Oakland Post, week of January 3 - 9, 2024

Dis Harvard President Claudine Gay Resigns Amidst Scandals and Plagiarism Allegations ... see page 2

Climate-Induced Displacement is a Global Phenomenon ... see page 2

Ladies in Red Go Purple... see page 4

Eddie R. Dillard, 76 ... see page 8

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

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61st Year, No. 1

Weekly Edition. Edition. January 3 - 9, 2024

Alameda County D.A. Pamela Price Announces Charges Against Three Men Accused in Murder of Oakland Police Officer Tuan Le

Oakland Police Officer Shot in Line of Duty, Mourned

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, right, speaks at a press conference as Oakland Police Dept. Interim Police Chief Darren Allison looks on. Courtesy photo. Special to The Post

glary in progress at a cannabis dispensary at Fifth and Embarcadero. Officers initially responded around 1 a.m. Friday to a report of a burglary at the dispensary but eventually left the scene, then returned at about 4:30 a.m. for a call of a second

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price announced charges Wednesday against three burglary at the same location. Officers saw multiple people men accused of the Dec. 29, 2023, shooting death of Oakland Police leaving the scene and at least one Officer Tuan Le. person fired multiple times, strikThe prosecution charged ing Le, who was working as a plain- 27-year-old Mark Demetrious clothes officer and driving an un- Sanders with murder, including Continued on page 8 special circumstances allegations

ber note. Amidst ongoing fear and trauma due to violent crimes and property crimes in Oakland, we anxiously awaited developments in the case. It’s a relief to witness our local leaders collaborating to ensure that Officer Le’s family

finds justice and peace, with the suspects no longer posing a threat to society. Officer Tuan Le embodied the best of public service in Oakland. Being a native of Oakland, he had a unique ability to connect with residents as one of their own. He gladly shared his personal contact information with our business leaders and community members. His presence reassured the community, often hesitant to speak up, that their concerns were truly heard. In honoring Officer Le’s dedicated service, we must unite to prevent such tragedies from recurring. It is imperative to prioritize Continued on page 8

OPD Officer Tuan Le had served in the Oakland Police Department for four years. Courtesy photo. By Post Staff An outpouring of sorrow and regret followed the death of Oakland Police Department Officer Tuan Le who was shot in the early morning hours of Dec. 29, 2023, when police responded to the report of a bur-

that could result in a possible sentence of life without the possibility of parole if convicted of all charges and allegations. A second defendant, 28-yearold Allen Starr Brown was also charged with murder. The third defendant, 28-year-old Sebron Ray Russell was charged with burglary. All three defendants face multiple charges in addition to these serious

allegations. The DA’s office believes the evidence will show that Officer Tuan Le was shot to death while responding to a commercial burglary in the area of Embarcadero and Fifth Avenue in the early hours of Dec. 29, 2023. Price released the following statement: “ I spoke with the famContinued on page 8

Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce President Tran Calls for New Chief, More Officers for OPD

Dr. Jennifer Tran

By Dr. Jennifer Tran, Special to The Post The recent tragic killing of Oakland Police Officer Tuan Le on Dec. 30, 2023, has deeply affected our communities as we ushered in the new year on a som-

The Race and Identity Profiling Advisory Board Releases Statewide Police Stop Data

The California Race and Identity Profiling Advisory Board released a report on 2022 police stop data to observe the disparity of racial profiling amongst law enforcement. By Magaly Muñoz

The California Department of Justice’s Race and Identity Profiling Advisory (RIPA) Board published its seventh annual report this week. This report analyzes millions of vehicle and pedestrian stops conducted in 2022 by 560 law enforcement agencies in the state. Established in 2016 as a result of Assembly Bill (AB) 953 written by former Assemblymember Shir-

ley Weber (D-San Diego), RIPA aims to eliminate racial and identity profiling and foster diversity and racial and identity sensitivity within law enforcement. The 223-page report features the board’s view of pretextual stops where the stops result in resisting arrest charges, looks at the impact police unions have on law enforcement accountability and protocols for law enforcement training on racial and identity pro-

filing, and examines youth interactions with police both in and out of schools. According to the report, Black individuals were stopped by police 132% more frequently than expected, based on a comparison of stop data and residential population. Black individuals made up 12.5% of stopped people, with Hispanic/Latino making up about 43% and white making up 32.5% of people. The most frequently cited reasons for stops across all race and ethnic groups were traffic violations and reasonable suspicion that the person was engaged in criminal activity. Under the new law AB 2773, law enforcement officers are required to state the reason for a traffic stop or pedestrian interaction before asking any other questions. The only exception is when there’s an imminent threat to life or property. This change, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2024, aims to Continued on page 8

Rendering of Tidewater Development’s proposed 1431 Franklin Street residential tower. Rendering by LARGE Architecture.

City Council Scheduled for Discussion Impacting the Fate of Geoffrey’s Inner Circle

By Ken Epstein

On Jan. 16, the Oakland City Council is scheduled to decide whether to greenlight a new upmarket estate tower, despite overwhelming opposition in the Black community. If approved, it would threaten the future of Geoffrey’s

Inner Circle, a longtime entertainment venue and cultural institution at 410 14th St. owned by Geoffrey Pete, and the surrounding downtown area in the Black Arts Movement and Business District that the council created in 2016 as a way to protect and enhance the historic and

cultural legacy of the city’s African American community. San Francisco-based Tidewater Development corporation’s proposal, which already has the full backing of the city’s planning commission and planning department, Continued on page 8

Baseball “Clinic With The Pros” Provides Free Coaching, Holiday Gifts to Oakland Youth

By Carla Thomas

Clinic With The Pros (CWP) hosted a free Holiday Sports Clinic at 2945 Chapman Street in Oakland on Dec. 23. At the event, several Major League Baseball (MLB) athletes and other affiliated professionals shared their expertise and passion with the youth attending. “Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, this event was for everyone who wants to improve their skills and have fun,” said CWP organizer David Kyriacou. The free holiday clinic featured

Photo Courtesy Clinic With The Pros.

over a dozen MLB coaches. Attendees were asked to bring their gloves, bats and helmets. “For those without equipment, we provided gloves and bats on-

site and we held the clinic indoors so bad weather would not cause an event cancelation,” said Kyriakou.

On site, the professionals briefed Continued on page 8

Emeryville School District Boosts Black Students’ Test Scores, Bucking Post-Pandemic Trend

By Brandon Patterson

Emeryville’s school district is celebrating dramatic improvements in its Black students’ standardized test scores from 2022 to 2023, bucking statewide and even national trends where Black students’ scores remained largely stagnant or declined slightly year over year. In Emery Unified School District, where Black children are 45%

Emery Unified School District’s methods leading to improved scores for Black children are being studied by other educators. iStock photo by Sezer66.

of the student population, they made double-digit gains in their English and math scores. The percentage of Black students reading and writing at grade level increased from 24% to 37% and the math proficiency score increased from 9% to 15%. Overall, Black students’ test scores remain significantly below statewide averages – California stuContinued on page 8

THE POST, January 3 - 9, 2024, Page 2

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Standing up for Inclusion and Empowerment: Six Questions for the National Black Justice Coalition The Harvard Corporation had previously expressed unanimous support for Gay after “extensive deliberations” following the congressional hearing. However, the recent plagiarism allegations and ongoing controversies seemingly led to a change in circumstances, resulting in Gay’s resignation. Harvard University photo.

Dr. Shirley N. Weber, California’s Secretary of State. Official photo.

Sec. of State Certifies Candidates for March Primary, Including Trump

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

Dr. Shirley N. Weber, the California Secretary of State, has certified a list of 20 candidates, including former Pres. Donald Trump, for the state’s presidential primary election scheduled for March 5, 2024. Weber made the decision on Dec. 28 to certify Trump despite calls from a number of prominent Democrats, including California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, to disqualify him. They cite the former president’s actions and inactions during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol as a violation of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which should disqualify him from public office. Responding to Kounalakis, Weber emphasized that removing a presidential candidate is a matter of public interest and must be handled within legal parameters and in the best interests of all California voters. “It is incumbent upon my office to ensure that any action undertaken regarding any candidate’s inclusion or omission from our ballots be grounded firmly in the laws and processes in place in California and our Constitution,” Weber stated. So far, Trump’s quest to run for the presidency has been blocked by two states, Maine and Colorado. Appeals of the decisions in both states are expected to be heard by the Supreme Court of the United States. In a letter to Weber dated Dec.

20, Kounalakis urged the Secretary of State “to explore every legal option” to remove Trump from California’s 2024 presidential primary ballot following the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling in Anderson v. Griswold. “I am prompted by the Colorado Supreme Court’s recent ruling that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on the state’s ballot as a Presidential Candidate due to his role in inciting an insurrection in the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021,” Kounalakis wrote. “This decision is about honoring the rule of law in our country and protecting the fundamental pillars of our democracy.” Weber wrote back to Kounalakis, saying that she is guided by her “commitment to follow the rule of law.” “As California’s Chief Elections Officer, I am a steward of free and fair elections and the Democratic process,” wrote Weber. “I must place the sanctity of these elections above partisan politics. As you may not be aware, my office has been engaged in multiple lawsuits regarding the former president’s appearance on the ballot.” Weber also acknowledged the complicated nature of the issue and her decision regarding it. “We can agree that the attack of the capitol and the former presidents’ involvement was abhorrent, there are complex legal issues surrounding this matter,” she added.

Striving for Quality and Affordable Health for Everyone: Six Questions for The California Endowment

By Edward Henderson California Black Media Since its inception in 2003, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) has been America’s premier civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+, and same gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS. Operating out of Los Angeles, the NBJC supports Black individuals, families, and communities. Black LGBTQ+/SGL Americans constitute a significant subset of Black families with 3.7 percent of all Black Americans (more than one million people) identifying as LGBTQ+/SGL, according to the Williams Institute in 2013. California Black Media spoke with Jeffery Wallace, President and CEO of Leaders Up, which is a member of the NBJC. What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California? Despite California being a progressive state, when we look at economic outcomes, we still see a major gap between us and our White counterparts. Leaders Up looks at how to build an anti-racist and inclusive economy where there is no racial disparity in the areas of education, employment, compensation and benefits. Beyond that, how do we normalize psychological and physical safety in the labor market, equal opportunities for pathways to leadership and sharing power. We know that the queer and trans community are under full frontal assault. NBJC has allowed us to do is to incorporate an intentionality, a level of consciousness, where we can work with our employers and our development partners around identity and inclusion. Ensuring that when we think about Black folks, we’re thinking about Black queer folks, too.

Harvard President Claudine Gay Resigns Amidst Scandals and Plagiarism Allegations What was your greatest suc-

cess over the course of the last year? Our greatest success has been defining how we shift from employment and placing folks into careers to transforming the conditions of the economy and the workplace and education system. Over the last 10 years we’ve been able to place 70,000 people into employment. In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face? Systemic racism. I think that when we think about a system that has been designed even in California for African Americans to not win, that’s the biggest challenge that we’re facing. The biggest challenge is also ourselves. For us to organize in a way for us to consolidate our power and shift the conditions under which we operate. What was your organization’s biggest challenge? It’s capital. Finding out how to amass the capital that frees us up to do the work in a more impactful way. So, we’re no longer concerned about sustainability and more concerned about transformation. Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California? Absolutely. The more that the movement incorporates organizations like ours, it becomes important for us to dream big around the capital for Black folks to build economic power. How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing? You can visit our website at leadersup.org. We are always looking for professionals who want to give back through career coaching. You can also visit nbjc. org to connect with the work we are doing nationwide.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Harvard President Claudine Gay has resigned, making her tenure the shortest in the university’s history. The decision comes after just six months and two days in office, amidst mounting allegations of plagiarism and criticism over her handling of antisemitism issues on campus. Harvard University spokesperson Jonathan L. Swain declined to comment on Gay’s decision, but Harvard’s official student newspaper confirmed the move. The first Black president in the storied university’s nearly 400year history, Gay faced scrutiny over various incidents, including the administration’s response to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel and allegations of plagiarism in her scholarly work. The controversy escalated after her congressional testimony on Dec. 5, 2023, where she faced criticism for evasive answers regarding antisemitism. The Harvard Corporation had previously expressed unanimous

support for Gay after “extensive deliberations” following the congressional hearing. However, the recent plagiarism allegations and ongoing controversies seemingly led to a change in circumstances, resulting in Gay’s resignation. Just the second woman to lead Harvard, Gay expressed her decision in a letter to the Harvard community. “It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to share that I will be stepping down as president,” she stated. Accusations of plagiarism surfaced in the past month, with a new and unsigned complaint published in The Washington Free Beacon adding to about 40 previous allegations. The complaint highlighted issues in Gay’s scholarly work, including her doctoral dissertation from 1997. The controversy gained traction through conservative media, with accusations suggesting inadequate citation in approximately half of the 11 journal articles on her resume. The university acknowledged instances of insufficient citation but stopped short of labeling it “research misconduct.”

Climate-Induced Displacement is a Global Phenomenon, but Not Evenly Experienced UC Berkeley policy analyst from the Othering and Belonging Institute shares recommendations to protect people displaced from the climate crisis

In Ethiopia’s Ghibe valley, farmers plough a field with cattle. Soil erosion has impacted farming in the country due to the climate crisis. Wikimedia photo.

Photo: Website photo courtesy of California Black Media.

The California Endowment President and CEO Robert K. Ross, MD. Photo: Website photo courtesy of California Black Media. By Edward HendersonCalifornia Black Media

The California Endowment’s

(TCE) mission is to expand access to affordable, high-quality health care for underserved individuals

and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians.

Since the organization’s estab-

lishment in 1996, TCE has awarded more than 22,000 grants amoun-

ting to over $2.9 billion to community-based organizations across

California, making it the largest private health foundation in the state.

TCE provides funding to 501(c) Continued on page 6

Advancing Health Education and Equity: Six Questions for The California Black Health Network

By Edward Henderson

California Black Media

spective of their educational background, socio-economic class, zip

The California Black Health

code, sexual orientation, gender

nization committed to advancing

migration status have access to

cans and Black immigrants in the

ry and behavioral healthcare. This

CBHN’s mission is to ensure

from unnecessarily succumbing

Network (CBHN) is the only orga-

identity, living conditions or im-

health equity for African Ameri-

high-quality and equitable prima-

Golden State.

mission aims to prevent people

that all Black Californians, irre-

Continued on page 6

By Ivan Natividad UC Berkeley News As world leaders presented their plans to combat rising global temperatures at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) in Dubai from Nov. 30-Dec. 13, 2023, discussions are centered on how countries can cut greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate a dire environmental future. But a UC Berkeley researcher

says that future is already here for millions of people displaced by the climate crisis. And those climate refugees are predominantly from formerly colonized countries that are not responsible, in large part, for the factors that exacerbate climate change. Those nations — in the global south regions of Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and much of Asia and Oceania — also lack the wealth and infrastructure to withstand intensifying natural disasters, rising sea levels and the collapse of industries dependent on stable climates, according to a recent Berkeley report. “There are many examples of how global south countries face the brunt of a crisis they did not produce, due to the activities of countries and industries in the global

Continued on page 6

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THE POST, January 3 - 9, 2024, Page 3

postnewsgroup.com THE POST, March Aug. 10-16, 2022, Page 66 THE POST, 16-22,, 2022, Page THE POST, January 3 - 9, 2024, Page 4

THE POST, March 25-31,, 2020, Page 5 postnewsgroup.com postnewsgroup.com

Representatives Lee,Month: García Introduce BillGroup Prohibiting Rental The Monkeypox Health Crisis: How California Is Responding Women’s History California Honors Leaders, Discusses Priorities

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Ladies InDuring Red GoPublic Purple Evictions COVID-19 Health Emergency

mittee on Science, Space, and Technology, former chair of the the county’s response is that Among Black Californians, By Tanu Henry, THE POST, Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2015, Page 55 government also declared postnewsgroup.com THE POST, July 2019, Page www.postnewsgroup.com Congressional Black Caucus, By Charlene Muhammad, Black24-30, women in California “fireside chat” to take a broad- to retired California Assemblythere have been 129 cases re- we did not have enough cases California Black Media monkeypox a national public California Black Media today the topic is ‘Black er look at aging and elder care and member and a commissioner at that state time.legislator, I want and themfirst to ported so far, accounting for former health emergency. Courtesy of Women Aging Withto office Dignity in the Black community. on the California Commission causes unless the tenant perBlack woman elected in know that that response will about 11% of all confirmed As the monkeypox virus “We are prepared to take Rep. Lee’s Office History on Aging said 23% of Black Respect.’” To mark Women’s Whether they were ex- and petrates a serious criminal act cases TX, this she left her There mark onis not work time. in the state. African Dallas, outbreak spreads around the our response to the next level During their remarks, panelMonth, The California Black women live in poverty, which pressing the justice joys offorcaring equality and all,” that would endanger the health, In December 2016, the never too few of cases.” Americans make up about globe, Gov. Gavin Newsom in addressing this virus and history,” the statement read. Dr.one Larry Ellis,and Senior Pastor Representatives Barbara Lee is the second-highest percentists outlined resources Black Women’s Collective (CBWC) for loved orW.exposing saida NAACP President Church gave an indexed datalife, and safety of other tenants. At state level, theSunday CDPH 6.5% of the state’s total popusays California will need to we urge every American to Inof athe statement (CA-13), Jesústhan “Chuy” women need to released make sure that honored more 100 García Black age in the U.S. — only behind the range of We challenges Black CEO Derrick Johnson. “We base the historic Freedmen’s · Self-terminate six months Invite You to Join Our Church Family! has begun to disaggregate the lation. galvanize across core- take monkeypox seriously,” night, U.S. President Joe Biden (IL-04),leaders andforces 39from additional mustChristian recognize and their needs areBible met while elwomen across the Native American women. faceLifeasClass theyaccept age, the Bureau Records to Study the Smithafter FEMA terminates the women Worship Monkeypox data it is collectAs of Aug. 5, CDPH reports gions and relax some state said U.S. Health and Human The Broadway Hustlers and sponsors the Rental importance of creating amity sonian National Museum evating some concerning stastate fromintroduced different professionpraised the late lawmaker’s tenure panelists shared useful insights Brown pointed out that Gov. Sunday 10am Sunday 9am 6:15pm of emergency declared by the that there ing by race, Tuesday city, hospitalizahave been 1,310 conregulations and statutes to Services Secretary and former AC Mob will be holding their Eviction Moratorium Act on with those that are raising the African American History of A Safe Place since 1984, of subjective counselA Safe Place will launch a delivery tistics. al backgrounds, including methat could shape public health Gavin Newsom set aside $2 President. in Congress, saying she displayed localgender, and state level. Asand a tions, age and sexual firmed cases ofofmonkeypox in the Temporary Worship Location: Mission Paradise Hall combat aMarch disease that poses 5th Annual Family Reunion on California Attorney General two-year faith and domestic ing consciousness this nation — Monday, 23, to prohibit Culture in Washington, D.C. designed and implemented and guidance. “Black women in California dia executives, public health billion for the Master Plan on policy or improve ways Afri- longtime Congresswoman Lee is the advocate for battered “immense courage 31113 Mission Hayward, CA 94544and a commitSaturday, Sept. 19, 2 p.m. tillau6 orientation. the Church state with the most conalandlords threat greater than local Xavier Becerra. the is committed to dofromactivists, evicting rental The database contains geneservices and Boulevard, preThe project part-& intervention have many barriers in their evprofessionals, politican American caregivers at- women Aging, a 10-year project, but violence project, “Speaking of and their children, she Co-Chair of will the foster Steering p.m., at deFremery Park, 18th ment to the promise of America.” The age group with the firmed cases being reported in thorities may be able to reCDPH Director and State To learn more about Pilgrim, visit our website at www.pilgrimbcsm.org ing just that.” alogical information of freed vention activities for victims nerships between domestic Faith,” thanks to an $180,000 tenants during the COVID-19 eryday life. As we get older, the cians and more. tend to the needs of aging famshe questioned, how would the most recently employed proPolicy Committee, a senior at Adeline in Oakland, called highest number of reported Los Angeles (431) followed spond to effectively. Public Health Officer Dr. “Throughout her long career In addition to its joint pur- grams African Americans after the Among Black thereviolence have been 129Appropriations cases violence. programs andreportfaith ofilydomestic from The Californians, Blue Shield of public organization health emergency. The people the money is intend- grant issues don’t change. The issues also held members. and services for male member of the “AThe Day of NoisViolence/All monkeypox cases (482) are 25 by San Francisco (398) and “California working urTomás J. Aragón says he suits with the NAACP, the Civil War. These programs include the leaders. California Foundation. in public service, she was always ed so far, accounting for about 11% of all confirmed cases in the bill will ofbepanel part of the third ed to help access the money. violence. aLives series discussions just getof domestic more complicated,” “This is our third event as victims Committee, former Chair of Matter.” to “Only 34 year-olds, who make up Alamedaseeks County There clear-eyed gently acrossstimulus all levelspackage of gov- welcomes the federal health Top Delane Sims, Cheryl A Brown; L-Ralso ShavonChurch to (83). strengthen the comprehension of Program, Safe Bottom Place will join Emergency In L-R: partnership with theHon. InstiCBM image. COVID-19 about what she was For Regina more information about Brown Wilson, leading to the celebration part of theShelter California Black said said currently there are state. theIvie. Congressional Black CauThe up Broadway Hustlersof Brown about 36.8% of all confirmed have been 7,509 confirmed ernment to slow the spread emergency because it opens da Webber-Christmas, Sylvia Drew African American individuals the true fatherhood of God can Teen Dating Violence Preventhe Blue Shield Against Viotute on Domestic Violence in introduced the House of not effective systems in place Blue for: Shield Project and moderator ofthe the right event exand highlighted several policy Empowerment se- the fighting ofand every cus, Chair Emeritus of the Pro-to Women were knownby for its GQ style, tecovirimat (Tpoxx) used infections incontact California. be African extremely painfulCommuin some lence cases in the United States and other monkeypox, leveraging our up channels for California to the and families through genealbring full appreciation of the tion Program, and community (BSAV) Foundation’s American Barbara Lee events, Carolyn Representatives, the Take ReJesús “Chuy” García ecutive director of California priorities, including aging and ries,” said Yvonne Wheeler, a to inform people about getting “That’s why it’s critical to funnel down through the Caligressive Caucus, Co-Chair of ogy. and business leadership in person in Dallas and the treat monkeypox isDomeslimited, continue to work cases(IDVAAC), as well. the “Speak- Culturally 28,220 around the world.pro- Russell robust testing, contact tracget more access to resources nity true“We’ll brotherhood of across men and education Responsive Bernice Johnson. congressional at (510) 986-8600 x sponsibility for They Workers and elder care. 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International us A Safe Place seeks break working sued by Newsom’s office February BTQ communityinspires fighting stigsystems, children Activists, toa San Diego-based understanding vaccines, treatment and outand into our mune Rev.resources Ron Linzie ited, in families putand at risk land the lateare 70’s earlyof ing said. “Our goal is to talk about brought their perspectives toforeclosures during this public African American Museum with passionate desire to build the cycle of domestic and famexperiencing violence in the Continued on page Newsom added.8 advocacy group, called on matization,” reach,” the said Aug. response efforts. 8 years of age, people with a states. Photo by Diane missing rentgovernor orDavis. forgoing food on collective 80’s. Brother the issueswhich that are important gether last month in a virtual health crisis. But nearly a third Johnson, the first Black wom(IAAM), is set to open bridges of cooperation ily violence by providing bathome. T o place a Legal Ad As of Aug. 2, the state had San Diego County officials to Aragón echoed the instead goverof eczema, and people 1theThe astable. he declared a state Theisstate remains focused on history ACWe a people gangof (510) can’twas allow 541-9650 Rev. Dr. This the best time or ever to rejuveBy Clifford L.Mob Williams For more information onisthethe La- tered women and their children of U.S. residents are renters -in 2021 on the former Gadsof walls of segregation.” Domestic violence an elected to any seat in Dallas By Sean jobs and nearlyorT doubled contact onya Peacock: distributed nearly 1,713 treat- release demographic data on nor’s statement. who are pregnant breastemergency in California. slowing the spread of the 766virus lion that theRyan AC Transit Lowery atour (510) to berode on the streets in thebuses. middle Jasper andcommunities re-energize dies in Red, contact Knighttoat with safe shelter and resourcin the Ispirit.” represent leading den’s instatement: Charleston, and“Our cause ofMs. injury theWharf following LadiesCalifornia In Red (LIR) is no nate Phone: (510) 272-4747 GDP growth—and without it, the first Dallasite to ment courses and 168 IV sued teamBlack is also commitfeeding may be more likely monkeypox cases there. The Department in impacted communities, adThey were also friends as- 5404 or Michelle Murray aka By Chandra Hayslett of a public health crisisand – that’s Brenda Knight, founder of bkladiesinred@yahoo.com, or call South Carolina. in Chicago the ratio is much es, and to prevent violence women between the ages of Brother Fax: (510) 743-4178 stranger to “The Color Purple.” Congresswoman Barbara we would have neared a double“We mourn the loss of Rep. doses of tecovirimat to health ted to reducing stigma among to get seriously ill or die,” the “The governor has declared of Public Health (CDPH) has ministering the limited numserve in Congress, was a towering Presents sociates with with the Rep. Broadway at (510) 472-5255. why I worked Garcia “Niecey” higher. Working-class people, 15-44. LIR, that the organiza702.319.4773. outreach educa-to a state of emergency as of last More thanCompared one million Email: tonya_peaWashington — Inand response Lee, Chair ofcollect the House Approdigit recession. to ofthrough The LIR philanthropic organicenters in various locations CDC reports. begun to Former and report berFor ofnoted vaccine doses we have, Eddie Bernice Johnson, a true figure in Texas politics. She was Hustlers. AC Mob those who wish to conAmos Brown (left), pastor of Third Baptist Church, San Francisco and president the NAACP, San Francisco toRev. introduce the Rental Evicimmigrants, andtheir renters suffer year the tion. tion, throughout travels is children Listedeach in alphabetical order: cock@dailyjournal.com priations Subcommittee on State previous economic recoveries, on page 8 zation was one of top theAct. first from the across the state. According to witness the governight andinconstituents racial and other demographic andChurch raising awareness about the passing of former Congressmembers hold social sertribute food orof funds to support trailblazer the House ofdeserve Repre- only theContinued President of the Jesus Christ ofbrutal Latter-day Saints Russell M. Nelson the 110th annual branch greets tion Moratorium This imthird woman from Texas Since at 1976, A Safe Place victimization of a pardisproportionately from ecoBrother no stranger to making history and Deidre Avent, Pamm Baker, CyneAll other classifieds conand Foreign Operations, issued this past year’s has also been far So far, CDPH has received nor’s office, CDPH has taken People to knowHenry the about vidata, tracking how the disease Bay Area to attend the ensures original play prevention measures acvice positions today. efforts ofAssociation their streetand minisnational convention of the the National theent Advancement of Colored (NAACP) Sunday woman Eddie Bernice Johnson andtruth a White dedicated public portant legislation that Brandon George inthis 1900. offered aBy 24-hour crisisin sentatives atBell, theClarice handsin ofterms an intimate nomic contributions recessions like thefor one to serve in Congress – after Lera making totothe comthia Bradley, Genina tact the POST: Phone the following statement on groups March more equitable ofexpand prog- has a little over 109,000 mona number of steps to rus in our region,” said Harris is impacting various cess to treatment,” Aragón The Family Reunion will on Broadway in New York. They tries, send donations Urojas Detroit. Photo courtesy of The Salt Lake Tribune. renters in the Bay Area and the this country will likely be fac- partner. (510) 287-8200 Patterson White, who represented North Carline, emergency 20-bed shel(D-TX), the Joint Center for PoJesus isPresents theJordan, Way both servant. As the first Black woman Thomas and Barbara Fax munity. “Education is that a lifelong Bradley, Ivory 11, marking one year since the Community against child Brown, poverty, food keypox vaccines — of comwhich olina, access toMichele vaccinations and the ter, feature music, spoken speaking at aHouse’s press conference. across said, before adding Cali- ress Services’ corpowere alsothe thestate. firstbefood, group from the nation cannot evicted from was the only Black a children’s program, The faith environment can ing, and they need the financial be the chairled of the House Comlitical anddoses Economic Studies is- to Thea president ofand thestate Church page 6 287-8247 for each We don’t They have customized the Sunday. “May we go forward experience,” said “Aseven we Butler, Jacqueline Campbell, Jade American Rescue Act of Grace ChurchContinued of Richmondon has several insecurity, and(510) unemployment word, kid zone guest 51,000 have been disstate has launched a public in- munity “My office this argument office, 1271Knight. Washington The Governor’s of fornia is other. “well-positioned” to be Bay Area to attend thePlan play it rate their homes during thewhen COVThe Senate counseling, support a safe and natural place to lawmaker at the time. Democrat rooms for rent, including it’s church. Sanctusecurity this bill would provide, Presents of Jesus Christ of Latter-day have to agree with each other Church’s self-reliance services doing our best to exemplify Email: 2021 was signed into law: speakers. low-income communities and age, we may needSan the Leandro, assistance for Candelara, Sherron Conway, Rita Ave., Suite 452, tributedcommunity to local health depart- Sen. formation campaign, mostly during COVID we needed ary rents negotiable. Call for more informaemergency follows similar tackle the outbreak. opened inpandemic. Chicago. education address family violence and re-be groups, ID-19 must acena bi-parCory Bookerthat and Republican Saints Russell M.WeNelson re- CA immediately.” to aAlthough love each other. If we have materials and programs to the twoacross greatpassed commandments For information, call Rev. communities of color. 94577. of cane, walker, wheelchair, or ments the state. Cotton, Shelia Daigle-Beaird, Rerelying on webinars and town more demographic data, and tion at (510) 499-2838. tions taken in San Francisco, monkeypox is ads@postnewsgroup.com Since its movie premier and outreach, as wellbill as a Teen issues, including children sure that everyone has accesson to any tisan minded those assembled for Thehope Rental Eviction Moratoof reclaiming the lated most effective for the initia— to love God and lovecrimieach Senator Tim Scott, both of whom Ron Linzie “aka” Poison at scooter, One year ago today, President With that said, we still have a hall meetings to get informaNew York City, and Illinois. not considered deadly, the but it is important to keep nee Daniel, Yolunda Figg, Alice Prevention exposed to violence in Violence Christmas Day, no representatives quality housing matter contheir goodwill and sense of human- that nalizing lynching at Program. the federal are Black, introduced the legislathe 110th annual national Jesus is the Way tive.are of His children. Biden signed the American Res- moving, long way to go on all of these istion about monkeypox out to On July 23, the World Health disease can be fatal for some and keep learning.” Fletcher, Linda Garrett, Tracye Carolyn Russell, whothehas the home. As a result, there is from LIR’sof membership wentAsso‘Purfinancial situation.” level thisinweek, sending bill tion together this time around. vention the National ity for which we yearn, it must The two organizations also Arm arm and shoulder to cue Plan (ARP) into law followToo many still lack access people across the state. Organization declared of and people, accordJesus Rush, is thewho WayrepAsCongresswoman awith ‘mover in perher asues. as executive director great need toGraham, strengthen theto served Gilmer, Bessie “No should their categories to President Biden’s desk after “Although no legislation will Rep. Bobby ple’ again one and alose 9:30mona.m. ciation for attended the Advancement begin each ofshaker’ us, one came together on ChauncTemple ing passage by Congress, catathe health care they need to live a shoulder, may we strive to lift “CDPH is also expanding keypox a “public health emering to public health authoriBarbara Lee own right, Knight has served on the ey Green, Donna Gregory, Phylhome during the COVID-19 House approved bill reverse the pain and fear felt by resents the Chicago district of Colored (NAACP) showing of the People reimagined adaptason at a time. Square life. last Millions May toof call all the our brothers and sistersthe everypulting a historic recovery that ties. fulfilling Ameritreatment options. Access to gency.” Symptoms of the disease Community College Board Hamilton, Shirley Harris, Sunday Detroit that pandemic which is why January. The way Emmett Till those victims, their loved ones, and where Emmett Till lived, and Over the past 18 months, the listean people, organizations and gov- in New Hope Baptist Church, Oakland, CA tion of the in play, followed byIdifferaintrofish Peralta where, in every we can. has led need to one ofundermine the areHartman, struggling to putHenderfood on the last half of 2021. For the antiviral prescription drug On Aug. 4, the strongest federal — lesions and blisters — can cans ences so- during of Trustees, the Napa Valley Board Janis Mary duced the Rental Eviction MorAnti-Lynching Act, named for Black communities, this legislation Los Angeles Rep. Karen Bass First (the executive ernments to work together towho This never be the fry luncheon innot American Canyon NewPresidency Hope Baptist Church of Oakland, CAamid seeks a Senior Pastor will world provide Spirit-directed, periods of economic growth in a 10619 McArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA will 510 689-9544 the table rising costs, from thousands of families in our comciety’s shared humanity. administration of the church) atorium Act, to prohibit evicting the 14-year-old Chicago boy of Trustees, the California Commuachieve greater civility and rason, Billie Hill, Pamela Hill, Jais a necessary step America must with a photo of Emmett Till same.” in southern Napa County. visionary leadership forthe ourdifchurch; and possesses excellent in thebyareas of preaching, century. the ongoing housing crisis toskills the munity, this money meant “We are all connected, and “A church driven Christ has made its partnership with cial harmony. renters during this crisis. Famiwhose brutal murder in MisEarlier this year, the Church take to heal from the racial- speaking before the House nity College Board of Trustees, and net Hubbard, Debbie Johnson, Ladies Americans In Red is a had Women’s Many been ference recent spike inElder gasdevelopment. prices to Gethe Candidates between having childcare should havecatalyze five plus teaching, counseling and congregational leadership we have a God-given responthe NAACP a high priority. Last July, Jack N. honored the NAACP’s comlies are hurting -they are worsissippi in 1955 helped the ized violence that has perme- passed the bill last month. focused onchildcare. the kingdom” the Association of Community Col- Shirley Jones, Sadie Kiel, ErnesEmpowerment Group banning to- or left to fend themselves cost of not, having healthy food the ever-growing years Pastoral experience (preferably Pastor), beNAACP’s licensed andCivil ordained by aadvance recognized sibility tofor help makehealth, lifeduring better The groups have met on severrardSenior spoke at the mitment to equality ried about their jobs, and Rights Movement, allows a ated its history,” Booker said Photo courtesy of Rush press lege Board of Trustees. tine King, Lorene King, Brenda gether to support one another and one the worst public health and table theM racial andfrom genor not, having aW secure place forofthose around us,” PresiNE Emade Phistory ROand GAnd R A S convention Ordination Committee have apervasive Bachelor Degree accredited Bible College alLicense times to pursue joint educa109th annual inan crime and justice in society. childcare and deserve the certo be prosecuted as a lynchin a statement on March 7. office. Ms. Knight Knight/Founder, Clitdell Long, finding strength sisterhood. economic crisesin in history. The The der inequities bare by and CO-ministerial liveefforts or not.seminary. Sunday schoollaid 9 :00 amvictim dent Russell M. Nelson said totion in Our Chicago and San San Antonio, Texas. “I’m honored to have The including Email a cover letter, biography, resume license(s) to tainty that they won’t be kicked ing if a is killed or injured Specialty is: "No Income Rep. Bobby Rush, who when she became the firstCommuAfrican VID Muriel Judyever. McClellan, group’s 500+ membership includes ARP expanded access to vaccines deeper than - areMartin, Through my Covid during a nine-minute evening To read the full story, go to Francisco andQualification employment pray that mayFor in-additional Church of of Jesus Christ Lat-a represents part of Chicago, Sunday Worship 10:00 am Programs" for to the curb and left homeless if American nhbcpastoralsearch@gmail.com on or“I before April 2,we 2020. information please see as the result a hate crimeofwith woman to be elected as Jeanie Nelson, Michaela Overretired women, women who have and testing; provided economic I urge Americans to look at nity Care Act, we also delivered speech. “We don’t have to be postnewsgroup.com initiatives in Houston and creasingly call each other dear ter-day Saints stand in unity Non - Owner SFR's, 2- 4Family Units, 5+ “pastor”. they can’t make their rent,” said Chairman sentence of up to 30 years in prison. where Till lived before he was our website nhbcoakland.org the heading No phone calls pm please. Bible Study Wednesday 7:00 of the forcommuthe As-under all, Rethia Overall, Parkerlost loved ones, cancer survivors, relief that keptalike millions outlove of vital alike or look to have what the American Rescue Plan with funding to Board support Charlotte. friends,” NelsonAnne concluded the NAACP advance Unit Apartment Buildings, The Senate passed thetobill unaniSenior Pastor Prayer Service Thursday 6:00pm and sociation ofefforts Community Colleges Shaw, Georgia Payton, Peggy poverty; prevented a catastrophic did in just a single year as a tesand women who are currently care- nity-based to hire and moMixed Use and Commercial mously, though three Republican Phyllis Scott L.C. Fuller Jr. nationwide. Payton,toSheila Walton-Richardwave of evictions andliving foreclothe transformative im- 8:30 am community outreach work- tament givers. Together they are and bilize Sunday members of the House — from • 0 DOWN VA/USDA/FHA Owner/ Broker sures; helped small businesses ers,The government canMacie have when leap year ofhealth 2024 will bring pact son, Debra Sanders, Shepcommunity workers, loving life. Georgia, Kentucky, and Texas — 580 FICOMcArthur PROGRAMS CA DRESmith, 10619 Blvd., Oakland, CA 689-9544 and•LIR schools stay afloat; made prioritizes people.Sunday I thank Presisocial specialists, a year’ssupport full of510 activities for and the it herd, Dora Smith, regularly traveland together voted against it. #01Democratic 201700 JUMBO $5the critical investments in expanmy others to increase group South vaccine Carolinaaccess being dent DianeBiden Terry,and Carolyn Tervalon, to •see andLOANS tour TO America’s his- driven “AMILLION church bywith Christ The bill’s passage by Congress NMLS#358884 sion of health careLoans/P&L coverage and for in Congress their the highest- colleagues Statement Statement Loans the mainhardest-hit educationaland destination. Fannie Toomer, TamelaforVann, tory• Bank which includes the African marks the end of hundreds of failed focused on the kingdom” reducing costs for millions. leadership andWashlook Therecommunities will also be through the 28thhighAn- steadfast Nora Walston, Jacqueline American culture, andSALE contribu- risk • PRIOR BK or SHORT attempts to pass anti-lynching legIn my district in California’s forward to continuing to work totouch, on-the-ground outreach to ington, Lagetta Wayne, Ineva tions throughout theLOW United States. • Borrowers with or NO FICO’s nual Women’s Empowerment Lunislation over more than a century. 1556 Drivefor #271 East Bay, the ARP has been transgether to deliver the American educate and8th assist individuals in Fitzgerald Sunday school 9 :00 am cheon; the Annual Mother’s Williams, Patricia Williams, and Congress failed to pass such legis“With all that is going onPermits, in politics, • Borrower s w/Work Non- Resident formative, especially its expan- Day people.” the they need Pinole, Alien OKWorship CAWright. 94564 (Not pictured: lation more than 200 times over the 10:00Gospel aminformation Brunch; Broadway Dwanna andSunday our battle with COVID, it was getting sion• of the Child TaxDEVELOPMENT’s Credit. Fam- about vaccinations. Sean Ryan is a member of Financing in NEW 510-757-3659 Mobile New York, and support a good day Bible for theStudy Ladies Wednesday to come Plays Frances Cohen, Margie Daigle, last 122 years, according to USA 7:00in pm ilies•Family in my district alone received Congresswoman Barbara Efax Lee’s Looking back on its impact, FIRSTfor TIMEself-care,” BUYERS SPECIALIST 510-200-9714 OfficeDavis, - 877-247-7009 together said Ms. to various community activities Diane Virginia Johnson, Today. A Next Level for Church Seniorshowing Pastor Prayerindividual Service Thursday 6:00pm 74,000 payments media relations office. we Ministering nowand have analyses The first piece of anti-lynching • PRIVATE and HARDisMONEY…10 “Sisterhood Self-Care.Day Closings the year.Phyllis Rosalia Lawson, Anna Mapp, www.24-7mtgloans.com Scott the Spirit of throughout Excellence aKnight. total of close to in $160 million

Latter-day Saints AC President Russell NelsonAwarded Speaks at NAACP’s Convention in Detroit SafeM.Place $180,000 Grant from Broadway Hustlers, Mob’s A PILGRIM CHURCH HAYWARD Blue Shield of California Foundation 5th Annual Family Reunion The Will Launch Faith and Domestic Violence Project

Send your church notes, stories and events to Post News Group, Email at Renowned Texas Chairwoman Barbara Lee Notes Eddie Anniversary of American Rescue Plan Congresswomanads@postnewsgroup. c om Bernice Johnson, 88 ALLEN

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Destiny Christian Fellowship Sunday

that 8:30the amARP resulted in 4 milRev. J. L. Porter, Senior Pastor/Teacher

legislation was introduced by Rep.

Destiny Christian Fellowship 3601 Cutting Blvd,

A Next Level Church Ministering Richmond, 94804 in the Spirit ofCA Excellence Rev. J. L. Porter, 510-680-5031 Senior Pastor/Teacher Sunday 10:00 am………Sunday School

Sunday 11:00 am………Morning Worship 3601 Cutting Blvd, Wednesday 6:30pm……Intercessory Prayer Richmond, CA 94804 Wednesday 7:00 pm …..Wednesday Worship Experience 510-680-5031 Wednesday 7:30 pm…...Choir Rehearsal Sunday 10:00 am………Sunday School Sunday 11:00 am………Morning Worship Wednesday 6:30pm……Intercessory Prayer Wednesday 7:00 pm …..Wednesday Worship Experience

2100-5th Ave., Oakland, CA 94606 510-452-2578

Reverend Joe L. Smith, Pastor

Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church

BibleWay Missionary Baptist Church

5717 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA 94605 510-569-7814 * 510-568-4408 fax A church that prays together, stays together.

1077 13th St., Richmond, CA 94801

Sunday School…………….…………9:30 AM Worship Service….…………….….11:00 AM Monday Bible Study………….…...5:30PM Wednesday Bible Study…………11:30AM

Send your church notes, stories and events to Post News Group, Email at ads@postnewsgroup.com Continued on on page Continued page88

CHURCH OF ALL FAITHS

Wednesday 7:30 pm…...Choir Rehearsal

Nathan P. Whittom Sr., Pastor

events to Post News Group, Email at info@ ads@ postnewsgroup.com

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so....” Psalm 107:2.

Rev. Dr Jeffrey M. Parker First Lady Princess W.Parker

Weekly Services

Order of services Sunday school 9:30 Sunday Celebration of Praise 10:30 Wednesday Night Pastoral Teaching 7 p.m -8:30 p.m.

Free Food Giveaway Every Saturday 12 noon-4 pm

Sunday: Early Morning Worship ......................8:00 a.m. Sunday School .....................................................9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship ................................ 11:00 a.m. Wednesday: Bible Study .....................................7:00 p.m. Saturday: Prayer Hour..................................... 11:00 a.m.

SEVENTH AVENUE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 1 7 4 0 7 th A V E N U E OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 94606 510-834-4273

Rev. Jeffrey Kirton, Pastor Mrs. Jamar Kirton, First Lady

Rev. C. T. Johnson, Pastor Emeritus 43 YEARS OF SERVICES

"

"

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EMAIL:seventhavenuebapchurch.com … ON THE WEB www.seventhavenuebaptistchurch.com SUNDAY SERVICES BTU AND SUNDAY SCHOOL------------------------------------------9:15 MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES----------------------------------10:45

" "

WEDNESDAY SERVICES NOON DAY PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY----------------12:00 – 1:00 P.M. BIBLE STUDY------------------------------------------------------6:30 Church Motto: “There Is Joy In Serving The Lord”

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Climate-Induced Displacement ...

Six Questions for The California Endowment ...

are doing the work to transform it.

districts that serve large numbers

work we did is funding community

fiscal crisis. All of that stems from

Over the last year, some of the best

Continued from page 2 (3) nonprofit organizations that are

groups supporting mental health in

state and local government entities,

Color is an organization we support

welcome and serve all state resi-

hools that have high numbers of

California Black Media (CBM)

In your view, what is the biggest

the school system. For example,

not private foundations, California

The Alliance for Boys and Men of

and faith-based organizations that

to ensure that funding gets to sc-

dents.

Black students.

spoke with Castle Redmond, Ma-

challenge Black Californians face?

organization’s impact, challenges

ges that are systemic and not new.

What does your organization do

the same folks who were hit hardest

naging Director of TCE about the

There are a host of challen-

and achievements over the last year.

Structural racism and inequities hit

to improve the lives of Black people

by slavery, indigenous genocide,

We fund organizations doing

segregation, redlining, and the rest.

in California?

by Jim Crow, northern and western

work within our strategic focus

The same folks are hit with struc-

areas. We Many of them work on

behalf of Black people and the

community, not exclusively, but it’s a big part of what we want to accomplish in California.

What was your greatest success

over the course of the last year?

We focus on public education.

We’re trying to transform the pub-

lic education system in California by supporting organizations that

Six Questions for The California Black Health Network ...

Continued from page 2 to disease-related fatalities and is supported by CBHN’s many

events, informational sessions, fundraisers, and training sessions. One

recurring

event

that

CBHN hosts is the online Health

Equity Forum. At the forum, various stakeholders convene to discuss the most pressing health issues affecting Black communities.

CBHN’s Health4Life series

brings together health profes-

sionals from diverse disciplines

to share information about family health history. The organization’s

#carrythevoice campaign provides

the Black community with a platform to share experiences with the healthcare system.

California Black Media spoke

with Rhonda M. Smith, Executive

Director of CA Black Health Network, about the organization’s im-

pact, achievements and challenges over the year.

What does your organization

do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

The California Black Health

tural racism now. In California,

of Black students are being hit by a structural inequities.

What was your organization’s

biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge is figu-

ring out exactly how to move from

strategy to implementation. Figuring out those levers that will have the greatest impact.

Does your organization support

or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

We support our grantees. We

don’t take the lead, but we support organizations that are pushing for reparations. One of these orga-

nizations is the California Black Freedom Fund. We are finishing up

Black people are, by far, the most

our giving of a $10 million grant to

same with incarceration and gun

How can more Californians of

affected by homelessness. It’s the

the Fund.

violence. The backlash from struc-

all backgrounds get involved in the

aftermath of COVID – the deathra-

Join local organizing efforts that

tural racism is landing on us. The

work you are doing?

tes and lockdowns — with schools

are led by and for Black people in

still reeling and trying to recover

can also give to the Black Freedom

being closed for the longest, we’re

from that. Lastly, our schools in the Network conducts outreach, education, and advocacy to achieve health equity for Black Californians through the lens of understanding critical issues that lie at the intersection of racial justice, social justice, and environmental justice. What was your greatest success over the course of the last year? Over the past year, we were recognized for our work and impact. CBHN was chosen as Nonprofit of the Year by the Sacramento Black Chamber, and as a DEI Award Honoree by the Sacramento Business Journal. In addition, we enrolled over 1,000 people in healthcare coverage and provided health education to over 2,000 Black Californians to improve health lit-

eracy and self-empowerment. In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face? I think that our health is our greatest asset. Unfortunately, Black Californians don’t all have the same opportunity, ability, and resources to live long healthy lives like other racial or ethnic groups. So, access to quality, equitable, culturally competent, and affordable healthcare is our biggest challenge.

your community or nearby. They Fund.

What was your organization’s

biggest challenge?

Like all nonprofit organiza-

tions, we’re in the business of

fundraising, and like many Black-

led organizations there’s the challenge of the philanthropy giving gap. The unrestricted net assets of

Black-led organizations are 76%

smaller than their White-led counterparts, and their average percentage of revenue was less than half. It’s a major challenge.

Does your organization sup-

port or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Yes, and we support the activi-

ties of the reparations task force and will do our part to address the

issues identified in chapter 12 re-

lated to physical and mental health. How can more Californians of

all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

They can start by becoming a

member of the Black Health Network, attend our webinars and

events, and volunteer their time, talent, and treasure in support of

the organization’s mission and work, and join the Campaign for Black Health Equity.

For more information, visit

CaBlackHealthNetwork.org.

Continued from page 2 north,” says report co-author Hossein Ayazi, a senior policy analyst at UC Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute. “So, we want to help protect the most marginalized — climate-induced displaced persons — while targeting the sources of their marginalization.” That is why the institute’s Global Justice Program recently launched an interactive database that helps both policymakers and impacted communities explore global data on climate-induced displacement. The report also offers strategies to ensure the protection of people displaced by the climate crisis, and climate resilience for them moving forward. Ayazi said the research shows that sea levels are expected to rise drastically in the coming decades, which will impact nearly 40% of the world’s population that lives in coastal areas. And over 75% of all coastal populations — 90% of the world’s poor rural coastal areas — live in the global south. Berkeley News spoke with Ayazi about what’s causing climate change displacement and what needs to happen to protect climate refugees and make their communities more resilient. Berkeley News: Your research unpacks why people in the global south are more vulnerable to being displaced from the impacts of the climate crisis. What are some of the economic dimensions of this vulnerability? Hossein Ayazi: Many countries in the global south have a relatively large percentage of their gross domestic product (GDP) derived from agriculture, forestry, and fishing — industries that are by nature more vulnerable to a changing climate. In Ethiopia, for example, agriculture comprises almost 40% of its total GDP. That sector also employs over 80% of its population. So as these countries experience climate extremes — droughts, floods, increased temperatures and so on— their economies are impacted on a deep level. A defining feature of countries in the global south is that their economies have been organized by, and to the benefit of, the global north — wealthier and powerful nations in North America and Europe. This means agricultural production that’s largely exportoriented, and not diversified, makes these countries especially inflexible and vulnerable to climate impacts. Berkeley News: What other significant economic or financial factors cause or worsen climateinduced displacement? Hossein Ayazi: Global south countries have a high external debt burden, with surcharges making things worse. In fact, global south debt payments in 2023 reached their highest level in 25 years. This high debt burden means a poor sovereign credit rating, and a lack of fiscal space to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure

Eddie Bernice Johnson ...

Continued from page 4 deceased. Born in 1935, Johnson was first elected to the Texas state Legislature in 1972 and the state Senate in 1986. While serving there, her position on the redistricting committee led to the creation of a congressional district which seat she won in 1992. She was chair of the Congressional Black Caucus from 20012003 and she retired in 2022. Johnson passed away on Dec. 31, 2023. She was 88. Because of racial segregation rampant in the 1950s, Johnson had to leave the state to receive training as a nurse at St. Mary’s College at the Indiana’s University of Notre Dame, went on to receive a Bachelor of Science and

and economies that can adequately respond to disasters. This is true at the individual and household level: When disaster strikes, it’s hard for people to manage when they are struggling financially. Protecting climate refugees and affording people the right to stay in their communities means addressing such issues. Berkeley News: While the focus of your data is on the global south, when you talk about climate displacement in this way it seems like it can happen anywhere — even in the United States. Hossein Ayazi: It certainly can. Consider Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Residential segregation and decades of disinvestment in New Orleans’ levee infrastructure meant that when the storm hit, it would be the city’s poorer Black residents who would be displaced or lose their lives. In the wildfires in Maui this year, we saw the inequalities in those communities exacerbated. Tourists had the means to reach safety and secure a place to stay, while many Native Hawaiians struggled to flee, save their homes, or recover afterward. The climate crisis is a global phenomenon, but its impacts are not evenly experienced. Berkeley News: Your research reveals that industries using extreme amounts of nonrenewable energy sources mostly come from wealthier countries in the global north. How do those industries affect the surrounding communities they inhabit? Hossein Ayazi: Globally, we have come to be dependent on extractive, exploitative industries that might provide for some, but collectively harm us all, and certainly harm the people in closest proximity to them. These industries are usually placed in marginalized communities in the global north — and in countries across the global south — and, rife with health and environmental impacts, they become mainstays of the broader economy. Berkeley News: What is an example of this locally? Hossein Ayazi: We can look to Richmond, California, and the Chevron oil refinery located there. Nearly 24% of the city’s general fund comes from the refinery, which also provides regional employment. So, the question is: How do communities and countries become less dependent on these extractive industries that harm them, and us? How are these harms — past and present — addressed? That’s the point of this work: Protecting peoples most harmed by the climate crisis, targeting the sources of the climate crisis, and building communities and economies that are just, sustainable and resilient against the climate crisis. Berkeley News: What do world leaders need to do to make this vision a reality? Hossein Ayazi: World leaders need to recognize the rights of people displaced by the climate crisis and across international borMaster of Public Administration at Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University respectively. Eventually, according to the Texas Tribune, Johnson became the first Black female chief psychiatric nurse at the Veterans Administration hospital in Dallas. Rep. Johnson vigorously worked to improve the lives of Black Americans nationwide and in the state of Texas. She was instrumental in the recent passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS and Science Act, was a proponent in fighting climate change, and built a strong rapport with the Joint Center, further exemplifying her tireless advocacy over her 30 years in Congress,” said Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Interim President and VP of Policy Jessica Fulton.

ders. They also need to act upon demands for the transformational changes needed to materialize inclusive, just, and climate-resilient communities. These demands entail ending the exploitation of land, resources and labor, and demilitarizing borders, among other key climate justice demands. Berkeley News: What type of policy does your research recommend? Hossein Ayazi: What we conceptualize as the “Right to Stay” is not only the right for climatedisplaced people to safely resettle when their lives are uprooted. It is also the right to stay in place amidst the climate crisis, and against the extractive and exploitative structures that are forcing them to move. To be able to aid the transition to climate-resilient societies and regenerative economies globally — while protecting the world’s most marginalized and exploited people and communities — a Right to Stay policy platform entails: • Legal rights for all peoples displaced by the climate crisis, within and across national borders • Climate reparations to countries in the global south, whose vulnerability to the climate crisis follows centuries of global north extractive and exploitative political and economic activity • Just transitions that democratize, decentralize, and diversify economic activity and (re)distribute resources and power Berkeley News: Why should the general public care about people displaced by climate change? Hossein Ayazi: To address the condition of climate displacement is to come at the work of climate justice from multiple angles — from worker protections to migrant rights to prison abolition to reparations for the harms of colonialism and slavery to food sovereignty, and so on. These struggles for justice and self-determination are all connected, especially under the climate crisis. It’s that work that we’re trying to hold together through this database, and through the reports and recommendations that accompany it. Our work aims to map and strengthen this global constellation of efforts by helping the public and policymakers understand the structural nature of climate displacement. Berkeley News: How do we build climate resilience in our own communities? Hossein Ayazi: It begins with organizing ourselves as renters, as students, as workers, as debtors and so on. It’s about all the ways that we can collectively determine and respond to the sources of hardship in our life, in ways that are connected to these other issues. And it must be through a hopeful message, a message that we’re going to co-create the future that we all deserve to live in. Fulton continued: “As a dear friend of the Joint Center, Rep. Johnson presented a resolution to the Joint Center for our 50th anniversary recognizing our relevancy and reaffirmed the House’s commitment to working with us. Her commitment to Black priorities, including equity in technological advancements and economic development, were inspirational and impactful. “We are beyond grateful for her commitment to public service and dedication to advancing the needs of Black communities. We mourn her loss with her family, colleagues, and former district.” Chandra Hayslett is part of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies communications team. Wikipedia, The Hill, and The Texas Tribune were sources for this report.

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THE POST, January 3 - 9, 2024, Page 7

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Officer Shot in Line of Duty, Mourned ...

Continued from page 1 marked vehicle. Dressed in plainclothes, Le was working undercover and had arrived at the scene in an unmarked car. A suspect, now identified as Mark Demetrious Sanders, fired at police, hitting Le. OPD officers did not return fire. OPD officers reportedly carried Le on their shoulders getting him to transit that brought him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead several hours later. He was 36 years old. Funeral and memorial service arrangements have not been announced. Following Le’s death, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and California Gov. Gavin Newsom had immediately ordered flags at City Hall and the State Capitol respectively be lowered to half-staff. Thao said in a statement last week that she was “deeply devastated by this heartbreaking news, and I know the entire Oakland community feels the profound impact of this loss. “In this incredibly difficult time, I am urging all Oaklanders to unite in solidarity with the OPD family and the grieving loved ones of our fallen officer. The pain runs deep, and the support we provide to one another will be crucial as we navigate the shock that has enveloped our community,” Thao said. “Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the tragic loss of one of Oakland’s finest,” Newsom said in a statement last Thursday. “On behalf of the entire state, Jennifer and I offer our deepest condolences to Officer Le’s family, colleagues, and the entire community of Oakland as

we mourn the loss of a courageous public servant.”

Continued from page 1 ily of Tuan Le. I offered my sincere condolences as they continue to grieve the tragic loss of their loved one. “I informed the family of the charges against the men accused of murdering Tuan Le, and I assured them that my office will do everything within the confines of our legal power to make sure the man accused of shooting Tuan Le will serve the rest of his life in prison. “We join law enforcement and people across the region in ex-

pressing our heartbreak and outrage over this horrific crime. My office will continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads to hold these men accountable for their outrageous behavior. “Speaking as the elected District Attorney of Alameda County, I will leverage the full weight of my office against these people who we believe ruthlessly and wantonly murdered an officer who gave his life to protect our community against those who would do harm to all of us.”

Continued from page 1 reduce pretextual stops and de-escalate police-civilian interactions, according to Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), the bill’s author. The RIPA report also made several recommendations to agencies, district attorney’s and the legislature including developing policies that require officers to notify supervisors prior to making an arrest for resisting arrest and have supervisors review any case where resisting arrest is alleged in a report; develop policies requiring district attorneys to review body-worn camera footage in any case that involves a resisting arrest allegation prior to filing charges; adopt internal policies that prohibit arrest and filing of charges against individuals if the alleged resisting stems from a disability. In a statement released Wednesday, Attorney General Rob Bonta commented on the guidance that RIPA has given to the state that has allowed for transparency and critical steps to repair the public trust. “The annual collection of the RIPA stop data is making California communities safer by directing thoughtful and reflective reform,” said Bonta. But not everyone is in agreement that the data presented by RIPA is accurate or informative. The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), an organization that represents 80,000 public safety members and over 950 associations, said the report “does not capture enough information for the Board to even satisfy California’s own legal standard for determining racial profiling.” PORAC enlisted the help of Texas State University professor

Dr. Brian Withrow to examine the data from the report which he found “inadequate in many ways.” “The best data sets are those that recognize the complexities associated with an issue and provide robust qualitative information. However, the data the RIPA Board collects and analyzes — despite the breadth of its reach — is woefully inadequate as a measure of potential racial profiling in routine operations,” Withrow said in a statement. The organization held a forum on Thursday morning to discuss the counter-report of the analysis of RIPA’s data report. At the forum, Withrow argued that the data collected made it impossible to assess racial profiling because officers were not asked about the perceived race of drivers before the stop, only after. He also pointed out that the data does not capture context of police stops and officer actions, uses inaccurate population benchmarks because demographics of an area’s driving population are different than the overall population, does not accurately attribute the cause for a search, and does not differentiate between officer-initiated contacts and calls for service. Withrow recommended that other factors such as age, gender, and context of the communities where officers are assigned should all be taken into consideration along with race. He proposed that members of the RIPA Board sit down with police officers one-onone to better understand why they might make a stop and how they proceed once they do.

partment is survived by his wife and

mother. Le is the 54th Oakland police officer killed in the line of duty.

On June 1, 1987, Officer Le was

born in Saigon Vietnam, before

later moving to Oakland and being naturalized on Sept. 11, 2001.

On Feb. 21, 2020, Officer Le

graduated from the 183rd Police Academy, beginning a journey of

public service to his community that lasted nearly four years.

For the past two years, Offi-

cer Le served as the Community Resource Officer (CRO) in West Oakland, where he devoted himself

to strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the residents of Oakland. His tireless efforts in fostering positive relationships made a lasting impact.

Officer Le was a devoted hus-

band to his wife. His passing leaves

a void in the law enforcement community, the city of Oakland, and in

the hearts of those who knew him. around him. He is a true hero who

dedicated his life to making our community safer.

Officer Le is the 54th Oakland

Police Officer killed in the line of duty serving the residents of Oakland.

Bay City News, CBS News Bay

Area, Media office of the City of Oakland contributed to this report.

mental health resources. Emery Unified has also long prioritized hiring Black teachers, which research has shown has an important impact on Black students’ success. Black teachers make up more than 30% of the school district’s educators, compared to less than 4% statewide. The school also recently shifted to a “grading for equity” system with a focus more on measuring students’ knowledge at the end of a grading period versus their in-class behavior or whether they turned homework in on time. That system motivated students and gave teachers a better idea of how students were progressing, according to Goode. Meanwhile, at the elementary school, principal Samantha Burke credits improvement in her students’ English scores partly to a unique approach that aims to hone students’ writing skills even before they can read. In kindergarten, she told Cal Matters, students learn to “write” stories by drawing pictures, eventually adding works and short sentences to the mix to develop their skills as storytellers. In higher grades, students are practicing a range of writing styles, including opinion pieces, fictional narratives, and expository writing. Elementary English proficiency scores increased by 5% from 2022 to 2023.

Chamber of Commerce President Tran ...

Continued from page 1 rebuilding the Oakland Police Department as a revered institution of public service. The prevalence of unsolved property and violent crimes reflects a lack of resources and political commitment. The swift arrests in this murder case demonstrate the police force’s capacity to investigate and charge suspects when they are fully engaged. This effort begins with appointing a new police chief in Oakland and increasing the number of OPD officers to match the national average of 2.4 officers per 1,000 residents.

On Dec. 21, 2023, angels peacefully carried Eddie Rudolph Dillard away as he was awakened to eternal life from his home in Sacramento, California, after a fearless battle against complications of several medical issues. Eddie was 76 years old. Born Sept. 27, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Ben Smith and Annie Lee Holmes-Dillard, Eddie’s journey was one of courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. After honorably serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, he channeled his leadership into academics, earning an A.A. from Oakland’s Merritt College before becoming one of only four Black students to graduate from the University of California, at Berkeley, in 1977 with a B.A. in Economics. Eddie’s passion for giving small, minority-owned businesses an opportunity to do it big was kindled in 1980 as the Northern California delegate for the first ever White House Conference on Small Business Development under then President Jimmy Carter in Wash., D.C. His pivotal role in the City of Oakland’s Office of Economic Development laid the groundwork for minority businesses to flourish. As the meticulous steward of the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development’s $25 million loan program for 15 years, he helped shape Oakland’s economic landscape into one of opportunity and growth. Eddie cemented his legacy and

love for all things Oakland in 1997 when he established the Oakland Black Board of Trade and Commerce, where, as president and CEO, he transformed the prospects of local Black contractors, aiding them in securing over $100 million in contracts. His efforts however were not confined to the boardroom; Eddie’s voice resonated in the corridors of power, influencing policy and local elections to reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities he championed. Eddie wrote over 100 articles on politics, small business development, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 2020, he moved to Sacramento and gave his grandchildren everything he had. His love for his family was boundless and there is no doubt he will continue to watch over them as the years pass. Eddie’s passing calls for not just local or state recognition, but a national acknowledgment of his contributions. It is fitting for proclamations and commendations to honor a life so well-lived, one that has laid the foundation for future generations to continue the fight for economic equity and representation in the construction industry. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers; Bertha, Ada, Floyd, Elijah “Slim,” William “Chi,” Doug, Roger, and Nathaniel. He is survived by his sister Lillie Yancey; daughter Frances Bost in Germany; sons Kevien, Jason (Damia), and Jesse (Stephanie) Dillard; eight grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Please join us on Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. at Oakstop Event Hall, 2323 Broadway in Oakland, to celebrate this beautiful life. Please come and share your stories of this incredible father, brother, business consultant and friend.

The four-year veteran of the de-

Emeryville School District ...

Continued from page 1 dents’ English and math proficiency scores were about 45% and 35% for English and math respectively in 2023, down slightly for both from 2022 – but the trend upward is an encouraging sign that Emery Unified’s targeted efforts are working. Chronic absenteeism among Black students also dropped 8.4% from 2022 to 2023 far more than the state average. “I see these pockets of hope, these glimmers of possibility, and think, how can we replicate this?” Tyrone Howard, a professor of education at UCLA, told Cal Matters about Emery. “Emery Unified is on my radar, and it’s important to find out what’s happening there.” Black students’ have long lagged behind other groups academically, Howard continued, because they are more likely to attend schools with less experienced teachers and are more likely to be homeless, in foster care or living in poverty — all factors that can hinder academic performance. Howard, added: racism in the form of “low expectations and a lack of resources for Black students plays just as much a factor as anything else.” So, what is Emeryville doing differently? Jessica Goode, the principal at Emery High School, says the school has paid teachers extra to tutor students after school. Additionally, the school has also started taking students on college tours around the state, expanded its skilled trades program, and increased its student

Eddie R. Dillard, 76

Currently, Oakland has 1.6

officers

per

1,000

residents,

compared to San Francisco’s 2.7

(Oakland Report, 2024). Recruiting successive classes of officers over the next two years is crucial

to addressing the public safety concerns of Oakland and East Bay residents.

Dr. Jennifer Tran is the presi-

dent of the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, Cal State University, East Bay professor of

Ethnic Studies and candidate for

California Congressional District 12.

Provided by the family

Charges Against Three Men ...

Race and Identity Profiling Advisory Board ...

Photos courtesy Pastor Jeremiah Captain.

Illegal Dumping Plagues Glad Tidings Community Church

By Post Staff

For more than two years, Glad Tidings Community Church Pastor Jeremiah Captain has been fighting a losing battle with illegal dumping. As soon as Captain and church members clean up one illegal dump in front of the church at 18th avenue and E. 12th street, another follows almost daily. Pastor Jeremiah Captain. He believes that individupaint and other toxic wastes. He als and businesses charged with has had to repair four broken winclean-up see the illegal dump on dows costing $300 each in the past the property and, instead of taking few months. the trip to the junkyard, just follow There have also been breaksuit and leave all manner of things on his doorstep: clothing, shoes, ins, some averted and one where trash, used needles and condoms, their drum set had been stolen mattresses, a refrigerator, paint, but recovered a few blocks away. Despite repeatedly reporting the and other toxic fluids. Captain says the problem has issue to Oak311 for clean-up and become so pervasive that it dis- appealing to Oakland City Councourages members of the small cilmember Nikki Fortunato-Bas, congregation from attending Sun- there has been no response so far. Captain says his next step is to day service and impedes his abilseek funding for motion detector ity to conduct his business as an insurance agent which is also lo- lighting, security cameras and cated at that address. Besides the ground-level signage making it dumping, Captain has had to con- obvious that the site is a church. tend with vandalism to the build- For more information, please call ing exterior, including splashed the church at 510-532-5743.

Fate of Geoffrey’s Inner Circle ...

Continued from page 1 would construct a 40-story residential tower with 381 dwelling units, of which 10% (38 units) might be affordable for low-income Oakland residents. At stake for many people in Oakland, who spoke with the Post about what this vote could mean for the city’s future, is whether the culture and heritage of Oakland’s Black community will be honored and maintained and whether Pete’s club will be allowed to flourish in an economic environment that is hostile to small business and in which everything is subservient to gentrification and the interests of corporate market-rate real estate interests. Many point to the policies and decisions that have led to the dramatic decline of the African American population in Oakland, which has decreased from 47% in the 1980s to 22% currently. City efforts to privilege the desires of wealthy developers over the needs of the Black community have been a major contributing factor this decline. The conflict over Geoffrey’s and the Black Arts district reached the Oakland City Council Dec. 19 after working its way through the city’s planning process for several years. According to backers of Geoffrey’s and the Black Arts Movement

district, there were many flaws in the process that led to the planning commission’s approval of Tidewater’s proposal. • Planning commissioners acknowledged publicly that they were unaware that the Black Arts Movement and Business District even existed when they were conducting their hearings. • •. The commission ignored the fact that Geoffrey’s was entitled to critical protections as a recognized historic resource. • The commission ignored the fact that Tidewater had not sought permits or permission to alter Pete’s building, although such alterations are an integral part of Tidewater’s proposal. • Ignoring mandatory deadlines, the commission also failed to provide, in a timely manner, relevant Public Records Act information requested by Geoffrey’s. Further, the planning department staff has refused to meet with Pete throughout the appeal process, nor did the city utilize its own Department of Race and Equity to examine the equity implications of this matter.

Continued from page 1 attendees on game strategy, safety and conditioning. “We covered proper warmup routines, speed, agility, and defense, infield as well as outfield,” said Kyriakou. “We also held an in-depth hitting talk. Overall, we wanted guests to glean knowledge on the game.” Kyriacou, along with his colleagues Nick Adgar and Andre Nnebe, said they wanted to give back to the community. “We all play professional baseball and wanted to contribute to the community,” he said. MLB players at the camp included Fremont native Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians; Oakley native Kyren Paris of the L.A. Angels; Alameda native Bryan Woo of the Seattle Mariners; and Oakland native Tyson Ross who has been a member of the MLB for over 10 years. An additional 20 players and coaches from the Bay Area with professional or college baseball experience mentored over 60 youth at

the clinic. “Clinic with the Pros 2023 was a success and I’d like to give a shoutout to Oakland and the 60 plus kids who came to get knowledge from some of the best in the game,” said Paris. The clinic also served as a toy drive. “We partnered with the Oakland Unified School District during our baseball clinic,” said Kyriakou, adding that toys collected were presented to children attending local elementary schools. “The turnout was amazing, and we packed over 100 toys for drop off. We have also partnered with Oaklandish, the Oakland Roots, and Oakland Ballers to distribute merchandise to some of the attendees in addition to sponsorships from baseball brands such as New Balance, Loyal to my Soil, Birdman Bats, and more.” For more information on future clinics, contact David Kyriacou at kyriacoudave@gmail.com or (510) 909-7915

Clinic With the Pros ...