Oakland Post, week of February 21 - 27, 2024

Simultaneously, a different group of people, who had just finished their own press conference supporting Thao in front of City Hall, arrived at the mayor’s press conference. Almost immediately both groups began yelling and arguing with each other as the rest of the crowd waited for Thao and her team to start their conference.

A physical altercation between members of the opposing groups broke out during the conference and police arrived shortly on the scene. Reports from city leaders say no one was hurt, and those involved were separated to opposite sides of the street. It remains unclear who started the altercation.

Photo Oakland Post By Post Staff More than 15 years after Oscar Grant III was shot and killed by a BART police officer, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price returned the 22-year-old victim’s belongings to his mother, Rev. Wanda Johnson. At a press meeting held on Feb. 22 at 7677 Oakport St. in Oakland, Johnson was seen holding the two cell phones her son had been carrying when he was shot on the platform of Fruitvale Station in the early morning of Jan. 1, 2009. She was looking forward to seeing

“I know that there’s a lot of people out here today and I just want to say I love every single one of you. You all with signs, you all here standing

behind us, this is our democracy,” Thao said addressing the crowd.

As the groups continued to argue in the background, Thao announced that the City of Oakland has been awarded a $3.5 million grant by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) under the Community Response Initiative to Strengthen Emergency Systems (C.R.I.S.E.S.) Act Grant Pilot Program. The C.R.I.S.E.S Act Pilot Program, established under AB 118, allocated $9.5 million to community organizations statewide to develop emergency response pilot programs.

The other recipients of the grant were the City of Marin ($1.3 million), Sacramento County ($2 million) and Santa Cruz County ($2.5 million).

The grant will be used in partnership with Family Bridges — a nonprofit that empowers low-income, limited-English proficient immigrant families to lead self-sufficient, independent lives — and their Community Ambassador program to provide more Oakland safety ambassadors into downtown, Chinatown, Jack London Square, Little Saigon and Lake Merritt in the ensuing years.

Thao stated that the Oakland C.R.I.S.E.S Pilot Program will deploy mediators trained in de-escalation and trauma informed care

By Antonio Ray Harvey California

Black Media

On Feb. 21, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) held a press conference at the state Capitol to introduce a package of reparations legislation the lawmakers call “a starting point” to atone for the state’s legacy of discrimination.

By Magaly Muñoz

Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) is hosting free blood pressure checks and educating residents about heart health information throughout the county for Healthy Heart Month.

Helena Protesters Opposing Mayor Sheng Thao Disrupt Press Conference on Community Safety Grant Oakland Tenants Become Temporarily Unhoused After a Basement Fire in an Apartment Complex

Photo by City Needs to Support BlackOwned Businesses, Says Councilmember Kaplan

In addition to the resources, ACPHD is encouraging residents to be mindful of their diets by eating more fresh foods high in fiber, protein, calcium, potassium, and magnesium and lower in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats can help prevent high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. They state that most of the excess salt in diets comes from packaged, processed, store-bought, and restaurant foods.

The ACPHD are saying residents should also be mindful of their stress levels as it can significantly impact their heart health as well. Additionally, maintaining a regular schedule of physical activities is crucial to re-

ducing the risk of a heart attack.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of premature death in Alameda County, and it is in the top five leading cause of death for all communities ,especially in communities of color. Monitoring hypertension and high-blood pressure are key components of heart health,” ACPHD Director Kimi WatkinsTartt said.

The CDC considers February American Health Month, a time when all people, especially women, are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. Heart health deepens when combined with race, ethnicity, and other social factors.

Black individuals in Alameda County are at an above average rate to the national rate for being hospitalized for heart diseases and strokes, according to CDC data.

Until the end of the month, ACPHD officials will host a series

By Post Staff

In creating and maintaining a vibrant Oakland community, Black-owned businesses play a pivotal role, according to Councilmember-at-Large Rebecca Kaplan in a recent media release.

were present to explain their efforts to rectify the damages caused by systemic discrimination against Black Californians detailed in the 1,100-page report by the first-inthe-nation California reparations task force. Advocates Weigh in on Calif. Black Caucus Reparations Package Alameda County is Hosting Free Blood Pressure Checks for Healthy Heart Month

“These enterprises are not just places to shop or dine but pillars of resilience, creativity and cultural heritage,” she said. Supporting Black-owned businesses is crucial because they “face unique challenges, including historical disparities in access to capital. By supporting them, we contribute to their financial resilience. When these businesses thrive, they create jobs, foster innovation and strengthen our local economy,” Kaplan said.

Black-owned businesses con-

By Barbara Fluhrer

Special to The Post

Helena P. Hill, 92, was born and raised on her grandfather’s farm in Plaquemine, Louisiana. “We had cows, chickens and horses. I even picked cotton.”

She was the third-oldest child of Louis and Louella Brown, and one of 11 siblings. The closest school was eight miles away, so they home-schooled. Hill remembers her earliest “job” was assigned by her mother: “I was put in charge of the kitchen and stood on a chair to wash dishes and clean the counters.”

tribute to community empowerment, she continued. “(They) are often deeply connected to our neighborhoods. When we patronize them, we invest in our community’s well-being. These businesses sponsor local events, mentor youth, and provide spaces for cultural expression.”

These businesses also “preserve cultural traditions, art, and cuisine. They celebrate diversity and contribute to the rich tapestry of Oakland’s identity. From soul food restaurants to Afrocentric boutiques, each establishment tells a story,” she said.

Councilmember Kaplan’s office shared a list of Black-owned restaurants in Oakland. The list was created by Kaplan’s of-

ers outside of their building. They learned that faulty wiring in

the basement caused a small fire.

Multiple residents stated that their fire alarms had not gone off during the incident, despite them constantly beeping at random times of the day, and if they hadn’t seen the

the photos he would have taken in the last days of his life. The return of Grant’s belongings follows a victim’s rights discussion sponsored by Price in November of 2023. There, Johnson described how painful it was not to have Grant’s clothing, cell phones, and wallet returned to her despite several requests. Grant’s shooting, recorded on bystanders’ cell phones, prompted a public outcry in Oakland leading to the arrest and 2010 conviction By Magaly Muñoz Tenants of the 26th Ave. apartments in Oakland experienced a month-long disruption of hot water and electricity in their homes following an electrical fire at the complex in early January. On the night of Jan. 5, tenants were alarmed to find firefight-

She moved to California in 1950 and has been a resident and property owner in Berkeley and Oakland. “My first job in California was as a waitress at the California Hotel. I later went to the booths (set up by local employers) that were set up in Oakland and got a referral for a domestic position. They charged $10.”

She did domestic work for a few years, worked for the U.S. Post Office, and spent seven years at the Hunt Brothers Cannery in Hayward. She was employed by the U.S. government in San Francisco as a typist in the 1970s, and from 1978-92 worked for the American

National Insurance Company until retirement.

Hill is a Legacy Lifetime member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and has served as past president of its East Bay Area section. With NCNW, she coordinated voter registration campaigns and traveled to South Africa as a delegate to the South African Unification Conference.

In the political arena, she opened her home to campaign for Tom Bradley’s first historic run for the first Black Mayor of Los Angeles in the early 1970s and traveled there to campaign on his behalf. She worked tirelessly for Barack Obama’s campaign and was later named a member of Obama’s honorary Kitchen Cabinet. She assisted Linda Shepherd, the late AC Transit Board president, with her struggles with AC Transit in the early 1980s.

Hill is a board member of the Black Repertory Group and an avid supporter of the Four Seasons Arts, Inc. She continues to enjoy the Four Seasons door-to-door transportation to their concerts.

Her philanthropy includes contributions to the Democratic Party. She has one daughter and two grandchildren. She lives in Oakland and her home church is Acts Full Gospel.

Hill paraphrases her favorite scripture: Corinthians calls us to be ambassadors, sent out to work as a citizen of God’s Kingdom, representing truth and light in a world of deceit and darkness.

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CALBCC) celebrated Black-owned businesses from across the state at its 2024 Legislative Business Brunch, held at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento on Feb. 12.

The event, part of the CLBC’s Black History Month celebrations, honored the business owners for their outstanding achievements, impact on communities, enduring legacy, and high level of professionalism.

Jay King, CALBCC President and CEO, and CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), and CLBC Vice Chair, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), hosted the event.

“I thank each and every one of you for being here for this grand occasion organized to celebrate and honor Black business owners from around the state of California for their hard work, dedication, perseverance, and tenacity,” King said. “These are but a few of the attributes that must be on display at all times for Black business to survive.”

This year’s Black History Month business awardees are: Flawless Cutz and Stylez (Bakersfield); Imperial Electric Service (Fresno); OC Podiatry (Orange); Seashells Realty Group (San Jose); SER Transportation Services (Sacramento);Chez Soul (Fairfield); Beauchamp Distributing Company (Compton); BLK Girl Greenhouse (Oakland); South LA Café (Los Angeles); D.R. Roberts Event Management (Oakland); Sal’s Gumbo Shack (Long Beach); Leading Edge Learning Center (Moreno Valley); Woody’s Bar-BQue (Los Angeles); Urban Roots Brewery and Smokehouses (Sacramento); Detour Hair Studios and

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. California Black Media

The ballot for the 2024 California presidential primary election, set for March 5 — commonly called “Super Tuesday in political media speak — features leading presidential candidates President Joe Biden (D) and former President Donald Trump (R). Black candidates for President include President R. Boddie (D), Eban Cambridge (D), Jasmine Sherman (Peace and Freedom), and Cornel West (Peace and Freedom).

Across California, voters will also be choosing candidates for one US Senate seat, 52 congressional seats, 80 State Assembly seats, and 20 State Senate seats. Additionally, there’s a statewide ballot measure, Proposition 1, which if passed, would allow the state to borrow $6.4 billion for mental health treatment beds and revamp the law that funds mental health services through a tax on millionaires.

Voters will discover that Black candidates are overrepresented on their ballots for State and Federal office. Although African Americans comprise 6.5% of California’s population, Black candidates are contesting for 11.5% of California’s US House seats, 23.8% of State Assembly seats and 30% of State Senate seats.

According to California Black Media (CBM), 53 Black candidates are participating in 32 of the 154

Earle’s Restaurant (Inglewood); and Spacebar Café (La Mesa).

“As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to fostering an environment where Black businesses can thrive and continue to be meaningful to the economic landscape of California,” said Wilson, the chairperson of CLBC. “We continue to look forward to continuing our collaboration with the California Black Chamber of Commerce and stakeholders dedicated to empowering and uplifting Black-owned businesses.”

One of the oldest Black businesses in the state, Woods-Valentine Mortuary of Pasadena, received a special recognition for its longevity and contributions to its community. The mortuary was established by James and Annie Mae Woods in 1928 in the area now known as Old Pasadena.

“I’ve known this family for about 40 years. I am so proud of this family,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), who represents Assembly District (AD) 41 where the Woods-Valentine business is located.

Holden presented the award to the Valentine family.

State Controller Malia M. Cohen was the keynote speaker, and she was presented with the CLBC’s Chair Award. Tara Lynn Gray, the Director of California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), also delivered remarks.

Toks Omishakin, California Secretary of Transportation, was a guest.

“The business owners you see here have survived many obstacles and barriers, have been denied access to capital and other necessary resources to succeed, and have been told ‘no,’” King said. “But we say today, ‘thank you’ and ‘we appreciate you,’ with the hopes that they must carry the message: don’t quit and keep pushing.”

By

California Black Media

On Feb. 12, Attorney Gen. Rob Bonta joined members of the California Legislative Black Caucus in Sacramento to announce they are backing a bill written to address the high maternal mortality rate among Black women.

The legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 2319 – aims to ensure the successful implementation of SB 464, or the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act of 2019 (Act).

This act which took effect in 2020, mandates that all physicians in the state undergo implicit bias training every two years and requires hospitals to inform patients about their rights.

If the Legislature votes to approve it and Gov. Newsom signs it into law, AB 2319 will “provide clarity” on who qualifies to offer anti-bias trainings; designate state authorities to implement and enforce accountability measure; improve equity and inclusion; increase transparency around implementation; establish penalties for violators; among other provisions.

“It is a tragic reality that race continues to be a factor in maternal health and infant mortality rates not just in California, but across this country,” said Bonta.

“Together, we have made so much progress, and we must continue to address healthcare bias head-on. Today’s legislation does just that; it is designed to make transformational change in a system that has historically failed our mothers and babies, especially those of color,” Bonta added.

In California, ever year, Black women account for about 5% of pregnant women but make up an estimated 21% of pregnancy-related deaths, according to California Department of Justice.

Assemblymembers Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) Chair of the CLBC: Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), chair of the Assembly Health Committee; Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley); and Mike Gipson (D-Carson) attended the news briefing at the State Capitol about AB 2319.

“As a Black Mother and as Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, the fight to improve these outcomes is personal to me “I look forward to collaborating with our Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber and other stakeholders to push this accountability measure across the finish line as we seek to make strides in improving Black maternal health outcomes throughout California,” said Wilson.

By California Black Media

A growing number of Republicans are speculating that President Biden will not seek reelection this year due to health concerns. Instead, they suggest that Gov. Gavin Newsom will be the Democratic Party Standard Bearer.

“In the words of Democrat Senator John Fetterman, Gavin Newsom is ‘running for President right now’ but doesn’t have the ‘guts to announce it’” wrote U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA-3) on his website’s blog. “He is thereby

avoiding the standard vetting process. So, it is up to us to make sure Americans know the truth.”

Last week, Kiley published an initial list of Newsom’s worst failures on his page on the social media platform X.

Among the criticisms Kiley listed were California’s decreasing population; budget deficit; high rate of homelessness; increasing poverty; high gas prices, among others.

Newsom maintains he has “sub-zero interest” in running for President of the United States.

statewide elections. That’s about 21% of the races.

In eleven of these races, multiple Black candidates are competing. The party affiliations of these candidates include 42 Democrats, 7 Republicans, one Green Party, three Peace and Freedom Party and one from the American Independent Party. Among these candidates, 27 women are running for office – one for President, one for US Senate, 4 for Congress, 15 for State Assembly and 7 for State Senate. There are 27 men on the ballot – 3 for President, 8 for Congress, 9 for state Assembly and 7 for state Senate.

There is one Black candidate, Congressmember Barbara Lee (DCA-12), running for the US Senate seat (both full and partial term) to succeed U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler. If elected, Lee would be the third Black female U.S. Senator in state history. Despite lagging in both fundraising and the polls, she has consistently performed well in debates. Lee, has said throughout her political career that “representation matters.”

If neither Lee nor Congressmember Katie Porter (D-CA-47), the leading female candidates, finishes in the top two for the general election, California would be without a female contending to be senator the first time in more than 30 years.

In the upcoming Congressional elections, 12 Black candidates are

By California Black Media

Last week, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) introduced Senate Bill (SB) 1075, legislation intended to cap the charges that credit unions can impose on consumers for overdrafts or non-sufficient funds (NSF).

“Financial institutions should act responsibly when imposing fees on their members. They should not build a business model that thrives on the misfortune of customers,” said Braford, who is Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black

From left to right, CBBC President and CEO Jay King, Asm. Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), J’Maica Thomas, Kalkidan “Kalu” Gebreyohannes, Asm. Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), and Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena).

Thomas and Gebreyohannes are the co-owners of Blk Girls Green House in Oakland. The business specializes in plant and specialty home goods. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (File Photo)

Photo: iStock photo image.

Sen. Steven Bradford (File Photo)

Los Angeles City Council Declares Shirley Weber Day

By California Black Media

On Feb. 14 last week, Valentine’s Day, the Los Angeles City Council honored California’s first Black Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley N. Weber, with a heartfelt gesture of appreciation.

As part of its Black History Month celebration, the 15-member council declared Feb. 14 “Shirley Weber Day” in Los Angeles.

“We celebrate the homecoming of an undeniable force who emerged from the streets of South L.A. to the epitome, showing strength and grit,” said Councilmember Curren Price, who represents the city’s 9th District where Weber grew up.

Price introduced the resolution to honor Weber earlier this month, which acknowledged the Secretary of State for her “lifelong commitment to service within the realm of civil rights, voting rights, public safety, protections for those with disabilities, food insecurity and legislation on education.”

Councilmember Heather Hutt, who represents the 10th District, called Weber “an extraordinary

woman who has made history and she really continues to inspire us all.”

Latricia T. Mitchell, NAACP Los Angeles President, congratulated Weber and praised the city council for its decision.

“Her unwavering dedication to the California dream, where hope, opportunity, justice, and fairness thrive, serves as an inspiration to all,” wrote Mitchell in a statement. “With unwavering integrity, she consistently prioritizes the needs of the public over any political agenda, fulfilling her responsibilities with utmost commitment.”

Weber, born in Hope, Ark, in 1948, moved with her family to Los Angeles as a young girl. She grew up in the Pueblo Del Rio housing projects and earned her undergraduate, master’s and PhD from UCLA.

Weber, a former Assemblymember who represented the 79th District in San Diego, thanked the councilmembers, recognized how growing up in L.A. contributed to her success, urged the audience

to help build communities where young people can be motivated, feel supported and thrive.

Weber also remembered her parents.

“My only regret in life is that

Senator Bradford ...

Continued from page 2

Caucus (CLBC).

“That’s exactly what some credit unions are doing,” continued Bradford. “Fees should not be excessive or target the most vulnerable customers.”

According to SB 1075 language, the bill would require credit unions to extend a “five-day grace period” to customers to rectify a deficiency before a state-chartered credit union can assess a fee.

“Most credit unions charge between $20 and $35 for each fee,” reads a press release issued by Bradford’s office. “Overdraft protection is an opt-in program where the financial institution will provide funding to complete a transaction when the member has insufficient funds. Non-sufficient funds fees

my parents are not here to see what they did, what they made, and see the contributions they made not just to my life, but to the life of California,” she said. “I always pay tribute to them.”

are charged when a transaction is denied by the credit union due to a low balance.”

According to a March 2023

Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Report (DFPI) report, credit unions are earning a significant amount of their revenue from fees.

“We have long known that overdraft fees can be a pernicious and often predatory practice that harms consumers who can least afford to pay them,” said Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), Chair of the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee.

“I applaud Senator Bradford for taking the lead on this issue and look forward to working with him, consumer advocates, and financial institutions to collaboratively enact strong protections for users of overdraft services,” Limon added.

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California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber (Courtesy of Los Angeles City Council)

The L.A. City Council Resolution Declaring “Shirley Weber Day“ in Los Angeles.

Gun Rights Advocates Speak Out Against Bill Proposing Annual Firearm Registration

By California Black Media

Gun owners and gun rights activists across California are up in arms over a California bill introduced last week that proposes annual registration of each firearm in the state.

The legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 1160, authored by Sen. Anthony J. Portantino (D-Burbank), would help authorities monitor gun ownership, which would bolster public safety, advocates say.

“Apparently in California, exercising your Second Amendment rights is just another way for the government to reach into your

pockets,” says Second Amendment rights advocate Craig DeLuz, who is running for U.S. Congress in the state’s 6th Congressional District in Sacramento County.

Every time a gun is passed around, the state’s system tracks it like an overbearing mother, so why do gun owners have to pay an annual registration fee? It’s just a sneaky way to penalize those who can’t cough up the cash and disarm them. Seems like the only people feeling the heat are law-abiding citizens,” continued DeLuz.

Portantino says SB 1160 would help authorities track how many

firearms are in the state and who owns them.

“Currently, we only have rough estimates on how many firearms there are in California. This important step toward registration will also increase accountability and responsible gun ownership as we collectively endeavor to increase public safety,” Portantino said Feb. 12

According to Portantino’s office, revenue raised from gun registration fees would be used to fund a state firearm registry that would become a resource for law enforcement agencies.

Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Thurgood Marshall, Frederick Douglass, Paul Robeson, Adam Clayton Powell, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Jesse Jackson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others. He

rights advocate John Lewis, acknowledging his Selma fight for voting saying, “Because of you, Thanks.”

(Graphic Designer Theodore Plair)

Prop 1: A Mix of Skepticism and Hope is Shaping Opinions About Calif’s Upcoming Mental Health

Ballot Proposal

By Edward Henderson California Black Media

San Francisco resident Anthony Hardnett works at Hospitality House, a community-based organization that offers recovery, reintegration and personal growth resources to people struggling with addiction and homelessness in and around the city’s downtown area.

Growing up in the 1980s, Hardnett was a multi-sport star athlete. His speed on the track coupled with his exceptional skills as a running back in football earned him the respect and admiration of his community.

“Everyone,” he says, saw his potential and predicted he would be one of the few to “make it out.”

Unfortunately, Hardnett was drawn to the temptations of street life, leading him into substance abuse and crime – and, eventually, to a 29-year prison sentence, when he was just 21 years old.

“I saw people with the perms and slick dudes and girls. I saw that as being cool. I graduated from weed to cocaine and that’s what took it to another level,” he remembers.

After getting clean during his time in prison and earning a degree in counseling, Hardnett told California Black Media that he is motivated to transform as many lives as possible. In his role, Hardnett says he knows how the lack of resources for treating and preventing mental health and addiction are both complicating and contributing to California’s homelessness crisis, which is having an outsized impact on African Americans.

Last year, Newsom announced Proposition (Prop) 1, an expansive ballot measure that he said would enhance access to treatment and housing for the chronically homeless population that Hardnett, his organization and some other mental health advocates are most concerned about. Many advocates believe that this segment of the homeless population is the hardest to transition from the streets to permanent housing.

“We see the signs of our broken mental health system every day — too many Californians suffering from mental health needs or substance use disorders are unable to get the support or care they need,” said Gov. Newsom in a statement at the time. “This will prioritize getting people off the streets, out

of tents and into treatment.”

On March 5, the date of the presidential primary election, California voters will have the final word on whether the state will overhaul and expand access to mental health services treatment in two important ways.

Senate Bill (SB) 326 and Assembly Bill (AB) 531 are the foundation of Prop 1.

SB 326 modernizes the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) passed in 2004 by reallocating funds. These reforms aim to expand services, including treatment for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), prioritizing care for those with serious mental illnesses, ensuring sustained resources for housing and workforce, and maintaining investments in early intervention efforts.

AB 531 includes the $6.4 billion general obligation bond to build 11,150 new treatment beds and supportive housing unites as well as outpatient capacity to help serve tens of thousands of people annually. Included in the bond is $1 billion set aside specifically for veterans’ housing.

If passed, Prop 1 would direct counties, which are responsible for more than 90% of spending addressing homelessness and addiction, to prioritize housing over other treatment and prevention programs.

Since Newsom announced Prop 1, the state has invested more than $14 million on a public awareness campaign about the initiative.

Although Blacks in California comprise 6.5% of the state’s population, they make up more than 40% of unhoused people across California. The drug-induced death rates among Blacks in California is also relatively high at 28.3% as compared to 23.2% among Whites and 11.1% among Latinos.

A 2023, University of California San Francisco study also found that an estimated 83% of people of unhouse people in the state had experienced a mental health condition.

“Modernizing the 20-year-old MHSA as the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) responds to the critical need to address the tragic reality of unhoused people we see on our streets and the mental health and substance use issues that many experience, but also pays heed to the housing and

California Black Women’s Health Project Kicks Off 30th Anniversary Celebration

By California Black Media

Last week, the California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP) announced that it is kicking off its 30th anniversary with special programs throughout 2024, and a continuing commitment to fighting for equity and pushing policies that help Black women and girls lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

“Over the past 30 years, we’ve worked to support Black women and girls who are too often overlooked and neglected in the healthcare system and other systems that claim to serve us,” said Sonya

Young Aadam, CEO of CABWHP, in a statement.

“Despite ongoing challenges, we will continue to unapologetically advocate for the improved health and well-being of Black women and girls across California from San Diego to Sacramento, Aadam continued.

CABWHP began anniversary celebrations with a fundraising drive under the theme Giving F.O.R.W.A.R.D. (For Our RIGHTS, WELLNESS, ADVOCACY, RESOURCES, and DESCENDENTS). The organization also hosted a fireside chat honoring its past five CEOs of the organiza-

tion.

All proceeds from the drive will be used to “strengthen operations and support existing programs focused on training, educating, and building the capacity of Black women to become health advocates and activists,” according to a CABWHP press release.

“We know that it takes collective community efforts to address gaps, and we remain committed to fighting against inequities,” Aadam said.

For more information on CABWHP’s work and 30th anniversary events visit CABWHP.org.

critical wraparound support services that people struggling with homelessness need,” said SB 326 Co-Author and Assembly Health Committee Chair Assemblymember Jim Wood.

Opponents of the proposition are concerned about the damage it could cause to existing mental healthcare programs. They fear that the heavy focus on housing will give counties no choice but to slash jobs and cut essential programs.

Karen Vicari, Director of Public Policy for Mental Health America spoke with California Black Media about why she is urging a “no” vote on Prop 1.

“Prop 1 will divert 30% of MHSA money that’s currently going towards services that will divert that money towards other things like housing navigation,” she said. “Not creating housing but services to help people find housing where there isn’t any to be found. That’s our biggest concern.”

Vicari is also concerned about the types of programs that are bound to be cut.

“There are a lot of services for African American people that are going to be on the chopping block, she said. Those community centers do amazing work,” added Vicari.

“Most of the bond money will go towards building in-patient treatment facilities for the highestneed people. Two billion goes to permanent supportive housing, but half of that is going towards veterans,” she said. “So, only $922 million that will go towards actual housing. It is a drop in the bucket considering the state has already put $25 billion into homelessness efforts and it continues to rise.”

Hardnett says he sees the solution to the addiction and homelessness problems is a combination of personal willpower, culturally competent treatment programs, more funding for addiction and more availability and access to care and stable housing.

“Some people say I only got clean because I was in prison. No, you can do it out here too,” said Hardnett. You can get off the drugs, or any other habit you’re on. Some people just need more help than others. By the grace of God, I made it out.”

Black History is American History

Dubbed the ‘Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,’ by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Septima Clark believed that education was key to the equal rights that Blacks were seeking. “Knowledge could empower marginalized groups in ways that formal legal equality couldn’t,” she became known for saying. A teacher right out of high school, by age 21, Clark had become an active proponent for equal pay for Black teachers, bringing her into the movement for civil rights in 1919. Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s first woman board member, she would go on to receive the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award in 1970, a Living Legacy Award in 1976, and the Drum Major for Justice Award in 1987.

Anthony Hardnett (pictured right) uses his experiences overcoming substance abuse to empower the unhoused in San Francisco at Hospitality House’s 6th Street Self Help Center.

Photo: iStock photo image.

COMMENTARY: Black History’s Oral Tradition as Told by Oakland’s Ishmael Reed

OPINION

By Emil Guillermo

If you don’t know who S. Shine is, the African American man said to have survived the Titanic, then, as the saying goes, “you have a hole in your soul.”

Fill it with “The Shine Challenge 2024,” a new play by Oakland writer Ishmael Reed.

Shine is part of Black oral tradition, a character that was created after the 1912 sinking of the great luxury liner said to have been invincible.

Was the Titanic a symbol of White supremacy? And was Shine a symbol, too: a Black man who overcame the slow roll of postslavery justice? Reed deals with this idea in his new play, where I have a small role playing the White man who owned the Titanic — in a false mustache.

Acting!

The virtual staged reading of “The Shine Challenge 2024,” directed by Carla Blank, is available online and on demand at Nuyorican.org, starting this week. The challenge is for audience members to take the story, as Reed did, and make it their own — maybe by mashing oral tradition with the modern cinematic memory of the Titanic. You can be the person of color who stands on the bow of the

ship and yells, “I am King of the World”?

Or Queen.

Reed remembers hearing the story of Shine and the Titanic as a boy growing up in the late 1930s. He also remembers a painting of the ship that hung on a family wall. The Shine tale and variations were told and retold through the years. But in the 1940’s, writer Langston Hughes heard it on 8th Avenue in Harlem and wrote it down.

From those 36 lines of “Sinking of the Titanic,” Reed has turned it into a play that talks about race, class, immigration, engineering, Edwardian values, and lo and behold, even animal rights.

Reed sets the play as a trial, where Shine is accused of sinking the Titanic. Of course, he’d be one of the prime suspects as one of the stokers who kept the fires burning that provided the energy for the ship.

Who else but a Black man could have been the cause of such a tragedy?

One by one, witness come forward, but the surprise witnesses are animals. Polar Bear Sam and Jack the Shark take center stage. Animals testifying? This is surreal.

It is, however, true that in those time, Blacks were largely seen as no better than animals. Who but animals, if allowed to talk, would

tell the world what happened and actually tell the truth?

It’s quirky and satirical, perhaps a bit cartoon-like, yet it’s all in keeping with the originality and insight that define Reed’s five decades of literary work. As the founder of the Before Columbus Foundation, Reed’s work has always been distinguished for being the voice of the voiceless.

In the “Shine Challenge” you’ll get the facts about the Titanic. And you’ll see why the story was passed down for years, embellished, highlighted, sexed up or down, based on the audience. How will people today pass it on? It’s part of Black oral tradition, a rich history. In Reed’s variation, justice is served when the animals tell the truth.

Reed set’s the foundation for you to tell your own Shine variation.

Catch my interview with Reed on The PETA Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

And purchase a private link to watch the pre-recorded LIVE Reading of “The Shine Challenge 2024,” here: https://ci.ovationtix. com/35133/production/1191624? performanceId=11425268

About the Author

Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. See him on YouTube.com/@emilamok1

Black Candidates ... Continued from page 2

vying for 6 seats.

For Congressional District (CD)

6 (Elk Grove), Craig J. DeLuz (R), a member of the Robla School Board, is in the running along with 5 other candidates, including the current Congressmember, Ami Bera (D).

Kevin Lincoln (R), the Mayor of Stockton, is contesting for CD 9 (Stockton) against three other candidates, including the incumbent Congressmember, Josh Harder (D). In CD 12 (Oakland), nine candidates are competing to succeed Lee. Among them, three are Black: Lateefah Simon (D), a nonprofit Foundation President; Andre Todd (D), a retired Navy officer and businessman; and Eric Wilson (D), an employee of a nonprofit organization.

Julie Lythcott-Haims (D), a Palo Alto councilmember, educator, lawyer, and parent, is among the 11 candidates running for CD 16 (Atherton) to replace the retiring Anna Eshoo (D).

Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D), one of the three incumbent Black Congressmembers from California, is seeking re-election in CD 37 (Los Angeles). John Thompson Parker (Peace and Freedom) is the other Black candidate in this race, which has a total of four contenders.

In CD 47 (Los Angeles), four out of five candidates are Black. The incumbent representative is Maxine Waters (D). The other Black candidates are Gregory Edward Jackson Cheadle (D), a program evaluator; Chris B. Wiggins (D), a state caucus chair; and Steve Williams (R), a small business owner.

Out of 40 State Senate seats, 20 are up for election this year. Five of these seats are being sought by 14 Black candidates.

In Senate District (SD) 3 (Napa), five candidates are competing for an open seat as the incumbent, Bill Dodd (D), is term-limited in 2024. The Black candidates in this race are Jackie Elward (D), a councilmember, educator, and mother, and Jimih Jones (R), an automotive parts advisor.

SD 7 (Oakland) has six candidates running to succeed Nancy Skinner (D), who is termed out at the end of 2024. The Black candidates are Jovanka Beckles (D), an AC Transit Director, and Sandre R Swanson (D), a youth foundation president and former Assemblymember.

Jason O’Brien (D), a police detective and businessman, is among four candidates vying for an open seat in SD 29 (San Bernadino).

Eight candidates are on the bal-

lot for SD 35 (Inglewood) to replace the term-limited Sen. Steven Bradford (D). The six Black candidates are Michelle Chambers (D), a community justice advocate; Lamar Lyons (D), a financial consultant; Alex Monteiro (D), a Councilmember and nonprofit director; Laura Richardson (D), a former Congressmember, businesswoman, and housing advocate; and Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams (D), an accountant and small businessowner.

Dr. Akilah Weber (D), an Assemblymember and medical doctor is a candidate for the open SD 39 (San Diego) seat being vacated by Sen. Toni Atkins, former Senate President pro Tempore. She is running against one other candidate.

Out of 80 Assembly seats on the ballot, 24 Black candidates are contesting for 19 seats.

In Assembly District (AD) 6 (Sacramento), 10 candidates are on the ballot to succeed Kevin McCarty (D), who is running for Mayor of Sacramento. Among them, Emmanual Amanfor (D), a Sacramento Housing Commissioner, is the sole Black candidate.

Porsche Middleton (D) is contesting for AD 7 (Citrus Heights) against two others, including incumbent Josh Hoover (R).

In AD 11 (Suisun City), incumbent Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D) is seeking re-election. She faces three opponents, one of whom is Black: Wanda Wallis, a real estate agent.

Rhodesia Ransom (D), a businessowner and mother, is running for AD 13 (Stockton) against two other candidates.

Monica E. Wilson (D), an Antioch City Councilmember, is contesting for AD 15 (Concord) against three opponents.

Incumbent Assemblymember

Mia Bonta (D) is seeking re-election for AD 18 (Oakland). Among her three opponents, one is Black: Andre Sandford, a housing program manager.

Waymond Fermon (D), a peace officer and Indio councilmember, is running for the open seat in AD 36 (Antelope Valley) against six other candidates.

Phlunté Riddle (D), a public safety commissioner, is on the ballot for AD 41 (Pasadena). The incumbent, Chris Holden (D), who is term-limited, is running for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Three other candidates are also on the ballot.

Carmenita Helligar (D) is one of eight candidates for AD 44 (Burbank), as incumbent Laura Friedman is running for the U.S. House.

Jamie Swain (D), a truck driver, is running for AD 47 (High Desert) against two opponents, including incumbent Greg Wallis (R).

In AD 50 (San Bernardino), DeJonae Marie Shaw, a licensed vocational nurse, is running against two other candidates. The incumbent, Eloise Reyes (D), is running for State Senate.

Shannel Pittman (Green Party), a national diversity chair, is running for AD 52 (San Gabriel Valley) against nine other candidates. The incumbent, Wendy Carrillo (D), is running for Los Angeles City Council.

Isaac G. Bryan (D), the incumbent Assemblymember for AD 55 (Ladera Heights), has one opponent.

In AD 57 (Los Angeles), five candidates are running to replace Reggie Jones-Sawyer, who is termlimited and running for Los Angeles City Council. The three Black candidates are Greg Akili, an educator and nonprofit director; Sade Elhawary, an education and community organizer; and Tara Perry, a reparations advocate.

Corey A Jackson (D), the incumbent Assemblymember for AD 60 (Riverside), is running for re-election against two opponents, one of whom is Black: Ron Edwards (R), a small business owner.

Tina Simone McKinnor (D), the incumbent Assemblymember for AD 61 (Inglewood), is running for re-election against one opponent.

Mike Gipson (D), the incumbent Assemblymember for AD 65 (Compton), is running for re-election.

Dom Jones (D), a businesswoman and TV personality, is running for AD-72 (Huntington Beach) against incumbent Diane Dixon (R).

LaShae Sharp-Collins (D), a county education professional, is running for AD 79 (La Mesa). The incumbent, Akilah Weber, is running for State Senate. Two other candidates are also on the ballot.

All active registered voters in California will receive a vote-bymail ballot. Mailing of ballots began Feb. 5 and drop-off locations opened on Feb. 6. The last day to register to vote is Feb. 20. Vote centers for early in-person voting open on Feb. 24. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by March 12.

In California, the order of races on ballots goes from local to federal, and the state’s primaries have a toptwo system, meaning the top two vote getters in a given race advance to the general election, regardless of political party.

Crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum products can expose you to chemicals including toluene and benzene, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. These exposures can occur in and around oil fields, refineries, chemical plants, transport and storage operations, such as pipelines, marine terminals, tank trucks, and other facilities and equipment. For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/petroleum.

The foregoing warning is provided pursuant to Proposition 65. This law requires the Governor of California to publish a list of chemicals “known to the State to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.” This list is compiled in accordance with a procedure established by the Proposition, and can be obtained from the California Environmental Protection Agency. Proposition 65 requires that clear and reasonable warnings be given to persons exposed to the listed chemicals in certain situations.

The

(Graphic

Ishmael Scott Reed is an American poet, essayist, playwright and novelist. From left: Poet, writer, teacher, publisher Bob Callahan, Ishmael Reed, Ishmael’s wife Carla Blank, play director, with novelist Shawn Wong at right.

Reparations Package ...

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CLBC chairperson Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) said it may take three to seven years to pass legislation aimed at implementing the task force’s recommendations.

The package the CLBC members presented consists of 14 legislative proposals, each designed to address different aspects of systemic racism and inequality.

One proposal, Senate Bill (SB) 490, put forth by CLBC Vice Chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), calls for the establishment of the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAFAA).

This agency would administer reparations programs and aid Black families researching their family lineage. The cost of implementing such an agency has not yet been estimated, but reparations advocates say its creation signifies a step toward acknowledging and rectifying past injustices.

Another proposal by Assemblymember Cory Jackson (DRiverside), ACA 7, seeks to amend Prop 209, the initiative passed by voters in 1996 that prohibits considering race, color, sex, or nationality in public employment, education, and contracting decisions.

This amendment would allow the governor to approve exceptions to the law in order to address poverty and improve educational outcomes for African Americans and other marginalized groups.

Bradford also discussed proposal legislation aimed at compensating families whose properties were seized through eminent domain as a result of racism and discrimination.

The package of bills includes a measure proposed by Assemblymember Reggie Jones Sawyer (DLos Angeles), Assembly Bill (AB) 3089 to formally acknowledge California’s history of slavery and discrimination, requiring lawmakers to issue a formal apology.

Additionally, a proposed constitutional amendment, ACA 8, sponsored by Wilson aims to ban involuntary servitude, particularly within the state’s prison system.

Reparations advocates and social justice groups from statewide organizations shared their support and criticism of the 14-bill reparations package with California Black Media (CBM).

A Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) stated that the CLBC’s package does not address direct-cash payment, which, for that group’s leadership, is a non-negotiable component of any proposed compensation package.

“Our coalition’s unwavering commitment has been to pursue lineage-based reparations, encompassing direct monetary payments/ compensation, state recognition of descendants as a protected class, and the establishment of the California American Freedman Affairs Agency through Senate Bill (SB) 490,” CJEC member Chris Lodgson outlined in a statement.

Lodgson continued, “We believe these vital components are imperative and a necessary first step toward true reparations. As we’ve communicated to elected officials directly for some time, we believe any reparations package must be targeted explicitly and exclusively to California’s 2 million Black American descendants of persons enslaved in the U.S. (American Freedmen).”

Media present at the news briefing persistently questioned Wilson and other CLBC members about direct payments.

Wilson mentioned that the budget deficit California is currently facing is being considered in discussions about compensation. A Legislative Analyst’s Office report released Feb. 20, estimates that the state’s budget shortfall could expand to $73 billion by May.

“In regard to direct-cash pay-

of

ments to individuals, we will continue to have that discussion as we navigate the next few years,” Wilson said. “As noted, we’re halfway through a legislative session. We have about three months of the legislative process in each house (Senate and Assembly) to work through these existing bills.

“In the next session, we have two years, and during that two-year session, we will consider including additional payments whether they are direct-cash payments or direct payments to communities,” Wilson said.

The Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth (ARRT), a collaboration of California’s leading Black power-building and justice groups, supports seven of CLBC’s 14 reparations bills with proposals that include the restoration of property, establishing the property tax assistance for Descendants of Enslaved Persons program, a formal apology for human rights violations and crimes against humanity, amending the California Constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude for incarcerated persons, and prohibiting discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles.

“The California Legislative Black Caucus reparations package marks a historic and meaningful moment in time. ARRT encourages lawmakers to pursue an even more expansive and definitive action to fulfill the reparations principles as recognized by the United Nations,” stated James Woodson, ARRT co-founder and executive director of the California Black Power Network. “Reparative justice must be impactful, transformative, and enduring, thus paving the way toward atoning for the wrongdoings deeply imprinted in the state’s history and healing this democracy.”

ARRT is a collaboration between the Black Equity Collective, the California Black Power Network, Catalyst California, Equal Justice Society, and Live Free USA, Live Free California.

Former members of the California reparations task force have partnered with ARRT: LoyolaMarymount clinical psychologist professor Dr. Cheryl Grills; Oakland-based civil rights attorney Lisa Holder; Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis, chair of the Department of Geography at the University of California Berkeley and Oaklandbased attorney Donald Tamaki.

“We absolutely are (in support of direct-cash payments),” Woodson told California Black Media. “I think we’ve got to have it all. There were multiple harms that were caused and one of them was financial and that needs to be compensated for with cash payments. And there are also systemic harms that were created. We need to change laws. We need to change how rules work because a lot of it flows out of anti-Black racism. We have to have everything because if you leave anything out it’s not for reparations.”

CBM also learned that there will be a series of listening sessions with the CLBC to help educate Californians about the reparation bills and the workings of the legislative process.

Oscar Grant’s Personal Property ...

Continued from page 1

The

Tenants Become Temporarily Unhoused ...

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bright lights of the fire trucks, they would’ve never known anything was wrong.

Tenants were instructed by their property management company, Selborne Properties, to find other accommodations and temporary housing as the electricity and hot water would be turned off until the city and PG&E could come into the building and inspect the aftermath.

Sydney Leston, a student at Laney College, has lived at the complex for two years and struggled to find temporary housing while the issues at the apartment were being addressed. She managed to secure a $600 Airbnb for a week after the incident, but quickly realized that she could not continue paying the high cost for long, so she decided to head back to her home state of New Jersey while things were resolved back in Oakland.

Leston added that not only were her finances and housing affected, but her health took a hit as well. She has an autoimmune disease that requires her to get treatments every six weeks at UCSF Medical Center. One of those treatments took place the week after the apartment fire and caused a lot of mental anguish for her.

“[Being temporarily unhoused] is already extremely mentally taxing … then because the infusion, it’s chemotherapy medicine, so that adds to the stress,” Leston said.

Leston was able to return to Oakland the same week that the electricity and hot water were turned on in her unit, but a few others at the apartment complex would not be as lucky.

Luzmi Giron and her family are one of four sets of tenants who have not been able to return to their homes due to additional damage that was caused during the few weeks that they were gone due to the fire.

After a few weeks, residents were able to get in contact with Spanish broadcast media, which then alerted organizations like Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), Moms 4 Housing and Movement Legal to

Healthy Heart Month ...

Continued from page 1

of events aimed at raising awareness about the importance of cardiovascular health.

Here is a list of remaining dates and locations for free blood pressure checks in the Bay Area:

• Feb. 24: DeFremery Park. 16TH St. & Adeline St. Oakland, CA 94608 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

• Feb. 25: Laney College Flea Market. 510 Fallon St., Oakland, CA 94607 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Feb. 25: Center of Hope Community Church. 8411 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland, CA 94605. 8:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Protesters Opposing Mayor Thao ...

Continued from page 1

to help people experiencing nonemergency, non-medical issues.

“Expanding the safety ambassador program supports Oakland’s comprehensive community safety strategy,” Thao said.

The grant collaboration with Family Bridges will expand their organization with mediators, who, in addition to providing de-escalation services, will also extend housing and systems navigation services, create a hotline, and engage with the community through outreach, mediation and resources.

“Family Bridges has a historical presence of responding to actions and issues of inequality and quality of life, so we are prepared to meet the challenges for meeting the deliverables of this grant,” Family Bridges CEO Corrine Jan said.

As soon as the press conference concluded, recall supporters began chanting “Recall Sheng Thao.” The two groups stuck around to continue telling their side of the argument for recalling the mayor or keeping her in office.

“She [Thao] is not to blame for all the city’s problems,” one supporter of the mayor said.

Thao’s supporters explained that she inherited numerous problems and that some of the city’s policies are not her doing. They stated that

assist the tenants.

Thanks to Moms 4 Housing, Giron and her family were placed in a nearby motel after almost two weeks of living in their apartment with no electricity and hot water. They continue to remain in the motel after mold caused by their leaking refrigerator was discovered in their unit, a problem that Giron said she’s been having for months now, but which has gone ignored by Selborne.

Over the course of the 12 years that she’s lived there, Giron shared that she’s only made a few maintenance requests for her unit, but because of the lack of Spanish speakers at the property management office, many of the requests have gone unanswered for her and other residents at the complex who do not speak English.

“They haven’t done anything,” Giron said. “It’s been weeks since the initial incident and only more problems have risen since then.”

She worries that all her possessions have been ruined by the mold and that nothing will be salvageable. Selborne has not given her or the other three unit residents a timeline of when they’ll be able to return to their homes, escalating Giron’s anxiety as her daughter is currently pregnant and due soon.

Multiple tenants have voiced dissatisfaction with the lack of communication from the property management about when refunds will be reimbursed for temporary housing or when repairs will be made. They’ve been instructed to not pay rent until those issues have been resolved. Tenants say the most they’ve received are vague, short messages with little to no details on their individual situations.

The Selborne Properties team told the Post that they do not have a timeline of when the four units without power will be restored, but they are “working with the City of Oakland, PG&E and the contractor to get this restored as quickly as possible.”

“The owner / management are addressing all maintenance requests that have been submitted by the residents,” Tim Browne of Selborne Properties wrote in an email.

• Feb. 25: North Oakland Missionary Baptist Church. 1060 32nd St. Emeryville, CA 94608. 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Feb. 25: St. Paul AME. 2024 Ashby Ave., Berkeley, CA 94703. 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

• Feb. 25: First AME Community Church. 2915 Willow Pass Rd., Bay Point, CA 94565. 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

• Feb. 25: St. Benedict Church. 2245 82nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94605. 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

• Feb. 28: West Berkeley Family Wellness Center. 1900 Sixth St., Berkeley, CA 94710. 1:30 p.m.2:30 p.m.

Thao is doing all that she can to help Oakland and its residents, and that the recall efforts against her have been pushed from the start of her administration, creating an unfair foundation for her mayoral term.

Critics of Thao argued that she has had almost five years as an Oakland city leader — from being on Oakland City Council to her start as mayor — to implement constructive policies for the city, but has failed to do so.

“Oakland has the worst public safety policies; Oakland has the worst housing policies; Oakland has the worst homeless policies, and our city is just hurting,” Tuan Ngo said.

He referenced all the businesses that are closing, including the recent news that In-N-Out Burger will be leaving the city in late March, and the rise in crimes over the last year since Thao entered office.

Ngo is also involved in the recall efforts against Alameda District Attorney Pamela Price. He says the campaign is close to meeting the March 5 deadline to submit the required number of signatures to trigger a recall election.

Supporters of Thao urged the opposition to sit down and talk to find solutions to the issues they believe are plaguing the city, rather than disrupting press conferences to make their point.

City Needs to Support Black-Owned Businesses ...

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fice and also included establishments suggested by the Post News Group, the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC) and Visit Oakland. If the list missed any business, please contact atlarge@oaklandca.gov.

• ALAMAR, 100 Grand Ave. #111

• ASMARA RESTAURANT, 5020 Telegraph Ave.

• BLACKBERRY SOUL: CHEF RENE JOHNSON, To order, visit www.blackberrysoul.net

• CALABASH, 2300 Valdez St. Ste. A

• CAÑA CUBAN PARLOR & CAFE, 530 Lake Park Ave.

• COCO BREEZE RESTAURANT AND CATERING SERVICE , 2370 High St.

• CRUMBLE & WHISK BAKERY AND CAFE, 4104 MacArthur Blvd.

• DMONAGHANS ON THE HILL, 2820 Mountain Blvd.

• ENSSARO, 357-A Grand Ave.

• EVERETT AND JONES BBQ, 126 Broadway St.

• FALAFEL BOY INC, 1924 Franklin St.

• GEOFFREY’S INNER CIRCLE , 410 14th St.

• GRAFFITI PIZZA, 719 Washington St.

• GREGORY’S GOURMET DESSERTS, 285 23rd St.

• HOME OF CHICKEN AND WAFFLES, 444 Embarcadero West (new address as of Feb. 27 will be 247 Fourth St.

• HOOK YOU UP CATERING & BBQ SERVICES, Curbside Service Only, 2420 Renwick St.

• JUSLA EATS AND CATERING, 1955 Broadway St.

• OESTE BAR & KITCHEN, 722 Clay St.

• RED DOOR CATERING, 2925 Adeline St.

• RED BAY COFFEE CAFE, 3136 International Blvd.

• ROBERT DORSEY CATERING AND EVENTS, 344 20th St.

• TENI EAST KITCHEN, 4015 Broadway St.

• THE COOK AND HER FARMER, 510 9th St.

• TOWN FARE BY CHEF MICHELE MCQUEEN, 1000 Oak St.

• WILLOWS & PINE RESTAURANT AND CATERING, 3525 Fruitvale Ave.

Michael P. Johnson Garners

Major Support in Run for Alameda County Superior Court Judge

Hon. Winifred Y. Smith, (ret.) (ADR Services photo) and Hon. Charles Smiley (GovDelivery photo.)

By Post Staff

Michael P. Johnson is running for Alameda County Superior Court Judge, Seat 12, after having been appointed as a temporary judge over the past five years.

Hon. Charles Smiley, presiding judge of the Alameda County Superior Court, said he had “personally observed Michael’s professionalism as judge pro tem, and his work as a pro tem judge ranks among the finest in our country.”

As a resident of Alameda County for over 30 years, Johnson served as assistant vice president and senior counsel for AT&T and Warner Media.

Johnson said, “For decades, I have been an active member of the Alameda County Bar Association (ACBA) as well as the ACBA’s non-profit Volunteer Legal Services Corp. (now, Legal Access Alameda).

“I have been honored to have

served as the president of the Board of Directors for both organizations. I am a lifetime member of the Charles Houston Bar Association, a non-profit organization comprised of African American lawyers, judges, and law students throughout Northern California.”

Hon. Winifred Y. Smith (ret.), a past presiding judge for the county said, “The Alameda County Superior Court needs Michael Johnson. He is smart, has great judicial temperament and is a man of the community. I have known Michael for over 15 years and can attest to his qualities and qualifications to serve on the Alameda County Superior Court bench.”

Johnson told the Post that he was also a member of CABL (California Association of Black Lawyers) as well as the National Bar Association (a global network of African American attorneys and judges) and the American Bar Association.

Hon. Michael P. Johnson. Ballotpedia photo.