Valley's News Observer 4.13.23

The Valley’s The Valley’sNews Observer One!Take

Nashville Council Returns Justin Jones to State House

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

Senior National Correspondent

In an unanimous vote and a rebuke of Tennessee Republicans, the Nashville Metropolitan Council on Monday voted to reappoint Justin Jones to the state House of Representatives.

Jones returns as an interim representative and will again act on behalf of House District 52.

The 36-0 vote came after the council suspended its rule that disallowed an individual from being nominated and appointed to the seat in the same meeting.

A spokesperson for House Speaker Cameron Sexton said he’d go along with the council if they chose to send Jones back.

He also indicated that he’d also welcome back Justin Jones if Memphis officials voted later this week to return him to the House.

“The two governing bodies will make the decision as to who they want to appoint to these seats,” the Speaker said in a statement.

“Those two individuals will be seated as representatives as the constitution requires.”

The Shelby County commission expects to take up a motion to return Pearson on Wednesday.

The expulsion of the two Democrats, who vociferously called on their colleagues to act on gun control after the latest school shooting in Nashville that claimed the lives of three elementary school students and three adults.

The reinstatement of Jones comes on the same day a gunman in Kentucky, believed to be a disgruntled exemployee, killed five people at a bank in Louisville.

It’s the latest in a string of mass shootings that have rocked the nation in recent years, with gun violence continuing to be a divisive and contentious issue.

Some politicians and interest groups have pushed back against calls for stricter gun control. They say that doing so would violate their rights under the Second Amendment.

As the nation mourns the victims of the Louisville shooting and grapples with the ongoing issue of gun violence, many are left wondering when, if ever, meaningful action will be taken to address the issue.

Across the country and in Tennessee, the backlash has been palpable, and even some Republicans have expressed regret for the actions of party members and Sexton, who led the vote to oust Jones and Pearson.

“If my job, along with other members of the R.N.C., is to protect the brand of the Republican Party, this didn’t help,” Oscar Brock, a Republican National Committeeman from Tennessee, told the New York Times. “You’ve energized young voters against us. Worse than squandering support, you’ve made enemies where we didn’t need them.”

He continued:

Metropolitan Nashville Council voted to temporarily appoint Justin Jones back to his Nashville seat in the state legislature, just days after Republicans overwhelmingly voted to expel him.

“Even in Tennessee, we have swing districts in the State House and Senate, and if you’ve angered tens of thousands of students and presumably their parents, you could theoretically expose yourself to a united front,” Brock demanded.

Rev. Mark Thompson, the host of Make it Plain and an NNPA contributor, returned to Tennessee on Monday for the vote to re-seat Jones, his longtime friend.

On NNPA’s Let It Be Known, Thompson stated, “My understanding is that the Nashville National City Council will re-seat Jones, and I believe the Memphis Council will meet later in the week to discuss Pearson.”

Thompson noted that most, if not all, flights to Nashville have been sold out, signaling the large demonstrations ahead.

“This isn’t going away,” Thompson asserted.

“This is a movement. This is going to build and grow.

LSU’s Reese on White House Flap: ‘We’ll Go to the Obamas’

By The Associated Press First lady Jill Biden’s walk-back of her suggestion that runner-up Iowa should join NCAA women’s basketball champion LSU for a visit to the White House didn’t sit well with Tigers star Angel Reese.

Prompted by a discussion of Biden’s comments during her Wednesday appearance on “The Paper Route Podcast,” Reese said the Tigers should celebrate their title with former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama rather than President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden. Jill Biden, at an appearance in Denver on Monday, had praised Iowa’s sportsmanship and congratulated both teams. She also said that as part of the longstanding tradition of having champions visit the White House, Iowa should come as well ‘’because they played such a good game.”

The Tigers defeated Iowa 102-85 for the title in Dallas on Sunday. Reese on Monday called Jill Biden’s suggestion “a joke.”

“I’m not gonna lie to you, I don’t accept the apology because of, you said what you said. I said what I said. And like, you can’t go back on certain things that you say,” Reese told podcast hosts Brandon Marshall and Ashley Nicole Moss.

“I mean, you felt like they should’ve came because of sportsmanship, right?’’ Reese added. “They can have that spotlight. We’ll go to the Obamas. We’ll see Michelle. We’ll see Barack.”

Some social media commenters noted the racial dynamics involved, saying that only winners should be rewarded with a White House visit and that hosting both teams would detract from the achievement by LSU’s team, which is predominantly Black. The Iowa team is largely white. Others noted the important role of Black women in Democratic Party politics. Following LSU’s victory, coach Kim Mulkey said she would go to the White House if invited. Reese said Wednesday she was uncertain if she would go.

Reese said she didn’t think LSU, had it lost to Iowa, would have gotten the same praise from Jill Biden as the Hawkeyes did.

You can’t do this, it’s not sustainable. I’m not sure that if the two Justins are re-seated the movement will stop. This is bad for the national Republican party.”

Phyllis Qualls, who’s covering the proceedings for the Tennessee Tribune, said the G.O.P. leadership miscalculated in expelling Jones and Pearson.

“Republicans had no vision as to the aftermath of what they can do,” Qualls said. “Mom has always said, ‘what’s done in the dark will come out in the light.’ The Republicans took a major issue like gun control and reduced it to decorum. It’s almost like children in the car complaining that ‘Mom, he’s looking at me.’ The crimes doesn’t equate, and to do this during holy week, you crucified these men, and they are rising to a level that nobody expected. They have become leaders of the gun control issue, and it was the Republicans who caused that.”

As Nation Mourns, California Debates Concealed Firearm Laws

Maxim Elramsisy

California Black Media

On March 28, one day after three children and three adults were shot at the Covenant School, a Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tenn., the California Senate Public Safety Committee heard arguments for and against Senate Bill (SB) 2, legislation proposing enhancements to California’s existing concealed carry permit law.

“God bless the families of those little kids,” said the bill’s author, Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) at the hearing. “Gun violence inflicts a terrible toll on our communities. Last year, nearly 20,000 people were killed in gun related homicides in the United States. To put that in perspective, it’s enough people to fill forty Boeing 747s, and sadly, the number keeps rising.”

SB 2 would make 21 the required age to apply for a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW), although existing state legislation restricts the sales of pistols to people under 21. A system of appeals would also be created for people initially denied the permit. The bill would also limit where people can carry firearms, creating locations called “sensitive sites” where guns would be prohibited. Property owners of sites where guns are off limits would have the authority to allow guns if they choose.

California’s prior concealed carry permit law, which required that applicants show reason for needing to carry a concealed firearm, was deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court last year in the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen.

In a 6-3 vote, the high court’s conservative majority ruled that “may-issue” systems, like those used in New York, California and three other states using “arbitrary” evaluations of need, made by local authorities, are unconstitutional. States are, however, allowed to enforce “shall-issue” permitting, where applicants for concealed carry permits must satisfy certain objective criteria, such as passing a background check.

“Bruen affirmed the ability of states to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals and out of certain sensitive places. With SB 2, California does just that. It provides objective, reasonable guidance that prevents CCW permits from being issued to dangerous individuals and provides a list of places where weapons may not be carried,” said Portantino. “The presence of firearms in public increases the dangers of intentional or accidental gun violence—at the workplace, at the movies, or on the road. One study showed that states with permissive right-tocarry laws experience 29% more workplace homicides than states with more restrictive licensing requirements.”

During the hearing, opposition came from handfuls of law enforcement groups, particularly from the southern part of the state, including the Los Angeles Police Officers Association and

the Orange County Sheriffs Association.

“Addressing Bruen in this way is unnecessarily complicated and overly burdensome,” said California State Sheriffs’ Association Legislative Director Cory Salzillo. “Given what we’ve seen in other states, it is likely to be challenged and probably overturned in whole or in part.”

In the nation’s most populous county, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department (LASD) is responsible for taking applications and issuing CCWs. Though the Sheriff did not endorse the bill publicly, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors did, and in a written statement to California Black Media (CBM) the LASD appeared to tacitly support the bill.

“Recently, several of our California Government leaders have joined together to announce new gun legislation which would enhance gun safety laws in California. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has partnered with the Board of Supervisors on the added gun safety measures and how we can bring awareness to the communities we serve,” the statement said.

Before the hearing, CBM asked Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna about the proposed bill.

“I believe we have to change the status quo when it comes to guns because there’s way too much gun violence,” he said. “I don’t want to take guns away from legal gun owners, but I always believe that there has to be a path to doing it right.”

The threat of legal challenges is almost certain.

“Any law that we passed through the Legislature, someone can bring a challenge to. That’s not a unique circumstance. This bill will probably be challenged,” said Portantino. “But do we believe it’s constitutional? Absolutely. We looked at the Bruen decision as a roadmap to create a constitutionally sound approach. The Supreme Court said you can’t be arbitrary, so this bill is not arbitrary. It’s creating concrete criteria of who should and shouldn’t be eligible to get this responsibility of having a concealed carry permit, that’s consistent with the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court said you can have prohibited places. This bill has prohibited places that make sense.”

The Bill was advanced through the committee after a 4-1 vote and will next be heard on April 10 by the Committee on Appropriations.

2022, California Gov. Gavin

‘’If we were to lose, we would not be getting invited to the White House,” she added. “I remember she made a comment about both teams should be invited because of sportsmanship. And I’m like, ‘Are you saying that because of what I did?’ Stuff like that, it bothers me because you are a woman at the end of the day. White, Black, it doesn’t matter, you’re a woman, you’re supposed to be standing behind us before anything.”

1st Moon Crew in 50 Years Includes Woman, Black Astronaut

By MARCIA DUNN

AP Aerospace Writer NASA on Monday named the four astronauts who will fly around the moon late next year, including the first woman and the first African American assigned to a lunar mission.

The first moon crew in 50 years - three Americans and one Canadian - was introduced during a ceremony in Houston, home to the nation’s astronauts as well as Mission Control.

“This is humanity’s crew,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

The four astronauts will be the first to fly NASA’s Orion capsule, launching atop a Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center no earlier than late 2024. They will not land or even go into lunar orbit, but rather fly around the moon and head straight back to Earth, a prelude to a lunar landing by two others a year later.

The mission’s commander, Reid Wiseman, will be joined by Victor Glover, an African American naval aviator; Christina Koch, who holds the world record for the longest spaceflight by a woman; and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen, a former fighter pilot and the crew’s lone space rookie. Wiseman, Glover and Koch have all lived on the International Space Station. All four are in their 40s.

“This is a big day. We have a lot to celebrate and it’s so much more than the four names that have been announced,’’ Glover said.

This is the first moon crew to include someone from outside the U.S. - and the first crew in NASA’s new moon program named Artemis after the twin sister of mythology’s Apollo. Late last year, an empty Orion capsule flew to the moon and back in a long-awaited dress rehearsal.

“Am I excited? Absolutely,” Koch said to cheers from the crowd of schoolchildren, politicians and others. “But my real question is: ‘Are you excited?’ “ she said to more cheers.

The Canadian Space Agency snagged a seat because of its contributions of big robotic arms on NASA’s space shuttles and the space station. One is also planned for the moon project. Hansen said he’s grateful that Canada is included in the flight. “We are going to the moon together. Let’s go!” he said.

During Apollo, NASA sent 24 astronauts to the moon from 1968 through 1972. Twelve of them landed. All were military-trained male test pilots except for Apollo 17’s Harrison Schmitt, a geologist who closed out that moonlanding era alongside the late Gene Cernan. Provided this next 10-day moonshot goes well, NASA aims to land two astronauts on the moon by 2025 or so. NASA picked from 41 active astronauts for its first Artemis crew. Canada had four candidates. Almost all of them took part in Monday’s ceremony at Johnson Space Center’s Ellington Field, a pep rally of sorts that ended with Wiseman leading the crowd in a chant.

with provisions

endorsed Senate Bill (SB) 918, also authored by

to SB

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the

President Joe Biden spoke with the four astronauts and their families on Sunday. In a tweet Monday, Biden said the mission “will inspire the next generation of explorers, and show every child - in America, in Canada, and across the world - that if they can dream it, they can be it.”

The

(Photo: Jon Cherry for The New York Times)

Biden Issues Proclamation for Black Maternal Health Week

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

In 2022, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra implemented actions to improve maternal health and reduce health disparities, and this year, the BidenHarris Administration has continued to champion policies to improve maternal health and equity.

Vice President Kamala Harris convened a meeting with Becerra and other Cabinet leaders amplifying a wholeof-government approach to reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.

On Monday, April 10, President Biden issued another proclamation to begin Black Maternal Health Week.

The president called the week a reminder that so many families experience pain, neglect, and loss during what should be a joyous occasion.

Biden called it urgent that all act.

“Black women in America are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women,” the president remarked.

“This is on top of the fact that women in America are dying at a higher rate from pregnancy-related causes than in any other developed nation.”

He insisted that tackling the crisis begins with understanding how institutional racism drives these high maternal mortality rates.

Studies show that Black women are often dismissed or ignored in hospitals and other health care settings, even as they suffer from severe injuries and pregnancy complications and ask for help, the president reminded.

He said systemic inequities are also to blame.

“When mothers do not have access to safe and stable housing before and after childbirth, they are at greater risk of falling ill,” Biden exclaimed.

“When women face barriers traveling to the hospital for prenatal and postpartum checkups, they are less likely

to remain healthy. Air pollution, water pollution, and lead pipes can have dangerous consequences for pregnant women and newborns. And when families cannot afford nutritious foods, they face worse health outcomes.”

He claimed his administration has penned the blueprint for addressing the maternal health crisis, an agenda that lays out specific actions the federal government

would take to improve maternal health and secured funding from Congress to help implement it.

“Vice President Kamala Harris has been a leader on the issue of maternal mortality for years and led the charge to improve maternal health outcomes, including by issuing a call to action to address disparities in maternal care,” Biden stated.

“She continues to elevate the issue nationally, convening State legislators, medical professionals, and others so all mothers can access the care they need before, during, and after childbirth.”

The president continued:

“Additionally, my American Rescue Plan gave States the option to provide a full year of postpartum coverage to Medicaid beneficiaries — up from just 60 days of coverage.

“As a result, my Administration has approved requests from 30 States and Washington, D.C. to provide women with Medicaid coverage with a full year of postpartum coverage, and we have made this option permanent for every State that extends Medicaid postpartum coverage.

“My Administration has helped facilitate Medicaid expansion in four States since I took office, and I continue to call on the Congress to close the Medicaid coverage gap.

“We are also working to expand and diversify the maternal health workforce, helping health care providers hire and train diverse and culturally competent physicians, certified nurse midwives, doulas, and community health workers to support women during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care.”

The president’s budget includes $471 million to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates, improving access to care in rural communities, expanding implicit bias training for health care providers, and further supporting the perinatal health workforce.

“This week, as we continue our work to make pregnancy and childbirth safe, dignified, and joyful for all, let us remember that health care should be a right and not a privilege,” Biden continued.

“Let us give thanks to the extraordinary maternal health care workforce, which serves its patients and their families every day. And let us join in common cause to end the tragedy of maternal mortality once and for all.”

Click here to read the president’s proclamation.

Mass Shooting at Louisville Bank Heightens Gun Control Issue

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

In the wake of still another mass shooting in America,

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this time at an Old National Bank in Louisville, Kentucky, the nation is left reeling. At least four people were killed, and eight others were injured, two of whom are in critical condition.

The shooter, who police believe had a connection to the bank, is dead, and authorities are working to establish the motive behind the shooting.

Police responded quickly to the call this morning, arriving within three minutes of the first reports.

They encountered the shooter almost immediately and exchanged gunfire, which ultimately led to the shooter’s death.

Police are still investigating whether the shooter died from the gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed grief over losing two close friends in the shooting and having another friend injured.

The bank where the shooting occurred is also his bank, making the tragedy even more personal for him.

The mayor of Louisville, Craig Greenberg, asked people to pray for those fighting for their lives.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, said he was heartbroken when he heard the news.

Officials apprised President Joe Biden of the shooting, and the White House has said there will be more details to share later.

of the Louisville shooting and grapples with the ongoing issue of gun violence, many are left wondering when, if ever, meaningful action will be taken to address the issue.

The shooting comes as a Nashville City Council is expected to decide whether to reinstate former Tennessee Democratic state Rep. Justin Jones, whom Republican majority leaders ousted after he urged them to act on gun control.

Later this week, Jones’ former colleague, Democrat

Justin Pearson, could also be re-seated after the GOP ousted him.

The pair protested the lack of action by the Republicanled body on gun control following a school shooting in Nashville that left three elementary school students and three adults dead.

The Louisville shooting is just the latest in a string of mass shootings that have rocked the nation in recent years, with gun violence continuing to be a divisive and contentious issue.

Some politicians and interest groups have pushed back against calls for stricter gun control. They say that doing so would violate their rights under the Second Amendment.

As the nation mourns the victims of the Louisville shooting and grapples with the ongoing issue of gun violence, many are left wondering when, if ever, meaningful action will be taken to address the issue.

“Until then, the country will continue to mourn the loss of innocent lives and search for solutions to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future,” stated the Rev. Mark Thompson, host of Make It Plain.

“This isn’t going away,” Thompson asserted.

“This is a movement. This is going to build and grow. You can’t do this; it’s not sustainable. I’m not sure the movement will stop if the two Justins are re-seated. This is bad for the national Republican Party.”

Republicans Feeling Heat in Tennessee as Councils Poised to Re-Seat Ousted Legislators

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Ousted Tennessee Democratic State legislators Justin Jones and Justin Pearson appear headed for re-appointment to their seats by the local councils in their constituencies.

Nashville’s metro council plans a vote today that could send Jones back to his seat, while the Shelby County commission expects to take up a motion on Wednesday that would return Pearson.

The expulsion of the two Democrats, who vociferously called on their colleagues to act on gun control after the latest school shooting in Nashville that claimed the lives of three elementary school students and three adults.

The backlash has been palpable, and even some Republicans have expressed regret for the actions of party members and House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who led the vote to oust Jones and Pearson.

“If my job, along with other members of the R.N.C., is to protect the brand of the Republican Party, this didn’t help,” Oscar Brock, a Republican National Committeeman from Tennessee, told the New York Times. “You’ve energized young voters against us. Worse than squandering support, you’ve made enemies where we didn’t need them.”

He continued:

“Even in Tennessee, we have swing districts in the State House and Senate, and if you’ve angered tens of thousands of students and presumably their parents, you could theoretically

expose yourself to a united front,” Brock demanded.

Rev. Mark Thompson, the host of Make it Plain and an NNPA contributor, returned to Tennessee on Monday for the vote to re-seat Jones, his longtime friend.

On NNPA’s Let It Be Known, Thompson stated, “My understanding is that the Nashville National City Council will re-seat Jones, and I believe the Memphis Council will meet later in the week to discuss Pearson.”

Thompson noted that most, if not all, flights to Nashville have been sold out, signaling the large demonstrations ahead.

“This isn’t going away,” Thompson asserted.

“This is a movement. This is going to build and grow. You can’t do this, it’s not sustainable. I’m not sure that if the two Justins are re-seated the movement will stop. This is bad for the national Republican party.”

Phyllis Qualls, who’s covering the proceedings for the Tennessee Tribune, said the G.O.P. leadership miscalculated in expelling Jones and Pearson.

“Republicans had no vision as to the aftermath of what they can do,” Qualls said. “Mom has always said, ‘what’s done in the dark will come out in the light.’ The Republicans took a major issue like gun control and reduced it to decorum. It’s almost like children in the car complaining that ‘Mom, he’s looking at me.’

The crimes don’t equate, and to do this during holy week, you crucified these men, and they are rising to a level that nobody expected. They have become leaders of the gun control issue, and it was the Republicans who caused that.”

On Monday, April 10, President Biden issued another proclamation to begin Black Maternal Health Week.

As the nation mourns the victims

Mary J. Blige and Method Man Make ‘Power’ Moves on Hit Starz Series

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr.

AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) - While filming “Power Book II: Ghost,” Clifford “Method Man” Smith sometimes camped out in Mary J. Blige’s dedicated break area during their downtime to briefly warm up near her heater on a chilly New York set.

Unlike most, Smith can randomly crash Blige’s space simply because of their decadeslong friendship. The music icons’ strong bond helped both during the filming of the Starz hit spinoff series, where both have integral roles.

“Some of my favorite days on set is when me and Mary get to work together,” said Smith. Smith and Blige won a Grammy in 1995 for the classic single “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By,” which served as a remix for the Wu- Tang Clan rapper’s “All I Need” from his debut solo album “Tical.”

Over the years, both have hit the stage together several times, including their recent performance in 2022 at Blige’s Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit in Atlanta.

Blige and Smith tried to make their set experience enjoyable and supportive - especially before filming their serious scenes.

“We leaned on each other a lot,” said Blige, who portrays the character of Monet Stewart Tejada - a leader of her family’s illegal drug organization on the show, which

airs Fridays on Starz. Smith plays the role of the slicktalking defense attorney Davis Maclean.

“This was a chance to work with my friend,’’ she continued. ‘’We joke, we laugh and just have a good time on set as friends. It’s always beautiful seeing Meth. “

Smith said he and Blige mesh well together professionally. Last year, both won NAACP Image awards for their acting roles on “Power Book II.’’

“People like seeing us together. We’re like peanut butter and jelly,’’ Smith said. “We can’t be Batman and Robin, because then somebody’s got to be the sidekick. Mary ain’t no sidekick, and I definitely ain’t no damn sidekick.”

“She’s so spot on. When it comes to improv, she’s on it. To have my first Grammy win with her ... epic,” he added. ‘’But to win my first acting award with her was even bigger, in my opinion.”

Blige, a nine-time Grammy winner, said working with Smith over the years has been an “amazing” experience. The singer, known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,’’ said the transition into their roles on “Power Book” was seamless after years of focusing on improving their acting craft.

“We’ve been doing this for a longtime,” said Blige, who received an Oscar nomination in 2018 for her supporting role in the Netflix film “Mudbound.” She’s starred in a number of other projects, including “The Umbrella Academy,” “Body Cam” and “Respect.”

For once in Smith’s acting career, he’s starting to see more people recognize him for his role in “Power Book II” than his rap persona.

“If you look at the tweets maybe two or three years ago, they were calling me ‘Method Man.’ He’s so cringe. They were saying ‘Why is Method Man playing a lawyer?’’’ said Smith, who got his acting start in the mid-’90s. He’s starred in films like “Belly,” “How High,” “The Cobbler” and “Trainwreck.” He’s also appeared on some popular television shows such as “The Wire,” “Luke Cage” and “Godfather of Harlem.”

“There are some people that still can’t peel away the layers of Method Man in order to see the character. It’s so rewarding to have people calling you ‘Davis’ in the street and people referring you to cases - real cases - to get some of their favorite rappers out of jail,’’ he said. ‘’There are some fans who are keeping me in the ‘Method Man’ box, so I’m going to kick my way out.”

Blige said their previous acting endeavors helped prepare them for “Power.”

“We transitioned slowly, slowly, slowly into acting, but never leaving music behind,” Blige said. “We’re going where we fit in. We fit in with this ‘Power’ universe.”

Season 3 of “Power Book” is almost halfway done: Blige’s Monet has sought revenge after the death of her son, and is willing to pay a hefty price to avenge her firstborn

and keep the rest of her children - and the business - in line. She works closely with Smith’s character to solve her son’s murder while keeping the authorities off her trail.

“She’s super ruthless but more so strategizing her next move to build an empire to get out of the game,” Blige said about her character. “She’s in a vulnerable state. She can’t help but to cry or just lay around the around the house. She doesn’t like being weak. She doesn’t like people seeing her like that. So, everybody is getting cursed out or killed.”

Smith applauded Blige for taking on the role as Monet. He also said he’s proud of those from the hip-hop community who, like him and Blige, have made their way into TV and film.

“I love working with her,” he said of Blige. “There isn’t many that can hang with that queen. But it’s good to see people like you on screen. And I don’t mean Black people. I mean people from your background. There’s a reason why Larry the Cable Guy was one of the biggest comedians in the world. There were a lot of people out there just like him.”

Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Fentanyl Caused

‘Gangsta’s

Paradise’ Rapper Coolio’s Death

LOS ANGELES (AP) - "Gangsta's Paradise" rapper Coolio suffered an accidental death from the effects of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine last year, the Los Angeles County coroner's office reported Thursday.

The county agency also cited cardiomyopathy, a disease that makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood to the body, as a "significant condition." Investigators also determined Coolio's severe asthma and cigarette smoking played a role in his death.

Coolio's former longtime manager Jarez Posey also confirmed the cause of death Thursday.

Coolio - born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., on Aug. 1, 1963died at the Los Angeles home of a friend on Sept. 28, 2022. He was 59.

Coolio won a Grammy for best solo rap performance for "Gangsta's Paradise," the 1995 hit from the soundtrack of the Michelle Pfeiffer film "Dangerous Minds" that sampled Stevie Wonder's 1976 song "Pastime Paradise.''

Coolio was born in Monessen, Pennsylvania, and later

moved to Compton, California.

He started rapping at 15 and knew by 18 it was what he wanted to do with his life, he said in interviews. Coolio attended community college before devoting himself fulltime to the hip-hop scene.

His career album sales totaled 4.8 million, with 978 million on-demand streams of his songs, according to Luminate. He was nominated for six Grammys. With his distinctive persona, he became a cultural staple, acting occasionally, providing a voice for an animated show and providing the theme music for a Nickelodeon sitcom.

Coolio's estate plans to release a studio album later this year that he had been working on in the days before he died.

Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Received Id 2100215880 on Apr 07 2023 08:19

Edwige Robinson, SVP at T-Mobile Joins Forbes Technology Council

Forbes Technology Council is an Invitation-Only Community for World-Class CIOs, CTOs and Technology Executives.

Chicago, IL — Edwige Robinson, Senior Vice President of Network Engineering & Operations and Transformation of the Central Region at T-Mobile US has joined the Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives. She is responsible for 23 states with a P&L of several billion dollars, leading more than 5,000 employees and contractors who design, build, and maintain a cuttingedge 5G Network. She works across the business to create strategy that enables sustainable growth, closes the digital divide and supports emerging AI products and technologies.

She was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of her experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors.

“We are honored to welcome Edwige into the community,” said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes

Councils, the collective that includes Forbes Technology Council. “Our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.”

As an accepted member of the Council, she will connect and collaborate with other respected local leaders in a private forum. Edwige will also be invited to work with a professional editorial team to share her expert insights in original business articles on Forbes.com, and to contribute to published Q&A panels alongside other experts.

“I am honored to join this community of accomplished technology executives to exchange ideas that help to change our world,” Edwige Robinson, SVP of Network Engineering & Operations and Transformation. “The Forbes brand has always stood for excellence and I have excited to lend my expertise to those who look to it help then on their career journey.”

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas

Violated Ethics Laws with Multiple Super Yacht Cruises with Republican Donor

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

For more than two decades, U.S. Supreme Court

Justice Clarence Thomas has accepted luxury trips virtually every year from Dallas businessman and Republican mega donor Harlan Crow without disclosing them, a bombshell new report from ProPublica has revealed.

Citing documents and interviews, the nonprofit and Pulitzer Prize winning legal news organization said Thomas

who has a salary of $285,000, has vacationed on Crow’s superyacht around the globe.

Had Thomas footed the bill himself, one trip on Crow’s yacht would have set him back a cool half-million dollars.

What’s more, the controversial conservative justice often flies on Crow’s Bombardier Global 5000 jet. That’s a $70,000 trip.

Justices are required to report all gifts of $415 or more

that are “anything of value” and not fully reimbursed.

There’s no record of Thomas reporting the gifts or reimbursing anyone for the trips.

“He has gone with Crow to the Bohemian Grove, the exclusive California all-male retreat, and to Crow’s sprawling ranch in East Texas,” the legal news site reported on Thursday, April 6.

“And Thomas typically spends about a week every summer at Crow’s private resort in the Adirondacks.”

The extent and frequency of Crow’s apparent gifts to Thomas have no known precedent in the modern history of the U.S. Supreme Court, and ProPublica further notes that the trips appeared nowhere on Thomas’ financial disclosures.

“His failure to report the flights appears to violate a law passed after Watergate that requires justices, judges, members of Congress and federal officials to disclose most gifts,” the site reported, citing two ethics law experts.

Thomas, the experts said, also should have disclosed his trips on the yacht.

“It’s incomprehensible to me that someone would do this,” Nancy Gertner, a retired federal judge appointed by President Bill Clinton, told ProPublica. When she was on the bench, Gertner said, she was so cautious about appearances that she wouldn’t mention her title when making dinner reservations: “It was a question of not wanting to use the office for anything other than what it was intended.”

Virginia Canter, a former government ethics lawyer who served in administrations of both parties, said Thomas “seems to have completely disregarded his higher ethical obligations.”

“When a justice’s lifestyle is being subsidized by the rich and famous, it absolutely corrodes public trust,” said Canter, now at the watchdog group CREW.

“Quite frankly, it makes my heart sink.”

As ProPublica noted, federal judges sit in a unique position of public trust.

Each justice enjoys lifetime tenure, which is supposed to inoculate them from feeling any temptation toward corruption.

Intentionally, a code of conduct for federal judges below the Supreme Court requires them to avoid even the “appearance of impropriety.”

Members of the high court, Chief Justice John Roberts has written, “consult” that code for guidance.

However, the Supreme Court is left almost entirely to police itself.

And many opine that Thomas has exploited that privilege and, along with his wife Ginny, have thumbed their noses at Democracy.

“The most glaring example of the Supreme Court’s ethical vacuum is Clarence Thomas,” political columnist Jonathan Chait wrote for New York Magazine.

“The right-wing justice has operated, in conjunction with his wife, in the center of a network of conservative

Justices are required to report all gifts of $415 or more that are “anything of value” and not fully reimbursed. There’s no record of Thomas reporting the gifts or reimbursing anyone for the trips.

activists whose project is indistinguishable from his legal work.”

Meanwhile, ProPublica reported evidence that Thomas has taken even more trips on the superyacht.

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The report noted that Crow often gave his guests custom polo shirts commemorating their vacations. ProPublica found photographs of Thomas wearing at least two of those shirts.

In one, he wears a blue polo shirt embroidered with the Michaela Rose’s logo and the words “March 2007” and “Greek Islands.”

“Thomas didn’t report any of the trips ProPublica identified on his annual financial disclosures,” the outlet noted.

“Ethics experts said the law clearly requires disclosure for private jet flights and Thomas appears to have violated it.”

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Edwige Robinson, Senior Vice President of Network Engineering & Operations and Transformation of the Central Region at T-Mobile US (Courtesy Photo)

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California Black Chamber of Commerce Is Helping to Expand Broadband Access

Antonio Ray Harvey|

California Black Media

The California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) is joining hands with state government to help narrow the Golden State’s Digital Divide for nearly two million houses without access to broadband.

In partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Department of Technology (CDT), the CBCC will help push the state’s MiddleMile Broadband Initiative – a $3.25 billion effort to enhance internet connectivity --under the “Broadband Technology Small Business Initiative.”

The initiative was created to provide a durable, open-access

network that would bring high-speed broadband service to unserved and underserved communities, regardless of technology used, on equal economic and service terms.

“We are the lead agency working with Caltrans,” said Jay King, the President and CEO of CBCC. “We’re front of the line making sure small businesses are included, matchmaking is taking place, and that we meet the goal and the deadline of making sure that every Californian has access to digital connections.”

The initiative connects CBCC’s statewide membership of 5, 500-plus small African American business firms and non-Black entities to the benefits of broadband technology, according to King. The state also allows small businesses to bid as contractors

for projects related to strengthening broadband connections to improve access to education, health services and employment opportunities throughout the state. According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), in 2020, 10% of California residents reported not having a desktop, laptop, or other computing device at home.

In addition to a lack of functional units for computation, access was especially limited among low-income (23%), lesseducated (16%), Black (15%), and Latino (15%) households, PPIC presented in its June 2022 fact sheet.

So far, California has invested $6 billion through the legislation that created the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, Senate Bill (SB) 156. The legislation, which Gov. Gavin Newsom

signed in 2021, expands broadband infrastructure, addresses affordability, and promotes digital literacy. California will receive approximately $100 million more to enhance its broadband infrastructure through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Middle-mile refers to the fiber optic infrastructure that makes internet connections possible by transmitting large amounts of data over long distances at high speeds through highcapacity cables. The complete design features a proposed system of 10,000 miles of infrastructure, covering the entire state.

Although federal dollars are involved in the project, King stated that state projects are “race neutral” to stay in compliance with California’s Prop 209 law that prohibits “preferential treatment” based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

“We know the importance (of closing the gap) not just in the Black community but in all marginalized communities,” King said. “The digital divide will only continue to hurt our country and state if we don’t ensure that everybody has full access to the digital world.”

CBCC’s Director of Small Business Willard “Will” McClure said that the design and construction of the middle-mile network is monitored by the Middle-Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC). The MMAC monitors the development and construction.

According to McClure, the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), an organization providing leadership in expanding broadband access statewide, offers “five strategies” to close the digital divide. These include Civic Leader Engagement, Venture Philanthropy Grantmaking, Public Policy Initiatives, Public Awareness and Education, and Strategic Partnerships.

CETF’s network of more than 100 grantees have delivered digital literacy training to more than 800,000 residents and has assisted in providing internet connections to more than 250,000 low-income households in rural and remote areas, urban disadvantaged neighborhoods, and people with disabilities.

McClure said that the Middle-Mile project will be completely implemented by December 2026 but the work to close the gap really starts after the last fiber optic is installed. All participants must be “logged on with confidence,” he said.

“Once the access is available the problem is not over,” McClure said. “There’s confidence that comes with getting people to understand how to use it. Grandma doesn’t know how to download ZOOM.”

Last month, Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel joined Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to announce the campaign to increase enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program in Los Angeles at the Pio Pico-Koreatown Branch Library.

Qualifying households are eligible for a discount of up to $30 a month for internet service and discounts on devices through the Affordable Connectivity Program. The households can also get a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from qualifying providers.

“For many households, the cost of groceries, gas and rent can eat up the monthly budget, putting internet access out of reach,” Rosenworcel said. “We want to do more to get out the word about this powerful program and reach families that may not know about this benefit.”

WNBA Draft See’s Future Stars Arrive

By Earl Heath

Contributing Sports Writer

The 2023 WNBA Draft opened  with the Indiana Fever selecting Aliyah Boston out of South Carolina as the No. 1 overall pick. A few hours later, the action came to a close when the Las Vegas Aces picked Brittany Davis from Alabama with the No. 36 overall selection.

The Los Angeles Sparks selected Zia Cooke out of South Carolina with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft presented by State FarmÒ.

“We are thrilled to add Zia to a growing list of quality players on and off the court,” said Sparks CAO and GM Karen Bryant. “In evaluating Zia, there are so many aspects of her game coupled with intangibles that made her an obvious choice with the 10th pick.”

The 5-9, Toledo native played in 137 games (all starts) for the Gamecocks, holding averages of 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.9 steals. The Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year shot 39.0 percent from the field, including 34.0% from beyond the arc. She finished her college career fifth in school history in three-point field goals (196) and eighth in school history in points (1,845). Cooke is the first player from South Carolina that has been drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks.

“Zia is a winner and a national champion,” said Miller. “She was the best two-way player available and can impact the game at both the offensive and defensive ends. She is an outstanding scorer at multiple levels and showed the ability to be a defensive stopper for the Gamecocks.”

Clippers Leonard Has Good Final Week

By Earl Heath

Contributing Sports Writer

In the final week of the NBA season the LA Clippers got great help from Kawhi Leonard to solidify the sixth spot in the Western Conference. During the week, Leonard led the Clippers to a 3-0 record, behind averages of 25.7 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists, while shooting 49.1% from the field, 38.9% from the three-point range and 84.2% from the free-throw line. His efforts earned him Western Conference Player of Week for games played from Monday, April 3, through Sunday, April 9. This is Leonard’s eighth Player of the Week Award, and his second time winning with the Clippers. The seven-time NBA All-Defensive team member recorded 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists, and eclipsed the 4,000-career rebound mark on April 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

On April 9 at Phoenix, Leonard tallied 25 points, a seasonhigh 15 rebounds and six assists across 36 minutes. This season, Leonard was one of two players averaging at least 20 points per game, while shooting above 50% from the field and 40% on three pointers. In his 11th NBA season, the five-time All-NBA player held averages of 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals, while shooting 51.2% from the field, 41.6% from the three-point range and 87.1% from the free-throw line. The Clippers ended the regular season fifth in the Western Conference with a 44-38 record.

The Clippers open the playoff this Sunday at Phoenix.

The Sparks also selected Monika Czinano with the 26th overall pick in the third round of the draft, giving them one of the best post players from the collegiate level. Johnson expressed his belief that it’s the perfect move for LA since they took a player who can contribute right away.  Los Angeles could really use some help insider after a season that saw them tally a 13-23 record.  Czinano, joined Caitlin Clark this 2022-23 season as the first duo to record over 2,000 career points in the same season in the Big Ten women’s basketball history, certainly brings a lot to the table for the Sparks. In fact, Indiana Fever general manager Lin Dunn even gave her a ringing endorsement in the build-up to the draft.

In between, selections there was plenty of excitement and a few surprises. The Dallas Wings, who already had three first-round picks, sent a future first-round pick and a future second-round pick to the Washington Mystics to add the No. 4 overall selection to their collection. With those choices they added Maddy Siegrist (3rd), Stephanie Soares (4th), Lou Lopez Senechal (5th) and Abby Meyers (11th).

Other notable picks include the Minnesota Lynx taking Diamond Miller at No. 2 and the Atlanta Dream getting Haley Jones at No. 6.

The WNBA Draft has become more entertaining, and family liked as parents aunts and uncles gather under one roof along with coaches like Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma all present with players and their families.

Outman Newest Dodger Sensation

By Earl Heath

Contributing

Sports Writer

This season James Outman is the new kid on the block for the LA Dodgers. The ‘New-Bee’ a fiery new outfielder that plays like a seasoned veteran.

The Dodger organization has one of the best minor League systems in all of baseball. The 25-year-old is a product having batted .301 with 36 homers and 25 RBI’s last season at OKC. In 2018 he was a 7th round pick the 224th overall out of Sacramento State.

The Redwood City, California native attended J Sierra High in San Mateo alum include Barry Bonds, Tom Brady,

and Lynn Swann.

This week the Dodgers played the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park not far from his home. had several friends and family came didn’t disappoint ripped a 1-2 count to right center over the head of Giants right fielder Mike Yazstremski. He then hustled his way to third for a triple.

Thus far this season with 33 at bats he’s batting .273 with 9 RBI’s, 3 homers, 8 runs scored. He has the only two stolen bases this season for the Dodgers (at press time)

Also, in the series opener Max Muncy hit a three-run home run in the top of the 3rd and a grand slam in the top

of the 7th giving him a career high 7 RBI’s in one game. against the Giants to help give the Men in Blue a 9-1 win.

Julio Urias (3-0) got the win tossing 6 strong innings giving up just 4 hits, striking out 8 walking just 2 batters. The lefty has a 1.50 era.  With the win he has a 40-10 record in the last two seasons with an era of 2.50. “I just want to do my part,” the 26-year-old said through an interpreter. “I felt good but I’ve also had good support from my teammates.”

Andre Jackson finished the game striking out three of the four hitters he faced.  Before the win against the Giants the Dodgers had loss

three of four games to the D-Backs. Outman had at least one hit in each game.

Clayton Kershaw started his 400TH career start but came up short on giving up 4 runs in 6 innings during a 6-3 loss.

Before the series with the D-Backs Dodger pitching gave up 6 runs in 7 games. However they gave up 34 during the four game set. Monday  April 10 was the first time the D-Backs had sole possession of first place since 2018.

This week the Dodgers will entertain the Cubs at the Stadium Saturday April 15th will be Jackie Robinson Day.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Zia Cooke pose for photos after Cooke was drafted 10th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks. (Photo: GETTY IMAGES)

Kawhi Leonard goes up for a shot in the Clippers regular season finale. (Photo: Clippers.com)

James Outman this season has  33 at bats, batting .273 with 9 RBI’s, 3 homers, 8 runs scored. He has the only two stolen bases this season for the Dodgers (at press time).

Julio Urias is off to a great start 3-0 with a 1.50 Era (Courtesy Photo)

Decision to Rescind the FDA Approval for Mifepristone

Los Angeles– Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA) released the following statement from President and CEO Sue Dunlap in response to today’s unprecedented and deeply harmful move to declare mifepristone unlawful, threatening the 22-year approval one of two medications used in the most common medication abortion regiment in the United States.

“This decision is an outright attack on our rights and our ability to make decisions about our own futures. It is an attack on patients seeking care. Abortion is essential healthcare and we remain committed to ensuring out patients have access to the services they need,” said Sue Dunlap, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.

The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), filed by several anti-abortion medical groups in November 2022 in the Northern District of Texas, sought to repeal the FDA’s approval of mifepristone. The plaintiffs argued that the FDA fast-tracked its approval of the medication without sufficient scientific evidence, using a regulatory process intended for treatments for life-threatening illnesses. Moreover, they requested the revival of the Comstock Act of 1873, an antiquated and scarcely enforced law that attempted to ban “obscenities” such as abortion medication from being sent via mail.

“When the opinions of scientists and medical professionals are bypassed by judges, lives are put at risk. This ruling is yet another attack on the rights of women across this country,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “But we cannot allow this ruling to cause us to despair – it must drive us to take action. For as long as I serve as Mayor, I will do all I can to ensure that Los Angeles remains a safe haven for women across the country who are seeking access to abortion care and reproductive freedom.”

The consequences of this case are incredibly farreaching — and go as far as taking mifepristone entirely off the market nationwide — even in states where abortion is accessible and protected. Because Mifepristone is used in more than half of abortion procedures nationwide, taking it off the market would significantly compromise abortion access across the country — including in California, Illinois, New York, and other states that have secured abortion access.

Los Angeles County Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Lindsey P. Horvath echoed their concerns. “Let me be

crystal clear, Los Angeles County will continue to provide free and low-cost access to abortion and reproductive healthcare services,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.  “While today’s undemocratic restriction on abortion is distressing, LA County has safeguarded reproductive rights by declaring the county a safe haven for abortion access. I will proudly continue to stand with my colleagues in fighting to preserve reproductive health care services in our county and our state.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvathstated: “Today’s decision is another painful reminder that misogyny and sexism are alive and well. While the courts continue to undermine our agency, privacy, and basic human rights, Los Angeles County continues to serve as a safe harbor for all seeking reproductive freedom and access. We are building out infrastructure through the Abortion Safe Haven Project to care for Angelenos as well as those throughout the country who are denied access in their home states.  Los Angeles County stands ready to ensure safe and affordable access to a full range of reproductive healthcare services, including abortion,

through the partnership of valued providers like Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. Our Board, our Sheriff, and our District Attorney are aligned in our commitment to reproductive justice and ensuring the safety and protection of all who seek or provide these essential services and care.”

In preparation for today’s ruling, PPLA has been working with the State of California, Los Angeles County, and the cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and West Hollywood to prepare for the impact this decision will have on Planned Parenthood health centers across California. In January 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom declared California a Safe Haven State for abortion access. Following that announcement, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors declared Los Angeles County a Safe Haven County for access to abortion and reproductive health care.

The momentum for reproductive rights has only continued to grow as progressive cities like Long Beach, Los Angeles, and West Hollywood have demonstrated their unwavering support for access to safe and legal abortion.

With many states nationwide implementing hostile

bans on reproductive healthcare, these cities have taken the lead in preparing for an increase in patients seeking care. And in November 2022, their hard work paid off, as Proposition 1 was overwhelmingly passed, amending the California Constitution to explicitly protect a person’s fundamental rights to have an abortion and to choose or refuse contraceptives.

“The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office stands with an individual’s right to seek care. I will fight hand in hand with you to ensure everyone has autonomy over your health, your body and your safety,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney GeorgeGascón.“We know bans don’t stop abortions — they only make access to reproductive care more dangerous & risk lives. The medical choices that an individual makes for themselves will never be a prosecutorial offense in Los Angeles. Together, we will work towards a future where reproductive autonomy is universal.”

“Everyone should have access to affordable and safe reproductive health care options. The Sheriff’s Department will continue to prioritize the safety of patients and clinics,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.  “We will not cooperate with attempts to prosecute people who are seeking abortion care. Reproductive healthcare access will remain legal and protected in the County of Los Angeles.”

“California has been at the forefront of protecting abortion access since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade,” said California State Senator Maria Elena Durazo.  “We passed one of the most comprehensive bill packages in the country last year for reproductive rights, and Californians overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment protecting access to abortion services. This decision is yet another undemocratic attempt to undermine patients’ abilities to make decisions about their lives and futures.”

Despite today’s decision, it’s important to remember that abortion is still a legal and essential healthcare service in California. If you or someone you know needs access to reproductive healthcare, don’t hesitate to visit Planned Parenthood Los Angeles athttps:// www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthoodlos-angelesor call 1-800-576-5544 for confidential and compassionate care.

Link to Kacsmaryk Decision

Tips for Black Parents to Start Discussions about Sex and Healthy Practices

By Brittinae Phillips Community Education Manager, Planned Parenthood LA

Discussing sex can be difficult between most parents and their emerging adults. If your family is part of a Black community, openly discussing sexual health is nearly impossible. More now than ever, this needs to change.

April is Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections and their impact on our lives while ensuring everyone has the tools and knowledge for prevention, testing, and treatment.

Transgenerational racial trauma, hyper-sexualized portrayals of Black people, and the devaluation of Black bodies as commodities have led to deep-rooted anxiety for Black parents when discussing sex. Most of our sex talks revolve around warnings “Don’t have (or think about) sex until marriage!” “Don’t come home pregnant!” or “Don’t get anyone pregnant!” Sex is part of life, and not talking about it doesn’t make it suddenly disappear. We do a disservice to youth in Black communities by not providing a safe space for sincere discussions related to sex and sexuality.

In Los Angeles County, data from the Public Health Department for December 2021 to November 2022 shows that those aged 18-29 comprise 30% of reported syphilis cases, 45% of gonorrhea cases, and 33% of HIV cases. Although comprising only 8% of Los Angeles County’s population, Blacks have been disproportionately affected by STIs, including 20% of syphilis cases, 19% of gonorrhea cases, and 17% of HIV cases as of November 2022. Keep in mind that STIs could be transmitted during sex or from skin-to-skin contact.

More Black youth are getting tested and receiving education, which are great ways to prevent the spread of STIs in our communities. Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA) believes in fostering strong family dynamics through fact-based health education programs and classes, reaching nearly 50,000 women, men, and young adults each year. However, as a PPLA educator, I recommend that Black families normalize conversations about sex and sexual health so that our young people know how to protect themselves.

Here are five tips for parents to start these conversations with their families about sex and healthy practices:

Talk early: Setting the groundwork early to discuss sexual attraction, gender identity, and personal boundaries helps young adults become more open about sex and sexual relationships.

Talk often: Breaking this topic down into small, frequent discussions can make this conversation easier to facilitate conversations about sex and sexual relationships.

Keep it together: Don’t be shocked by anything asked or discussed. Empowering young people to talk openly and honestly about sex shouldn’t be taboo.

Educate yourself. You don’t have to know the answer to every question but use honesty and transparency as guidelines to become their “go-to” to find the correct answers together.

Listen & validate. Listening without judgment will help youth feel more comfortable coming to their parents with questions. Before offering insights or advice, thank them for sharing with you.

STI Awareness Month is a prime opportunity for all parents

to use these tips with the young adults in their lives; not only could it help them delay sex, but it also increases the likelihood of using condoms which decreases STIs.

To learn more about removing the stigma from sexual health conversation by fostering an informed family dynamic and Planned Parenthood Los Angeles’s educational programs, please visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/plannedparenthood-los-angeles/local-education-training

Brittinae Phillips is the Community Education Manager for Planned Parenthood Los Angeles’s Black Health Initiative, managing community outreach and education for parents, college students, and youth.