James Earl Jones, Iconic Voice of Darth Vader and EGOT Winner, Dies at 93
Student
Loan Debt Drops $10 Billion Due to Biden Administration Forgiveness
Iconic Jackson 5 Member Tito Jackson Dies at 70
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5, has died at the age of 70. The Jackson 5, which included Tito and his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, skyrocketed to fame in the 1970s with timeless hits like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There,” reshaping the music scene and turning the group into teen heartthrobs.
Sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ, confirmed Jackson’s death, sharing the news in an Instagram post on their music group 3 T’s account. “Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T,’” the statement read. “Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously.” Former Jackson family manager Steve Manning revealed that Tito died of an apparent heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday.
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of ten children born to Katherine and Joe Jackson. His early talents as a singer and guitarist caught the eye of his father, Joe, who formed the Jackson Brothers in 1964, initially featuring Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine. As the group evolved into the Jackson 5, they became one of the first Black American groups to achieve crossover success, breaking racial barriers with their infectious music and dynamic performances.
The Jackson 5’s rise to fame was meteoric. With Motown Records backing them, they delivered chart
topping hits that remain classics today. Their infectious energy and catchy songs turned them into pop culture icons almost overnight. After leaving Motown in 1975 and signing with Epic Records, they were forced to change their name to The Jacksons. Despite the shift, they continued to dominate the music scene, with Tito playing a crucial role in the band’s success.
While the Jackson 5 set the stage for Michael Jackson’s solo superstardom, with Michael permanently leaving the group in 1984 following the massive success of his “Thriller” album, Tito also carved out his own place in music history. The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, a testament to their enduring impact on the music industry. Though never officially disbanding, the Jacksons saw their members explore solo endeavors. Tito ventured into a solo career later in life, releasing his debut album “Tito Time” in 2016, followed by “Under Your Spell” in 2021. His work as a solo artist showcased his versatility and deep-rooted love for music, allowing him to step out of the shadow of his famous family name. Tito also fronted a blues band that performed mainly in Southern California but had made a name for itself nationally.
Tito Jackson’s legacy is more than just his role in one of the most successful pop groups ever. He was part of a cultural phenomenon that helped shape the music industry and left an indelible mark on fans across the globe. His contributions to music, both as part of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist, resonate with generations who grew up
listening to his voice and watching his performances. The Jackson 5’s influence paved the way for countless artists and helped establish the blueprint for modern boy bands. It also launched Michael Jackson’s unparalleled career as the “King of Pop.”
Trump Rules Out Second Presidential Debate Against Harris
Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
From Los Angeles to Oakland, Black voters gathered at watch parties in living rooms, community centers, and restaurants across California to witness Vice President Kamala Harris face off against former President Donald Trump in a much-anticipated debate. For many, this was more than just a political event -- it was a moment to witness Harris, the first Black woman vice president, go toe-to-toe with Trump, whose bombastic debate style has dominated headlines in previous election cycles. Trump’s decision to rule out another debate against Harris has left the upcoming election more contentious than ever. With both candidates presenting starkly different visions for the future, voters will have to weigh their options before November’s election. When Harris took the debate stage, she approached Trump, extended her hand, and said firmly “Kamala Harris,” setting a deliberate tone for the evening. Moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News, the debate provided a clear contrast in vision, temperament, and leadership style as the candidates addressed key issues.
The debate opened with discussions on the economy. Harris focused on the Biden administration’s achievements and outlined plans to support small businesses, reduce costs for working families, and create what she called an “opportunity economy.” She proposed down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and tax deductions to help young families. “I intend to create an opportunity economy, investing in small businesses, in new families, and in what we can do around protecting seniors,” Harris said.
Trump, in contrast, offered a more apocalyptic view of the country’s state, repeatedly claiming that the nation was in decline under the Biden-Harris administration. He said the country was being “laughed at” on the world stage and criticized Harris for not accomplishing more during her time as vice president. However, his criticisms lacked concrete solutions. At one point, Trump claimed that 21 million people had crossed the border illegally. Harris quickly rebutted, reminding viewers that Trump had blocked a bipartisan immigration reform bill during his presidency.
As the debate shifted to healthcare, Harris, speaking passionately emphasized the administration’s work to lower prescription drug costs and cap insulin prices. “We have allowed, for the first time, Medicare to negotiate drug prices on behalf of you, the American people,” she said. Trump struggled to provide specific details about his healthcare plan, despite having promised for years to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). When pressed, he said that he was “working on concepts of a plan,” a vague response that mirrored similar statements from his previous campaigns. On the issue of abortion, the contrast between the candidates became even sharper. Harris strongly condemned the “Trump abortion bans” in more than 20 states, which she said criminalized healthcare providers and offered no exceptions for rape or incest. “It is immoral for a survivor of a crime, a violation to their body, to not have the right to make a decision about what happens to their body next,” Harris said. Trump defended his role in appointing Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and repeated false claims about late-term abortions, which Harris dismissed
Kamala
on August 22, 2024.
as “lies.”
As the debate moved into foreign policy, the conversation turned to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump claimed that the war “would have been over within 24 hours” had he been president, suggesting that his relationship with Vladimir Putin would have prevented the conflict altogether. Harris countered by emphasizing the work she and the Biden administration have done to support Ukraine and build a coalition of allies to defend democracy. Harris said that world leaders are “laughing at Donald Trump” and that she has talked with military leaders who have worked with Trump, and they say, “You’re a disgrace.” She accused Trump of favoring dictators like Putin, reminding viewers that Trump had attempted to negotiate directly with the Taliban in Afghanistan, bypassing the Afghan government entirely. Harris’s sharp rebuttal – “If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now” — seemed to visibly unsettle Trump, whose demeanor shifted as he interrupted her multiple times despite the muted microphone rule. Throughout the debate, Harris adhered to the rules, delivering focused, policy-driven responses. In contrast, Trump frequently interrupted and avoided direct responses, visibly frustrated by the format and Harris’s composure. At one point when he found himself backed into a corner, he went off the rails and made a bizarre claim that illegal immigrants in Ohio were eating pets, which Muir swiftly refuted, noting there was no evidence to support the assertion.
The debate concluded with the candidates delivering a closing statement. Harris’s remarks focused on unity and optimism, reflecting her belief in what America could
achieve with the right leadership. “We all have so much more in common than what separates us, and we can chart a new way forward,” she said. Trump, in contrast, offered a grim vision of a nation in decline, recycling many of the same talking points from earlier in the night about economic failure and foreign policy missteps.
After watching the debate, pop star Taylor Swift endorsed Harris on social media, writing, “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.” Swift’s endorsement, which quickly gained over a million likes, added a cultural moment to the post-debate discussions, particularly among younger voters. She signed her post “Childless Cat Lady.”
Despite the attention the debate received, Trump announced that there would be no third debate. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote, “THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!” He referred to the first debate as his June encounter with President Joe Biden and the second as the debate with Harris. Trump argued that Harris only wanted a rematch because he “clearly won” the first debate.
However, in a rally in North Carolina just minutes after Trump’s announcement, Harris said, “We owe it to the voters to have another debate.” Several instant polls taken after the debate indicated that voters felt Harris had outperformed her opponent.
While Trump called his performance in Philadelphia “my best debate”, some Republicans and allies expressed disappointment with his performance. Sen. Lindsey Graham called it “a missed opportunity.”
have that home-like experience. SOFi Stadium began working with hospitality partner Legends, who implemented some new changes to provide guests with even more options and access to their favorite offerings. An Uber Eats program has been expanded to include in-seat delivery in the VIP 200 seats from a limited menu including hotdogs, pretzels, nachos, beer, canned cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Fans in the non-club areas of the stadium may continue to use Uber Eats mobile orders for pickup at select stands.
There has been some fan feedback that has led to A new drink stand on the 200-Level North Concourse (3N) by the escalators.
In response to fan feedback and requests, you can get your BBQ on throughout the venue. There will be a new BBQ setup on Level 6 South near the Pepsi Zone. That also will include BBQ, Sandwich
Vice President
Harris accepts the Democratic Party’s nomination at the DNC Convention
Photo by Maxim Elramsisy
Harris Dominates First Presidential Debate as Trump Struggles to Defend Record
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA
Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Vice President Kamala Harris decisively took control of the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, delivering a performance that put Trump on the defensive for much of the evening. Moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News kept a tight handle on the debate, significantly improving from CNN’s June handling of Trump and President Joe Biden.
The debate began with a surprise as Harris approached Trump to shake his hand and introduced herself as “Kamala Harris,” an unusual move that set the tone for the night. Trump’s trademark scowl stayed in place throughout the debate, as Harris pressed him on his legal woes and diminished his record. Displaying her prosecutorial skills, Harris consistently turned the conversation toward Trump’s convictions, his business fraud case, and his role in the January 6 insurrection.
Harris positioned herself as a problem-solver, taking on issues like housing, childcare, and the economy. In her opening statement, she outlined her “opportunity economy” plan, which focuses on bolstering the middle class.
“I was raised as a middle-class kid, and I am actually the only person on this stage who has a plan that is about lifting up the middle class and working people of America,” Harris said. She detailed a $6,000 child tax credit as part of her plan to support young families.
Trump, by contrast, criticized the Biden-Harris economy, calling it “the worst period of time” he had seen. He defended his tariff policies and took aim at Harris, labeling her a “Marxist” while also accusing her of copying his economic policies. “I was going to send her a MAGA hat,” Trump quipped.
declined to answer directly, stating, “I won’t have to,” and arguing that the end of Roe v. Wade had satisfied everyone. Harris, in turn, vowed to restore Roe’s protections through federal legislation if elected. “I pledge to you: when Congress passes a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v. Wade as President of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law,” she said.
As the debate went on, Trump repeated several conspiracy theories, including a claim that migrants were eating pets in U.S. cities, which Muir quickly fact-checked. Trump doubled down, citing “people on television” as his source. Harris largely let Trump’s more outlandish statements pass, opting to stay on policy while allowing the moderators to address his factually inaccurate remarks. In one of the most heated moments, Harris invited viewers to attend a Trump rally for themselves, commenting, “He talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter and windmills causing cancer. You’ll notice people start leaving his rallies early—out of exhaustion and boredom.” Trump, visibly irritated, retorted that he holds “the most incredible rallies in the history of politics,” but the debate soon returned to more substantive issues like crime and inflation.
The night clearly contrasted Biden’s earlier debate with Trump, as Harris managed to keep Trump on the defensive. Trump continued to fixate on conspiracy theories and past grievances, while Harris stayed focused on presenting her vision for the future. With fewer than 60 days until the election, the debate sets the tone for what will likely be a hard-fought campaign. As the debate ended, Harris closed with a message to the American people: “This is about who we are as a country. The choice is
Historic Celebration of Black Excellence at the White House
By Stacy M. Brown
On Friday, September 13, the White House South Lawn transformed into a historic celebration of Black excellence, bringing together actors, authors, television personalities, journalists, writers, activists, and artists. The event marked the first time such a celebration exclusively dedicated to honoring the achievements of Black Americans took place on the White House grounds, outside the context of Black History Month, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or Juneteenth.
“The Black community has always had my back, and I have always had theirs,” President Joe Biden exclaimed during the program, which included buffet tables with the delicacies of acclaimed African American chef Kwame Onwuachi Biden asserted that he and Vice President Kamala’s
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administration counts as the most diverse in the country’s history, with significant milestones such as the appointments of the first Black female Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black Vice President, and the first Black female queer White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre.
Speaking before Biden, Jean-Pierre praised the administration’s support of Black Americans. “There are hundreds of Black leaders on the South Lawn of the White House who exemplify Black excellence,” she noted. Under the Biden-Harris administration, the representation of Black Americans in powerful roles has become the norm, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and equity. Biden highlighted the administration’s efforts to improve healthcare access for Black Americans, noting the significant strides made in increasing enrollment in Affordable Care Act coverage. According to a White House fact sheet, the administration has “lowered premium costs by an average of $800 for millions of Americans, increasing Black enrollment in Affordable Care Act coverage by 95%, or over 1.7 million people since 2020.”
The President also reflected on past events held on the White House grounds, stating, “On this very lawn, in front of the White House built by enslaved people, we hosted the first-ever Juneteenth concert after I made Juneteenth a federal holiday, and on this lawn, we celebrated the first Black woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court, the best decision I made: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson,” he proclaimed. Addressing ongoing issues of racism, Biden condemned the treatment of Haitian migrants in the U.S., calling it “simply wrong” and emphasizing that the Haitian community is “under attack in our country right now.” He directly confronted recent conspiracy theories and false claims being spread about migrants in Springfield, Ohio. The claims were amplified during the presidential debate hosted by ABC News, where former President Trump falsely stated, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats,” adding that “they’re eating the pets of the people that live there.” Biden, appearing to allude to these statements, firmly stated, “There’s no place in America. This has to stop, what he’s doing. It has to stop.”
Guests at the event included inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant, actor Anthony Anderson, rapper David Banner, actresses Marsai Martin, Kyla Pratt, and Erika Alexander. Georgia Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock, Rep. Gregory Meeks (N.Y.), and Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries were also present, engaging with the Black Press of America during the event.
Warnock praised the administration’s dedication to uplifting the Black community, contrasting it with other political agendas. “I certainly like what this administration and its agenda represents for 2025 versus Project 2025,” Warnock stated. “The Biden-Harris administration has, from Day 1, focused on uplifting and including the Black community. We don’t have to worry about whether to invite President Biden to the barbecue; he opened the
White House and brought us all to the barbecue.” Vanzant, known for her “Fix My Life” program, offered a poignant response when asked how she would fix
Jury Selection Begins in Federal Trial of Memphis Officers Charged
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
Senior National Correspondent
Jury selection began Monday, Sept. 9, in the federal trial of three former Memphis police officers charged with violating the civil rights of Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old Black man who died following a brutal beating by police in January 2023. The incident, captured on police cameras, ignited protests and calls for police reform nationwide. Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith face charges of using excessive force, failing to intervene, and obstructing justice through witness tampering. All three have pleaded not guilty. On January 7, 2023, the police allegedly pulled over Nichols for alleged reckless driving. After being removed from his car, Nichols attempted to flee on foot. Officers caught up with him and violently assaulted him, as shown in police body camera footage. Nichols died in the hospital three days later from his injuries. The autopsy revealed that he died from blunt force trauma to the head, and his death was ruled a homicide. The three officers on trial and two other officers— Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr.—were members of the Memphis Police Department’s now-disbanded SCORPION Unit, a specialized crime suppression team. All five officers were fired after the incident and were later charged with second-degree murder in state court. Mills and Martin have pleaded guilty to federal charges and may testify during the trial. While the trial is expected to last three to four weeks, the incident has also triggered a broader civil rights investigation into the Memphis Police Department.
in Tyre Nichols’ Death
Kristen
investigation, which Nichols’ death sparked,
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris during their first presidential debate Philadelphia on Tuesday night. Photo: Screen capture from ABC News feed of the debate.
Abortion rights were another major focus of the night. Trump, when asked if he would veto a federal abortion ban,
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
former President Donald Trump’s life. With characteristic directness, she quipped, “Try Jesus.”
In September 2023, Assistant U.S. Attorney General
Clarke of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee announced the launch of an investigation into potential patterns of unconstitutional conduct within the Memphis Police Department. The
James Earl Jones, Iconic Voice of Darth Vader and EGOT Winner, Dies at 93
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
James Earl Jones, the legendary actor whose deep, resonant voice became synonymous with some of the most iconic characters in film history, passed away today at his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93.
His representatives at Independent Artist Group first confirmed the actor’s death to Deadline. Over a remarkable career that spanned six decades, Jones earned an indelible place in both Hollywood and Broadway. He became one of only a few entertainers to achieve the prestigious EGOT, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
Best known to many as the commanding voice behind Darth Vader in Star Wars, Jones brought depth and gravitas to the villainous character, making him one of cinema’s most unforgettable antagonists. He reprised the role in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), further cementing his legacy in the galaxy far, far away.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones’s contributions to the arts extended far beyond Star Wars. He voiced the beloved character Mufasa in Disney’s animated classic The Lion King (1994) and again in the 2019 live-action remake. His unmistakable voice was also
a signature of CNN’s “This is CNN” campaign. Jones’s acting career began on the stage and in film with his breakout role in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove (1964). His powerful on-screen presence led to roles in a variety of acclaimed films including Conan the Barbarian (1982), Coming to America (1988), The Hunt for Red October (1990), and The Sandlot (1990). He earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Jack Jefferson in The Great White Hope (1970), a role that also won him his first Tony Award. On Broadway, Jones was a force to be reckoned with. He earned four Tony nominations and took home two wins for The Great White Hope in 1969 and August Wilson’s Fences in 1987. His contribution to the stage was celebrated with a Special Tony Award in 2017. Jones’s talents were equally recognized on television, where he won two Primetime Emmys in 1991 for Gabriel’s Fire and Heat Wave. His voice and presence on-screen were magnetic, a testament to his versatility as an actor who could excel in drama, comedy, and everything in between. A recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2002, Jones’s lifetime of achievements earned him accolades from SAG-AFTRA and the National Board of Review and a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Recording in 1977.
Lil Wayne Feels Hurt After Being Passed Over as Super Bowl Halftime Headliner The Snub ‘Broke’ Him
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lil Wayne opened up for the first time about his devastation after not being selected as the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show headline performer in his hometown of New Orleans.
The rap megastar publicly expressed his hurt feelings in an Instagram video post Friday, nearly a week after Los Angeles-based rapper Kendrick Lamar was announced as the headliner. He said being overlooked “broke” him, adding that “I’m just trying to put myself back together.”
Wayne appeared somber in the video, saying he had to muster up enough strength to express his thoughts "without breaking.”
“That hurt a whole lot,” said Wayne, a five-time Grammy winner, who has a variety of hits including “Lollipop” featuring Static Major, “Mr. Carter” with Jay-Z, “Go DJ” and “A Milli.” He also helped ignite the careers of Drake, Nicki Minaj and Tyga.
Over the years, Wayne has been vocal about his desire to perform during halftime of the NFL's championship game, which will be held at the Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9. It will be the second time Lamar will perform during the halftime show after he made a guest appearance with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Eminem in 2022.
“I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown, for automatically mentally putting myself in that position," he said. "I thought there was nothing better than that spot, on that stage, on that platform in my city.”
Wayne thanked his supporters — including Minaj and Birdman — who have spoken up on his behalf.
“I feel like I let all of ya’ll down for not getting that opportunity,” Wayne said.
However, Wayne also noted that “Your words turned into arms and held me up when I tried to fall back.”
Ballerina Michaela DePrince, Whose Career Inspired Many After She Was Born Into War, Dies at 29
By FREIDA FRISARO Associated Press
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Ballet dancer
Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who came to the United States from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone and performed on some of the world's biggest stages, has died, her family said in a statement. She was 29.
“Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours. She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story,” her family said in a statement posted Friday on DePrince's social media accounts. “From her early life in war-torn Africa, to stages and screens across the world, she achieved her dreams and so much more.”
A cause of death was not provided.
DePrince was adopted by an American couple and by age 17 she had been featured in a documentary film and had performed on the TV show “Dancing With the Stars.”
After graduating from high school and the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, she became a principal dancer Dance Theatre of Harlem. She then went to the Netherlands, where she danced with the Dutch National Ballet. She later returned to the U.S. and joined the Boston Ballet in 2021.
“We’re sending our love and support to the family of Michaela Mabinty DePrince at this time of loss,” the Boston Ballet said in a statement to The Associated Press on Saturday. “We were so fortunate to know her; she was a beautiful person, a wonderful dancer, and she will be greatly missed by us all.” In her memoir, “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina,” she shared her journey from the orphanage to the stage. She also wrote a children's book, Ballerina Dreams.
DePrince suffered from a skin pigmentation disorder that had her labeled “the devil’s child” at the orphanage.
“I lost both my parents, so I was there (the orphanage) for about a year and I wasn’t treated very well because I
had vitiligo,” DePrince told the AP in a 2012 interview.
“We were ranked as numbers and number 27 was the least favorite and that was my number, so I got the least amount of food, the least amount of clothes and whatnot.”
She told added that she remembered seeing a photo of an American ballet dancer on a magazine page that had blown against the gate of the orphanage during Sierra Leone's civil war.
“All I remember is she looked really, really happy,” DePrince told the AP, adding that she wished “to become this exact person.”
She said she saw hope in that photo, “and I ripped the page out and I stuck it in my underwear because I didn’t have any place to put it,” she said.
Her passion helped inspire young Black dancers to pursue their dreams, her family said.
“We will miss her and her gorgeous smile forever and we know you will, too,” their statement said.
Her sister Mia Mabinty DePrince recalled in the statement that they slept on a shared mat in the orphanage and used to make up their own musical theater plays and ballets.
“When we got adopted, our parents quickly poured into our dreams and arose the beautiful, gracefully strong ballerina that so many of you knew her as today. She was an inspiration,” Mia DePrince wrote. “Whether she was leaping across the stage or getting on a plane and flying to third-world countries to provide orphans and children with dance classes, she was determined to conquer all her dreams in the arts and dance.”
She is survived by five sisters and two brothers. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to War Child, which is an organization that DePrince was involved with as a War Child Ambassador.
“This work meant the world to her, and your donations will directly help other children who grew up in an environment of armed conflict,” the family statement said.
Atlanta’s Black Coffee Company Opens
Second Location at Morehouse College
THE ATLANTA VOICE — For the owners Christopher Bolden, Jamin Butler, Branden Cole, Gino Jones, and Leonard Lightfoot, opening a coffee shop on Morehouse’s campus is a dream that began with the ending of the movie “Boyz n the Hood” when Cuba Gooding Jr. and Nia Long’s characters go to Morehouse and Spelman College respectively.
By Laura Nwogu The Atlanta Voice
The Black Coffee Company, an Atlanta-based coffee shop brand, has opened its second location on the campus of Morehouse College at 830 Westview Dr. SW. Students, family, and friends attended the ribbon cutting Friday morning as music blasted and customers grabbed cups of specialty coffees with creative names that pay homage to Atlanta such as “Cash Money,” “Killer Mike,” and “The Dirty South.”
For the owners Christopher Bolden, Jamin Butler, Branden Cole, Gino Jones, and Leonard Lightfoot, opening a coffee shop on Morehouse’s campus is a dream that began with the ending of the movie “Boyz n the
Hood” when Cuba Gooding Jr. and Nia Long’s characters go to Morehouse and Spelman College respectively. Bolden shared that a majority of the owners are California natives and the movie was their first introduction to the HBCU, so when Morehouse reached out with the opportunity to open a new location on its campus, they couldn’t pass up the full-circle moment.
“The five of us graduated from Xavier University, so HBCUs are close to our heart,” Bolden said. “To be able to open it at the prestigious Morehouse College just fills our hearts.”
The group of friends launched The Black Coffee Company brand in 2018 and their flagship coffee shop Black Coffee ATL opened at the end of 2021. Since its inception, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, community empowerment, and education have been its core values. With the opening of a Black Coffee ATL on the HBCU campus, they hope to advance those values and create a safe space for students where they can study, listen to music, and congregate, continuing to foster the community hubs that Black-owned coffee shops provide.
“We’re only 2% represented in the coffee industry, so it was really important for us to capture the coffee business and the coffee industry, and then to be able to share it with the people that look like us.
“It’s just been amazing. We want to be a staple for the Morehouse campus. We want to employ the students here and then also allow expansion to other universities and colleges across the country.”
Student Loan Debt Drops $10 Billion Due to Biden Administration Forgiveness
New Education Department Rules hold hope for 30 million more borrowers
By Charlene Crowell
The Center for Responsible Lending
As consumers struggle to cope with mounting debt, a new economic report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York includes an unprecedented glimmer of hope. Although debt for mortgages, credit cards, auto loans and more increased by billions of dollars in the second quarter of 2024, student loan debt decreased by $10 billion.
According to the New York Fed, borrowers ages 40-49 and ages 18-29 benefitted the most from the reduction in student loan debt.
In a separate and recent independent finding, 57 percent of Black Americans hold more than $25,000 in student loan debt compared to 47 percent of Americans overall, according to The Motley Fool’s analysis of student debt by geography, age and race. Black women have an average of $41,466 in undergraduate student loan debt one year after graduation, more than any other group and $10,000 more than men.
This same analysis found that Washington, DC residents carried the highest average federal student loan debt balance, with $54,146 outstanding per borrower. Americans holding high levels of student debt lived in many of the nation’s most populous states – including California, Texas, and Florida.
The Fed’s recent finding may be connected to actions taken by the Biden administration to rein in unsustainable debt held by people who sought higher education as a way to secure a better quality of life. This decline is even more noteworthy in light of a series of legal roadblocks to loan forgiveness. In response to these legal challenges, the Education Department on August 1 began emailing all borrowers of an approaching August 30 deadline to contact their loan servicer to decline future financial relief.
Borrowers preferring to be considered for future relief proposed by pending departmental regulations should not respond.
If approved as drafted, the new rules would benefit over 30 million borrowers, including those who have already been approved for debt cancellation over the past three years.
“These latest steps will mark the next milestone in our efforts to help millions of borrowers who’ve been buried under a mountain of student loan interest, or who took on debt to pay for college programs that left them worse off financially, those who have been paying their loans for twenty or more years, and many others,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
The draft rules would benefit borrowers with either partial or full forgiveness in the following categories: Borrowers who owe more now than they did at the start of repayment. This category is expected to largely benefit nearly 23 million borrowers, the majority of whom are Pell Grant recipients. Borrowers who have been in repayment for
decades. Borrowers of both undergraduate and graduate loans who began repayment on or before July 1, 2000 would qualify for relief in this category.
Borrowers who are otherwise eligible for loan forgiveness but have not yet applied. If a borrower hasn’t successfully enrolled in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan but would be eligible for immediate forgiveness, they would be eligible for relief. Borrowers who would be eligible for closed school discharge or other types of forgiveness opportunities but haven’t successfully applied would also be eligible for this relief.
Borrowers who enrolled in low-financial value programs. If a borrower attended an institution that failed to provide sufficient financial value, or that failed one of the Department’s accountability standards for institutions, those borrowers would also be eligible for debt relief.
Most importantly, if the rules become approved as drafted, no related application or actions would be required from eligible borrowers -- so long as they did not opt out of the relief by the August 30 deadline.
“The regulations would deliver on unfulfilled promises made by the federal government to student loan borrowers over decades and offer remedies for a dysfunctional system that has often created a financial burden, rather than economic mobility, for student borrowers pursuing a better future,” stated the Center for American Progress in an August 7 web article. “Meanwhile, the Biden-Harris administration also introduced income limits and caps on relief to ensure the borrowers who can afford to pay the full amount of their debts do so.”
“The Center for American Progress estimates the interest waiver provisions would deliver relief to roughly 6 million Black borrowers, or 23 percent of the estimated number of borrowers receiving relief, as well as 4 million Hispanic or Latino borrowers (16 percent) and 13.5 million white borrowers (53 percent).” These pending regulations would further expand the $168.5 billion in financial relief that the Biden Administration has already provided to borrowers: $69.2 billion for 946,000 borrowers through fixes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). $51 billion for more than 1 million borrowers through administrative adjustments to IDR payment counts. These adjustments have brought borrowers closer to forgiveness and addressed longstanding concerns with the misuse of forbearance by
The Black Coffee Company, an Atlanta-based coffee shop brand, has opened its second location on the campus of Morehouse College at 830 Westview Dr. SW. Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
(Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice)
Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA.
Embracing Doula Care: An Important, New Benefit for Kern County Medi-Cal Members
important step in promoting greater health equity and reducing disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Why Medi-Cal Covers Doula Services?
Doulas provide person-centered, culturally sensitive care that supports the racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity of Medi-Cal members, which not only help to address the unique and varied needs of Medi-Cal members, but also help to promote equity and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes.
For many families, the support of a doula has been lifechanging and significantly impacted their birth outcomes.
Mark and Jasmine, a young couple expecting their first child, were determined to have a positive birthing experience.
prevent perinatal complications, and improve health outcomes for birthing individuals and their infants.
What Are Doula Services?
Doula services include personal support to birthing individuals and their families throughout pregnancy and one year postpartum. This includes emotional and physical support provided during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period, as well as support during miscarriage and abortion. Services include guidance; health navigation; evidencebased education for prenatal, postpartum, childbirth, and newborn/infant care; lactation support; development of a birth plan; and, if appropriate, connecting birthing individuals to community-based resources (e.g., breastfeeding classes or maternal support groups) or other providers.
Addressing Health Equity & Maternal Health
Disparities
Doula services may be especially important for Black birthing individuals, who face disproportionately higher rates of maternal and infant mortality.
In the United States, Black people are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White people. Additionally, Black infants are more than twice as likely to die in their first year of life compared to White infants. Ultimately, Medi-Cal covered doula services are an
Doula care is associated with positive birth outcomes, including a reduction in cesarean sections, epidural use, length of labor, low-birth weight, and premature deliveries. Additionally, the emotional support provided by doulas has been shown to help lower stress and anxiety during labor.
Accessing Doula Services
Doulas are available through Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs) and fee-for-service delivery systems. Doulas can offer personal support throughout pregnancy and one year postpartum, regardless of birth outcomes. To increase access to doula services and reduce barriers, DHCS issued a standing recommendation for doula services. This means that Medi-Cal members do not need to request a separate written referral to receive Medi-Cal-covered doula services, they can just go directly to a doula who accepts MediCal patients and begin their journey with a doula who will support them throughout their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period.
Comprehensive Care Coverage
Medi-Cal’s doula services include one initial 90-minute visit to establish care and support, eight additional visits combining prenatal and postpartum care tailored to individual needs, continuous support during labor and delivery, including in cases of stillbirth, miscarriage, or abortion, and up to two extended three-hour postpartum visits to ensure comprehensive postpartum care.
With an additional recommendation from a physician or other licensed practitioner, doulas can also provide up to nine additional postpartum visits to Medi-Cal members. Real Stories, Real Impact
Mark recalls, “Having a doula was one of the best decisions we made. Our doula, Linda, was an advocate for us in the hospital, helping us understand our options and make informed decisions. When Jasmine went into labor, Linda’s presence transformed a fearful situation into an empowering experience. She offered comfort and emotional support that helped Jasmine stay strong and focused. After our baby was born, Linda’s continued support during the postpartum period was invaluable. She helped educate Jasmine about breastfeeding and provided us with resources that made our transition into parenthood smoother.”
Expanded Support Services
Medi-Cal extends its maternal coverage beyond doula services to include certified nurse midwives and licensed midwife services, delivering clinical care to birthing individuals and their newborns.
Additionally, DHCS is developing a comprehensive Birthing Care Pathway to guide Medi-Cal members from conception to 12 months post-birth. This project aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality disparities, particularly among Black, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Pacific Islander birthing individuals.
It also aims to enhance Medi-Cal’s care delivery policies for pregnant and postpartum individuals, standardize care processes across different settings, and encourage the adoption of these guidelines.
Investing in Health, Empowering Families
By integrating doulas into Medi-Cal, DHCS is helping to transform maternal and infant health care, ensuring that every Medi-Cal member has access to many options when it comes to choosing maternal care providers who are sensitive to cultural and language needs as well as individual preferences in terms of time, place, and manner
of the birthing experience. DHCS’ commitment and ongoing investment in this space has already improved and will continue to improve health outcomes and foster longterm health and well-being for Medi-Cal members and their families across the state.
For more information and to find a doula near you, visit the Doula Directory at (https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/ services/medi-cal/Documents/Doula-Directory.pdf) or the Medi-Cal Doula Services page at (www.dhcs.ca.gov/ provgovpart/pages/Doula-Services.aspx).
This list represents doulas who have enrolled in MediCal. Beneficiaries who enrolled in a Medi-Cal managed care plan can check with their managed care plan regarding doulas who provide services to their members. In Kern County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Anthem Blue Cross: 800-407-4627
* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
* Kern Family Health Care: 800-391-2000
Empower your birth experience with Medi-Cal’s comprehensive doula services. Because every family deserves support, respect, and care.
Is Prop 36 the Right or Wrong Solution for Retail Theft?
By Edward Henderson
California Black Media
Prop 36 would Increase drug crime and theft penalties and allow a new class of crime to be called “treatmentmandated felonies,” which also require some offenders to participate in drug and mental health treatment.
It would also make the crime of shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders and increase penalties for some drug charges, including those involving the synthetic opioid fentanyl. It would also give judges the authority to order those with multiple drug charges to get treatment.
Supporters of the proposition say that it is a good balance between California’s ‘tough on crime’ days and the passing of prop 47 which they blame for creating loopholes in state law that criminals use to avoid accountability for drug trafficking and retail theft. They also claim it will combat homelessness which has risen 50% since the passing of prop 47.
The intent of Prop 47 was to reduce spending on imprisonment in California and reduce the state’s prison population as mandated by a United States Supreme Court in 2011.
During the pandemic, the rate of shoplifting and commercial burglaries increased statewide. The Public Policy Institute of California found that reported shoplifting of merchandise worth up to $950 increased 28% over the past five years.
Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona), a supporter of prop 36, made his stance clear in a press
(Shutterstock)
release in August. “As a strong advocate for both public safety and comprehensive treatment programs, I am proud to support Proposition 36. This measure strikes a necessary balance between accountability and rehabilitation, ensuring that repeat offenders of retail theft and serious drug crimes are held responsible while also offering a path to recovery for those struggling with addiction,” Rodriguez wrote.
“It’s time we prioritize the safety of our communities
and provide the resources needed to help individuals turn their lives around,” he added.
Opponents of the proposition argue that it is misleading to present idea tough-on-crime policies as a solution to homelessness. They, instead, directly link so-called “tough” polices of the “War on Drugs” to the overcrowding of prisons in the state and the over-incarceration of Black Californians.
California Black Media spoke with Eric Harris and Carolina Valle of Disability Rights California who strongly oppose the Prop 36.
“The kind of rush to panic at this time is misplaced and misguided based on the actual data,” said Harris. “The first folks who are going to get penalized by these types of policies – and we know this based on our long history of criminal justice work in this state – will be Black people, Latinos, and people with disabilities – with intersections among the groups.”
While supporters claim crime is increasing in California, Valle points to statistics that say otherwise.
The Center on Juvenile & Criminal Justice released a study that shows the latest crime trends for 48 California cities clearly show significant declines. The data show crime declines across almost every major crime category, including an 11% decline in theft and a 17% drop in burglary, in the first three months of 2024 compared to the first three months of 2023.
“Having a felony on your record has very drastic consequences for public safety and family togetherness,”
said Valle. “Because of Prop 47, they were able to avoid a felony conviction. That person is able to get a job that they need, housing that they need, they’re able to vote, all these things that we really value for stability here in California. So, a few years ago, there was actually a ballot initiative to do exactly what Prop 36 aims to do: roll back Prop 47.”
“And voters, again, really affirmed their commitment to preserving Prop 47 and rejected that ballot initiative because you really can’t throw a rock in California without hitting somebody who has been positively affected,” continued Valle. “We want to, as voters, recommit our votes to preserving Prop 47, and we can do that by rejecting Prop 36.”
A “yes” vote on Prop 36 supports making changes to Proposition 47, which was approved in 2014, including: classifying certain drug offenses as treatmentmandated felonies; increasing penalties for certain drug crimes by increasing sentence lengths and level of crimes; requiring courts to warn individuals convicted of distributing illegal drugs of their potential future criminal liability if they distribute deadly drugs like fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine; and increasing sentences for theft based on the value of the property stolen.
A “no” vote opposes changes to Proposition 47 (2014), thereby maintaining certain drug and theft crimes for items valued below $950 as misdemeanors.
to spend almost all the money (98%) they get from a federal prescription drug program directly on patient care -- instead of having the leverage to use it on other things. Prop 34 would increase the money that comes to California for Medi-Cal prescription drugs with a matching federal subsidy. However, it will restrict healthcare organizations and non-profits from spending that money on other health care-related social services.
Supporters of the proposition argue that, if approved, providers would be held accountable for their spending and provide more affordable care to individuals who need it. California Black Media (CBM) spoke to Elizabeth Helms, President and CEO of the California Chronic Care Coalition (CCCC), who has endorsed a YES vote for Prop 34. The CCCC is an alliance of multiple patient
organizations and provider groups with a focus on access to quality, affordable health care, wellness and prevention, and coordinated care.
“We are patient-centric,”
Some of those opposed to the proposition argue that the only reason it is on the ballot is to personally target The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and their CEO Michael Weinstein, who supports rent control legislation. The California Apartment Association Issues Committee has provided $21.3 million in campaign support for the measure. CBM spoke to David Kline, Vice President of Communications & Research at California Taxpayers Association who supports a NO vote for Prop 34.
“This is 100% financed by billionaire landlords and the California Apartment Association, and they don’t have an interest in health care,” said Kline. “This is a revenge initiative, a revenge against AIDS Healthcare Foundation for supporting rent control. And they’ve been very explicit on their website and videos they’ve put out about that have had at. But they don’t mention the AIDS Healthcare Foundation in their argument
Pharmacist, hands and box for drugs with document at shelf for medicine, check and inventory
health. Person, employee and container
prescription, search and pharma paperwork
pills at shop. (Shutterstock)
By
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback:
By Bo Tefu and Tanu Henry California Black Media
At Black Caucus Conf. in D.C., Sen. Laphonza Butler Talks About AI, Jobs, Black Newspapers, and More
At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference, held from Sept. 11 through the Sept. 15 in Washington, DC, Sen. Laphonza Bulter (D-Calif.) participated in a number of panel discussions covering a range of topics, including Artificial Intelligence Black women’s health and empowerment.
On Sept. 12, Butler hosted a panel discussion titled “AI and Economic Empowerment in Black Communities.”
During that discussion, Butler joined other leaders in AI to emphasize the importance of embracing AI in Black communities and using the technology to create economic opportunities. Other panelists included Megan HolstonAlexander, Partner and Head of the Cultural Leadership Fund at Andreessen Horowitz; Tyrance Billingsley II, Founder and Executive Director of Black Tech Street; DeVaris Brown, CEO and Co-Founder of Meroxa and John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE.
“Fewer people are going to be required across broader industries, particularly those in white-collar, traditionally white-collar positions,” said Butler to conference attendees. “Let’s take this moment today to get ahead of some of those workplace challenges.”
That same day, Butler and Sen. Mazie Horono (D-Hawaii) introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate called the Workforce of the Future Act. That bill proposes a $250 million federal government investment in educating and preparing students and workers in marginalized communities for jobs in AI.
“The purpose of this legislation is to solidify our commitment to today’s – as well as tomorrow’s – workers, preparing them to work in tandem with AI and to be ready for the jobs of the future” said Butler in a statement released Sept. 12.
That evening, the National Newspaper Publishers Association, an organization serving and representing historically Black news outlets around the country, also honored Butler for her support of Black-owned media over the years.
Butler said she is intimately aware of the critical role Black-owned newspapers have played in informing the communities they have served over the last 197 years since the first Black-owned newspaper, Freedom’s Journal, was published in the United States.
“Thank you for bringing us this far. And thank you for what you will do to continue to inform our communities, making sure our voices are represented in the publishing and media space,” said Butler.
At the conference, Butler also participated in a panel discussion on the Black women’s maternal health crisis and delivered remarks on about Black communities gaining access to the financial sector and capital at an event hosted by The Connective Capital Consortium Braintrust.
Rep. Barbara Lee Named to Official Advisory Board for Vice President Harris’ Presidential Campaign
On Sept. 10, Congressmember Barbara Lee (D-CA12) was appointed as a senior member of the National Advisory Board for Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Lee said she is proud to join the campaign supporting Harris, who is a Bay Area native.
“It is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” she said.
“We must work hard to spread Kamala Harris’ message and vision for the future of this country in communities everywhere from coast to coast,” said Lee.
“A vision of hope, of justice, of making it easier for low-income people and working people to not only get by, but to get ahead,” she added.
Lee recalled her long-term friendship with Harris highlighting that she would make an excellent president.
“I look forward to working with her and her team so that she becomes the first Black woman, first South Asian woman, and the first woman from the Bay Area to sit in the Oval Office,” said Lee.
Black, Latino Leaders Denounce San Jose Mayor’s Comments on Prop. 36
California community leaders denounced the comments of San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan regarding Proposition 36, demanding that he disavows his “woefully ignorant” statements in a recent interview with Elex Michaelson of the Fox network.
The community advocates said Prop 36 is a dangerous measure on California’s November ballot that aims to restart the failed War on Drugs.
During the interview, Mahan said that Black and Brown communities stood to benefit from Prop 36.
Advocates opposing the measure argued that passing the law would cut money for drug treatment and make simple drug possession a felony, increasing mass incarceration affecting communities of color.
“Mayor Matt Mahan’s comments are woefully ignorant of the ways that decades of failed criminal justice policies destroyed thousands of lives in California,” said the Rev. Jethroe Moore, president of the NAACP San JoseSilicon Valley Branch.
“This is especially true for Black men, who are ten times more likely than their White counterparts to be incarcerated. We are not going back to Proposition 36’s failed approach and the harm those policies inflicted on so many families across our state.”
Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), agrees with Moore.
“I was a mayor, and I know the mayor knows better. It is clear what will happen if Proposition 36 is passedthousands of lives will be destroyed, and most of those lives will be Black and Brown men,” said Wilson.
“We need to increase money for treatment programs that work, not make the deep cuts to drug treatment that Proposition 36 would inflict,” she added.
Hilda Solis, member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, stated that Black and Brown communities need real solutions from leaders who understand the problems that people experience statewide.
“Proposition 36 is nothing but a bunch of empty promises, proposing cuts to proven treatment programs, while wasting billions of dollars on additional jail and prison spending. Incarceration strategies have proven ineffective, and treatment and jobs are better ways of addressing systemic poverty and crime,” said Solis.
California Emerging Technology Fund Awards $20,000 Grants to 36 Local Governments
Last week, the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) launched a program awarding grants worth $20,000 to 36 jurisdictions in the state to participate in the Local Government Best Practices Check List Project.
Under the program, local governments can use $20,000 in grants to help close the digital divide in their communities. The counties and cities are encouraged to distribute affordable internet service plans and available digital literacy training resources in digitally disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Sunne Wright McPeak, president, and chief executive officer of CETF, expressed gratitude to its partners for promoting digital inclusion in efforts to achieve digital equity statewide.
“There is so much power and innovation that emerges when we join forces to deploy high-speed Internet infrastructure and get all residents online -- especially the most digitally disadvantaged residents in low-income communities,” said McPeak.
The collaborative Digital Equity Leadership Grants aim to expand the adoption of the policies and practices to accelerate progress to reduce the digital divide across the state. The grant program was created as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the CETF and the telecommunications company T-Mobile. The network company committed to public benefits in affiliation with its acquisition of Sprint in 2020. The partnership included a $5 million contribution from T-Mobile for the grant program and CETF committed over $1.1 million to the local government project.
The 36 local governments awarded $20,000 grants include are: City and County of San Francisco; City of American Canyon; City of Artesia; City of Bell Gardens; City of Bellflower; City of Brawley; City of Cathedral City; City of Citrus Heights; City of Inglewood; City of Isleton; City of Long Beach; City of Los Angeles; City of Maywood; City of Moorpark; City of Ontario; City of Palmdale; City of Placerville; City of Rosemead; City of San Diego; City of San Luis Obispo; City of Sand City; City of Santa Paula; City of South El Monte; City of West Sacramento; County of Del Norte; County of Inyo; County of Marin; County of Mono; County of Napa; County of Nevada; County of Plumas; County of San Benito; County of Sierra; County of Sonoma; Town of San Anselmo; and County of Yuba.
Sen. Bradford Calls for Special Session on Reparations
Last week, State Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to hold a special legislative session on reparations after two bills he authored were not brought up for a floor vote in the California Assembly.
One of the bills planned to create a new state agency to manage the distribution of reparations payments for eligible Black Californians. The second bill aimed to restore land or compensation for victims of racially motivated eminent domain.
“Our ancestors have to be greatly disappointed in the fact that we’ve been waiting 160 years plus years for reparations, and it was right here in our hands, and we dropped the ball,” said Bradford.
As a member of the California reparations task force and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) vicechair, Bradford requested that Newsom add reparations to an ongoing special session agenda since lawmakers are in the Capitol for the governor’s special session on gas prices and oil supply.
Reparations advocates also have been stepping up calls to recall legislators who they say blocked the bills. The CLBC proposed a total of 14 reparations bills, many of which passed the Legislature and are waiting for a final signature from Gov. Newsom.
Newsom stated that his office worked closely with the Black Caucus on the reparations bills that have advanced so far.
“The vast majority of those that we agreed to and worked collaboratively together with the Black Caucus have ended up on my desk,” said Newsom.
Despite the defeat of two reparations bills, the caucus has worked closely with community-based organizations to address issues affecting Black residents statewide.
This past weekend, the Black Caucus convened with community leaders in Sacramento to hear ideas from policymakers, residents, and grassroots advocates on current and emerging issues in the Black community.
California Warns State’s Big Tech Giants About Election Disinformation
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has written a letter to executives at big technology companies last week reminding them that current state laws prohibit certain types of voter intimidation, deception, and dissuasion.
Bonta clarified that state laws may apply to content posted on social media platforms and content generated by artificial intelligence. In his letter, Bonta urged executives at eight of the largest social media and AI companies to address the spread of false and misleading information regarding this year’s general election. The companies addressed in the letter included Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Open AI, Reddit, TikTok, X Corporation, and YouTube.
The attorney general raised concerns over the spread of misinformation due to the enhanced capabilities to create deceptive content due to improvements in generative AI.
“The California Department of Justice is charged with protecting the rights of our residents. This is a responsibility
I take seriously,” said Bonta. “That is why I am urging social media and AI companies to understand existing California laws and address the deception that our voters are being exposed to when it comes to their constitutional right to vote. Those deceptive activities must be better identified and reported to law enforcement. I am fully committed to working with the companies to that end. We cannot allow bad actors, whether foreign or domestic, to continue to threaten the sanctity of our democracy.”
Bonta’s letter highlighted the impact of social media and AI during the 2020 general election with an increase in the distribution of misinformation about voting on different platforms. Furthermore, various social media platforms either got rid of their international contentmoderation policies or reduced resources to enact policies.
The California Department of Justice welcomed the opportunity to work with the tech companies in addressing misinformation about the upcoming elections. The state recommends that the companies set aside tools to detect, prevent, and report intentional interference with voting rights when users violate state laws using AI and social media.
Black and Hispanic California Residents Exposed to the Highest Levels of Air Pollution
Environmental researchers confirmed in a study released last week that people in California breathe cleaner air today than they did 25 years ago, but Black and Latino residents are exposed to the highest levels of vehicle pollution in the state.
According to a new study published in Science Advances, large and longtime racial disparities in exposure to vehicle air pollution persist statewide. Although the state has implemented aggressive emissions policies to reduce air pollution by 65%. Scientists defined air pollutants as fine particulate matter in the air. Those pollutants are mostly emitted by cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
However, the study revealed that low-income communities, where residents are mostly Black and Latino, have the dirtiest air due to high levels of air pollution.
Joshua Apte, a senior author of the study acknowledged that California has implemented effective laws and policies to control emissions from cars as well as light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.
“This is a tremendous win for public health, but our work isn’t done, because there’s been no narrowing of the relative gap between the most exposed and least exposed racial and ethnic groups,” he said.
The fine particulate matter polluting the air is linked to a variety of negative health effects and is estimated to cause over 5,000 premature deaths in the state each year.
Cars and large vehicles are the main sources of exposure, trucks have a higher impact on low-income communities.
Researchers attributed the poor air quality in communities of color to racist housing policies such as redlining that people of color live closer to highways and ports, far away from predominantly white communities. Recent findings in the study indicated that only reducing car emissions is not enough to improve the air quality to healthier levels.
Apte, an associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California at Berkeley School of Public Health, said that disparities in air pollution have remained constant in Black and Brown communities.
“One of the things that we’ve learned through this work is that we’re not actually going to get rid of the relative disparities from vehicles, even when they’re all electric because things like tires and brakes will still give off emissions,” he said.
The researchers stated that reducing air pollution requires paying more attention to systemic factors such as shifting where emissions occur. The scientists recommended that the state accelerate the adoption of zero-emission cars and trucks to reduce disparities in lowincome communities.
New California Law Enforces Tougher Penalties for Retail and Property Crime
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill enforcing tougher criminal penalties targeting large-scale theft crimes and smash-and-grab robberies to help law prosecutors hold criminals accountable. On Sept. 12, Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1960, a law authored by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) that creates steeper felony penalties for retail and property crime. Under the law, the courts are mandated to impose an enhanced sentence when suspects take, damage, or destroy property valued over $50,000
during the commission of any felony, including retail theft. Similar sentences will apply to people who knowingly receive stolen property or resell such property, targeting large-scale criminal operations.
“California already has some of the strictest retail and property crime laws in the nation -- and we have made them even stronger with our recent legislation,” said Newsom. “We can be tough on crime while also being smart on crime -- we don’t need to go back to broken policies of the last century.”
“Mass incarceration has been proven ineffective and is not the answer – we need true accountability and strategies that enhance our nation-leading efforts to address crime. I thank Speaker Rivas for his leadership in strengthening law enforcement tools in California,” Newsom said. After signing the new bill, Gov. Newsom announced that the state’s $267 million investment in local law enforcement has produced strong results in tackling organized criminal activity. According to state data, law enforcement agencies arrested more than 6,900 suspects for retail and property crimes statewide.
CBCF Conference Demands Action to Close Racial Wealth Gap and Transform Black Economic Future
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
This year’s Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) has served as a rallying cry for dismantling the systemic barriers that have long obstructed Black economic advancement. Centered around the theme “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” the event brought together lawmakers, activists, and leaders to confront the policies that have perpetuated the racial wealth gap—a gap that has cost the U.S. over $16 trillion in GDP over the last two decades.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore set the tone with a powerful address, outlining the historical injustices that led to this entrenched inequality. “If you don’t understand the Homestead Act, redlining, and how government dollars were deliberately withheld from Black communities, you won’t understand why this wealth gap exists,” Moore declared. He laid bare the reality that the racial wealth gap was not an accident but the result of policies that actively discriminated against Black Americans. Moore’s message was not just a history lesson but a call to action. “Racism is expensive. Bigotry is expensive. This country has lost $16 trillion in GDP because of the racial wealth gap,” he warned. Moore emphasized the need for bold, comprehensive policies that address the root causes of the gap, from housing to wages to education, urging policymakers to create an economic system where the racial wealth gap becomes history.
The urgency to close the wealth gap permeated the conference’s discussions. Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) highlighted the immense economic power of Black culture and stressed the importance of transitioning from consumers to owners. “Black people drive the economy because we drive culture,” Horsford asserted. “It’s time for Black America to take ownership of what we help build, to profit from our cultural and economic contributions.”
Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), co-chair of the ALC, spoke forcefully about the need to tear down the systems that continue to limit Black Americans’ access to capital, education, and housing. “We must fight for policies that open doors to capital for Black entrepreneurs, invest in workforce development, and eliminate discriminatory practices in lending and hiring,” Carter stated, highlighting how these systemic barriers have long kept Black communities from achieving economic equality. Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA), another ALC co-chair, delivered a poignant reminder of the power within the Black community to overcome these obstacles. “We have the resources, the intellect, and the political power to win this fight,” she said. “But we must act. The power lies in our hands.”
The ALC brought together a diverse array of voices, including NAACP President Derrick Johnson, PolicyLink CEO Dr. Michael McAfee, and Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Alexis McGill Johnson. Each speaker emphasized that the fight for racial justice is inseparable from the struggle for economic equity, urging attendees to take decisive action.
The conference didn’t just highlight the problem; it offered solutions, pushing for policies that would reshape the economic future for Black Americans. Moore’s vibrant reminder of the cost of inaction—$16 trillion lost over two decades—resonated throughout the event. Throughout the week, Moore’s words hung in the air: “Our time in these seats is temporary. We don’t have a minute to waste. We can’t afford to wait any longer.”
L to R James Luckey, Publisher, Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, Lisa Collins, Publisher, LA Focus, Senator Laphonza Butler ( D-CA) Larry Lee Publisher Sacramento Observer and Brian Townsend Precinct Reporter
Chargers Shut Down Lowly Panthers
En Route to Week 2 Victory
By Austin Gage
Contributing
Sports Writer
Led by a dominant rushing attack and stout defense, the Chargers improve to 2-0 with a statement victory over the Carolina Panthers in their second game under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Unlike their Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Week 2 brought almost no sweat for the Los Angeles Chargers as they rode a 20-0 halftime led to culminate with a 26-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon.
From the opening drive, the Chargers made it known that they were not messing around. Starting at the 33-yard line of Carolina to begin the game, the Bolts used a 9-play, 67-yard drive to score the game’s first touchdown via a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Quentin Johnston via star quarterback Justin Herbert. Beating Panthers’ talented cornerback Jaycee Horn on the play, Johnston was able to reel in the football via a diving catch on a beautiful throw from Herbert directed along the left sideline.
“It was awesome to see. We believe in him so much and we’ve seen that from him in camp and OTAs. He’s gone up and made plays and so it was only a matter of time before we saw it on the big stage. I’m happy for him, really excited for him and I know it’s only the beginning for him,” Herbert said regarding Johnston.
Although Horn would get some personal revenge on the ensuing Chargers drive with an interception of Herbert after a Panthers punt on their own opening drive, Los Angeles would continue their near-flawless defensive effort and make sure that Carolina would not put up any points in the first half. The Charger defense forced five total punts from the Panther offense and an interception of quarterback Bryce Young in the first half, and Carolina would finally achieve their first down of the game with just over four minutes left in the second quarter. The second Los Angeles scoring drive of the first half was one dominated on the ground, as 9 of the 11 plays on the drive included rushing attempts. Running backs J.K. Dobbins, who
had 135 rushing yards in the opener last week, and Gus Edwards carried the ball along with Herbert on the drive to set up a goalto-go situation for the Chargers. Herbert was then able to find a wide-open Johnston in the endzone for the latter’s second touchdown reception of the first half. Johnston would end up with 5 catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns, a statline that represents the best overall in the young career of the wide receiver selected in the first round in 2023.
For Dobbins, he showed that his stellar effort in Week 1 was no fluke. After a stop by the Chargers defense that ended with the aforementioned interception of Young by cornerback Elijah Molden, Dobbins rumbled down the left sideline for a 43-yard touchdown. After admitting last week that he needed to be faster in response to getting chased down on a big run late against the Raiders, Dobbins showcased his speed and even broke a tackle on the late-first-half run to somersault into the endzone and put the Chargers up 20-0 entering the break.
“I saw an opening and I took it. Last week I got caught, I wasn’t letting that happen this week and I’m not going to let it happen again,” said Dobbins.
Dobbins would end the game with a statline of 17 carries for 131 rushing yards to go along with the big-play touchdown, making it two straight games of phenomenal numbers for the running back in his first two games with Los Angeles.
Playing on such a large lead, the Chargers didn’t have to do much in the second half. A pair of Cameron Dicker field goals combined with a Panther field goal provided the only scoring in the last two quarters and Los Angeles cruised to a 26-3 victory.
An impressive team defensive effort by the Chargers saw them only allow 159 total yards on the day, including only 69 yards through the air. In a game where the Panthers only secured seven first-downs, the Carolina offense was never even a factor.
Herbert didn’t need to rely on his arm once again as he ended the game with only 20 passing attempts to tally 130 passing yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Although the star quarterback’s passing numbers are drastically down through the first two games of the 2024 campaign compared to his career
averages, the Chargers are 2-0 and currently boast one of the league’s best rushing attacks.
“To be able to run the ball like that, it sure keeps the chains moving. To be able to keep the ball moving like that, keep the defense off the field and give them some time to rest, that’s how
Bruins Stumble in Home Opener
By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer
The UCLA football team fell 42-13 to Indiana in the Bruins’ first-ever Big Ten Conference game before a crowd of 47,811 at the Rose Bowl.
“Indiana came out and played a great game,” said UCLA head coach DeSaun Foster. “They came out and executed, played good. Offensively, we were not able to stay ahead of the chains like we would like to. Defensively, they played a pretty good first half, with the offense putting the defense in kind of bad situations. But it is a learning experience for both sides of the ball, and we have to continue to improve.”
Things went wrong right away after an early IU score UCLA fumbled and led to a 14-0 lead 4 minutes into the first.
The Bruins used a nine-play, 78-yard drive to get on the board with 42 seconds remaining in the first half. After a 20-yard run by Ethan Garbers down to the 1-yard line,
T.J. Harden took it in on a one-yard touchdown carry. That left the BRUINS (1-1, 0-1 Big Ten) trailing by a 21-7 score at halftime. The BRUINS pulled to within 21-10 early in the third quarter. From that point, Indiana (3-0, 1-0), outscored the Bruins by a 21-3 margin. The Hoosiers have averaged 50 points per game. This is the 20th time in program history IU started 3-0. It started four other seasons (1897, 1898, 1945, 1988) without a loss in its first three games (2-0-1). Garbers finished the day completed 14 of 23 passes for 137 yards in UCLA’s first home game of the season. Seven different Bruins recorded at least one reception against Indiana. Eight UCLA players notched a reception in the season-opener at Hawai’i. Mateen Bhagnani connected to field goals of 28 and 34 yards. LB Kain Medrano led the Bruins with nine total tackles, including eight solo tackles. Those nine tackles for Medrano are tied for the second most in his career at UCLA.
“That’s the way we want to play,” said head coach Curt Cignetti speaking to the Voice of the Hoosiers Don Fischer during a post-game radio show. “We got the job done. Am I surprised? No. I saw progress before the season. This is another step forward.
“It’s a good win. It will get a lot of people’s attention. We have to learn how to deal with success. It’s a lot better than dealing with failure. It takes some tools to have more success in the future.”
This is why Cignetti took the IU job after enormous success at smaller programs. He’s built a winning culture and his players, a mix of college transfers, returning veterans, and freshmen, have bought in.
“We all want to win,” said Kurtis Rourk Hoosier QB in a post-game interview. “We’ve bought into that culture -- win every game. “I don’t want us to get complacent. Keep rolling.”
Rourke did it up, he had efficient run-pass-option play and sharp decision-making to match that of the offensive play-calling. He completed 25-of-33 passes for 307 yards, four touchdowns and no INT’s. He converted 7-for-7 on third downs in the first half.
IU nearly doubled the total yards of the BRUINS--430-238 and converted nine of 12 third-down opportunities.
His efforts earned him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. Rourke’s four touchdown passes were the most by
Rams Fall in Arizona
By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer
The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles RAMS 41-10. It was the Cardinals’ largest margin of victory over the Rams since 2017. It was a game that appeared over early. The Cardinals led 21-0 after less than 17 minutes and they never came close to giving up the lead, scoring points on seven of their first eight possessions.
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray was 17-for-21 passing for 266 yards and three touchdowns. He had five carries for 59 yards. Trey McBride had six catches for 67 yards and Emari Demercado broke out a 41-yard run late in the fourth quarter.
The Cardinals James Conner broke the 5,000-yard mark. He is in his seventh NFL season. He spent the first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before signing with the Cardinals as a free agent before the 2021 season.
Against the Rams, Conner has 21 carries for 122 yards and a touchdown with 9 minutes remaining. It was Conner’s 15th career game with 100 or more rushing yards.
RAMS QB Mathew Stafford completed just 19 of 27 passes for 216 yards and was pressured all day. Kyren Williams had two 100-yard games against the CARDs last season but just 25 this game.
At 0-2, the Rams are on the bottom looking up the NFC West and have the 49ers up next on the schedule in their home opener.
After the first week, Puka Nacua needed a replacement when the Rookie of the Year suffered a knee injury and
was placed on injured reserve. Tyler Johnson stepped up and was a starter alongside Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson against the CARDS
Then Kupp injured his ankle did not play the second half and will be out for at least two games. THE Next man up according to RAMS wire could be Jordan Whittingham, the rookie showed great promise in the preseason
“I feel very prepared,” said Whittingham. “And I think the reason for that is the guys we had in that room and the guys that we do have in the room. Just Cooper and Puka, just how they instill certain types of things – a mentality in me that just gave me the ability to be able to step up, and I appreciate them for that. But, you know, it really is unfortunate when you lose two of your leaders like that, but that’s kind of how football goes sometimes, so we got the other guys that are still there, we just gotta be able to do what we need to do.”
One bright spot was rookie Blake Corum had a 41yard kick-off return, the longest of his young career.
“Thought he did a great job on the kick return. You felt him, that was a good, positive spark for our team,” head coach Sean McVay said. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to capitalize on that momentum. And then I thought he did some good things. He showed some of the twitch and good feel. Obviously, slipped on the one that he was trying to cut back on, but I thought there were some overall positives and we’ve got to get him going a little bit more.” UP NEXT RAMS host San Francisco At Sofi-Sunday 1:00 PM Kick-off
Bowman and Powell-Ryland Walter Camp Winners
were
Camp
and
Players of the Week for the week ending September 16th. Bowman matched a career-high with five touchdown passes as 13th-ranked Oklahoma State defeated Tulsa 4510. Bowman finished the contest 24-for-31 (77%) and passed for 396 yards in just three-quarters of action. Bowman passed for four of his touchdowns in the first half as the Cowboys took a 28-0 lead, and improved to 3-0 on the season. The Senior from Grapevine, Texas It is the ninth time an Oklahoma State player has earned Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors since 2004, and the first since running back Ollie Gordon II (Oct. 22, 2023). On the Defensive side, Antwaun Powell-Ryland tallied seven tackles, including four quarterback sacks along with two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in the Hokies’ 37-17 victory over Old Dominion. He matched his own school record-tying total of four sacks from the 2023 game against Wake Forest. The Senior from Portsmouth, VA is the fourth Virginia Tech player to earn Walter Camp National FBS Player of Week honors since 2004, and the first since
former linebacker Deon Clarke (Sept. 7, 2014). Walter Camp, “The Father of American football,” first selected an All-America team in 1889. Camp – a former Yale University athlete and football coach – is also credited with developing play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries, and the restriction of play to eleven men per side. The Walter Camp Football Foundation (www.waltercamp.org) – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team. The Foundation is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston catches his second touchdown of the first half to put the Bolts up by two scores with just over four minutes left in the second quarter on September 15th, 2024 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP
Photo/Erik Verduzco)
(Michael Chow/The Republic/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Former John Muir High Stand out Jamier Johnson (9) makes one of his three tackles vs UCLA. - Photo - Earl Heath
you win some football games,” Herbert said. Up next for Los Angeles is a Week 3 clash against the similarly undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers in the Steel City next Sunday.
By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer Alan Bowman and Antwaun
Antwaun Powell-Ryland 52 of Va Tech tallied seven tackles, including four quarterback sacks
Alan Bowman matched a career-high with five touchdown passes as 13th-ranked Oklahoma State defeated Tulsa 45-10.
an Indiana quarterback since Michael Penix Jr., who threw four touchdowns against Ohio State in 2020. Jamier Johnson (John Muir High) had a good homecoming. He had a career-high three tackles and was solid in pass coverage. He looks like an all-conference performer. On the season, IU has forced six turnovers and committed none. The BRUINS will take
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