Black Americans Still Face Deep Retirement Gaps Despite Higher Incomes
By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
the same income level said the same. Nearly half of upper-income Black respondents said debt affects their ability to save or live comfortably in retirement. While many Black Americans expressed confidence managing day-to-day budgets, fewer felt prepared to invest or plan for the long term. The study showed that Black Americans with higher incomes were less likely to have personally saved for retirement, 77%, compared with 87% of nonBlack Americans. Retirement experiences also differed
“One
sharply. Forty-four percent of Black retirees said they retired earlier than planned because of a health problem or disability, compared with 32% of non-
Black retirees. After leaving their main jobs, Black retirees were more likely to work for pay to make ends meet, and more often said their retirement
lifestyle was worse than expected. Access to financial advice and planning remains uneven. Just 31% of Black respondents reported currently
working with a financial advisor, although nearly half expect to do so in the future. Black Americans were more likely to seek help with reducing debt, creating wills or estate plans, and arranging life insurance than simply determining if they had saved enough to retire.
Researchers Craig Copeland and Lisa Greenwald wrote, “Black Americans reported disproportionately lower financial resources, and how they feel about retirement and financial security is clearly impacted by having less resources.” They continued, “In particular, Black retirees are struggling with higher likelihoods of their retirement lifestyle being worse than expected and having to retire earlier than planned because of a health problem or disability.” “Still,” the researchers concluded, “there are some modifications in the financial system that could help improve their prospects, such as increased assistance in balancing competing financial priorities like debt reduction, supporting family, and building long-term savings.”
Big Beautiful Bill” Blows Hole in California’s Budget; Threatens
State’s Health and Climate Plans
Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
Pres. Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law on July 4, is already reshaping California’s 2025–26 state budget. With $1.6 to $2 trillion in projected federal spending cuts over the next decade, the law slashes Medicaid, food assistance, housing, transportation, education, and clean energy programs -- centerpieces of California’s social safety net programs and the state’s equity goals. Gov. Gavin Newsom called the bill “a complete betrayal of Americans by the Trump administration,” warning that it “decimates middle-class opportunities -- including health care and children’s access to college.”
Medi-Cal and Health Services
The law’s most immediate impact falls on Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, which covers about 15 million residents -- nearly one-third of all state residents.
Black Californians are especially at risk, relying on Medi-Cal more often than other groups due to chronic health disparities and economic inequality. Currently, over 3 in 5 (61%) Black children and youth and almost half of all Black residents -- rely on MediCal for their health coverage. The new law replaces Medicaid’s open-ended federal match with capped block grants. Since the federal government funds about 60% of Medi-Cal,
analysts estimate California could conservatively lose $2.8 billion per year in federal funding over 10 years.
Anticipating federal cuts, California’s enacted 2025–26 budget increases General Fund spending on Medi-Cal to $39 billion -- about $1.2 billion higher than the previous year. Still, officials warn that optional benefits such as dental, vision, and CalAIM services may be reduced if federal support isn’t restored.
CalAIM -- California
Advancing and innovating MediCal -- provides Enhanced Care Management, medically tailored meals, transitional rent, sobering centers, and doula care to highneed groups like the unhoused and chronically ill.
Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D–San Diego), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), warned: “It will force low-income seniors to choose between medicine and rent, leave children with chronic illnesses without consistent care, and strip people with disabilities of daily support.”
The Groundwork Collaborative, an economic think tank, estimates 3.5 million Californians could lose Medi-Cal coverage. Another 250,000 may lose Covered California plans if
the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies expire in 2025.
“Millions of Californians are about to lose their healthcare,” said Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D–Ladera Heights), CLBC vice chair. “Our seniors will lose safety nets, and the Black community will feel the brunt because we already live at the margins of healthcare, of education, of economic support in this country.”
The state has already frozen Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented adults and plans to impose $30 monthly premiums for enrollees aged 19–59 starting in 2027. Optional benefits could be suspended if the funding gap grows.
Groundwork also warns that more than 25 hospitals and 15 nursing homes -- mostly in rural and other underserved areas -are at risk of closing.
Food, Education, and Work
Requirements
The One Big Beautiful Bill expands work requirements for CalFresh (SNAP). Beginning in 2026, adults under 65 must work, volunteer, or attend training 80 hours per month to keep benefits -- extending requirements that previously applied only to adults
under 50.
Medi-Cal expansion enrollees face similar conditions unless exempt. These changes pose barriers for low-income Californians who struggle to find consistent work.
Groundwork estimates that 3.1 million Californians could lose food assistance or see benefit reductions. “Food insecurity will rise as families skip meals to afford other essentials,” said Liz Pancotti, policy director at Groundwork. Because CalFresh enrollment affects Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) allocations to schools, a decline in participation could reduce funding for schools serving Black and low-income students.
The Education Trust (EdTrust) called the la “nothing short of the Great American Heist — a cruel, calculated effort to strip students and working families of education, healthcare, and economic mobility.”
Climate and Transportation Cuts California had received federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding for clean energy and transit projects in underserved communities like South L.A., Richmond, and Oakland -including an $8 million urban
forestry grant for Oakland. The repeal of these provisions threatens weatherization efforts, zero-emission bus deployment, and air-quality improvements. The Center for American Progress warned the rollback could raise energy costs and worsen air quality in low-income neighborhoods. Transit agencies now face delayed projects and potential layoffs as funding evaporates.
State Response and Political Divide
“We must preserve essential services while keeping the state on solid footing. That will require difficult tradeoffs,” Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D–Healdsburg) said about the state budget.
Lawmakers are seeking federal waivers to preserve CalAIM services before the current authorization expires in December 2026.
While California’s Congressional Democrats opposed the bill, Republicans supported it. Rep. Vince Fong (R–Bakersfield) said the bill “delivers immediate and meaningful results for the Central Valley, provides much-needed tax relief for working families
White House Facebook photo
Exercise and Young Children: An Expert Educator’s Advice and Ideas
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — While movement looks different for infants than it does for older children — focusing more on exploration and natural development — it’s important to incorporate opportunities for movement as early as possible to support healthy growth, motor skill development, and brain development.
By BlackPressUSA.com
We interviewed Michelle Carter, the Director of Educational Content and Programs at the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America). The nonprofit serves as the voice for over 200,000 health and physical education professionals across the United States Michelle says that movement for young children doesn’t need to be structured workouts or expensive programs; it’s all about creating safe spaces for play, exploration, and joyful movement each day. She says movement is a natural part of how babies and young children learn about their world, build strength, develop confidence, and lay the foundation for lifelong health. Michelle is deeply passionate about promoting healthy, active lifestyles from the very start of life. When should a new parent begin thinking about exercise/physical activity for their baby? Is there a period one should wait?
Thinking about physical activity truly starts in infancy, right from birth. For example, tummy time is one of the first forms of physical activity we give babies to build their neck, shoulder, and core strength. While movement looks different for infants than it does for older children — focusing more on exploration and natural development — it’s important to incorporate opportunities for movement as early as possible to support healthy growth, motor skill development, and brain development. The Active Start guidelines from SHAPE America emphasize that physical activity should be
encouraged daily from birth, with infants needing supervised floorbased play throughout the day in safe environments.
Where can a new parent go to learn best practices/guidelines? What does SHAPE America offer?
SHAPE America offers the Active Start: A Statement of Physical Activity Guidelines for Children From Birth to Age 5, which outlines how much physical activity young children need and what it should look like at each stage of development. These guidelines are grounded in research and provide practical recommendations that parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators can easily implement in daily routines to promote lifelong healthy habits.
How can parents motivate and encourage young children to be active if they’re not inclined to do so?
The biggest thing is allowing kids to play and explore. For children, movement doesn’t need to be a structured exercise program; play is their natural form of physical activity. Parents can motivate their children by:
Being good role models and showing enjoyment in being active themselves
Joining in their play, whether it’s dancing together, building obstacle courses, or exploring outside Creating a supportive environment by providing time,
space, and simple equipment or toys that encourage movement
Remember, children are more likely to be active if they see their caregivers enjoying movement and if it feels fun rather than forced.
What if a parent worries exercise will overly excite a child who already might have “too much” energy?
It’s understandable to think that physical activity might make an energetic child even more wound up. However, research shows that regular movement helps children manage their energy levels better.
Physical activity provides a healthy outlet to release excess energy in a structured way, which often results in children feeling calmer, more focused, and better able to regulate their emotions and behavior afterward.
This is why SHAPE America promotes integrating physical activity throughout the day, including calming cool-downs or stretching at the end to help children transition smoothly back to quieter tasks.
Are sports drinks and nutrition bars helpful or needed?
Generally, no. Children get the nutrients they need through a wellbalanced diet. Sports drinks are only necessary if a child is participating in high-intensity activity for an extended period of time, such as competitive sports tournaments in hot weather. Otherwise, water is the best choice for hydration during physical activity.
Nutrition bars are often unnecessary for children unless advised by a healthcare professional for specific dietary needs.
Do parents need a certain type of gym equipment? Or what everyday items can be used for activities?
Absolutely not. You don’t need special gym equipment to encourage physical activity at home. Many everyday household items can be used creatively:
Nationwide -- At 73 years old, Areulia Davis continues to defy expectations and redefine what it means to be an educator. Far from slowing down, she remains deeply engaged in the work of guiding, mentoring, and inspiring teachers around the world. Most recently, she launched a line of STEM Learning Cards - an innovative, hands-on resource that helps early childhood educators introduce science, technology, engineering, and math concepts in developmentally appropriate ways. With decades of classroom experience and a reputation for excellence, Areulia is living proof that passion for education can grow stronger with time.
Her company, Areulia Davis LLC , provides coaching, consulting, and classroom resources to early childhood
and elementary educators. Drawing from her years as a teacher and instructional leader, Areulia equips educators with tools and strategies that lead to confident instruction and strong classroom management. Her calm authority, structured approach, and genuine care for both students and teachers make her a sought-after mentor in schools across the country.
Areulia’s journey in education began in childhood, inspired by women who taught with elegance, purpose, and strength. That influence shaped her own teaching style, which flourished during her years as a third-grade teacher. At a time when third grade became a high-stakes testing year, she rose to the challenge by integrating test preparation into everyday instruction,
Empty milk jugs as lightweight weights
Plastic grocery bags for tossing or balancing games
Pillows or couch cushions for obstacle courses
Painter’s tape or sidewalk chalk for balance beams or hopscotch on the floor
Many PE teachers create equipment out of recycled materials, and SHAPE America has a free resource called Move and Play at Home, which provides parents with easy activity ideas to keep their children active and engaged:
Move, Play, and Learn at Home: Infants
Move, Play, and Learn at Home: Toddlers
Move, Play, and Learn at Home:
Preschool
How can a parent assess a pre-K program for its exercise/physical activity offerings?
Parents can use SHAPE
America’s Active Start guidelines as a benchmark to ensure their child’s Pre-K program:
Provides daily opportunities for structured and unstructured physical activity
Encourages a variety of movements that support motor skill development
Uses developmentally appropriate practices
Asking about how physical activity is integrated into the daily routine and whether educators receive training in physical development can also help parents assess quality.
Is there a credential that SHAPE America offers for early childhood educators?
SHAPE America does not offer a credential specific to early childhood educators. However, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) offers accreditation for early childhood programs to ensure high standards. SHAPE America provides
continued in next 2 columns
their own community.
Exercise and Young Children: An Expert Educator’s Advice and Ideas...continued
resources for early childhood educators to incorporate more physical activity into their curriculum, such as the Moving with Words and Actions book, which integrates movement with literacy development.
Michelle Carter has experience as an educator in the District of Columbia Public Schools. She now serves as an internal subject matter expert for SHAPE America, where she provides guidance, resources, and professional development to support educators in promoting lifelong physical activity and wellbeing for all students. Michelle is passionate about empowering teachers to help children build the skills and confidence they need to lead healthy, active lives. Michelle lives in the Northern Virginia area with her two children, ages 7 and 10.
In historic first, California powered by two-thirds clean energy – becoming largest economy in the world to achieve milestone
Community /Education News
What you need to know: Clean energy reliably powered California to levels never seen before – 67% in 2023 – as renewable energy and clean resources continue to advance the state’s world-leading energy transition while fueling the nation’s largest clean energy workforce, more than a halfmillion strong.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced California achieved an historic milestone – the state was powered by two-thirds clean energy in 2023, the latest year for which data is available. California is the largest economy in the world to achieve this level of clean energy.
The state released new data showing California’s continued progress toward a clean energy future with 67% of the state’s retail electricity sales in 2023 coming from renewable and zero-carbon electricity generation — compared to just 61% the previous year and around 41% a decade ago. Sources of clean energy include generation from solar, wind, hydro, nuclear,
geothermal and biomass. In 2024, the state added a recordbreaking 7,000 megawatts (MW) of clean capacity to the grid, representing the largest single-year increase in clean energy capacity added to the grid in state history. This new figure broke the previous records set in both 2022 and 2023, marking a third consecutive year of unprecedented clean energy growth.
“As the federal government turns its back on innovation and commonsense, California is making our clean energy future a reality. The world’s fourth largest economy is running on twothirds clean power – the largest economy on the planet to achieve this milestone. And for the first time ever, clean energy provided 100% of the state’s power nearly every day this year for some part of the day. Not since the Industrial Revolution have we seen this kind of rapid transformation.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
AB 1454 Advances Through Senate Education Committee With Unanimous Vote of Approval, Moving Closer to EvidenceBased ReadingInstruction in Every California Classroom
Educational News
SACRAMENTO, CA – In another significant milestone for California's students, AB 1454 was approved today by the Senate Education Committee with a 7-0 vote, advancing the evidence-based literacy instruction bill one step closer to a full Senate vote.
without compromising care or creativity. Her students consistently achieved some of the highest benchmark scores in the district, and many former students have credited her with shaping their academic paths and even inspiring them to become educators themselves.
After retiring from the classroom, Areulia turned her focus back to her community in North Lawndale, where she joined local leaders to advocate for better educational opportunities. Her work helped secure a $40 million investment to open a new STEAMfocused school pathway in the neighborhood. Thanks to that effort, two elementary schools now feed into a STEAM high school, providing children access to quality science, technology, arts, and math education within
It was during this STEAM initiative that Areulia noticed a gap—many preschool teachers felt unprepared to introduce STEM to young children. In response, she developed the STEM Learning Cards, which help early educators bring STEM concepts into the daily rhythm of preschool classrooms. Designed to be simple, engaging, and developmentally aligned, the cards have boosted teacher confidence and encouraged more intentional STEM instruction during early learning years. Teachers have praised the cards for making STEM accessible and natural, just as Areulia intended.
Today, Areulia continues to lead with vision and purpose. She mentors educators, consults with schools, and expands the reach of her learning resources. She remains grounded in the belief that every child deserves a well-supported teacher, and that every teacher deserves guidance from someone who has walked the path. With every project she touches, Areulia Davis proves that true educators never stop teaching, leading, or making a difference.
To learn more or to order her STEM Learning Cards, visit AreuliaDavis.com
The Senate Education Committee's 7-0 vote of approval demonstrates continued legislative consensus around the urgent need to address California's literacy crisis, where only four in 10 third graders read at grade level. AB 1454, which also passed the Assembly in a unanimous vote, now advances to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
If enacted, AB 1454 will: Update Instructional Materials: Require the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt a new list of evidence-based English language arts and English language development instructional materials for Local Education Agencies to either choose from or self-certify that their materials meet the SBE’s criteria.
Prepare School Leaders and Reading Specialists: Update administrator and reading specialist credential programs to include training on effective literacy instruction, ensuring leaders and specialists can effectively support teaching staff.
AB 1454's advancement comes on the heels of Governor Newsom's historic approval of $200 million in the 2025-26 Budget Act for teacher training in evidence-based literacy instruction, which was a large part of the bill’s initial language. Passing the remaining policies in AB 1454 will help to ensure that this unprecedented funding for teacher training is maximized through aligned instructional materials and updated preparation standards.
“When a child learns to read, they don’t just decode letters on a page, they begin to dream bigger, think more critically, and imagine a future beyond what they can see. Today's committee approval brings us one step closer to all California children reading at grade level," said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice. “The continued bipartisan support for AB 1454 shows that our state leaders
recognize the impact of literacy on future learning and opportunity, and are committed to taking meaningful action. We're grateful to the Senate Education Committee members for advancing this critical legislation.” AB 1454, jointly authored by Speaker Robert Rivas, Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), represents a comprehensive approach to improving literacy outcomes by equipping educators with evidencebased resources and training.
“After months of hard work and collaboration, we are making steady progress toward delivering on our promise to teach all California children to read," said Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), an author of AB 1454. “The support we saw today in the Senate Education Committee moves us closer to ensuring that no child falls through the cracks because they weren't taught to read using scientifically proven reading methods. The continued bipartisan support on this bill tells us that California is ready and motivated to lead on literacy.” The bill builds on California's recent investments in early literacy, including universal screening for reading difficulties in all K-2 classrooms (SB 114) and requiring teacher preparation programs to include training in evidence-based literacy instruction (SB 488).
“This legislation represents hope for millions of Californian families who want to ensure their children have the foundational reading skills needed for success in high school, college, and beyond," said Yolie Flores, CEO of Families In Schools. “AB 1454 gives us the opportunity to transform California from a state that talks about literacy to one that delivers results for students who need it most.”
More than 90 organizations are in support of California joining the growing number of states that have prioritized evidence-based reading instruction.
For more information on AB 1454 and to support improved reading instruction in California classrooms, visit CaliforniaKidsRead.org
Michelle Carter, the Director of Educational Content and Programs SHAPE America
California Lawmakers to Vote on Bill Requiring Black
Demographic Data Be Broken Down by Ethnic Groups
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
Sen. Laura Richardson (D–San Pedro), right, and Asm. LaShae Sharp-Collins, left, delivered the welcome remarks at the California Legislative Black Caucus MLK Breakfast in January. Sen. Richardson is currently advancing a bill that would require local governments to collect more detailed demographic data on Black or African American populations. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey
Legislation introduced by Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood) that would require local governments to disaggregate demographic data for Black or African American populations is up for a key vote this week. Richardson is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).
Senate Bill (SB) 515 -- titled “Local Government: Collection of Demographic Data” -- will be heard by the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.
The bill passed the Assembly Local Government Committee on July 2 by a vote of 8-2.
CLBC members Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) and Lori Wilson, members of the Local Government Committee, (D-Suisun City) voted to advance the measure.
“SB 515 addresses a critical gap by improving how local governments in California collect
and report demographic data,” Richardson told the committee.
“This bill recognizes that without accurate, consistent, and complete information about the unique needs of historically marginalized communities, particularly those impacted by injustices, they remain invisible in our decision-making process.”
If enacted, the bill would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027, requiring cities and counties to collect more detailed demographic data on Black communities. This would include distinctions among African Americans, African immigrants, and Afro-Caribbean populations.
Lisa Orr, a legislative aide to Sen. Richardson, stated that SB 515 is not a reparations bill.
“The legislation is one of 16 bills by Sen. Richardson that is moving through the legislature,” Orr told California Black Media (CBM).
Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
Bo Tefu | California Black Media
California Legislature Advances Bill to Raise
Pay for Inmate Firefighters
The California Legislature is moving forward with a bill to increase wages for incarcerated firefighters who work on the front lines of the state’s wildfire battles.
The Senate Public Safety Committee voted July 8 to approve Assembly Bill (AB) 247, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles). The bill would raise hourly pay for inmate firefighters assigned to active fires from roughly $1per hour to the federal minimum wage of $7.25.
Bryan described the long and difficult shifts these inmates work, especially during the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, some lasting up to 48 hours.
“AB 247 will ensure that incarcerated people on the front line of fire disasters receive fair compensation for their invaluable service during devastating fires,” Bryan said in a bill analysis.
Inmate firefighter Isaiah Nazari, who served in a conservation camp, sent a letter read to the committee noting the disparity in pay compared to professional firefighters. “All lives have value, regardless of incarceration status,” he wrote.
The California State Sheriffs’ Association opposed the bill, citing concerns about increased
costs to counties and noting inmates receive sentence reductions for time served in camps. Sen. Kelly Seyarto (RMurrieta), a retired firefighter, supported the pay increase but warned that funding will be necessary to maintain program participation.
The bill initially proposed a $19 hourly wage but was lowered during negotiations. It now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
At the same hearing, the committee also passed Assembly Bill 938, which would expand state law allowing victims of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, or sexual violence to ask courts to vacate certain convictions. The expansion would include some violent crimes and provide additional legal defenses.
Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), who authored AB 938, highlighted that several other states have similar laws. Opponents raised concerns about the potential loss of restitution for victims if convictions are vacated.
Both bills now proceed to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
Republicans Blast California’s Decision to Reject Mandate on Trans Athletes and Risk Billions in Federal Funds
California is defying a federal directive that determined the state violated Title IX by permitting transgender athletes -- who are biologically male -- to participate in girls’ sports, a move that could jeopardize billions in federal education funding.
The California Department of
Richardson noted that employment applications typically group all Black communities under one category, making it difficult to analyze data for specific subgroups such as African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, or African immigrants.
She contrasted that with how state forms already break down Asian identities into categories like Cambodian, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Laotian, Vietnamese, and Japanese. Other forms list subgroups such as Asian-Pacific Islanders, Guatemalan, Native Hawaiian, and Samoan.
‘
“However, most documents, typically, only reflect Black and African American,” Richardson said. “Without specific data, the contributions of our communities remain overlooked.”
Under SB 515, local governments would be required to collect demographic data for:
· African Americans who are descendants of persons enslaved in the United States.
· Black individuals who are not descendants of U.S. slavery, including African and Caribbean Blacks.
· And individuals who either do not know or choose not to identify their ethnicity.
Republican Assemblymembers Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) and Tri Ta (R-Westminster) voted against the bill in committee. It previously passed the Senate on April 1 with a 28-10 vote,
all “no” votes coming from Republicans.
Not all groups support the bill. The Carlsbad Citizens for Community Oversight, a nonprofit organization advocating for government transparency and accountability, sent a letter to the Assembly Local Government Committee opposing SB 515 and urging members to oppose the bill.
However, the bill has received support from organizations such as the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), the American Redress Coalition of California – Sacramento and Bay Area chapters, and the California Black Lineage Society.
A similar effort was made in the Legislature last year when former Assemblymember Chris Holden -- whose district covered parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties -- introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 2089, which also proposed collecting more specific demographic data on Black subgroups. That bill stalled in the Assembly Appropriations Committee and did not move forward.
Chris Lodgson, a member of CJEC, highlighted why SB 515 matters to his organization and others.
“The inclusion of additional demographic categories across all California cities and counties, particularly a category of data collection for descendants of persons enslaved and emancipated from U.S. Chattel Slavery, will provide a clearer understanding of the specific needs and challenges faced by this community of over 2 million California residents,” Lodgson stated in support of the bill.
Republicans Blast California’s Decision to Reject Mandate on Trans Athletes and Risk Billions in Federal Funds...continued
criticized the decision.
“California continues to push the dangerous insanity of letting men compete in women’s sports,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher of East Nicolaus. “This is about fairness, safety, and the rule of law.”
Gallagher accused State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Gov. Gavin Newsom of prioritizing politics over students, saying they are putting athletic programs across the state in danger.
Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Temecula) called the policy a “shocking civil rights violation.”
“Newsom’s Department of Education is blatantly violating Title IX — and now they’re doubling down,” said Sanchez.
California
“They refuse to protect girls’ sports for biological girls.” Under Title IX, states that violate federal gender equity rules risk losing federal education funding. California receives billions of dollars in federal aid annually, which supports everything from school lunches to special education programs.
Assembly Republicans are urging Newsom to reverse course and instruct the Department of Education to align with federal law. They warn that if California continues on its current path, student-athletes and public schools could suffer long-term consequences.
The Newsom administration has not yet issued a detailed response to the federal findings or the criticism from GOP lawmakers.
Allocates $11 million
to Support Job Training for People Left Out of Workforce
California is awarding nearly $11 million in grants to six organizations aimed at improving job training and employment opportunities for adults facing barriers to the workforce.
The funding, provided by the California Employment Development Department (EDD), targets groups such as veterans, people with disabilities, English-language learners, older workers, and at-risk young adults.
Education says it will not comply with the directive from the U.S. Department of Education. Title IX is the federal civil rights law that bans sex-based discrimination in schools.
Assembly Republicans sharply
“Every Californian deserves the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “This investment expands access to career pathways for those who’ve historically faced systemic barriers.”
Because of Proposition 209, California is prohibited from using public funds to create programs or policies that give preference based on race, limiting the state’s ability to
“One Big Beautiful Bill” Blows Hole in California’s Budget; Threatens State’s Health and Climate Plans... continued from page 1
and small businesses.”
However, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will add $3.4 trillion to the national debt over ten years. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget puts the figure at $4.1 trillion, while the Cato Institute estimates as much as $6 trillion.
“People are still going to get sick. They’re still going to have babies,” said Gbenga Ajilore, Chief Economist at the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.
“But now the cost of care will shift to hospitals and the state.
That’s not good policy-- it’s just
moving the burden downstream.” Supporters say the “One Big Beautiful Bill” curbs fraud in Medicaid and SNAP, but critics argue it targets recipients -- not fraud -- and pushes eligible people off needed programs. Critics say the cuts are designed to fund tax breaks for the wealthy, not reduce the deficit. The law leaves California’s 2025-2026 budget fixes vulnerable. Without lasting federal aid, low-income Californians -including those in Black communities -- will bear the brunt, facing cuts to health care, housing, and climate programs.
California Allocates $11 million to Support Job Training for People Left Out of Workforce...continued
funding social enterprises, the state aims to bridge gaps in workforce participation.”
The grants come amid ongoing challenges for Californians who face poverty, long-term unemployment, or disabilities that limit access to stable jobs.
A recent Georgetown University study estimated that 27 to 35 million people nationally want to work but encounter significant employment barriers. The program’s funding is fully supported by federal dollars under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, distributed through the U.S. Department of Labor. An additional $1 million was awarded to REDF, a nonprofit that will provide technical assistance and facilitate coordination among the six grantees.
UC Berkeley Poll: Most Californians Believe Democracy Is in Danger
A new statewide poll shows that most California voters believe American democracy is in serious trouble. The survey from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies found that 64% of voters think democracy is under attack, while 26% believe the system is being tested but not yet threatened.
The poll was conducted for the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund and included responses from more than 6,400 registered voters.
“I do think that it’s at a pretty dangerous point right now. The concerns are justified,” said Eric Schickler, co-director of the institute and a political science professor at UC Berkeley. “Our democracy is not healthy when you have a president that’s acting to unilaterally stop money from being spent that’s been appropriated, or going to war with colleges and universities or sending troops to L.A.”
Across party lines, the concern is widespread. Among Democrats, 81% said democracy is under attack. That view was
In a major shake-up of state bureaucracy, Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved the creation of two new agencies to address California’s housing crisis and strengthen consumer oversight.
target funding to race-specific categories.
The grants are part of the Employment Social Enterprise program, which supports businesses that offer transitional jobs combined with supportive services like housing assistance, childcare, and job coaching.
The program is designed to help participants gain work experience and move toward stable employment.
Among the recipients are Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fresno, Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment, and Stanislaus Equity Partners. Each will use the funds to expand job training efforts in their respective regions.
“This program focuses on populations often excluded from traditional job markets,” said Stewart Knox, Secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency. “By
shared by 61% of voters with no party preference or who belong to smaller parties. Among Republicans, 38% agreed, while another 39% said democracy is being tested.
Emily Ekins, polling director at the libertarian Cato Institute, said the findings reveal a shift in political fears. “A couple years ago, Republicans felt that democracy was at risk and now Democrats feel that democracy is at risk,” said Ekins. “They may feel like they could lose their rights and freedoms.”
The poll also found that 75% of California voters believe special interest money has too much influence over state politics. Trust in elected officials was low. Just 42% said they trust Gov. Gavin Newsom to act in the public’s interest. Trust in the state Legislature was also limited. The courts earned the highest trust rating, with 57% of voters expressing confidence. The poll was conducted from June 2 to June 6 and surveyed 6,474 registered voters across California.
California Shakes Up State Gov’t to Better Tackle Housing Crisis, Homelessness departments involved in housing development, homelessness coordination, and civil rights enforcement, including the Department of Housing and Community Development, the California Housing Finance Agency, and the Civil Rights Department.
The move, which Newsom announced last week, establishes the California Housing and Homelessness Agency (CHHA) and the Business and Consumer Services Agency (BCSA). The reorganization dissolves the current Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency by July 2026.
State officials say the change is designed to improve accountability and coordination in efforts to reduce homelessness, expand affordable housing, and strengthen consumer protections.
According to the governor’s office, the new structure will consolidate housing and civil rights oversight into a single agency, while moving business and consumer regulation into a separate department.
“Housing and homelessness are complex and multifaceted issues, deserving of full and prioritized attention,” said Newsom in a statement on July 11, thanking lawmakers for approving the standalone housing agency.
The CHHA will oversee
The BCSA will take over responsibilities related to occupational licensing, financial regulation, and oversight of industries such as alcohol, cannabis, and real estate. It will include agencies like the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
Tomiquia Moss, head of the soon-to-be-dissolved umbrella agency, said the new structure will help the state meet its housing goals. “This will enable us to better reach our goal of 2.5 million new homes by 2030, with one million of them being affordable housing,” said Moss. The announcement comes as California continues to face some of the highest homelessness rates in the country. State data shows California limited the increase in homelessness to 3% in 2024, compared to an 18% rise nationwide. Officials also reported declines in veteran and youth homelessness.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Zora Neale Hurston’s Final Home Purchased and Preserved
by The Conservation Fund
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The Conservation Fund (TCF) purchased the home when it was about to be placed on the open market, putting it at risk of demolition or development. TCF will transfer the property to the Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation (ZNHFEF), who will turn it into a visitor and education center.
By BlackPress of America
FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA
– More than 60 years after acclaimed author Zora Neale Hurston resided in a modest home on a quiet street in Fort Pierce, Florida, that property has been protected. But more help is needed to ensure it permanently honors Hurston’s legacy. The Conservation Fund (TCF) purchased the home when it was about to be placed on the open market, putting it at risk of demolition or development.
TCF will transfer the property to the Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation (ZNHFEF), which will turn it into a visitor and education center.
The home is in the Historic Lincoln Park community, a formerly segregated African American section of town. Hurston is the only person to ever live in the building, and her grave site is a few blocks away. “It’s an
honor to be a part of protecting the final place where Zora Neale Hurston resided,” said Lauren Day, Florida Director for The Conservation Fund. “Despite its designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1991, this home was at risk of being forgotten, developed, or falling further into disrepair – something that threatens hundreds of African American sites around the country. We are thrilled to help ensure Zora’s important legacy alongside our partners.” Zora Neale Hurston is one of the most acclaimed authors of the 20th century. She is closely associated with the Harlem Renaissance, a period of creativity and rebirth for African American authors, artists, and musicians. Her most famous work, Their Eyes Were Watching God, is taught in high schools and colleges across the country. During the time she lived in the Fort Pierce house, Hurston wrote for the Fort Pierce Chronicle, a newspaper written by and for Black people. “Zora Neale
Hurston’s final home deserves to be part of her enduring legacy,” said Marvin Hobson, president of the Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation. “A home is a place of safety and refuge. As a writer in a maledominated industry who worked during Jim Crow America, it’s easy to imagine the peace and comfort that Zora would have sought at her Fort Pierce home. We’re honored to partner with The Conservation Fund to ensure this property honors one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.” The property is part of the Dust Tracks Heritage Trail honoring Hurston’s life and contributions to American history and literature. Locations across Fort Pierce include Hurston’s gravesite, the Chronicle newspaper where she worked, the former St. Lucie Welfare Home where she convalesced, and Lincoln Park Academy, the formerly segregated school where Hurston taught English.
The Conservation Fund and ZNHFEF are actively fundraising to replenish the funds used to purchase the property and make critical improvements to the home. ZNHFEF plans to open the visitor and education center to the public shortly. The Zora Neale Hurston home is the latest African American heritage site protected by The Conservation Fund and partners. Other projects include the Chattahoochee Brick Company Memorial Park in Georgia, the Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument and formerly
segregated beaches in Maryland, and the Freedom Riders National Monument in Alabama. “These locations represent a small fraction of African American sites around the country that must be protected and honored,” said Tony Richardson, director of The Conservation Fund’s Legacy Places Initiative. “We’re working with partners to safeguard these important cultural sites before they are lost, ensuring these vital places and stories live on for all Americans, for generations to come.”
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities, and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community, and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas, and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit http:// www.conservationfund.org.
The Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation, also known as the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Track Museum and Humanities Center, is committed to promoting and preserving the local legacy of the world-renowned author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston. http://www. zorafoundationmuseum.com
Michael Jackson Estate Files Court Petition Alleging $213 Million Extortion Plot by
Frank Cascio
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The court action, exclusively obtained by Black Press USA, reveals in unprecedented detail how the estate contends that Cascio and unnamed associates used their proximity to Jackson—once proudly touted in books and interviews—to demand a fortune from the most successful celebrity estate in history
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The Estate of Michael Jackson has filed an explosive petition in Los Angeles Superior Court accusing Frank Cascio, a man once described as Jackson’s “second family,” of masterminding a $213 million extortion plot to force payouts by threatening to flip decades of public support into salacious allegations about the King of Pop. The court action, exclusively obtained by Black Press USA, reveals in unprecedented detail how the estate contends that Cascio and unnamed associates used their proximity to Jackson—once proudly touted in books and interviews—to demand a fortune from the most successful celebrity estate in history. “For over 30 years, these individuals held themselves out as Michael Jackson’s most passionate defenders,” the petition states, quoting Cascio’s repeated assertions—under oath and on national television—that Jackson never harmed him or any child. “It was a shakedown,” the estate’s lawyers charged.
A Decades-Long Public Defense
As recently as 2011, Cascio
The Late Michael Jackson promoted his memoir My Friend Michael, describing a warm, fatherly relationship with Jackson. “I want to be precise and clear, on the record, so that everyone can read and understand,” he wrote.
“Michael’s love for children was innocent, and it was profoundly misunderstood.” He doubled down in dozens of interviews. During a 2005 ABC Primetime Live broadcast, Cascio—then using the name Frank Tyson— declared: “If Michael ever laid a finger on me, I would not be in this chair right now.” In a 2011 sit-down with Wendy Williams, he said with conviction, “Nothing at all. And that’s what makes me so upset,” when asked whether Jackson had ever acted inappropriately. Even years later, one of the respondents continued to insist Jackson was a target of “liars,” telling Oprah Winfrey during a televised interview: “Michael couldn’t harm a fly. He’s such a kind and gentle soul. Michael was a target.” In 2019, when HBO’s controversial Leaving Neverland documentary ignited a fresh wave of criticism and threatened multiple Jacksonrelated projects—including Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael
Jackson ONE”—estate coexecutors John Branca and John McClain, along with the Michael Jackson Company, sought Cascio’s support. Instead, they say, Cascio turned on them.
A Secret Settlement
Facing mounting public pressure and what they describe as repeated threats to invent new claims, the estate entered into a confidential settlement on January 10, 2020. Under the agreement, Cascio and his associates would receive millions over five years—$3 million each, according to sources familiar with the negotiations—in exchange for comprehensive waivers, a sweeping nondisclosure clause, and an ironclad promise to arbitrate any disputes. The estate said it acted reluctantly to protect Jackson’s children and preserve projects that would cement the late artist’s legacy. “We have a fiduciary responsibility to maximize the income of the estate,” Branca said in an earlier interview. “Our counsel insisted we sign the agreement. They didn’t want it disclosed either because Michael’s fans would have gone after these people.” The settlement contained an unusually strict provision barring even the disclosure of the agreement’s existence.
The $213 Million Demand
Despite having collected payments under that deal, Cascio, through lawyers, allegedly reemerged in July 2024 with a stunning ultimatum: Pay $213 million more, or face a media spectacle. According to the court
Michael Jackson Estate Files Court Petition Alleging $213 Million Extortion Plot by Frank Cascio... continued
However, now Geragos has taken the opposite stance, representing Cascio in a renewed effort to file public litigation. According to the estate’s filing, Geragos lowered the demand to $44 million but warned that if the estate refused, they would sue for defamation, emotional distress, and an alleged “cover-up.”
The estate insists these claims are “bogus” and barred by the original settlement’s releases and arbitration clauses. The petition points out that the agreement explicitly requires arbitration for any disputes, even the question of whether a claim is arbitrable.
“The question of arbitrability is itself a question to be resolved finally by the arbitrator,” the contract states.
The Estate’s Broader Mission
This latest legal battle comes as the Jackson estate continues to flourish. Since Jackson died in 2009, Branca and McClain have transformed a $500 million debt into an empire generating over $3 billion.
Projects include the recordbreaking concert film Michael
Jackson’s This Is It, Cirque du Soleil productions, and the upcoming Antoine Fuqua biopic MICHAEL, starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar. Yet Branca says managing the estate means protecting it from opportunistic attacks. “Michael was acutely aware of the racial undertones in how he was perceived,” Branca told Black Press USA in a prior interview, recalling Jackson’s lament: “Sinatra’s the chairman of the board. Elvis is the king. Springsteen is the boss. But what do they call me? The Gloved One…that’s racist.” Branca added, “I definitely believe there’s a racist element in the media coverage of Michael Jackson since the 1980s. Michael got so big many were jealous.” The estate has requested that the court order Cascio into arbitration and award legal fees. If the petition is granted, any subsequent proceedings would take place in private. For now, the estate is vowing not to yield. “We will continue to manage the estate with the integrity and dedication that Michael deserved,” Branca said. “Attempts like this to tarnish his memory for financial gain will not succeed.”
Deadline
To Submit Press Releases & Legals Is Mondays By 5pm
WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1264
Loosening the Grip of Stigma
Bentley deBardelaben-Phillips
As a person who engages in a ministry of healing, I am troubled by how the firm grip of mental, physical, racial, and religious stigma continues to emotionally destabilize human beings in our society.
filing, Cascio’s legal team— then led by attorney Howard King—threatened to “expand the circle of knowledge” and leak allegations to the buyer of Jackson’s $600 million music catalog if their demands were not met. In one email sent August 29, 2024, King wrote, “We expect a substantive response by the end of day tomorrow. Otherwise, we will be forced to expand the ‘circle of knowledge.’” The estate called this an extortionate threat designed to pressure them into paying for silence. The estate responded by initiating a confidential arbitration proceeding on September 17, 2024, accusing Cascio of civil extortion and anticipatory breach of contract. Days later, Cascio’s lawyers delivered draft lawsuits “riddled with outlandish scurrilous allegations” that directly contradicted his years of public statements.
The Geragos Factor
By January 2025, Cascio had replaced his counsel with Mark Geragos—ironically, Jackson’s former defense lawyer who had proclaimed to Good Morning America that “there’s nothing sexual going on” and that Jackson was “100 percent innocent.”
In his 2013 book Mistrial, Geragos wrote of Jackson’s 2005 acquittal: “The evidence was overwhelming that he never touched this kid, and the entire thing was a huge shakedown.”
He also appeared on The Megyn Kelly Show in December 2021 to blast Leaving Neverland, calling it “a complete rewrite of history” and an “absolute travesty.”
These stigmas have been weaponized to shame and blame, to justify privilege, or create fear about a specific condition in the minds of humans who, often through no fault of their own, are being judged by them.
According to Healthline.com, “[t]he term stigma originated in ancient Greece, where it referred to symbols burned into the skin of enslaved people and people judged as criminals or traitors. These symbols, or stigmas, suggested the person was ‘blemished’ and that others should avoid and shun them.
The sociologist Erving Goffman refashioned the term in 1963, giving it its modern meaning.”
Taking another perspective, verywellhealth.com defines stigma as “a negative attitude or idea about a mental, physical, or social feature of a person or group of people that implies social disapproval.”
The level of disapproval or discrimination one may experience from any of these forms of bias can evoke feelings of depression; others may choose to isolate themselves from their community. In the worst case scenario, it might result in death by suicide.
It is essential that we understand the distinct types of stigma so that we can work toward their eradication.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) classifies mental health stigma into seven types: public stigma, selfstigma, perceived stigma, label avoidance, stigma by association, structural stigma, and health practitioner stigma.
Throughout my lifetime, I have encountered the pains of stigma. I had a college friend who died from pneumonia as a complication of AIDS in the
1980s; my mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the 1990s; and my uncle died by suicide in the mid-2000s. Each of these unfortunate incidents brought a cloud of secrecy, shame, blame, and fear into my family system. It was not easy to navigate.
As a Black Queer individual who came out in the 1970s and has been harmed by public stigma, self-stigma, and perceived stigma, I struggled to process life when those occurrences within my family surfaced. There was shunning, finger-pointing, and whispering by people who knew and loved each of those beautiful souls, each one a gift to humanity, their communities, our families, and me.
German pastor and poet Martin Niemöller wrote the famous poem, “First They Came,” in 1946. The last two lines read “…Then they came for me. And there was no one left to speak out for me.” His poem addresses the consequences of standing by while something immoral is happening and the responsibility of bystanders.
Further, Niemöller’s poem exemplifies a similar harm of being shunned by others, utilizing differing forms of social stigma. In such instances, one may feel compelled to turn one’s back on another human being because one believes it will keep oneself safe, which may not be the case in the end.
I invite all who read this editorial to consider the metaphorical mark of shame that stigma leaves behind. It is nothing more than a judgment, not a fact. Begin familiarizing yourself with it so that we can turn the tide against this evil. The lives we save may be our own.
Lastly, if you find yourself struggling with any mental health crisis, contact NAMI’s HelpLine at 800-950-6264, text “NAMI” to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Photo courtesy of The Conservation Fund
The Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation will establish a visitor and education center on the property.
California Leads Coalition in Lawsuit Against Trump for Illegal Health Data Sharing
by Breanna Reeves
Twenty state attorneys general, including Rob Bonta of California, are challenging the Trump administration’s decision to give ICE access to personal health data. (dhs.gov)
California is leading the charge in a lawsuit against the Trump administration for illegally sharing personal health data with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which houses Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). California Attorney General Rob Bonta is part of a coalition of 19 other state attorneys general who are challenging the Trump administration’s decision to give ICE access to personal health data, news that was first reported by the Associated Press last month.
The multistate lawsuit argues that the transfer of personal and sensitive health data violates the law, and has requested that the court block any new transfer or use of this data for immigration enforcement purposes.
“The Trump Administration has upended longstanding privacy protections with its decision to illegally share sensitive, personal health data with ICE. In doing so, it has created a culture of fear that will lead to fewer people seeking vital
You Can View The Thursday E-Edition of The San Bernardino AMERICAN NEWS Weekly on our website: sb-american.com
Measles Cases Hit 33-Year Record as CORI Deploys Outbreak Response Tools
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Officials link the rising case counts to declining vaccination rates in multiple communities, combined with travel-related exposures that have seeded outbreaks across state lines.
By Stacy M. Brown
The United States has recorded its highest number of annual measles cases in 33 years, with at least 1,277 confirmed infections spanning 38 states and the District of Columbia. According to information published by the Center for Outbreak Response Innovation (CORI), the country has already exceeded the number of infections reported in 2019. The current total represents the largest outbreak since 1992, when more than 2,100 cases were documented nationwide.
Officials link the rising case counts to declining vaccination rates in multiple communities, combined with travel-related exposures that have seeded outbreaks across state lines. The surge has placed significant strain on local and state public health agencies working to contain transmission. CORI, which operates within the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, has developed a set of specialized tools and resources intended to help jurisdictions prepare for and respond to outbreaks. These resources include tailored analytic platforms, structured risk assessments, and real-time decision-support products.
“These tools are designed, tested, and refined to ensure they are practical and useful in real-world
emergency medical care,” stated Bonta.
“I’m sickened by this latest salvo in the President’s antiimmigrant campaign. We’re headed to court to prevent any further sharing of Medicaid data — and to ensure any of the data that’s already been shared is not used for immigration enforcement purposes.”
The lawsuit alleges that sharing personal health data is an illegal action that is creating fear, which will lead to noncitizens and their family members refusing to enroll in emergency Medicaid. The personal health data accessed by DHS came from California, Illinois, Washington state and Washington, D.C.
California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, provides healthcare coverage to nearly 15 million residents, including more than two million noncitizens.
Noncitizens include green card holders, refugees, individuals who hold temporary protected status and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients. Though not all noncitizens are eligible for
Medi-Cal services, California uses state-only funds to provide a version of the Medi-Cal program to all eligible state residents, regardless of their immigration status through Covered California.
In late June, however, CA Gov. Gavin Newsom reversed course on several strategies when he signed this year’s budget. In order to close the state’s $12 billion deficit, California’s landmark health care expansion for low-income adult immigrants who do not have legal status was among the initiatives impacted by the cuts.
But with the recent passage of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” which seeks to gut Medicaid and add specific work eligibility requirements, health advocates say many vulnerable residents, including citizens and noncitizens, are at risk of losing health coverage.
The passage of Trump’s bill by both the Senate and House is another step toward this administration reshaping America’s health policies, among other policies.
Second Inland Empire Multi-Year High School BSU Reunion Hosted by San Gorgonio High School Alumni
Alumni of the San Gorgonio High School Black Students Union (BSU) is hosting its second Inland Empire multi-year, multi-school Black Students Union High School Reunion. The event is scheduled for September 12-14 and will include three days of fun, entertainment, and an opportunity to catch up and reminisce with old friends. The first Inland Empire multiyear, multi-school BSU reunion which took place in 2023 was so much fun, and excitement due to popular demand is being held again.
Reunion tickets are $175 which include three days of fun and exciting times. The reunion weekend will kick off on Friday night, September 12 with the Meet and Greet reception from 5:00pm - 10:00pm at the Double Tree Hotel in Ontario. The main event will take place on Saturday,
September 13 at the Double Tree Hotel in the Lake Arrowhead Ball Room. The Main Event includes dinner, program, and dancing with the music being provided by the incomparable “DJ Wen.” The reunion concludes on Sunday, September 14 with a fun-filled day in Magnolia Park in Upland from 12:00pm - 6:00pm. Food will be provided. A convenient Flex Pay Plan has been implemented to provide individuals with an opportunity to make payments with a payment plan. Each payment is due on the 15th of each month with the last being due on August 15. All payments are non-refundable. Payments can be made via CashApp at $Sistahsnbiz2023 or Venmo Lori-Keith-2. For additional information regarding the reunion activities contact iebsureunion@gmail.com
S S I F I E D S
California Is Fighting Back: State Leaders and Community Activists Resist Stepped-Up Immigration Raids
Charlene Muhammad | California Black Media
public health settings,” CORI states on its website.
In addition to analytic software, CORI provides modeling outputs, situation reports, and guidance documents to support containment strategies. The organization also manages a national Community of Practice that connects state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments to share experiences and strengthen outbreak response capabilities. “Our Community of Practice is a network of health departments committed to integrating modeling and analytics into their outbreak response capabilities,” CORI states. “Together, we are working to strengthen our nation’s readiness to respond to infectious disease emergencies.” The program is structured to build capacity that can be activated rapidly as outbreaks evolve. According to CORI, “Our goal is to equip health departments with decisionsupport tools, training, and analytic capacity that can be activated rapidly during an outbreak.” “Our work focuses on helping health departments improve preparedness and response to measles outbreaks through real-time modeling and collaboration,” CORI states.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signs an executive directive on July 11, 2025, at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, directing city departments to bolster protections for immigrant communities amid a wave of federal immigration raids. The directive includes preparedness plans, legal support coordination, and emergency cash assistance for impacted families.
Elected officials and grassroots organization leaders are speaking out against recent federal immigration raids they are calling “immoral,” and pledging their support for immigrants impacted by the intensified enforcement efforts in Los Angeles and across California.
On July 7, approximately 90 armed federal agents, National Guard troops and Border Patrol officers swarmed MacArthur Park -- regarded by many as the heart of L.A.’s immigrant community.
Mayor Karen Bass was on the scene.
“The Administration is treating Los Angeles as a test case for how far it can go in driving its political agenda forward while
pushing the Constitution aside,” said Bass.
“The City of Los Angeles, along with the County, cities, organizations and Angelenos across L.A., is taking the Administration to court to stop its clear violation of the United States Constitution and federal law,” the mayor continued. “We will not be intimidated – we are making Los Angeles the example of how people who believe in American values will stand together and stand united.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom also spoke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent actions in L.A.
“What a disgrace, what’s happening in MacArthur Park. What theatre,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom, in response.
“To those that feel torn asunder by everything that’s happened over the last six months, I want folks to know we have your back and we’ll continue to come back and do what we can to protect our diverse communities, to protect the spirit that defines the best of this city and our state and to push back against this cruelty, that has been perpetuated by the President of the United States,” said Newsom, speaking at a press conference on July 7 marking
the 6-month anniversary of the devastating wildfires in L.A. County.
California is home to over 11 million immigrants; Almost half of all Californian children have at least one immigrant parent; Immigrants comprise onethird of the state's workforce and account for 40.3% of entrepreneurs; and immigrant households contributed $61.8 billion in state and local taxes in 2023, according to Newsom’s office.
“Right now, immigrants and their families are being subjected to indiscriminate immigration enforcement, including those who have been here for decades, who have paid taxes, created families, and built homes here,” reads a proclamation Newsom issued on June 30 declaring June
“Immigrant Heritage Month” in California, recognizing the role immigrants play in strengthening the state culturally and civically and helping to fuel its economy.
Bass, who denounced the MacArthur Park raid as “outrageous and un-American,” has issued an executive directive to support immigrant communities.
Executive Directive No. continued on page 8
Measles morbilli virus infection outbreak, contagious rash, global child MMR vaccination. Airborne pathogen imaging, public health at risk. Immunization, morbillivirus disease prevention, medical 3D
Epstein Memo Ignites MAGA Backlash Against Trump and Top Allies
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — According to Politico, tensions inside the administration erupted at a meeting where FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino were pressed by officials about whether the FBI had been blocked from releasing more information
By Stacy M.
The conspiracy-driven culture that helped Donald Trump rise to power is now targeting him, as the president faces a surge of outrage over the Justice Department’s release of a report that debunks years of lurid claims about Jeffrey Epstein.
For years, Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi repeatedly promised that they would expose an explosive trove of Epsteinrelated evidence. In February, Bondi staged a White House photo op, handing out binders to conservative influencers labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1.” But last week, the Justice Department and the FBI issued a joint memo concluding there was no evidence that Epstein kept a secret list of powerful men involved in sex trafficking. The memo also said Epstein died by suicide in 2019, not by murder, contradicting conspiracy theories that Trump himself often amplified. The New York Times reported that the document immediately fueled anger across the president’s base.
According to Politico, tensions inside the administration erupted at a meeting where FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino were pressed by officials about whether the FBI had been blocked from releasing more information. Afterward, Bongino skipped work last Friday and told colleagues he was considering quitting. Trump told reporters Sunday, “I think so,” when asked if Bongino was still
serving, adding, “He’s in good shape.” Patel posted Saturday that he would remain in the administration, acknowledging, “The conspiracy theories just aren’t true, never have been.”
As prominent pro-Trump figures fumed, Bondi became the focus of the backlash. At the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Tampa, Fox News host Laura Ingraham asked attendees whether they were satisfied with the investigation’s conclusion. The crowd responded with boos. Megyn Kelly called Bondi “the villain in this story,” saying, “You either believe that Pam Bondi was telling the truth then, or that she’s telling the truth now, but both cannot be true.” Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, warned Saturday, “Pam, if you can’t do your job, we’ll find someone who will.” Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon told The Daily Mail that Epstein was “the key that picks the lock on so many things — not just individuals, but also institutions.” Meanwhile, Mike Cernovich, who had been given one of the Epstein binders, wrote online, “No one is buying it. No one is dropping it.” Trump has defended Bondi, inviting her to join him in his box at the FIFA Club World Cup final and praising her on Truth Social. The president also tried to shift blame to Democrats, writing, “They created the Epstein Files,
just like they created the FAKE Hillary Clinton/Christopher Steele Dossier,” and asking why “Radical Left Lunatics” never released the supposed evidence themselves.
But the frustration has only grown. InfoWars host Alex Jones called on Trump to “release everything,” warning, “This is not going away. It’s only blowing up ten times bigger.” Matt Walsh described Epstein as proof that “the corrupt and the powerful are never held accountable.”
Tucker Carlson, who has repeatedly defended Trump in the past, told NBC News he was disgusted by the Justice Department’s response. “Rather than just admit that, Pam Bondi made a bunch of ludicrous claims on cable news shows that she couldn’t back up, and this current outrage is the result,” Carlson said. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, now serving a 20year sentence for sex trafficking, is reportedly willing to testify before Congress. The Daily Mail quoted a source close to Maxwell saying, “She would welcome the chance to tell the American public the truth.” In an interview with Politico, far-right activist Laura Loomer called for a special counsel to take over the Epstein investigation. “I don’t think that she has been transparent or done a good job handling this issue,” Loomer said of Bondi.
The ‘Kill Chain’ Technology Behind Trump’s Deportations... continued
As might be expected, ICE and CBP have long used their own administrative data when determining, for example, where to conduct a workplace raid. The challenge is that the information may be out of date, missing, or ambiguous (e.g. multiple individuals with the same name).
Organizations such as Palantir—with sophisticated data analysis drawing from multiple datasets—can do a better job of determining where a particular “target” can be found. And, thanks to an earlier Executive Order, “Stopping Waste, Fraud and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos,” signed in March, the number of data sets available have expanded significantly. They include:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Social Security Administration (SSA)
U.S. Education Department
U.S. Postal Service
An inevitable consequence of such record sharing is
that information provided by mixed-status households— where one or more family member is undocumented— for securing services such as SNAP for eligible U.S. citizen children provide indicators of immigration status which would allow an undocumented parent to be targeted.
Access to a particular individual’s data in many such cases provides access to data on their entire households, some of whom may become “collateral damage” when the data record is used for targeting detention.
Similarly, algorithms developed by Palantir experts could incorporate “indicators” such as ESL enrollment or medical treatment requiring an interpreter which do not definitively reflect citizenship/ legal status but could be use in building AI-driven models for targeting.
In principle, each agency would ordinarily deny access to records with individuals’ personally identifying information as required by The Privacy Act. In today’s context, with the Trump administration clawing away at the firewalls that once guaranteed
our privacy, such assumptions are anything but certain. In our current, informationrich environment the outcome of the ongoing war over access to data will be as important or, arguably, more important than increased funding for in-the-field detentions by ICE or CBP, whose authority has now been extended nationwide.
Unfortunately, traditional judicial deference to the executive branch, premised on the assumption that the government objective is better governance, is no longer justified. All that can be hoped for at this point is a groundswell of public pressure for integrity in government and commitment to the rule of law. Edward Kissam is a leading researcher and advocate for strategies to deal with health issues impacting immigrant communities. He has led research on farmworker and immigrant issues sponsored by the Department of Labor, the Commission on Agricultural Workers, and the National Institute for Food and Agriculture. He is also a trustee of the WKF Charitable Giving Fund.
Read the latest stories on our website: sb-american.com Questions? Call us @ 909-889-7677or email mary@sb-american.com
Secretary Rollins Terminates COVID-era Program
(Washington, D.C., July 15, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the termination of the Regional Food Business Centers (RFBC) program. This pandemic-era, Biden program was created using one-time, temporary funding from Congress. The Department is terminating this program that should not have been established in this manner in the first place, but are doing so in a way to honor commitments made to farmers.
“The Biden Administration created multiple, massive programs without any long-term way to finance them. This is not sustainable for farmers who rely
The ‘Kill Chain’ Technology Behind Trump’s Deportations
By Edward Kissam
In our current, information-rich environment the outcome of the ongoing war over access to data will be as or more impactful than increased funding for in-the-field operations.
Davos, Switzerland.
(Credit: Cory Doctorow. Image published via CC License 2.0)
Mounting evidence shows the Trump administration’s weaponization of data analysis to target immigrants for detention and deportation moving forward rapidly. Continued advancements in AI technology are aiding in this effort.
The ongoing erosion of digital privacy this entails could soon allow the administration to not only expand its war on immigrants but more efficiently target political enemies. Central to the Trump administration’s strategy is exploitation of loopholes in The Privacy Act, whereby the mere allegation of criminality is enough to erode even U.S. citizens’ privacy protection.
Protections under The Privacy Act only apply to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, leaving undocumented immigrants particularly vulnerable. However, even U.S. citizens’ privacy protection evaporates if it is alleged that they are under investigation, as is the case for two former Trump aides accused by the president of treason for criticisms they leveled during and since his first term. More worrisome is the judicial deference to administration claims that its enemies are “being investigated,” without evidence that an actual investigation is underway or has any basis.
In June, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a request from
the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for access to Social Security Administration data on the grounds that it was “investigating” fraud and waste.
The court’s three liberals dissented in the ruling, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson writing that the ruling’s “emergency” justification was based solely on the fact that the court “cannot be bothered to wait for the litigation process to play out.” (Lawsuits challenging DOGE’s request had been pending.)
Such a pretext, Jackson added, “has traditionally been insufficient to justify the kind of extraordinary intervention the Government seeks.”
Meanwhile, the adoption of military intelligence technology—developed, in part, on “kill chain” analytic work by Palantir Technologies—to sift through this newly available data means the government can now do so more accurately and at cost. Such battlefield data analysis approaches are already being used to improve DHS’ ability to target, detain, and deport immigrants. In April, DHS awarded Palantir a $30 million contract to improve its existing Investigation
Management System to better target immigrants for detention.
“Palantir software is already configured to support the ICE mission and environment,” DHS noted in announcing the contract.
Juan Sebastian Pinto, a former employee of Palantir Technologies now deeply concerned about the company’s violation of its’ initial principles for ethical data analysis, explains how the process works.
“In AI-enabled military operations today, the first phases of the kill chain—finding and fixing—focus on data collection and sensor input to identify and categorize subjects as targets, threats, or non-targets,” writes Pinto on his Substack page. “This type of categorization, known as ‘fixing’ in a military context, allows corporations to mark individuals for targeted action.”
For authoritarian regimes, these targeting algorithms— which are continually being refined with new AI technology—can be applied to any government-defined group of perceived enemies, immigrant or otherwise, with staggering efficiency and for pennies on the dollar.
on these programs, and it flies in the face of Congressional intent,” said Secretary Rollins. “USDA will honor existing commitments for over 450 grants to farmers and food businesses to ensure planning decisions on the farm can continue as normal, however stakeholders should not plan on this program continuing. Any remaining funds will be repurposed to better support American agriculture.”
Out of the 12 RFBC’s, only 8 have selected or issued Business Builder grants. USDA will honor current and pending commitments to producers and food businesses through the
Business Builder subaward program. Due to the broad scope of the program, and a long process of setting up partnerships and conducting work planning, a relatively small number of those Business Builder grants have been awarded to date. RFBC’s that have executed or announced Business Builder subawards will have the option to continue managing those existing commitments through May 2026. Centers that have not yet made Business Builder commitments will be terminated; these include the Great Lakes Midwest RFBC, Southeast RFBC, Delta RFBC, and Islands and Remote Areas RFBC.
Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Mug shot of Jeffrey Epstein, July 25 2013 (Wikimedia Commons / Photo by State of Florida)
Image: Palantir pavilion, World Economic Forum,
Keeping it Real: The Exploitation of Low-income Tenants in the Inland Empire and Beyond
by S.E. Williams
by Chris Alle, BVN)
Overview: California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against Mike Nijjar and his family, alleging that they have rented out unsafe and uninhabitable units, disregarded tenants’ requests for repairs, and failed to eradicate pests, inflicting harm and anguish on tenants. Nijjar operates a multi-billion dollar real estate empire with over 22,000 housing units across the state, primarily in lowincome communities. The lawsuit alleges that Nijjar has rented out units with ceilings that collapsed, walls with mold, sewage flowing into tenants’ homes, and roaches crawling on their children. The state is encouraging anyone with information related to the case to share their stories.
“PAMA and the other companies owned by Mike Nijjar and his family are notorious for their rampant, slum-like conditions—some so bad that residents have suffered tragic results,” stated CA Attorney General Rob Bonta in a mid-June press release.
The complaint, filed by the state against Nijjar and several corporate entities associated with him and his family, allege he and his business partners “rent out unsafe and uninhabitable units, disregard tenants’ requests for repairs, and fail to eradicate pests, inflicting harm and anguish on tenants.”
The state’s action was warranted and long overdue considering that over the years, Nijjar properties have accrued a history of being regularly cited for a multitude of code violations ranging from bug infestations, rodents, mold, security issues and lack of repairs, to name a few of the accusations against them. Nijjar operates a multibillion dollar real estate empire that controls more than 22,000 housing units throughout the state of California. Most are centered in low income communities across Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Kern counties.
Niijar’s presence in the Inland Empire is not surprising when you consider the poverty level in this region. Poverty rates in the inland region are typically higher than both state and national averages.
There is the added cruelty that in some of our communities, including Hemet and San Jacinto, for example, the Nijjar Companies hold such a huge percentage of the less expensive housing stock that is sometimes difficult to find rental property that the Nijjar companies do not own or manage.
Nijjar properties are primarily owned by Mike Nijjar, his sister, and his adult sons. According to court documents, the Nijjar family’s rental empire is among the largest providers of rental housing in California.
Mike Nijjar and his family control more than 22,000 housing units throughout the state. Most are centered in low income communities across Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Kern counties. This real estate empire continues to create wealth on the backs of its moderate to low income tenants, who with limited options in today’s rental market, coupled with the Nijjar family’s strangle hold on low income properties, continue to be exploited with little relief.
California Is Fighting Back: State Leaders and Community Activists Resist Stepped-Up Immigration Raids...continued from page 6
12 bolsters protocols that prohibit use of City resources for immigration enforcement, expands access to resources for impacted families and seeks records from federal agencies, including reasons for detained individuals’ arrests during allegedly unlawful raids and associated costs of the federal activity, according to the document.
Issued July 11, the directive also highlights the impact of ICE’s large-scale immigration enforcement operations across Los Angeles, which began on June 6.
“These operations have heightened fears, torn apart families, disrupted the immigrant community, and interfered with businesses and day to day life across the city. These enforcement actions have deterred City residents from attending school and church, seeking city services, accessing healthcare, and going to work,” said Bass.
Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Santa Monica) called the MacArthur Park incident “federally sponsored fear.”
“Deploying armed agents into a neighborhood park where children play is indefensible and outrageous.”
On July 11, U.S, District Judge Maame Ewusi Mensah Frimpong, issued a ruling that ICE agents must have reasonable suspicion before stops and they
In 2016, the Department of Real Estate revoked the licenses associated with Nijjar Realty, Inc. (a predecessor organization to the entities named in the current lawsuit) for violating laws intended to protect the public. Nijjar reacted like most millionaires and billionaires who create wealth on the backs of the poor, he simply restructured and rebranded his business with little, if any regard for the lives of those impacted by his misdeeds.
cannot rely on racial profiling. The ruling also requires that detainees have access to legal counsel.
According to activists with the Community Self-Defense Coalition and others, a boycott of Home Depot looms, as well as a general strike planned for Aug. 12. The activists are calling out Home Depot for its alleged silence as federal agents arrest suspected illegal immigrants on its properties.
“Not only can we have the numbers to protest, but we can also shut down things,” said coalition member and activist John Parker.
Parker, who is also founder of the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice in L.A., said he feels that city officials and elected officials like Sheriffs, who oversee law enforcement officers, are not doing everything in their power to resist federal immigration enforcement actions.
Recently, the non-profit Black Women for Wellness and partner organizations held a press conference to deliver a united Black response to the recent ICE raids and escalating military presence in Los Angeles neighborhoods. It featured Black leaders, advocates, and organizers standing in solidarity with immigrant communities to make clear why they say:“This is our fight, too.”
According to statistics cited in the coalition’s press release, data shows that Black people are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement regardless of their citizenship status. Black migrants also face deportation at dramatically higher rates per capita than other immigrant populations, making ICE raids as much a Black issue as a Latino one, they argue.
“These raids are rooted in the same tactics of violence, surveillance, displacement, racism and over-policing that have historically targeted Black communities,” the press release indicated.
On July 3, activists, lawmakers and other supporters joined members of the California Legislative Latino Caucus (CLLC) for a press conference at the Capitol in Sacramento.
“On the eve of this Independence Day when we all say the Pledge of Allegiance inside the Capitol, and we say, ‘Liberty and Justice for All,’ we can’t help but to think ‘Liberty and Justice for who?’” said CLLC chair Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach).
“We are standing here today as immigrants, daughters, sons, family members, neighbors. We are here to say loudly and clearly, these cruel and immoral immigrant raids don’t just hurt families, they hurt all our communities,” she said.
Keeping it Real: The Exploitation of Low-income Tenants in the Inland Empire and Beyond...continued
James Baldwin (Nobody Knows My Name)
Nijjar lost his Real Estate license(s) that year after a fire broke out in a mobile home that was not authorized for human occupancy–he rented it anyway. The fire killed a fivemonth-old baby girl. Yet, despite this travesty, the company has continued to rent/lease/manage properties—that are substandard and unsafe—to vulnerable Californians, including many of our neighbors here in the inland region. He is doing so without a real estate license allowing his company to do so.
Examples of the types of inhumane living conditions endured by his tenants as alleged in the lawsuit include, “ceilings that collapse after months of leaking; walls so damp that mushrooms sprout indoors; sewage that flows up through tenants’ drains and into their hallways; and roaches that crawl across their sleeping children— to list just a few . . .”
By any definition, Nijjar is a slum lord. The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes a slum lord as “a person who owns a building with apartments that are in bad condition and rents them to poor people.” A fuller definition describes this person as a “a landlord who receives unusually large profits from substandard properties.”
A 2017, Harvard Law Journal essay titled Exploiting the Poor: Housing, Markets, and Vulnerability asked a penetrating question: Do landlords, and more generally the rich, “exploit” the poor?
“They struggle to instill in their children some private sense of honor or dignity which will help the child to survive. This means, of course, that they must struggle, stolidly, incessantly, to keep this sense alive in themselves, in spite of the insults, the indifference, and the cruelty they are certain to encounter . . . They patiently browbeat the landlord into fixing the heat, the plaster, the plumbing; this demands prodigious patience; nor is patience usually enough…”
There is a serious housing shortage in this state and for the rental properties that are available, “the rents are too damned high,” as they say. While the Department of Housing and Urban Development states households should not spend more than 30% of their gross income on rent (a tenant established by the federal government as a rule of thumb and intended to provide affordable housing options), more than half of the renters in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties spend more than 30% on housing. In addition, local residents are twice as likely as local homeowners to spend more than 50% of their income on rent.
even thousands of defects at a single property,” according to the lawsuit. Inland area rental properties that are part of Nijjar’s real estate empire include Bridge Management, which operates in parts of San Bernardino County; Hightower Management, in and near the City of San Bernardino; Legacy Management, in western San Bernardino and Riverside Counties; Pro Management, in eastern San Bernardino and Riverside Counties; Mobile Management, which manages mobile-home parks throughout the state. There is also an entity titled Golden Management that handles some accounting and management operations for all of the properties listed above.
When you consider the local housing shortage, the poverty level in this region, the fact that more than 50% of local renters are paying more than 30% of their gross income on housing and with some paying as much as 50%, it is easy to see how an “unscrupulous scumlord” would want to build his fortune in this region.
The lawsuit further details how Nijjar’s companies raised rents on thousands of units; served illegal eviction notices; and discriminated against Section 8 renters. Not only do these actions impact tenants, it places an economic burden on communities who must bear the costs of increased demands on their code enforcement units. Across the country since 2019, these teams have issue thousands of violation notices at Nijjar properties for what the state defined as “habitability defects.”
In many instances these notices cite not one but multiple defects, with some “citing hundreds or
Exploitation of poor and working class people is nothing new. For someone like Nijjar with a long history of exploiting his low income tenants and subjecting them to deplorable living conditions, threats of eviction, etc., it begs the question: Why has it taken so long for the state to act? Had these been renters in exclusive, high end rental properties would the state have acted sooner? Of course, it would not be warranted as such properties would scarcely be allowed to fall into such disarray. As the state continues to confront its housing crisis, the need to also address sub-standard housing must also become part of the conversation.
Of course, this is just my opinion. I’m keeping it real.
Attorney General Bonta is encouraging anyone– including current or former tenants – who has information related to this case to share stories with his office by going to oag.ca.gov/ report.
Portrait of Mike Nijjar of PAMA Management and his wife Patty. Nijjar operates a multi-billion dollar family real estate empire that controls more than 22,000 housing units throughout the state of CA. Most are centered in low income communities across Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Kern counties. (Graphic