Oakland Post
Special to the Post
The Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC), the Construction Resource Center (CRC), the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC), and the East Bay Rental Housing Association (EBRHA) and other businesses leaders have come together to collectively develop a set of initial recommendations aimed at helping the City of Oakland move from acknowledging disparities to actively addressing them.
This is not just another round of advocacy. This is a coordinated effort grounded in real experience, businesses bidding work, contractors building
projects, developers navigating housing challenges, and organizations working every day to prepare local firms to compete.
Each organization brings a different lens. OAACC represents Blackowned and local businesses across industries. CRC brings expertise in contractor development and capacitybuilding. NAMC NorCal represents contractors working to access and grow within public and private markets. EBRHA brings critical insight into housing, development, and how economic access ties directly into stability for Oakland residents.
The message is straightforward: Oakland does not need more discussion. It needs implementation.
The disparity study provided a detailed, data-driven picture of how public contracting dollars are currently distributed, and where gaps persist. What it shows is that while local, small, and minority-owned businesses are present and capable, their participation does not yet reflect their availability within the marketplace.
That imbalance carries real consequences. It limits business growth,
By The Rev. William J. Barber
Roland Martin, host of the daily online show “Unfiltered,” this week shared a speech presented by prominent leader Bishop William J. Barber II at the Southern Regional Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha in North Carolina. An excerpt of that speech is shared below.
By Dr. Maritony Jones
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we honor women whose leadership is transforming communities.
In Oakland, one such leader is Tonya Marie Amos—a dancer, entrepreneur, and visionary using
arts and wellness to drive social change.
Amos began her journey in 2006 with Aspire Pilates Center in Concord at a time when wellness spaces were largely inaccessible to many communities. After a
By Post Staff
Mayor Barbara Lee and other Oakland, state, and national leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), are standing in solidarity with organizer Dolores Huerta and other women who have come forward alleging they were sexually abused or assaulted by the late civil rights leader César Chávez.
Adding weight to widespread concern about the recent allegations, the United Farm Workers (UFW), the labor union founded by Chávez and co-founded by Huerta, announced it did not celebrate this year’s annual César Chávez Day on March 31 and encouraged organizing groups to not hold events recognizing his contributions.
According to the UFW, there were “disturbing allegations involve inappropriate behavior by César Chávez with young women and minors.”
Mayor Lee said she is “unequivocally” with Huerta and the others who’ve accused Chávez.
“Their courage in speaking out
must be met not only with words but with action, accountability, and an unflinching devotion to justice and dignity,” she wrote.
“No one person is above accountability.”
Oakland City Councilmember Noel Gallo said, “It’s heartbreaking. For me, (Chávez is) someone I’ve honored, respected, and followed.”
“Growing up here in East Oakland,” and following Chávez’s model, Gallo said, “motivated many of us to not only speak out on behalf of our communities but to do the work…advocating for the humanity of not just farmworkers but those of us in the neighborhood.”
After the accusations surfaced, State Senator Jesse Arreguín, who represents Oakland and Berkeley, said he supports survivors, including Huerta, whom he called a “long-time friend.”
By Post Staff
California Attorney General
I’ve been battling a disease for 47 years. And I remember the day that the doctors told me it was over. I had to make up my mind: would I believe them, or would I believe God? And my own commitment?
We can’t be playing checkers while they’re playing chess. There is a Third Deconstruction going on, and we must decide that we will have a Third Reconstruction.
Rob Bonta is leading a coalition of 23 attorneys general opposing a Trump administration proposal that could reshape how federal funding recipients handle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
In a comment letter filed March 27, Bonta and his counterparts argue that a proposed rule by the General Services Administration (GSA) would impose new and unnecessary requirements on organizations seeking federal funds, while discourag-
ery of petroleum to Cuba, which has curtailed the production of electricity and dramatically impacted hospitals, public health, and the quality of daily life.
By Post Staff
on KPFA Radio 94.1.
An activist who does Cuba solidarity work, Marcus discussed the ongoing U.S. blockade on the deliv-
A resident of Columbus, Ohio, Marcus was interviewed by the hosts of the show, “Education Today,” Kitty Kelly Epstein and Jaron
In a historic ruling this week, a federal judge denied much of former President Donald Trump’s motion to dismiss lawsuits against him for the violent mob attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
By Post Staff
The Port of Oakland is receiving a Gold Award from the organization Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) on April 22 for participation in the 2025 Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Season.
“As the son and grandson of farmworkers, the labor movement has always lived in my bones and in many working families,” he said. “The labor movement is By
“I am gratified with this landmark decision, which serves as a reminder to the American people that no one is above the law. Jan. 6, 2021, is a day that is seared in my memory and the memories of so many in this
The ruling by Judge Amit Mehta allows Lee, et al. v. Trump, et al., to proceed toward trial because the Supreme Court decision to exempt him from criminal liability does not apply in this case.
The Port joined the program last year as one of its ambassadors to help protect migrating whales and coastal air quality. The ambassadors work with participating shipping lines to encourage greater industry participation in voluntary efforts to reduce fatal strike risk to endangered whales, air and underwater noise pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Participating shipping companies’ fleets travel at 10 knots (11.5 mph) or less in the VSR zones from May to December, which coincides with peak ozone and endangered whale presence.
Traveling at decreased speeds significantly reduces whale and environmental impacts.
“The Port of Oakland is pleased to be recognized with a Blue Whales Blue Skies Gold Award,” said Port of Oakland Environmental Director Colleen Liang.
“Participating as an ambassador is another example of our commitment to improving air
BWBS is a voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) verification and recognition program, formed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Sanctuaries, Bay Area Air District and California coastal county-based air pollution control districts.
Post Staff
Dolores Huerta. Courtesy of LAist.
NAMC NorCal President Mario Wagner. Photo by Josh Egel.
The Rev. William J. Barber. File photo.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General.
Tonya Marie Amos, left, founder of Aspire Pilates Center in Oakland, and Wren Amos, right, project manager of Grown Women Dance Collective, work together in wellness for women. Photo by Jonathan ‘Fitness’ Jones.
The Port of Oakland. File photo.
Alma Levant Hayden: The Scientist Who Protected Public Health ... see page 4 ‘It’s Bigger Than One Person’: Black Caucus Members Support Bill Renaming César Chávez Day to Farmworkers Day ... see page 6
Asm. McKinnor
Introduces New Plan to Protect Renters, Bring Down Housing Costs
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) unveil-
ed a three-bill legislative package last week aimed at reducing housing costs, protecting renters from financial exploitation, and ensuring safe living conditions across California.
The package, which includes Assembly Bill (AB) 1963, AB 2350, and AB 2616, addresses high rental application fees, predatory “Rent Now, Pay Later” lending schemes, and extreme indoor heat in residential units.
“California renters are being squeezed at every turn, from
application fees to predatory lending to unsafe living conditions,” McKinnor said on March 24. “This legislative package is about putting money back in renters’ pockets and ensuring that every Californian has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.”
AB 1963 seeks to lower upfront rental costs by requiring landlords to accept reusable Portable Tenant Screening Reports, capping screening fees, and mandating disclosure of all application requirements. Reports can be reused for up to 45 days, helping renters avoid repeated fees when applying for multiple units.
AB 2350 targets high-
interest, short-term rent-based lending products that can trap tenants in cycles of debt. The bill bans these predatory services, holds landlords and lenders accountable, and empowers state regulators and renters to enforce protections. Nearly 79% of extremely low-income renters face severe cost burdens, making this measure a critical step toward financial stability.
AB 2616 establishes statewide standards for safe indoor temperatures, requiring units to remain below 82 degrees during extreme heat. The bill prohibits landlords from passing the cost of cooling upgrades onto tenants, allows renters to install their own cooling devices, and sets compliance timelines starting in 2028. The measure aims to protect vulnerable communities from heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
Together, these bills represent a comprehensive approach to housing affordability by addressing costs, financial exploitation, and basic living conditions. They are part of Democratic efforts to tackle California’s escalating housing crisis.
The Assembly is expected to consider the measures this spring.
McKinnor said the legislation is intended to give renters a fairer shot at housing and ensure their homes are safe. She emphasized that the package is about more than rent. It is designed to protect residents, reduce unnecessary costs, and make housing more secure for all Californians.
OPINION: War as Cover, Deportation as Policy, and Pain as Metaphor
By Emil Amok Guillermo
It was American “People Power”— big enough to rattle the chandeliers of power.
I’ll get to the “No Kings” rallies in a minute.
I wasn’t there.
I was doubled over in pain.
But first, let’s talk about something even more painful—because if you’re Black in America, or part of any community that’s been targeted, surveilled, or made disposable, you already know how this story sounds.
Imagine this:
You get deported.
Not back to where you came from.
But somewhere else.
Anywhere else.
Dropped into a country you’ve never known.
No roots. No ties. No warning.
For me, an Asian American Filipino, that nightmare could mean Africa.
For Black immigrants? Haiti. Sudan. Anywhere the U.S. decides is “not here.”
That’s not dystopian fiction.
That’s policy.
A Trump administration approach that treats geography like a dartboard and human beings like
excess inventory.
And honestly? With Trump stumbling us into what feels like World War 2½, who’s paying attention?
That’s the trick.
WAR AS COVER
War used to mean something.
Now it’s branding.
“Excursion.”
“Military operation.”
“Strategic vibes.”
But four weeks in, let’s be clear: there was no imminent threat.
That makes this a war of choice—illegal.
Congress? Ignored.
The Constitution? Treated like a suggestion box.
And Republicans? Still clapping like it’s halftime at a Mar-aLago pep rally.
This is how democracies slide.
Not always with tanks in the street.
Sometimes with a shrug.
Sometimes with applause.
And always with distraction.
Because the war isn’t just policy.
It’s camouflage.
While you’re watching missiles, you miss the machinery.
Like this:
According to The New York
Times, the U.S. has been cutting quiet deals to deport migrants— not to their home countries—but to third countries.
Like Cameroon.
Yes, Cameroon. Here’s the scam:
You can’t legally deport asylum seekers back to danger.
So instead?
You send them somewhere else entirely.
Problem solved.
Law dodged.
The U.S. leaned on Cameroon’s longtime strongman, Paul Biya— a 93-year-old ruler who’s been in power for over four decades. The kind of “forever leader” Trump doesn’t criticize—he studies.
The deal?
We look the other way on your elections.
Oh—and we’ll hold back $30 million in refugee aid until you say yes.
That’s not diplomacy.
That’s a shakedown.
When you move human beings like cargo to countries they’ve never known, that’s not immigration policy.
That’s trafficking with paperwork.
Cameroon isn’t the only stop.
According to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the U.S. has made similar arrangements with at least 25 countries.
Black folks know what it means when systems decide where bodies belong.
From the Middle Passage to mass incarceration, the throughline has always been control. Different century.
Same instinct.
Happening under the noise of war.
NO KINGS DAY—THE NEWS HE CAN’T IGNORE Last weekend’s rallies were
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Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood). Courtesy of Asm McKinnor Facebook page.
Public Notices, Classifieds & Business
‘It’s Bigger
Than One Person’: Black Caucus Members Support
Bill Renaming César Chávez Day to Farmworkers Day
By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Last week, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), through their voices and votes, supported Assembly Bill (AB) 2156, which proposed renaming César Chávez Day to Farmworkers Day.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on March 26, allowing it to take effect immediately before the March 31 observance.
Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), a member of CLBC, says pivoting from honoring a single figure to celebrating the broader labor movement recognizes the dignity and contributions of tens of thousands of agricultural workers.
“My remarks are specific in making sure that, one, we acknowledge the work of the farm workers has done here in the state of California because they need to be recognized,” Gipson told California Black Media. “It gives me great pride to respect and stand with farm workers not only here in California, but all across the United States of America, because they are responsible for putting food on our tables.”
The advocacy for the measure was part of a bipartisan, unanimous, and speedy legislative re-
sponse following allegations of sexual abuse against United Farm Workers co-founder Chávez. The claims, which surfaced publicly in recent weeks, also referenced that Chávez assaulted Dolores Huerta, the union’s co-founder and longtime civil rights advocate.
The bill, authored by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (DSalinas), recognizes the collective farmworker labor movement rather than a single individual, following a detailed investigation of Chávez by The New York Times.
“These allegations are devastating — for survivors, for women whose voices have long been diminished, and for advocates who have dedicated their lives to building movements larger than themselves,” wrote Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), a member of the CLBC.
Newsom had initially expressed openness to the name change on March 18 but had not committed to the action. His support became apparent after talking to reporters at the State Capitol on March 24 as the state legislature moved rapidly to pass the bill.
The bill passed the Assembly with a 70-0 vote and the Senate with a 37-0 vote, indicating widespread bipartisan support in both houses, including all 12 members
of the CLBC in both houses.
Gipson notes that he has ties to the Latino community, particularly through one of his grandchildren. He frequently honors the large communities of Mexican ancestry within his 65th Assembly District, which includes areas like Wilmington and Carson.
“It’s bigger than one person. It was a movement,” Gipson said.
“Not only was it a cultural movement, but it was a movement that represented California as well, for being the biggest agricultural state in the country as well. It deserves to have a day such as March 31 as Farmworkers Day.”
César Chávez Day, celebrated on the labor leader’s birthday, was officially proclaimed a U.S. federal commemorative holiday by U.S. President Barack Obama in 2014.
Sen. Suzette Valadares (RSanta Clarita), along with other Republican lawmakers, moved to make this change official, arguing for a focus on the “collective strength” of the agricultural workforce.
“As the daughter and granddaughter of farmworkers, this is deeply personal. The legacy of farmworkers belongs to families like mine across California—not to any one individual,” said Valladares, co-chair of the California Legislative Hispanic Caucus.
Alma Levant Hayden ...
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ed patients from being misled. Her work also reinforced the importance of scientific evidence in medicine. At a time when misinformation could easily spread, Hayden stood as a voice of reason backed by data and research.
Beyond this high-profile case,
Deportation as Policy ...
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enormous. More than 3,000 protests. An estimated 9 million people. That’s a coalition. Trump’s response?
she contributed to many other investigations at the FDA. She worked on analyzing antibiotics and other pharmaceutical products, ensuring that medications met strict safety standards. Her work helped build trust in the regulatory systems that protect consumers today.
Hayden’s career is especially inspiring because of the barriers she overcame. As an African American woman in the mid-20th century, she faced both racial and gen-
Hide at Mar-a-Lago. But those crowds? They’re what the polls already say.
Negative 18. Negative 26. Those aren’t approval ratings. They are distress signals.
der discrimination. Despite these challenges, she rose to become a respected scientist whose work influenced national health policy. She did not seek fame, but her impact was undeniable.
Hayden passed away on Aug. 2, 1967, at the young age of 40. Though her life was short, her contributions were lasting. Every time we trust that a medication has been tested and verified, we benefit from the kind of work she championed.
Trump is betting chaos will numb us—but history shows when pain gets real, people move—and kings fall.
About the Author Emil Guillermo is an awardwinning veteran journalist, commentator, and comic monologist. Subscribe to his YouTube. com/@emilamok1 Or contact at www.amok.com
2025–26 Season
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Feel the joy, spirit, and sheer power of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in its first Berkeley appearances under new artistic director Alicia Graf Mack. Four vibrant programs bring together beloved classics like Revelations, works by Ailey dancers past and present, and bold new creations—continuing a legacy of dance that moves, uplifts, and inspires!
Apr 7–12
ZELLERBACH HALL, BERKELEY
Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), left, and Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), right, on the California State Senate chamber floor on March 24, 2026. On March 26, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus voted to approve the renaming of César Chávez Day to Farmworkers Day. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Oakland’s Next Steps to Implement Equity ...
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reduces job creation for Oakland residents, and allows public dollars to leave the local economy instead of strengthening it.
Addressing that imbalance will take more than acknowledgment. It will require intentional action, sustained focus, and alignment between policy and practice. The coalition’s recommendations focus on practical steps, which include:
● Enforcing prompt payment so small businesses are not forced to finance public projects
● Reforming waiver practices that have historically reduced local participation
● Ensuring that cooperative purchasing does not bypass Oakland businesses
● Creating real, consistent access points for local firms to compete
These are not new ideas. They are solutions that have been discussed before. What matters is whether they are applied consistently and with accountability.
Moreover, if the City expects trust from the business community, transparency must be part of the system, not an afterthought.
Local businesses need visibility into how decisions are made. That includes knowing who is being awarded contracts; when and why waivers are granted; how participation is being tracked across departments, and what opportunities are coming and when.
Transparency is not about criticism. It is about clarity. It allows progress to be measured and ensures that policy is translating into practice. Without it, even well-intentioned efforts can fall short.
The Disparity Study laid out the scope of the challenge, and with that comes a clear signal: closing the gap will require a level of investment that matches it. For years, local and small businesses have been expected to compete in a system that has not fully invested in their ability to scale, navigate, and succeed within public contracting.
To change outcomes, the approach must change as well. That means:
● Funding technical assistance programs that help businesses bid and manage work
● Supporting access to bonding, insurance, and capital
● Investing in mentorship and backoffice infrastructure
● Establishing a centralized business support hub where firms can access resources and grow
This is about creating capacity because participation does not increase by expectation alone. It increases when businesses are equipped to compete.
The necessary changes will serve Oakland residents who want access to real careers. It is about young people who need pathways into industries like construction, engineering, architecture, and professional services. It is about aligning workforce programs with actual project pipelines, so opportunity is not theoretical, it is tangible.
It is also about displaced residents and businesses.
If Oakland is serious about equity, then bringing people back into the economic life of the city must be part of the strategy. Public investment should create pathways for return, not reinforce patterns of exclusion.
The small, local business program should function as more than a requirement. It should be a gateway that helps build the next generation of local businesses and professionals across multiple sectors, including retail, development, and professional services.
This is a collaborative effort. It’s not about creating conflict with City leadership. It is about creating alignment.
Cathy Adams of OAACC has emphasized that economic equity requires intentional investment and follow-through, not just policy commitments.
Len Turner of CRC continues to stress that without real capacity-building, participation will always fall short of what is possible.
Mario Wagner of NAMC NorCal said, “We are ready to partner. We are ready to bring solutions. But the level of investment and accountability must match the level of commitment.”
Derek Barnes of East Bay Rental Housing Association, said, “Oakland has the opportunity to attract talent, grow local businesses, and deliver real housing solutions — but it requires partnership, investment, and accountability to make it happen.”
The next phase will be about timelines for implementation; clear accountability for departments; public reporting on outcomes; and measurable increases in local participation
Atty Gen. Bonta Leads Multi-State Pushback ...
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ing lawful DEI-related efforts.
“This proposal is another attempt by the Trump administration to advance its agenda against diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Bonta.
“GSA wants to scare grant recipients into halting lawful programs that protect Americans from discrimination and unfair roadblocks. We will not stand by as GSA oversteps its authority and imposes unnecessary burdens on funding applicants. We will fight to protect policies and practices that help foster diverse and prosperous communities for all Americans.”
The proposal stems from a Jan. 27 notice issued by the GSA to amend its Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications — a set of requirements that all applicants must accept to access federal funds through SAM.gov. Registration in SAM.gov is mandatory for organizations seeking federal grants or contracts.
Under the proposed changes, applicants would be required to certify compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” along with related guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Justice. The order and guidance direct federal funding recipients away from implementing programs that promote DEI.
Bonta and the coalition are urging the GSA to withdraw the
Women’s History Month Spotlight ... January 6th Civil Case ...
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15-year professional dance career and a life-changing injury, she experienced firsthand the healing power of movement—and recognized the urgent need to make it accessible to all.
In 2009, she expanded her mission by founding the Grown Women Dance Collective, blending performing arts, wellness, and social justice to uplift underserved communities. Her work has since earned numerous honors, yet her focus remains clear: impact over recognition.
A Model Rooted in Giving Back.
After relocating to West Oakland in 2023, Amos redefined her business model—100% of proceeds from Aspire Pilates Center now fund nonprofit programs. These initiatives provide scholarships to over 280 students across 12 countries, train Black and Brown wellness leaders, and deliver community-based healing programs.
“This isn’t charity—it’s reinvestment,” Amos says. “Every dollar goes back into the community.”
Healing, Empowerment & Economic Change
At the core of her work is a powerful belief: movement changes lives.
Students who enter her programs often experience not only physical healing, but renewed confidence, purpose, and opportunity.
Amos also reframes wellness
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larger than any one individual — it is a collective struggle rooted in human dignity and hard work.”
Oakland City Administrator Jestin Johnson said in a statement to Oaklandside, the time would “remain a space to honor the courage, integrity, and lasting contributions of civil rights leaders — past and present — while reaffirming our shared commitment to protect workers, advance equity and inclusion, confront sexual violence, fight for justice, and uplift those whose voices have been marginalized or silenced.”
as a social justice issue. Chronic pain—especially back pain— disproportionately impacts marginalized communities and is a leading cause of job loss. By training individuals as wellness professionals, her programs create pathways to income, stability, and generational change.
“It’s a ripple effect,” she explains. “You heal one person— they uplift a family. That family strengthens a community.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy
Through global scholarships and training, the Collective is helping break cycles of intergenerational poverty—supporting maternal health, empowering youth, and keeping elders active and connected.
Now firmly rooted in Oakland, Amos is building a legacy grounded in equity, culture, and care.
“There can be no revolution if people are in pain—and no revolution without artists,” she says. Why It Matters
During Women’s History Month, Amos’ work reminded us that women-led, purpose-driven leadership can reshape systems and restore communities.
Her advice to the next generation: Stay focused. Stay consistent. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision—and never give up.
Aspire Pilates Center is located at 494 Ninth St. in Oakland. To support call 925-680-4400 or learn more, visit: https://www. grownwomendance.org
I believed that exposing the truth would hurt the farmworker movement, I have spent my entire life fighting for.”
“I have encouraged people to always use their voice,” she continued. “Following the New York Times’ multi-year investigation into sexual misconduct by César Chávez, I can no longer stay silent and must share my own experiences.”
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country,” said Mayor Barbara Lee, a former member of Congress and the named plaintiff.
“This unprecedented, violent attack on our country, incited by Donald Trump, threatened the bedrock of our democracy – the peaceful transfer of power,” Mayor Lee said. “I am deeply grateful to the Capitol Police Officers who fought to save our democracy, and I am honored to stand with the NAACP and alongside my co-plaintiffs,”
“I joined this case while serving in Congress, and I remained the lead plaintiff because, regardless of my role or capacity, I will always fight for our democracy. It is my life’s work to ensure that every day, people are included in the democratic process,” she continued. “The residents of Oakland care about safeguarding our democracy and holding accountable those who break the law. It is up to all of us to make sure our democracy continues to thrive.”
Epstein.
proposal, arguing that it violates multiple federal laws and constitutional provisions.
According to the letter, the rule would create “unnecessary and duplicative certification requirements” in violation of the Paperwork Reduction Act, placing undue burdens on applicants without sufficient justification.
The attorneys general also contend that the proposal violates the Administrative Procedure Act by exceeding the agency’s authority and failing to follow proper rulemaking procedures, including adequate public notice and comment.
Additionally, the coalition argues the proposal may violate the Constitution’s Spending Clause by imposing conditions that are unclear and coercive.
The attorneys general further warn that the proposal could have a chilling effect, discouraging organizations from engaging in lawful activities tied to immigration and DEI programs out of fear of losing federal funding.
Bonta co-led the effort with New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Attorneys general from 21 other states and jurisdictions joined the letter, including Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation in March 2026 to rename the state’s March 31 César Chávez Day to “Farmworkers Day.” The change aims to honor the farmworker movement rather than one individual, with other areas, including El Paso, considering similar actions.
Huerta, who has been prominent an organizer for her work in the UFW and as an activist for many decades, publicly stated that Chávez sexually assaulted her, resulting in two pregnancies. She said she hid the pregnancies and gave the children to families who raised them before she later developed relationships with them.
In a statement published online, Huerta said, “I am nearly 96 years old, and for the last 60 years have kept a secret because
The survivors also received support from the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFLCIO), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.).
The AFL-CIO stated it will “not participate or endorse any upcoming activities for César Chávez Day,” and that it supports a full investigation into the allegations against him.
Chávez’s family told the New Times this week they were “not in a position to judge” the claims, but added, “We honor the voices of those who feel unheard and who report sexual misconduct. These allegations are deeply painful to our family.”
LAist, State Watch and Oaklandside are sources for this report.
Port of Oakland Recognized ...
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quality for our local community and the livelihood of marine ecosystems,” Liang continued. “We encourage all our shipping partners to join the program and want to express our gratitude on their efforts in making positive impacts towards a more sustainable maritime industry.”
As an ambassador, the Port of Oakland helps raise awareness of the program and encourages full participation from all shipping lines calling the Port Carriers CMA CGM, MSC, Evergreen, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai, Maersk, ONE, Wan Hai, and Yang Ming — which represents 82% of all vessel calls to the Port of Oakland last year — to participate in the program.
“Blue Whales and Blue Skies is proud to recognize the Port of Oakland as a Gold Ambassador for the 2025 Season,” said Becca Tucker, BWBS director of Corporate Engagement. “This recognition reflects the high percentage of calls to the port by shipping lines that voluntarily transit at whalesafer speeds to protect endangered and threatened whales and air quality during the Vessel Speed Reduction Season.”
“The Port’s role as an ambassador is critical to how BWBS celebrates industry leadership and broadens awareness on responsible shipping practices,” she said.
The Port of Oakland will receive the award at a ceremony on Earth Day, April 22, in Jack London Square.
“We’re pleased that the federal court in Washington, D.C., rejected President Trump’s attempt to evade accountability for his conduct leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol,” said Joe Sellers of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, co-counsel for the current and former members of Congress.
“For the first time in our nation’s history, a court has determined— based on the evidentiary record— that a president may be held personally liable for harms caused while in office,” said Sellers.
“The Court also reaffirmed its decision that President Trump’s remarks at the rally on Jan. 6 were that of a candidate, not entitled to protection by the First Amendment. If the district court’s rulings are upheld, President Trump will have to appear at a civil trial in federal court in Washington, D.C., to defend against claims that he violated federal civil rights laws in his actions before and during the Jan. 6 rally,” he said.
Cubans are Resilient ...
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“Cuba and the government have had to ration the oil because of the increase of the blockade that has been going on for over six decades,” said Marcus.
“At this point, most of Cuba has been going through rolling blackouts for over a year at certain times, generally down to three or four hours. However, there were major blackouts when the whole grid just collapsed, and that happened on one of the nights we were there. It was pitch black. There were no streetlights or anything. But the people in Cuba adapted and adjusted,” he said.
Of course, the shortages are critical for people in hospitals, he continued. “When the grid goes out, there’s a whole bunch of emergency steps that people need to take to help those who need electricity to stay alive.”
But the Cubans are inspiring. “Some people went out and played dominos with candles, used flashlights and a boombox for dancing. Thet are resilient, very creative.”
He said students in Cuban universities are also handling adversity.
“They actually have a say in how the university is run. In Cuba, student government is a legitimate authority in the university system,” said Marcus.
“One of the things the students did was decide to have remote professors go out into communities, doing public lectures, so that people who can’t work (because of the blockade) can do to town halltype meetings to engage in higher education completely free,” he said.
“This is just a way students came up with something to help the Cuban population try and get through these harder times,” Marcus said.
With more limited access to
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In this moment, this nation is sick. But we’ve got to decide whether we’re going to believe them or whether we’re going to believe God. Whether we’re going to believe our ancestors.
(We have) power in our own hearts that tells us bowing down is never an option to authoritarianism, to neofascism, to anything that is contrary to our humanity. We’re not going to be doing a lot of speeches now and rousing people up without a plan. We need a thousand brothers that we can train in how to do massive voter get-out strategically, not just lip service.
If somebody tells you they’re going to register everybody, they’re lying. First of all, you don’t even need everybody. We live in the region of the country that is going to determine where this country ends up.
It has always come out of the South. You break the back of the South, you change the nation. And quickly, right now, we are in a place where, if just 20% of Black folk that have not voted registered in the southern states from North Carolina to Texas, if just 20% would vote strategically, it shifts everything. They don’t want us to know that, but that’s the reality. And in most of the southern states, it’s less than 12%. And if you connect that to
technology, the students find ways to work together and share computer connections and laptops. “There are educational sites where they can connect still, but everything is made much harder because of the blockade,” he said.
The show host, Kitty Epstein, reminded listeners that Cuba has a higher literacy rate than the United States. Cuba’s literacy rate is 99%, while the U.S. rate is about 79%. Over half of the U.S. public reads below a sixth-grade level.
Cubans also have a life expectancy that is a little longer than people in the U.S. Marcus explained that education in Cuba is completely free.
“If you have the qualifications to study for a doctorate, you can study without paying any money,” he said, adding that people come from around the world to study medicine in Cuba.
“They have a very robust medical system that starts at the community level,” he said. “They have community clinics that take care of pregnancies, do preventative care to keep people from having serious illnesses,” he said.
“With their advanced biomedical research, they have developed Alzheimer’s remedies that stop degeneration,” he said. “They have care for diabetes that prevents amputations due to diabetic complications. “They also have a lung cancer vaccine,” he said. “These are things the U.S. is blockading from the rest of the world.”
Education Today is available online in the archives at KPFA.org, and Marcus can be reached online at www.twitch.tv/struggle_4 To donate humanitarian aid for Cuba to a site Oakland’s Fruitvale District, contact Mary on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (207) 604-8045.
progressive whites and poor and low-wage whites, we know all of them are not voting against their own self-interest, it goes down to like 5%.
You are sitting in North Carolina right now. There is a scripture in the Bible, in the Psalms, that says, Ephraim had everything he needed to win, but chose on the day of battle, not to fight. This is nonpartisan; this is just history. Donald Trump won in the first congressional district of North Carolina, which is the Black congressional district. Donald Trump won in that district. He won by 11,000 votes, but 85,000 people didn’t vote. He won the state of North Carolina by 180,000 votes—1,850 votes per county. But over 500,000 Black folks didn’t vote.
So, we have folks winning not because they’re smarter than us, not because they’re better than us, not because they have a better plan or agenda than us, but because they are on the field fighting.
About the Author Bishop William Barber is a minister, social justice advocate, and author known for leading political movements focused on racial and economic justice. He is president of Repairers of the Breach, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, and a professor at Yale Divinity School.
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