SB American News Week Ending 3/5

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In Unexpected Move, Calif. Republican Lawmaker Bill Essayli Introduces Reparations Bill

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Last month, about 100 reparations advocates met at the State Capitol to build support for bills they backed that didn’t make it to the Assembly floor for votes during the last legislative session. During the day-long event -- titled Reparations Education and Advocacy Day (R.E.A.D) -- members of 20 grassroots organizations announced that they were willing to work with any lawmaker, Republican or Democrat, who would help to advance their cause.

Last week, the advocates found support in an unlikely campaigner: Bill Essayli (R-Corona), a Republican lawmaker, who just last year stated he does not support using taxpayer money to pay for reparations.

In a Feb. 21 press release, the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) stated that the “movement to recognize and support American Freedmen residents is a non-partisan effort” that prioritizes sound “policy over political affiliation.”

CJEC is the statewide organization at the forefront of mobilizing grassroots efforts for reparations and reparative Justice for “Freedmen,” a term used to describe Black Americans who are descendants of slaves in the United States.

“Over the coming days and weeks, additional provisions will be added to further honor the state’s responsibility to serve and

develop policies for American Freedmen residents directly, such as in areas of business, housing, and education, instead of nonprofit organizations with little to no transparency and public accountability,” CJEC’s release stated.

Essayli, a former Riverside County prosecutor and the first Muslim American elected to the California Legislature, introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1315 Feb. 21, legislation that would create the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAFAA). Essayli says he is presenting the bill with the support of members of CJEC.

“I have introduced AB 1315 to deliver on a broken promise and engage in an honest discussion about creating opportunities for American Freedman instead of more empty political rhetoric from the Democrat Party,” Essayli shared with California Black Media (CBM) on Feb. 22.

But some political watchers and skeptical Democrats are questioning the motives behind Essayli’s sudden and unexpected support of reparations policy.

At press time, Essayli had not announced the introduction of AB 1315 on his website or social media pages.

Some are also pointing out the inconsistency in his position on reparations.

For example, the Black LA Young Democrats reposted a

screenshot of Essayli’s post on X form last year, stating that he doesn’t support taxpayer-funded reparations.

“All Black Folks in California are watching y’all getting played,” the Black LA Young Democrats wrote, referring to CJEC.

“The drum beat for reparations is growing louder,” Essayli posted on X last year. “Today’s resolution, ACR 135, was the first step and formally recognized the harms of slavery committed by the State of California (even though we were never a slave state.)”

Essayli followed that post with this: “I’m very much opposed to CA taxpayers paying reparations.”

Essayli made that statement following a floor speech acknowledging an Assembly resolution that apologized for slavery.

In Essayli’s new bill, AB 1315, he proposes the creation of the California American Freedman Affairs Agency (CAFAA) a state-level department that would create a genealogy office to process eligibility requests and provide a legal arm to support reparations claims.

The bill mirrors many of the provisions in Senate Bill (SB) 1403 authored by former state Sen. Steven Bradford, who represented the 35th District in Los Angeles County before terming out last year.

Bradford’s bill, SB 1403, also called for establishing CAFAA as a state-level department that would administer all reparations activities. However, some members of the CLBC did not support the bill moving to the Assembly floor for a vote because they said it “ceded legislative authority, which is critical given the generational impact this legislation would have.”

“We understand the legislative process is complex and does not always unfold as initially envisioned,” the CLBC’s said in a statement. “However, we remain committed to our long-

term goals and recognize that this is a multi-year effort.”

CJEC has however blamed the stalling of the bill on the CLBC and expressed their disappointment and outrage.

Last year, according to Bradford, Essayli offered to bring his bills up for a floor vote. but Essayli told Bradford then that he would not vote for the legislation he sponsored.

Bradford declined the offer.

“I seriously wonder if @ billessayli will be able to keep a straight face if this comes to the floor. Half the audience will laugh, then protesters will start yelling and boom – the GOP has enough footage of the scene to covers years of campaign ads,” wrote OakSyder, a commentor on X.

News of Essayli’s AB 1315 arrived a day after the CLBC presented a 16-bill package with several reparations and reparative justice priorities.

“This bill (AB 1315) does not require further study before it can become operable, instead, it initiates real steps toward progress immediately,” CJEC stated in response to the CLBC bill package.

“For too long, the Democrat Party has lied to Black voters and delivered nothing decade after decade,” Essayli told CBM. “This was most recently on display with the bait and switch by the California Legislative Black Caucus which killed SB 1403 in the final hour of the legislative session last year.”

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) says he looks forward to questioning Essayli when a hearing on AB 1315 is held.

“The author won’t publicly claim CJEC’s bill, or clarify if he believes all debts owed to American Descendants of Slavery should be paid in full – including monetary compensation,” Bryan posted on X.

“There’s one Black man on the Judiciary Committee who gets to ask all the right questions,” Bryan said, referring to himself.

Roberta Flack,

Grammy-Winning

‘Killing Me Softly’

Singer With an Intimate Style, Dies at 88

By Birmingham Times

NEW YORK (AP) — Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist whose intimate vocal and musical style made her one of the top recordings artists of the 1970s and an influential performer long after, died Monday. She was 88. She died at home surrounded by her family, publicist Elaine Schock said in a statement.

Flack announced in 2022 she had ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and could no longer sing, Little known before her early 30s, Flack became an overnight star after Clint Eastwood used

“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” as the soundtrack for one of cinema’s more memorable and explicit love scenes, between the actor and Donna Mills in his 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.”

The hushed, hymn-like ballad, with Flack’s graceful soprano afloat on a bed of soft strings and piano, topped the Billboard pop chart in 1972 and received a Grammy for record of the year.

“The record label wanted to have it re-recorded with a faster tempo, but he said he wanted it exactly as it was,” Flack told The Associated Press in 2018.

“With the song as a theme song for his movie, it gained a lot of popularity and then took off.”

In 1973, she matched both achievements with “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” becoming the first artist to win consecutive Grammys for best record.

Scholarship At Age 15

A classically trained pianist so gifted she received a full scholarship at age 15 to Howard, the historically Black university, Flack was discovered in the late 1960s by jazz musician

Les McCann, who later wrote that “her voice touched, tapped, trapped, and kicked every emotion I’ve ever known.” Flack was versatile enough to summon the up-tempo gospel passion of Aretha Franklin, but she favored a more measured and reflective approach, as if curating a song word by word.

For Flack’s many admirers, she was a sophisticated and bold new presence in the music world and in the social and civil rights movements of the time, her friends including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis, whom Flack visited in prison while Davis faced charges — for which she was acquitted — for murder and kidnapping.

Flack sang at the funeral of Jackie Robinson, major league baseball’s first Black player, and was among the many guest performers on the feminist children’s entertainment project created by Marlo Thomas, “Free to Be … You and Me.” Flack’s other hits from the 1970s included the cozy “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and two duets with her close friend and former Howard classmate Donny Hathaway, “Where Is the Love” and ”The Closer I Get to You” — a partnership that ended in tragedy. In 1979, she and Hathaway were working on an album of duets when he suffered a breakdown during recording and later that night fell to his death from his hotel room in Manhattan.

“I love that connection to other artists because we understand music, we live music, it’s our language,” Flack told songwriteruniverse.com in 2020. “Through music we understand what we are thinking and feeling. No matter what challenge life presents, I am at home with my piano, on a stage, with my band, in the studio, listening to music. I can find my way when I hear music.” In 2022, Beyoncé placed Flack, Franklin and Diana Ross among others in a special pantheon of heroines name-checked in the Grammy-nominated “Queens Remix” of “Break My Soul.” Flack was briefly married to Stephen Novosel, an interracial relationship that led to tension with each of their families, and earlier had a son, the singer and keyboardist Bernard Wright. For years, she lived in Manhattan’s Dakota apartment building, on the same floor as John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who became a close friend and provided liner notes for a Flack album of Beatles covers, “Let It Be Roberta.” She also devoted extensive time to the Roberta Flack School of Music, based in New York and attended mostly by students between ages 6 to 14.

“I Wanted To Be Successful” Roberta Cleopatra Flack, the daughter of musicians, was born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia. After graduating from Howard, she taught music in D.C.-area junior high schools for several years in her 20s, while performing after hours in clubs.

Roberta Flack was a classically trained pianist so gifted she received a full scholarship at age 15 to Howard, the historically Black university, (© Charles Sykes)

SBCUSD Has Two of America's Healthiest Schools 2024 Honorees

2024 to

an official ribbon-cutting ceremony in

High

Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), which supports schools’ efforts to partner with local government and community agencies to improve student outcomes related to academics and health and social services.

(Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—

San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD)

Norton Elementary School and Sierra High School are among America’s Healthiest Schools for 2024.

America's Healthiest Schools is an annual recognition program from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation that celebrates schools for implementing policies and practices to promote health and well-being. Schools are evaluated in nine areas Healthier Generation considers important to creating healthy schools.

Norton and Sierra are 2 of 879 schools across 30 states in the U.S. honored this school year.

Sierra was also a 2023 honoree.

“As principal, I could not be more proud that the efforts of Norton’s staff to value and nurture the whole child and promote physical, mental and social-

emotional health in conjunction with academic success have been recognized on a national scale,” said Norton Principal Elizabeth Cochrane Benoit.

“Of course, this would not have been possible without the support of our Board of Education and Superintendent and our Norton school community.”

Norton Elementary was recognized in seven of the nine areas Healthier Generation considers when evaluating schools:

Supporting School Health Services—Enhancing school health services to support the physical and mental wellbeing of students by routinely conducting health screenings and addressing chronic health conditions

Improving Nutrition & Food Access—Maximizing school meal participation, collaborating with teachers on

nutrition education for students and partnering with community organizations to improve nutrition security for families

Bolstering Physical Education & Activity—Provide evidencebased physical education and integrate physical activity throughout the school day, including students with special health needs

Strengthening SocialEmotional Health & Learning— Positively motivating student participation and learning and providing opportunities for students to regulate their emotions and learn from their mistakes

Increasing Family & Community Engagement— Engaging the school community, involving parents and caregivers in supporting student success and connecting families to health and wellness resources

Implementing Local School

Wellness Policy—Promoting healthy practices through implementation of the District’s wellness policy and reviewing progress, successes and challenges

Cultivating Staff WellBeing—Actively promoting relationship building among staff and fostering a culture of gratitude among colleagues

According to Sierra Principal Hector Murrieta, the continuation high school serves students who are behind in high school credits or may need a flexible educational environment due to personal obligations or challenges, making it vital that the campus prioritizes student mental and emotional well-being. With help from key partners like Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health, the school offers on-campus counseling services and support groups, creating a nurturing environment where the emotional well-being of students is as important as their academic success.

Sierra expanded the number of areas in which it excelled from three to six. The three areas that Sierra continued to excel in from last year were:

Strengthening SocialEmotional Health & Learning

Improving Nutrition & Food Access

Implementing Local School Wellness Policy

Sierra was additionally recognized this year for expanding its efforts in:

Increasing Family & Community Engagement

Supporting School Health Services

Promoting Tobacco-Free School—Promoting prevention and a tobacco-free campus and supporting students in cessation efforts

Preventing Overdose Deaths in Black Communities

By Tracie Gardner and Daliah Heller

On Dec. 8, the air was crisp as Kimberly Douglas made her way to her son Bryce’s gravestone in National Harmony Memorial Park in Landover. It’s been nearly 18 months since she lost the 17-year-old to a fentanyl overdose. On this day each year, known as Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, families light candles honoring loved ones gone too soon, like Bryce. This day of remembrance is a stark reminder of the urgent need to prevent similar tragedies.

The pain of the day Kimberly lost her son is seared into her soul. She worked at her home office in Bowie in the early afternoon. Bryce was home early from school and napped in his bedroom, just one room away. When Kimberly found him unresponsive, she frantically searched her home for naloxone, a medicine that reverses an overdose and prevents death. In her panic, she couldn’t find it. It wasn’t until later, through tears of grief and disbelief, that she discovered the naloxone — in Bryce’s pocket. He had it all along.

This country’s overdose epidemic has generated a large and active ecosystem of advocacy groups, support organizations,

and grieving parents. But Kimberly finds she is often the only Black parent engaged. She has started her own Facebook group, Black Moms Against Overdose, seeking a safe place for Black families whose loved ones overdose. She prays more Black parents will step forward, join the fight, and be part of the solution.

Over the past five years, a staggering half million people overdosed in the United States. But recent reports suggest a steady upward trend over two decades is reversing. The latest data from the CDC shows a 17% decline in deaths from September 2023 through August 2024

Over the past decade, however, deaths have skyrocketed in Black and Indigenous populations, and now overdose rates have begun to diverge by race. A recent analysis of CDC data from the O’Neill Institute shows that through 2023, in many states, while deaths were leveling off and even declining among white populations, they were still rising in Black and Indigenous populations.

Why have Black communities not experienced the same decrease in overdose deaths? Through our work nationwide, we found that

critical preventive information and resources often don’t reach Black communities. We see two main problems: first, information and resources are not promoted or distributed effectively in Black communities, and second, fallout from America’s destructive war on drugs still affects Black communities.

For example, access to the lifesaving medication, naloxone, can reduce overdose deaths. But efforts to expand naloxone distribution have not sufficiently reached Black and Indigenous communities. A modeling study shows overdose deaths among Blacks and Hispanics would dramatically decrease if their access to naloxone were at the same level as whites. Intentional collaboration with community leaders by local and state governments and local health providers can ensure access to naloxone is equitable and will save lives.

Despite the reality that levels of drug use are relatively uniform across racial groups, the opioid-driven overdose crisis has been widely represented as predominantly impacting white communities, leaving Blacks less informed. Drugs popularized in hip-hop culture, like Percocets and lean (codeine), aren’t cast as opioids. Many people are unaware that ingredients such as fentanyl are widespread in the drug supply, increasing risk across the board.

The legacy of the racist war on drugs, which subjected Blacks to community-level criminalization, unequal sentencing, and mass incarceration, wields a lasting influence. Services and public health messages directed at people who use drugs are less impactful for those who fear being stigmatized by a connection to drug use. Messages that can save lives are not being heard. We need to address the

a preventable tragedy. With naloxone in hand, you can save a life.

Tracie Gardner is the executive director of the National Black Harm Reduction Network.

stigma of drug use to improve health for all communities, and especially for those historically targeted for drug-related harm.

As a visible advocate, Kimberly fights stigma by providing Black families a space to grieve and take action. Rallying Black voices into this work is crucial to turning back the tide on overdoses and pushing against calls for harsher penalties. The misguided drug policies of decades past have created lingering damage that Black communities still struggle to overcome.

The time for action is now, and community leaders play a vital role. Local governments should establish and support partnerships with Black community leaders to share overdose prevention information and naloxone resources with local communities. Engagement is especially critical now, to ensure equitable access to naloxone and reduce disparities and overdose deaths for everyone.

Naloxone is easy to use and available for free from most local health departments and from a growing number of community partners in cities and towns across the country. It is also available for purchase over the counter at any pharmacy.

The key to saving a life with naloxone is administering it as soon as you recognize any sign of an overdose. Anyone who is in community with someone who uses drugs — family, friends, local businesses, neighbors, and associates — can be activated and prepared to help.

With community partners, we are launching a seven-city “Naloxone in Black” media campaign in late March to promote access to the lifesaving medication.

Every overdose death is

Daliah Heller is VP of Overdose Prevention Initiatives for Vital Strategies. This article was first published exclusively by the Washington Informer.

Preventing Overdose Deaths in Black Communities...continued Should Los Angeles withdraw from hosting the 2028 Olympic Games?

Long term wildfire recovery and homelessness management are main factors by Larry Buford

Hosting the Olympic Games is expensive, and in many cases, the costs outweigh the revenues. The last time Los Angeles hosted the games in 1984, the estimated cost was around 20 billion, and revenue just over 200 million USD; but that was a different era. Today, L.A. is faced with unfathomable disasters. Ever since the drought began about a decade ago, it seems each year has been in competition with the last to see which one can produce the most fire damage – the worst being this year, 2025, where most of the Pacific Palisades and Altadena communities were devastated.

Then there’s the ongoing homelessness crisis where we learned that half of the 2023 budget was not spent, and millions of dollars cannot be accounted for at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). There is a serious lack of a tangible comprehensive plan, leadership, and accountability. To make bad matters even worse, due to the fires, thousands more people are now joining the ranks of the homeless. The mayor’s “Inside, Safe” crusade is lagging.

Usually people, when they plan a special event at their home, will pull out all the stops to clean and decorate for the occasion.

The same goes for hosting the games. Have you noticed L.A.s crumbling infrastructure lately? Have you driven down Century

Boulevard – the gateway to/from (the L.A. airport) LAX – and noticed how bumpy and potholefilled it has become? Have you driven down Sunset and Hollywood boulevards? These are just a few of the outlying thoroughfares that stretch to some of the biggest visitor attractions in the world, and of necessity, the city will undoubtedly make repairs leading up to 2028. The game is already on as city leaders add planning, budgeting, and sponsorships etc., to their to do lists.

To top it all off, with all the infighting, corruption, complacency, and finger pointing (Mayor Bass just removed L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley) amongst city leaders; they can’t seem to get a good grip on handling everyday issues much less the simultaneous prepping for the Olympic Games. L.A. is in crisis mode and cannot afford to be distracted by the enormity of hosting the games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has a termination clause in their contract, and it would be a great favor to L.A. County taxpayers for the agreement to be vacated. Larry Buford is a contributing writer. Author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand” and “Book To The Future” (Amazon). Email: LBuford8101@hotmail. com

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School holds

Narcan is a prescription medication that is used to treat an opioid overdose. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have

Missed

Gov. Newsom Visits Altadena; Kicks Off Next Phase of Recovery Effort

Gov. Gavin Newsom joined federal and local leaders to launch a new phase of firestorm debris removal in Southern California last week, marking the fastest large-scale cleanup effort in modern state history.

The operation began just 35 days after the wildfires that destroyed parts of Los Angeles County ignited — about half the time it took to start similar efforts after the 2018 Woolsey Fire.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began debris removal Tuesday in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades. This follows the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) initial removal of household hazardous waste, a crucial first step in wildfire recovery.

“This new phase of debris

removal marks a foundational step in helping Angelenos build back stronger,” said Newsom, thanking state and federal workers for expediting the cleanup.

Under Newsom’s leadership, California has cut red tape and streamlined the recovery process. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, in partnership with six local jurisdictions, has been collecting Right-of-Entry forms, developing haul routes, and coordinating the safe transportation of fire debris.

The EPA has been working at record speed to clear hazardous materials, allowing structural debris removal to move forward. As crews increase their presence in affected communities, officials urge residents to remain patient as work continues.

Legislative Republicans Push Back on State’s Plan to Charge Insurers $1 Billion for Wildfires

Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) and Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Fresno) are opposing recent changes to California’s FAIR Plan, which could result in higher insurance costs for homeowners.

The FAIR Plan is a state resource that provides basic fire coverage to homeowners when it is not available from traditional insurers.

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara recently approved a plan allowing the FAIR Plan to seek $1 billion from insurance companies to cover growing wildfire-related claims. Up to 50% of these costs could be passed on to policyholders. Gallagher criticized the move, arguing that the focus should be on wildfire prevention rather than increasing costs for homeowners.

“Forcing working families to pay for the failures of California’s insurance market is not a real solution,” said Gallagher. “The real fix starts with reducing wildfire risk — clearing excess fuel, improving forest management, and hardening homes.”

Tangipa echoed similar concerns about the surcharge.

“This is just another Band-Aid to a broken system,” he said. He emphasized the need for risk mitigation efforts, including vegetation management and streamlining regulations that prevent effective safety measures.

With insurance providers withdrawing from the California market due to wildfire risks, the FAIR Plan has become an increasingly critical option for homeowners.

New Report Highlights Wage Gap for Black Women in California

A new report, Disrupting Disparities: Ending the Black Women Wage Gap in California, reveals that Black women, particularly single mothers, continue to face significant wage disparities, earning far less than White men in the state. At the current rate, the report highlights that California’s Black women wage gap will take 100 years to close.

The report found that in 2022 Black women earned an average of $54,000 annually, while Black single mothers earned $50,000 compared to $90,000 for White men. When factoring in total income, Black women earned $60,000, while single mothers earned $53,000, still well below their White male counterparts.

This means Black women earn just $0.60 for every $1 a White man makes, with single mothers making only $0.56.

Community Town Hall with Congressman Pete Aguilar Addresses Urgent Issues

Impacting Inland Empire Residents

Bo Tefu | California Black Media

Local residents gathered at the San Bernardino Community Center for a town hall hosted by members of the Black American Political Action Committee (BAPAC), National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), and the San Bernardino NAACP. The forum provided opportunities to engage directly with Congressman Pete Aguilar, who represents California's 33rd Congressional District, and discuss key issues affecting the region.

Rep. Pete Aguilar(D-CA-33) spoke candidly about the challenges posed by the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts, particularly the potential impact on healthcare programs like Medi-Cal, which q serves underserved communities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. He expressed concerns about the $4 trillion budget cuts over the next decade, highlighting the risks to healthcare and education, especially for vulnerable populations. “This is a budget that could slash $880 billion from healthcare, which would make it more difficult for our residents, our neighbors, and our kids to access the care they need,” Aguilar said. “We need to fight these cuts with everything we've got. It’s about protecting our communities.”

During the discussion, Aguilar

also stressed the importance of local governments and public education funding, noting how cuts to Title 1 schools and support for students with disabilities could harm the community. "This isn't just a budget fight. It's about the future of our children, our healthcare, and our families. We need to stay vigilant," he added. The event also gave attendees the chance to ask questions about immigration, social security, and the future of national policies, reinforcing the need for continued grassroots activism.

Former Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino) emphasized the importance of speaking directly with elected officials. "We need to ensure that the community understands that our elected officials should be in touch with the people they represent. We must show up, especially in districts represented by Republicans, to ensure they hear the concerns of their constituents," Brown said. "It’s crucial that we all stand together, because these issues affect us all." Many attendees expressed being unsettled with the direction the country is heading and urged action to advocate for their communities' needs. "We need to take action now," Brown concluded, "Our voices must be heard.”

Black Journalists, Activists Condemn MSNBC for Firing Joy Reid

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

MSNBC has parted ways with Joy Reid, marking the departure of another prominent Black woman from the network. Reid joins Rashida Jones, the first Black woman to head a major cable news network, along with Melissa Harris-Perry and Tiffany Cross. All four women brought critical, unapologetic perspectives on race, politics, and power—voices that many believe are being systematically eliminated.

Bobby Henry, chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), called Reid’s removal unacceptable and urged immediate action.

The financial impact extends beyond paychecks, affecting access to housing, childcare, and basic necessities. If paid equitably, the report states, a Black single mother in California could afford an extra year of rent or two years of childcare. To address these disparities, the report recommends expanding pay transparency laws, increasing access to affordable childcare, investing in workforce development programs, and implementing region-specific minimum wage increases. It also calls for enhanced workplace protections, leadership development initiatives, and a statewide task force to focus on Black women’s economic equity. Advocates argue that closing the wage gap is critical not only for Black women and their families but also for strengthening California’s economy.

“As Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), I stand in unwavering solidarity with Joy Reid and the impactful legacy of The ReidOut,” Henry said. “Joy’s voice has been a beacon of truth, justice, and empowerment for our community, and now is the time for us to show up for her. I urge you to join us—together, we will lift our voices, strategize, and continue to support those who champion our stories. Our collective strength is our greatest asset—let’s stand united for Joy and for the future of Black journalism. The Black Press of America and Black-owned media is needed now just as we were almost 200 years ago.”

Reid’s departure has drawn immediate criticism from viewers, journalists, and activists. Kevin Simmons, a supporter of The ReidOut, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “The racists are rejoicing” after

The City Of Barstow Names New City Manager

BARSTOW, CA – February 21, 2025 – After an extensive selection process and a unanimous City Council vote on Feb. 18, the City of Barstow has announced that Rochelle Clayton has been named as Barstow’s new city manager. She enters her new position on March 10, 2025, with more than 10 years of city management experience and more than 30 years of government experience.

Clayton has extensive experience in city leadership, financial oversight and strategic planning. With over three decades of experience, she has successfully overseen multimillion-dollar city budgets, led major infrastructure and economic development projects, and implemented key policy initiatives. In her most recent experience as interim city manager of San Bernardino, she managed a $200 million budget, led negotiations on homelessness

policies, and spearheaded internal audits and citywide improvements. Prior to that, she served as assistant city manager in Menifee, where she played a key role in establishing a new police department, managing infrastructure projects, and streamlining city services. Beyond her executive positions, Clayton has notable involvement in her community. Her memberships in professional organizations, such as the International City/County Management Association and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers, further reflects her commitment to public administration.

Clayton’s grandparents relocated their home to the Barstow area in the 1970s, just outside city limits. “It’s exciting to be a part of moving the city forward,” said Clayton. “Having grown up riding my bike all over Barstow as a kid, it is beyond rewarding to return and lead this community into its next chapter!”

“With a strong track record, she is well-equipped to lead Barstow toward sustainable growth and enhanced public services,” said Barstow Mayor Tim Silva. “We are thrilled to have Rochelle take on this important role and help guide our city in the right direction.

She has proven to be an effective leader throughout her career.”

More information on the City of Barstow can be accessed at www.BarstowCA.org.

Black Journalists, Activists Condemn MSNBC for Firing Joy Reid...continued

outlet, further tightening control over the information pipeline.

MSNBC announced the show’s cancellation. “The ReidOut had a great run. Joy will be okay. Crazy this announcement comes after she just won two NAACP awards last night.”

Justice Correspondent Elie Mystal called Reid irreplaceable.

“I owe the television part of my career to Joy Reid, as do so many other Black voices y’all never would have heard of if not for her,” Mystal wrote. “And that’s why she’s gone. They can treat Black folks as interchangeable, but everybody Black knows that Joy was indispensable.”

Many have pointed out that while MSNBC cuts ties with Reid, the network keeps shows like Morning Joe, whose hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski reportedly visited Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago after his 2016 victory. The decision to retain programming aligned with political power while eliminating Black voices critical of that power is being viewed as deliberate.

MSNBC’s move comes as Trump continues targeting the press. He has filed a lawsuit against 60 Minutes, claiming the program manipulated an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump also ordered federal agencies to cancel subscriptions to major outlets, including The New York Times, Politico, and Reuters, cutting public employees off from independent news sources. He has praised Fox News as his administration’s “official” media

Trump has declared that only the president can decide what is lawful—a statement more in line with authoritarianism than constitutional democracy.

Henry, the NNPA chairman, said the Black community must remain vigilant.

“Our collective strength is our greatest asset,” he said. “Let’s stand united for Joy and for the future of Black journalism.”

Civil Rights Groups Sue

Trump

Administration Over Anti-Equity Executive Orders

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit today challenging three executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. According to the groups, the orders threaten civil rights and the ability of organizations to provide vital social and health services. The lawsuit—National Urban League v. Trump—was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. It claims that the orders violate the First and Fifth Amendments by targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility (DEIA) programs, and transgender rights.

Orders in Question

The lawsuit targets three executive orders signed by President Trump on January 20 and 21:

Executive Order No. 14151 – Ending Radical and Wasteful DEI Programs and Preferencing Executive Order No. 14168 – Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government Executive Order No. 14173 – Ending Illegal Discrimination

The organizations involved, including the National Urban League (NUL), National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), and AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC), argue that the orders “severely limit organizations’ ability to provide critical services” such as HIV treatment, fair housing support, and employment assistance. These restrictions, they say, disproportionately harm people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those living with HIV.

Bo Tefu | California Black Media

Altadena, Calif.. Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith

Rochelle Clayton

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Matters of the heart

By Alexis Taylor/AFRO Managing Editor

The official record says Johnnie Mae Quince Gay died Aug. 2, 1972 of “cardio respiratory failure,” a “massive brain haemorrhage ” and hypertension. But the oral history says it was possibly another matter of the heart that took my grandmother’s life.

The grave of Johnnie Mae Quince Gay is marked in Norfolk, Va.’s Calvary Cemetery. Credit:

Photo courtesy of Find a Grave Born in Verbena, Chilton, Ala. on Aug. 30, 1930, Gay didn’t let humble beginnings stop her. She was a member of the Women’s Army Corps as a clerk typist and served in the Korean War during a time where women fought to be more than cooks, homemakers and maids.

The act of enlisting in the Army, still in the shadow of Jim Crow, speaks loud and clear that she had a type of fearlessness only found in the bravest women of her day. Gay had heart. She had courage… but her love life was nothing to brag about.

The story passed down to me

says one day a young Johnnie Mae Quince sat on a train, heart torn between engagement offers from a “Mr. Peoples” (possibly Peeples) and William Henry Gay. If she got off the train at her stop, she knew Mr. Peoples would be waiting. At the last moment, she stood up. But for some reason, the train did not stop. The last moment passed. Unbeknownst to her, this one moment in time would change the course of her life. Johnnie Mae took the train’s failure to stop as a sign to take William Henry up on his offer. A Norfolk, Va. marriage license says the two became one on June 17, 1957. A member of the Women’s Army Corps during the Korean War, Johnnie Mae Quince Gay was born in Verbena, Ala. on Aug. 30, 1930 and died Aug. 2, 1972. She enlisted on July 20, 1951 and served as a clerk typist. At the time of her discharge on May 31, 1957 she was a specialist second class.

Credit: Courtesy photo What followed was not a picture of wedded bliss. Seven children later, Johnnie Mae Quince Gay began to experience health challenges related to her cardiovascular health.

On an August night, just weeks away from her 42nd birthday, she returned home from a long-term

Washington Informer Article Cites Rising Overdose Deaths In Black Communities

WASHINGTON, DC - On December 8th, the air was crisp as Kimberly Douglas, of Bowie, MD, made her way to her son Bryce’s gravestone in National Harmony Memorial Park in Landover. It had been nearly 18 months since she lost the 17-year-old to a fentanyl overdose. This day of remembrance is a stark reminder of the urgent need to prevent similar tragedies.

Tracie Gardner, Executive Director of the National Black Harm Reduction Network, and Daliah Heller, Vice President of Overdose Prevention Initiatives at Vital Strategies, wrote about Douglas’ ordeal in an opinion piece for the Washington Informer.

“The pain of the day Kimberly lost her son is seared into her soul,” they wrote in the piece.

“She worked at her home office in Bowie in the early afternoon. Bryce was home early from school and napped in his bedroom, just one room away. When Kimberly found him unresponsive, she frantically searched her home for naloxone, a medicine that reverses an overdose and prevents death. In her panic, she couldn’t find it. It wasn’t until later, through tears of grief and disbelief, that she discovered the naloxone — in Bryce’s pocket. He had it all along.”

The authors note that over the past five years, a staggering half million people died from overdose in the United States. But recent reports suggest a steady upward trend over two decades is reversing. The latest data from the CDC shows a 17% decline in deaths from September 2023 through August 2024. Over the past decade, however, deaths have skyrocketed in Black and Indigenous populations, and now overdose rates have begun to diverge by race. A recent analysis of CDC data from the O’Neill Institute shows that through 2023, in many states, while deaths were leveling off and even declining among white populations, they were still rising in Black and Indigenous populations.

“…the opioid-driven overdose crisis has been widely represented as predominantly impacting white

rehabilitation clinic. She had suffered a stroke and, according to my mother, had finally been well enough to return home. Her doctors didn’t know “home” was the worst place for her.

My mother, the seven-yearold girl who went on to become a nurse of three decades (and counting), remembers the fight that took place between the two veterans. My aunt remembers her mother being rushed by ambulance for another cardiovascular event. The death certificate shows a heart, finally giving out.

Some say I shouldn’t write about this. No one wants to read about it. But the truth is, I think more people should understand that matters of the heart- both physically, romantically and otherwise– truly do hold the power of life and death. And Black stories always deserve to be told.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “in the United States in 2022, 1 in 6 deaths (17.5 percent) from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke.” The Office of Minority Health reports that “in 2023, Black or African American adults were 20 percent more likely to have diagnosed hypertension (high blood pressure) than non-Hispanic White adults.”

This American Heart Month, I have become hyperaware that between the COVID-19 pandemic and a career change that requires less physical movement, my lifestyle and lack of a real exercise routine in the past five years has set me on the wrong path when it comes to cardiovascular health.

Though we never met, the life of Johnnie Mae Quince Gay also reminds me to take care of my heart in other ways. The CDC reports that “over 61 million women and 53 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.” While it was labeled as cardiovascular disease, the backstory to my grandmother’s death has been a reminder to never settle in love. To live boldly, with the courage to care for my own heart in every way possible. This means having open and honest communication with my loved ones and fostering relationships that don’t stress me out and raise my blood pressure!

Alexis Taylor serves as AFRO managing editor. This week, she discusses the importance of taking care of the heart in every way. Credit: AFRO photo / Alexis Taylor

This edition of the AFRO touches on heart health and the many types of love that abound during American Heart Month and the many celebrations related to Valentine’s Day.

While we speak to the importance of understanding the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease, we also speak on the power of Black love and healthy connection with others, no matter the relationship. The stories collected here, like that of Johnnie Mae Quince Gay, are meant to be a reminder that Black bodies–and the hearts that beat inside them– absolutely matter. Happy reading!

“Ha! Ha! Ha!”

By: Lou K Coleman

communities, leaving Blacks less informed,” they write. “Drugs popularized in hip-hop culture, like Percocets and Lean (codeine), aren’t cast as opioids. Many people are unaware that ingredients such as fentanyl are widespread in the drug supply, increasing risk across the board.”

In an interview, Douglas said she has reached out to other Black families, particularly mothers with teenagers and young adults who need to know about naloxone.

She has started a Facebook group, Black Moms Against Overdose, to share information. “I think it's super important because there's such a stigma in Black families with sharing anything that has to do with substance use disorder or mental health, especially around overdose and death,” she said. “After Bryce passed, I tried to immerse myself in this world and inform others about what our children face and how we can save them.”

Black Moms Against Overdose can be reached at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/569231315512728/ or if you are a Facebook member https://www.facebook.com/ search/top/?q=Black moms against overdose

Gardner and Heller assert that now is the time for action. “Local governments should establish and support partnerships with Black community leaders to share overdose prevention information and naloxone resources with local communities,” they write.

“Engagement is especially critical now to ensure equitable access to naloxone and reduce disparities and overdose deaths for everyone.”

Naloxone is easy to use and available for free from most local health departments and a growing number of community partners in cities and towns across the country. It is also available for purchase over the counter at any pharmacy. The key to saving a life with naloxone is administering it as soon as you recognize any sign of an overdose. Anyone who is in the community with someone who uses drugsfamily, friends, local businesses, neighbors, and associates — can be activated and prepared to help.

“With community partners, we are launching a seven-city “Naloxone In Black” media campaign in late March to promote access to the life-saving medication,” Gardner and Heller write.

Lou K Coleman

Hear the voice of something out there “laughing at us.”[Robert Jenson]. Something laughing in the darkness! Cracking up!

Enters Satan, Rolling in the aisles! [Job 42:1-6]. Busting a gut!

Out of all the warnings given to them, they did not listen.

[Jeremiah 7:24]. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Assignment Completed!

Satan roams the Earth, seeking to corrupt humanity, and he does so with much success. [1 Peter 5:8-9].

I guess as Bob Dylan sang in his song, “Gotta Serve Somebody. It may be the Devil, or it may be the Lord, but you’re going to have to serve somebody.”

Dylan leaves little to the imagination as to who he is serving when asked by Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes, why he is still out there performing after all these years [five decades now].

Dylan gives a chilling answer regarding a bargain he made with an invisible spiritual entity that he feels he must keep:

Dylan: Well, it goes back to that destiny thing. You know, I made a bargain with it, you know, long time ago. I’m holding up my end.

Bradley: What was your bargain?

Dylan: Get where I am now.

Bradley: Should I ask who you made the bargain with?

Dylan: With the Chief . . . you know, the chief commander.

Bradley: On this earth?

Dylan: This earth, and the world we can’t see.

While Bob Dylan’s admission on 60 Minutes to having made a bargain with the unseen entity that rules the wicked world is more common than most people know, Jesus resisted a far greater temptation from the evil one.

“Ha! Ha! Ha!”...continued

take you with him to Hell. For the Devil knows that a time of judgment is coming. He knows that he ultimately will end up in the lake of fire, and he wants to take as many as he can with him.

[Revelation 20:10].

No good can come from allowing the Devil to ride shotgun. So, as the song “Shake the Devil Off” says: Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake the Devil off in the name of Jesus. Don't let him ride, he might want to drive. Don't let him get you down, put you on the ground. He's out there seeking, whom he may devour. But you've got to rebuke him. He's under [your] feet. Shake the Devil off in the name of Jesus.

[Dorothy Norwood].

No good can come when the Devil is the captain of the ship and is at the helm driving the ship. Don’t let the Devil ride. Tell Satan what Jesus told him: “Get out of here, Satan,” [Matthew 4:10].

God has given you authority to resist the devil. Exercise the authority delegated to you. [Luke 10:19]. If you don’t the Devil will wreak havoc in your life and then laugh. Know that nothing in the Devil’s arsenal is able to inflict a mortal blow on the child of God. No matter how violently he attacks us, God has promised that, because of Jesus Christ, we will remain standing to the very end. Listen to the confidence that

the Apostle Paul expresses about this. “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Then he adds, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Romans 8:37-39]. Such promises give us strength and courage to engage fully in the fight. The war is real. The battle is raging. The stakes are all high. Will you run? Will you hide? Will you disengage? Will you quit? Or…will you FIGHT? Are you ready to say, “Enough is enough! I am not laying down and letting the Devil run over me anymore! I will not run! I will not hide! I will not disengage! I will not quit! I am getting up and suiting up in God’s armor. I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ! I am engaging the enemy of my soul in battle. I’m getting my FIGHT back! I will win! [James 4:7]. The Devil thought he had me. He thought he won but God saved me and kept me in His arms. [Devil Thought He Had Me by SETTLER]. The tide has turned. [Luke 6:21; Psalm 2:4]. Ha! Ha! Ha! Victorious in the Lord! Thank you Jesus for all you done for me.

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1244

Liturgical Movements in Prose with Purpose

Velda Love

Satan offered Jesus worldly power over the nations of the world in exchange for Jesus’ worship, but Jesus rebuked Satan and declared: Be gone, Satan! For it is written; You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve. [Matthew 4:1-11].

Jesus warned that there is no profit in serving the Devil and declared: For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? [Mark 8:36-37].

Know this one thing for sure, in the end Satan and his angels will be cast into the Lake of Fire [Revelation 20:11]. But so will all who have rejected God. [Matthew 25:41 & 46; Revelation 20:14-15].

So don’t be fooled. You ride with the Devil in this life, you die with the Devil in the afterlife. It is not worth it to compromise your life for a quick fix with the devil.

You have an enemy. His number one weapon against you is a lie, and if you believe that lie, your onward progress will stop with God.

However, if you have committed to fill your mind, your heart and your life with truth, there is not a weapon formed against you that will stand. No lie will be able to stop your onward progress. [1 Peter 5:8; Hebrews 3:12].

So, be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone whom he may devour. He is not to be joked about; he is not to be made fun of. He is a serious, formidable foe. [1 Peter 5:8]. He’s a schemer and he will do anything to win. Understand, the Devil wants to totally destroy you. He seeks to ruin you. He is filled with fury and hatred toward you. He has no kind thought towards you, no pity for you, no sympathy for you. He would rejoice over your downfall.

Satan’s agenda is to get you to turn away from God and

I am a reader of books and have been since the age of three. One of my childhood favorites was authored by Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. My favorite of the 66 books written by Dr. Seuss was Green Eggs and Ham, a short and delightful story introducing Sam I Am with a poetry and rhythm that made it easy for a child’s imagination to capture the words and imagery as well as develop relationships with characters with odd and peculiar ways of being in the world.

Some readers like me are attracted to books because we are intrigued and captivated by an author’s imagination with creative storytelling, use of language, beat and time, rhythms, and stories with complex characters. As we mature and become more seasoned readers, we graduate from childhood stories to adult themes that speak to the times in which one lives by observation and deep engagement.

My mother always had books by mainly Black/African American authors. Because I was a reader, I’d go through her library and read with curiosity and a dictionary close by. Her undergraduate degree focused on sociology, which included reading widely from authors whose lived experiences culminated in telling stories that resonated with the conditions of folks living while Black in America before and during the 1960’s.

One of the books that formed my consciousness and awareness of the oppression of Black people was Black Skin White Masks by Franz Fanon, written in 1967. I followed that read with The Wretched of the Earth translated from French to English. My theological framing was developed over and over again by James Hal Cone. I sat for hours reading his book For My People: Black Theology and the Black Church.

The question at the bottom of the book title and his name read, “Where have we been and where are we going?” An important and poignant question given Cone was on the frontlines of Black

liberation theology, a theology grounded in the experience of African Americans and related to other Christian liberation theologies.

Today, I am rereading Martin Luther King, Jr.’s book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? I’m also reading the 2025 United Church of Christ All Church Read, Building Up A New World: Congregational Organizing for Transformative Impact. Several of the authors are UCC ordained clergy with lived experience of community organizing.

Both are great reads for such a time as this. We need both because they are informative for developing strategies beyond survival. They offer lessons of courage and wisdom from sages and elders, women and men, youth, and teens in the fight for justice, liberation, and justice for all. The words from brilliant organizers with profound appreciation for local congregations give us inspiration for thriving during the unraveling of basic human and civil rights in our country. Organizing from the pews, pulpits, and speaking without fear as public theologians in the streets brings about transformation that breathes life and love into generations to come.

Last year’s UCC All Church Read included a wise sage and spiritual guide, Cole Arthur Riley. We all need spiritual guides. Cole Arthur Riley is a spiritual guide endowed with wisdom from her ancestors. Cole reminds us we need prayer, poems, and meditations for staying human.

A Benediction from Black Liturgies.

May you wake and rest with humility in your hearts. May you be protected from the greed and fear that tempt us to dominate others. Possess such moral clarity that you would be able to be both leader and follower without threat to your sense of self. May you live responsibly and tenderly, that your power would never come at the expense of someone else’s. Amen.

Kimberly with Bryce in happier times.

The Accidental Getaway Driver

By Dwight Brown Entertainment Critic for DwightBrownInk.com and NNPA News Wire

It’s real. It happened. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time has consequences. This is what went down.

One night in Southern California, Long Ma (Hiệp Trần Nghĩa), an elderly Vietnamese/ American cab driver, is working a late-night shift and he picks up three passengers. They turn out to be escaped convicts. Tây (Dustin Nguyen), a Vietnamese crook, sets the stage and terms: “Follow orders and you won't get hurt.” Fellow felons Eddie (Phi Vu) and hot-headed Aden (Dali Benssaiah) also hold the senior citizen hostage in a cheap motel room. Things don’t go as planned.

The villains abuse the driver, an innocent man who haphazardly got caught up in their violence and heated group dynamics. While others his age are retired and collecting social security, this senior citizen is on the hot seat. Never knowing if he’ll survive or ever see his family, again. What a setup. What a premise.

This volatile scenario could have been an ultra-violent, Tarantino-ish crime/thriller. Instead, writer/director Sing J. Lee and cowriter Christopher Chen don’t go for the obvious. Amid the turmoil, the film

explores the power of family and Asian culture vs the detached anger of those who have lost their way. All this culled from a real incident that happened in Southern California’s Orange County in 2016.

As a first-time feature film director, Lee honed his talents on shorts and videos (“Alicia Keys: Old Memories:” “Zayn: Sour Diesel”). His sense of spacing, staging and film noire style is solid. What’s on view is moody, dark and cynical. The situation is testy, foreboding and morally complex. Visually and emotionally this menacing tone is sustained even when the plotline wanes and viewers’ interests likely do too. He and co-screenwriter Chen could have benefited from a course in advanced playwriting. Good playwrights, who don’t have the luxury of multiple locations or convenient flashbacks, learn how to keep the drama and suspense real within four walls. They build ties and tension among the characters.

Tumultuous feelings like love, hate, anger, fear, rivalry, jealousy and desperation. Then establish a rocky base that builds to an authentic feeling climax, that’s often revelatory. Some of that is on view here, but not strongly

Civil Rights Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Anti-Equity Executive Orders...continued from page 3 and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity

Together, these orders terminate equity-related grants and ban federally funded entities from engaging in DEIA efforts or acknowledging transgender identities. Janai Nelson, President and Director-Counsel of LDF described the orders as “unconstitutional attacks on historically marginalized communities,” adding that they “perpetuate false stereotypes and undermine multiracial democracy.” Lambda Legal’s HIV Project Director, Jose Abrigo, called the policies “dangerous and dehumanizing,” emphasizing their potential to “put lives at risk” by defunding health services vital to marginalized groups.

Impact on Communities

Marc H. Morial, President & CEO of the National Urban League, noted that NUL programs have placed over a quarter-million people in jobs over the past decade, often with federal support. “This assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion is discriminatory at best and

enough and as well-executed as it could be to warrant the film’s length. Though the two main characters reach a détente, it doesn’t compensate for the slowmoving train that comes before it. Many scenes are longer than they should be and at 1H 49M the footage could have used some judicious clipping (editor Yang Hua Hu). But to their credit, the filmmakers make you slow down until you see things their way. On their time frame and from their viewpoint (cinematographer Michael Fernandez). The claustrophobic sets (production designer Hanrui Wang) make you feel captured and closed in like you’re stuck in a chicken coop. For all the elements that don’t’ work, there’s often a counter balance of things that do.

Nghĩa as the vulnerable 80ish protagonist is so right.

Caught like a deer in the headlights and fighting for his life using ingenuity. Nguyen as the wayward son who’s lost his cultural identity and sense of humanity is an even more developed character. His rage seems as real as his misguidance. It will take discipline for audiences to sit through this ode to urban crime, but that’s just the surface story. Oddly

the social aspects may linger long after the obvious fireworks have dissipated. A theme of redemption will stick with audiences, though not nearly as well as it does in other salvation among the ruined man movies. Like New Zealand’s Once Were Warriors. Like South Africa’s Tsotsi, 2005’s Oscar-Winner for Best Foreign Language.

In that way, this story would have power even if it was told about immigrants from other communities in the U.S. who’ve faced the same moral and assimilation challenges: Europeans, Africans, Arabs, Eastern Europeans, Latinos… People from foreign lands who make bad choices and wander into the world of crime. Lost souls who’ll only find their bearings again if they’re tuned back into their cultural moorings.

In the end, a lot of intangibles save this film, and you have to acquiesce to Lee’s interpretation of an immigrant’s ordeal. He creates a subtext story that adds humanity to what is usually a very inhumane genre. And in his own way, he succeeds.

Trailer: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=-CIEZ1Y5dxI Visit Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com

Roberta Flack, Grammy-Winning ‘Killing Me Softly’ Singer With an Intimate Style, Dies at 88... continued from page 1

She sometimes backed other singers, but her own shows at Washington’s renowned Mr. Henry’s attracted such celebrity patrons as Burt Bacharach, Ramsey Lewis and Johnny Mathis. The club’s owner, Henry Yaffe, converted an apartment directly above into a private studio, the Roberta Flack Room.

“I wanted to be successful, a serious all-round musician,” she told The Telegraph in 2015. “I listened to a lot of Aretha, the Drifters, trying to do some of that myself, playing, teaching.” Flack was signed to Atlantic Records and her debut album, “First Take,” a blend of gospel, soul, flamenco and jazz, came out in 1969. One track was a love song by the English folk artist Ewan MacColl: “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” written in 1957 for his future wife, singer Peggy Seeger. Flack not only

knew of the ballad, but used it while working with a glee club during her years as an educator. “I was teaching at Banneker Junior High in Washington, D.C. It was part of the city where kids weren’t that privileged, but they were privileged enough to have music education. I really wanted them to read music. First, I’d get their attention. (Flack starts singing a Supremes hit) ‘Stop, in the name of love.’ Then I could teach them!” she told the Tampa Bay Times in 2012. “You have to do all sorts of things when you’re dealing with kids in the inner-city,” she said. “I knew they’d like the part where (‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’) goes ‘The first time ever I kissed your mouth.’ Ooh, ‘Kissed your mouth!’ Once the kids got past the giggles, we were good.”

Hidden Empire to Kick-Off the 3rd Annual NFL Career Tour

Skydance Sports Joins the NFL Career Tour, Which Gives NFL Players Valuable Insight into the Entertainment Industry

Entertainment News

NFL Players Gain Valuable Experience from the Entertainment Industry

SANTA MONICA — February

24, 2025 — Building on the global announcement of Hidden Empire Sports Collective (HESC), the National Football League (NFL) and Hidden Empire Film Group (HEFG) are set to launch the third annual NFL Career Tour joined this year by Skydance Sports, the joint venture between the NFL and Skydance. Designed by the NFL’s Player Engagement team, this premier professional development experience offers current players and NFL Legends exclusive access to major organizations, providing them with invaluable industry exposure and high-level networking opportunities with top executives.

an exciting way to build today’s athletes into tomorrow’s leaders in the film and television space.”

“Skydance Sports is thrilled to be joining Hidden Empire and our partners at the NFL for this incredible opportunity,” said Head of Skydance Sports, Jason Reed. “We believe current and former players have a great deal to contribute to Hollywood storytelling. Our goal is to give players new insights into how the film industry operates and how they can unleash the potential of their unique skills and experiences.”

institutionalized economic oppression at its worst,” Morial stated. John Peller, President & CEO of AFC, warned that the orders could impede efforts to combat the HIV epidemic. “We must be able to prioritize Black, Latine, LGBTQ+ people, and transgender women in our work. These executive orders would prohibit us from doing that critical and lifesaving work,” he said. Lisa Rice, President and CEO of the NFHA, described the orders as “chaotic and illegal,” arguing that they dismantle longstanding fair housing protections. “The President cannot undo the Constitution or take away our rights with a signature,” Rice asserted.

Legal Claims and Relief Sought

The plaintiffs contend that the executive orders infringe on their free speech by censoring DEIA-related communications, violating due process through vague prohibitions, and discriminating against marginalized groups. They seek

Civil Rights Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Anti-Equity Executive Orders...continued

declaratory and injunctive relief to halt enforcement of the orders.

“These orders drip with contempt for transgender people,” Abrigo said. “Defunding organizations that support marginalized communities punishes them for striving to improve lives.”

The lawsuit also argued that there are broader consequences of the administration’s actions.

“Beyond spreading inaccurate, divisive rhetoric, these orders tie the hands of organizations providing critical services,” Nelson stated. “We stand with our clients to ensure these unconstitutional orders are struck down.”

A Call to Protect Civil Rights Executive orders and lawsuits

have come as concerns soar about the rollback of civil rights protections. “Fair housing and equal opportunity are national policies of the United States,” Rice said. “Any effort to divide and treat people unfairly contradicts our founding principles.” The organizations are urging swift judicial intervention to prevent further harm to vulnerable communities. “We cannot allow decades of civil rights progress to be erased,” Nelson declared. For many, the stakes are personal. Will, an AFC program participant living with HIV, shared, “As someone who has relied on these services, I am deeply concerned about what’s at risk if we can’t name the issues our people face.”

As part of the NFL Career Tour, Skydance Sports, a leader in premium sports storytelling, will offer an exclusive look behind the scenes of sports filmmaking including providing participants with an immersive writers’ room experience and an insider look at the Hollywood industry.. This unique collaboration will inspire the next generation of sports media professionals by showcasing the power of storytelling in elevating the game.

“We are excited to provide this amazing experience for NFL players and Legends,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Player Operations Tracy Perlman.

“The new division of Hidden Empire provides an opportunity that educates the attendees on every facet of the entertainment business. Their access to talent and entertainment executives also provides an additional networking opportunity for the group, which is a great resource.”

Following its tremendous success in past years, the NFL and HESC have teamed up again to host the 2025 NFL x Hidden Empire Career Tour at the Hidden Empire Studio in Santa Monica, CA.

“An NFL career is just the beginning. The real game is building a future beyond the field. That’s why this partnership with the NFL is so crucial—it equips players with the tools, connections, and opportunities to thrive long after the final whistle.” said coCEO of Hidden Empire, Roxanne Taylor. “It’s fresh, different, and

This unique three-day program offers a comprehensive exploration of the entertainment industry, from educational sessions to hands-on workshops and in-depth camera training. Last year’s three-day experience was a major success that included celebrity panelists such as Tyrese Gibson, Master P., and NFL Legends Vernon Davis, Rocket Ismail, and Ephraim Salaam. Players learned from and worked collaboratively with entertainment industry stars, including Michael Ealy, Demetrius Shipp Jr., Steven Caple Jr., Joe Carnahan, Kurt Wimmer, Charles Murray, Rodney Barnes, and many more.

“Our commitment to facilitating these athletes’ transition into their next chapter is unwavering, and we are overjoyed to provide them with this unparalleled opportunity to expand their horizons, embrace their creative passions, and chart a new course in their illustrious careers,” said co-CEO of Hidden Empire, Deon Taylor. “This collaboration underscores our dedication to nurturing talent and unlocking new possibilities, paving the way for these remarkable individuals to make an indelible mark in the world of entertainment.”

Attendees will put the knowledge gained into practice by shooting, producing, directing, and acting in a short film. All camera equipment for the workshop was sponsored by David Dodson of Panavision. The Career Tour will conclude with feedback about the short films and a discussion of how players can further explore their interest in the entertainment industry following the event.

Hiep Tran Nghia stars in The Accidental Getaway Driver

Dustin Nguyen, Phi Vu, Dali Benssaiah and Hiep Tran Nghia star in The Accidental Getaway Driver

Dustin Nguyen and Hiep Tran Nghia star in The Accidental Getaway Driver

Dustin Nguyen and Hiep Tran Nghia star in The Accidental Getaway Driver

BLACK & MISSING

By Lauren Ball and Karly Bartrim The Conversation

a

a question about how frequently participants ate eggs in the past year:

doesn’t

the

from eggs very well. Credit4: Unsplash/ James Kern Credit1: Unsplash / Elena Leya

Researchers have examined the science behind this myth again, and again, and again – largely debunking the claim.

A new study suggests that, among older adults, eating eggs supports heart health and even reduces the risk of premature death.

Let’s unpack the details. What was the study?

Researchers examined data from a large, ongoing study that is following older adults and tracking their health (the ASPREE study).

In their analysis of more than 8,000 people, they examined the foods people usually eat and then looked at how many participants died over a six-year period and from what causes, using medical records and official reports.

Researchers collected information on their diet through a food questionnaire, which included

never/infrequently (rarely or never, 1–2 times per month) weekly (1–6 times per week) daily (daily or several times per day).

Overall, people who consumed eggs 1–6 times per week had the lowest risk of death during the study period (29% lower for heart disease deaths and 17% lower for overall deaths) compared to those who rarely or never ate eggs.

Eating eggs daily did not increase the risk of death either.

How reputable is the study?

The research was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning this work has been examined by other researchers and is considered reputable and defensible. In the analysis, factors such as socioeconomic, demographic, health-related and clinical factors, and overall dietary quality were “adjusted” for, as these factors can play a role in disease and the risk of early death.

Researchers received funding from a variety of national funding grants in the United States and Australia, with no links to commercial sources.

What are the limitations of this study?

Due to the type of study, it only explored egg consumption patterns, which participants self-reported. The researchers didn’t collect data about the type of egg (for example, chicken or quail), how it was prepared, or how many eggs are consumed when eaten.

This analysis specifically looked for an association or link between egg consumption and death. Additional analyses are needed to understand how egg consumption may affect other aspects of health and wellbeing.

Lastly, the population sample of older adults were relatively healthy, limiting how much findings can be applied to older adults with special needs or medical conditions.

What is ASPREE?

ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) is an ongoing, large, randomised, placebocontrolled clinical trial involving more 19,000 participants in Australia and the US. This means some people in the trial were given an intervention and others weren’t but neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received the “placebo,” or dummy treatment.

ASPREE started in 2010 to investigate whether low-dose aspirin (100 micrograms daily) could help prolong older adults’ health and lifespan, specifically by preventing heart disease and stroke. The first findings were published in 2018.

One of the fundamental conclusions of the ASPREE trial was there was no benefit from taking aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease (heart disease or stroke).

ASPREE is still ongoing as a longitudinal study, which means it provides information on other aspects of healthy living and long-

term outcomes in older adults – in this case, the link between egg intake and the chance of death.

Why the focus on eggs?

Eggs are a good source of protein, and contain B vitamins, folate, unsaturated fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), choline, and minerals.

The fuss over eggs comes down to their cholesterol content and how it relates to heart disease risk. A large egg yolk contains approximately 275 mg of cholesterol — near the recommended daily limit of cholesterol intake.

In the past, medical professionals warned that eating cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs could raise blood cholesterol and increase heart disease risk.

But newer research shows the body doesn’t absorb dietary cholesterol well, so dietary cholesterol doesn’t have a major effect on blood cholesterol levels.

Rather, foods such as saturated and trans fats play a major role in cholesterol levels.

Given these changing recommendations over time, and the nuances of nutrition science, it’s understandable that research on eggs continues.

What does this mean for me?

Whether you prefer boiled, scrambled, poached, baked or fried, eggs provide a satisfying source of protein and other key nutrients.

While the science is still out, there’s no reason to limit egg intake unless specifically advised by a recognised health professional such as an accredited practising dietitian. As always, moderation is key.

This article was reprinted with permission from The Conversation. See original story at this link: https:// theconversation.com/are-eggsgood-or-bad-for-our-health-249168.

Black Woman-Owned Farm Thriving in Southern Virginia

Nationwide -- Full Circle Bloom, a pioneering aeroponic farm in Kenbridge, Virginia, is breaking barriers and transforming the agricultural landscape. Founded by Ashley Richardson, the innovative farm demonstrates the power of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement in the world of farming.

In a sector where Black farmers are significantly underrepresented, Ashley Richardson stands out as a beacon of inspiration and success. Her journey from a Senior Project Manager and Consultant in Washington, D.C., to an innovative farmer in Southern Virginia is a testament to her dedication and vision.

Full Circle Bloom specializes in growing a diverse range of highquality, pesticide-free produce yearround using aeroponic technology. This cutting-edge method involves suspending plant roots in the air and misting them with a nutrient-rich solution, resulting in faster growth cycles, higher yields, and minimal environmental impact compared to traditional farming.

“At Full Circle Bloom, we are passionate about growing fresh, healthy food and making it accessible to everyone in the community,” says Ashley Richardson. “We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

Full Circle Bloom’s impact extends far beyond the farm. The company actively partners with schools, restaurants, and businesses, providing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, farm tours, and educational opportunities.

How One LA School is Supporting Students Amid Deportation Fears

By Sejal Parekh

A stabbing was reported at Franklin High School in Los Angeles on the morning of January 29, 2025. As police vehicles swarmed the school, students at neighboring Academia Avance charter school panicked.

“When they see police, and when they hear helicopters, it is immediately seen as, or thought of as immigration,” says St Claire Adriaan, Community Schools Coordinator at Academia Avance, where 93% of students are Latino, many of them from mixed status families with undocumented relatives.

That sense of fear comes as

President Trump implements his campaign of mass deportations, targeting immigrant communities nationwide. Data from the US Department of Homeland Security show 37,660 individuals have been deported during Trump’s first month in office, fewer than the average of 57,000 monthly deportations during the final months of President Biden’s presidency.

Still, officials with the Trump administration say the number of deportations will rise in the coming months as the president looks to expand arrests and removals.

Meanwhile, raids in major cities continue to stoke fear and anxiety as families grapple with the ripple effects of Trump’s war on migrants.

“I saw it firsthand when ICE went to my middle school and they picked up the father of one of my classmates,” says Jair Manuel Solis, who was a student at Academia Avance in 2017 during Trump’s first term. He remembers thinking to himself, “What could have we done to be more prepared?”

Shortly after, Solis and others created an after-school club with the non-profit CHIRLA, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, to help educate his classmates on their rights should they encounter law enforcement. “Being in that club really helped me. I learned from there not to open the door for ICE,” he notes.

That information proved crucial when ICE did come knocking two years later, on February 26, 2019, when Solis’s father was detained. He was ultimately released a month later with the help of lawyers that Solis met through the school club.

Both father and son credit Academia Avance—which offers students immigration-related resources—with helping them get through this uncertain time.

Full Circle Bloom has donated over 25,000 pounds of produce to local schools, food banks, and community organizations, working tirelessly to combat food insecurity in the region.

With recent funding from the Microsoft Southern Virginia Community Fund and the Tractor Supply Farmer Veteran Coalition, Full Circle Bloom is launching an exciting new initiative called “Nourishing Communities Through Innovation.” This project aims to further increase food access, promote sustainable agriculture, and empower the community through education and outreach.

Full Circle Bloom’s dedication to innovation, community impact, and creating a more equitable food system has garnered recognition and support from various organizations.

The farm was recently selected for an interview to join the Acres Program with the National Minority Supplier Development Council, a program designed to help Blackowned agricultural businesses access new markets and funding opportunities.

Ashley’s vision and leadership have established Full Circle Bloom as a model for sustainable and inclusive agriculture in Southern Virginia and Greater Richmond. Her commitment to serving her community and promoting healthy food access is transforming the region’s food landscape and inspiring others to join the movement for a more just and equitable food system. Learn more bout her farm at FullCircleBloom.com

fast as possible and… it worked out in our favor.”

Solis’ father, Jair Alberto Solis, says he is grateful to the school and to Mireles specifically for helping him after his release. “He always worries about the families all around the school. He always asks, ‘What do you need? What’s going on with you? Anytime you need help, come and see me.’”

Mireles even offered up his own car so that Solis could go back to work. The help after release was particularly meaningful, as detention had turned the Solis family’s world upside down. “The worst thing is the effect leaves,” notes the younger Solis. “Now, every knock at the door is trauma for my dad.”

Mireles says while he never doubted the strategy of supporting his students, “There was always doubt this is going to work?” He remembers one student whose older brother with disabilities was deported to Mexico, even as she juggled multiple responsibilities, as interpreter for the family, concerned sister, student-athlete, and prospective college applicant. The role of the school is “to support those students in knowing their moment, knowing their story, knowing their challenge and responding to that,” said Mireles. That meant supporting this student taking time off to go to Mexico to check on her brother and offering flexibility with coursework. In today’s climate, Adriaan is pushing educators to offer even more flexibility. “It is important that we understand that there’s no room for rigidness,” he said, offering as an example how in the past he would collect students’ cell phones to minimize distractions. As immigration enforcement intensifies, “kids need access to check on their parents,” explains Adriaan. That access can be a doubleedged sword, however, notes Lizbeth Garcia, pointing to social media being inundated with reports— accurate or otherwise—of ICE sightings. Students are “constantly being updated on, ‘We saw an ICE agent over here, and we saw a border patrol this.’ They’re constantly being bombarded. It’s this fear that is coming at them.”

She adds, “We cannot operate like this, and our students need to be taught, do not operate under fear.” Avance is not immune to challenges. In 2017, the school enrolled 397 students. In 2024, enrollment declined by almost 40%.

According to the California School Dashboard operated by the California Department of Education, Avance had a 42% chronic absenteeism rate in 2024.

Ricardo Mireles founded Academia Avance in 2004 with the goal of sending more kids from Los Angeles’ Highland Park neighborhood to college. He served as the executive director of Academia Avance until his retirement in October 2024.

“That is what almost any immigrant parent is going to tell you, ‘I came, I sacrificed everything from my country of origin…but I’m doing it for my kids so that they can go forward,’” says Mireles. “And almost always it means so that they can go to university.”

According to Mireles, families trust schools implicitly, leaving their children with teachers and administrators for eight hours a day. So, in times of crisis, he says, schools have to repay that trust.

During Trump’s first term, Academia Avance helped connect parents to organizations with immigration related expertise.

Mireles leveraged relationships with immigrants’ rights groups like UNIDOS US, National Day Laborers Organizing Network (NDLON), and CHIRLA. “Those relationships were put to work right away,” he recalls.

Before his father’s detention, Solis worked with Lizbeth Garcia, a high school teacher, on the after-school club. Garcia connected Solis with her sister, Kathia Garcia, a youth programs manager at CHIRLA. Lizbeth Garcia quickly grew to be a trusted source for Solis. The day Solis’s father was detained, Lizbeth remembers getting a call at 5:30 AM. “I ran across my hallway to my sister’s room, and I said, ‘Hey, it’s happening. We need to make sure that we do something about it.’”

According to Solis, the CHIRLA rapid response network was activated right away. “They got on it and they were trying to work on his case as

Thomas Dee of Stanford University studies how immigration enforcement affects school enrollment rates. As part of that work, he and his colleagues analyzed counties that made enforcement agreements with ICE from 2000 to 2011.

“We found that the school enrollment of Hispanic students fell by around 10% once these programs came online,” says Dee. His team estimated that almost 300,000 students were displaced by these county level agreements with ICE. It is unclear where these students went—if they moved to another school district, or self-deported— but Dee says the movement itself can be destabilizing for students. “Dislocation occurring under duress is developmentally harmful to children, particularly when it’s repeated,” he notes. Dee’s research predates the pandemic, when enrollment dropped even further. “Our schools who are on the front line of trying to address this enrollment crisis, are dealing with a financial crisis, both because of sustained enrollment loss and the expiration of federal pandemic aid that had been available to them,” adds Dee. Despite these pressures, Avance continues its work. And the impact is undeniable. According to Solis, if his father had been deported, “I do not know how I would have been able to look out for myself, my little brothers and their future.” Pointing to the neighborhood, he says growing up it was easier to call someone for weed than find someone to help you fill out a college application.

Today, Solis is enrolled at the University of California, Merced, and hopes to attend law school and work as an immigration attorney to help others in his community. Feature image via Flickr, published under CC by 2.0

A new study seeks to answer an age-old question about

breakfast staple: the egg. Hesitation abounds, as experts say the body doesn’t absorb the cholesterol from eggs very well. Credit4: Unsplash/ James Kern Credit1: Unsplash / Elena Leya