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to ti ci eing met w him. ve their client’s innould take several mong ordered poof the murders Josh ith dismayb. roaden DNA test- chelle Oal media. His insultgscrude and racist anhdite, resigned ua Ryen an nths, will cence and bam ta eted fo rters of the The lone su comments B d rm fi lack shooti a, U,S. Rep. Maxrg In 1 rvivor nally exon ine Waters er First Lady Ming victim. erate they are disappoRinyens and Hughesfaalmily, friends and su on four co9u85, a San Diego Co and an unn “Unfortunat ted with the gov l across the state p- Lo Thomas R. Parker amed 26 and an nts of murder. At unty jury convicte s Angeles o ernor’s decis , el sa a y, fo y fo es th d r o rm ca v C ju e er ti o p er st o ed m ti ic ffi per d m io e of his arre e ep ce cord - inclu prison inm n in e , u . it b ty th el se is h ie ems the vic ead of the This guy is ves Cooper case matte st, he was no District A FBI’s in Pennsylv ding several burglaate. His lengthy crim “Prior DN ttorney Jason Arsnless and less,” Santims’ desire “The evidence w innocent,” he told. ries and the ania – did in al re as A B th d er o not help his te er e p n n Cooper, form rape of a m st la so N ar th in n ew n d te e g icl sa d st th aimed ou Y , he was fr and.” case. inor erly named in 1958 ld exoneratat Mr. Cooper sougidh in a statement. amed, theork Times.

What has k per’s guilw e him have t, agreed to cops lied t.” months onldear Pittsburgh, PenRichard Goodman, ep t a th fe al e d an eral appella l confirmed case going d nsylvania. was born Y et p During his , he was adopted an te er M an su W ec co r. d as ution and re hen he was urt Cooive argumen C LAKE six monies and iew the ca’ssedecision in 2004 tooo per alive - is and he spenchildhood, his par d renamed Kevin ts ased on Gov. Newvso EST, alif. a new ents physica isRidley-Thomas w stay his exMark Cooper. reasonable qualeslegations of evidenbce t a good p co it recoveringFORannounced h n fl m Supervisor ic juvenile det o ti m re (AP n D ’s g sc ar

N ll d te ti ie after beinC t ta y ec A o n st o m n ab ti is if g te s p fi io at ad u ab st er c en y se n o o in o ev in o rs d ti n le u to g g id o g struck b)yat– Offici u t sc h ro , n se co th en im k al en centers. In a mental h d to nail Co eep raising Californ e methods low anCOVID-19 mes early ce. testing ad ce living in mobile siteinwill Wednesday Souopen o a polic th th at ea er er ta 1 an in ia o 9 n ck lt p d G se 8 ro th er h C 2 , st o v . Th undDrew , e Lagu a Medicine facility in P alifoScience eral and in swo ver o es investi California. rnia. of University Beach Poliand theCharles rn testimonree weapons were ri three attack ennsylvanCiaooper escaped from - have high expectanor whose supportteerrm ofthe the Orangnof p ro g ce re u ss O se iv ti er ffi y, s b d o e e on th s who were efore movin n Jo Cou ty Reg SouthceLos r Thomas (CDU) Willowbrook, e politito someonin

By Stacy M. Browngued During his murder White. Heshua Ryen said hein the solve “DNA testing shs.o cal serve g to could have been H ister he init Left residents e’s pet whnen that Cooper trial, prose saw later testified uld immed th is p e F an NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Angeles, and surrounding neighborhoods.

R eb th F ic y u . e en . rt 1 cu ca k 9 h iately take Ryen, their illed husban t darted inially th case and fi . tors succes er complica that they Chiang sa an sf n front p 1 ti d n As COVID-19neicontinues to spread amid a growing al 0 la u id n am -y an ll ly ce g y CDU is also slated to begin analyzing demographic d ea d M th ed Diana R ensure just uring the ca to rear r-old daugh wife Doug cGuire says that DNA hboJames r Christ oper camee prosecutions’ claim ice to and Peggy- belonging to mpaign. “N ter Je weffect thenovel number of fatalities, gDr. Hildreth it’s critical is h ev en se an ss id opher Hsaid ic rv en h im data determine the coronavirus’ on diverse a e ed fo s, ce an al g rw ,” b o a h o ca d was bigger ut testing in t t nly is it ughesdistancing n h p law . Police fo an 11-year-old inal. She turn er former boyfrie ard with bloody cl womthat everyone follows stay-at-home orders, social than a houout to chec provenacross LosAAngeles enforcemoen nimal CCounty. is case woel communities d who was othing se cat. ontrol office Even thoth t u so ld to guidelines, and anything else that could help keep und the bloodied destroyed it. ed the evidence on lv co an e a m cr v u an io e im g at no cost to “It is heartening len imal h es rushed is ver to the horesidents that ofrsSouth LA e ble sp it al Americans safe during the pandemic. the state.”, trautomknow police, buttcrim- issubold, he is treadinNgewsom’s decision in African Am , w h a. erconvenient e it was dth they ericans, His carefully on e that Calif theand the surrounding areas will now have a iagnose C o Dr. Hildreth, the president of Meharry Medical o per case Dr. Kristi K ornia panics and ap watching. rause, a vet said. “It other mino ly poto sh College, is not just your everyday physician, or media place get tested,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas He is keepvoters across the poolitential e ex la ri p ec zi er n rities liv- C ts inarian, tell the 11-pou ing his focu ti bacmore ectrum areg now ontinued talking head. He’s a renowned infectious disease expert who s th k intothan to nensure d (5-kilthat s on fairncaeslisspimperative, the wever, on page A ograwe il m) cat to d s af an has repeatedly been called upon by Nashville Mayor John te d r 2 M it ju cGuagainst re stice our work are continuing longstanding health g ai ir n e s that if he se visited the bob strength.

Cooper and others to inform the public about coronavirus. disparities by ensuring greater equity access es it ag cat ntoFrid ain, he’and Dr. Hildreth began undergraduate studies at Harvard ay. ll issue a tiock resources in our communities.” et for ja University and was selected as the first African American “As the statistics are now showing, under-resourced Rhodes Scholar from Arkansas in 1978.

He graduated from Harvard magna cum laude in communities of color are being disproportionately chemistry in 1979, according to his biography. affected by the novel coronavirus. However, there That fall, Dr. Hildreth enrolled at Oxford University have been very few, if any, COVID-19 testing sites in in England, graduating with a Ph.D. in immunology these communities,” said CDU President and CEO in 1982. At Oxford, he studied the biology of cytotoxic Dr. David M. Carlisle. “Testing is critical to disease T cells with Professor Andrew McMichael and became detection that helps us ‘flatten the curve’ of the an expert in monoclonal antibody technology and cell adhesion molecules. He returned to the United States to spread of COVID-19 — for everyone. It is extremely attend Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in important that we make these tests available to hard-hit Baltimore, taking a one-year leave of absence from medical communities of color. CDU as a community-founded school for a postdoctoral fellowship in pharmacology from institution has been in South Los Angeles for 53 years 1983 to 1984. with a commitment to eliminating health disparities.

In 1987 he obtained his M.D. from Johns Hopkins Viruses are incomplete life forms with no ability to replicate on their own, so they must find a way to gain This is why we are partnering to open a testing center and joined the Hopkins faculty as an assistant professor. In entry into the cells in our bodies, explained Dr. Hildreth. (Courtesy Photo) 2002, Dr. Hildreth became the first African American in and better serve our community.” the 125-year history of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine at Meharry Medical College.

CDU is located across the street from the state-ofvector.” to earn full professorship with tenure in the basic sciences.

“I think that vigilance has to be raised to a new level. the-art Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Campus, which In an interview with NNPA Newswire, Dr. Hildreth In July 2005, Dr. Hildreth became director of the that “there has to be a new normal,” and he The response to this situation by the [Trump] administration provides an array of vital services to the community, NIH-funded Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research stressed implored all to understand that they don’t “want to be a was late,” Dr. Hildreth stated. including urgent care, hospitalization and recuperative Continued on page A3 care for people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Besides serving as a mobile testing site, CDU has been tapped to work with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to collect demographic data, including information on ethnicity and zip code in relation to the number of tests performed, test results, hospitalization and fatality rates.

“As one of the most diverse counties in the country, we know that COVID-19 does not discriminate along ethnic or community lines,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said. “This demographic data is vital to ensuring that our resources are appropriately and equitably distributed, tailored to serve the communities most in need.”

“The higher death rates from COVID-19 in Black communities is sadly, not surprising,” said Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Dean of the College of Medicine at

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer CDU. “There is an old saying in the Black community Laker Legend Kobe Bryant recently earned one of that when America gets a cold, the Black community the highest honors any athlete could receive. He and gets pneumonia. The disparities that exists in health care other greats including Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and are not explained by any one factor; multiple things add Tamika Catchings were resented electing to the Naismith up to increase risk and create more severe outcomes.

Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Bryant spent all 20 seasons of his career with the Los Poverty, institutional racism, poor public schools, lack Angeles Lakers and helped lead the team to five NBA of health insurance and lack of access to healthcare are Championships throughout his career. Named NBA some of those factors. With COVID-19, the higher rates Most Valuable Player following the 2007-08 season, of chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and Bryant averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and kidney failure among African-Americans help explain 1.4 steals in 1,346 games with Los Angeles. The league’s the higher rates of death from the disease among Black fourth all-time leading scorer earned All-NBA honors 15 times, was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team 12 Americans.” times and was named an NBA All-Star 18 times in his career.

The annual induction is scheduled for August 29th in Springfield, Mass. Soon after the announcement Garnett and Duncan spoke to ESPN about their careers. Vanessa Bryant and daughter Natalia spoke for Kobe.

Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant. (Photo Credit: SLAM Magazine) “It an incredible accomplishment and honor. We are really proud of him. Obviously we wish that he was here with us to celebrate,” said Vanessa Bryant. “It’s definitely the peak of his NBA career and every accomplishment that he had as an athlete was a steppingstone to be here.

We’re incredibly proud of him. There is some solace in knowing that he was going to be part of the 2020 Hall of Fame class.”

NEW YORK (AP) – Earl Graves Sr., who On January 26th Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine victims killed in a helicopter crash. championed black businesses as the founder of the first Duncan (Spurs) and Bryant (Lakers) squared off African American-owned magazine focusing on black seven times in the play-offs from 1999 to 2013. The entrepreneurs, has died. He was 85.

Lakers won four of the series. Garnett came directly out Graves died Monday after a long battle with of high school to the NBA and the next year Bryant did the same. They met in the finals twice and split titles.

Alzheimer’s disease, his son, Earl “Butch’’ Graves Jr, said Catchings and Bryant met while in Italy as they both had in a post on Twitter.

By Logan James parents involved in basketball working there.

Graves launched his magazine, Black Enterprise, in Spelman College NAACP “I can guarantee you neither one of us thought 1970. He later said his aim was to educate, inspire and We know all lives matter, but are all lives being that our careers and all these things happening in our uplift his readers. lives would happen the way they did,” Catchings said. counted? In 1909, the inception of the National As“Man this is just the perfect ending to a book.”

“My goal was to show them how to thrive sociation for the Advancement of Colored People Catchings and Bryant won gold medals in the 2008 (NAACP) charged the nation to re-evaluate their professionally, economically and as proactive, and 2012 Olympics. stance on African American lives in response to the empowered citizens,’’ Graves wrote in his 1997 book Former Laker coach and long-time Houston Rocket ongoing violence across the country. Since their “How To Succeed In Business Without Being White.’’ coach Rudy Tomjanovich is one of four coaches to enter birth, the NAACP continues to make the class of 2020.

According to an obituary published by Black He’s joined by three-time NCAA women’s Champion strides in the best interest of African Enterprise, Graves grew up in Brooklyn and gained Kim Mulkey and five-time Division II champion Barbara Americans, one of which being their work cenan economics degree from Morgan State University.

Stevens. Also four-time college Coach of the year Eddie tered around the decennial Census.

He held jobs in law enforcement and real estate before Sutton is in the group.

Through means of educating, recruiting Bryant is one of the biggest names in this year’s class, working on Sen. Robert F. Kennedy’s staff. and filing a lawsuit against the federal governhaving a 20 year career, 16 time All-Star, an MVP and After Kennedy’s assassination in 1968, he moved to ment, the NAACP demands for the African five-time champion. found the magazine, which is now headed by his son.

Laker owner Jeanie Buss released a statement: “No American population to be counted as much He served on the boards of several major amount of words can fully describe what Kobe Bryant as possible in the 2020 Census. The United corporations, including American Airlines, Daimler meant to the Los Angeles Lakers,” said Lakers Governor States Census determines the distribution of Chrysler and Rohm & Hass and backed the presidential Jeanie Buss. “Kobe was not only a proven winner and political power and money by quantifying the a champion, he gave everything he had to the game of bids of Jesse Jackson and Barack Obama, Black American people and allocating funds to healthbasketball. His fierce competitiveness, work ethic and Enterprise wrote. drive were unmatched. Those qualities helped Kobe lead care, housing, and education programs in addiIn addition to Black Enterprise, Graves also ran us to five titles – and have now brought him to the Hall of tion to government services.

Pepsi-Cola of Washington, D.C., one of the nation’s Fame, where he will be enshrined with the greatest to have The United States Census affects the livelihood largest soft-drink distributors owned by African ever played the game. No one deserves it more.” of everyone, especially the undercounted. Past surLakers General manager Rob Pelinka also said Americans. He sold his stake in the bottler to PepsiCo veys have shown that Latinos, African Americans, in a statement: “Kobe was always one to downplay in 1998. non-English speakers, non-traditional families, and his professional accomplishments – MVPs, NBA “As a little boy, I saw a magazine with something championships, gold medals, Oscars, and on and on and those with informal living arrangements are the hardI’d never seen a picture of a Black man as the owner: on,” said Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations est to calculate. Poor policy-making decisions, equal Black Enterprise Founder & Publisher Earl G. Graves,’’ and General Manager Rob Pelinka.

“But all of us can employment opportunities, and the alleviation of povtweeted Rev. Cornell William Brooks, a professor at trust that this Basketball Hall of Fame honor is one erty within the aforementioned groups are the results Kobe would, and will, deeply appreciate. The highest Harvard’s Kennedy School and former president and of miscounting communities and individuals. of congratulations to you, dear friend. This one is so well CEO of the NAACP. “Graves has died _ after inspiring For every community not counted, $100,000The United States Census affects everyone, espedeserved -- for all the hard work, sweat and toil. Now, a MILLIONS to succeed in business & beyond. Inspired $200,000 that would have gone towards advancpart of you will live in the Hall with the rest of the alling their economic, political and societal position kids & so many others mourn his passing.’’ time greats, where your legend and spirit will continue to Continued on page A4 is lost. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) grow forever.”

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THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, April 9, 2020

World & Nation

Your Taxes, Cash Flow and the COVID-19 Crisis

California Black Media Staff A little over one year ago, members of the California Board of Equalization (BOE) unanimously selected Malia M. Cohen, former President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, to chair the 141-year-old state agency.

Cohen made history when she became the first African-American woman elected to the Board of Equalization in November of 2018. She is also the first Black woman to serve as Chair of the Board of Equalization, the Agency responsible for administering California’s $70 billion property tax system.

In her role, Cohen represents nearly 10 million constituents residing in 23 counties in Northern and Central California, extending from Del Norte County in the north to Santa Barbara County in the south.

She’s the youngest constitutional officer serving in California.

Our interview with Cohen is one of several we will have with state officials from all backgrounds. What they share with us will help keep African Americans in California up to speed with important news coming out of government that has direct impact on our lives, money, health and civil rights.

Our goal is to help close the information gap that exists between our community and other groups throughout our state.

California Black Media (CBM): The coronavirus pandemic is clearly impacting the economy. Just how bad is it?

Malia Cohen (MC): It’s bad. The pandemic has turned all of our lives upside down. Just this week, the governor announced that over 1.6 million Californians have filed for unemployment because of the pandemic. Many more will file in the weeks to come. State and local governments will lose revenue needed to maintain vital services. It is a true financial crisis.

CBM: How are our elected leaders responding to this financial crisis?

MC: Our African-American elected leaders in California’s Congressional delegation — Senator Kamala Harris and Congresswomen Maxine Waters, Barbara Lee, and Karen Bass — have been working overtime to provide financial assistance. We are fortunate to have our own Congresswoman Maxine Waters serving as Chair of the House Financial Services Committee and Congresswoman Karen Bass serving as the Chair of Congressional Legislative Black Caucus. In the coming days, I look forward to working with these remarkable African American leaders to provide direct communication about financial relief for our community. One way will be through telephone town halls and community press communications just like this.

CBM: What can be done to assist persons who are suffering financially as a result of the pandemic?

MC: Action has already been taken to delay the date for filing and payment of income taxes to the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board. The traditional tax day deadline of April 15 has been extended to July 15. Individual taxpayers seeking information about their own filing requirements can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and businesses can call 1-800-829-4933. For the California Franchise Tax Board, taxpayers can call 1-800-852-5711.

CBM: What help is coming for a person who just needs money to live on?

MC: Congress also approved payments of up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples,

and $500 for each qualifying child. These funds will be sent to everyone who filed federal income taxes for either 2018 or 2019, and has an income under $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples. These checks will be reduced by $5 for every $100 above the $75,000 and $150,000 thresholds. Single filers with incomes over $99,000 and $198,000 for couples are not eligible.

CBM: How are the checks going to be distributed?

MC: They are going to be sent out via direct deposit to bank accounts.

CBM: What if the IRS does not have my direct deposit information, or if I have moved?

MC: According the IRS website, “In the coming weeks, Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal for individuals to provide their banking information to the IRS online, so that individuals can receive payments immediately as opposed to checks in the mail.”

CBM: What about folks who usually don’t file tax returns, and can they get a check?

MC: According to the IRS, the website irs.gov/coronavirus is going to publish information about how to file for these coronavirus economic impact checks even if you have not filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019.

CBM: Do you have any other suggestions for persons who need relief?

MC: Yes. Please remember to file for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Young Child Tax Credit if you or your family are eligible. Here’s how to file. If you have taxable earned income under $30,000, you can file and receive up to $240 if you have no children. If you have one child, the credit could be as high as $1,605. If you have three or more children, the credit rises to $2,982.

In California, a taxpayer files Franchise Tax Board Form 3514 California Earned Income Tax Credit along with your state income tax return. To get a copy of Form 3514, go to the Franchise Tax Board website, ftb.ca.gov. Click on “Forms” in the top right of the website. Then, under “Get forms, instructions, and publications” click “Online.”

On the next page, where it says “Form Number and/or Keywords” type in 3514. That will take you to the form for filing the California Earned Income Tax Credit.

Also, you may qualify for the federal IRS Earned Income Tax Credit. To qualify, you must file an income tax return with the IRS (Form 1040), and also be within income guidelines. If you have children, you attached “Schedule EIC” to your Form 1040. To get more information, go the IRS website, irs.gov, click on “Credits and Deductions” at the top of the page. Then click on “Earned Income Credit (EITC).”

CBM: What about financial assistance for small

By Nsenga Burton NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor The National Newspaper Publishers Association has been hit again by the coronavirus. NNPA Senior Correspondent Stacy M. Brown and his wife Shenay have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Brown recently chronicled the story of Jeffrey L. Boney, the multi-award-winning writer for the Houston Forward Times and the National Newspaper Publishers Association, who is in the intensive care unit at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston after being diagnosed on Friday, March 27, with COVID-19.

Brown and his wife, who both began experiencing symptoms at the beginning of the week, were diagnosed Friday, April 3, 2020 at a hospital in their home state of New Jersey.

Brown says he was shocked that he has it because he and his wife have been adhering to the social distance guidelines and only left home to go to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions and the grocery store.

An admitted germaphobe, Brown says the last time he remembers being in close proximity to others was during a meeting for the Black press held by the U.S. Senate on March 11. “A lot of Senators were there. The room was pretty small, and we were in close proximity to each other,” says Brown. “Most were doing elbow bumps, but I remember being shocked that Senator Cory Booker actually shook my hand with all of the talk about Coronavirus,” he adds.

Brown has notified Senator Booker’s office of his diagnosis.

Stacy and Shenay live at home with their three children: Talia, 21, Paris, 13 and Stacy Olivia, 8. They have two other adult children who live out of town. “The kids have been great, leaving food at the door. They don’t have any symptoms and of course I don’t want them to get it.

I don’t want them to have to face what my wife and I are facing.”

Stacy and his wife, who were already social distancing within the home, are now officially living in separate parts of the house. Stacy is in the basement while his wife lives on the top floor. His children leave food, medication and vitamins at their doors.

Stacy, who has been following the rapid spread of the virus, had attributed his early symptoms of COVID-19 to allergies. He and the family spent a wonderful day outside in their backyard grilling about a week ago. The Browns live on half an acre, so they have lots of space and aren’t right next door to anyone. They began experiencing symptoms shortly thereafter.

“My wife had a slight temperature, and in my case, I still have not had a temperature. I’ve had a sore throat all week and at night it gets worse,” says Brown.

After having trouble with his chest, back, breathing and a headache, Brown and his wife headed to the Emergency Room at their local hospital where they received chest x-rays and throat swabs.

“The doctor said we definitely have the virus,” his voice dropping. “The ER doctor is a specialist in infectious diseases and says the more cases she sees, the more she believes it’s in the air,” he added.

Brown and his wife were diagnosed based on their symptoms and sent home with prescriptions for Tylenol and inhalers. “We’re not at the point yet where we need to be on ventilators, but if our symptoms don’t improve, then we’ll have to be admitted and isolated.” The Browns have fluid in their lungs and Stacy has an underlying condition.

Brown understands the severity of the situation having three children at home. They have held conference calls with all of their children regarding end-of-life care and decisions that would have to be made, which is sobering.

Brown has tried to make a case for testing the girls to see if they have it, but the hospital won’t hear of it. “I have tried to talk them into testing the girls, so we’ll have some idea of their status, but the doctor says the hospital won’t allow it,” he says. “The fact they’re asymptomatic and young means they don’t get the test. Even though they say children handle the virus better, we’re learning that isn’t necessarily true in some cases,” he adds.

Stacy sounds like himself although a little winded.

While he is clearly worried, he is also optimistic and encourages people to stay home and have end-of-life conversations.

“Black people don’t always have these difficult discus-

sions with their families, but it is important to do so now because there is so little known about this virus,” he says.

“My symptoms started with a rash on my ankles which I attributed to washing my clothes with bleach. The doctor said people have been reporting rashes as something they experience before the other more known symptoms such as difficulty breathing, which I had never heard before.”

Brown realizes he’s not a doctor and there are a lot of unknowns about COVID-19, but he says to listen to trusted scientists and doctors. “Talk to people who are going to speak with authority who know what they’re talking about and get the right information like James E.K. Hildreth, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Meharry Medical College, who is one of the top experts on infectious diseases in the world,” he adds.

In addition to trusting experts in the field, Brown suggests that folks continue practicing social distancing, wear masks and limit leaving the house as much as possible.

Brown was checking the mail periodically before but says now that he has no plans to continue doing so.

He wants people to do everything they can to avoid COVID-19. “Listen to the experts and listen to your inner voice,” he cautions. “When I first learned of the seriousness of COVID-19, I discontinued a medication for an underlying condition that suppresses your immune system. Had I not done that, I might very well have ended up in ICU on a ventilator,” Brown said. “I’m not advocating skipping your medication but talk to your doctor and if you can make it without meds that suppress your immune system for a little while, then you should think about it.”

Brown is thinking about a lot of factors as he and his wife face the biggest fight of their lives.

“I was already afraid of it, so I wasn’t taking any unnecessary chances. Now I’m more afraid because I still got it. My wife has it too,” he laments.

When asked what he wants the readers to know, Brown pauses momentarily. “Don’t be a hero. The only heroes are the healthcare professionals,” he offers. “The bottom line is COVID-19 is real. It is not a game or a conspiracy. It is here and spreading rapidly and we must take as many precautions as possible to stay safe.”

An Interview With BOE Chair Malia Cohen

businesses?

MC: Congress just passed a $349 billion paycheck protection program which provides loans to small businesses to help them keep their workers on payroll. This is one way to help businesses so that they do not have to lay off their employees. Every eligible small business should consider taking advantage of this program.

CBM: Where can people get information about this program?

MC: Go to the website treasury.gov/cares and click on “Assistance for Small Business.”

CBM: What if I run a small business and can’t get together my California Sales Tax filing because of the Governor’s stay at home order?

MC: Businesses affected by the Coronavirus can request relief of interest or penalties or request an extension for filing a return by going to the California Department of Tax and Fee’s website: CDTFA.ca.gov. Go to the “Alert!” banner at the top of the page, and click on “Learn more” after the sentence, “CDTFA is able to make it easier for taxpayers to request relief.” Or, taxpayers can call: 1-800400-7115.

CBM: Will taxpayers still have to pay their property taxes on April 10th?

MC: The April 10th deadline is fixed in statute. Only San Francisco has extended the deadline to May 4 due to the shelter-in-place order in effect in San Francisco. Local county tax collectors can relieve penalties and interests if they determine that failure to make timely payment is due to reasonable cause and circumstances beyond the taxpayer’s control. Taxpayers would have to file for relief of penalties and interest with their county tax collector. I certainly hope that tax collectors are willing to grant relief to all who are impacted by the coronavirus and the stay-at-home orders.

CBM: How do we contact you if we need help?

MC: We are always eager to help. Call and leave me a message at 1-415-557-3000 or email me at MaliaCohen@ boe.ca.gov and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

My website at www.boe.ca.gov/Cohen has many helpful resources or you can follow me on Facebook or sign up for my newsletter to receive updates.

Note: Complex tax laws and concepts were discussed in this interview. It may not address every situation and is not considered written advice. Changes in law or regulations may have occurred since the time this news release was written. If there is a conflict between the text of this news release and the law, decisions will be based upon the law and not this news release.

NNPA Senior Correspondent Stacy Brown and Wife Shenay Test Positive for COVID-19

Acclaimed Houston Forward Times Columnist Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Admitted to ICU

Multi-award-winning writer for the Houston Forward Times, Jeffrey L. Boney (Courtesy Photo)

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent More than 825,000 people around the globe have been infected with the novel coronavirus, including at least 175,600 in America.

Now the coronavirus has hit a member of our family.

Jeffrey L. Boney, a multi-award-winning writer for the Houston Forward Times and the National Newspaper Publishers Association, is in the intensive care unit at

United Memorial Medical Center in Houston after being diagnosed on Friday, March 27, with COVID-19.

“After experiencing several unconventional health symptoms during the early part of March, I decided to move forward with getting tested for the coronavirus – COVID-19,” Boney wrote in a text to NNPA Newswire on Tuesday, March 31.

“The results came back Friday, and I’m currently in ICU, working with some of the top infectious disease doctors who are working diligently to ensure that I get completely healed and back home,” stated Boney, who also serves as a councilman in Missouri City District B. Boney, the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Texas Business Alliance, said Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee was “extremely instrumental in connecting me to United Memorial Medical Center and Dr. Joseph Varon.”

“When Rep. Jackson-Lee found out that I wasn’t feeling well and that I had self-quarantined, she called me and asked why I hadn’t told her that I had been dealing with some symptoms,” Boney recalled.

“I told her that my primary care doctor had told me to self-quarantine. She told me to go to the hospital and that she would ensure that I got tested on the spot without delay. The chief medical officer, Dr. Varon, was there to meet me and administer the test personally.”

Boney admitted being unnerved by his status as a COVID-19 patient.

Initially, Boney said he thought he might have had a case of food poisoning because he didn’t have the traditional COVID-19 symptoms.

“This has been an extremely unnerving journey of the unknown for both me and the medical team that is treating me because none of my symptoms were respiratory in nature, but were digestive,” Boney remunerated.

“I didn’t have a fever, I didn’t have shortness of breath, and I wasn’t coughing heavily,” he said.

What Boney did experience was a loss of appetite, heavy diarrhea, and pain in his stomach.

“Naturally, one would chalk that up to something like food poisoning or a stomach virus,” Boney said. “I began coughing up blood, which disturbed the doctor who tested me for the coronavirus, and he told me to come in ASAP. It was later found that I had pneumonia on the lungs due to COVID-19. I had contracted the coronavirus.”

Boney, a graduate of Texas Southern University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, has excelled in several fields.

He has served as an adjunct professor in the school of Business Administration at Houston Community College, and he’s received numerous awards and recognitions for his business, civic and community involvement, and his leadership skills.

Boney has received honors as an inaugural Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award winner; a Fort Bend Rising Star Entrepreneurs and Executives recognition by the Fort Bend Business Journal; 40/40 Series Trail Blazer Award winner; and he’s an Outstanding Texan Award recipient from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus For more than a half-dozen years, Boney has served as the host of his own nationally-recognized daily radio program, “Real Talk with Jeffrey L. Boney.”

He serves as the associate editor for the historic Houston Forward Times, the largest Black-owned, independently published newspaper in the South, where he writes various feature stories and articles, including his popular weekly column, “J Boney Speaks.”

The NNPA has honored Boney with Merit Awards for “Best News Story” and “Best Column Writing,” “Best Feature Story,” and the MillerCoors Messenger Awards for “Best Commentary” for his weekly column.

“I want to be extremely clear, I am in great spirits, and I plan to overcome this temporary challenge,” Boney said.

“But, please know that this is a very serious epidemic, and anyone is susceptible. It is time for all of us not only to know that this pandemic is real and affecting lives, but it is also time for us to take seriously all of the things that we are being asked to do by our local leaders and medical professionals.”

Boney continued: “This is serious, and it is taking lives as well. I still have a myriad of issues to overcome relative to pneumonia in my lungs and significant blood clotting in my lung. I have to overcome reducing my increased heart rate because my heart is battling hard to protect my other organs against the attack on my body from the virus.

“We can’t play with this. I am still battling over here and will see this through.”

“We’re not at the point yet where we need to be on ventilators, but if our symptoms don’t improve, then we’ll have to be admitted and isolated.” The Browns have fluid in their lungs and Stacy has an underlying condition.

News Observer The Valley’s

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The Observer Group Newspapers reserves the right to publish views an opinions that may not necessarily reflect those of the staff and management and are solely the product of the responsible individuals who submit commentaries published in these newspapers. Letters, articles and comments appearing in the Observer Newspapers reflect the opinions of the contributor and do not constitute the opinion or endorsement

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Thursday, April 9, 2020

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A3

Features

New to working from home? s p i t e m o s e r a e r He

implement some different habits at home than that of my former office space. For those of you that are new to “working from home,” here are a few tips I’ll share with you to help you in your transition.

• Pick a Designated Work Area When I started working from home, I thought I could sit on my bed, spread out documents and my laptop and have at it. Well, I soon found that I would start off sitting up, legs crossed and attentive, then progressively move into a slouched position, followed by a full-on fetal position with complete attention on the television while my computer and papers were strewn off to the edge of the bed. Talk about a reality check. After being in denial about the obvious distractions, I opted to get an actual desk with a chair and sit there. I went from papers all over the house to everything being in one central location. The desk and chair in a designated part of the house started me off with • Structure Your Time This is a must. Try to keep the same hours you had

when you were physically going to work. Working from home can be one of the biggest distractions there is. From the television to the kitchen to the laundry and even YOUR BED! These are all things that will beg for your attention during the times you should be working. When I first started working from home, my house seemed magical. It just had a different feeling on Wednesday at 11 am than a Saturday or Sunday at 11 am did. If you don’t structure your time you won’t get anything done. The great thing about going to work is that your office was, for the most part, a space designated purely for work. It pretty much shaped how you worked and to what degree. Your home is usually considered a place for rest and relaxation – a place you escape to. So, understand your brain is going to need some slight rewiring and some patience.

• Take Your Breaks ‘In the workforce, breaks are mandated. According to Psychology Today, “A ‘break’ is a brief cessation of work, physical exertion, or activity. You decide to give it a rest with the intention of getting back to your task within a reasonable amount of time.” Did you know that sitting for long periods of time is said to put you at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity? Simply stepping away from your desk and taking a walk, stretching or some form of activity can reduce the negative effects of too much sitting. If you have other individuals in the house, taking breaks affords you the opportunity to connect with them and shift your mind from any stressful thinking you may be engaged in.

• Create an End Time Knowing when to start working is just as important as knowing when to stop. When I initially started working from home, I found that when I got into a good flow, it was hard to stop. So, I wouldn’t. I would sit from 7 am until 11 pm at times with minimal breaks. I was determined to ride out the wave of productivity, sometimes working beyond midnight. My dad would always encourage me not to work past the midnight hour because I was cheating myself out of the next day. He was right. Pushing yourself beyond an established cut off point can lead to burnout quickly.

Ultimately, it’s about setting boundaries with yourself.

carrying over 3 million people, and you have people from Florida, New York, and Miami and other places on there.

If one person has the disease, then it starts all over again,” he said.

Dr. Hildreth also warned of a more cataclysmic situation arising if there’s no vigilance.

“And as human beings continue to push into habitats we have not been in before, and come into contact with pathogens we have not come into contact with before, I’m just saying that this may not be the last time we as a world have to respond to a pandemic like this,” he stated. “We could have a situation where billions die.”

Dr. Hildreth noted that that already this century, there’s been three pandemics – SARS, MERS, and

COVID-19. He said that SARS and MERS occurred in 2002, and 2019, respectively, while COVID-19 entered the scene late in 2019.

“It’s almost at a frequency that every nine to 10 years we have to deal with this. And then, as the population grows and we have to encroach on more and more habitat that we have not been a part of before, there is an expectation that we will have to deal with emerging infections that we have not had to deal with before,” Dr. Hildreth said.

“Not all of them are necessarily going to become a global contagion, but some of them probably will.”

Viruses are incomplete life forms with no ability to replicate on their own, so they must find a way to gain entry into the cells in our bodies, explained Dr. Hildreth.

Working from home can be one of the biggest distractions there is. From the television to the kitchen to the laundry and even YOUR BED! These are all things that will beg for your attention during the times you should be working. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

By Chida Rebecca, Editor-in-Chief Black & Magazine The idea of working from home has always been a glamorized one. Rolling out of bed whenever you’d like, sitting poolside with your favorite drink at noon. Man! That sounds like a day anyone would enjoy. Especially if you find yourself working for a company that you may not particularly like physically going to. In the last few weeks, we’ve seen corporations big and small come to a major halt due to COVID-19. Businesses have essentially locked their doors and are requiring employees to work from home.

While some may have been excited, others are realizing that working from home is not for everyone.

I grew up in a family business and was accustomed to working for long hours at my desk. I had an innate discipline that helped me stay glued to my seat and maybe a little too much. But as times changed and opportunities arose for me to work from home, I realized that I had to

Chida Rebecca is the Editor-in-Chief is San Diego’s only digital Black lifestyle magazine called “Black & Magazine”. www.blackandmagazine.com

Give it your all within the time allotted and then stop.

Put all your focus and energy into the hours you set, the same way you did when you physically clocked in at work.

When you’re done – then you’re done. Save work for the next day. There will ALWAYS be something to do. Time is the one thing we cannot replace. Remember to unplug and regroup.

Chida Rebecca is the Editor-in-Chief is San Diego’s only digital Black lifestyle magazine called “Black & Magazine”. www.blackandmagazine.com

COVID-19 Doc Says Don’t Be a Vector Continued from page A1

“There needed to have been a coordinated response to this. A lot of what’s happening now could have been avoided had we had strong leadership from the beginning.

We would be having a different conversation,” Dr. Hildreth added.

As America and most of the world hunker down, Dr. Hildreth said there must embrace a new normal.

“It’s possible that we identify people that are affected and treat them and go back to a somewhat normal life.

But if you don’t have that, then it means that the social distancing aspects and the hygienic practices to avoid spreading the virus will have to continue,” Dr. Hildreth noted.

“On any given day, as many as 46,000 flights are

UVA Enrolls First Patient in COVID-19 Medication Study

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent The University of Virginia Health System (UVA) has joined a national clinical trial testing a potential COVID-19 medication.

“I enrolled the first patient on the clinical trial for Remdesivir,” Dr. Taison Bell, an infectious disease expert who specializes in critical care at the Charlottesville-based health system, told NNPA Newswire in an email.

Hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 and significant symptoms – including difficulty breathing, using supplemental oxygen, or needing a ventilator – can now choose to participate in the trial.

The trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of remdesivir, an antiviral drug that has been tested in humans with the Ebola virus. It has shown promise in animal studies against Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, and severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which are both caused by different types of coronavirus,

UVA officials noted in a press release.

“Finding an effective treatment will be incredibly important in our battle against COVID-19,” said Dr. K. Craig Kent, UVA’s executive vice president for health affairs. “I am pleased that UVA is a part of this valuable study.”

Participants in the trial will be randomly assigned to either receive remdesivir or a placebo intravenously for as long as ten days, according to UVA’s news release.

Trial participants and their doctors will not know whether patients are receiving the medication or a placebo.

Patients will otherwise receive the current standard of care for their symptoms. UVA physicians will assess trial participants each day for changes in their condition.

Trial data from all participating hospitals and an estimated 440 participants worldwide will be combined and analyzed about halfway through the trial’s enrollment period to determine if changes should be made to the test. The trial could stop if participants were not benefiting from

remdesivir, or the trial could be changed to add another medication or therapy that could improve participants’ responses.

“Having scientifically sound information about the effectiveness of remdesivir will be helpful as we seek to provide the best care for patients,” Dr. Patrick Jackson, the principal investigator for the trial at UVA, stated in the release.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, is funding the study. Gilead Sciences Inc., which developed remdesivir, is supplying it for the study.

“Bringing the remdesivir trial to UVA is a true testament to our collaborative spirit,” Bell added. “Before I spoke to Dr. John Beigel [the principal investigator for the entire trial], we had already lined up the research staff and infrastructure to hit the ground running. He was impressed with our organization, and we were able to start moving immediately.”

Making Sense of the 2020 Census Continued from page A1

cially the Undercounted.

For every community not counted, $100,000-$200,000 that would have gone towards advancing their economic, political and societal position is lost. Funds that would have gone towards erasing the poverty line, securing housing, monitoring discriminatory practices, and enforcing civil rights laws. Undercounted communities have little to no representation because they are not prioritized.

According to the Census Bureau post-enumeration survey, 800,000 African Americans went uncounted. What does this mean? It means once again, the voice of African Americans was denied. Many programs that impact African Americans are based in whole or part on data derived from the Census.

History proves the disenfranchisement of Black people socially, politically and financially. Another ten years cannot pass before we realize how vital the United States Census is to the United States democracy.

The children are the future.

Since the United States last decennial Census, the array of events, movements, and tragedies that have sprung across the nation have left citizens all over in disarray. In the first month of 2010, the world’s deadliest earthquake struck the Island of Haiti. 2013 birthed the Black Lives Matter movement after the acquittal of George Zimmer-

man. In 2016, the United States greeted their Republican President, Donald Trump.

The list of terrorist attacks, mass shootings, and injustices that have shadowed America in our past decade should not cloud the advancements and heights the country has yet to reach. In each of these instances, the opinion, vote, and livelihood of someone was taken away either through corrupt politics, natural disasters, or premeditated motive. As we move into our new decade, the younger generation must be aware of the world around them and the voice they have in changing it.

“The children are the future” is not a coined phrase that should be taken lightly. All generations should be concerned with completing the Census, yet Generation Z and the Millennial generation have a far greater duty. There have already been financial constraints within the Census Bureau, which puts the African American community at risk of being undercounted. Remaining informed and educating members of Congress, in addition to state and local leaders about the issues of the African American community, is crucial in producing desired results.

We know all lives matter, but all lives have not been counted. The work of the NAACP and the Leadership Conference Education Fund, to name a few, have been doing the work to promote and protect the civil and human rights of citizens. As the 2020 Census makes its way to our mailboxes and computer screens, I charge you, my reader, to ensure you and your family will be counted!

Many viruses need hosts before they can get into humans, and those hosts are called vectors, he said.

“In 2002, the hosts were cats. Then for MERS, the host was camels,” Dr. Hildreth stated. “So, efforts were made to eradicate the vectors. But what happens when the host is human? The difference with COVID-19 is that we are the vectors. It’s able to jump from human to human.

So, our challenge is to eradicate the vector. That’s why we’re asking you to don’t become a vector of COVID-19. You don’t become a vector by staying at home, practicing social distancing, and sanitizing surfaces often,” he said.

Legal s e c i t o N

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER 20SMCP00137 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Los Angeles, 1725 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Branch: West District PETITION OF: JANICE RODGERS (ON BEHALF OF MINOR) FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: JANICE RODGERS for a decree changing names as follows: Present name BRYSUN PHILIPPE SABINUS Filed a petition with this court Proposed name BRYSUN PHILIPPE ROYAL THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: May 29, 2020 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept: K Room: A-203 The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER Date: March 13, 2020 Lawrence Cho JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT JACOB BRADLEY DEPUTY Janice Rodgers 4911 Indian Wood Rd #512 Culver City, Ca. 90230 Phone: (424) 537-1490 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 9, 16, 23, 30, 2020 �������������������������������

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER 20SMCP00138 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Los Angeles, 1725 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Branch: West District PETITION OF: PHILIPPE LORIGUERE SABINUS FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: PHILIPPE LORIGUERE SABINUS for a decree changing names as follows: Present name PHILIPPE LORIGUERE SABINUS Filed a petition with this court Proposed name ICON KAZ ROYAL THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: May 29, 2020 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept: K Room: A-203 The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER Date: March 13, 2020 Lawrence Cho JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT JACOB BRADLEY DEPUTY Philippe Loriguere Sabinus 4911 Indian Wood Rd #512 Culver City, Ca. 90230 Phone: (424) 316-7483 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 9, 16, 23, 30, 2020 �������������������������������

A4

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Entertainment

Lean on Me: Singer-Songwriting Legend Bill Withers Dies at 81 “I kept listening to him. I kept listening to Harlem and I kept listening to Grandma’s Hands — and you say to yourself: You didn’t hear many records with people talking about their grandmothers, but everybody has one. His records to me made so much common sense. It was like you were just talking to somebody. You listen to Lean on Me. One of the songs he wrote that I still think is a great song talked about the Vietnam War,” influential music executive Clarence Avant explained.

2008 Bill Withers Tribute: Pictured are Bill Withers & Corey Withers (Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/annulla/3011590291/ Wikimedia Commons)

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor Three-time Grammy Award winner Bill Withers, a singer-songwriter of music with lyrics and harmony carrying messages that stayed in the minds of many listening in an indelible way, has died at 81. Withers passed away in Los Angeles.

Withers’ family referenced a heart condition as the cause of his death which has not been linked to COVID-19.

His song “Lean on Me” is one of the most popular in modern popular music and was judged to be one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine along with “Ain’t No Sunshine.”

Withers soulful songs “Lean on Me,” “Lovely Day” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” have now become standards heard for five decades in feature films and in the background of endless TV episodes.

Withers most recently appeared in the documentary The Black Godfather on Netflix. The film, directed by Reginald Hudlin, was a tribute to the life of influential music executive Clarence Avant and was released by Netflix last year. Avant detailed his association with Withers.

“I kept listening to him. I kept listening to Harlem and I kept listening to “Grandma’s Hands” — and you say to yourself: You didn’t hear many records with people talking about their grandmothers, but everybody has one. His records to me made so much common sense. It

was like you were just talking to somebody. You listen to “Lean on Me.” One of the songs he wrote that I still think is a great song talked about the Vietnam War,” influential music executive Clarence Avant explained.

“All those kinds of things just resonated with me and I said wow this guy has got it,” Avant said of Withers. At the time Avant owned Sussex Records. Avant signed Withers and had Stax Records associate Booker T. Jones produce Withers’ first album. Withers later signed with Columbia Records.

Bill Withers was born on July 4, 1938 in Slab Fork, West Virginia, a coal mining town. He recorded from 1970 until 1985 and his hits included “Lean on Me”, “Ain’t No Sunshine”, “Use Me”, “Just the Two of Us”, “Lovely Day”, and “Grandma’s Hands.” His life was the subject of the 2009 documentary film Still Bill and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

“Lean on Me,” was performed at the inaugurations of both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

Withers married actress Denise Nicholas in 1973 but they divorced in 1974. In 1976, Withers married Marcia Johnson, and they had two children, Todd and Kori.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail. com and on twitter at @LVBurke

Russell Simmons Brings Back Def Comedy Jam

to Raise Money for Coronavirus Ravaged Areas

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Hip-hop and business mogul Russell Simmons has seen the devastation of the novel coronavirus and the effect it has had on his hometown of Hollis Queens, New York, and the rest of the world.

Now the iconic Def Jam founder is bringing back one of his legendary creations to help raise money for those devastated by the pandemic.

Simmons is leading a group of producers who, on Sunday, April 5, will premiere “Def Comedy Jam Presents: Healing Through Laughter,” a marathon fundraiser hosted

by Cedric the Entertainer.

The program will air online beginning at 10 p.m. EST, and Simmons’ Instagram page will be updated to provide more information. Simmons has established a GoFundMe page with the hopes of raising as much as $100,000 to help with supplies to assist those in need.

Supplies purchased and collected from proceeds will be distributed among essential workers in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, and those in the Logan section of Philadelphia.

“Let’s begin to fund the effort to raise money and awareness to make sure people putting their life on the line to work in our communities have the safety kits they need,” Simmons wrote on Twitter.

As of Thursday, April 2, New York had more than 92,300 confirmed coronavirus cases, including approximately 52,000 in the city. New York accounts for 42 percent of the virus-related deaths in the United States, and hospitals around the Empire State and, in particular, throughout the Big Apple, have been overwhelmed with cases.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state’s stockpile contained 2,200 ventilators, but about 350 new patients daily

needed them.

“2,200 disappears very quickly,” Cuomo said, according to the New York Times.

The goal of the Def Comedy Jam Marathon is to raise

Russell Simmons (Courtesy Photo)

funds to provide basic needs for essential workers in vulnerable and underserved communities.

Supplies include items like hand sanitizer and masks for the most vulnerable communities currently impacted

by COVID-19.

Simmons said 100 percent of the proceeds raised would be used to benefit individuals in inner-city communities – specifically targeting his hometown of Hollis, Queens, which has been highlighted as the most affected area in New York.

“Brave and inspiring people within the community are putting up a valiant fight against COVID-19, we must support them,” Simmons stated.

The original Def Comedy Jam aired on HBO from 1992 to 1997 and featured such talent as Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker, Bernie Mac, and many others.

Simmons had said he was inspired to create the original Def Comedy Jam after watching Jerry Lewis’ “The Nutty Professor.”

The rebooted fundraiser is produced by Erica Ford of the nonprofit Life Camp, Inc., Gushcloud, O’Neal McKnight, Bob Sumner, Althea Lim, and Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic.

Def Comedy Jam: Healing through Laughter will feature Def Jam’s original DJ, Kid Capri. It will include comedians Spice Adams, Tony Baker, Gary Owen, Mike Epps, Sommore, Bill Bellamy, Affion Crockett, Deon Cole, Corey Holcomb, Ashima Franklin, Adele Givens, Jess Hilarious, DL Hughley, JB Smoove, and Michael Blackson.

While a host of other comedians are expected to join, those making their debut under the Def Comedy Jam umbrella are GC Studio’s Reggie Couz, KMoore The Goat, and Kellye Hardy. DJ Cassidy will lead an afterparty.

Click here to visit the GoFundMe page.

For more information about Def Comedy Jam: Healing through Laughter, scan over this stories picture using your “Observer Interactive” App.

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Thursday, April 9, 2020

Sports

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A5

The 76ers, HBSE and the Devils Care Foundation Partner to Provide Relief from COVID-19

By Cameron Buford whatsgoodinsports.com Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve chronicled what local teams and foundations have done to aid communities and families suffering from the financial impact of this nasty coronavirus shutdown. As you might have imagined organizations and foundations across the nation have been stepping up to make their presence felt in their various communities. This article will focus on the efforts of the leaders in the South Jersey/ Philadelphia region and what they are doing to assist those that have been adversely impacted by the recent pandemic.

Co-founders Josh Harris and David Blitzer, of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (HBSE), also owns the New Jersey Devils. Their Devils Care Foundation recently created a program that provides groceries to families of Newark in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

“This food relief program, which will benefit thousands of families in Newark, would not have been possible without a critical donation from Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and the New Jersey Devils,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka recently commented.

As with most schools across the country, the 122,000plus schools in the District of Philadelphia have been closed due to this crisis. It has recently been announced that managing Partner Josh Harris, Co-Managing Partner David Blitzer, and the Philadelphia 76ers have stepped up to fund the purchase of 10,000 additional Chromebooks to aid distance learning for all students in the District.

This funding makes it possible for students, in grades 3 through 12, to continue to learn while unable to attend school due to their closing. In turn, leveling the playing field by equipping those underprivileged kids in the Philadelphia School District with the tools they need for success.

Superintendent William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D. proudly states “We are ecstatic to learn that the Sixers are helping our students get computers in their homes so they can continue to learn during what is an unprecedented time for all of us.” He continued on to say, “Our hometown team has come through in such an amazing way, proving that they are the true MVPs.” “We’re impressed that they stepped up this quickly to help purchase the computers that are urgently needed for our students,” explained Donna Frisby Greenwood, President & CEO, after saying that “Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and the entire Sixers organization have been great partners to the District over the years with the team’s focus on supporting the youth in our region.”

As if this wasn’t enough, earlier in the month, Josh Harris, Blitzer, and the 76ers have agreed to provide funds to aid in the purchase of critical equipment and supplies, including a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 respirators, surgical masks, gloves, gowns,

cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, eye protection, and other critically needed medical equipment, such as ventilators to the Cooper University Health Care. The Cooper Foundation was founded by urging of the community to respond to a nationwide emergency.

These contributions have not gone unrecognized as stated by Kevin O’Dowd, JD, Co-President/CEO of Cooper, “We are incredibly thankful and appreciative of the generous donation and also the tremendous partnership we have developed with Josh Harris, David Blitzer, and the Philadelphia 76ers to support our community.” Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, Co-President/CEO of Cooper added, “Cooper’s clinical and support staff are among the most skilled, compassionate, and dedicated healthcare professionals and this contribution will directly provide needed resources to help those on the front-line providing care.”

This contribution comes months after the 76ers announced that they have entered into a communityfocused partnership with Camden’s Cooper University Health Care, which made Cooper an Official Partner. In this partnership, the 76ers will collaborate on a variety of community-based initiatives including youth basketball camps and educational programs, playground renovations, and numerous other activities benefitting residents of Camden.

The 76ers players even joined the spirit of helping those in the community. Joel Embiid has recently pledged $500,000 to support medical relief efforts “It’s not as easy as simply writing the check,” said Embiid. In keeping with the phrased he popularized, “It’s a process, to figure out the best way you feel comfortable helping.”

After researching and consulting with Dr. David T. Martin from Apeiron Life and Dr. Brian Sennett from Penn Medicine, Embiid was told funding for antibody testing was one of the highest priorities. In his own words, he now knows that “testing for COVID-19 antibodies has the chance to let health care workers know if they are immune to the virus.” As been reported Embiid’s teammate and long time NBA veteran Al Horford has also recently donated $500,000 to aid coronavirus response supports in his home country of the Dominican Republic, in addition to each of the regions he’s played basketball in.

This includes Michigan, Gainesville, FL., Atlanta, Boston, and Philadelphia. Ben Simmons has spearheaded the twopart, Philly Pledge to allow any and everyone in the region to come together and support the communities to fight against COVID19 and food insecurity. As Ben states in his message he wants “to show support to those nonprofit organizations” impacting lives in the community.

The first part of the Philly Pledge is PHL COVID-19; which has been set up as a direct response to help the nonprofit sector continue to do what they do best - assist at-risk community groups such as the elderly, disabled,

Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons partner with the 76ers to provide relief for the region due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Courtesy Photo)

homeless and economically disadvantaged through a range of essential social services.

The second part of the Philly Pledge is Philabundance; this is the Delaware Valleys largest hunger-relief organization, acquiring, rescuing and distributing food to help feed 90,000 people each week. 1 in 5 Philly residents faces food insecurity. This initiative purchases and accepts donated food and distributed over 26 million pounds in 2019 through a network of over 350 member agencies.

Just as the local team governors, foundations, local residents, and superstars have supported the Philly Pledge to assist those less fortunate who are enduring challenges during these difficult times. Comedian Kevin Hart, Rapper Lil Dicky, fellow 76er Tobias Harris, Raul Neto, and Norvel Pelle, Philly’s Bryce Harper and Aaron Nola, Legendary Eagle Ron Jaworski, Flyers Carter Hart, and Philadelphia native and Broadcaster Natalie Egenolf have

all shown their support and urge others to do so if able.

American industrialist and business magnate, and chief inventor of the assembly line Henry Ford summarize what giving back meant to him: “to do more for the world than the world does for you, that is success.” These are just the examples of graciousness and giving back which we enjoy highlighting and promoting via www.whatsgoodinsports. com.

Kindly share your thoughts and any other contributions from members of the sports community, that we may have overlooked by reaching out to me on Twitter @whatsgoodnsport or forward any links to info@ whatsgoodinsports.com. Additionally, be sure to subscribe to our weekly “Voice of the Fans Podcast” which is available for you on most podcasting platforms, Apple and Google Podcasts including Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio. As always, Thank You for making our voice, your choice!

‘We Are One’ Clothing Designer Overcomes Death— Twice—to Build Athletic Brand Worn by NBA Stars Kenny Westray started out selling his clothing line out of the trunk of his car. Now more than 200 NBA players have worn his designs.

LeBron James is just one of the NBA stars who has worn We Are One gear. (Photo courtesy Kenny Westray)

D.C. store and helped it in the area. It was also sold earn $2 million in a year. in arenas in Milwaukee and Finally, he was Houston and elsewhere. responsible for the sale of The “We Are One” clothes in the store, which title became a rallying cry was when it clicked for in 2014 when tapes were him. “I found my niche,” released of former Los he said.

Angeles Clippers owner “I was pronounced Donald Sterling making a dead twice,” he said. After series of racist comments. the stabbing, “I thought I Clippers coach Doc Rivers saw my grandmother and wrote “We Are One” on mother say, ‘That’s two the chalkboard in the locker strikes.’ That’s when I put room as a rallying cry for his down the drugs and picked mostly black players. up the T-shirts.”

Soon, countless players He parlayed the sewing around the league were and designing skills he wearing shirts with “We developed in junior high Are One “on them—but it school into a business in was Westray’s trademark.

1992. He used $2,000 of Vandeweghe, who had his savings to launch We moved to the NBA office Are One, selling athletic by then, realized it, called gear out of the trunk of his Westray, and he and Honda. It was stylish and the league worked out a trendy, “urban classic” style, multimillion-dollar deal to Westray recalls. use the phrase.

It was a hit because It was significant to Westray’s designs featured Westray because he came Kenny Westray founded We Are One after surviving oversized pockets that up with the name to accommodated the large both a shooting and stabbing. (Photo courtesy Ken- have multiple purposes. hands of athletes and ny Westray) Originally, it was about him prevented wallets and other and two friends uniting items from falling out. as one, an idea confirmed when the song “We Are One” “They appreciated that part of my designs,” he said.

by Frankie Beverly and Maze blared from a convertible’s His friend, former NBA star Sam Cassell, was among speakers as the thought popped into his head. “’In the the first to sport We Are One. “I met Kenny and we just spirit of God, We Are One,’ is really the brand,” he said. clicked,” said Cassell, now an assistant coach for the Los And “now, as we deal with the coronavirus, it’s about Angeles Clippers. “He said, ‘I got something for you.’ It We Are One, ” he said. “We have to work together, be one, was some of his gear. I loved it.” to get past this.”

Cassell helped spread the word of We Are One to Westray filed a lawsuit against The Gap for using his NBA friends, like Nick Van Exel, Sherman Douglas, his trademark without permission, and after two years of Steve Francis, Dennis Scott, Eddie Jones, Penny Hardaway, wrangling, won a significant settlement. The money aside, James Posey and Nick Anderson, among others.

Westray enjoys the business the most when he is creating.

Westray quit The Athlete’s Foot and opened Alpine, a The 2008 financial crisis and gentrification combined to storefront on D.C.’s Florida Avenue, not far from Howard University. “I was just hoping to make $250 a day to pay my rent that first year,” he said.

The store made $400,000.

The success inspired him to open eight more locations in metro D.C., Baltimore and Houston, where he moved, met Master P and ran the rapper and entrepreneur’s No Limits clothing line for four years.

Westray’s brand continues to flourish. More than 200 players have donned his gear—a monumental feat for an independent operation—including James and Durant.

“What Kenny has done with his brand is outrageous,” Cassell said. “To take an inner-city, urban brand in the ’90s and elevate it to where at one point at least 60 percent of NBA players were wearing it, that’s pretty remarkable.

Even coaches wore it.”

Through former Denver Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe and executive Tommy Sheppard, We Are One gear in 2002 was sold in the team’s NBA Store

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer Bobby Mitchell, a Hall of Fame halfback and flanker who became the Washington Redskins’ first black star, electrifying crowds with his speed, balance, and elusiveness while helping to integrate the last segregated team in professional football, died recently at the age of 84.

His death was announced by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Mitchell was one of the most versatile and dynamic offensive threats of his era, forcing his way into the end zone after a catch. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1958. He was a “roadrunner “ who also played alongside the great Jim Brown. They were friends on and off the field.

There was one incident Mitchell spoke of. He and Brown were late for the team bus they were walking rapidly side by side as it was being held up for them. As they got closer, off stepped head coach Paul Brown staring at Mitchell. “Dog gone it, “said Brown. “Bobby Mitchell I’m tired of you holding us up and you better be on time from now on.”

Mitchell got on the bus and Jim brown followed. He never said a word to the great 32.

Mitch played four seasons with the Browns before he was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1962.

Washington was the last NFL team to integrate.

Mitchell became the first black to play for them.

He was named All-Pro 4 times and finished his career in the 1968 with 14,078 all-purpose yards and were the second most in National Football League history. He entered the Hall of Fame in 1983.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell. (Gus Chan/Associated Press)

By Curtis Bunn, Urban News Service (A Division of Zenger News) Kenny Westray has battled to stay relevant in the clothing game for decades—and he has the scars to prove it. Westray, now 53, suffered a gunshot to the mouth when he was 24 and seven stab wounds a year later But he told Zenger News he had to go through that pain and trauma to get to where he is, on the precipice of celebrating 28 years as one of NBA players’ go-to clothing designers for athletic wear. While many players have deals like LeBron James’ mega-contract with Nike, it is routine to see James, Kevin Durant and many other NBA players sporting Westray’s brand, We Are One. “I haven’t really sat back and thought about the journey,” Westray said. “I had no idea I’d still be in business 28 years. But I thank God every day.”

Westray spent five years in prison on a drug charge, but he said his life of crime turned around after his second near-death experience. A friend shot him in the mouth during an argument over drugs one year and he was stabbed multiple times during a drug deal gone wrong the next.

When he was released, he found a job at The Athlete’s Foot in the Maryland suburbs, selling sneakers. He was quickly promoted to manager, moved to a Washington,

Bobby Mitchell Dies at 84

force him to close all but one store in Maryland, which is temporarily shuttered because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But he has extended his products to include jackets, button-up shirts, women’s and children’s clothes. He said he designs 90% of the products he retails.

“It’s the best when I am designing,” Westray said.

He still gets pleasure out of seeing people wearing his creations, like when he says rap mogul Dr. Dre told him, “Man, your clothes are so comfortable.”

“You feel good about yourself when stuff like that happens,” said Westray. “All this time, it still feels good.”

We Are One apparel was sold by the NBA. (Photo courtesy Kenny Westray)

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THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, April 9, 2020