Los Angeles News Observer 02.06.25

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Black History Month 2025:

14 Places in Calif Where Black Businesses and Culture Thrived

By Edward Henderson California Black Media

The firestorms that ravaged Southern California have drawn attention to historically Black communities like Altadena, one of the first areas in Los Angeles County where Black families could buy homes during the Great Migration. Before the fire, Altadena’s Black population was 18% with a Black homeownership rate of nearly 81% -- more than the double the state rate of about 36.6%.

For Black History Month, California Black Media explores 14 other historically Black neighborhoods that thrived in the Golden State despite numerous challenges. Note: This is not a comprehensive list.

1. Allensworth (Tulare County) – Founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and four other Black settlers, Allensworth was California’s first and only town established and governed by African Americans. However, Allensworth’s livelihood depended on a railroad company and water supply company. Eventually, the railroad company stopped service to the town and the water company cut off the town’s water supply, leading most residents to relocate. Many of the town’s original buildings have been restored.

2. North Richmond (Contra Costa County) –

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

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

4. West Oakland (Alameda County) – A major center for Black migration during WWII, known for its jazz scene and civil rights activism. The neighborhood was home to the Black Panther Party headquarters and a center of Black commerce and entertainment in the 1940s and 1950s.

Seventh Street served as the cultural hub of the area and was lined with Black-owned businesses, including Slim Jenkin’s Place, one of the most popular jazz clubs in the area attracting big names like B.B King, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington.

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Fire Victim Thankful and Vigilant

By Earl Heath

The Eaton Fire was among the biggest of multiple wildfires that erupted on Jan. 7 and spread quickly in powerful Santa Ana Winds across the Los Angeles area. The wildfires are potentially the most costly disaster in U.S. history. There were 80 MPH wind gusts that took out 14,000 acres and destroyed more than 9,400 structures, mostly in the Altadena area. One home that no longer stands belongs to Gerry Allen- A resident in the home for some thirty -four years before she was forced to evacuate. Her 80-year-old sister also had to leave her nearby home.

Rams

and Miranda

The 84 -year-old Allen was dealt a double whammy. She emerged from the hospital in an electric wheelchair having survived a bout with leukemia. We met at   So-Fi Stadium where the RAMS and Clippers were part of Twelve Los Angeles professional sports organizations – the Angels, Angel City FC, Chargers, Dodgers, Ducks, Galaxy, LAFC, Kings, Lakers, and Sparks – in partnership with the teams’ foundations have joined forces with Fanatics and the Fanatics Foundation to distribute $3 million worth of Fanatics merchandise to Angelenos who have been evacuated from their homes. Teams are also collectively contributing thousands of essential items including apparel, personal hygiene kits, school supplies, and sneakers -And giving them to those in need.

While recovering she was home less than a week when the Eaton fire erupted. She and some five other family members landed at the Pasadena Convention Center which housed 900 evacuees from the fires. They then moved on to a bed and breakfast as a temporary home in Santa Ana.

“I know it’s a short-term home,” said Allen. “But the people and the city are so nice and welcoming, they showed us that people really care.

Nephew Jonathon Henderson is a big help to Gerry. He and other family members assisted with mobility and the little things that are a little more complicated now that she’s not as mobile.

He works as a driver in Inglewood. The ride to work was 15 miles to Altadena and Now 30 miles to and from the bed and breakfast that’s now home,  Henderson lost the RAMS Super Bowl jersey, Kobe’s autographed jersey, Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s Autographed –

“It was sad to lose those things but my family is ok that’s what is important,” said Henderson.

A law firm representing victims of the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles has submitted photos with a legal filing recently that appeared to show exposed wire at the base of a Southern California Edison tower that the firm alleges may have contributed to the deadly blaze.

“I’ve covered fires in Southern California for more than two decades. This was like nothing I’ve ever experienced,” Leann Suter of Channel 7 Los Angeles said. “All of a sudden, you would be pelted with these huge pieces of embers flying through the air, and you could feel them hitting you on the back.”  This week

The Eaton and Palisades fires, two of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California history, reached 100 percent containment more than three weeks after they began.

Kathryn Barger, chairwoman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, commended the firefighters and other emergency personnel for their work. She called for a focus on rebuilding and recovery, as well as on readiness for future disasters.

The Eaton fire, she said in a statement, “has taught us all that we must remain vigilant and prepare for the unimaginable.”

Gerry Allen is one of those who are thankful and vigilant.

Lakers Land Luka Dončić in

Blockbuster Trade, Ship Out Davis

By Austin Gage

to make their way into a Laker uniform. However, Saturday night gave these fans a victory they could not even see happening. While there seemed to be a sense of realism and reason for many of the moves similar to the ones mentioned above of happening, a trade for Dončić seemed outlandish and impossible.

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

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

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

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

Altadena Fire victim Gerry Allen seated -Takes a moment with sister and Rampage(Photos: Earl Heath)

Cheerleaders Jasiya

show care for Fire victim Maria (Photos: Earl Heath)

Contributing Writer

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

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Except for outspoken lawmakers Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Democrats have remained frustratingly silent as Donald Trump solidifies his grip on power. Despite his administration’s policies, a government funding freeze, and his allies pushing the racist and oppressive Project 2025 agenda onto Americans, Democratic leadership has offered no real response. For many loyal Democratic voters, the past month has been a slap in the face. As Trump and his enablers work to dismantle civil rights protections, former President Joe Biden walked out of the White House without a clear strategy to protect Black Americans, Latinos, women, and other marginalized communities. Instead, Biden’s departure sent a chilling message: You’re on your own. His silence and that of other complacent individuals have left many questioning the Democratic Party’s willingness to fight, with some likening it to abandoning its base to a modern-day Jim Crow era. Yet, even with Trump’s administration moving rapidly to disenfranchise millions, Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have barely mustered a public outcry. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), which boasts a record number of members this session, has been equally absent. With Trump’s allies openly threatening democracy, Black Americans and other marginalized groups expected their elected leaders to take an aggressive stand. Instead, they’ve been met with silence and inaction. What’s particularly infuriating to many is that the warnings about Trump’s return to power were clear. His policies were openly laid out, and his intentions were never hidden. The Supreme Court ruling that provided him with immunity also extended to Biden while he was still in

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rather than galvanizing support, Jeffries’ dismissive

tone only alienated those who had backed former Vice President Kamala Harris. His post sparked widespread anger.X user Ariana Jasmine expressed the growing outrage among those who supported Democrats, demanding action: “The nation is falling apart; please, for the love of God, say or DO SOMETHING!!!”

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

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

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

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

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

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

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

“Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe (and maybe not!),” Trump said in a statement. “But we will Make America Great Again, and it will all be worth the price that must be paid.” For many in Black communities, the cost of that “pain” is far from abstract. Chaniqua Jones, a schoolteacher in New York, is already struggling with budget cuts in her district. “First, consider that most of our students struggle with basic necessities like food and shelter, and many tell us that if they can’t work, they can’t eat,” she said. “That and reduced school budgets that we’re already dealing with will hurt more because, something to remember, we can only use one vendor that the Department of Education approves for supplies, and that vendor can charge anything they want, including, if they choose, as much as $10 for a pencil.” Jones’ concerns are echoed by business owners, truck drivers, and families who will feel the effects of higher

prices in ways the White House appears to have ignored. Jonathan Dolphin, a truck driver from Pennsylvania, sees the changes already. “The trucking industry isn’t the same anymore,” he said. “Hauling heavier loads doesn’t pay us more, and the brokers still charge higher rates. Those people who voted for Trump now have to see how idiotic that was.” Fuel prices are among the biggest concerns for workingclass Black Americans. Canada, the largest supplier of crude oil to the U.S., is now facing a 10% tariff on energy exports.

Gas prices in some parts of the country are expected to rise by 30 to 70 cents per gallon, disproportionately impacting on lower-income families who spend a higher percentage of their income on transportation.

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

Existing disparities in Black communities compound the economic damage from the tariffs. The median household income for African Americans in 2023 was $52,860—well below the national median of $74,580. The racial wealth gap, exacerbated by decades of discriminatory housing and employment policies, means Black families have fewer financial reserves to absorb rising costs.

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

“It’s already expensive to eat healthy where I live,” said

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

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

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

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

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

Mexico, meanwhile, has slammed Trump’s justification for the tariffs, with President Claudia Sheinbaum calling it “an unjustified economic attack.” Mexico has signaled it may retaliate with tariffs on American exports, including corn and soybeans—moves that would further impact U.S. farmers and lead to even higher grocery prices.

China, the third nation targeted by Trump’s new tariffs, has also vowed to take action. The Chinese Ministry

of Commerce announced plans to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization, warning that “the U.S. has chosen a path of confrontation that will hurt American workers more than anyone else.” In Washington, Congress’s response has been swift. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the tariffs. “It would be nice if Donald Trump could start focusing on getting the prices down instead of making them go up,” Schumer stated.

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

The senate leader continued:

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

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

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

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5. South Berkeley (Alameda County) –Black families moved to South Berkeley during the Great Migration for jobs at shipyards and railroad companies. In 1948, William Byron Rumford Sr. became the first African American elected to a state public office when he won an Assembly seat. Rumford owned a pharmacy on Sacramento Street, which was a hub for the Black community.

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

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

8. Watts (Los Angeles County) – Famous for the Watts Towers, the city became a significant hub for Black cultural and political movements. Watts became predominantly Black in the 1940s. War industries were a primary source of employment for new workers coming into Watts. The

neighborhood is also known for the Watts Uprising, a series of protests in 1965 mainly opposing police brutality.

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

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

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

Lakers Land Dončić

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

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

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

13. The Fillmore District (San Francisco County) – Known as the “Harlem of the West,” the Fillmore community in San Francisco became a hub for Black businesses and art after World War II. Many Blacks migrated to the area because it was one of the areas in the city without a racist housing covenant. The Fillmore was renowned for its jazz scene, with famous clubs like Jimbo’s Bop city.

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

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and helped play a part in one of the league’s best duos alongside James for over five years.

“We are overwhelmingly thankful for AD’s six seasons with the Lakers, where he led our franchise to a championship and cemented himself as a perennial NBA All-Star,” said Lakers General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka.

For his career, he has averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. As it currently stands, his career points per game average is the third highest in NBA regular season history. Just last season, Dončić dropped a Mavericks franchise-record 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks and earned the NBA scoring title after averaging 33.9 points per contest.

“Luka is a one-of-a-kind, young global superstar who will lead this franchise for years to come,” said Pelinka. “His killer instincts and commitment to winning championships will be a driving force for the team. Looking at the other pieces in the deal, Christie is a 21year old guard with potential for the Mavericks. Averaging 8.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists this season for Los Angeles, the former second round pick in 2022 fills a solid depth piece on both sides of the ball for Dallas, a franchise that seems to be emphasizing defense when it comes to current roster construction.

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

Ricky – 2025 Sundance Film Festival Filmmaker Rashad Frett wins

“Directing Award: U.S. Dramatic”

By Dwight Brown NNPA News Wire

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

How do you adjust to an outside world without the human development skills your contemporaries have? Writer/director Rashad Frett has a clue and fathoms it, along with co-screenwriter Lin Que Ayoung, in his intense, harsh reality, post-incarceration drama. Ricardo “Ricky” Smith (Stephan James, Race) walks nervously around his old Hartford, Connecticut neighborhood. Disoriented in a place where he once ran the streets. Hoodlums threaten him. People are standoffish, wondering where he’s been. The little self-esteem he musters comes from his hair cutting skills. He’s a barber. He can make a living. And he must. His parole officer (Sheryl Lee Ralph) is on his ass, and he’s got to attend group therapy meetings, get on someone’s payroll and rehab himself. Fortunately, Ricky’s has a great comradery with his younger brother James (Maliq Johnson, TV’s The Equalizer). Unfortunately, a testy relationship with his strong-willed Caribbean mother (Simbi Kali) keeps him off kilter. He’s reconnected with old friends and bad influences like Terrence (Sean Nelson, Fresh), flirts with Jaz (Imani Lewis), young single mom from around the way, and is hotly pursued by the older woman (Andrene Ward-Hammond) from his ex-offender’s support group. It would all be much easier to navigate if Ricky had parental training, a strong father figure, positive role models and friends he could trust. He doesn’t.

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

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

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

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

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

The Weeknd Releases New Album and Announces

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

Rashad Frett director of Ricky,

photo courtesy of Sundance Institute and by Rashad Frett

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

By Arthur Allen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kennedy’s comments on AIDS — suggesting that gay

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

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

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

Merit Vs DEI

By April Ryan

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Cheryl Platzman Weinstock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

untruths as he’s marched across the offices,” said Leslie Dach, executive chair of Protect Our Care, a Democraticaligned advocacy group.Public opinion reflects leeriness of Kennedy on health, though not excessively. In a poll released Tuesday by KFF, 43% of respondents said they trusted him to make the right health recommendations. About 81% of Republicans in the poll said they trusted Kennedy — almost as many as trust their own doctor.4) What happens if Kennedy takes office.

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

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

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

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

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

Our Dollar Has Power Black Economic Resistance Still Matters

By Kellie Todd Griffin Special to

California Black Media Partners

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

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

they found a way. When taxi drivers were threatened for supporting the movement, they kept going. When the world told them no, they answered with action. And we’ve seen that same power time and again. In the 1980s, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Operation PUSH took on Coca-Cola, demanding that the company invest in Black businesses and communities. After just one month of organized pressure, Coca-Cola agreed to funnel millions of dollars into Black-owned enterprises, expand diversity in its workforce, and increase Black representation at the decision-making table. In the 1990s, Jackson and Glenda Gill did it again -- this time with the auto industry. They pushed Japanese car manufacturers to invest in Black suppliers, dealers, and employees, securing $7.2 billion in diversity initiatives from Toyota alone.

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

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

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

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

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

Our dollar matters. But this moment isn’t about money. It’s about power. It’s about whether we’re willing to step outside our comfort zones, to punch above our weight class just like our ancestors did. Because our fight has never been about today. It has always been about tomorrow.

So, the question is: What kind of future are we willing to build? And what are we willing to sacrifice to get there?

Let’s make this happen.

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

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Political Playback

California Capitol News You Might Have Missed

By Bo Tefu California Black Media

Atty Gen. Bonta Praises Court for Blocking Federal Funding Freeze

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

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

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

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

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

Sen. Padilla Introduces Bill to Compensate Artists for Radio Airplay

U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the bipartisan “American Music Fairness Act” on Jan. 31 to ensure artists and music creators are paid for the use of their songs on AM and FM radio.

This legislation is expected to align corporate radio broadcasters with other music streaming platforms, which already pay artists for their music. The bill’s announcement arrives on the heels of the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony over the weekend in Los Angeles where a number of Black artists won awards, including Beyonce (Album of the Year, Best Country Album, and Best Country Duo featuring Miley Cyrus ) and Kendrick Lamar (Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video and Best Rap Performance).

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

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

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

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

King does receive royalties from his sound played over the airwaves, though not as an artist. He added that songwriters and publishers by law have been receiving royalties from radio stations since 1930. “This is wonderful. What they are doing is getting legislation to catch up with technology in the 21st Century,” King told California Black Media (CBM). “Artists should get paid every time a record plays on the radio the same way as the writer and publisher. So, now I want to know how much the record companies are getting and how we are going to split this money.”

Apple Celebrates Black History Month With Unity Collection

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

backgrounds in all spheres of American life.

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

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

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

The Unity Rhythm watch face features numerals formed by intertwined threads of red, green, and yellow.

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

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

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

Gov. Newsom Teams Up With Magic Johnson,

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

In the aftermath of the devastating January 2025

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

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

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

Fundraising and expanding access to philanthropic and private capital.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In his letter, Padilla posed five specific questions to SecretaryWhichHegseth: units of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to this mission?

Specifically, where in California were they deployed?

Please name the specific cities that were “entered” by U.S. Armed Forces, and the names and ownership of any facilities where troops were assigned.

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

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

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

LAO Releases Report on Wildfire FAQ

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

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

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

Several factors contribute to the heightened wildfire risk:

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

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

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

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

An Early Childhood Educator’s Journey Inspires Others

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

A Start in Early Childhood Education

Darrell’s interest in ECE began early. At just 16, he had his first job teaching art to young children at a pre-k classroom at Governors State University’s childcare center. This experience opened his eyes to the powerful impact of quality early childhood experiences on a child’s development, setting him on a path he would follow for years to come. Through the Upward Bound program, Darrell gained direct experience working in a childcare center, a role that left a lasting impression. Later, after graduating from college with a degree in public health, he returned to ECE, initially as a teacher in a childcare center. His talent and dedication quickly earned him promotions, leading to a role where he coached other teachers in Early Head Start. Building the Workforce of Tomorrow with ITAV Since 2020, Darrell has served as the Director of the Early Childhood Workforce Development program for It Takes a Village (ITAV) Family of Schools, a Chicago-based network with six early childcare centers and two social justice-focused middle schools. His leadership at ITAV has produced over 100 Child Development Associate (CDA) recipients, with most of these educators currently working in ECE. Darrell and his team have helped hundreds of individuals earn credentials, guiding them through ITAV’s unique program integrating coaching, classroom support, and relationship-building. ITAV’s approach has been remarkably successful, with the most recent cohort achieving a 100% pass rate on the CDA exam. With a vision to expand, ITAV is in the process of becoming

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

goal shared by the Council for Professional Recognition’s

CEO Dr. Calvin E. Moore.

A Personal Mission Darrell’s path to ECE was deeply influenced by

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

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

An Opportunity to Grow at EELC

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

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

Dr. Usma Mohamed is

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

Lakers Dominate Clippers

By OGNSC Staff

On February 4, 2025, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a commanding 122-97 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome. LeBron James led the Lakers with 26 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Despite the absence of newly acquired star Luka Doncic, who was sidelined due to a calf injury, the Lakers delivered a dominant performance.

The Lakers established control early, building a substantial 73-50 lead by halftime. Their offensive efficiency was evident as they shot 55.6% from the field and an impressive 48.6% from three-point range. Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves each contributed 20 points and nine assists, showcasing the team’s depth and cohesion.

The game also marked a milestone for rookie Bronny James, who scored his first NBA three-pointer. His father, LeBron James, expressed pride in his son’s achievement, highlighting the significance of the moment for their family.

On the opposing side, Norman Powell led the Clippers with 20 points, while Derrick Jones Jr. added 17 points. Kawhi Leonard, playing limited minutes, contributed 11 points. The Clippers struggled to find a rhythm, facing challenges in both offense and defense throughout the game.

This victory marked the Lakers’ fourth win against the Clippers in their last six meetings, underscoring their recent dominance in the “Battle of L.A.” The team’s performance was particularly notable given the recent trade that sent Anthony Davis and Max Christie to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic. LeBron James acknowledged the emotional difficulty of parting with Davis but expressed optimism about Doncic’s future contributions to the team. Luka Doncic, observing from the bench, was seen engaging with teammates and acclimating to his new environment. Head coach J.J. Redick indicated that Doncic is expected to participate in upcoming scrimmages, with a potential debut against the Indiana Pacers on the horizon.

The Lakers’ cohesive performance, even in the absence of key players, highlights their depth and adaptability. As they integrate new talent and navigate roster changes, the team’s resilience and strategic execution will be pivotal in maintaining their competitive edge in the Western Conference.

Harden Makes All-Star Team

Earl Heath

Contributing Sports Writer LA Clippers guard James Harden has been selected as a reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. The 74th NBA All-Star Game will be held at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sunday, February 16th, at 5 p.m. PT on TNT. Harden will make his 11th career All-Star appearance (2013-22, 2025) and his first with the Clippers. He is one of just five active players who have earned All-Star honors 11 times. After making the All-Star team, James Harden recently stated, “Norm has had an unbelievable year... I just told him, ‘What you’ve been doing, I’m just happy to be a part of it. Keep that same swagger because you’re a huge part of our success and what we’re doing and where we’re trying to go,” acknowledging his teammate Norman Powell’s strong season while expressing his own excitement about being selected.

In his 16th NBA season, Harden is averaging 21.7 points, 8.4 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 33.8 minutes in 44 games

(all starts). He has posted 16 points-assists double-doubles (fifth most in NBA) and currently ranks sixth in the league in assists. The 6-foot-5 guard is one of just four NBA players averaging at least 20 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Harden has scored 20+ points in 26 games, 30-or-more four times and has three 40-point performances. He has helped the Clippers to a 27-20 (.574) record, which ranks sixth in the Western Conference. Earlier this season, Harden passed Ray Allen (2,973) for second on the NBA’s All-Time Three-Point Field Goals List. The 2017-18 Most Valuable Player holds career averages of 24.1 points, 7.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 34.7 minutes in 1,116 games (902 starts). A native of Los Angeles, Calif., Harden has earned All-NBA First Team honors six times (2014-15, 2017-20) and was voted to the All-NBA

Several Local Players at Senior Bowl

running back Woody Marks, who made the trip down south to showcase their talents. While it’s not only important for their futures, the success of these players at an event like this is an exceptional recruiting tool and also goes a long way in helping rebuild USC’s proud national image as a program that churns out NFL talent.

is to come out here and show I can do anything, I’m twitchy and competitive,” said Smith on Instagram. “My thing is to show I can play anywhere, play safety, play corner, play nickel and do it at a high level too.” Trojans fans are used to watching Smith do big things. In his four years with the Trojans, he made numerous key plays, including breaking up a two-point conversion to seal a victory over Cal in 2023 and a key interception against Nebraska this past season. Smith’s best game as a Trojan came in the 2023 Holiday Bowl against Louisville. He had a career-high 12 tackles and earned the game’s defensive MVP honors as the Trojans defeated the Cardinal 42-28. Smith was joined by offensive lineman Jonah Monheim and

When asked what he brought to the table for an NFL team. “I flex like a wide receiver and can run the inside route, the outside route run between the tackles,” stated Marks. “I have a DAWG mentality. You want to have positive yards on first down to set things up for the next few downs.”  Woody Marks came over from Mississippi State for his final season of eligibility to prove to NFL scouts that he could be a good third down back at the next level, and he did not disappoint. In his lone season with USC, Marks carried the ball 198 times for 1,113 yards and nine touchdowns, he added 47 receptions for 321 yards in 11 games. Marks was the Trojans’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Ronald Jones in 2017. Former USC QB Jaxon Dart came into the game during the second quarter, coming in for Notre Dame’s

Lakers star LeBron James drives as Clippers star Kawhi Leonard defends during the second half on Tuesday night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

(Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Jan 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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Inglewood Public Library Celebrates Black History Month

Queen Haven GrandCelebrationOpening

Ricky Richardson Contributing Writer

(Inglewood, CA) The international spotlight has hovered over the City of Inglewood, City of Champions, for the last week or so. The city hosted several FireAid Benefit Concerts at Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum.

There were three events that I knew of that were happening on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in Inglewood.

Sofia Stadium hosted the Black College Expo as well as the Honda Battle of the Bands. Honda Battle of the Bands was

the air and a buzz spread throughout the city. A steady flow of guests discovered Queen Haven, Inglewood’s newest elegant and inclusive event space designed for life’s most meaningful moments.      The guest was able to tour the beautifully curated venue. This space is perfect for micro-weddings,

and

33rd Annual Empowerment Congress Summit at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

By Ricky Richardson

Contributing Writer

(Los Angeles, CA) The campus of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science was the place to be on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The tremendous community event, the 33rd Annual Empowerment Congress Summit was held from 8:00-1:30 pm.

Guests knew that they were in for engaging and lively conversations and dialogues by viewing the theme for this year’s summit: Where do we go from here- Chaos or Democracy?

The summit attracted a diverse group of more than 300. Guests included elected officials, stakeholders, the business community, residents, neighborhood groups, and religious institutions.

Dignitaries on site included Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Senator Steven Bradford, Assemblymember

Mike Gipson, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Assemblymember Sade Elhawary, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Councilmember Curren D. Price, and Councilmember Heather Hutt.      A trio of talented musicians from the Inner-City Youth Orchestra Los Angeles was superb as they entertained attendees as they arrived on campus for the summit.

Summit Co-Chair, Rhea Mac, Social Equity Consultant welcomed everyone to the summit. Opening remarks were provided by Dr. David M. Carlisle-MD, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Tavis Smiley, nationally syndicated talk radio host and chief visionary officer, KBLA Talk 1580 and Rev. Eddie L. Anderson, Summit Co-Chair, Pastor, McCarty Memorial Christian Church. Mark Ridley-Thomas, PhD, Founder Empowerment Congress gave a rousing speech to the delight of the crowd.

The 33rd Annual Empowerment Congress Summit, Educate, Engage, and Empower were broadcast live on KBLA Talk 1580.

Tavis Smiley moderated the Plenary Session Panels. The panels consisted of dynamic, distinguished speakers and leaders in their own right. The Public Policy Discussion delved into the pressing issues of the political landscape as it relates to the theme “Chaos or Democracy? The panel featured Marqueece HarrisDawson, President, of Los Angeles City Council; Hon. Sade Elhaway, Member of 57th District, California State Assembly; Hon. Isaac Bryan, Member of 55th District, California State Assembly; and Hon. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Representative, 37th District, U.S. House of Representatives. (Pictured)

The Philanthropy Panel Discussion followed to focus on how philanthropy is addressing gaps in human service provision and public participation in service delivery, public policy formulation, and civic education. The panel consisted of Joanna Jackson, President  & CEO, of Weingart Foundation; Miguel Santana, President & CEO, of California Community Foundation; Shane Murphy Goldsmith, President & CEO, of Liberty Hill Foundation and Renata Simril, President & CEO, of LA84 Foundation. (Pictured)

Guests were able to attend concurrent workshops after the break. This year’s summit featured engaging workshops that provided participants with tools to choose principles of civic engagement that will empower them to navigate increasingly challenging times.

The breakout working workshops were Bridging the Divide: Productive Dialogue in Uncertain Times.  What Does Measure A Mean to South LA? What Does Measure G Mean to South LA? Project 2025-Threat or Promise?

The annual summit set the stage for the Empowerment Congress’s programming and advocacy year, providing a blueprint for the organization’s work in the months to come.

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you believe in empowering citizens,

Mark Ridley-Thomas (3rd from left), Tavis Smiley, (right) and Philanthropy Panel Members, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Tavis Smiley, (right) and Public Policy Panel Members, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Vincent Harris, Project Director, Shani Byard, EdD, Curator, Legacy Fresh, and Mark RidleyThomas, Founder, (Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson)

Louie Cruz Beltran and Inglewood Public Library Staff, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Louie Cruz Beltran and Phyllis Battle, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

By Ricky Richardson Contributing Writer

February is Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, history, and culture of the

Christiana Faulkner

Cherella Nicholson, co-founders, Queen Haven (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

DJ Kase, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Petty Herbalist, (Photo by Ricky Richardson) LaKisha Reddic, Rebecca Mayberry and Dr. Shawné, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)