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“We Mean Business”
Reparations Supporters Return to State Capitol for Day of Advocacy
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More than 100 reparations advocates and supporters from nearly 20 grassroots organizations across California gathered at the State Capitol on Jan. 7 for the first-ever Reparations Education and Advocacy Day (R.E.A.D) event.
Led by the Coalition for A Just and Equitable California (CJEC), the event took place in the same location where, just a few months ago, advocates protested after two reparations bills where denied a floor vote on the Assembly floor.
“The last time we were here was Aug. 31 and it was a shame (those bills did not get a floor vote),” said Los Angeles-based attorney Kamilah Moore, who served as chairperson of the Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans, established by Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, from May 2021 to June 2023. Moore told California Black Media (CBM),“This day speaks to the resiliency of descendants of American slaves. We are not taking no for an answer. We came right back once the doors opened to the capitol. We came back and we mean business.”
This time, the advocates say, they returned to Sacramento with a message and a mission to educate others that they will not be deterred in their efforts to reintroduce the reparations bills in th e Legislature this year.
CJEC is California’s statewide leading grassroots of advocates, organizers, and mobilizers for reparations and reparative Justice. They have been meeting privately after two bills Authored by former Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) -- Senate Bill (SB) 1403 and SB 1330 -stalled in the Assembly.
Harris Heading Home to LA to Help Fire Victims
Harris’ return comes as she’s weighing a run for California governor in 2026.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is headed back home to Los Angeles on Monday, and will immediately visit a local fire station to thank firefighters for their work battling the deadly blazes.
SB 1403 proposed the creation of a new state agency called the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAFAA). It would’ve been accountable for determining eligibility for reparations and administering government processes related to compensation.
SB 1331 was designed to build an account for reparations in the State Treasury for the purpose of funding reparations policies approved by the Legislature and the Governor.
Chris Lodgson, leader of CJEC, and other advocates visited the offices of almost the entire body of120 State Senators and Assemblymembers, urging them to introduce or support 2025 Reparations bills. The group spent the day knocking on the doors of the lawmakers housed in the State Capitol Annex Swing Space.
Marcus Champion, a Los Angeles community activist, photojournalist, and reparations advocate made the trek from Southern California to Sacramento. He shared his impression of the roles of the lawmakers, particularly members of CLBC.
During the last legislative session, leaders of the CLBC cited that they had “structural” concerns about the reparation bills. Therefore, they voted against advancing the legislation for a floor vote by their colleagues.
The advocates say they expect to bring the bills back under a new leadership that includes CLBC chairperson Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-La Mesa) and vice chair Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights).
“It was a good day to send a message to the folks inside that we are here for business,” said Champion. As we have mentioned several times, Aug. 31 was unacceptable. We’re going to make sure that doesn’t happen again.” Champion continued, “The legislators in
there are supposed to represent us and if they can’t get the job done, we will find folks who can.”
Advocates say the reparations bills they support are proposing a state agency to verify lineage-based reparations eligibility; a reparations fund in the state Treasury; and funding for reparations activities in the 2025 Budget, including direct cash payments to qualifying Black Californians and restitution and compensation for stolen property.
Lodgson said that they are prepared to have discussions with the CLBC, Republicans, and Democrats as a whole to form a consensus to support the bills.
Lodgson and others who support reparations for Black Californians based on lineage say that they are willing to discuss their goals with other factions of reparation supporters who advocate for compensation to be based on race.
If approved, lineage-based reparations would be limited to Black Californians who can trace their ancestry back to enslaved or free Black people in the United States before 1900.
Race-based reparations would open up the eligibility pool for reparations to include anyone in California who identifies as Black as opposed to Californians with a direct connection to a person who was enslaved in the United States.
“Our specific work and our specific focus is on those of us whose ancestors were enslaved and emancipated in this country,” Lodgson told CBM. “We are willing to work with anybody who supports that, but we are not moving off that square. We are our own people. No one has done what we’ve done for this country.”
The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
King attended Morehouse College, where he was mentored by Benjamin Mays, the college president and an outspoken advocate for racial equality. It was here that King began to grapple with the social injustices facing African Americans and developed his belief in the power of nonviolent resistance. After graduating from Morehouse in 1948, King went on to earn his divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and later a doctorate in systematic theology from Boston University in 1955. His academic background helped him develop the philosophical framework that would guide his activism.
The Rise of a Leader King’s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement began in earnest in 1955, when Rosa Parks, an African American woman, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a 381-day protest against racial segregation in public transportation. King, who was chosen to lead the boycott, emerged as a strong advocate for nonviolent protest and civil disobedience. Under his leadership, the boycott successfully ended with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that declared segregated buses unconstitutional. This victory solidified King’s status as a prominent leader in the struggle for civil rights.
King’s commitment to nonviolence was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of peaceful resistance. He believed that love and nonviolence were powerful tools in the fight against injustice and racial oppression. His speeches and writings often drew upon religious themes, particularly the teachings of Jesus Christ, who preached love for one’s enemies. King’s unwavering belief in nonviolence distinguished him from other civil rights leaders who supported more militant strategies.
Major Achievements Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, King became the face of the Civil Rights Movement. In 1963, he led the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where he delivered his most famous speech, “I Have a Dream.” In this speech, King articulated his vision of a racially integrated America where people would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. The march, which attracted over 250,000 participants, was a pivotal moment in the movement,
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wake of the recent wildfires that ravaged communities across Los Angeles, over twenty Pastors, Rabbis and other faith leaders representing diverse communities gathered today at Holman United Methodist Church to urge residents to come together in unity and cooperation to rebuild lives, homes, and communities in Los Angeles. “Now is not the time to be divided, we need unity to effectively work together and rebuild our city” said Pastor William Smart, Exec Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, SCLC.
“We stand at a pivotal moment where our collective strength, compassion, and determination must guide us forward,” said Pastor Charles Blake Jr. of West Angeles Church. “This is a time to put aside differences and focus on lifting up our neighbors who have lost so much.”
Faith leaders emphasized that while there will be time to assess what worked and what didn’t in the city’s response, the immediate priority must be solidarity and action.
“Our communities need hope, and they need help,” stated Pastor Rene Molina of Resurrection Church. “We are here not just to pray but to act, to support, and to rebuild together.”
“Disasters test our faith, but they also reveal the power of unity,” said Pastor Rob Shaw of First AME Church. “Now is the time for us to demonstrate our shared humanity through service and solidarity.”
Faith leaders also acknowledged the importance of resilience and forward-thinking strategies to prevent future tragedies.
“As we look ahead, we will evaluate, learn, and adapt,” remarked Pastor Mary Minor, Brookins Community AME Church.
“But today, our mission is clear: to come together, to rebuild, and to support one another as one Los Angeles.” For more information or to
helping
galvanize public support
racial equality. King’s advocacy led to significant legislative changes.
Chris Lodgson, an organizer for CJEC, address-
supporters in front of the California State Capitol, reaffirming their commitment to pursuing reparative justice. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Chad Brown leads a group visiting lawmakers’ offices at the State Capitol Annex Swing Space to garner support for reparations legislation. Jan. 7. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Los Angeles-based attorney Kamilah Moore, Esq., center, joined other supporters of reparations at the State Capitol for Reparations Advocacy Day on Jan. 7. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Biden Pardons Marcus Garvey, Others
in One of His Final Acts of Presidency
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA
Newswire Senior National Correspondent
In one of his final acts in office, President Joe Biden posthumously pardoned Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr., a seminal figure in the civil rights movement, whose advocacy for Black nationalism and self-reliance left an indelible mark on leaders like Malcolm X and movements across the Black diaspora.
Born on August 17, 1887, in Saint Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, Garvey was the son of a stonemason and a domestic servant. His journey to becoming a leader began after traveling to Latin America and studying in London, where he was influenced by Pan-African nationalism.
Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914, advocating for Black nationalism through African history and cultural celebration. His ambitious efforts included the establishment of the Black Star Line, a Black-owned passenger line designed to facilitate the “back to Africa” movement, and various economic enterprises like restaurants and shopping centers to foster Black economic independence. Despite facing relentless criticism and legal challenges, including a controversial mail fraud conviction in 1923 that many believe was politically motivated, Garvey’s vision and tenacity spurred a global movement.
Biden’s broad act of clemency also included others like Don Scott, the current Speaker of the Virginia House
of Delegates, who transformed a past drug conviction into a catalyst for advocacy in criminal justice reform.
Ravi Ragbir, an immigrant rights activist; Kemba Smith Pradia, a former drug offense convict turned prison reform advocate; and Darryl Chambers, a Delawarean who now studies and writes about gun violence prevention, were also granted clemency.
Garvey’s legacy, though marred by controversies, including his interactions with white supremacists and criticism from Black leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois, has continued to inspire countless individuals within the Nation of Islam, the Black Power movement, and the Rastafari movement. Many, including most Congressional Black Caucus members, said Garvey’s posthumous pardon serves not only as a correction of historical injustices but also as a powerful affirmation of his enduring influence on Black empowerment and self-determination.
The White House proclaimed that Biden’s term has been distinguished by a robust commitment to civil rights. Officials said the commitment is evident in significant legislative achievements and proactive executive actions to foster racial equity. His administration pursued an ambitious equity agenda through legislation like the American Rescue Plan and executive orders to dismantle systemic barriers.
Administration officials noted that, as Biden prepares to leave office, his record on equity and justice, marked by
American Airlines Faces Intense Scrutiny Over Customer Service and Discrimination Allegations
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
American Airlines continues to suffer a string of customer service problems, including severe charges of racial discrimination, sparking worldwide condemnation and a rethinking of its operational policies. An incident on Jan. 17 involving passenger S.L. Brown, whose trip from New York’s JFK to Saint Marteen was abruptly canceled, again exposed these problems. Brown’s contact with a customer service agent named “Sash,” who was described as “very nasty, very insensitive,” left her with no viable solutions. Not only did Sash not give a refund or travel credit, but her handling of the situation forced Brown to arrange a costly same-day flight for her and her three children from LaGuardia Airport with Delta Airlines, incurring significant additional fees.
This instance points to deeper structural concerns within American Airlines, as indicated by the huge volume of complaints received. According to the Canadian Transportation Agency, American received 1.9 complaints per 100 flights in the fourth quarter of 2023, with passengers regularly citing issues like as unexpected cancellations, misplaced luggage, and inefficient customer service, which often exacerbates their travel delays.
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In addition to Brown’s experience in which the traveler said she believed was in part racially motivated, the airline is facing serious claims of discrimination. In a distressing lawsuit, retired Black police officer Anthony Williams and his white wife, Katsiaryna Shasholka, claim they were wrongfully accused of human trafficking by another passenger on their honeymoon flight from Phoenix to Miami. The couple was publicly escorted off the plane, detained, and subjected to humiliating scrutiny by airline staff without any credible evidence. The event suggests a possible trend of racial profiling by airline staff, as it is similar to another case involving artist David Ryan Harris, who was falsely accused of trafficking his mixed children.
American also has faced legal jeopardy because of its hiring and employment practices. Following a complaint by America First Legal, American Airlines was found to have violated federal anti-discrimination laws in its hiring practices. This has reportedly led to a mandated cessation of these practices after a federal investigation by the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. Last year, the U.S. Transportation Department imposed a $50 million fine on American for failing to provide adequate assistance to passengers with disabilities, a record fine for such violations, which emphasizes the need for significant improvements in how the airline assists vulnerable passengers.
American Airlines claimed that it has maintained a commitment to enhance the travel experience for all its passengers. The airline said it continues to review complaints and allegations against it. Transportation officials said the urgency for comprehensive policy and operational reforms remains high as the airline navigates through these legal and public relations challenges.
“The dignity of every passenger that entrusts American Airlines with their travel must be affirmed,” stated the
DOJ Recovers $2.9 Billion Through False Claims Act in 2024, Qui Tam Actions Set Record
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said it recovered more than $2.9 billion from False Claims Act (FCA) settlements and judgments in 2024. Among the highest in recent years, this figure was supported by a record 979 qui tam lawsuits filed by whistleblowers. These actions, where private citizens sue on behalf of the government, remain an essential element of federal enforcement, allowing individuals to help expose fraud and recover taxpayer funds.
This year’s results included 558 settlements and judgments, falling just short of the record 566 recoveries achieved in 2023. However, the DOJ said total recoveries exceeded the $2.4 billion reported a year earlier. Officials said the agency has maintained vigilance in attacking fraud schemes in all forms. They said since the FCA was strengthened in 1986, recoveries have surpassed $78 billion.
The latest report revealed that the healthcare sector contributed more than $1.67 billion to the total fraud costs.
Among the most notable cases was a $425 million settlement with Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
The settlement put to bed allegations of fraudulent marketing and pricing practices involving its multiple sclerosis drug, Copaxone. According to the DOJ, the
Raytheon Company, which agreed to pay $428 million to address claims of falsifying cost and pricing data on defense contracts, was another major victory.
DOJ officials claimed that the increase in whistleblower activity demonstrates growing public awareness of the FCA’s provisions. Qui tam lawsuits empower individuals to report fraud and share in recoveries, receiving between 15% and 30% of the recovered funds. In 2024, such actions accounted for a significant portion of the total recoveries.
By comparison, 2023 saw 713 qui tam actions.
Over the years, the DOJ’s enforcement actions have tackled fraud across a wide range of industries, from healthcare and defense contracting to disaster relief and cybersecurity. In fiscal year 2024, targeted efforts were concentrated on healthcare fraud, which included additional cases targeting opioid manufacturers and providers accused of exacerbating the nation’s opioid crisis.
One such case involved Endo Health Solutions, which agreed to a bankruptcy settlement valued at $475.6 million to address allegations of marketing practices tied to its opioid product, Opana ER. Other cases, such as a $7.5 million settlement with Rite Aid Corporation and its subsidiaries, further highlighted the DOJ’s focus on holding companies accountable for contributing to public health crises.
Outside of healthcare, other significant recoveries
were realized in defense contracting. The Raytheon case, one of the most substantial recoveries this year, reinforced the DOJ’s scrutiny of government contractors accused of submitting false data or misrepresenting costs. Over the years, defense procurement fraud has remained a key area of FCA enforcement, officials said.
Year-over-year comparisons have demonstrated the DOJ’s consistency in addressing fraud through the FCA. While recoveries have varied depending on the scope and nature of cases pursued, the steady rise in whistleblower engagement and the substantial sums recovered have shown the effectiveness of the FCA’s provisions. For example, in 2021, FCA recoveries reached nearly $4 billion, including some of the most substantial whistleblower-led cases in recent history.
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer described the DOJ’s work under the FCA as essential to protecting taxpayer dollars. “The Department’s enforcement of the False Claims Act this past year demonstrates its continued commitment to pursuing those who seek to defraud the American taxpayers,” Mizer said.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton added, “The results announced today demonstrate that such conduct will not be tolerated and that those who knowingly misuse taxpayer funds will be held accountable.”
The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Continued from page A1
Break Silence,” alienated some of his allies but reinforced his message that true peace required both racial and economic justice. Despite the challenges he faced, King remained resolute in his commitment to nonviolence and equality. However, his life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while
The Valley’s
these recent pardons, is further proof of his unwavering dedication to building a more inclusive America. They said Garvey’s pardon not only rectifies a historical wrong but
also powerfully reaffirms his enduring legacy—a legacy that continues to inspire a movement for dignity and selfdetermination among Black communities worldwide.
attorney for Anthony Williams. “This case is about much more than rectifying a single grievous wrong; it’s about addressing systemic issues that undermine passenger trust and
Wendy Williams Speaks Out:
‘I Am Not Cognitively Impaired; I Am in Prison’
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Wendy Williams stunned her fans and others when she made a surprise call to “The Breakfast Club,” where she revealed deep frustrations with a conservatorship she described as “emotional abuse.” Despite her diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia in 2023, Williams was assertive. “I am not cognitively impaired,” she demanded. “But I feel like I am in prison.” The former talk show queen and radio host expressed her discomfort with being placed in a maximum-security care facility alongside much older residents. “I’m in this place where the people are in their 90s and their 80s and their 70s,” she told Charlamagne Tha God. “There’s something wrong with these people here on this floor.”
Williams then criticized her conservatorship. “This system is broken,” she declared. Williams then described her isolation, having lost her autonomy with her pets taken away and her finances under strict control. Her niece, Alex, also on the call, shared that Williams’ guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, retains control over Williams’ older phone and restricts her financial autonomy.
During the interview, Williams shared her longing to visit her 94-year-old father in Miami for his birthday, though it remains unclear if she will be allowed to travel. “At 94, the day after that is not promised,” Williams remarked.
Alex voiced concern about potential repercussions from the guardian following the interview, recounting a critical conversation: “I said, ‘You know, we do this; you’re ready for what’s on the other side?’ And as she said, ‘I have to do this. There’s nothing else I could do at this point.’”
The family also raised concerns about being in the dark regarding Williams’ location during the airing of the documentary “Where is Wendy Williams.” The interview concluded with Williams using her iconic catchphrase, “How you doin’?”
Charlamagne encouraged listeners to amplify the story on social media. Just one week prior to Williams calling into the show, Charlamagne had described another phone conversation he had with Williams over the Christmas holiday.
“She seemed perfectly fine to me… there ain’t nothing
Backlash For Snoop Dogg’s Performance is Getting Louder
By April D. Ryan, BlackPressUSA.com
Washington Bureau Chief and Chief White House Correspondent
Social media is abuzz over Snoop Doggs’ performance during the 60th presidential inauguration ceremonies for Donald John Trump Friday night.
Some supporters are calling it “sickening,” and on social media, others are asking, how they should address this controversy.
Snoop Dogg, clad in what looked like a tuxedo, performed at the first ever Crypto Ball while guests who paid upwards of $2,500 a ticket wore hats exclaiming, “Make crypto great again.” The event was meant to emphasize President-Elect Donald Trump’s enthusiasm about crypto currency.
Needless to say, the tickets were sold out for the Snoop Dogg event at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC. The rap star, whose songs include words about sipping on gin and juice with money on his mind, created a flurry of controversy on social media along with singer Nelly, who is also expected to perform during Trump inauguration events this holiday weekend.
On social media, many Snoop Dogg and Nelly fans are questioning whether the singers should be muted, like Chrisette Michele, who was blackballed once she sang at the first Trump inauguration in 2017. In 2016, Snoop joined the chorus of those condemning anyone who performed at the Trump inauguration calling them “jigaboos” and “Uncle Toms.”
The very visible shift in Snoop’s feelings about Trump came when then President Trump granted clemency to Death Row Records co-founder Michael Harris. Fast forward to this weekend, and the irony of all the attention on the Crypto inauguration event. Many people posted the Snoop performance, which he had not even mentioned on his Instagram account as of early Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, Snoop’s inauguration appearance should not be a surprise. The Long Beach, California native, rapper, producer, and actor, whose real name is Calvin Broadus Jr., supported Republican Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso in 2022. Caruso lost to the then Democratic California Congresswoman Karen Bass after spending $110 million of his own money on that campaign.
By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Keke Palmer buddy comedy “One of Them Days” opened in first place on the North American box office charts on a particularly slow Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
The R-rated Sony release earned $11.6 million from 2,675 theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday, beating Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” by a hair. By the end of Monday's holiday, “Mufasa” will have the edge, however.
“One of Them Days” cost only $14 million to produce, which it is expected to earn by Monday. The very well-reviewed buddy comedy stars Palmer and SZA as friends and roommates scrambling to get money for rent before their landlord evicts them. Notably it’s the first Black female-led theatrical comedy since “Girls Trip” came out in 2017 and it currently carries a stellar 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
But the marketplace was also quite weak overall. The total box office for Friday, Saturday and Sunday will add up to less than $80 million, according to data from Comscore, making it one of the worst Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekends since 1997.
“For an individual film like ‘One of Them Days’ this was a great weekend,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “You can still find success stories within what is overall a low grossing weekend for movie theaters.” The Walt Disney Co.’s “Mufasa” was close by in second place with $11.5 million from the weekend, its fifth playing in theaters. Globally, the Barry Jenkins-directed prequel has made $588 million. It even beat a brand-new offering, the Blumhouse horror “Wolf Man,” which debuted in third place with $10.6 million from 3,354 North American theaters. Writer-director Leigh Whannell’s monster tale starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner did not enter theaters
with great reviews. It currently carries a 53% on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews don’t generally affect the success of horror movies in their first weekend, but audiences also gave it a lackluster C- CinemaScore in exit polls. The Blumhouse production and Universal Pictures release cost a reported $25 million to make and is expected to reach $12 million by the close of Monday’s holiday.
“Sonic the Hedgehog 3" was in fourth place with $8.6 million and “Den of Thieves 2” rounded out the top five with $6.6 million. In specialty releases, Brady Corbert's 215-minute postwar epic “The Brutalist” expanded to 388 screens where it made nearly $2 million over the weekend. A24 reported that it sold out various 70mm and IMAX showings. The studio also re-released its Colman Domingo drama “Sing Sing” in theaters and prisons, where over 1 million incarcerated people in 46 states were able to view the film.
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend has seen major successes in the past. Dergarabedian noted “Bad Boys for Life,” which had a three-day opening of $62.5 million in 2020, and “American Sniper,” which earned $89.3 in its first weekend in wide release in 2016.
“This is a year that’s going to get a big boost starting with ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ and ‘Paddington in Peru’ in February,” Dergarabedian said.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
Snoop Dog. Photo by Mika Väisänen / Wikimedia Commons.
incapacitated about Wendy Williams,” Charlamagne told his audience. He recalled a humorous moment from that call when Williams playfully thought he was recording. The conversation around Williams’ conservatorship has contributed to a growing national dialogue about
such legal arrangements. The cases of Britney Spears and Amanda Bynes have already brought attention to potential abuses. Additionally, as reported by ESPN and NPR, the situation involving football player Michael Oher further complicated the discourse. After turning eighteen, Oher
under a conservatorship managed by the Tuohy family rather than being adopted. This allegedly led to the family profiting significantly from his earnings, including royalties from the movie “The Blind Side.”
Fund Launched to Aid
Black Communities Impacted
By Edward Henderson and Charlene Muhammad California Black Media
The California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) and California Community Foundation have partnered to launch the Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund to support community organizations on the ground working to meet the immediate and long-term needs of Black communities displaced by the wildfires.
The fund will particularly benefit residents of Altadena, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County that has historically been a haven for Black homeowners who could not at one point buy homes elsewhere because of redlining.
“Over the last few days, we have gained a better sense of how expansive the devastation was, and we decided we needed to take action,” Marc Philpart, CEO of CBFF told California Black Media.
“Black families that had settled in that region really did so because those were the only regions that they could settle in, so we wanted to be a part of helping those individuals who were impacted find some relief and begin to start the long road to recovery,” he continued.
The recent fires in Los Angeles County have claimed 25 lives, burned over 40,000 acres of land, forced more than 150,000 people to evacuate and caused nearly $275 billion in damages.
In Altadena alone, where 18% of the population identifies as Black and where Black homeownership is nearly double the national average, the Eaton Fire, named after the canyon where it started, destroyed 9,300 structures, killed at least 17 residents and displaced thousands.
Historically Black communities in Altadena and Pasadena have been hit particularly hard by this disaster.
Patrice Marshall McKenzie, a representative of Pasadena Unified School District 5, spoke with California Black Media about the scale of the devastation in the area and needs of displaced families.
“I am very fortunate and blessed that my immediate home, is not threatened, but I cannot begin to count the number of people whose homes are,” said McKenzie.
“It has just been a really, really harrowing week. We are really working to support families, standing up graphical locations to provide food to families, providing childcare resources to parents who still have to go to work and so being able to support the needs of our students while they’re unable to be on campus full time or that they really want to be,” she continued.
In addition to the destruction of the entire business corridor on Lake Avenue, five public schools have been damaged significantly, and four of them are almost total losses. McKenzie highlighted the need for monetary
donations for many of the displaced individuals living in hotels.
“Once they’re able to be more stabilized in terms of their temporary housing, then they probably will need things to be able to make sure that their home starts to come together again,” she siad.
For thousands of displaced Black residents like those mentioned by McKenzie, the road to rebuild is just beginning. Historic and systemic inequities add hurdles to the prospect of rebuilding. The Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund seeks to address those critical challenges so Black communities can return, reclaim, and rebuild just like other communities. The days, months, and years ahead will require hope, healing, and our collective resources to recover.
“In the wake of these devastating fires, we can’t just rebuild. We must ensure communities heal and flourish for generations to come. This is about more than recovery. It’s about restoring the heart and soul of neighborhoods that hold so much history, culture, and promise,” said Miguel Santana, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation said in a statement.
“Through our partnership with the California Black Freedom Fund, we are committed to addressing the urgent needs of Black communities displaced by the wildfires, especially in the cherished, historically Black neighborhood of Altadena. Thanks to this partnership with the California Black Freedom Fund, we are able to help safeguard a cultural treasure of Southern California, ensuring the vibrancy of these communities is a legacy passed down to future generations.”
Money raised by the fund will go to 12 grassroots organizations vetted by CBFF that are on the frontlines of the disaster, giving aid, counseling, housing, food rations, and other services to those most in need in the Pasadena and Altadena area.
“We’re in a prime position to be able to move quickly to support them,” said Philpart. “And many of these organizations have been starved. They haven’t had the investment that’s necessary for them to be able to do the work that’s needed in this critical moment. They’re small, they’re scrappy and we really rely on that ability to reach unique sets of entities and platform them as a way to help them get more investment and introduce them to a broader set of folks who wouldn’t necessarily know them otherwise.”
Since 2020, CBFF has distributed over $40 million dollars to over 142 organizations working on behalf of Black communities. The California Black Freedom Fund works to strengthen and coordinate California’s ecosystem
Marc Philpart, Executive Director of the California Black Freedom Fund, emphasized that every legislator and the Governor of California should support the coalition’s efforts. (File photo by Antonio Ray Harvey, CBM)
Patrice Marshall McKenzie, Pasadena Unified School Board district 5
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
Mayor Karen Bass Takes Pro-Active Steps as Effort to Contain Fire Advances
Recovery efforts in Los Angeles and Ventura counties faced setbacks last week as powerful winds -- up to 70 mph -- created extreme fire danger through Wednesday. Red flag warnings, signaling high fire risks due to low humidity and dry conditions, were in effect, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported. Firefighters and officials also made urgent preparations, with resources positioned to mitigate the risks of new wildfires.
The Eaton and Palisades fires have claimed 27 lives and burned over 60 square miles, destroying over 12,000 structures, including homes and businesses. As of Jan. 19, the Eaton Fire was 81% contained, while the Palisades Fire was at 52%. Residents under evacuation orders have dropped to 92,000, but officials warn new orders may be issued.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized proactive measures, including strategic deployment of firefighters and water tankers.
“L.A. City firefighters and firefighters from across the county, state and nation and even overseas are in a proactive and strategic posture to save lives,” said Bass, reinforcing that city officials are making urgent preparations to mobilize resources.
The L.A. Department of Water and Power has made over six billion gallons of water available for firefighting and addressed prior water supply issues. Meanwhile, drinking water advisories remain for affected areas, including northern Pasadena and Pacific Palisades.
Safety measures are in place, including a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in evacuation zones to prevent looting and burglaries. Officials have also warned against price gouging, with Los Angeles County District Attorney
Nathan Hochman pledging legal action against violators.
Authorities are also addressing the health impacts of smoke exposure, urging residents to limit outdoor activities and use N95 masks or air purifiers. The NWS has labeled the current conditions a “particularly dangerous situation,” urging vigilance and evacuation readiness as high winds persist.
Search and rescue operations for missing persons continue, with 23 people unaccounted for in L.A. County.
Officials remain focused on containment efforts, protecting communities, and preventing further destruction.
Gov. Newsom, Legislature
Reach $50 Million Deal to Counter Trump-Era Policies
California Democrats, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders, have reached a $50 million agreement to counter the impact of potential federal policies from the incoming Trump administration, including mass deportations. The deal, announced before President Trump’s inauguration, aims to protect immigrants and strengthen legal defenses against the White House.
Half of the funding, $25 million, will be allocated to the state Department of Justice to litigate against federal actions. The remaining $25 million will fund legal nonprofits and immigration support centers to defend immigrants against deportation, detention, and wage theft.
Senate Budget Chair Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) praised the initiative, calling it a necessary step to counter “Trump’s extremist agenda.”
Republicans have criticized the move, accusing Democratic leaders of prioritizing partisan issues over addressing devastating wildfires in Southern California.
Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher called the fund a “slush fund” for government lawyers and expressed concern about the state’s focus during a crisis.
The funding proposal is part of a larger special session package, with floor votes expected this week. Newsom, while addressing criticism, has remained active in wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles and hinted at the possibility of a fire-focused special session.
The urgency of the immigration-related funding stems from Trump’s previous pledges to enact mass deportations. Under President Biden, immigration enforcement actions have intensified in California’s Central Valley, adding to the concern.
Democrats argue the funding reflects California’s leadership in resisting federal policies they view as harmful. Wiener highlighted the importance of supporting legal aid services that can effectively assist millions of vulnerable residents.
If approved, the deal positions California as a national leader in opposing federal actions and protecting immigrant communities, underscoring its role as a stronghold against Trump administration policies.
Congresswoman Simon
Ceremonially Sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris
On Jan. 7, 2025, Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12),
who succeeds former Congresswoman Barbara Lee, was sworn into office by former Vice President Kamala Harris in a ceremony held in the Vice President’s office in the U.S. Capitol. The event marked a significant milestone in Simon’s career, which has been closely influenced by her decades-long professional relationship and friendship with Harris.
Simon was accompanied by her friends and family, as she reflected on the moment’s significance.
“I am so honored to have my mentor and former boss, Vice President Kamala Harris, administer this oath. She has been instrumental in shaping my public service career and paving the way for women like me to serve at the highest levels,” said Simon.
The relationship between Simon and Harris began in the late 1990s, when Simon worked at the Young Women’s Freedom Center and Harris was an Assistant District Attorney in San Francisco. Their collaboration deepened in 2005 when then-District Attorney Harris tapped Simon to lead the “Back on Track” program. This initiative, designed to provide alternatives to incarceration for firsttime, nonviolent offenders, gained national recognition and inspired similar programs across the country.
Simon serves a constituency that includes the cities of Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Albany, Emeryville, Piedmont, and parts of San Leandro. She has pledged to advocate for social justice, equity, and progressive policies as a member of Congress.
“Marshall Plan”: Gov. Newsom Issues Executive Order to Streamline Rebuilding After Fires
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to expedite the rebuilding process for homes and businesses destroyed by recent Southern California wildfires. The order temporarily waives certain environmental review and permitting requirements, including provisions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act, to help victims rebuild more quickly and avoid bureaucratic delays.
“When the fires are extinguished, victims must be able to rebuild quickly and without roadblocks. The executive order will cut permitting delays and help our communities recover faster and stronger,” said Newsom.
“We are organizing a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger, and we have your back,” Newsom also said last week.
The executive order also directs state agencies to identify additional ways to streamline the rebuilding process, including possible changes to the Building Code to make reconstruction more affordable.
Maria S. Salinas, President and CEO of the L.A. Area Chamber expressed her support for the Governor’s action.
“Governor Newsom’s swift action will accelerate recovery efforts across Los Angeles County. Suspending regulatory hurdles will help families and businesses rebuild their lives sooner,” said Salinas.
“This proactive measure reflects the Governor’s
commitment to not only rebuilding infrastructure but also restoring hope and opportunity to those who have been impacted,” she added. In addition to the reconstruction measures, the order extends price gouging protections on essential goods and services related to rebuilding, including construction materials, storage, and other supplies, through January 7, 2026, in Los Angeles County.
Newsom’s administration says it has committed to collaborating with the Legislature to identify additional statutory changes that can further expedite rebuilding while enhancing resilience and safety against future wildfires. The order reflects the state’s commitment to swift and effective recovery for communities impacted by the fires.
Ed Chief Thurmond Visits
Southern California Schools Fires Impacted
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond last week visited several school communities in Southern California that have been severely impacted by wildfires.
His visit aimed to assess the damage, provide support, and secure essential resources for the recovery process. As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to various regions, Thurmond’s says his actions reflect the commitment of the California Department of Education (CDE) to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, educators, and their families.
“Schools are the heartbeat of any community’s ability to recover as they provide stable and safe learning spaces for children,” Thurmond said. “That’s why our team has had boots on the ground since the beginning of this tragedy, and we are committed to remaining side-by-side with local leaders to assist in the recovery.”
During his visit, Thurmond met with local school officials, teachers, and students to understand their immediate needs and long-term concerns. He expressed his commitment to fighting for people affected by the disaster and assured them of the state’s unwavering support. Thurmond also emphasized the importance of mental health services, particularly for students who have experienced trauma due to the wildfires.
Thurmond announced that he has secured financial and logistical assistance to aid in the rebuilding and restoration of school facilities. This includes funding for temporary classrooms, educational materials, and infrastructure repair. The CDE says its goal is expedite the recovery process and minimize disruptions to students’ education.
Earlier in the week, Thurmond finalized a partnership between the CDE and Airbnb to provide short-term housing for school staff in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD).
The CDE has also partnered with the SupplyBank. org to collect and distribute critical resources to school communities. A similar agreement with curriculum providers and tech manufacturers will lead on the replacement of school materials damaged by the fires.
Conscious Reflection: Black Caucus Observes
MLK Day Amid California Firestorms
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Amid the damage and despair caused by firestorms in the Los Angeles area, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast in Sacramento on his birthday, Jan. 15. All 12 members of the CLBC attended the event, including six Black lawmakers from the Los Angeles region who expressed their deep concerns about constituents displaced or impacted by the fires.
Vice-chair of the CLBC Assemblymember Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) shared with the diverse crowd attending the breakfast that he and Chair, Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-La Mesa), received numerous messages inquiring whether the event would be called off because of the fires. Bryan said it was important to move forward with the celebration considering the disaster’s aftermath and the transfer of presidential transition happening in Washington on Jan. 20.
“Hell no, we are not canceling the breakfast,” Bryan said he told callers. “We need to think about the legacy and impact of Martin Luther King, Jr., more than ever. In fact, he would be ashamed if we canceled this breakfast a week before (Donald) Trump takes office.”
The event was held at the Elk’s Tower three blocks north of the State Capitol under the theme, “Black Power, Progress, and Purpose.” Martin Luther King would have turned 96 on the day of the event. It marked the first time that all CLBC members were
in the same room since the 2025-2026 legislative session began in December.
The CLBC holds the event each year to honor the legacy of Dr. King and the celebrate the Caucus’ commitment to service in Black communities across the state.
Speakers included California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Black California constitutional officers -- State Controller Malia Cohen and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond -- also attended the event.
“This annual gathering is not only a time for reflections but also a time for renewal (and) a moment to recommit to the values that Dr. King fought and gave his life for,” Weber-Pierson said during her remarks.
The keynote speaker was Lurie Daniel-Favors, who serves as Executive Director at the Center for Law and Social Justice (CLSJ) at Medgar Evers College in New York. The CLSJ is a community-based legal organization that specializes in addressing racial injustice.
Daniel-Favors reflected on a time in recent history that she the Black community could “explicitly, proactively, and unabashedly” advocate for racial equality. She said that freedom is now threatened.
Conservative ideas like those contained in Project 2025 and anti-DEI activism are now the status quo, Daniel-Favors lamented.
She believes that the push back against equity policies is a way to say, “No, we will not absolutely consider what qualifications you have. This position by default is not for you.”
“The only reason we needed diversity, equity, and inclusion, and Affirmative Action programs as policy is because we needed a way to disrupt the flow of power which, up until that time, reserved all opportunity access resources to White Americans, regardless of metrics, qualifications and merit,” she said.
“Now we are in a time and place where the whole world has shifted and the Supreme Court has stepped in and we are returning to what I like to call the ‘Jim Crow’ era of jurisprudence when it comes to Civil Rights, social justice, and advancing equity for the nation,” Daniel-Favors added.
The breakfast celebration featured a drum dance performance by David Bowman and Company, the singing of the Black National Anthem “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” by
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Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq., Executive Director of the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College, delivered the keynote address at the California Legislative Black Caucus’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Breakfast on January 15 in Sacramento, Calif. Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey, CBM.
Pictured left to right: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Assembly-
member Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles), Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), Senator Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), Assemblymember Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton), Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), and As-
semblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood). CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Pictured at the CLBC’s MLK Breakfast, left to right: Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), California State Controller Malia Cohen, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood).CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Senator Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro), left, engages in a discussion with Secretary of State Shirley Weber. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Olevia Wilson, and additional musical selections by Huie Lovelady and a community choir.
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Firefighter puts water onto a downed transformer. Although there was no power the chemicals and caustic smoke remain dangerous. Altaedena, CA. Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
Photo by Solomon O. Smith
A Time for Unity, Not Blame
By Jay King Special to California Black Media Partners
In the wake of the unprecedented fires that have ravaged Southern California -- devastating cities like Pasadena, Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu -- there has been an alarming rise in the blame being placed on Mayor Karen Bass.
This is not only unfair, but it reflects a troubling shift in our national psyche. The reality is that no one, not even the most seasoned leader, could have prevented this oncein-a-lifetime catastrophe. Fires of this scale are the result of a perfect storm of conditions -- extreme weather, dry landscapes, and unpredictable winds -- that even the bestequipped fire departments can only do so much to contain.
Yet, in these trying times, rather than supporting our leaders and rallying around our communities, some have chosen to point fingers. Why? Because, sadly, it’s easier to assign blame than to step up and make a difference. Our collective instinct should not be to demand the head of our mayor, but to come together and ask the question: How can we help?
This firestorm has left countless families devastated, but it also offers a chance to test the strength of our character. In the face of destruction, we have a choice. We can choose to embrace the America that once prided itself
on unity, on coming together in times of crisis to lift each other up, regardless of political affiliation. Or we can allow partisanship and political divides to further erode the fabric of our society. What happened to the days when Americans would band together -- Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike -- to rebuild in the aftermath of disaster? What happened to the America that offered its hand to help a neighbor, not condemn them? We are all part of the same community, bound by a common purpose: to support one another when the worst happens.
Instead of demanding that Mayor Bass take the fall for forces beyond her control, we should be asking how we can stand with her. We should be saying, “What do you need from us? How can we help rebuild?”
It is easy to be critical when we are sitting in the comfort of our homes, far from the horrific flames and fires. But for those on the ground -- the firefighters, the first responders, the families who have lost everything -- the real question is not who is to blame but how we can rebuild, will we be able to hold on to our property or will we get mortgage and property tax relief, there are so many unanswered and overwhelming questions to answer.
The recovery will take time, and it will take a collective effort from all of us: residents, leaders, banks, government,
homebuilders, labor leaders and volunteers too.
Mayor Bass was elected to lead, but leadership in times of crisis isn’t about finding a magic solution. It’s about coordination, resilience, and community. Blaming her for something that was simply beyond anyone’s control is not only unfair, but counterproductive. We need to focus on what we can control: coming together, offering support, and finding ways to help each other recover.
So, let’s stop the finger-pointing. Let’s stop the partisan bickering that has no place in the midst of a tragedy. Instead, let’s unite in the true spirit of community. Reach out to the mayor, reach out to your neighbors, and ask what you can do. Whether it’s offering resources, volunteering, or donating, now is the time to act—not with anger, but with compassion.
When the ashes settle and the flames are extinguished, we can look back at this moment and be proud of the way we responded -- not with blame and division, but with love, unity, and a shared commitment to rebuild a better, stronger, and more connected community.
This is how we rise from disaster, not by tearing each other down, but by lifting each other up.
Let’s be the America we all want to see.
About the Author
After Losing All, Black Fire Victims
File a Lawsuit; Seek a Way Forward
By Reginald S. Webb, Jr. California Black Media
On Jan. 7, when the Eaton fire ignited in the foothills of Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains. Fueled by wind gusts of 80 to 100 miles per hour and dry weather conditions, the fire forced the evacuation of most of Altadena’s 43,000 residents.
Among them were thousands of Black families and individuals who have lived in the racially diverse hillside suburb for generations. Blacks make up about 18% of Altadena’s population and their homeownership rate of more than 80% far outpaces other places in the state and country.
A few days later, many of the Altadena evacuees returned to smoldering or completely burned down remains of their homes destroyed in raging fires that have
killed 17 people, charred over 14,000 acres, and damaged 9,300 homes, businesses, places of worship and more.
Zo Williams, an author, radio host and of Altadena told California Black Media (CBM), “My childhood is gone. The city will forever be changed by this horrific event,”
Like Williams, many of Altadena’s Black residents are confronting the devastating loss they’ve just experienced and exploring what steps they need to take to move forward.
On Jan. 14, the California-Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP held a virtual town hall to advise fire victims on their legal options. The event was organized in partnership with the law firm Singleton Schreiber.
The NAACP and Singleton Schreiber have filed a lawsuit against the power company Southern California Edison. The complaint accuses the power utility of starting
From Head Start to HBCU to Harvard: One Man’s Story
Victor Jones graduated from Head Start over 30 years ago. Since then, Victor has built a career around his dedication to fighting for children, a passion he credits to his early education in Head Start. He has translated the Head Start mission into his work, first as a kindergarten teacher and today as an accomplished social justice attorney. Victor’s commitment to lifelong learning and his everyday efforts to make the world a more equitable place for children make him a true inspiration for the Head Start community. Victor shared his story with the National Head Start Association.We are excited to learn about your Head Start story, Victor! When and where did you attend Head Start?
I’m a 1989 graduate of West Tampa Head Start, located in Tampa, Florida. My mother and I only lived in Tampa for two years, and these were the two years I attended Head Start. Thereafter, we returned to where I was born and raised, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Do you have any memories from your time in Head Start? Favorite activities, classmates, teachers?
I remember my class was always out and about — going on field trips to Busch Gardens to see the animals, going to the park, taking trips to the grocery store, and learning about fruits and vegetables. I also remember the times when doctors would visit us and check our eyes, ears and hearts, and I’ll never forget the day a giant toothbrush walked into our classroom, and we learned about the importance of dental hygiene. I still remember a few of my classmates’ names, though this was 30 years ago. I can also still picture the uniform we had to wear on field trip days — it was a red shirt with an image of a panda bear hugging a bamboo tree, with black shorts or pants, and a black visor. And for the strangest reason, I remember that my classmates and I had to learn the song “Shower Me With Your Love” by an R&B group named “Surface,” as part of our graduation ceremony. The few times I’ve heard that song, I immediately think of my time in Head Start. Head Start was also one of the very, very few instances from my pre-K to 12th-grade journey in which I was taught by
teachers who looked like me. I think having such vivid memories of my experiences in Head Start is a testament to just how positively impactful the program was for me.How do you think Head Start impacted your later school years? Or even your goals and career accomplishments beyond school?
Head Start directly impacted my professional trajectory. Because of the program, I’ve always wanted to serve children in some capacity. Before practicing children’s rights and disability law, I was a public-school kindergarten teacher!
What did your educational and career journey that led to your current position look like? After graduating from high school in Mississippi, I attended Xavier University of Louisiana, a historically Black college located in New Orleans, where I majored in literature and double minored in history and political science. I then received a master’s degree in education from Harvard University. I then taught kindergarten, and, thereafter, returned to New Orleans to attend law school at Loyola University. While in law school, I took courses in civil rights and child advocacy. I spent six years as a private practice attorney at multidisciplinary law firms in New Orleans, and then, in 2018, I returned to my original passion for serving children as an attorney representing their interests.Victor, what advice do you have for current Head Start children and families? Know that your child’s involvement in Head Start will be the best investment in their educational experience that you can offer them. The holistic approach to learning — physical care for self, care for your peers, and learning how to exist in the world around you, is an approach that I, as a former early childhood educator, can say is unique. I’m now the father of two daughters and I always say that I wish that they were able to have received a Head Start education like I did.Anything else you would like to share with the Head Start community?
I always say that I went from “Head Start to HBCU to Harvard.” I’m eternally grateful for Head Start because it shaped me into someone who aspires to be a fierce advocate for marginalized children.
the fire due to the company’s failure to take “adequate precautions” and improper maintenance and management of electrical equipment it owns.
Gerald Singleton, Managing Partner of the law firm, told CBM, “After a disaster occurs sometimes, people don’t know where to go for resources. The NAACP is on the ground guiding people in the right direction.
The NAACP and Singleton Schreiber, the nation’s leading and largest fire litigation practice, have scheduled a second town hall for fire victims on Jan. 21.
“For over a century, the NAACP has shown up for our community in times of crisis, and this is no exception. Altadena - a community deeply rooted in Black history and homeownership - deserves justice,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in a statement.
The lawsuit focuses on victims of the Eaton and Hurst fires who own or rent properties in Altadena and Pasadena. Those fires are two out of six in broader firestorm complex that has caused extensive damage across L.A. County. The others were the Pacific Palisades, Lidia, Sunset and Kenneth fires.
On Jan. 17, a town hall was held at a Pasadena Church in Pasadena. Political and civic leaders, businessowners, grieving residents and more came together to share information, reflect on the past, talk about the way forward and assess the damage from the blaze that CalFire has described as the second most destructive wildfire in California’s history. The deadliest and most destructive fire in California history was the Camp Fire, which broke out in Butte County in 2018, claimed 85 lives and caused damage totaling $16.65 billion.
At the meeting, L.A. County supervisor Kathryn Barger said of the Eaton fire damage, “It looks like a warzone, I’ve never seen anything like it.” Veronica Jones president of The Altadena Historical Society says, “some of the homes that burned down were over 100 years old. This was a tight knit community linked through generations, and more than half the Black residents were homeowners.”
The Eaton fire destroyed important pieces of Southern California’s Black history. The city of Altadena was one of the first places in Southern California where Black families were allowed to buy homes in the Los Angeles area.
Blacks began moving to the incorporated area in L.A. County as early as the 1920s but their numbers grew from about 4% in the early 1960s after the passage of the Civil Rights and Fair Housing Acts to about 20% in the 1980 Jones said many famous Black Americans have called Altadena home. Willa Beatrice Brown, the first Black woman to earn both a pilot’s license and a commercial license, lived there. So did Jackie Robinson, the first Black man to play in major league baseball. Octavia Butler, world renowned science fiction writer also grew up in predominately Black neighborhoods in Altadena and Pasadena. And Charles White, one of the most important and socially conscious artists of the 20th century, lived in Altadena on Kent Street in 1959. Two of his most famous works are, “Our War”, and “Mother Courage II”. The city of Altadena named a park after him for his contributions and impact on society called, Charles White Park. President-Elect of the NAACP-Pasadena Branch Brandon Lamar has started the Dena-Relief Drive. He organized the effort to supply everyday essentials to people impacted by the fires.
“This is a close-knit community of Black Americans who’ve had homes passed down through generations and we want to protect for the generations to come,” said Lamar, who is passionate about residents holding on to their properties and rebuilding.
Some fire victims are reporting that people have already begun to reach out to them trying to purchase their lands and damaged properties.
Pastor Kerwin Manning of Pasadena Church says he didn’t sustain damage to his church or his house but, he and his wife have not been able to return home since they evacuated on Jan. 7. Other members of his congregation were not so fortunate. Seventeen of them lost their homes. Manning’s church, located at 1515 N. Los Robles Ave. in Pasadena, has become a distribution center for resources going to families impacted by the fires. Manning says he’s unofficially calling the recovery process, “Operation Beauty Will Rise.” He quotes Isiah 61:3, “To provide for those who grieve in Zion -- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes.”
Jay King, president and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce.
Jay King is the President and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce.
Victor Jones as a student (left) and a recent photo (right)
By National Head Start Association
Los Angeles Hosts Action-Packed UFC 311, Champions Successfully Defend Belts
Inglewood’s
Intuit Dome played host Saturday night as UFC 311 traveled to town despite scares of cancellation from the greater Los Angeles wildfires.
By Austin Gage
Another night, another action-packed event at the Intuit Dome, the recently-opened state-of-the-art arena that the Los Angeles Clippers call home just across the street from the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers’ Sofi Stadium.
Since opening officially on August 15th, 2024, the venue has welcomed events such as big-time concerts, Clippers’ home games, WWE’s Monday Night Raw and many more. For the first time, UFC traveled Saturday evening to Inglewood and put on a show with UFC 311, an event rich with knockouts, submissions, drama and theatrics.
The wildfires in the Southern California region threatened the UFC to move the event back to Las Vegas but those concerns were eliminated shortly after being called upon.
Regarding the fighters and fights themselves, some of the anticipation was marred just one day before the event was due to kick off. The headliner event, one that pitted the UFC’s number one pound-for-pound fighter Islam Makhachev against the number one contender in the lightweight division Arman Tsarukyan, suffered a blow the day of the weigh-ins.
Tsarukyan, who was set for a rematch in a title fight against the 26-1 Makhachev, withdrew from the fight due to an injury. Thankfully, as has been the case in many past situations for the UFC, they were able to find a replacement fighter on a quick turnaround in Brazilian fighter Renato Moicano, who would be fighting the best fighter in the sport in his first title fight of his career on one day’s notice.
As expected, Makhachev took care of business as he picked up a 27th victory, easily disposing of the heavy underdog Moicano via a D’Arce Choke with just under one minute remaining in the first round. It was another dominant showing from the Russian, who has run through the gauntlet untouched in the lightweight division and may attempt to become a two or three-division champ next by taking the belts at welterweight and middleweight.
“I like this belt. If someone wants this belt, come to
the cage,” Makhachev said. In the other title fight of the night, Georgian fighter Merab Dvalishvili produced a minor surprise by handing the Russian Umar Nurmagomedov his first loss in his
professional MMA career.
Despite entering the fight as the champion and holding the belt in the bantamweight division after a clean performance against past champion Sean
O’Malley, Dvalishvili was seen as the underdog against Nurmagomedov, who shares the same last name with his cornerman and UFC great Khabib Nurmagomedov. Using his high energy level paired with an unlimited gas tank and stellar takedown defense, the champion defended his belt for the first time. After a close first two rounds, Dvalishvili stood out in the final three,winning via unanimous decision from the three judges, 48-47, 49-46 and 48-47. The dramatic fighter played to the crowd many times and highlighted his night in the fifth round with a point to his opponent while raising his hands to bask in the successful performance.
“I wish the fight was more longer and I [would] enjoy more. I had fun, I don’t remember many things out there,” said Dvalishvili.
The win gave him his fifth unanimous decision victory in a row and improved his MMA record to 19-4.
Another key fight took place between two former light heavyweight champions, Jiří Procházka and Jamahal Hill: two former victims of the current division champion Alex Pereira.
It was an entertaining fight as both fighters traded
Overall,
“This
Buckeyes Grab CFP Title
said Freeman. “We had two penalties which ended up forcing us to punt, and in the third series we had the miscommunication with the muffed snap, and that’s the end of the half.” OSU (14-2) reeled off 31 straight points and led 31-7 at one point. OSU running back Quinshon Judkins scored three touchdowns—two rushing and one receiving. The Ole Miss transfer appeared to be in a league of his own, rushing for 100 yards on 11 carries, including a 70-yard jaunt. He totaled seven postseason touchdowns.
Walter Camp All-American Jeremiah Smith had five catches for 88 yards, including a 56-yarder on fourth down that helped clinch the game.
Will Howard finished the day completing 17 out of 21 for 231 yards and two TDs. He also rushed 11 times for 57 yards.
“There were times in the second half that we did man coverage, but he’s a heck of a player. He’s difficult to cover. You want to play zone, and they’ll find ways to pick you apart. You want to play man; they’ll find ways to get him the ball. It’s a talented offense, with that situation right there,” Freeman added. ND fought back with two TDs and extra points in the second half. Lenard finishes the day completing 22 of 31 for 255 yards. Mitchell Evans had 4 catches for 52 yards.
“I’m just proud of them and proud of what they’ve done,” said Freeman. “I’m proud of who they are, the way they represent themselves, and it’s just an honor to be on this journey with them.
national championship game, no excuses. Notre Dame (14-2) beat No. 8 Indiana, No. 2 Georgia, and No. 4 Penn State to get to the title game. The win snapped a 13-game win streak. Ohio State, meanwhile, took down No. 7 Tennessee, No. 1 Oregon, No. 3 Texas, and then No. 5 Notre Dame on its way to a national championship in the inaugural 12-team CFP.
we’ve responded coming off the end of the season, but then even the way the Texas game went and the way we responded early in that first quarter, and then even in the second half, just continued fighting the momentum because Notre Dame was fighting to get it back.” Newcomers play a role. It was the likes of Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins, Will Howard, and the other players who transferred in that helped the Buckeyes. Howard, who came in from K-State, was 0-3 vs. Texas and finally defeated the Longhorns in Texas for the first time.
RAMS Rally Falls Short in Philly
By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer
Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams made a tremendous effort in trying to upend the Eagles with what would have been a heck of a comeback. For Los Angeles. Stafford, who threw for 324 yards with sore ribs, kept the Rams in it with a 4-yard TD pass to Colby Parkinson that made it 28-22. The Rams (10-7) got the ball back with two minutes left, and Stafford completed consecutive passes of 11 and 37 yards to move the ball into Eagles territory. That was followed by a sack by Jalen Carter on third down and an incomplete pass on fourth down, and that turned the lights out on a solid season after a 1-4 start.
Saquon Barkley waved his arms in celebration as he scampered along the back of the end zone before he slid into the snow. Slide, Eagles, slide! in the late-game playoff celebration.
Barkley dashed through the snow for touchdown runs of 78 and 62 yards and finished with 205 yards rushing.
Jalen Hurts had a 44-yard scoring run, and the Eagles held on against the Rams 28-22 this week for the second time in three years.
“This is the reason why I came here,” Barkley said.
“This was the best opportunity to play in a game like this.”
Barkley, who left the Giants in free agency to sign a three-year deal for $26 million guaranteed, ran for a 62-yard score in the first half and stretched the lead in the fourth on the 78-yard score that gave him four
touchdowns of 60-plus yards in two games this season against the Rams.
The Eagles Jalen Hurts rushed for the longest TD of his career, a 44-yarder on the fifth play of the game that sent a cold crowd still buzzing from the pregame theatrics into a frenzy. Elliott missed an extra point for the second straight playoff game.
Verse got trolled by Barkley after the Rams rookie linebacker and Pennsylvania native said he “hates Eagles fans.” The first-round draft pick attended high school in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, which is about 100 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Verse had two of the Rams 8 sacks.
“I think I’m up here pretty shocked because I know a lot of people didn’t believe we could come in here, but we had the full expectation to come in here,” and win, Rams coach Sean McVay said. “I don’t think anybody ever really expected the end of the season to be right now, and the finality of it is tough for me to swallow.”
Kyren Williams rushed for 106 yards on 19 carries, but it was a costly fumble that stopped a promising drive and gave the Eagles a field goal. Puka Nacua had 6 catches for 97 yards. The Eagles (14-3) are set to host the NFC championship game for the fifth time since Lincoln Financial Field opened in 2003.
The RAMS will regroup and work on life at home after the fires.
Russian fighter Islam Makhachev celebrates after a victory over Australian Alexander Volkanovski in the UFC lightweight championship fight at UFC 294 on October 21st, 2023 at the
Ethihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (AP
Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
The BIG 10 flexed its CFP muscles as Michigan won its 2023 crown decisively, taking down SEC champion Alabama and then a 14-0 Washington team. 2024 Ohio State took down four consecutive top 10 foes, including two from the mighty SEC. It
was probably even sweeter for Buckeyes fans to celebrate this one in the same stadium that hosts the SEC Championship Game. The 12-team expansion CFP made it so that the two best teams in the sport played the final game of the season in the
Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) makes a catch against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half the CFP National Championship. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Jeremiah Smith had 88 yards and a TD from Will Howard. (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles safety
C.J. Gardner-Johnson (8) during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
A Forward March for MLK In the New Trump Era
A large swath of the 62 members of the Congressional Black Caucus who were invited to the ceremonies chose to observe the National King Day away from the nation’s capital.
By April Ryan BlackPressUSA.com
“Today hits differently,” says Democratic Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett who decided to observe the National Martin Luther King Jr. holiday away from the 60th Presidential inauguration of Donald John Trump. A large swath of the 62 members of the Congressional Black Caucus who were invited to the ceremonies chose to observe the National King Day away from the nation’s capital. “Today, unlike any King Day before, I’ve truly searched my soul for his strength and praying for an ounce of his political prowess,” according to the outspoken Texas lawmaker who was a co-chair of the Kamala Harris Presidential campaign last year. The Harris presidential campaign ended in defeat on November 5, 2024, with Donald Trump being named the 47th President of the United States.
If Dr. King, a civil rights icon, had lived; he would have been 96 years old on January 15th of this year. The irony of the day honoring the civil and human rights leader is that it is shared with the 60th presidential inauguration ceremony in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building. Historically, the second inaugurations of Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama took place on MLK Day in 1997 and 2013. There were some democratic hopes that Kamala Harris could be a repeat of today’s swearing-in history. A few months ago, some Kamala Harris campaign staffers believed the thenDemocratic presidential candidate would have been sworn in today by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on this King Day. Since the 15th of this month, there have been many celebrations honoring the life and civil rights history of Dr. King. One was at Riverside Church in Harlem, New York Rev. Mark Thompson, host of “Make It Plain,” and NNPA Global Digital Transformation Director, remembered Dr. King by saying, “his memory calls us to transcend all of the things we are most concerned about today.” Dr. King, who was killed in 1968 by an assassin’s bullet, challenged authority at the highest levels to achieve equality for African Americans in this nation like voting rights and civil rights. Thompson warns in this new political era, “rather than relax or be discouraged we should…continue to hold the Office of the President accountable.”
Photo: MLK Memorial Statue