“If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?”

By: Lou K. Coleman-Yeboah Lou K. Coleman-Yeboah

Talking ‘bout Celebrating Black History! Come on Celebrate Jesus Celebrate!

Because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same Jesus who heard the songs of the slaves and the chants of the civil rights marchers will hear the prayers of those who now cry out for justice throughout our country.

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14

2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After three decades of entrepreneurial success across his renowned brands and a historic last year including a landmark acquisition of becoming the largest minorityowned, vertically integrated multi-state operator in the Cannabis industry, Sean "Diddy" Combs announces the rebranding of his parent company from Combs Enterprises to Combs Global.

This announcement marks the global expansion of his distinguished portfolio of businesses that have represented dominance across music, entertainment, fashion, spirits, and media/television. At its founding in 2013, Combs Global started with Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Spirits (Cîroc Vodka, DeLeón Tequila), AQUAhydrate, REVOLT MEDIA, Sean John, Capital Preparatory Charter Schools, and The Sean Combs Foundation. Since then, it has expanded to include new business units and ventures such as Empower Global formally Shop Circulate, Our Fair Share, Love Records, and into Cannabis. Combs Global is entering a new chapter with a distinct vision and shows no signs of slowing down.

"Combs Global represents the next chapter in my journey as a business leader and a bigger vision to build the largest portfolio of leading Blackowned brands in the world," said Sean "Diddy" Combs. "I've enlisted world-class teams of top executives, specialists and strategic partners to bring this new dream to life and put us in the best position to keep making history while leading another 30 years of dominance across industries."

This past year, Combs' acquisition of The Nile List, his $2M investment in creator platform REC Philly, and the historic $185M acquisition of key markets and assets from leading Cannabis company CRESCO Labs added to the Combs Global portfolio. Combs also expanded his prestigious Capital Preparatory charter schools to now include campuses in the Bronx, New York and Hartford, Connecticut. Making an anticipated return to Music, Combs announced the launch of Love Records, an all-R&B record label, adding a new music imprint to his portfolio that builds on the legendary legacy of Bad Boy Entertainment. With the launch of Combs Global, there has been a complete rebranding of the website, social channels, and brand communications, ushering in an exciting new era for the company. The announcement of the new visual identity coincides with plans to take the company and its business units international. 2023 will mark a year of incredible milestones for Combs Global. With the 30th anniversary of Bad Boy Entertainment, 15th anniversary of Combs' partnership with Diageo, the 10th anniversary of REVOLT, Combs will continue setting the standard as one of the most successful and innovative entrepreneurs of all-time.

The new logo was unveiled in the highly successful Uber One Super Bowl commercial starring Combs where he dreams up a hit song for Uber One, a reminder of Combs unrivaled success as a hitmaker. Combs is the consummate marketer using the moment to not only introduce the new company name and logo but also integrate his spirits brands, Cîroc Vodka and DeLeón Tequila, into the spot. The commercial was teased at Grammys Pro Bowl, and NCAA men's basketball and the full commercial debuted last week

States Consider Bills To Subsidize Local Newspaper Subscriptions

by Ray Schultz sources and relating to news and current events. It would also have to employ at least one local news journalist who resides in the community.

States apparently are getting tired of waiting for national legislation that would support local journalism.

The Massachusetts legislature, to name one, is mulling a bill that would provide a tax credit to reimburse the cost of local newspaper subscriptions.

Sponsored by Rep. Jeffrey Turco, a Democrat from the 19thDistrict, the bill would provide consumers with a $250 tax credit for subscriptions to one or more local community newspapers.

To benefit from this, a local print or digital publication would have to primarily serve the local community and consist of content derived from primary

Come on, “Celebrate Jesus Celebrate,” because as we remember the days of old and consider the years of many generations, we are reminded that what God has done in previous generations to deliver His people from darkness and bring them into the light, he will do the same for us. [Deuteronomy 32]. All we need to do is take the Word of God as our ancestors did and put it to song again, because we as a people, can still have hope; the same hope the slaves found effective and fruitful; because we serve a God that drowned Pharaoh’s army. We serve a God who gives light in the midst of darkness. We serve a God who leads us in the path of righteousness for His Name sake. We serve a God who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before His glory with exceeding great joy.

I want you to know that God has given us the “light” of Israel and the light of Christ to guide us out of the current

Counting the Social Cost of Carbon...continued

Local newspapers are "really a critical source of news for the people of the communities in getting a message out there, both pro and con," Turco said, according to 10Boston.

Meanwhile, Oregon is considering House bill 2605, a proposed law that would also provide tax credits for subscriptions to local publications.

Like the Massachusetts bill, the Oregon bill would benefit publications that provide “news and current events coverage that is original content derived from primary sources,” and serve a local community. In addition, the publisher must employ at least one journalist who resides in the area.

darkness we face. So let us take the Word of God and put it to song again. God gave the slaves a song when essentially, that’s all they had when faced with the brutal realities of slavery, and the seemingly, insurmountable, impossibility of freedom and deliverance; they sang, a sermon in a song. They sang about the mysteries and majesty of Christ in the midst of a miserable, demeaning, and maniacal situation. They sang: “Oh Mary Don’t You Weep.” They later added another line, “Tell Martha not to moan.” Why? “Because Pharaoh’s army got drowned in the Red Sea. They sang the songs of Zion [Israel] in a foreign land. They sang the “Samson” story in “Witness for my Lord.” They sang the drama and the deliverance in “Daniel in the Lion’s Den,” “Hebrew Children in the Fiery Furnace,” and “David and Goliath.” They sang, “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel.” They sang the victory when they sang: “Walk in Jerusalem Just Like John.” They sang “Joshua Fought the Battle At Jericho.” They sang “We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder.” They sang “Twelve Gates to the City.” They sang about the “New Jerusalem.” They sang a sermon in a song. And just as God gave Moses a song when He delivered His people from Pharaoh’s army [Exodus 15:1], and just like He gave Miriam and the women a dance [Exodus 15:20], He has given us a song to sing – “We’ve Come this far by Faith, Leaning on the Lord. Trusting in His Holy Word. He’s never failed us yet. [We’ve Come This Far By Faith -by Albert A. Goodson]. Come on Celebrate Jesus Celebrate - Black History Month 2023!

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE #1138

Counting the Social Cost of Carbon

Derek Duncan

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well. But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:8–9

One of the latest policies floated by the US Environmental Protection Agency has been making waves around the rest of the world. In November 2022, the EPA published a proposal designed to curb greenhouse gas emissions more aggressively by increasing the calculation for what it calls the Social Cost of Carbon. This move was praised by environmental advocates in the United States and around the globe. But the proposal, the Supplementary Material for the Regulatory Impact Analysis, contains a devilishly troubling detail—a calculation that appears to value lives in some countries more than others.

What is the value of a human life? It’s a delicate question, but actuaries and insurers quantify what life is worth all the time. We weigh their calculations, consciously or not, whenever we decide how much we’re willing to pay for our insurance. Policymakers often build their case on assumptions about the value of common goods and public services when deciding how much to budget for a program or how much to fine a company that infringes on the public interest.

Policymakers concerned about climate change have looked for ways to reduce carbon emissions. The typical carrots and sticks that a government might employ with polluters often rely on calculations aimed to reduce either the amount of fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal extracted; the amount of these fuels used pay for mortality risk reductions also increases. This parallels the fact that as their income increases, individuals are willing to pay more for most goods and services,” as page 134 of the proposal reads. Consequently, the cost of emissions and benefits of cutting them is greater for higher income people.

Some have pointed out that while the EPA cost calculation values lives in rich countries more than those in poor countries, it doesn’t similarly value US states with a higher per-capita GDP greater than those with a lower per-capita GDP. It seems that all US states, and lives, are equally precious, regardless of income. This inconsistency is a problem methodologically, but also reveals that if a fair social cost of carbon calculation can be made assuming that all US lives are equal, then a fair cost could be made that counts all global lives equally as well.

Tragically, some the poorest countries are those most at risk from climate change, and the social costs that poorer nations bear are largely due to the carbon use of richer nations. Low-lying Pacific Islands like Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands are facing an existential threat from rising sea level. The values of these lives— off all lives—are measured by more than just the capacity to produce income.

Communities around the world at risk of climate-induced disasters consider numerous factors other than economic output in considering the value of life. One of our partners, the

Pacific Theological College in Fiji, is in the process of widening its curriculum to embrace a more “whole of life” understanding of Pasifika identity among its students, one that incorporates Pacific “communities’ life-affirming philosophies, values, and spiritualities” in its educational program. This perspective recognizes individual value is connected to one’s community and environment more than one’s personal net worth. An individual may hold specialized cultural knowledge that carries the legacy of community memory or traditional practices. The social fabric and structure of Pacific communities are very much tied to their community’s land—and waters. When Pacific ecosystems are put at risk, the integrity of Pacific cultures and everyone who inhabits that identity is at risk.

The indigenous Pacific resources that the Pacific Theological College is embracing demonstrate that the Social Cost of Carbon is more than a country’s collective net worth. This is something we should learn from and take into account when considering the true cost of our carbon activity on lives around the world. The EPA has invited public comment to its proposal until February 13.

Derek Duncan is the Global Relations Minister for East Asia and the Pacific for Global of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ.

What we know about the Michigan State University gunman...continued from page 1 for energy production, industry, or consumers; or the pollution emitted from extracting and burning these carbon sources.

In its proposal, the EPA seeks to determine the real cost of carbon use—meaning more than just how much a company or consumer pays per kilowatthour of electricity, gallon of gas, or price per unit of anything. The Social Cost of Carbon also includes the value of damage done as a result of emissions.

Previous government estimates said that, after all the technical calculations, the total Social Cost of Carbon is fiftyone dollars per ton of carbon dioxide emitted. However, previous assessments of climate impact had counted costs and benefits just in the context of the United States—and on the lives of people in the United States. The new report recognizes that since our land, sea, and air don’t stop at the border, US carbon use also impacts climate and people around the world. It says the Social Cost of Carbon should be increased to 190 dollars, which means the carrots and sticks the United States government uses should be three times larger.

While its more accurate evaluation of global cost is encouraging, what is troubling is that in its calculations, the EPA uses a model based on “Willingness to Pay” that recognizes higher income people (and higher per capita income countries) are willing to pay more to reduce their risks of climate harm, much like we may be willing to buy more insurance if we had more money. “EPA’s benefit transfer also recognizes that as per capita income increases, willingness to pray.” The father said he went to church every Sunday, but that his son did not attend regularly.

Michael McRae called his son “a bad apple,” explaining that he “was a good kid before my wife died.” But after she died, he said, he “was lost. Totally lost.”

Michael McRae said his son had had a gun several years ago, but police had taken it away. He said he believed his son had obtained another gun, but kept it in his room, and denied to his father that he had it. This is a developing story and will be updated.

Reparations Task Force: Freedmen's Bureau Essential for Compensating Slave Descendants...continued from page 4 lives, wants to know how they can benefit from an agency such as CAFAA.

“Now, as we gather more evidence, we want to file a claim through reparations to see if we lost anything or could gain anything,” Fonza said. “We want to know if such an agency (CAFAA) could help us facilitate the process. Right now, we don’t know how that would be done.”

How the CAFAA can be used to determine reparations eligibility for Black Californians has been a topic of public discussion by Black grassroot organizations started before the task force was formed in May 2021. Now it can be addressed. Thanks to new laws that can help reparations eligibility, supporters say.

For the first time in California and American history, a specific category of data collection will be required for African Americans who are descendants of persons enslaved in the United States and living in California, starting with the state’s 2.5 million employees.

California is the first state to require its agencies to present a separate demographic category for descendants of enslaved people when collecting state employee data. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2022-2023 budget trailer bill -- Senate Bill (SB)189 -- includes language directing state agencies to disaggregate or use separate data collection categories for different Black or African American subgroups. The State Controller’s Office administered by Malia Cohen and the Department of Human Resources can start collecting this information as soon as Jan. 1, 2024.

The Task Force affirmed lineage-based eligibility for California Reparations in March 2022. The 5-4 majority decision by the task force determined that descendants of enslaved people or free Black people in the United States as of the 19th century are the only group of people eligible for any future cash payments.

“There was great care and intentionality around the creation of this proposal, our proposal in the Interim Report that we released almost a year ago,” Moore said of CAAFA. “It just flushed out more to make all the proposed agencies fully reflect the totality of what we discussed in our 500-page report.”

The reparations task force’s next meeting is in on March 3 and March 4. Times and location have yet to be announced.

12 Things On Your Skin That Might Be Diabetes

hands, feet, legs, or forearms that are similar to the ones that happen after a bad burn. You may notice a large blister or a group of small ones.

Diabetes can affect several of the body’s organs, including its largest – the skin. While there are certain skin conditions that anyone can develop, it’s been shown that people with diabetes are more likely to have these issues. These 12 skin problems could be a sign that you need to see your doctor.

1. Hard, Colored Patches

This is a condition known as necrobiosis lipoidica and it usually starts as small, raised bumps that look like pimples.

Over time, however, these bumps turn into hard, swollen patches that can be red, yellow, or brown. The surrounding skin might also be shiny while the patches are itchy and painful. It’s best to see a dermatologist for treatment as this condition can lead to complications.

2. Dark, Velvety Skin

Known as acanthosis nigricans, this condition mostly affects the back of the neck, armpit, and groin.

The dark patch of skin usually indicates that you’re prediabetic and have too much insulin in your blood. The only way forward is to get tested and manage your diabetes.

3. Hard, Thick Skin

In this condition, the skin on your fingers and toes gets hard and thick making them hard to move.

Over time, digital sclerosis can spread to the arms, neck, shoulders, knees, ankles, and elbows. The problem generally develops in people who are having trouble managing their diabetes so it’s a sure sign that you need to get tested.

4. Sudden Blisters

With bullosis diabetricorum, you develop blisters on your

Feinstein: Will Not Run for Reelection in 2024, Focus on This Congress

Reps. Pappas & Calvert Introduce HEARTS Act to Prioritize Non-Animal Testing Methods in NIH Research...continued

The blisters are typical for diabetics and it’s important to avoid getting an infection. If you see them, make sure to see a doctor for testing as well as controlled treatment of the blisters.

5. Frequent Skin Infections

Anybody can develop a skin infection but people with diabetes are more prone to them. These infections are characterized by hot, swollen areas that are painful or an itchy rash with a discharge. You should see a doctor to treat the issue quickly and let them know if you’ve been having infections frequently.

6. Unexplained Open Wounds Or Sores

One issue with diabetes is that it causes poor blood circulation and nerve damage. As a consequence, even the smallest cuts can have trouble healing – especially if they occur on your feet.

These open wounds are known as diabetic ulcers and can easily become infected. It’s recommended to check your feet daily for any cuts and get treatment immediately if you have them.

7. Shin Spots

In diabetic dermothapy, you’ll notice a dark spot or line on your shin, which can also cause a slight depression. In rare cases, the spot may appear on your arms or thighs. The spots can also be permanent or disappear after a year or two. Unless your diabetes is being managed, the spots will continue to appear.

8. Appearance Of Small, Redyellow Bumps

When dealing with eruptive xanthomatosis, you’ll see the sudden appearance of bumps continued on page 8

Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement announcing she will not run for reelection in 2024 but will continue to serve out her current term in office:

“I am announcing today I will not run for reelection in 2024 but intend to accomplish as much for California as I can through the end of next year when my term ends.

“I campaigned in 2018 on several priorities for California and the nation: preventing and combating wildfires, mitigating the effects of record-setting drought, responding to the homelessness crisis, and ensuring all Americans have access to affordable, high-quality health care. Congress has enacted legislation on all of these topics over the past several years, but more needs to be done – and I will continue these efforts.

“I also remain focused on passing commonsense legislation to fight the epidemic of gun violence, preserving our pristine lands and promoting economic growth – especially to position

California for what I believe will be the century of the Pacific. And I will use my seniority on the Appropriations Committee to ensure California gets its fair share of funding.

“I’m confident we can achieve these goals because we’ve done it before. From the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban to the 2014 CIA torture report, from preserving Lake Tahoe and the Mojave Desert to passing the first significant global warming legislation, from protecting student athletes from abuse to protecting consumers from harmful chemicals, and more recently improving our efforts to combat wildfire and drought, we have improved the lives of millions.

“Even with a divided Congress, we can still pass bills that will improve lives. Each of us was sent here to solve problems. That’s what I’ve done for the last 30 years, and that’s what I plan to do for the next two years. My thanks to the people of California for allowing me to serve them.” as the bill advances though Congress.”

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace said, “There is a growing awareness that animal-based research and methodologies cannot reliably answer the vexing scientific questions that arise in seeking to understand human diseases and their treatments and cures. For the challenges that confront us, we need to focus on humane and human-relevant science. But the current framework provides little incentive and support for researchers to use and develop non-animal methods. The HEARTS Act will modernize the National Institutes of Health to ensure that humane and humanrelevant methods are at the heart of its science investment.”

Dr. Paul Locke, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health* said, “I would like to thank Representatives Pappas and Calvert for their leadership in seeking to accelerate scientific methods that can treat and cure diseases. The HEARTS Act calls attention to the need to develop human centered biological techniques and would create a focal point at NIH for these important discoveries.”

*The views expressed in this press release are Dr. Locke’s personal opinion, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Johns Hopkins University or Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

For further information and to request interviews, please contact Steve Gibbs on +44 (0) 7850 510955 or email steve.gibbs@ crueltyfreeinternational.org. Monica Engebretson is available for interview.

Cruelty Free International is one of the world’s longest standing and most respected animal protection organizations. The organization is widely regarded as an authority on animal testing issues and is frequently called upon by governments, media, corporations and official bodies for its advice or expert opinion. www.crueltyfreeinternational. org

Lawmakers Push Bill to Grant Prisoners Right

The Oregon bill specifies that a taxpayer “may not claim the credit allowed under this section if the taxpayer has federal adjusted gross income in excess of $150,000 on a joint return or $75,000 on any other type of return.”

This legislation would also mandate state grants to Agora Journalism Center and the Fund for Oregon Rural Journalism.

These bills have been introduced as local newsrooms close around the country.

Meanwhile,, an apparently stalled federal bill, the Journalism Sustainability Act, would

Reps. Pappas & Calvert Introduce HEARTS Act to Prioritize Non-Animal Testing Methods in NIH Research

Washington, D.C. (February 14, 2023) – On a day devoted to matters of the heart, Congressmembers Chris Pappas (NH-1) and Ken Calvert (CA-42) announce the re-introduction of the HEARTS Act (Humane and Existing Alternatives in Research and Testing Sciences Act) of 2023 legislation that encourages the use and development of humane, and effective alternatives to animals in experiments funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Millions of animals are forced into research experiments annually. Non-animal research and testing methods spare significant numbers of animals from pain, distress, and death, are increasingly more cost-effective than animal tests, and produce reliable data that is more relevant to human health.

However, without meaningful encouragement for implementing modern non-animal methods, dogs, cats, primates, and small mammals, among others, continue to be exploited unnecessarily in painful and duplicative experiments. The HEARTS Act directs the NIH to provide incentives to researchers to use non-animal methods whenever feasible and applicable, and establishes a dedicated center within the NIH devoted to advancing new alternative methods and developing a plan for reducing the use of animals in federal funded research.

Congressman Pappas said, “I’m glad to partner with Congressman Calvert on the HEARTS Act, bipartisan legislation that would encourage the development and use of humane, non-animal testing methods in federally funded experiments. Over the years, NIH’s groundbreaking research has greatly improved the lives of Americans and people around the world. To remain a global leader in science, research, and development, we must create frameworks to advance modern methods.”

Congressman Calvert said, “With a growing number of scientifically sound, non-animal testing alternatives, taxpayerfunded research should prioritize alternative methods whenever possible. The HEARTS Act would take another meaningful step in protecting animals from unnecessary use in federallyfunded research. This bill is a win for animals and taxpayers alike.”

The HEARTS Act will prioritize the use of alternatives by amending the Public Health Services Act to:

(1) establish incentives for investigators to use available non-animal methods whenever feasible and applicable.

(2) create guidelines for biomedical and behavioral research to ensure that animal testing alternatives are utilized whenever available and appropriate in proposals.

States Consider Bills To Subsidize Local Newspaper Subscriptions...continued from

(3) ensure that proposal reviewers have access to a reference librarian with expertise in evaluating the adequacy of the search methods for alternatives described in the protocol.

(4) require that proposals be reviewed by at least one person with expertise in non-animal research methods.

(5) establish a center within the NIH to train and support scientists in the development and use of human-centered methods, and develop a plan for reducing the number of animals used in federally-funded research.

Monica Engebretson, Head of Public Affairs North America for Cruelty Free International said, “Currently, the NIH spends at least $12 billion a year on animal testing, but research shows that the return on investment is often low, and the results irrelevant because of their inability to accurately predict human reactions. Prioritizing the use of non-animal methods in taxpayerfunded research could improve the cost efficacy of our federal research investment and foster innovation in science which would in turn lead to better therapies for human conditions and save animal lives. Cruelty Free International is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Pappas and Calvert in sponsoring the HEARTS Act and we look forward to working with them page 6 provide a $250 subscription credit covering 80% of costs in the first year and a $500 credit in each of the following four years. to Vote...continued from page 4 announce the bill. “There was a time when African Americans couldn't vote, and just recently we tried to get slavery out of the California state constitution and it failed, because of Democrats.”

Also, the House version would subsidize a local journalist's compensation, with a redit of $25,000 in the first year, covering 50% of a $50,000 salary, and a 30% credit in each of the next four years.

And, advertisers would qualify for a $5,000 local newspaper and local media advertising credit, covering an estimated 80% of ad costs in the first year.

The bill was introduced in 2021.

“An American citizen's right to vote is the most powerful right in our nation,” McKinnor said.

“Let's be clear, an incarcerated American citizen is an American citizen, and no law should ever restrict an American citizen's right to vote. Too many Americans have died, too many Americans have sacrificed, too many Americans have been denied the right to vote for too long.”

Lackey and others who oppose the legislation, however, insist that denying a felon to vote is appropriate punishment.

“There has to be a period of reflection and a period of suspension of certain what I would call privileges or rights in order for the judicial process to be effective,” Lackey said to CBM.

Bryan said the protection of citizens’ rights is paramount.

“There are some basic human rights, and then there are some basic American rights that have to be preserved, even in the systems of accountability,” he emphasized.

D.C. Business Encounters Discrimination in Quest to Help Ukraine...

continued from page 3 features,” she stated. As the war’s anniversary approaches, though, it appears that American impulses have also kicked in.

U.S. politicians, government organizations, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and others have neglected CDAG’s work, even though U.S. military aid and spending has reached over $50 billion, and firms are pitching services to gain contracts to help reconstruct that Eastern European nation.

Davis has repeatedly requested that USAID allow the company to compete for contracts to provide relief in Ukraine, but USAID has routinely declined.

USAID counts as an independent agency of the government that’s responsible for providing civilian foreign aid and helping development.

Legislators also have ignored CDAG’s attempts to contact them.

Davis stated, “They do not recognize me. I’m just some Black woman who wants to lend a hand. And that’s exactly what they perceive. I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t want to support a Black-owned business, but they clearly don’t.”

The American envoy to Ukraine also snubbed CDAG’s request for a meeting, despite the Ukraine Ministry of Defense having given Davis’s firm a glowing recommendation.

The Defense Ministry expressed gratitude to the United States government in a letter dated December 30, 2022, for its support during Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.

The letter addressed to Nathaniel Adler, the principal director of the U.S. Office of the Under Secretary for Policy at the Department of Defense, noted that Ukraine still requires urgent supplies, equipment, and logistical support.

Meeting such requirements would be impossible without access to necessary resources and a reliable support system, the defense minister wrote.

“Due to the intense fighting in several areas, it’s very difficult to get these materials to our troops on the front line and other locations, and there are very few companies that can accomplish this task,” the letter continued.

“CDAG International has worked with our military and has proven that they can assist the Ukrainian government to acquire critical services and facilitate many of our requirements.

CDAG has proven beneficial to our troops and had contributed to saving lives.”

The letter is only one of many testimonials to CDAG’s capabilities, according to Dwight Brown, senior managing partner for CDAG and a retired U.S. Army Sgt. Major.

“We’ve created enough housing to accommodate 3,000 people and we’ve done it in approximately eight months,” Brown said.

CDAG has focused its efforts on the western side of Ukraine, where the war’s destruction has forced many people to relocate, he said.

“There are people who left Ukraine and are trying to make their way back,” Brown noted. “We see a lot of squatters and in villages there are people with tents on the side of the road. We want people to get back inside warm structures before it gets too far into the winter there.”

The Ukraine government provided CDAG 60 acres of land, but without funding or even a token commitment from the American government, it will be difficult for the company to meet current demand.

CDAG managing partner Warwin Davis added that the firm has supplied heating, generators, and external stoves to aid Ukrainian forces.

Davis, who has managed multinational supply chains for almost three decades, insisted, “We made history over there.”

“Historically speaking, it was Carol Davis who made history,” Davis demanded.

“It’s incredible that we haven’t been able to acquire a quarter from USAID despite what we’ve shown that we can accomplish.”

CDAG hopes to meet with White House officials.

“The elephant in the room is we are a woman-owned and minority small business, and the U.S. government and USAID are giving all the dollars to the regular companies,” Brown asserted.

“We’re going not continue to ride the Office of the Secretary of Defense, USAID, and congressional offices. People with weaker constitutions than us would have thrown in the towel. That’s not us. When they tell us ‘No,’ it just means next opportunity. We’re coming to the table and not asking for special set asides, just an opportunity.”