Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them and these will continue till they have resisted either with words or blows or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance those of whom they suppress. —Fredrick Douglass (1849)
By
President Donald Trump’s administration on Wednesday rescinded a Project 2025-inspired order that had abruptly frozen most federal grants and loans, a sweeping directive that threw social service programs like Head Start, student loans, and Medicaid into disarray. The initial order, issued earlier in the week, sparked widespread confusion and disruption, prompting a swift legal challenge. On Tuesday evening, a federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze, and by Wednesday, the White House pulled back the directive altogether. The order’s reversal came after mounting pressure from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and affected organizations. The White House insisted the move was intended to “end any confusion” following the court’s injunction, but critics called it a political miscalculation.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the administration backed down only because of public outcry. “Americans fought back, and Donald Trump backed off,” Schumer said in a statement. “Though the Trump administration failed in this tactic, it’s no secret that they will try to find another, and when they do, it will again be Senate Democrats there to call it out, fight back, and defend American families.”
However, the administration made clear that its broader policies on federal funding remain intact. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on X that this was “NOT a
rescission of the federal funding freeze,” but rather a rollback of the memo itself to “end any confusion” created by the court’s ruling. “The President’s executive orders on federal funding remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented,” she added. The initial freeze caused immediate uncertainty, particularly in Washington, D.C., and Republican-leaning states heavily reliant on federal funds. Throughout Tuesday, the White House attempted to clarify exemptions—such as Medicaid— but the damage had already been done. Reports surfaced by people and organizations unable to access critical federal resources, heightening concerns about the real-world impact of the freeze.
The legal challenge that led to the order’s reversal was filed by Democracy Forward, a progressive nonprofit, which argued that the directive was an unconstitutional overreach that endangered millions of
Except for outspoken lawmakers Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Democrats have remained frustratingly silent as Donald Trump solidifies his grip on power. Despite his administration’s policies, a government funding freeze, and his allies pushing the racist and oppressive Project 2025 agenda onto Americans, Democratic leadership has offered no real response. For many loyal Democratic voters, the past month has been a slap in the face. As Trump and his enablers work to dismantle civil rights protections, former
President Joe Biden walked out of the White House without a clear strategy to protect Black Americans, Latinos, women, and other marginalized communities. Instead, Biden’s departure sent a chilling message: You’re on your own. His silence and that of other complacent individuals have left many questioning the Democratic Party’s willingness to fight, with some likening it to abandoning its base to a modernday Jim Crow era. Yet, even with Trump’s administration moving rapidly to disenfranchise millions, Democratic leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Americans. “While we hope this will enable millions of people in communities across the country to breathe a sigh of relief, we condemn the Trump-Vance administration’s harmful and callous approach of unleashing chaos and harm on the American people,” said Skye Perryman, the organization’s CEO. “Our team will continue to bring swift legal actions to protect the American people and will use the legal process to ensure that federal funding is restored.” The uncertainty caused by the administration’s actions drew sharp criticism from organizations that rely on federal assistance. Melicia Whitt-Glover, executive director of the Council on Black Health, warned that the confusion threatens health programs serving historically marginalized communities.
“While the Council on Black Health is not fully reliant on federal funding, many of our partners are, and
they now face disruptions that threaten their ability to continue their vital work. This impacts the communities we serve and exacerbates health inequities,” she said.
The administration’s actions have drawn scrutiny given the financial reliance of Republicanleaning states on federal aid. A MoneyGeek analysis found that seven of the 10 states most dependent on federal funding lean Republican, receiving an average of $1.24 for every dollar contributed, while blue states receive $1.14. New Mexico, a Democratic-leaning state, saw the highest return on federal spending at $3.42 per dollar contributed, while Delaware had the lowest at $0.46. Public Citizen, a government watchdog group, called the original freeze an unnecessary crisis that harmed vulnerable Americans.
“The incompetence and cruelty of this order caused nationwide confusion and anxiety, as across the country regular Americans spoke out about the human impacts—the loss of jobs, essential services, and harms to children among many other vulnerable populations,” said Lisa Gilbert, co-president of the organization. “The White House overplayed their hand as they levied this Project 2025-inspired order and made it clear that they want to sow chaos and gut programs that help families. We will keep up the fight to make sure that does not happen.”
Los Angeles, CA — The Brotherhood Crusade has established the Wildfire Fund to Aid Altadena Residents to support families affected by the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena. This initiative provides immediate relief to displaced residents while preserving the historical significance of Altadena’s role as a cultural and community hub for Black families. Many residents of Los Angeles County have suffered devastating losses, including loved ones, homes, and businesses, in the wildfires. Over 7,000 homes and businesses have been destroyed in the Altadena and Pasadena areas alone," said Charisse Bremond Weaver, President/CEO of Brotherhood Crusade. "For 57 years, Brotherhood Crusade has been dedicated to 'helping people to help themselves,' and now more than ever, we ask for your support to help us help our people. Your immediate support will provide crucial assistance to families who have lost everything."
A Legacy of Resilience and Progress
Altadena has long been a sanctuary for Black families, offering opportunities for homeownership and community building despite systemic barriers. Historically, it has been a symbol of Black resilience, a place where families have thrived against the odds, and a testament to the enduring fight for equality and opportunity. Today, more than 18% of Altadena’s residents identify as Black, continuing a legacy of
the courts sorted it out.
have barely mustered a public outcry. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), which boasts a record number of members this session, has been equally absent. With Trump’s allies openly threatening democracy, Black Americans and other marginalized groups expected their elected leaders to take an aggressive stand. Instead, they’ve been met with silence and inaction. What’s particularly infuriating to many is that the warnings about Trump’s return to power were clear. His policies were openly laid out, and his intentions were never hidden. The Supreme Court ruling that provided him with immunity also extended to Biden while he was still in office. Unlike Republicans, Biden and the Democrats chose not to use it. Some legal scholars argued that, based on the authority provided by the Court and the Constitution, Biden could have declared that the nation was facing a clear and present danger. With a strong legal team and a split Congress, he could have denied Trump the office, at least temporarily, while
Instead, Biden, Bill Clinton, and especially Barack Obama attended Trump’s inauguration. That decision has fueled even more outrage among African Americans, who now feel utterly abandoned by a party they have historically supported.
Jeffries posted on X (formerly Twitter) on January 29:
“The illegal GOP funding freeze ends Medicaid as we know it, throws children off of Head Start, and starves seniors who rely on Meals on Wheels. Extreme MAGA Republicans support this scheme to rip off hardworking American families. House Democrats will Stop the Steal.” The post offered no concrete plan to counter Trump’s policies. It also failed to address the direct attacks on African Americans, even after Trump’s press secretary publicly signaled to journalist April Ryan of Black Press USA that the federal government would not
This month, we pay homage to the rich history and contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our state and nation in countless ways through centuries of struggle and triumph. First proposed by scholar Carter G. Woodson in 1926, Black History Month lifts up the Black experience in a fuller telling of America’s story, and selects a theme to highlight facets of history that merit particular attention.
This year’s theme, Black Americans and labor, examines the intersection of employment and work with the Black American experience. From the atrocity of slavery to the rich legacy of Black entrepreneurship, the profound impact of Black labor in building and shaping our nation cannot be overstated.
American and Californian history has no shortage of Black business owners, labor leaders, CEOs, workers, and more. From the first years of California’s statehood, we have been home to changemakers like Mary Ellen Pleasant, one of the first self-made Black millionaires in the country, who owned numerous businesses and used her money to help fund the Underground Railroad and other abolition work. Black communities and businesses have flourished throughout California. Altadena became the special community it is, home to a thriving middleclass community of professionals familiar with shattering glass ceilings. With twice the national
cultural significance and progress. However, the Eaton Fire aftermath has left many residents grappling with loss and uncertainty, jeopardizing the legacy of Altadena as a pillar of Black achievement and resilience.
The Wildfire Relief Fund: Immediate and Long-Term Support The Brotherhood Crusade Wildfire Relief Fund is committed to aiding affected residents by providing essential resources, including: • Housing assistance • Food and clean water • Transportation Medicine and healthcare Technology and other necessities
Additionally, the fund will support long-term recovery efforts, ensuring that Altadena’s vibrant identity and cultural legacy are preserved for future generations. “This fund will remain open now and throughout 2026, allowing us to be responsive to ongoing needs and potential future fires,” emphasized Bremond Weaver, “We urge the community to join us in making a difference.”
How to Support the Cause The Brotherhood Crusade calls on individuals, businesses, and organizations to contribute to this critical effort. Donations to the Wildfire Fund to Aid Altadena Residents will directly aid families and support rebuilding efforts in Altadena and Pasadena. To donate, visit www. BrotherhoodCrusade.org or www. bit.ly/AidForAltadena.
Black homeownership rate, Altadena is home to scores of generational wealth and wide-reaching, beloved businesses. And as Altadena recovers from the devastation of the Eaton fires, we recognize, as a state, our responsibility to help support that recovery.
Black Americans have always contributed to our shared communities, our state, and our nation. In every role, from labor leaders to essential workers to CEOs, Black Californians have helped make this state the fifth-largest economy in the world, a leader in workers’ rights, and a state that stands for and supports workers and work across the board. During Black History Month, let us reflect on our shared history, and draw inspiration from the progress made as we continue together on the path toward equality, liberty, and opportunity for all.
NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim February 2025, as “Black History Month.” IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 3rd day of February 2025.
GAVIN NEWSOM Governor of California
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D. Secretary of State
Pasadena, Calif. - February
1, 2023 — In a heartfelt tribute to the brave emergency workers who battled the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, Jelly Roll headlined a benefit concert at the iconic Rose Bowl. The free event brought together an impressive lineup of artists, including Public Enemy, Marshmello, Lainey Wilson, and many others, all uniting for a common cause.
The concert served not only as entertainment but also as a platform to honor the first responders who faced the devastating fires head-on. Attendees were treated to powerful performances while also contributing to a noble cause.
Among the special guests was World Heavyweight
Chaffey District Board elects Dr. Don English as its President; the career educator is the first African American to serve in that role
ONTARIO, CA – Throughout his trailblazing career, Dr. Don English has prioritized the wellbeing of all students, supporting vulnerable populations and fostering safe, more inclusive communities.
Now, as the first African American to serve as President of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees, Dr. English is eager to build on the District’s success in preparing generations of students for college and career.
“It is truly an honor to serve the Chaffey Joint Union High School District community –the teachers and administrators who have created an unmatched standard of excellence, my fellow board members, and most of all, the families and students who rely on us to provide the best educational experience possible,” Dr. English said after being elected by his peers to preside over the five-member board.
Dr. English, who has served on the Board of Trustees since 2021, has an extensive and distinguished professional background in education, youth advocacy, and leadership. He serves as the Director of Child Welfare and Attendance for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, overseeing Homeless Education and Foster Youth Services. In that role, he works to ensure that students facing challenging
Champion Eugene V.I.P Weems, who engaged with the crowd, emphasizing the importance of community support. Singersongwriter Latrice Kristine and rapper Tycoon62 also made their presence felt, promoting
circumstances receive the support they needed to thrive academically and personally. Dr. English also serves as Executive Director of the San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Taskforce, collaborating with community partners to address pressing issues affecting youth and their families.
“Nothing matters more than creating opportunities for young people and supporting their journey in every way possible.
We do that through commitment and collaboration,” said Dr. English, a father of two.
A native of Pomona, Dr. English was a star football player at Ganesha High School, along with his twin brother Ron. They continued their football careers at the University of California, Berkeley – with Ron ultimately pursuing a career as a college coach. Don was less clear about his own career until he connected with long-time educator Sherman Garnett, who hired him at the Chaffey West County Community School.
English would work his way up to principal, before joining the County Superintendent of Schools office as an administrator, recognized for his leadership, dedication and commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
Over the years, he has been a leader in securing federal, state, and local grant funding, and has a thorough background in legislative analysis, development of curriculum, policies and budgets.
Dr. English holds a master's degree in Educational Administration from California State University, San Bernardino, and earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California. He
their charity single “Burning Memories,” which aims to raise funds for wildfire victims through its accompanying music video.
This event followed another
Chaffey District Board elects Dr. Don English as its President; the career educator is the first African American to serve in that role...continued
has served as President of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Region 12, and President-Elect of ACSA's Education Options Council, where he provided strategic direction and advocacy for educators across the state. Additionally, as President of the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance, Dr. English championed policies and practices that support the well-
being and academic success of all students.
“Don English has spent the past three decades improving the lives of students throughout our county, and over the past three years, as a member of our Board of Trustees. We are grateful for the leadership he and our entire board have provided during,” said Chaffey District Superintendent Dr. Mathew Holton.
Black History Spotlight: Take Flight – The Untold Story of America’s First Black-Owned FBO
There was a time when I believed in the “American Dream.” I held onto the idea that with the right experience, education and work ethic, anyone could achieve greatness in this land of my ancestors. However, on the morning of April 1, 2010, my belief was shattered when I discovered that the Miami Dade Aviation Department locked us out of our terminal building at the Opa-Locka Airport. We were denied access to participating in the American economy – once again history repeating itself.
Opa-Locka Flightline was the first and only black owned and
benefit concert held on January 30 at L.A.’s Intuit Dome and Kia Forum in Inglewood, where Jelly Roll shared the stage with an array of renowned artists, including Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, and Katy Perry. The performances captivated audiences and raised significant funds, with all proceeds directed to designated beneficiaries supporting those affected by the wildfires.
The fundraising efforts were
broadcast and streamed widely across various platforms, including Apple, DirecTV, Disney+/Hulu, and more, ensuring that the message of support reached as many people as possible.
No As communities continue to recover from the impact of the wildfires, events like these highlight the power of music and solidarity in helping those in need.
Black History Spotlight: Take Flight – The Untold Story of America’s First Black-Owned FBO...continued
I noticed an evil grin on the face of the Airport Manager as he slowly drove by in his official county vehicle. Amidst this early morning chaos, I felt the gentle vibration of my middle son Gideon’s spirit urging me to let go as he battled terminal cancer from his bed miles away.
Later that afternoon I received an anonymous phone call from a very nervous Caucasian sounding woman, who refused to identify herself, stating that our company posed a serious threat to the white political and economic hierarchy in South Florida. This group of influential politicians, judges and bankers resented our business acumen, and our commitment to providing black and brown school-aged children the chance to explore the vast opportunities in aviation. That brief conversation left me with no choice but to fight. We could not take this lying down.
At the end of that turbulent day, I was reminded of the calm enduring spirit of my maternal grandmother, Elvira JonesBowers. My grandmother was forced to watch the lifeless body
of my great uncle Peter drift down the Mississippi River after being lynched and emasculated by a mob near Vicksburg. We, too, were forced to watch our own lynching and emasculation approximately seventy-five years later, and just like my grandmother, we would endure. To battle this political juggernaut, we armed ourselves with a legal team led by the indomitable Willie E. Gary, Esq. Through perseverance and strategic planning, my partners and I navigated the tumultuous waters of bigotry and hatred, determined to forge a path towards achieving the American Dream for generations to come. This compelling book chronicles the rise and fall of Opa-Locka Flightline, a testament of resilience in the face of adversity, and the unwavering spirit that propels us beyond the constraints of a limited existence to the elysian fields of consciousness…
“I don’t see an American Dream; I see an American Nightmare.” -Malcolm X
operated private jet terminal in the U.S. We were thriving, generating millions in revenue, and providing employment for approximately 20 highly skilled workers who harbored high hopes and dreams for their families.
As I stood there watching my 12-year-old son Joshua clutch the chain link fence with tears streaming down his face, I realized that our hopes and dreams were being dashed right in front of us. Off in the distance,
Nationwide — Beyoncé has once again made history, becoming the first Black woman ever to win a Grammy for Best Country Album. Her groundbreaking achievement shatters barriers in a genre that has long been dominated by white artists and often overlooked the contributions of Black musicians. According to Billboard, this win for Cowboy Carter, she not only cements her status as one of the most versatile and influential artists of all time but also opens the door for greater recognition of diversity in country music.
This historic moment with her husband Jay-Z and her daughter Blue Ivy is significant because country music has deep roots in Black culture, yet Black artists have struggled for visibility in the mainstream industry. Beyoncé’s victory challenges outdated perceptions of who belongs in country music and proves that talent transcends racial and genre-based boundaries. Her album’s success demonstrates that country audiences are ready to embrace broader representation and that Black artists deserve their rightful place
in the genre.
Beyond the award itself, Beyoncé’s win is a cultural shift that will inspire future generations of Black country artists. It sends a powerful message to the industry that inclusion and recognition are long overdue. As the first Black woman to take home this honor, she paves the way for others to follow, ensuring that country music continues to evolve and reflect the diverse voices that have always been a part of its foundation.
During her speech, she said, “I’d like to thank all of the incredible country artists that accepted this album. We worked so hard on it. I think sometimes genre is a code word to keep us in our place as artists, and I just wanna encourage people to do what they’re passionate about and to stay persistent. Wow, I’d like to thank my beautiful family, all of the artists that were collaborators. Thank you. This wouldn’t have been this album without you. I’d like to thank God again and my fans, and I still am in shock, so thank you so much for this honor.”
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs—25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on imports from China—has sent shockwaves through global markets, sparking retaliatory measures from trade partners and raising concerns about the economic strain on American consumers. But for Black Americans, already facing disproportionate financial burdens, the fallout could be devastating. “Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe (and maybe not!),” Trump said in a statement. “But we will Make America Great Again, and it will all be worth the price that must be paid.” For many in Black communities, the cost of that “pain” is far from abstract. Chaniqua Jones, a schoolteacher in New York, is already struggling with budget cuts in her district. “First, consider that most of our students struggle with necessities like food and shelter, and many tell us that if they can’t work, they can’t eat,” she said. “That and reduced school budgets that we’re already dealing with will hurt more because, something to remember, we can only use one vendor that the Department of Education approves for supplies, and that vendor can charge anything they want, including, if they choose, as much as $10 for a pencil.”
Jones’ concerns are echoed by business owners, truck drivers,
Democrats Silent as Trump’s Authoritarian Grip Tightens, Leaving Supporters Outraged...continued from page 1
recognize Black History Month. That exchange further infuriated Black voters, particularly given their longstanding loyalty to the Democratic Party. But the frustration boiled over when Professor Hassan Kwame Jeffries, a self-described longtime Democrat and podcast host, dismissed concerns about Democratic inaction. He posted on X:
“I’m seeing a lot of this, all versions of the same question: what’s the Democrats’ plan to deal with # Trump’s madness?? The plan was vote for #Harris. You said no to the plan.” Rather than galvanizing support, Jeffries’ dismissive tone only alienated those who had backed former Vice President Kamala Harris. His post sparked widespread anger.
X user Ariana Jasmine expressed the growing outrage among those who supported Democrats, demanding action:
“The nation is falling apart, please for the love of god say or DO SOMETHING!!!”
Another user, @ ArchangeAntoine, responded bluntly to Jeffries:
“Weak statement! You are discounting the millions of people who said yes. Now again, what the fck is their plan?”*
Despite Trump signing pardons for January 6 rioters and his allies openly embracing white nationalism, many 2028 Democratic hopefuls have remained silent. According to Politico, the shift in strategy is deliberate. Instead of directly challenging Trump’s authoritarian rule, Democratic leaders are focused on biding their time, avoiding “outrage
cycles,” and looking for bipartisan opportunities. The article notes:
“Just a few thousand showed up to protest Trump’s inauguration.”
This is a sharp departure from 2017 when millions mobilized against Trump’s first term. Democrats appear paralyzed, unwilling to take the kind of resistance-driven approach that once defined their opposition to Trump. Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow spoke openly about the inaction, telling Politico:
“My advice is, call it out, be blunt, but don’t shriek about it.”
Meanwhile, Crockett and Ocasio-Cortez stand alone in calling out Trump’s attacks on Black Americans and marginalized communities. Despite their growing influence and millions of social media followers, Democratic leadership continues to ignore them.
The outrage over the party’s silence is growing. X user @ WintersPolitics captured the frustration:
“Am I the only one who is mad as hell that AOC and Jasmine Crockett are seemingly the only members of the Democratic Party who are using their platforms to speak out against Trump and MAGA, the oligarchy?”
With Trump moving swiftly to consolidate power, the Democratic strategy of “hope” and “pray” appears to be failing. The party’s reluctance to fight back has left its most loyal supporters feeling abandoned— and many believe Democrats may never recover from this betrayal.
Snoop Dogg Defends His Performance at Trump’s Event Amid Backlash,
“I’m Still a Black Man”
Trump’s Trade War Hits Black America Hardest as Tariffs Drive Up Costs....continued
of $74,580. The racial wealth gap, exacerbated by decades of discriminatory housing and employment policies, means Black families have fewer financial reserves to absorb rising costs.The tariffs also threaten the already fragile food security in Black communities. The U.S. imports 63% of its vegetables and 47% of its fruits and nuts from Mexico, and tariffs could push grocery prices even higher.
Many predominantly Black neighborhoods already struggle with food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, healthy food. Higher food costs could worsen the crisis.
“It’s already expensive to eat healthy where I live,” said Alicia Brown, a 28-year-old mother of two in Chicago’s South Side. “A gallon of milk is already $5. If they start charging more for fresh produce, people are going to have to make tough choices between food and rent.”
The auto industry, another key economic driver, is also set to take a hit. In 2023, the U.S. imported $69 billion worth of cars and light trucks from Mexico and $37 billion from Canada. Ford F-Series pickups and Mustang sports coupes rely on engines manufactured in Canada. Tariffs on auto parts will drive up costs, adding an estimated $3,000 to the price of some vehicles. For Black auto workers in cities like Detroit and Atlanta, job security is now in question. Many automakers are considering layoffs or plant closures if production costs soar.
“We’re looking at a repeat of what happened in 2018 when Trump’s first tariffs led to layoffs,” said Maurice Richardson, a 58-yearold autoworker in Michigan. “Except this time, it’s going to be worse.”
The trade war has already drawn strong pushback from U.S. allies. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Trump’s move “short-sighted and reckless,” adding, “If he thinks Canada will just sit back and accept these tariffs without response, he is gravely mistaken.” Canada has announced its retaliatory measures, imposing a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods. Mexico, meanwhile, has slammed Trump’s justification
for the tariffs, with President Claudia Sheinbaum calling it “an unjustified economic attack.” Mexico has signaled it may retaliate with tariffs on American exports, including corn and soybeans—moves that would further impact U.S. farmers and lead to even higher grocery prices.
China, the third nation targeted by Trump’s new tariffs, has also vowed to take action. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced plans to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization, warning that “the U.S. has chosen a path of confrontation that will hurt American workers more than anyone else.” In Washington, Congress’s response has been swift. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the tariffs. “It would be nice if Donald Trump could start focusing on getting the prices down instead of making them go up,” Schumer stated. “All tariffs are not created equal. Donald Trump is aiming his new tariffs at Mexico, Canada, and China, but they will likely hit Americans in their wallets. I am concerned these new tariffs will further drive up costs for American consumers.”
The senate leader continued: “We should be focused on going hard against competitors who rig the game, like China, rather than attacking our allies. If these tariffs go into full effect, they will raise prices for everything from groceries to cars, to gas, making it even harder for middle-class families to just get by.” The economic storm created by Trump’s trade war is already brewing. The U.S. economy saw inflation drop from its peak in 2022, but analysts now predict a sharp reversal, with costs climbing for everyday necessities. African Americans, who have historically been left behind in economic recoveries, are likely to bear the brunt of the damage. “This is what happens when policy is made without thinking about the people who will be most affected,” said Dr. Jamal Reed, a District of Columbia-based economist. “This isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s an economic disaster waiting to happen.”
and families who will feel the effects of higher prices in ways the White House appears to have ignored. Jonathan Dolphin, a truck driver from Pennsylvania, sees the changes already. “The trucking industry isn’t the same anymore,” he said. “Hauling heavier loads doesn’t pay us more, and the brokers still charge higher rates. Those people who voted for Trump now have to see how idiotic that was.” Fuel prices are among the biggest concerns for working-class Black Americans. Canada, the largest supplier of crude oil to the U.S., is now facing a 10% tariff on energy exports. Gas prices in some parts of the country are expected to rise by 30 to 70 cents per gallon, disproportionately impacting on lower-income families who spend a higher percentage of their income on transportation.
George McKenzie, a wildlife photographer in Florida, has already seen gas prices climbing. “I’m honestly worried about the price of gas and food going up,” he said. “As someone who travels frequently for work, any increase in fuel costs directly affects my livelihood.” Existing disparities in Black communities compound the economic damage from the tariffs. The median household income for African Americans in 2023 was $52,860—well below the national median
Nationwide — Snoop Dogg addressed the backlash from fans who criticized him for performing at one of Donald Trump’s pre-inauguration events. In a recent Instagram Live session, the rapper fired back at critics and shared his thoughts on the hate he’s been receiving. Snoop, 53, recently shared a live video while enjoying gospel music in his car, according to the New York Post. He responded to the criticism, saying, “For all the hate I’m going to answer with love, I love too much. Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool. I’m together. Still a Black man. Still 100% Black. All out ’til you ball out or ’til you fall out.”
Though Snoop did not specifically mention Trump’s name, his comments came just after his performance at the Crypto Ball on January 17th, one of the events leading up to the inauguration. He used the moment to emphasize the importance of supporting one another, particularly within the Black community.
Snoop went on to say, “I’m a strong black man. I’m cut from a different cloth. You can’t tear me down. I’m one of God’s child
[sic]. One of his children.”
The rapper’s performance, along with other artists like Rick Ross, Soulja Boy, and Nelly, sparked criticism, especially from the hip-hop community. The backlash led to a significant drop in Snoop’s social media following — over 500,000 on Instagram and nearly 20,000 on X.
However, Snoop received support from others, including sports commentator Stephen A. Smith. Nelly, who also performed at another inauguration event, explained his choice as a sign of respect for the office, not for financial reasons.
Snoop, who had been an outspoken critic of Trump in the past, shifted his perspective after Trump pardoned Death Row Records co-founder Michael Harris in 2021. In a 2024 interview, Snoop said, “He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me. So I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump.”
Snoop ended his Instagram Live with a message, “The only way to beat hate is with love. Learn from the Dogg. Teach you something every day.”
Black History Month 2025: 14 Places in Calif Where Black Businesses and Culture Thrived
Edward Henderson | California Black Media
The firestorms that ravaged Southern California have drawn attention to historically Black communities like Altadena, one of the first areas in Los Angeles County where Black families could buy homes during the Great Migration. Before the fire, Altadena’s Black population was 18% with a Black homeownership rate of nearly 81% -- more than the double the state rate of about 36.6%.
For Black History Month, California Black Media explores 14 other historically Black neighborhoods that thrived in the Golden State despite numerous challenges.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list.
1. Allensworth (Tulare County) – Founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and four other Black settlers, Allensworth was California’s first and only town established and governed by African Americans. However, Allensworth’s livelihood depended on a railroad company and water supply company. Eventually, the railroad company stopped service to the town and the water company cut off the town’s water supply, leading most residents to relocate. Many of the town’s original buildings have been restored.
2. North Richmond (Contra Costa County) – Developed during World War II, North Richmond attracted Black
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Kellie Todd Griffin | Special to California Black Media Partners
We are standing at a crossroads --where our history meets our future. And in this moment, we have to ask ourselves: What would our ancestors do?
Over the last six months, we’ve watched companies quietly step away from their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). And that has left many of us with a hard choice to make because -- let’s be real --letting go of our conveniences isn’t easy. But we have never been a people who choose what’s easy over what’s right. Our legacy is built on struggle, on sacrifice, on knowing that real progress doesn’t come without real work.
Almost 70 years ago, the Montgomery Bus Boycott showed us exactly what that work looks like. It wasn’t just about Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat. It was about an entire
community coming together -pastors, first ladies, labor leaders, business owners, everyday folks-- who said, “Enough.” For 13 months, they walked instead of riding the bus. They organized carpools. They sacrificed their safety, their comfort, and their livelihoods to take a stand. And they won.
That boycott didn’t just desegregate buses. It showed the world the power of Black economic resistance. It hit the city’s transit system where it hurt, forcing real change. And when insurance companies tried to shut them down, they found a way. When taxi drivers were threatened for supporting the movement, they kept going. When the world told them no, they answered with action.
And we’ve seen that same power time and again. In the 1980s, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Operation PUSH took on Coca-Cola, demanding that the company invest in Black businesses and communities.
After just one month of organized pressure, Coca-Cola agreed to funnel millions of dollars into Black-owned enterprises, expand diversity in its workforce, and increase Black representation at the decision-making table.
In the 1990s, Jackson and Glenda Gill did it again -- this time with the auto industry. They pushed Japanese car manufacturers to invest in Black suppliers, dealers, and
By Leslie Weirich
A suicide devastates more than one life.
I learned that lesson shortly after my doorbell rang at 2:30 a.m. on September 10, 2016.
My 20-year-old son, Austin, had died by suicide. After decades reciprocating his infectious smile and admiring his achievements on the football field and in the classroom, I had to digest in an instant that I would never see him again. Every single day, I wish I could go back and talk with him one more time. Would it have helped? I'll never know. But I do know, seven years into my journey as a suicide prevention advocate, that severe mental illness doesn't manifest in a vacuum, especially for young adults.
Whether we're aware of it or not, the media we consume strongly influences how we process mental health crises.
The folks who shape our culture have never been more aware of the mental health challenges Americans face. But they largely haven't responded to that awareness by depicting mental health more responsibly.
Over the last two decades, the suicide rate among those aged 10 to 24 has risen nearly 60%. The factors behind this crisis are complex and multifaceted. But researchers are coming to understand that Hollywood plays a role. Many shows have inadvertently contributed to the increase in the youth suicide rate by glorifying suicide and the mental health conditions that cause it.
Consider "13 Reasons Why," a show developed for Netflix that depicts the story of a teenage girl who takes her own life and leaves behind a series of audiotapes that implicate the people she holds responsible for her death.
Just one month after the show aired, the suicide rate among 10to 17-year-olds increased nearly 30%. The series was intended to start a meaningful dialogue
employees, securing $7.2 billion in diversity initiatives from Toyota alone.
These movements teach us something critical: Boycotts work. Economic action drives systemic change. But let’s be clear: change requires sacrifice. There will be Black-owned businesses caught in the crossfire. Some will lose shelf space. Some may struggle. And that is a real and difficult truth. But history shows us that without real commitments to equity, they’ll be left behind anyway.
Montgomery wasn’t just about civil rights. It was an economic battle. And for a brief moment, we built something incredible -- a fully functioning Blackowned transit system. But when the buses were integrated, that system disappeared. And that should make us think.
Because so many Black entrepreneurs today are building businesses out of necessity. They see a need in the market, and they fill it -- not just for profit, but for us. And if they can trust us to support them, then we have to demand more from the places that only see us as consumers. Last fall, Walmart announced it would no longer focus on DEI, choosing instead to talk about “belonging.” And yet, just weeks later, they rolled out holiday commercials featuring Lorenz Tate, Nia Long and Busta Rhymes -- images carefully
designed to speak to us, to our culture, to our spending power. And our spending power is undeniable. Black consumers make up 10% of Walmart’s sales, 8.9% of Target’s. Our economic clout reached $1.6 trillion in 2020. And it’s only growing. Our dollar matters. But this moment isn’t about money. It’s about power. It’s about whether we’re willing to step outside our comfort zones, to punch above our weight class just like our ancestors did. Because our fight has never been about today. It has always been about tomorrow.
So, the question is: What kind of future are we willing to build? And what are we willing to sacrifice to get there?
Let’s make this happen.
About the Author
Kellie Todd Griffin is the President & CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute. With a deep commitment to equity and justice, she champions initiatives that amplify the voices and influence of Black women across California. Known for her strategic insight and passion for community empowerment, Kellie is a driving force in fostering systemic change and collective progress.
Rep. Jackson says Trump is dismantling democracy
Chinta Strausberg/The Crusader Newspaper
about bullying, sexual assault, and suicide. It instead portrayed the main character's choice as a means of exacting emotional revenge on those who wronged her.
Some teens with existing mental health issues are more susceptible to emulate suicides that are glamorized -- a welldocumented phenomenon called "suicide contagion."
While "13 Reasons Why" has exacerbated some awful mental health trends in America, it's hardly the only one. Fortunately, other shows and movies do just the opposite.
The critically acclaimed film "Silver Linings Playbook" has been praised for its realistic depiction of people living with bipolar disorder. Or consider "Adieu," a movie currently in production that centers on a prodigal violinist struggling with depression after her sister's suicide. Several leading mental health professionals have commended "Adieu" for depicting grief, depression, and the value of human connection in an authentic way -- allowing viewers to see the possibility for recovery and growth even after a tragic loss.
Stories like these are crucial because they tap into what some experts call the "neuroscience of hope." These scientists hypothesize that optimism stems from distinct neurological processes that are subject to outside influence. As a result, certain forms of art could literally rewire the brain to generate feelings of hope that combat mental illness.
By creating powerful art that more appropriately considers and depicts mental health challenges, Hollywood could use its great power more responsibly.
Leslie Weirich is a nationally renowned suicide prevention speaker and author who advocates for youth mental health. (LesliesHope.org)
During the first five days of his administration, Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-1st) said Trump is focused on seeking “to destroy all of the collective gains fought”
and won by African Americans with a “manifesto” he says is “dismantling democracy.”
continued on page 6
“This is GSWS ─ The Official God Severe Warning Service!”
By: Lou K Coleman
If you haven’t already done so, get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God NOW to keep yourself safe from the impact of what is about to happen. Maximum readiness and an immediate response is required. Be vigilant. Dangerous times are imminent and inevitable. Follow the advice of the Almighty God. Repent NOW before it is TOO LATE!
The Bible makes it very clear that there is a time coming when you won’t be able to be saved. [Hebrews 12:17]. Do not to take for granted the grace of God. These are the End Times, the Time of Great Tribulation, when God will pour out His wrath and judgment on an unbelieving world. The Bible says God will give them up. They will curse
“This is GSWS ─ The Official God Severe Warning Service!” ...continued his knees smote together in terror. He found no place of repentance, he found no mercy, he found no grace. God was done with him forever. You think you have all the time in the world to decide.
Not so! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. [James 4:14]. The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. [Mark 1:15]. Repent NOW!
In Genesis, when the angels came to Sodom, judgment had already been declared. Their fate was sealed. The angels came to save Lot and destroy the city. All the inhabitants were dead men walking even before the angels arrived in Sodom.
The longsuffering of God in Genesis with the old story of Noah. The invitation to be saved and avoid judgement was extended for many, many years. But one day, the offer was withdrawn. It was over, even before the raindrops began to fall, before the fountains of the deep were broken up, before there was any sign of the impending deluge. One can only imagine the icy hand of terror which took hold of their hearts as the rain fell and the water exploded up from underneath. Pleading to be let in. Noah, Noah, let us in! Noah, Noah, we believe you now! The door was shut forever. They took God’s grace and longsuffering for granted.
God as they are being scorched with hailstones. [Revelation 16:9-11]. They will try to hide from His wrath in vain, they will seek death, but death will flee from them. [Revelation 9:6]. This is GSWS – the Official God Severe Warning Service. Follow the advice of the Almighty God. Repent NOW before it’s TOO LATE! Don’t gamble with your soul. God hand is outstretched, find grace in the eyes of the Lord today.
For thus saith the Lord, If you do not repent, when you spread out your hands in prayer, pleading for My help because of your rebelliousness and stubbornness, I will hide My eyes from you; I will not be listening. It will be too late! [Isaiah 1:15; Jeremiah 8]. Don’t be like Belshazzar. [Daniel 5]. When Belshazzar saw the writing on the wall, he realized that judgement had been declared. It was TOO LATE! That night Babylon fell, and Belshazzar was slain. The Bible records his trembling, his fear,
continued in next 2 columns
Jesus says of those who refuse to be saved, “These shall go away into everlasting punishment and be lost forever.” [Matthew 25:26]. God has commanded you to repent. [Acts 17:30]. Surrender your life to Jesus immediately and be saved. [Revelation 3:19]. If you do not, know that He has bent His bow and made it ready. [Psalms 7:12] and you shall go away into everlasting punishment and be lost forever. [Matthew 25:26].
This is GSWS ─ The Official God Severe Warning Service –State of Alert! Defcon 2! God’s Army is ready and prepared. Like the boy who cried “wolf,” the people dismiss God’s warnings. They say, “Time passes on, but these threats never happen.” They felt quite justified in ignoring the Word of God because they thought it would be no downside for disobedience. To this God says “Enough.” He will withhold their punishment no longer and will fulfill all that He said. There will be no more delays. [Ezekiel 12:2128; Revelation 10:6; Jeremiah 30:24].
Defcon 1 – War is imminent!
Though “they sought for it with tears”, they discovered that no matter how “sorry” they were, like Esau, “there was no place for repentance” — it was too late. [Hebrews 12:17].
The sheer terror of realizing one having refused God one too many times. Listen, if God did not spare the angels, nor Sodom, God will not spare this current world. [2 Peter 2:45; Genesis 18:16-33; Romans 11:21]. God is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. [2 Peter 3:9]. Don’t delay coming to Christ. Satan whispers “some other time”—but the Bible says, “NOW is the time of God’s favor, NOW is the day of salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:2].
WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1241
Renee Jackson
The November 2024 election results left me, and many of my friends, neighbors, and family members, feeling deeply disappointed and fearful of what the future could hold if the country continued to be as divided as it seemed. Moving forward to the paradoxically conflated dates of the celebration of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the inauguration of the 47th president of the United States, my fearfulness became conjoined with dread as woefully unqualified persons were and are actively being considered for the highest-level positions in our government. I can only dimly comprehend the panic, disbelief, and sense of betrayal of those whose lives are being uprooted and whose pain is being diminished and dismissed by the policies and executive actions currently being enacted.
From my Judeo-Christian perspective, I had hoped that the country would elect a president who possessed at least some of the characteristics of the leader described in Psalm 72, one endowed with righteousness, who would judge the afflicted of God’s people justly, who “will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.” [Psalm 72:1-2, 1214, NIV]. And, that the elected leader would take to heart Jesus’ admonition, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and
feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” [Gospel of Matthew 25:35-40 NIV]. Without doubt, Christians hold differing views on how not only to interpret the Biblical texts, but also on how to apply the Gospel to our lives. In our churches we have people who voted for and support the current president, those who hold opposing views, and those who fall somewhere betwixt and between. I wonder how many are familiar with the ministry of reconciliation referenced by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 [NRSVUE], wherein God has made us ambassadors for Christ so that we become reconciled to God, and by extension to one another. Actively engaging in the ministry of reconciliation may bring Christians closer to realizing Jesus’ prayer, “that (we) would all be one” [Gospel of John 17:21 NRSVUE]. Holding divided opinions on how to regard the poor, the immigrant, the exiled, the “least,” including our Christian siblings, is contrary to Jesus’ teachings. To defend injustice is contrary to the prophetic cry to heed God’s requirement “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” [Micah 6:8 NIV].
We, as Christians, are living in a time that is becoming more critical to live as Jesus the Christ’s ambassadors, to recognize Jesus’ face in those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. I pray that a plea for mercy for the least and marginalized is heeded by all who call themselves Christian.
WASHINGTON, D.C. –
Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, released this statement following President Donald Trump’s latest decision to fire the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Rohit Chopra. Director Chopra’s term is not set to end until 2026. Congresswoman Waters recently released a fact sheet exposing President Trump and Elon Musk for their stated plans to eliminate the agency.
“President Trump’s decision to fire CFPB Director Rohit Chopra marks the end of an era of strong consumer protection and the beginning of a plan to end this important agency. Since taking the helm of the CFPB in 2021, Director Chopra has worked tirelessly to ensure the agency fulfills its critical mission of protecting American families in the financial marketplace. In the face of repeated and coordinated attacks, Director Chopra’s fearless advocacy on behalf of working-class families has returned more than $6 billion to harmed consumers. That’s not all. Director Chopra has taken decisive action to address the harsh reality that hardworking families are increasingly stretched thin and living paycheck to paycheck. Under his leadership, the CFPB has taken action to eliminate costly and illegal junk fees imposed by big
banks, hold student loan servicers like Navient accountable for defrauding hardworking students, protect servicemembers from high-interest loans, promote transparency in the small business lending market, ban medical debt from being used to block creditworthy borrowers from accessing credit, tackle discrimination in housing and the economy, and take on big banks like Wells Fargo for repeatedly breaking the law and exploiting the very consumers they claim to serve.
“While his accomplishments are too long to list, Director Chopra also advanced reforms to promote competition and strengthen privacy protections for consumers, actions that earned him unusual praise from Congressional Republicans. It’s no wonder why four out of five Americans support the CFPB, including a staggering 77% of Republicans. Even a conservative Supreme Court hostile to all kinds of regulatory agencies agreed that the CFPB and its funding is constitutional.
“Director Chopra, we thank you for your years of public service and remain grateful for the incredible work you have done in the past few years leading the excellent CFPB staff in protecting our nation’s consumers.
“Make no mistake, today’s decision is the first step by Trump, his co-President Elon Musk, and their Republican allies in Congress to dismantle the agency entirely, leaving consumers with no place to turn to for help and no real watchdog to hold predatory lenders and other bad actors accountable. Rest assured, my fellow Committee Democrats and I will continue to fight, as we have for more than 14 years, to defend the CFPB from Republican attacks and ensure they stay true to its mission of protecting hardworking Americans from financial institutions who continue to profit at their expense.”
By State Representative Ron Reynolds
Less than ten days into Trump’s second term, and already it feels like one of the darkest chapters in modern American history. This administration’s rapid dismantling of progress is staggering. The warning signs were there—but witnessing them in real time is a different kind of pain.
The Strategy of Fear and Division History has repeatedly shown the devastation caused by policies that tear families apart. When Black families were separated on plantations, it was called “economic necessity.” When segregationist racist policies prevented Black families from building generational wealth, it was called “law and order,” and the cycle continued. Now, in 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is once again inflicting that pain—storming homes, separating children from parents, and deporting longstanding community members under the guise of border security. This is not just immigration enforcement; it is modern-day family separation. America, which claims to uphold “family values,” is once again destroying families, much like in the days of slavery and segregation.
Rep. Jackson says Trump is dismantling democracy... continued from page 4
He told of having attended Trump’s inauguration, where he saw a “billionaire’s row” sitting behind the newly swornin president and how Trump was “unhinged,” a man “seeking retribution.”
Jackson does not embrace Trump’s issuing a flurry of executive orders, including pardoning 1,500 January 6 insurrectionists. He shared how some of these people sat on the second floor looking down on the Congressmen the day after the inaugural service. They had been fully pardoned by Trump.
These were the same people Rep. Jackson said that stormed the Capitol police during the January 6 attack who are now free “to buy guns.” Five people died on January 6th, most of whom were Trump supporters.
Father Michael L. Pfleger told the Chicago Crusader, “Trump and his lapdog Republicans are bringing fascism into reality…. This is not about disagreement of Policy…. this is pure Evil.”
“Our children are in trouble,” Jackson said because this is a generation that does not know how to fight back. “We have to resist and fight back.”
After a judge temporarily halted Trump’s freeze on federal funding, the administration began to offer about 2 million employees a buyout with benefits through September, according to NBC News. He wants 100 percent loyalty from the employees.
Referring to Trump’s signing an executive order on his first day in office making it easier to fire federal employees, Rep. Jackson said one in five federal workers are African American. “Elon Musk has an issue with that.”
Jackson was referring to Tesla, owned by Musk, who was sued by almost 6,000 Black workers in Freemont, California, for alleged blatant racism in that Tesla factory back in 2022 and the failure of Tesla to protect the workers against racism under a tentative ruling by a California judge.
denied any wrongdoing. Officials claimed they fired three workers after investigating the racism complaints.
Speaking at the Saturday, January 26th, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Rep. Jackson said this is a part of the Project 2025, their plan, their “manifesto to dismantle all of our gains.”
“We can survive a Donald Trump if we have resistance and fight back,” said Jackson. He introduced Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas, a professor at the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Since the 2024 election, Rev. Thomas said so many things have been lost, like the right for women to control their own health care and bodies, along with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, lost—fair and compassionate treatment of immigrants, lost—compassion for transgender persons.
“I believe with the grasping of whiteness white supremacy is now firmly entrenched in the highest level of government…” Thomas said, “We is (sic) surrounded by white supremacy.”
Attorney Yusef Jackson, the COO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said Trump is “demolishing our protections, and we can’t allow that. We have to fight back. Fighting back can’t be just reflexive. They have been planning this for a long time.
“They have scholars. They have universities. They have policymakers who are all aiming towards this demolishing of our work, as in the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
“Responding will have to take more than reflexive action because your reflexes are not sustainable. We have to come together in a serious think tank to combat the terror that we’re going to get from our government.”
Attorney Yusef Jackson, COO of Rainbow PUSH Coalition, thanked Nadine Ashford for coming to PUSH on a bus from Ford Heights. The wheelchair single mother of one was once a student at Prairie State College, where she and other students protested the Vietnam War.
We have seen this strategy before: weaponizing fear, destabilizing communities, and stripping people of their dignity under the false pretense of law and order. The name changes, but the pain remains the same.
Dismantling the American Dream
The elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives is the most blatant attack on progress. The betrayal is real—among the first to abandon DEI were companies like Walmart and McDonald’s, who have built their empires in predominantly minority communities. These initiatives were lifelines providing longdenied opportunities, not just corporate optics.
Now, like in so many historical moments before, our communities are being abandoned. The erasure of DEI is not just a policy shift—it is a systematic dismantling of opportunity, eerily reminiscent of when our ancestors were torn from their loved ones and sold on auction blocks.
The Pardon That Undermines Democracy And then there are the J6 pardons—a decision that spits in the face of justice and democracy. The January 6, 2021, assault waged on the US Capitol wasn’t a misunderstanding or “a peaceful protest”—it was an act of war. Those who stormed the Capitol
According to ABC News, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Noel Wise allowed the workers to proceed with their class action lawsuit due to Tesla’s alleged “pattern or practice” of failing to take reasonable steps to end the racism at the plant. Tesla officials issued a statement claiming that the racism accusations were just a “Hotbed of Misinformation” and
“They called the paddy wagon on us,” she told the Chicago Crusader. “He [Rev. Jackson] came to defend us, and he gave us a boost, stamina and courage. I am still encouraged,” she said.
After the program, Rev. Jackson’s healthcare aide rolled his wheelchair next to Ashford’s wheelchair and they greeted each other.
Dozens of Education Department workers put on leave after anti-DEI executive order
By Collin Binkley The Associated Press
Dozens of employees at the U.S. Education Department have been put on paid administrative leave in response to President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 order banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the federal government, according to a labor union that represents hundreds of workers in the agency.
It’s unclear how many workers were put on leave or for what reasons, said Sheria Smith, president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 252. The majority of employees placed on leave do not work in DEI initiatives and span all branches of the agency, she said, from an office that sends billions of dollars to K-12 schools to an investigative office that enforces civil rights laws.
The shakeup comes as Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, pushes to cut programs and federal workers at departments across the government, including the U.S. Agency for International Development.
At least 55 Education Department workers received an email Jan. 31 saying they were being put on paid leave effective immediately pursuant to Trump’s
executive order. It wasn’t being done for “any disciplinary purpose,” according to a copy of the email obtained by The Associated Press.
Those placed on leave lost access to their government email accounts and were told not to go to the office. They include a range of staff members and managers across the department, which employs more than 4,000 workers in Washington and regional offices across the country.
A department spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.
A common factor among those put on leave is that most appear to have taken a voluntary diversity training course offered by the department, Smith said.
The Diversity Change Agent program has been promoted by the agency for years, including during Trump’s first term in office.
Smith said hundreds of employees have taken the training, but it was unclear if all of them were placed on leave.
She said many people were under the impression the training was strongly encouraged or required.
“It seems unfair to encourage or require people to take a training and then four or five years later
place them on administrative leave,” Smith said.
Some current employees who are on leave said the action could disrupt much of the agency’s core work, including the management of federal student loans and the FAFSA form for student financial aid. The workers spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Trump’s order called for all DEI staff in the federal government to be put on paid leave and eventually laid off.
It’s part of a broader crackdown on diversity programs that the Republican president says are racist.
Trump campaigned on a promise to shut down the Education Department, which he says has been infiltrated by “radicals, zealots and Marxists.”
He said the agency’s power should be turned over to states and schools.
The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Find the AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Thursday, February 6, 2025
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico—America’s largest trading partners—have already begun to rattle markets and consumers. The policy, which imposes a 25 percent tax on all imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods, is being framed as an aggressive move to curb migration, drug trafficking, and China’s role in fentanyl production. However, the economic consequences are already being felt, with financial markets in turmoil and everyday Americans bracing for price hikes in critical sectors such as fuel, food, and automobiles.
Financial expert Allan Boomer, a seasoned Wall Street veteran with more than two decades of experience, discussed the economic fallout in an interview with the Black Press. Boomer, who spent years advising institutional clients and managing multi-million-dollar investment portfolios at Goldman Sachs before founding his firm Momentum Advisors, assessed the current financial landscape.
“The markets are constantly moving,” Boomer said. “The Dow was down a bunch earlier today, but it’s already rebounding somewhat. Still, what the market is really bracing for is an all-out trade war.”
Boomer pointed to the deep economic ties between the United States and its neighboring trading partners. “Mexico and Canada each send more than 80 percent of their exports to the United States, and retaliatory
tariffs from these countries could have severe consequences,” he said. “The ultimate loser in this situation is the consumer. Ultimately, this results in higher prices.” Gas prices in the Midwest have already risen by as much as 50 cents per gallon, as Canada and Mexico supply over 70 percent of crude oil imports to U.S. refineries. The auto industry is also seeing immediate effects, with tariffs threatening to add as much as $3,000 to the price of some vehicles. Meanwhile, grocery costs are expected to rise, as Mexico supplies more than 60 percent of America’s vegetable imports and nearly half of its fruit and nut imports.
“We’re going to feel this in Black and brown communities,” Boomer said. “Any community that spends money as a high percentage of their wealth— whether Black, white, or Latino—is going to be hit hard. But for Black and brown people, who statistically spend the most as a percentage of wealth, the impact is going to be severe.” Boomer questioned the broader
The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Department of Public Health (DPH) and Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez have partnered to launch an exciting and impactful initiative – Reel Reality: Fentanyl Awareness Film Contest. This creative campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl while empowering the voices of San Bernardino County’s youth.
First-ever Reel Reality Film Contest invites high school students from the county’s Second District to create powerful short films addressing the fentanyl epidemic. These films aim to spark honest, meaningful conversations about fentanyl’s devastating impact on individuals and communities, while delivering messages of hope and highlighting available resources.
This initiative is a unique collaboration between students, educators, community members and county leadership, all united in the mission to combat the opioid crisis. Through the creativity and perspective of our youth, we aim to inspire awareness and action in the fight against fentanyl.
By combining behavioral health expertise, public health initiatives and community leadership, the campaign delivers a unified and hopeful message to educate and protect our residents. San Bernardino County remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the opioid crisis and fostering the well-being of its communities.
Contest details: Submissions are now open for high school students in the county’s Second District. The Second District includes Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, the northern part of Upland, and nearby unincorporated communities.
Winners will receive scholarships sponsored by the Second District Board of Supervisors Office.
Join us in celebrating the creativity and impact of our local youth at the Reel Reality Red-Carpet Screening, scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 15, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the AMC Victoria Gardens 12 theater, located at 12600 N. Mainstreet in Rancho Cucamonga.
To learn more about the Reel Reality: Fentanyl Film Contest, submit a short film, or register for the redcarpet event, visit www.eventcreate. com/e/reelrealityarmendarez. For additional questions, please contact the Department of Behavioral Health at dbh_pio@dbh.sbcounty.com.
Click the link below to watch a special message from Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez: Watch the video.
Together, let’s inspire hope, spark awareness and take a stand against fentanyl in our communities.
Watch the contest video at:
https://youtu.be/F6vebeCpn4?si=_8024w0MkMccZJJH continued in next column
and for 10 years down the road,” he said. “Right now, we’re in a really challenging political climate, but in the next two years, with the midterms, we might see a backing off of these extreme positions.” Boomer encouraged investors to consider where they put their money. “I’d be wary of companies that are backing off their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives,” he said. “I just don’t think companies that aren’t inclusive in hiring are going to do well in the long run.”
strategy behind Trump’s trade policies, noting that while the administration touts these tariffs to strengthen the U.S. economy, the reality may be different. “This is a president who said he would strengthen the United States at the expense of our partners,” Boomer said. “But what you’re seeing is that it’s really at our own expense. We import a bunch of things—lumber, oil, tequila, avocados—and these tariffs have big knock-on effects in our economy on a day-to-day basis.”
Trump has positioned tariffs as a tool to pressure Canada and Mexico to make policy concessions. “Trump is looking to leverage these tariffs for some sort of win,” Boomer said. “For example, he’s pointing out that U.S. banks can’t operate in Canada, and he’ll try to push for some small victories, but the question is, does anyone care?”
With markets in flux and fears of an economic downturn growing, Boomer advised investors to think long-term. “You can’t invest just for today— you have to invest for tomorrow
He also urged investors to be mindful of who is managing their money. “Am I investing in funds managed by diverse professionals or am I turning my money over to non-diverse money managers?” he asked. “These are things people should be paying attention to in this climate.” National Urban League President Marc Morial addressed broader concerns about Trump’s policies on federal assistance, which could leave millions of Americans without critical support, including food assistance, education funding, small-business grants, and VA benefits for veterans.
“This administration’s reckless action has already stirred widespread chaos and may cause recessionary impacts such as increased poverty, job losses, and economic stagnation,” Morial said. “This is not a blueprint to ‘Make America Great Again.’ This is not putting ‘America First.’ This is leaving millions of Americans behind.”
Black History Month 2025: 14 Places in Calif Where Black Businesses and Culture Thrived... continued from page 3 workers to Kaiser Shipyards. One of the first downtown Black owned businesses was O.B. Freeman’s Shoeshine on Macdonald Avenue which became a popular gathering place for Black motor-bikers.
3. Oak Park (Sacramento County) – One of Sacramento’s oldest Black neighborhoods, Oak Park grew due to the lack of racial covenants that restricted Black land ownership during the Great Depression. It became a hub of Black culture and entrepreneurship. For example, renowned culinary artist George Dunlap opened a string of restaurants in the area, including Dunlap’s Dining Room, known for its Southern cooking.
4. West Oakland (Alameda County) – A major center for Black migration during WWII, known for its jazz scene and civil rights activism. The neighborhood was home to the Black Panther Party headquarters and a center of Black commerce and entertainment in the 1940s and 1950s. Seventh Street served as the cultural hub of the area and was lined with Black-owned businesses, including Slim Jenkin’s Place, one of the most popular jazz clubs in the area attracting big names like B.B King, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington.
5. South Berkeley (Alameda County) –Black families moved to South Berkeley during the Great Migration for jobs at shipyards and railroad companies. In 1948, William Byron Rumford Sr. became the first African American elected to a state public office when he won an Assembly seat. Rumford owned a pharmacy on Sacramento Street, which was a hub for the Black community.
6. Bayview-Hunters Point (San Francisco County) - During WWII, the establishment of Hunters Point Naval Shipyard
OP-ED: Where Do We Go From Here?... continued from page 6
were domestic terrorists intent on overturning an election—a fact many of them plead guilty to. Instead of justice, they are given mercy that was never shown to the unarmed Black men and women killed by police. This isn’t just politics. This pardon is a signal—a message that extremism will not only be forgiven but encouraged.
Where Do We Go From Here?
attracted an influx of African American workers. Around that time, 59% of the neighborhood’s population was Black. The area, which has a rich history of activism, remains the neighborhood with the highest concentration of Black San Franciscans.
7. Seaside (Monterey County) – The presence of the Black community in this area grew significantly due to the presence of Fort Ord, a U.S. Army base. By the 1960’s, Seaside had the largest concentration of American Americans between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Over a quarter of Seaside’s population was Black at the time.
8. Watts (Los Angeles County) – Famous for the Watts Towers, the city became a significant hub for Black cultural and political movements. Watts became predominantly Black in the 1940s. War industries were a primary source of employment for new workers coming into Watts. The neighborhood is also known for the Watts Uprising, a series of protests in 1965 mainly opposing police brutality.
9. Ladera Heights, View Park and Baldwin Hills (Los Angeles County) – These adjacent neighborhoods are considered some of the wealthiest historically Black communities in the U.S. African Americans were not allowed to live in the area until 1948 when the Supreme Court ruled against racial restrictive covenants. By 1970, residents of the area were 75% Black. Celebrities including Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Nancy Wilson, Michael Cooper, Regina King and Issa Rae have called the area home. Ladera Heights, View Park and Baldwin Hills are often referred to the “Black Beverly Hills.”
The implications of these actions are not just terrifying; they are urgent. If this is only the beginning, what will come next? How far will this go before we realize the full extent of what is happening? We cannot afford to wait and see. History shows that silence is complicity. We will see the undoing of generations of progress if we remain silent. But if we stand together, organize, and refuse to let fear dictate our future, we still have a chance to change the course of history. The time to act is now, and only together do we have the power to make a difference.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
Buys T.D.s and Buys/Lends on Partial Interests
10. Leimert Park (Los Angeles County) – A cultural and artistic center for African Americans, Leimert Park is known for its jazz heritage and Black-owned businesses. The area is home to one of the largest and oldest Juneteenth celebrations in the country.
11. Inglewood (Los Angeles County) - In 1960, only 29 of Inglewood’s population of 63,390 were Black. But by 1980, 56% of the city’s population was Black. “White Flight” from the area during the 1970s sparked the influx of Black residents. In 1983, Edward Vincent Jr. Became Inglewood’s first Black mayor. Inglewood has become a sports and entertainment hub under current mayor James Butts.
12. Southeast San Diego (San Diego County County) – The area is home to Bethel AME Church, the oldest Black church in San Diego, founded in 1887. Before gentrification and redevelopment began to intensify -- beginning in the 1970s through the 2000s -- the Imperial Avenue Corridor was known as a mini “Black Wall Street.”
from
13. The Fillmore District (San Francisco County) – Known as the “Harlem of the West,” the Fillmore community in San Francisco became a hub for Black businesses and art after World War II. Many Blacks migrated to the area because it was one of the areas in the city without a racist housing covenant. The Fillmore was renowned for its jazz scene, with famous clubs like Jimbo’s Bop city.
14. Compton (Los Angeles County) - In 1960, Compton’s Black population was 40%, a figure that was around 5% ten years prior. The rise in the area’s Black population was due, in part, to a real estate tactic called “Blockbusting” where real estate agents would induce White homeowners to sell their properties at reduced prices by suggesting Black families were moving into the neighborhood. Then, those agents would sell those homes to Black families at higher prices. In 1969, Compton elected Douglas Dollarhide, the first Black mayor of a major California city.
GOP Officials Privately Admit Trump’s Federal Buyout Plan Violates Federal Law
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
U.S. Capital
Federal employees across the country received an unsettling email Monday morning—a directive from the Trump administration’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) outlining a so-called “deferred resignation program” that offers workers guaranteed pay and benefits until September 30, 2025—months beyond the government’s current funding deadline. Legal experts, state attorneys general, and labor organizations are warning that the administration’s move is not only legally dubious but outright illegal. It violates the Anti-Deficiency Act, which bars the government from spending money that Congress has not authorized.
GOP Officials Acknowledge Buyout Program Is Illegal
While congressional Republicans have remained largely silent, GOP officials privately admit that the Trump administration’s offer to pay federal employees beyond the government’s midMarch funding deadline violates federal law. “This is an outright violation of federal law,” one Republican official told CBS News. “Anybody else would be walked out of an agency for going $1 beyond appropriated dollars. The back-of-the-napkin math on this offer—paying all federal employees for 6.5 months beyond current appropriations— comes out to about $50 billion. Even if only a fraction accepts, the obligation is still incurred.” Despite these warnings, few expect congressional Republicans to challenge the administration’s move, leaving the program’s legality in limbo. State Attorneys General Warn Federal Employees to Avoid the Scheme
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joined 11 other continued on page 8
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GOP Officials Privately Admit Trump’s Federal Buyout Plan Violates Federal Law...continued from page 7
states in cautioning federal employees against the Trump administration’s proposal, calling it an attack on the government’s ability to serve the public.
“The terms of this vague, socalled ‘deferred resignation’ put federal employees in an ambiguous position and risk straining essential government resources that people across the state and country rely on to live full, healthy lives,” Brown said in a statement Monday. Unions representing federal workers have also condemned the move, warning that it is nothing more than an attempt to dismantle the civil service under the guise of cost-cutting.
“The number of civil servants hasn’t meaningfully changed since 1970, but more Americans than ever rely on government services,” the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) said.
“Purging the federal government of dedicated career civil servants will have vast, unintended consequences that will cause chaos for the Americans who depend on a functioning federal government.”
The Deferred Resignation Offer:
A Legal and Logistical Mess
The latest email from OPM, titled “Fork in the Road”, is the third communication sent to federal employees regarding the resignation plan. The message, according to CBS News, reads:
Q: The current funding bill for the federal government expires on March 14. Will I still receive full pay and benefits if the money runs out?
A: Any government shutdown could potentially affect an employee’s pay regardless of whether he or she has accepted
GOP Officials Privately Admit Trump’s Federal Buyout Plan Violates Federal Law...continued
results.
the deferred resignation offer.
Peter Jenkins, senior counsel for Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). “OPM has no legal authority to reliably claim that the Trump administration will put everyone who quits in the next eight days on paid administrative leave throughout the next eight months.”
According to PEER’s analysis, OPM’s website explicitly states that the maximum incentive for voluntary resignations is capped at $25,000—a stark contrast to the months-long compensation the administration promises.
Further, PEER’s executive director, Tim Whitehouse, said federal employees should be extremely skeptical of the buyout offer.
“The country needs a strong civil service to help address these threats, something this administration seems determined to destroy,” Whitehouse told NPR. “Federal employees should be very skeptical about accepting this offer.”
History Shows Buyouts Lead to Higher Costs and Workforce Instability Buyouts and workforce reductions have been tried before, with disastrous consequences.
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on similar buyouts during the Clinton administration in the 1990s found that many agencies granted buyouts without a clear strategy, leading to a loss of institutional knowledge and forcing the government to hire back many of the same employees as higherpaid consultants. Experts warn that this time’s effects could be even worse, particularly given the Trump administration’s
Moreover, if you accept the deferred resignation offer, you would still be entitled to backpay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act.
Legal experts have pointed out that the Administrative Leave Act only allows agencies to place employees on 10 workdays of paid leave in a calendar year— nowhere near the eight months of paid leave that OPM is now offering under the Trump administration’s directive.
“This email is another illmotivated effort to get as many federal employees to quit as soon as possible,” said
“The government spends about $350 billion a year on federal employees—just 5% of the total budget—yet this administration is determined to gut the civil service as if it’s some bloated bureaucracy,” said Josh Bivens, chief economist at the Economic Policy Institute, in an interview with CBS News.
Widespread Fallout Looms as Buyout Deadline Nears With the February 6 deadline fast approaching, federal workers nationwide are being forced to decide whether to accept an offer that could leave them without legal recourse
efforts to sideline federal employees working in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental justice roles.
“In a cruel twist, the administration has arbitrarily sidelined employees across the government who work on diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice issues,” PEER reported. These employees, who were already placed on administrative leave and denied access to their emails, cannot even respond to this offer.
Despite the administration’s claims that the buyout will save money, economists say it is unlikely to deliver the promised
if the administration fails to follow through on its promises.
Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans remain silent, despite growing concerns from legal experts, state officials, and workers. According to Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, many of these federal workers are veterans and professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving the country.
“Most people don’t understand that lots of people in the military go into civil service because they want to continue to serve,” Stier told NPR.
