Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them and these will continue till they have resisted either with words or blows or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance those of whom they suppress. —Fredrick Douglass (1849)
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE —
shows the massive divide between billionaire team owners and the
By Stacy M. Brown
As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, a new report from Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF) shows the massive divide between billionaire team owners and the fans who pack stadiums and stream games from home. The study estimates that the average NFL franchise owner pulls in about $600 million annually, or 7,000 times the average fan’s income of $85,000. That divide will only grow under the Republican tax-andspending plan enacted this summer. According to the Tax Policy Center, the wealthiest 0.1% of households, where every NFL owner resides, will enjoy average tax cuts exceeding $286,000 in 2026. Meanwhile, typical fans will see modest cuts erased by higher consumer costs driven by Donald Trump’s tariffs, leaving them about $700 poorer each year. “Economic inequality and price gouging are as much on display in the new NFL season as peak athleticism, acrobatic catches, and explosive runs,” said David Kass, ATF’s executive director. “The fans who loyally support their favorite teams through good years and bad, putting up with steadily rising ticket prices, streaming costs, and concession-stand gouging, have little in common with the billionaires who own their franchises. It’s the owners who will benefit from Trump-GOP economic policies in the form of huge tax cuts for billionaires and
economic elites like themselves, while fans will lose money from a combination of cuts to vital public services like Medicaid and SNAP and Trump’s chaotic tariff regime”.
The ATF study shows the growing financial burden for fans. Average ticket prices across the league now sit at $125, with some teams charging more than double that. In Detroit, the average ticket runs $254, while in Las Vegas it’s $243. Even basic stadium staples cost more: beers top $12 in San Francisco, hot dogs go for $8.49 in Los Angeles, and tariffs on Canadian pork and Mexican beer add another $2.23 and $2.29, respectively, to game-day concessions. Beyond stadium walls, costs to follow the sport from home have soared. Fans must now subscribe to multiple streaming services to watch every game, a bill that can
exceed $1,000 annually.
Billionaire Owners and Tax Breaks
Billionaires dominate NFL ownership. The mean average wealth of team owners is $10.6 billion. Rob Walton of the Denver Broncos, heir to the Walmart fortune, holds an estimated $77.4 billion in net worth. ATF noted that 29 owners collectively stand to gain tax breaks large enough to buy more than 66,000 gameday tickets. The financial gulf also extends to players, who earn an average of $860,000 annually with careers lasting only about three years. Income players make is taxed at up to 37%, while owners’ investment income faces only a 20% top rate. IRS records reviewed by ProPublica previously showed that some billionaire NFL owners
(D-Los Angeles), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement says the rail project is “is exactly the kind of investment” California needs.
Smallwood-Cuevas, speaking in Aug. 25 at the State Capitol Swing Space Annex -- along with a coalition of Democratic state legislators and union leaders -- provided an update on the California High-Speed Rail project and its efforts to employ people from the Black community and businesses.
“It builds a cleaner, more connected California while creating thousands of union jobs,” said Smallwood-Cuevas. “And we must ensure workforce equity, with pathways that open doors for workers who too often have been left out of good-paying careers.”
paid effective tax rates in the low teens, or even single digits, despite billions in income.
A Different Model in Green Bay
Billionaire owners are not essential to a team’s success. The Green Bay Packers, the NFL’s only publicly owned franchise, are operated by more than 500,000 fan-shareholders. No individual can own more than 4% of shares, and ownership yields no dividends. Yet the Packers are among the most profitable and competitive teams in the league, valued at $6.3 billion and ranking 12th in revenue in 2024.
Policy Debate
Democratic leaders have offered proposals aimed at narrowing the divide. Former President Joe Biden called for taxing investment income at the same rates as wages, while Vermont Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders has proposed lowering the estate-tax exemption to ensure massive family fortunes contribute more. Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden also has pushed for an annual tax on billionaires’ unrealized gains.
“The contrast between billionaire owners and working-class fans couldn’t be clearer,” Kass stated.
“The tax code should work for everyone, not just the wealthiest few.”
By Cassandra Jennings, Chair, California Community Colleges Black and African American Advisory Panel
California is facing a critical nursing shortage – and our communities feel it every day. From small towns to urban neighborhoods, not having enough qualified nurses makes it harder to get care and deepens health disparities. One promising step forward is AB 1400, which would allow community colleges to pilot Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs and train the next generation of nurses who look like the people they serve, in the very communities where they live. This nursing shortage relief bill would allow the California community colleges to launch up to 10 BSN programs statewide, graduating 1,500 new nurses in just 18 months so they can get to work in their communities. That’s not just a policy – it’s a chance to help our communities grow stronger and healthier while addressing a nursing crisis.
They are also much more affordable, and let’s face it, cost matters. A BSN at a UC costs an average of $72,000 while the average cost at a CSU is $34,341, not including the costs of relocating. But at a nearby community college? Just $10,560. That’s a big difference. It means more students can earn a quality and competitive degree without incurring heavy debt. In fact, 72% of community college grads report not needing student loans.
And the results speak for themselves. According to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office nearly 98% of graduates earning a bachelor’s degree at a community college work in their field of study after graduation, earning about $28,000 more each year.* And 95% stay in California, giving back to the communities that raised them.
Importantly, the workforcecentered AB 1400 addresses the urgent nurse staffing crisis head-on. California projects we will need 65,000 more full-time nurses by 2037. Rural areas
The remaining DBE minorityowned firms received the following amounts:
· Asian Subcontinent: 24 firms received approximately $65 million
· Asian-Pacific Islander: 52 firms received approximately $86 million
· Native American: 6 firms received approximately $39 million
· Hispanic/Latino: an unspecified number of DBE businesses received approximately $848 million
There are currently 328 certified DBEs participating in the project, according to the California High Speed Authority. The multi-billion-dollar project is billed to be committed to small, disabled, disadvantaged, and diverse businesses playing a major role in building the statewide high-speed rail project.
will be hit hardest. Right now, traveling nurses are filling the gaps – but they cost up to four times more than regular staff. That’s not a long-term fix. We need nurses who are trained here and stay here. Community colleges can help. The need for BSN-trained nurses is growing. In 2023, 61% of RN job postings required a BSN. And those who do apply often are turned away because there aren’t enough spots –especially in public programs. Private schools take most of the BSN students – for a price – but their graduates are less likely to stay in California. We need a public solution to a public problem. AB 1400 offers one. It’s about fairness, access and building a better future for healthcare in California. It’s about helping students – especially those from underserved communities – build meaningful careers without leaving home or taking on lifelong debt. As Chair of the California Community Colleges Black and African American Advisory Panel, I urge our community and our leaders to support AB 1400. Because when our students succeed, our communities thrive. And when we invest in education, we invest in health, equity and hope.
*Source: California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, “Top 10 Reasons to Champion Community College Bachelor’s Degrees,” 2023
Thursday, September 11, 2025
The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is proud to present its fourth annual jazz performance featuring The Josh Nelson Ensemble on Saturday, September 20 at 3 p.m. at the historic San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium.
In 2021, Maestro Anthony Parnther created the Symphony’s ensemble concert series to ensure residents of the Inland Empire could experience high quality jazz and chamber performances close to home. The Symphony’s award-winning Resident Conductor Raphaela Lacerda, who was recently featured on the cover of Inland Empire Magazine’s annual Women’s Issue, will host the event.
Shared Maestra Lacerda, “After the incredible response to last year’s concert honoring Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker, we’re thrilled to welcome the Josh Nelson Ensemble back for another unforgettable performance. This year’s show, Jazz on Film, is one our audiences simply can’t miss.”
From the first “talkie” in the late 1920s to today’s modern films, jazz has been integral to the cinematic genre. This long and often fruitful relationship between jazz and the cinema, with many of the best jazz soundtracks now recognized as classic albums in their own
right, provides the backdrop for a memorable afternoon. The concert will feature both classic jazz pieces and lesser known gems including “Moon River”, The Summer Knows,” “What are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?”, Theme from “Chinatown,” “Stella by Starlight,” and more.
Concluded Maestra Lacerda, “Our up-close jazz series has quickly become a highlight each season, and we’re delighted to bring it again to the stunning San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium.”
Meet the Ensemble
Previous Symphony attendees will remember Josh Nelson's piano virtuosity, and the skills of the players he carefully selects for each Symphony audience. This year, his musical colleagues include vocalist Kenton Chen, Karl McComas-Reichl on bass and cello, and Dan Schnelle on drums.
Josh Nelson has performed and recorded with some of the most respected names in jazz and beyond, including Natalie Cole, Ivan Lins, Anthony Wilson, George Mraz, Jeff Hamilton, Walter Smith III, Dayna Stephens, Eddie Daniels, Gaby Moreno, and Michael Buble. He has performed around the world
By Niyoka McCoy
One of the joys of parenthood is the peaceful, soothing experience of reading a bedtime story to your child. Your comforting voice can help lull them into a sleepy state as you read aloud melodic nursery rhymes and other enchanting stories. To this day, I can remember some of these moments as my mom read my favorite stories aloud at bedtime. For babies, simply hearing words and language as you read to them is beneficial. And as children grow older, relatable themes and meaningful content in the books you read together lead to those deep, “what’s the meaning of life?” type of questions kids tend to ask as they draw close to slumber. So, as you pick books at the local library or from your home collection to read together, know that these are some of the wonderful benefits your child is experiencing each time you read to them:
Exposure to Words and Language
Did you know simply hearing words is crucial to your child’s language development? Research shows that it is the most important component in developing language pathways in a child’s brain, as it boosts their language and cognitive capacity, expanding their ability to make sense of and use words. In fact, a study from Ohio State University found that young children whose parents read to them at least one book a day will hear around
and contributed to numerous recordings, films and television shows. His first two albums, Anticipation (2004) and Let it Go (2007, Native Language Music), garnered international critical acclaim. Josh’s third album, I Hear a Rhapsody (2009), featured his original compositions, interpretations of standards, and the re-imagining of some popular repertoire. Discoveries (2011), introduced a pairing of classic science fiction film footage with new compositions for a brass and wind ensemble.
A trio of live albums followed, The Discovery Project Live in Japan (2020) Live at blue whale | Volume 1 (2021), and LA Stories: Live at Sam First (2023). Over the years Nelson earned many awards, scholarships, and accolades including the Louis Armstrong Award and the John Philip Sousa Award. He continues to tour and arrange for artists Kenny Washington, Lorca Hart, Sinne Eeg, Gaby Moreno, Alicia Olatuja, Tom Scott, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Rufus Wainwright, and Christian Howes. His most recent album, West Coast Echoes, dropped June 6.
Kenton Chen is an actor, writer, and singer based in Los Angeles. He studied jazz at USC Thornton’s School of Music where he began his career with award-winning a cappella group The SoCal VoCals. After college, he gained national attention with The Backbeats on NBC’s The Sing-Off, and open for Ben Folds on his national tour. Since then he has established himself as a sought-after session and background singer. On camera, he as appeared in over a dozen national commercials. He will release his debut album later this year.
Karl McComas-Reichl is a bassist, cellist, film composer, and artist. His arrangement and performance credits include
290,000 more words by age 5 than children who are not read to regularly. And children whose parents read five books each day will hear about 1.4 million more words than children who are never read to.
Boost in Cognitive Development
Reading helps prepare children for school by building a strong foundation of knowledge and a deeper understanding of the world around them. This foundation gives children important context for complex subjects, making it easier for them to grasp new concepts and make sense of their experiences as they grow.
Deepening of Relationships and Bonding Attachment
Simply reading together can help children build secure attachment, an important bond that plays a crucial role in brain development. Research shows that safe and secure communication, like reading together, helps create a foundation on which children will form relationships throughout their lives. It also helps build confidence and resiliency to stress, as well as the ability to manage emotions and maintain meaningful relationships. Plus, they will experience a wide range of positive feelings in the moment, like comfort, safety, attention, and love.
Development of SocialEmotional Skills
Studies show that there is a
Baskets: Season 4, The Shrink Next Door, Three Busy Debras, ONI: Thunder Gods Tale, Grace & Frankie, and NY State Lottery. In addition to his work with Josh Nelson, he has performed with Jane Manheit, Ingrid Jensen, Mark Turner, John C. Reilly, Larry Goldings, Ben Monder, Matt Wilson, Joshua White, May Otto, Tony Tixier, Anthong Wilson, and many others.
Dan Schnelle is one of the most in-demand drummers in the Los Angeles area. Years spent collaborating with some of the best jazz musicians have earned him a reputation as a hard-working, professional, and creative team player committed to musical excellence. Notable collaborators in the studio and on tour have included Billy Childs, John Daversa, David Benoit, Jeff Parker, Karrin Allyson, David Binney, Laurence Hobgood, Larry Goldings, Alan Ferber, Joshua White, Sara Gazarek, Tim Lefebvre, Phillip Dizack, Jeff Babko, Dayna Stephens, Tigran Hamasyan, Walter Smith III, Anthony Wilson, Ben Wendel, James Torme, and many others. He recorded an album, Shine Through, with Josh Nelson and others in 2022.
Tickets and Location Details
Tickets for the September 20 jazz ensemble concert are available at $20-$100 per seat and may be purchased online by clicking one of the links in this email, by visiting www. sanbernardinosymphony.org, or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. Seats for students and active military are available for $15.
San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. The auditorium is at the north end of campus facing Mt. Vernon. Free parking is available adjacent to the Auditorium on concert day.
correlation between reading at a young age and the development of interpersonal and socialemotional skills, particularly empathy. And this is due to the feelings, experiences, and oftentimes, the heroic, kind, or bold actions of characters they read about in books. Think about “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers, which reminds children to be there for others in kindness and love. As Byers says, “To help each other when it’s tough, to say together: I am enough.” Then there’s “Thank You, Omu,” by Oge Mora, that tells a heartwarming story about sharing and generosity, inspired by the author’s childhood role models. Reading stories about relatable characters can also help children understand and manage their emotions. By seeing how characters cope with similar feelings, children can learn that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated at times. They can also learn positive ways to deal with these emotions.
It’s good for us, too
Let’s face it—reading to our kids can be therapeutic for us as parents, too. One day, we’ll miss how excited they were to choose their bedtime story and insist we show them every picture. These small, meaningful moments do more than build language and literacy skills; they deepen your bond and offer your child a sense of comfort and connection. And just like I remember my mom’s voice reading to me, your child may one day remember yours. Reading together is a powerful way to nurture their development, spark a love for reading, and enjoy the time you spend together.
Niyoka McCoy is the Chief Learning Officer at K12. She leads the development and implementation of the company’s learning strategy, curriculum, and instruction, with an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and over 16 years of experience in the education sector.
By BCP
Staff September 8, 2025
It’s a good day for any federal or state government agency when they can say kids are safer, and today is that day for the Federal Trade Commission and the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. Together, they announced a settlement with Aylo, a collection of companies managing more than 100 porn sites (including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube) over their distribution of child sex abuse materials, as well as non-consensual images and video.
it and report the content to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The order also requires that Aylo give a case manager to anyone going through the removal of their images, if you ask. That case manager will help keep you informed about the process.
For the FTC, keeping illegal sexually explicit materials off the internet is a priority. In fact,
starting in May 2026, the FTC will use its civil law enforcement authority to start enforcing parts of the Take It Down Act, while the Department of Justice brings criminal enforcement. Stay tuned for more.
Meanwhile, learn more about protecting your online privacy. And if you think Aylo or another website or app is violating your privacy or security, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
California Bill Requires Schools to Alert Families of Immigration Agents, Backed by Tony Thurmond
By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
California lawmakers have passed a bill requiring K-12 schools, state universities, and community colleges to notify students, faculty, and families when immigration enforcement authorities are present on campuses. The legislation, known as the Safe Act, comes amid the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation efforts and increasing immigration enforcement activity near schools.
State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Alhambra), who authored the bill, said it is modeled on early warning systems already used for other campus emergencies.
“With students returning to school, this legislation is more important than ever,” said Pérez.
“In the face of mass deportations, raids and immigration enforcement authorities showing up at schools, the Safe Act can help inform and empower school communities to make the best decisions about their safety and their family’s safety.”
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who oversees the state’s public school system, strongly supported the bill.
“Our immigrant families are living in fear and our time to act
is limited. The school year has begun, and now is the time to make decisive efforts to protect our communities and maintain schools as a safe place for learning,” said Thurmond.
Democratic Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Rolling Hill Estates) emphasized the need for safe learning environments.
“Students cannot learn unless they feel safe,” said Muratsuchi. “For decades we had a bipartisan agreement to keep educational institutions, schools, campuses, free from immigration enforcement activities.”
The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has until Oct. 12 to sign it into law. If approved, it will take effect immediately and remain in place until 2031.
The Safe Act is part of a broader set of California proposals aimed at protecting immigrant communities, including measures to prevent enforcement officers from entering nonpublic areas of schools or hospitals without a warrant. The legislation follows high-profile incidents, such as the detention of a 15-year-old outside a Los Angeles high school in August, which drew widespread public outrage.
Nationwide — At just 13 years old, Saadiq Stevens is capturing the hearts of readers nationwide with his vibrant imagination, meaningful messages, and dedication to representing all children in literature. The Ridgeland, South Carolina native has already written and illustrated three engaging children’s books, each bursting with creativity and purpose.
Among other things, the Pornhub settlement requires Aylo to give you an easy way to report these kinds of illegal content. Each site will have a “Content Removal Request” where anyone can flag any illegal content they see. Aylo has to suspend the identified content and, if they find the content to be illegal, they must take it down. If they find that content includes children, Aylo has to ban whoever posted continued in next 2 columns
Saadiq’s works range from playful educational adventures to heartfelt narratives that inspire empathy and awareness— particularly for children on the autism spectrum, a cause he proudly champions. His stories are not only entertaining but also foster acceptance, curiosity, and understanding in young minds.
His Featured Titles
• Animal ABCs – A colorful journey through the alphabet, introducing children to animals in a fun, memorable way.
• Nay Nay Knows – A joyful
tale of curiosity and learning, encouraging children to explore the world around them.
• Raven Rides the Bus – A touching story about a young girl’s school bus journey as a child on the autism spectrum, spreading understanding and kindness.
“Writing gives me a way to share my imagination and show kids that their stories matter too,” says Saadiq. “I want to inspire other young people to follow their dreams, no matter their age.”
Saadiq’s books have been praised for their originality, representation, and heartfelt storytelling—all written and illustrated by a young author determined to make a difference. His work is proof that talent, dedication, and passion have no age limit.
For press inquiries, contact Saadiq Stevens or authorsaadiq@ gmail.com
By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
John Lowell Burton, an influential figure in California politics who served as State Assemblymember, U.S. Congressman, President pro Tempore of the State Senate, and Chair of the California Democratic Party, passed away of natural causes on Sept. 7.
Burton was 92.
Gov. Gavin Newsom honored his legacy: “There was no greater champion for the poor, the bullied, the disabled, and forgotten Californians than John Burton. He was a towering figure a legendary force whose decades of service shaped our state and our politics for the better.”
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, a longtime friend, reflected on Burton’s determination.
“His life’s work reminds us that authentic leadership means having the courage to speak truth to power and never forgetting where you came from,” Lee said.
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said Burton was a guiding light and fierce defender of justice.
“John was a mentor to countless progressive leaders across California, including me,” said Padilla. “I’ll always be grateful for his counsel over our breakfasts at Delancey Street Restaurant in San Francisco, surrounded by residents working to rebuild their lives.”
Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis also
paid tribute to Burton.
“John Burton left an indelible mark not only on California, but on all of us who were inspired by his example. He showed us what it means to lead with courage, to fight for the voiceless, and to speak truth without fear,” said Kounalakis.
Burton’s decades in office were marked by passionate advocacy for civil rights, environmental protection, education, healthcare, and foster youth. He overcame personal struggles — including addressing addiction in the 1980s — and returned to public service with renewed purpose. His work reshaped California’s political landscape and inspired generations of leaders.
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) remembered her friend.
“Today, working families have lost one of the most outspoken, ferocious and unyielding champions our nation has ever known,” said Pelosi in a statement, adding that Burton “was a progressive warrior and dear friend whose big heart, sharp mind and boundless fight for justice shaped California and America.”
According to Newsom and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Burton will be posthumously inducted into the California Hall of Fame and flags will be flown at half-staff in his honor.
By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
California State Controller Malia M. Cohen has released 2024 payroll data for special districts, spotlighting some of the state’s highest-paid government jobs. The report, published on the Government Compensation in California (GCC) website, offers a detailed look at wages and benefits for nearly 173,000 positions.
The self-reported data shows special district employees received more than $12.66 billion in wages last year, with an additional $3.38 billion in health and retirement benefits.
A total of 3,100 special districts submitted reports, though 68 either failed to file or turned in noncompliant information.
Special districts are local government entities designed to provide targeted services such as healthcare, utilities, transportation, and fire protection. According to the 2024 report, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority led the state in total wages, paying more than $1.18 billion. It was followed by the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District with nearly $599 million and the Inland Empire Health Plan with
Thursday, September 11, 2025
By April Ryan
“I refuse to pretend that any of this is normal,” said Governor JB Pritzker (D-II) over the weekend, referring to President Trump’s threat to send National Guard Troops to Chicago under what Pritzker called the “fake guise of fighting crime.” Largescale protests with scores of demonstrators took to the streets in cities like Washington, D.C., and Chicago over the weekend in efforts to push back on Trump’s plans for National Guard troops in those cities.
President Trump is playing in an almost game-like fashion as he seems to determine which city deserves National Guard troops. While Baltimore and Chicago were on his lips earlier last week, New Orleans is his latest pick. New Orleans Black Mayor LaToya Cantrell was recently indicted by a Federal grand jury on charges including lying, conspiracy, and wire fraud. The Big Easy is located in the republican state of Louisiana. There have been growing concerns that the president has been racially bullying cities with Black mayors with diverse populations in democratic states.
Los Angeles, California, was the first city to receive a convergence of National Guard troops when the president declared an immigration crisis. A Federal judge ruled that the administration’s actions were illegal. Needless to say, Los Angeles is a diverse city with
a Black mayor in a blue state. That same judge ruled that the Trump administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act by using military personnel for domestic law enforcement functions, such as security patrols and crowd control.
Since the demobilization of most National Guard troops in L.A., a small contingent has remained deployed, and California’s governor continues to protest. Currently, Washington, DC, has troops, and more states are sending reinforcements as the city cooperates with federal efforts. Just thirty miles north, in a city President Trump calls a “Hellhole,” Baltimore’s former mayor Kurt L. Schmoke told this reporter, “There is not a crime emergency in Baltimore.” Schmoke, the President of the University of Baltimore, situated in the heart of Baltimore City, says that in the 1980s, when crime was worse, he had considered calling in the National Guard. However, the city’s 47th mayor decided against it, considering Baltimore would always carry that negative stigma if he did.
By Stacy M. Brown
Donald Trump continues to attack cities and jurisdictions heavily populated by minorities, often painting them as crimeridden and unsafe despite evidence showing overall declines in many categories of crime. Nowhere is this tension clearer than in Washington, D.C., where residents face relentless scrutiny from Trump while Red
continued in next 2 columns
The Violence Trump Claims to Fear Occurs Mostly in Red States...continued
some of the highest murder rates in the nation. The District of Columbia recorded the nation’s highest murder rate in 2023 at 39 per 100,000 residents, with 265 murders. Despite local efforts to address violence, Trump routinely depicts the city as unlivable. To many residents, the greater tragedy is not just the crime itself but the reality that the capital of the United States now looks like an occupied thirdworld country, with National Guard and federal troops visibly stationed throughout the city. Washingtonians, who
have already been denied full congressional representation, have become political pawns in Trump’s rhetoric. What Trump avoids mentioning is that several Republican-led states top the list of the deadliest places. Louisiana had a murder rate of 14.5 per 100,000, recording 663 killings in 2023. New Mexico, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas — all governed by Republicans in recent years — also posted murder rates higher than 9 per 100,000 residents. In Missouri, another GOP stronghold, the murder rate
continued on page 7
By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
California’s largest federal immigration detention facility has quietly reopened in Kern County and has started receiving detainees, according to the private prison operator CoreCivic. The facility, now known as the California City Immigration Processing Center, is a 2,560-bed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center.
“We have begun receiving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees at our California City Correctional Facility (CCCF) in response to an immediate need from the federal government for safe, humane and appropriate housing and care for these individuals,” said Ryan Gustin, senior director for public affairs for CoreCivic.
The facility is the third privately-operated ICE detention center in Kern County and the seventh in California. It originally opened in the late 1990s as a federal facility, later becoming a state prison, and was closed in 2024 after California ended for-profit prison contracts. CoreCivic confirmed that the reopening will create roughly 500 jobs and generate more than $2 million in property taxes for California City.
The reopening has raised
legal and community concerns. California law requires a 180-day public notice before opening or reusing detention facilities under SB29. City officials, including Mayor Marquette Hawkins and City Manager Christopher Lopez, did not respond to comment requests, and Lopez said he had “no information” on long-term agreements between ICE and the city.
Advocates warned during a June 24 city council meeting that reopening the facility could lead to increased local ICE arrests.
Nora Zaragoza-Yáñez, manager of the nonprofit Faith in the Valley, said, “We’re troubled by California City turning a deaf ear to the objections voiced by community members and advocates voiced at previous meetings.”
Faith in the Valley estimates that roughly 300 detainees have already been quietly transferred from nearby facilities Golden State Annex and Mesa Verde. City officials have raised safety concerns, citing insufficient emergency communications and building code issues in a July 29 letter to CoreCivic. Gustin said the company has addressed these concerns and maintains “an open line of communication” with city officials.
$96 Million Allocated So Far to Black-Owned Firms as High-Speed Rail Project Expands Jobs, Boost Local Economies...continued from page 1
“As a Central Valley native, I know firsthand how transformative high-speed rail will be for our communities,” stated Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) a member of the CLBC and Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee.
$372 million. Other top-paying districts included Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and Orange County Fire Authority.
“Fiscal oversight and transparency are central to my responsibility as State Controller,” Cohen said in a statement. “Publishing the 2024 payroll data for California’s special districts allows the public to see how billions in wages and benefits are managed each year.
The Government Compensation in California website is a critical accountability tool that helps taxpayers, policymakers, and local leaders track spending, evaluate priorities, and ensure that public resources are being used responsibly.”
California law requires cities, counties, and special districts to report compensation annually.
The GCC site now hosts salary and benefit information for more than two million public jobs, including those in state government and the California State University system.
Website users can search pay by region, district, or job title, and export customized reports for analysis.
“Stable and sustained funding is essential to delivering this project and fulfilling the promise made to voters.”
Wilson continued, “Together, these measures not only move us closer to a clean, fast, and safe 21st-century transportation system but also continue to create good-paying union jobs, support small businesses, and drive economic growth across California.”
The news conference was hosted by Senate Transportation Chair, Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), who was promoting Senate Bill (SB) 545. He and the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) urged the Legislature to commit to a steady, annual investment from a capand-trade program to fund the high-speed rail project.
Dr. Melanie Okoro, the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Eco-Alpha, attended the briefing. Eco-Alpha is a Sacramento-headquartered small, women-owned, minoritycertified firm that provides environmental, engineering, and facilities support services nationwide. It was established in 2013 and has projects throughout the state.
The company, not classified as a DBE, earned its status as a certified small business and a certified women-minority small
business through the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Department of General Services (DGS). The certification allowed Eco-Alpha to be featured by CHSRA as a small business working on the project.
The Black-owned firm provides engineering and environmental services to the California HighSpeed Rail project, primarily focused on facilities operation and Maintenance. This includes conducting cost estimations for train platforms and maintenance facilities and developing staffing and cost-savings strategies.
SB 545 was held in the Assembly Appropriations suspense file on Aug. 29, effectively killing the measure for this current legislative session. The bill, which aimed to study economic opportunities along the high-speed rail corridor, died after passing the Senate earlier in the year.
As of August, the project has created more than 15,600 jobs -- mostly filled by Central Valley residents since construction began on the 171-mile venture. According to a report by CHSRA, up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day.
Despite the state’s best efforts since the project started 10 years ago and expectation to be finished in the late 2030s, some lawmakers have balked at the plan, including State Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach).
The initial cost for the highspeed rail began at $33 billion estimate but has since ballooned to north of $130 billion “It’s a train to nowhere,”
Strickland said.
Data specifying the exact number of Black people working on the California High-Speed Rail project is not publicly available. However, CHSRA states that a significant number of its jobs are filled by residents from disadvantaged communities, which often include communities of color.
Targeting disadvantaged communities, CHSRA has a Community Benefits Agreement with the State Building and Construction Trades Council to provide union jobs to workers from disadvantaged communities, many of which are in the Central Valley, where construction is ongoing.
Following the Civil Rights Act requirements as a recipient of federal grant money, the CHSRA and its contractors are required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and prevent discrimination.
Joseph Cruz, Executive Director for the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!), and Chris Hannan, President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California (SBCTC), told California Black Media that the demographics for the project included a crosssection of people of color.
Cruz said the project is “changing lives” with its apprenticeship programs and opportunities for the disadvantaged who would likely be denied jobs in other sectors.
“I can speak on behalf of the laborers that 85% of our membership are people of color,” Cruz said. “Through this type of work, I think we are getting the
most value when we’re recruiting second chancers, we’re recruiting folks in the foster care system, and folks who chose college is not an option, and this is one way to a good-paying job.”
Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) is the only state Assemblymember on the CHSRA’s Board of Directors, where he provides legislative representation and urban planning expertise to the project. He said the work on the projects represents just about every face in the state.
“If you visit some of these areas (Madera, Fresno, and Kern counties) where high-speed rail work is being done, you will see many people who represent the Black and Brown communities,” Carrillo told CBM.
Okoro said laborers are not the only workers benefiting from the project. Professionals of color in engineering, with specialized knowledge and problemsolving skills to design, build, and maintain a wide array of structures, systems, and products, are looking forward to these “great opportunities.”
“As a means of bridging the gap for small business participation, utilization, and sustainability, high-speed rail has already built the physical bridges connecting communities and thoroughfares across the Central Valley,” Okoro said.
“Small businesses are equally committed to building those bridges for our operations and maintenance firms — including engineers, electricians, and other trades -- as well as professional service providers such as rightof-way experts, environmental consultants, planners, and AI technicians,” Okoro shared.
4
By April Ryan
Democratic senators are in a unified chorus calling for Robert F. Kennedy Junior, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to resign. The Senate Democrats are standing with at least a thousand former and current Health and Human Services employees who have submitted a letter calling for RFK Junior’s resignation. Kennedy has been the nation’s top health official for seven months.
However, the resignation recommendation became louder after a Senate hearing, during which Kennedy‘s answers were questioned on Capitol Hill.
Mostly, Democratic Senators claim that Kennedy is unjustified in his stance against vaccines.
Democratic Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock pointed out in the hearing that the most recent deadly measles outbreak was on Secretary Kennedy‘s watch as head of HHS. The Southern minister and U.S. Senator told Kennedy, “You are a hazard to the health of the American people.”
This year’s measles outbreak left two children dead. It has been the largest measles outbreak in
this nation since 1992. Warnock also questioned whether Kennedy said that “the CDC was the most corrupt federal agency in the history of the world?” Kennedy replied, “It’s the most corrupt agency in HHS and maybe the government.” Warnock issued a challenge calling on President Trump to fire Kennedy if the HHS secretary does not resign. After the hearing, Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington State said on the Senate floor, “It is painfully clear RFK Junior will leave behind a body count.” She ended her speech by questioning, “How high will it go?”
Murray, the Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, said, “President Trump needs to fire Kennedy, who lies to the American people about things as basic, as established, and as lifesaving as vaccine safety.” Kennedy is not alone in his feelings against vaccines. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said Wednesday during a news conference that the state of Florida will remove all vaccine mandates, saying, “Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery.”
By Sally C. Pipes
One of the great triumphs of health policy is America's generic drug market. Nine out of ten U.S. prescriptions are filled with generics. That overwhelming share saves patients and taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars annually -- and fuels innovation. Pharmaceutical companies know that their exclusivity on new therapies won't last forever -- typically only 12 to 14 years -- which incentivizes them to keep developing new treatments instead of relying on older ones. This achievement rests on one crucial principle: generics compete on cost, not by cutting corners on safety or effectiveness. Patients and providers trust these medicines because the law requires them to be clinically equivalent to their branded counterparts in every meaningful way -- from active ingredients and dosage to method of administration, therapeutic outcome, and safety. The 1984 Hatch-Waxman Act cemented this balance, ensuring that American generics are worldleading in affordability, access, and quality.
But the FDA is now threatening that trust.
The agency recently issued new draft rules regarding aluminum contamination in certain injectable drugs, which are the foundation of intravenous nutrition for premature infants who cannot yet feed normally. For these newborns, high aluminum exposure isn't a minor issue -- it can slow bone growth and impede brain development.
For decades, the FDA has insisted that aluminum levels be kept as low as possible -but its new proposal loosens those standards. It grants wide allowances for each ingredient, even if the cumulative total comes perilously close to the danger line. The draft also
Thursday, September 11, 2025
permits so-called "skinny labels" -- narrow instructions that assume hospitals will use the drugs only as directed. Yet the FDA knows it can't control how medications are used in real-world hospital settings. The reality is that some manufacturers could market products with substantially more aluminum than the safest options currently available.
This shift opens the door to two major problems.
First, premature babies often require more than a handful of these nutritional components. When combined, the FDA's calculations don't hold -- total exposure can easily exceed safe thresholds. Worse still, neither physicians nor parents will know the true aluminum levels these infants are exposed to -- the kind of detail critical to providing safe care.
Second, it undermines drugmakers committed to safer manufacturing. One brandname producer has proven it can slash aluminum levels by nearly 98%. Instead of rewarding such advances, the FDA's approach tilts the playing field toward less responsible competitors.
The agency defends its plan as a way to stave off shortages. But its own analysis has shown that shortages are driven by razorthin profit margins and subpar manufacturing practices -- not by safety standards. Lowering the bar won't solve those issues. It will, however, drive responsible manufacturers out of the market and put fragile infants at risk. And the implications extend far beyond neonatal care. If regulators are willing to compromise protections here, what's to prevent similar moves elsewhere? The genius of HatchWaxman was its clarity: generics had to match brand drugs in safety and efficacy. Once that line
RE: Guest column: New FDA rule could put premature babies at risk...continued is blurred, trust begins to unravel. Physicians grow reluctant to prescribe, patients hesitate to switch, and costs climb for all. More than 7,000 American babies are born prematurely each week. They deserve the highest level of protection. But the FDA's proposal signals the opposite -that safety is negotiable.
If regulators allow savings to come at the expense of quality, the entire generic drug system is at risk. The FDA should withdraw this flawed guidance
before it endangers vulnerable infants and erodes the trust that built the world's greatest generic market.
Sally C. Pipes is President, CEO, and Thomas W. Smith Fellow in Health Care Policy at the Pacific Research Institute. Her latest book is The World's Medicine Chest: How America Achieved Pharmaceutical Supremacy -- and How to Keep It (Encounter 2025). Follow her on X @sallypipes.
By Stacy M. Brown
A sweeping review published in The Lancet Regional Health— Europe has drawn a direct line between mental health disorders and cardiovascular disease (CVD), showing that individuals living with psychiatric conditions face not only a higher risk of heart problems but also a shorter life expectancy. The paper, authored by researchers from Emory University, the University of Copenhagen, the University of Leeds, and others, concludes that people with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety live 10 to 20 years less on average, mainly due to heart disease.
A Bidirectional Threat
The analysis shows that the connection between mental health and cardiovascular disease is not one-directional. The stress of a heart attack or stroke can trigger psychiatric disorders, while psychiatric conditions themselves set the stage for heart disease. The risks are striking as depression raises cardiovascular risk by 72 percent, schizophrenia by 95 percent, bipolar disorder by 57 percent, PTSD by 61 percent, and anxiety disorders by 41 percent. “It is important to understand that stress, anxiety, and depression can affect your heart, just like other physical factors,” the paper noted, offering guidance for how doctors might begin crucial conversations with patients.
One in four people will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime, yet many go untreated and often receive poor cardiovascular care. “Despite having more interactions with the healthcare system, they undergo fewer physical checkups and screenings and receive fewer diagnoses and treatments for CVD and its risk factors,” the authors reported. According to 2023 U.S. survey data cited in the study, more than half of those who met the criteria for a mental health disorder had not received any treatment, with even lower rates among nonWhite populations.
Shared Risk Factors
Researchers identified a cluster of overlapping drivers—poverty, trauma, social disadvantage, substance use, and poor access to health care—that amplify the dual risks of mental illness and cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle
Mental Illness Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk and Shorter Lives...continued this goal cannot be reached without directly addressing the disparities faced by those with psychiatric disorders.
“Closing the disparity gap for individuals with mental health disorders would be consistent with the World Health Organization 2025
targets of reducing the global burden of CVD,” the researchers concluded. “Reducing these disparities would also uphold the rights of people with mental health disorders to achieve the highest possible level of health and to fully participate in society and the workforce.”
By Dr. Nicole Brady, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare Student Resources
College is often seen as the ultimate proving ground for independence – you’re setting your own schedule, managing classes, navigating new relationships and adapting to a new environment. For many, it can also be the first time living away from home. These many new experiences may lead to stress, anxiety, even depression.
Dealing with mental health challenges on your own may only be unrealistic, it may be harmful.
behaviors such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and disrupted sleep patterns are also more common among people with psychiatric conditions. The biological picture is equally troubling. Dysregulation of the stress response system, inflammation, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction are all pathways through which psychiatric disorders may accelerate cardiovascular decline.
The study calls for a fundamental shift in medical practice. “For the best care, an integrated approach is needed to address the complex needs of this vulnerable population,” the authors wrote. “Such approach should offer enhanced support and interdisciplinary care encompassing mental, cardiovascular, and behavioral health, as well as consideration of the social needs and barriers to care.” Among the interventions reviewed, exercise emerged as one of the most effective treatments, improving both mood and heart health. Evidence shows that physical activity can deliver improvements on par with or greater than medication or psychotherapy for depression. Mind-body practices like yoga and mindfulness, while requiring more evaluation, also show promise for improving outcomes across both mental and cardiovascular health.
The authors stressed that progress depends on healthcare systems breaking down the wall between physical and mental health. For decades, treatment has been siloed, with psychiatrists focusing on the mind and cardiologists on the body. That separation, the study finds, has left millions vulnerable. The authors argue for expanded insurance coverage, investment in housing and employment stability, and the inclusion of psychiatric patients in cardiovascular research. Above all, they call for integrated care models that recognize the tight link between mental and cardiovascular health.
Global Health Priority
The stakes are enormous. The World Health Organization has set a 2025 target to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease. The paper argues that
Findings from UnitedHealthcare’s College Student and Graduate Behavioral Health Report revealed that nearly two-thirds of college students self-reported experiencing mental or behavioral health concerns. And while the overall incidence of concerns is down over the past three years, rates of serious issues like eating disorders, suicidal ideation and intent, and substance abuse disorder remain consistent.
Remember, you don’t have to go through any of this on your own. The same report found that more frequent conversations with both parents and peers about mental health are associated with positive outcomes. So, while independence is an important part of the college journey, prioritizing your mental health should never be something you do alone.
Here are five tips to consider for your well-being this school year – with help from the support systems already around you:
Make Talking About Mental Health With Your Friends A Habit
Findings from the report also revealed that nearly half of students self-reported that talking to a friend influenced their willingness to seek mental or behavioral health care. If you think you know someone who may be struggling, check in on them – and if you’re the one who needs support, consider reaching out to a friend for help. Being open about what you’re going through may help normalize mental health conversations on campus. Sometimes, all it may take is one conversation to spark powerful action.
Don’t Be Afraid to Talk With Your Parents While mental health may seem like a daunting topic to bring up at home, letting your parents or caregivers know how you’re really doing can go a long way. They can serve as a trusted resource in finding you the proper support you need –especially since nearly half of college students remain on the family health plan.
Know What’s Available on Campus and Through Your Health Plan
Tara Barber
Has it happened to you yet?
Maybe it happened this morning. That feeling of overwhelm with a smidge of helplessness about all that is going on in our world and lives. It’s a lot. And it’s more than just reading or watching the news. Hard and horrific things—you might have a list— are devastating the lives of our neighbors near and far, and even our own families, and our own selves. Not to mention our planet. There is still so much that is good and beautiful and hopefilled. Faith is being made real in our relationships, our witness, and care for communities. At the same time, though, I am recognizing a weariness and sense of frustration that is difficult to shake. The questions before us are big. How do we live out our faith in these days? What do we do to continually nudge this world toward the one that God dreams for us—and for creation? What makes justice real?
Pastor and writer Barbara Brown Taylor had some words for me last week on a difficult day when I was struggling to figure out what to do. She wrote, “The main thing Jesus has asked me to do is to love God and my neighbor as religiously as I love myself. The minute I have that handled, I will ask God for a new assignment. For now, my hands are full.” (“Holy Envy”, 2019) I had lost the main thing. I had
allowed fear and that smidge of helplessness to overshadow my God-given priorities. In the next breaths, though, my shoulders came down from my ears. With one hand rested on my chest I remembered that I am beloved. Try it. Deep breath. You are God’s beloved. Right here, right now. Just as you are. And in the next breaths, listen. Where are you being called to love? This love of God, neighbor, and self is our main assignment. This love is where justicemaking begins. It’s more than a sentiment or a feeling. This is love in action. The world is made up of neighbors—if in doubt, just re-read Luke 10:25–37. Some days our love will show up big and boldly; in our risking, advocating, feeding, resisting. Other days, or even in other moments, this love will be shown as presence, as giving our full attention to the person in front of you or on the screen; as prayer, or tending to the garden or your own need to rest. Thank you for all the ways you meet the assignment. Your love and your loving matter. Our hands are full. And we are not alone. Thanks be to God.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The Rev. Tara Barber serves as the Minister for Ministerial Support and Accountability in the National Setting of the United Church of Christ.
by FELICIA J. PERSAUD
College student Credit: Photo by RF._.studio _: https://www.pexels.com/ photo/photo-of-woman-writing-on-notebook-3059749/
The Trump administration is at it again — this time, targeting international students with a new immigration rule that could reshape how young people from around the world gain access to U.S. education. On August 28, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed ending the longstanding policy of “duration of status” for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors. Under current rules, students are allowed to remain in lawful status as long as they continue their academic programs, even if that spans multiple years or transitions from undergraduate to graduate studies.
Caribbean and Latin American students in particular, this move adds another layer of risk and uncertainty when choosing to invest in an American education.
OPT, STEM OPT, and work opportunities under fire
out.
Academic freedom on the line
Nation’s Report Card Shows Drop in Reading, Math, and Science Scores...continued in science ability also fell, with fewer students reporting that they “definitely” could perform key science tasks.
Why this matters
The move comes as international student enrollment in the U.S. is already plunging. Data from July 2025 showed nearly a 50% drop in new arrivals from India compared to last year. More and more students are instead choosing Canada, the U.K., and Australia, where immigration policies are more predictable and supportive. For the U.S., the consequences are not just academic. International students contribute tens of billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy, sustain jobs, and help keep universities competitive. For
Trump’s new proposal replaces that with fixed fouryear admission periods and only narrow exceptions. Language students would be capped at 24 months. International journalists on I visas would also see limits. The change means that students working toward degrees that take longer than four years, such as Ph.D.s or professional programs, would be forced to apply for extensions — adding delays, bureaucracy, costs, and tremendous uncertainty to their studies.
By Stacy M. Brown
Constance Carter, the founder of California’s largest independent Black-owned real estate firm and bestselling author, put the spotlight on the basics that protect Black wealth: life insurance, wills, and living trusts. “Estate planning isn’t just paperwork. It’s survival. It’s power. And it’s how we make sure that our children inherit more than just debt,” Carter said during an appearance on Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known. She spoke about how Black families continue to build assets, yet often leave those assets exposed because planning is delayed or skipped.
“We are already behind the eight ball when it comes to building wealth,” Carter said. “Historically, we were shut out of opportunities through redlining, predatory lending, and systemic barriers. Ninety percent of wealth in this country is passed intergenerationally, and 80 percent of that is through real estate. Yet while we are trying to get our piece of the pie, we are not planning to pass it on like other communities.”
Carter explained the difference between a will and a living trust, describing a will as instructions that can be contested in probate court. In contrast, a trust provides binding directives that transfer property clearly and efficiently. “A will is just instructions,” she said. “There’s a saying that a will,
will be contested. With a trust, these are the directives. This is your legally binding instrument to pass property generationally.” She called on families at every income level to act. Trusts can cost between $1,500 and $3,000, but the protection, she said, is worth it even if there is only one property. To make planning more accessible, she created a $25 eBook that walks through drafting a living trust, notarization, and state-by-state recording requirements. “I try to make it as simple as possible,” Carter said. “I see problems that Black people face, and I try to find solutions.”
This Day in History For new families, Carter listed life insurance as the first step. “It is a sin before God for you to be having chicken dinners and GoFundMe accounts to bury your loved ones,” she said. “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children and his children’s children.” She added that avoiding conversations about death often leaves families divided. “Two things make people act funny: death and money,” Carter said. Without beneficiaries and directives, loved ones are left scrambling for account access and arguing over wishes that were never written down. Carter also described her work with the Net 7 Collective,
The rule also undermines Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT, the programs that allow students to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation. Under the proposal, those students would have to file extensions of their F-1 status just for access to OPT — a move that immigration attorneys say will cause new costs and delays, as well as serious disruptions.
And let’s not forget: Trump officials like Stephen Miller and USCIS Director Joseph Edlow have made clear they don’t want international students staying in the U.S. workforce after completing their studies. OPT may survive this round, but the signals are clear: They’re coming for it.
Sneaking in more red tape
Buried in the proposal is another provision: eliminating deference to previous USCIS findings. Translation? Even if your application was approved before, officials don’t have to honor that decision when you apply for an extension. Expect more Requests for Evidence, more denials, and more students and skilled workers being pushed
Educators are sounding alarms. The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration calls the proposal “unnecessary and counterproductive.” NAFSA warns that it hands immigration officials new powers over academic decisions, from course changes to program transfers — areas traditionally governed by schools, not Washington.
The bigger picture
The DHS is justifying the overhaul on “national security” grounds, citing a handful of questionable visa misuse cases. Yet, the data shows the problem is tiny — 2,100 people out of millions. Instead of targeted enforcement, Trump is choosing blanket restrictions that risk driving away the very students who fuel American innovation, growth, and competitiveness.
Once again, immigrants are being scapegoated — this time, students. And once again, it’s not just immigrants who lose. America itself will be poorer, weaker, and less innovative for it.
Felicia J. Persaud is the founder and publisher of NewsAmericasNow.com, the only daily newswire and digital platform dedicated exclusively to Caribbean Diaspora and Black immigrant news across the Americas
Estate Planning Seen as Survival for Black Families...continued
a nationwide and international community of Black women building seven-figure net worths. “When you teach a man, you teach an individual. This is no diss to men, but when you teach a woman, you teach a nation,” she said. “Black women, you give us something, we are going to multiply it.” She dismissed
predictions that Black household wealth could hit zero by 2053 if nothing changes. “They did F around and they gave us the internet. They gave us the internet, AI, and we have each other,” Carter said. “Nobody is coming to save us; we have got to be the ones. And the only way we can do it is together.”
Further, African American students remain disproportionately represented among lower performers nationally. Across reading, mathematics, and science, they continue to score below the overall national average, with larger percentages falling below the NAEP Basic level and fewer reaching Proficient or Advanced. Although overall national scores declined in 2024, the long-standing gap between African American students and their White and Asian peers has not narrowed. The assessments, administered
between January and March 2024, covered tens of thousands of students nationwide. Reading and math were given to twelfth graders, while science was assessed at the eighth-grade level. In addition to academic content, students completed questionnaires about learning opportunities, absenteeism, and engagement, data that NAEP officials say may help explain trends. NAEP, often referred to as the Nation’s Report Card, is the largest continuing and nationally representative measure of U.S. student achievement. The results are closely watched by educators, policymakers, and researchers as indicators of how students are faring and where learning gaps are widening.
More Conversations, Better Outcomes: 5 Tips To Help Prioritize Mental Health While In College... continued from page 4
Familiarizing yourself with your mental health resources before you need them can make a significant difference. Look into what’s available through your campus counseling center, student health plan, or your family’s health plan. Some insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, offer a range of options from digital tools including the Calm wellness app to virtual and in-person visits to 24/7 mental health support lines. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just not like yourself, knowing where to go for help makes it easier to take that first step.
Seek Professional Help When Necessary
If feelings of stress, anxiety or depression persist, don’t wait – get support. Make an appointment with your campus health center or talk to your
primary care physician (PCP) if you have one. If you don’t have a PCP, now is a good time to establish care. Your provider can help guide you toward the right support or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Keep the Conversation Going After College Staying in the habit of checking in on your mental health – and talking about it with friends –may help you navigate future transitions like a new job, a move, or financial independence. No one expects you to figure everything out on your own, especially when it comes to your health. So, be sure to make space for your mental wellbeing this school year and remember: asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a step toward resilience.
By Stacy M. Brown
The latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveal troubling declines in academic performance among U.S. students, with twelfthgraders posting lower scores in reading and mathematics and eighth-graders showing setbacks in science.In reading, the 2024 national average for twelfthgraders was three points lower than in 2019, and ten points lower than when the assessment was first administered in 1992. Scores fell across nearly all percentiles, with only the highest-performing students at the 90th percentile holding steady. The percentage of students performing at or above the NAEP Proficient level declined to 35 percent in 2024, compared to 37 percent in 2019, while 32 percent of students scored below the NAEP Basic level. Mathematics results tell
a similar story. The average score for twelfth graders in 2024 dropped three points from 2019 and stood three points lower than in 2005, the year the current trend line began. Scores declined across nearly all percentiles except the 90th. Just 24 percent of twelfth graders scored at or above Proficient in 2024, while 40 percent scored below Basic, up from 37 percent in 2019. Eighth-grade science results also fell sharply. The 2024 average score was four points lower than in 2019, with declines across all five reported percentiles. Thirty-eight percent of eighth graders scored below the Basic level, compared to 33 percent in 2019. Students from nearly every demographic and parental education group saw declines, particularly at the lower percentiles. Confidence
Thursday, September 11, 2025
By The Associated Press
national campaign, has announced his engagement to girlfriend Alexis Lewis. Booker, a former Democratic candidate for president,
WASHINGTON, D.C. —
After the Trump Administration deployed National Guard troops across Washington, D.C. and took control of the city’s police department, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (DMd.) and Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL) in introducing legislation to grant the District full authority over the D.C. National Guard and the Metropolitan Police Department. This need has only become more urgent as the Administration reportedly extended the Guard’s deployment through November 30 and as Congressional Republicans continue attacking the District’s right to selfgovernance.
“Los Angeles was just Donald Trump’s test case for his unprecedented militarization of cities across the country,” said Senator Padilla. “Now, he’s taking his authoritarian playbook to our nation’s capital, escalating tensions and bypassing local leadership once again by bringing in the National Guard and federalizing D.C.’s police force. Trump is manufacturing a spectacle to distract from his own failed agenda and refusal to release the Epstein files. Washington, D.C. has long deserved full control over its own police force and National Guard, and Trump and Republicans’ continued attacks on the city make this legislation even more urgent.”
“In a raw power grab, Donald Trump has overtaken D.C.’s police and brought in the National Guard to satisfy his desire to play dictator in our nation’s capital. As he looks to extend his authoritarian control over D.C., it is urgent that we act now to ensure the District’s leaders have the same authority over its National Guard and police force as other states and territories – while we continue to fight for D.C. statehood. If Trump and Republicans actually cared about the people of D.C. and their safety, they’d get out of the way of D.C.’s leaders and residents and allow them to manage the District and their own funds. Trump and Republicans’ continued withholding of over $1 billion of those funds is unacceptable,” said Senator Van Hollen.
announced the engagement on Instagram Sept. 2, posting five photos of the couple who were wearing leis, smiling broadly and posing on a beach in one photo. Booker, 56, has never been married.
“I am savoring the soulaffirming wonder of everyday life with my partner, best friend and now my fiancée,” Booker wrote. “We are excited for this journey ahead, having so much fun and feeling deeply grateful for the love, support and energy so many of you have shared with us.”
Booker’s personal life was in the news a few years ago when he dated actress Rosario Dawson. Booker told the Washington Examiner earlier this year he and Lewis have been living together in Washington. Booker was first elected to
the Senate in 2013 in a special election. He was reelected in 2014 and again in 2020. He previously served as the mayor of Newark, New Jersey’s largest city.
Booker’s April speech on the Senate floor criticizing President Donald Trump’s agenda since beginning his second term lasted more than 25 hours and put Booker back in the national spotlight.
During a town hall after the speech in Paramus, New Jersey, Booker addressed a possible 2028 presidential run, saying he was focused on running for reelection to the Senate in 2026 and that the presidential race would “take care of itself.”
This article was originally published by The Associated Press.
Padilla Supports Legislation to Grant D.C. Officials Full Control Over Its National Guard, Police...continued
conditions of an emergency nature exist which require the use of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes, he may direct the mayor to provide him, and the mayor shall provide, such services of the Metropolitan Police force as the President may deem necessary and appropriate.”
“D.C. residents are Americans, fully capable of governing themselves, including having full control of their police force and National Guard like residents of the states,” said Representative Norton. “President Trump’s unprecedented federalization of the D.C. Police and his activation of the D.C. National Guard without D.C.’s consent underscore the necessity of D.C. statehood. Until we get the full protections that statehood would provide, our bills repealing the president’s authority to federalize the local D.C. police department and to give D.C.’s mayor control over the D.C. National Guard, like governors of states have over their National Guards, would place D.C. closer to having control over some of its most vital affairs and equality with the states, as we deserve. Senator Van Hollen, thank you for being D.C.’s determined partner in the Senate and a vigorous advocate for D.C. home rule.”
The District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act would name the mayor of Washington, D.C. as Commander-in-Chief of the D.C. National Guard, giving the mayor the same control over the D.C. National Guard that the governors of the states and the three territories with National Guards have over their respective National Guards. Under current law, the President is Commander-in-Chief of the D.C. National Guard. In addition to Padilla, this bill is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (DVt.), and co-led in the House by U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08).
The District of Columbia Police Home Rule Act would repeal the provision in the Home Rule Act that gives the President the authority to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department. Currently, the Home Rule Act provides that, “whenever the President of the United States determines that special
In addition to Padilla, this bill is cosponsored by Senators Alsobrooks, Booker, Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (DVa.), Sanders, Schiff, Warren, and Welch.
Senator Padilla has been a leading voice in opposition to President Trump’s militarization of Los Angeles with the deployment of National Guard troops and active-duty U.S. Marines in response to overwhelmingly peaceful protests. In June, Padilla led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty service members
By April Ryan
The voices of victims in the Jeffrey Epstein case to “end secrecy” are loud outside of Capitol Hill. They’re telling their stories and demanding action from Congress. As the victims are speaking out, Democratic sponsored legislation is moving in the House that would release materials in the Epstein case in 30 days.
to American cities. Last week, Padilla applauded a federal judge’s ruling that President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth violated federal law through their deployment of military forces to Los Angeles. Padilla and Senator Schiff also demanded the U.S. Department of Defense provide information on operational details related to the ongoing deployment of California National Guard personnel in Los Angeles, first federalized by President Trump on June 9. Following the initial deployment of approximately 700 members of the U.S. Marine Corps, Padilla and Schiff told the Defense Department the action was “unjustifiable” and “irresponsibly rushed.” Padilla also placed a hold on Trump’s nominee to serve as vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, Lieutenant General Thomas Carden, until the Trump Administration releases all remaining U.S. military forces from their unjustified deployment to Los Angeles.
Is that really the United States Patent and Trademark Office?
BCP Staff
You already know how important trademarks and patents are to protecting your intellectual property. But do you know how to tell the difference between the real United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and scammers pretending to be the USPTO? Here’s how the scam is playing out for businesses.
Someone who seems like USPTO calls, emails, or texts you or someone in your company — urgently. They say your trademark application or registration will be approved — as soon as you pay. Or it’s about to expire — unless you pay immediately. They might even say someone else has applied for your trademark, so you need to pay quickly or risk losing it.
This might all seem real, with the USPTO seal or logo, a real staffer’s name, and maybe even a real USPTO phone number on caller ID. But every bit of it’s a scam. Here’s some advice to share with your staff so your business can avoid it:
Don’t pay USPTO fees in response to demands in a call, email, or text. The real USPTO will never contact you to demand money. Not by credit or debit card, check, wire transfer, payment app, or gift card. Yes, there are fees to register and renew trademarks. But USPTO only requires payment at specific
times and the agency has a very specific payment process — anything outside that is a scam. Slow down. Because scammers want your money and information ASAP, they make things seem urgent so you don’t take time to stop and think. So, slow down and check things out before you respond. Look up your trademark’s status on the USPTO’s Trademark Status & Document Retrieval (TSDR) tool. Go to the source. The USPTO’s Trademark Assistance Center has the answers you need about your trademark application or registration. (Also reach them at 1-800-786-9199.) And since scammers can fake caller ID and put up real-looking — but completely fake — websites, only use links and phone numbers you know are real. Never use any link or QR code that came in an email or text message, which could route you directly to the scammers. Here are a few more things to share with your staff. If you spot something suspicious, tell someone: email TMScams@ uspto.gov and report possible trademark scams or USPTO imposters to the Federal Trade Commission. Learn how to register and maintain a federal trademark in USPTO’s Trademark Basics Boot Camp, and check out more from USPTO’s resources on trademark scams.
The effort to determine who’s connected with these abuses also has support from Trump loyalist Margery Taylor Greene (R-GA), a Congresswoman who is using her platform to get answers. In contrast, the majority of House Republicans are pushing for an investigation into the Epstein case instead of the release of the documents. In front of the capital building yesterday, the survivors announced a plan to compile a list by and for survivors of those who allegedly took part in their abuse, along with Jeffrey Epstein.
This Day in History
The Trump White House continues to downplay the president’s involvement with Epstein and the Epstein survivors. Regarding survivors, at least one woman of color has publicly come forward. The perceived traditional mainstream media has been wall-to-wall coverage on this, as other media outlets are more focused on the nuances of this administration’s negative impact on cities and people. This reporter asked Maryland Congressman Mfume, “Why should Black America be concerned in this
case?” Mfume, a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, who met with the survivors, said, “Black America should be concerned because this is a classic case of how the rich and powerful are still able to oppress and deny basic justice.”
“This is not only about the horrific actions of Epstein and [Ghislaine] Maxwell, but also about the wider network of individuals who enable, conceal, and turn their heads away in the face of exploitation. If it can happen to them, it can happen to anybody,” emphasized Mfume. Various House committees are focused on this Epstein issue, a campaign promise of the candidate Donald Trump. Los Angeles, Democratic Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove says, “I sit in the Judiciary….. My committee has jurisdiction over the FBI and the AG, and they have not yet availed themselves to us.” She sarcastically said, “I wonder why?” Congresswoman KankakeeDove emphasizes the same point that Congressman Mfume expressed: “This cover-up only exposes what Black people already know. There are laws but two sets of rules. There are those who get walked on and those who look for more bodies to abuse.” The California Congresswoman believes that the truth will come to light, adding, “These behaviors are getting some sunlight, and we need to continue to expose and shame these actions and demand real accountability.”
The Violence Trump Claims to Fear Occurs Mostly in Red States...continued from page 3
stood at 9.1 per 100,000 with 564 murders, disproportionately concentrated in cities like St. Louis and Kansas City. South Carolina, Alaska, and Georgia each ranked high, while Mississippi, often touted by conservatives as a bastion of “traditional values,” has at times led the nation in murder rates. Meanwhile, states with larger minority populations that Trump targets — including Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Maryland — often have lower murder rates than many of these Red States. Illinois, home to Chicago, recorded a rate of 6.56 per 100,000, below Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas.
Critics argue this is no accident. Trump’s fixation on minority-heavy jurisdictions is part of a long-standing strategy of scapegoating urban areas with large Black and Latino populations, while sidestepping the systemic problems facing states where his support is strongest. “Murders were far more common in [Mississippi] than they were nationwide,” the World Population Review reported, with Louisiana, Alabama, Missouri, and Arkansas following close behind. The report’s numbers show that while Trump fixates on minority-heavy cities, the deadliest conditions are playing out in Red States that rarely draw his attention. “Murders are disproportionately concentrated in urban areas, especially in New Orleans and Baton Rouge,” the researchers concluded.
Thursday, September 11, 2025
By Jade Stevens, Founder, 40 Acre Conservation League
Summertime holds a special place in our communities. It is the season of cookouts in the park beneath old oak trees, beach days that stretch into golden California sunsets, and family reunions that remind us of who we are.
These moments—rooted in joy, tradition, and connection—are deeply tied to the land, which is more than a backdrop; it’s part of the bond that unites our community. These lived experiences helped shape my passion and purpose in co-founding the 40 Acre Conservation League, California’s first Black-led land conservancy. Our mission is simple: to ensure that everyone, particularly Black and African American communities, has access to outdoor spaces and leads efforts to protect them.
We focus on land conservation, environmental stewardship, and empowering our communities to become land ambassadors.
As land ambassadors, we encourage people to participate in forest restoration, trail cleaning, and habitat protection, building both ecological knowledge and a personal connection to the land. Small acts, like picking up waste, sorting recyclables, and choosing reusable containers, can spark lasting change.
That’s why I appreciate and stand with the work of CalRecycle, which brings together the state’s recycling and waste management programs to move California toward a wastefree, circular economy. Starting with simple, everyday actions like recycling drink containers and sorting food scraps, we can build cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities.
When we don’t recycle or care for the land around us, waste pollutes our air, water, and land, harms people and wildlife, and sends the wrong message to the next generation.
But we can all be part of the solution. When we recycle bottles and cans at certified recycling sites to redeem the California Redemption Value (CRV), we reduce landfill waste and litter and support California’s bottle
deposit program, which helps keep valuable materials in use. When we place food scraps into compost bins instead of trash, we help reduce methane pollution and return nutrients to the soil.
Becoming waste-free and taking part in a circular economy isn’t only about preserving nature—it’s about legacy, culture, and healing. It’s about reclaiming our relationship with the Earth and remembering that we’ve always had a place in this movement.
So, as we gather, laugh, rest, and celebrate what’s left of this California summer, let’s also honor the spaces that make those lasting memories possible. I encourage us all to be good stewards of the land we all share by taking small steps, like recycling and composting. Because when we protect the land, we’re not just preserving nature, we’re reclaiming culture, nurturing community, and passing forward a legacy of care.
Visit 40AcreLeague.org to learn more about upcoming tours and help shape the future of our shared outdoor spaces. Visit CalRecycle.ca.gov for tips on redeeming CRV bottles and cans, sorting food scraps, and making your everyday choices count for the environment.
‘We Are Not Losers Yet’; Cosby Talks Prison Life, NBC, and Media Erasure
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Bill Cosby said his widely criticized admonition that young Black men should “pull their pants up” was less about fashion and more about a system that profits from negative images of African Americans.
By Stacy M. Brown
Glad I Was. (Wikimedia Commons / Photo by The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia)
Bill Cosby said his widely criticized admonition that young Black men should “pull their pants up” was less about fashion and more about a system that profits from negative images of African Americans.
“But what was it they used to say? They not only did that, but what got a lot of attention was the shoes, the untied laces, and then the pants down around the crack. And if this is the attention, then it’s something put towards you like they would put drugs into the neighborhood. They would lace the marijuana. They are putting us under siege,” Cosby said during a candid interview on Black Press USA’s “Let It Be Known.” He tied those images directly to incarceration. “No prisoners had or were allowed to have their pants around the crack. No prisoners were allowed at Phoenix to go around with untied shoelaces,” he said. “So, I just felt this was a move by people who didn’t want to be tied up to have a picture. They would rather have a picture of a youth doing nothing, not studying, and having his pants lowered.” The remarks came in Cosby’s first wide-ranging interview about his prison experience, the long-standing NBC rumor, the media’s portrayal of his life, and the erasure of Black history.
Refusing to Sign Away Innocence
Cosby, famously known as “America’s Dad,” served nearly three years at Pennsylvania’s SCI Phoenix following a 2018 conviction on an aggravated indecent assault charge. In June 2021, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that his trial and conviction were illegal, ordered his release, and barred any retrial. He said prosecutors offered him a way out — if he admitted guilt. “My lawyer came to me and said, the district attorney is offering you to sign a paper saying you did it, and that you would be, you wouldn’t have to do prison time,” Cosby stated. “And I told my lawyer to continue with the trial, don’t stop the trial. I wasn’t signing any papers or anything.” Even in prison, Cosby said, the same deal was dangled before him. “Sign the paper and go to these classes, and then we will let you go,” he said. “Well, my signature would be in a sealed envelope, and nobody could open it. So anyway, it was all set up from way in the beginning.”
Life at Phoenix
Cosby recalled his first hours inside. “When I entered Phoenix for the first time, I could not see,” he said. “And there were regulations such as taking off your clothes and switching to other things, and then the search for some things that you might have.” He said he was kept alone at first. “I was by myself except
for a guard or two around the area,” he said. Later, he was moved onto a unit with “convicts who really and truly had done some things like murder, rape, and et cetera, et cetera.” He described the food as barely edible. “It was just that the food was so salty, and it was just that the food appeared from, if you fixed it or it could be written how it’s fixed, it wouldn’t be healthy for human consumption,” he said. Inside, Cosby also became a speaker at peer programs like “Mann Up” and “Men of Valor.” Because the men talked so much about their faith and reverence of Jesus Christ, Cosby said, “As you leave this prison, whatever you go out and become… make Jesus smile.”
The Release
Cosby described being asleep in his cell when word came. “A resident… said, Mr. Cosby, Mr. Cosby, you have to wake up. You can go home. You can go home,” he said. A white female officer with the rank of major came to push his wheelchair out. “I said, This is not like driving Miss Daisy. And she said, Who’s Miss Daisy?” Cosby recalled. He said as he was wheeled down the corridor, he heard applause from two levels of cells. “It was enough to have all of these fellows clapping,” he said.
The NBC Rumor
Cosby addressed the decadesold claim that his downfall stemmed from an attempt to buy NBC. “I have no evidence to that effect, and nothing comes up to it,” he said. He recounted a Wall Street meeting with financiers that ended in rejection. “The reason for rejecting us for the loan was that they, the people loaning the money, didn’t know anything about television,” he said. Still, he said, the rumor consumed media attention. “Media was the most egregious because I have never been hassled
‘We Are Not Losers Yet’; Cosby Talks Prison Life, NBC, and Media Erasure...continued
if you eat clean, then your brain will be clean, and your body, and your blood,” Cosby stated. “She makes sure that we eat like that, and that’s why, at age 88, I’m cancer-free, and I don’t have any ailments of forgetting things.” When Cosby would call his wife from prison, she remained very protective of her husband of more than 60 years.
Camille Cosby understood that every phone call at SCI-Phoenix was recorded, and she refused to allow officials to see any vulnerability. “Whenever I called her, I just badly wanted to tell her how I felt,” Cosby recounted. “And, she would say, ‘just be quiet.’ She didn’t want me to say anything.”
The Fight Over Black History
Cosby warned against efforts to remove Black history from classrooms and museums. “If you remove those things, you remove the spirit of our achievements,” Cosby said. “It’s not going to
be Wilma Rudolph winning any races there, but Wilma Rudolph, who was born obviously, it was polio that attacked her, and she still was an Olympic champion.” He continued, “The spirit of success and the continuation of being told that you are dumb, to be told that you cannot compete on any level with people, with white people. What story are they going to tell? I think they never wanted to pay the slaves, and they never forgave us for that.” He also cited Ralph Bunche and the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. among stories that cannot be erased.
A Message to the Black Community
Cosby closed the interview with a direct message. “We are not losers yet,” he asserted. “Tulsa lost because it was the only city in the United States of America that was bombed from the air.”
so much in are you going to buy NBC?” Cosby said. He pointed to an article suggesting he would “hire his friends” if successful. “That gave me an idea of how these people were protecting things from, and I think it was a wink that this fellow was writing about… well, he’s going to bring all his Black friends,” he said.
Media Erasure and “The Cosby Show”
Cosby said there was a deliberate effort to erase his achievements. “I heard from a source that a person went on TV and said, let nothing good be said about Bill Cosby,” he said. “From that point on, every source that I know of in the media only printed negative things.” He defended the cultural impact of “The Cosby Show.” “Media didn’t like the fact that the Huxtables were that,” he said. “They said they were rich, which they’re not. That’s middle income. He’s a doctor, she’s a lawyer. And they don’t have a maid or a butler or anything like that.” He recalled a moment when executives considered removing a small set detail. “It just said, abolish Apartheid,” he said of the sign on Theo’s door. “And somebody said to me, well, they want to take that sign down. I said, if you do, you can take the show with it.”
Wealth, Family, and Health
Cosby recalled a conversation with his daughter Erin when she was nine. “She said, Dad, are we wealthy? I said, no, we are rich, but we’re not wealthy,” he said. “Wealthy people can afford maintenance. Rich people can afford to buy things, but there’s still a bill, and when can you pay if you’re rich?”
He credited his wife, Camille, for preserving his life and health. “She has continuously said it’s what you put in your mouth, and
‘Seen
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Issa Rae is once again betting on Black, this time by turning the lens on the complicated history of African American representation on television.
By Stacy M. Brown
Issa Rae is once again betting on Black, this time by turning the lens on the complicated history of African American representation on television. Her new two-part HBO documentary, “Seen and Heard: The History of Black Television,” debuts September 9 on HBO and HBO Max, and it doesn’t shy away from exposing both the breakthroughs and the betrayals that have defined Black TV. The project, which began development in 2019, features powerhouse voices including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Tracee Ellis Ross, Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVernay, and Norman Lear. Together, they recount the triumphs of Black storytelling and the persistent roadblocks that have too often stripped creators of the rewards their work built.
“We wanted to make a comprehensive history and showcase, with evidence, that this is how they built the success of their networks on our backs, and we almost don’t have anything to show for it as a result. It’s tragic, and history repeats itself,” Rae said during a keynote conversation at South by Southwest. She explained that she was inspired early by sitcoms like Moesha, Girlfriends, and Martin, but grew disillusioned in the 2000s when those shows vanished and reality television, often humiliating and exploitative in its portrayal of Black women, dominated screens. Rae recalled an infamous moment on Flavor of Love where a contestant was denied a restroom break and degraded on camera. “This is humiliating, and this is all Black women have on television right now,” she said, adding that the disappearance of scripted Black shows pushed her to start creating her own work.
“It makes such a difference when you’re thinking about something as small as set design,” Rae told CBS Mornings, stressing how details like a Black character’s bedroom or hairstyle can determine whether a story feels authentic. “Watching it myself and hearing some of these stories for the first time inspires me. The end of that documentary inspires me to do more and get my shit together,” she said. “Seen and Heard” is hailed as both a celebration of resilience and a reckoning with exploitation, reminding audiences that visibility is not enough if ownership and respect remain out of reach. “It makes such a difference when Black creators control their own stories,” Rae stated.