Oakland Post, week of March 13 - 19, 2024

DisAG Bonta Backs Bill Creating Permanent Fund for DNA Testing , Collection ... see page 2 New California Campaign Aims to Improve Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Prevention ... see page 2 Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America ... see page 7 Adam Sadberry, Flutist, Comes to Berkeley .. see page 7

Former San Leandro Police Chief Abdul Pridgen and former Lubbock, Texas Police Chief Floyd Mitchell are two of four candidates for Oakland police chief. Last week, we featured Louis Molina and Lisa Davis. Photos

The

Weekly Edition. March 13 - 19, 2024

and taxing corporations and the wealthiest 1% of Americans. He talked about his bipartisan record, signing over 400 bipartisan bills on gun safety, health care for veterans, and more. With our Meet the New Slate of Candidates for Oakland Police Chief: Part II

The candidates presented a plan for their first 100 days as police chief and were asked a series of questions about their role in the Oakland Police Department (OPD).

of Public Policy Institute of California and City of Lubbock, Texas, respectively. California Highway Patrol has made 168 arrests, recovered 360 stolen vehicles, and seized 16 firearms in the last month since the agency’s deployment in the East Bay by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Credit to Sundry Photography, iStock

By Magaly Muñoz

Tuesday that the California Highway Patrol has made 168 arrests, recovered 360 stolen vehicles, and seized 16 firearms in the last month since the agency’s deployment in the East Bay.

tail theft and violent crime in the area.

“Through coordinated efforts like this, state and local law enforcement are disrupting criminal networks, apprehending dangerous individuals, and making our streets safer for all Californians,” Newsom said. “We will continue to invest resources, collaborate with local partners, and take decisive action to combat crime and uphold

By Congresswoman Barbara Lee Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) released the following statement after President Biden’s 2024 State of the Union address:

job CHP Makes Arrests in Carjacking and Gang Related Crimes in Oakland Bloomberg Initiative to Boost Oakland’s Black Businesses, Urban Forest

By Post Staff

By Post Staff

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) this week released a statement explaining why she voted against H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,

week announced that the City of Oakland has been chosen by Bloomberg Philanthropies as one of 25 U.S. cities to participate in the groundbreaking Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative. This three-year program is designed to leverage federal funding to incubate and implement transformative local solutions aimed at building low-carbon, resilient, and economically thriving communities.

The initiative will provide substantial support to Oakland, includ-

By Post Staff

Dorie Ann Ladner, 81, a lifelong fighter for freedom and equality in her home state of Mississippi who had been active in the NAACP, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and voter registration drives, has died.

Even though he fixed everyone else’s shoe soles, he couldn’t find a government relief program with a soul.

“My beloved sister, Dorie Ladner, died peacefully on Monday, March 11, 2024,” her younger sister, Joyce Ladner, wrote on Facebook, according to the Associated Press. “She will always be my big

which passed the House by a vote of 352-65.

“I voted NO on rushed legislation to ban TikTok from American app stores,” Lee said.

“While there are significant national security threats to data privacy that must be dealt with, they should be dealt with comprehensively. Congress must prioritize the enactment of broad-ranging data privacy laws that safeguard the data of American consumers against both foreign and domestic threats,” she said.

not Congresswoman Barbara Lee Reacts to President Biden’s State of the Union Address Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Bill to Ban TikTok Dorie Ann Ladner, 81, Civil Rights Activist Who Fought for Justice In Mississippi

By Roberta R. Cobb Special to The Post Michael Tran is closing his shoe store in downtown Oakland on March 20 after many years of doing business.

He now keeps his glass doors closed and watches his camera for potential customers from his back room. Even though he was once robbed while a gun was held to his neck, he feels the damages done to his customer base by the COVID-19 pandemic along with hassles and disappointments of federal, state and local governmental agencies, have left him no choice but to close and spend time with his wife and three sons.

He has seen the changes in the city and now feels very sad that he must close after 40 years. Tran started in 1982 at 12th and Webster before he moved to 422 12th St. at the rear of the Tribune Tower Building. Located in the vestibule of the once ornate Pantages Theater, Tran’s store has suffered and experienced a tragic comedy-like tale.

Lee continued: “TikTok has provided a forum for freedom of expression, helped small business, and empowered creators to share their art across the globe. While it’s undeniable that TikTok’s data col-

is Continued on page 8

sister who fought tenaciously for the underdog and the dispossessed. She left a profound legacy of service.”

an Continued on page 8 Continued on page 8 Continued on page 8

In a telephone interview with

AP Tuesday, Joyce Ladner said she and her sister were born 15 months apart and grew up in Palmer’s Crossing, a community just south of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

“My sister was extraordinary. She was a very strong and tough person and very courageous,” she said. One example of that courage, she recalled, happened when they were about 12 years old and went to a store to buy doughnuts.

“The white cashier came up behind Dorie and hit her on the butt. She turned around and beat him over the head with those doughnuts,” Joyce Ladner said with a giggle.

“We were scared, but you know how you have that feeling of knowing you had done the right thing? That’s what overcame us,” she

Meaning that, as a sole proprietor, he didn't qualify for the federal PPP business relief grant package. The federal Small Business Association program loaned him $10,000 with a $49.00 monthly payment for 30 years. He used that to pay off his back rent which is $3,000 per month and now he owes the U.S. government $10,700.

Tran hopes some of his customers and past patrons will take advantage of his half-off clearance sale of shoes and ladies’ handbags.

He remembered and thanked the Post News Group staff, especially Paul Cobb and the late editor Chauncey Bailey who had been his customers.

Tran’s next-door neighbor, Amy of Amy’s Nailsshop, stopped in at the close of the interview with Tran to encourage the public to support her business as she continues to survive.

stationed as centerpieces at each table. The attendees. adorned in stellar fashions and jewelry -- and crowned with glamorous hats –networked, affirmed each other, and relished in the magnificence of sisterhood.

Fromer inspired the audience, her story demonstrating that anything is possible in life, as she, a former client of the Glide Foundation, now leads the organization. The distinguished women honored by the NCBW SF included

in Congress. “President Biden outlined how he “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18 postnewsgroup.com 61st Year, No. 11 Continued on page 8 Continued on page 8 Continued on page 8

decorated by fancy hats

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, in partnership with Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities, this

Magaly Muñoz

By

Oakland Police Commission hosted a public forum on Feb. 29 at City Hall for the new slate of candidates in the running for Oakland Police Chief.

The

Lubbock,

of Molina and Davis

Pridgen will listen to the con-

Glamorous Tea, National Coalition of 100 Black Women Honors Trailblazers Bay Area singer Dee Dee Simon (center) was presented the Art Award by NCBW SF President Sharon Lee (left) and NCBW SF First Vice President Carletta Jackson Lane (right) at the NCBW SF 19th Annual Hats and Gloves Tea at the Nob Hill Fairmont in San Francisco. Photo by Carla Thomas. By Carla Thomas The 19th Annual Golden Girls Hats and Gloves Tea, a signature event of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW-SF) was held at the Nob Hill Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco on March 9. Themed “Bridging the Generations,” the event featured a keynote address by GLIDE Foundation President and CEO, Dr. Gina Fromer. The luxurious high-noon tea was

By Tanu Henry California Black Media

On March 7, President Biden delivered his third State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress.

In the wide-ranging and impassioned speech that covered broad political ground, Biden defended democracy at home and abroad, drawing policy distinctions from his predecessor and probable opponent in the upcoming November elections, Donald Trump.

From global wars between Russia and Ukraine to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, moving on to wedge issues at home like abortion, the economy and immigration, Biden challenged his Republican opponents on the issues while highlighting his achievements.

“This is a moment to speak the truth and to bury the lies. Here’s the simple truth: You can’t love your country only when you win. As I’ve done ever since being elected to office, I ask all of you, without regard to party, to join together and defend democracy,” Biden said.

During the speech and after, California officials reacted to the President’s message.

“The President’s State of the Union speech was a powerful reminder that government can be a force for good. Over the last three

years, President Biden has been a defender of our freedoms, a champion of our democracy, and an advocate for our progress,” said Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.). Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) praised Biden for seeking a political solution to the conflict in the Middle East and committing to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“I’m pleased President Biden underscored the dire need to secure a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine. However, as I’ve said several times, in order to reach that goal, the U.S. must call for an immediate and lasting cease-fire,” said Lee.

“Each day that Palestinians continue to suffer from famine, violence and displacement is a tragedy. President Biden’s plan to construct a port for large-scale aid flow is a vital step in the right direction to ending this dire humanitarian catastrophe, but we cannot stop here. The release of hostages is imperative. The lasting peace and security of the Israelis and Palestinians depends on a cease-fire and a hostage deal now.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said he celebrates the President’s decision to support students at different stages of their educational attainment.

“The President’s call to ensure

that every 3- and 4-year-old has access to preschool and to ensure that every child learns to read by third grade echo our work to invest in early learning, reading specialists, and proven professional development for teachers of literacy,” said Thurmond.

Reacting to the President’s speech, Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement affirming the President’s accomplishments and crediting him for investing in programs that have transformed the lives of people and improved infrastructure in Los Angeles.

“With President Biden’s partnership, more than 3,365 Angelenos moved into permanent housing through emergency housing vouchers delivered through his American Rescue Plan, and the administration provided historic waivers to cut through bureaucracy and moved more formerly unhoused Angelenos indoors,” Bass said.

Biden urged Americans to stand up for America’s ideals.

“Hate, anger, revenge, retribution are the oldest of ideas. But you can’t lead America with ancient ideas that only take us back. To lead America, the land of possibilities, you need a vision for the future and what can and should be done. Tonight, you’ve heard mine,” said Biden.

By California Black Media

California Attorney General

Rob Bonta is committed to providing permanent funding to the Bureau of Forensics DNA testing program that he says helps local law enforcement solves crimes, identify perpetrators and brings closure to Californians who are victims of crime across the state.

According to Bonta, since 2001, the Bureau of Forensic Services has identified over 2,000 people through the missing persons DNA Program. Last week, at a Department of Justice press conference Bonta announced that he is backing Assembly Bill (AB) 3042, legislation authored by Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove).

If passed, AB 3042 would remove the sunset date from Proposition 69, the “DNA Fingerprint, Unsolved Crime and Innocence Protection Act.” Proposition 69, approved by voters in 2004, currently temporarily directs funding from criminal fines to support essential crimesolving DNA programs both at DOJ and local law enforcement agencies. However, that provision, which provides funding for the program, is being terminated after 20 years.

“I am very proud of the important work that is done in our Missing Persons DNA Program and our Bureau of Forensic Services,” said Bonta.

“While this milestone is not a celebration, it is important to take

a moment to acknowledge what our team has accomplished in the process of bringing closure to the families that have been impacted by tragedy. Nothing can bring a loved one back, but we hope this helps them find peace.”

Bonta said AB 3024 would ensure that Proposition 69 remains in place to support our efforts to solve crime through forensic services.”

Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, said, “I would never feel safe knowing someone who has harmed me or my loved ones are still out there. I am proud to author AB 3042 in collaboration with Attorney General Bonta to continue key funding to better support public safety in our communities as well as exonerating the innocent.”

By Edward Henderson California Black Media

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) launched the Take on Alzheimer’s campaign in late February.

The awareness campaign is aimed toward educating all Californians about brain health, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, and ways to improve communication between

patients’ loved ones and health care providers.

Over the next 20 years, the impact of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dimentias (AD/ADRDs) on the State of California will increase dramatically, according to the CDPH. Longer life expectancies and the aging of the baby boomer generation will lead to an increase in the number and percentage of Californians who will

be 65 years of age and older. Since the primary risk factor for AD/ ADRDs is older age, a significant increase is anticipated in the numbers of people who will be living with the disease.

“It’s critical to build dementia expertise into programs and services supporting our state’s increasingly diverse older adult population, including family

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Christina Jenkins: Pioneering Hair Weaving and Empowering Women

By Tamara Shiloh

In more than one way, Christina Jenkins is “first lady” of the hair industry.

Her contributions have not only transformed the hairstyling industry but they have also empowered countless women worldwide. Her groundbreaking invention, the hair weaving technique, revolutionized hair care and styling.

Christina Mae Thomas was born on Dec. 25, 1920, in Louisiana. Not much is known about her early life, but we do know that she broke barriers by earning a science degree from Leland College near Baton Rouge in 1943. Back then, it was rare for women to pursue higher education, especially in fields like science.

In the same year she graduated, Christina married a famous jazz pianist named Herman “Duke” Jenkins. His name sounds like it belongs in the world of jazz, doesn’t it? Together, they em-

barked on their journey through life, blending her passion for science with his love for music.

Christina had a passion for making wigs. However, she noticed a common problem: wigs would often slip off customers’ heads. She realized that there were very few options available for African American women to style their hair in the 1950s. At the time, many struggled to achieve their desired hairstyles due to the texture and structure of their hair. Traditional methods like hot combs and chemical relaxers posed risks to hair health and often failed to provide the desired results.

Determined to find a solution, Jenkins embarked on a journey of experimentation and creativity. Drawing upon her knowledge of hair care and her understanding of African American hair, she began developing a technique that would allow women to seamlessly add length and volume to their hair without causing damage, a way to

attach hair securely, without using any heat or chemicals.

Jenkins’ invention became hugely popular among African American women. They loved how versatile and natural it made their hair look. It was a gamechanger, giving them more options to style their hair in ways that celebrated their natural beauty. Soon, salons across the country began offering hair weaving services, attracting clients from all walks of life. Jenkins’ technique became synonymous with beauty, empowerment, and self-expression.

Today, Christina Jenkins’ legacy lives on, as her technique continues to shape the hairstyling industry and empower women of all backgrounds to embrace their unique beauty. Her innovation has evolved into what we now know as the weave, micro-weave, or sew-in weave. She died in 2003 at 82, 51 years after her patent for hair weaving was approved..

Alzheimer’s Disease Care ...

Continued from page 2

caregivers and our workforce,” said Susan DeMarois, Director of the California Department of Aging in a press release.

“Widespread prevention, screening and detection will enable more families to make important social, medical, financial, and personal decisions and we want our aging network to be well equipped to meet their needs.”

In 2019, approximately 660,000 Californians over 65 years of age lived with AD/ ADRDs, which accounted for roughly 11% of the disease’s prevalence across the United States (5.8 million people).

Between 2019 and 2040 a doubling in the number of Californians living with AD/ADRDs is expected. This increase will affect all regions of the state across various demographic groups.

Women are especially impacted by the disease, making up nearly two-thirds of diagnosed

Americans. Other groups disproportionately impacted include older Black Americans, who are twice as likely to develop the disease. In the next 20 years, the number of people living with AD/ ADRDs is projected to triple, growing to 91,071 people.

Additional CDPH estimates indicate that between 2019 and 2040:

• California’s population will grow by 16%, while the population of people living with AD/ADRDs will expand by 127%.

• The number of Californians over 75 years of age living with AD/ADRDs will more than double, growing to over 1.3 million.

• The number of Californians between 55 and 74 years of age living with AD/ADRDs will increase 26%, growing to 194,975 people.

• The number of people living with AD/ADRDs in California’s 15 most populous counties (those with a population of 700,000 or more) will at least

double.

The number of Californians living with AD/ADRDs will increase by 11% for women, growing to 917,482 people; and increase by 8% for men, growing to 609,197 people.

The number of people living with AD/ADRDs more than double for Californians who identify as Asian American/ Pacific Islander, growing to 241,106 people.

“This campaign will empower our diverse communities to support brain health, better understand and the difference between signs of aging and symptoms of dementia and encourage individuals to have important conversations with their loved ones and health care providers,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Tomás J. Aragón in a release.

Visit TakeonALZ.com to learn ways people can help reduce their risk and take charge of their brain health.

Illustration from Christina Jenkins’ patent.

Event: Tapping into God-Given Freedom We All Can Access

Special to the Post

Nicole Virgil, a practitioner of Christian Science healing and a public speaker, will present her talk titled, “Be Set Free,” on March 24 at 2 p.m. at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1880 Mountain Blvd., Oakland.

The talk will focus on universal healing precepts found in the Holy Bible, especially in Christ Jesus’ life and teachings, showing how they are available for anyone to understand and experience through the lens of Christian Science.

The talk is free and open to the community.

“Circumstances often present what appear to be significant obstacles to living freely, something that everyone wants to do,” Virgil says. “In this talk, we will examine liberty from a Biblical perspective; and see how real people today find their freedom from all kinds of physical, emotional and circumstantial restrictions that seem clearly beyond their con-

trol.”

Sharing examples of healing from her own life and professional practice of Christian Science, Virgil will explain why Christian Science is both Christian and scientific, meaning that people can prove its effectiveness for themselves, as fully described in the book “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” written by the founder of the Christian Science movement, Mary Baker Eddy.

Virgil will also touch on the life of Mary Baker Eddy, who came to understand, confirm and teach what she felt was original Christian healing inspired by Jesus’ demand, “He that believes on me, the works that I do will he do also; and greater works than these will he do, because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12).

For more information, visit ChristianScienceOakland.org or call (510) 339-0321.

Sen. Steve Bradford: New Ebony Alert System is Working

By California Black Media

The Ebony Alert, a statewide system that has been implemented to notify the public -- and signal the launch of police investigation – when Black children and young Black women go missing in California is working, says Sen. Steve Bradford.

Bradford authored Senate Bill (SB) 627, the bill that created the Ebony Alert. Gov. Newsom signed it into law on Oct. 8, 2023.

“One Ebony Alert was issued on Jan. 4, and then later they found the young lady who was missing from (the city) of Long Beach,” Bradford told California Black Media (CBM).

Bradford added that a 19-yearold Black Los Angeles woman was found on Feb. 20 after the alert system was used.

The Ebony Alert is activated if a law enforcement agency decides that it would help in the investigation of a missing Black youth or a young Black woman between the ages of 12 and 25 years.

On behalf of the Los Angeles County Police Department, an Ebony Alert was turned on Feb. 16, to locate a missing 14-yearold who was last seen on Jan. 5. The 5-foot-4 woman was last seen West 102nd Street and Figueroa Street in Los Angeles and still has not been located at the time of this report.

On March 5, an alert was released regarding a 22-year-old Black woman from San Mateo

County. She was last seen Feb. 16 in East Palo Alto, according to a post on X by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The East Palo Alto Police Department is the investigating agency that requested the alert.

“This new emergency alert, focused on missing Black youth and young women, marks a significant step in dedicating resources towards a previously underserved community,” CHP posted on its Facebook page on Jan. 8.

In 2023, Los Angeles had the most missing persons reports at 10,039, according to California Department of Justice data, followed by San Diego (3,993), San Bernardino (2,833), Sacramento (2,788) Nevada (2,490), and Riverside (2,357) counties. Alameda (1,834), San Francisco (1,743), and Santa Clara (1,515) counties were reported to have the highest number of missing persons among the 58 jurisdictions in the state.

Bradford said he is pleased that law enforcement agencies are using the Ebony Alert early on and will continue to implement it going forward.

“It lets us know that law enforcement has educated themselves and made themselves aware that this tool is available,” Bradford told CBM. “All folks want them to do is utilize it. There’s not really a learning curve. It’s simple: there’s a missing child or Black woman missing. Send out the alert.”

Oakland High Girls Basketball Team Wins State Championship

Oakland Wildcats, Girls Division V Champions

By Y’Anad Burrell

Talented, determined, and focused are just a few of the characteristics that describe Oakland High Girls’ Basketball Coach Nita Simpson. On March 8, the Oakland Wildcats clinched the Division V State Championship title, and “The Town” could not have been prouder.

Simpson, a Bay Area native and 15-year veteran, has coached basketball and volleyball at middle and high schools, experience that gives her a unique edge in the field. These schools include Crystal Springs Uplands in Hillsborough, French American International School and University High School (both in San Francisco), Marin Academy San Rafael, AIMS College Prep Oakland, and now at Oakland High School for the first time.

Simpson has a rigorous training schedule for the Oakland High Girls Basketball team, and during the season, they practice every day except on game days. These practices are organized in the coach’s unique style that is, at turns, aggressive, nurturing, driven, focused, strict, and full of hard work, but always fun. Nita says there is always a team/family environment, which is exciting for the ladies. While the team is excited about their win, the ladies have high aspirations for their careers after high school. Some include being engineers, playing at the collegiate lev-

el, playing in the WNBA, or working in the medical or tech fields.

It’s one thing to ‘qualify’ to play in a championship tournament and another to meet the financial requirements to participate. In Oakland, public school teams must raise funds for their programs and activities. So, without the support of community, family and friends, the Oakland Wildcats would not have had the opportunity to compete. Funds are needed to enter competitive tournaments. This school year, Coach Nita’s nonprofit, Battle Tested, provided the gapfunding needed in order for the Oakland Wildcats to participate. However, continued support from her organization is not guaranteed. “I’m working very hard to rebrand the Oakland High Girls Basketball Program so that we can compete with top teams My goal is to level the playing field and put an end to the talent monopoly so that other athletic programs in Oakland get to a point where they can also thrive,” says Simpson.

Running her nonprofit, coaching, and building a stronger community around sports is not Simpson’s complete story. She aspires to coach at the collegiate level, then in the NBA and WNBA. She is a star to watch as the champion Wildcats journey continues to unfold.

Nicole Virgil. Courtesy photo.

Senator Steve Bradford. Courtesy photo.

Book Review: ‘Medgar & Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America’

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

The Bookworm SaysRomeo and Juliet. Abelard and Heloise. Beyoncé and Jay Z. For centuries, we’ve studied the great romances, cried over them, and dreamed of having one of our own.

Some of the great romances are educational. They impress and entertain. And in the new book “Medgar & Myrlie” by Joy-Ann Reid, some can inspire.

When Medgar Evers came home from World War II, he figured that if he was good enough to be a soldier, he was good enough to be treated the same as a white man. He was 25 years old, outspoken, bold and a gentleman when he met Myrlie Beasley.

He was at college on the GI Bill. She was a freshman, away from her grandmother and aunt for the first time. She didn’t know quite what to think about Medgar Evers. Mama and Aunt Myrlie wanted “Baby Sister” to get a good education. They had big dreams for her, and marriage wasn’t one of them.

Still, Medgar “intrigued” her, and their romance went slow but “Myrlie didn’t dare tell Mama.” It took a while for him to tell her that he loved her. Medgar was always ordering her around and they argued sometimes. After she told her elders about this man she was dating, Medgar had to “court” Mama and Aunt Myrlie almost as hard as

he’d courted their girl.

On Christmas Eve, 1951, Medgar and Myrlie were married. Much to her chagrin, they moved to Mound Bayou, Mississippi, the next summer, where he’d taken a job selling insurance — but just as often, he was helping his people escape debtors and danger, and Myrlie was afraid.

Even after they started a family, after they moved back to Jackson to a safer neighborhood, she feared for his life because of the ties he had, the work he was doing with the NAACP, and the beliefs he’d held. That was the kind of man Medgar was, and she’d always known it.

And one summer’s evening in 1963 when he was shot and killed by a white supremacist, she knew that she’d have to live without him forever.

In the early pages of “Medgar & Myrlie,” author Joy-Ann Reid insists that her book is a “love story.” She’s right — it is, but it’s not like one of those cheap paperbacks you find at the grocery store. It’s a boy-meets-girl, a sweet tale of two people who cleave together, but also so much more. More substance. More history. More afterward.

More heartbreak.

Indeed, you know what happens in this romance, and the fact that it does and it did, makes this love story more poignant and more terrifying. You know what happened more than 60 years ago, and you can’t go back and undo it. You want a happily-ever-after that never arrives, but in the worst way. Do you even want to be told that Reid will rattle you time and again, even before you get to 1963?

The shining knight in this story wears working man’s clothes. The maiden fears a different kind of Dragon. You can’t miss their story, so find “Medgar & Myrlie.” You’ll love it.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING in WALNUT CREEK!

The waitlist is now OPEN! Apply now to live at Coggins Square, an affordable apartment community located next to Pleasant Hill BART w/ air-conditioned 1BR, 2BR & 3BR units. Below market rate rents range from $790-$2,182 (depending on household income & unit size). Shared amenities include swimming pool, children’s play area, assigned parking, enclosed patios & decks, controlled entry-access, and a community space.

To apply, download a pre-application at bridgehousing.com/coggins or pick one up at Coggins Square, 1316 Las Juntas Way in Walnut Creek. Office hours 9am-5pm M-F. For more info, call 925-945-6178.

Income and other restrictions apply. Section 8 welcome. EHO.

Adam Sadberry, Flutist, Comes to Berkeley

Adam W. Sadberry, flutist, and Nathan Cheung, pianist, will appear at the Berkeley Piano Club, 2724 Haste St., on March 23, at 3 p.m.

Paving a distinctive career with his citizenry, creativity and vibrancy, both on and off stage, the Washington Post has named Sadberry as “an artist to watch.”

Twenty-seven years old, originally from Montgomery, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in music and a performer’s certificate from the Eastman School of Music, Sadberry has received wide acclaim. He has been named Spotlight Artist for 2024 by Music for Autism, and a winner of Concert Artists Guild’s 2021 Victor Elmaieh Competition.

He finds inspiration in his life from his late grandfather, an unsung hero of The Civil Rights

Movement.

The assistant to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra says, “Adam has great talent and work ethic combined with intelligence and a heart of gold which makes him an asset not only to flutists, but to our music world in general.”

Cheung, composer and improviser, received his B.A. in music with honors from Stanford University. Among many honors, Cheung won the first prize in the 2019 Los Angeles International piano competition. He is performing throughout the country while pursuing his Doctorate of Musical Arts at Eastman School of Music.

Tickets can be ordered from Four Seasons Arts. (510-845-4444 or fsa.info@fsarts.org).

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1111 Broadway, Suite 800, Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 208-7400 • www.alamedactc.org

Request for Proposals (RFP) for East Bay Greenway Multimodal North Segment (Phase 1) (Oakland – 54th Avenue to Broadmoor Boulevard) Construction Management Services (RFP No. R24-0006)

The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) is seeking proposals for a contract to commence services on November 1, 2024, or as indicated in the RFP and/or appropriate addenda.

Key Dates:

• Mandatory Online Pre-proposal Conference: March 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT)

• Proposal due date: April 12, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. PT

This RFP has a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise contract goal of 21.0%. All RFP documents are available on the Procurement Portal at https://alamedactc.bonfirehub.com. All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in via the Procurement Portal, no later than 3:00 p.m. PT on March 27, 2024.

Submittals must be made in accordance with the instructions in the RFP. Any contract awarded must be in compliance with the local, state, and/or federal requirements.

COMMENTARY: California Must Invest in Young Men of Color This Budget Season

By Michael Lynch Special to California Black Media

Partners College matters. Obtaining a college degree continues to be the most powerful tool we have to combat poverty. College graduates earn more than $1 million more in their lifetime than individuals with a high school diploma. For lowincome youth, it is the most promising path out of poverty.

Despite the economic value of a college degree, Black and Brown boys are still the least likely group to attend and graduate from college. This disparity is not due to lack of intelligence or work ethic on their part; rather, it’s because school systems often inhibit their ability to be successful.

I co-founded Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) in 2013 with the goal of increasing the number of young men of color attending and graduating from colleges and universities.

Since our founding, IYT has served over 8,000 young men of color in Sacramento and beyond. After two years of participating in IYT, 99% of our students graduate from high school on time, and nearly 80% go on to attend college.

If we were a school district, our students would be the highestperforming Black and Brown boys in America.

Over the years, we’ve looked to the State, private funders, and others to support our efforts. Two years ago, we joined California’s Student Success Coach Learning Network to share our methods and to learn from other organizations mentoring youth in school systems across the state. The two-year, $15 million grant allocated by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the Student Success Coach Learning Network was instrumental in expanding our work with students, especially those needing more personalized support beyond regular school hours.

Now, this grant funding is set to expire, and it may not be renewed as California faces a budget deficit of billions of dollars.

To continue our vital work at its current level, we are asking the State of California to include funding for the California Student Suc-

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cess Coach Learning Network and other programs of this kind in its upcoming budget.

We urge others who believe in the power of mentorship to join us in our call to action. This funding is not just about supporting our organization; it’s about investing in the future of California education and ensuring that young men of color have the resources and guidance they need to succeed.

I recently received an email from Rogel Noel, one of our first IYT alumni. Noel joined the program as a freshman at Valley High School in South Sacramento. When he started high school and joined IYT, he only spoke English for a few years. As an Afro-Latino male from the Dominican Republic, Noel had tremendous obstacles to becoming a college graduate.

During his junior year in high school, he participated in IYT’s Capital Internship program and interned in the State Assembly. After a couple of semesters in IYT, Noel became an honor roll student.

Last year, Noel graduated from Sonoma State with a degree in Psychology, becoming the first in his family to graduate from a four-year university. Now working as a medical consultant, Noel emailed me to request a letter of recommendation for graduate school to become a social worker!

We urge policymakers to prioritize funding for California’s Student Success Coach Learning Network and similar mentorship programs. We are not asking for a handout; we are asking for an investment in the future of our students. The community’s future depends on the investments we make today in tomorrow’s leaders.

About the Author

Michael Lynch is chief executive officer and co-founder of Improve Your Tomorrow, Inc., a national non-profit organization based in Sacramento, California. Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) was founded in 2013 with the mission to increase the number of young men of color (YMOC) to attend and graduate from colleges and universities.

Joy-Ann Reid. Photo by Keith Major Photography, Inc.

Medgar & Myrlie Book Cover, Mariner Books.

Adam W. Sadberry, Flutist. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Arts.

Nathan Cheung, Pianist. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Arts.

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cerns and dialogue from city leaders and residents; examine the structural components of OPD; evaluate existing processes and policies of the department to see what works and what doesn’t; and establish community engagement

Mitchell will focus on introductions and information gathering; meet with city leaders, law enforcement agencies, OPD staff and officers, and community members and evaluate crime reduction and enforcement initiatives and information and intelligence gathering, analysis and sharing.

Why does your background in policing make you the best fit for Oakland’s Police Chief? How will you use this experience?

Pridgen: The former San Leandro Police Chief explained that during his time in the military, he worked at Fort Worth under several departments including finance, foot patrols and training. He’s also been a police chief for six years; three years at the city of Seaside and the other three years in San Leandro. Pridgen says his extensive knowledge of California enhances his expertise as well.

Mitchell: The former Lubbock Police Chief stated that his education and extensive work with community groups provides valuable insights into local issues. He said that because he’s addressed crime and community concerns at an executive level, he knows how to collaborate with other groups. He will ensure that officers are conducting themselves in a way that they understand that their actions are what impacts the relationships with the city.

How would you change the culture of the police department to ensure there is a culture of accountability from the top to the bottom?

Pridgen advocates for positive reinforcement to show how an officer should be conducting themselves. He said there’s a difference in how to discipline officers when they are acting out of line; it’s not always about additional training; sometimes it stems from deeper issues that need to be addressed with

consequences.

Mitchell believes that issues of accountability need to be taken head on internally so that officers understand that their success is being taken seriously so that the positive attitude translates externally to the community and the impact they have with them. Following established policies and procedures is essential, with due process for rule violations.

As you implement constitutional policing, how will you take into consideration the social conditions that give rise to criminality? And often leads to over policing, especially of Black and Brown youth.

Pridgen shared that his philosophy centers on addressing the root causes to the rise of criminality. Data shows that only a small group of individuals are often the ones committing the majority of crimes and that is where resources need to go. He states that we cannot arrest our way out of crime, we need to hold people accountable, but there also needs to be collaboration of other agencies in the city who have better capability of handling needs outside of criminalization.

Mitchell states that it all starts with smart policing strategies, specifically with how you use data and how you communicate with the community on the actions of the department. He said using data allows them to see where crime is rising and how to use effective methods to bring that crime down.

Communication is key from the department to the community.

Mayor Sheng Thao received the Police Commission’s top candidate picks on March 1. The mayor can either reject the candidates once again and ask for a new set of names or pick one for the next police chief.

“This is an important decision, and Mayor Thao will take the time that is necessary to select the person that will lead the Oakland Police Department. Finding the right leader for the police department is a priority and Mayor Thao intends to conduct this process in a timely manner,” the office of the mayor said in a statement.

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the rule of law in Oakland and across the state.”

Seventy-two CHP officers will remain in the area and continue to be a visible presence in Oakland to deter and investigate criminal activity and conduct additional operations in the East Bay.

“The California Highway Patrol is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Californians,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “Collaborating with our law enforcement partners in Oakland, we are making a difference — and making the entire East Bay region safer.”

From 2022 to 2023, violent crimes were up 21%; carjacking up 23%; auto burglary up 23%; commercial theft up 9%; and motor vehicle theft was up 45%.

In 2024, most of these crimes are seeing a decline, such as a 51% decrease in auto burglary; commercial theft down 59%; and motor vehicle theft down 10%. Alternatively, violent crimes are up 10% compared to 2023.

The state, in partnership with Caltrans, has unveiled a 10-point action plan for Oakland to improve street safety in the city. The initiative includes city beautification, homelessness encampment clean up, community outreach, employment opportunities and more.

“The strong partnership between the Oakland Police Department and the California Highway Patrol is delivering results and is an example of good government

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at work. Together, we are holding criminal groups accountable and disrupting their networks,” Mayor Sheng Thao said in a statement about the continued work with CHP. “Promoting a safer and more prosperous city is my top priority and I am grateful to Governor Newsom for providing resources to support Oakland’s public safety strategy.”

Thao also highlighted key actions that her administration has made thus far, including restoring citywide foot and motorcycle patrols; deployment of the Autoburglary Suppression Team and Commercial Burglary Task Force in business districts; and returning specialized crime reduction teams to area police captains to increase availability and flexibility to respond to emerging issues.

Even with the deployment of CHP, in a regional partnership of East Bay leaders announced last month, Councilmember Noel Gallo called for the National Guard to combat rising crime in Oakland’s streets. He urged governmental bodies at the local, state and federal level to take action now instead of sitting around the table talking about the same strategies over and over again.

“We have an emergency in this city that we need to address. We can do all the policies and talking about it, but that’s not gonna change anything,” Gallo said

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and democracy at stake, President Biden called on everyone in America – regardless of political party – to fight back MAGA extremism.

“I was pleased to hear his commitment to reproductive freedom, voting rights, and strengthening the ACA, Social Security, and Medicare, reinstating the child tax credit, and addressing the housing affordability crisis.

“President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to creating and keeping jobs in America. He inherited a deadly public health crisis and an economy that was on the brink, and now, wages are high, inflation is down, he’s created 5 million new jobs in just three years, unemployment is at a 50-year low, and a record 16 million Americans—including many people of color—are starting small businesses.

“I’m pleased President Biden underscored the dire need to secure a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine. However, as I’ve said several times, in order to reach that goal the U.S. must call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. Each day that Palestinians continue to suffer from famine, violence, and displacement is a tragedy. President Biden’s plan to construct a port for large-scale

aid flow is a vital step in the right direction to ending this dire humanitarian catastrophe, but we cannot stop here. The release of hostages is imperative. The lasting peace and security of the Israelis and Palestinians depends on a cease-fire and a hostage deal now.

“The contrast and competing visions for America’s future couldn’t be more clear. While the GOP wants to turn back the clock on our human rights, turn away immigrants, and turn their backs on working class families, President Biden’s vision for America is one of progress, possibilities, and resilience.”

Congresswoman Lee is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. She serves as Co-Chair of the Steering and Policy Committee, former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Chair Emeritus of the Progressive Caucus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Health Task Force, and Co-Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus. She also serves as Chair of the Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. As a member of the House Democratic Leadership, she is the highest-ranking Black woman appointed to House Leadership.

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Dr. Marcia Canton, who was presented the Education Award; and Youth Commissioner Aryelle Lampkins,, who received the Youth Advocacy Award.

R & B singer Dee Dee Simon received the Art Award and Judy Young was presented the Health Award.

Aviation and US Air Force trailblazer Merryl Tengesdal was not in attendance, but Black Paris Tours Founder Ricki Stevens received the Veteran’s Award in her honor. Tengesdal is the only Black woman who has flown a U-2 spy plane, accumulating over 1,000 flight hours and participating in reconnaissance missions worldwide.

The tea was filled with history makers. During her acceptance speech on behalf of Tengesdal, Stevens noted that the Nob Hill Fairmont Hotel was desegregated by the iconic Josephine Baker.

“Baker was invited to the hotel by owner Cyril Magnin,” explained Stevens. “When Baker told Magnin that her colleague Willie Brown said he had to enter the rear entrance of the hotel, she refused his invitation. As a solution, Magnin changed the rules and Baker was the first to enter the front entrance, opening the doors for Black patrons.”

“Tengesdal’s grandson will make future strides as a new U.S. Airforce Academy student,” added Stevens.

Lawanda Dickerson, the San Francisco Commissioner of Small Business received the Entrepreneur Award. “Diabetes is a choice,” she said. “When we prioritize our health and have access to the right tools, we can prevent and reverse many ailments in our community.” Dickerson, a health and wellness coach, owns U3Fit. She was recognized by the mayor of San Francisco for operating a business in Bay View, an underserved district of the city, that many entrepreneurs and investors typically avoid.

Social justice advocate, Phelicia Jones received the coveted Golden Girl Award. Jones serves the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department as Lead Rehabilitation Services Coordinator of Men and the executive director of Hope Preservation, Inc. The San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce

ing the formation of a Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded innovation team, consisting of up to three dedicated staff members with expertise in data analysis, insight development, human-centered design, systems thinking, and project management.

The team will enhance the City’s capacity to drive progress on climate mitigation and promote equitable outcomes. In addition, Oakland will receive multi-year policy and technical assistance in collaboration with communitybased organizations to mobilize public, private, and philanthropic investments.

“I am honored and excited to announce our selection by Bloomberg Philanthropies for the prestigious Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative,” said Thao.

“This recognition underscores our city’s commitment to building resilient and equitable communities, tackling the challenges of climate change, and addressing racial wealth inequity head-on,” she said. “With the support of this initiative, we look forward to fostering Black entrepreneurship within the tree-work sector, creating opportunities for economic empowerment, and ensuring the benefits of our Urban Forest Plan are realized by all residents.”

received the Corporate Award. For 51 years, the chamber has fought for equity and opportunity for Black-owned businesses in the Bay Area and abroad.

Canton shared the shock she experienced when she found out her college applications were not submitted by her high school counselor. Despite the sheer racism and sabotage of that incident, Canton pursued her education and served in the field of nursing for 55 years. She currently serves as Professor of Nursing at San Francisco State University. She is also Professor Emeritus, San Jose State University, where she served as an Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Articulation.

Bay Area singer Dee Dee Simon, who just won the 89th Showtime at the Apollo Championship in November, said she’d been a fan of the NCBW SF for many years and the award was very special to her. Simon, who has been compared to Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight, has a five-octave singing range. She has also served San Quentin Prison as a nurse for over two decades. Simons says writing is her therapy and, to date, she has written eight gospel stage plays.

“Our tea fundraises for our many programs that uplift, educate, and empower women and girls,” said NCBW SF president Sharon Lee. Programs include their Alvin Ailey Summer Camp scholarship, the Black Infant Project, Human Trafficking Awareness, and the Doris Ward Workforce Development Employment and Training program. The Sister-Nomic’s program provides financial literacy workshops and the advocacy programs ensure public policy and voter registration agendas are met. Attendees included First Vice President of the NCBW Oakland Bay Area Chapter Frances H. Cohen. “The beauty and power of Black women is incomparable,” said Cohen, with her chapter president, Shari Wooldridge. Maxine Hickman of Hickman Homes sponsored a table with several guests. “It’s an honor to annually recognize great leaders serving the community,” said Hickman.

Oakland’s selection for the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities initiative is based on the city’s leadership and ambition in building resilient and equitable communities. Despite facing challenges such as poor air quality, high wildfire risk, and flooding, the city has demonstrated persistence in advancing community prosperity and economic development amid the climate crisis, the media release said.

With over $400 billion in federal funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, Oakland aims to access and implement historic funding for critical local projects, especially in disadvantaged communities.

This includes leveraging existing climate-related federal funding and aligning it with the goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution and expand urban greening while stimulating the local economy with new jobs and businesses.

Said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife, “Oakland’s rich tree canopy stands as a symbol of our city’s natural beauty, yet it’s essential to recognize that this abundance hasn’t been equitably distributed.

“I’m thrilled to see the City of Oakland taking bold steps to address this disparity. West Oak-

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lection practices need addressing, the legislative process behind this particular bill was rushed and done in secrecy.

“If we are going to address this problem thoroughly, Congress must improve transparency and better in-

form the public about the potential national security risks posed by companies like ByteDance.”

By the end of 2024, TikTok is expected to have 1.8 billion users globally, including more than 100 million in the U.S.

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said. Dorie Ladner and her sister organized an NAACP Youth Council Chapter in Hattiesburg, attended Jackson State College in Jackson, Mississippi, and continued protesting segregation within the state. Both of them were eventually expelled from the school.

In fall 1961, they became active members of SNCC. “SNCC was the Green Beret of the civil rights movement,” Joyce Ladner said. “She dropped out of college three times to work full time with SNCC. She was extremely intense about the rights of Black people. She would tell me ‘I can’t study while our people are suffering.’”

In 1967, Dorie Ladner was one of the first organizers to go help people register to vote in Natchez, Mississippi, where they received threats from the Ku Klux Klan, her sister said in the AP interview.

“Oftentimes the phone would ring at 3 a.m. which was never a good sign,” she said. “The person on the other end of the line would say ‘Dorie, y’all have two choices. You can stay in there, and we’ll burn you and the house up, or you can come outside, and we’ll shoot you to death.’ That kind of stress would be unbearable for almost anyone, but they stayed” in Natchez.

Dorie Ladner was a key organizer for Mississippi Freedom Summer, a volunteer campaign launched in June 1964 to attempt to register many African American voters in Mississippi. She also attended the March on Washington and the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, Joyce Ladner said.

In the 1970s, Dorie Ladner went on to become a social worker in Washington, D.C., where she lived until her death.

Faces Around the Bay: Bobbie Wakefield

Wakefield Home Express is about “dressing for success”, intended to “lift spirits and create confidence,” It’s all about teaching women how to dress. “I won’t allow anyone to leave my shop with a suit or dress that doesn’t fit properly, is not age appropriate, or doesn’t bring out their best,” says Wakefield.

Wakefield has prepared women for fashion shows throughout California, helping organizations such as NAACP, the Pastors Wives & Widows Association, the Oakland Religious Radio Guild, and Women’s Cancer Resource Center. with charitable fundraisers. Her models have graced many stages, including church auxiliaries and Church of Scientology of Los Angeles. Words by Wakefield, “My passion is compassion for others. I truly praise God for what He has done and is doing in my life.”

Photo Courtesy of Bobbie Wakefield.