Oakland Post, week of July 26 - August 1, 2023

Oakland Post

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

60th Year, No. 28 Weekly Edition. July 26 - August 1, 2023

City, Community Ask Holy Names Trustees to Use $55 Million Donation as Specified by Donor – to Support Young Teachers in Training

Will HNU follow through on AG Bonta’s letter to continue funding scholarships for former students?

By Ken Epstein

When Oakland’s Holy Names University closed abruptly in May with only a few months’ warning, about 100 students in teacher training programs were left scrambling for new schools to attend and trying to figure out how to pay for another university if they cannot continue to receive the HNU scholarship funds that had covered about half of their tuition.

HNU’s Board of Trustees, which continues to exist despite the closure and sale of the university campus, had promised students and the public that the administration would guarantee that students’ transitions to other universities would be seamless but then laid off most staff, leaving many students without support.

Seeking to maintain their scholarships and continue as teachers,

California School Employees Support Sandré Swanson for State Senate

Special to The Post

The California School Employees Association (CSEA), AFL-CIO announced their endorsement of Sandré R Swanson for the California State Senate 7th District.

CSEA represents approximately 254,000 classified employees in California’s public schools and community college systems. David Schapira, CSEA, director of Governmental Relations, in his letter to former Assemblymember Swanson said, “It is my pleasure to inform you that your candidacy for election to the California State Senate has been

Interview Panel Nominates

Two New Members to Oakland Police Commission

Judge denies preliminary injunction seeking to block commission appointments

President Biden’s decision to establish the national monument is seen as crucial to acknowledging and preserving the painful history of racial violence in the United States. Photo credit Mark

Biden Pays Tribute to Emmett Till; Acknowledges the Vital Role of the Black Press in the Civil Rights Movement

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire

Recognizing the country’s painful racial history and honoring the legacy of Emmett Till, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation on Tuesday designating a national monument spanning two states to memorialize Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Bradley.

A distinguished audience included Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President & CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Associa-

tion (NNPA), as well as several members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Chair Steven Horsford, Minority Whip James Clyburn, and Mississippi Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson.

Till, a 14-year-old Black teenager from Chicago, was tragically murdered in Money, Mississippi, on August 28, 1955, after being accused by a white woman of whistling at her.

His brutal killing became a

Continued on page 10

Barbara Lee: “Gun Violence is a Public Health Emergency”

age, sex, gender, location, type of violence, and type of firearm. Information on the types of programs used to respond to and reduce gun violence and their effectiveness.

• Data on federal funding and frequency of research relating to gun violence.

By Post Staff

A city interview panel selected two finalists this week to serve on the Oakland Police Commission: former Oakland City Councilmember Wilson Riles Jr. and Karely Ordaz, currently an alternate commission member. Ordaz serves as chief of staff at the Unity Council in the Fruitvale District.

Riles, a councilmember from 1979 to 1992, is an active social justice leader, recognized for his support for affordable housing, leadership in the anti-apartheid

movement, and involvement with urban farming.

The panel’s recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council, which will vote on the two selections in September, and the new commissioners will begin serving in October.

Current Police Commission

Chair Tyfahra Milele, who had applied for another term, received zero votes from the nine-member Selection Panel.

Meanwhile, an Alameda County Superior Court Judge this week

Continued on page 10

State Superintendent Thurmond Forcibly Removed from School Board Meeting

endorsed by this statewide organization.

“CSEA’s endorsement is based upon your support for public education and labor issues of importance to classified employees.” Schapira continued. “Our dedicated members serve public education as instructional aides, peace officers, secretaries, groundskeepers, food service, transportation, and maintenance personnel as well as in other important classifications. As equal partners in California’s vast public education system, the contributions of classified employees are immea-

Continued on page 10

U.S. Barbara Lee introduced the “Gun Violence as a Public Health Emergency Act,” which would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate with the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to produce an annual report on gun violence, its public health effects, and action taken by the federal government.

This report will help inform policymakers at every level on how to respond to gun violence and further inform a collective public health approach to ending gun violence.

Specifically, this legislation calls on the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to publish:

• Data on national firearm deaths and injuries disaggregated by

“The lack of comprehensive firearms data severely hamstrings efforts to curb the growing threat of gun violence,” Lee said in a statement.

The Recognizing Gun Violence as a Public Health Emergency Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to produce an annual report on gun violence, its public health effects, and actions taken by the federal government to elevate gun violence as a public health emergency.

“Gun violence impacts all communities, and the government must better deploy resources and evidence-based solutions – and this bill is a step in the right direction,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee in her statement that cited in 2022 that 44,357 died and 40,000 more were injured due to gun violence.

By California Black Media

Last week, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond was removed from a Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education meeting after speaking out against a policy requiring school staff to notify parents if their child identifies as transgender.

Thurmond was invited to the meeting by students concerned about the policy.

“I come before you as a parent tonight but we can debate all of the laws and all of the policies and practices, I ask you to consider this: that nearly half of students who identify as being LGBTQ+ are considering suicide,” The New York Post reported.

“The policy that you consider tonight not only may fall outside of the laws that respect privacy and safety for our students but may put

Continued on page 10

Lend-A-Hand Volunteers Tell Students “We’ve Got Your Back Packs”

Special the Post

On July 22, Lend A Hand Foundation (LAHF) held its annual Stay-in-School supply-packing event at Oakland’s Cypress Mandela Training Center in East Oakland.

Now in its 26th year of providing as many basic needs as possible to children, youth, and families, LAHF was able to secure funding to support 23 schools and over 10,000 students in Oakland.

recruited dozens of volunteers who packed 5,500 supply

kits that will be delivered by August 1. In honor of its 25th anniversary last year, LAHF was able to provide school supplies to over 25,000 students in Oakland attending 52 schools. The Educational Supply Program began in 1999 with 200 kits and to date, LAHF has provided close to 150,000 supply kits all because of its cherished supporters.

Many corporate and other volunteers came out to lend a hand

Continued on page 10

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, left, endorses former Assemblymember Sandré R. Swanson’s campaign for the state Senate. Photo by CJ Jones.

Karely Ordaz (left) is chief of staff for the Unity Council. Unity Council web site photo. Wilson Riles Jr. is a former Oakland City Councilmember. File photo.

Supt. Of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond spoke to reporters after he had been asked to leave the Chino Valley school board meeting.

Pictured (left to right): Jeanine Hawk, HNU’s former vice president of finance and administration, City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan and Steve Borg, chair of HNU’s Board of Trustees.

Mahoney / Dream In Color Photography for the NNPA.

U.S. Rep Barbara Lee

(center in white

with some of the event’s dozens of volunteers and supporters. Photo by Auintard Henderson.

In Fight Against Substance Use Disorder, CA Health Advocates Focus on Mental Health, Education

By McKenzie Jackson California Black Media

Growing up in the Sacramento area, Theresa Hunter popped pills, smoked weed and snorted cocaine. But as she entered adulthood, trauma and grief led her to a different high which proved to be highly addictive: crystal methamphetamine.

“I was trying to escape from everything,” 32-year-old Hunter said of her five-year addiction to the drug of which she smoked two grams a day.

Crystal meth causes intense euphoria and negative effects such has depression, psychosis, paranoia, seizures, and other problems that can be fatal. Hunter’s addiction led her to becoming homeless and leaving her daughters’ care to their father.

She credits her daughters and programs such as See Her Bloom, an online project that helps Black women with substance abuse disorders by sharing resources and allowing women to tell their stories for getting her on the road to recovery in 2021.

“Knowing there is a platform to help women overcome their addiction, having a place women can go to is really helpful,” Hunter said.

See Her Bloom is one of the many organizations and campaigns in the Golden State focused on combatting substance use disorder.

Black Americans have higher rates of illicit drug use (24.3%) compared to non-Hispanic whites (22.5%), according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Elizabeth Keating, Clinical Program Director of CA Bridge, a public health institute focused on expanding addiction medication for treatment in hospital emer-

gency departments, said overdose rates in California increased by around 1% between 2021 and 2022.

“Up is not what we want,” she said. “If not for the COVID pandemic, I would say the opioid crisis is the biggest health crisis of our time. Policy matters.”

Earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom awarded $5.7 million for opioid and stimulant-use education and outreach in “Two-Spirit/ LGBTQ” communities as part of a $1 billion state initiative.

There are also a host of bills introduced in the State Assembly and Senate aimed at addressing the state’s drug crisis.

However, more needs to be done, said Center for Collaborative Planning at the Public Health Institute Executive Director Connie Chan Robinson, who leads the See Her Bloom initiative. She said lack of research on substance issues among Black women en-

Experts: California Needs Information, Infrastructure Upgrades to Connect Millions

the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

Communications Commission, said at a PPIC virtual conference on July 18.

hances the view that there isn’t a problem in that group.

“There is a stereotype that continues to be perpetuated that strong Black girls and young women are impenetrable, they are not influenced by drugs,” Robinson said.

Dr. Jenifer Zhan, an implementation leader with CA Bridge, said numbers from her organization reveal that overdose deaths increased in ZIP codes with majority Black populations by 202% from 2018 to 2022.

Zhan said prescriptions for buprenorphine, an FDA-approved drug used to treat substance misuse like opioids, are given at a much lower rate to Black patients.

Robinson said more work needs to be done to discover the connection between mental health and drug use. She said the people at See Her Bloom say more peer-topeer outreach is needed to combat illicit substance use.

A report the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released in June found that access to fast and reliable home internet continues to increase in the Golden State, but many households eligible for broadband access assistance are still without service.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that at least 3.7 million California households are eligible for digitalaccess funding, but as of March 2022, only 1.2 million households were participating in programs created to offset high access costs for low-income households.

Therefore, the FCC says it is seeking community-based organizations connected to local communities to engage in outreach and education.

“We have issues nationwide with access, availability and affordability,” Sanford Williams, special advisor to the chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and deputy managing director of the Federal

“The one thing we’ve found on the government level is that folks listen to us, but they trust people they know. So, the biggest thing for us, from my perspective and the FCC, we get community organizations involved to get the message out,” he added. Williams was one of the panelists at a three-day virtual conference the PPIC hosted from July 18-20 to discuss internet access, California’s unprecedented investments in broadband, and barriers to digital access across California’s diverse communities. The conference looked at how deficits in both infrastructure and information keep Californians disconnected from the internet.

According to PPIC, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), found that 85% of California households had high-speed internet at home in 2021-- a slight improvement from 84% in 2019, before the onset of

Since 2019, access to broadband at home has become more common for most demographic groups. But racial and ethnic gaps persist: 81% of Latino, 83% of Black, 87% of White, and 88% of Asian households reported having broadband access at home in 2021, the PPIC shared.

PPIC explains that in 2021, slightly fewer California households (10%) did not have access to a desktop, laptop, or other computing devices at home than in 2019, when 11% lacked access.

Nationally, approximately 40% of Black American households — as opposed to 28% of white American households — don’t have high-speed, fixed broadband, according to the Mckinsey & Company article, “Closing the Digital Divide in Black America,” published on Jan. 18, 2023.

One of the first federally funded initiatives, the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) pro-

After regaining custody of her daughters, Theresa Hunter holds Kassiani, 2, and her other daughters, Eryneesa Bernard-Wainiwheh, 13, and Jasani Bernard-Wainiwheh, 10. Photo courtesy CBM.

Dr. Nicol Turner Lee, Brookings Institute and Federal Commission of Communications official Sanford Williams. File photo. Williams was one of the panelists at

When you switch off, California stays on.

When you get a Flex Alert, reduce your power use to help ease the grid and avoid statewide outages. The more people that save their energy for later, the more likely we keep the lights on.

Attorney General Rob Bonta Takes Action to Protect Section 8 Renters

By Lila Brown California Black Media

It took authorities in Los Angeles 12 years to process and approve Delsean Keys’ Section 8 housing application.

After finally being accepted into the federal government’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program for low-income households, the 41-year-old Keys was informed that he had only 90 days to find an apartment before his housing voucher would expire.

“Most landlords wanted to do a background and credit check along with income verification,” Keys, who lives in the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles, told California Black Media (CBM).

After securing Section 8 housing at his current residence, where he’s lived for five years, Keys’ challenges did not end.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, our landlord tried to raise rent, but we as tenants petitioned against it, pushing back that they couldn’t do that,” Keys said. “We were facing a global pandemic at no fault of our own. Many of us were on unemployment and they even attempted to receive back rent.”

Keys eventually accepted a minimal rent increase due to a change in his income which is allowed as income must be reported to the local Housing Authority.

For many tenants like Keys, who receive rental assistance through the HCV program, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) reports that it is common for landlords to raise their rents in violation of the law, while adhering to established rent caps for renters who pay market rates.

On June 30, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a letter to all housing authorities in the state, reminding them that tenants who receive Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are protected under California’s Tenant Protection Act (TPA).

According to the DOJ’s Housing Justice Team, there have been numerous complaints about some local housing authorities approving rent increases that exceed the TPA’s rent cap.

Landlords receiving approvals for rent increases may think they are in compliance with state and local law, but Bonta clarified in his letter that any rent increases outside of the guidelines of the TPA violate state or local laws and are “plainly wrong” and that the DOJ is taking those violations seriously.

Bonta emphasized that recipients of Section 8 vouchers are equally protected under laws that establish rent caps.

“As California grapples with an unprecedented housing crisis, it’s critical that we work together to protect those most at risk of losing their homes,” said Bonta. “Section 8 recipients are some of the most vulnerable of California’s tenants and subjecting them to illegal and burdensome rent increases is unfair and may contribute to homelessness.”

In the letters, Bonta explained that California’s TPA, which bars landlords from raising rent for most tenants by more than 5%, plus inflation, or 10% total each year, whichever is lower, applies to recipients of the Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers and other similar housing assistance programs.

“Unfortunately, there are some shady landlords who are not in compliance with how Section 8 operates,” says Joel Green, 38, a landlord who provides

VETERANS OF OAKLAND CALIFORNIA

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2727, located in Oakland, CA is seeking new members to join its Post.

Must meet eligibility as follows:

1. Proof of Service by providing a copy of your DD Fm 214

2. Must have been awarded a recognized campaign medal or badge

3. Served in Korea between 30 June 1949 until present, or earned Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger Pay as evidenced by your DD Form 214.

4. Overseas service in hostile areas.

If eligible, Post 2727 will pay the membership fee for the pt 2 years of your membership.

For more eligibility details and to apply, please contact one of the following individuals:

Arthur Butler, 253-343-8554

Aumont Phipps 510-677-4843

Al Dean 510-332-2891

permanent and supportive housing for the elderly at Abode Communities.

“Some private landlords discriminate, or they judge tenants based on their previous experiences, which is not fair. We need to shine light on what’s actually going on with those landlords who are doing things that are not compliant with Section 8 rules.”

The federal government’s Section 8 HCV program – whose waiting list is currently closed for public registration due to a backlog of applicants -- is the country’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are allowed to find their own housing. The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program.

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

Housing subsidies are paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.

Another landlord who spoke to CBM off the record said sometimes landlords do not intend to increase rents, but “problematic” tenants give them few options. She said those tenants sometimes ill-treat or damage the properties they rent, which leads to “harsher-than-normal wear and tear, leading to … exorbitant maintenance and repair costs.

As more cities across the United States struggle with the housing affordability and availability, the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program is in high demand. In densely populated cities such as Los Angeles, the waitlist can be abnormally long, authorities point out.

Recently, Los Angeles Mayor

Karen Bass pleaded with local property managers and private landlords to take at least one to two vouchers during the city’s State of Emergency against homelessness, which she declared in January.

California’s housing affordability problem is a major contributing factor to the state’s homelessness crisis, which is having a disproportionate impact on Black Californians.

About 30% of the state’s approximately 160,000 homeless people are African American. Blacks make up less than 6% of the state’s population.

Last week, Bonta provided legal guidance to local governments, warning them that the DOJ is willing to take legal action against cities that “frustrate” the state’s efforts to increase housing supply by enacting “emergency zoning ordinances.”

“Under California law, urgency zoning ordinances can only be enacted if a high bar is met. Unfortunately, we are seeing urgency zoning ordinances that fall short of meeting that high bar,” said Bonta. “Every community must do its part to build housing. I encourage local governments to take a good look at their urgency zoning ordinances for compliance.”

CITY OF OAKLAND REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR TREATMENT PROGRAMS)

Project Description: The Human Resources Management Risk and Benefits Division is issuing this Request for Qualifications to create a list of Authorized Vendors capable of providing high-quality, effective, and cost-efficient Treatment Services for City of Oakland employees. After reviewing all compliant submissions, the City may execute agreements with none, one, or multiple vendors. Vendors selected will be added to an Authorized Vendors list, to be utilized in the future as/if needed.

Proposal Submittal Deadline: Friday, August 25, 2023, by 2:00 P.M.(PST) via iSupplier.

Reminders:

• ISupplier will not allow submission of proposals after 2:00 P.M. Friday, August 25,2023.

• The following policies apply to this RFP: Equal Benefits

Andrew Jackson Beard: A Trailblazing Inventor Who Transformed Railroad Safety

cured his first patent for an innovative double plow design.

The patent rights fetched an impressive $4,000 in 1884, a sum equivalent to nearly $100,000 in today’s currency. The success of his plow inventions provided Beard with the financial means to embark on a profitable real estate venture.

However, Beard’s true pioneering breakthrough came in 1897 when he patented the “Jenny Coupler.” This groundbreaking invention enhanced the existing knuckle coupler, which was responsible for the perilous task of connecting railroad cars. Tragically, Beard himself had lost a leg in a car coupling accident, spurring him to devise a safer alternative.

By Tamara Shiloh

In the archives of American inventors, Andrew Jackson Beard’s life stands as a testament to determination and ingenuity.

Born into slavery on a plantation in Woodland, Alabama, in 1849, Beard’s early years were fraught with challenges. However, the end of slavery granted him the freedom to pursue a path that would ultimately revolutionize railroad safety.

From a young age, Beard exhibited an unwavering determination to excel in various fields. At the age of 15, he obtained his emancipation, and at 16, he married.

His diverse career spanned farming, carpentry, blacksmithing, and railroad work. As a farmer near Birmingham, Alabama, he cultivated apples before venturing into the operation of a flour mill in Hardwicks.

It was during his agricultural endeavors that Beard’s inventive spirit began to take shape. He delved into improving plows and, in 1881, se-

His Jenny Coupler marked a turning point in railroad safety, preventing countless injuries and saving numerous lives. Although many patents for car couplers were filed during that period, Beard’s invention stood out, earning him a remarkable $50,000 for the patent rights— equivalent to nearly 1.5 million dollars today.

In response to the growing recognition of the importance of automatic couplers, Congress passed the Federal Safety Appliance Act, making their use mandatory.

His contributions to the field of railroad safety earned him induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006, where he rightfully took his place among the greatest inventors in American history.

Andrew Jackson Beard’s journey from slavery to celebrated inventor serves as a shining example of how determination, resilience, and innovation can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. He passed away in 1921, leaving behind a legacy that continues to impact the world of rail transportation and inspire future generations of inventors.

ADULT DAY PROGRAM

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

• Living Wage ♦ Campaign Reform Act

• Reduced to 0% L/SLBE

• Professional Services Local Hire

• Prompt Payment

• Arizona Boycott

• Dispute Disclosure

• Border Wall Prohibition

• Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment Ordinance.

• Did not receive and invitation? Start Early with iSupplier registration. Upon completion of registration, send an email to iSupplier@oaklandca.gov listing “RFQ for Treatment Programs” as the subject and advise of an invitation to the RFP. The Contracts Analyst will add your business to the RFP invitation.

• All who wish to participate in this RFP must register (at least 5 days prior to submittal due date) through iSupplier at (https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/register-with- isupplier) to avoid last minute submittal complications and receive addenda/ updates on this RFP. For additional help registering and submitting your proposal to iSupplier please watch the user guide videos at (https://www.oaklandca.gov/documents/isupplier-user-guides).

For Answers to Questions:

1. For project-related questions, contact Project Manager Andrew Lathrop at alathrop@ oaklandca.gov or (510 238-7165.

2. For iSupplier registration support, send email to isupplier@oaklandca.gov or call (510) 238 7643 and advise that you need HELP to expedite registration for this RFP.

Asha Reed, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council, (Friday, July 28, 2023) The City Council reserves the right to reject all proposals.

Andrew Jackson Beard. Wikipedia photo.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta. FCBM file photo.

Despite Humble Beginnings in East Oakland, OUSD

Educator’s Hard Work Led to Success

and books. With persistence, she graduated in 1976 with a B.S. in Recreation, from California State University, Hayward.

In 1979, Nina married James E. Meeks, Sr. and continued to study, receiving her teaching credentials from the University of California, Berkeley in 1981.

But she didn’t stop there.

experience, then use that to incite racist and misogynistic fear within voters to make her the new Hillary. Harris’s approval ratings—like Biden’s— are barely above 40%. It’s unfair considering what the Biden Administration has done on a number of fronts.

So, if you think things are hot, just wait. When anti-woke Republicans use their anti-race and anti-history strategies to raise what Harris called “unnecessary debates,” we will see more of Harris standing up for history, and standing up for us.

History Excused With a Song?

So, history should be preserved and remembered, not forgotten. What about Broadway where they use bad history as an excuse to party with song and dance?

By Post Staff

What does commitment and dedication look like?

It can be seen in Mrs. Nina Gardner-Meeks who, as a young Black woman, had a dream and love for Oakland’s Black youth and went on to dedicate herself to Oakland Unified School District students for 51 years.

Mrs. Meeks came from humble beginnings.

The third oldest of nine children, Nina grew up with few resources and attended five different elementary schools as she moved from place to place in East Oakland until her parents could afford to buy a house in Sobrante Park.

Mrs. Meeks attended Hamilton Junior High and graduated from Castlemont High School in 1972.

The fact that her parents were unable to pay for college did not deter her. She found a way by working to pay for her tuition

In 1984, she obtained a master’s degree in counseling from CSU Hayward, followed in 1989 by a credential in school administration also from CSU Hayward. She accomplished all of this while raising three children and preparing them for school.

Nina has worked in many capacities at many different schools, including as instructional assistant, teacher, assistant principal, academic counselor, and summer school principal. For the last 19 years, she has been an academic counselor at Roosevelt Middle School.

In her five decades in the field of education, Nina has touched thousands of young students’ lives.

On a personal note, Nina has been a faithful member for over 40 years of the Church of The Living God, located at 1450 47th Ave. in Oakland. A former president of the adult choir, she is chair of the Trustees Board, an outreach missionary and is also involved in the church’s women ministry which helps feed the homeless.

By Emil Guillermo

My wife wanted me to throw out my old newspapers. When I refused, she didn’t divorce me.

I persuaded her that old newspapers--especially old copies of the Post--have real value. Old news? They’re filled with history. If you haven’t noticed, history has become a key issue in American society and politics. Just as the 24hour news cycle is spinning faster than ever, some people want us to forget it as fast as it’s made—espe-

cially when it comes to social justice and civil rights. The past? Who needs the past? We do.

This week, President Joe Biden made sure we don’t forget the key racial milestones in American history.

With his signature, Biden established three memorials to Emmett Till on what would have been Till’s 82nd birthday.

In 1955, as a 14-year old boy visiting Mississippi from Chicago, Till was attacked, abducted and lynched after greeting a white woman in a store.

Two memorials will stand in Mississippi, one close to where Till’s body was found, the second at the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse where two white men were acquitted by an allwhite jury. The men later confessed to the killing.

A third memorial will be placed at the Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where Till’s mom, Mamie Till, insisted on an open casket funeral so the world could see the brutality of racism.

“We’re making it clear, crystal, crystal clear,” said Biden as the guests to the White House signing applauded. “Darkness and denialism can hide much. They erase nothing…We can’t just choose to learn what we want to know.

“We have to learn what we should know about our country. We should know everything, the good, the bad, the truth of who we are as a nation. That’s what great nations do.”

Memorials mark the important moments and are assurances against forgetting our history.

Biden ended his remarks praising another hero in the Till saga, the

Be ready with an extreme heat plan:

Black Press. He called out specifically Jet Magazine and the Chicago Defender, for being “unflinching” in telling the story, and “making sure American’s saw what they saw.”

Another reason not to throw out old issues of the Post.

KAMALA’S ROLE

Biden’s proclamation was the punch, but Vice President Kamala Harris provided the important setup.

“Today there are those in our nation who would prefer to erase, or even rewrite the ugly parts of our past. Those who attempt to teach that enslaved people benefitted from slavery,” Harris said referring to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ antiwoke policies that were put into place last week in Florida education.

“Those who insult us in an attempt to gaslight us, who try to divide our nation by unnecessary debates. Let us not be seduced into believing that somehow we will be better if we forget. We will be better if we remember.”

It was a reprise of Harris’ fiery speech in Jacksonville last Friday decrying the new standards of teaching middle school students lies about slavery, especially the notion that there was “personal benefit,” a silver lining, in being dehumanized. Harris rightfully called it right-wing “propaganda.”

Expect to see more of Harris getting more face time as the Biden Administration’s lead person on the hottest of hot buttons of the day.

Republicans are welcoming it. They fear Biden’s experience and use age to dismiss him. They’d rather attack Harris and paint her as a female person of color with little

V.P. Kamala Harris, Biden Making Sure History isn’t Forgotten Soul Beat Day 2023: Celebrates Multi-Generational

Last week, “Here Lies Love,” a musical based on the Marcos dictatorship in the Philippines opened up in New York City and it’s causing a buzz among Filipino Americans from coast to coast, many of whom escaped from the Marcos regime. The musical is a dazzling immersive spectacle where the theater is turned into a Manila disco, and an all-Filipino cast play the dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, Imelda.

The songs have been praised, too. But during martial law in the Philippines the human rights violations were through the roof: 70,000 people detained, 35,000 tortured, 3,200 killed.

The musical isn’t a satire, nor does it have a critical point of view. It’s really just about the theatrical experience. If you’re drunk with song, a timeline is included in the program to correct your moral compass. But is that enough?

I am going to see it when I get to New York later this summer. And I encourage people to see it. How can I not support an all-Filipino cast? We can argue later as is our free speech right.

Just remember, that’s something they couldn’t have done under the repressive Marcos dictatorship.

Just beware of the history abusers-- those who ignore, obscure, deny, or rewrite. Or sing loudly. Democracy runs best on truth, but only if we demand it.

Emil Guillermo is a journalist, commentator, and storyteller.

See him mix personal history and Filipino American history in “Emil Amok: Lost NPR Host…” at the San Francisco Fringe, Sat. Aug. 12, 7 p.m.; Thurs., Aug 17 8:30 p.m.; Sat. Aug. 19, 1 p.m. at the San Francisco Fringe, 277 Taylor St. Ticket links at www.amok.com

Know the location of your nearest air-conditioned space or transportation.

Stay connected with loved ones. Check in on family, friends, and neighbors on hot days.

Soul Beat Day 2023: Celebrates Multi-Generational Excellence in Oakland-Bay Area

Soul Beat, the nation’s first Black-owned television network, returns to continue its historic legacy with Soul Beat Day 2023 – celebrating its 45th anniversary with live performances, DJs, cultural festivities, and multigenerational community fun for all.

The event, to be held July 29 from 2-8 p.m. at For the Culture, located at 701 Clay St. in Oakland’s Jack London Square district, promises to immerse attendees in a soulful cultural experience that transcends generations.

Soul Beat Day 2023 will unite like-minded individuals with a passion for music, culture, and community, creating an environ-

ment where new connections are forged and memories are made.

Attendees can look forward to thrilling live performances from legacy artists and newcomers, spanning multiple generations, and grooving to the sounds of skilled DJs spinning a mix of funk classics from the ’70s to the slap of today’s hits.

The rhythmic beats will set the stage for an electrifying atmosphere that will keep everyone on the dance floor. Prizes will be raffled off, and official Soul Beat merchandise will be available for purchase, so you can sport authentic Oakland flavor throughout the year.

“Soul Beat Day 2023 is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Oakland and Bay Area excel-

lence in style,” said Chuck Johnson, spokesperson for Soul Beat and former host of the iconic music program, ‘The Rap Show.’

“We invite everyone to mark their calendars and secure their tickets for Soul Beat Day 2023,” added Johnson. “This experience will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul. Join us as we celebrate Oakland’s rich history and culture, showing love to our local small businesses that have contributed to our vibrant community.”

Johnson urged the community “to come dressed to impress, as this is where style meets substance. Wear your Soul Beat merch and show your love for the culture.”

Soul Beat Day 2023 is a 21+ event; all attendees must bring a valid ID for entry.

For inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch with Soul Beat at info@SoulBeatNetwork.com.

Hosted by Lord Rab, Soul Beat Day 2023 artists include (in alphabetical order)

Don P, IStevie, Jay Rich, Jerry Law, KeShay Love, Mac Arthur Maze, Mani Draper (From Grand National), Mouth Piece Society, Prentice Powell, San Quinn, ST Spittin, Thug Misses, DJ D-Sharp, DJ Squareopolis, DJ Igor Beatz and more!

President Joe Biden signed

the proclamation to create the new Emmett Till a Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument on the 82nd anniversary of the Black Chicago teenager’s birth. Pictured (left to right): President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., Emmett Till’s cousin making sure that Emmett Till is not forgotten.

Mrs. Nina Meeks. OUSD official portrait.

Mamie Till looks over the body of her son Emmett Till at the morgue before his funeral. With her is her fiancé, Gene Mobley. Photo: David Jackson for Jet Magazine.

Soul Beat Day will be hosted By Lord Rab. Photo courtesy of Soul Beat.

Millions More to Broadband ...

Continued from

gram, launched in 2021, offered a discount of up to $50 per month for broadband services to eligible households.

The EBB expired on Dec. 31, 2021 and was replaced by the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers long-term support for households. The maximum monthly ACP benefit is $30, and eligibility criteria expanded to include a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.

Dr. Nicol Turner-Lee, another panelist that participated in the “Bridging California’s Digital Divide,” virtual conference, warned that the ACP funding will eventually run out and could present more access problems for low-income and rural households.

“The ACP came out of the emergency broadband program, a pandemic-relief program that has had exponential growth,” TurnerLee continued. “I think 19 million have subscribed across the U.S., but there are challenges. When it expires in 2024 or when it runs out of money, the same 19 million people that subscribed will have these same challenges.”

Turner-Lee’s portfolio includes leading research and policy work at the Brookings Institution. Her book on the digital divide titled “Digitally Invisible: How the Internet is Creating the New Underclass” is scheduled to be published in 2024.

“We have to keep talking about affordability, but we need to talk about it in a more permanent way,” Turner-Lee said. “It’s not necessary to give people access to shiny objects and devices but to connect them to a world of opportunities. That should justify and validate why this has to be a long-term program.”

PPIC is a nonprofit organization that provides objective and nonpartisan research to guide California’s public policy. Its aim is to produce high-quality analysis that promotes dialogue and inspires sustainable policy solutions.

“We looked at the research on what’s barring folks from enrolling in the ACP and one of those barriers is just simply being aware that the ACP exists,” Ji Soo Song, Digital Equity advisor for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology said during a session at the PPIC conference.

“It seems like in low-income households, less than 50% knew that it existed. That’s why we’ve been working with the FCC to launch a national campaign online to make sure that folks take advantage of it,” Song told the panelists.

On the final day of the virtual conference, panelists discussed the importance of digital equity in enhancing access outcomes across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and the economy.

The panelists agreed that building a digital infrastructure based on equity is crucial for an inclusive recovery from the pandemic. But Mei Wa Kwong, the executive director of the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP), the federally designated National Telehealth Policy Resource Center, said equity won’t be a “one-sizefits-all” solution.

“It’s going to take us a while to get there because when you are talking about digital equity, there’s a lot of infrastructure involved,” Kwong said. “Infrastructure does not move that quickly. It takes a while to build up things.”

Only a third of eligible California households receive federally subsidized internet. Most eligible households have not received the ACP internet subsidy, PPIC reports. Only 36% of over 8 million eligible households had enrolled by April 2023, according to the California Department of Technology.

“Part of this conversation around affordability is not about whether people can get access to competitive providers but more so whether or not people understand the relevance of broadband in their lives,” Turner-Lee said.

“It’s important that we connect the dots to improve the outcomes for people,” she added.

Richmond’s Alta Mae Brown Celebrates 100 Years

Citing DeSantis’ “Racist Policies” Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Pulls Convention from Florida

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire

“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. moves 2025 General Convention from Orlando, Florida due to Governor Desantis’ harmful, racist, and insensitive policies against the black community,”

On the first day of their 2023 convention in Dallas, Texas, their 98th convention, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, the oldest African American fraternity established in 1906, announced they will not hold their 2025 convention in Florida because of the policies of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

Willis Lonzer said in a statement.

The fraternity also stated in their press release that the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity conventions generate approximately $4.6 million in economic impact.

“Earlier this week, the Florida Board of Education approved a controversial new K-12 curriculum for African American history, which erases Florida’s role in slavery and oppression, blames the victims, and declares that African Americans who endured slavery benefited from the horrific and torturous institution,” the fraternity’s statement continued.

Alta Mae Brown was born July 14, 1923, in McGregor, Texas. She is the oldest child of six, and also happens to be the last remaining sibling.

In 1944, Alta Mae relocated to Richmond, Ca., where she has resided ever since. Upon her arrival, Alta Mae became a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Richmond.

For over 70 years she has displayed her faithfulness and devotion, highlighted by her 55+ years of service on the Pilgrim Rest usher board ministry. Throughout her tenure, Alta Mae has been employed at various local manufacturing companies such as Hunt’s Cannery, as well as other customer service and retail jobs in the Bay Area.

In 1955, Alta Mae became hap-

CITY OF OAKLAND REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFQ) FOR

AS-NEEDED ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION HEARING OFFICER

Contract Amount: Not to Exceed $245,000 Terms: 3 Years

Project Description: This RFQ is issued by the City of Oakland, Finance Department - Revenue Management Bureau to solicit proposals for experienced Administrative Adjudication Hearing Officers (“Hearing Officer”) to render decisions on parking violations. The Hearing Officer must have knowledge of local and State parking violation laws and be able to work on as-needed basis for at least a three-year period.

Pre-Proposal Meeting: July 7, 2023 – 10:30 AM (Pacific)

Join Teams Meeting https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZWEwZWMyOTktZjAzYi0 0ZWJiLWFjYzItNjg4MTQ5MzMyYjIz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a% 22989a2180-6fbc-47f1-8032-1a9ee969c58d%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%227319fef6e833-45aa-abb3-50f90424d5fc%22%7d

Meeting ID: 239 365 649 71

Passcode: uqzh4a

Download Teams | Join on the web

Or call in (audio only)

+1 925-326-7518,,236678425# United States, Concord

Phone Conference ID: 236 678 425#

Proposal Submittal Deadline: Friday, July 14, 2023, by 2:00 P.M. via iSupplier.

NOTE: (1) Proposals not received at the above location by the stated deadline will be returned unopened; (2) If using a courier service, please secure guaranteed delivery to the required location and time as noted above.

Reminders:

• The following policies apply to this RFP: Equal Benefits

• 50% L/SLBE (waived but L/SLBE participation is strongly encouraged)

• Living Wage

• Campaign Reform Act

pily married to Eugene Brown, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage until he preceded her in death in 2012. Her legacy will forever be enshrined, as she is the proud mother of seven, to go along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren & great-great grandchildren.

If there was one word that would describe Alta Mae Brown in her entirety it would be family. Although she may not have the mobility she used to, her mind is still as sharp as ever; this can be seen by her continued love for playing bingo, watching game shows and beating her children and grandchildren in poker during family get-togethers.

Even at 100 years young, Alta Mae continues to shine her light and showcase her love daily, as a matriarch of the Brown family and Richmond community.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity holds their convention every two years. The historic fraternity features a number of famous members including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, Thurgood Marshall, Duke Ellington and billionaire Robert Smith.

APA’s current General, President Dr. Willis Lonzer, announced the relocation of the Fraternity’s 99th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention from Orlando, Florida.

“In this environment of manufactured division and attacks on the Black community, Alpha Phi Alpha refuses to direct a projected $4.6 million convention economic impact to a place hostile to the communities we serve. Although we are moving our convention from Florida, Alpha Phi Alpha will continue to support the strong advocacy of Alpha Brothers and other advocates fighting against the continued assault on our communities in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis,” General President Dr.

CITY OF OAKLAND

In May 2023, the NAACP issued a travel advisory regarding Florida, calling the state “openly hostile” to African Americans.

The new President of The Rainbow Push Coalition, Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes, also an APA member, also spoke at a rally in Dallas on the matter of pulling the 2025 convention from Florida.

Alpha Phi Alpha is part of the “divine nine” African American fraternities and perhaps the most storied one. The other eight are Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Iota Phi Theta.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail. com and on twitter at @LVBurke

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR

Accela Consulting Services for Design and Implementation of Project Scoping Tool, New Public-Facing Permit Application Portal, Inspection Scheduling, and Right-of-Way Permitting Module

Contract Amount: To Be Determined Terms: 2 Years

Project Description: The City of Oakland is requesting proposals from qualified firms for provide Accela consulting services to support up to four system-wide Accela Civic Platform implementation projects within the on-premise enterprise platform. Consulting engagement may include end-to-end implementations, specific deliverables within a project (e.g. process analysis, data conversion, configuration, scripting), and providing technical resources to support City staff on implementation.

Pre-Proposal Meeting: Wednesday, August 9, 2023 - 1:00 PM (Pacific)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89319205336?pwd=ckxicTFNR3JhclUyNXdIY3B0SlpW QT09 Meeting ID: 893 1920 5336

Passcode: 541616

Proposal Submittal Deadline: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, by 5:00 PM via iSupplier.

NOTE: (1) Proposals not received at the above location by the stated deadline will be returned unopened; (2) If using a courier service, please secure guaranteed delivery to the required location and time as noted above.

Reminders:

• The following policies apply to this RFP: Equal Benefits • 0% L/SLBE (waived but L/ SLBE participation is strongly encouraged) • Living Wage • Campaign Reform Act

• Professional Services Local Hire

• Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment Ordinance.

• Prompt Payment• Arizona Boycott • Dispute Disclosure • Border Wall Prohibition

• Did not receive and invitation? Start Early with iSupplier registration. Upon completion of registration, send an email to iSupplier@oaklandca.gov listing “RFP for As-Needed Administrative Adjudication Hearing Officer ” as the subject and advise of an invitation to the RFP. DWES will add your business to the RFP invitation.

• All who wish to participate in this RFP must register (at least 5 days prior to submittal due date) through iSupplier at (https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/ register-with- isupplier) to avoid last minute submittal complications and receive addenda/ updates on this RFP. For additional help registering and submitting your proposal to iSupplier please watch the user guide videos at (https://www. oaklandca.gov/documents/isupplier-user-guides).

• Experiencing bumps when registering? Send email to isupplier@oaklandca.gov to advise that you need HELP to expedite registration for this RFP.

For Answers to Questions:

1. For project-related questions contact the Project Manager Shahla Azimi via email at skazimi@oaklandca.gov, (510) 407-8336.

2. For Isupplier related question after registration contact the Administrative Analyst II, Rachel Tavistock at rtavistock@oaklandca.gov, 510 238-3232. Asha Reed, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council, (Friday, July 28, 2023) The City Council reserves the right to reject all proposals.

• Professional Services Local Hire • Prompt Payment • Arizona Boycott • Dispute Disclosure • Border Wall Prohibition • Sanctuary City Contracting and Investment Ordinance.

• Did not receive and invitation? Start Early with iSupplier registration. Upon completion of registration, send an email to iSupplier@oaklandca.gov listing “RFP for Accela Consulting Services” as the subject and advise of an invitation to the RFP. Staff will add your business to the RFP invitation.

• All who wish to participate in this RFP must register (at least 5 days prior to submittal due date) through iSupplier at (https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/ register-with- isupplier) to avoid last minute submittal complications and receive addenda/ updates on this RFP. For additional help registering and submitting your proposal to iSupplier please watch the user guide videos at (https://www. oaklandca.gov/documents/isupplier-user-guides).

• Experiencing bumps when registering? Send email to isupplier@oaklandca.gov to advise that you need HELP to expedite registration for this RFP.

For Answers to Questions:

1. For project-related questions contact the Project Manager Shahla Azimi via email at skazimi@oaklandca.gov, (510) 407-8336.

2. For Isupplier related question after registration contact the Administrative Analyst II, Rachel Tavistock at rtavistock@oaklandca.gov, 510 238-3232. Asha Reed, City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council, (Friday, July 28, 2023) The City Council reserves the right to reject all proposals.

Alta Mae Brown. Photo courtesy of the Brown family.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to guests at the Nebraska Steak Fry in Nebraska City, Neb. Photo: “Right Cheer.”.

Black Joy to Spare as Black Creatives Flock to Gold Beams Second-Monday Events

performance series called ‘Fourth Mondays,’ and ‘Senses,’ a series of performance events focusing on a different sense (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste). The first one was this past May, when they sold out 10 shows. The next one will be in late August or early September, where the theme will be touch.

Even though Gold Beams does a lot, Second Mondays remains their signature event and it shows. Part of what makes Second Mondays so special is the variety of performances - there is space for people to share anything.

By Daisha Williams and Post Staff

Second Mondays, hosted by Gold Beams at 2323 Broadway, is something to look forward to for Black poets, musicians, and artists of all kinds. Beginning in 2018 in Tayleur’s living room, this event has always been welcoming.

From the moment someone steps into the space you can tell that it is a special one. Near the en-

former, agrees. “When I’m on stage I definitely feel like the audience is listening to me, in some places it doesn’t feel like people are hearing you, but this is like a Black-owned and Black-inclusive space, and so being on stage you definitely have all their attention.”

Immediately following the open mic is the freestyle ‘cypher’ in which members of the audience are pulled up and entered into free-

Gold Beam’s mission has always been to create spaces like this, warm and inviting, from the moment the name was picked, intended to remind people of something bright and warm like golden beams of light and glitter.

Off stage, Papi Grande talked about that sense of community and how many people are not just there to have a good time, but also to make connections. “I love that experience the most. . . just being able to support someone else and what they do is pretty cool.”

Gold Beam started out with a gathering of just seven people in Tayleur’s living room in 2018.

“That level of intimacy … that growth and that touch, so much of what we do is very people-centered and we want to be a place where people go to test things out, we want to be a place where people can let their hair down, we want you to feel like you’re sitting on somebody’s couch and making friends. Every time we produce an event, we center those themes and those feelings in all that we do,” said Kiersten Chresfield, co-owner of Gold Beams.

Just five months after the debut of Second Mondays, the number of participants had grown to 50 but was still stuck in an apartment.

Chresfield says that is her favorite part of this event, “There is no predictability on who will touch that stage. There are times where you could have a fire poet, you could have somebody who’s like ‘I just wrote this song this morning,’ you could have someone come up and play the flute, one time we even had a magician!”

If someone is interested in any other of their events more information can be found on their website goldbeams.org

trance are vendors, Black-owned small businesses selling everything from crystals to massages, immediately showing that this is a place intended to support the community.

As people wait for the show to start, the room is filled with the sounds of talking and laughter as music curated by DJ Sunflower sets the mood.

Once the open mic begins, everyone is attentive, excitedly cheering for every single performer. The shared love and support is palpable, and the organizers, the audience, and the performers can feel it.

Papi Grande, a regular per-

style rap battle. This is always a fun and exciting end to the night, as audience cheers determine the winner.

Oftentimes there are cash prizes for the open mic and the freestyle cypher, but the competitive aspect doesn’t take away from the love and support that people so freely give each other.

This space is for Black artists to share their art, whether that be through singing, poetry, rapping, comedy, instrumentals, or any other form of expression through performance. Having a space like this, where work can be shared and enjoyed, creates community and fosters joy.

The event then moved to the Red Bay Roastery, and then to Oakstop, a local Black-owned organization that rents out spaces for meetings and events, focusing on providing these spaces to entrepreneurs and communities of color. There are many Oakstop locations, but the one on 23rd and Broadway is where you will be able to find Tayleur and everything she’s built.

This year is Gold Beams’ 5-year anniversary, and they are using this time to reflect on everything they’ve built as well as planning more wonderful things for the future.

In addition to Second Mondays, Gold Beams has partnered with the Life is Living Festival by Youth Speaks, the Museum of the African Diaspora, the Black Joy Parade, and UCSF’s Preterm Birth Initiative.

They’ve also created an online

Tony Bennett’s

Life Wasn’t Just Singing; He Fought Along with King for Civil Rights

structed from dozens of empty coffins, a powerful symbol of the lives lost in the struggle for civil rights.

“I didn’t want to do it, but then Harry Belafonte told me what went down,” Bennett recalled.

“How some blacks were burned, had gasoline thrown on them. When I heard that, I said, ‘I’ll go with you,’” he said.

Bennett remained dedicated to championing humanitarian causes and advocating for equality throughout his life.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

Tony Bennett, the legendary singer whose smooth vocals and timeless classics captured the hearts of millions, died at 96 in his hometown of New York.

Although renowned for his musical achievements, his tireless work in civil rights advocacy has left an indelible mark on history.

Bennett’s journey into activism began early in his life.

Drafted into the Army as a teen in 1944 during World War II, he served on the front lines in Europe, witnessing the horrors of war and its devastating impact on human lives.

“The first time I saw a dead German, that’s when I became a pacifist,” Bennett revealed in an earlier interview with Howard Stern.

“Every war is insane, no matter where it is or what it’s about. Fighting is the lowest form of human behavior. No human being should have to go to war, especially an eighteen-year-old boy.”

His time in the military exposed him to the grim reality of racial

segregation within the U.S. Armed Forces.

After being caught consorting with a Black soldier, Bennett was spat upon by a higher-ranking Army official, who assigned him the unenviable task of digging up the corpses of dead military members.

He said the encounter motivated him to speak out for civil rights.

In 1965, Bennett took part in the historic 50-mile Selma to Montgomery marches, standing alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to demand equality and justice for all.

“The mood was anger,” singer and activist Harry Belafonte said in an interview he and Bennett did in 2013.

“The mood was rebellious on the part of the movement, on the part of the civil rights crowd, and the question is: What do we do in the face of this kind of rage and this kind of mayhem? And there was just… the bottom line was that we will go back as often as necessary.”

To rally the crowd during the march, Bennett performed “Just In Time” on a makeshift stage con-

He was an outspoken ally of various social issues, using his platform to bring attention to pressing global challenges, including the plight of refugees.

Bennett also refused to perform in South Africa during the Apartheid era, and later received the United Nations Higher Commissioner for Refugees Humanitarian Award for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian work.

Additionally, his contributions to civil rights earned him a place of honor as an inductee into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.

Beyond his activism, Bennett was a prolific musician with an impressive discography that spanned over 70 albums, earning him 19 performance Grammy awards.

His rendition of “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” became a timeless classic, earning him a legion of devoted fans, including fellow artists like Frank Sinatra and Lady Gaga.

A Kennedy Center Honoree and a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, Bennett is survived by his wife Susan, daughters Johanna and Antonia, sons Danny and Dae. He also had nine grandchildren.

An open mic performer at Gold Beams. Dorean Raye Photography for Gold Beams. Judges pay rapt attention

Beams. Dorean Raye Photography

Gold Beams.

An open mic performer at Gold Beams. Dorean Raye Photography for Gold Beams.

Post summer staff writer Daisha Williams is a 2023 graduate of the Oakland School of the Arts where she focused on literary arts. She will continue her studies this fall at UC Davis and plans to major in both Communications and Ethnic Studies.

Gold Beam’s audience is typically attentive and responsive at the Second Monday open mic series. Dorean Raye Photography for Gold Beams.

Gold Beam’s audience is typically attentive and responsive at the Second Monday open mic series. Dorean Raye Photography for Gold Beams.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nipsey Russell, Tony Bennett, and Harry Belafonte/National Museum of African American History and Culture

Caption: Photo: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nipsey Russell, Tony

Holy Names ...

Continued from page 1

72 former HNU students recently sent a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

They asked him to intervene to require the Board to honor its commitment to its students by using the $55 million Logan Fund endowment as its donor explicitly intended, to provide scholarships to students who could not otherwise afford to become teachers.

The loss of this scholarship would severely impact both the individual teachers and local schools. Many of these teachers are currently working in classrooms in Oakland schools or other East Bay schools, and they must simultaneously be enrolled in a university teacher training program to earn their credential if they wish to keep their jobs.

Responding to the students, Bonta’s office sent an email to a student leader reporting that HNU “recently filed a petition with Alameda County Superior Court to modify the Logan Fund” to use the money to support “transferring graduate and undergraduate students to help them complete their education at other colleges and universities.”

The letter also included an email address for the students to reach out to HNU, studenttransfer@HNU.edu “to inform it of (their) intent to pursue (their) education at another institution and ... eligibility for scholarships under the Logan Fund.”

However, students are unsure they can rely on this information. They say they have only heard from Bonta’s office, not anything from HNU trustees about the court filing or the email address to seek to continue the scholarship.

Those who already have sent an email to the HNU address supplied by AG Bonta so far have received no response.

“We were not informed about this by Holy Names – no email or other communication was sent to students. They may have communicated with Attorney General Bonta, but not with us,” said student leader Helen Ghebreyesus.

“The Attorney General doesn’t

President Biden Pays

Tribute to Emmett Till

Continued from page 1

catalyst for the Civil Rights movement when his mother, Mamie Till, chose to hold an open-casket funeral, and a photograph of her son’s disfigured body was published in Black media, bringing national attention to the horrors of racism and sparking outrage across the nation.

The Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, where Till’s funeral took place, Graball Landing in Mississippi, thought to be the site of his body’s discovery, and the Tallahatchie County Second District Courthouse, where an all-white jury found the white men responsible for his murder not guilty, make up the 5.7 acres of the newly designated national monument.

During the ceremony, Biden acknowledged the significant role played by the Black Press in shedding light on Till’s tragic story

have the list of all the students, and it’s not his responsibility to inform [them]. Why is Holy Names not notifying us? It’s frustrating,” she said. Since HNU announced it was closing, “they’ve never been transparent about anything ... not being honest or having any kind of integrity,” she said.

City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan, who has worked along with other city leaders to support HNU students and protect the legacy of the university, has sought to verify what the university told Attorney General Bonta. “I’ve requested copies of (HNU’s court filings). I’m glad we have been advocating for the funding, which was intended for helping local aspiring teachers to continue to serve the students in our community and build our local pool of educators.”

Also supporting the former Holy Names students have been Mayor Sheng Thao, Deputy Mayor Kim Mayfield, and Councilmember Carroll Fife.

The student letter to Bonta, dated June 26, said, “This (scholarship) was very important to us because the funds available for becoming a teacher are very limited, and in order to be employed, we need to be enrolled in a credential program. For many of us, the other half of the tuition was paid by federal grants.”

The letter continued: “We are not affluent people. Most of us are teachers of color and/or firstgeneration college students, and many of us have chosen to serve in our own communities ... We had no idea Holy Names was closing. In order to remain employed, we are required to enroll in a different credential program, and in every case the tuition is higher because the Logan (Scholarship) is not available.”

In a request to the university to clarify its plans to utilize the $55 million fund, the Oakland Post contacted both Steve Borg, chair of HNU’s Board of Trustees, and Jeanine Hawk, HNU’s former vice president of finance and administration, but has received no reply by the Post’s deadline.

and the broader struggle for civil rights.

He applauded the bravery and unwavering dedication of publications like JET Magazine, the Chicago Defender, and other newspapers and radio announcers who fearlessly reported on the events surrounding Till’s murder, ensuring that the truth reached the American people.

“The reason the world saw what Mrs. Till-Mobley saw was because of another hero in this story: the Black Press,” Biden remarked, receiving applause from the audience.

The Biden administration has taken strong action by designating the site as a national monument to ensure that future generations will remember and preserve the history of racial injustice.

The ceremony took place on what would have been Emmett Till’s 82nd birthday, emphasizing the occasion’s significance.

Thurmond Removed from School Board Meeting ...

Continued from page 1

our students at risk because they may not be in homes where they can be safe,” he said.

After Thurmond spoke in the time allotted — one minute — he was verbally attacked by the board president, Sonja Shaw.

“Tony Thurmond, I appreciate you being here tremendously. But here’s the problem. We’re here because of people like you,” EdSource reported. “You’re in Sacramento, proposing things that pervert children.”

She also criticized him for campaigning for her opponent in the previous school board election.

When Thurmond attempted to return to the podium because Shaw’s remarks were directed at him, she called for a five-minute recess. Four security guards followed him from the room and he later said he didn’t sense of hostility from them or the audience.

According to David Loy, the legal director of the First Amendment Coalition, an open government group who watched a video of the event, Thurmond “did nothing whatsoever that warranted a removal from the meeting.”

According to Loy, the Chino board may have violated the Brown

Oakland Police Commission ...

Continued from page 1

denied a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit filed by Milele, along with David Jordan, vice chair of the Police Commission, and former commissioner Ginale Harris, which was seeking to block the selection panel from appointing new members to the commission.

The lawsuit alleges that the selection panel’s decisions are illegitimate because the chair of the panel, civil rights attorney Jim Chanin, has

Sandré R. Swanson for State Senate

surable.”

Continued from page 1

Former Assemblymember Swanson was a celebrated chair of the California Assembly Labor and Employment Committee and worked with the CSEA on the return of local control of Oakland schools to the students, parents and teachers from State control.

Swanson said “It has been my pleasure during my three terms in the State Assembly to work with classified employees. My dad was

School Supply Giveaway...

Continued from page 1

and “what a hand they lent,” said Dee Johnson founder and executive director of LAHF. “They broke the record in packing 5,500 supply kits.”

PG&E was the premier sponsor for this massive community effort but other generous supporters were SupplyBank.org, Wells Fargo Bank, One Toyota, Cestra Butner Family Foundation, Kazan McClain Partners’ Foundation, Target, Safeway, California Wellness, AASEG, Argent Materials, UCSF, Oakland Education Fund, Black Cultural Zone, Kaiser, Port of Oakland, and individuals.

Public officials supporting LAHF included Oakland City Council members Kevin Jenkins and Treva Reid, and Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam. Supervisors Keith Carson and Nate Miley also supported a couple of schools in Berkeley and San Leandro.

The Oakland Athletics provided 200 game tickets for the packing volunteers.

The supply kits will reach the schools by Aug. 1. The schools are: Acorn Woodland, Burckhalter, Carl Munck, Castlemont, Coliseum College Prep, East Oakland Pride, Elmhurst Encompass, Esperanza, Frick United, Garfield, Grass Valley, Greenleaf, Hoover, Korematsu, Lockwood STEAM, Markham, Melrose Leadership,

Act, the state’s ‘open meeting’ law, saying a “board cannot shut you down because they don’t like what you’re saying.”

Although there is a provision that allows for disruptive people to be removed from meetings, they must first be warned and be given the opportunity to stop disrupting, Loy told EdSource.

Thurmond wrote in a series of tweets, “I don’t mind being thrown out of a board meeting by extremists. I can take the heat – it’s part of the job. What I can’t accept is the mistreatment of vulnerable students whose privacy is being taken away.”

Thurmond has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has spoken out against book bans.

The Chino Valley school board voted to approve the policy, which is similar to Assembly Bill 1314, authored by Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Riverside) which failed to get a hearing in the state Assembly.

Essayli also spoke at the school board meeting and received mixed reactions from the attendees.

That evening, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement urging the school district to protect students’ privacy.

EdSource and the New York Post contributed to this story.

a conflict of interest because he is involved in the Negotiated Settlement Agreement that has kept the Oakland Police Department under federal court oversight for over two decades.

In addition to Chanin, the lawsuit also names the entire selection panel and Councilwoman Nikki Fortunato Bas, as Chanin serves as her representative on the panel.

Superior Judge Ann Kariuki’s ruling, dated July 25, said, “the preliminary injunction is denied without prejudice,” and scheduled a hearing on the matter for Aug. 15.

a classified employee for a school district and he retired on a unionbacked pension, so this endorsement is very important to me.

“I am very appreciative that CSEA, specifically supported my legislative efforts to rescue our children, who were being victimize by human traffickers. We also proudly worked together on making education California’s No. 1 budget priority.”

Former Assemblymember Sandré Swanson’s legislative record and campaign information can be found by visiting www.sandreswanson.net

New Highland Community, Oakland Academy of Knowledge, Reach, Urban Promise, West Oakland Middle, and support to McKinney Vento and Newcomers.

“This project is incredibly special and dear to the Lend A Hand Foundation,” said Johnson. “We could not do it alone. It took many hands, and we appreciate everyone.

Johnson expressed her gratitude to the Cypress Mandela Training Center at 977 66th Ave. which “allowed us to overwhelm their space with our many materials and for days.”

KTVU Fox 2 News, KRON4 News, Glasshouse Communications and the Post Newspapers were instrumental in getting the word out, Johnson said.

And, “last but not least,” Johnson thanked “the many volunteers from all over, and the special Lend A Hand Foundation team.

“It is our dream that all school supply providers join hands to better leverage our dollars and help to eliminate duplications.

“Wouldn’t it be great if all students in Oakland have their needs met?”

Johnson believes it could get done “if we all come together. The more we can come together, the bigger the impact. Just think, not only school supplies, but basic needs as well so the students and their families can thrive.”

By Tanya Dennis

When Dr. Laura Head left this earth, she left her estate to someone she loved and appreciated, who also loved and appreciated her, Zakiya Jendayi.

Head’s former student from San Francisco State University, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister, mentee, and friend had known each other for 28 years. During that time period, Head had been estranged from her two sisters.

Head appointed Jendayi power of attorney, agent of advanced health care, trust administrator, trustee of her estate — and sole beneficiary. Head disinherited her two sisters and included a ‘no contest’ clause in her trust.

Head told her friend, Dr. Derethia DuVal, that she wanted Jendayi to inherit her property and belongings. Head also told her Kaiser social worker Ms. Noe that she was leaving her belongings to Jendayi.

In 2013, when Jendayi inherited Head’s home, it was valued at $126,000. Since then, it has been valued at over $1 million. Seven years after Head’s death, her sisters filed a petition on May 18, 2020, to invalidate the trust for “under influence and or forgery.” Head’s sisters Della Hamlin and Helaine Head, when asked for comment, did not respond.

Alameda County Probate Court Judge Sandra Bean initially tentatively ruled in the first hearing Aug. 5, 2020, that the sisters were not beneficiaries or trustees, therefore they had no standing. During the second hearing on May 10, 2021, the sisters’ counsel, Daniel Leahy, changed the allegations to financial elder abuse, but never amended his petition or brought the issue up throughout the entire trial.

At that hearing, Bean changed her ruling and scheduled a four-day trial, that actually lasted 18 days. Fifteen witnesses testified that there had been no evidence that Jendayi committed forgery or unduly influenced Head. Also, no medical records stated that Dr. Head lacked capacity, according Jendayi.

Estate planning attorney Elaine Lee entered a declaration, was deposed, and testified during the trial in 2022 that Jendayi had nothing to do with the establishment of the

will and trust. “I met with Dr. Head alone, as well as with Ms. Jendayi,” Lee said. “She was lucid, clear and I did not find Head to be a victim of fraud or undue influence.”

Bean ruled on March 28, 2023, that Dr. Head had capacity and did execute the trust, but that Jendayi unduly influenced Head. When the court-appointed attorney Phillip Campbell was asked for a comment, he did not respond.

Bean’s ruling invalidated the trust, taking all Head’s assets, valued over $2 million, which can likely end up going to probate attorneys for fees and to the sisters who Head disinherited. When Dr. Head’s sisters’ attorney Daniel Leahy was contacted, he responded “I cannot comment on an ongoing court case. “

“I am appealing Judge Bean’s ruling.,” Jendayi said. Her appeal attorneys, James Decker and Griffin Schindler, filed a motion for a new trial on April 14 based on:

1. The evidence is insufficient to justify the verdict or other decisions.

2. The verdict or other decisions is against the law and

3. There was error in the law, occurring at trial and excepted to by the moving party.

On June 2, Judge Bean denied the motion for a new trial. Schindler has filed a notice of appeal.

Jendayi is reaching out to more than 100 African American respondents who have also had the experience of losing their estates because of Bean’s, other judges, commissioners, attorneys and court reporters actions against them.

Jendayi and other respondents will present their information before the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and then possibly a class action lawsuit.

“Dr. Head and I had attorneys in 2013, we did the right thing,” Jendayi says. “I prayed and the Creator informed me, I am being used to fight for my ancestors’ descendants who have also had their estate stolen.

Unfortunately, our stolen legacy is standard operating procedure within the probate judicial system. I will continue to fight the injustice within the justice system until I am victorious.”

Small Business Owners Applaud Superior Court for Extending Enforcement on “Rushed and Unfair” Privacy Rules

By California Black Media

Last week, The Sacramento Superior Court delayed the California Privacy Protection Agency’s (CPPA) enforcement of new privacy regulations until March 29, 2024.

This provides a one-year compliance period as approved by voters in 2020’s Proposition 24 vote. The CPPA finalized the regulations on March 29 and had planned to begin enforcement on July 1.

Regulations include the right for consumers to correct inaccurate personal information businesses collect, the right to opt out of certain “sharing” of data rather than just the right to opt out of “sale” of data, and the right to limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal

information.

Many businesses across the state opposed the CCPA timetable for the regulations, arguing that they did not have enough time to comply before the levying of penalties began.

“The Sacramento Superior Court confirmed what we have been asking the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) to consider for over a year: the agency’s regulation rollout has been rushed and unfair to California’s diverse small businesses,” Julian Cañete of the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Pat Fong Kushida of the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce and Edwin Lombard of the small business consultancy ELM Strategies said in a joint statement.

Oakland Post Correction

City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran and Mayor Sheng Tao.

City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran’s opinion on Mayor Sheng Tao’s proposed salary increase that was published in the July 12-18 edition of the Oakland Post was incorrectly labeled as opinion as, “paid for by Janai Ramachandran” The Post has apologized to her and offered her the opportunity to submit a future opinion if she chooses.

Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley at their home in Chicago.

‘Probate Court Judge Ruled Unfairly’ Asserts Black Beneficiary of $2 Million Estate

Dr. Laura Head and Zakiya Jendayi. Photo by Angie Shelby.