Black Church Target Boycott Mobilizes 150,000
Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, an Atlanta-based pastor of the New Birth Baptist Church, has reported a robust national turnout for his consumer boycott against Minneapolis-based retail giant Target. The fast-selectivebuying campaign, which began during the Lent Season from March 5 to April 17, targets what Bryant describes as the company’s neglect of the Black community. According to Bryant, the boycott has mobilized over 150,000 participants and persuaded over 100 Black vendors to withdraw their products from Target. The movement has led to a $12 drop per share in Target’s stock and a $2 billion decrease in its overall value. “We just hit 150 thousand people who have signed up to be part of it, with over 100 black vendors that pulled out of Target, so the momentum is going steadily,” Bryant explained.
The NAACP and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, have simultaneously announced the planning and implementation of a national public education and selective buying campaign in response to Target and other corporations that have dismantled their respective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments, programs and staffing. “Now is the time for the Black Press of America once again to speak and publish truth to power emphatically,” NNPA Chairman Emeritus Danny Bakewell Sr. explained. NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. added, “We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America.” “The Black Press of America continues to remain on the frontline keeping our families and communities informed and engaged on all the issues that impact our quality of life,” Henry noted.
Despite the traction, Bryant revealed that there had been no communication or planned meetings with Target. He humorously speculated that the White House may have encouraged Target officials to avoid meeting with civil rights groups. “No, we’re waiting. As we understand it, the administration is trying to get them not to meet and is hoping that this is just going to taper off,” Bryant remarked. “But unless President [Trump] is in trouble and buys a whole bunch of toilet paper, I don’t know what they expect the White House to do for them.” Bryant also discussed the Black Church leadership’s historical and present role in America’s civil rights and social justice movements. “The Black Church has always been the heartbeat and the epicenter of the civil rights movement,” he said, acknowledging the changing perceptions among younger generations regarding the church’s involvement in social justice.
Bryant called for continued focus and support from the community to maintain the boycott’s impact. “It is critical that Black people can’t afford to get A.D.D; we can’t taper off and lose synergy. It’s important that people stay the course and keep amplifying our voices because it is being heard from Wall Street to Main Street,” he urged.
NNPA President & CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. said he’s known and witnessed the national and international rise of the Black Church leadership and commitment to Bryant. “In the tradition of Richard Allen, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are pleased to state for the sake of historical accuracy that Jamal Bryant is today the personification of the prophetic tradition of the Black Church,” Chavis remarked. “We in the Black Press of America stand in rigid solidarity with Rev. Dr. Bryant as we target campaign Target’s egregious disrespect of Black America.”
California Black Health Network Launches
Conscious Black Movement
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH:
By Edward Henderson California Black Media
Throughout history, Black women have been pioneers in the beauty and fashion industry, redefining standards, creating groundbreaking products, and advocating for safer, more inclusive practices.
In honor of Women’s History Month, the California Black Health Network (CBHN) is launching the Conscious Black Beauty Movement (CBBM) to continue this legacy. The effort aims to empower all Black women and girls to lead healthy lives, free from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals in beauty and personal care products.
According to CBHN, the average woman uses 12 different beauty and personal care products every day, exposing her to 168 toxic chemicals. Many of these chemicals are hormone disruptors that have been linked to health conditions including diabetes, endometriosis, infertility, obesity, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine fibroids. Even products that claim to be natural or organic can contain these dangerous chemicals.
“Current beauty standards often celebrate light/white skin and European features, creating an unhealthy image for Black women and girls,” said CBHN in a release. “Beauty products marketed to Black women frequently contain the most harmful ingredients in the cosmetics industry. Black women, who use more beauty products per capita than any other demographic, are particularly vulnerable to these toxic exposures.”
Black women purchase $7.5 billion of beauty products each year, which represents 9 times more than any other demographic. Additionally, Black women who regularly dye their hair with permanent hair dyes have a 45-77%
Reaction to
higher risk of breast cancer and those who use chemical hair straighteners are 30% more likely to develop breast cancer.
“The goal is to ignite a movement across California to engage Black women and girls to amplify their voices and drive change,” said CBHN. “We hope that providing Black women with educational resources about the toxic chemicals in their products will provide them with the information they need to make more informed and safer purchases.”
The CBBM addresses the impact of toxic beauty products marketed to Black women and girls, driving informed choices, policy changes, and community empowerment in California and beyond and will catalyze manufacturers to remove toxic ingredients from these products.
The Campaign’s Non-Toxic Black Beauty Project also created a list of safer Black Beauty products in order to help consumers make more informed purchases and guide the efforts of manufacturers and retailers to make and sell safer products.
Working with their partner, Clearya, CBHN screened the Black Beauty Product Database against Tier 1 Red List chemicals. Brands that did not have any of the Tier 1 chemicals in their products were placed on a list of NonToxic Black Beauty Products, which includes 78 brands and 696 products. These brands and their products will be listed on the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) website in a searchable database by name and product type.
The CSC has also created a database of Black-owned beauty brands whose product ingredients were vetted for
safety by the campaign and their advisory committee of scientists and NGO’s working to improve Black women’s health.
“The companies we’re showcasing are making safer Black beauty products that won’t harm the health of Black women and girls,” said Janet Nudelman, CSC Director in a release. “We hope that more and more companies will follow their lead and help grow the clean Black beauty industry by selling non-toxic makeup and personal care products that Black women can trust.”
CBHN is asking community members to get involved with their campaign by staying informed, spreading the word about the information from the campaign, supporting the Black owned brands cleared by the CSC and continuing to advocate for change within the beauty industry by collaborating with them.
The Education Executive Order
By
higher education and threatens 26 million students across the country, taking billions away from their educational futures. Meanwhile, During the president’s speech in the East Room of the White House Thursday, Trump criticized Baltimore City, and its math test scores with critical words. Governor West Moore, who is opposed to the EO action, said about dismantling the Department of Education, “Leadership means lifting people up, not punching them down.”
George Foreman, the Fearsome Heavyweight Who Became a Beloved Champion, Dies at 76
By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer
George Foreman became the heavyweight champion of the world in his 20s, only to lose his belt to Muhammad Ali in perhaps the most memorable fight in boxing history.
A full 20 years later in 1994, the 45-year-old Foreman became the oldest man to win the heavyweight championship, throwing one perfect combination to steal Michael Moorer's title in an epic upset. Few fighters ever had more big moments than Big George Foreman — and even after he finally left the ring, he was only getting started. The fearsome heavyweight, who lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Ali before his inspiring second act as a surprising champion and a successful businessman, died Friday night. Foreman was 76. Foreman's family announced his death on social media, not saying how or where he died.
“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father and a proud grand- and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and purpose," his family wrote. “A humanitarian, an Olympian and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply respected. A force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.”
A native Texan, Foreman began his boxing career as an Olympic gold medalist who inspired fear and awe as he climbed to the peak of the heavyweight division by stopping Joe Frazier in 1973. His formidable aura evaporated only a year later when Ali pulled off one of the most audacious victories in boxing history in Zaire, baiting and taunting Foreman into losing his belt.
Foreman left the sport a few years later, but returned after a 10-year absence and a self-described religious awakening.
The middle-aged fighter then pulled off one of the most spectacular knockouts in boxing history, flooring Moorer — 19 years his junior — with a surgical right hand and claiming Moorer's two heavyweight belts. Foreman's 20 years is easily the longest gap between heavyweight title reigns.
“His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” former heavyweight champion of the world, Mike Tyson, said on X, formerly Twitter, as he expressed his condolences.
Foreman's transformation into an inspirational figure was complete, and he fought only four more times — finishing 76-5 with 68 knockouts — before moving onto his next career as a genial businessman, pitchman and occasional actor.
Outside the ring, he was best known as the face of the George Foreman Grill, which launched in the same year as his victory over Moorer. The simple cooking machine sold more than 100 million units and made him much wealthier than his sport ever did.
“George was a great friend to not only myself, but to my entire family,” Top Rank president Bob Arum said.
“We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated.”
In the first chapter of his boxing career, Foreman was nothing like the smiling grandfather who hawked his grills on television to great success.
Foreman dabbled in petty crime while growing up in Houston’s Fifth Ward, but changed his life through boxing. He made the U.S. Olympic team in 1968 and won gold in Mexico City as a teenager, stopping a 29-yearold opponent in a star-making performance. Foreman rose to the pinnacle of the pro game over the next five years, but was also perceived as an aloof, unfriendly athlete, both through his demeanor and through the skewed racial lenses of the time.
Jim Lampley, the veteran boxing broadcaster who worked alongside Foreman for many years at HBO, told The Associated Press on Friday night that Foreman's initial demeanor was an attempt by his camp to emulate Sonny Liston, the glowering heavyweight champ of the 1960s.
“At some point somewhere along the way, he realized that wasn’t him," Lampley said.
Foreman stopped Frazier in an upset in Jamaica in January 1973 to win the belt, with his knockout inspiring Howard Cosell’s iconic call: “Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!” Foreman defended his belt against Ken Norton before accepting the fight with Ali in the now-immortal bout staged in Africa by promoter Don King. Ali put on a tactical masterclass against Foreman, showing off the “rope-a-dope” strategy that frustrated and infuriated the champion. Foreman was eventually knocked down for the first time in his career, and the fight was stopped in the Continued on page A3
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Trump Backs U.S. Entry into British Commonwealth, Raising Alarm Over American Independence and Slave Trade
By Stacy M. Brown
BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
Donald Trump has expressed support for the United States becoming an “associate member” of the British Commonwealth, responding to a report in The Sun that King Charles might extend such an offer during Trump’s upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom. “I Love King Charles. Sounds good to me!” Trump wrote online. The Sun cited a “secret offer” in development following a Daily Mail report claiming discussions are underway “at the highest levels” to include the U.S. in the Commonwealth of Nations. While the British government deferred to Buckingham Palace, some officials in the Labour government view the monarchy as a diplomatic bridge to Trump, who has publicly praised the royals. The proposal if true sparked concern in the U.S. given its historical split from British rule. The American Revolution, launched in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence, was a rejection of British monarchy, high taxation without representation, and the forced quartering of British troops. The U.S. break from Britain was rooted in ideals of liberty while also entangled with the transatlantic slave trade Britain helped build. The founding
document declared that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness contradicted by the simultaneous enslavement of African people that Britain helped perpetuate through the transatlantic slave trade. British economic dominance in the 1600s and 1700s relied on enslaved labor across its colonies, particularly in the Caribbean and North America. Plantations producing sugar, tobacco, and other goods fueled England’s global rise.
Trump’s support for closer symbolic ties to the monarchy comes as his policies continue to draw fire, including signing sweeping executive orders rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, restricting birthright citizenship, and increased deportation efforts. Critics say these moves mirror post-Reconstruction tactics that pushed African Americans back into second-class citizenship. Margaret Huang, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, called recent attacks on DEI “a sanitized substitute for the racist comments that can no longer be spoken openly.” One political historian noted online that, “This isn’t about diplomacy or nostalgia. It’s about rewriting the meaning of American independence.”
Return to Jim Crow: Federal Regulations Rolled Back to Allow Segregation
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
The Trump administration has blatantly resurrected segregation in federal contracting, undoing decades of civil rights progress by removing anti-segregation mandates. The alarmingly regressive move reopens the door for racially divided facilities, eerily reminiscent of the Jim Crow era, with potential “Whites Only” and “Colored” signage in government-funded workplaces. “This isn’t just a policy shift; it’s a moral catastrophe,” stated Melissa Murray, a constitutional law professor at New York University, in an NPR interview. “We are witnessing the deliberate dismantling of civil rights protections that generations fought to secure.” “We are witnessing the deliberate dismantling of civil rights protections that generations fought to secure,”
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The changes, initiated without the customary public comment period, have been implemented to align with new executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, this sudden shift has sparked accusations of undermining democracy and transparency. An anonymous federal employee expressed outrage to NPR. “This is an outright assault on democratic norms, a covert operation to reintroduce segregation without public scrutiny,” the unnamed employee remarked. The National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies have received directives to disregard previous anti-segregation clauses in their contracting processes. Inquiries to the General Services Administration about bypassing established procedural protocols were met with vague assurances. “The GSA is committed to implementing executive orders effectively and promptly,” GSA spokesperson Will Powell stated. Kara Sacilotto, an attorney specializing in federal
contracts, pointed out the broad attack on civil rights, noting that the targeting of these protections extends beyond racial lines to include gender identity, previously expanded under the Obama administration. In the NPR interview, Kara said that “the provision was flagged because it was revised under the Obama administration to include “gender identity.” That change was made, she says, ‘to implement an Obama era Executive Order 13672, and that executive order from the Obama administration is one of the ones that President Trump, in his second term, rescinded,’ she explains. ‘And so, along with [Trump’s] other executive orders about gender identification, I would suspect that is the reason why this one got identified on the list.’”
Stacy M. Brown
Year 2025 (H. Con. Res. 14), setting revenue and spending targets for the next decade. The resolution outlines $1.5 trillion in gross spending cuts and $4.5 trillion in tax reductions between FY2025 and FY2034, along with $500 billion in unspecified deficit reduction.Congressional
also known as food stamps. Energy and Commerce must deliver $880 billion in savings, likely through Medicaid reductions. Meanwhile, the Ways and Means Committee must craft tax changes totaling no more than $4.5 trillion in new deficits, most likely through extending provisions of the
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),
eighth round. Foreman told the BBC in 2014 that he took the fight almost out of charity to Ali, who he suspected to be broke.
“I said I was going to go out there and kill him, and people said, ‘Please, don’t say you’re going to kill Muhammad,’” Foreman said. “So I said, ‘OK, I’ll just beat him down to the ground.’ That’s how easy I thought the fight would be.”
Exhausted and disillusioned, Foreman stopped fighting in 1977 and largely spent the next decade preaching and working with kids in Houston after his religious awakening. He returned to boxing in 1987 in his late 30s with a plan to defy time through frequent ring appearances, and he racked up a lengthy series of victories before losing to Evander
George Foreman, the Fearsome Heavyweight Who Became a Beloved Champion, Dies at 76
Holyfield in a surprisingly competitive title fight in 1991.
Three years later, Foreman got in the ring with Moorer in Las Vegas, more for his celebrity than for his perceived ability to beat Moorer. The champion appeared to win the first nine rounds rather comfortably, with Foreman unable to land his slower punches. But Foreman came alive in the 10th, hurting Moorer before slipping in the short right hand that sent Moorer to the canvas in earth-shaking fashion.
Lampley, who was calling the fight, named his upcoming autobiography — which includes a prologue about Foreman — after his famous call of that moment: “It Happened!” Foreman quit the ring for good in 1997, although he
occasionally discussed a comeback. He settled into a life as a boxing analyst for HBO and as a pitchman for the grills that grew his fame and fortune. Much of the world soon knew Foreman as both a lovable friend and a ferocious fighter.
“He started performing as this pitchman, this product pitchman with the big, ever-present giant grin on his face," Lampley recalled. "When I was working with him, people would say, ‘George is a big clown.’ And I would say, ‘Well, you can call him a clown, but he’s actually a genius. He may be the greatest genius I’ve ever met.’ And people would say, ‘Well, genius, what do you mean?’ I’d say, ‘Well, check the bank account. If that isn’t proof enough, I don’t know what is.’ So, he was a genius. He was a human genius.”
Yella Beezy Charged with Capital Murder in Shooting Death
By JUAN A.
Court records did not list an attorney who could speak on behalf of Conway. Calls and emails to representatives for Conway were not immediately returned. In a Facebook post after Conway's arrest, Noble's mother, Nichole Williams Noble wrote, “Justice for my baby!!!!” The 28-year-old Noble was driving on Interstate 35 in south Dallas on Nov. 11, 2020, when authorities allege White drove up next to him and got out of his vehicle with a gun in his hand. Noble got out of his vehicle and began running south on the freeway as White shot at him, authorities said. Noble and a bystander who was inside a car were shot by White, police said. The bystander survived but Noble died at a hospital. White and another man, Devin Brown, 32, were later indicted in Noble’s death. Their cases related to Noble’s death remain pending. White, 26, was sentenced in 2022 in a separate case to nearly nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Conway is best known for his 2017 single, “That’s On Me” and the 2019 song “Bacc At It Again” with Quavo and Gucci Mane. In October 2018, Conway survived being shot while driving on a tollway in the Dallas suburb of Lewisville when someone pulled up next to him and opened fire, hitting
who also lived in Dallas.
Foreman briefly starred in a sitcom called “George” in the 1990s, and he even appeared on the reality singing competition “The Masked Singer” in 2022. A biographical movie based on his life was released in 2023. Foreman had 12 children, including five sons who are all famously named George Edward Foreman.
“Legendary boxing champion, life-changing preacher, husband, father, grand- and great-grandfather and the best friend you could have,”
Continued from page A1
LOZANO Associated Press
(AP) —
New Diamond Verification Device Introduced Natural Vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Know What You’re Buying
A new device, the DiamondProof, can rapidly and reliably distinguish natural diamonds from laboratorygrown diamonds and other diamond simulants.
One of the most common misconceptions in the ongoing debate between natural and non-natural diamonds is that it’s impossible to tell the difference between the two. Research shows that almost half of consumers are unaware that laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs) can be detected from their natural counterparts. For consumers who are investing in diamonds and diamond jewelry, this means there is perhaps a lack of assurance that they are getting what they think they are paying for. This spring, with the introduction of a new verification device, the DiamondProof, to retail stores for the first time, consumers will be able to make informed purchasing decisions and distinguish natural diamonds from non-natural diamonds, like LGDs and other diamond simulants, with a zero percent ‘false positive rate’.
Developed by the De Beers Group, the DiamondProof technology can detect the distinct chemical compositions of natural diamonds, allowing for precise and rapid identification. Early adopters of the DiamondProof include some of the largest jewelry retailers in the U.S., and the device will also be available in several independent retail outlets to ensure that any diamond consumer can try out the technology and gain assurance on their jewelry, or diamonds they are planning to purchase. The first DiamondProof prototype instrument was unveiled last June at the JCK show in Las Vegas, the premier jewelry
expo for retail professionals. Many quickly jumped on board and ordered the device for their stores, noting the ability to rapidly and easily screen both loose diamonds as well as stones set in jewelry. “Natural diamonds and labgrown diamonds are two fundamentally different products. Natural diamonds are rare, one-of-a-kind miracles of nature that come to us from the earth through heat, pressure, and time.” notes CEO of De Beers Brands Sandrine Conseiller.
“This incredible journey is what makes them the ultimate marker of life’s most profound emotional moments. Consumers should be able to have confidence in such a meaningful purchase, and DiamondProof allows retailers to offer them greater peace of mind. We are in a new era of transparency at retail, and customers deserve to know what they are buying.”
“By rapidly and reliably identifying whether a diamond is natural, DiamondProof is instrumental in enhancing consumer confidence in natural diamond purchases. Consumers deserve clarity and having DiamondProof available in retail settings helps them make informed decisions while appreciating the unique value and story behind each natural diamond. With decades of leadership in synthetic-detection technology, we are committed to providing the level of transparency that consumers expect,” stated Sarandos Gouvelis, SVP, of Pricing, Product and Technology Development at De Beers Group. For anyone looking to evaluate and verify their diamond jewelry or looking for assurance in new diamond purchases, a major retailer near you will soon have a DiamondProof available.
The Urban One Podcast Network Announces Los Angeles Wildfires Podcast,
‘Altadena: After the Fire’
The Urban One Podcast Network Announces Los Angeles Wildfires Podcast, ‘Altadena: After the Fire’ Hosted by Colby Colb Tyner, the podcast will chronicle recovery efforts, and feature interviews with elected officials, community leaders, business owners, and survivors.
Silver Spring, Maryland, March 19, 2025–Urban One, the largest Black-owned and Black-targeted diversified media company, and the company’s newly-formed philanthropic initiative, Urban One Cares, announced today that The Urban One Podcast Network has launched a new podcast, Altadena: After The Fire. Original episodes will air twice a month through October 2025, with specials added intermittently, and will be available
on The Urban One Podcast Network, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Hosted by Colby Colb Tyner, SVP, Programming for Urban One’s Audio Division, Altadena: After The Fire will feature on-the-ground reporting, indepth interviews, and real stories of resilience. The podcast series will examine the personal tolls that the disaster has had on residents and businesses, the environmental and political factors at play, and the ongoing efforts to restore Altadena’s rich cultural heritage.“It is very important that we do not forget this tragedy. As national news coverage has slowly dwindled once the fires were extinguished, we wanted to be a voice for the residents of Altadena and keep the rest of the world informed of what is happening,”
said Colby Colb Tyner, SVP, of Programming for Urban One’s Audio Division. “We welcome you to join us as we document the journey of a community determined to rise from the ashes,” he added. In addition, in a previously released statement, Urban One announced a partnership with Los Angelesbased nonprofit organization Brotherhood Crusade, to help drive donations to their Wildfire Relief Fund. All donations will go towards assisting survivors of the wildfires to secure shelter, clothing food, personal care products, and necessities.For more information about The Urban One Podcast Network and the Altadena: After The Fire podcast, visit: https://www.urban1podcasts.com.
Policymakers, Advocates and Worried Californians Join Forces to Save Medi-Cal
other social programs after voting for a $2 trillion reduction in federal spending.
Those conversations are causing alarm among some Californians – particularly the elderly, disabled individuals and people enrolled in Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid.
What could those cuts mean for their health care and day-to-day life?
Diana Madoshi, a community activist from Placer County, is one of many people in the state who are voicing their concerns about the pending cuts and how they would affect Medi-Cal.
“Today, I am frightened -- as are many seniors, persons on disability, and social security recipients -- by the threats of the Trump Administration and his henchman Elon Musk to defund and dismantle Social Security, and Medicaid-slash-Medical,” Madoshi said at a rally and news conference held in front of the State Capitol on March 4. The event was organized by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita) and Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield) to discuss protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal.
“As long as I have a breath in me, I’m going to stand up and fight,” Madoshi, a member of the California Alliance for Retired Americans, promised.
A number of senior adults, people with disabilities and Social Security beneficiaries also attended the event.
Madoshi, 74, who is from Rocklin, said she started working at 17. She supported herself through college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Her 36-year nursing career enabled her to start an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) that helped purchase her home.
However, Madoshi added, that she was affected by a medical condition and was unable to work. Treating the illness was expensive and the cost drained her IRA account, but she still had a “social safety net” that sustained her livelihood.
“My savings were eradicated by my illness,” she said. “So, all I had left from my retirement was my social security benefits. The Social Security safety net caught me. It underscores the program’s fundamental humanity.”
The Trump Administration and the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have referred to Social Security as a “Ponzi scheme,” an investment fraud plan that pays existing investors with funds collected from new clients.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that 71.6 million people received Medicare in 2023, and 5.8 million people were newly awarded Social Security benefits in 2023. The SSA says that 55% of the recipients are women.
The SSA is the country’s primary income security agency. It services the federal retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs. It also manages the program of supplemental security income (SSI) for seniors, blind and disabled.
On Feb. 25, SSA announced the closing of a component within the agency, the Office of Transformation. Employees in the office were put on administrative leave.
“President Trump has mandated the federal government eliminate wasteful and inefficient offices and the Office of Transformation was a prime example,” stated Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “This redundant office was created under the previous administration, and we are righting that wrong.”
On March 11, the Trump administration issued a press release titled “Fact Check: Trump Will Always Protect Social Security.” The White House statement said the administration “will not cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits.” Instead, it added, Trump and Musk are focused on “waste and fraud in entitlement spending.”
The U.S. Government Accountability Office reports that taxpayers lose as much as $521 billion annually to fraud -- and most of that is within entitlement programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, the press release stated.
“What kind of a person doesn’t support eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending that ultimately costs taxpayers more?,” the White House statement continues.
According to the Department of Home Care Services (HCS), Medi-Cal pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. It is funded by both federal and state dollars.
Schiavo urged the federal government to wall up funding for Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal and called on her colleagues to support legislation she authored, Assembly Joint Resolution 3 (AJR 3).
The measure urges California’s representatives in Congress to vote against cuts to -- and proposals to privatize -- Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. AJR3 also asks Trump to veto any legislation to cut or privatize these programs.
Schiavo said there could be up to $880 billion or more in Medicaid cuts, and they may affect trauma centers and urgent care facilities in urban and rural areas.
“These cuts are not an option in our communities,” Schiavo said. Schiavo attended the news conference in Sacramento joined by Bains,
Karen Blanchard testing jewelry at the Bernard James Jewelry store in Brooklyn, NY. Image courtesy of Bernard James and Miller Lyle.
Diana Madoshi, a member of the California Alliance for Retired Americans, said Social Security benefits were her only resource when an illness depleted her IRA account. Madoshi was rallying against federal cuts to the program at a news conference held March 4 at the Capitol in Sacramento. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Asm. Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita), at the podium, urges the federal government to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal during a news conference held in front of the California State Capitol on March 4. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to individuals with disabilities and older adults. Californians are concerned about federal cuts to the program. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
The U.S. Congress is debating cuts to Medicaid and
A Threat to Pre-emptive Pardons
By April Ryan
President Trump is working to undo the traditional presidential pardon powers by questioning the Biden administration’s pre-emptive pardons issued just days before January 20, 2025. President Trump is seeking retribution against the January 6th House Select Committee. The Trump Justice Department has been tasked to find loopholes to overturn the pardons that could lead to legal battles for the Republican and Democratic nine-member committee. Legal scholars and those closely familiar with the pardon process worked with the Biden administration to ensure the preemptive pardons would stand against any retaliatory knocks from the incoming Trump administration. A source close to the Biden administration’s pardons said, in January 2025, “I think pardons are all valid. The power is unreviewable by the courts.”
However, today that same source had a different statement on the nuances of the new Trump pardon attack. That attack places questions about Biden’s use of an autopen for the pardons. The Trump argument is that Biden did not know who was pardoned as he did not sign
the documents. Instead, the pardons were allegedly signed by an autopen. The same source close to the pardon issue said this week, “unless he [Trump] can prove Biden didn’t know what was being done in his name. All of this is in uncharted territory. “ Meanwhile, an autopen is used to make automatic or remote signatures. It has been used for decades by public figures and celebrities. Months before the Biden pardon announcement, those in the Biden White House Counsel’s Office, staff, and the Justice Department were conferring tirelessly around the clock on who to pardon and how. The concern for the preemptive pardons was how to make them irrevocable in an unprecedented process. At one point in the lead-up to the preemptive pardon releases, it was a possibility that the preemptive pardons would not happen because of the complicated nature of that never-beforeenacted process.President Trump began the threat of an investigation for the January 6th Select Committee during the Hill proceedings. Trump has threatened members with investigation or jail.
Inside Dr. Christy Valentine’s Vision Towards a Healthier Louisiana
By Dr. Christy Valentine
Dr. Christy Valentine’s passion for healthcare is both deeply personal and profoundly impactful. A New Orleans native and lifelong advocate for equitable healthcare, she brings a unique perspective to her role as CEO of Healthy Blue Louisiana. For her, healthcare isn’t just about treatment, it’s about access, education, and breaking down barriers so that every person, regardless of background or income, can get the care they deserve. From an early age, Dr. Valentine knew she wanted to be a doctor. Growing up as the sixth of seven children, she learned the importance of communication, patience, and advocacy—lessons reinforced by her older brother, who has special needs. His experiences played a pivotal role in shaping her perspective on care and advocacy. When she opened her private practice, it quickly became clear that she wasn’t just treating patients, she was becoming a trusted source for other families that have children with special needs. “I had my private practice in the New Orleans metro area; I had a couple of locations. There were many patients who also had children with special needs. It’s a small community so once the word gets out, they’re
coming in droves,” Dr. Valentine said. “They know that you’re going to be open to their needs, the special needs of their family, and really hear them.”
This ability to translate medical expertise into compassionate, relatable care became a cornerstone of her career. Dr. Valentine’s deep connection to New Orleans has shaped her approach to healthcare. The city is known for its rich culture and strong sense of community, but it also faces stark inequalities in wealth and healthcare access. “There’s a disconnect between people who have resources and those who don’t,” she explained. “New Orleans is a checkerboard city— For example, St. Charles Avenue has beautiful mansions. You go one street over, you could be in the heart of the hood,” Dr. Valentine continues, “The resources are there, but they’re not always reaching the people who need them most.”
This reality fuels her drive at Healthy Blue Louisiana, where she works to ensure that healthcare isn’t just available but truly accessible for all. She believes in meeting communities where they are, listening to their needs, and making healthcare easier to navigate. Oneway Healthy Blue Louisiana closes the gap is through
community listening sessions. These sessions provide a space for members and healthcare providers to have real conversations. “We have internal listening sessions for our associates, but we also have them for the community,” Dr. Valentine said. “We’re asking, ‘What works for you? What doesn’t work for you?’ One thing I’m especially excited about is helping people actually understand what their provider is saying in the exam room.”
Education and prevention are also at the heart of Healthy Blue Louisiana’s mission. The organization regularly hosts health fairs, workshops, and wellness events, equipping people with the tools they need to take charge of their health. With a deep commitment to improving health outcomes, Healthy Blue Louisiana continues to expand its reach and strengthen partnerships across the state. Through its innovative programs and a focus on health equity, the organization is making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Under Dr. Valentine’s leadership, Healthy Blue Louisiana isn’t just providing healthcare—it’s building trust, breaking down barriers, and creating a system where every patient feels seen, heard, and valued.
Legal Challenge to Funding Freeze Filed by Cities and Nonprofits
President Donald Trump
Gavel inside labyrinth maze. 3D rendering
Dr. Christy Valentine
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback
By Bo Tefu California Black Media California NAACP Backs Bill Proposing
Evidence-Based Teaching Methods for Children
The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference (NAACP CA-HI) has partnered with Decoding Dyslexia CA, EdVoice, and Families In Schools to sponsor a new early literacy bill, AB 1121, authored by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park).
The bill seeks to implement an evidence-based approach to teaching reading in California’s elementary schools. That method aims to address gaping inequities in reading achievement, particularly for vulnerable student populations.
AB 1121 is part of a broader effort to tackle the alarming literacy gap. Data shows that only 2 in 10 Black third-grade students from low-income communities in California are reading on grade level. In addition, students in California rank 39th out of 42 states in fourth-grade reading proficiency.
“The NAACP CA-HI is committed to eliminating racial prejudice and ensuring educational equity,” said Rick L. Callender, President of the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference. “Reading is not just an educational issue but a social justice issue. We must prioritize providing all children with the tools they need to succeed.” Rubio emphasized the importance of translating
research into action.
“We’ve made strides in understanding how children learn to read. AB 1121 will ensure that this knowledge leads to tangible improvements in classrooms, helping every child succeed academically and beyond,” she said. AB 1121 is scheduled for review by the Assembly Education Committee this spring. Proponents of the bill are encouraging the public to sign a petition stating their support for the legislation: www.californiakidsread.org.
Corrin Rankin Begins Tenure as Chair of
the California Republican Party
A week after being elected chair of the California Republican Party (CAGOP), Corrin Rankin is transitioning into her new role by onboarding personnel and planning a budget for her tenure, California Black Media was told by a representative who handles her public affairs. Rankin is the first Black woman to assume the top role at CAGOP. Her duties include engaging communities across the state, addressing issues that concern voters, communicating CAGOP’s policies and messages, and fundraising.
Rankin’s nomination was accepted at the CAGOP’s convention in Sacramento, held from March 14 through March 16. On March 18, Rankin posted on her page on the social media platform X, “I was just elected Chair of the @ CAGOP. Now the real work begins. We’re focused on solutions, growing the party, and investing to win. We’re doubling down on voter registration and proving the GOP is here to serve. Let’s get to work.”
Rankin succeeds former CAGOP Chair Jessica Milan Patterson, who termed out. John Park, former vice chairman of the Orange County Republican Party, was elected CAGOP’s vice chair, replacing Rankin in that position.
Sen. Shannon Grove Expresses Disappointment Over Education Committee’s Rejection of SB 64
Last week, Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) voiced strong disapproval after the Senate Education Committe3 voted 5-2 to defeat her proposed legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 64, the California Education Flex Account Act of 2025. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) voiced strong disapproval after the Senate Education Committee voted 5-2 to defeat her proposed legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 64, the California Education Flex Account Act of 2025.
The bill, which aimed to address California’s position as 37th in national educational rankings, would have allowed parents to choose the accredited school that best suited their child’s needs, with education funding following the student.
“Senate Bill 64 would have empowered families, not bureaucracies, and let the money follow the child,” said Grove.
“This decision denies parents and students the opportunity to thrive in schools that match their needs. Students trapped in underperforming schools due to their zip codes face predictable failure. When given the choice, they excel. We won’t stop fighting for that choice,” she said.
Critics point out that California’s per-student spending of approximately $24,700 is above the national average, yet the state consistently ranks poorly in academic achievement, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress test results for4th and 8th graders.
Despite that significant investment, many parents argue that the current system fails to adequately prepare students for future success. Students of color, especially African American and Latino students, are disproportionately affected, with many struggling to meet grade-level standards.
SB 64 aimed to address these issues by providing:
Individualized Flex Accounts: $8,000 for tuition and education-related expenses, and $16,000 for special needs students.
Support for Existing Public Schools: Ensuring local and federal funding remains allocated to public schools.
Accountability and Accessibility: Funds would only be used for accredited educational institutions.
Despite the bill’s defeat, Grove says whe remains steadfast in her commitment to expanding educational choices and opportunities for all California students.
“Too many students are struggling to meet even the minimum education standard – a problem that could impact their entire future,” said Grove. We need bold action to give every child the greatest opportunity for upward mobility and success.”
UC Ends “Diversity Statement” Requirement in Job Application
Process
The University of California (UC) will no longer require faculty applicants to submit “diversity statements,” a policy change driven by increased scrutiny from the Trump administration over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The statements, which asked applicants to describe how they have contributed to diversity in their fields, have been part of the UC hiring process for nearly two decades.
UC’s decision follows threats from the Department of Education to revoke federal funding from institutions with DEI programs. The UC Board of Regents announced the change after a series of investigations into allegations that universities were discriminating against White, Asian American, and Jewish students and faculty. Katherine S. Newman, UC’s provost, emphasized that the university’s values remain unchanged, but noted that diversity statements could divert attention from an applicant’s academic qualifications.
“The requirement to submit a diversity statement may lead applicants to focus on an aspect of their candidacy that is outside their expertise or prior experience,” said Newman in a letter to campus provosts.
“We can continue to effectively serve our communities from a variety of life experiences, backgrounds, and points of view without requiring diversity statements,” she added.
While the ban on stand-alone diversity statements will take effect, faculty are still permitted to share “inclusive academic achievements” during the academic review process. This move aligns with a national trend, as universities like USC, Harvard, and MIT have also discontinued the practice of requiring diversity statements.
Critics, including UC faculty such as law professor Brian Soucek, argue that the policy is a direct response to political pressure from the Trump administration. Soucek expressed disappointment, claiming the change undermines years of research and advocacy for diversity in hiring.
“It can only be explained as an attempt at advanced appeasement of the Trump administration’s current threats,” Soucek told the Los Angeles Times.
“There is nothing else that possibly motivates this change in general or this change being done in this particular way at the current moment,” he said.
UC Board of Regents Chair Janet Reilly maintained that the university would continue to “embrace and celebrate Californians from a variety of life experiences.”
The U.S. Department of Education has also launched investigations into UC Berkeley and other campuses over their ties with the PhD Project, a nonprofit aimed at promoting workplace diversity.
Calif. Officials to Sec. of Defense: Restore Digital Links to Native American Historical Info
Leaders of California Legislative caucuses -including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) –the first Native American elected to the State Legislature --- are urging U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to “quickly and completely restore” digital historical links telling the stories of heroic Native Americans during World War 11.
The letter to Hegseth, dated March 20, was also signed by the Chair and the Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-San Diego) and Asm. Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights).
The officials called the removal of the information “disrespectful.”
“Historical acknowledgements of Native Americans, Latino Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and others do not place one group above another but rather demonstrate that all groups contributed to American military victories during times of peril, the letter read. In a statement, Rivas said, “We must always honor and remember the sacrifice and acts of valor by World War II Code Talkers. As members of California tribes, their heroism represents an essential narrative, part of our country’s rich and proud history, which should inspire and sustain us now and in the future.
Ramos also released a statement.
“Armed Forces members of every ethnic group, race and creed have sacrificed side by side to uphold our freedom and values. Together, they celebrated their victories and mourned their losses,” he said.
“It is inconceivable that DoD would now pick and choose which individuals to honor and which to erase. Tribal Code Talkers served during two world wars and provided invaluable services,” Ramos continued. “Pfc. Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian, planted the flag atop Mt. Suribachi with fellow Marines during one of the costliest battles of WW II. Why would we want to deliberately forget those sacrifices and triumphs?”
Gov. Newsom in Latest Podcast: Dems Alienated Men
and Businesses While Uplifting Oppressed People
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest podcast episode marks a significant shift in his political messaging. In a conversation with Tim Walz, Minnesota Governor and 2024 Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Newsom moved away from his previous focus on attacking former President Trump. Instead, he tackled issues surrounding Democratic strategies and government efficiency. The two leaders discussed the need for Democrats to better engage with working-class men and businesses and address the shortcomings in government delivery.
Newsom’s praise for government workers during the aftermath of the California wildfires demonstrated his growing focus on pragmatism and results. Walz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that delivering tangible outcomes is crucial for maintaining political success.
“When you deliver on things that improve people’s lives, it’s amazing how good the politics is,” said Walz. Newsom emphasized that governors are responsible for ensuring government agencies operate efficiently and are accessible to the public. “What you’re talking about is government efficiency, focusing on outcomes,” Newsom said. “That’s got to be part of our core messaging.” However, Newsom’s podcast has also sparked controversy. His comments on trans athletes, in which he agreed with far-right influencer Charlie Kirk that it’s unfair for trans women to compete in women’s sports, drew backlash from LGBT advocates. Some argue that Newsom’s podcast risks alienating key Democratic allies by engaging with conservative voices, potentially undercutting his leadership among progressive groups. Despite these challenges, polling data suggests that Newsom’s handling of the wildfires and his focus on government efficiency have boosted his favorability ratings. Yet, his podcast’s more contentious content may have contributed to a dip in his popularity, as public opinion surveys show a slight decline in approval since the show’s launch.
Bills Propose “New Ways” to Improve California’s Wildfire Response
Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) was a firefighter in Southern California for 35 years before he decided to run for political office.
A former mayor of Murietta, Seyarto was elected a
State Assemblymember in 2020 representing the 67th District. In 2022, he won the Senate race for the 32nd District. As a firefighter, Seyarto protected homes and saved lives in neighborhoods around Altadena, Pasadena, the Pacific Palisades, and other areas in Los Angeles County.
He retired from the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 2015 at the rank of Battalion Chief.
Seyarto says when he found out about the fires in Los Angeles County, including Altadena – one of state’s oldest and most affluent middle-class Black neighborhoods razed during the Eaton firestorm – he felt a particular closeness to the damage and devastation.
“I am extremely familiar with Altadena. I
couldn’t believe how far the fires went down into the neighborhoods,” Seyarto told California Black Media (CBM), while sitting in his State Capitol Swing Space Annex’s office. “When I saw Bank of America burn down, I was like, ‘how did fire get down there? That’s way down on Lake Avenue.’”
Seyarto continued, “When you have winds like that and all those embers floating around it’s about the preparations we need to do ahead of time. When that does happen, we have people in position to get these helicopters up with quick turnarounds to douse these fires.”
Seyarto started his career as a firefighter-paramedic with the Inglewood Fire Department. Now, as a lawmaker and public safety advocate, Seyarto has introduced bills to address wildfire response and preparation.
He said he actually authored them in October, two months before the fires happened.
The first legislation is Senate Bill (SB) 90, which will utilize Prop 4 (Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024) funding to support “prepositioned mobile rigid water storage” and mobile rigid dip tanks.
He said the bill is necessary to aid firefighting air equipment in vulnerable places without natural water sources such as lakes or rivers. Currently helicopters depend on systems like “heli-hydrants,” but they present challenges, Seyarto said.
He explained that when helicopters access an area with a “Helispot” to obtain a water source, they have to be hooked up to a hydrant, filled up, disconnected, and then fly off to where the fire is active. “This process takes about 20 minutes,” Seyarto said.
“There’s now new ways of doing things,” he said. “Some water districts, like Yorba Linda, have created open spaces where the helicopter can come down, drop their snorkel, suck up the water, and be gone. What (SB 90) does is allow for rigid mobile tanks to be established in fireaffected where helicopters can refill water in five minutes. With this, we can enhance our aerial of operations.”
On average, heli-hydrants cost $300,000 per unit, Seyarto said. The mobile water tanks range in affordable prices from $65,000 to $95,000 and can be instantly deployed near fire zones.
Currently, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Chino Valley, and San Bernardino firefighting agencies source water out of a “triangle” in L.A. County, Seyarto said. The proposed tanks would make all the agencies more “flexible” and “effective in doing their jobs,” he said. Some areas across the state are “blessed with natural
lakes” where firefighting helicopters can source water. However, if the water sources are shallow “you are sucking up mud,” Seyarto stated. Also, the prepositioned tanks won’t require approval from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
“(The tanks) do not require environmental clearance, they are temporary, and they can be moved from one location to another,” Seyarto said.
Since the January firestorms have destroyed more than a $100 billion in property and displaced more than $100,000 people, policymakers have pushed various bills aimed at preventing and controlling wildfires. Seyarto is also the author of SB 87, a bill that would provide a sales tax exemption for all-volunteer fire departments (AVFDs) income from fundraising activities. It will extend the current law, which is due to sunset on Jan. 1, 2026. Many areas in the state rely on AVFDs because they cannot afford to pay full-time fighters, leaving residents no choice but to protect their properties -- as well as their neighbors.
SB 87 also proposes maintaining the qualifying requirement that departments’ gross receipts must not exceed $100,000 in the preceding two calendar years.
“They are the first responders,” Seyarto said. “If they don’t have the right equipment on the rig or medical stuff -- lot of that stuff they have to pay for. That’s why they have fundraisers.”
On March 11, Assemblymember Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, held a news conference to discuss his legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 247 The bill proposes higher pay for incarcerated firefighters.
Members of an advocacy group, All of Us or None, were at the State Capitol to support the measure. AB 247 would require that incarcerated individual hand crew members, in addition to receiving credits, be paid an hourly wage equal to $19 while assigned to an active fire incident. The bill would require that the
rate be updated annually. On March 11, with a
Asm. Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta)
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
