Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it
will be imposed upon them and these will continue
Experts Say Trump’s South African Land Stance Exposes a Deep Hypocrisy
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
President Donald Trump’s latest maneuver, an executive order to cut U.S. aid to South Africa while extending refugee status to white South Africans, is yet another calculated exercise in race-baiting and historical revisionism. Trump claims that Afrikaners, the white descendants of Dutch and French settlers who own the vast majority of South Africa’s farmland, are victims of persecution under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s land reform efforts. Yet, the reality of land ownership in South Africa tells a different story, and Trump’s feigned concern for land rights is made even more absurd when compared to the systematic land dispossession endured by Black Americans in the United States. South Africa’s land reform efforts aim to redress the racial inequities created by apartheid, a regime that systematically transferred land from the Black majority to the white minority. Despite the official end of apartheid three decades ago, white South Africans still control between 70 to 80 percent of the country’s arable land. Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) government has introduced expropriation policies to correct this historic injustice, ensuring that land reform is in the public interest and within the constitutional framework. Yet, Trump has chosen to distort the issue, parroting the narrative pushed by AfriForum, an Afrikaner lobby group that claims white South Africans face racial discrimination.
Even AfriForum, however, does not accept Trump’s offer of refugee status. “Emigration only offers an opportunity for Afrikaners who are willing to risk potentially sacrificing their descendants’ cultural identity as Afrikaners. The price for that is simply too high,” said AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel. The hypocrisy of Trump’s sudden interest in land rights is stark when viewed against the backdrop of America’s history of racialized land theft.
While Trump amplifies the supposed plight of white South Africans, his own country has a long and well-documented history of dispossessing Black Americans of their land through legal and extralegal means. According to Inequality.org, at the beginning of the 20th century, Black Americans owned at least 14 million acres of land. By the 21st century, 90 percent of that land had been taken through fraudulent legal schemes, intimidation, and outright theft. Today, African Americans own only 1.1 million acres of farmland and part-own another 1.07 million acres, a staggering loss of generational wealth that has never been addressed. Land theft from Black people in the United States was carried out through methods such as heirs’ property laws, tax sales, and the Torrens Act, which allowed white developers to seize Blackowned land under the guise of legal loopholes. Heirs’ property laws divided land among multiple descendants, making it difficult for families to retain ownership. Tax sales preyed on Black families with fixed incomes, forcing them to auction off land they had no intention of selling. The Torrens Act allowed land to be sold without notifying all coowners, stripping Black families of their property without legal recourse.
The impact of this systematic theft is immeasurable. In Mississippi alone, between 1950 and 1964, nearly 800,000 acres of Black-owned land were stolen, amounting to a presentday valuation of up to $6.6 billion. The wealth lost through land dispossession remains one of the most enduring factors in the racial wealth gap, where the typical white family still has eight times the wealth of the typical Black family. Trump’s selective outrage over land redistribution in South Africa stands in direct contrast to his administration’s
complete disregard for the historical theft of Black land in the U.S. His policies consistently benefited white landowners while neglecting the Black farmers and families who had been systematically robbed of their property for generations. His administration dismantled the civil rights division of the USDA, an agency long accused of discriminating against Black farmers and ignored efforts to provide restitution to those who had suffered under racist policies. The irony deepens when one considers Trump’s welldocumented hostility toward refugees. His administration slashed refugee admissions to record lows, imposed draconian immigration bans, and separated children from their families at the border. But now, white South Africans—who remain the most economically privileged demographic in their country— are suddenly deemed worthy of asylum. Black and brown refugees fleeing war, famine, and persecution were demonized as threats under Trump’s watch, yet white Afrikaners are welcomed with open arms.
Ziyad Motala, writing in the Middle East Monitor, noted that Trump’s claim of white South African persecution “would be an amusing episode of alternate history if it were not so transparently false.” White South Africans continue to dominate the country’s economy, with the top earners and corporate executives overwhelmingly white. Motala further pointed out that Trump’s narrative is being bolstered by figures like Elon Musk, whose family directly benefited from apartheid’s racially engineered economic system. Musk’s political pivot toward white grievance politics aligns seamlessly with Trump’s latest efforts to manufacture a racial crisis where none exists. Moreover, South Africa’s judiciary, bound by constitutional
supremacy, has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to legality and justice, something that Trump’s presidency consistently undermined. Unlike Trump, South Africa’s Constitutional Court has held former leaders accountable who openly flouted the rule of law and sought unchecked power. When former South African President Jacob Zuma ignored court orders, he was held in contempt and sentenced to prison. By contrast, Trump’s abuse of presidential pardons saw convicted war criminals and insurrectionists absolved simply for their loyalty.
Trump’s real motivation in targeting South Africa likely has little to do with land reform and everything to do with South Africa’s stance on international justice. The country’s decision to bring Israel before the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza has drawn Washington’s ire, and Trump, ever eager to shield Israel from scrutiny, has now concocted yet another race-based distraction. The hypocrisy is glaring. Trump, who has spent his political career demonizing Black and brown asylum seekers, now fashions himself a humanitarian for white South Africans. The same man who dismissed systemic racism in America and worked to dismantle civil rights protections now suddenly professes concern for racial discrimination—so long as the supposed victims are white. “For all the talk of ‘America First,’ Trump’s policies have never been about national interest but rather about the consolidation of power through fearmongering and race-baiting,” Motala observed. “South Africa, in its commitment to legal accountability, human rights, and constitutional integrity, exposes precisely what Trump and his enablers despise: a legal order where power is constrained, the rule of law prevails, and privilege is not an eternal birthright.”
AFGE cautions Feds not to be tricked into resigning. You might not get paid
By Special Press Release
AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees) urges federal employees not to take the so-called “deferred resignation” offer being promoted by Elon Musk, because President Trump may not even have the authority to make such an offer, and federal workers who resign may not get paid.
In the latest effort to dismantle the civil service and replace the skilled, professional workforce with unqualified political appointees and forprofit contractors, the Trump administration on Jan. 28 sent a “deferred resignation” offer email to federal employees, urging them to resign by Feb. 6 and claiming they would retain pay and benefits until Sept. 30, 2025. The administration proceeded to threaten those who do not take the offer with restructuring and downsizing. A federal judge blocked the offer last week, but a reported 65,000 federal workers have already resigned. As a result of the federal judge’s motion, Trump extended the deadline for resignations to Feb. 10.
AFGE urges federal workers not to take the Trump administration’s vague offer with conflicting details.
The American Federation of Government Employees is urging its members not to accept a “deferred resignation” offer from the Trump administration, saying it may not keep its promises.
Credit: (Photo by Unsplash / Michael Schofield)
“There is not yet any evidence the administration can or will uphold its end of the bargain, that Congress will go along with this unilateral massive restructuring, or that appropriated funds can be used this way, among other issues that have been raised,” AFGE said in an email message to members. “We are encouraging AFGE members NOT to resign or respond to this email until you have received further information and clarification.”
Indeed, members of Congress said Trump doesn’t have the authority to even make the offer.
“There’s no budget line item to pay people who are not showing up for work,” Virginia Senator Tim Kaine said on the Senate floor. “Don’t be fooled. He’s tricked hundreds of people with that offer. If you accept that offer and resign, he’ll stiff you just like he stiffed the contractors.”
Kaine was referring to the people who have worked for Trump and his companies, such as carpenters, painters, even his own lawyers, who reported that they were not getting paid. According to a USA Today analysis, there were 3,500 lawsuits filed against Trump for failing to pay his bills over three decades.
In addition, many agencies are only funded through March 14,
American Federation of Government
is urging its members not to accept a
resignation” offer from
administration, saying it
not keep its promises. Credit: (Photo by Unsplash / Michael Schofield) 2025, raising further questions about the authority of agencies to pay federal workers through September. The “deferred resignation” may also face legal challenges that could change the terms, and it’s unclear whether employees have a legal recourse to appeal and make the government honor the terms.
AFGE has published Frequently Asked Questions about the offer.
This “Fork in the Road deferred resignation” program has Elon Musk’s fingerprints all over it. He offered buyouts to his Twitter employees in 2022 and broke the promise shortly after. They sued, but he won on a jurisdictional issue and workers lost $500 million in severance pay.
Several federal workers are already rejecting the “offer” that they find insulting, determined to stay now more than ever.
“You can’t buy me off, scare me away, or intimidate me into resigning. I’m angry, spiteful, and resolute in holding the line and outlasting anyone trying to destroy the agency whose work I believe in and a mission I take to heart,” one comment said. “My colleagues feel the same way and we’re not leaving, you’ll have to drag us out. We’ll continue to follow [the] mission we’re charged with executing and serving the individuals we’re charged with serving.… We will be here and continue to be here.”
AFGE President Everett Kelley said the number of civil servants hasn’t meaningfully changed since 1970, but there are more Americans than ever who rely on government services.
“Purging the federal government of dedicated career federal employees will have vast, unintended consequences that will cause chaos for the Americans who depend on a functioning federal government,” he said. “This offer should not be viewed as voluntary. Between the flurry of anti-worker executive orders and policies, it is clear that the Trump administration’s goal is to turn the federal government into a toxic environment where workers cannot stay even if they want to.”
The
Employees
“deferred
the Trump
may
Two New California Bills Are Aiming to Lower Your Prescription Drug Costs
Edward Henderson | California Black Media
Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has introduced two bills in the State Senate that could lower prescription drug prices for California residents.
Senate Bill (SB) 40, or the Insulin Affordability Act — and accompanying legislation, SB 41, or Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform — comprise Wiener’s Prescription Drug Affordability (PDA) Package.
Together, the bills would cap monthly co-pays for insulin at $35 (SB 40) and create regulations for pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) whose negotiation practices, critics say, have resulted in steep price increases for prescription drugs (SB 41).
“It makes no sense that people with diabetes in states like West Virginia can access affordable insulin while Californians are stuck with higher prices,” said Wiener in a statement.
“When basic life necessities like medication become unaffordable in Blue States, working people pay the price. As Democrats, we should be leading on making people’s lives better and more affordable,” continued Weiner. It is past time California caught up with other states and put basic protections in place to contain the astronomical cost of basic medications.”
SB 40’s proposed $35 monthly co-pay was written, in part, in response to the price of insulin tripling over the past decade, Wiener’s office says. As a result of the increase, one in four people using insulin has reported insulin underuse because they can’t afford the full dose. Four in five Americans in need of insulin have incurred thousands of dollars in credit card debt to pay for the medication, according to a recent survey conducted by CharityRx.
About 4,037,000 adult Californians have diabetes, with an additional 263,000 cases of Type 1diabetes diagnosed each year. This rate in new cases disproportionately affects the elderly, men, and low-income patients, Wiener’s office reports.
Christine Fallabel, regional director of state government affairs and advocacy with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), a sponsor of SB 40, said, “The ADA has long led the fight to make insulin more affordable, and there has been significant progress. We look forward to building on the momentum across the country
to extend the $35 per month insulin cap to include people with state-regulated health plans in California. No one should have to skip their lifesaving insulin due to costs alone.”
According to Wiener, SB 41 is his follow-up to similar legislation he introduced last year, SB 966, which was vetoed by Gov. Newsom. Middlemen in the pharmaceutical industry, PBMs buy prescription drugs from manufacturers and then sell them to pharmacies and health plans. Their position as intermediaries allows them to charge high administrative fees and significantly higher prices for drugs to pharmacies than they paid originally. This practice results in higher costs for patients seeking the prescriptions they need.
“On behalf of the Californians we serve who live with chronic and rare diseases, we are grateful to Sen. Wiener for his commitment and attempt to hold pharmacy middlemen accountable for their anti-patient and anti-pharmacy practices,” statedLiz Helms, California Chronic Care Coalition President & CEO. “Health care costs continue to rise when patients cannot afford medically necessary medications. We are committed to bringing transparency and oversight to PBMs, and look forward to continuing our work with Senator Wiener, our advocacy partners, and welcome others to join us in this fight.”
SB 41 proposes that all PBMs be licensed and that they disclose basic information regarding their business practices to the licensing entity. It also calls for a number of other requirements and prohibitions, including limiting how fees may be charged and requiring transparency related to all fees assessed.
“This bill addresses some of the worst abuses by pharmacy benefit managers: lack of transparency, unfair business practices, steering, and price gouging,” said Jamie Court, President of Consumer Watchdog. “Increasingly what is best for PBMs is not best for patients or the health care system.”
In 2022, drug spending in California grew by 12%, while total health premiums rose by just 4%. Last year, more than half of Californians either skipped or postponed mental and physical healthcare due to cost, putting their safety and well-being at risk. One in three reported holding medical debt, including half of low-income Californians.
So far, there is no organized opposition to the Prescription Drug Affordability package.
UC supports legal action against misguided plan to cut vital NIH research funds
In an effort to block deep cuts to institutions that perform lifesaving biomedical research on behalf of all Americans, the University of California today (February 10) submitted a declaration in support of the California Attorney General’s suit against the federal government in response to new guidance issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The new NIH guidance purports to lower the facilities and administration (F&A) cost rate for all NIH-funded grants to 15 percent, effective today. The NIH is the largest funder of UC research, funding that
Thursday, February 13, 2025
UC supports legal action against misguided plan to cut vital NIH research funds...continued
For decades, the NIH has provided essential funding that has empowered America's worldleading research institutions to discover cures and create 21st century jobs. NIH research funding supports the United States’ scientific competitiveness worldwide and enables the U.S. to be a global innovation leader. Federal funds are UC’s single most important source of support for research, accounting for more than half of UC’s total research awards.
This time-honored federal government and University partnership has led to some of the most powerful and impactful research discoveries in human history such as life-saving treatments for cancer, diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes, and new technologies and industries that translate into hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs. Biomedical advancements at UC include the first radiation treatment for cancer, research contributing to the first flu vaccine, the discovery of the role of LDL and HDL cholesterol in heart disease, the invention of modern gene editing, and much, much more.
At the stroke of a pen, all of this is at risk.
“Make no mistake, if allowed, these cuts will threaten American lives, disrupt time-sensitive lifesaving research, and cripple our innovative knowledgebased economy,” said Theresa Maldonado, UC Vice President for Research and Innovation. “This imprudent action will result in immediate broad
reductions of personnel and services, including impacts on education, training, delivery of care to patients, basic research, and clinical trials. If, even for a short time, this drastic cut in the F&A rate is implemented, it will be disruptive for a prolonged period, permanently damaging time-sensitive work in both basic and clinical research.”
UC has more than 200,000 employees, making it California's third-largest employer in the fifth-largest economy in the world. Its workforce purchases goods and contributes to local economies across the state, and annually UC generates more than $80 billion in economic activity statewide. The University’s 21 health professional sciences schools, five NCI-designated cancer centers, and six academic health centers are widely recognized as among the best in the nation, and they are international leaders in the education of health professionals, in research that develops new cures and treatments, and in public service that provides healthcare for all Californians regardless of ability to pay.
In addition to providing a declaration as part of the state’s suit, UC is coordinating with other organizations pursuing immediate legal challenges to NIH’s action. We understand more than 20 state attorneys general intend to seek a temporary restraining order this week. We expect to provide declarations to support other litigation that may be filed by associations and groups working to block this calamitous aboutface by the NIH.
When They Tell You About Their Own, Believe Them
By Dr. Wilmer J. Leon, III
(TriceEdneyWire.com) - "I don't know who you are and I don't know why you like this guy (Trump). I think what you like about him; he appears to be strong and the rest of us are weak… That's what he's selling…Here's what you're buying…He's a race-baiting, xenophobic religious bigot. He doesn't represent my party. He doesn't represent the values that the men and women who wear the uniform are fighting for... He's the ISIL man of the year."
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on CNN 2015
There are periods in history… epochs, distinctive periods in time marked by notable events, that in many instances signal change. Columbus stumbling upon the Americas where Indigenous peoples had been living for thousands of years. The French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the invention of the semiconductor, WWII, the Civil Rights era, etc.
totaled $2.6 billion in the last academic year. As proposed, this will gut UC funding by hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
“As the world’s leading public research institution, we depend on NIH funds to perform our vital mission. A cut this size is nothing short of catastrophic for countless Americans who depend on UC’s scientific advances to save lives and improve healthcare,” said UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D. “This is not only an attack on science, but on America’s health writ large. We must stand up against this harmful, misguided action.”
In many instances, one may not realize that they’re living in the historic moment. It’s only upon reflection that you realize the significance of the time. There are other periods, I call them Oppenheimer moments, where you know that you are in the moment. The first atomic bomb was tested on July 16, 1945. The bomb, nicknamed "Gadget", released 18.6 kilotons of power. We are told that Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, upon watching the first ever atomic bomb explode, quoted a line from Hindu scripture; the Bhagavad Gita, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds". Oppenheimer knew he was in
When They Tell You About Their Own, Believe Them... continued if he has been magically granted the power of the “ex post facto veto”.
Almost none of President Trump’s policies have gone through legislation or House votes. Trump issues his edicts through Executive Order. The American people are being subjected to a flurry or whirlwind of executive action. Bannon called it “flooding the zone and muzzle velocity”. “Every day we hit them with three things. They’ll bite on one, and we’ll get all of our stuff done, bang, bang, bang. These guys will never— will never be able to recover. But we’ve got to start with muzzle velocity.” Some people may think Trump is crazy. If he is, he’s crazy like a fox.
But it’s not just him. President Trump is not alone. The racist
Beverly
Deluge
the moment.
As we look at the current geopolitical landscape, we find ourselves firmly in the grips of the second Trump administration. There is a dramatic decline in the status of America, both domestically and internationally. The economic outlook is uncertain. America is funding a war in Ukraine and a genocide in Gaza. Homelessness, unemployment and incarceration rates are continuously on the rise. One can only conclude that we are living in a historic moment. Steve Bannon, the former Trump campaign and White House advisor calls it “managed decline”.
One of the ironies in all of this is we have seen this movie before. We are watching Trump Redux. We are not just watching the film; we are actors in it. For those of us that are old enough to remember, watching the news and political programs today is analogous to watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show. We find ourselves constantly yelling at the screen, except this is unscripted.
People are aghast listening to President Trump attack DEI policies, firing federal Inspectors General, threatening to close the Department of Education and pledging to fire FBI agents that investigated January 6. Steve Bannon told us in 2019 of what was to come, “…we had a whole tiger team of the White House counsel guys, the 'deconstruction of the administrative state,' which is a huge element…we want less (government intervention). In fact, we want to start to take apart certain parts of the apparatus.” America, you were warned. Now, the authoritarian that over 77M Americans voted for wants to disregard the constitutionally guaranteed right of “birthright citizenship”. He is impounding funds, freezing nearly all foreign aid, federal grants and loans as
suggestion of Trump saying, the United States should own Gaza and develop it into “the Riviera of the Middle East” by displacing the Palestinians from their homeland to other countries in the region, was first posited by former President Joe Biden. The AP reported, “A Western diplomat in Cairo said Egypt rejected similar proposals from the Biden administration and European countries early in the war.” Trump’s major faux pas was he made Biden’s secret proposal public.
Trump is not alone in his racist deportation efforts. CNN reported, “According to an analysis by the Migration Policy Institute, more than 12 million people were “deported” – either removed or returned –
Hills Faces Two
Lawsuits,
of Accusations,
Alleging
Racist Treatment of Black Residents
Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media
In recent months, the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) and Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) have been hit with two lawsuits and numerous reports alleging racist incidents targeting Black residents.
Last November, a formal complaint was filed on behalf of several students and two teachers — Bella Ivory and an anonymous complainant — against Beverly Hills High School. Attorneys Bradley C. Gage and Benjamin Crump are representing the plaintiffs.
The complaint details incidents of harassment, retaliation and violence targeting Black students, according to Gage. Some Latino students had been the victim of racial slurs and are also considering a suit.
In a video Gage shared with the press that was recorded on Election Day White students can be seen marching through the school’s halls celebrating the election of Trump while waving a Trump flag. They pounded on a classroom door in the video. Behind the door were Ivory and several Black students. During a press conference in January, Ivory described how she and Black students felt during that experience.
“The profanity aimed towards our vice president, who is part Black,” said Ivory referring to
Kamala Harris, “combined with students congregating outside of my classroom, increased my fears and also the fears of those students that were locked inside that room with me.”
Another video shows feces on the floor of a bathroom and graffiti reading “I hate ni**ers.” There is also a TikTok video describing a cafeteria as dirty while showing Black students having lunch.
“So, we have had for a number of years now, children at Beverly Hills High School, who claim they have been called racial slurs, had monkey sounds made at them, and around them, been threatened with violence and actually received violence,” said Gage.
Gage told California Black Media (CBM) that he interviewed alumni going back at least 10 years, many of whom were willing to go on the record about racist incidents and the school’s inability to deal with them. In another instance parents and students complained about the use of a “ni**er card,” a card White students claimed to have purchased from Black students allowing them to freely use the epithet.
“They have what’s called as an N-word pass. And what they’re doing with that is students will give either $50 or $100 to Black students,” said Gage. “They’ll pay them on Apple Pay. Then they get an “N-word pass, and start using the “N-word around some other Black kids.”
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Comparing Histories: Black and Japanese American Advocates Talk Reparations and Justice
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
Two former members of the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans shared some of their experiences developing a 1,075-page report that detailed injustices suffered by African Americans during and after chattel slavery.
Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist Dr. Cheryl Grills and Bay Area-based attorney Don Tamaki, who were part of the nine-member reparations panel spoke at the “Justice Through Action: Black Reparations-Reparative Justice” event hosted by local chapters of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) in Sacramento on Feb. 8.
The event was held at the California Museum.
“The first impact that the overall report had on me is that it gave me a panoramic view and it was a panoramic view of the elephant in the room,” Grills, who attended the event virtually, told the audience.
“The way America teaches about our history, American history, gives us little snippets and little pieces. It’s definitely watered down,” Grills added.
However, Grills said the report the task force compiled presented a version of the Black experience in America that was not diluted.
“You could see the totality of the elephant,” she said. “The report gives you the fullness and
density of the elephant, which was, at the same time, validating, overwhelming, and painful.”
Thefinal reparations report was submitted to Gov. Gavin Newsom and the legislature on June 29, 2023, after the task force completed a two-year study that proposed a comprehensive reparations plan.
Assembly Bill (AB) 3121 authored by thenAssemblymember Shirley Weber and enacted on Sep. 30, 2020, established the state’s reparations task force.
“California has historically led the country on civil rights, yet we have not come to terms with our state’s ugly past that allowed slaveholding within our borders and returned escaped slaves to their masters,” stated Weber, who is now Secretary of State.
The JACL is the nation’s oldest and largest Asian AmericanPacific Islander Civil Rights Organization. It is focused on securing and safeguarding the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI) and all communities who are affected by injustice and bigotry.
The JACL presentation was hosted to observe the 83rd anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. That panel was part of the
One Month Left to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance
LOS ANGELES –
Homeowners and renters who have incurred damage or losses from the Los Angeles County wildfires that began Jan. 7 have until Monday, March 10, 2025, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. The program provides financial and other assistance to eligible individuals and households to help meet their basic needs and supplement their wildfire recovery efforts.
FEMA may reimburse eligible applicants for temporary housing, home repairs to their primary home, personal property losses, medical and dental expenses related to the disaster, childcare and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.
Residents who have insurance need to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before applying. FEMA assistance is not taxed and will not affect Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid.
Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance: Online at DisasterAssistance.
gov (fastest option). On the FEMA App (available at the Apple App Store or Google Play). By phone on the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Helpline operators speak many languages: press 2 for Spanish
or press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week.
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To locate a DRC near you, visit the DRC Locator. For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance.
After You Apply
If you had damage and applied for FEMA assistance, you can expect a call, text or email from FEMA to schedule a home inspection to assess disaster damage. Please note phone calls from FEMA may come from an unfamiliar number. Inspectors will try to reach you multiple times but eventually will stop calling if you do not respond. You will learn FEMA’s decision on what benefits you may receive in a Determination Letter sent by email or U.S. Mail. FEMA may refer you to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a SBA low-interest disaster loan to help offset damage and losses caused by the wildfires. Disaster loans are available to renters, homeowners and businesses and are the largest source of federal disaster funding for people impacted by disasters. The deadline to apply with the SBA is also March 10, 2025. Do not wait for your FEMA Determination Letter to apply for a SBA loan.
Northern California Time of Remembrance (NCTOR) committee’s Annual Day of Remembrance program organized in partnership with the California Museum.
Tamaki, who is Japanese American and the only nonBlack member of the task force, said the Black and Japanese experiences in America have some parallels but there are significant differences as well.
“When you look at reparations, and this was the eye opener to me, it’s actually a unifying concept,” Tamaki said. “There’s no equivalence between four years in a concentration camp that our community experienced and 400 years of oppression.”
Tamaki explained, “We do have some things in common. Japanese know something about mass incarceration and profiling and the consequences. In that respect, there is a reason for all of us, whatever our background, to start looking at (reparations). We have to cure the body and not just put a band-aid on it.”
Grills is a clinical psychologist whose work focuses on community psychology. A Professor of Psychology at Loyola Marymount University, she us also a past president of the Association of Black Psychologists.
Tamaki is a senior counsel at Minami Tamaki LLP. He has spent decades working with
AAPI legal services programs. In the 1980s, he participated in the Japanese American reparations movement and served on the pro bono legal team that reopened the landmark 1944 Supreme Court case of Fred Korematsu.
The case resulted in overturning Korematsu’s criminal conviction for violating the incarceration order that led to the imprisonment of 125,000 Japanese Americans after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Tamaki was the lone nonBlack member of the ninemember Reparations Task Force.
At the 2025 NCTOR event, presented by local chapters of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), several Japanese, Jewish and other non-Black groups in California conveyed their support for reparations for Black American residents of the state who are descendants of enslaved people.
Earnest Uwazie, a Sacramento State University criminal justice professor and director of the Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution, was one of more than 100 persons who listened to the two-hour discussion.
“I thought the event was great,” said Uwazie. “It’s always great to hear from the people involved in the study of reparations and it is good to get a comparative with the Japanese experience. This was extremely informative.”
When They Tell You About Their Own, Believe Them...continued from page 2
from the US during the Clinton administration. More than 10 million were removed or returned during the Bush administration. Far fewer – more than 5 million –were removed or returned during the Obama administration.” Lest we forget, President Obama was dubbed the “Deporter in Chief”.
Trump’s ideas of deconstructing the administrative state, cutting government agencies or his privatization/ neo-liberal policies via Project 2025 are not new. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich proposed similar tactics with his “Contract with America”. Former President Bill Clinton thought he could make government more efficient by employing principals from the private sector by “Reinventing Government as We Know It”.
The major problem with these schemes is very simple. The goal of private sector capitalism is the maximization of profit. The goal of democratic/republic government is the protection of the people and the delivery of services. Contrary to the beliefs of the oligarchs, government is not in the “business” of making money. It’s lucky if it breaks even.
Don’t let this context confuse you. Sen. Graham is correct, President Trump is “…a racebaiting, xenophobic religious bigot.” This is evidenced by his baseless rants about Mexican rapists, his proposed Muslim ban, his lie about Barack Obama's birthplace, his attack on the Central Park 5, his baseless attack on DEI programs, removing historical videos of its storied Black Tuskegee Airmen from Air Force training modules,
Padilla,
Schiff, Western Senators Raise Alarm on Trump’s Illegal Funding Cuts Targeting Wildfire Mitigation Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. —
Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and 10 other Western Democratic Senators to sound the alarm over threats to the removal of hazardous fuels on U.S. public lands. The Bureau of Land Management recently issued stop work orders to small businesses and organizations across America carrying out critical hazardous fuel removal projects on highrisk federal lands. Delaying these treatments risks missing out on the right seasonal and weather conditions for safely treating hazardous fuels.
The letter follows President Donald Trump’s illegal executive orders cutting federal funds needed to mitigate and fight wildfires, despite the devastating fires that ravaged Southern California communities last month. The Senators demanded that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Acting Agriculture Secretary Gary Washington rescind the order to stop work on essential hazardous fuels reduction efforts and any other wildland fire management and risk-reduction programs.
“Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis — and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels,” wrote the Senators.
“As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk,” continued the Senators. “One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and
supporting genocide in Gaza, just to name a few. Remember, all of this resonated with over 77M Americans.
So, what are we to do? Well, for starters do not listen to Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Anyone who tries to insist that the election was not a rebuke of the Democrats is delusional and anyone who argues that Democrats don’t need to change is clueless.
I strongly suggest reading Dr. King’s 1963 Letter from a Birmingham Jail, “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
Then read Frederick Douglas’, 1857 speech, If There Is No Struggle, There Is No Progress –“Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”
After that, read more and remember, when they tell you about their own, they are also telling you about themselves. Believe them.
Dr. Wilmer Leon is a nationally broadcast radio talk-show host. Author of Politics Another Perspective. Host of the podcast Connecting the Dots w/ Dr. Wilmer Leon. Go to wilmerleon. com or email: wjl3us@yahoo. com. twitter.com/drwleon and Dr. Leon’s Prescription at Facebook.com © 2025 InfoWave Communications, LLC
property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.
The hazardous fuel reduction projects are a core component of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, to which Congress appropriated over $3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments in fuels reduction treatments for highrisk firesheds were recommended in the nonpartisan Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report. In addition to Senators Padilla, Schiff, Merkley, and Heinrich, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Senator Padilla has long been a leader in strengthening the federal and state response to wildfires. Last week, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act, the last of which is co-led by Senator Schiff. Padilla’s legislation to strengthen FEMA’s wildfire preparedness and response efforts, the FIRE Act, became law in 2022. Padilla previously questioned Secretary Burgum on his support for wildfire aid, securing his commitment to responding to wildfires regardless of which state they impact with all necessary resources and support possible.
Submission Deadline
MONDAYS by 5 pm Email Press Releases to: mary@sb-american.com
One Month Left to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance... continued
To apply visit sba.gov/disaster; call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba. gov for more information or to have a loan application mailed to you. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services.
You may also apply with the help of a SBA representative or submit your loan application at a Business Recovery Center. To find one, go to Appointment. sba.gov. Completed paper loan applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. For the latest information about California’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4856. Follow FEMA Region 9 @ FEMARegion9 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.
California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles HurricaneForce Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Visit CA.gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance.
4
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Navigating ER Challenges with SCD: Your Survival Guide
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that primarily affects Black American communities in the United States, though it can occur in any racial or ethnic group. Individuals with SCD often experience painful episodes, known as sickle cell crises, which can be debilitating and require emergency medical care. Unfortunately, many SCD patients face significant challenges when seeking treatment in emergency departments, including long wait times, stigma, and inadequate pain management.
In this article, we explore the experiences of sickle cell patients in emergency care, the challenges they face, and the ways they can advocate for themselves to receive appropriate treatment.
The Emergency Department Experience for Sickle Cell Patients
Many Sickle Cell patients try to manage their pain at home using hydration, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or Tylenol, and prescription opioids.
“Some also have long-acting medications like OxyContin or MS Contin and short-acting like oxycodone or morphine for their home regimen,” Dr. Brenda Merriweather tells BlackDoctor. org.
However, when their pain becomes unmanageable and they are breaking through their
home regimen, they must decide whether to seek emergency care.
“Many of them have had negative experiences with providers in the ER, so they hesitate. They worry about being seen as drug seekers or having their pain dismissed,” Dr. Merriweather adds.
“Some patients, if they are fortunate, have access to infusion centers or day hospitals where they can get fluids, IV pain medication and lab work. But others have no choice but to go to the emergency room,” Dr. Merriweather notes.
When sickle cell patients arrive at the emergency department, they frequently encounter long wait times. Emergency departments prioritize cases based on severity, meaning patients with heart attacks, strokes, or severe respiratory conditions may be seen first. While sickle cell crises can be life-threatening, the” invisible” nature of their pain often results in delayed treatment. When patients are triaged, their vitals may be normal, so this also can lead to delayed treatment.
Moreover, many emergency department providers are unfamiliar with the established guidelines for treating sickle cell patients. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) released guidelines in 2014, and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) updated pain
Beverly Hills Faces Two Lawsuits, Deluge of Accusations, Alleging Racist Treatment of Black Residents ...continued from page 2
These new cases are not the only ones brought against the city of Beverly Hills based on discrimination or racism. The second set of major suits was filed against the BHPD in January. The class action suit claims there have been a thousand instances of racial profiling by police.
“There are now 1,085 identified putative class members in the first lawsuit which is awaiting a ruling by the court on class certification,” reads a press release from Brad Gage, APC, the law firm representing the plaintiffs.
“There is also a second, class action for continuing acts of racial profiling,” the statement continues.
CBM contacted the city of Beverly Hills for comment, but a spokesperson referred us to archived statements on their website.
Michael Bregy, BHUSD’s superintendent put out a statement refuting the complaints against the school district.
“We do not have evidence that suggests that there was racism at the recent spirited demonstrations,” wrote Bregy. “However, BHUSD has implemented proactive measures to ensure that any concerns related to racism and antisemitism – perceived or real – are addressed promptly and effectively.”
Bregy wrote that the district is planning to work on “empathy” programs with groups like the NAACP.
The city also released a statement about the allegations of police profiling in November when the first complaint was announced.
management guidelines in 2020. Despite these recommendations, some healthcare professionals still lack awareness of the best practices for treating SCD, leading to inconsistent and inadequate care.
Challenges in Emergency Care
Sickle cell patients face several major barriers when seeking emergency treatment, including:
Skepticism and Stigma: Many patients are wrongly perceived as drug seekers due to their frequent need for opioids.
Long Wait Times: Patients may have to wait several hours before receiving care, exacerbating their pain and discomfort.
Inadequate Pain Management: Providers may not administer the medications that work best for individual patients, leading to prolonged suffering. Also, patients may be underdosed which can lead to suboptimal pain management. Patients need to also have a pain assessment 30 minutes after a dose of pain medication is given.
Racial Bias: Since the majority of SCD patients in the U.S. are African American, racial biases in the healthcare system can contribute to delayed or inadequate treatment.
“Most sickle cell patients in the U.S. are African American, although anyone can have the disease. Patients face bias based on race and their condition. Some doctors assume they are drugseeking and do not take their pain seriously,” Dr. Merriweather shares. “What these patients need is a compassionate approach. They should be seen within 30 minutes of arrival. But instead, they often wait for hours without receiving proper treatment.”
How Sickle Cell Patients Can Advocate for Themselves
While systemic change is needed to improve emergency
care for sickle cell patients, individuals can take steps to advocate for themselves, including:
Carrying Medical
Documentation: Patients should keep a flash drive or physical copies of their medical records, including their typical pain management regimen, to present to emergency providers.
Using a Sickle Cell Passport: This document provides essential medical information, including diagnosis, pain management history, and preferred treatments, helping emergency staff make informed decisions.
Educating Family and Caregivers: Loved ones can advocate on a patient’s behalf, ensuring they receive the care they need when they are unable to do so themselves.
In addition to the above, Dr. Merriweather advises being specific about your symptoms.
“Instead of just saying ‘I’m in pain or I’m hurting,’ they should describe their treatment history: ‘I’ve taken two Norco today, but it didn’t work. I’ve tried resting and hydrating, but my pain is breaking through my usual regimen. My pain score is at a 10′ Providers respond better to concrete information and data,” Dr. Merriweather adds.
Another way patients can advocate for themselves is through transition education.
“Young sickle cell patients need to be taught how to manage their condition independently so that by the time they go to elementary school, middle school, college or move out on their own, they can confidently navigate their care,” The best approach is to start transition education when the patient is young. Dr. Merriweather says.
continued on page 6
“God Summons the Nations to Listen!”...continued
[Revelation, Chapters 8 to 11].
God mercifully keeps saying, “Turn ye, turn ye, why will you die?” The first woe is passed. Behold, two woes are still coming after these things. [Revelation 9:12; Isaiah 34: 1-17].
Repent, and get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God NOW before it is too late!
Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations. All the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I AM THE LORD. The only unshakeable power. [Ezekiel 38:20-23; Joel 3:16; Haggai 2:6-7; Hebrews 12:26-27].
To whom can I give this warning? Who will listen to me?
All this wrath to come. All this torment. You would think that men would repent of their sins and turn to God, but the Scripture says they won't. Look, their ears are closed, so they cannot hear. Their consequences are just exactly what Satan intended them to be. They resisted God. They turned their back on God. They did not honor God. The word of the Lord has become offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it. What a picture of the utter depravity and degradation of the human heart. Wrath and judgment break loose, but men will not repent. What sorrow awaits my
rebellious children, says the Lord. [Isaiah 30:1]. This is a warning from the mouth of Almighty God -- and its fulfillment is found throughout the Bible. Already you see signs of such calamity in America. [Ezekiel 33]. The enemy is already at the gate! Then I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar, which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” [Revelation 9:1321].
So, the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. And thus, I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed — by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. Father, we thank you for the warning that we’ve received of what is to come. I pray that we will tremble with it, that we would take it seriously. I pray that it would bring us to tears as Jesus wept over Jerusalem. I pray that we will be deeply troubled by the concept of just the bloodshed that is coming and repent while there is still a time of grace. In Jesus Name. Amen!
Frozen
Rebekah Choate
“The role of the Beverly Hills Police Department is to enforce the law, regardless of race. The statistics presented referencing the number of convictions is a mischaracterization of the evidence in this case,” reads the statement. “In addition, the 1,088 arrests referenced includes people cited and released, not just custodial arrests. The city denies and will continue to strongly defend itself against these allegations.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of White residents is about 75%, while Black residents make up only 1.9% of Beverly Hills. With the installment of the Trump administration there is concern that incidents of violence against minorities will become commonplace and that the federal and local courts may be less inclined to provide relief.
Gage has filed and won discrimination charges against Beverly Hills in the past, and Crump has handled some of the most controversial racial bias cases in the country, including representing the families of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor who were both killed in incidents involving police officers.
Gage is concerned about the future of discrimination cases.
“It’s very serious. It’s very violent. It’s escalating on a daily basis,” said Gage. “And I feel concerned with the way that our country is going right now, where ordinary individuals seem emboldened to say and do things that never would have been acceptable, even six months ago or three months ago,” said Gage.
“God Summons the Nations to Listen!”
By: Lou K Coleman
Come near, you nations, and listen; pay attention, you, people. Let the earth hear, and all that is in it, the world, and all that comes out of it! I want to tell you what the future holds. [Isaiah 24:1-17].
A great demonic flood is descending upon humankind. The devil knows his time is short, and he is preparing to unleash overwhelming winds and waves of evil. [Revelation12:12]. He is about to bring a fierce downpour of filth, wickedness, and testing beyond anything your mind can conjure. He is going to use his millions of evil spirits in an effort to subdue the whole earth to his complete control by tyranny, oppression, cruelty, violence and agonizing torments to a degree the world has never known. Producing unparalleled suffering for the people of earth. But above it all will be the hand of God, permitting Satan this freedom, guiding every detail to the accomplishment of His purposes: the ultimate defeat of Satan, the destruction of sin, the establishment of His kingdom
of righteousness and peace, and the release of creation from its bondage to corruption.
As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night. But those who believe will enter into eternal life, and those who do not will enter into eternal punishment. [Matthew 24:13; Matthew 25:31–46].
Stunned by Jesus prophecy, the disciples ask Him, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” [Matthew 24:3].
Jesus responds with a detailed discourse, known as the Olivet Discourse, which covers the events leading up to His second coming. [Isaiah 24].
He warns them about: False Messiahs and False Prophets ─ Wars and Rumors of Wars ─ Famines, Pestilences, and Earthquakes ─ Persecution and Betrayal of Believers ─ The Abomination of Desolation ─ The Great Tribulation. [Matthew 24:4-14; Daniel 9:27].
The Olivet Discourse ends with Jesus telling His disciples about the final judgment at the end of the Tribulation and to be vigilant and discerning.
Ever since Inauguration Day 2025, the flurry of executive orders coming from President Trump has felt like a firehose directly pointed at the faces of all those who rely on the US government for anything. Hiring freezes, funding freezes, firings, and targeted attacks on various marginalized groups are all meant to show that the president can do whatever he wants with no checks on his power by Congress or our judicial system. It is also meant to make those of us who oppose these orders feel frozen and powerless.
Let’s be clear: these orders will affect almost everyone who lives in this country in one way or another and it will affect a significant percentage of the global population. It is highly likely that people will die because of these orders. And that is not hyperbole.
In just one example, the freeze of foreign assistance from the US State Department will affect the cleanup of mines and unexploded ordnance in other countries. On average, fifteen people around the world are killed each day by mines and other unexploded remnants of war—half of whom are children. Left uncleared, landmines and other unexploded munitions threatens the lives of civilians, aid workers, and even US military personnel. In 2022 alone, US-funded programs cleared over 43,000 acres of land and provided medical and rehabilitative care to over 53,000 survivors of landmines.1 Not to mention the amount of aid that goes toward vaccinations, HIV/ AIDS treatment and prevention, and other global health initiatives that save lives.
However, these funding freezes don’t affect foreign aid provided by the Pentagon. This means that while lifesaving and violence-preventing foreign aid has been frozen, the provision of weapons and other military equipment that contribute to conflict is continuing. And the money doled out by the Pentagon for foreign military aid is much
higher than the amount provided in foreign assistance by the US State Department. In just one example, the United States provided $17.9 billion to Israel for its military operations from October 7, 2023 to September 30, 2024.2 Whereas in that same period, USAID provided around $1 billion in humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. 3 In the face of these executive orders, we as people of faith must not be frozen. We cannot react to every order, but we must decide what is important to us and to our community and focus on that issue. Are you concerned for the refugee, immigrant, or LGBTQ communities in your area? Find a local organization led by and working directly with those folks and see what support they need. Next, find an organization in another country to support. Global Ministries has around 200 partners in 90 countries working on a variety of issues including climate change, migration, human trafficking, peace, and economic issues. Most of the issues affecting our local communities also affect communities in other countries. In this time of attacks on the basic dignity and rights of our fellow humans, we must be clear about our values, and we must follow the example of Jesus by walking alongside those who are being directly impacted.
1 https://www.state.gov/ reports/to-walk-the-earth-insafety-2023/
2 https://watson.brown. edu/costsofwar/papers/2024/ USspendingIsrael
3 https://www.usaid.gov/ news-information/press-releases/ sep-30-2024-united-statesannounces-nearly-336-millionhumanitarian-assistance-supportpalestinians-gaza-and-west-bank ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rebekah Choate serves as the Minister for Global Advocacy and Education, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.
Lou K Coleman
Flu Cases Skyrocket
Nationwide, Overwhelming Hospitals and Closing Schools
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Flu cases are surging across the United States, pushing hospitals to capacity and forcing school closures in multiple states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that at least 24 million people have been infected this season, with 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including 57 children. The latest data show flu activity continues to rise, with ten states and New York City experiencing the highest levels. Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas are seeing widespread outbreaks. In New York City alone, more than 51,000 flu tests returned positive during the week ending January 25, a six percent increase from the previous week. Flurelated hospitalizations in the city rose by 11 percent, with 3,000 people admitted in one week.
Schools nationwide are being forced to shut down as outbreaks spread among students and staff. Nearly a dozen schools have temporarily closed, with
administrators struggling to contain the rapid spread of illness. Doctors and public health officials warn that a pause in communication from the federal government has disrupted efforts to track and contain the flu. On January 21, the Trump administration halted external messaging from health agencies, delaying critical updates. While some messaging has resumed, health professionals say the interruption has made it harder to track infection patterns and prepare for surges. CDC continues to urge vaccinations for everyone six months and older and emphasizes the importance of early antiviral treatment for those at higher risk. The agency is also monitoring co-circulating respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and RSV, which are contributing to the strain on hospitals. “Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated and continues to increase across the country,” the CDC stated in its latest report.
Valladares Urges Federal Action to Protect Energy Affordability & Consumer Choice
SACRAMENTO - Today, Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares ( R-Santa Clarita) joined Legislative Republicans to call on the U.S. Department of Energy to intervene against state and local efforts to ban natural gas, which drive up costs and limit consumer choice. In a letter sent to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Valladares urged the federal government to block regulations that would effectively prohibit Californians from purchasing or installing gas appliances in their homes.
“Californians need leadership that works to make their lives easier and more affordable,” said Sen. Valladares. “But this obsession with banning gas stoves – a cheap, clean alternative to electricity – does the exact opposite. We need the federal government to step in and stop this before it gets out of control.” Democrat-led state agencies and local governments have pushed a series of all-electric mandates, despite federal law preempting such restrictions. More than 60 cities and counties in California have adopted bans on natural gas appliances or
implemented zero-emission appliance requirements. Even after a recent federal court ruling struck down Berkeley’s natural gas ban, many of these policies remain in effect, creating uncertainty and driving up costs for consumers, businesses, and manufacturers.
All-electric mandates will have an outsized impact in California, where electricity rates are 92% higher than the national average. Additionally, banning gas appliances would force homes and businesses to rely solely on an increasingly strained electrical grid, raising costs and reducing reliability.
Today’s letter continues Sen. Valladares’ advocacy, most recently highlighted in her call for real solutions for families after a January analysis by the state’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office revealed the state’s high utility rates.
The letter, signed by Valladares and all legislative Republicans, calls on the Department of Energy to evaluate these policies and take action to overturn gas appliance bans whenever possible.
Navigating ER Challenges with SCD: Your Survival Guide...continued from page 4
Preventative Care and Managing Sickle Cell at Home
While sickle cell crises cannot always be prevented, patients can take steps to reduce their frequency and severity. Dr. Merriweather advises the following:
Take prescribed medications
– Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and take medications as prescribed.
Drink plenty of fluids – At least 8 to 10 glasses per day to
Navigating ER Challenges with SCD: Your Survival Guide...continued
COVID-19, as infections can trigger a crisis.
Reduce stress – Engage in stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises to prevent crises.
Eat a healthy diet – Incorporate nutritious foods to support your overall health and well-being.
Keep up with regular doctor’s appointments – Stay on top of your healthcare visits to monitor your condition and prevent complications.
“Family members can be educated about the disease and how to recognize signs of crisis. When I worked in clinics, I encouraged patients to bring a trusted family member with them to clinic—like a parent, grandparent, sibling or roommate—so they could learn how to help,” Dr. Merriweather adds. “Caregivers should pay attention to changes in the patient’s behavior, like staying in bed more or taking extra medication. If a crisis seems to be starting, they should encourage the patient to drink fluids and contact their doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention can sometimes prevent an ER visit. Always have a plan to get to an emergency department if needed and that includes transportation and a driver.”
Managing Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Living with sickle cell disease presents significant mental and emotional challenges. Patients often face medical trauma, stress, and frustration when seeking care. According to Dr. Merriweather, strategies for improving mental well-being include:
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like guided meditation, deep breathing, and visualization can help manage stress.
Massage and Aromatherapy: Some patients find relief in therapeutic massage and calming scents like lavender.
Support Networks: Engaging in support groups, whether in-person or online, can help patients connect with others who understand their experiences.
Improving Emergency Care for Sickle Cell Patients
To improve emergency care experiences for sickle cell patients, hospitals and healthcare providers must:
Educate Medical Staff: Training programs on sickle cell disease and its treatment should be mandatory for emergency department personnel.
Implement Standardized Protocols: Hospitals should adopt the NIH and ASH guidelines to ensure consistent and effective care.
Reduce Wait Times: Patients experiencing sickle cell crises should be seen within 30 minutes of arrival to prevent complications.
Track Patient Outcomes: Hospitals should monitor how quickly sickle cell patients receive treatment and make improvements as needed.
“There needs to be more education on cultural competency and sickle cell treatment guidelines. ER providers should be trained on how to properly triage and manage sickle cell pain,” Dr. Merriweather notes. “Ideally, hospitals should implement mandates requiring Sickle Cell patients to be seen within 30 minutes of arrival. Institutions like Johns Hopkins have already tracked and improved their response times. More hospitals need to follow suit.”
Resources for Sickle Cell Patients
Several organizations provide valuable information and support for sickle cell patients and their families:
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) – Offers resources on patient advocacy and self-care.
Sickle Cell 101 – Provides education and awareness materials.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Features guidelines and recommendations for managing sickle cell disease.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Provides research updates and treatment guidelines.
American Society of Hematology (ASH) – Offers the latest clinical guidelines for sickle cell care.
Final Thoughts
Sickle cell patients deserve compassionate and timely medical care when experiencing a crisis. While advocacy and education can help patients navigate the healthcare system, systemic changes are needed to ensure that all individuals with sickle cell disease receive the care they need without stigma or delay. By raising awareness, improving medical training, and implementing standardized treatment guidelines, we can work toward a healthcare system that truly supports sickle cell patients. “Remember, Sickle Cell patients are not drug seekers, they are seeking treatment”. Dr. Merriweather notes.
If you or a loved one has sickle cell disease, consider reaching out to local support groups, staying informed about your treatment options, and advocating for better care. Together, we can help create a more equitable and compassionate healthcare experience for all Sickle Cell patients.
America’s three-week descent into dictatorship under 47th president
By Stacy M. Brown,
stay hydrated and help prevent sickle cell crises. Get enough rest – Ensure proper sleep and rest to help your body recover and maintain energy. Avoid extreme temperatures –Both hot and cold temperatures can trigger pain episodes, so dress accordingly. Stay away from people with infections – Avoid exposure to illnesses like colds, flu, or
Critics are comparing the new American regime to that of Joseph Stalin, the infamous socialist Soviet
(NNPA Newswire) – Donald Trump has spent a lifetime evading accountability. As a private citizen, authorities fined Trump for refusing to rent to Black tenants, he declared bankruptcy multiple times, he lost a $90 million civil judgment for sexual assault, and a jury
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the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association. Tiene 30 días de calendario después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petición para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo. Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también le puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales.
Para asesoramiento legal, póngase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www.lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado.
NOTICE—RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.
AVISO—LAS ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PÁGINA 2: Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte dé otras órdenes. Cualquier agencia del orden público que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas órdenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California. FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party. EXENCIÓN DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente
convicted him on 34 felony charges. However, none of that mattered once Trump seized the presidency again.
With Mitch McConnell’s help, Trump flooded the courts with loyalists and stacked the Supreme Court with cronies who ruled that he was immune from prosecution. Now, just three weeks into his second term, the first convicted felon to hold the presidency has made it clear: The law no longer applies to him.
America’s system of checks and balances has collapsed, and a dictator now sits in the Oval Office.
Trump has shredded the very foundation of democracy, dismantling government agencies, ignoring court orders,
A concept photo of a scientist's hand holding a bottle of the COVID-19 vaccine and measuring the right amount of dosage.
leader. (Photo Credit: A. Oshurkov, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
The Eta Phi Beta Sorority
Celebrated Their Rededication Ceremony
By Soror Beverly Haynes
San Bernardino, CA-The Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Gamma Omega Chapter, started the fall months with a bang as we celebrated our Rededication Ceremony. It was 83 years ago that eleven far-sighted women of business organized this Noble Sorority, that encompasses our great country from border to border.
The month of October 2024 was an active one. We held workshops on Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness and participated in the Susan B. Kulman Breast Cancer Walk that was held in Murrietta, Calif. We also attended a Church service with Bethesda House of Mercy here in the city of San Bernardino, where we donated Candy to the children for their Halloween Celebration.
The highlight of the month of November was the virtual celebration of our National Founder’s Day that included all Eta Phi Beta Sorority Chapters in the USA. What a beautiful Ceremony it was. Also, the Gamma Omega Chapter donated Thanksgiving gift cards to families in the Inland Empire for the holiday.
In December we held our annual Christmas Outreach at Villas Assistant Living Facility. There we gave gifts and sang Christmas Carols to the residence. A few days later we held our Christmas Extravaganza. It was a joyous occasion. Tickets were sold and monies were collected for our Scholarship Program. The Christmas Extravaganza was very well attended, and Alpha Psi Chapter of Rialto, and Kappa Chapter of Los Angeles, Calif. were in attendance. The President, Dr. Barbara Smith-Mustin of Gamma Omega Chapter delivered a beautiful spiritual message. Also in December, The Candlelight Vesper Service, was held virtually, that included five Chapters of the Western Region of Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. What a glorious meeting it was.
The Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is an affiliate of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and Good Health Wins (GHW). We have had a wonderful fall, filled with activities, and we look forward to the winter and spring months with fond anticipation.
America’s three-week descent into dictatorship under 47th president...continued from page 6 and bending the Republicancontrolled Congress to his will.
With Elon Musk’s backing, Trump shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development, gutting a program that fed and provided medical care to millions worldwide.
With Musk pulling the strings and under his administration, airplanes seemingly fall out of the sky almost daily. Trump also fired 17 inspectors general without congressional notice, silencing watchdogs meant to prevent government corruption. He ignored a court-backed law requiring TikTok to sell or shut down.
“The president is openly violating the law and Constitution on a daily basis,” said Brendan Nyhan, a political scientist at Dartmouth College.
Trump’s actions have called the bluff of America’s constitutional system. Lawsuits are piling up, but courts move too slowly to contain his sweeping power grabs. Republican lawmakers refuse to act, either cheering him on or cowering in fear of political retribution.
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis admitted that Trump’s actions “run afoul of the Constitution in the strictest sense.” His response? “Nobody should bellyache about that.” Congress was meant to serve as a check on executive power, but today’s Republican Party has handed Trump complete control. They confirmed Russell Vought, a key architect of Project 2025, to lead the Office of Management and Budget after a marathon Democratic protest. Trump fired the chair of the Federal Election Commission despite her insistence that his action was illegal. His administration has floated eliminating the Education Department, slashing food stamp programs, and imprisoning migrants in detention camps.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
America’s three-week descent into dictatorship under 47th president...continued
One of Trump’s most dangerous abuses of power is his alliance with Musk. The world’s richest man and a quarterbillion-dollar Trump campaign donor has embedded his own operatives in key government agencies, including the Treasury Department, USAID, the Education Department and the Environmental Protection Agency.
At the Treasury, Musk’s handpicked team attempted to seize control of governmentwide payment systems, which would grant them access to Americans’ financial data, a move that prompted a top career official to resign. U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer on Feb. 8 blocked their access–for now. Musk’s next target: the Education Department. USAID, once the world’s largest provider of food aid, has been decimated, leaving humanitarian efforts in shambles.
Musk bragged about his takeover on social media, claiming, “I went over it with him in detail, and he agreed that we should shut it down.” Russia approved. Former President Dmitry Medvedev praised
Musk’s intervention as “a smart move.”
Even among Republicans, there is a quiet acknowledgment that Trump’s power has gone unchecked. When pressed about Musk’s infiltration of federal agencies, Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker conceded, “Do I want Congress to exercise its right and power as a coequal branch of the federal government? Yes, I do.”
But Congress has done nothing. Senate Republicans are confirming Trump’s handpicked loyalists, standing by as he purges independent agencies, and enabling his consolidation of power. Litigation will come but the process is slow, and Trump’s violations mount by the day.
“Whole lotta big cases coming the federal judiciary’s way,” said conservative Stanford Law professor Orin Kerr.
Calmes added they’re “forfeiting Congress’ constitutional status as a coequal branch of government, with unique legislative and spending powers. In the meantime, we just keep counting Trump’s days as dictator.”
Experienced educators discuss how the president’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education would impact minority students
By Aria Brent AFRO Staff Writer
The Fourth Geneva Convention, which the U.S. has upheld since World War II, prohibits forced deportations, but Trump has proposed the mass removal of 2.3 million Palestinians from Gaza—a move University of Michigan professor Juan Cole compared to the ethnic cleansing tactics of Stalin.
“I grew up in an America full of revulsion for Stalinism, and even the few Communists I ever met were critics of it,” Cole wrote. “Now, we have a new American Stalinism, as dismissive of individual and collective rights and liberties as Uncle Joe had been.”
Trump’s own former diplomat to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Chargé d’Affaires Harry Kamian, condemned Russia’s mass deportation of Crimean Tatars in 1944-’47 as a crime against humanity. Yet, just three weeks into Trump’s second term, the U.S. follows the same playbook. The courts remain one of the last remaining obstacles to Trump’s total rule. A judge blocked his attempt to strip birthright citizenship, and another halted his unconstitutional freeze on federal spending.
However, Trump has ignored these rulings, refusing to release frozen funds despite direct judicial orders.
Los Angeles Times columnist Jackie Calmes described Trump’s second term as “a diktat a day.” He has purged thousands of protected federal employees, defied Congress’s control over federal spending, and attempted to dismantle legally established agencies.
“Trump’s Day 1 clemency for his nearly 1,600 fellow Jan. 6 insurrectionists was at least within a president’s express powers, as are tariffs,” Calmes wrote. “Much else is not.”
The future of education in the US is foggy as we wait to see if the president will follow through with his promise to dismantle the Department of Education. (Photo: Unsplash/ Kenny Eliason)
While on the campaign trail, Donald Trump discussed his plans to dismantle the Department of Education (DOE) and with him officially being back in the oval office, his threat to do away with the government agency now has the chance to become a reality. And although the dissolution of the DOE is no sure thing at the moment, parents and teachers alike are concerned about how this could impact our nation’s most vulnerable students.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 49.6 million students enrolled in elementary and secondary schools in 2022. 7.4 million of those students were identified as Black which is about nearly a third of the 22.1 million White students that were counted for. And although, Black students generally account for less of the U.S. students, there’s also less representation of Black students in all levels of schooling due decreased enrollment. This can be seen in pre-school and college statistics.
A report shared in June 2023 by the U.S. Census Bureau found that:
“In 2019, about 53 percent of all Black children were enrolled in a preschool program. But the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant drops in enrollment due to fears of contamination and/or families being less able to afford the expense of preschool education. By 2021, 46 percent of White children and only 39 percent of Black children were enrolled in preschool.”
It was also reported that:
“In 2011, there were more than 3.5 million Black students enrolled in higher education. In 2019,
before the pandemic, there were just over 3 million Black students enrolled in higher education. Two years later in 2021, 2,882,000 Black students were enrolled at colleges and universities.”
For a long time, Black students have been disadvantaged and risk of not receiving the education they deserve to the systemic racism.
The DOE’s founding in 1979 has since gone on to play a crucial role in creating programs for minority, disabled and impoverished students, along with the regulation of national education standards and student loan disbursements.
With the increasing number of right-wing officials opposing the teaching of “woke” race and gender based lessons, many of them have begun to advocate for the agency’s authority to be given to the states.
“What Trump is threatening to do with dismantling the Department of Education is give all the power back to the states and that sounds good in theory, but you and I both know we have 50 states. You cannot trust 50 different states to have the best interests of Black students at heart,” said Sidney Jones, Ed.D. “I’m from the south– I’m a proud person from Louisiana but I know my state. I know the South in general and you definitely shouldn’t trust the state of Louisiana and many other states with making sure Black students get treated equally. Especially not the states that wanted to tell us separate was equal— not those states.”
For the last 26 years Jones has worked as both an educator and a mentor throughout the central Ohio area. And although he currently resides in the midwest his southern roots have always kept him privy to the racism that exists throughout the American education system. During his time as both an educator
Experienced educators discuss how the president’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education would impact minority students
and a student he’s seen how the DOE benefits minority and lowerincome students.
“When I was an undergraduate student I remember receiving Pell Grants for school and I later learned that it was distributed by the Department of Education. As I became an educator I then began to learn more about other things they operate like early childhood development programs,” said Jones. “Additionally there are programs specifically designed to help lower income or minority students at the collegiate level like the TRiO program.”
The long-time educator noted that the DOE, like many government agencies, isn’t without flaw, however the work they do and the programs they run are vital to the nation’s current education system. He explained how the department’s development has impacted the landscape of special education programs throughout the nation.
“Special education programs are regulated by the department of education and those programs aren’t designed to help just Black students with disabilities but all students, ” he said. “ I think some people forget that resources like classroom aids and individual education plans are made possible because of the department of education.”
Hope Hurst has dedicated her life to the education and empowerment of Black children. She spent 32 years working in the Columbus City Schools district and through her experiences she’s seen the many ways the DOE plays a vital role in the everyday lives of inner-city students.
“The Department of Education regulates the bussing system and is responsible for making sure kids can get to school safely,”she said. “If Trump were to dismantle this agency I’m sure the school transportation system would be affected and it would then trickle down to the students. There are already so many students that become truant or miss vital lessons in school because of transportation issues.”
It was reported by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics that in 2021 that 60 percent of lowincome students take the bus to school and 20 percent of lowincome families own no vehicles and the majority (70 percent) of
children from these families take a school bus to school.
She continued on, explaining how the issue of transportation alone could impact not only students but the entire school. Noting that attendance numbers are often reviewed when it comes to conversations about funding and annual budgets.
“Here in Columbus, we have count week sometime during October and it’s a really big deal because what your schools attendance numbers look like that week will determine how much funding your school gets for the year,” Hurst explained. “And even though this crucial time period is just a week long, once administrators get students into the flow of getting to school on time or at all for that matter they try to keep that momentum.”
Title I is a federal program run by the DOE that provides financial assistance to schools with high percentages of low-income students.The program’s goal is to help all students receive a highquality education. According to MDR Education, in March of 2024, 49,229 of public schools in the United States were labeled as Title I schools. Hurst explained how detrimental this funding is to students and families in predominantly Black and lowincome areas.
“Without the Department of Education many of our already low performing schools and districts would be stripped of Title I funding that affords schools the opportunity to improve student outcomes and raise academic performance,” she said. “Each school I worked in was a Title I school and with our funding we were able to hire reading intervention teachers as extra support. These reading intervention teachers worked with students who were most likely to fall behind or were already behind according to their diagnostic assessments. Without them students would not receive a well-needed double dose of support in reading and math.” The nation needs the DOE to thrive and truly provide all of our students with equal access to a proper education. This is bigger than race and honestly it shouldn’t be a matter of politics. If the children are really our future, then keeping the DOE running is a must.