Oakland Post, week of November 27 - December 3, 2024 by postnewsgroup

Oakland Post

“Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18 postnewsgroup.com 61st Year, No. 48 Weekly Edition November 27 - December 3, 2024

By Nick Ansom Special to The Post

The Hoopbus and the Warriors 1975 championship team is on a mission to bring new life to the basketball courts of Oakland and the Bay Area, and we’re calling on nonprofits, community activists, basketball players, and anyone passionate about their community to join us.

Together, we’re creating spaces that inspire, unify, and uplift.

This initiative is bigger than basketball. It’s about honoring the

Bay’s rich legacy of resilience and championship glory. Partnering with the “Cardiac Kids,” we’re celebrating a winning tradition while building a brighter future.

With the support of NBA legends like Rick Barry, Clifford Ray, Charles Dudley, Jamaal Wilkes, Butch Beard, Jeff Mullins, and many more, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible talent and history of the Bay.

But that’s not all – The Hoopbus is pulling up to schools and community centers too! We’re bring-

ing legendary players straight to the heart of your community to inspire, educate, and celebrate the next generation.

Tell us why the Hoopbus should visit your school, court, or community center. What’s the story of your neighborhood? What type of talent does it hold?

We’re here to highlight your players, your leaders, and your dreams. If there’s a court in your

neighborhood ready for transformation, or if your community deserves a legendary visit, we want to hear from you.

Share your story and tell us why we should pull up.

Send details, including court addresses or community center locations, to info@hoopbus.com or write to The Post Newspaper Group, 360 14th St., Oakland, CA 94612.

Lee and Lateefah Simon Urge Black Leaders to Unite to Protect Civil Rights Gains as Project 2025 Looms

Special to the Post

In a powerful display of intergenerational leadership, the Black Elected Officials of California (BEO) convened current and newly elected officials Friday at the historic Beth Eden Baptist Church to strategize protecting civil rights gains against Project 2025’s sweeping conservative agenda.

The forum brought together a remarkable confluence of leadership transitions, featuring Congresswoman Barbara Lee and

her successor, Congresswomanelect Lateefah Simon, alongside former Oakland City Manager Henry Gardner and She The People Founder Aimee Allison. Their collective message was clear: California’s Black leadership stands ready to defend progressive gains and advance justice, regardless of federal headwinds.

“The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 lays bare their intention to dismantle 75 years of progressive achievements,” warned Congresswoman Lee. “But understanding their playbook gives us power. We must harness state and local authority to protect our communities and advance our vision of a just, inclusive nation that rejects endless wars.”

Joining virtually from Congressional freshman orientation in Washington, Congresswomanelect Simon acknowledged the challenging political landscape while emphasizing Democratic unity. “We will stand firm in de -

Brenda Harbin-Forte Says City Should End Fight Against Coal

By Ken Epstein

Retired Judge Brenda HarbinForte, a primary leader of the recall against Mayor Sheng Thao and a losing candidate in the recent election for City Attorney, spoke at a press conference this week opposing the city’s legal fight against building a coal terminal in Oakland.

In the City Attorney’s race, Ryan Richardson beat HarbinForte 58.76% (80,782) to 41.24%

(56,700).

Speaking at the press conference Tuesday on the steps of Oakland City Hall, Harbin-Forte denounced the organization No Coal in Oakland, saying it does not “have the best interests of Oaklanders in mind,” that many of its members “don’t even live in Oakland” and that they “hijack our city budget and insist that we follow and continue to fight a losing battle in court.”

While Harbin-Forte criticized

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environmental activists for not living in Oakland, she praised Piedmont resident and hedge fund multimillionaire Phillip Dreyfuss who was a major funder of the recalls of both Thao and Alameda County D.A. Pamela Price.

“I want to say thank you, Philip (Dreyfuss),” she said. “Thank you for the resources, of course, but more importantly, thank you for your courage. You didn’t have to do that. You really did not. But you

By Carla Thomas

AfroTech Conference 2024, a premier event shaping the future of Black tech and entrepreneurship, drew nearly 40,000 industry leaders to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, for four days of shared innovation, learning, and

and workshops arming Black professionals with knowledge, while fostering various perspectives in the tech world.

BEO board of directors and panelists. (L-R) Front: Aimee Allison, Supervisor Wanda L. Williams, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Dr. Gethsemane Moss, Haley Hester. Rear: Donald R. White, Dr. Lynette McElhaney, Gregory Ritchie, Henry Gardner, Essex Cook, Marla Matime Photo by Jonathan Fitness Jones.

Former Superior Court Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte lost her bid for the Oakland City Attorney post. Courtesy photo.

(Above) Players fool around in front of a Hoopbus. (Upper right) The Hoopbus team and the Hoopbus met with a Black Lives Matter board (right(). Courtesy photos.

California Students See Gains in Attendance, Graduation

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The newly released 2024 California School Dashboard reveals significant progress in student outcomes across the state, reflecting the impact of targeted interventions and investments in education.

Chronic absenteeism dropped by 16.7% compared to last year, indicating that schools are making strides in re-engaging students. Meanwhile, graduation rates climbed to 86.4% for the class of 2024—the highest recorded since 2017—demonstrating a growing trend of academic resilience and recovery following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over 51% of the graduating class met the eligibility requirements for University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) admissions, a key indicator of college readiness. This shows a positive shift toward greater access to higher education and reflects ongoing efforts to support academic achievement among California’s students.

“Across California, we’re seeing that when we provide for the most vulnerable in our communities, all students reap the rewards,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “Yet, we know there is still much work to be done to ensure every student has the support and resources needed to succeed.”

The Dashboard highlights gains in college and career readiness for historically underserved groups, such as Black and Native American students, signaling progress in narrowing long-standing equity gaps.

However, the report also sheds light on areas requiring urgent attention, such as persistent disparities in suspension rates for Black students and foster youth.

“Today’s Dashboard results show California continuing to make important strides in postpandemic recovery,” said California State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. “We are also supporting stronger gains for students who have been furthest from opportunity for many years. This progress is encouraging, but there is still critical work ahead to ensure equity for every child.

The Dashboard provides a comprehensive view of key metrics, including academic performance, absenteeism, graduation rates, and college/career readiness. It serves as a tool for educators, policymakers, and families to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.

For an in-depth look at the data and analysis, visit the 2024 California School Dashboard online.

By Emil Guillermo

Are you having the talk this Thanksgiving? The one when you ask your friends and relatives if they, or why they, walked away from Kamala Harris.

This is a tough moment. The reality is sinking in. Trump is using affirmative action for his unqualified Cabinet nominees.

We’re in this mess because Trump got more Latino, Black and Asian voters to go MAGA.

On Election Day, people saw a smart, beautiful African American and Asian American woman and enough of us said, “I’ll pass.”

When they come to your house this Thanksgiving, ask them why.

No arguments. Just talk.

But if it becomes an argument, then count to 10, take a deep breath, and let it pass.

Don’t stay political. Go spiritual.

Stay above the politics for a few hours to be with the people you love.

That’s a lot to be thankful for.

This Year I Remember My Mother-in-Law

When my mother-in-law, my kids’ “Grandma” talked to me 15 years ago, the talk amongst the residents in her small town in Ohio was that there were people moving in.

And they weren’t White.

I found this a tad uncomfortable since she’s White and I’m very Filipino.

But Grandma was ahead of the curve. Besides an Asian American son-in-law (me), her biological son was also engaged to a Latina woman from Mexico.

All of us had mixed-race kids.

We helped balance out her views while some of the longtime residents in her neighborhood complained about how the neighborhood was becoming “too diverse.”

This month, my mother-in-law, the grandma of my kids, would learn how thankful she should be.

At 91, she was outside on her

California Voters Approve Measure Limiting AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Spending

By Bo Tefu California Black Media

California voters have passed Proposition 34, a new measure that aims to limit the spending practices of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a major play-

Foothill Missionary Baptist Church

Foothill Missionary Baptist Church: Is prayerfully seeking a Pastor/Teacher, a man, called by God and set apart for the Gospel ministry in accordance with the Baptist faith as well as committed to living and serving in a manner consistent with the standard set forth in scripture of such a leader, 1 Timothy 3: 1-7. The qualified candidate is responsible to God and the church to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Effectively teach the Bible and preach the Word of God, provide Christian leadership in all areas of the church and to engage in pastoral care for the congregation.

Pastor Qualifications:

• Be led and guided by the Holy Spirit to seek this position.

• Be licensed and ordained with a minimum of 5 years ministerial experience.

• Have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University or College, a Master of Divinity degree from an accredited theological seminary.

• Work collaboratively with the deacons, trustees, various ministries and congregation as well as engage in community outreach programs.

• Be a visionary leader who embraces the church’s mission, goals and membership growth and retention.

• Be a teacher of the word of God, a leader with sound biblical doctrine as listed in 2 Corinthians 6: 1-10 & 1 Timothy 3: 1-7.

• Possess effective leadership, administration, organization and managerial skills.

• A servant leader who has a commitment to program development, evangelism leadership and assure that the church is challenged and equipped to be disciples.

The following must be submitted: A recent photo; cover letter detailing how the candidate meets the above required qualifications, resume, transcripts, 3 letters of recommendations including name, telephone number, and email address.

Documents must be postmarked by December 30, 2024, and mailed to Foothill M.B. Church 1530 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, CA. 94606.

For questions, please e-mail the Pulpit Committee: FMBC1536z@gmail.com.

er in funding rent control initiatives.

The California Apartment Association (CAA), the sponsor of the measure, argued that it would reduce taxpayer costs by ensuring that more revenue from federal drug programs goes directly to patient care, rather than being used for non-healthcare expenses such as political campaigns or luxury housing.

Recent reports indicated that Prop 34 passed with 50% of the vote, narrowly defeating the opposition. The law will target healthcare providers who have spent more than $100 million over 10 years on non-patient-related expenses, and it specifically impacts organizations that also face significant health and safety violations in their housing operations.

California’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) stated that the program allows providers including AHF to serve low-income patients. However, the law “does not directly restrict how providers spend their revenue from federal drug discounts,” the LAO office stated.

The AHF earns substantial rev-

driveway, reaching for a circular, when she fell and did not get up. Broken leg.

No one came to help.

A car went by and sped away, ignoring her. Granma laid there for several minutes.

Her angel was the ten-year-old son of the African American family, one of the new neighbors from across the street who came to her aid.

The young boy called 9-1-1. He was a hero.

But it wasn’t enough to save grandma’s life.

In the hospital, doctors gave CPR to Grandma, which was so vigorous it cracked her ribs, which led to an infection in the lungs, which complicated a surgery intended to mend a complicated leg break.

Everything the doctors did was compromised because Grandma couldn’t survive the cracked ribs and the broken leg.

She died in her hospital bed.

But I’m still thankful for her neighbor, that ten-year-old boy who stepped up and helped.

I’m thankful to him, and the family that raised him.

The young boy’s act of heroism shows how lucky we are if we’re in communities where neighbors help neighbors in distress. But how often do people look away and see what’s out in public as private. None of my business.

When people are closed up and barely engage, that’s not good. But when we’re open, we get opportunities to be kind, friendly, respectful and caring for one another.

That’s an America to strive for, an America for which we can genuinely be thankful.

About the Author Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. See him on

enue from the federal 340B drug program, which is particularly affected by the new measure. The foundation has used its funds to support rent control campaigns, including multiple failed initiatives. The foundation also used funds to operate apartments, some of which were criticized for poor living conditions. In response to the measure’s passage, AHF president Michael Weinstein denounced the effort as a retaliatory move by wealthy real estate interests.

“If billionaires spend more than $170 million lying and confusing voters, they are virtually guaranteed to win,” said Weinstein.

While the law passed, the AHF indicated that it may challenge the measure in court, having previously filed a lawsuit attempting to remove it from the ballot. Legal experts noted that the specificity of the measure, which seemingly targets AHF alone, could render it unconstitutional.

Nonetheless, the passing of Prop 34 marks a significant victory for real estate interests and a major setback for the AHF’s ongoing push for rent control.

By Bo Tefu

California Black Media

Last week, California officials urged motorists to prioritize safety during Crash Responder Safety Week, emphasizing the importance of moving over and slowing down near emergency and work zones.

The campaign, led by Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), aimed to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities among first responders and maintenance workers on California’s roadways.

California’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to change lanes when safe, or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles or maintenance crews with flashing lights. Safety Awareness Week served as a reminder that first responders are often working in hazardous conditions to protect the public.

According to 2022 data by the National Safety Council, 891 people were killed and over 37,000 were injured in work zone crash-

Adult Day Program

Dedicated staff needed to work with individuals with developmental disabilities in communitybased settings, or environments. Qualifications: High school or equivalent. Driver’s license. Dependable and efficient. Background check. Physical exam and TB test. Training available. Decent wages. Please call (510) 690-9570.

Special to The Post

MacArthur Fellow Jason Reynolds Brings to Light the Rich Inner Lives of Children of Color

highlighting the Black awardees. The report below on Jason Reynolds is excerpted from the MacArthur Fellows web site.

Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds is a writer of children’s and young adult literature whose books reflect the rich inner lives of kids of color and offer profound moments of human connection. He writes to fill a void he experienced as a young Black boy from Oxon Hill, Maryland, who seldom saw communities like his depicted in the books he was encouraged to read at school.

equity, police brutality, and grief for his young readers. The characters featured in his fiction forge friendships, discover talents, act out, seek forgiveness, face fears, and care for parents with cancer.

In Ghost (2016), the first in a series of track-themed novels, 11-year-old Castle “Ghost” Cranshaw turns to running with an elite track team to deal with the traumas of domestic violence and his father’s incarceration.

(2019) takes the form of 10 interconnected stories. Its scenes unfold across 10 blocks traversed by sixth graders as they navigate the terrain between school and home, shared schedules and private struggles. With each chapter, Reynolds invites readers to step into the shoes of different characters as they learn about the world in their own ways during unsupervised time. Pia, a skateboarder, mourns her lost sister, and listmaking Fatima observes her environment like her scientist mother.

for them. He travels to schools, libraries, and community centers in cities and small towns across the nation to connect with kids at their level and remind them that their personal narratives hold important truths, that they are worthy of appearing on the pages of the books we all read. As an inventive author and captivating speaker, Reynolds ensures that kids see themselves in literature and empowers them to tell their own stories.

Their names are Ruha Benjamin, Jericho Brown, Tony Cokes, Jennifer L. Morgan, Ebony G. Patterson, Shamel Pitts, Jason Reynolds, and Dorothy Roberts. This is the seventh in the series

When grants were announced Oct. 1, it was noted that eight of the 22 MacArthur fellows were African American. Among the recipients of the so-called ‘genius grants’ are scholars, visual and media artists a poet/writer, historian, and dancer/choreographer who each receive $800,000 over a five-year period to spend as they see fit.

With a poet’s ear for rhythm and a storyteller’s sense of narrative pacing and structure, Reynolds weaves humor, joy, and playfulness into his works. At the same time, he does not shy away from depicting the challenging realities of racism, economic in-

“Long Way Down” (2017), a novel in verse, follows 15-yearold Will as he rides an elevator down from his apartment. He has a gun in his waistband and is intent on avenging his brother’s murder.

“Ghosts” from Will’s past, each a victim of gun violence, confront him as the elevator opens on descending floors.

The novel “Look Both Ways”

Reynolds’s body of work also includes numerous other novels, a co-authored work of nonfiction, and collaborations with artists on picture books and graphic novels.

Beyond the page, he is a dynamic champion of storytelling who inspires reluctant readers and the adults who teach and care

Jason Reynolds received a BA (2005) from the University of Maryland. He is on the faculty of Lesley University’s Writing for Young People MFA Program, and, from 2020 to 2022, he served as the Library of Congress’s National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.

West Grand & Brush Apartments (the “Project”) is a 59-unit apartment building, located at 2201 Brush Street Oakland CA. The Project is an affordable permanent rental housing community for extremely low-income to low-income.

Referral units:

Twenty-eight (28) units will be restricted as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) to chronically homeless persons. Referrals for occupancy to those twenty-eight (28) Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units will be made through the County’s Health Care Services Agency’s (“HCSA”) homeless Coordinated Entry System pursuant to their Implementation Policies (the “CES Units”). To qualify for any of the preferences outlined below, individuals must first enter through the County HCSA’s Coordinated Entry System (CES) and meet all requirements of the system before being considered eligible for occupancy in a CES Unit. These 28 units will receive Project Based Voucher (PBV) subsidy from Oakland Housing Authority.

Non-Referral units:

We are now accepting pre-applications for studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units. The application period opens on December 10, 2024, at 9:00 AM and closes on December 24, 2024, at 5:00 PM.

The remaining thirty (30) units will be non-referral units in which applicants are not referred through CES and the units do not have Project-based Voucher (PBV). Two (2) units will be restricted as a Nonpermanent Supportive Housing homeless (NPSH) set aside and shall be rented to persons who are homeless with special needs. Pre-applications will be selected from a waiting list that will be initially established through a lottery.

Pre-applications for the lottery can be completed online through the Alameda County Housing Portal at https://housing.acgov.org/. Applicants who are unable to access or complete the pre-application online may contact our leasing office at (510) 361-3327 to request a reasonable accommodation or modification during the open lottery period. Paper pre-applications will be available for pick-up at 1825 San Pablo Ave, Suite #200, Oakland, CA 94612, on December 12th and 13th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. They can also be downloaded online for printing. Completed paper applications must be mailed to 1825 San Pablo Ave, Suite #200, Oakland, CA 94612, Attn: WGB, and must be postmarked no later than December 24, 2024.

Applicable languages: Spanish, Chinese

Jason Reynolds. Photo courtesy of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Public Notices, Classifieds & Business

Though Celebrating Bounty, Thanksgiving Over-Shopping Contributes to Waste

City of Hayward News

Holiday meals, and their delicious leftovers, fill our hearts and our stomachs. Too often though, they end up filling our landfills too. As a country America throws out 200 million pounds of turkey each Thanksgiving, and that’s only a portion of a single meal. This year, take a moment to be sure that none of this special food, as well as the resources it took to produce and transport it to you, go to waste!

To start, only purchase as much food as you and your guests will eat. Don’t put yourself in the position of struggling to store more leftovers than you can eat. The Guest-imator ( https://savethefood.com/guestimator ) can help determine how much food will satisfy guests with different appetites, including any leftovers you might want.

As delightful as leftovers can be for the first few days, you may tire of them. Avoid having too

many leftovers by asking guests to bring to-go containers so they can share in the joys of next-day eats. After you’ve had your fill of leftovers, do not throw them away, freeze them instead. It will be a small gift to yourself a few weeks down the line when you can take a night off by defrosting and reheating the last of these dishes. Just make sure you freeze the food no later than four days after it was prepared. Inevitably there will be food

waste during the holidays. Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts for managing food waste: DON’T pour ANY fats, oils, or grease down the drain. These create costly buildups in your pipes and are a big mess! DO wipe them up with paper towels and put them in your organics bin, otherwise store them in a plastic bottle with a resealable lid and drop them off at a Household Hazardous Waste Facility ( https://

www.hayward-ca.gov/services/city-services/householdhazardous-waste-disposal ) • DON’T throw unwanted food in the garbage. Nearly half of all disposed organic material in Alameda County is still being sent to the landfill where it fails to break down properly and emits methane, a highly polluting greenhouse gas. DO put any unwanted food or scraps in your organics cart.

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Photo courtesy City of Haywood News.

SFMOMA Presents Moving Collection

By Black Painter Amy Sherald, Michelle Obama’s Portraitist

ART REVIEW

By Anka Lee, Post Intern

Imagine an art exhibition.

Now, imagine the stories of numerous Black Americans arranged into a beautiful collection of paintings, spread throughout multiple spacious rooms designed to provide viewers a sense of companionship with the art.

To behold such personalized portraits is an honor, yet the pieces provide a certain understanding for the beholder. They speak in ways only silence can convey, resonating with the secrets and history behind each subject’s story.

These paintings are a part of “Amy Sherald: American Sublime,” an exhibition organized by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), which surveys over 45 paintings Sherald has completed—the earliest work dating back to 2008— and opened Nov. 16, 2024.

This collection brings themes of racial injustice in America to the surface while simultaneously creating an image of a coun-

California Pushes Road Safety ...

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es across the country. In California, more than 10,000 work-zone crashes were reported, resulting in 117 deaths and over 4,500 injuries.

Caltrans Director Tony Tavares urged drivers to stay alert and cautious in work zones.

“Safety is our top priority,” said Tavares. “There’s no excuse to speed and drive recklessly. Make the conscious decision to protect yourself, loved ones, fellow travelers, and vulnerable highway workers.”

Thanksgiving Over-Shopping Contributes to Waste ...

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This way the organics can get turned into compost, a useful soil additive that you can pick up at Hayward’s compost giveaways!

try full of hope and love for one another, allowing viewers to decide how to approach the message of the art. The exhibit will close on March 9, 2025.

The painter is perhaps most well known for her portrait of Michelle Obama in 2018. Sherald and Kehinde Wiley, who did President Barack Obama’s portrait, became the first Black artists commissioned by the Smithsonian Institute to create official paintings.

“Amy Sherald: American Sublime” spans across multiple rooms on the fourth floor of SFMOMA. Before entering, visitors are required to purchase an admission ticket for the viewing time slot of their choosing. Once inside the exhibition space, visitors are allowed to roam and admire the artwork for as long as they please. Canvases of various sizes are spaced apart on the walls of each room, accompanied by name plaques with the title of the piece and story behind it written atop them.

Sitting areas provide books and magazines for visitors to

Sean Duryee, commissioner of the CHP, echoed this message, highlighting that roadwork and emergency scenes are critical safety zones where first responders put their lives at risk. Steve Gordon, director of the DMV, also stressed the importance of educating drivers on road safety rules to prevent accidents.

Numerous first responders are struck by passing motorists while working at accident scenes each year. Traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for on-duty law enforcement, firefighters, and other highway workers, according to CalTrans.

browse and dive deeper into Sherald’s creative process by immersing themselves into a medium of art influential to that of her painting. One room exhibits an outfit from one of the portraits, and a small TV plays an artist segment in which Sherald explains her art process and reflects on the stories she wishes to convey to the world.

When I was walking through the gallery, I found the diversity of the people there spoke a lot about the artist and the work she shares. There were men, women, children—all from different backgrounds and ethnicities, quietly appreciating Sherald’s work.

One of the visitors I had the pleasure of talking to was a woman visiting San Francisco from across the country. It was her first time seeing Sherald’s work other than Michelle Obama’s portrait, and she was deeply moved by the portraits and the stories they told, especially the one of Breonna Taylor, a young woman who was killed by the Kentucky police in 2020: “I actually cried for the Breonna Taylor piece…

to see her honored…in that way was incredibly powerful.”

An elderly couple also shared their experience seeing Sherald’s work up close. They felt it was powerful in the way that “she’s showing Black individuals in common situations that white individuals have been portrayed in for years…it’s wonderful.”

They regard her art as a stance, and as a way to present to viewers another perspective of the American life that prompts them to “[engage] with the portraits in a way that makes them think differently.”

Sherald’s portraits can be interpreted in a number of ways and here’s my take: each one is a story to be unraveled by the viewer themself.

See “Amy Sherald: American Sublime” at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art today through March 9, 2025. Tickets are free for members and minors 18 and under. Adults, seniors, and students pay $42, $37, and $35 respectively. For more information, visit sfmoma.org.

Stay Safe from

Holiday Scams

exist.

Gov. Newsom’s New $827.5M Homelessness Plan Directs Funding to Counties and Cities

By Joe W. Bowers Jr

California Black Media

With an expansive plan to tackle homelessness across California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced an $827 million investment through the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program. The funds will be allocated to 37 regions, benefiting 100 cities and counties statewide, including many communities where Black Californians are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity.

This funding, announced earlier this month, aims to create permanent housing, establish shelter sites, and provide essential support services to uplift thousands of people experiencing homelessness. The announcement, delivered at the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles, highlighted the state’s dedication to implementing long-term, accountable solutions.

Tomiquia Moss, Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency, opened the event, emphasizing the proven strategies being implemented at the local level. “I’m often asked, ‘Do we know what to do around solving homelessness?’ The answer is yes because the folks here at the Downtown Women’s Center are doing it every single day,” Moss said. She stressed the critical role of collaboration and the new accountability measures that require cities and counties to achieve tangible outcomes.

Moss also acknowledged the complexity of the challenge in Los Angeles, where 207 people are housed daily, yet 227 people become newly homeless in the same period. “Unless we find solutions that outpace this cycle, we won’t get where we need to be,” she stressed. Moss highlighted that this funding, paired with other resources like encampment resolution grants and ongoing community collaboration, is key to making a lasting impact.

“No one is naive about the challenges we face, not just here in Los Angeles but throughout California,” Newsom said. “The state has stepped up in ways it never

has before. We are seeing progress in some areas and stubborn challenges in others. This crisis requires a crisis mindset, and people are dying on our watch. We need to address this with the urgency it demands.”

Newsom highlighted the need for regional collaboration: “This crisis doesn’t stop at city or county lines. It demands a coordinated, statewide effort to create real, lasting change.”

San Francisco is set to receive $43.32 million, which will be used for housing-first initiatives and comprehensive support services for the unhoused population.

Alameda County, with its $55.9 million allocation, will also focus on permanent housing solutions and strategies to address systemic causes of homelessness.

Sacramento will receive $53.21 million, which will be dedicated to developing permanent housing solutions and integrated support services to address the city’s growing homelessness crisis

Gustavo Velasquez, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) emphasized that the funding comes with strict accountability requirements.

“Our HCD team is honored to take on this expanded role in identifying and supporting effective regional solutions for Californians struggling with unsheltered homelessness,” Velasquez said. “Not only will this funding provide additional resources, but with the leadership of the Legislature and the administration, this program also ensures that every dollar spent delivers meaningful outcomes, with a clear focus on reducing homelessness to create lasting change.”

Additionally, Newsom recently announced $91 million to support Native American communities through the Tribal Homekey and Tribal HHAP programs. This funding includes $71 million for 172 permanent housing units in rural areas and $20 million for culturally responsive homelessness interventions, addressing the unique challenges faced by 37 federally recognized tribes.

AfroTech 2024 Hosed Black Innovators ...

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Keynote addresses and discussions were led by a number of media makers, entertainers, former athletes, and celebrities. Morgan DeBaun, founder, chairperson, and CEO of Blavity, Inc.; will.i.am, entertainer, producer, tech entrepreneur, and philanthropist; and Tip “T.I.” Harris, entertainer, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist were presenters at the event.

Morgan DeBaun said the conference surpassed her expectations and shared that her new book “Write Your Own Rules” will debut next spring. DeBaun advises everyone to become the CEO of their own lives and take charge of their destinies.

While attendees relished in the Wakanda and Mecca atmosphere of the event, some expressed concern about the 2025 presidential Cabinet’s intent to strike down programming referencing race or DEI and were encouraged to stay strong and focused no matter the adversity.

“Don’t let the rebranding throw you off. Be intentional, double down on your “diversity” efforts and ensure your visibility,” said Sharon Bowen, chair at the New York Stock Exchange, responding to the new administration’s reversal of the DEI and racial equity efforts.

will.i.am advised guests to leverage technology for entrepreneurship. “Now is the time to use technology to benefit your businesses and not just be a consumer,” he said.

Harris and Tosh Ernest, head of Catalyst 2045 at Silicon Valley Bank, shared actionable strategies for overcoming barriers and driving equitable change.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson led an insightful discussion on “The Power of Our Now: Taking Ownership in AI and Our Rights.” Johnson announced the creation of NAACP Capital, a $200 million fund to further racial equity by supporting fund manag-

ers disbursements to Black businesses and the underserved.

Hannah Bronfman, an ‘Angel Investor,’ spoke passionately about women’s health disparities. “Women’s health is just beginning to get the necessary attention,” she said. “Women were not brought into scientific studies until 1993.” Bronfman has invested in more than 100 startups and was excited to announce her new fund to support Black- and womenowned businesses.

Former Super Bowl quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers turned tech founder of Lumi, Colin Kaepernick spoke about the company he created that expands the boundaries of digital storytelling.

According to Marlon Nichols, cofounder and managing general partner of MaC Venture Capital, an online presence is essential. “Brick-and-mortar companies are required to be online in order to leverage their capacity,” he said.

Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change, and Kendrick Sampson, actor, founder, and president of BLD PWR, led a powerful discussion on how leveraging social capital and grassroots movements can transform a community beyond the voting booth.

The Shaping STEM’s Future: Tech & Education panel dove into the critical role of ensuring that the future of STEM education is reflective of diverse audiences. The session examined how digital transformation, policy, and immersive technologies are enriched by multiple perspectives.

Eboney Hearn, executive director, of Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES); Jehron Petty, founder and CEO, ColorStack; Kendra Desrosiers, founder and CEO, Hyperbustle; Carla Vernon, CEO and board director at the Honest Company; and Wes Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor, were also in attendance.

Black Leaders Unite to Protect Civil Rights Gains ...

Continued from page 1 fending labor rights, civil rights, healthcare, and social security,” Simon declared, highlighting how systemic marginalization continues to disproportionately impact Black communities.

The gathering opened with Rev. Dwight Webster, Senior Pastor of Beth Eden, invoking Congresswoman Lee’s historic sole vote against unlimited military force post-9/11 as a model of courageous leadership needed today.

Aimee Allison highlighted historic gains for Black women in national politics, including unprecedented dual Black female representation in the Senate. These victories signal growing political power even in challenging times.

“Though disappointed by the

national election outcome, we are neither defeated nor demoralized,” declared BEO President Wanda Williams. “California’s Black elected officials stand ready to resist any attempts to reverse our hard-won rights.”

The forum drew diverse participation from school board members to state and federal officials, demonstrating unified resolve across all levels of government to protect civil rights and advance justice during challenging times ahead.

About BEO: The Black Elected Officials of California strengthens the effectiveness of Black leadership, addresses racial inequities in the public sector, and ensures communities have a strong voice in policies that shape their lives. Get involved: www.blackelecteds.org

California’s 2025-26 Budget: School Funding Expected to Increase by an Estimated $1.5 Billion

By Joe W. Bowers California Black Media

The California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) recently published its fiscal outlook for the 2025-26 budget, forecasting a $1.5 billion increase in the minimum guarantee for funding public schools and community colleges.

This raises the total budget to $116.8 billion, a 1.3% increase over last year’s budget. While the additional funding offers opportunities to address educational inequities, challenges such as declining enrollment and the expiration of pandemic-era funding create uncertainty for schools, particularly those serving Black and other underserved communities.

The projected budget includes a 2.46% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), totaling $2.4 billion, to help schools manage operational costs.

The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which prioritizes resources for schools with high populations of low-income and English learner students, will benefit from these adjustments. Funding also supports the expansion of transitional kindergarten, a program designed to increase access to early education for all fouryear-olds. This initiative receives an $800 million adjustment as part of the state’s ongoing investment. Despite these funding increases, systemic challenges remain. Enrollment has declined due to

lower birth rates and increased migration out of the state, directly affecting funding levels. While the transitional kindergarten expansion may offer a short-term enrollment boost, the long-term trend of declining student populations threatens financial stability for many districts. Additionally, the expiration of $4.1 billion in one-time pandemic funding after 2025-26 could further strain resources. For Black students, who are disproportionately represented in low-income school districts, the fiscal outlook provides potential for targeted improvements. Programs like the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant, aimed at mitigating pandemic-related

Town Hall on Racism and Hate ...

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Adams, who originally hails from Arkansas, knows all too well how slavery and racism, to this day, left many Black communities impoverished, underserved, and divided.

She said now that the country has elected a leader who supports dismantling Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the community has to unite to advance.

“If we look within our own community, we have great minds and resources that can support our community," she said.

James Williams, Jr., who has been a California State employee for over 20 years and has served the California Civil Rights Department for 14 months, provided insights into the organization’s work.

“The California versus Hate (CA vs. Hate) initiative is a nonemergency resource line and network for reporting a hate incident or hate crime,” he said. “It’s an online portal established to support individuals and communities targeted for hate. We are the first state to run a hotline in the nation.”

Williams said reporting incidents of hate creates a database that can direct people to resources and enhance prevention efforts.

A non-law-enforcement network prioritizes safety and trust, he says, since the Blacks have a higher rate of being the victims of profiling incidents or “overt use of force” by police officers.

“Three major goals of CA

vs. Hate are to help individuals and communities targeted for hate by identifying options for next steps after a hate incident or crime is reported; connect people targeted for hate with what we call culturally competent resources; and we want to improve the hate incident and crime reporting data,” said Williams.

Cynthia Adams said people fail to connect the accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement to the freedoms they enjoy.

“Even President Barack Obama, at the time of his presidency, thanked the National NAACP and the Civil Rights Movement, stating he would not have been able to become president were it not for the historical advocacy,” said Adams.

San Francisco NAACP

President Reverend Amos Brown said the State attorney general released a report stating that Black people in California are most impacted by hate crimes in the state.

Brown's call-to-action involves contacting 10 people in your network to build a momentum of change. “Master the pronoun, 'We,' as in 'We the People,'" said Brown. “Focus not on what has been done to us or what will happen to us, but be engaged and stand for love, like Jesus."

If you experience racism or witness an act of racism or hate, call 833-8-NoHate or visit CA s.org cavshate.org or naacpoakland.org

Alameda County Can Help with Food Insecurity ...

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available to qualifying members of our community. The benefit helps put healthy and nutritious food on the table. For any questions about the program or eligibility, contact the Alameda County Community Food Bank to schedule an appointment (https://www. foodnow.net/calfresh/ ). They also provide assistance with filling out the application!

For those of you looking to help your neighbors during this season of charity and kindness, consider contributing to community programs through volunteer work or donations. Review our list of Hayward-based organizations (https:// www.hayward-ca.gov/services/ city-services/food-access-groceriesfood-giveaways) and visit their websites or call to see what help they need most in serving our

community.

In addition to government aid through programs like CalFresh, jurisdictions are required to support local food recovery programs by California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (aka SB 1383) ( https://calrecycle. ca.gov/organics/slcp/). This recent legislation enables local food recovery organizations to expand their infrastructure, and these organizations have delivered more than 6 million meals in Alameda County since 2018. With the help of local food donors, the program will continue to redirect edible food from landfills to the plates of people that need a meal. These efforts strengthen our community, and help prevent the creation of methane, a highly polluting greenhouse gas created when we bury food in our landfills.

Brenda Harbin-Forte: City Should End War with Coal ...

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did because you knew it was the right thing to do.”

Defending the city’s opposition to building a coal terminal, Ted Franklin, a member of No Coal in Oakland’s coordinating committee and a retired labor lawyer representing unions, said, “I’ve lived in Oakland since the mid-1970s.”

The lawsuit in Kentucky’s bankruptcy court “for the city’s alleged obstruction of the coal terminal development, which seeks $1 billion in damages, should strike fear in the hearts of all Oakland’s elected officials, and all of us taxpayers as well,” she wrote.

learning losses, remain critical in addressing achievement gaps. However, recent assessments highlight the urgency of these efforts. Only 17.8% of Black students met or exceeded state math standards, compared to a statewide average of 35.5%. Similarly, just 30.3% of Black students achieved proficiency in English, compared to 47% overall.

The report identifies $2.8 billion available for new commitments, presenting options such as strengthening reserves, eliminating deferrals, or funding programs to address inequities. The LAO emphasizes the importance of fiscal planning and the strategic use of funds to ensure that these efforts will be impactful.

“Our overwhelming effort in organizing has always been among people in Oakland even though people up and down the rail corridor will be affected quite adversely by coal trains coming through,” he said.

Continuing, Franklin said, “There would be only a mile of tracks in Oakland, leading into the depot from the Emeryville border. But Emeryville, Berkeley, El Cerrito, right on up, Richmond, are all going to get just as much, if not more coal dust. But our organization is focused on Oakland, and we are overwhelmingly Oaklanders.”

In a post on Next Door, HarbinForte argued for settling the city’s legal fight and allowing the coal terminal to be built in Oakland.

“Those who have bowed to the bullying of the No Coal in Oakland coalition and have continued to pursue the meritless claim that Oakland is not obligated to allow coal to be shipped through Oakland have exposed the city and elected officials to an unimaginable amount of damages”.

The lawsuit is based on unproven and probably unprovable potential lost profits over future decades on the part of the current hedge fund owner of the project, according to Franklin.

“It’s very fortunate for the city that Brenda Harbin-Forte was not elected City Attorney because she had an agenda to basically give up the city’s rights” to oppose coal,” he said. Her approach would produce “a large settlement” for those who are suing the city, he said.