists speak of early retirement or jumping to industry should Kennedy and his agency heads take office.

Kennedy’s comments on AIDS — suggesting that gay men’s use of stimulants, rather than the HIV virus, were its cause — are troubling to Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute. But “I don’t know if he’s going to get confirmed or not,” he said. “If he does, we look forward to working with him and educating him.”

Our Dollar Has Power Black Economic Resistance Still Matters

By Kellie Todd Griffin Special to

California

Black Media Partners

We are standing at a crossroads --where our history meets our future. And in this moment, we have to ask ourselves: What would our ancestors do?

Over the last six months, we’ve watched companies quietly step away from their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). And that has left many of us with a hard choice to make because -- let’s be real --letting go of our conveniences isn’t easy. But we have never been a people who choose what’s easy over what’s right. Our legacy is built on struggle, on sacrifice, on knowing that real progress doesn’t come without real work. Almost 70 years ago, the Montgomery Bus Boycott showed us exactly what that work looks like. It wasn’t just about Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat. It was about an entire community coming together -- pastors, first ladies, labor leaders, business owners, everyday folks -who said, “Enough.” For 13 months, they walked instead of riding the bus. They organized carpools. They sacrificed their safety, their comfort, and their livelihoods to take a stand. And they won. That boycott didn’t just desegregate buses. It showed the world the power of Black economic resistance. It hit the city’s transit system where it hurt, forcing real change. And when insurance companies tried to shut them down,

they found a way. When taxi drivers were threatened for supporting the movement, they kept going. When the world told them no, they answered with action.

And we’ve seen that same power time and again. In the 1980s, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Operation PUSH took on Coca-Cola, demanding that the company invest in Black businesses and communities. After just one month of organized pressure, Coca-Cola agreed to funnel millions of dollars into Black-owned enterprises, expand diversity in its workforce, and increase Black representation at the decision-making table. In the 1990s, Jackson and Glenda Gill did it again -- this time with the auto industry. They pushed Japanese car manufacturers to invest in Black suppliers, dealers, and employees, securing $7.2 billion in diversity initiatives from Toyota alone.

These movements teach us something critical: Boycotts work. Economic action drives systemic change. But let’s be clear: change requires sacrifice. There will be Black-owned businesses caught in the crossfire. Some will lose shelf space. Some may struggle. And that is a real and difficult truth. But history shows us that without real commitments to equity, they’ll be left behind anyway. Montgomery wasn’t just about civil rights. It was an economic battle. And for a brief moment, we built something incredible -- a fully functioning Black-owned

transit system. But when the buses were integrated, that system disappeared. And that should make us think.

Because so many Black entrepreneurs today are building businesses out of necessity. They see a need in the market, and they fill it -- not just for profit, but for us. And if they can trust us to support them, then we have to demand more from the places that only see us as consumers.

Last fall, Walmart announced it would no longer focus on DEI, choosing instead to talk about “belonging.” And yet, just weeks later, they rolled out holiday commercials featuring Lorenz Tate, Nia Long and Busta Rhymes -images carefully designed to speak to us, to our culture, to our spending power.

And our spending power is undeniable. Black consumers make up 10% of Walmart’s sales, 8.9% of Target’s. Our economic clout reached $1.6 trillion in 2020. And it’s only growing.

Our dollar matters. But this moment isn’t about money. It’s about power. It’s about whether we’re willing to step outside our comfort zones, to punch above our weight class just like our ancestors did. Because our fight has never been about today. It has always been about tomorrow. So, the question is: What kind of future are we willing to build? And what are we willing to sacrifice to get there?

Let’s make this happen.

Trump’s EEOC Firings Mark Dangerous Turn for Civil Rights and Workplace Protections

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

As if Black America and other minorities needed a reminder that the United States is under a dictatorship, the country is barreling toward one of the darkest periods in its 248-year history.

President Donald Trump fired two of the three Democratic commissioners of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a move that civil rights advocates warn is aimed at dismantling workplace protections for racial minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The Associated Press reported that Trump dismissed Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels late Monday night, an unprecedented action that strips the bipartisan agency of its independence.

The firings, which occurred before the expiration of their five-year terms, leave the agency with just one Democratic commissioner, Kalpana Kotagal, and one Republican commissioner, Andrea Lucas, whom Trump recently appointed as acting chair. Trump now has the power to fill three vacancies, effectively reshaping the EEOC into a weapon against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Another Republican commissioner, Keith Sonderling, resigned after Trump appointed him Deputy Secretary of Labor. Burrows and Samuels both indicated they would challenge their removal, calling it a brazen violation of the EEOC’s independent mandate. “This undermines

the efforts of this agency to protect employees from discrimination, support employers’ compliance efforts, and expand public awareness and understanding of federal employment laws,” Burrows said in a statement.

The EEOC, created by the 1964 Civil Rights Act, investigates workplace discrimination claims and imposes penalties on employers who violate anti-discrimination laws. It also issues critical guidelines on workplace protections, ensuring that companies comply with laws preventing discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and other protected characteristics.

Trump’s latest move appears designed to position the EEOC to target employers with DEI policies, aligning with his administration’s broader attack on civil rights protections. Lucas, the new acting chair, signaled this shift last week, vowing to prioritize “rooting out unlawful DEI-motivated race and sex discrimination,” while also advancing anti-transgender policies.

Burrows and Samuels had previously condemned Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI programs and protections for transgender workers, stating that anti-discrimination laws remain intact despite the administration’s aggressive rollback of protections. Samuels, who was appointed by Trump in 2020, called her removal illegal. “This represents a fundamental misunderstanding of the EEOC as an independent agency—not controlled by a single Cabinet secretary but designed as a multimember body,” she said.

In a similarly alarming move, Trump also fired National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member Gwynne A. Wilcox, the first Black woman to serve on the board since its founding in 1935, along with NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. Civil rights organizations and labor advocates condemned the firings as a direct attack on workers’ rights. “Today’s outrageous firings send a cruel message that not all workers can count on the EEOC,” said Gaylynn Burroughs, vice president for education and workplace justice at the National Women’s Law Center. “Under the EEOC envisioned by Trump, the government will

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services secretary, arrives for a meeting on Capitol Hill on Dec. 18. (AL DRAGO/BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY IMAGES)

Kellie Todd Griffin, president and CEO of California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute

Political Playback

California Capitol News You Might Have Missed

By Bo Tefu California Black Media

Atty Gen. Bonta

Praises

Court for Blocking Federal Funding Freeze

On Jan. 28, California Attorney General Rob Bonta led a multistate coalition in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration after it announced a federal funding freeze amounting to an estimated $3 trillion.

On Jan. 31, U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island’s issued a decision granting a temporary restraining order that prevented the freeze from going into effect.

“Today’s court order ensures our communities are able to continue to access necessary federal funding for disaster recovery, including for California’s wildfire recovery efforts; education; public health and safety; and infrastructure projects. While the OMB directive was rescinded, the Administration has made clear that it intends to proceed with its plans to freeze federal funding – that’s why we went to court to get this emergency pause,” said Bonta in a statement.

“The Trump Administration is intentionally creating chaos through its public actions and statements, attempting to sow fear and confusion in our communities. We will not fall for this bait and switch. California has too much at stake,” Bonta’s statement continued.

According to Bonta’s office, the Trump Administration is required to give written notice of this order to all agencies and their employees, contractors, and grantees by Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET.

Sen. Padilla Introduces Bill to Compensate Artists for Radio Airplay

U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the bipartisan “American Music Fairness Act” on Jan. 31 to ensure artists and music creators are paid for the use of their songs on AM and FM radio. This legislation is expected to align corporate radio broadcasters with other music streaming platforms, which already pay artists for their music. The bill’s announcement arrives on the heels of the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony over the weekend in Los Angeles where a number of Black artists won awards, including Beyonce (Album of the Year, Best Country Album, and Best Country Duo featuring Miley Cyrus ) and Kendrick Lamar (Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video and Best Rap Performance).

“California’s artists enrich our country’s music scene, but our laws unfairly deny them the pay they deserve for their work on AM/FM radio broadcasts,” Padilla stated. “As we celebrate the accomplishments of our musical artists at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, we must also commit to treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve for the music they produce, and we enjoy every day.”

The American Music Fairness Act would also provide protection for small and local stations who qualify for exemptions — specifically those that fall under $1.5 million in annual revenue and whose parent companies fall under less than $10 million in annual revenue overall. The bill proposes that exempted stations play unlimited music for less than $500 annually.

In addition, the bill creates a fair global market that makes way for foreign countries to pay U.S. artists for the use of their songs overseas.

Jay King, the CEO and President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce said news of radio stations paying the artists is welcoming news. King is the founder of the R&B New Jack Swing band Club Nouveau, that put out a series of hits in the 1980s. Radio stations do not pay royalties to performers or copyright owners for songs played on the air but as songwriter and publisher of the Club Nouveau’s music,

King does receive royalties from his sound played over the airwaves, though not as an artist. He added that songwriters and publishers by law have been receiving royalties from radio stations since 1930.

“This is wonderful. What they are doing is getting legislation to catch up with technology in the 21st Century,” King told California Black Media (CBM). “Artists should get paid every time a record plays on the radio the same way as the writer and publisher. So, now I want to know how much the record companies are getting and how we are going to split this money.”

Apple Celebrates Black History Month With Unity Collection

While some large U.S. multi-national corporations are stepping away from their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, others like Apple are doubling down on their commitment to supporting balanced and equitable representation and the full participation of people of all

backgrounds in all spheres of American life.

To that end, Apple has unveiled its 2025 Black Unity Collection to honor Black History Month and celebrate Black culture and community. The collection features a special-edition Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, a matching Unity Rhythm watch face, and Unity Rhythm wallpapers for iPhone and iPad.

The Black Unity Sport Loop is designed with a custom pattern of raised and recessed loops, creating a lenticular effect that reveals green on one side and red on the other.

As the wearer moves their wrist, the colors dynamically shift, with yellow appearing during the transition.

The Unity Rhythm watch face features numerals formed by intertwined threads of red, green, and yellow. In conjunction with the collection’s launch, Apple is supporting several global organizations that focus on rhythm, creativity, and community. These include the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in New Orleans, Battersea Arts Centre in London, Music Forward Foundation in Los Angeles, Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, and The National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.

Companies winding down their DEI efforts include Meta, Target, McDonalds, Lowe’s, Walmart, Harley Davidson, Boeing, John Deere and Disney.

Besides Apple, corporations stepping up their DEI efforts or renewing their commitments include Costco, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Nordstrom, Ben & Jerry’s, Ancestry, Ulta, Walgreens, Cisco, Mitre, and e.l.f. Cosmetics, among others.

Gov. Newsom Teams Up With Magic

Johnson, LA28 and Others to Launch $100 Million Campaign to Rebuild L.A. County

In the aftermath of the devastating January 2025

wildfires in Los Angeles County, Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced the launch of “LA Rises,” a public-private initiative aimed at accelerating the region’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. The initiative is led by Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman.

To initiate the effort, the Mark Walter Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation have committed up to $100 million. LA Rises plans to raise additional funds through private donations to support communities most affected by the fires, including Altadena, Pasadena, and the Pacific Palisades.

The initiative aims to complement city, county, and state efforts by:

Fundraising and expanding access to philanthropic and private capital.

Formulating financing strategies to bridge the gap between available resources and rebuilding costs.

Collaborating with other philanthropic and community organizations to maximize the impact of ongoing recovery efforts.

Providing unified communication to keep Angelenos informed about rebuilding timelines and available resources.

“Los Angeles will rise again—stronger, more united, and more resilient than ever. Just as California came together to fight the fires, we’ll work together to rebuild,” said Newsom emphasizing the collaborative nature of the initiative.

Johnson underscored the need for bold action, expressing a commitment to ensuring that every victim, regardless of background, has the opportunity to rebuild and thrive.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger expressed support, particularly for marginalized populations in Altadena who have lost everything. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the importance of the partnership in developing solutions to support the city’s recovery efforts.

L.A. Rises will also receive financial support from California Rises, a statewide recovery initiative founded by the Governor and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom after the 2018 Camp Fire. This partnership is dedicated to supporting communities impacted by fires, as well as firefighters and first responders.

Sen. Padilla Questions Pres. Trump’s Claim That U.S. Military “Entered California” to “Turn on” Water

On Jan. 28, 2025, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth seeking clarification on President Trump’s recent claim that the U.S. military intervened to “turn on the water” in California. In a Jan. 27 post on Truth Social, President Trump stated that the military had “entered” California and, under “Emergency Powers,” restored water flow from the Pacific Northwest.

Padilla expressed concern over the accuracy and legality of the President’s assertion, emphasizing the need for transparency to ensure public awareness and compliance with federal laws governing domestic military deployment. He noted that California is currently delivering as much water to farms and cities as during the previous Trump Administration, and that Southern California has record water storage on hand. Padilla has previously countered misinformation about the state’s water supply, which he believes Trump is attempting to leverage to withhold disaster aid.

In his letter, Padilla posed five specific questions to SecretaryWhichHegseth: units of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to this mission? Specifically, where in California were they deployed? Please name the specific cities that were “entered” by U.S. Armed Forces, and the names and ownership of any facilities where troops were assigned.

When the President says members of the military “TURNED ON THE WATER,” what specific actions did U.S. service members undertake to accomplish this mission?

To which specific “Emergency Powers” is the President referring to justify this mission?

Compared to the week of January 13, 2025, how much more water is now flowing through the federal pumps? Padilla underscored the importance of clarity and transparency in to ensure public awareness and adherence to federal laws governing the use of the U.S. military within the United States. As of now, there has been no public response from Hegseth or the Department of Defense regarding Padilla’s inquiry.

LAO Releases Report on Wildfire FAQ

California’s climate, characterized by seasonal rainfall and warm, dry conditions from spring through fall, naturally predisposes the state to wildfires, according to a report the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) released last week.

The report covers six areas of focus: Wildfire Resilience and Prevention; Wildfire Response; Wildfire Recovery; Funding for schools; and Insurance.

According to the report, the risk varies across regions due to factors like vegetation type, local weather patterns, and topography. Areas where human development intersects with undeveloped wildlands, known as the wildland-urban interface (WUI), are particularly vulnerable. The federal government estimates that California has a higher-thanaverage wildfire likelihood than any other state. In recent decades, California has experienced an increase in the size and destructiveness of wildfires. Notably, eight of the most destructive fires occurred between August 2020 and January 2025. While the total acreage burned in recent decades is less than the historical average, the severity of these fires has intensified. High-severity wildfires can denude landscapes, leaving large areas with mostly charred remnants, posing significant challenges for forest recovery.

Several factors contribute to the heightened wildfire risk:

Increased Development in Fire-Prone Areas: Between 1990 and 2020, housing units in California’s WUI grew by 42%, placing more people and property in areas prone to wildfires.

Climate Change: Studies indicate that climate change has increased the likelihood and intensity of fire-prone weather conditions by 35% and 6%, respectively. Utility Infrastructure Management: While only about 10% of wildfires are started by utility equipment, some of these fires can cause significant damage, as has occurred in recent years.

Unhealthy Forests: Many of the state’s forestlands are unhealthy, tending to be dense with small trees and brush, which serve as “ladder fuels” to carry wildfires into tree canopies, increasing their spread.

Regarding forestland ownership, nearly 60%, approximately 19 million acres, is owned by the federal government, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service. Private nonindustrial entities own about 8 million acres, and industrial owners, primarily timber companies, own 14% which is 4.5 million acres. State and local governments own a comparatively small share, only 3%, adding up to 1 million acres combined. In response to the escalating wildfire threat, California has significantly increased funding for wildfire resilience activities. Between 2020-21 and 2028-29, the state committed $3.6 billion to wildfire resilience, with $2.6 billion allocated through specific budget packages and an additional $1 billion outside of those packages. As of the 2024-25 fiscal year, $2.7 billion has been appropriated, with an additional $900 million planned for forthcoming annual state budgets through 2028-29.

An Early Childhood Educator’s Journey Inspires Others

By Dr. Usma Mohamed Darrell Brown, Director of Teaching Learning & Quality Practice at It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAVA) in Chicago, was recently selected from hundreds of applicants to receive a scholarship from the Council for Professional Recognition to attend the Early Educators Leadership Conference (EELC) in Washington D.C. Darrell, a Chicago native passionate about acting, singing, and dancing, shared the inspiring journey that brought him to early childhood education (ECE) and his vision for bringing more educators into ECE.

A Start in Early Childhood Education

Darrell’s interest in ECE began early. At just 16, he had his first job teaching art to young children at a pre-k classroom at Governors State University’s childcare center. This experience opened his eyes to the powerful impact of quality early childhood experiences on a child’s development, setting him on a path he would follow for years to come. Through the Upward Bound program, Darrell gained direct experience working in a childcare center, a role that left a lasting impression. Later, after graduating from college with a degree in public health, he returned to ECE, initially as a teacher in a childcare center. His talent and dedication quickly earned him promotions, leading to a role where he coached other teachers in Early Head Start.

Building the Workforce of Tomorrow with ITAV

Since 2020, Darrell has served as the Director of the Early Childhood Workforce Development program for It Takes a Village (ITAV) Family of Schools, a Chicago-based network with six early childcare centers and two social justice-focused middle schools. His leadership at ITAV has produced over 100 Child Development Associate (CDA) recipients, with most of these educators currently working in ECE. Darrell and his team have helped hundreds of individuals earn credentials, guiding them through ITAV’s unique program integrating coaching, classroom support, and relationship-building. ITAV’s approach has been remarkably successful, with the most recent cohort achieving a 100% pass rate on the CDA exam. With a vision to expand, ITAV is in the process of becoming

a registered apprenticeship program through the U.S. Department of Labor. Darrell and his team see their model to inspire other organizations, especially as they strive to bring more men into the early childhood workforce—a

goal shared by the Council for Professional Recognition’s

CEO Dr. Calvin E. Moore. A Personal Mission Darrell’s path to ECE was deeply influenced by

his own educational experiences in Chicago. His first encounter with a Black male teacher in high school left a profound impact on him, as he realized the importance of having educators who reflect the diversity of their students.

“Seeing someone who looked like me in a leadership position has everything to do with why I am an educator today,” he shared. This experience has shaped Darrell’s commitment to the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (JEDIB). As a leader and coach, he strives to foster a sense of belonging, promote empathy, and encourage diversity among the youngest learners. His dedication to JEDIB principles not only influences his work but also serves as a foundation for building a more inclusive early childhood workforce.

An Opportunity to Grow at EELC

“Attending EELC has been more than I ever imagined,” Darrell said. The conference, held in Washington, D.C., offered him a chance to learn from experts, network with fellow educators, and gain insights he plans to bring back to ITAV. He attended sessions on mental health and even participated in a sound bath, a meditative practice that involves listening to resonant sounds, describing the experience as both rejuvenating and enlightening. The opportunity to meet Dr. Moore was a highlight for Darrell, as it reinforced his belief in the importance of the Council’s mission and the shared vision of diversifying the ECE workforce.

Looking Ahead Darrell’s career goal is to become a better leader in early childhood education, advocating for policies that provide every child with access to high-quality early learning and every teacher with access to ongoing professional development. His work at ITAV has been transformative, both for himself and for others. As Darrell continues his journey, he remains a powerful example of how passion, dedication, and commitment can drive meaningful changes in early childhood education.

Dr. Usma Mohamed is the Vice President of Brand Experience and Marketing for the Council for Professional Recognition.

Darrell Brown, Director of Teaching Learning & Quality Practice, It Takes A Village Family of Schools (middle) met with Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., CEO, Council for Professional Recognition (right)

New American Heart Association Report Reveals Alarming Inequities in Heart Health by Race and Gender

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update uncovers glaring racial and gender disparities in cardiovascular health, illustrating the profound toll heart disease takes on marginalized populations. According to the report, non-Hispanic Black adults experience an age-adjusted mortality rate of 379.7 per 100,000 due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), compared to just 104.9 per 100,000 among non-Hispanic Asian females. Researchers asserted that such inequities reflect the disproportionate burden underrepresented communities bear in accessing equitable healthcare and prevention.

Women also face significant challenges in cardiovascular health, particularly during and after pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy doubled from 2007 to 2019, with preeclampsia and gestational hypertension contributing to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Black women are disproportionately affected, experiencing higher rates of these conditions, which often lead to long-term cardiovascular complications. Additionally, gestational diabetes increased by 38% between 2016 and 2021, with older mothers facing nearly six times the risk compared to younger mothers. The study’s authors also found that poor sleep quality further compounds the risks, particularly for women, who are up to 2.3 times more likely to report insomnia symptoms than men. According

to the report, poor sleep is strongly linked to an increased risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events.

According to the study, social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and geographic location, also exacerbate these disparities. Individuals in rural areas or neighborhoods with fewer healthcare resources face limited access to screenings, healthy food options, and consistent medical care. For instance, peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients living in zip codes with a median household income of less than $40,000 are at a significantly higher risk of undergoing amputations. The report also noted that racial inequities extend to emergency care. Black individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are 27% less likely to receive bystander CPR at home and 37% less likely in public locations than White individuals. These disparities persist even when income levels are accounted for.

“We have the tools to address these inequities, but they require a commitment to prioritizing the health of all communities,” stated Dr. Seth Martin, who chaired the report. Officials said the AHA’s “Life’s Essential 8” framework is a guideline for improving cardiovascular health. This model includes recommendations for healthier diets, consistent physical activity, and better cholesterol and glucose management. However, the report indicates that over 80% of U.S. adults fail to meet these criteria.

Average diet quality scores are just 59 out of 100, and disparities are evident across race, income, and education

levels. Researchers insisted that improving these metrics could reduce major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. Community health initiatives play a critical role in addressing these disparities. Expanding access to nutritious food, exercise facilities, and education can help reduce risk factors. For example, studies have shown that reallocating just seven minutes of sedentary behavior daily to moderate or vigorous physical activity can significantly improve cardiometabolic health, including reductions in body mass index (BMI) and blood sugar levels.

Another critical area of focus is maternal health. Programs that emphasize early intervention and monitoring for pregnant women—especially those at high risk—can reduce complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Lifestyle interventions, including weight management and exercise, have been shown to cut the risk of hypertensive pregnancy disorders nearly in half. Dr. Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, a contributor to the report, added that systemic solutions are essential to addressing these disparities. “When we examine cardiovascular health, it’s clear that social determinants and structural inequities remain significant barriers. Improving health equity means removing these barriers,” she said.

Additionally, the report spelled out the economic burden of cardiovascular disease, which totaled $417.9 billion in 2021 alone. Prescription medications and office visits represent the largest cost drivers, but inequities in care access often lead to more severe and costly outcomes for marginalized groups. The report concluded that addressing the various issues would require a collective effort from policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders. Expanding Medicaid, funding local health initiatives, and ensuring equitable resource distribution are steps that can help bridge these gaps. “Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally,” said Dr. Mitchell Elkind, another key contributor to the report. “Progress is possible, but it demands both innovation in healthcare and a commitment to equity.”

“The Threat That Unregulated AI Poses to Civil Rights and National Security”

Hewitt expressed a concern about how the administration “by invitation”, will allow “companies to run a muck” when it comes to unregulated AI.

By April Ryan

“The threat that unregulated AI poses to Civil rights and National Security“ is a top priority of the Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights according to its President and Executive Director, Damon Hewitt. The rights organization has been working to reach Trump officials on AI bias data they presented to the major 2024 presidential campaigns during the race for the White House. Just days into the second Trump term, Damon Hewitt says the priority hasn’t changed but the “strategy” will. The push by the rights group comes on the heels of this week’s White House announced partnership between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, initially formed in 2024.

Stargate is funded by the private sector and will build data centers along with electricity generation. Days before the Trump Stargate announcement Hewitt expressed a concern about how the administration “by invitation”, will allow “companies to run a muck” when it comes to unregulated AI. Just last week, Jake Sullivan, the outgoing Biden administration National Security advisor told this reporter, “There have been a lot of studies to show that [AI] bias is a genuine challenge.” He continued by saying AI bias can” undermine social cohesion in the United States and globally.” The former national security advisor also implicated problems in the fight against “terrorism” with

biased AI intelligence. When Hewitt learned of Sullivan’s statement, he said, “The acknowledgment is important!”

During the Biden administration, the focus on AI bias was addressed through the administration’s AI Bill of Rights and an AI Executive Order. Hewitt believed the Biden administration understood the pervasiveness of the problem. Now Hewitt is working to make Trump officials more aware. A Trump administration staffer emphasized when asked about this AI bias concern that “this is early in the administration and there is more to come.” However, it is uncertain if more to come will include addressing the issue of AI bias.

Mixed group of raised hands carefully carry red heart

African American man face is illuminated in blue light, while a digital facial recognition grid overlays his features, showcasing technology in action.