Oakland Post
By Rebecca Kaplan Special to the Post
The Coliseum and Arena have continued to thrive, hosting a variety of live, sold-out events that
Attorney General Bonta: People Should Not Have to Fear Gun Violence While Riding on Public Transit
Special to The Post California Attorney General Bonta, as part of a multistate coalition, announced the filing of an amicus brief in support of Illinois in Schoenthal v. Raoul, a case pending in the Seventh Circuit involving a challenge to Illinois’s ban on carrying firearms on public transportation.
“While people travel to work, to their homes, or with their children, they should not have to fear gun violence,” said Attorney General Bonta. “It is common sense that loaded guns do not belong on buses, trains, or subways. States have the responsibility to protect their communities. The fact is: more guns in more places makes us less safe.
“The Supreme Court has acknowledged that states have the authority to enact reasonable restrictions to protect communities, including sensitive places restrictions on where guns may be carried. We support and recognize states’ authority to enact common sense laws to maintain public safe-
“It
that loaded guns do not belong on buses, trains, or subways,” California
Attorney General Rob Bonta says. iStock image by Nicescene.
ty, including constitutional gun regulations that respond to local needs and concerns, while respecting Second Amendment rights.”
The multistate amicus brief explains the importance of reasonable gun regulations that are consistent with the Second Amendment to help maintain public safety. It highlights the importance of restricting the carrying of firearms in certain sensitive places—including on public transportation—and dis-
Continued on page 8
By Magaly Muñoz
The Alameda County Supervisors interviewed seven finalist candidates to fill the vacant District Attorney spot at a lengthy special meeting Tuesday afternoon. A new DA will be chosen as early as next week and will be sworn in by February. This vacancy arose following the recall of former DA Pamela Price.
The seven candidates were
selected from a pool of 15 applicants that the Board narrowed down last Thursday.
Here is a summary of what each candidate said during their presentations:
Elgin Lowe
Lowe is a Senior Deputy DA for Alameda County with almost 30 years of legal experience, and has worked under three DAs. He said his vision
By Oakland Post Staff
As the second anniversary of the fire that devastated First AME Church of Oakland (FAME Oakland) approaches, the oldest African American church in the East Bay is gearing up for a major commemorative weekend.
Despite the loss of their permanent church home, FAME
Oakland has remained steadfast in its mission of evangelism and growth through mental health, ministry and music.
“The essence of a church lies in the actions taken outside the physical confines of a building. I am immensely proud of our congregation for their unwavering
Faith Communities Vow to Continue Sanctuary Despite Trump’s Removal of Protections for Churches and Schools CA State leaders also rebuke Trump’s immigration policies
Post Staff
By
Since the Trump administration’s cancellation of the 2011 “sensitive areas” memo, faith communities associated with the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity are affirming their commitment to sanctuary, which means continuing to welcome immigrants and offering solidarity, support, and services regardless of immigration status.
The “Sensitive Locations Memo,” introduced during the Obama administration in 2011, advised immigration enforcement officers to avoid making arrests in places like schools and houses of worship.
In addition, California state officials and leaders of county
offices of education and school districts also quickly rebuked the Trump administration’s policies allowing immigration enforcement near or in schools.
“Schools must be safe spaces,
not sites of fear,” said Alex Traverso, director of communications of the State Board of Education. “Every child deserves to learn without intimidation, and California will do all we can to protect our stu-
dents.”
The directive issued Tuesday by Department of Homeland Security acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman reverses the 2011 memo, restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agencies from detaining immigrants near locations like schools, childcare centers, playgrounds, hospitals, and churches.
“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens — including murderers and rapists — who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid ar-
Blair Underwood and Black Pearl Investments Support the ‘New Oakland’
By Paul Cobb Post Publisher
Foundation. Janet Jackson performed a special concert in his honor coordinated by AHF and Gary Reeves, Underwood’s business partner and social impact strategist.
(Reeves is an Emmy Awardwinning television producer and a former Golden State Warriors spiritual advisor.)
Underwood feels Oakland is a city worthy of resources and leadership that can emotionally impact the overall community. So, he wants to continue to meet with “trust agents” and thought leaders from the community to under-
stand the needs of its residents.
Reeves received a letter from Black Pearl Investments (BPI) indicating that their company, which was additionally inspired by the Post News Group’s New Oakland Series, would like to partner and expand the AASEG Coliseum development plan. Reeves said the BPI impact funds could be used to partner with the Oakland Private Industry Council for social enterprise, generational wealth-building, family entertainment and socioeconomic inclusion for local residents that includes workforce housing and economic development.
Interim District 2 Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan. Courtesy photo.
Protests are taking place across California against federal immigration raids. Photo courtesy KERA News.
Pastor Rodney sits in the church’s sanctuary following the devastating three alarm fire in 2023. Courtesy photo.
The seven finalists for Alameda County District Attorney awaiting their interviews. Photo by Magaly Munoz.
is common sense
Blair Underwood. Courtesy Gary Reeves. Caption: Gary Reeves. File photo.
Dis Living Jazz Celebrates MLK in Oakland with Music and Love ... see page 2
Recall Campaigns Targeting Black and Progressive Officials Across U.S.?.. see page 2
Conscious Reflection: Black Caucus Observes MLK Day Amid California Firestorms... see page 4
Living Jazz Celebrates MLK in Oakland with Music and Love
Adams, and Colombian artist Chika Di.
Are Recall Campaigns Targeting Black and Progressive Officials Across U.S.?
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
By Kristal Raheem Oakland Voices Special
The Post
Living Jazz hosted its 21st An-
nual “In the Name of Love” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. concert on Jan. 18 at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre. The 2025 tribute honored the music and activism of the late Aretha Franklin.
“This year’s tribute feels like a call to action,” said Lyz Luke, executive director of Living Jazz.
“We were very mindful about picking a strong Black woman for a show taking place during inauguration weekend. Aretha’s work as an artist and activist is a guiding light for us to remain bold, unapologetic, and rooted in love.”
The event showcased influential Oakland musicians and cultural figures, including performances by America’s Got Talent finalist Dee Dee Simon, singersongwriter Lauren “SoLauren”
Additional highlights included Destiny Muhammad, the “Harpist from the Hood,” Howard Wiley with Grammy-nominated artist RyanNicole as host and Kev Choice as musical director. The tribute also spotlighted Bay Area youth, including the San Francisco Jazz High School All Stars and the Living Jazz Children’s Choir.
Bryan Dyer, director of the Children’s Choir, emphasized the transformative power of arts programming for young people.
“Knowing the power of music and the arts, it’s always a beautiful thing to see the impact of this program on so many students. Kids who are normally quiet in class can stand in front of everyone and sing a solo,” Dyer said. He added, “The very rights that Dr. King fought and laid ground for are being challenged. We must stand together in order for our voices to be heard.”
Oakland Youth Poet Laureate finalist Maya Raveneau-Bey also took the stage, delivering a powerful poem rooted in feminism
California Democrats, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders, have reached a $50 million agreement to counter the impact of potential federal policies from the incoming Trump administration, including mass deportations. The deal, announced before President Trump’s inauguration, aims to protect immigrants and strengthen legal defenses against the White House.
Half of the funding, $25 million, will be allocated to the state Department of Justice to litigate against federal actions. The remaining $25 million will fund legal nonprofits and immigration support centers to defend immigrants against deportation, detention, and wage theft. Senate Budget Chair Sen. Scott Wiener (DSan Francisco) praised the initiative, calling it a necessary step to counter “Trump’s extremist agenda.”
Republicans have criticized the move, accusing Democratic leaders of prioritizing partisan issues over addressing devastating wildfires in Southern California. Assembly Minority Leader James
Gallagher called the fund a “slush fund” for government lawyers and expressed concern about the state’s focus during a crisis.
The funding proposal is part of a larger special session package, with floor votes expected this week. Newsom, while addressing criticism, has remained active in wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles and hinted at the possibility of a fire-focused special session.
The urgency of the immigration-related funding stems from Trump’s previous pledges to enact mass deportations. Under President Biden, immigration enforcement actions have intensified in California’s Central Valley, adding to the concern.
Democrats argue the funding reflects California’s leadership in resisting federal policies they view as harmful. Wiener highlighted the importance of supporting legal aid services that can effectively assist millions of vulnerable residents.
If approved, the deal positions California as a national leader in opposing federal actions and protecting immigrant communities, underscoring its role as a stronghold against Trump administration policies.
By Post Staff
A report published by the Chicago Crusader suggests that the political fortunes of officials duly elected by voters looking for change have become more vulnerable as recall campaigns rise.
Crusader writer Stephanie Gadlin observes that Black and progressive-leaning officials appear to be facing the brunt of these campaigns that undo the voters’ voice.
“Mayoral recall campaigns are being threatened in Chicago, Los Angeles and elsewhere as voter dissatisfaction and media criticism mounts,” Gadlin writes.
“However, for Democratic voters, the ‘recall movement’ appears to be a backdoor attempt by conservatives or ‘dark money operatives’ to circumvent voting rights and part of a campaign to undermine Black and/or progressive political leadership.”
In Illinois, state lawmakers are trying to create a law to recall Chicago’s embattled mayor, Brandon Johnson, and in California, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, and Gov. Gavin Newsom are each facing recall attempts because of perceived
failings in handling the fires ravaging Southern California.
In Johnson’s case, there is no evidence that “dark money” or outside pressure have played a role in the Illinois legislators’ current recall efforts, but a Lakeview man, backed by African American Trump supporters, attempted to get 60,000 signatures to remove Johnson in a recall petition last year.
In the recall elections of Oakland’s mayor, Sheng Thao, and Alameda County’s district attorney, Pamela Price, allegations of unfair practices in gathering signatures were rife in a campaign largely financed by an unelected local billionaire.
“[Mayor Johnson’s] supporters have taken to social media to decry the local press’ failure to promote his burst of successes, including wage increases for cops, hourly workers, and tipped workers …. actions to reduce homelessness and fund poverty programs and his work to eradicate food deserts,” Gadlin writes.
Similarly, in Los Angeles, the dearth of facts on social media
Continued on page 4
to
Former and current District 12
Congresswomen Barbara Lee and Lateefah Simon respectively at the tribute award ceremony on Jan. 18. Paramount theater gallery image by Ariel Nava.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing a recall effort with more than one-third of the needed 300,000 signatures gathered. File photo.
Adult Day Program
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By Tamara Shiloh
Special to The Post
By Edward Henderson and Charlene Muhammad California Black Media
disaster.
MacArthur Fellow Dorothy Roberts’ Advocates Restructure of Child Welfare System
Patrice Marshall McKenzie, a representative of Pasadena Unified School District 5, spoke with California Black Media about the scale of the devastation.
erts is excerpted from the MacArthur Fellows web site.
A graduate of Yale University with a law degree from Harvard, Dorothy Roberts is a legal scholar and public policy researcher exposing racial inequities embedded within health and social service systems.
Sine 2012, she has been a professor of Law and Sociology, and on the faculty in the department of Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
She also shows that blaming tural problems, while ignoring the historical roots of economic and social inequality, fails families and
The California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) and California Community Foundation have partnered to launch the Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund to support community organizations on the ground working to meet the immediate and long-term needs of Black communities displaced by the wildfires. The fund will particularly benefit residents of Altadena, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County that has historically been a haven for Black homeowners who could not at one point buy homes elsewhere because of redlining.
CPS disproportionately investigates Black and Indigenous families, especially if they are lowincome, and children from these families are much more likely than white children to be removed from their families after CPS referral.
When grants were announced Oct. 1, it was noted that eight of the 22 MacArthur fellows were African American. Among the recipients of the so-called ‘genius grants’ are scholars, visual and media artists a poet/writer, historian, and dancer/choreographer who each receive $800,000 over a five-year period to spend as they see fit.
Are Recall Campaigns Targeting
and a press that is quick to seize on perceived failures to remedy problems that have taken decades to grow are already affecting Bass’ ability to maintain public confidence.
Bass was on a diplomatic trip to Ghana when two wildfires broke out on the city’s western and eastern borders on Jan. 7, sandwiching
Their names are Ruha Benjamin, Jericho Brown, Tony Cokes, Jennifer L. Morgan, Ebony G. Patterson, Shamel Pitts, Jason Reynolds, and Dorothy Roberts. This is the eighth and last in the series highlighting the Black awardees. The report below on Dorothy Rob-
“Black families that had settled in that region really did so because those were the only regions that they could settle in, so we wanted to be a part of helping those individuals who were impacted find some relief and begin to start the long road to recovery.”
The recent fires in Los Angeles County have claimed 25 lives, burned over 40,000 acres of land, forced more than 150,000 people to evacuate and caused nearly $275 billion in damages.
Historically Black communities in Altadena and Pasadena have been hit particularly hard by this
“Over the last few days, we have gained a better sense of how expansive the devastation was, and we decided we needed to take action,” Marc Philpart, CEO of CBFF told California Black Media.
city residents between dueling, deadly blazes, Gadlin wrote.
Attacked for being absent, Bass was then in the position of denying allegations propagated on social media that she had cut the budget of the Fire Department by 17% when, in fact, she had increased it by 7%. The cry for Bass’s recall –and that of Gov. Gavin Newsom— soon followed.
While Bass instead focused on the crisis at hand, “local California and national media were slow to correct the narrative, which originally came from a social post on Mark Zuckerberg’s Threads app,” Gadlin writes.
“I am blessed that my immediate home, is not threatened, but I cannot begin to count the number of people whose homes are,” McKenize said. “We are really working to support families, standing up locations to provide food to families, providing childcare resources to parents who still have to go to work and being able to support the needs of our students while they’re unable to be on campus full time.”
Roberts’s work encompasses reproductive health, bioethics, and child welfare. She sheds light on systemic inequities, amplifies the voices of those directly affected, and boldly calls for wholesale transformation of existing systems.
tion and welfare reform—and advocates for an expanded understanding of reproductive freedom. This work prompted Roberts to examine the treatment of children of color in the U.S. child welfare system.
McKenzie highlighted the need for donations for many of the displaced individuals living in hotels.
Roberts’s early work focused on Black women’s reproductive rights and their fight for reproductive justice. In “Killing the Black
For thousands of displaced Black residents like those mentioned by McKenzie, the road to rebuild is just beginning. Historic and systemic inequities add hurdles to the prospect of rebuilding.
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
The Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund seeks to address those critical challenges so Black communities can return, reclaim, and rebuild. The days, months, and years ahead will require hope, healing, and our collective resources to recover.
“In the wake of these devastating fires, we can’t just rebuild. We
The recall campaign against Bass has garnered one-third of the 300,000 signatures needed to initiate a recall.
Gadlin quotes Voters Not Politicians Executive Director Jamie Lyons-Eddy who spoke to Raw Story in 2023 about Michigan recall attempts. “Let’s be clear, these recall efforts against duly elected legislators from both parties are anti-democratic…. Recalls are an important tool in a democracy, but voters know very well that they are intended for cases of criminal behavior or dereliction of duty, not sour grapes about votes that someone doesn’t like.”
After nearly two decades of research and advocacy work alongside parents, social workers, family defense lawyers, and organizations, Roberts has concluded that the current child welfare system is in fact a system of family policing with alarmingly unequal practices and outcomes. Her 2001 book, “Shattered Bonds: The Color of Child Welfare,” details the outsized role that race and class play in determining who is subject to
In “Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families—and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World (2022),”
Roberts traces the historical, cultural, and political forces driving the racial and class imbalance in child welfare interventions.
day, Jan. 15.
Amid the damage and despair caused by firestorms in
the Los Angeles area, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast in Sacramento on his birth-
These include stereotypes about Black parents as negligent, devaluation of Black family bonds, and stigmatization of parenting practices that fall outside a narrow set
All 12 members of the CLBC attended the event, including six Black lawmakers from the Los Angeles region who expressed their deep concerns about constituents displaced or impacted by the fires.
Vice-chair of the CLBC Assemblymember Issac Bry-
grained oppressive features of the current system render it beyond repair. She calls for creating an entirely new approach focused on supporting families rather than punishing them. Her support for dismantling the current system of child welfare is unsettling to some, but her provocation inspires many to think more critically about its poor track record and harmful design. By uncovering the complex forces underlying social systems and institutions, and uplifting the experiences of people caught up in them, Roberts creates opportunities to imagine and build more equitable and responsive ways to ensure child and family safety.
Dorothy Roberts. Photo courtesy of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Marc Philpart, Executive Director of the California Black Freedom Fund, emphasized that every legislator and the Governor of California should support the coalition’s efforts. (File photo by Antonio Ray Harvey, CBM)
Pictured left to right: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles), Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), Senator Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), Assemblymember Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton), Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood). CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Public Notices, Classifieds & Business
and inspired by Franklin’s advocacy for women. Raveneau-Bey’s piece, “Water Bearers,” resonated with her as a Moorish-American artist performing days before Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration. “I wanted to remind the women of today, specifically coming into this daunting year, that we are more than child bearers—we are overflowing in life and power,” she said.
During the tribute, newly elected Congresswoman Lateefah Simon and her predecessor, former Congresswoman Barbara Lee presented the Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award to Andrew Park, co-founder and executive director of Trybe.
The organization focuses on violence prevention and supporting youth and families in East Oakland. Instead of a traditional acceptance speech, Park invited his daughter, Isabel, onstage to sing alongside him as he recited a spoken word poem. Together,
Fund Launched to Aid ‘Cherished’ Black Communities ... Continued from page 4
must ensure communities heal and flourish for generations to come. This is about more than recovery. It’s about restoring the heart and soul of neighborhoods that hold so much history, culture, and promise,” said Miguel Santana, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation said in a statement.
Money raised by the fund will go to 12 grassroots organizations vetted by CBFF that are on the frontlines of the disaster, giving aid, counseling, housing, food ra-
they honored Oakland’s culture and history, weaving in nods to Franklin’s iconic songs.
The evening concluded with all performers and organizers onstage singing, “We Shall Overcome,” a unifying finale connecting arts, culture, and activism.
Living Jazz, founded in 1984, has grown into a cultural and educational hub, offering classes, workshops, and camps for musicians of all ages and skill levels.
Currently serving 18 schools and 1,300 students across the East Bay, the organization remains committed to amplifying Black and Brown voices, nurturing community, and creating spaces for connection through the arts.
“Aretha’s legacy is one of empowering generations, and that’s exactly what we do,” Luke said.
“In a place like Oakland, where history and activism thrive, connecting generations through the arts is how we honor our past and build our future.”
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Oakland Voices and was funded by a grant from the East Bay Fund for Artists.
tions, and other services to those most in need in the Pasadena and Altadena area.
“We’re in a prime position to support them,” said Philpart. “Many of these organizations have been starved. They haven’t had the investment that’s necessary for them to be able to do the work that’s needed in this critical moment.”
For more information or to make a donation to the Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund, please visit https://www.pledge.to/BlackLA or text BlackLA to 707070
Mayor Karen Bass Takes ProActive Steps as Effort to Contain Fire Advances
By Bo Tefu
California Black Media Recovery efforts in Los Angeles and Ventura counties faced setbacks last week as powerful winds — up to 70 mph — created extreme fire danger through Wednesday. Red flag warnings, signaling high fire risks due to low humidity and dry conditions, were in effect, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported. Firefighters and officials also made urgent preparations, with resources positioned to mitigate the risks of new wildfires.
The Eaton and Palisades fires have claimed 27 lives and burned over 60 square miles, destroying over 12,000 structures, including homes and businesses. As of Jan. 19, the Eaton Fire was 81% contained, while the Palisades Fire was at 52%. Residents under evacuation orders have dropped to 92,000, but officials warn new orders may be issued.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized proactive measures, including strategic deployment of firefighters and water tankers.
“L.A. City firefighters and firefighters from across the county, state and nation and even overseas are in a proactive and strategic posture to save lives,” said Bass, reinforcing that city officials are mak-
Californians get additional state funding for health care costs.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The State of California is set to continue its efforts of getting people health insurance with enhanced benefits through Covered California that will ensure enrollees see reduced out-of-pocket costs in 2025.
Covered California was created by the state to help people get health insurance by offering financial assistance and other support. Recognizing that many people have questions about health insurance, Covered California provides local experts who can help find a plan that’s right for each person.
This new funding is available, regardless of income, when people enroll in one of the Silver-level plans through Covered California. Some of the cost-reduction benefits of these Silver plans are lower copays as well as $0 deductibles. This helps make health care costs more transparent and predictable – which ultimately means paying less when going to the doctor or getting care.
All Covered California plans include preventive care, doctor visits, emergency care, prescriptions, and more. Enrollees can choose from well-known companies like Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and Anthem, providing them access to a wide range of doctors, hospitals, and specialty care.
“Recognizing that cost is still the key barrier to proper health care for too many Californians, our goal is to improve affordability for our enrollees in every aspect of their health care,” said Jessica Altman, Executive Director of Covered California. “Combined with federal support for premiums, this will be the highest level of affordability that has ever been available to our enrollees.”
ing urgent preparations to mobilize resources.
The L.A. Department of Water and Power has made over six billion gallons of water available for firefighting and addressed prior water supply issues. Meanwhile, drinking water advisories remain for affected areas, including northern Pasadena and Pacific Palisades.
Safety measures are in place, including a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in evacuation zones to prevent looting and burglaries. Officials have also warned against price gouging, with Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman pledging legal action against violators. Authorities are also addressing the health impacts of smoke exposure, urging residents to limit outdoor activities and use N95 masks or air purifiers. The NWS has labeled the current conditions a “particularly dangerous situation,” urging vigilance and evacuation readiness as high winds persist. Search and rescue operations for missing persons continue, with 23 people unaccounted for in L.A. County. Officials remain focused on containment efforts, protecting communities, and preventing further destruction.
Mayor Karen Bass and a representative from the SBA who is offering advice to businessowners impacted by the fires. Photo courtesy of Mayor Bass’s Facebook page.
BOOK REVIEW:
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
Author: Mary Frances Berry
c.2024, Beacon Press
$27.95
Your kids will have a better life than you had.
You’ll make sure of it, saving for their education, demanding excellence from them, requiring discipline, and offering support for their dreams and desires. Their success is your dream and, as parents did in the new book “Slavery after Slavery” by Mary Frances Berry, you’ll fight to see that it happens.
By Emil Guillermo
Are we creeping toward normalizing the new President 47?
Snoop Dogg and Nelly performed at the Inauguration to majority White crowds. Gov. Gavin Newsom let the flags, at half-staff for the late Jimmy Carter, go to full staff for Donald Trump’s inauguration. Tech billionaires were there on bended knee.
Too many people seem to be accommodating No. 47.
Is it time to give the felon-inchief a shot like Dave Chappelle seemed to do recently.
The comedian, who likes to be a truth-teller, took the high road last weekend on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”
Chappelle talked about the time President Carter met with Palestinians with “little or no security.”
“It brought tears to my eyes,” said Chappelle to applause. “I said, ‘I don’t know if that’s a good president, but that right there, I am sure is a great man.’ It made me feel very proud.”
“The presidency is no place for petty people,” Chappelle continued. Then the comedian challenged the president-elect.
“Remember, whether people voted for you or not, they’re all counting on you. The whole world is counting on you, whether they like you or not,” Chappelle said.
Then, the comedian made a direct appeal. “Good luck. Please do better next time, do not forget your humanity and please have empathy for displaced people, whether they’re in the Palisades or Palestine.”
However, I’m more like Keith Boykin on CNN.
“(Trump) dishonors the Black community,” said the former Clinton aide, who then launched into Trump’s offenses against Black people. They include refusing to rent to Black people in the 1970s; leading a lynch mob against five Black and Brown kids in the Cen-
tral Park 5 case in the 1980s; limiting the rise of Black casino workers in his casinos in Atlantic City in the 1990s; lying about Barack Obama’s birth certificate in the 2000s; and then during his presidency, attacking Black activist Colin Kaepernick, and election workers Ruby Freeman and Shae Moss.
“Trump isn’t someone Blacks should be associated with,” Boykin said. “We should be challenging him. It dishonors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
The inauguration was on the same day as MLK Day. And it is noteworthy that Michelle Obama did not attend.
But Trump showed why he’s no better now than the first term. He’s worse, because he knows which levers to pull.
Of the executive orders he signed on day one, the most contentious was the unconditional pardons for nearly all the 1600 insurrectionists convicted. Fourteen of them will have their sentences commuted. It includes leaders of the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, who are serving hard time for violent crimes involving the injury and death of police officers.
And Trump set them all free?
Senator Thom Tillis (R.-SC) said it now “raises legitimate safety questions on Capitol Hill.”
How about all of America?
Whether you voted for him or not, I can’t imagine anyone pleased with Trump’s J6 mass pardons.
Unless you’ve been indicted, too.
Then, anything is possible in the new Trump America. With a little luck, you too can survive and become POTUS someday.
About the Author
Emil Guillermo is an awardwinning journalist, commentator, and storyteller. Watch his mini-talk show “Emil Amok’s Takeout” on www.YouTube.com/emilamok1
Or join him on patreon.com/ emilamok.
In most of the cases Berry cites, the families – with or without the return of their children – remained uneducated, unhealthy, and under discrimination. Imagine, she says, that these former slaves had had a chance to control their own lives. Imagine, she says, “if these Black people were permitted to pursue the American Dream.”
While it may seem that “Slavery after Slavery” is a historical narrative, that’s not all you’ll get if you tackle this skinny book.
way for years.
Here, she shares the stories of many of them.
In late 1865, Nathan and Jenny Cox lost their five children to their former “master,” who also took seven other children by persuading a local magistrate to let him apprentice the kids. As time passed, some of the children took their former owner’s last name as their own which, in effect, erased their family’s history.
In the years after the end of the Civil War, some Southern former slave owners refused to accept that slavery was over, and the courts often sided with them.
In particular, under habeas corpus, Black children were sometimes taken from their parents and placed into an “apprenticeship,” which was another word for “slavery” then. Berry estimates that more than two million 10-to19-year-olds were trapped in this
Ed Chief Thurmond Visits Southern California Schools Fires Impacted
By Tanu Henry, California Black Media
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond last week visited several school communities in Southern California that have been severely impacted by wildfires.
His visit aimed to assess the damage, provide support, and secure essential resources for the recovery process. As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to various regions, Thurmond’s says his actions reflect the commitment of the California Department of Education (CDE) to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, educators, and their families.
“Schools are the heartbeat of any community’s ability to recover as they provide stable and safe learning spaces for children,”
Thurmond said. “That’s why our team has had boots on the ground since the beginning of this tragedy, and we are committed to remaining side-by-side with local leaders to assist in the recovery.”
During his visit, Thurmond met with local school officials, teachers, and students to understand their immediate needs and longterm concerns. He expressed his
commitment to fighting for people affected by the disaster and assured them of the state’s unwavering support. Thurmond also emphasized the importance of mental health services, particularly for students who have experienced trauma due to the wildfires.
Thurmond announced that he has secured financial and logistical assistance to aid in the rebuilding and restoration of school facilities. This includes funding for temporary classrooms, educational materials, and infrastructure repair.
The CDE says its goal is expedite the recovery process and minimize disruptions to students’ education.
Earlier in the week, Thurmond finalized a partnership between the CDE and Airbnb to provide shortterm housing for school staff in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD).
The CDE has also partnered with the SupplyBank.org to collect and distribute critical resources to school communities. A similar agreement with curriculum providers and tech manufacturers will lead on the replacement of school materials damaged by the fires.
When six-year-old Mary Cannon was in danger of being apprenticed, a White woman came to her defense. Ultimately, the courts sided with Mary’s benefactor and the girl was returned to her parents to live on their former enslaver’s plantation.
Hepsey Saunders tried to leave her former owner’s plantation, but he “refused to let her take the children” that were born when she was enslaved. Though the theft of her children happened in 1865, the story lingered over a span of decades.
Black Caucus Observes MLK Day ... Continued from page 4
an (D-Ladera Heights) shared with the diverse crowd attending the breakfast that he and Chair, Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-La Mesa), received numerous messages inquiring whether the event would be called off because of the fires.
Bryan said it was important to move forward with the celebration considering the disaster’s aftermath and the transfer of presidential transition happening in Washington on Jan. 20.
“Hell no, we are not canceling the breakfast,” Bryan said he told callers. “We need to think about the legacy and impact of Martin Luther King, Jr., more than ever. In fact, he would be ashamed if we canceled this breakfast a week before (Donald) Trump takes office.”
The event was held at the Elk’s Tower three blocks north of the State Capitol under the theme, “Black Power, Progress, and Purpose.” Martin Luther King would have turned 96 on the day of the event.
It marked the first time that all CLBC members were in the same room since the 2025-2026 legislative session began in December.
The CLBC holds the event each year to honor the legacy of Dr. King and the celebrate the Caucus’ commitment to service in Black communities across the state.
Speakers included California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Black California constitutional officers — State Controller Malia Cohen and State Su-
When reading the stories inside, readers may struggle to keep track of what’s told. The accounts are a bit repetitious and each one packs a lot of names, legal decisions, court rulings, and places, some of which nearly require a law degree and all of which demand full attention. That can be overwhelming, unless you shut the door and avoid any distraction.
Berry uses these stories to point out lasting damage done to many Black families, which is essential info for readers to ponder. She goes further to argue that what happened to the two million children is reason enough for reparations, which makes a good argument, but it’s sometimes misplaced inside the flow of this book.
Still, readers will agree that the accounts Berry uncovered have been hidden too long, and shedding light on them is essential. “Slavery after Slavery” educates and could help enrichen conversations – and arguments – about the injustices and ongoing legacy of slavery.
perintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond — also attended the event.
“This annual gathering is not only a time for reflections but also a time for renewal (and) a moment to recommit to the values that Dr. King fought and gave his life for,” Weber-Pierson said during her remarks.
The keynote speaker was Lurie Daniel-Favors, who serves as Executive Director at the Center for Law and Social Justice (CLSJ) at Medgar Evers College in New York. The CLSJ is a community-based legal organization that specializes in addressing racial injustice.
“We are in a time and place where the whole world has shifted and the Supreme Court has stepped in and we are returning to what I like to call the ‘Jim Crow’ era of jurisprudence when it comes to Civil Rights, social justice, and advancing equity for the nation,” DanielFavors added.
The breakfast celebration featured a drum dance performance by David Bowman and Company, the singing of the Black National Anthem “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” by Olevia Wilson, and additional musical selections by Huie Lovelady and a community choir.
“Many don’t realize the fact that the (CLBC) caucus was the first ethnic caucus in the nation. Eventually, other caucuses were formed,” Secretary of State Weber reminded the guests. “We are proud of the fact that this caucus has been in existence for over 55 years and has served and served well during the hard times in between.”
Historian and Attorney Mary Frances Berry. Slavery after Slavery Book Cover. Courtesy of Beacon Press.
State Superintendent Thurmond meets with Governor Gavin Newsom and LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho while touring Brentwood Science Magnet, which has taken in displaced students. Courtesy of Tony Thurmond.com
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cusses how these restrictions satisfy the Supreme Court’s Second Amendment precedents.
The brief also discusses the importance of flexibility in enacting reasonable gun regulations that respond to local needs and concerns.
Faith Communities Vow to Continue Sanctuary ...
Second Anniversary of FAME Oakland Fire ...
Attorney General Bonta joins the Attorneys General of the District of Columbia, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont in filing the amicus brief.
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rest,” the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement Tuesday.
The media relations office of Attorney General Rob Bonta is the source of this story.
Terry Ellis Teaching Youth Healthy Boundaries in Relationships
uplift
‘We
Mean Business:’ Reparations Supporters Return to State Capitol for Day of Advocacy
Lodgson, an organizer for CJEC, addresses supporters in front of the California State Capitol, reaffirming their commitment to pursuing reparative justice. CBM
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
More than 100 reparations advocates and supporters from nearly 20 grassroots organizations across California gathered at the State Capitol on Jan. 7 for the first-ever Reparations Education and Advocacy Day (R.E.A.D) event.
Led by the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), the event took place in the same location where, just a few months ago, advocates protested after two reparations bills where denied a vote on the Assembly floor.
“The last time we were here was Aug. 31 and it was a shame (those bills did not get a floor vote),” said Los Angeles-based attorney Kamilah Moore, who served as chairperson of the Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans, established by Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, from May 2021 to June 2023.
Moore told California Black Media (CBM), “This day speaks to the resiliency of descendants of American slaves. We are not taking “no” for an answer. We came right back once the doors opened to the Capitol. We came back and we mean business.”
This time, the advocates say, they returned to Sacramento with a message and a mission to educate others that they will not be deterred in their efforts to reintroduce the reparations bills in the Legislature this year.
CJEC is California’s statewide leader of grassroots of advocates, organizers, and mobilizers for reparations and reparative Justice. They have been meeting privately after two bills authored by former Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) — Senate Bill (SB) 1403 and SB 1330 — stalled in the Assembly. SB 1403 proposed the creation
Under California law, school officials are not required to allow immigration agents to enter schools without a judicial warrant, according to recent guidance issued by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
“It is disappointing, but unfortunately unsurprising that President Trump, in his first days in office, is focusing his time and energy on making his inhumane and irresponsible mass deportation agenda a reality,” Bonta said.
David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers Association, said, “We have a professional and moral responsibility to keep our students safe if ICE comes to our communities. We will always come together in our union to ensure every public school is a safe space and to uphold the constitutionally protected right of all students to access a public education.”
Despite the repeal of the 2011 memo, faith communities remain steadfast in their solidarity, according to Rev. Deborah Lee, executive director of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity.
“We strongly condemn the harmful executive actions that have spread fear and perpetuated misleading narratives criminalizing and demonizing immigrants to justify mass arrests,” Lee said.
“The truth is sanctuary policies keep communities safer and immigrants being targeted, including those who are legal permanent residents … are essential members of our families and communities,” she said.
The history of sanctuary spans critical movements, from the Un-
derground Railroad and the abolition of slavery to providing refuge for Central American migrants fleeing violence and supporting mixed-status families facing deportation in the past two decades, the statement of the Interfaith Movement said.
“Our faiths compel us to prevent harm and honor the sanctity of families, communities, and human life,” said Rev. Dr. Tovis Page, co-minister of the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo and program director of the Peninsula Solidarity Cohort. “This is especially critical today, as immigrant communities endure mass arrests, racial targeting, and the spread of fear and animus.”
Rabbi Dev Noily of Oakland’s Kehilla Community Synagogue said “the Torah teaches that ‘... when an immigrant comes to live with you in your land, you should not wrong them. You should treat the immigrant who lives with you as one of your citizens. And you should love them as yourself: for you were immigrants in the land of Egypt.’”
“Our sacred texts value the dignity and well-being of every person. It is immoral that these policies of mass detention and mass deportation are enriching the pockets of for-profit detention centers whose stocks are soaring, while immigrant families who feed this nation, provide care and keep this nation running will suffer immensely,” said Sister Joan O’Donnell from the Sisters of Mercy Western Region.
For more information contact, contact the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity at office@ im4humanintegrity.org or https:// www.im4humanintegrity.org.
Signs of Prostate Cancer and Why They Should Not Be Ignored
of a new state agency called the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAFAA). It would’ve been accountable for determining eligibility for reparations and administering government processes related to compensation.
SB 1331 was designed to build an account for reparations in the State Treasury for the purpose of funding reparations policies approved by the Legislature and the Governor.
Chris Lodgson, leader of CJEC, and other advocates visited the offices of almost the entire body of120 State Senators and Assemblymembers, urging them to introduce or support 2025 Reparations bills. The group spent the day knocking on the doors of the lawmakers housed in the State Capitol Annex Swing Space.
During the last legislative session, leaders of the CLBC cited that they had “structural” concerns about the reparation bills. Therefore, they voted against advancing the legislation for a floor vote by their colleagues.
The advocates say they expect to bring the bills back under a new leadership that includes CLBC chairperson Sen. Akilah WeberPierson (D-La Mesa) and vice chair Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights).
Lodgson said that they are prepared to have discussions with the CLBC, Republicans, and Democrats as a whole to form a consensus to support the bills.
“Our specific work and our specific focus is on those of us whose ancestors were enslaved and emancipated in this country,” Lodgson told CBM. “We are willing to work with anybody who supports that, but we are not moving off that square. We are our own people. No one has done what we’ve done for this country.”
By Clifford L. Williams
Prostate cancer is a deadly disease that progresses slowly, but its life-ending results can be painful and devastating if not treated in its early stages. The disease is as common as breast cancer, affecting about 1 in 8 men in their lifetime.
Receiving proper health screenings can be lifesaving. Hundreds of men, specifically African Americans across the globe, are at increased risk for prostate cancer.
You are at increased risk for getting or dying from prostate cancer if you are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer.
I am not entirely certain, but I would guess my bout with prostate cancer probably came from my father. I have two brothers who inevitably contracted the disease. As a prostate cancer survivor, I took the necessary procedures to ward off the disease.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
It is not known exactly what causes prostate cancer, although several things can increase your risk of developing the condition. It could be environmental or even hereditary.
Additional factors can include smoking, obesity, and consuming very high amounts if calcium may factor into more aggressive cases of prostate cancer. Specifically, cancer in the prostate, a small walnut-sized gland that produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
Being Aware of Prostate Is-
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dedication to serving others and connecting community even in the face of adversity,” stated the Rev. Dr. Rodney D. Smith.
FAME Oakland will host its second annual “Up From the Ashes” Commemorative Weekend, Feb. 22-23 (UFTA25).
The UFTA25 weekend kicks off with a “Community Day” on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Prescott Elementary School from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This day will focus on holistic wellness, providing essential resources, mental health conversations, and fun activities for attendees, who will also receive a grocery card.
On Sunday, Feb. 23, the Musical Experience featuring Grammy-winning artist and gospel icon Jonathan McReynolds will take place at the Bridge Yard, 210
Burma Rd., Oakland, CA 94607.
This night of inspiration and upliftment will coincide with Pastor Rodney unveiling the next steps of FAME Oakland’s rebuild journey.
“Our rebuild is a journey towards reshaping the landscape of our spiritual leadership in Oakland and the greater East Bay area. We have taken the necessary time to reflect, heal, and envision the future of FAME for the next century, and I’m excited to share this vision with Oakland during our UFTA weekend.”
Sign up for the UFTA Community Day at www.tinyurl.com/ ufta25communityday.
To purchase tickets for the musical experience with Jonathan McReynolds, go to www.tinyurl. com/Ufta25musical
One Step Closer to Picking a New DA ...
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for the department is “fairness, accountability, and trust.” He wants to make sure all cases are valued and that there is equitable access to services. Lowe said he seeks justice in every case and looks to provide transparency for residents of the ongoing DAO (District Attorney’s Office). He also wants to restore the trust that has eroded within the department over the past few years and is committed to do his best to collaborate with the community. Lowe said wants to “ensure the safety of all Alameda County residents.”
have the experience. She also intends to work more with families and victim advocates, and look into cold cases that have been sitting in the system for a while.
LaTricia D. Louis
sues:
Although the presence of prostate cancer may not display any symptoms at all, there are five warning signs of prostate problems, and why you should see your doctor right away which includes: difficulty starting urination; weak or interrupted flow of urine; urinating often, especially at night; trouble emptying the bladder completely; pain or burning during urination, and blood in the urine or semen.
Prostate cancer can be cured when detected and treated early. Most prostate cancer cases (more than 90%) are discovered in the preliminary stages, making the tumors more likely to respond to treatment. Treatment does not always have to mean surgery or chemotherapy, either.
One way to get an early diagnosis is to be aware of your PSA levels. The normal range is between 1.0 and 1.5 ng/ml. A PSA score may also be considered abnormal if it rises a certain amount in a single year. For example, if your score rises more than 0.35 ng/ml in a single year, your doctor may recommend further testing.
You can check if your prostate is OK when you take a blood sample to test your level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or PSA testing. A doctor can examine your prostate by inserting a gloved finger into your bottom – called digital rectal examination.
How Do You Avoid Prostate Cancer?
To avoid the chances of getting prostate cancer, consider changing your diet and lifestyle, which includes improving your diet; maintaining a healthy weight; getting regular exercise; stop smoking and drinking less; increase your intake of Vitamin D and remain sexually active.
To Our Readers: For information on other health-related issues regarding men’s health, please share your thoughts and/or concerns with the Post Newspaper Group editorial staff.
Yiben Shen Shen has over 20 years of legal experience and is the current City Attorney for Alameda. Shen said he also wants to enhance the work done in housing and consumer justice rights. He’s worked on legislation that has benefited low income renters and has focused on minimum wage rights. Shen has also worked on public programs related to prosecution and public rights, police auditing, and environmental enforcement. His vision for the DA’s office includes collaborations with elected officials, law enforcement, and community; creating public trust; having victim focus and support resources; diversion and restorative justice programs; and reducing barriers to reentry.
Jimmie Wilson Wilson spoke on his personal background growing up in the Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco and living in a “tough neighborhood” like the Bayview allowed him to get a wider outlook on life and crime. As an attorney in the DAO, he says he’s tried some of the most cases out of anyone in the office. He has expertise charging homicide, child assault, and rape cases. His priorities are to make sure the community feels safe and also work towards making change in public safety efforts. Wilson previously ran for Alameda DA in 2022 but lost against ousted DA Pamela Price.
Ursula Jones Dickson
Dickson is an Alameda Superior Court Judge and former Deputy District Attorney. She’s spent 11 years as a judge presiding primarily over juvenile and criminal cases. Priorities for Dickson include continuing the streamlining process for attorneys to be able to make decisions quicker and precise, making sure the department’s budget is balanced, and addressing the divisions in the office. She wants to make sure the current team of attorneys are trained to be DA’s, as many of them allegedly do not
Louis is Deputy County Counsel for Alameda and former Assistant DA. She said she’s already spoken to members of the community and has heard the concerns over not feeling safe in their own cities. Louis said she wants to address the backlog of cases, address retail theft and the effect on businesses, and sustaining victim outreach services. She acknowledged that most problems cannot be solved within one department and wants to work towards more collaboration across the county. She also wants to create new public programs and improve on the ones that already exist. Louis wants “a system that holds people accountable.”
Annie K. Esposito
Esposito is an Assistant DA for Contra Costa County and a former attorney for the Alameda County DAO. The vision is simple, according to Esposito, “restore public trust, restore public safety.”
She wants to ensure services are readily available to the public, victims, and victim advocates. She created a new unit that audited the police and sheriff’s departments untested sexual assault kits that resulted in over 1,900 results entered into CODIS, or the Combined DNA Index System - a database of DNA profiles that law enforcement agencies use to help identify criminals, missing people, and suspects. Esposito said transparency will be a major element of her administration if selected.
Venus D. Johnson
Johnson is Chief Deputy Attorney to California Attorney General Rob Bonta and also worked under former AG and Vice President Kamala Harris. She worked in Oakland under the Ceasefire initiative that helps to decrease gun violence and homicides. Johnson detailed her extensive accomplishments in ensuring public safety including addressing hate crimes; taking down crime rings throughout the state; developing immigration policies at the local and county level to combat the Trump administration; and seizing 13 million fentanyl pills, with over 374 arrests related to distribution of fentanyl. She wants to work regionally with San Francisco and other municipalities to solve related crimes and continue working with victims and their families.
Clifford Williams is a prostate cancer survivor. Courtesy photo.
En Vogue vocalist Terry Ellis visited the Bay Area recently to introduce her “More Than Tea” social etiquette program to young people. In her program, Ellis is set to
them by teaching them how to set healthy boundaries for
themselves as they climb the ladder to academic success. Ellis, above, is working closely with Gary Reeves, right, a marketing pioneer and producer. Courtesy photo.
Chris
photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.