Oakland Post week of December 13 - 19, 2023

Dis Our Mistrust of Medicine: Black Health Group Feds Pump $6 Billion into California High-Speed Holds Critical Conversation ... see page 2 Rail Projects ... see page 2

Workforce Development Board Chair Wants to Extend Youth Opportunities ... see page 4

Supporting Reparations: Questions for Coalition for a Just and Equitable California ... see page 6

Oakland Post “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18

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Defend the Future of Geoffrey’s Inner Circle

Congresswoman Lee Releases Statement on Vandalism of Lake Merritt Menorah Interfaith Council of Alameda County’s Safe Car Park Program.

Courtesy of KTVU.

Attend Oakland City Council, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 4 p.m.

By Post Staff Everyone, from journalists to public officials expresses regret about the decline in Oakland’s African American population. This week we have a great opportunity to stop regretting and start acting.

A wealthy housing developer wants to build housing that is not affordable to Oaklanders in an area of downtown that was designated by the Oakland City Council as the “Black Arts Movement and Business District.”

This proposed real estate development threatens one of Oakland’s oldest and most thriving Black businesses, Geoffrey’s Inner Circle, 410 14th St., which has provided generations of Oaklanders with great music, great food, and a place to celebrate, to meet and sometimes to mourn.

The proposed project would in-

crease the gentrification which accompanies the building of luxury housing and rudely defies the whole idea of a Black business and cultural district.

Another Black business, located just a few blocks away, had their building destroyed by its neighboring developers under very similar circumstances.

On Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m., we have the chance to tell City Council that we want to do something real about Black people being forced out of Oakland by: 1) Supporting and protecting Geoffrey’s; 2) Honoring the meaning of a Black Business district with policies and money to enhance it; and 3) Rejecting Tidewater’s destructive proposal to build yet another gentrifying high-rise.

60th Year, No. 48

Weekly Edition.

Edition. December 13 - 19, 2023

New City, County Funding Will Save Car Park Program

Special to the Post Chabad of Oakland’s menorah at Lake Merritt on Dec. 10, before it was vandalized (right) and graffiti left where the menorah stood before it was pulled down. (Photos/Courtesy Chabad of Oakland) Congresswoman Barbara Lee

(CA-12) released the following

statement on the destruction of the

large Menorah on display at Lake Merritt in Oakland:

“I’m deeply saddened and dis-

heartened that the Lake Merritt

Oakland, and I strongly condemn this vile act of antisemitism.”

“Oaklanders

salvaged

the

menorah and gathered together (Wednesday evening) to celebrate its re-lighting, spreading love and

Menorah was destroyed earlier

support in the way only Oakland

go out to the Jewish community in

We will not let hate win.”

this week. My heart and prayers

does. I’m proud of my constituents.

The Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) is excited to bring both the City of Oakland and Alameda County together to serve the unhoused population in the East Bay, to provide emergency funding to prevent ICAC’s Safe Car Park Program from closing permanently.

The program, which began five years ago, provides a safe space to sleep overnight for individuals and families who live in their cars. The program will close temporarily on Dec. 29. But with the new funding,

it will re-open in January 2024.

On Tuesday, Dec. 19, the Oakland City Council is scheduled to hear an item authored by Rebecca Kaplan, with co-authors Nikki Fortunato Bas, and Carroll Fife, to approve $450,000 to fund the Safe Car Park program. “(This) will help people experiencing homelessness to have a safe place to park overnight on church-owned sites, and to get support and connections to strengthen their futures,” said Councilmember Kaplan.

Currently, the program is Continued on page 8

San Francisco Reparations Cuts County Supervisor Keith Carson Announces Retirement After 30-Year Career

By Magaly Muñoz

Earlier this month, San Francisco Mayor London Breed approved $75 million in mid-year budget cuts, which included $4 million that was intended for the first of its kind Office of Reparations.

The funds had originally been approved in a June Board of Supervisors meeting to establish the reparations office in city hall and fund it for two years, but is now on the chopping block to conserve spending in the city as it grapples with the severe impacts of the pandemic.

In an October letter sent to department heads, Breed stated that the city is projected to face a $500 million deficit by the 2025-26 fiscal year and that these budget cuts will ensure that the city can continue to invest in their top priorities. This means cutting proposed programs that have not yet started, including the Office of Reparations.

Breed has long been criticized for her stance on the issue of reparations coming from the local level, stating her belief that any payments to individuals should be handled at the federal level.

“The Mayor also does not believe that addressing the needs of the African American community requires adding more bureaucracy and a whole new office; this work can be done with existing staffing,” said Parisa Safarzadeh, the mayor’s press secretary, in an email to the Post.

Safarzadeh explained that Breed has and will continue to uplift marginalized communities with programs like the Dreamkeeper Initiative (DKI) to address inequities in the African American community, and Opportunities for All, which

By Magaly Muñoz Christmas is rapidly approaching and organizations across the Bay Area are accepting donations and distributing toys to support families in need. Here is a list of places where one can either make a donation or obtain toys.

Oakluv Oakluv is hosting their 15th annual Holiday Posada celebration on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fruitvale Plaza in Oakland. The event will feature live music, games, a toy giveaway, and food for families that want to enjoy an afternoon of holiday festivities. Visit oakluv.com for more

information on the event.

Homies Empowerment Homies Empowerment, an Oakland nonprofit, is conducting a toy drive for new, unwrapped toys to distribute to those in need. Donations will be accepted Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. until Dec. 20 at 2635 Seminary Ave, Oakland.

The toy giveaway will be held on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7641 MacArthur Blvd. from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Our Youth Matter Our Youth Matter is hosting their 11th Annual Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec. 23 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rainbow Recre-

San Francisco Mayor London Breed (official photo) and Rev. Amos Brown, member NAACP National Board of Directors.

provides all high school students in San Francisco with a paid internship.

Reverend Amos Brown, a member of the SF African American Reparations Advisory Committee (SFAARAC), expressed that while monetary compensation doesn’t have to be distributed locally, there should be public policies enacted to address the racial gap and inequities of the Black community.

“They need to move forward with deliberate speed, working with the Black community to ensure that Continued on page 8

Keith Carson

By Post Staff Keith Carson, a 30-year incumbent on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, has announced that he will not seek reelection to the board in 2024.

Many had assumed that Carson, who was first elected to the board in 1992, was planning to run for another term. But in a surprise statement, he announced Friday just after the filing deadline that he would not run for re-election.

“Serving you over the past 30 years has been an immense honor

and privilege,” Carson wrote in a statement. “I’m excited about the future that lies ahead for Alameda County.”

Carson said that his decision was made after “careful consideration, prayer, and consultation” with his family.

Rushing to run for Carson’s District 5 seat, nine candidates have submitted their names: • Ben Bartlett, Berkeley councilmember • Nikki Fortunato Bas, Oakland councilmember • John Bauters, Emeryville councilmember • Ken Berrick, ALCO Board of Education trustee • Omar Farmer, ALCO Veteran Affairs Commissioner • Greg Hodge, non-profit executive • Chris Moore, community volunteer/accountant • Gerald Pechenuk, ALCO GOP Central Committee member • Lorrel Plimier, director, attorney/ data scientist In an interview quoted in the East Bay Times, Carson said that although he was grateful to represent his district, he also found that advocating for the Black and Brown

communities he represents in corridors of power often occupied by White people was not always easy.

“It’s been a privilege to be at those table, and it’s also painful to be at those tables,” Carson said.

“You’re usually the lone voice. You try not to be dismissed.”

Supervisor Carson said the decision to retire was not made for health reasons, and that he would have been “physically ready for another term.” He also said he would not run for another elected office or pursue consulting.

Conway Jones, Carson’s appointee and past Chairman of the Alameda County Veterans Commission, expressed gratitude to Carson for his efforts on behalf of veterans.

“Supervisor Keith Carson been a dedicated servant to our community,” Jones said. “We have a $240 million Veterans Administration Columbarium and Clinic in progress at the former Alameda Naval Air Station thanks to his leadership.”

from Santa and more. Addition-

San Francisco Fire Department SFFD is accepting donations for toys at any SF Fire Station until Dec. 22. Find your local fire station at https://sf-fire.org/firestation-locations. For more information on donations visit https:// www.sffirefighterstoys.org/ City of San Leandro San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo and The Optimist Club of San Leandro are sponsoring a toy giveaway on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. 1375 E. 14th St. Toys are first-come, first-serve for children 13 years old or younger.

For more information, contact Jorge Monzon at (510) 377-1195.

Where to Donate or Receive Toys for Christmas in the Bay Area ally, each child will receive two

toys, but they must be present to receive them. Register by Dec. 19 at

https://oymtoys23.eventbrite.

com/

CityTeam Oakland

CityTeam Oakland is conduct-

ing a toy drive for families in need,

but are currently short on their

1,000 donated toys goal. They are asking for new, unwrapped toys Organizations across the Bay Area are accepting donations and distributing toys to help families in need.

ation Center in Oakland (5800

will feature photo booths, games,

International Blvd). The event

gift wrapping, crafts, food, a visit

for infants to 18 year olds. Dona-

tions can be dropped off at their center located at 722 Washington

St. until Dec. 15, as they are hosting their toy giveaway on Dec. 16.

THE POST, December 13 - 19, 2023, Page 2

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Our Mistrust of Medicine: Black Health Group Hosts Critical Conversation

New high-speed rail project will link Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Courtesy of CBM.

Feds Pump $6 Billion into California High-Speed Rail Projects

A gathering hosted by the California Black Health Network and its community partners at Drip Espresso in downtown Sacramento showcased experts of public health. Dec. 5, 2023. CBM photo Antonio Ray Harvey.

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) hosted a conversation focused on the mistrust of healthcare providers among Black Americans at Black-owned Drip Espresso, a popular coffee shop in Sacramento and a community partner of the organization.

The CBHN’s Health4Life initiative discussion, “Health Care in Your Hands: Taking the Power to the People,” drew a full house of attendees.

“Tonight’s event is one of many efforts to connect with the community and educate all of us about how to get better results and have better interactions with the health care system,” said the event’s moderator Amber Bolden, director of communications and development at Voice Media Ventures, a Black-owned-and-operated firm in Riverside that specializes in community outreach and engagement.

“In short: It was to arm the community with tools to have more positive interactions with the health care system,” Bolden continued.

The first speaker, Dr. Italo Brown, is a board-certified emergency room physician, health equity advocate and an assistant professor in Emergency Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine.

He shared his personal journey as a medical professional, emphasizing that there is no “perfect strategy” in the pursuit of the best health care available.

“What I encourage people to do is be open enough with your health journey to exchange what’s working with other people,” Brown said. “You have to build a community in your health practice. Information sharing is highly beneficial.”

The second speaker was

Mo’Nique Campbell, a Black trans woman and health educator who is a Trans Service Program manager at San Francisco Community Health Center. Her work centers on medical and mental healthcare.

Campbell encourages patients to learn as much as they can about their practitioner and develop a long-lasting relationship with healthcare providers.

“It’s not an interview where I am giving you, like, a simple job.

This is my life. My body is my fortress and I’m leaving you responsible for it,” Campbell said.

There is a well-documented history of the medical establishment mistreating and misdiagnosing Black patients and approaching their care with deep racial biases.

There is also a troubling history of conducting experiments on enslaved people, enforcing sterilizations of Black women and the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study that denied treatment to about 400 Black men for decades as doctors monitored the progression of the disease in their bodies.

At CBHN’s community session, the case of Henrietta Lacks was discussed. Lacks was one of a diverse group of patients who unknowingly donated cells at Johns Hopkins University in 1951. The donation of Henrietta Lacks’ cells began what was the first, and, for many years, the only human cell line able to reproduce indefinitely.

Her cells, known as ‘HeLa cells’ for Henrietta Lacks, remain a remarkably durable and prolific line of cells used in research around the world. Lacks’ story impacted medical science and the field of bioethics.

In January 2022, Dr. Carolyn Roberts, a professor at Yale University, raised the issue of the medical establishment’s troubled historical relationship with African Americans during her testi-

mony at the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans.

“It is important for us to recognize that many critical issues that we are wrestling with today have long, old and deep historical roots,” Roberts said. “These include racial bias and disparate medical treatment, race- based medicine, and medical exploitation.”

The Health4Life program is a “Healthy Black People” campaign that empowers all Black Californians with “How Do I...” information and resources needed to help them navigate the system, advocate for friends, family, and individuals, and act when faced with discrimination.

During the conversation, Bolden referenced the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF)’s “Listening to Black California” study.

The CHCF compiled the report after listening to Black Californians’ experiences with racism and healthcare.

Considered as one of the most comprehensive studies focused on the healthcare experiences of Black Californians to date, the study included a survey of 3,325 Black Californian adults, in-depth interviews with 100 Black Californians, and 18 statewide focus groups.

“It is one of, if not, the largest study exploring the experiences of Black Californians in the state’s health care system,” Bolden told attendees.

According to the report by CHCF, Black Californians are highly intentional in their pursuit of physical and mental health.

Most Black Californians report focusing on their mental health (79%); getting appropriate screenings or preventive care (77%); and tracking health indicators, such as blood pressure and cholesterol (71%). tion from BWOPA’s legacy of

advocating for Black women’s

representation, equality and social change.

By the end of the sequence,

participants will have gained a comprehensive understanding of

power dynamics, political systems

and effective leadership strategies.

Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA).

They will be equipped with the

knowledge and skills to actively

Calling College and High change, and contribute to their School Leaders – Join BWOPA communities.

As part of its goal to build the bench of leaders, Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) is in the process of seeking highly motivated youth and young adults from throughout California ready for the opportunity to level up their skills.

Applications are now open for the BWOPA Youth & Young Adult Caucus Leadership Council 2024.

For college and high school students with leadership skills or an interest in government, this is the opportunity for you.

The BWOPA Youth & Young Adult Caucus Leadership Coun-

cil is a transformative virtual pilot program to empower young girls in 9th grade through college to become future leaders in government and politics.

This “inside track” will equip participants with insight that goes beyond textbook knowledge, helping them develop an understanding of how power and politics operate in practice. It empowers them to navigate political landscapes effectively, make informed decisions, and create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

This program draws inspira-

engage in politics, advocate for

Graduates of the BWOPA

Young Adult & Youth Caucus Leadership Council will be encouraged to continue their in-

volvement in BWOPA’s ongoing initiatives, fostering a network of empowered young leaders committed to shaping a better future.

REGISTER TODAY! Join the

BWOPA Youth and Young Adult

Caucus Leadership Council! The

application deadline is Dec. 17, and the program will start January 2024.

To register or for more infor-

mation, email staff@bwopa.org today.

By Lila Brown California Black Media

The Biden administration has announced over $6 billion in funding for two separate high-speed rail projects that will whisk passengers from Southern to Northern California – and from Los Angeles County to Las Vegas – on electric trains traveling 200 mph or faster.

The funding is part of a broader $8.2 billion national investment in high-speed rail across the country.

The initiative, President Biden has called “the most ambitious rail project in the Western Hemisphere,” will bring the United States on par with similar rail investments in Asian and European countries.

“When I ran for president, I made a commitment to build a world-class, high-speed rail worthy of the United States of America. At long last, we’re building the first high-speed rail project in our nation’s history,” Pres. Biden said during a campaign stop in Las Vegas held on Dec. 9.

The federal government has authorized $3 billion in funding for the 218-mile project.

“Together, we’re finally going to make high-speed rail happen between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Some of you know what it’s like to sit in traffic on interstates trying to make that drive back and forth from L.A. to Las Vegas,” the President continued, noting that the L.A. to Las Vegas train line, called the Brightline, will have a significant impact on tourism during the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The rail project reduces carbon emissions, the same as taking 3 million vehicles off the highway, he added.

On Dec. 5, U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced that another project, The California High-Speed Rail (CHSR) project, is set to receive $3.1 billion in federal funding to support construction of a two-track electrified high-speed passenger bullet train connecting the cities of Merced, Fresno and Bakersfield.

“An electrified high-speed rail network will dramatically improve the quality of life in the Central Valley and up and down California,” Pelosi said.

This funding was awarded to California from a competitive national grant program under the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure and Appropriations laws passed by Congress in 2022.

When complete, that rail line will take travelers from Los Angeles, through the Central Valley, all

the way to San Francisco, in less than three hours. Today, the journey can take eight hours by bus or car.

“Think of how this train will transform California’s Central Valley with new businesses, new residents, visitors, economic opportunities, or what it will mean to folks who live in inland towns and commute to work in Californian coastal cities,” Biden said of that project.

The CHSR project is the first of its kind in America and plays a key role in the modernization of passenger rail. Once CHSR is fully operational, the projected ridership for the San Francisco to Los Angeles corridor would make it the most traveled intercity passenger rail service in America with 31.3 million riders a year.

This project has already provided over 11,000 union jobs – most of which have been filled

by Central Valley residents and residents from disadvantaged Bay Area communities. It has generated more than $12 billion in economic activity, engaging hundreds of small businesses, including those led by veterans and people with disabilities, according to Newsom’s office.

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postnewsgroup.com THE POST, March Aug. 10-16, 2022, Page 66 THE POST, 16-22,, 2022, Page THE POST, December 13 - 19, 2023, Page 4

THE POST, March 25-31,, 2020, Page 5 postnewsgroup.com postnewsgroup.com

Representatives Lee,Month: García Introduce BillGroup Prohibiting Rental The Monkeypox Health Crisis: How California Is Responding Women’s History California Honors Leaders, Discusses Priorities For Those Facing Divorce: Book

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he’s proud of the work his office has done to connect young peothe county’s response is that Among Black Californians,

By Tanu Henry, THE POST, Aug. 26-Sept.

1, 2015, Page 5to government also declared postnewsgroup.com THE POST, 2019, Page 5 www.postnewsgroup.com pleJuly from24-30, diverse backgrounds

By Charlene Muhammad, Black women in California “fireside chat” to take a broad- to retired California Assemblythere have been 129 cases re- we did not have enough cases California Black Media monkeypox a national public California Black Media today the topic isfields ‘Black er look at aging and elder care and member and a commissioner at that time.inIvarious want them — to ported so far, accounting for opportunities health emergency.

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To mark Women’s Whether they were ex- andThe petrates a serious criminal act cases CWDB is a board this time.

Therere-is in the state. African not work outbreak spreads around the our response to the next level During their remarks, panelMonth, The California Black women live in poverty, which pressing the justice joys offorcaring equality and all,” that would endanger the health, In December 2016, never too few of cases.”

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At the state level, the CDPH 6.5% of the state’s total popusays California will need to we urge every American to · How to deal with adult chilcharged with overseeing and (CA-13),more Jesústhan “Chuy” women need to make sure that honored 100 García Black age in the U.S. — only behind range of We challenges Black CEO Derrick Johnson.

“We base of the historic Freedmen’s · Self-terminate six months the Invite You to Join Our Family! hasChurch begun to the disaggregate the lation. galvanize across core- take monkeypox seriously,” dren of divorce strengthening state’s work(IL-04),leaders andforces 39from additional must recognize and accept their needs are met while elwomen across the Native American women. women face as they age, the Bureau Records to the Smithafter FEMA terminates the Worship Christian Life5, Class BibleitStudy Monkeypox data is collectAs of Aug. CDPH reports gions and relax some state said U.S. Health and Human The Broadway Hustlers and · How to deal with young and sponsors the Rental importance of creating amity sonian National Museum evating some concerning stastate fromintroduced different professionpanelists shared useful insights force development system, govBrown pointed out that Gov. Sunday 10am Sunday 9am 6:15pm of emergency declared by the that there ing by race, Tuesday city, hospitalizahave been 1,310 conregulations and statutes to Services Secretary and former AC Mob will be holding their children divorce Eviction Moratorium Act on with those that are raising the African American History of A Safe Place since 1984, of subjective counselAadolescent Safe Place will of launch a delivery tistics. al backgrounds, including methat could shape public health Gavin Newsom set aside $2 President. erning all federal workforce localgender, and state level.

Asand a tions, age and sexual firmed cases ofofmonkeypox in the Temporary Worship Location: Mission Paradise Hall combat aMarch disease that poses 5th Annual Family Reunion on California Attorney General two-year · How to handle the loss of love consciousness this nation — Monday, 23, to prohibit Culture in Washington, D.C. designed and implemented ing and guidance. faith and domestic “Black women in California dia executives, public health billion for the Master Plan on policy or improve ways Afri- longtime Congresswoman Lee is the advocate for battered funds coming into the state, and 31113 Mission Hayward, CA 94544 Saturday, Sept.

19, 2 p.m. tillau6 orientation. the Church state with the most conalandlords threat greater than local Xavier Becerra. the is committed to do· How to rebuild“Speaking your life and fromactivists, evicting rental The database contains geneservices and Boulevard, preThe project part-& intervention project, of have many barriers in their evprofessionals, politican American caregivers at- women Aging, a 10-year project, but violence and their children, she Co-Chair of will the foster Steering p.m., at deFremery Park, 18th developing a common policy The age group with the firmed cases being reported in thorities may be able to reCDPH Director and State To learn more about Pilgrim, visit our website at www.pilgrimbcsm.org ing just that.” alogical information of freed vention activities for victims nerships between domestic Faith,” thanks to an $180,000 tenants during the COVID-19 find happiness eryday life.

As we get older, the cians and more. tend to the needs of aging famshe questioned, how would the most recently employed proPolicy Committee, a senior at Adeline in Oakland, called highest number of reported Los Angeles (431) followed spond to effectively.

Public Health Officer Dr. framework for relatedThe programs.

In addition to its joint pur- grams African Americans after the Among Black thereviolence have been 129Appropriations cases violence. programs andreportfaith ofilydomestic from TheisCalifornians, Blue Shieldwho of public organization health emergency.

The people the money is intend- grant “This book for people issues don’t change. issues also held members. and services for male member of the “AThe Day of NoisViolence/All monkeypox cases (482) are 25 by San Francisco (398) and “California working urTomás J. Aragón says he suits with the NAACP, the Civil War. These programs include the leaders.

California Foundation.

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COVID-19 entities such For governmental more about Regina Brown Wilson, leading to the celebration part of theShelter California Black said said currently there are inevitable,” Stephens added.

“We the Congressional Black CauThe up Broadway Hustlersof Brown about 36.8% of all confirmed have been 7,509 confirmed ernment to slow the spread emergency because it opens da Webber-Christmas, Sylvia Drew Ivie.

African American individuals the true fatherhood of God can Teen Dating Violence Preventhe Blue Shield Against Viotute on Domestic Violence in introduced the House of not effective systems in place hope to assist in managing the cus, Chair Emeritus of the Pro- Women Empowerment se- the Blue Shield Project moderator of the event andand exand highlighted several policy as the Department of Rehabiliwere knownby for its GQ style, tecovirimat (Tpoxx) used to tion infections incontact California. be African extremely painfulCommuin some lence cases in the United States and other monkeypox, leveraging our up channels for California to the and families through genealbring full appreciation of the Program, and community (BSAV) Foundation’s American Barbara Lee events, Carolyn Representatives, the Take ReJesús “Chuy” García ecutive director of California priorities, including aging and ries,” said Yvonne Wheeler, a to inform people about getting “That’s why it’s critical to funnel down through the Caligressive Caucus, Co-Chair of ogy. emotional and economic damage treat and business leadership in tation, Department monkeypox is limited, continue toEducawork cases(IDVAAC), as well.

28,220 around outreach the world. robust testing, contact tracget more access to resources nity true“We’ll brotherhood ofofmen and education Culturally Responsive the of“Speakat (510) 986-8600 x sponsibility for They Workers and elder care.

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Dr. Angelo Farooq, California Workforce Development chair.

Courtesy García. street moreduring than 75 riumthis Act Would: Senior Whip. happiness.” their roots Nelson said during a 2018 administered at more thanShe 30 Americans to secureto more vaccines, raise get form of the diseasethe are links Through A Safe Rusdeclared a trace StatePlace, of Emer17Democratic statewide domestic ships strengthened the ease. awareness and educate Services leverage funding to Rep. “As CBM were already experiencing fiorganized in partnership with Ahead of Women’s History men andBarbara women Lee that said, roamed authored a letter that 77 Mem· Prohibit landlords from also serves as Chair of the MaJeffrey S. StephensHowever, is abest suc- violence as far also back as Harris possible.

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California Blacktowomen Poverty and Opportunity.

February to the International understanding inspires us A Safe Place seeks break when working with families tice, having handled many divaccines, andrisk outand into our mune systems, children under sued by Newsom’s office Activists, a San Diego-based BTQ community fighting stigRev.resources Ron Linzie ited, in families putand at of ing land the treatment lateare 70’s early “Our goal is to talk about including paid state internship brought their perspectives toforeclosures during this public African American Museum with passionate desire to build the cycle of domestic and famexperiencing violence in the Continued on page law issues Newsom added.8 8 yearsand of family age, people withina states. advocacy group, called on matization,” reach,” said Aug. response efforts. vorces missing the rentgovernor or forgoing food on collective 80’s.

Brother the issueswhich that are important gether last month in a virtual health crisis.

But nearly a third programs,” Farooq (IAAM), is set to open bridges of cooperation instead ily violence by providing bathome.

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He is 1theThe astable. he declared a state The state remainsorfocused on New ACWe Mob a people gangof (510) can’twas allow 541-9650 Rev. Dr. of U.S. residents are renters -in 2021 on the former Gadsof walls of segregation.” tered women and their children Domestic violence is the nia Black Media (CBM).

By Sean Ryan lion jobs and nearly doubled contact T onya Peacock: distributed nearly 1,713 treatnor’s statement. who are pregnant or breastrelease demographic data on emergency in California. slowing the spread of the virus also the author of the Jordan Santhat thestreets AC Transit Lowery at (510) 766- leading cause of injury to with safe shelter and resourcto berode on the in thebuses. middle Jasper in the communities I represent Wharfcases in there.

Charleston, Phone: (510) 272-4747 growth—and without it, ment Farooq, whois was courses and 168 IV den’s “Our team alsoappointed commitfeeding may be of more likely monkeypox California Department in impacted communities, ad- GDP dor thrillers, Targets Deception, They were also friends and as- 5404 or Michelle Murray aka of The a public health crisis – that’s South Carolina. in Chicago the ratio is much es, and to prevent violence women between the ages of source needs of the state want to Brother By Max Elramsisy Fax: (510) 743-4178 Congresswoman Barbara we would have neared a doubledoses of tecovirimat to health ted to reducing stigma among to get seriously ill or die,” the “The governor has declared of Public Health (CDPH) has ministering the limited numChair of the National AssociaTargets of Opportunity, Targets of Presents sociates with with the Rep. Broadway at (510) 472-5255. why I worked Garcia “Niecey” higher. Working-class people, 15-44. through outreach and locations educaMore thanCompared one million Email: tonya_peaLee, Chair of the House Approdigit recession. to centers in various CDC reports. a state of emergency as of last begun to collect and report see more diversity among young ber of vaccine doses we have, Hustlers.

Former AC Mob Revenge and Rogue Mission,the as oftion.

For thoseBaptist who wish to suffer con- San California Black Media tion of State Workforce Board Amos Brown (left), pastor of Third Church, Francisco and witness president the NAACP, San Francisco toRev. introduce the Rental Evicimmigrants, and renters children each year cock@dailyjournal.com priations Subcommittee on State previous economic recoveries, Continued on page 8 across the state.

According to the governight and constituents deserve racial and other demographic and raising awareness about members hold top social sertribute food or funds to support people joining the workforce. well as the Anthony Walker murPresident of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Russell M. Nelson at the 110th annual branch greets tion Moratorium Act. This im- disproportionately from eco- brutal victimization of a parChairs (NASWBC) Since 1976, A Safe Place Brotherin August, All other classifieds conand Foreign Operations, issued this past year’s has also been far So far, CDPH has received nor’s office,Crimes CDPH has taken People to know the truth about this vidata, tracking howensures the disease prevention measures Advocates in California comvice positions today. efforts ofAssociation their streetand minisnational convention ofthat the the National foractheent Advancement of Colored (NAACP) Sunday in George der mystery and Passion portant legislation By Brandon Henry White in 1900.

Dr. Angelo Farooq, Chair of has offered a 24-hour crisis at the hands of an intimate nomic recessions like the one says the CWDB also partners tact the POST: Phone the following statement on groups March more equitable in terms prog- a little over 109,000 mon- White, a number of steps to ofexpand rus in who our represented region,” said Harris is impacting various cess toLake treatment,” The Family Reunion will tries, send donations to Aragón Urojas partner.

Detroit.

Photo courtesy of The Salt Tribune. renters in the Bay Area and the Patterson and the Pencraft Award-winning North CarPresents mitted to improving the skills of line, emergency 20-bed shelJesus is the Way this country will likely be fac- ress California Workforce De- with non-profit organizations (510) 287-8200 Fax 11, marking one food, year since the Community against child poverty, keypox vaccines — of comwhich the access to vaccinations andfood the ter, feature music, spoken speaking at aHouse’s press conference. across the state. said, before Services’ adding that Cali- novels corponation cannot be evicted from olina, was the only Black a children’s program, Fool’s Errand and The The faith environment can ing, and they needWashington the financial Thea president thestate Church page 5 287-8247 for each don’t even They customized the Sunday. doses “May wethe gohuman forward individuals to meet re- velopment Board (CWDB), says American Rescue Plan Act of Grace ChurchContinued of Richmondon has several insecurity, and(510) unemployment word, kid zoneof and 51,000 have been disstate has have launched a public in- munity “My office led time. this argument office, 1271We The Governor’s of rate fornia is other. “well-positioned” to be their homes during the guest COVThe Senate counseling, support a safe and natural place to lawmaker at the Democrat rooms for rent, including Handler. it’s church. Sanctusecurity this bill would provide, Presents of Jesus Christ of Latter-day have to agree with each other Church’s self-reliance services doing our best to exemplify Email: 2021 was signed into law: speakers. and tributed to local health departAve., Suite 452, San Leandro, for low-income communities

Evictions During COVID-19 Public Health Guides Readers Down a Gentler PathEmergency Latter-day Saints Russell NelsonAwarded Speaks at NAACP’s Convention in Detroit SafeM.Place $180,000 Grant from Broadway Hustlers, Mob’s A That Leads toAC aPresident Brighter Future PILGRIM CHURCH HAYWARD

5th Annual Family Reunion

The Blue Shield of California Foundation Will Launch Faith and Domestic Violence Project

Chairwoman Barbara Lee Notes Anniversary of American Rescue Plan

Send your church notes, stories and events to Post News Group, Email at Workforce Development ads@postnewsgroup. com Board Chair Wants to

ALLEN Extend Youth Opportunities Congress Passes Anti-LynchingJackson Bill After

200 Failed Attempts Over 100+ALLEN Years Jackson

ALLEN Rooms for Rent Jackson

formation campaign, mostly emergency follows similar tackle the outbreak. community education address violence and ID-19 pandemic. must acena bi-parDr. family Ronald Raymond isre-be a groups, Saints Russell M.WeNelson re- CA immediately.” to Although love each other.

If we have materials and programs to the twoacross greatpassed commandments For taken information, call Rev. communities of color.

94577. ments the state. relying on webinars and town tions in San Francisco, monkeypox is ads@postnewsgroup.com and outreach, as well as a crimiTeen lated issues, including children sure that everyone has access to tisan bill minded those assembled for psychologist who hasa — to love God and love Thehope Rental Moratoany ofEviction reclaiming the clinical most effective for the initiaeach Ron “aka” Poison at OneLinzie year ago today, President With that said,toto we still have hall meetings get informaNew York City, and Illinois. not considered deadly, the Violence Prevention Program. that are exposed violence in quality housing no matter their nalizing lynching at the federal Special to the Post national con- reasons why they married their been the 110th annual goodwill and sense of humanpracticing for over 50 years. tive. of His children.

Biden signed the American Res- disease can be fatal for some the long way toAs go all of there these tionhome. about monkeypox out isOn July 23, theNational World Health Carolyn Russell, whothehas aon result, isto level financial situation.” thisinweek, sending bill vention of the Assospouse where went off- HisThe ity for and which we they yearn, it must two organizations also Arm arm and shoulder to background includes being For those who have made the cue Plan (ARP) into law followsues.

Too many still lack access toa served people across the state.

Organization declared moncategories of people, accordCongresswoman as executive director a great need to strengthen the “No one should lose their course, to President Biden’s desk after ciation for the Advancement begin with each of us, one perso they can avoid repeatcame together on Temple shoulder, may we strive to lift professor andisthey adjunct professor difficult decision to divorce,emerpsy- ing to Barbara ing passage

by Congress, catahealth care to live a “CDPH alsoneed expanding keypox a “public public health Lee authori- the home during thehealth COVID-19 House approved bill of Colored People (NAACP) ing sonthe atsame a time.

Square last May to all the our brothers and sistersthe everymistakes. at several universities.

He served pulting a historic recovery that life.options.

MillionsAccess of call Americhologist Raymond and ties. Symptoms of the disease fulfilling treatment to in January. The Emmett Till gency.”

Sunday Ronald inwhich Detroit that Idifferpandemic is why introOver the past 18 months, the people, organizations and govNew Hope Baptist Church, Oakland, CA where, in every way we can.

“There nohalf such a cans as the of Psychology at has led need to one ofundermine the areDirector struggling to put food on the is last of thing 2021. attorney Jeffrey Stephens pave a during the antiviral prescription drug On Aug. the strongest federal — lesions and blisters —asFor can ences not4, soduced the Rental Eviction MorAnti-Lynching Act, named for First Presidency (the executive ernments to work together towho This never be the New Hope Baptist Church of Oakland, CA seeks a Senior Pastor will world provide Spirit-directed, divorce where there weren’t some one10619 of the nation’s prestiperiods of economic growth in a thousands of families in our com- the McArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA will 510 689-9544 table amid risingmost costs, from gentler toward ending a marciety’spath shared administration of the church) achieve greater civility and ra- the atorium Act, to humanity. prohibit evicting 14-year-old Chicago boy same.” good times the process of getvisionary leadership forthe our church; andpsychiatric possesses excellent in thebyareas of preaching, century. the housing toskills the gious hospitals, Silver this in money meant difriage thatduring results in the potential “We are allthis connected, and munity, “Acrisis church driven Christ has made its partnership with cialongoing harmony. renters crisis.

Famiwhose brutal MisEarlier this murder year, thein Church Many Americans had been ting there, and people need to recent spike in gas prices to the ference between having childcare should havecatalyze five plus teaching, counseling and congregational leadership development.

Candidates Hill Hospital New Canaan, CT, wea are have a God-given responfor brighter future in their book, Last July,focused Elder Jack N. Gehonored the NAACP’s comlies hurting -- they are wor- the NAACP a high priority. sissippi in 1955 helped the onchildcare. the kingdom” left to fend for themselves during ever-growing costthe of or not, having healthy food on the look at that and see what role they and The American Psychological years Pastoral experience (preferably Senior Pastor), be licensed and ordained by a recognized sibility to help make life better The groups have met sever“The Road to Splitsville: How rard spoke at NAACP’s mitment to advance equality ried about their jobs, health, and Civil Rights Movement, allows a one ofthose the worst public health and table theM racial genoron not, having secure place both sides, the good and for around us,” Association toand him the NE EaW PeducaR Oand GAnd R A Sattributed Ordination Committee have apervasive Bachelor Degree from accredited Bible College alLicense times to pursue joint 109th annual convention inan crime and justice in society. to Navigate the Road to Divorce childcare and deserve thePresicer- played to be prosecuted as a lyncheconomic crisesM. in Nelson history. The der inequities laid bare by COto live or not.

Sunday school 9 :00 am dent Russell said the bad,” Dr. Raymond added. development of relocation psytion efforts in Chicago and San San Antonio, Texas.

“I’m honored The including seminary.

Email a cover biography, resume and ministerial license(s) toto have without Making Yourself tainty that they won’t be Crazy, kicked ing if a victim is killed or injured Our Specialty is: "Noletter, Income ARP expanded access to vaccines VID are deeper than ever.

Through my Covid Commuduring a nine-minute evening Francisco and employment “I pray that we may inChurch of Jesus Christ of Latchology.

Then, Stephens and Raymond Worship 10:00 am Qualification Programs" for to the curb and left homeless nhbcpastoralsearch@gmail.com onSunday or before April 2, 2020. For additional information see a as the result of a hateplease crime with Your Children Miserable, or Yourif and testing; provided economic IUnits, urge Americans look at ter-day Saints stand in unity Care Act,in weHouston also delivered speech.

“We don’t have tosaid be nity initiatives and each to other For more information, please offer and forunder -techniques Owner SFR's, 2-creasingly 4Family 5+call they can’t make sentence of up to 30 years in prison. our insights website Non nhbcoakland.org the heading “pastor”.

Nodear phone calls pm please.

Lawyer Wealthy …their and rent,” Then DisBible Study Wednesday 7:00 relief keptalike millions outlove of vital alikethat or look to have what thewww.theroadtosplitsville.

American Plan with the NAACP to advance funding to support commuCharlotte. friends,” Nelson Rescue concluded Unit Apartment visit dealing with the inevitable upset Buildings, The Senate passed the bill unanicover Your Path to Happiness.”

Senior Pastor Prayer Service Thursday poverty; prevented a catastrophic nity-based effortsMixed did in just a single year as a tes- 6:00pm and to hireUse and and mo- Commercial com. mously, though three Republican and issues that divorcees face, inPhyllis Scott “Not do 50% mar- bilize L.C.Sunday Fuller Jr. wave of only evictions and of forecloim- 8:30 am community outreach work- tament to the transformative members of the House — from • 0 DOWN VA/USDA/FHA The Road toOwner/ Splitsville: How cluding: riages end in divorce, but 60% Broker sures; helped small businesses ers, community health workers, pact government can have when to Navigate the Road toDRE Divorce Georgia, Kentucky, and Texas — · Confronting and understand•10619 580 FICO PROGRAMS of second marriages andand 70% ofOakland, McArthur Blvd., CA 510 689-9544 and schools stay afloat; made I thank Presisocial support specialists, and it prioritizes people.CA without Making Yourself Crazy, voted against it. ing to theincrease “why” of the divorce third marriages divorce, #01Democratic 201700 • JUMBO LOANSend TOin $5inthe critical investments expan-driven others vaccine access dent Biden and my “AMILLION church by Christ The bill’s passage by Congress Your Children Miserable, or · Loans Choosing the legal process colleagues in Congress NMLS#358884 which thatcare people are maksion ofsays health coverage and for for Your their the hardest-hit and highest• Bank Statement Loans/P&L Statement marks the end of hundreds of failed focused on the kingdom” Lawyer Wealthy … and and Then look Dissuited for your individual ing• the same over and riskbest reducing costsmistakes for millions. leadership communities through high- steadfast PRIOR BK or SHORT SALE attempts to pass anti-lynching legcover Your Path toLoans Happiness circumstances In my district in California’s touch, forward to continuing to work toon-the-ground 24-7 outreach toMortgage over again,” said • Borrowers withStephens.

LOW or NO FICO’s islation over more than a century.

1556 Drive #271 East Bay,that’s the ARP hasPermits, been gether to deliver for the American educate and assist individuals in Fitzgerald · 9 Selecting an attorney, managexactly whytransThe Sunday school :00 am Publisher: Post Hill Press •And Borrower s w/Work Non- Resident Congress failed to pass such legisformative, especiallybegins its expanpeople.” the theylimitneed Pinole, Alien CA1637588097 94564 ing that relationship and Road to OK Splitsville with getting ISBN-10: Sunday Worship 10:00 aminformation lation more than 200 times over the sion of the Child Tax Credit.

FamSean Ryan is a member of about vaccinations.

• Financing in NEW DEVELOPMENT’s ing the costs Dr. Raymond’s Spousal Attach510-757-3659 Mobile ISBN-13: 978-1637588093 last 122 years, according to USA Family Bible Study Wednesday Looking 7:00 pm ilies inSurvey, myTIME district alone received Barbara Efax Lee’s on its impact, do if you need help Congresswoman ment which takes readers · What to back Available from Amazon.com and Today.

• FIRST BUYERS SPECIALIST 510-200-9714 Office - 877-247-7009 A Next Level for Church Ministering Seniorshowing Pastor Service Thursday 74,000 individual payments relations we from nowand have analyses a therapist and how to media onPrayer deep dive uncover the realDay 6:00pm anywhere booksoffice. are sold.

The first piece of anti-lynching •a PRIVATE andtoHARD MONEY…10 Closings www.24-7mtgloans.com Phyllis Scott the Spirit of Excellence a total of close to in $160 million that Sunday 8:30the amARP resulted in 4 millegislation was introduced by Rep. Rev. J. L. Porter, Senior Pastor/Teacher

Send your church notes, stories and events to Post News Group, Email at info@postnewsgroup.com

Tree of Life Empowerment Ministries

“YOUR LENDER OF CHOICE”

during COVID we needed Sen. Cory Bookerthat and Republican more demographic and Senator Tim Scott, bothdata, of whom are Black, introduced the legislation together this time around.

“Although no legislation will reverse the pain and fear felt by those victims, their loved ones, and Black communities, this legislation is a necessary step America must take to heal from the racialized violence that has permeated its history,” Booker said in a statement on March 7.

Rep. Bobby Rush, who represents part of Chicago, where Till lived before he was

ary rents negotiable. Call for more information at (510) 499-2838.

Jesus is the Way Jesus Rush, is thewho WayrepRep. Bobby resents the Chicago district where Emmett Till lived, and Los Angeles Rep. Karen Bass with a photo of Emmett Till speaking before the House passed the bill last month.

Photo courtesy of Rush press office.

To read the full story, go to postnewsgroup.com

Tree of Life Empowerment Ministries

Destiny Christian Fellowship

Destiny Christian Fellowship 3601 Cutting Blvd,

A Next Level Church Ministering Richmond, 94804 in the Spirit ofCA Excellence Rev. J. L. Porter, 510-680-5031 Senior Pastor/Teacher Sunday 10:00 am………Sunday School

Sunday 11:00 am………Morning Worship 3601 Cutting Blvd, Wednesday 6:30pm……Intercessory Prayer Richmond, CA 94804 Wednesday 7:00 pm …..Wednesday Worship Experience 510-680-5031 Wednesday 7:30 pm…...Choir Rehearsal Sunday 10:00 am………Sunday School Sunday 11:00 am………Morning Worship Wednesday 6:30pm……Intercessory Prayer Wednesday 7:00 pm …..Wednesday Worship Experience

2100-5th Ave., Oakland, CA 94606 510-452-2578

Send your church notes, stories and events to Post News Group, Email at ads@postnewsgroup.com Reverend Joe L. Smith, Pastor

Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church

BibleWay Missionary Baptist Church

5717 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA 94605 510-569-7814 * 510-568-4408 fax A church that prays together, stays together.

1077 13th St., Richmond, CA 94801

Sunday School…………….…………9:30 AM Worship Service….…………….….11:00 AM Monday Bible Study………….…...5:30PM Wednesday Bible Study…………11:30AM

events to Post News Group, Email at info@ ads@ postnewsgroup.com Continued on on page Continued page88

CHURCH OF ALL FAITHS

Wednesday 7:30 pm…...Choir Rehearsal

Nathan P. Whittom Sr., Pastor

Send your church notes, stories and events to Post News Group, Email at Send your church ads@postnewsgroup.com notes, stories and

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so....” Psalm 107:2.

Rev. Dr Jeffrey M. Parker First Lady Princess W.Parker

Weekly Services

Order of services Sunday school 9:30 Sunday Celebration of Praise 10:30 Wednesday Night Pastoral Teaching 7 p.m -8:30 p.m.

Free Food Giveaway Every Saturday 12 noon-4 pm

Sunday: Early Morning Worship ......................8:00 a.m.

Sunday School .....................................................9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship ................................ 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study .....................................7:00 p.m.

Saturday: Prayer Hour..................................... 11:00 a.m.

SEVENTH AVENUE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 1 7 4 0 7 th A V E N U E OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 94606 510-834-4273

Rev. Jeffrey Kirton, Pastor Mrs. Jamar Kirton, First Lady

Rev. C. T. Johnson, Pastor Emeritus 43 YEARS OF SERVICES

"

"

"

EMAIL:seventhavenuebapchurch.com …

ON THE WEB www.seventhavenuebaptistchurch.com SUNDAY SERVICES BTU AND SUNDAY SCHOOL------------------------------------------9:15 MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES----------------------------------10:45

" "

WEDNESDAY SERVICES NOON DAY PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY----------------12:00 – 1:00 P.M. BIBLE STUDY------------------------------------------------------6:30 Church Motto: “There Is Joy In Serving The Lord”

postnewsgroup.com

THE POST, December 13 - 19, 2023, Page 5

Public Notices, Classifieds & Business To place a Legal Ad contact Tonya Peacock: Phone: (510) 272-4755 Fax: (510) 743-4178 Email: tonya_peacock@dailyjournal.com All other classifieds contact the POST: Phone (510) 287-8200 Fax (510) 287-8247 Email: ads@postnewsgroup.com

Workforce Development Board Chair ...

Continued from page 4

to open pathways to careers for young Californians.

“The CWDB received approval from the federal Department of Labor on a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) waiver that targets systems-involved youth – that is homeless or housing insecure, foster care, and justice involved youth,” Farooq added. “This waiver allows Local Workforce Development Boards additional flexibility in the way they use their youth funding to specifically target systems-involved youth before they disconnect from the school system.”

In August the Legislature passed ACR 16, a resolution that requires the state to “develop a

statewide plan that will reduce persistent economic inequities endured by California’s youth,” according to the bill’s language.

The 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) of the United States Census reported that 572,756 youth in California 16 to 24 years of age were neither in school nor at work.

For Black and other minority youth, the statistics are more dire. At 22.3%, the rate of Black teens and young adults, 16 to 24 years old, who are disconnected from the educational system and workforce was more than two times higher the number for their White peers, which was 10.9%.

Farooq said CWDB is currently working to expand its youth portfolio; the CWDB will deepen the partnership work in order to develop a statewide plan that will aim to reduce persistent economic inequities for “oppor-

tunity youth.”

Although, addressing youth unemployment is a top priority for the CWDB, the board does not limit its programs and advocacy to young people.

The agency develops initiatives designed to create work pipelines for targeted disadvantaged groups, including formerly incarcerated and justiceinvolved individuals, as well as pathways to employment in growing industries like construction and infrastructure.

In September, The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a $5 million grant to the CWDB under the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program, the largest amount awarded to an agency of its kind in the country.

Under Farooq’s purview as chair of the NASWBC, it is the first time California has lead workforce development initiatives on

the national level.

“I am honored to have the trust and confidence of my colleagues across the nation,” said Farooq, after he was elected. “In my five years serving as Chair of the CWDB, we have expanded high road partnerships to new sectors, established construction partnerships in every corner of our state, and much more. I look forward to working with my fellow workforce development board chairs to share what has worked here in California and how we can extend economic opportunity to more Americans.”

The NASWBC is an affiliate of the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices, which supports administration and meetings for the Association. Members of the association are the chairs of Governor-appointed state workforce development boards. The As-

THE POST PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY 360 14th Street, Suite B05, Oakland, CA 94612 TEL: (510) 287-8200 FAX:: (510) 287-8247 info@postnewsgroup.com www.postnewsgroup.net

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Photographers: Zack Haber, Amir Sonjhai, Auintard Henderson Contributors: Zack Haber, Tanya Dennis, Kiki, Godfrey News Service, Robert Arnold

sociation provides a vehicle for

mental in building a high-road

staff directors to learn from the

said Secretary Stewart Knox of

state workforce board chairs and experiences of their peers, share best practices and find common ground on national policy issues.

“Dr. Farooq has been instru-

economy here in California,” California’s Labor & Workforce Development Agency.

“Under Governor Newsom’s Continued on page 7

Opportunities for subcontracting with The Dutra Group: PORT OF OAKLAND REPLACEMENT OF BERTH 10 FENDERS AND BOLLARDS Project: Plan File Number AA-4353 Northeastern University. Oakland, CA. Instructional Designer Bid Opening Date: December 19, 2023 Bid Opening Time: 12 Noon SBE VSBE LIA LBA: Must be Port of Oakland certified Scope of Work includes, but is not limited to: Demolition, trucking, metal fabrication, metal, hardware, and construction supplies, concrete, SWPPP, rebar Information on this project may be viewed at: www. dutragroup.com. Our estimators can assist with the interpretation of plans, scope of work, bonding, lines of credit and insurance. Dutra has tried to break work items down into feasible units to encourage teaming. Contact:

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Distribution: A and S Delivery Service abradleyms72@gmail.com (415) 559-2623 Godfrey News Service eelyerfdog@juno.com (510) 610-5651

This newspaper was incorporated on June 8, 1963. It is published by The GOODNEWS Is..., LLC, 405 14th Street, Suite 1215, Oakland, CA 94612.

The contents of the POST Newspapers are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form without the advance written consent of the publisher.

2023 Page 8 THE POST, December 13 - 19,, 2023,

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Harvard’s Black Female President Survives New Anti-Diversity Battle

Rep. Barbara Lee. Courtesy photo.

Harvard University President Claudine Gay. Photo: Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

COMMENTARY

By Emil Guillermo

If you haven’t realized it yet, that congressional hearing last week that continues to make news wasn’t about solving antisemitism in America in the shadow of the Israel/Hamas war.

That was the given pretext for the hearing, but it really served as a platform for an outright attack by right-wing MAGA-types on the thing they believe has destroyed higher education — and all of society—in the last 30 years.

What would that be?

Diversity, of course, and the undoing of racial discrimination in the spirit of the Civil Rights Act. With that single word, “diversity,” comes all that detractors believe has crippled our country starting with our colleges and universities.

It includes everything from admissions to hiring, and extends to a curriculum that has seen the emergence of race, gender, and equity studies. It serves to make everyone more aware of issues heretofore ignored in society in general.

What better way to bring about its reversal but in a high-profile congressional hearing attacking three elite university presidents?

The main instigator was fourth ranking Republican, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, a Donald Trump acolyte, and herself an Ivy League-educated Marjorie Taylor Green wannabe.

Stefanik is a Trump enabler who voted to invalidate the 2020 election and has maintained the “Big Lie” on election fraud.

That puts her low on any sane person’s credibility scale — unless you’re Donald Trump.

At the hearing, Stefanik, in mini-authoritarian mode, was given extra time by fellow Republicans who yielded to her so she could wail at the college presidents demanding they give yes/no answers on complex matters of free speech and discrimination.

It was textbook political outrage as performance and a good example of why politics is sometimes called “show business for ugly people.”

Still, it’s hard to believe that elite college presidents, who them-

selves oversee sometimes treacherous academic office politics, could have been taken by surprise.

Surely, they’ve seen Congressional hearings run by MAGA loyalists like Jim Jordan (R.-Ohio)?

But when Penn’s Elizabeth Magill, Harvard’s Claudine Gay, and MIT’s Sally Kornbluth came to Congress they just didn’t seem to have a clue they were being teed up by the conservative right.

They thought it was a serious inquiry into antisemitism and responded as such. They were going for nuance and were reserved when asked if calls for genocide against Jews was harassment under university policy?

Yes, or no?

The presidents didn’t want to respond to hypotheticals. They said it depends on the context.

And that’s when they were bullied, harangued and soundbited.

How many people were surprised to see a Black woman among the three? That would be Claudine Gay, African American Studies scholar, and the first African American to be president of Harvard.

But she really stood for all of us.

Despite more than five hours of hearings, most people only saw the micro-clips showing the three presidents respond in a collegial, legalistic way. They were softspoken and reasonable, respectful of the inquiry. They did not match the volume, ire, and fake passion of Stefanik.

Good enough in a fair fight. But this was not that. The presidents failed to understand that hearings exist for members of Congress to demagogue, beat up on their invited guests, all while the cameras roll, creating viral clips for their own reelection campaigns.

Stefanik got the newsclips she wanted on every major network.

But it opened an old wound about America’s reckoning on race. It made everyone question it.

Over the weekend, the key takeaway wasn’t that rising antisemitism was bad in society or on campus. Indeed, one major cable network suggested the hearings showed why the public has lost faith in higher ed, claiming it has become home of dogmatic ideology and social engineering, not

academic merit.

A fellow committee member Mark Takano (D-Calif.) could see through it. He told the Harvard Crimson the Republicans “were not really interested in the topic of antisemitism and antisemitism on campus.” Rather, Takano, thought the Republicans were playing divisive MAGA-politics.

“My own sense is that the Republicans are spring-loaded to enact a narrative that universities are bastions of liberal progressives,” Takano told the college newspaper.

“They wanted to present an opportunity for their members to portray universities in a certain way.”

He was also critical of Stefanik, whom he observed as taking a “hard turn to the right.”

But Stefanik’s stunt appears to be working.

While MIT President Sally Kornbluth has received some support on her campus, Penn’s President Magill was forced to resign over the weekend.

Harvard’s Gay apologized for her performance on Friday but was still under some pressure to resign.

To counter, faculty members circulated a letter of support on Sunday.

But there’s also been some public discussion questioning whether, as an African American woman, Gay was even qualified for the job.

Some conservative outlets going into her scholarly work exposed minor examples of plagiarism, anathema. On Tuesday Harvard’s board voted to “unanimously stand in support of President Gay.” All this from an inquiry into fighting antisemitism. Instead, the hearing exposed the bitterness and resentment that some still have over a move toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It is a staple MAGA argument.

Stefanik’s stunt worked so well, expect more of it.

Yes, we’re all against antisemitism. But as we see, in 2023, some people hate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts even more.

Emil Guillermo is a veteran Northern California journalist and commentator. He does a micro-talk show on YouTube.com/@ emilamok1

New City, County Funding Will Save Car Park Program...

Continued from page 1 housed at the ICAC Hub, the West Side Missionary Baptist Church in West Oakland. With additional funding, sites will expand to include an additional West Oakland location at Corinthians Baptist Church. Another site will be added in East Oakland at the Williams Chapel Baptist Church, serving the districts of Oakland Council President Bas and Councilmember Noel Gallo.

“Corinthians Baptist Church stands ready and willing to provide overnight parking to the community if the city and county funds are made available. For the need is great, and we stand ready to serve,” said Dr. Chauncey Mathews, pastor.

“Homelessness is one of the most pressing issues facing the City of Oakland, the State of California, and the entire Country, and

the ICAC Safe Car Park Program is doing the very valuable work of providing space and resources to people experiencing homelessness to help them get off the streets and on track,” said Oakland City Councilmember Carroll Fife.

Said Council President Bas, ““These low-barrier safe parking sites will provide vital resources to those living in their vehicles like access to showers and toilets for basic hygiene and health. This program also helps keep our neighborhoods cleaner and healthier by providing safe and accessible ways to dispose of black and gray water waste, and reduces vehicular fluid and other types of waste, especially in residential neighborhoods.”

Bas continued, “I’m excited to partner with Williams Chapel Baptist Church, which will open a site in central Oakland serving Districts 2 and 5,” said Council

President Nikki Fortunato Bas.

Added Dr. Kenneth Anderson,

pastor: “I recognize that this is just

a Band-Aid for much-needed affordable housing in Oakland, but

our church is willing to continue to

support the efforts of housing for all people.”

Pastor

Jim

Hopkins

said,

“These are hard times in the City of Oakland. For many, the safe car

parks connected with the Interfaith Council of Alameda County are

what keep difficulty from becoming despair.”

“We are grateful for the sup-

port from the mayor’s office through Deputy Mayor Kimberly

Mayfield’s office. To learn more

or to donate to the Safe Car Park program, visit interfaithAC.org.

‘Working Together Works,’” said

Dr. Ken Chambers, ICAC president.

Barbara Lee Seeks a Review of Supermarket Chain Mergers

By Post Staff

Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-12) and Pramila Jayapal (WA07) led a group of 16 members of Congress in a letter urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to scrutinize the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, the largest and second-largest supermarket chains in the US. “This proposal is the culmination of a decades-long consolidation trend, led by these two companies, that has eliminated neighborhood stores, leading to higher prices, while also creating pharmacy and

food deserts in vulnerable communities,” Lee and the other lawmakers wrote.

“As the two companies have bought out their competitors, they have accrued increased market power – negatively affecting labor markets,” the letter said.

They continued, “Past mergers have left some regions with just a single major employer, who, holding monopoly power, can impose lower wages and benefits than the unions achieve in regions where there are several employers that the union negotiators can negotiate with. According to United Food and Com-

mercial Workers (UFCW) union reports, in regions where Kroger has no major competition, it has resorted to numerous unfair labor practices to impede unionization. “ The letter also pointed out that Kroger has a history of unfair labor practices. “Kroger has been held in contempt for failure to abide by adjudicated remedies for its past unfair practices—practices that persist today. Across the country, this merger would sharply reduce labor’s ability to effectively represent workers,” the letter said.

He says that the Biden administration should issue an executive order establishing a reparations committee because it would show his commitment to uplifting Black people in America, as they are the largest voter group after white voters, and he needs the Black vote to win another presidential election.

In 2022, Howard founded Reparations United to provide guidance and leadership to coalitions and activists involved in the reparations movement. He also led the revisions to the federal bill H.R. 40, which seeks to establish a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans.

Howard expressed that even if individuals today claim they aren’t racist or their ancestors didn’t own slaves, everyone has to contribute to the repairs that address the generational damage inflicted on Black and African Americans.

“Everyone who benefits from the status of America and the wealth of America, all has to contribute to the remedy of unjust actions by this

country,” Howard said.

He says that local and state governments also owe it to their Black citizens to acknowledge the harm that their policies and laws have done to them. All states have the power to enact change and form committees, like California has attempted to do with their state Reparations Task Force, and should be supported at every level of government.

Brown said it should not take so long to put a plan in action to give some sort of restorative justice back to the community. He points out that the fight is about much more than allocating $4 million for a department for reparations, which is an insulting number to fight about when the rightful compensation owed to African Americans is many times greater.

“It’s time for San Francisco to lead the way and respect the humanity of Black people,” Brown said.

San Francisco Reparations Cuts ...

Continued from page 1

the low hanging fruit is delivered in terms of health care services, education, economic empowerment, jobs, and restorative justice programs for those coming out of this criminal justice system. That would give us reparations,” Brown said.

The SFAARAC was formed in December 2020 to research and develop recommendations for repairing the harm done to the Black community of San Francisco.

In July, they submitted their final report of recommendations to the mayor and Board of Supervisors.

The report proposed payout of $5 million to individuals who could prove direct ancestral ties to slavery and included other recommendations aimed at improving education, health and economic development.

Efforts to implement reparations on a national level have largely been unsuccessful. However, advocates like Kamm Howard are continuing to push for the establishment of a committee as we approach an election year.

postnewsgroup.com

THE POST, December 13 - 19, 2023, Page 7

It’s Always the Right Time to Plan for Retirement

equity line of credit may be another option to fund certain expenses in retirement. If you choose to downsize to a smaller

home, it may free up cash in your home’s equity for you to •

use.

Tap other sources of income

and equity. Do you have taxable

brokerage accounts or other

general savings? Include these

funding sources, if you have

them, when projecting how •

much you’ll have in retirement.

Keep working. A growing number of people are working in

semi-retirement and developing

File photo by Daniel Bruce Kelly, pictured on the right.

Content sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co. Whether you’re just entering the workforce or plan to stop working in a few years, it’s never too early – or too late – to save for retirement.

Ideally, retirement planning and saving should start as soon as you get your first paycheck, but it’s easy to focus on more pressing expenses in your 20s, 30s and 40s, like paying for a house or raising children. By your 50s or 60s, however, you might feel you haven’t saved enough to avoid worrying about financial security in retirement.

There’s always time to make changes. Consider these options to protect your assets, build credit, and maintain and grow your investments for a financially worry-free future.

Start with the basics No matter your age or current financial status, the following steps are the foundation of most retire-

ment plans.

• Begin with a 401(k). If available, consider joining your employer’s retirement plan, like a 401(k). You can set up automatic deposits each pay period, and many employers will match your financial contributions, giving you more funds for the future.

• Consider opening an IRA. Find out if you’re eligible for an individual retirement account (IRA) and consider contributing what you can. You can have an IRA in addition to an employer-based plan.

• Put your money to work. A general investment account has the potential to grow your savings even more.

Play catch up Understanding your current financial picture and planning for benefits, like Social Security and pensions, are important steps to figuring out how much income you

portfolios that produce passive may have in retirement.

If you’re nearing your projected retirement date and you don’t think you have enough saved to maintain your current or desired lifestyle, here are a few considerations to help get you in a better position.

• Make catch-up contributions. Many tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts, like IRAs and 401(k)s, allow catch-up contributions for people 50 and over. That means you can contribute more than the government-set maximum each year, up to a certain amount, to make up for what you didn’t contribute in the past.

• Make sure you have adequate insurance. In addition to making sure your life insurance is current, look into long-term care and disability insurance before you retire to save money on future health care costs.

• Consider your home equity as part of the equation. If you plan to remain in your home, a home

income. Some might continue

working full-time for longer than planned to build more savings. If you can generate enough

income and are able to wait until

age 70 to claim Social Security,

it may allow you to maximize benefits over your lifetime.

Make a plan

No matter your current financial

situation, set aside some time to re-

view your options. There are many

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roadmap to transition to your years in retirement.

Planning for your unique situ-

ation may help you get closer to where you want to be in retirement,

even if you don’t feel that you’re there yet.

For more information and on-

line retirement articles, tools and

calculators, visit chase.com/retirement.

Supporting Reparations ...

Third, organizing and hosting over a dozen Reparations community meetings, town halls, listening sessions, and panel events.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

The biggest challenge Black Californians face is making ends meet to feed and support our families.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge and opportunity our organization faced over the last year was raising awareness about California’s Reparations efforts.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely. We are California’s first, only and leading statewide grassroots organization born specifically for lineage-based reparations and reparative justice.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

Visit our website at www.cjec. org

Workforce Development Board Chair ...

“Congratulations to my friend, former colleague, and fellow Californian Angelo Farooq on his election today,” she said.

“The National Association of State Workforce Board Chairs is in the hands of a committed and creative leader.”

“Angelo knows that the workforce system plays an important role in connecting employers with the diverse, skilled workforce they need and workers with the high-quality jobs they deserve, including workers from historically underserved communities or those facing significant barriers to employment,” she added.

Continued from page 6 CJEC works to improve the lives of Black Californians who descend from persons enslaved in the U.S. by organizing, mobilizing, and advocating for strong lineage-based Reparations.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

Over the course of last year our greatest successes include: First, we helped the California Reparations Task Force successfully complete its work developing Reparations recommendations, which were submitted to the Governor, State Senate, and State Assembly.

Second, was the passage and signing by the Governor of legislation we wrote that will require California state agencies to collect data on descendants of U.S. Chattel Slavery. Currently our State does not have a way to measure the living conditions of those of us whose Ancestors were enslaved in this country.

Continued from page 5

leadership, Dr. Farooq and the CWDB have over $1 billion in workforce investments in the field today and are leading the way in creating good jobs and meeting the workforce needs of California businesses,” Knox added, praising his colleague who is also President of the Board of Education for Riverside Unified School District (RUSD).

After Farooq’s election to the NASWBC, United States Secretary of Labor Julie Su sent her congratulations.

THE POST,December 13 - 19, 2023, Page 6

postnewsgroup.com

Supporting Reparations: Questions for the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) is a statewide organization comprised of various associations, community groups, and individuals united by a commitment to fight for reparations and reparative justice for descendants of enslaved Black American men and women.

In 2020, CJEC worked alongside California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber when she was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in San Diego, to author and enact Assembly Bill (AB) 3121.

That bill, now state law, cre-

ated America’s first-in-the-nation Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans.

CJEC was one of seven “anchor organizations” sanctioned by the Reparations Task Force and the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to host a series of “listening sessions” designed to ensure certain communities in the state provided their thoughts and concerns about the work the task force was doing.

In addition, CJEC helped the task force evaluate California’s role in slavery and Jim Crow discrimination – and followed that work with developing resolutions

Chris Lodgson. Courtesy of CBM. to compensate African Americans for past and ongoing race-based injustices.

During one of CJEC’s listening sessions, the organization introduced Marian and Michael

Johnson, sister and brother, members of a Black family that lost property in Russell City due to eminent domain. Russell City was an unincorporated majority Black community located between the

Bay Area cities of Oakland and Hayward. Their story garnered national press coverage.

CJEC is also a community co-sponsor of Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 8 — the Ending Slavery in California Prisons Act of 2023-24.

The California Constitution prohibits slavery and prohibits involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. Authored

by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), who is also chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, said ACA 8 called for prohibiting slavery in any form, including forced labor compelled by the use or threat of

physical or legal coercion in California prisons.

ACA 8 received the two-thirds vote required during the legislative session, and a constitutional amendment was placed on the ballot for the November 2024 general election to allow the voters of California to decide its fate.

California Black Media spoke with Chris Lodgson, a CJEC member, about the organization’s advocacy and the work it is doing to support the fight for reparations in California.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

Continued on page 7