Oakland Post, week of February 28 - March 5, 2024

Special to the Post

The Oakland Police Commission’s Police Chief Search Ad Hoc Committee invited the public to hear from a new pool of police chief candidates to discuss their qualifications on Thursday, Feb. 29. Oaklanders had been given the opportunity to submit questions to the ZOOM meeting.

Their profiles are below.

approach to policing. Hired on the heels of a controversial police shooting, Chief Pridgen focused on initiatives emphasizing life’s sanctity, de-escalation techniques, and fostering safer outcomes. He was instrumental in integrating cutting-edge training programs such as ICAT and ABLE across the department, demonstrating his dedication to enhancing his officers’ skills and ethical standards.

By Ken Epstein

Oakland community members held a rally on the steps of Oakland City Hall Wednesday opposing several recall campaigns against progressive political leaders in Alameda County as an attack on the democratic rights of local voters.

They raised “grave concerns about the violent behavior and

hateful rhetoric of recall organizer Seneca Scott,” and his Instagram postings of weapons he is stockpiling, according to the media release announcing the Wednesday press conference.

“We are here to rally against the recalls,” said Rev. Jeremy McCants, Oakland faith leader, speaking at the rally. “We are a coalition of Oaklanders, voters, people of faith,

workers, artists, civil rights activists, young people, and elders.” Calling the recalls against Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price a waste of taxpayer money, he said these current recalls are a “rightwing attack on our democracy, specifically an attack on progressive governance that aims to address structural inequality and

racism.”

“We can’t afford to spend $4.5

Further, he said, “there is no place for hatred, hostility, and violence in our city.”

was a testament to his innovative

By Barbara Fluhrer Special to The Post

Tiffany Carson was born in 2000 despite the doctors’ warnings to her single mother that the pregnancy would endanger her health. Carson’s mother had high blood pressure, was on dialysis and was diagnosed with a terminal disease.

They shared an apartment in Oakland and were devoted to one another. By the time Carson entered school, her mother was regularly in and out of hospitals and convalescent homes. Carson was her mother’s constant companion, leaving school and finding transportation to go wherever her

mother was. (An older brother was seldom around.)

Carson attended Santa Fe Elementary and Claremont Middle schools in Oakland.

“School was very hard for me,” she said. “I had a dysfunctional family. I always knew my mother was dying. The hardest thing in my life was the passing of my mother in 2017, leaving me alone with the challenges I had to face. She was my best friend.”

“I moved to Berkeley and was introduced to a new culture. I graduated from Berkeley High in 2018, then attended Berkeley City College, where I was

Rev.

Black Legislators Want Reparations to Atone for Slavery, Systematic Discrimination Black Caucus

The California Legislative Black Caucus. (CLBC) introduced a 14-bill reparations package at the State Capitol on Feb. 21, 2024. Shown left to right: Asm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), Asm. Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Asm. Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Asm. Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Asm. Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), Asm. Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), Asm. Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Asm. Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), Asm. Corey Jackson (Moreno Valley), Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), and Asm. Mia Bonta (D-Alameda). CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

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

All 12 members of the CLBC were present to explain their efforts to rectify the damages caused by the systemic discrimination against Black Californians detailed in the 1,100-page report by the first-inthe-nation California reparations task force.

The nine-member panel submitted the recommendations on June 28, 2023.

CLBC chairperson Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) said it may take three to seven years to pass legislation aimed at implementing the task force 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 by Assemblymember Cory Jackson (D-Riverside), ACA 7, seeks to amend the voter-passed initiative, Prop 209, 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.

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) discussed 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 CBLC chair, Lori 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 be-

Civil Rights Leaders Seek Compensation to Black and Hispanic Landowners for Losses

By California Black Media

About 70 years ago, beginning in the 1950s through the 1960s, the Riverside County resort city of Palm Springs demolished the homes and other prosperities of some of its Black and Latino residents without warning or compensation in an area known as Section 14.

Now, civil rights leaders are working to raise awareness about the historical injustices suffered by Section 14 survivors, aiming to seek compensation for their losses.

Last week, the Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, President

and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition — successor to the Rev. Jesse Jackson — praised advocates from different backgrounds for standing in solidarity with the descendants of Section 14.

Haynes was speaking at a prayer vigil organized to coincide with Black History Month and to support survivors and descendants. It was held at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert in Palm Springs.

“What is occurring right now in Palm Springs is a beautiful show of unity across faiths, backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, age, and beyond. This city has an opportuni-

Pres. Biden Cancels $1.2 Billion in Student Debt; Action Benefits More Than 150,000 Loan Borrowers

lieve 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 person 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 has become consideration 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 payments 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 of the fall concluding 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

Continued on page 6

ty to be a leader, and to show the rest of the country how much good can come from standing together and doing the right thing for each other. It’s as simple as that,” said Haynes.

“Black history is American his tory — and that means speaking candidly about the past, even if it creates discomfort,” said Areva Martin, lead counsel for the Section 14 Survivors.

“The sixties and fifties weren’t that long ago, but for my clients, the destruction of their homes, possessions, and community sixty years ago has deeply impacted their lives to the present day,” continued Martin. “With strong allies across the region and state — now, with Rev. Dr. Haynes, a national civil rights leader joining us — we are building a powerful coalition of supporters and allies, and our movement is being recognized by leadership here in Palm Springs and beyond. We are grateful for the support we have received, and for the prayers of everyone across this city and region. Hopefully by this time next year, we will honor Black History Month in Palm Springs with a celebration of justice achieved.”

By Lila Brown California Black Media

On Feb. 21, President Joe Biden announced the cancellation of $1.2 billion in student debt for almost 153,000 borrowers enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan.

Biden shared the news during a campaign stop while on a tour of California. From Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, the President visited Los Angeles, San Francisco and Los Altos Hills.

“There were existing programs in the law for fixing and adjusting the programs. We had to change them to make people eligible. And that’s what I’ve done,” Biden said, speaking at the Julian Dixon Library in Culver City.

The Biden-Harris Administration first introduced the SAVE plan with the belief that education beyond high school should unlock doors to opportunity, not burden borrowers with unmanageable debt.

Biden expressed gratitude for being able to make progress as he promised to borrowers and thanked Culver City Mayor Yasmine ImaniMcMorrin for her support in helping to roll out the plan.

So far, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved nearly $138 billion in student debt cancellation for almost 3.9 million borrowers through more than two dozen executive actions.

According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, students, particularly those from less-advantaged backgrounds, have had to rely on substantial student loans to finance their education. Similarly, college graduates who are the first in their family to go to college are more likely to incur debt to complete their degree than their peers. Over the past 40 years, college tuition has significantly outpaced many families’ incomes.

“This is what the American dream is all about, and this is exactly what the President is advocating for. When people are financially insecure, they are unable to feel when the economy is good. Our economy is stronger than ever, but that is hard to notice when you’re in the quicksand of student loan debt,” said Congressmember Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), who spoke at the press conference.

Other elected officials attending the news briefing included Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Los An-

geles Mayor Karen Bass, Mayor McMorrin, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.

“Black college graduates have, on average, $25,000 more in student debt than white college graduates,” Kamlager-Dove added. “This is evidence of something we all already knew: that the cost of success is higher if you’re Black. Combating this disparity must be part of the conversations we have around student debt, just like it is around wealth creation. And President Biden gets it.”

“Addressing student loan debt should be thought of as a job’s initiative, said Bass, who hosted Biden at CJ’s Cafe in Baldwin Hills before the announcement.

“Student loan debt cripples our workforce — especially when it comes to addressing homelessness. We need more social workers, more mental health specialists, and more service providers,” Bass continued.

Hanes said Section 14 survivors have waited too long for justice.

“Today, we lift our hearts and hands in prayer for the leaders of this beautiful city to seek a path forward that honors the past and allows justice to be realized here,” he said.

President Joe Biden announces student debt relief in Los Angeles during a campaign stop on his tour of California from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22. Photo captured by Lila Brown for California Black Media.

Attorney Areva Martin (left) engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Pastor Freddy Haynes of Friendship-West Baptist Church and President of Rainbow PUSH Coalition during a compelling event shared on Facebook. (Facebook photo)

A Forgotten Legacy: The Role of the Second Amendment in Black History

OPINION

By Craig J. DeLuz California Black Media

The streets of America, once shrouded in shadows, are filled with the flicker of hope as Black History Month comes upon us. A time to reflect on the struggles and successes of African Americans in this great nation. But amongst the celebrations and festivities, there is one crucial aspect that often remains shrouded in the darkness of ignorance.

The Second Amendment.

It’s a delicate topic, one that is often swept under the rug and avoided during this time of year.

But let’s not forget the role that this amendment has played in securing the rights and liberties of not just African Americans, but all Americans. From the Civil War through the civil rights movement and even until today, the Second Amendment has been a powerful tool in the hands of those who have fought for justice and equality.

But unfortunately, as with most things in Black history, this topic has been silenced and overshadowed. The harsh reality is that laws were put in place to keep slaves and freed Black men from obtaining firearms. And even after the Civil War, many states passed what’s known as Black Codes, intentionally designed to restrict African Americans from exercising their right to keep and bear arms.

These laws, coupled with the growing violence against African Americans, gave birth to an unlikely ally in the fight for civil rights: the NRA. Yes, you heard that right. The National Rifle Association, often portrayed as a white, racist organization, was founded by three union officers who fought for the end of slavery and the civil rights of African Americans. They recognized the need for individuals to defend themselves against the tyranny and violence of the Ku Klux Klan, as the government was not doing enough to protect them.

But as with most things that go against the status quo, there were those who were not pleased. And thus, the gun control movement was born. But make no mistake, it was not about protecting people or reducing violence. It was about keeping guns out of the hands of African Americans.

The Black Panthers, a civil rights group, understood this all too well. In the late 1960s, they called upon the American people to take note of the racist California legislature that was passing laws specifically aimed at disarming Black citizens. And just like the KKK, the inspiration for these laws came from an unlikely source: Nazi Germany. The language used in these laws was almost identical to that of the Nazi regime, showing the true intentions behind gun control.

But for some, history seems to repeat itself endlessly. As we

see yet again with the rise of hate groups and acts of violence against innocent citizens, the importance of the Second Amendment cannot be understated. It was created to prevent a new government from slipping back into tyranny and to allow individuals to protect what is theirs from any threats.

And yet, even in modern times, there are those who continue to deny African Americans their Second Amendment rights. As prominent lawyer and gun rights commentator Colion Noir stated, “Dr. King would look at me with a bit of confusion as he happily struggled with me ... that I, a young Black male living in the heart of the South, whose house was never firebombed and has never received death threats, was granted a concealed handgun license. Yet he who had encountered all of these things was denied.”

It’s time to shed light on the role of the Second Amendment in Black history. To educate ourselves and others on the importance of this amendment in securing not just civil rights, but all rights. Let us not be afraid to speak out and defend the Second Amendment, for it is the one that defends all others. And let us never forget the words of one man who truly understood the power of this amendment: “When you touch the Second Amendment, you can’t become more anti American, because America would not be without her guns.” - Willian Owens, President / Founder at America’s Altar.

About the Author

Craig J. DeLuz has almost 30 years in public policy and advocacy. He is currently President of the Robla School District Board of Trustees where he has served for almost 20 years. Learn more at CraigDeLuz.com or follow him on X at @CraigDeLuz.

Legislative Republicans Introduce Bills to Support Small Businesses

By California Black Media

On Feb. 22, Republican legislators from both the Senate and the Assembly announced a package of bills written to support small businesses.

These lawmakers argue that small businesses, which account for about 90% of the state’s economic output — including jobs and revenue — are facing a number of challenges, and the Democratic majority in the State Legislature is not providing sufficient support. Those obstacles include an excess of regulations, fees and taxes, as well as a “29% increase” in retail theft that are affecting their bottom lines.

“We’re here to talk about how we want to help small businesses.

We want to reduce their costs. We want to get something real don on retail theft this year and provide the reforms that are necessary to support these small businesses throughout this state,” said Assemblymember James Gallagher (RYuba City), Assembly Republican leader.

“Small businesses in California are under a feeling of oppression,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-Santee).

“When you talk to small businessowners in California, it’s amazing to me, how many of them have considered leaving the state, how many of them have made plans to leave the state, and how many of them have already looked up on Zillow what they can buy if they

sell their house here in California,” he said.

The bills are:

Assembly Bill (AB) 1845, authored by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto), would provide grants to district attorney offices and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute retail theft.

• AB 1894, authored by Assemblymember Tri Ta (R-Westminster), would allow businesses time to fix violations before being fined.

AB 1972, authored by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto), will expand organized retail theft to include items stolen from a merchant’s cargo.

• AB 2030, authored by Laurie Ann Davies (R-Laguna Niguel), would help California businesses compete for state contracts.

• AB 2274, authored by Assemblymember Diane Dixon (RNewport Beach), proposes a “back-to-school” sales tax holiday for businesses.

SB 1259, authored by Sen. Roger Niello (R-Roseville), would streamline the process for business to build.

The importance of teaching Black History all year!

Craig DeLuz

Photo: iStock photo image.

Calif.

Continued from page 2

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, AART 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 AART: LoyolaMarymount clinical psychologist professor Dr. Cheryl Grills, Oakland-based civil rights at-

torney Lisa Holder, Chair of the Department of Geography at the University of California Berkeley professor Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis, and Oakland-based attorney Donald Tamaki.

“We absolutely are (in support of direct-cash payments),” Woodson told California Black Media. “I think we 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 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 antiBlack racism. We have to have everything because if you leave anything out it’s not for reparations.”

Sources shared with CBM 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.

Mesa); Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights); Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda); Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena); Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson); Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Riverside); Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D- Los Angeles); Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood); Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento); and Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles).

Black Caucus Reparations Package ...

Help for Storm Victims: FEMA Arrives in California to Provide Relief

On

How

assistance?

The FEMA app is a one-stop shop for victims to register for assistance, visit https://www.fema.gov/ disaster/4758#help-families or call 800621-3362.

What information is FEMA going to ask for when registering?

• A current phone number that can be used to contact victims

• Address of the damaged primary residence

Social Security number

A general list of damages and losses

Information about insurance coverage

Now that

• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

“Our number one goal right now is

to encourage folks who are uninsured or underinsured to apply for FEMA,”

FEMA External Affairs Officer Brady Penn told California Black Media.

“It takes 20 minutes for most folks.

Once you’re registered, usually within a couple of days people can see money in their bank accounts. Things are moving quickly and there has already been quite a bit of money already dispersed through these programs,” Penn added. “We really want as many people as possible who were impacted by that storm in January to apply so they can jumpstart their recovery and get back on their feet.”

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

FEMA officers are currently in the

San Diego area assessing damage and aiding with registration to receive services. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

“We are also planning to open disaster recovery centers,” said Penn. “There will be at least one, potentially several disaster recovery centers in the county in the coming weeks that will open. Those will be a one-stop shop for people who were impacted by those storms to go and get assistance. If you applied for FEMA assistance online and you were confused by something or got a letter/call that you didn’t understand, we want you to be able to go in and get assistance. Small Business Admin will be there, state and local people will be there as well. That’s the current layout.”

Photo: iStock photo image.

If your business accepted Visa and/or Mastercard between 2004 - 2019, you’re now eligible to claim your share of a $5.5 billion Settlement. Claim your share now.

Merchants (business owners) who accepted Visa and/or Mastercard at any time from January 1, 2004, to January 25, 2019, are eligible to claim their share of a $5.5 billion Settlement.

Visa and Mastercard and their issuing banks (the “Defendants”) are alleged to have violated the law because they wrongfully inflated Interchange Fees. Defendants say they have done nothing wrong. They claim their business practices are legal.

After years of appeals, the Settlement is now final, and Claim Forms are now being accepted. If you do not file a claim, you will not receive a Settlement Payment.

Claim Forms are now being mailed to more than 15 million merchants. Even if you do not receive a Claim Form in the mail, you may still be eligible, and you should visit www.PaymentCardSettlement.com to get more information about the Settlement. The deadline to file a claim is May 31, 2024. You can file your claim online at the website. Or, if you prefer, you can get a paper Claim Form at the website or by calling 1-800-625-6440. Assistance with preparing your claim is available at no cost to you from the Class Administrator and Class Counsel.

Submitting your claim online can take less than five minutes.

STEP ONE:

Scan the QR code to go to www.PaymentCardSettlement.com

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Provide the information requested about your business.

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Submit your claim! Your claim process is now complete.

Trump’s Black Appeal?

OPINION

By Emil Guillermo

Donald Trump doesn’t think he’s racist. But he’s so sincere, he’s racist.

Witness his speech to the Black Conservative Foundation (BCF) last Friday before the South Carolina primary.

Trying to woo the Black vote, Trump takes an old political maxim, “Hang a lantern on your problem” and boasts to the crowd about all his legal woes — as if criminality is appealing.

“I got indicted a second time, a third time, and a fourth time,” Trump told the audience. “And a lot of people said that’s why the Black people like me.”

What?

He’s implying that all Blacks have his criminal nature. Not.

“(It’s) because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against,” Trump said. “And they actually viewed me as being discriminated against.”

It’s just plain wrong to view the rule of law as an act of discrimination. Trump is innocent until proven guilty. We’ll soon see all the evidence. He’s not been discriminated against. Blacks on the other hand have, going back to slavery.

But Trump’s twisted logic

seems to appeal to the BCF as they cheer him on. They are like Sen.

Tim Scott (R-SC), a man, it seems, more interested in the power Trump might bestow on him. Certainly, Scott’s not interested in ethics or integrity. It’s politics as show biz. And Scott and his conservative buddies happily play the minstrel to fellow victim, Trump.

As if that weren’t enough, Trump talks about his mugshot as if it were his membership card into some club or gang of Black criminality to which he feels a bond.

“We’ve all seen the mugshot, and you know who embraced it more than anybody else? The Black population. It’s incredible. You see Black people walking around with my mugshot.”

I assure you people aren’t wearing the Trump mugshot T-shirt because they are praising Trump.

If I wore a Trump’s mugshot Tshirt it would be to expose the obvious hypocrisy of a man who will likely be the Republican Party’s nominee for president.

But this is the reality in a divided America today. We can see the same thing and come away with opposite opinions based on our world view.

Trump is so unconsciously racist because he’s stuck in his view of Blacks as his inferiors. Forever.

By Post Staff

Though showers had been forecast, clear sunny skies held Sunday afternoon for the 7th annual Black Joy Parade celebrating Black culture and the end of Black History Month in downtown Oakland.

It was a joyous crowd of Oaklanders and people from as far as Stockton and Salinas lining Franklin Street as over 127 contingents went by. Celebrants waved the red, black, and green liberation flags, greeting cultural actors of all

Black Women Are Running for Change

OPINION

From day one. He’s just better. So, Blacks wearing his mugshot? He thinks they all suddenly love him! All the indicted and unindicted criminal members of the Black community love him. Of course, it’s hog wash. Like drinking radioactive chemicals to kill the COVID virus, another Trump fantasy.

You will see more of this kind of nonsense as Trump gears up as the Republican nominee. Most all the early primaries were in predominantly White states.

Now he must attract the America he doesn’t understand, where the vast majority of voters are not like him, but are Black, people of color, women, young and college educated.

To hear Trump in front of those South Carolina Black conservatives, you’d think he was Soul Brother No 1. He’s trying hard. He’s also selling his Trump sneakers and enlisting rappers to front him.

When that happens, just remember what he really feels about Blacks. He told you in his speech last week in South Carolina.

About the Author

Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. He does a micro-talk show on YouTube.com/@ emilamok1 Email:emil@amok. com

kinds.

“There’s double-dutching, singing, chanting, there’s a drum line, there’s three or four different car clubs. There’s horses, there’s everything out here and they’re all really excited to bring the energy to Oakland,” Elycia Knight, director of Black Joy Parade said.

And there were no protest signs anywhere.

The theme for this year’s parade was ‘Finding the Joy in the Hustle.’

“It’s really the redefinition of a hustler,” Knight told KTVU. “So, the goal is to bring economic empowerment back into Oakland.”

That was certainly true on Sunday as the parade culminated with entertainment and untold numbers of vendors with a wide range of wares.

Parade Grand Marshal, Bay Area rapper and entrepreneur, Mistah F.A.B., told CBS News how joy can coexist with the struggle his people engage in. “One thing about us, the sun-kissed people, we find joy in the darkest moments,” he said. “And to be able to have forms of entertainment and excitement without ignoring pain is a beautiful thing.”

By Kellie Todd Griffin Special to California Black Media Partners

This is a year of opportunity for Black women in politics in California. Voters of all races across this state must collectively seize this moment to affect the kind of transformative change we are all hoping to see.

Here’s why.

We have an unprecedented number of Black women running for office throughout the state. Whether they’re running at the local or state level, or for a congressional or U.S. Senate seat, behind the candidacy of each one stands a powerful tale of triumph — an inspiring story showing how determination, commitment to service and moral intelligence consistently defeat racism and sexism.

Their journeys running for office take them directly through the cultural and political barbs of race and gender, which are, far too of

ten, concealed — but no less dangerous.

Without fail, Black women running for office find their accomplishments, their public images, and their ideas in the crosshairs of scrutiny and skepticism, much more than their White male and female competitors.

Nevertheless, we must continue to run because there is so much work to do for Black women and girls! California has the fifth largest Black population in the country with more than 2.2 million residents, according to the U.S. Census data. Of those, 51% are female. In the golden state, approximately 67% of Black households are headed by single mothers. In the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute’s Quality of Life public opinion survey that polled more than 1,200 Black women in the state, we found that nearly 2 in 5 Black women work multiple jobs and face significant challenges meeting basic expenses. Among Black women who are employed, two thirds are consid-

ered primary breadwinners in their households.

Although Black women in California have one of the smallest populations, they disproportionately contribute to the labor force in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that among adult women in California, Black women (60.6%) were more likely to participate in the labor force than were Asian women (58.8%), Latinas (58.2%), and White women (56.4%). In addition, Black women only hold 4% of the bachelor’s degrees obtained by California women. Regardless of educational attainment, Black women overall make less than their Black male and White female counterparts. Black women in California are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The rate of life-threatening childbirth complications is highest among Black women. Black girls have the lowest high school graduation rate and highest dropout rate than their female counterparts in the state. An analysis by researchers at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health shows that Black girls aged 10-14 in California experience disproportionate injuries at the hands of law enforcement, 6.7 times the rate for White girls in the same age group. Homicides of Black females in the state have nearly doubled in recent years, according to FBI data. These disparity gaps must be addressed. Without immediate interventions, we’re not going to be able to change the trajectory of California’s Black females. There is clearly a need for policy and practice transformation that center around Black women and girls. Black women policymakers have historically been at the forefront

Continued on page 11

Fearlessness.

Because you have what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s. Talk to your health care provider about signs, screening and early detection.

Donald Trump speaking at CPAC 2011 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons.

Kellie Todd Griffin, President & CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute. Courtesy photo.

Buffalo Soldiers descendants observe the 7th annual Black Joy Parade.

Photo by Nubian Flunder.

Joy outside the AfroComicon booth at the 7th annual Black Joy Parade.

Photo by Nubian Flunder.

UC Berkeley Hosts

‘Champions of Justice’ Panel with Civil Rights Leaders for Black History Month

By Magaly Muñoz

UC Berkeley Cal Athletics and the California Alumni Association recently hosted a panel called “Champions of Justice.” The panel featured civil rights leaders: Dr. Harry Edwards, Dr. John Carlos and Dr. Tommie Smith. Their discussion centered around the 1968 Olympic Project for Human Rights.

Carlos and Smith gained global attention during the 1968 Olympics. After winning medals at the Mexico City games for Track & Field in the 200 meters, they stood on the podium and raised their fists in the Black

Power salute to protest racism against Black Americans. The salute remains one of the most iconic moments in sports and social justice history.

The Olympic Project for Human Rights was created by Edwards, a sociologist and civil rights activist, to fight for the civil and human rights of African Americans in the U.S. and in other nations. They were also advocating for Black athletes in sports and the racism many had endured until that point.

Carlos, Smith and Edwards individually received Berkeley’s “Social Science for the

Public Good” Award, which was then announced to soon be renamed the “Harry Edwards for the Public Good” Award to honor his activism and time he spent as a professor at the university.

During the panel discussion, Edwards explained that there has been a long history of activism in sports with notable athletes like Octavius Catto, Jackie Robinson, Smith and Carlos, and Colin Kaepernick. He said that there was a story to tell about the dynamics of racism and its relation to American society that was being overlooked

of the change we have achieved in this area.

Black women have contributed immeasurably to creating California policy. Whether it is the late Gwen Moore, former Assemblymember and Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, who created the state law that required supermarkets to have bathrooms to help mothers, or Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA12), who created the California

by the media, which drove him to create the Olympic Project.

“We have to be able to put all of this context because this is part of the American story,” Edwards said.

Carlos described what it was like in the ’60s before the games took place in ’68, including the Vietnam War and widespread protests by Black Americans who were taking a stance against the racial discrimination they were facing.

The group behind the project knew that it wasn’t going to be as simple as putting out a written statement to protest what they were facing, they had to study their own history so that people would take them seriously and understand the importance of Black Americans in society.

“It was all about educating our peers to make them understand that this is not just some frivolous thing that is being thrown on the table, we want you to have understanding on why we feel it’s necessary. You might not receive the awards for what we’re attempting to do now, but your kids and your kids’ kids will receive the rewards for what is taking place

Violence Against Women Act. Or whether its Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid, who fought to get the Ebony Alert passed, or L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who authored the CROWN Act as a state lawmaker, Black women have supported policies that improve the lives of California’s Black women. These advances, in turn, improve the lives of all women in the state, as well as all Californians.

Coretta Scott King stated “Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must

now,” Carlos said. Carlos went on to share the negative consequences they faced after their protest at the Olympic games. He mentioned an incident where Edwards found a dead dog on his doorstep with a note saying that they would end up the same next.

Despite the hard times, even going as far as getting arrested for possession of drugs at one point, Carlos recalled a dream he had when he was a boy in which God showed him at the Olympic games displaying the Black Power salute before he ever got into running. Because of this, Carlos believed everything had happened for a reason and felt certain he was meant to be where he was at.

Smith, who was not able to attend the panel in person and instead participated over Zoom, gave advice to the Cal athletes that were in attendance, stating that they should work to keep themselves clean and out of trouble. They should never be afraid to ask questions. He credited Edwards for always keeping an eye on him in his youth and making sure he was on the right path.

become its soul.” Black women have been the soul that drives the spirit of California. When our voice is lifted and when we are driving the conversation, meaningful progress happens.

This upcoming election on March 5 is your opportunity to vote for a Black Woman. Don’t miss this moment to continue the change we need!

About the Author

Kellie Todd Griffin is the President & CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute

“If you work hard enough, young folks, and you keep your nose out of where you know you shouldn’t be blowing it and get dirty, you goin’ make something of yourself,” Smith said.

Edwards finished off the panel by telling the students in the room that they should “hold onto their dreams” and with hard work, it’ll all pay off. He stated that through all the struggles they may go through, they want to make sure they’re standing at the end telling themselves Maya Angelou’s famous quote, “Still I Rise.”

The panel concluded with a song by the host Cal Associate Athletics Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice Dr. Ty-Ron Douglas, called “Baton in Hand,” which retells the story and honors the importance of the social justice movements by Edwards, Carlos and Smith.

Guests and panelists were then invited to a “Step and Stroll to Victory,” a spirited walk to the nearby Haas Pavilion indoor arena to watch the Cal women’s basketball team take on Arizona State, where they won 67-55.

Francisco Department on the Status of Women

Harriet Tubman African American Democratic Club of San Francisco

Rep. Barbara Lee, Civil Rights Leaders Press Biden on Racial Justice

By California Black Media

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA12), who is campaigning for U.S. Senate — and three other African American congressional colleagues — joined efforts with prominent civil rights leaders to urge President Biden to support racial justice policies.

In one letter, signed by the Congressmembers and another signed by more than 200 representatives of civil rights organizations, asked Biden to meet with them to push a slate of 11 pieces of racial justice legislation. The bills relate to a number of issues, including police reform, voting rights, environmental justice and closing the racial wealth gap.

“We call upon the White House to lend its considerable power to these causes,” read the letter signed by Lee. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18), Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO-1) and Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY-16).

“We ask for executive actions and orders aligning with and sup-

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) (File Photo)

porting these legislative efforts to achieve racial equity and reparative justice. Executive actions and orders would ensure these bills receive the attention they need to pass swiftly and with the backing they deserve,” the letter continued. The letters invite the President

to a meeting to discuss a strategy for advancing the policies.

“This conversation is not just about policy; it is about the people of the United States of America, the fate of our democracy, national unity, and national security,” the letter emphasized.

Courtesy of Black Enterprise

Breaking Barriers and Designing Excellence: The Legacy of Charles Harrison

By Tamara Shiloh

Charles Harrison was an industrial designer whose innovative creations left an unforgettable impact on American manufacturing and business. He is renowned for designing iconic items such as polypropylene trash cans, including those equipped with wheels, and the plastic version of the 3-D View-Master photographic slide viewer.

Born on Sept. 23, 1931, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Harrison was influenced by his father, a university professor of industrial arts, and spent his childhood in Louisiana, Texas and Arizona. He passed away on Nov. 29, 2018, in Santa Clarita, California.

Despite facing challenges with dyslexia, he pursued his passion for design. At the age of 16, he enrolled at the City College of San Francisco, where he encountered an integrated classroom setting for the first time. After earning an associate degree, he moved

to Chicago in 1949 to study under Henry Glass at the School of the Art Institute, graduating with a BFA in 1954. He furthered his education with a master’s degree in art education from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Institute of Design in 1963.

Following his military service, Harrison returned to Chicago, where he secured temporary design positions and freelanced for Sears. It was during this period that he reimagined the View-Master as a child-friendly plastic toy. In 1961, Sears overturned its unofficial ban on hiring African Americans, and Harrison was formally employed. He spent 32 years with Sears, eventually leading the company’s design team.

Harrison’s tenure at Sears was characterized by his ability to balance aesthetics, utility and cost-effectiveness, resulting in an abundance of practical household products. His portfolio of over 700 items included baby cribs, hair dryers, sewing machines, lawn

mowers, kitchen appliances, power tools and more.

As the U.S. economy evolved, the Sears design team disbanded, with Harrison being the last to depart in 1993. Subsequently, he transitioned to teaching roles at various Chicago-area institutions, including the University of Illinois at Chicago, Columbia College, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In his memoir, “A Life’s Design: The Life and Work of Industrial Designer Charles Harrison” (2005), co-authored with former student Joeffrey Trimmingham, Harrison documented his remarkable journey and contributions to the world of design.

In 2008, the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum honored Harrison, one of the early African American industrial designers, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his profound and lasting contributions to contemporary design practice.

By California Black Media

California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom is concerned about the ways social media and other forms of technology are impacting the mental health of America’s children.

To identify the kinds of support families need, and to bring broader awareness to the problem, Siebel Newsom organized a meeting with the spouses of governors from across the country in Washington, D.C. last week.

Siebel Newsom said research has found that excessive exposure to social media can create a “comparison culture” that makes children feel inadequate, isolated and unsupported.

“Yesterday’s convening was about tackling this crisis head-on, forging partnerships with fellow First Spouses and sharing best

practices to support the mental health and overall well-being of America’s children.”

At the event, organized in partnership with the Child Mind Institute and Common Sense Media, the First Partner was joined by Colorado First Gentleman Marlon Reis, Delaware First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney, Guam First Gentleman Jeff Cook, Hawaii First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore, New York First Gentleman William Hochul, and Utah First Lady Abby Cox. U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra also attended the event.

“Across America our youth are signaling that they’re lonely, they’re hurting, and often don’t know where to turn. From California to Maine, state leaders are stepping up to meet our children

where they are and when they need us most,” said Becerra.

“The Biden Harris Administration and HHS will continue to be good partners as we build up the 988-crisis lifeline, 24/7 critical access care, and expanded schoolbased behavioral health services.

Our future depends on it.”

According to 2023 advisory issued by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, young people who use social media for three hours a day or more are at a heightened risk for depression and anxiety.

Other participants at the event, included Neera Tanden, Domestic Policy Advisor to President Biden; California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly; Child Mind Institute President Dr. Harold Koplewicz, and Chief Advocacy Officer of Common Sense Media Danny Weiss.

From would-be senator to ‘accidental banker’

Black executive at U.S. Bank has one core mission: service

By Darlene Donloe

Sekou Kaalund was not your typical toddler. While most boys his age were romping in playgrounds, splashing in watercolors, or dreaming of becoming a superhero, Kaalund was plotting his campaign for Congress.

“At age five, I was going to run for Senate to help make laws that would have a positive impact on poor communities,” Kaalund recalls with a laugh. “That’s where I started my life’s journey. I was anchored on a journey of impact. I wanted my life to have impact.”

Kaalund did not run for Senate, but he figured out how to make an impact. His path toward politics veered when he realized that a leadership role in the private sector could be as impactful as being a senator.

Turns out, he may have been right.

Today, he is one of the highest-ranking Black executives at U.S. Bank, the nation’s fifth largest financial institution. As executive vice president and director of Branch and Small Business Banking, he leads 13,000 employees across 2,200plus branches in 26 states, giving him the power to help Black and minority communities at scale.

And he seems quite content in the influential role.

“I have found a space in banking and finance and corporate leadership that has allowed me to touch thousands and thousands of people,” Kaalund said during an extensive interview with The Wave. “As a leader, I can help achieve inclusive growth by creating strategies that have a positive impact, creating more value and opportunities across many more communities.”

A purpose driven life

The grandson of a Black dance pioneer of the 1930s and 1940s, Kaalund said it was always important that he live a life defined by purpose. His journey, ostensibly begun at age 5, has been meticulous and intentional, if sometimes accidental.

“The pathway to where I’ve landed is interesting,” he said. “It wasn’t something I aspired to. I am an accidental banker. But I’ve been fortunate to be in positions where I could make a real difference in Black communities and for all of our clients.”

One of those opportunities surfaced in 2022 when Kaalund joined U.S. Bank after more than two decades in banking, wherein he created bank initiatives at another large financial institution designed to enact meaningful change in the Black community.

“U.S. Bank wanted someone like me who was aligned with their mission of powering human potential and who had the expertise to drive the bank and retail banking into the future,” he said. “They wanted someone who has a passion for the community but also has the business acumen to deliver.”

“U.S. Bank is anchored on a simple mission: We invest our hearts and minds to power human potential. We are anchored in the power and potential of communities.”

A passion for service

That passion for community service spawns from Kaalund’s youth in Raleigh, N.C., where his family owned and operated Safeway Cab, the city’s largest Black-owned taxi operator. Unfortunately, the company did not survive, but the experience would later give Kaalund insight into what would later become his calling.

“You have someone like me in this role who didn’t grow up in a banking family,” said Kaalund, who has three brothers and a sister. “Both parents had graduate degrees but that didn’t equate to

being financially savvy or understanding the banking industry. They had small businesses, a lack of capital, and a lack of banking access.”

“There are still people who think having a business and banking access is not an attainable thing, or they just don’t know.”

Kaalund credits INROADS, a corporate-backed summer jobs program for diverse youth for influencing a course for his life and career in banking.

“It’s hard to be what you can’t see,” he said. “Still, I understood my value, talents, and my ‘why’. I’ve always known my mission and my purpose in life.”

One of those missions ultimately was to overcome the distrust many African Americans have in the banking industry, a skepticism largely fueled by such historic practices as redlining and subprime lending. Which is why Kaalund says building generational wealth in the Black community and establishing racial and vibrant financial equity is a priority for him and for U.S. Bank.

Closing the racial wealth gap

“To begin building trust, we have to show up in the community,” he said. “We have to let the community know we are a part of the community and that we are ready to serve them.”

And it’s not just good policy, he says – it’s good business.

And since joining U.S. Bank, Kaalund has stayed close to initiatives anchored in purpose.

• To reach underserved small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, in 2021 U.S. Bank started a program that hires Business Access Advisors in various markets. Bank officials say that in the program’s first full year, the initiative has helped more than 1,000 business owners better understand how to raise funds and manage operations.

• In 2023, U.S. Bank committed $100 million over the next five years to its Access Home Loan program, which helps close the wealth gap that persists within communities of color through down-payment assistance and other support and is available to qualified buyers in multiple markets.

• The U.S. Bank Foundation’s five-year, $75 million Opportunity Fund – launched in 2023 – will support wealth building and financial access for underserved communities, including communities of color.

Investing in Crenshaw District

“U.S. Bank is anchored on a simple mission: We invest our hearts and minds to power human potential. We are anchored in the power and potential of communities.”

“Entrepreneurs are the wealth creators in the Black community,” said Kaalund, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Hampden-Sydney College and a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University.

“About 44% of the American economy is driven by small businesses. When U.S. Bank launched its business diversity lending program to get more capital for Black-, women- and veteran-owned businesses, that makes an impact. It’s focusing on policies to address access,” he said.

“We’re closing the racial wealth gap and creating greater opportunities in jobs and wealth.”

During his 25 years in the banking industry, Kaalund said he has always stayed anchored on his “why.”

“I left investment banking, which many people called the Holy Grail,” said Kaalund. “And I did it to focus on having a broader impact on the Black community. People asked me why I would do that because I was successful. The why is this: I can impact more lives where I am now.”

Before Kaalund joined U.S. Bank, meanwhile, the bank invested in the revitalization of Los Angeles’ Crenshaw District through a public-private partnership called Destination Crenshaw, which aims to create a vibrant corridor of Black history and culture in south Los Angeles.

“In the Crenshaw District, we want to show up in a way that shows we are committed with team members our clients may know from beyond the bank. That changes the psychological impact when you walk in,” he said.

“Why wouldn’t we be intentional about investing in the communities we serve? Looking at what’s happening further motivates me that what I do is necessary.”

Kaalund, a married father of three, said he knows he stands on the shoulders of Black business pioneers who paved the way for his successes. That’s why he works so hard to honor their memory and their sacrifices.

“I am only here because of the blood, sweat, and tears of others,” he said. “That foundation continues to fuel a life of mission and service.”

“Today, I am focused on continuing to drive impact. I want to remain open to wherever I can be of the most use. If I’ve learned anything throughout my journey, it’s that my presence is necessary. I want my life to have meaning. I want to make a difference.”

Sekou Kaalund has a strong track record of developing talent, forming inclusive teams and leveraging a vast network to connect people with opportunities.

Potential Police Chiefs ...

Continued from page 1

Beyond reforming the SLPD, Pridgen negotiated a $20,000 retention and resiliency bonus for officers and dispatchers, along with pioneering initiatives like providing free healthy meals for dispatchers. Chief Pridgen also bridged the gap between San Leandro’s predominantly minority populations and the city’s leadership, significantly enhanced public trust through his full embrace of a community policing philosophy. He garnered public support for implementing a controversial community safety camera program. Despite its potential divisiveness, this program was met with overwhelming approval, culminating in a unanimous 7-0 vote by the City Council.

Pridgen previously worked in Seaside, California.

Prior to his law enforcement career, Pridgen served our country with honor as a Sailor in the armed forces, participating in Desert Storm. His holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and he graduated from the FBI National Academy and Harvard Kennedy School.

Police Chief Candidate Floyd Mitchell

Chief Floyd Mitchell began his career as a patrol officer with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, retiring in 2015 to accept the police chief’s position in Temple, Texas. In 2019, Mitchell became the 23rd police chief for Lubbock, Texas, where he served until September of 2023.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Mitchell completed tours of at Royal Airforce Base in Bentwaters, England, and Pease Airforce Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Mitchell is currently the First Vice President of the Texas Police Chief Association (TPCA) and is a member of both its Ethics Committee and Mental Health Pathways Committee.

He earned both his BBA and MBA degree in Business Administration from Baker University and is a graduate of the Certified Public Manager Program, administered by Texas State University. He is a graduate of the 236th Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Academy, Quantico, Virginia, and the Police Executive Research Forum’sSenior Management Institute for Policing, at Boston College. Chief Mitchell holds a Master Peace Officer Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and remains a member of the Missouri Peace Officers Association.

Chief Mitchell has experience leading and managing all aspects of a law enforcement agency with a focus on communication, collaboration, and officer-community engagement at every level of the organization. As a strong proponent of community policing and outreach, Chief Mitchell brings a transparent, thoughtful, and datadriven approach to preventative, proactive police patrols, crime prevention and reduction efforts.

Police Chief Candidate

Lisa Davis

Lisa Davis is a Lieutenant Colonel with the Cincinnati Police Department. She is currently the Investigations Bureau Commander.

She has held multiple roles throughout her career but specializes in building community relationships and using problem-solving to address crime and disorder.

She created a city-wide problem-solving unit trained to address crime and disorder in chronically violent locations reducing overall crime and increasing the

quality of life for area residents.

As the commander of District

One she implemented a crime strategy utilizing focused deterrence and place-based initiatives that dramatically reduced shootings and robberies in her district.

Lieutenant Colonel Davis is passionate about community policing and building police legitimacy through community partnerships. She developed a specialized unit to address at-risk population victimization that includes the LGBTQ community, Latino/Hispanic community, human trafficking victims, and homeless youth.

She also developed a police cadet program that provides eight weeks of summer employment for inner city youth. She is a strong advocate for officer wellness and mental health awareness.

As part of her personal development, she has attended the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), the Southern Police Institute (SPI), the Police Executive Leadership Institute (PELI) and the Police Executive Leadership College (PELC).

She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Xavier University. She has received several awards including the Superior Achievement in Law Enforcement and the Award of Valor.

Lieutenant Colonel Davis grew up in the inner city of Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a proud product of its public schools

Police Chief Candidate Louis Molina

Louis Molina is currently the Assistant Deputy Mayor for Public Safety for the City of New York. Previously, he was the New York City Department of Correction Commissioner, a role he was appointed to on Jan. 1, 2022. He is a veteran public safety leader with experience serving across multiple local government jurisdictions in the three main pillars of the criminal justice system: policing, district attorney’s office and corrections. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and rose to the rank of detective.

Louis served as chief of the Department of Public Safety for the City of Las Vegas, where he oversaw the city’s jail and deputy city marshal police force. In 2018, Louis served as the first deputy commissioner for the Westchester County Department of Correction where he led the Westchester County DOC successfully out of Department of Justice Federal oversight.

Louis Molina has experience modernizing law enforcement systems through community engagement, building staff capacity, creating strong partnerships with faith-based and community leaders, and nonprofit organizations working with justice-involved individuals.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he received a B.A. from Chaminade University, a Master of Public Administration from Marist College School of Management, an M.A. from Columbia University, and studied abroad at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

He was a U.S. Department of Justice/Office of Justice Programs National Institute of Justice Scholar and in 2020 received a scholarship from the Harvard Business School Fund for Leadership & Innovation in completion of his studies at Harvard Business

School General Management Program.

With Resolution, Calif. Assembly Affirms Reparations Task Force Report

Bass; former Assemblymember Sandré R Swanson; and Chair of The CLBC Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City).

By Oakland Post Staff

On Feb. 26, the California Assembly adopted a resolution affirming the California reparations task force report as part of the Legislature’s Black History Month’s special recognition.

This resolution was introduced by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) and co-authored by other members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

“Although California joined the Union in 1850 as a free state, proslavery individuals held a great deal of power and influence that shaped our state’s legislature, court system and our representatives in the U.S. Congress,” Weber told her colleagues on the floor of the Assembly.

“ACR 135 is not only a resolution to affirm the task force’s report. It is also meant to educate ourselves on California’s history,” continued Weber. “We cannot move forward as a state unless we learn about and acknowledge the harms of our past and begin to repair them.

Weber was joined by Chair

of the CLBC, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), who opened the floor session with a prayer that included an excerpt of the Black American national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, also a member of the CLBC, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Joining them on the floor as special guest of the Assembly was former Assemblymember Sandré R. Swanson, Chair Emeritus of the CLBC and current candidate for the State Senate; former Speaker of the Assembly and current Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass; and former Assemblymember and Mayor of Oakland Elihu Harris.

As part of the Black History Month Celebration, was the recognition of the CLBC’S “2024 Unsung Heroes.” Honored among them was Cathy Adams, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce. Adams was nominated for this award by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda).

Sitawa Jamaa with his sister Marie Levin. Courtesy photo.

Advocate for Prisoner’s Rights Needs Community’s Help Four Years After Stroke Led to ‘Compassionate Release’

By Richard Johnson

This article is being written on behalf of Ronnie Dewberry a.k.a.

“Sitawa Jamaa.” By the time you read this article, he should be released from prison on a compassionate release after 43 years behind walls.

To be clear, someone admitted doing the crime Jamaa was convicted of. Some can attest that incarceration is not always about guilt or innocence, it can be about many other factors.

As a formerly incarcerated person who was held in the Security Housing Unit (S.H.U.) for decades or in solitary confinement, I share his pain.

Sitawa, unfortunately, suffered a very devastating stroke in 2020, that left him unable to do much of anything for himself. He is confined to a wheelchair, speech-impaired and has many other limitations.

Yet this brother is well known throughout the legal field for his many contributions to prisoners’ rights, legal litigations, and assisting many prisoners throughout the system.

His most accomplished feat dealt with helping draft the legal jargon with regard to the release of imprisoned individuals held for years without a cause in the prison holes.

He also was very instrumental in stopping the violence in prison

Recall Organizer’s Violent Behavior ...

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Chaney Turner, Oakland native and activist, said, “We’re here because we love Oakland. We do not support any of the recalls that are currently happening.”

“Anyone who claims to care about the state of Oakland, anyone who claims to care about the state of the city and Black life, anyone who cares about our unhoused people on the streets, would not be out here supporting recalls that are funded and backed by real estate developers, venture capitalists, and rightwing people,” said Turner.

“For over a decade Oakland has been suffering (with) unhoused people, mentally people who are not being protected, unhoused, (and unemployed youth) who are not being protected. This has been happening for a very long time,” Turner said. “All of a sudden people with special interests claim they care about the state of the city when they’re just defending large corporations.”

“The majority of the people asking for a recall don’t even have solutions,” Turner continued. They want to criminalize homeless people, they want to criminalize youth, they want to criminalize Black people and roll back work that movement builders have been doing for over 20 years, Turner said.

“We have to get real,” Turner went on. “We have to call out people who are in bed with racists, who are trying to harm Oakland.

“If you loved Oakland and if you loved Black people and you cared, you’d be working with the people that are working for the people and not against the people,” Turner concluded. “We have real work to do, and we all need to do it together, hand in hand.”

Anita Wills, an Alameda County activist, 77, said her activism stems from the murder of her grandson in Oakland in 2011, a crime that has never been solved.

Wills said that recall advocates are targeting D.A. Price, though – under Nancy O’Malley’s watch — “there were over 70 unsolved deaths of incarcerated individuals in San Rita (jail) since 2014, with no investigation, and yet there were no recalls of the (former) D.A. or any accounting by the Sheriff’s Department,” she said.

as well as helping to get over 30,000 prisoners to participate in the largest hunger strike in the history of the California prison system.

It’s hard to explain the day-today process that both men and women go through being in prison, let alone while in the S.H.U. The best description I could give is it’s a living hell for anyone to endure. Many have died or gone crazy under such extreme conditions: no one escapes unscathed whether physically or emotionally.

Sitawa was fortunate enough to have a support system that knew that he had to be released. His family, particularly his sister Marie Levin, his attorney Keith Wattley, Darby Aono-Shek, Jenny Brandt, a public defender, and many more

Even with his debilitations, Sitawa remains astute mentally, with determination to forge ahead to do whatever to remain strong and relevant in the face of so many obstacles.

Go forth with me to assist him in his transition back to society. If you care to help in any way, either by the “Go Fund Me” link or otherwise please feel free to go to the link or call either attorney. The link is: GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/ sitawa

“They are targeting Mayor Thao, who was duly elected. I refuse to be intimidated by bullies, cower and hide in the shadows,” Wills said.

“You can’t bully yourself into office. You have to convince the voters.

“I’ve been harassed on social media by Seneca Scott, who I’ve never met, (who) made a death threat against me,” Wills said. “He said he’d do me like my murdered grandson.”

Activist, journalist, and actor Cat Brooks said she has been repeatedly threatened with violence by Scott, who she accused of engaging in cyberstalking.

Civil rights attorney Walter Riley, flanked by several witnesses, said he was representing Omar Washington, a community ambassador, who was attending the mayor’s press conference last week when Scott approached him and “knocked him down intentionally,” giving him a concussion.

Riley said that recall organizer Brenda Harbin-Forte and other recall leaders should distance themselves from Scott and his violence, threats of violence, and attempts of physical intimidation against those he disagrees with.

Statements by Scott have already been condemned by the Alameda County Democratic Party and the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club for homophobic and transphobic rhetoric. He recently posted an Instagram account with photos of his arsenal of firearms, high-capacity magazines of ammunition, and body armor, photos of which were displayed at the press conference.

In press releases, Scott, who is the campaign director for Thao’s recall, denied that he had attacked anyone at the mayor’s press conference. He said he has been “exonerated of firearm charges related to selfdefense against individuals stealing from his community garden, and his lawfully possessed firearm was returned by order of the court.”

Scott said his “commitment to community service, from being a union leader to a local food justice activist and cultural ambassador, reflects a lifetime of dedication and legacy to civil rights.”

Faces Around the Bay ...

Continued from page 1

encouraged, through the Umoja Scholars Program (an organization designed to support Black people) to finish up at California State University, East Bay.” She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development in 2023.

Carson has worked several jobs, including at Costco and Chipotle Grill. She worked three years at A Child’s Place, a preschool in El Sobrante, and is currently employed full-time in Oakland with a medical program that helps rehabilitate individuals struggling with substance abuse.

“On this job, I reflect on my personal trauma and use my learned skillset to help others, so they don’t have to experience the same trauma I knew.”

After her mother passed away, Carson remembers, “Housing was always an issue. I was moving constantly — from my aunt’s, to friends, a teacher, and shelters.”

She observes that she had more help and opportunity than many people do, “but at the time I didn’t know that.”

“I’ve been fortunate to meet the best people and learn from them. Today, I can look back and say I finished college. I have a place to live, and I have found peace in the midst of everything.” She intends to continue her schooling, to own land, “and to keep the peace I’ve found and pass it on to the next person. I am not the typical statistic of a young, Black girl who has experienced trauma … I reflect a statistic of beating the obstacles,” she says.

Carson passes on lessons learned: “Remember you are only human. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Believe in yourself. Surround yourself with good people and make good decisions. Walk in the direction you want to go.”

Shown: ACR 135 author Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa); former Assemblymember Elihu Harris; former Assembly Speaker and current Los Angeles Mayor Karen

Rev. Jeremy McCants, Oakland faith leader, chaired the rally against recalls Wednesday morning on the steps of Oakland City Hall. Photo by Ken Epstein.