Future of Early Childhood Education—Together
By Stacey Finkel
This Mother’s Day, we honor not just the love between a mother and her child, but the shared dreams, grit, and determination that can make those dreams a reality. Regina, 44, and her son Judah, 18, are proof that purpose has no age limit— and that it’s never too late or too early to answer a calling. Regina knows what perseverance looks like. It took her ten years to earn her first college degree, an Associate Degree in Early Childhood from Ashworth College. Life, as it so often does, had other plans—plans that called her away from school and into the real world. But she never let go of her goals or her belief in the power of education. That steadfast commitment planted a seed not only for herself but for her son. Now, Regina and Judah are both enrolled in a scholarship program at the Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC), housed at Delaware State University (DSU) in Wilmington, Delaware’s only Historically Black College and University. This program allows them to study in any early childhood education-related degree program across the entire state of Delaware. Regina attends Wilmington University, where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Education Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. Judah attends DSU and is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. They are shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart—committed to equity, access, and the transformational power of teaching. There’s something uniquely beautiful about a mother and son learning at the same time, not just in life, but in the classroom. They study together, encourage each other, and even bring their academic
lessons to life while working at Chosen Children’s Child Care in Wilmington, where they support the development of the next generation of learners. Their shared experiences, both as students and as educators, deepen their bond and strengthen their shared commitment to the children they serve. But what truly sets their story apart is the community surrounding them. The Early Childhood Innovation Center is more than a scholarship program. It’s a lifeline, a launchpad, and a promise: You can do this. The faculty and staff meet students where they are—whether they’re returning to school after a decade or stepping into college for the first time. Regina and Judah both credit ECIC with giving them the resources, mentorship, and belief they need to succeed. For Black families, and especially Black mothers, the road to higher education can be long and often filled with obstacles. But what Regina and Judah show us is that when one person refuses to give up, they can inspire an entire legacy. Education becomes not just a goal, but a family value passed down. “I used to feel like I was falling behind because it took me so long to finish,” Regina says. “But now I see that every step was preparing me for this moment—alongside my son, showing him and others that no matter how long it takes, you can finish. You just can’t give up.” This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate mothers like Regina, who never stop striving, and sons like Judah, who walk beside them with pride. Let’s celebrate the power of Black institutions like DSU and innovative spaces like the Early Childhood Innovation Center that don’t just educate—they uplift.
Trump Abruptly Fires First Carla Hayden
The First Black Woman to Serve as Librarian of Congress
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Hayden made history in 2016 as the first woman and first African American to run the Library of Congress. Her firing arrived in the form of an abrupt email in the evening hours. There are fears that President Trump may also target a second prominent Black federal official, Smithsonian Chief Lonnie Bunch, for no other reason than the perceived political bias in a position not known for partisan activity. “Carla, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service,” the terse communication to Hayden read. The Library of Congress confirmed that Hayden had been informed she was fired by The White House.
According to the Associated Press, Hayden “recently faced criticism from a conservative advocacy group aligned with Trump’s political allies. The group, the American Accountability Foundation, accused her and other library officials of promoting children’s books with what it called “radical” themes.”
Since his return to office Trump’s Administration has been focused on removing anyone who may disagree with their policy agenda.
Many of the removals have introduced a sense of partisanship that Washington hasn’t seen in certain sectors such as the Library of Congress. “This is yet another example in the disturbing pattern of the President removing dedicated public servants without cause—likely to fill the position with one of his ‘friends’ who is not qualified and does not care about protecting America’s legacy,” wrote House Democrat Rosa DeLauro in a statement on Hayden’s firing. “President Trump’s unjustified decision to fire Dr. Carla Hayden as the Librarian of Congress is deeply troubling and just the latest example of Trump’s assault on the legislative branch of government. It’s also the latest demonstration of his blatant disregard for public servants who dedicate their lives to serving the American people,”
wrote U.S. Senator Alex Padilla of California in a statement late on May 8.
Three Former Officers Acquitted in Tyre Nichols Death, Prompting Outrage and Calls for Reform
By Stacy M. Brown
May 8, a jury in Memphis found Demetrius Haley, Tadarrius Bean, and Justin Smith not guilty of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and other charges. The jury was selected from Chattanooga to mitigate potential local bias. Nichols, a Black FedEx employee and father, was on his way home from work in January 2023 when he was pulled over and subsequently beaten by multiple officers — a brutal assault that was captured on video and widely circulated, igniting national outrage.
“This is a devastating miscarriage of justice,” said civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represent the Nichols family. “The world watched as Tyre Nichols was beaten to death by those sworn to protect and serve.”
They added, “Tyre’s life was stolen, and his family was denied the justice they so deeply deserve. We are outraged, and we know we are not alone.”
The trial marks the second courtroom reckoning for the three men. Last fall, in a separate federal case, all three were convicted of witness tampering. Haley was also found guilty of violating Nichols’s civil rights by inflicting bodily injury. However, federal jurors did not find them responsible for Nichols’s death. Sentencing in the federal case is expected later this year.
Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered Nichols’s eulogy in February 2023, denounced the acquittal and expressed deep frustration after speaking with
Nichols’s parents.
“My understanding is this was an all-white jury, brought in from outside Memphis,” Sharpton said. “It is also absurd that the City of Memphis continues to deny responsibility, blaming the officers individually, when it was the aggressive culture of the now-disbanded VIPER unit that enabled this kind of policing.” Sharpton and others are now urging federal prosecutors to push for the maximum penalties in the officers’ upcoming sentencing.
“This verdict should be a rallying cry,” Crump and Romanucci said in a joint statement. “We must confront the broken systems that empowered this injustice and demand change — for Tyre, for his family, and for every community still waiting for justice.”
Judah and his mom, Regina, are both pursuing early childhood education-related degree programs through the Early Childhood Innovation Center, located at Delaware State University.
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in the Library’s Main Reading Room, September 1, 2020. Photo by Shawn Miller/Library of Congress. (Wikimedia Commons/ Photo by Library of Congress Life)
By Lauren Burke President Donald Trump abruptly fired the Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden on May 8.
LIEN SALE
LIEN SALE
Sounding The Alarm Sounding The Alarm
By April Ryan
Hands off Our History plans more protests like the Saturday Washington DC rally, where several organizations banded together to draw attention to attempts to remove artifacts from the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. “Black people built this country, and we will not allow anyone to erase us from the American story because Black History is American History,” says Melanie Campbell, president/CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. Campbell told Black Press USA that Saturday “was the beginning of our resistance movement to fight to demand our Black history be respected.” In a March 31st article published by the North Carolina Black Alliance, the Smithsonian leader revisits history during an HBCU stop at Shaw University; Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch said, “I will probably get fired at some point,” Bunch said. “But
I think the goal would be to, sort of, fight the fight as long as you can.” That fight is in the planning stages with leaders like Marc Morial of the National Urban League, Shavon Arline Bradley National Council of Negro Women, and Professor Kimberle Crenshaw of the African American Policy Forum, who were also part of the weekend demonstration for Hands Off Our History.Referring back to the March 31st published story, “The Smithsonian, with me at the leadership, is considered the best example of DEI leadership — you know, a woke leader,” Secretary Lonnie Bunch said. “So they’ll come after the Smithsonian. I get it. I think that the most important thing for me is to help the staff continue to do the work they need to do because the challenge is, with all that’s going on, people get paralyzed.” A threat of budget cuts can also cripple the museum, according to Bunch. “The reality is nobody’s immune. We plan every day for significant
budget cuts,” Bunch said. “I’ve done scenarios with budget cuts as much as 40%, which means you have to reimagine the Smithsonian.” This reporter asked the Smithsonian spokesperson, Linda St. Thomas, about the story from the North Carolina Black Alliance. She said, “I have nothing to add. The Secretary speaks for himself.”Shavon Arline Bradley, the President of the National Council of Negro Women, is sounding the alarm with concerns over the house once owned by Mary McLeod Bethune that is now owned by the federal agency, the National Park Service. Bradley says, “We have to be concerned about the National Council of Negro Women’s Council House because you need more activity to show more engagement.” The concern is that the federal government won’t see the property as viable if there is not enough foot traffic and tourists there. “so I’m safe to say we should be concerned if we do not see more visitation to the council house,”
building is Mary McLeod Bethune’s final home, where she met with thenFirst Lady Eleanor Rosevelt and other high-ranking officials to raise awareness and action on Black issues such as equity, the economy, community development, and education. When the building was sold to the National Park Service in 1994, the organization thought the federal government would preserve the historic building and “ensure protection and the upkeep.” NCNW Members have asked to repurchase the building. Arline-Bradley says she doesn’t know “if it is that simple.” Bradley says, “Protests, marches, and a financial plan are part of the efforts to save Black historic museums and history. Meanwhile, Melanie Campbell reiterates, “Black people built this country, and we will not allow anyone to erase us from the American story because Black History is America’s History.”
Supreme Court Case Highlights Clash Between Parental Rights and Progressive Indoctrination
In this debate, it is essential to recognize that parents are, first and foremost, their children’s primary educators. When they send their children to school -- public or private -- they do not surrender their rights or responsibilities. Yet, the education establishment has been increasingly encroaching on this vital paradigm. A case recently argued before the Supreme Court regarding Maryland parents’ rights to opt out of lessons that infringe upon their religious beliefs epitomizes this growing conflict. This case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, is not simply about retreating from progressive educational mandates. It is fundamentally a defense of First Amendment rights, a defense of parents’ rights to be parents.
At the center of this controversy are some parents from Montgomery County in Maryland, who assert a fundamental principle: the right to shield their children from exposure to sexual content that is inappropriate for their age, while also steering their moral and ethical upbringing in alignment with their faith. The local school board decided to introduce a curriculum that includes LGBTQ+ themes -- often embracing controversial discussions of human sexuality and gender identity. The parents argue that the subject matter is age inappropriate, and the school board does not give parents the option to withdraw their children when those lessons are taught.
This case raises profound questions about the role of public education in a democratic society. In their fervent quest for inclusivity, some educators seem to have overlooked an essential truth: that the promotion of inclusivity should never infringe upon
parental rights and the deeply held convictions that guide families of different faith backgrounds. This matter goes well beyond mere exposure. It veers into indoctrination when children are repeatedly confronted with concepts that clash with their family values.
“I don’t think anybody can read that and say: well, this is just telling children that there are occasions when men marry other men,” noted Justice Samuel Alito. “It has a clear moral message, and it may be a good message. It’s just a message that a lot of religious people disagree with.” Justice Amy Coney Barrett raised a crucial point, noting that it is one thing to merely expose students to diverse ideas; it is quite another to present certain viewpoints as indisputable truths. By framing an ideology with the certainty of “this is the right view of the world,” educators risk indoctrination rather than enlightenment. This distinction is not merely academic; it speaks to the very essence of cultivating a truly informed citizenry. Even Justice Elena Kagan expressed concern regarding the exposure of young children to certain materials in Montgomery County.
“I, too, was struck by these young kids’ picture books and, on matters concerning sexuality, I suspect there are a lot of non-religious parents who weren’t all that thrilled about this,” she said. Justice John Roberts aptly questioned the practicality of expecting young children to compartmentalize their beliefs in the classroom.
“It is unreasonable to expect five-year-olds, still forming their worldviews, to reconcile lessons
that conflict fundamentally with the teachings they receive at home,” he said. As was noted in my previous commentary, “The Hidden Truth In The Battle Over Books In American Schools”, what lies at the heart of these debates is a moral disconnect between the values held by the majority of Americans and those promoted by the educational establishment. While the majority rightly argue that material containing controversial content of a sexual nature should have no place in our children’s classrooms, the education establishment continues to tout the necessity of exposing children to such content under the guise of inclusivity. This disregards the legitimate values held by the wider community.
Highlighted in this case that is before the Supreme Court is a crucial truth: parents must resolutely maintain their right to direct their children’s education, according to their values. This struggle is not simply a skirmish; it reflects a broader movement aimed at reshaping education by privileging a state-sanctioned narrative while marginalizing dissenting voices.
It is imperative that we assert, without hesitation, that parents are -- and must remain -the primary educators of their children. When parents enroll a child in a school, it should in no way be interpreted as a relinquishment of parental authority or the moral guidance essential to their upbringing. We must stand firm in defending parental rights against the encroaching ideologies of the education establishment.
Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care
By Rhonda M. Smith Special to
program that
individuals
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Californians and about 1
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Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities. The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black
across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities. One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving
pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts. Additionally, one in five pregnant and postpartum people experience maternal mental health challenges, yet 75% do not receive the treatment they need -- often because they can’t afford it or don’t have access to it. These disparities are symptoms of a system that’s been underfunded and neglected for generations. Slashing Medicaid would only exacerbate the problem. These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. The 89 million Americans who sat out the 2024 election may have believed they were staying neutral, but inaction is never neutral. When we don’t vote, we surrender our voice, our power, and our rights to people who may not represent our best interests. Silence is inaction, and inaction gives power to those who often misuse it at the expense of others. Showing up, on the other hand, amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power. That’s why political engagement isn’t optional. We can’t afford to tune out until the next presidential race, or even the mid-term elections. Every election matters; local, state, and federal elections impact whether we have affordable housing, clean air and water, access to healthcare and our basic needs.
Our right to vote was hard-fought. Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and so many others, fought for our right to vote. They made incredible sacrifices that helped build the very foundation of our democracy. We must reject the false narrative that our voices and our votes don’t count. Because they do. They always have. We just have to believe it and act. I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote. Most importantly, show up to vote. We’ve got the power to make change and influence policy.
National Museum of African American History and Culture Building in Washington DC, USA. A popular visitors and tourists destination in the capital city
added Arline Bradley.The
Craig Deluz
By Craig J. DeLuz Special to California Black Media Partners In America’s schools, the tension between parental rights and learning curricula has created a contentious battlefield.
California Black Media Partners
D-Nice, Leela James and Rahsaan Patterson Rocked the Mother’s Day Music Festival in Los Angeles
By Ricky Richardson
Contributing Writer
(Los Angeles, CA) Mother’s Day 2025 is one for the books. It’s my hope that Mother’s and others serving in that capacity felt all that love that came their way this past Sunday. This show of love should be experienced all year long.
The City of Los Angeles joins cities across the United States that celebrated Mother’s Day with a music festival.
The inaugural Mother’s Day Music Festival supporting Domestic Violence Awareness was held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 11:00 am- 6:00 pm. The festival was held at the engaging and lively Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex, 5001 Obama Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90016. People were hoping that the Los Angeles celebration would become an annual event even before the first note was played.
Walking around, one couldn’t help but noticed that love permeated the air all day. It was palpable, as the joyous feeling of love was felt throughout the venue.
This special event was presented as “A Gift to the Mother’s y Madres” by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Heather Hutt, Los Angeles Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and Los Angeles City Councilman Curren D. Price Jr., and the Jenesse Center for Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention.
A festival of this caliber attracted several dignitaries. Honorable Diane Watson, Senator Steven Bradford, Assemblymember Sade Elhwary, District 57 and her mom, Audy Vasquez Ramirez, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, the above-mentioned City Councilmembers, Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, Captain Lopez, and Patricia Saint James, Philanthropist, realtor, model, actress and Founder/CEO of Saint James Cosmetics.
Mother’s Day Music Festival honored the incredible women of Los Angeles. The celebration is a powerful tribute to the strength, love, and
resilience of mothers and maternal figures who uplift and inspire our communities every day.
Several hundred guests were in attendance to enjoy this day long live performances, delicious food trucks, and special gifts, the festival offers a meaningful way to show support and appreciation and support.
Proceeds also benefitted domestic violence awareness through the Jenesse Center, turning celebration into action.
The weather for the day was hot, with lots of sun and clear skies. Guests were given free handheld fans, and water to stay cool and hydrated. Jose Ugarte, Chief of Staff and Director of Community Engagement, Office of Councilman Curren D. Price, Jr., served as emcee for the first half of the show and Dominique DiPrima served as emcee for the second half of the show.
DJ PZB was on deck of the ones and twos spinning an eclectic soundtrack to complement the festivities. You have to use your imagination to visualize how thrilled the party people were while dancing in between live performances.
The program got underway with the Fernando Pullum Performing Arts Band. These talented youth thrilled guests with a set of America’s #1 art form: JAZZ! They performed “Red Clay” by Freddie Hubbard, “Origin” by Pharaoh Sanders and “Swagism.”
Las Catrinas Mariachi is an all-female mariachi band. They entertained the crowd with “Guadalajara” a very popular selection. La Sonora Dinamita fired up the proceedings
on all cylinders. They turned up the heat with a set of contagious, infectious sounds of cumbia. The highlights of their set were the global hits “Encontré La Candenita,” “Qué Bello,” and “Mi Cu Cu.”
Colombia Show Sonora kept us in the beautiful country of Colombia for another picante set of cumbias to the delight of dancers on this hot day in Southern California. Trinere followed with a dazzling set of selections. 1500 or Nothin’ remade the festival into an old schoolhouse party. They opened their crowd pleasing set with “Before I Let Go,” by the late great Frankie Beverly. They continued with another classic “Never Too Much” by soul legend Luther Vandross followed by “Rock With You” by the ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson. Adriana Milanes Brothers also performed.
Rashaan Patterson took the crowd and me on a musical journey down memory lane of hits from his music catalog. The set list featured the tracks
“Memory Lane,” “I’ll Go,” “Don’t You Know That,” “Don’t Wanna Lose It,” “Come Over,” “Treat You Like a Queen,” “It’s Alright Now,” “Spend the Night,” “I Always Find Myself,” Stop Breaking My Heart,” and “Where You Are.” Singer Leela James experienced a homecoming moment. She pointed out that she grew up and went to school not too far from the festival. She arrived onstage to a few choruses of “Gonna Have a Funky Good Time,” by ‘The Godfather of Soul’ James Brown. The lyrics to the track is “we’re gonna have a funky good time, Take ‘em up, we gotta take you higher.” If you have ever seen Leela James perform, you are aware that she takes each concert venue up a notch. Her set is always energetic and high octane. Leela performed “You’re the One,” “Set Me Free,” “Tell Me That You Love Me,” “Right Back In It,” and “Complicated.” Leela James performed “Last Two Dollars” by Johnnie Taylor for the grown folks who like the blues.
It ain’t nothing but a party as D-Nice closed out the inaugural Mother’s Day
on a
were the curated food trucks on site serving up enticing cuisines to satisfy a variety of taste buds.
Festival t-shirts and a rose were presented to all of the mothers in attendance as a token of appreciation.
The event carried a deeper purpose: raising funds for Jenesse Center to support it mission to end domestic violence through prevention and intervention programs.
Founded in 1980, Jenesse Center is a nonprofit domestic violence intervention and prevention organization with a mission: to restore, and provide trauma informed, culturally responsive, holistic, comprehensive services to survivors and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence, and to advance prevention modalities to sustain healthy and safe communities free of violence. Jenesse works locally, nationally and globally to shine a light on violence against women, girls, men and boys and advocates the basic human right for all people to have peace in their homes and relationships. Jenesse’s culturally sensitive programs and services not only transition families from crisis to selfsufficiency but transforms the lives of its clients and the community at large by offering education, referrals and resources that go beyond shelter.
Breaking the Silence:
How Open Conversations About Sexual Health Empower Black Communities
accurate, and inclusive sex education. But in 2025, this fight has become more urgent than ever.
For many Black communities, discussing sexual health issues has long been surrounded by stigma, misinformation, and silence. From family gatherings to classrooms, uncomfortable conversations are often avoided, leaving young people to rely on unreliable sources of information. This silence has consequences. It contributes to higher rates of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health challenges among young people.
It’s time to break that silence.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact that comprehensive sex education can have on individuals and communities. Education is a powerful tool for empowerment—by providing young people with the facts about their bodies, identities, and relationships, we give them the ability to make informed decisions that affect their health, well-being, and future. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) comprehensive sexuality education imparts knowledge and skills critical for ensuring that adolescents and young adults are equipped to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and relationships. Its benefits include delaying sexual initiation, increasing the use of birth control, and reducing sexual risk behaviors, sexually transmitted infections, and rates of unintended pregnancy.
When Black youth receive accurate and inclusive sex education, they are better equipped to navigate relationships, set boundaries, and prioritize
their health. Not only does comprehensive sex ed help students avoid the pitfalls of misinformation, it also fosters healthier, more respectful relationships. We know that when young people learn about topics like consent, healthy communication, and emotional intelligence, they develop stronger selfesteem and better decision-making skills.
But misinformation thrives in silence. When we shy away from these vital conversations, we leave room for harmful myths to spread. The result is a generation of young people who may be misinformed or unaware of their rights and available resources. Misinformation can be dangerous— especially in a climate where extremist groups are actively working to undermine education that is truthful, inclusive, and comprehensive.
It’s important to recognize that these conversations aren’t just about sex—they’re about health, identity, respect, and autonomy. When young people understand their bodies, their rights, and the importance of consent, they become empowered to make choices that lead to better health outcomes. Unfortunately, many Black youth, especially those in underfunded schools and communities, are deprived of this essential education.
In the face of ongoing political battles to censor and ban sex education, we must take a stand. The same forces attempting to strip away reproductive rights, ban books, and erase history are targeting comprehensive sex education. These attacks aim to control the information young people receive, ultimately disempowering them in the process.
At Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, we stand firm in our belief that every young person—no
matter their zip code, gender, race, or income— deserves access to knowledge that empowers them to lead healthy, informed, and empowered lives. We also know that comprehensive sex education that is culturally responsive and inclusive can help dismantle harmful stereotypes about Black youth and create safer, more supportive communities. This May, as we celebrate Sex Ed for All Month, we must continue to push back against the forces that seek to limit young people’s access to the truth. We must ensure that Black youth are not left behind in the fight for equitable access to education. We must keep these conversations going—open, honest, and filled with the knowledge that will shape the future. To learn more about the health services available through Planned Parenthood Los Angeles’ Black Health Initiative, visit Planned Parenthood Los Angeles – Black Health Initiative.
Brittinae Bell is the Senior Education Manager for the Black Health Initiative at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA). She manages PPLA’s education team for the Black Health Initiative while driving community outreach and education for college students, parents, and youth. Brittinae is proud of her work with the Black Health Initiative, including developing and piloting its curriculum, educating the Black community, and creating Soul Friends, a safe space to have honest conversations about mental and sexual health.
Trinere, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Rahsaan Paterson, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Leela James, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
D-Nice, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Music Festival
great musical note.
West Coast Wingz, Birria Villalobos, Tacos Toluca, Reality Eatzz, Dread Fraiche Express and Fraiche Signatres