HillmanTok University
The Digital HBCU Revolutionizing Online Education
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
A snow day in Georgia and a viral TikTok video unexpectedly set the foundation for what is now HillmanTok University, a virtual learning institution that has captured the attention of millions. It all started when Dr. Leah Barlow, a professor at North Carolina A&T, posted a welcome video for her African American Studies class. What she intended for just 36 students reached nearly 4 million viewers, sparking a movement that sixthgrade teacher Cierra Hinton helped shape into something much bigger.“I was scrolling, and I saw ‘Ms. Shannon’s Screenwriting 101 class,’ then Dr. Christie’s video, and I thought, ‘Is this an HBCU? Or did we just happen to have all Black professors?’” Hinton said during an interview on Let It Be Known. “If I’m going to be in these fabulous courses with all these highly qualified professors, what school am I in? What are our colors? What’s our mascot? Because I want to represent my school.”That curiosity led Hinton, who was joined on Let It Be Known News by Coach WestB, an official staff member and community leader at HillmanTok.But Hinton coined the name HillmanTok University, inspired by Hillman College, the fictional HBCU from The Cosby Show spinoff, A Different World. What began as a TikTok trend has since evolved into a structured educational platform that now includes a website with an extensive course catalog for Spring 2025. HillmanTok offers over 400 courses spanning a wide range of topics. Traditional classes like Spanish 101 and law sit alongside culturally relevant subjects such as Black
beauty culture, ethical issues in the criminal justice system, and even Spades 101—where students break down the hierarchy of suits on a “molecular level.”
“We have courses that you would traditionally find in a university, but also courses that are unique to us,” Hinton explained. “We have parenting courses for those raising kids with autism, health care courses, and even ones on how to lock hair or cook. The goal is to make education accessible and relevant.”
Unlike traditional universities, HillmanTok does not charge tuition. Some instructors may ask for optional contributions to cover resources, especially when their classes unexpectedly attract hundreds or even thousands of students.
“No one expected their class to blow up the way it did,” Hinton said. “Some thought they’d have 10 or 15
students, and suddenly, they have 500. That’s when they might need tools like Google Classroom to manage everything, and sometimes that requires a little extra help.”
HillmanTok has rapidly expanded, but not without obstacles. As the movement gained traction, multiple unauthorized accounts claiming to be HillmanTok surfaced across social media, leading to confusion among followers.
“If it doesn’t say The HillmanTok University, then it’s not us,” Coach West stated. “People have been scammed into paying for things we don’t charge for, like IDs. Our services are free.”
Additionally, the original HillmanTok TikTok account was hacked when Hinton attempted to secure verification, forcing the team to rebuild from scratch. Today, the official account has over 100,000 followers, but concerns remain about the platform’s future.
With TikTok’s uncertain fate in the U.S.—where the app is currently available only to existing users under an extension granted by former President Donald Trump— HillmanTok is preparing for potential disruptions.
“We have contingencies upon contingencies,” Hinton said. “HillmanTok is so important to us that we are worried about all kinds of things.”
Hinton and her team are actively exploring partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities to expand opportunities and solidify HillmanTok’s place in the educational landscape.
“For everybody who ever wanted to be part of an HBCU but couldn’t, we’re fulfilling that dream,” Hinton said.
Target Hit with Class Action Lawsuit Over DEI Policies and Stock Decline
Cornell
facing a
the company misled investors about the financial risks associated with its
equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The lawsuit, filed by the City of Riviera Beach Police Pension Fund in Florida, claims that Target issued “false and misleading” statements regarding its DEI, environmental, and social policies.According to Reuters, shareholders argue that the company defrauded them into paying
inflated stock prices while leadership allegedly “misused investor funds to serve political and social goals.” The lawsuit also references Target’s controversial 2023 LGBT Pride Campaign, which ignited backlash when the retailer introduced Pride-themed merchandise, only to later pull select items after in-store confrontations raised safety concerns. The move drew criticism from both opponents of the campaign and LGBTQ+ advocates who viewed the reversal as a betrayal.Despite the controversy, Target defended its DEI commitments. “We remain focused on driving our business by creating a sense of belonging for our team, guests and communities through a commitment to inclusion,” the company said in a statement, according to CNN. “Belonging for all is an essential part of our team and culture, helping fuel consumer relevance and business results.”Shareholders argue that Target was not forthcoming about the scrutiny it faced over its Pride Month campaign in May 2023, which ultimately led to the removal of merchandise tied to the initiative. By November 2024, Target’s shares had plummeted by 22%, resulting in a staggering $15.7 billion loss in market value. Investors assert that the retailer’s financial downturn stood “in stark contrast” to its competitors and was exacerbated by its DEI-related policies.Shareholders are seeking damages covering the period from August 26, 2022, to November 19, 2024, as Target navigates declining customer traffic and stock performance. The lawsuit comes as major corporations, including Walmart, Ford Motor Corp., and Meta, have rolled back DEI initiatives following Donald Trump’s directive to eliminate such programs.
Elon Musk and the Department of Treasury:
What Does This Mean for Your Tax Refunds?
By OGNSC Staff
In recent weeks, rumors about Elon Musk’s potential involvement with the U.S. Department of Treasury have sparked widespread discussion and concern. As a polarizing figure in the tech and business world, Musk’s name often evokes strong reactions—both positive and negative. While it’s important to note that Musk has not officially taken over the Treasury Department, the speculation raises important questions about what his influence could mean for everyday Americans, particularly those awaiting their tax refunds. Let’s examine the situation objectively. The Rumors Currently, there is no confirmed evidence that Elon Musk has taken control of the Department of Treasury. However, rumors about his potential involvement have gained traction due to his history of disrupting industries, his interest in government technology systems, and his meetings with high-ranking officials. These rumors have led to speculation about how his influence could reshape the Treasury’s operations, including tax collection, economic policy, and the processing of tax refunds. While some view Musk’s potential involvement as an opportunity for innovation, others are skeptical, given his controversial track record and unpredictable leadership
style. Regardless of where one stands, it’s crucial to separate fact
vulnerable to cyber threats.
2. Uncertainty and Disruption: Musk’s leadership style has been described as unconventional and, at times, chaotic. While his approach has led to groundbreaking achievements in the private sector, it has also resulted in
Federal Prisons Being Used to Detain People Arrested in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
By MICHAEL R. SISAK Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is using federal prisons to detain some people arrested in its immigration crackdown, the federal Bureau of Prisons said Friday, returning to a strategy that drew allegations of mistreatment during his first term. In a statement to The Associated Press, the prison agency said it is assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement “by housing detainees and will continue to support our law enforcement partners to fulfill the administration’s policy objectives.”
The Bureau of Prisons declined to say how many immigration detainees it is taking in, or which prison facilities are being used.
“For privacy, safety, and security reasons, we do not comment on the legal status of an individual, nor do we specify the legal status of individuals assigned to any particular facility, including numbers and locations,” the agency said.
Three people familiar with the matter told the AP that federal jails in Los Angeles, Miami and Philadelphia and federal prisons in Atlanta, Leavenworth, Kansas, and Berlin, New Hampshire, are among the facilities being used. The people were not authorized to speak publicly and did so on condition of anonymity. The Miami jail alone is set to receive up to 500 detainees, the people said.
An influx of immigration detainees could put yet more strain on the Bureau of Prisons, which AP reporting revealed has been plagued by severe understaffing, violence and other problems. The agency is seeking to temporarily move employees from its other facilities to help with immigrant detention.
The Bureau of Prisons is the Justice Department’s biggest agency with more than 30,000 employees, 122 facilities, 155,000 inmates and an annual budget of about $8 billion. In December, the agency said it was closing one prison and idling six prison camps to address “significant challenges, including a critical staffing shortage, crumbling infrastructure and limited budgetary resources.”
A message seeking comment was left for ICE.
Trump has vowed to deport millions of the estimated 11.7 million people in the U.S. illegally. ICE currently has the budget to detain only about 41,000 people and the administration has not said how many detention beds it needs to achieve its goals.
Many detainees are taken to ICE processing centers, privately operated detention facilities or local prisons and jails it contracts with.
On Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said a second flight of detainees landed at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. Immigrant rights groups sent a letter Friday demanding access to people who have been sent to Guantanamo Bay, saying the base should not be used as a “legal black hole.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that more than 8,000 people have been arrested in immigration enforcement actions since Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration. Of them, 461 were released for reasons that included medical conditions and lack of detention capacity, she said.
ICE averaged 787 arrests a day from Jan. 23 to Jan. 31, compared to a daily average of 311 during a 12-month period that ended Sept. 30 during former President Joe Biden's administration. ICE has stopped publishing daily arrests totals.
In 2018, during Trump’s first term, the Bureau of Prisons reached an agreement with ICE and Customs and Border Protection to detain up to 1,600 immigrants at federal prison facilities in Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington and Texas.
Six immigrants detained under that arrangement at a medium-security federal prison in Victorville, California, sued Trump, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and immigration and prison officials, alleging “punitive and inhumane” treatment.
The men, who were seeking asylum in the U.S., accused the Bureau of Prisons of providing inedible meals and spoiled milk, infringing on their ability to practice their religious faith, allowing only a few hours a week of recreation in the hot sun, and failing to provide adequate medical care.
Last October, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the Bureau of Prisons and immigration authorities under the Freedom of Information Act for records related to the use of federal prisons to detain immigrants during Trump’s first term. A conference in that case is scheduled for Feb. 28.
An ongoing AP investigation has exposed serious issues in the Bureau of Prisons, including rampant misconduct, sexual abuse by staff, dozens of escapes, chronic violence, and employees ill-equipped to respond to emergencies because of staffing limitations.
Last week, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele offered to put U.S. immigration detainees and other U.S. prisoners in his country’s massive CECOT prison — even American citizens and legal residents. In a post on the social platform X, Bukele said he was offering the U.S. “the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system” in exchange for a “relatively low” fee.
Trump says he was open to the idea, but acknowledged it could be legally problematic.
“I’m just saying if we had a legal right to do it, I would do it in a heartbeat,” Trump told reporters Tuesday in the Oval Office. “I don’t know if we do or not, we’re looking at that right now.”
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Target Corporation, along with CEO Brian
and its current and former board members, is
class action lawsuit alleging that
Trump Plans to Own the Gaza Strip
By April Ryan
The reaction is swift to the new redevelopment plan by President Donald Trump to level the Gaza Strip as the United States is expected to take it over and occupy the land. Jamal Bryant, Sr. Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia told Black Press USA, “This is a dark moment for humanity! The light in the holy land has blown out with the decisions of the Trump administration.” Bryant emphatically stated, “We are effectively co-signing a genocide, and people around the world should be morally outraged.” During the joint Press Conference with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last night, Trump expressed that he wants to turn this valuable property, the Gaza Strip, into “the Riviera of the Middle East”. Hamas, the Palestinian group that governs Gaza,
condemned the proposal calling it a “recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region”. Hamas vows that “our people in the Gaza Strip will not allow these plans to pass,” Chair of the Board of the NAACP Leon Russell says of the East Room announcement that” Palestinian genocide is not an acceptable goal for the United States Government or its citizens.” Just 15 days as President in this second term, the Trump announcement upends decades of US policy towards the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Russell emphasized, “The United States must be intent on making the halfhearted cease fire and exchange of hostages/prisoners a permanent and lasting peace providing peaceful homelands for Israel and the Palestinian diaspora.”
However, the president’s focus is on this project. “The U.S. will own” and “will supply unlimited numbers of
jobs and housing for the people of the area,” according to Trump. Meanwhile, the president has not ruled out the use of the US military to conduct this leveling and ethnic cleansing of the Gaza Strip. This US redevelopment project is already being called a “crime against humanity” according to Russell who went on to say, “No one in a uniform of the United States Armed services should ever enter Gaza.” Trump believes the US occupation will “supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area”. The 47th president of the United States was emphatic that his “administration would take responsibility for clearing destroyed buildings and dismantling “dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons” in the Gaza Strip.
Experts Say Trump’s South African Land
Stance Exposes A Deep Hypocrisy
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
President Donald Trump’s latest maneuver, an executive order to cut U.S. aid to South Africa while extending refugee status to white South Africans, is yet another calculated exercise in race-baiting and historical revisionism. Trump claims that Afrikaners, the white descendants of Dutch and French settlers who own the vast majority of South Africa’s farmland, are victims of persecution under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s land reform efforts. Yet, the reality of land ownership in South Africa tells a different story, and Trump’s feigned concern for land rights is made even more absurd when compared to the systematic land dispossession endured by Black Americans in the United States. South Africa’s land reform efforts aim to redress the racial inequities created by apartheid, a regime that systematically transferred land from the Black majority to the white minority. Despite the official end of apartheid three decades ago, white South Africans still control between 70 to 80 percent of the country’s arable land. Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) government has introduced expropriation policies to correct this historic injustice, ensuring that land reform is in the public interest and within the constitutional framework. Yet, Trump has chosen to distort the issue, parroting the narrative pushed by AfriForum, an Afrikaner lobby group that claims white South Africans face racial discrimination. Even AfriForum, however, does not accept Trump’s offer of refugee status. “Emigration only offers an opportunity for Afrikaners who are willing to risk potentially sacrificing their descendants’ cultural identity as Afrikaners. The price for that is simply too high,” said AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel.
The hypocrisy of Trump’s sudden interest in land rights is stark when viewed against the backdrop of America’s own history of racialized land theft. While Trump amplifies the supposed plight of white South Africans, his own country has a long and well-documented history of dispossessing Black Americans of their land through legal
and extralegal means. According to Inequality.org, at the beginning of the 20th century, Black Americans owned at least 14 million acres of land. By the 21st century, 90 percent of that land had been taken through fraudulent legal schemes, intimidation, and outright theft. Today, African Americans own only 1.1 million acres of farmland and part-own another 1.07 million acres, a staggering loss of generational wealth that has never been addressed.
Land theft from Black people in the United States was carried out through methods such as heirs’ property laws, tax sales, and the Torrens Act, which allowed white developers to seize Black-owned land under the guise of legal loopholes. Heirs’ property laws divided land among multiple descendants, making it difficult for families to retain ownership. Tax sales preyed on Black families with fixed incomes, forcing them to auction off land they had no intention of selling. The Torrens Act allowed land to be sold without notifying all co-owners, stripping Black
families of their property without legal recourse.
The impact of this systematic theft is immeasurable. In Mississippi alone, between 1950 and 1964, nearly 800,000 acres of Black-owned land were stolen, amounting to a present-day valuation of up to $6.6 billion. The wealth lost through land dispossession remains one of the most enduring factors in the racial wealth gap, where the typical white family still has eight times the wealth of the typical Black family.
Trump’s selective outrage over land redistribution in South Africa stands in direct contrast to his administration’s complete disregard for the historical theft of Black land in the U.S. His policies consistently benefited white landowners while neglecting the Black farmers and families who had been systematically robbed of their property for generations. His administration dismantled the civil rights division of the USDA, an agency long accused of discriminating against Black farmers and ignored efforts to provide restitution to those who had suffered under racist policies.
The irony deepens when one considers Trump’s welldocumented hostility toward refugees. His administration slashed refugee admissions to record lows, imposed draconian immigration bans, and separated children from their families at the border. But now, white South Africans—who remain the most economically privileged demographic in their country—are suddenly deemed worthy of asylum. Black and brown refugees fleeing war, famine, and persecution were demonized as threats under Trump’s watch, yet white Afrikaners are welcomed with openZiyadarms. Motala, writing in the Middle East Monitor, noted that Trump’s claim of white South African persecution “would be an amusing episode of alternate history if it were not so transparently false.” White South Africans continue to dominate the country’s economy, with the top earners and corporate executives overwhelmingly white. Motala further pointed out that Trump’s narrative is being bolstered by figures like Elon Musk, whose family directly benefited from apartheid’s racially engineered
economic system. Musk’s political pivot toward white grievance politics aligns seamlessly with Trump’s latest efforts to manufacture a racial crisis where none exists.
Moreover, South Africa’s judiciary, bound by constitutional supremacy, has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to legality and justice, something that Trump’s presidency consistently undermined. Unlike Trump, South Africa’s Constitutional Court has held former leaders accountable who openly flouted the rule of law and sought unchecked power. When former South African President Jacob Zuma ignored court orders, he was held in contempt and sentenced to prison. By contrast, Trump’s abuse of presidential pardons saw convicted war criminals and insurrectionists absolved simply for their loyalty.
Trump’s real motivation in targeting South Africa likely has little to do with land reform and everything to do with South Africa’s stance on international justice. The country’s decision to bring Israel before the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza has drawn Washington’s ire, and Trump, ever eager to shield Israel from scrutiny, has now concocted yet another race-based distraction. The hypocrisy is glaring. Trump, who has spent his political career demonizing Black and brown asylum seekers, now fashions himself a humanitarian for white South Africans. The same man who dismissed systemic racism in America and worked to dismantle civil rights protections now suddenly professes concern for racial discrimination—so long as the supposed victims are white.
“For all the talk of ‘America First,’ Trump’s policies have never been about national interest but rather about the consolidation of power through fearmongering and race-baiting,” Motala observed. “South Africa, in its commitment to legal accountability, human rights, and constitutional integrity, exposes precisely what Trump and his enablers despise: a legal order where power is constrained, the rule of law prevails, and privilege is not an eternal birthright.”
Black Federal Employees Targeted in Public Blacklist
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as Trump and Musk Continue Assault on Diversity
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
A right-wing nonprofit backing Donald Trump has published the names and photos of more than 50 federal employees, many of them Black, in a move that civil rights advocates warn could endanger lives and deepen systemic discrimination in government agencies. The “D.E.I. bureaucrat watch list,” compiled by the American Accountability Foundation, identifies workers based on their support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) initiatives, past social media activity, or donations to Democratic candidates.
The employees—many of them serving at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other federal health agencies—have been labeled by the organization as “woke D.E.I. devotees” and targets for termination under Trump’s administration. The group claims these individuals are “anti-American bad actors.” The organization has circulated dossiers detailing their purported offenses, which include reposting content about racial disparities in healthcare or making critical remarks about Trump’s policies.
Supporters of the targeted workers have expressed alarm, warning that the public identification of government employees in this manner could lead to harassment, violence, and job loss. One federal employee, whose name appeared on the list, told The New York Times, “My name and picture are out there. In 2025, it’s very simple to Google and look up someone’s home address. What happens next?”
Another individual described the move to NBC News as “psychological warfare” against civil servants simply trying to do their jobs.
The list is part of a broader right-wing effort to dismantle diversity programs and purge public institutions of individuals seen as obstacles to Trump’s agenda. The
American Accountability Foundation, founded in 2020 to undermine the Biden-Harris administration, has ramped up its efforts since Trump’s return to power along with Elon Musk. The organization has been financially backed by groups like the Heritage Foundation, which authored the Project 2025 blueprint that outlines an aggressive strategy to reshape the federal government along far-right ideological lines.
Thomas Jones, president of the American Accountability Foundation, admitted in an interview with The New York Times that his group did not attempt to verify the employment status of those it targeted or reach out for comment before compiling the list. “I’m busy; I’ve got a lot of stuff to do,” Jones stated when asked about the lack of verification efforts.
Civil rights leaders and legal experts say the move reflects a growing trend in which Trump-aligned organizations seek to eliminate diversity-focused policies and intimidate those advocating for equity. “This is a scare tactic to intimidate people from doing their jobs,” said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, in comments reported by NBC News. “It’s clear racism.”
The federal employees on the list are not high-level policymakers but career professionals in public health, research, and regulatory affairs. Some were singled out for social media posts made years before they entered government service. Others were flagged for professional work aimed at addressing racial disparities in healthcare—a field backed by decades of research showing systemic disadvantages for Black, Latino, and low-income communities in medical treatment and health outcomes.
The move is consistent with Trump’s broader crackdown on diversity initiatives, which he has labeled a form of discrimination against white Americans. His allies
in Congress have used similar rhetoric, disparaging Vice President Kamala Harris as a “D.E.I. hire” and insisting that affirmative action and diversity programs unfairly favor minorities. Trump has refused to disavow these remarks and has framed his dismantling of federal D.E.I. offices as “the most important federal civil rights measure in decades.” Musk, meanwhile, has provided a platform for Trump’s anti-diversity rhetoric through his control of X (formerly Twitter). His rollback of content moderation policies has led to a resurgence of far-right extremism and disinformation, further fueling efforts to discredit D.E.I. and intimidate those who support it. Legal experts warn that publicly outing government employees for their beliefs and professional work sets a dangerous precedent. “Trump’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t about policy. They are a sanitized substitute for the racist comments that can no longer be spoken openly,” said Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, in remarks published by The New York Times. “But the message is the same: that Black and brown Americans are inherently less capable, and if they hold positions of power, the standards must have been lowered.” The publication of the list raises concerns that government employees will face increased threats, harassment, and job insecurity. As Trump and his allies push forward with their broader agenda of eliminating diversity programs and reshaping the federal workforce, many fear that this is only the beginning of a more extensive purge.
“This is a return to blacklisting,” said Timothy Welbeck, director of Temple University’s Center for Anti-Racism, in comments reported by NBC News. “From McCarthy-era tactics to modern-day doxxing, the goal remains the same: silence opposition and dismantle diversity efforts.”
Elon Musk and the Department
President Donald Trump
Senior National Correspondent
Hip-Hop Mourns the Loss of Irv Gotti Murder Inc. Founder Dies at 54
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Hip-hop icon and record executive Irving “Irv Gotti” Lorenzo Jr., the mastermind behind Murder Inc. Records, has died at 54. The cause of death has not been announced, though Gotti had battled diabetes-related issues and suffered multiple strokes in recent years.
Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons was among the first to pay tribute, calling attention to Gotti’s impact and the broader health crisis affecting Black men and women.
“Brothers and sisters, please don’t let Irv Gotti go without acknowledging the tragedy of his death and the state of Black health in America,” Simmons urged. “This talented, beautiful, happy, curious, enthusiastic spirit has left his body way too soon. I am sure God will receive him with love. To the Black men and women of America still here to face this crisis, the epidemic of chronic diseases and illnesses is a result of America’s food industry poisoning you and the normalization of bad diets and lack of selfcare. Those following great nutritionists like Dr. Sebi are walking away from this cycle of sickness. Help your brothers and sisters take the same path.” Gotti rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, shaping the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX. His signature production style fused hip-hop beats with melodic hooks, creating crossover hits that dominated radio and television from 2001 to 2004. He played a pivotal role in crafting chart-topping singles such as I’m Real and Ain’t It Funny with Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule and Foolish and Always on Time with Ashanti.
Before launching Murder Inc. in 1998, Gotti worked as an A&R at Def Jam, where he helped sign Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. Under his DJ moniker, DJ Irv, he produced Can I Live from Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt album. His influence extended beyond hip-hop,
co-producing Vanessa Carlton’s Heroes and Thieves album alongside Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins. Lyor Cohen, the former Def Jam executive now serving as YouTube’s global head of music, recalled Gotti’s contributions. “Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop,” Cohen stated. “When we were on bended knee, he brought the heat and saved us. He came from a very tight, beautiful family from Queens, and it’s an honor and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be missed.”
Gotti’s career faced challenges in the mid-2000s when an FBI investigation into alleged ties with drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff led to a raid on Murder Inc.’s offices. Though acquitted, the case tarnished the label’s reputation. In recent years, Gotti pivoted to television, launching the BET anthology series Tales, blending hiphop and storytelling. Steve Rifkind, founder of Loud Records, recalled his longtime friendship with Gotti. “I met Irv in 1993 when he had Mic Geronimo signed to him. We always laughed about what would have happened if he had gone to Loud,” Rifkind reminisced. “After his case in the mid-2000s, we both ended up at Universal, where he had Lloyd and I had Akon. Doug Morris had a plan for us, but we never quite figured out what it was. We just knew we had lunch with him and Mel Lewinter every Monday for a year. We never found out what the plan was, but boy, did we learn a lot and have a lot of laughs. To the Gotti, Lorenzo, and Murder Inc. family, my heart goes out to all of you.”
Gotti is survived by his children, Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; his sisters, Tina and Angie; and his brother, Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Murder Inc.
“Rest in peace, Irv. You were such a beautiful soul but gone too soon,” Simmons said.
MAGA Melts Down Over Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance
By Julia Ornedo
It was a night of pearl-clutching for many prominent conservatives Sunday night as they objected to yet another hip-hop performance at a major sporting event.
This time, it was Kendrick Lamar, who just weeks after winning big at the 2025 Grammys cemented his victory lap by performing a triumphant halftime show at the Super Bowl—anchored by his infamous diss track lampooning fellow rapper Drake. Lamar even seemingly predicted the backlash with the inclusion of acerbic actor Samuel L. Jackson, who introduced the rapper to the crowd and later exclaimed: “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto. Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game?”
Many right-wing politicians and pundits were quick to let their disappointment be known as part of a collective MAGA hissy fit over Lamar’s performance. Most of the criticism seemed to be over the critics’ inability to understand his lyrics.
Conservative commentator Matt Walsh described the performance as “easily the worst halftime show” he had ever seen.
“Halftime show is trash. Nobody can even understand what he’s saying,” he added. “And the vast majority of football fans haven’t even heard of most of these songs.”
“The halftime show you just watched is clearly the regime’s response to Trump’s historic gains with black men,” said disgraced congressman Matt Gaetz.
Another former representative, George Santos, was more direct: “The Super Bowl Halftime show was absolute TRASH!”
President Donald Trump didn’t appear too interested in the performance either. CNN’s Brian Stelter reported that the president left his box at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans about two minutes before Lamar’s show ended. Comedian and podcast host Theo Von, who was at Trump’s inauguration and did interviews with the president during the 2024 campaign, said the halftime show was “boring”—while right-wing pundit Charlie Kirk simply said the music was “not [his] style.” Ben Shapiro, who describes himself on his X profile as “America’s #1 ex-rapper,” said Lamar had “a beautiful voice and a beautiful accent.”
pague manutencion, y honorarios y costos legales. Para asesoramiento legal, pongase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener informacion para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www.lawhelpca.org) o poniendose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado. NOTICE-RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: The restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgement is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. AVISO-LAS ORDENES DE RESTRICCION SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PAGINA 2: Las ordenes de restriccion estan en vigencia
cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a peticion de usted o de la otra parte.
Trump’s Already Gone Back on His Promise To Leave Abortion to States
By Julie Rovner
Abortion foes worried before his election that President Donald Trump had moved on, now that Roe v. Wade is overturned and abortion policy, as he said on the campaign trail, “has been returned to the states.”Their concerns mounted after Trump named Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime supporter of abortion rights, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services — and then as he signed a slew of Day 1 executive orders that said nothing about abortion.As it turns out, they had nothing to worry about. In its first two weeks, the Trump administration went
further to restrict abortion than any president since the original Roe decision in 1973.Hours after Trump and Vice President JD Vance spoke to abortion opponents gathered in Washington for the annual March for Life, the president issued a memorandum reinstating what’s known as the Mexico City Policy, which bars funding to international aid organizations that “perform or actively promote” abortion — an action taken by every modern Republican president. But Trump also did something new, signing an executive order ending “the forced use of Federal taxpayer dollars to fund or promote elective abortion” in domestic programs — effectively ordering government agencies to halt funding to programs that can be construed to “promote” abortion, such as family planning counseling.Dorothy Fink, the acting secretary of Health and Human Services, followed up with a memo early last week ordering the department to “reevaluate all programs, regulations, and guidance to ensure Federal taxpayer dollars are not being used to pay for or promote elective abortion, consistent with the Hyde Amendment.”The emphasis on the word “promote” is mine, because that’s not what the Hyde Amendment says. It is true that the amendment — which has been included in every HHS spending bill since the 1970s — prohibits the use of federal dollars to pay for abortions except in cases of rape or incest or to save the mother’s life.But it bars only payment. As the current HHS appropriation says, none of the funding “shall be expended for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion.”In fact, for decades, the Hyde Amendment existed side by side with
a requirement in the federal family planning program, Title X, that patients with unintended pregnancies be given “nondirective” counseling about all their options, including abortion. Former President Joe Biden reinstated that requirement in 2021 after Trump eliminated it during his first term.So, what is the upshot of Trump’s order?For one thing, it directly overturned two of Biden’s executive orders. One was intended to strengthen medical privacy protections for people seeking abortion care and enforce a 1994 law criminalizing harassment of people attempting to enter clinics that provide abortions. The other sought to ensure women with pregnancy complications have access to emergency abortions in hospitals that accept Medicare even in states with abortion bans. The latter policy is making its way through federal court.Trump’s order is also leading government agencies to reverse other key Biden administration policies implemented after the fall of Roe v. Wade. They include a 2022 Department of Defense policy explicitly allowing service members and their dependents to travel out of states with abortion bans to access the procedure and providing travel allowances for those trips. (The Pentagon officially followed through on that change on Jan. 30, just a few days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took over the job: Service members are no longer allowed leave or travel allowances for such trips.) The order is also likely to reverse a policy allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide abortions in some cases, as well as to provide abortion counseling.But it could also have more wide-ranging effects.“This executive
order could affect other major policies related to access to reproductive health care,” former Biden administration official Katie Keith wrote in the policy journal Health Affairs. These include protections for medication abortion, emergency medical care for women experiencing pregnancy complications, and even in vitro fertilization.“These and similar changes would, if and when adopted, make it even more challenging for women and their families to access reproductive health care, especially in the more than 20 states with abortion bans,” she wrote.Anti-abortion groups praised the new administration — not just for the executive orders, but also for pardoning activists convicted of violating a law that protects physical access to abortion clinics.“One after another, President Trump’s great pro-life victories are being restored and this is just the beginning,” Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said in a statement.Abortion rights groups, meanwhile, were not surprised by the actions or even their timing, said Clare Coleman, president and CEO of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. The association represents grantees of Title X, which has been a longtime target of abortion opponents.“We said we didn’t think it would be a Day 1 thing,” Coleman said in an interview. “But we said they were coming for us, and they are.”HealthBent, a regular feature of KFF Health News, offers insight into and analysis of policies and politics from KFF Health News chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner, who has covered health care for more than 30 years.
DMV Links Presents Red Dress
2025: “Live Long, Heart Strong”
A Call to Action for Heart Health and Wellness
Washington, D.C. (February 4, 2025) – The DMV Links Chapters is presenting its 17th annual Red Dress event, a transformative virtual initiative dedicated to empowering women to prioritize their heart health. Guided by this year’s theme of “Live Long, Heart Strong,” the event will be hosted by veteran award-winning journalist and heart attack survivor Jennifer Donelan and moderated by Symone Sanders-Townsend, host of MSNBC’s The Weekend. The event will stream live on Facebook on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 7-9 pm EST on National Wear Red Day. The DMV Links Red Dress event underscores the importance of knowing your numbers—blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI—and taking charge of your health for yourself and your loved ones. This year’s event, hosted by the Arlington (VA) Chapter in partnership with the American Heart Association and BlackDoctor.org, will feature an inspiring lineup of speakers, engaging panel discussions, and actionable resources designed to educate and motivate attendees to take control of their health.
The 2025 Speaker Lineup includes: Sherri Shepherd, Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show host of Sherri and advocate for women’s health
Governor Wes Moore, the 63rd Governor of Maryland
Keith Churchwell, MD, National President of the American Heart Association
Tanya Lombard, Vice President of Global External and Public Affairs, AT&T
Ethel Isaacs Williams, National President of The Links, Incorporated
Lisa Loury Lomas, PhD, Eastern Area Director of The
Links, Incorporated, and mental health expert
Panelists include:
Kym Whitley, award-winning actress and comedian, shares her personal journey about heart health
Reginald Robinson, MD, National AHA Physician of the Year and leading cardiologist
Cherae Farmer-Dixon, DDS, Dental School Dean at Meharry Medical College
Rick Fairley, Founder of Touch, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance
Lisa Cooper-Lucas, PhD, of LCLucas Clinical Associates, mental health expert
“This year’s theme, Live Long, Heart Strong, is a powerful reminder that women’s health should always be a priority,” said Suzanne Walker, Arlington (VA) Links Chapter, the Chair Chapter for this year’s event. “Our goal is to provide women with the tools and knowledge to live healthier, more vibrant lives.”
Other highlights of the signature event include giveaways (tickets to popular National talk shows, health and wellness items, self-care essentials, et al.) and a program book featuring advertisements from local entrepreneurs, promoting economic empowerment in the community. “Thanks to our incredible partners, including AT&T, INOVA, The McCuiston Group, HBCU Honors, BlackDoctor.org, and Business Management Associates (BMA), this event is not just an awareness campaign—it’s a movement to inspire action and save lives,” said Michelle M. Bailey, Event Chairwoman, Arlington (VA) Links Chapter.
The event is hosted by 15 DMV Links chapters, with additional support from sponsors including The DC
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Stacy M. Brown’s Groundbreaking Book on the
Transatlantic Slave Trade Calls for Action and Education
for racial justice and economic empowerment.
“This book is more than history—it is a call to action,” said Dr. Chavis. “The blood, sweat, and tears of enslaved Africans built the foundation of America’s democracy, yet their descendants continue to face systemic injustice. The fight is not over, and we must arm ourselves with knowledge to move forward.” With the backdrop of book bans and efforts to erase Black history, The Transatlantic Slave Trade stands as a crucial resource in educating future generations about the ongoing effects of slavery. Dr. Chavis announced that the book will be distributed to schools and educational institutions across the country, ensuring that students have access to an unfiltered account of history.
“We refuse to allow our history to be erased,” said Dr. Chavis. “We will not depend on those who seek to suppress the truth. This book will reach classrooms, libraries, and communities where it is needed most.” Endorsed by
cultural and thought leaders, The Transatlantic Slave Trade has received support from figures such as NBA legend Isiah Thomas and Public Enemy’s Chuck D. “Dr. Ben Chavis must continue to fight and tell this story, not just for our generation, but for future generations who must understand the truth about our history if they are to finish righting the wrongs that began over 400 years ago,” said Thomas. Chuck D, who wrote the book’s foreword, added, “The chains of slavery may have been broken, but the shackles of systemic racism are still very much intact. If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention.” Dr. Chavis is mobilizing Black leaders, the Black press, and allies worldwide to act against racial and economic oppression. This month, the Black Press of America will convene to discuss the next steps in ensuring the book’s reach and in organizing community action. “This is about more than a book launch,” Dr. Chavis said. “We are building a movement that spans generations, pushing back against efforts to silence us and reclaiming our power in education, economics, and political engagement.” The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500Year Legacy is now available at major book retailers and online platforms.
Unrecognizable woman measures her blood pressure using a wrist monitor in her cozy living room.
Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), The McCuiston Group,
NFL Drops’ End Racism’ from Super Bowl Field, Bows to Trump’s Anti-DEI Agenda
By Stacy M. Brown
Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The NFL has confirmed that it will remove the phrase “End Racism” from the end zones at Caesars Superdome ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl, replacing it with the neutral “Choose Love.” The move comes as Donald Trump and his allies escalate attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and major corporations— including the NFL—bend to right-wing pressure. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy defended the decision, claiming the change was tied to recent national tragedies, including wildfires in California, the terrorist attack in New Orleans, and fatal plane crashes in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. “‘Choose Love’ is appropriate to use as our country has endured in recent weeks wildfires in Southern California, the terrorist attack here in New Orleans, the plane and helicopter crash near our nation’s capital, and the plane crash in Philadelphia,” McCarthy said. The shift comes as Trump prepares to attend the Super Bowl. Since returning to power in January, Trump has aggressively targeted DEI programs, signing an executive
order on his first day in office to dismantle diversity initiatives in federal agencies. Last week, following the midair collision of an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, D.C., Trump baselessly blamed DEI policies, continuing a pattern of using national tragedies to fuel racist propaganda.
The NFL’s History of Profiting from Social Justice
In 2024, approximately 53.5 percent of NFL players and 36.6 percent of assistant coaches were African American. Yet, when racial justice was at the forefront in 2019, the league was at odds with the Movement for Black Lives. To smooth things over, the NFL turned to Jay-Z. That year, after blackballing former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for kneeling in protest of police brutality, the NFL announced a partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. The deal gave Roc Nation control over the Super Bowl halftime show, leading to high-profile performances and a star-studded entertainment spectacle each year. However, the social justice component of Jay-Z’s partnership has often been forgotten. Critics accused the
Comparing Histories:
rapper-turned-mogul of selling out, especially given his history of boycotting corporations he deemed racist. In 1999, Jay-Z refused to attend the Grammys after the award show ignored DMX’s record-breaking success. In 2006, he called out luxury brand Cristal for dismissing hip-hop culture and immediately stopped selling the champagne at his 40/40 Club. “It has come to my attention that the managing director of Cristal, Frédéric Rouzaud, views the ‘hip-hop’ culture as ‘unwelcome attention,’” Jay-Z said at the time, per Decanter magazine. “I view his comments as racist and will no longer support any of his products through any of my various brands, including the 40/40 Club, nor in my personal life.”
Despite Jay-Z’s past activism, many argue his NFL deal did little to advance social justice within the league.
In 2022, USA Today’s Mike Freeman wrote, “There isn’t a single, tangible thing you can point to that shows Jay-Z helping with the league’s social justice efforts.”
The NFL’s Pivot and the Response NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league’s DEI efforts at a press conference Monday, dismissing
concerns that the removal of “End Racism” signaled a shift away from diversity. “Our policies have been designed to be well within the law, well within the practice,” Goodell said. “There are no quotas in our system. This is about opening that funnel and bringing the best talent into the NFL.” But critics argue that the NFL is retreating in the face of Trump’s influence. “Guess what @nfl? If you’re against ‘Stop Racism,’ that means you’re FOR… Racism. F–k you and every one of your advertisers,” former ESPN host Keith Olbermann wrote on X. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova called the NFL “F…n cowards.”
Cleveland sports radio host Daryl Ruiter criticized the league’s performative activism, saying, “Sad to see NFL’s performance art, literally on the field, go. Painting slogans on fields was good for business for a bit to show people you at least pretend to care.” NFL reporter Mike Freeman summed up the reaction: “Well, I guess racism is over.”
Black and Japanese American Advocates Talk Reparations and Justice
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Two former members of the California Task Force
to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans shared some of their experiences developing a 1,075-page report that detailed injustices suffered by African Americans during and after chattel slavery.Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist Dr. Cheryl Grills and Bay Area-based attorney Don Tamaki, who were part of the nine-member reparations panel spoke at the “Justice Through Action: Black Reparations-Reparative Justice” event hosted by local chapters of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) in Sacramento on Feb. 8.The event was held at the California Museum.“The first impact that the overall report had on me is that it gave me a panoramic view and it was a panoramic view of the elephant in the room,” Grills, who attended the event virtually, told the audience. “The way America teaches about our history, American history, gives us little snippets and little pieces. It’s definitely watered down,” Grills added.However, Grills said the report the task force compiled presented a version of the Black experience in America that was not diluted. “You
could see the totality of the elephant,” she said. “The report gives you the fullness and density of the elephant, which was, at the same time, validating, overwhelming, and painful.”Thefinal reparations report was submitted to Gov. Gavin Newsom and the legislature on June 29, 2023, after the task force completed a two-year study that proposed a comprehensive reparations plan.Assembly Bill (AB) 3121 authored by then-Assemblymember Shirley Weber and enacted on Sep. 30, 2020, established the state’s reparations task force.“California has historically led the country on civil rights, yet we have not come to terms with our state’s ugly past that allowed slaveholding within our borders and returned escaped slaves to their masters,” stated Weber, who is now Secretary of State.The JACL is the nation’s oldest and largest Asian AmericanPacific Islander Civil Rights Organization. It is focused on securing and safeguarding the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI) and all communities who are affected by injustice and bigotry. The JACL presentation was hosted to observe the 83rd anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World
War II. That panel was part of the Northern California Time of Remembrance (NCTOR) committee’s Annual Day of Remembrance program organized in partnership with the California Museum.Tamaki, who is Japanese American and the only non-Black member of the task force, said the Black and Japanese experiences in America have some parallels but there are significant differences as well. “When you look at reparations, and this was the eye opener to me, it’s actually a unifying concept,” Tamaki said. “There’s no equivalence between four years in a concentration camp that our community experienced and 400 years of oppression.”Tamaki explained, “We do have some things in common. Japanese know something about mass incarceration and profiling and the consequences. In that respect, there is a reason for all of us, whatever our background, to start looking at (reparations). We have to cure the body and not just put a band-aid on it.” Grills is a clinical psychologist whose work focuses on community psychology. A Professor of Psychology at Loyola Marymount University, she us also a past president of the Association of Black Psychologists.Tamaki is a senior counsel at Minami Tamaki LLP. He has spent decades
working with AAPI legal services programs. In the 1980s, he participated in the Japanese American reparations movement and served on the pro bono legal team that reopened the landmark 1944 Supreme Court case of Fred Korematsu. The case resulted in overturning Korematsu’s criminal conviction for violating the incarceration order that led to the imprisonment of 125,000 Japanese Americans after the attack on Pearl Harbor.Tamaki was the lone non-Black member of the nine-member Reparations Task Force.At the 2025 NCTOR event, presented by local chapters of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), several Japanese, Jewish and other non-Black groups in California conveyed their support for reparations for Black American residents of the state who are descendants of enslaved people. Earnest Uwazie, a Sacramento State University criminal justice professor and director of the Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution, was one of more than 100 persons who listened to the two-hour discussion.“I thought the event was great,” said Uwazie. “It’s always great to hear from the people involved in the study of reparations and it is good to get a comparative with the Japanese experience. This was extremely informative.”
California Housing Officials Recommend State Protect Renters From Extreme Heat
By Molly Castle Work
landlords and builders who fear such a measure would force them to make big-ticket upgrades. In a 60-page report sent Monday to the legislature, the California Department of Housing and Community Development recommended lawmakers set a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for the Golden State’s estimated 14.6
State law protects renters in the winter by requiring all rental residential dwelling units to include functioning heating equipment that can keep the indoor temperature at a minimum of 70 degrees, but there is no similar standard giving renters the right to cooling.
The release of this report is a key milestone, but it’s just the first step of a long road, vulnerable to legislative politics and an influential housing industry that has successfully delayed similar proposals in the past. In 2022, state lawmakers directed the housing department to issue cooling recommendations after proposed legislation stalled when landlords, real estate agents, and builders raised concerns such a standard would be cost-prohibitive.
is leading to these kinds of maximum indoor temperature guidelines.” If the housing proposal is adopted, California could have the most comprehensive requirements in the nation, Gabbe said. Some local jurisdictions, including Phoenix, Dallas, and New Orleans, have set their own standards, and the city and county of Los Angeles are exploring their own protections. Last year was the planet’s warmest on record, and extreme weather is becoming more frequent and severe, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Even though most heat deaths and illnesses are preventable, about 1,220 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heat stress can cause heatstroke, cardiac arrest, and kidney failure, and it’s especially harmful to the very young and the elderly.
Those concerns remain. Many California rental units are older homes, sometimes 90 to 100 years old, and installing air conditioning would require expensive changes, including upgrading the electrical system, said Daniel Yukelson, CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles.
“These types of government mandates, absent some kind of financing or significant tax breaks, would really put a lot of smaller owners out of business,” said Yukelson, who added that he’s concerned it would lead to housing getting bought by large corporations that would spike rent prices.
The report recommends lawmakers provide incentive programs for owners to retrofit residential units so the cost isn’t passed along to renters. It also suggested a variety of strategies that could be deployed to keep homes cool: central air conditioning, window units, window shading, fans, and evaporative room coolers. For new construction, housing officials suggested new standards incorporating designs to keep indoor temperatures from topping 82 degrees, such as cool roofs and cool walls designed to reflect sunlight, or landscaping to provide shade.
Whether the legislature will take up the housing department’s recommendations is unclear. Spokespeople
for Democratic Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Sen. Henry Stern, Democrats who co-authored the 2022 cooling standard bill, declined to comment. Californians largely stand behind the idea, according to a 2023 poll from the University of California-Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times. Sixty-seven percent of voters said they supported the concept of the state establishing cooling standards for residential properties. As temperatures rise and heat waves become longer and more intense, the report cautions, deaths in California could rise to 11,300 a year by 2050. And deaths from all causes “may be up to 10% higher on hot nights compared with nights without elevated temperatures,” according to a February presentation by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. That’s because it can be particularly dangerous when people can’t cool off at night during extended heat waves, said David Konisky, a professor of environmental policy at Indiana University. “When you can’t count on evening cooling off and allowing the body to readjust,” he said, “that’s when things get really dangerous for people’s health.”
NNPA
While Trump Bans DEI, He’s Hosting Black History Month?!
By April Ryan
It is official, the Trump Administration is hosting its White House Black History Month Celebration this Wednesday. This gathering of Black officials and others happens in the midst of the Trump administration’s antiDEI and anti-woke efforts.
During this administration’s first White House Press Briefing, January 28th, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed “we will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion or creed have made to our great country. America is back!”
Republican Armstrong Williams says he is “optimistic” about the Wednesday White House celebration that he is not expected to attend.
While in New Orleans for Super Bowl activities, Williams told Black Press USA that, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, “strengthening families, and strengthening business” for wealth creation will see a “renaissance.”
Currently, the majority of HBCU presidents are concerned with the potential impact of new Trump administration Executive Orders against DEI and the threat of federal funds being revoked from their Black colleges.
Williams, a media mogul, is aware of the anti woke and anti DEI Trump administration efforts. However he counters saying, ”people will absolutely be shocked. He [Trump] will build his legacy and that will be a part of it. This is something he is really committed to.”
On social media when this reporter posted a portion of the White House invite, IG White House Black HIstory Month Celebration reaction was swift. Black Press USA obtained a copy of the invitation for purposes of this story only.
One respondent, @papimagic said, “So no federal office or agency is [no] longer allowed to celebrate Black History Month… or any other identity centered celebration… but y’all throwing a BHM dinner…. Girl make it make sense. The maths not mathing.”
On the social media platform X a respondent said, White House Black History Month reaction, “so the White House can hold their Black History Month celebration, but not the employees of federal agencies, DOD, DODEA, schools with teachers and librarians who had to take down and remove all decorations, books, and lesson plans on black history? SMDH hypocrites.”
At press time Black Press USA was still waiting for the list of the attendees for the Wednesday early afternoon event at the White House.
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback
Lawsuit Accuses UC Schools of Giving Preference to Black and Hispanic Students
A lawsuit filed in federal court accuses the University of California (UC) of racial discrimination in undergraduate admissions, alleging that Black and Latino students are favored over Asian American and White applicants. The lawsuit, filed by the group Students Against Racial Discrimination, claims UC’s admissions policies violate Proposition 209, a state law passed in 1996 that prohibits the consideration of race in public education.
The lawsuit also alleges UC is violating the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars racial discrimination by federally funded institutions.
In response, UC stated that race is not a factor in admissions, as per state law, and that student demographic data is collected only for statistical purposes.
in University of California, Berkeley campus on a sunny autumn day, view towards Richmond and the San Francisco
California
Stett Holbrook, a spokesperson for the UC system, said the entity had not been served with the lawsuit.
“If served, we will vigorously defend our admission practices,” said Holbrook.
“We believe this to be a meritless suit that seeks to distract us from our mission to provide California students with a world class education,” he said.
The complaint criticizes UC’s use of a “holistic” admissions process, arguing it replaces objective academic criteria with subjective considerations that disadvantage
certain racial groups. It cites admission rate disparities at UC Berkeley, noting a decrease in Black student admissions from 13% in 2010 to 10% in 2023, compared to an overall drop from 21% to 12%.
The lawsuit follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling banning affirmative action in college admissions, which has prompted challenges to race-conscious policies nationwide. The plaintiffs seek a court order preventing UC from collecting racial data in applications and request a federal monitor to oversee admissions decisions.
Tony Thurmond Urges Educators to Stay Focused Amid Federal Funding Battle
California Superintendent of Public Instruction
Tony Thurmond has urged educators to remain focused on student achievement following a court ruling that temporarily blocks the Trump administration from freezing federal funding for schools, health care, law enforcement, and disaster relief.
A U.S. District Court judge in Rhode Island issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on Jan. 31, halting federal efforts to pause funding while a lawsuit led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 22 other state attorneys general moves forward. Thurmond, a declarant in the case, welcomed the decision and reassured educators that funding for critical school programs remains in place.
In a statement and a letter to California’s local educational agencies (LEAs), Thurmond praised efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism and close achievement gaps, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
“Now is not the time to be distracted by external efforts to demean and divide,” Thurmond wrote. “Please continue to stay the course with local programs that are producing results. Our students need consistency, support, and community more than ever.”
Thurmond emphasized that state officials will continue advocating for stable funding to ensure schools can maintain and expand programs that help students succeed.
Gov. Newsom Meets With Trump Administration, Members of Congress
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom met with President Donald Trump and members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, to push for federal disaster relief for survivors of the Los Angeles County firestorms.
The meeting focused on securing aid for recovery and rebuilding efforts after last month’s devastating wildfires in Southern California. Newsom, joined by California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, emphasized the urgent need for federal assistance.
“We’re cutting red tape to speed up recovery and working across the aisle to ensure survivors get the support they need,” said Newsom highlighting their joint efforts to support communities impacted by the fires.
On Capitol Hill, Newsom met with California Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-1), Ken Calvert (RCA-41), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), and George Whitesides (D-CA-27), as well as Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) , Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (DCA).
At the White House, Newsom and Trump discussed coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local agencies. Newsom thanked the Trump administration for its early response, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) deployment of over 1,000 personnel for debris removal.
Gov. Newsom’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Says
More Education Needed
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education released a report assessing Holocaust and genocide education in California schools. The study found that while some school districts have strong programs, overall implementation is inconsistent, with success often depending on individual educators rather than a systematic approach.
Newsom, who established the council in 2021 amid rising antisemitism, reaffirmed his commitment to improving Holocaust education.
“Hate is unacceptable in California, and the decline in awareness about the Holocaust is alarming,” said Newsom.
The council, co-chaired by Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Senator Henry Stern (D-CA-27), State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and Dr. Anita Friedman, identified a need for more state support, professional development, and curriculum improvements. Key recommendations include revising history-social science standards, increasing funding for Holocaust education, and expanding teacher training.
“Students must learn about genocide to prevent history from repeating itself,” said Stern.
Bonta emphasized that “teaching truth is crucial to combat hate,” while Thurmond stressed the role of education in fostering inclusion.
The report aligns with California’s broader efforts to combat hate and discrimination, including funding for Holocaust education initiatives at museums and institutions statewide.
The Newsom administration has secured millions of dollars to support Holocaust and genocide education initiatives, including partnerships with the Holocaust Museum LA, the JFCS Holocaust Center, and the Museum of Tolerance. The Council aims to continue these efforts, ensuring the lessons of the past are never forgotten.
Dennis Richmond, Pioneering Black News Anchor and Bay Area Icon, Dies
at 81
Dennis Richmond, the iconic KTVU journalist who anchored the station’s 10 o’clock news for over 30 years, has died at the age of 81, the station announced Wednesday. Richmond, one of the nation’s first Black majormarket news anchors, joined KTVU in 1968 as a parttime clerk and typist after serving in the Army. In 1976, he became lead anchor, a position he held until his retirement in 2008. Known for his calm, authoritative presence, Richmond was a trusted source of news for generations of Bay Area residents.
“To the Black community, he was hope; they could turn on the TV, and there was someone who identified with us,” said retired KTVU photographer Bill Moore. Richmond covered major events in Bay Area history, including the assassination of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978, the Jonestown Massacre, and the Oakland Hills firestorm of 1991. He was known for his commitment to journalistic integrity and for avoiding the “happy talk” trend that was popular in news at the time.
“He was a tough bird, man,” said CNN anchor Sara Sidner, a former KTVU colleague.
“He was a stickler for really sticking with the facts,” she said.
After retiring, Richmond moved to Grass Valley, California, where he enjoyed golf and tennis.
Richmond suffered a heart attack and fall in December before passing away in Grass Valley with his wife, Deborah, by his side.
Richmond is survived by his wife, daughter, stepson, and countless Bay Area fans who remember him as a steady, trusted presence in their homes.
The Climate-Driven Insurance Crisis
devastation of the Los Angeles County wildfires. The request stated that as of February 1, the company had received more than 8,700 claims and already paid over $1 billion to customers. And State Farm predicted it would pay out significantly more and the fires would “collectively be the costliest in the history of the company.” As some companies look to rate hikes, many insurers’ answer has been to stop writing insurance altogether in areas they
plan. But the policies they were showing me after I lost my Chubb policy were
homes that they will insure in areas that they would deem vulnerable.” In Illinois, roughly 250,000 customers insured by Allstate will pay at least 14% more in homeowners insurance starting this month due to the impacts of increasing severe weather. This comes after Allstate raised rates by 12% last year. And in California, the
of the
the hills, in some cases – it helps deprive the next generation of would-be homeowners of that core piece of the American Dream. And it causes plenty of pain for existing homeowners as well. Craig Kushen lives in Coto de Caza, California, on the edge of the fire prone Cleveland National Forest. He has been in the thick of his state’s insurance crisis for years – well before the most recent fires that ravaged Greater Los Angeles. His home insurer, Chubb, dropped his coverage about six years ago. Even back then, insurance companies were well aware the climate crisis was making certain areas increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters. “My insurance through Chubb was roughly $4,000 when I was dropped. I was luckier than most in that I had really great insurance agents working to find me a new
Aerial view of buildings
bay shoreline in the background,
Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at
University of
(Courtesy Photo)
Two New California Bills Are Aiming to Lower Your Prescription Drug Costs
By Edward Henderson California Black Media
Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has introduced two bills in the State Senate that could lower prescription drug prices for California residents.Senate Bill (SB) 40, or the Insulin Affordability Act — and accompanying legislation, SB 41, or Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform — comprise Wiener’s Prescription Drug Affordability (PDA) Package.Together, the bills would cap monthly co-pays for insulin at $35 (SB 40) and create regulations for pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) whose negotiation practices, critics say, have resulted in steep price increases for prescription drugs (SB 41).“It makes no sense that people with diabetes in states like West Virginia can access affordable insulin while Californians are stuck with higher prices,” said Wiener in a statement.“When basic life necessities like medication become unaffordable in Blue States, working people pay the price. As Democrats, we should be leading on making people’s lives better and more affordable,” continued Weiner. It is past time California caught up with other states and put basic protections in place to contain the astronomical cost of basic medications.”SB 40’s proposed $35 monthly co-pay was written, in part, in response to the price of insulin tripling over the past decade, Wiener’s office says. As a result of the increase, one in four people using insulin has reported insulin underuse because they can’t afford the full dose. Four in five Americans in need of insulin have incurred thousands of dollars in credit card debt to pay for the medication, according to a recent survey conducted by CharityRx.
About 4,037,000 adult Californians have diabetes, with an additional 263,000 cases of Type 1diabetes diagnosed each year. This rate in new cases disproportionately affects the elderly, men, and low-income patients, Wiener’s office reports. Christine Fallabel, regional director of state government affairs and advocacy with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), a sponsor of SB 40, said, “The ADA has long led the fight to make insulin more affordable, and there has been significant progress. We look forward to building on the momentum across the country to extend the $35 per month insulin cap to include people with state-
regulated health plans in California. No one should have to skip their lifesaving insulin due to costs alone.”
According to Wiener, SB 41 is his follow-up to similar legislation he introduced last year, SB 966, which was vetoed by Gov. Newsom.
Middlemen in the pharmaceutical industry, PBMs buy prescription drugs from manufacturers and then sell them to pharmacies and health plans. Their position as intermediaries allows them to charge high administrative fees and significantly higher prices for drugs to pharmacies than they paid originally. This practice results in higher costs for patients seeking the prescriptions they need.
“On behalf of the Californians we serve who live with chronic and rare diseases, we are grateful to Sen. Wiener for his commitment and attempt to hold pharmacy middlemen accountable for their anti-patient and anti-pharmacy practices,” statedLiz Helms, California Chronic Care Coalition President & CEO. “Health care costs continue to rise when patients cannot afford medically necessary medications. We are committed to bringing transparency and oversight to PBMs, and look forward to continuing our work with Senator Wiener, our advocacy partners, and welcome others to join us in this fight.”
SB 41 proposes that all PBMs be licensed and that they disclose basic information regarding their business practices to the licensing entity. It also calls for a number of other requirements and prohibitions, including limiting how fees may be charged and requiring transparency related to all fees assessed.
“This bill addresses some of the worst abuses by pharmacy benefit managers: lack of transparency, unfair business practices, steering, and price gouging,” said Jamie Court, President of Consumer Watchdog. “Increasingly what is best for PBMs is not best for patients or the health care system.”
In 2022, drug spending in California grew by 12%, while total health premiums rose by just 4%. Last year, more than half of Californians either skipped or postponed mental and physical healthcare due to cost, putting their safety and well-being at risk. One in three reported holding medical debt, including half of lowincome Californians.So far, there is no organized opposition to the Prescription Drug Affordability package.
Umoja Community Black History Month Conference Motivates and Energizes
By
Paula Lynn Parks
Umoja’s Black History Month Conference engaged the audience with insights on current issues and with African beats. More than one hundred students and community members participated in this seventh annual event on the Bakersfield College campus.
Who believes that social media content affects how you think and behave? This was the first question thrown out by keynote Dr. Damien Danielly, who spoke on “Reset Your Algorithm: it’s Black History Month.” The conversation moved to how we can use social media as a tool for education and liberation and how to curate a media feed that is accurate and uplifting. “If you are not aware (that social media is manipulative), you will fall victim. They want you to forget who you are,” explained Danielly, an expert in media and Black youth.
West African master drummer Dramane Kone’ and his Ballet Djelia Kadi entertained the audience with drumming and dancing. The audience eagerly joined the dancers on stage to learn songs, dance moves, as well as percussion beats.
Umoja student June Ling moderated the afternoon panel with Vicki Kemp, Tye McCovey, Artisa Moten, and Dr. Niesha
Davis-Massey. The ladies shared pearls of wisdom as they responded to questions from Ling and the audience on responding to challenges, whether rooted in this political climate or in personal issues. Davis-Massey advised the audience to sit with emotions, feel the feeling, and know that they can get through it. Kemp added that students can talk to someone they trust to help them navigate the situation. McCovey asked students what is their why and reminded them that it may change over time. Moton brought the topic back to Danielly’s remarks by asking students “what are you feeding yourself?” She advised students to invest in themselves, build their brand, and ignite others.
MCs Naomi Foots and Trevor Turner were awesome at providing information on Umoja, introducing all the speakers, and keeping the program moving and running on schedule.
Umoja Community African-American Success Through Excellence and Persistence is a program designed for motivated Black students. It provides coursework, study support, college visits, cultural activities, mentorship, and academic counseling. For more information, contact Coordinator Dr. Paula L. Parks at pparks@bakersfieldcollege.edu or 661-232-0191. Follow on FB and IG.
(Courtesy Photo)
(Courtesy Photo)
(Courtesy Photo)
(Courtesy Photo)