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Debt Relief Just Got Real:
Experian Erases Millions in Balances For African Americans
By Stacy
Brown Experian has launched a major debt relief initiative, committing $5 million to assist 5,000 families in Louisiana and aiming to expand to other locations. The effort, carried out in partnership with public benefit corporation ForgiveCo, seeks to ease the financial burdens of households grappling with credit card and personal loan debt.
Steve Hartmann, vice president of Integrated Marketing at Experian, said in an interview with Black Press USA that the initiative goes beyond advertising and directly helps consumers. “Consumer debt is at an all-time high—credit card balances are soaring, and minimum payments are shrinking. We wanted to do more than just advertise our products. We needed to actively engage with the community and provide real financial relief,” Hartmann said.
ForgiveCo plays a crucial role in the initiative by identifying and purchasing debt in collections on behalf of Experian. “We wanted to focus on credit card and personal loan debt, specifically targeting families in Louisiana who need it the most. ForgiveCo identifies these accounts in collections, purchases the debt on our behalf, and then we notify beneficiaries through direct mail, text, and email,” Hartmann added.
Recipients will not owe taxes on the forgiven debt, an important aspect of the initiative. “They do not have to pay taxes on this,” Hartmann confirmed.
The initiative is linked to Louisiana State University’s basketball star Flau’jae Johnson, an advocate for financial literacy. “Since we had partnered with Flau’jae before and financial education is one of her passions, it made sense to align this effort with her,” Hartmann explained. Johnson
will use her platform to spread awareness about financial literacy and debt relief, focusing on communities in Louisiana where she currently plays.
“It’s hard to create a winning financial game plan when you are blocked by debt,” Johnson remarked. “I am excited to partner with Experian to empower families in the state and across the country so they can become financial champions of their future.”
According to Experian, Johnson’s involvement extends beyond promotions. She is actively engaging with students and community members about financial empowerment.
“She’s not just putting her name on this,” Hartmann said. “She’s going out, meeting with students and the broader community, and sharing her own financial journey as a young athlete with NIL deals.”
Beyond the initial $5 million relief, Experian has added an incentive tied to LSU’s upcoming college basketball tournament performance. The company will contribute an additional $100,000 for every LSU victory, up to $500,000.
Beneficiaries will also receive a free one-year premium membership to Experian, providing access to credit monitoring, FICO® scores, and tools to help them regain financial stability. “One of the most rewarding aspects is hearing the stories of the people impacted. Every story is unique, and it reinforces why this work is so important,” Hartmann exclaimed.
Dacy Yee, president of Experian Consumer Services, said the initiative provides much-needed relief during difficult economic times. “Unmanageable debt prevents consumers from achieving their goals,” Yee said. “During these challenging economic times, Experian offers resources
that can help consumers save time and money as well as improve their overall financial health. We hope this debt relief and access to Experian tools will help beneficiaries in Louisiana move towards a healthier financial future.”
The campaign marks Experian’s second major debt relief initiative, following a previous effort targeting the Hispanic community. “Yes, we want to expand this,” Hartmann said. “We need to figure out the best way to do this more frequently and target regions or communities that could really use it.”
Hartmann also urged those struggling with debt to seek financial education and understand the impact of credit. “Debt can put you in a tough spot, making it harder to achieve milestones like buying a home or car,” he stated. “Educating people early is key, especially young adults just beginning their financial journey.”
Trump Targets Public Education with Mass Job Cuts
By Stacy M. Brown
BlackPressUSA.com
Senior National Correspondent
The Trump administration has taken its first steps in dismantling the Department of Education, slashing more than 1,300 jobs and closing regional offices in cities including New York, Boston, Chicago, and Cleveland. According to Rachel Oglesby, the department’s chief of staff, employees were informed via email Tuesday that the Washington headquarters and regional offices would be closed Wednesday for unspecified “security reasons” before reopening Thursday. “Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said. The layoffs are part of a broader effort led by Trump and the Elon Musk-headed Department of Government Efficiency to shrink the federal government. The 1,300 affected employees will officially be terminated in 90 days, with severance packages based on their length of service. In addition, 63 probationary employees were dismissed last month under a White House directive, while more than 300 workers accepted buyouts of up to $25,000, and another 260 opted for deferred resignations. McMahon confirmed that the cuts are just the beginning. Trump has vowed to eliminate the Department of Education, a move that would require congressional approval. Impact on Marginalized Communities
Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who
served under the Obama administration, described the cuts as a direct threat to vulnerable students, particularly those in Black and Brown communities. “It is our time to have courage and fight for kids,” Duncan previously said in a recently published interview. When asked about the impact of Trump’s proposed education cuts, he said there was a “chance to have an extraordinarily damaging and detrimental effect.” The Department of Education plays a vital role in ensuring equal access to education, particularly for historically disadvantaged communities. It enforces civil rights protections under laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in education based on race, sex, and disability. It also administers federal funding for Pell Grants, supports students with disabilities, and provides critical financial assistance to high-poverty schools. The administration’s decision to gut the department aligns with Trump’s long-standing pledge to shift education entirely to state control. His 2024 campaign platform describes the agency as a “woke” bureaucracy that interferes with local decisions. Far-right conservatives have taken issue with the department’s efforts to promote racial equity, diversify the teacher workforce, and protect LGBTQ+ students. However, the department’s biggest K-12 funding programs support the communities that stand to lose the most. The Biden administration had secured more than $300 million to increase school integration through programs like the Magnet Schools Assistance Program and the Fostering Diverse Schools initiative. These programs,
funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and efforts to expand teacher diversity are now at risk.
Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, warned that eliminating the department would devastate public education. “If it became a reality, Trump’s power grab would steal resources for our most vulnerable students, explode class sizes, cut job training programs, make higher education more expensive and out of reach for middle-class families, take away special education services for students with disabilities, and gut student civil rights protections,” Pringle said. The administration has also pushed a wave of directives that could further destabilize public education, including stripping schools of federal funding, promoting school voucher programs, and expanding funding for private charter operators with less oversight. Additionally, Trump’s policies have allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct raids on public schools, further creating fear among immigrant families.
Ninety percent of U.S. students—and 95% of students with disabilities—attend public schools, which depend on the Department of Education for oversight and resources. Pringle described Trump’s education agenda as a “wrecking ball to public schools,” warning that marginalized students will bear the brunt of the fallout. “Americans did not vote for, and do not support,” she said, “ending the federal government’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for every child.”
Black Homeownership Faces Persistent Barriers Despite Hard-Fought Gains
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com
crimes. For many, vandalism is part of an ongoing pattern where Black homeowners have faced some kind of discrimination. Reed’s experience is far from isolated. Black Americans remain locked in a battle for homeownership, confronted by systemic inequities, economic challenges, and, in some cases, environmental disasters that threaten to strip them of generational wealth. A new Urban Institute report revealed that Black homeownership rates remain far behind those of white Americans. Researchers said it’s a gap rooted in decades of discriminatory housing policies, redlining, and predatory lending practices. “Homeownership remains one of the most significant drivers of wealth, yet Black families face disproportionate barriers to achieving this milestone,” researchers wrote.The crisis extends beyond acts of overt racism. In January 2025, devastating wildfires tore through
Altadena, California, a historically Black community with a homeownership rate of 81.5 percent—far higher than the national average. Thousands of homes were reduced to ashes and rubble, leaving families displaced. Many now face the daunting task of rebuilding and the looming threat of gentrification. “Developers are circling like vultures,” said longtime Altadena resident James Carter. “We’re trying to rebuild, but the fear is that we
won’t be able to afford to stay.” Economic barriers remain a defining struggle. Brooke Scott, a litigation assistant in Los Angeles, calculated that achieving homeownership and financial security requires an annual household income of $300,000—far beyond what many Black families can attain. Housing costs, healthcare, taxes, and child-rearing expenses leave little room for savings or investment. “The numbers just don’t add up,” Scott said. “Even with two incomes, we’re barely able to put away anything for a down payment.” The Urban Institute’s findings represent a clear picture of the obstacles Black homeowners face. Disparities in income, lending practices, and generational wealth accumulation continue to create barriers that make Black homeownership an increasingly difficult goal. While federal and local initiatives have sought to close the gap, the road ahead remains steep. “Without significant policy changes and investment in Black communities, the homeownership gap will persist for generations to come,” the Urban Institute report warns. For Reed, Scott, and the residents of Altadena, the challenges of Black homeownership are deeply personal. Whether confronting racial harassment, economic hurdles, or the aftermath of natural disasters, their stories serve as a reminder that the fight for equity in housing is far from over. If these barriers persist, the promise of homeownership will remain an elusive dream for too many Black Americans. “We just want what everyone else has—a
By MARK KENNEDY
on all audio platforms and YouTube.
“With everything going on in the world, we’re all looking for answers and people to turn to,” Obama said in a statement. “There is no single way to deal with the challenges we may be facing — whether it’s family, faith, or our personal relationships — but taking the time to open up and talk about these issues can provide hope.” Obama has had two other podcasts — “The Michelle Obama Podcast” in 2020 and another in 2023, “The Light We Carry." Her husband, Barack Obama,
Bipartisan Effort Seeks to Protect Workers and Crack Down on Child Labor Violations
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) have introduced a bipartisan bill to accelerate contract negotiations for newly formed unions and prevent corporations from using delay tactics to weaken collective bargaining. The Faster Labor Contracts Act has drawn support from Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), signaling a rare bipartisan push to strengthen workers’ rights. The legislation targets a major obstacle for unionized workers— securing an initial contract. While current law requires employers to negotiate in good faith, it does not impose a timeframe for reaching an agreement. As a result, many new unions face lengthy delays, often exceeding a year, as corporations stall negotiations. A Bloomberg Law study from 2021 found that, on average, it takes 465 days for newly unionized workers to obtain their first contract. “Americans deserve fair wages, safe workplaces, and good benefits in exchange for their hard work—and forming a union helps workers fight for fairness in their workplace,” Booker said. “Workers who vote to join a union have the right to form that union quickly, instead of facing years of delays from big corporations.” Hawley said corporate strategies to undermine collective bargaining must be addressed. “The status quo hurts workers,” he said. “Despite exercising their legal—and moral—right to bargain collectively, workers are often prevented from enjoying the benefits of the union they voted to form when mega-corporations drag their feet, slow-walk contract negotiations, and try to erode support for the union. It’s wrong.” The legislation would require employers to begin negotiating within 10 days of union certification. The dispute would refer to mediation if an agreement is not reached within 90 days. If mediation fails within 30 days, the case will move to binding arbitration. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office to track workplace contract delays one year after enactment. Merkley said the bill would help ensure fair treatment
for workers. “When unions thrive, working families thrive. Our bipartisan effort is an important step forward to support hardworking Americans by making it easier to form a union, leading to better wages and benefits for all workers.” Peters said corporate interference has denied workers the ability to bargain for fair wages. “When employees stand together to organize their workplace, they deserve to get to the bargaining table as soon as possible,” he said. The Teamsters, a major labor union, backed the legislation.
“Greedy corporations will stop at nothing to keep workers from getting a fair first contract. Their playbook is simple: stall, delay, and drag out negotiations to deny workers from securing the wages and conditions they deserve,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Teamsters are proud to support the Faster Labor Contracts Act—real labor law reform that forces employers to bargain in good faith and holds them accountable when they don’t.” In addition to pushing for faster union contracts, Hawley and Booker reintroduced legislation on Monday that would bar companies from receiving federal contracts if they have been found to have committed serious, repeated, or pervasive violations of child labor laws. The bill’s timing coincides with the Senate confirmation vote for Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Donald Trump’s nominee for labor secretary. Hawley raised concerns about child labor violations during Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation hearing and said companies benefiting from federal contracts should be held to a higher standard.
“Companies that illegally employ children should not be rewarded with lucrative federal government contracts that make corporations millions,” Hawley said. “This bipartisan legislation would hold companies accountable for engaging in child labor exploitation and rightfully ensure offenders face consequences.” The proposal follows investigations from NBC News and The New York Times, which revealed that several American companies illegally employed young teenagers in hazardous jobs, many of whom were unaccompanied migrant children who entered the U.S. in recent years. Booker and Hawley’s bill would require
federal contractors to disclose child labor violations from the past three years, with the labor secretary maintaining a list of ineligible companies. O’Brien said the legislation was long overdue. “This is about accountability. No company that profits from exploiting children should receive a dime
of taxpayer money,” he said.
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) marked the 198th anniversary of the Black Press, and the culmination of Black Press Week with a powerful State of the Black Press address by NNPA President & CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., who spoke on the vital role of Black-owned media amid the growing threats of far-right extremism and American fascism. Held at Howard University, the event celebrated the resilience of Black journalism while also honoring the late Walter
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Mobilizing for 2026: Chavis Urges Black Press to Act Market Turmoil Raises Concerns Among Black Investors
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“Ball” Smith, publisher of New York’s Beacon and the Philadelphia Observer, who was posthumously enshrined in the Black Press Hall of Fame. Smith, who died in 2017 at 83, was remembered by his family and the Black publishing community for his tireless advocacy and contributions to Black media. Chavis did not mince words when addressing the urgency of the times. He warned of the condescending weaponization of terms like “high and woke” to incite fear, hatred, and social regression, emphasizing that the Black Press must remain steadfast in combating misinformation and right-wing efforts to dismantle democracy. “We have to continue to plead our own cause, and that cause today includes confronting and challenging the rampant contradictions of the far right who are trying to usher in American fascism,” Chavis declared. “The Black Press of America is needed today more than ever before.”Chavis highlighted the expansive reach of the Black Press, boasting 245 print publications and 13 digital and online outlets under the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), with more poised to join. He rejected the narrative of “fake news” and “alternative truths,” pledging that Black-owned media would persist in exposing lies and amplifying the voices of Black communities nationwide.
“There’s no other national news reporting organization that has the local, national, and global reach of the Black Press,” he said. Comparing the NNPA’s reach to that of mainstream outlets, Chavis noted that while the Associated Press has bureaus in all 50 states, the Black Press operates 258 bureaus across the country. Beyond reporting, he stressed that Black media’s role extends to influence and advocacy, describing it as “a syndicate, a collaboration, and a togetherness of not only the production of news but its distribution and its impact.” Chavis called for a renewed partnership between the Black Press, Black churches, HBCUs, and Black-owned businesses to proactively plan for the future rather than merely react to oppression. He urged publishers and clergy in every city to organize mass meetings—historic gatherings that have long served as mobilization platforms for Black communities—to discuss progress and collective action.“We cannot afford to get overly distracted every day, reacting to the current, repressive, and backward policies and actions of those in high places,” he said, citing the White House, Congress, and the Supreme Court as institutions plagued by “spiritual wickedness in high places.” Chavis reiterated the importance of faith, community unity, and proactive planning. He referenced the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march, noting how mass meetings
at Black churches laid the groundwork for transformative movements. “We just can’t react to oppression. We need to be planning our liberation, planning our progress, planning our advancement as a people,” he stated. Looking ahead to 2026, Chavis called on the Black Press to lead a national mobilization effort to secure the largest Black voter turnout in history. With the growing threats to voting rights, HBCU funding, healthcare, and economic stability, he insisted that preparation must begin immediately.“Are we going to allow these backward people to continue to
represent us in Congress? Are we going to allow them to keep chipping away at our voting rights, our HBCU scholarships, our healthcare?” Chavis asked. “The Black Press will work diligently over the next 18 to 20 months to arouse our communities on the importance of civic education, voter registration, and engagement.” Chavis also highlighted the immense economic power of Black Americans, who spend more than $2 trillion annually in the U.S. economy. “We’re the richest poor folk in the world,” he said. “$2 trillion.”
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com
Senior National Correspondent The U.S. stock markets have continued to experience significant declines, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping to start the week at 890 points (2.1%) to close at 41,912. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also fell to begin the week by 2.7% and 4%, respectively. The downturn has heightened concerns among Black investors, who have historically faced challenges in wealth accumulation and market participation. “When the ‘check engine’ light is on in America, the car is on the side of the road for Black America,” Antjuan Seawright, a strategist, said in an earlier published interview. “We always feel the pain more than other constituencies.” Financial advisors recommend that Black investors maintain a cautious approach during this period of volatility. According to a report by T. Rowe Price, many Black/African American investors are seeking guidance on financial topics and are interested in having a financial “coach” to help manage their financial health. The report states, “Two out of three (67%) Black/African Americans want to know as much as possible about financial topics. 62% would like a financial ‘coach’ to help manage their financial health.”
Experts have also stressed the importance of building an emergency fund covering six to twelve months of expenses, which can provide financial stability during job loss or economic downturns. Additionally, reviewing and adjusting budgets to distinguish between essential and nonessential expenses can help manage finances more effectively. Enhancing skills to remain competitive in the job market is also advised for career security. Prioritizing debt repayment, especially high-interest debt like credit cards, can prevent financial strain during economic downturns.
The looming threat of a government shutdown adds another layer of uncertainty. The Black Economic Alliance has expressed concern that such a shutdown could exacerbate racial economic inequality and inflict longlasting harm on the U.S. economy. They highlight that
the prolonged loss of income poses significant hardships for federal workers, including Black employees from communities still struggling to overcome generations of systemic exclusion from economic opportunity.
The 2020 Ariel-Schwab Black Investor Survey revealed that only 55% of Black Americans reported stock market investments, compared to 71% of white Americans. This disparity results in middle-class Black Americans having less money saved for retirement and less wealth to pass on to future generations. Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments emphasized the urgency of addressing this gap, stating, “Black Americans are already behind the eight ball, and it is disheartening to see that at current savings and investing rates, the wealth gap will continue to expand, endangering our futures and leaving our families exposed.” Hobson said by staying informed and proactive, Black investors can better navigate the challenges posed by economic downturns and policy changes, working towards financial resilience and stability.
“We are resilient people, and so we have proven time and time again … we will fight, and we’ll get creative in our fight,” Seawright asserted. “We’re gonna have to use all those tactics and strategies in order to not just thrive for the next four years but survive.
Dr. Chavis Speaking at the 2024 NNPA National Leadership Awards Reception
Lauryn Hill and Stevie Wonder Delight at Roberta Flack’s ‘Celebration of Life’ Memorial
By MARIA SHERMAN
AP Music Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — A public memorial service
bursting with music, including planned performances by Stevie Wonder and a surprise one by Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean of the Fugees, celebrated the life and legacy of the Grammy-winning singer and pianist Roberta Flack.
Flack, whose intimate vocal and musical style made her one of the top recording artists of the 1970s and an influential performer long after, died last month at age 88. She's best-known for her transformative covers of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and “Killing Me Softly With His Song." Both were expertly handled by Hill at the ceremony held Monday afternoon at New York's Abyssinian Baptist Church.
Wonder followed the set and the Rev. Al Sharpton gave the eulogy.
Flack "put a soundtrack to Black dignity,” Sharpton said. As many said in their tributes, Flack's musical genius stemmed from her ability to seamlessly move between soul, jazz, gospel and beyond.
Her “Celebration of Life” memorial was livestreamed at www.RobertaFlack.com and on YouTube.
Here are some highlights: For the memory of a singing legend, a historic location Flack's memorial was open to the public at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, a historic Harlem institution.
Founded in 1808, it is one of the oldest Black Baptist churches in the U.S.
The church was decorated for the ceremony with stunning white and yellow bouquets. Seats filled quickly. At center, a screen showed a young Flack at the piano and played highlights of her career. Later, it would broadcast music industry legends paying tribute to Flack, including Clive Davis,Dionne Warwick, India.Arie and Alicia Keys.
It was a fitting location for such a celebration: Flack grew up with church gospel and her mother played organ at the Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia. As a teen, she began accompanying the church choir on piano.
The ceremony detoured from a program handed out to attendees. It featured a powerful quote from Flack on the back that Arie would include in her message.
“Remember: Always walk in the light,” Flack once said. “If you feel like you’re not walking in it, go find it. Love the Light.”
Celebrating a life in music — through music
“Her existence was a form of resistance,” Hill said in her speech, holding back tears.
Hill's appearance was unexpected but fitting. In the 1990s, her hip-hop trio the Fugees did a masterful take on Flack’s cover “Killing Me Softly With His Song." It won the group a Grammy, two decades after Flack took home the record of the year trophy for the song.
“I adore Ms. Roberta Flack,” she said. “Roberta Flack
Doechii Named 2025 Woman of the Year Billboardby
is legend.”
She then launched into a cover of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” followed by “Killing Me Softly With His Song” with the Fugees’ Wyclef Jean — and Wonder joining in on harmonica.
A legend who needed no introduction but certainly received one with roaring applause, Wonder followed up.
“The great thing about not having the ability to see with your eyes is the great opportunity of being able to even better see with your heart. And so I knew how beautiful Roberta was, not seeing her visually but being able to see and feel her heart,” Wonder said.
He performed his song “If It's Magic,” accompanied only by a harpist. Then he sat at the piano to sing with the harpist a song he wrote for Flack, “I Can See the Sun in Late December.”
“I love you, Roberta. And I will see you,” Wonder said at the end.
Earlier, songwriter and performer Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson played piano and sang an extended take of “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” interspersed with recollections of her friend.
“But that voice. Aw, she’d just grab you in the heart. And then when she touched the keys, she knew how to dig down deep,” Simpson said.
Simpson recalled being tapped to perform in “Chicago” for her 2018 Broadway debut and how she told Flack she wasn’t sure if she could act.
“She looked at me and said, ‘Girl, where’s the script? Bring it over here. We’re going to work on this thing. We’re going to do this,’” remembered Simpson.
New Orleans singer and piano player Davell Crawford performed a soulful version of Flack’s song “Just When I Needed You” to celebratory shouts and cheers.
A legendary artist remembered
“Many of us are here today because she has touched not just our hearts but she also touched our souls,” said the Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, the senior church pastor who led the service.
Choir performances including a rousing rendition of “Amazing Grace” came in between a video recollection of Flack's life and scripture readings.
“The reason we’re here is because she made a difference," Sharpton said. And we should all ask ourselves when it comes our time, will they pack a church for you? If Roberta were here tonight, she would tell you, ‘Don’t just praise me, emulate me.’" Actor Phylicia Rashad remembered first seeing Flack perform when she was a student at Howard University — to an audience that grew rapt by her quiet, steady voice. Flack lived comfortably with her genius and without having to proclaim it to people, Rashad said.
“She wore that like a loose fitting garment and lived her life attending to that which she cared for most: music, love and humanity,” Rashad said.
de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no
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Stopgap Bill Advances as Congress Moves to Prevent Shutdown
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
A newly introduced stopgap bill in Congress aims to extend government funding through the end of the 2025 fiscal year, providing critical financial support for federal agencies and essential programs. The legislation, formally titled the “Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025,” is designed to avert a government shutdown, but its broader implications extend across the country. The bill sustains funding for federal agencies that oversee national healthcare, education, housing, and law enforcement programs. Medicaid provisions remain intact, delaying cuts to Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments, which assist hospitals serving low-income patients. Republicans said the extension ensures continued care for vulnerable populations in states heavily reliant on federal healthcare dollars. Housing and urban development programs also remain funded, preserving rental assistance and homelessness prevention initiatives. However, concerns persist that flat funding levels will not account for rising costs, leaving states and local governments to bridge potential gaps in affordable housing efforts. Education funding remains steady, but school districts that depend on federal support may face difficulties maintaining services as costs increase.
The bill also upholds funding for federal law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, and other key institutions responsible for public safety. Grants supporting state and local policing initiatives are maintained, though some lawmakers argue additional resources are needed to address crime prevention and community policing efforts. Beyond immediate fiscal concerns, the bill extends the authority of the U.S. Parole Commission for another year, continuing federal oversight in key areas of criminal justice. In some regions, officials and advocates have pushed for more localized control over parole and sentencing decisions, but the current measure ensures federal jurisdiction remains unchanged. Lawmakers
on both sides of the aisle have weighed in on the bill’s broader implications. Some have criticized the measure for failing to provide increased funding for essential programs, while others argue that maintaining current spending levels is necessary to avoid further fiscal uncertainty. The proposed budget levels are expected to impact public safety, education, and infrastructure spending across multiple states.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the leading Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, sharply criticized the measure, calling it a “blank check” for billionaire Elon Musk. “I strongly oppose this full-year continuing resolution, which is a power grab for the White House and further allows unchecked billionaire Elon Musk and President Trump to steal from the American people,” DeLauro said. Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries,
Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar echoed those concerns in a joint statement. “Republicans have used their control of the House, the Senate, and the presidency to destroy the programs taxpayers deserve to fund tax cuts for their billionaire donors and wealthy corporations. They are cutting healthcare access, public schools, and veterans’ benefits while soaring the costs of groceries, housing, and insurance. They are making our communities less safe by cutting law enforcement and threatening our national security.” The statement continued: “In one week, funding for the government runs out. The top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, Rosa DeLauro, remains ready to negotiate a meaningful bipartisan spending agreement that puts working people first. However, Republicans have decided to introduce a partisan continuing resolution that threatens to cut funding for healthcare, nutritional assistance, and veterans benefits through the end of the current fiscal year. That is not acceptable.” House Democrats said they would enthusiastically support a bill that protects Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ health, and Medicaid, but Republicans have chosen to put them on
Report Offers Policies, Ideas to Improve the Workplace Experiences of Black Women in California
By McKenzie Jackson California Black Media
Backed by data, a report released last month details the numerous hurdles Black women in the Golden State must overcome to effectively contribute and succeed in the workplace.
The “Invisible Labor, Visible Struggles: The Intersection of Race, Gender, and Workplace Equity for Black Women in California” report by the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CBWCEI), unveiled the findings of a December 2024 survey of 452 employed Black women across the Golden State. Threefifths of the participants said they experienced racism or discrimination last year and 57% of the unfair treatment was related to incidents at work.
CBWCEI President and CEO Kellie Todd Griffin said Black women have been the backbone of communities, industries, and movements but are still overlooked, underpaid, and undervalued at work.
“The data is clear,” she explained. “Systemic racism and sexism are not just historical injustices. They are active forces shaping the workplace experiences of Black women today. This report is a call to action. it demands intentional polices, corporate accountability, and systemic changes.”
The 16-page study, conducted by the public opinion research and strategic consulting firm EVITARUS, showcases the lived workplace experiences of Black women, many who say they are stuck in the crosshairs of discrimination based on gender and race which hinders their work opportunities, advancements, and aspirations, according to the report’s authors, Todd Griffin and CBWCEI researcher Dr. Sharon Uche.
“We wanted to look at how Black women are experiencing the workplace where there are systematic barriers,” Todd Griffin told the media during a press conference co-hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media. “This report is focused on the invisible labor struggles of Black women throughout California.”
The aspects of the workplace most important to Black women, according to those surveyed, are salary or wage, benefits, and job security.
However, only 21% of the survey’s respondents felt they had strong chances for career advancement into the executive or senior leadership ranks in California’s job market; 49% felt passed over, excluded from, or marginalized at work; and 48% felt their accomplishments at work were undervalued. Thirty-eight percent said they had been thought of as the stereotypical “angry Black
woman” at work, and 42% said workplace racism or discrimination effected their physical or mental health.
“These sentiments play a factor in contributing to a workplace that is unsafe and not equitable for Black women in California,” the report reads.
Most Black women said providing for their families and personal fulfillment motivated them to show up to work daily, while 38% said they were dissatisfied in their current job with salary, supervisors, and work environment being the top sources of their discontent.
When asked if they agree or disagree with a statement about their workplace 58% of Black women said they feel supported at work, while 52% said their contributions are acknowledged. Forty-nine percent said they felt empowered.
The report’s authors used this month’s report to reference another study which highlighted the increasing wage gap between the state’s Black women and White men. Uche said Black women are paid $54,000 annually on average -- including Black single mothers, who averaged $50,000 -- while White men earn an average of $90,000 each year.
“This is notable because more than half of Black families in California are led by single Black women,” said Uche, who added that the pay gap between Black women and White men isn’t forecasted to close until 2121.
Save A Girl, Save A World President and CEO Glenda Gill said the report shows systemic barriers still exist for Black women.
“This data highlights that we haven’t made much progress moving the needle,” she said. “Knowing that Black women are the fastest growing demographic of employees and entrepreneurs, and they make up 53% of the workforce -- this is just really disturbing. The house is on fire. The house is one fire at all levels.”
Gill said policy changes need to happen.
“We can do better together,” she said.
The CBWCEI document submits a number of non-legislative and legislative proposals to create new opportunities for Black women in the workforce, enforce accountability, and expand protections.
One legislative recommendation is requiring annual pay audits disaggregated by race, gender, and job classification for companies with 50 or more employees, with penalties for wage disparities not addressed within two years. Another policy proposal is establishing a state-funded grant program to support Black women entrepreneurs, business owners, and cooperative enterprises, prioritizing industries where Black women face the greatest barriers.
The report suggests creating a state-run economic justice body to study long-term economic disparities Black women face and recommend policy actions on pay equity, employes discrimination, and wealth-building initiatives.
measures built in and they ensure Black women have economic security, jobs with fair wages, and can take care of their families.
“This data gives us the opportunity to make sure
Legislation that creates independent third-party review panels for race and gender discrimination claims, which would enhance enforcement mechanisms for workplace discriminate claims, was another submission.
The proposed polices are more than “symbolic gestures and performative DEI efforts,” the study reads. “Black women should not have to work twice as hard to get half as far -- the time for bold, intersectional policies that center their economic security, workplace dignity, and leadership opportunities is long overdue.”
Griffin said the proposed solutions have accountability
Griffin said California’s Black women are mothers, workers, and employers and to improve their workplace outlooks they must work with people from across the state.
“They still represent all of California,” she said of Black women. “If we improve it for Black women, we improve it for all women. We have to engage others were there is communality around the issues.”
Millions of Americans Juggling Side Hustles to Make Ends Meet
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
A new 2025 Side Hustle Survey from LendingTree shows that nearly half of Americans, 44 percent, have a side hustle, with many depending on the extra income to cover basic expenses. The findings reflect the financial strain millions face as wages remain stagnant and the cost of living continues to rise. Among those with a side hustle, 43 percent say they need the additional income to stay afloat. Seventy-one percent report earning less than $500 per month, and nearly a quarter make less than $100 per month. The survey also found that younger generations are the most likely to take on extra work, with 60 percent of Gen Z respondents and 55 percent of millennials reporting that they have a side hustle. That compares to 39 percent of Gen X and 24 percent of baby boomers. While 18 percent of side hustlers bring in at least $1,000 per month, most earn far less. The unpredictable nature of gig work and rising inflation continue to impact financial stability, leaving many struggling to keep up. “The median
amount our side hustlers earned monthly was $400, but the average was $1,215,” Matt Schultz wrote for Lending Tree. Considering how tight many households’ budgets are, $1,215 is nothing short of a game-changing monthly amount. Men report earning more than double what women say they earn — an average of $1,580 versus $749.A separate study from FinanceBuzz analyzed more than 75 of the largest cities in the United States to determine where Americans are at the highest risk of burnout. The report ranked Denver, Dallas, and Washington, D.C., as the most overworked cities. Denver landed in the top spot, with nearly 62 percent of households having two or more people working full-time jobs. Dallas workers spend almost 45 hours per week at work or commuting, tied with New York City for the second-highest total in the country behind Miami. The percentage of Dallas’ 65-and-older population still active in the workforce is also among the highest in the nation, with 25.4 percent still working. The report ranked Detroit as the least overworked city, followed by Tallahassee and Buffalo. Detroit has the lowest percentage of senior citizens in the workforce, at just 13.5 percent, and the lowest percentage of employees working at least 50 weeks per year, with only 77.1 percent meeting that threshold. While platforms like Uber, DoorDash, and Etsy provide flexible opportunities, only 31 percent of side hustlers say they feel financially stable. Thirty-six percent worry that their side hustle income could disappear if demand drops or economic conditions worsen. Approximately 32 percent report working at least 20 hours weekly on their side hustle, effectively holding down a second job. “Sure, many people have side hustling in their blood. They’re
(Shutterstock)
Black women in California experience what everyone else experiences in California,” she said. “I don’t know why we wouldn’t be able to achieve that.”
Thought Inflation Was Bad? Health Insurance Premiums Are Rising Even Faster
By Phillip Reese
Kirk Vartan pays more than $2,000 a month for a high-deductible health insurance plan from Blue Shield on Covered California, the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace. He could have selected a cheaper plan from a different provider, but he wanted one that includes his wife’s doctor.
“It’s for the two of us, and we’re not sick,” said Vartan, general manager at A Slice of New York pizza shops in the Bay Area cities of San Jose and Sunnyvale. “It’s ridiculous.”
Vartan, who is in his late 50s, is one of millions of Californians struggling to keep up with health insurance premiums ballooning faster than inflation.
Average monthly premiums for families with employer-provided health coverage in California’s private sector nearly doubled over the last 15 years, from just over $1,000 in 2008 to almost $2,000 in 2023, a KFF Health News analysis of federal data shows. That’s more than twice the rate of inflation. Also, employees have had to absorb a growing share of the cost.
The spike is not confined to California. Average premiums for families with employer-provided health coverage grew as fast nationwide as they did in California from 2008 through 2023, federal data shows. Premiums continued to grow rapidly in 2024, according to KFF.
Small-business groups warn that, for workers whose employers don’t provide coverage, the problem could get worse if Congress does not extend enhanced federal subsidies that make health insurance more affordable on individual markets such as Covered California, the public marketplace that insures more than 1.9 million Californians.
Premiums on Covered California have grown about 25% since 2022, roughly double the pace of inflation. But the exchange helps nearly 90% of enrollees mitigate high costs by offering state and federal subsidies based on income, with many families paying little or nothing.
Rising premiums also have hit government workers — and taxpayers. Premiums at CalPERS, which provides insurance to more than 1.5 million of California’s active and retired public employees and family members, have risen about 31% since 2022. Public employers pay part of the cost of premiums as negotiated with labor unions; workers pay the rest.
“Insurance premiums have been going up faster than wages over the last 20 years,” said Miranda Dietz, a researcher at the University of California-Berkeley Labor
Center who focuses on health insurance. “Especially in the last couple of years, those premium increases have been pretty dramatic.”
Dietz said rising hospital prices are largely to blame. Consumer costs for hospitals and nursing homes rose about 88% from 2009 through 2024, roughly double the overall inflation rate, according to data from the Department of Labor. The rising cost of administering America’s massive health care system has also pushed premiums higher, she said.
Insurance companies remain highly profitable, but their gross margins — the amount by which premium income exceeds claims costs — were fairly steady during the last few years, KFF research shows. Under federal rules, insurers must spend a minimum percentage of premiums on medical care.
Rising insurance costs are cutting deeper into family incomes and squeezing small businesses.
The average annual cost of family health insurance offered by private sector companies was about $24,000, or roughly $2,000 a month, in California during 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Employers paid, on average, about two-thirds of the bill, with workers paying the remaining third, about $650 a month. Workers’ share of premiums has grown faster in California than in the rest of the nation.
Many small-business workers whose employers don’t offer health care turn to Covered California. During the last three decades, the percentage of businesses nationwide with 10 to 24 workers offering health insurance fell from 65% to 52%, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Coverage fell from 34% to 23% among businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
“When an employee of a small business isn’t able to access health insurance with their employer, they’re more likely to leave that employer,” said Bianca Blomquist, California director for Small Business Majority, an advocacy group representing more than 85,000 small businesses across America.
Kirk Vartan said his pizza shop employs about 25 people and operates as a worker cooperative — a business owned by its workers. The small business lacks negotiating power to demand discounts from insurance companies to cover its workers. The best the shop could do, he said, were expensive plans that would make it hard for the cooperative to operate. And those plans would not offer as much coverage as workers could find for themselves through Covered California.
“It was a lose-lose all the way around,” he said. Mark Seelig, a spokesperson for Blue Shield of California, said rising costs for hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs put upward pressure on premiums. Blue Shield has created a new initiative that he said is designed to lower drug prices and pass on savings to consumers. Even at California companies offering insurance, the percentage of employees enrolled in plans with a deductible has roughly doubled in 20 years, rising to 77%, federal data shows. Deductibles are the amount a worker must pay for most types of care before their insurance company starts paying part of the bill. The average annual deductible for an employer-provided family health insurance plan was about $3,200 in 2023. During the last two decades, the cost of health insurance premiums
Hospital Gun-Violence Prevention Programs
May Be Caught in US Funding Crossfire
By Stephanie Wolf
DENVER — Seven years ago, Erica Green learned through a Facebook post that her brother had been shot. She rushed to check on him at a hospital run by Denver Health, the city’s safety-net system, but she was unable to get information from emergency room workers, who complained that she was creating a disturbance.
“I was distraught and outside, crying, and Jerry came out of the front doors,” she said.
Jerry Morgan is a familiar face from Green’s Denver neighborhood. He had rushed to the hospital after his pager alerted him to the shooting. As a violence prevention professional with the At-Risk Intervention and Mentoring program, or AIM, Morgan supports gun-violence patients and their families at the hospital — as he did the day Green’s brother was shot.
“It made the situation of that traumatic experience so much better. After that, I was, like, I want to do this work,” Green said.
Today, Green works with Morgan as the program manager for AIM, a hospital-linked violence intervention program launched in 2010 as a partnership between Denver Health and the nonprofit Denver Youth Program. It since has expanded to include Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado Hospital.
AIM is one of dozens of hospital-linked violence intervention programs around the country. The programs aim to uncover the social and economic factors that contributed to someone ending up in the ER with a bullet wound: inadequate housing, job loss, or feeling unsafe in one’s neighborhood, for example.
Such programs that take a public health approach to stopping gun violence have had success — one in San Francisco reported a fourfold reduction in violent injury recidivism rates over six years. But President Donald Trump’s executive orders calling for the review of the Biden administration’s gun policies and trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans have created uncertainty around the programs’ long-term federal funding. Some organizers believe their programs will be just fine, but others are looking to shore up alternative funding sources.
Erica Green, who manages the At-Risk Intervention and Mentoring program, or AIM, sits on a couch in the new REACH Clinic in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Green came to this
“We’ve been worried about, if a domino does fall, how is it going to impact us? There’s a lot of unknowns,” said John Torres, associate director for Youth Alive, an Oakland-
Jerry Morgan, AIM’s lead outreach worker, stands outside the REACH Clinic in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. He’s done the work for about nine years and says he’s seen an escalation of violence among young people during that time, especially since the covid-19 pandemic. “Facebook beefs became real beefs. Everybody wanted to fight. Everybody wanted to shoot,” he says.(Stephanie Wolf for KFF Health News)
based nonprofit.
Federal data shows that gun violence became a leading cause of death among children and young adults at the start of this decade and was tied to more than 48,000 deaths among people of all ages in 2022. New York-based pediatric trauma surgeon Chethan Sathya, a National Institutes of Health-funded firearms injury prevention researcher, believes those statistics show that gun violence can’t be ignored as a health care issue. “It’s killing so many people,” Sathya said.
Research shows that a violent injury puts someone at heightened risk for future ones, and the risk of death goes up significantly by the third violent injury, according to a 2006 study published in The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection and Critical Care.
Benjamin Li, an emergency medicine physician at Denver Health and the health system’s AIM medical director, said the ER is an ideal setting to intervene in gun violence by working to reverse-engineer what led to a patient’s injuries.
“If you are just seeing the person, patching them up, and then sending them right back into the exact same circumstances, we know it’s going to lead to them being hurt again,” Li said. “It’s critical we address the social determinants of health and then try to change the equation.”
That might mean providing alternative solutions to gunshot victims who might otherwise seek retaliation, said Paris Davis, the intervention programs director for Youth Alive.
“If that’s helping them relocate out of the area, if that’s allowing them to gain housing, if that’s shifting that energy into education or job or, you know, family therapy, whatever the needs are for that particular case and individual, that is what we provide,” Davis said.
AIM outreach workers meet gunshot wound victims at their hospital bedsides to have what Morgan, AIM’s lead outreach worker, calls a tough, nonjudgmental conversation on how the patients ended up there.
AIM uses that information to help patients access the resources they need to navigate their biggest challenges after they’re discharged, Morgan said. Those challenges can include returning to school or work, or finding housing.
AIM outreach workers might also attend court proceedings and assist with transportation to health care appointments.
“We try to help in whatever capacity we can, but it’s interdependent on whatever the client needs,” Morgan said.
Since 2010, AIM has grown from three fulltime outreach workers to nine, and this year opened the REACH Clinic in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. The community-based clinic provides wound-care kits; physical therapy; and behavioral, mental and occupational health care. In the coming months, it plans to add bullet removal to its services. It’s part of a growing movement of community-based clinics focused on violent injuries, including the Bullet Related Injury Clinic in St. Louis.
Ginny McCarthy, an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado, described REACH as an extension of the hospitalbased work, providing holistic treatment in a single location and building trust between health care providers and communities of color that have historically experienced racial biases in medical care.
Caught in the Crossfire, created in 1994 and run by Youth Alive in Oakland, is cited as the nation’s first hospitallinked violence intervention program and has since inspired others. The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention, a national network initiated by Youth ALIVE to advance public health solutions to gun violence, counted 74 hospital-linked violence intervention programs among its membership as of January.
The alliance’s executive director, Fatimah Loren Dreier, compared medicine’s role in addressing gun violence to that of preventing an infectious disease, like cholera. “That disease spreads if you don’t have good sanitation in places where people aggregate,” she said.
Dreier, who also serves as executive director of the Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Violence Research and Education, said medicine identifies and tracks patterns that lead to the spread of a disease or, in this case, the spread of violence.
“That is what health care can do really well to shift society. When we deploy this, we get better outcomes for everybody,” Dreier said.
The alliance, of which AIM is a member, offers technical assistance and training for hospital-linked violence intervention programs and successfully petitioned to make their services eligible for traditional insurance reimbursement.
In 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive action that opened the door for states to use Medicaid for violence prevention. Several states, including California, New York, and Colorado, have passed legislation establishing a Medicaid benefit for hospitallinked violence intervention programs.
Last summer, then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared gun violence a public health crisis, and the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act earmarked $1.4 billion in funding for a wide array of violenceprevention programs through next year.
But in early February, Trump issued an executive order instructing the U.S. attorney general to conduct
and,
a 30-day review of a number of Biden’s policies on gun violence. The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention now appears to be defunct, and recent moves to freeze federal grants created uncertainty among the gunviolence prevention programs that receive federal funding. AIM receives 30% of its funding from its operating agreement with Denver’s Office of Community Violence Solutions, according to Li. The rest is from grants, including Victims of Crime Act funding, through the Department of Justice. As of mid-February, Trump’s executive orders had not affected AIM’s current funding.
Some who work with the hospital-linked violence prevention programs in Colorado are hoping a new voterapproved firearms and ammunition excise tax in the state, expected to generate about $39 million annually and support victim services, could be a new source of funding. But the tax’s revenues aren’t expected to fully flow until 2026, and it’s not clear how that money will be allocated. Trauma surgeon and public health researcher Catherine Velopulos, who is the AIM medical director at the University of Colorado hospital in Aurora, said any interruption in federal funding, even for a few months, would be “very difficult for us.” But Velopulos said she was reassured by the bipartisan support for the kind of work AIM does.
“People want to oversimplify the problem and just say, ‘If we get rid of guns, it’s all going to stop,’ or ‘It doesn’t matter what we do, because they’re going to get guns, anyway,’” she said. “What we really have to address is why people feel so scared that they have to arm themselves.” This
by KFF
Ginny McCarthy, an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado, who works closely with the Denver Youth Program, opens up a take-home woundcare kit, which is offered at the REACH Clinic. The clinic’s services are offered to the community at no charge
in the coming months, the hope is to add bullet removal care.(Stephanie Wolf for KFF Health News)
work after her family’s own experience with gun violence: “I feel very blessed to be able to show up for my community this way.” (Stephanie Wolf for KFF Health News)
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback
By Bo Tefu California
Black Media State’s
$3.4 Million
Request to Shore Up Medi-Cal Sparks Immigration Debate
California lawmakers have been notified that the state needs a $3.4 billion loan to keep Medi-Cal – the state’s Medicaid program which serves more than 15 million residents -- financially stable.
The funding gap has rekindled political debates, especially regarding the program’s expansion to include undocumented immigrants.
Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego) criticized the expansion, warning that it could push the system toward financial collapse. He urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to suspend coverage for undocumented people, arguing that taxpayer-funded healthcare for noncitizens is unsustainable.
“This is only the first of many loans that will have to be made if we continue to give free taxpayer-funded handouts for health care to illegal immigrants,” said DeMaio.
According to the Department of Finance, Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants is projected to cost $9.5 billion, surpassing the original $6 billion estimate. Immigrant rights advocate Enrique Morones refuted claims that undocumented residents are to blame for the financial strain. He warned that eliminating coverage could deter individuals from seeking medical care, leading to costlier emergency treatments.
“Blaming immigrants is a distraction from the real issues: rising healthcare costs and an aging population. Denying coverage won’t save money; it will only shift the burden elsewhere,” said Morones.
Newsom’s office is emphasizing that Medicaid funding challenges are a nationwide issue, pointing to rising healthcare costs, an aging population, and post-pandemic enrollment spikes as key contributors. The administration noted that other states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Indiana are facing similar financial pressures.
While the federal government provides substantial Medicaid funding, it prohibits using those funds for undocumented immigrants, leaving California to cover the costs.
As lawmakers debate solutions, the future of MediCal’s financial stability remains uncertain.
Trump Admin Shuts Down
California Civil Rights Office
The U.S. Department of Education has announced the closure of seven of its 12 regional Office for Civil Rights (OCR) branches, including the San Francisco office that handles California’s federal civil rights complaints. The decision is part of a broader restructuring effort that will cut nearly half the department’s workforce, placing about 1,300 employees on administrative leave or voluntary resignation.
California currently has over 700 pending civil rights cases with the OCR, but the federal government has not provided details on how these cases will be handled. Advocates warn that, without a local federal presence, students facing discrimination may have fewer protections.
“There is no federal presence enforcing civil rights in schools in California,” said Catherine Lhamon, former assistant secretary for civil rights at the Department of Education.
“Our country and California will effectively see an end to a federal backstop of harm in schools,” she said.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the move, stating it was part of an effort to increase efficiency and accountability. However, critics argue the cuts will severely weaken enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, particularly for students with disabilities, English learners, and victims of racial or sexual harassment.
Educators and civil rights groups, including the ACLU, fear that certain complaints may be prioritized over others based on political agendas. The Los Angeles Unified School District condemned the cuts, with board member Kelly Gonez calling them “radical and cruel.”
With no clear plan for handling California’s backlog of cases, advocates worry the closures will lead to longer investigation times and reduced oversight, leaving vulnerable students without federal protection.
Asm. Isaac Bryan Steps Up Push for Incarcerated Firefighters Pay Increase
A California bill that would significantly raise the wages of incarcerated firefighters advanced last week after members of the Assembly Public Safety voted 8-0 to approve it.
Assembly Bill (AB) 247, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), would require county jail hand firefighting crew members to be paid at least $19 per hour, with annual wage updates.
Formerly incarcerated firefighters, including Sergio Maldonado, expressed support for the bill at a press conference Tuesday.
“Those who are incarcerated, we’re still human. We
still care. We’re still a part of this society that needs help,” said Maldonado.
Currently, incarcerated firefighters in conservation camps earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Bryan argued that their contributions deserve fair compensation.
“We have thanked them. We’ve given thoughts and prayers. We’ve tweeted about them. But we haven’t paid them fairly or justly,” he said.
While the bill has gained support from 46 organizations, it faces opposition from the California State Sheriffs’ Association. The group expressed concerns about the financial strain on counties and pointed out that incarcerated firefighters already receive early-release credits, earning two days off their sentence for every day of work.
AB 247 has now been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
Bill Would Stop Dental Insurance Plans from “Scamming Their Customers”
A new bill introduced in the California Assembly aims to close loopholes that allow dental insurance companies to deny care or force patients to pay out-of-pocket for covered services. Assembly Bill (AB) 371, introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), would also require insurers to provide access to in-network dentists within 15 miles of a patient’s home or workplace.
“Dental care should be affordable, accessible, and timely,” Haney said at a press conference on March 11, surrounded by dentists and dental students.
“It shouldn’t be an hour from where they live or work. It shouldn’t be something they have to pay for outof-pocket when they’ve already paid for insurance,” said Haney.
Under current law, dental insurers are not required to guarantee in-network providers within a reasonable distance. Patients also sometimes face unexpected costs when insurers deny reimbursement for out-of-network specialist care, even when their plans are supposed to cover it. Haney said this practice leaves many unsure whether they can afford treatment, leading some to forgo necessary dental care.
San Carlos resident Jennifer DiGrande spoke at the press conference about her struggles finding an in-network dentist.
“I’ve called three dozen dentists and have not been able to secure an appointment. The closest appointment
I have been told I may have access to is in June,” she said.
AB 371 would also shorten the time insurers have to arrange dental appointments, requiring urgent care within 48 hours, non-urgent care within 18 business days, and preventive care within 20 business days. Additionally, the bill would task the Department of Managed Health Care or Department of Insurance with monitoring compliance. Similar laws have already passed in states like Maryland, Oregon, and Colorado.
“There are many other states that already have this standard,” said Haney.
“That is something that Californians deserve as well,” he said.
Legislative Republicans Demand “Swift and Decisive”
Action on Crime
Assembly Republicans, alongside law enforcement leaders and victims’ rights advocates, held a press conference in Sacramento on March 12 urging swift action to address California’s growing public safety concerns. The legislators emphasized their commitment to fully funding drug treatment programs under Proposition 36, combating human trafficking, supporting crime victims, and strengthening laws against drug and violent crimes.
Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) criticized his colleagues across the aisle.
“The people of California have spoken loud and clear -- they want safe communities and leaders who will stand up for law and order,” said Gallagher.
“Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies have endangered families and emboldened criminals. We will not stand idly by while our neighborhoods suffer,” he added.
Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) echoed the call for reform, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation. “Public safety should not be a partisan issue. It is a fundamental responsibility,” said Lackey.
“Time and again, the supermajority has stalled, ignored, or outright rejected common-sense reforms, prioritizing politics over public safety,” he said.
The event drew a range of Republican legislators and public safety officials, including Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig. The attendees also voiced opposition to Democratic proposals that they argue would limit Californians’ right to self-defense and overturn life-without-parole sentences for convicted murderers.
With crime and public safety remaining top voter concerns, Assembly Republicans vowed to continue pushing for legislative changes to protect California communities.
Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas Honors California Women in Construction With State Proclamation, Policy Ideas
week in front of the State Capitol, Smallwood, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom), and Assemblymember Maggie Krell (D-Sacramento), attended a brunch organized by a local chapter of NAWIC. Two of the guest speakers were Dr. Giovanna Brasfield, CEO of Los Angeles-based Brasfield and Associates; and Jennifer Todd, who serves as President and Founder of LMS General Contractors.Todd is the youngest Black woman to receive a California’s Contractors State License Board (A) General Engineering license. An advocate for women of different backgrounds, Todd she said she has been a woman in construction for the last 16 years despite going through some trying times. A graduate of Arizona State University’s’ Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, in 2009 Todd created an apprenticeship training program, A Greener Tomorrow, designed toward the advancement of unemployed and underemployed people of color.“I always say, ‘I love an industry that doesn’t love me back,’” Todd said. “Being young, female and minority, I am often in spaces where people don’t look like me, they don’t reflect my values, they don’t reflect my experiences, and I so
To honor Women in Construction Week, Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 30 in the State Legislature on March 6. This resolution pays tribute to women and highlights their contributions to the building industry.The measure designates March 2, 2025, to March 8, 2025, as Women in Construction Week in California. It passed 34-0 on the Senate floor.“Women play an important role in building our communities, yet they remain vastly underrepresented in the construction industry,” Smallwood-Cuevas stated. “This resolution not only recognizes their incredible contributions but also the need to break barriers — like gender discrimination that continues to block women from pursuing construction careers.”Authored by Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro), another bill, Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 28, also recognized women in the construction industry.The resolution advanced out of the Assembly Committee on Rules with a 10-0 vote.The weeklong event coincides with the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) celebration that started in 1998 and has grown and expanded every year since.NAWIC began in 1953 by a group of women to help create a support network for other women in the industry. Women In Construction Week (WIC) raises awareness about the role women play in the male-dominated profession.The same
are Asians, and 6.5% are Black women, the report reveals. The National Association of Home Builders reported that as of 2022, the states with the largest number of women working in construction were Texas (137,000), California (135,000) and Florida (119,000). The three states alone represent 30% of all women employed in the industry.
Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) and the California Legislative Women’s Caucus supported SmallwoodCuevas’ SCR 30 and requested that more energy be poured into bringing awareness to the severe gender gap in the construction field.“We often talk about the importance of a workforce and workforce development, especially in support of good paying jobs here in the state of California,” Rubio said. “The construction trade are a proven path to a solid career. and we have an ongoing shortage and this is a time for us to do better breaking down the barriers to help the people get into this sector.”Last week, the Los Angeles Black Workers Center (LABWC) reported that the Black community represents 9% of Los Angeles County’s population and 10% of all new construction apprentices.
In 2009, the LABWC started as a project at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Labor Center. The center’s mission is to expand access to quality jobs, reduce employment discrimination, and enhance companies that
employ Black workers through action and unionization. Black Californians make up only 4.9% of the construction workforce and Black representation on publicly funded projects in the county is much lower, hovering around 3%, the LABWC disclosed.“Adopting equity provisions in Project Labor Agreements and Community Benefit Agreements are crucial to closing these gaps. Let’s continue to support policies that uplift the next generation of women in the trades,” Smallwood-Cuevas stated. The California Department of Industrial Relations, and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) provided the second round of Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grant. It made $13 million available to improve access to training and employment opportunities for women, non-binary, and underserved populations to enter the building and construction trades. The deadline to apply for the grant was March 12. The first round of the ERiCA grant awarded $25 million for the years 2023-2025. The applicants were from either the DAS Registered Apprenticeship or Pre-Apprenticeship program.“When it comes to women in construction we’ve have made incredible strides. We see more and more women breaking barriers,” said Kounalakis, whose family owns a high-profile construction and development business. “I believe there is something fundamental in (women’s) psyche, core, you soul that makes you feel differently when you’re involved in building something tangible.
During Women In Construction (WIC) Week, celebrated at the State Capitol, building firms of all types are encouraged to participate and show their support for their women employees. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), center, is shown with other guest speakers at the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction brunch held at the State Capitol on March 6, 2025. On the left is Jennifer Todd, LMS General Contractors Founder and President. To Todd’s right is Dr. Giovanna Brasfield, from Los Angeles-based Brasfield and Associates. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, whose family owns a construction firm, spoke about the importance of women in construction at the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction brunch. Kounalakis ran the family business before going into politics. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
At the State Capitol, Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), left, holds the resolution, SCR 30, which proclaimed Women in Construction Week in California. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Petersen Automotive Museum to Host ALBGP Cars
By Earl Heath
Contributing Sports Writer
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Petersen Automotive Museum will host a special exhibit showcasing five legendary race cars that have left an indelible mark on the event’s rich history. The exhibit will be open to the public from March 20 through April 8 in the museum’s lobby, giving visitors an up-close look at machines that once roared through the streets of Long Beach. There is no admission fee to see the historic cars in the museum lobby. This exclusive display will feature five historic race cars spanning the three iconic racing eras – Formula 5000, Formula 1, and IndyCar – representing the evolution of open-wheel racing at North America’s premier street race. The cars will later take to the track during the Historic Formula Exhibition on race weekend, providing fans with a thrilling glimpse into motorsports history with the three types of cars racing together for the first time. The five cars on display at the Petersen will include the 1974 Formula 5000 Dan Gurney All-American Racers Eagle 755, winner of the 1975 Long Beach pole position with Vern Schuppan at the wheel,
Rams and Rookie Surprise Fire Victims
which was also the first car ever to turn a wheel on the streets of Long Beach. The car is currently owned by local businessman Tom Malloy. Representing Long Beach’s Formula 1 era, 197683, will be the 1976 March 761 currently owned by Richard Griot and driven by Italy’s Vittorio Brambilla in 1976 at Long Beach, along with the 1980 McLaren M30, most notably driven by Alain Prost during the 1980 F1 season and currently owned by Sean Allen. The Indy Car era will be represented by the 1981 All-American Racers Eagle 8100, owned by Dennis Firestone and driven by Firestone himself in-period. In addition, the 1999 Reynard driven that season by Bryan Herta and currently owned by Erich Joiner, will be on display. “Racing in Long Beach has been an important part of American motorsports for five decades, and this exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum offers a rare opportunity to celebrate its legacy,” said Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian. “Fans will not only be able to witness these legendary machines up close but also experience them in action during race weekend.” The Petersen Automotive Museum, located on Los Angeles’ famed Miracle Mile, is renowned for its world-class automotive exhibits and
dedicated to showcasing the history and future of the automobile through immersive displays and educational programs. With a collection spanning over a century of automotive innovation, the museum provides a dynamic environment for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. To learn more about the Petersen Automotive Museum and its exhibits, visit www.petersen.org. The 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place April 11-13 and be headlined by the NTT INDYCAR
By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer
Former Basketball star and franchise Mogul Junior Bridgeman recently passed The cause was a cardiac event, a family spokesman said. Mr. Bridgeman had been talking to a reporter for a local television station during a charity event at the Galt House Hotel in Kentucky when he said he felt that he was having a heart attack, the spokesman said, and he was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Ulysses Lee Bridgeman Jr. was born in East Chicago Indiana to Ulysses Lee Bridgeman Sr., a steel mill worker, and Delores (Meaders) Bridgeman, a homemaker. He attended Washington High and was a member of their 1971 basketball team, which went undefeated (29–0) and won the Indiana state high school basketball championship. Among his teammates were his brother Sam, Pete Trgovich who would later play at UCLA and win 2 -National Titles under John Wooden, and Tim Stoddard who would win the 1983 World Series with the Baltimore Orioles. Bridgeman attended the University of Louisville and played college basketball for the Cardinals. The A 6-foot-5inch guard/forward was the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1974 and 1975. Bridgeman led the Louisville Cardinals to the 1974 NCAA Division I basketball tournament as a junior. As a senior, he led the Cardinals to the Final Four of the 1975 NCAA Division I basketball tournament, where they lost to eventual NCAA champion UCLA 75–74 in the national semifinal.[6] In his collegiate career at Louisville, Bridgeman averaged 15.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 87 games. While in college he and his teammates earned the nickname “Doctors of Dunk” referring to the University of Louisville hoops team of the 1970s and early 1980s, known for their dominant, dunk-heavy style of play under head coach Denny Crum, who won the team’s first national title in 1980.
After retirement, Junior was honored multiple times throughout his life which included being inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, the University of Louisville College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame. He was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 1984 after nine seasons with the Bucks. The Bucks also sent Marques Johnson and Harvey
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
MLB: Final score of game 1 of the Tokyo Series in Japan between Dodgers and Cubs
Junior Bridgeman, wearing a shirt and tie but no jacket, stands in an office and holds what looks like a hamburger with several levels (but might be made of plastic) in both hands. He has short hair and a neatly trimmed mustache.Junior Bridgeman owned nearly 400 fast-food chains.
Photo courtesy of L. A. RAMS
Photo courtesy of L. A. RAMS By Earl Heath
Celebrating African American Journalists in Los Angeles
By Ricky Richardson
(Los Angeles, CA) Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined Councilmember Curren D. Price, Jr., at Los Angeles City Hall to acknowledge the Black professionals in Media, Thursday, February 27, 2025.
This lively event closed out Black History Month celebration with a luncheon, great music, networking, and an art show featuring local artists in the Tom Bradley Room of Los Angeles City Hall. I wasn’t able to attend this spectacular event. I picked up my award several days later. I’m so grateful, honored and humbled to be amongst the distinguished and esteemed group of journalists selected for the recognition.
In a statement “Team Price had the privilege of celebrating the incredible Black journalists, digital storytellers, and content creators who bring truth to light every day during a special reception. As the watchdogs, historians, and change makers of our time, their work is not just important---it’s essential. This African American Heritage Month, we didn’t just recognize the dedication of seasoned journalists---we also lifted the new voices reshaping the media landscape. To every journalist, reporter, and creator out there, we honor the work you do. Keep making history,” stated Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr., The New Ninth! Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based photojournalist who has been on the beat, for more than 35 years. He has covered cultural celebrations throughout Los Angeles,
Overregulation and Market Manipulation Are the Roots of California’s Affordability Crisis
By Craig J. DeLuz Special to California Black Media Partners
When California Democrats recently proclaimed their intention to “Make California Affordable Again,” it echoed a familiar refrain that has been heard time and again in the annals of political promises. However, a deeper examination reveals that this pledge may be more about optics than about sincere economic reform. Even more troubling is the historical context that shows a consistent pattern of policy failures rooted in overregulation and market manipulation -- a pattern that risks repeating itself.
The notion of affordability in California has been stifled not by external factors but by the very policies enacted by the state’s leaders. Over the years, we have seen an alarming trend: excessive regulations that stifle job creation and create barriers to entry for housing development, driving up costs at every turn. These regulations have restricted the supply of jobs and housing. The idea that a few tweaks can remedy the situation overlooks the entrenched nature of the problem, which is a product of policies intended to protect certain interests rather than serve the broader population.
Consider the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), enacted in 1970, it aimed to safeguard the environment, yet its implementation has inadvertently morphed into a formidable barrier to affordable housing. Critics argue that it has been subverted by NIMBY factions, who wield the law as a bludgeon to obstruct new developments, particularly in affluent neighborhoods. For instance, a 495-unit housing project in San Francisco, which promised to include affordable options, languished in legal purgatory for years due to CEQA litigation and community pushback. Such protracted delays not only inflate development costs but also constrict the housing supply, exacerbating a crisis that leaves countless individuals and families priced out of the very urban centers they aspire to inhabit. The intended protections against environmental degradation have morphed into a tool of exclusion, revealing the paradox wherein efforts to protect the environment can simultaneously deepen the affordability crisis.
California’s requirement for developers of subsidized or public projects to pay “prevailing wages” serves as a prime example of well-intentioned policies leading to adverse outcomes. These wage mandates, which are
frequently higher than market rates, inflate construction costs significantly -- up to 40%, according to a 2020 study by the California Center for Jobs and the Economy.
As a result, the very goal of creating affordable housing becomes increasingly elusive, with developers confronted by skyrocketing expenses that necessitate additional subsidies and, in many cases, project delays. This paradox highlights a broader truth: sometimes, policies that aim to protect workers can inadvertently hinder the very access to housing that those workers need.
Furthermore, financial giveaways, such as the recent proposal for housing subsidies, are not the panacea they are billed to be. While they may offer temporary relief to some, they do little to address the fundamental issues at play. Such measures have often resulted in inflationary effects that counteract any benefits. Essentially, the state rewards poor policy with more of the same, rather than confronting the underlying causes of the crisis.
Price controls also loom large in this discussion. California has flirted with the idea of implementing rent control measures that, while well-intentioned, have historically led to unintended consequences. Rather than stabilizing the market, price controls tend to deter investment in housing. Landlords, facing limitations on how much they can charge, often opt to sell, convert, or simply neglect their properties, further shrinking the available housing stock.
The past actions of California Democrats have shown that tinkering around the edges -- whether through subsidies, price controls, or draconian regulations -- will not yield lasting solutions. The proposed reforms bear a striking resemblance to failed strategies of yore. For example, the $20/hr. fast food minimum wage. It was heralded as a savior for fast food workers, by guaranteeing them a “living wage”. In the end, even SEIU (one of the measures lead proponents) had to admit that the end result was lost jobs, fewer work hours and higher prices.
Until there is a genuine shift towards market-oriented solutions that empower rather than restrict, the promise to “Make California Affordable Again” will remain nothing more than a hollow slogan.
Deceptive slogans hide a reality that is too often ignored: that affordability is intrinsically tied to free market principles. Genuine affordability cannot be achieved through coercive policies; it must arise organically from
an environment that encourages growth, competition, and innovation. The road ahead for California is fraught with challenges -- but the initial step towards authenticity
in addressing the affordability crisis is to acknowledge and rectify the mistakes of the past. Anything less will only serve to perpetuate the cycle of failure.
Advocates, Attorneys Arm Immigrants With Education to Fight ICE Raids
By Manny Otiko
California Black Media
A number of California groups, officials and individuals are taking proactive steps to educate immigrants subject to deportation about their legal rights as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids escalate.
One of them is Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), who represents a district encompassing Oakland, Alameda and Emeryville.
“Communities in Assembly District 18 and the entire nation are confronting direct attacks on our fundamental rights as citizens,” said Bonta in a press release. “ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids and presence in our neighborhoods are threatening our safety in the workplace, schools, and places of worship, breaking apart families and disrupting commerce -- all while costly federal delays threaten funding for schools, healthcare, and countless other aspects of our lives.”
Bonta listed several immigrant rights resources in her newsletter.
Know your rights: How to Communicate with ICE Agents. This is a series of videos explaining what to do if ICE officers show up at your door.
A listing of state, national, and local resources in different languages such as Spanish and Haitian Creole.
California Rapid Response Networks. This features a listing of hotline numbers that help immigrants.
A link to the California Department of Justice’s website featuring resources and information for immigrants.
Ethnic Media Services (EMS) also recently hosted a press conference featuring experts who offered advice and tips on how immigrants can grapple with Trump administration immigration policies.
Amanda Alvarado-Ford, deputy directing attorney at the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, was one of the speakers at the news conference.
She said most of her clients are from Latin America, but she has also represented people from Asia and Africa. Alvarado-Ford said in this climate of anti-immigration raids, it’s important to know that immigrants, whether undocumented or legal, have rights.
She said anybody in this country has the right to be protected from unlawful searches and the right to remain silent. She advised immigrants to exercise both rights.
“One important thing to know is that people in this country for more than two years have a right to a hearing.
So, even if they are arrested, they still have to go through a procedure,” said Alvarado-Ford.
She also recommended that immigrants keep documents that prove they’ve been in this country on their cell phones. Also, it’s important to keep information to show that you are going through the immigration procedure such as applying for a visa.
Alvarado-Ford said immigrants must inspect documents if ICE officers show up at their doorstep.
A U.S. district judge must sign an immigration arrest warrant, she said. However, in many cases, they are signed by ICE officers. That doesn’t make it valid.
She recommended never letting ICE officers in the door and asking for them to either shove the documents under the door or show them on the screen door.
“You have the right to inspect the warrant,” said Alvarado-Ford.
She added that if you are arrested, you should demand to speak to an immigration attorney, even if you don’t have one. And mention that you fear being sent back to your country.
Alvardo-Ford advised immigrants to be calm when faced with this kind of situation.
“Don’t open the door,” she said. “We have to breathe and remember our rights.”
Alvarado-Ford also said immigrants have specific laws they can use if they are faced with an ICE raid at work. ICE is allowed to enter public places at work, but not allowed to enter private areas, such as break rooms.
However, workplaces and homes are not the only place where the government can go after undocumented immigrants.
The Trump administration has also given ICE the green light to target undocumented immigrants in schools. There have been news reports of ICE agents raiding school buses and asking students for documentation.
And that’s where Viridiana Carrizales, comes in. Her organization, Immschools, advocates for undocumented students and parents of undocumented students.
Immigrant parents are aware of ICE’s new directive, said Carrizales, who also spoke at the EMS news conference. And that means many are now wary about sending their children to school.
“It has caused a lot of fear in immigrants,” she said.
According to Carrizales, more than 5 million children have undocumented parents or at least one undocumented
parent. And now many of them are contemplating pulling them from school She added that its harmful to the entire community to have that many children removed from the education system. Carrizales added there are laws that protect both students and parents. One of them is the 1982 Plyler Vs. Doe decision. This law establishes that all children within the United States have the right to an education, no matter their status. It also prevents schools from revealing information about a student’s or their parents’ immigration status.
Another law that protects immigrant students and families is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA). This law protects students’ educational records. Because of FERPA, schools can’t release student information unless the family approves it. During education seminars, Carrizales also tells families ICE agents can’t get this information unless they have a judicial warrant.
“We’re telling families about those laws,” she said. Carrizales added that even in these tense, anti-immigrant times, it’s essential children of immigrant families get an education. She advises them to stay informed and attentive. “Be alert, be aware, but bring your kids to school,” she said.
Certificate of Recognition, Photo by Ricky Richardson
Ricky Richardson with Certificate of Recognition, Courtesy of Ricky Richardson