Biden/Harris Peaceful Exchange of Power
Oakland Post
Oakland Theater Hosts Screening of ‘The
Documentary,
Incarceration Resilience Story
By Magaly Muñoz
Over 600 people packed Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland last week for a screening of ‘The Strike,’ a documentary about the longest hunger strike in U.S. history, conducted by incarcerated men living in solitary confinement.
The film follows different men who are part of a generation of inmates subjected to solitary confinement for years at a time, and in some cases, decades. Many of the men were housed inside Pelican Bay State Prison, a solitary housing unit or SHU built in the 1980s, which was considered one of the toughest confinement prisons in California.
These men endured years with little to no human contact, aside from interactions with prison guards, during their confinement. They were stuck in an 8’ by 10’
box for 23 hours a day with only one hour of outdoor recreation in a slightly longer cell that was isolated from the outside world. Some recreation boxes didn’t even provide an open concept for inmates to get fresh air and sunlight.
In 2011, inmates went on a 19-day hunger strike to protest the living conditions inside the prison. Inmates decided to end the strike after leaders with the California Department of Corrections promised they’d make strides with changing policy. Two years later, when no significant changes had been made, inmates went on a second hunger strike, this time, for 59 days.
The documentary shows clips of policy makers and California prison leaders both defending the choices of putting inmates in solitary confinement indefinitely, and
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
On an outdoor stage on Howard University’s campus, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris formally conceded the presidential election to Donald J. Trump Wednesday afternoon after his victory was declared earlier that morning.
The historic run would have made her the first woman, second Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to ascend to the country’s highest office.
“Let me say my heart is full today — full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve,” Harris said.
A diverse group of supporters, family members, and well-known allies, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, a host of other elected officials, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, looked on as Harris emerged onto the stage at Howard University to the stirring strains of Beyoncé’s “Freedom.”
Jeezy’s song “My President,” which features the stirring line “My president is Black,” energized the crowd before her entrance, setting the scene for a moving farewell speech. The atmosphere was charged as Harris began, looking out at a sea of American flags and
President Kamala Harris.
“Kamala Harris, like Shirley Chisholm before her, paved the way for Black women, women of color, and girls to know they can dream to aspire to run for the highest office in the United States of America.
“Today, we must fight to preserve our democracy and our Constitution. We must fight to preserve our rights.
“This is a dangerous and frightening moment for our democracy. I am fearful that the progress we’ve made over the past four years will be undone. That said, we cannot lose sight of the fact that more than 68 million Americans voted to take our country forward. They voted for progress. They voted for Vice
“I traveled all over the country campaigning for Kamala Harris – I traveled to Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and more. What remains true is that there are millions of people, including young people, who believe in the ideals this country was founded on. People who will continue to work for social, racial, and economic justice.
“We cannot hide our disappointment and feelings. That is normal. But as Vice President Kamala Harris said, ‘Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.’” —From U.S.
Special to The Post Councilmember Kevin Jenkins, who serves Oakland’s District 6, issued the following statement in response to the results of the recent recall election:
“As we await the final certification of the recall election, it is clear that the people of Oakland have made their voices heard. This election underscores that many residents believe our city has veered off course, and they are calling for change. Elections have lasting consequences, and serving in public office requires sacrifice, determination, and a commitment to listen to our communities. Now, more than ever, it’s time for Oakland’s leaders to come together and work collaboratively to address the serious challenges we face. From safety and cleanliness to infrastructure and affordable housing, we must re-dedicate ourselves to building a city that every resident can take pride in—a city that truly reflects the strength, resilience, and diversity of Oakland. Together, we can forge a better path forward, one where Oaklanders can feel safe, valued, and hopeful about the future. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the City Council, community leaders, and every Oakland resident to create a safer, cleaner, and stronger Oakland.”
By Ken Epstein
District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife, though outspent by hundreds of thousands of dollars and facing a bitter campaign of slander, misrepresentations, and physical threats, seems to have emerged with a fairly comfortable lead in her reelection bid, well ahead of her nearest competitor (44% to 30%).
In an interview with the Oakland Post Thursday, Councilmember Fife said she is hopeful that Congresswoman Barbara Lee would be willing to run for Oakland mayor if Mayor Sheng Thao is recalled.
She also explained why she thinks her campaign has done so well against extreme challenges and talked about her priorities for the coming year, especially the need to stabilize leadership in city government.
“We’re on the right path,” said Fife. “We just need to bring in the right leadership, and I’m praying that Barbara Lee will consider running for mayor. I think she has the gravitas to pull Oakland together and unite everyone in a way that none of the top potential contenders will.”
Fife explained why she feels she has been able to overcome very powerful opponents to win reelection.
“There are several thousand votes outstanding (left to be counted), but it looks pretty good,” Fife said, emphasizing the impact of the door-to-door work her supporters have done over the past four years and her close ties with her constituents.
“I attribute that to ongoing base-building and community organizing, outside of the elec-
Special to the Post
On Nov. 6, in response to the apparent likelihood that Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao would be recalled, Nikki Fortunato Bas made the following statement on what to expect before a new election takes place.
As president of the Oakland City Council, my priority and commitment is caring for Oakand in a time of transition. While thousands of ballots remain to be counted and that process must be respected, it appears the voters have spoken.
My duty is to ensure a transparent, responsible, and orderly transition of leadership that is beyond reproach. I am working
closely with our City Attorney to plan a smooth transition and process of selecting Oakland’s next leadership.
First, the Alameda County Registrar of Voters must certify the election results within 30 days of the election, i.e., by Dec. 5. Then the City Council would declare the election results no later than its next regular meeting, which would be Dec. 17. Once the Council declares the results, if the voters’ decision is to recall Mayor Sheng Thao, the Office of Mayor becomes vacant, and the Council president serves as mayor until the vacancy is filled in a special election that is within 120 days of the vacancy.
Harris speaking Nov. 6 at her alma
Poster advertising ‘The Strike,’ a documentary about California prisoners responding to solitary confinement with hunger strikes. Courtesy image.
Carroll Fife. Courtesy photo.
Oakland City Council District 6 Councilmember Kevin Jenkins. File photo.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee. File photo.
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) says he supports Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to expand the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program from its current $330 million annual budget allocation to $750 million.
Gipson, who is chair of the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism, says, historically, that tax credit has aimed to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion” as outlined in SB 132.
He’s counting on it to continue making diversity a priority.
“The Legislature finds and declares an overall trend toward increasing diversity based on existing research on diversity in the motion picture production and television industry,” the bill language states.
In a statement, Gipson told California Black Media (CBM) the tax credit, “would allow our state to be more competitive against states with tax incentive programs of their own, such as Georgia, New York, and New Mexico.”
“The film and television industry is iconic to California, impacting thousands of jobs for below-the-line workers on film and television crews, as well as many others working in hair and makeup, food services and transportation, costume and set design, and more,” Gipson continued.
According to the Governor’s office, the increase would uplift the state for capped film incentive programs, surpassing other states. Gipson says he agrees with Newsom’s assessment and the notion that the program would bring more business back to California.
“California is the entertainment capital of the world, rooted in decades of creativity, innovation, and unparalleled talent,” said Newsom on Oct 27 in L.A. at the unveiling of the tax credit.
Newsom’s tax credit proposal
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
California was chosen by the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) and Natcast, the operator of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) to be home to the headquarters for the National Semiconductor Technology Center – as part of the Biden-Harris Admin’s CHIPS and
is expected to appear as a bill during the next legislative session, raising concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion for some lawmakers and advocates.
Gipson’s CLBC colleagues Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) led a faction of legislators who demanded answers from Hollywood last year after several Black women left high-profile executive positions in Hollywood.
A number of those Black executives who left those prominent roles were leading DEI initiatives at major entertainment companies such as Netflix, Disney, British Broadcasting Company, Warner Bros., and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
Speaking on behalf of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) employed in the industry, McKinnor and Smallwood Cuevas insist on holding television and film studio executives accountable as they benefit from taxpayer support but often appear reluctant to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.
“I was highly offended to see the industry’s response to a $1.6 billion tax subsidy by quietly eliminating Black women from executive positions with a number of studios,” said McKinnor.
“Many of these women were involved in their studios’ diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, which raises a serious question about their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the film industry.”
The legislation for this year’s tax credit program has not been written, but Gipson’s staff has indicated that he will not introduce it – even though the issue is close to his heart.
“I applaud the work being done by the California Film Commission, the studios, and the entertainment unions, and I look forward to supporting this proposal next year as it moves through the legislative process,” Gipson said.
California Leaders Pay Tribute to Quincy Jones
By Reginald S. Webb Jr. California Black Media
On Nov. 4, the celebrated life of music producer Quincy Delight Jones came to an end at his home in Bel Air.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Jones leaves behind a rich legacy of music and achievements that spans 70 plus years. His impact on multiple genres of music as well as his contributions to art and education will have a lasting impact.
“Quincy Jones brought the world endless joy with his opti-
mistic spirit and colossal imagination. Not a day goes by without hearing a masterpiece that Quincy produced or hearing about the good he created with his generous heart,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“Jen and I — and all of California — mourn the loss of this great humanitarian and artist.”
Jones was born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago. By 10 years old, Jones’s family relocated to Bremerton, Washington where he met his first formal music mentor, Robert Blackwell, a well-known arranger, bandleader, song writer, and producer. He was a vital part of Quincy’s growth as a musician.
In 1951, Jones earned a scholarship to study music at Seattle University. After a semester there, he transferred to Berklee College of Music in Boston. His stay at this college was short-lived because he left to tour with the jazz percussionist and bandleader Lionel Hampton.
“I’m deeply saddened to learn of Quincy Jones’ passing. His talent and resilience led him to not only break barriers but become one of the most successful producers of all time, touching countless lives through music,” said Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager (D-CA-37). “We’ll miss
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
California Attorney General
Rob Bonta announced last week that the state is poised to receive up to $4.2 billion in opioid abatement funds from nationwide settlements and bankruptcies related to the opioid crisis. This funding aims to support local governments in combating the devastating impacts of opioid and fentanyl misuse.
In an Oct. 30 statement, Bonta emphasized the urgency of addressing the crisis, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives across the nation. He noted that more than 10,900 Californians died from overdoses in 2022, with nearly 6,500 fatalities linked to fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.
Science Act.
The CHIPS for America Design and Collaboration Facility (DCF) will be one of three CHIPS for America research and design (R&D) facilities and will also operate as the headquarters for the NTSC and Natcast.
“We are thrilled that the Department of Commerce and Natcast
Recognizing the escalating toll, the Attorney General issued guidance to help local governments strategically utilize the settlement funds for prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives.
“The opioid epidemic, fueled by prescription opioid painkillers and fentanyl, continues to devastate families, communities, and
lives across this nation,” said Bonta.
“The funds from opioid settlements are designed to allow multifaceted approaches for local governments to provide comprehensive resources,” he said.
The opioid epidemic in the U.S. has unfolded in three waves: a rise in prescription opioid overdoses in the 1990s, an increase in heroin deaths from 2010, and a surge in fatalities from illicit opioids like fentanyl. In California, over 7,000 deaths in 2022 were attributed to opioid overdoses, with fentanyl involved in approximately 90 percent of those cases.
The settlements provide immediate financial resources for abatement and ensured long-term funding for cities and counties to address the ongoing crisis effectively.
Bonta’s guidance states that local governments should implement comprehensive strategies to combat the opioid epidemic and strengthen public health systems.
my fellow Chicagoan-turned-Angeleno.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Jones “broke barriers in an industry that had long worked to exclude artists that looked like him.”
“Quincy Jones brought laughter, celebration, happiness and joy into the homes of millions. As a musician, composer, producer, and arranger, he changed our culture, and he changed our world,” added Bass.
Film scoring led to another trailblazing moment for Quincy Jones. He became the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for best original film score in 1967 for In Cold Blood. The same year he was also nominated for best original song for, The Eyes of Love, from a film titled Banning.
“He was unmatched in the creativity of his many productions. I will never forget how he worked with me to present Nelson Mandela, where 90 thousand people showed up at the Los Angeles Coliseum following his release from prison in South Africa. Quincy Jones will never be forgotten,” remembers Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43).
Over his career, Jones received 80 Grammy nominations and won 28 of them. He released 16 studio jazz albums, 24 soundtracks albums, three live albums, and four compilation albums.
1n 2011, President Barack Obama honored Jones with the National Medal of Arts.
Jones is survived by his seven children and six grandchildren.
“Jones has provided a soundtrack to the best moments of so many lives – and to the deepest movements of change in this country. Our city is forever bettered by his gifts. We celebrate his life, and we mourn this loss,” Bass paid tribute to Jones.
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Open enrollment for Covered California kicked off on Nov. 1, 2024, offering individuals, families, and businesses a chance to secure quality, affordable health insurance for the upcoming year.
This annual enrollment period allows California residents to choose from a variety of health plans that meet their specific needs.
Covered California offers comprehensive coverage, including preventive care and financial assistance to help eligible applicants lower their monthly premiums. The program features insurance plans from leading providers, ensuring access to essential health services such as doctor visits, hospital care, and mental health services.
Key enrollment deadlines are set as follows:
● The open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025.
● Those who enroll by Dec. 15, 2024, will have their coverage start on Jan. 1, 2025.
To facilitate enrollment, applicants can fill out an inquiry form on the Covered California website, reach out to Certified Enrollment Counselors, or contact Covered California directly at (888) 234-5366 or via email at GetCovered@cbhn.info.
The California Black Health Network (CBHN) collaborates with Covered California to advocate for health equity, focusing on underserved communities, including unemployed and gig workers. CBHN’s certified enrollers engage in outreach and onsite signups to help individuals access affordable healthcare options.
This year, notable updates include expanded financial assistance, which increases the support available for eligible households to help offset monthly costs. Additionally, consumers will find greater plan flexibility, allowing them to select options that fit their lifestyles and budgets. Access to no-cost preventive services — like vaccinations, screenings, and annual check-ups — remains a priority.
Asm. Mike Gipson (D-Carson). File photo.
Quincy Jones. UCLA Digital Library.
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.
Gov. Newsom Issues Executive Order to Tackle Rising Electric Bills
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued
an executive order to help alleviate the financial burden of skyrocketing electric bills on residents. This directive instructs the state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Energy Commission to identify strategies to lower electricity costs and prevent rapid increases in the future.
Among the key actions proposed, the governor emphasized a closer examination of utility expenditures related to wildfire mitigation, which accounts for about 13% of residential electric bills.
Newsom underscored the state’s commitment to balancing affordability with environmental goals.
“We’re taking action to address rising electricity costs and save
consumers money on their bills,” said Newsom. “California is proving that we can address affordability concerns as we continue our world-leading efforts to combat the climate crisis.”
California now has the secondhighest electric rates in the country, trailing only Hawaii, with residential bills having surged as much as 110% over the past decade. The largest utilities, including Pacific
Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric, have seen rate hikes of 20% to 50% in just the last three years, approved by the state’s regulatory bodies.
The executive order also directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to explore increasing the California Climate Credit, which provides some relief on energy costs for residents. Additionally, the PUC is urged to pursue federal funding opportunities to further reduce electric expenses.
While consumer advocates welcomed the governor’s focus on lowering costs, concerns were raised regarding potential cuts to essential clean energy programs. CALPIRG, a consumer group, pointed out that the real issue behind high utility bills is wasteful spending by utilities and urged greater accountability.
MATCHMAKING OUTREACH
Small/Local firms will learn more about the upcoming projects and have time to meet 1-to-1 with the project teams for possible teaming opportunities
Meet with the Prime Firms: Prime GC Teams will meet one-on-one with subcontractors for possible teaming opportunities
Share Company Information: Firms are invited to bring company materials to share during their meetings
Learn More About the Project: Project Management Team will provide overview and project timeline
New National Semiconductor Technology Center ...
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chose to locate this critically important facility in Sunnyvale, the heart of the Silicon Valley, alongside the world’s largest concentration of semiconductor businesses, talent, intellectual property, and investment activity,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Economic Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). “The Newsom Administration and our partners across the industry know how important it is to shorten the timeframe from R&D to commercialization.”
According to GO-Biz, the DCF is expected to direct over $1 billion in research funding and create more than 200 employees in the next decade. The facility will serve as the center for advanced semiconductor research in chip design,
Debt and Rent are Among Top Issues ...
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Angeles County, followed by 16% from the Bay Area, 16% from the Central Valley. And the remainder of the sample, which was roughly 40%, came from other parts of the state.
Economic pressures were one of the areas covered in the survey.
One in 4 young Californians have thought about leaving the state, taken on a second job or postponed bills. One in 5 is supporting friends and family or had to choose between rent and paying their bills.
For young Black and Latino Californians, the impacts of economic insecurity were more significant.
Young Black and Latino Californians are more likely to have a second job or report postponing bills and 1 in 5 young Black Californians have moved back home with family.
electronic design automation, chip and system architecture, and hardware security. The CHF will be essential to the country’s semiconductor workforce development efforts.
As detailed in the released NSTC Strategic Plan, the DCF will suppress the obstacles to “semiconductor prototyping, experimentation,” and other R&D activities that will enhance the country’s global power and leadership in design, materials, and process innovation while enabling a vigorous domestic industr“Establishing the NSTC headquarters and design hub in California will capitalize on our state’s unparalleled assets to grow a highly skilled workforce and develop next-generation advancements,” stated U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). “This CHIPS Act funding will propel emerging technologies and protect America’s global semiconductor leadership, all while bringing good-paying jobs to our state.”
Kaja Wilson, a youth member of Power California living in Fresno, spoke during a digital webinar organized by the organization. She shared her perspective on the priorities of young voters in the state.
“Young people are still having a hard time seeing ourselves reach milestones like home ownership, savings, investments, and personal development, all the while we deal with the burden of debt, including student loans.”
The survey also found strong support for rent control laws and addressing climate change. Reproductive rights and gun control are also salient issues for young Californians, and they are active participants in several movements for social justice.
“There are many narratives that young people, young voters, are apathetic, pessimistic, and cynical. Those narratives are out of context – and not true,” said Bell.
CITY OF SAN
LEANDRO
MacArthur Fellow Jennifer Morgan’s Work Focuses on Slavery’s Impact on Black Women
When grants were announced Oct. 1, it was noted that seven of the 22 fellows were African American. Among them 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.
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 fourth in the series highlighting the Black awardees. The report below is excerpted from the MacArthur Fellows web site.
Jennifer L. Morgan is a historian deepening understanding
STATE OF CALIFORNIA PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT NOTICE TO BIDDERS FOR FIBER SYSTEM UPDATE 2025 Advanced Signal System BID NO. 24-25.003
1. BID OPENING: The bidder shall complete the “Proposal to the City of San Leandro” form contained in the Contract Book. The proposal shall be submitted in its entirety. Incomplete proposals will be considered non-responsive. Sealed bids containing the completed Proposal Section subject to the conditions named herein and in the specifications for Fiber System Update 2025 addressed to the City of San Leandro will be received at City Hall, 835 East 14th Street, 2nd Floor San Leandro at the office of the City Clerk 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at which time they will be publicly opened and read.
2. WORK DESCRIPTION: The work to be done consists of replacing fiber termination units, switches, and jumpers and doing all appurtenant work in place and ready for use, all as shown on the plans and described in the specifications with the title indicated in Paragraph 1 above, and on file in the office of Public Works. Reference to said plans and specifications is hereby made for further particulars.
3. OBTAINING THE PROJECT PLANS AND CONTRACT BOOK: The project plans and Contract Book may be obtained free of charge from the City’s website at: https://www.sanleandro.org/Bids.aspx Bidders who download the plans are encouraged to contact the City of San Leandro Engineering and Transportation Department at 510-577-3428 to be placed on the project planholder’s list to receive courtesy notifications of addenda and other project information. Project addenda, if any, will be posted on the website. A bidder who fails to address all project addenda in its proposal may be deemed non-responsive.
4. PRE-BID CONFERENCE: Optional pre-bid conferences will be held on November 12, 2024 at 10:30 in the Sister Cities Gallery Room of City Hall at 835 East 14th Street, and on November 14, 2024 at 10:30 in the Sister Cities Gallery Room of City Hall at 835 East 14th Street. The information presented at the conferences will be identical.
Questions regarding the plans and specifications may be submitted in writing to the project manager until 5:00 p.m. five (5) days before, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, bids must be received by the City. The City will not respond to oral questions outside of the pre-bid conference. The response, if any, will be by written addendum only. Oral responses do not constitute a revision to these plans or specifications.
5. SAN LEANDRO BUSINESS PREFERENCE AND PARTICIPATION GOALS: The work performed under this contract is not subject to Section 1-6-225 of the San Leandro Municipal Code regarding local business preference and participation. A list of companies that hold a San Leandro business license is located on the City webpage under the finance department, here: https://www. sanleandro.org/340/Business-License
6. SAN LEANDRO COMMUNITY WORKFORCE AGREEMENT: The work performed under this contract is not subject to the Community Workforce Agreement adopted by City Council Resolution 2015-104.
Dated: November 1, 2024 Kelly B. Clancy City Clerk
2256126.1
logical foundations of slavery in the Atlantic world.
Morgan has established gender as pivotal to slavery’s institutionalization in colonial America, and her attention to the full ramifications of slavery for Black women sheds light on the origins of harmful stereotypes about Black kinship and families that endure to this day.
Morgan wrote her groundbreaking first book, “Laboring Women: Reproduction and Gender in New World Slavery” (2004), at a time when most scholarship focused on the transport, labor, and resistance of enslaved men.
of how the system of race-based slavery developed in early America.
A life-long New Yorker, professor Morgan, 59, is currently on leave from New York University as a fellow at the Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library.
She is a 1986 graduate of Oberlin College where she majored in Africana studies and received her PhD in history from Duke University in 1995.
Using a range of archival materials—and what is missing from them—Morgan brings to light enslaved African women’s experiences during the 16th and 17th centuries. She shows that exploitation of enslaved women was central to the economic and ideo-
In Laboring Women, Morgan argues that enslavement was fundamentally different for women because of their reproductive potential. Enslaved women were expected to both perform agricultural fieldwork and produce children, who were born into enslavement.
Morgan’s analysis of wills, probate proceedings, and purchasing records reveals how slaveowners understood forced procreation as a strategy to maintain their labor supply (rather than importing more people to enslave as laborers from Africa).
In her second book, “Reckoning with Slavery: Gender, Kinship, and Capitalism in the Early Black Atlantic” (2021), Morgan examines the development of accounting practices that transformed enslaved people into commodities within a system of trade.
She argues that such data obscured and justified the violence enslavers inflicted upon human beings. Record-keepers largely left gender and parentage out of demographic and accounting records. By refusing to acknowledge kinship among enslaved people, enslavers could rationalize family separation.
Morgan links the so-called neutral data of the slave trade to the consolidation of a hierarchy of race, based on false narratives about the difference and inferiority of enslaved Africans. At the same time, Morgan recovers the humanity and agency of enslaved women.
She demonstrates that enslaved women understood that their captors exploited their ability to produce children to create wealth. Morgan also charts their efforts to resist the commodification of their motherhood.
Morgan is currently at work on “The Eve of Slavery”—a book about African women in 17thcentury North America. It is organized around the life of Elizabeth Key, a woman of color who sued for freedom in 1656 on the grounds that her father was a free white man.
The lives of Key and other Black women who tried to protect themselves and their children offer an intimate window into the development of American slavery.
Special to The Post
Photo courtesy of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
‘The
Strike’ Documentary, an Incarceration Resilience Story ...
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those with regret for being part of a system that further oppressed an already vulnerable group of people.
The Post spoke with a participant of the hunger strike and the directors of ‘The Strike’ after the screening.
Director Lucas Guilkey said it was a special experience being able to document the lives of the families and formerly incarcerated men who were affected by the prison system.
An up-and-coming filmmaker at the time of the first strike in 2011, Guilkey was meeting with activists, often mothers, sisters, and wives, who were finally seeing what involuntary confinement was doing to their loved ones.
“The hunger strike was in many ways folks bringing their family members back to them. Demanding to be seen as humans deserving of dignity. And it was a powerful story,” Guilkey told the Post.
Lorenzo “Dadisi” Venton, a hunger striker, spent 31 years in solitary confinement at Pelican Bay. He told the Post that it was surprising how much life outside of prison, specifically his family, could change.
Venton said his sister would send him pictures of their family but had to label who everyone was because he didn’t recognize anyone after so many years inside confinement.
“It really shocked me that I seen pictures of my brother because I hadn’t seen him in a long time. I didn’t recognize my own brother,” Venton said. “I could even look back right now and look at pictures of me when I was younger, and I don’t see me.”
When asked how he did not succumb to the loneliness of being in solitary confinement, he said he held onto hope, even when everyone else gave up.
“I felt that eventually they would have to come to the conclusion that I no longer posed a threat or potential threats to society, and age might be a factor for a lot of us who was released, [and it did] become a factor,” Venton said.
Venton shared that it’s difficult maintaining a job and having to pay bills now that he’s out of prison. He’s living paycheck to paycheck due to the lack of savings or safety net a lot of incarcerated folks lack because of the time spent behind bars.
Even with the difficulties, he said nothing will drive him to ever go back to incarceration because he has so much he wants to do with his life.
Co-director JoeBill Muñoz said that while significant changes to the California corrections system are still a long way off, the shift in policy from where it started to the present, is drastic.
Even if the film does not resonate with people personally, it’s been amazing to see how crowds have reacted to the different stories, Muñoz said.
“There’s a big central message of the film that is about unity and coming together across differences,” Muñoz said. “It’s really powerful that [the film] isn’t just limited to what happens inside prisons, but that it’s applicable in everybody’s lives here on the outside across a spectrum of different issues.”
The Strike will be available for free streaming on PBS for three months starting Feb. 3, 2025.
VP Harris Bids Farewell to Howard University Crowd ...
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expectant faces at her alma mater.
“Every one of us, no matter who we are or where we start out, has certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be respected and upheld,” she stated, pausing as applause swelled from the crowd. Harris made it clear that while her campaign had reached its end, the fight for justice and equity was only beginning. “We will continue to wage this fight in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square,” she affirmed, issuing a call to action that echoed her campaign’s spirit.
Harris addressed the emotions that many in the crowd were visibly grappling with. Speaking directly to the young people watching, she said, “It is OK to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s going to be OK… Sometimes the fight takes a while, that doesn’t mean we won’t win.”
She reminded them, “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars,” a line that drew a mix of cheers and solemn nods as the crowd took in her message of resilience.
In her 107-day campaign, begun after President Joe Biden decided not to seek re-election, Harris focused on issues such as climate change, social justice, healthcare, abortion care, and promoting economic equality. Momentum for her campaign stalled a bit around issues like immigration and how to deal with the ongoing Israel-Palestine war.
Reflecting on the campaign, Harris shared her pride in the coalition they had built. “We have been intentional about building community… bringing people together from every walk of life,” she said, emphasizing the need to accept the election results but with
London Breed Concedes San Francisco Mayor’s Race to Daniel Lurie
afternoon.
She thanked the San Francisco residents for “the opportunity to serve the City that raised me.”
London Breed became the first Black woman to serve as mayor of San Francisco after the death of Mayor Ed Lee in late 2017.
Daniel Lurie, the Levi Strauss heir, sank more than $8.6 million of his own cash into this race and another $8 million in outside spending.
OPINION: The Politics We Are Stuck With
By Emil Guillermo
By Conway Jones
San Francisco Mayor London Breed conceded the mayoral race to Daniel Lurie Thursday
an eye to the future. “This is not a time to throw up our hands,” she declared, urging her supporters to channel their emotions into continued efforts. “This is a time to roll up our sleeves.”
Harris acknowledged the fight ahead, framing it not as a loss but as a turning point. “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” she said firmly. “That is a fight I will never give up.”
She took a moment to express her gratitude to those who had stood by her side, including her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, and her vice presidential candidate, Tim Walz.
“I am so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it,” she said. Her voice cracked slightly as she added, “We owe loyalty not to a president or to a party but to the Constitution of the United States.”
She acknowledged her call to President-elect Donald Trump, stating that she offered assistance to him in the upcoming transition. She urged her supporters not to give up, and to keep fighting for the Y.S. Constitution and democracy.
As she neared the end of her speech, Harris’s words took on an unmistakable urgency. “The fight for our freedom will take hard work, but like I always say, we like hard work,” she told the crowd. She urged them to continue engaging, reminding them that meaningful change requires sustained effort.
With a final, defiant wave, Harris walked off the stage arm in arm with Emhoff, her head held high as Beyoncé’s “Freedom” filled the air once more. Her last words: “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”
“During my final two months as your mayor, I will continue to lead this City as I have from Day One – as San Francisco’s biggest champion,” said Breed in closing her concession speech.
Election Day Across the Bay: “Oh, Thank God, It’s
Over!” Anxious and Hopeful Voters Share Their Thoughts
residents watching national news coverage of the presidential election. The environment slowly turned doubtful as more states turned red on the electoral map.
By Magaly Muñoz
Millions of people across the country stood in long lines and sat around their TVs waiting to see what the fate of the next four years would look like.
In the Bay Area, college students, residents young and old, and hopeful voters shared feelings of excitement, but also a sense of dread.
The Post visited polling sites and election night parties to talk to voters about how they felt after a whirlwind election cycle.
These reactions were taken before the presidential race was called and Donald Trum was declared president-elect.
At UC Berkeley, students piled into a cramped building, Eshleman Hall, to cast their votes in between classes.
Outside of the hall, the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) were handing out free pizza and “Go Bears. Go Vote” stickers to students who proved they submitted their ballot.
“We want to make sure that there are reduced barriers to entry for people who may be voting for the first time or challenge themselves to get to the polls. We want to make sure that people are rewarded for being civically engaged,” Carmen Berry, ASUC student, said.
Berry, who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, said this was her first experience voting in a presidential election and she’s kept in mind all there is to lose, such as reproductive rights, should Donald Trump win.
“We need to vote for ourselves, and we need to vote for the America that we want to become,” Berry said.
Katie, a Business and Cognitive Science major, told the Post that being from California, a traditionally Democrat state, makes her feel like her vote doesn’t actually matter because she knows the results will sway Harris’ way regardless.
She’s also worried about reproductive rights, and the future of the Department of Education, a department Trump has vowed to end when in office.
“My brother is special needs. He’s on IEP and without the Department of Education, he would not have been able to graduate high school. So, for me, it’s definitely personal,” Katie said.
At 6 p.m. on election night, the Oakland Public Library on 14th Street had a line of voters wrapped around half the building. People toward the front of the building said they had been waiting for nearly an hour to get inside and cast their votes.
Nakia White, an Oakland resident, said she voted against the recalls for Mayor Sheng Thao and
Alameda District Attorney Pamela Price. She thinks the entire recall process has been a waste of time and money, though she acknowledges the recalls will likely succeed because of the big pockets backing them.
“I feel like the people who are funding [the recalls] are doing this so they can get someone in who will let them buy up all the property and raise property values, which means local residents will not be able to afford to live here, as we already can’t,” White said.
Mark A, a recent Oakland resident, said he voted for Harris because she fits more into the mold of the progressive policies he supports. Being Latino, he said that Trump’s negative rhetoric turned him off as a voter.
Mark said that if he had to choose one word to describe the current election cycle, it would be “chaotic”.
Fluid510, a bar lounge across the street from Oakland City Hall, started seeing trickles of voters in the early evening as they kicked off their election party.
The location was adorned with “Bay Area for Harris/Walz” signs and red, white, and blue decor. Patrons were giddy with excitement until voting results started piling in on the big screen around 7 p.m.
ReAnn Scott, a Berkeley resident, told the Post that watching the NBC coverage was starting to scare her. There was too much red, signifying the states where Trump was winning, on the screen.
But she’s enthusiastically said she’s glad the election cycle has ended. She’s tired of all the political messaging that’s been forced on people for months now.
“Oh, thank God, it’s over!” Scott said.
Over in San Francisco, Manny’s, a civic and political event space, hosted a block party with a huge screen outside on Valencia Street and a packed venue at their 16th Street location.
Speakers attempted to talk down the crowd as more votes started to skew toward a Trump win. Those in attendance had weary faces and conversations were starting to show doubt that Harris could pull through and win the presidential race.
“I’m just so pissed,” one patron said as the CNN electoral map filled with red state wins.
A Black, South Asian Indian woman from Oakland — the first ever to be elected to the United States presidency.
That was the headline of hope.
Kamala Harris represented joy and positivity. Her election would have been a historic win for America and our country’s great diversity.
But on Election Day, the electorate did not turn the page on Donald Trump.
Was it a gut punch or a reality check?
When major networks called Pennsylvania for Donald Trump, it was essentially game over. There was no way that Harris could get to 270 Electoral College votes without Pennsylvania.
Trump, with substantial leads in Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada and Arizona, seemed likely to get the votes needed to become the 47th president of the United States.
Now we don’t have to worry about the peaceful transfer of power as CFDT34, (Convicted Felon Donald Trump, 34 counts), the twiceimpeached former president gets to call the White House home again. It enables him to avoid practically all his legal problems and possible prison time, a prime motivator for his seeking re-election.
That makes invoking his favorite parts of Project 2025 — deportations of undocumented immigrants and the vengeful roundup of his political dissidents, the “enemy from within” — the sour cherries on top of his electoral victory.
And who will stop him? The checks and balances are all gone.
The Senate and possibly the House will be in Republican control. The Supreme Court and the Judiciary already are.
Where does that leave good, non-elite regular people who tried to do the right thing this election?
Among them: The women angered over reproduction rights.
Activists who fought against further erosion of civil and voting
rights.
The undocumented concerned about impending ICE roundups. The parents of trans children, used to polarize voters and will now face real discrimination.
The voters repulsed by the hateful, misogynistic, sexist, racist, bigoted sentiments that came out of the Trump campaign.
They will all either find a way to stay enthused enough to keep fighting for our rights in our democracy or they will drop out and join the ranks of the so-called “low propensity/low information” voter, go back to their lives, and tune out until some politician or issue comes around to turn them back on.
Maybe they go with the flow and learn to hang with Trump. And keep quiet.
You may be one of those who voted, but did it secretly, not publicly. You stayed private maybe because you felt the fear of being trolled. Or you feared the threat of violence.
Trump talked about rifles training on Liz Cheney’s face. That could be yours.
Across the U.S., 36% of voters said they would feel scared if Trump is elected president, according to an early CNN exit poll on Tuesday. Another 71% said they were concerned about violence as a result of the election.
On Election Day, American voters were afraid. Now, the presumed presidentelect Trump’s brand of bullying politics leads the way. There is good reason to be afraid in the New America we did not expect.
About the Author Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. See his microtalk show on www.patreon.com/ emilamok. He performs an excerpt from his Emil Amok Monologues, “Transdad,” Nov. 18 at the Marsh, 1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. Tickets here: https://themarsh.org/ monday-night-marsh-stream/
Councilmember Carroll Fife...
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tion years,” she said. “I have an amazing field team that was able to penetrate through the negative messaging and the narratives that these millionaires and billionaires were trying to craft.”
In addition, she said she spoke with most of her opponents, and they agreed to support each other in ranked-choice voting. “I was able to coordinate with them, except for the two candidates that were perpetuating false narratives, and were part of former Mayor Libby Schaaf’s talking points,” and the doom-loop narrative trashing Oakland promoted by corporate public relations operative Sam Singer.
One of the local groups working to unseat Fife, Empower Oakland, received over $500,000 raised by crypto industry leader Jesse Pollak. The National Association of Realtors and other real estate groups also poured over $1 million into the campaign against the councilmember.
Though the billionaire and multimillionaire backers may be successful in recalling Oakland’s mayor and the Alameda County district attorney, they appear to be failing in their attempt to remake the leadership of City Hall.
“With all the money they’ve spent, they were successful with the two recalls and nothing else,” she said, explaining that corporation-backed candidates are not winning.
She noted that some local leaders are organizing to repeal rankedchoice voting in Oakland and that eliminating or preventing rankedchoice voting “is one of the (right-
wing) Heritage Foundation’s flagship campaigns in cities and states across the nation.” People “should be aware of how these Republican policies are creeping into the Bay,” she continued. Ranked-choice voting is a threat to those with money because it allows for “unlikely candidates who are not necessarily connected to wealth and or political connections,” to succeed, she said. Oakland is poised for economic growth and is becoming a much safer city, Fife says.
At the same time, considerable economic challenges remain.
“We are dealing with some of the most challenging financial times in the history of Oakland, and I want to make sure that our infrastructure is solid. There are a lot of things to do and understanding that we’re going to need some help, and we’re not going to even have consistent leadership in the mayor’s office,” she said.
“If you want to empower Oakland, you don’t destabilize it,” Fife said. “You don’t destabilize it by creating mass hysteria in one of the largest businesses in the city, which is our city government.”
Looking at the impact of the Nov. 5 elections, she said, “I know people are feeling really dejected about some local and national races. But I think these are the opportunities for people who have big ideas and who are concerned about the beloved community to step up.
“We’ve seen how people have voiced their positions and their anxieties around our country, our city. But now is the time to organize,” Fife said.
Courtesy of Donald J. Trump Facebook Page.
London Breed at Transbay Block 2 East and West groundbreaking.
Photo by Conway Jones.
Manny’s, patrons watching the news: Manny’s 16th Street location was packed with anxious
Photo by Magaly Muñoz.