SB American News Week Ending 5/1

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.

Stakeholders Discuss Reparations for Black Californians as State Faces Deep Budget Cuts

from left to right are Policy Pathways to Reparations moderator John Kim, left, a member of the Budget Center Board of Directors and President and CEO of Catalyst California; panelist James Woodson, center, from the California Black Power Network and African Americans and the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth (ARRT); and panelist Felicia Jones, the Director of Programs and Operations for Social Good Solutions and The Black Equity Collective. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Although California will have to make significant budget cuts to balance its budget as required by state law, Assemblymember and California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) member Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) said there are still ways to achieve reparations for Black Californians.

Currently, the budget deficit for the 2024-25 fiscal year has been projected to be as high as $73 billion.

Bryan said it will be “absolutely difficult,” but the state is still investing in other priority programs, various essential industries, oil companies, and prisons. The 32-year-old lawmaker made these observations at the California Budget and Policy Center (Budget Center) annual Policy Insights conference held April 16 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento. “(California) has the 4th or 5th largest economy in the world. There will be $300 billion coming out of California

State government,” Bryan said. “So, you can’t tell me that we don’t have the resources to foundationally begin reparations conversations or to start to make amends to start to do the repair work when we can invest in these institutions.”

The Budget Center is a nonpartisan, research and analysis nonprofit dedicated to advancing meaningful public policies that enhance the lives of Californians. It is also committed to exposing inequities in the state, budget priorities, and public policies that affect low and middle-income households, women, immigrants, American Indians, Asians, Black, Latinx, and Pacific Islander Californians.

The Budget Center’s Policy Insights 2024 conference brought together diverse stakeholders, including community advocates, government officials, nonprofits, and members of the media. The conference featured 11 workshops and plenary sessions covering topics in tax and budget policy, poverty, racial equity,

housing and homelessness, child development, and more.

During the conference’s luncheon plenary session, titled “Policy Pathways to Reparations,” discussions were centered around the topic of reparations.

The session explored courses of action for securing reparations, guided by a 2023 task force report that examined the damages endured by African Americans as a result of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and legal and illegal discriminatory practices that were a part of the country’s culture for centuries.

Bryan was joined by Felicia Jones, the Director of Programs and Operations for Social Good Solutions and The Black Equity Collective; James Woodson, from the California Black Power Network and African Americans and the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth (ARRT); and Don Tamaki, a former member of the California Reparations Task Force and Senior Counsel, Minami Tamaki

California Asm. Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), right, shares his thoughts about pathways to reparations at an event hosted by the California Budget and Policy Center in Sacramento, California, on April 16, 2024. Oakland-based attorney Don Tamaki, left, who served on the California Reparations Task Force, was also one of the panelists for the Policy Pathways to Reparations segment. CBM Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

LLP. The moderator was John Kim, a member of the Budget Center Board of Directors and President and CEO of Catalyst California. Woodson acknowledged that it would take more than members of the CLBC to pave the way toward reparations in the state. He said it would take a collective effort from people of all backgrounds to get the public and other lawmakers on board. Both Woodson and Tamaki are members of AART. The organization’s mission is to raise public awareness about reparations and to build a base of multi-racial and multi-sector supporters in the state.

CLBC members

Assemblymember Reggie JonesSawyer (D-Los Angeles) and Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) are also associated with ARRT. Both lawmakers were members of the California Reparations Task Force.

particularly in its desert regions. According to Gov. Gavin Newsom, severe flooding resulted in more than 200,000 California homes and businesses being left without power in 2023. To help families prepare for disasters, the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) has launched the Listas program. This informational campaign, featuring women from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, teaches other women how to prepare for natural disasters. The initiative includes 70 videos created to be shared online. Launched in March, Women’s History month, the campaign was promoted during a press conference hosted by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services on April 4.

Shayla Happi AmenraWarmsley, who is Black, an educator and mother of two, is featured in a Listas video talking about planning for extreme weather.

Amenra-Warmsley, said participating in a video for emergency planning made her think about what she needs to do for her family during a natural disaster. In her video, she pointed out to her daughter that cell phones won’t work in an emergency. That’s why it is important to have a list of emergency contacts.

Amenra-Warmsley also said nowadays most people don’t memorize phone numbers because everything’s saved on their phones. She said being involved in

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), Chair of the CLBC, stated in January, “While many only associate direct cash payments with reparations, the true meaning of the word, to repair, involves much more.”

Before discussions about financial payouts can take place, considering budget concerns, Wilson said that “a comprehensive approach to dismantling the legacy of slavery and systemic racism” is necessary.

Gov. Gavin Newsom presented a $291 billion spending plan to the California Legislature on Jan. 10. None of CLBC’s

“There are hearts and minds we’ve got to change outside the Legislature,” Woodson said. “From a moral standpoint but also a practical standpoint that it just can’t be about Black communities and Black people. We have to have other communities standing with us.” Several reparation bills presented by the CLBC as a whole or by separate members are working their way through the State Legislature.

package of bills is tied to direct cash payments but Bryan did ask supporters at the conference to keep the conversation going about reparations. “Don’t let the legislature or the governor off the hook,” Bryan said.

Tamaki, who is Japanese American, was the only nonBlack member of the nine-person reparations task force. He told the Policy Insights attendees that “moving the needle” in the direction of public opinion, raising awareness, and passing the CLBC bills are the next steps in the push for reparations.

“Out of 115 (reparations) proposals for repair, only a few of them deal with individual compensation. The rest have to do with policies,” said Tamaki. “For example, Black infant mortality over 10 years in San Francisco is literally five times the rate for White babies. So, these are the systematic outcomes we are familiar with that need to be addressed.”

Listas: One Black Woman Is Making California Emergency Prep Effort a Family Affair

this plan made her realize how important it is to teach loved ones about emergency planning and preparing to deal with difficult situations. This is one of the skills she teaches her students.

“I not only educate my students academically but also teach them lifelong skills of resiliency, emerging from any storm as a stronger version of themselves. Learning how to prepare for emergencies is at the heart of that,” said AmenraWarmsley.

Diana Crofts-Pelayo, assistant director of Crisis Communication & Public Affairs at CalOES, said the Listas campaign uses women as opinion leaders because they are often the drivers of information in their families. “These are women who bear

the weight of responsibility making ends meet while taking care of children or elderly parents, while the messengers are first- or second-generation women helping support their families within the unit,” said Crofts-Pelayo. The Listas campaign has conducted than 400,000 calls to motivate people to sign up for emergency weather alerts. In the videos, women share steps to prepare for an emergency such as:

· Creating a “go bag.” This would include ID documents, such as birth certificates, driver’s licenses, passports, cash, wallets and phone chargers.

· Creating a list of family phone numbers. This should be printed out, in case phones are nonfunctional because of lack of power.

· Having a family plan to meet at a different location.

“We saw that women over the age of 18, mostly in Latino, AAPI and Black communities, are the ones that would listen to our message, pass it on and actually use it during an emergency,” said

Diana

· Also, preparing for an extended stay at home. This includes having water, batteries and non-perishable foods saved.

Shown

Crofts-Pelayo, Assemblymember Stephanie

Shayla Happi Amenra, Ms. Happi, is our new Second grade teacher at Courtyard in Sacramento

Spelman College first HBCU to launch cosmetic science program

By Ariyana Griffin Special to the AFRO

offering at an HBCU. (Image by DC Studio on Freepik)

Spelman College has found a way to bridge the gap between the growing beauty industry and the creators of the products. According to the institution, research shows that Black women spent more than $7.4 billion on cosmetics and personal care products in 2022. However, Black beauty brands comprise a mere 2.5 percent of the market.

Spelman College recently launched a cosmetic science program, a first-of-its-kind offering at an HBCU. (Image by DC Studio on Freepik)

of chemistry and biochemistry and division chair for natural sciences and mathematics, in a statement. “I am equally excited that this endeavor positions us to offer a culturally relevant perspective that is needed in the conversation on black hair and skin care and the development of cosmetics.”

The curriculum, highly unique to Spelman College, was developed with an eye toward promoting careers in the beauty industry while advancing the technical knowledge that students may need to enter the field. A main goal is to also allow students to have a well-rounded perspective when it comes to developing cosmetic formulas.

science curriculum was launched in January 2023 as a certificate program for students enrolled in Spelman’s online program, eSpelman. Since, the program has grown exponentially from 150 to 750 applications as it comes up on its fourth term. That demonstrated interest in and need for the subject led to the expansion of the program for undergraduate students.

“We believe this exciting new venture will lead to many new research opportunities and collaborations with leaders in the beauty care field,” said Dr. Michelle Gaines, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Spelman. “My research is rooted in studying the surface chemical properties of curly hair. There are many students who are very interested in working on this project with me, and I’m looking forward to growing this research within the new program.”

In response to that disparity, the college has announced that they will be expanding their STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program to offer cosmetic chemistry as a concentration for chemistry majors and a minor for others. This program marks the first time cosmetic chemistry has been offered on an HBCU campus.

“This expansion of our curriculum speaks to Spelman’s innovation and commitment to giving voice that empowers Black women,” said Spelman Provost Dr. Pamela ScottJohnson. “The program will be far-reaching and will support our students and faculty in making a difference in a field that caters to Black women as consumers, fueled by the scientific expertise in this area. We are thrilled to continue this evolution of creating new academic offerings that address industry demands.”

“I am excited that we now offer a course of study that connects students’ Spelman experience to the beauty and personal care industry. The new major concentration and minor will ensure our students’ competitiveness for advanced study and careers in the field,” said Dr. Leyte Winfield, professor

The program, available to students this fall, will focus on the molecular sciences needed for product formulation and development while providing a strong fundamental understanding of the origin, structure and function of ingredients used in the cosmetics industry.

Originally, the cosmetic

To go alongside the program, the college will host a one-week Cosmetic Science Summer Lab Intensive that will focus on and highlight fundamental cosmetic formulations from June 2-8. The event will bring together Black women product developers, formulators and researchers to provide participants with informative seminars and panels. The lab will be available to eSpelman learners, Spelman students, and participants from other HBCUs based on availability. More information will be forthcoming in upcoming weeks regarding the summer program.

Howard University collaborates with Spotify to create “1619: The College Edition” podcast

By

The course that Hannah-Jones teaches at Howard University, where she is the Knight Chair in Race and Journalism, is titled after her award-winning book, “The 1619 Project.” Students who take the course and study the material are required to write an essay taking a deep dive into history on a topic they pitch and get approved.

Those essays then were developed into the student-led podcast. Three episodes were produced by students working in groups under the topics, “Principles of Drip,” “Color Theory” and “Queer Seminar.” The series allowed Howard students to “apply their own unique lens to what they learned from studying the 1619 Project and make surprising, compelling and critical connections to the ways that slavery still impacts their lives and ours,” according to a description of the podcast.

I required,” said Hannah-Jones. “I made them interview scholars, I made them find archival clips. They had to produce ambient sound. There were elements that each podcast had to incorporate.”

She said she believes each student walked away with new reporting skills and an ear for audio narrative.

Zoe Cummings, a sophomore honors journalism major and Spanish minor, said when she saw the “1619” course offering, she didn’t know what it was but she knew that she would learn and grow under Hannah- Jones. And, she took away an important lesson..

“I realized for the first time that I was learning how to be American,” she said. “I was learning how to hold my Blackness in one hand and my Americanness in another and understand that the two things aren’t that different. And professor Jones gave me that.”

was dive into the innate biases that even probably some at this school had, and talk about how those biases and those beliefs, this ideology comes from an institution of White supremacy and slavery all throughout,” said Smith.

Hannah-Jones shared that she was excited for the opportunity to partner with Spotify and give her students the opportunity to dig deeper into history and share what they’ve learned. “The podcast is based on the basic formula of the ‘1619 Project,’ which is that slavery in its legacy is shaping our society in all of the ways that we don’t think about,” said HannahJones. “I hope it leads us to ask more questions, to think deeper about the way we treat Black people, the way that we think Black Americans are, and that we have a better understanding of ourselves, and that people who aren’t Black have a better understanding of us.”

Cummings, who produced the “Principles of Drip” episode, shared that the episode was important because she originally wrote the essay it was curated from. “Drip,” in urban vernacular, refers to something or someone that is “cool,” is stylish or has a high element of “swag.” It is a quality she strongly associates with her D.C.-based campus and HBCU students in general, she said.

She explained that most of the students had no previous script writing experience, but they all were dedicated to producing something the world could learn something from. “When they came into the podcasting course, most had never written a podcast script, had never done podcast production, had never actually done the type of reporting that

“When it was time to create this into a podcast we had to bring it to the yard; we had to bring it to Howard Homecoming; we had to bring it to y’all,” said Cummings. “I don’t know about y’all, but I have never seen anyone more ‘drippy’ than a Howard University student.”

Jacob Smith, a junior television and film major with a minor in theatre arts stage management, worked on “Color Theory” as an editor. The episode takes a look at colorism in the Black community and its roots. “What we really wanted to do

“Queer Seminar,” produced by Trinity Webster-Bass, a junior honors podcast journalism major and Afro-American studies minor, is a combination of two essays: one based on discrimination against queer individuals and how it dates back to slavery; and the other on the origins of ballroom culture. The podcast highlights O’Shea Sibley, a 28-year-old queer man who was murdered after performing “voguing” –a highly stylized dance which grew out of the 1960s Harlem ballroom scene, in which dancers mimic fashion models’ poses –at a Brooklyn gas station. The students were able to interview and feature one of his best friends, who was there that tragic night. Through the trauma that lies within the community, the podcast and students also wanted to highlight its beauty.

“We wanted to show all the creativity, all the love, all the passion that exists within the Black queer community,” said Webster-Bass.

Hannah-Jones expressed that she was so excited to be able to provide resources like this to her students.

“This is why I came to a place like Howard to be able to work with students and help them get these types of resources,” she said.

“The NextGen partnership with Spotify is so important because we know that HBCUs have no lack of talent, no lack of ambition, no lack of brilliance. These students are some of the hardest working students in America,” added

creative process. Spotify gifted everyone who attended bluetooth mics to help support those who are interested or want to get into audio or content creation.

Spotify NextGen is looking forward to continuing the expansion of the program across more HBCU campuses in the future. Listeners can find the podcast on Spotify by creating a free account and searching for “1619: The College Edition.”

Hannah-Jones. “What they often lack is resources. They’re often overlooked. They don’t often have this—the type of connections to corporations. They don’t have the type of dollars to be able to, for instance, create a podcasting lab on campus or to have access to those types of courses.” The event allowed the audience to hear some clips from the episodes as well as hear from the students and their Howard University collaborates with Spotify to create “1619: The College Edition” podcast... continued

Inland Empire Black Education Congress Pushes Top Education Officials for Greater Accountability for Black Students

[San Bernardino, CA] —

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, BLU Educational Foundation is hosting its 3rd Annual Inland Empire Black Education Congress. Marked as “A gathering to create the educational goals for the Inland Empire’s Black Education Agenda and Black student success,” this convening is designed to bring the decision-makers, educators, local elected officials, state representatives, and community members, into one space to focus on identifying goals, strategies, and partnerships. The IE Black Educational Agenda has identified five priority areas to improve Black student achievement in the Inland Empire.

These priority areas are:

1. Academic Success

2. Black History

3. College & Career Success

4. Effective Teachers

5. Graduation Rates

Attending this year’s

conference will be representatives of the Ebony Triangle, such as Superintendent Miki Rene Inbody from Fontana USD; Mauricio Arellano, San Bernardino City Unified; and key representatives from Rialto Unified School District. Additionally, organizations such as Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), EdTrust-West, LAUSDBlack Student Achievement Plan. This year’s Black Education Congress will be establishing accountability measures within the Inland Empire’s communitybased organizations, local institutions, and strategic partners, who are committing to positively upholding and impacting these key educational priorities.

This event will be taking place at the San Bernardino Valley College, B-100 located at 701 S. Mount Vernon Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92410, from 8:30 am until 1:00 pm.

For more information about the BLU Educational Foundation, you can visit www. bluedfoundation.org or contact Olani LaBeaud at olabeaud@ bluedfoundation.org or call (909) 685-9995.

Spelman College recently launched a cosmetic science program, a first-of-its-kind

Professor Nikole Hannah-Jones (upper left corner) poses with students involved in producing “1619: The College Edition” podcast on Spotify. (Image courtesy Instagtram/ nikolehannahjones)

Ariyana Griffin Special to the AFRO

The cost of being a woman: A $1.6 trillion yearly wage gap

Both Frye and the Economic Policy Institute believe federal and state policymakers should do more to close the pay gap. In 2017, the Trump administration suspended an Obama-era wage gap initiative that required companies with 100 or more employees to confidentially report to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) what they pay employees, categorized by job type, sex, race and ethnicity.

States Boost Earth Day Impact with Climate Corps Expansion...continued

no doubt that New Mexicans will enthusiastically participate in Climate Corps and help make this important new White House initiative a success.”

"Climate change is already having significant impacts on Vermont and states across the nation. It's critical we continue to do our parts to combat it," said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. "We are all better off when we do this work together and it's good to join with other states who are stepping up."

“Vermont’s American Climate Corps will mobilize young

people who care deeply about the future of our planet and who are ready to take on the existential threat of climate change,” said Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. “Addressing climate change isn’t just a moral imperative –it’s good economic policy that will create millions of good jobs and transform our communities toward sustainability and energy efficiency. It is good news that Vermont will be at the forefront of this important work.”

Check with each state for fellowship application details.

2023, women earned, on average, 21.8 percent less than men, according to the Economic Policy Institute. While that’s better than 2022, where women made 22.9 percent less, it’s not necessarily because jobs are starting to pay better — and higher education and selfadvocacy only improved wages so much. The EPI found that the pay improvement is likely because men’s wages have stagnated. Research from the National Partnership for Women and Families found that women lose $1.6 trillion yearly because of the wage gap. “That’s a lot of money that we want in the pockets of women and their families,” Jocelyn Frye, president of the organization, says.

For Black, Latina, and

Indigenous women, the wage gap problem is compounded by racial and gender discrimination, along with occupational segregation. These factors not only contribute to pay disparity with White men, but also Asian women and White women. Because of the type of jobs these women work, many of which are hourly positions with little to no options for retirement savings, health insurance and other benefits, this pay discrepancy adds to the racial wealth gap for each racial and ethnic group.

Frye adds that Black and Latina mothers, in particular, are more often the primary or sole breadwinners of their families, making them the “key to economic stability for their families.”

“When you ensure that they can participate in the economy equally, then they will do better, and their families will do better,” she says. “We know that centering women of color and the economic narrative is really critical to the economic growth of our families and our nation.”

The wage gap and reproductive justice

When women enter motherhood, they are hit with the “motherhood penalty” — a unique phenomenon where women see a decline in their earnings that can last the rest of their working years. But beyond that, since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, several states have made women’s reproductive health a legislative target. So far, 14 states have banned abortions, while 11 states have gestational limits between six and 22 weeks, according to KFF.

“Many of the attacks we see, we believe, have multiple effects as we’ve seen across the board,” Frye says. “It’s not just about abortion, it’s access to IVF, access to OBGYN care writ large, it’s maternal health. All of those things affect the economic stability of families.”

Businesses could help solve the gap

The Salary Transparency Act and Pay Equity for All Act were introduced in Congress in March 2023, but there has been no movement in the year since. States like California, Maryland and New York have passed laws requiring salary ranges on job postings.

However state efforts only partially solve the pay gap issue because women could easily fall on the lower end of the salary range. Besides, some employers still ask for previous pay history, making it more challenging for women to negotiate pay that reflects their worth.

While the nation waits for legislation, business owners can help with this issue by examining and addressing how they pay women in their workplaces.

“We really have to rely on employers to do their own due diligence and to include race and gender into the analysis they do because many will say they are looking at their gender pay gap, but then won’t look deeper,” Frye says. They should “look at how they’re enforcing and ensuring they’re looking at their workforce on a regular basis to minimize inequality.”

This article was originally published by Word In Black.

States Boost Earth Day Impact with Climate Corps Expansion

Today on Earth Day, the states of Illinois, New Mexico and Vermont each announced the creation of its own state-level Climate Corps in partnership with California Volunteers, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. They join 10 states already providing volunteer and paid service opportunities to take climate action. With this announcement, state-level climate corps programs are now available in states representing a third of America’s population — a huge milestone for climate action.

These new states represent a powerful network of leaders committed to engaging more Americans in climate action. The state-level Climate Corps will engage people through a variety of activities and create job pathways for careers in sustainability. Current states that have launched statelevel Climate Corps include Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Utah and Washington. Many of these programs have already experienced early success.

Today’s announcement comes as the Biden Administration

announces thousands of new paid service positions now available through the American Climate Corps. Positions range across a number of fields including energy-efficiency, disaster response and preparedness, and wildfire mitigation. Up to 20,000 people are expected to join in the program’s first year. To learn more and apply, visit www.climatecorps.gov. While at an event last year in California, President Joe Biden expressed his optimism about Climate Corps. “When I think of climate, I think of jobs. When I think of climate, I think of innovation. When I think of climate, I think of turning peril into progress,” said President Biden. Fellows in state-based climate corps programs will earn a living stipend and, after completing a term of service, will be eligible for a scholarship to pay for college or to pay off student loans. Some participating fellows will earn up to $30,000 (prorated for those serving in a less than full-time capacity) by serving their communities. Each state will tailor the program to its specific needs and will determine additional climate activity priorities.

The state-level Climate Corps are supported through a publicprivate partnership between philanthropy and AmeriCorps. These states will work with the American Climate Corps as implementing partners to ensure participants gain new skills and earn money while serving their community.

WHAT LEADERS ARE SAYING:

“We can’t go it alone in tackling the climate crisis. With these three states launching their own Climate Corps, we’re making climate action a reality in communities representing millions of Americans. Together, we’re mobilizing and organizing citizen climate action at a scale never seen before — and now we’ll begin to see its impact

across the nation,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “Climate change is a crisis that requires coordinated action," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. "California's Climate Corps network inspires a new generation of leaders to pursue volunteer and paid opportunities in sustainability. We deeply appreciate this partnership with Governor Newsom, as our efforts are most powerful when we build coalitions."

“New Mexico is committed to doing its part to mitigate the climate crisis, and we’re proud to join in this growing, collective effort that will help protect our planet and produce new economic opportunities,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “I have

Omnitrans to Host Art @ Transit Event to Showcase Local Art, Community

(San Bernardino, CA)

Omnitrans and the city of Fontana will host an Art @ Transit event on Saturday, April 27, combining a community clean-up day at a popular transit center while recognizing local artists who have been beautifying our community by painting agency bus benches.

“Art @ Transit is a great opportunity to enhance our community by sprucing up one of our busiest Transit Centers and celebrating the artists who have done amazing work to beautify our bus benches,” said agency CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers.

The project represents the culmination of the agency’s popular Beautiful Benches

Project, a grant-funded effort (Creative Corps Inland Socal, California Arts Council) in which local artists are selected to paint bus benches utilizing local cultural and historical themes. To date, 32 benches have been painted throughout the 15 cities Omnitrans serves.

All are invited to join the agency at the Fontana Transit Center at 11:00 a.m. on the 27th to participate in a community clean-up effort, followed by a bench artwork display, artist meet & greet, live musical performances, refreshments, and connection with local art organizations from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. For further information, visit Omnitrans.org/art-transit-2024.

California Recognizes 10 More Prohousing Communities

SACRAMENTO – Governor

Gavin Newsom today announced that the cities of Berkeley, Brea, Crescent City, Fairfield, Pinole, Rancho Cucamonga, Richmond, South Lake Tahoe and West Hollywood, as well as the County of Los Angeles, have earned the state's Prohousing Designation for their efforts to encourage development of housing at all income levels. This designation comes with funding incentives and additional resources to help speed housing production. Today's announcement brings the total number of California communities designated as prohousing to 47.

WHY IT MATTERS: To meet the housing needs of all Californians, the state must plan for 2.5 million new homes by 2030, with at least one million serving the needs of lower income residents. This critical goal can only be reached if local governments actively work to implement state housing laws and follow best practices that go above and beyond the minimum requirements.

WHAT GOVERNOR NEWSOM SAID: “At nearly fifty prohousing communities, California is making progress –but we can do better. At a time when the state is facing a housing crisis, every local jurisdiction should be stepping up to earn this distinction." The Prohousing Designation Program is part of a package of incentives and accountability measures established by the 2019-20 Budget Act. By earning the Prohousing Designation, communities receive exclusive access to prohousing grants and additional points in the scoring of

competitive housing, community development, and infrastructure funding programs administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

"Too often, we are forced to play the role of enforcer when bad actors try to stand in the way of needed housing,” said Tomiquia Moss, Secretary of the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. "It is so refreshing when we have opportunities like this to recognize our housing partners, who are working to strengthen communities and improve quality of life for all."

"Earning the Prohousing Designation requires a strong, demonstrated commitment to tearing down barriers and working to create more housing, faster," said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. "I am grateful and hopeful when I see so many communities working with my team to learn what they can do to be great partners in the effort to ensure housing stability for all Californians."

California offers incentives and support to encourage communities to find creative solutions that break down barriers to much-needed housing, such as accelerated production, equitable zoning, sustainable land use, reduced development costs, and financial subsidies.

The 47 prohousing communities have shown a commitment to working proactively to minimize obstacles, accelerate housing, increase availability of affordable housing, and combat homelessness – bettering the quality of life for all Californians.

President Joe Biden, pictured with California Climate Action Corps Fellow Chiena Ty, visited Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto, California, on June 19, 2023.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. –

From left, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, alongside California Climate Action Corps Fellows, Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Edward Markey join President Biden for his Earth Day address and the unveiling of the American Climate Corps in Triangle, Virginia.

United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, right, with Fellows from the California Climate Action Corps, discuss Earth Day and the impacts of President Biden's remarks on the American Climate Corps in Triangle, Virginia

Medi-Cal Enhanced: California’s Efforts to Improve Health Services Are Paying Off

McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

Medi-Cal members have access to a variety of services that address their social, physical, and mental health needs beyond hospitals and doctors’ offices. Thanks to a two-yearold initiative launched by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

DHCS Deputy Director of Health Care Programs

Sarah Brooks stated that the department’s California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative is a program aimed at improving the lives and health of the 15 million Golden State residents who are enrolled in the state’s health insurance exchange.

“Health systems can be burdensome to navigate,” she said. “We’re working hard to revolutionize that by simplifying and broadening how members across the state access care, helping them live more independently and safely at home. We are making it easier for members to get the quality care they need.”

One in three Californians are enrolled in Medi-Cal, California’s version of the federal Medicaid program. Medi-Cal primarily covers the medical expenses of adults and children from families with low income. With the launch of CAlAIM in 2022, DHCS is transforming Medi-Cal into a comprehensive insurance program designed to improve health equity, quality of care, and well-being of users by expanding access to coordinated, wholeperson care, and addressing

health-related social needs. Brooks was one of several health officials who discussed the impact CalAIM is having on the lives of Californians during an April 11 Zoom call organized by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services.

That video conference was the first of six briefings scheduled for this month and next designed to inform Californians about how Medi-Cal is transforming health care services and ensuring that enrollees maintain their health coverage.

Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports are the two changes to Medi-Cal, according to state public health officials.

The ECM benefit, available statewide, offers comprehensive care coordination to eligible Medi-Cal enrollees with complex health needs, including the integration of social services. It is implemented by communitybased providers who have expertise and knowledge to assist individuals with severe mental, physical, or social needs, or who need assistance navigating the health care system and are too ill or impaired to do it alone. These at-risk Medi-Cal enrollees, Brooks said, include people experiencing homelessness, foster youth, pregnant women and their kids, adults at risk of being institutionalized, and people transitioning from nursing homes back into the community.

“They receive help from care

Biden and Harris Fight Back Against House Republicans’ Budget Threatening Healthcare

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

In addition to dismantling crucial consumer protections established by the ACA, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions and prohibitions against insurance company abuses, officials said the Republican budget would also convert Medicare into a “premium support” program, potentially raising premiums for millions of seniors and exacerbating prescription drug costs.

NNPA)

Resolute in their stand against the recent budget proposal by House Republicans, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are intensifying their efforts to lower healthcare costs and safeguard crucial provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid, and Medicare. In a Fact Sheet, the White House noted that Biden and Harris underscored the administration’s commitment during a visit to North Carolina, where they outlined a comprehensive strategy to make health care more affordable for all Americans.

“The draconian measures in the Republican budget, which the Republican Study Committee created and which the House Republican leadership supported, have alarmed people because they could destroy crucial health care programs,” administration officials said.

Among its provisions, the budget seeks to slash a staggering $4.5

managers no matter where they are,” Brooks said, adding that lead care managers help people navigate services like basic care, dental, mental health, long-term care, and disorder treatment. Lead care managers also arrange transportation to medical appointments and find transitional housing and other community support programs.

Community Supports are services that address Medi-Cal users’ social needs to help them live healthier lives and avoid higher cost levels of care. The program offers help finding housing and funding for housing costs such as security deposits, utility set-up fees, first and last month’s rent, and the first month of utilities. Additionally, Community Supports offers assistance with short-term, post-hospitalization housing, recuperative care, and access to medically tailored meals and other community-based services.

Brooks said the initiative was created to enhance lives.

“We know people experiencing homelessness have higher mortality rates than the general population,” she said. “They also experience more frequent and longer hospital stays.

Community Supports can help people find homes.”

Pacific Clinics Senior Clinical Director Rachelle Grant said the Medi-Cal revamp is important.

“Other states are not doing this,” she said. “Other health plans are not doing this.”

Pacific Clinics, California’s largest nonprofit behavioral health provider, aids youth and adults witch acute health and substance abuse challenges.

The organization has implemented ECM and Community Supports services

in 20 counties. Grant touted aspects of Medi-Cal transformation that have been an asset to enrollees at Pacific Clinics including a housing support program that gives $5,000 to $6,000 loans.

Grant shared the story of a patient, who she called an “EMC success story.” The man had previously been hospitalized due to mental health problems. He had a brain injury, was homeless and was dealing with substance use disorder.

A lead care manager assessed the man’s situation and put him on a treatment plan that included a place to reside, therapy, psychiatry sessions, and transportation to those appointments.

“Now, he is engaging in so many amazing activities,” Grant stated. “He is going on daily walks, playing pickleball. He is having positive relationships with caregivers. It is amazing the transformation we have seen through our work together.” Angelica Rodriguez, program manager at Umma Community Clinic, which provides health services to Black and Latino people in South Central Los Angeles, said the clinic is looking forward to integrating the CalAIM initiatives.

“There are so many ways we can fall through the cracks,” she said. “Some can’t afford to take time off work when health centers are open nine to five on weekdays. Others can’t seek care due to language or cultural barriers or have to take multiple buses to get to the closest clinic. Some can’t afford nutritious foods to help them stay healthy. Now, we can address these issues beyond the clinic walls.”

“I’m excited to witness this transformation to provide community support,’ Rodriquez added.

Read the E-Edition of The San Bernardino American News @ sb-american.com

Biden and Harris Fight Back Against House Republicans’ Budget Threatening Healthcare...continued

in diminished care quality and longer waitlists for essential services.

In addition to dismantling crucial consumer protections established by the ACA, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions and prohibitions against insurance company abuses, officials said the Republican budget would also convert Medicare into a “premium support” program, potentially raising premiums for millions of seniors and exacerbating prescription drug costs.

trillion from the ACA, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, potentially leaving millions of Americans without access to essential health coverage.

Key aspects of the Republican budget include eliminating funding for the ACA’s Marketplace and Medicaid expansion, jeopardizing coverage for over 45 million individuals.

Furthermore, the proposed transformation of Medicaid into block grants “could imperil the health care of an additional 60 million Americans, leading to increased difficulty in qualifying for coverage and potential cuts to critical benefits,” officials argued.

The budget threatens the wellbeing of seniors and individuals with disabilities by proposing cuts to Medicaid home care services and nursing home payments, which could result

“Contrary to this regressive agenda, President Biden and Vice President Harris are staunch advocates for expanding access to affordable health care,” officials asserted. “Under their leadership, a record-breaking 21 million Americans have enrolled in ACA coverage this year, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to extend health care to more citizens.”

The White House argued that the administration’s initiatives have yielded tangible benefits, including average annual savings of $800 per individual on health insurance premiums. They claimed that the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which Biden championed, has given Medicare the authority to negotiate lower prescription drug costs, ensuring that seniors and people with disabilities can access affordable medications.

Biden and Harris insisted they are committed to further lowering

Racial Bias Uncovered in Kidney Transplantation System: Thousands of Black Patients Prioritized After Years of Waiting

Five years ago, Arlette Ebanks experienced severe kidney pain that she believed suggested a criminal need for a transplant. Her doctors disagreed, but the 52-year-old Northeast, D.C., resident, and mother of two who worked for the Department of Transportation for more than half of her life until her deteriorating health landed her on permanent disability, had grown ever more anxious as health care providers attempted various measures of maintenance.

Recently, physicians at George Washington University Hospital told Ebanks that she should have been on the transplant list, and understandably, Ebanks wondered why previous doctors hadn’t done so. Now, Ebanks knows why. “All this time, all this stress and worry, was all because I’m Black,” Ebanks stated with intense incredulity in an interview with the Washington Informer.

At issue is a once widely used test that overestimated how well Black people’s kidneys were functioning, making them look healthier than they really were. An automated formula calculated results for Black and non-Black patients that were far different from those of others, delaying organ failure diagnosis and, ultimately, proper evaluation for a kidney transplant.

The disparity only exacerbated existing inequities, with Black patients being more susceptible to needing a new kidney but less likely to receive one. “On the one hand,” Ebanks remarked, “I have not only been put on the waiting list, but moved up to where I am now more confident that I will get a new kidney. On the other hand, it’s infuriating that we keep seeing how racism in medicine, bias in healthcare, is causing unnecessary pain and suffering among African Americans.”

healthcare costs and enhancing coverage for all Americans. Their proposed measures include: Making premium tax credits permanent.

Expanding Medicaid coverage in states that have not adopted the expansion. Investing in home care services to address waitlists for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

White House officials said the president and vice president’s agenda prioritizes mental health care access, consumer protection against surprise medical bills, and crackdowns on unwarranted fees in health care services. By advocating for Medicare to negotiate drug prices for at least 50 drugs annually and capping out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, the administration aims to alleviate financial burdens on individuals while safeguarding the integrity of health care programs.

In contrast to the Republican budget’s assault on health care, officials asserted that Biden and Harris remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting and strengthening vital healthcare programs for future generations. “By ensuring that the wealthy contribute their fair share and dedicating savings from Medicare reforms to the program’s sustainability, they seek to uphold the fundamental right to accessible and affordable health care for all Americans,” officials said.

The U.S. organ transplant network has now ordered hospitals and care facilities to use race-neutral test results only when adding new patients to the kidney transplant waiting list. Further, the National Kidney Foundation and the American Society of Nephrology told laboratories to transition to race-neutral equations when calculating kidney function.

The policy shift has led to major adjustments, and between January 2023 and midMarch 2024, over 14,300 Black candidates had their wait times recalibrated, resulting in more than 2,800 successful transplants, including Ebanks.

Dr. Nwamaka Eneanya, an assistant professor at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, emphasized the detrimental impact of race-based equations on clinical decisions, particularly in assessing renal function.

Dr. Eneanya, a vocal advocate for removing race from medical equations, highlighted the lack of biological differences between races and the inherent flaws in using race-based multipliers. She told her university’s newspaper that, despite mounting evidence, many clinicians continue to rely on these outdated practices, perpetuating harm to Black patients.

“Human genome studies have shown there are no inherent biological differences between races,” Dr. Eneanya stated. “Those studies reporting that Black people had greater muscle mass were flawed, but no one questioned them.”

As the director of Health Equity, Anti-Racism, and Community Engagement at Penn Medicine, Dr. Eneanya spearheads internal initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within the Renal Electrolyte and Hypertension Division. Additionally, she is actively involved in community outreach programs to address racial disparities in kidney disease awareness and screening.

“Not everyone approaches medicine with a health equity lens. Many clinicians are not aware of existing disparities — how Black patients do not get referred to nephrology as early as white patients and do not have sufficient access to transplant [procedures],” she asserted. “In medicine, the tendency is to say, ‘This is what a study showed, so this is what we should do,’ focusing on biomarkers and statistical tests without examining issues of ethics or health equity.”

Dr. Eneanya noted that the revelation of racial bias within the kidney transplantation system underscores the pressing need for reformative measures to ensure equitable healthcare access for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity.

“I sit on a joint American Society of Nephrology-National Kidney Foundation task force that is revising formal eGFR reporting guidelines to exclude racial bias,” Dr. Eneanya stated. “Many physicians across the country, including some at Penn, have stopped using the race multiplier already. And while the eGFR is a frontline test for kidney function, there are other tests that don’t incorporate race. When there is any doubt about the accuracy of an eGFR score, other confirmatory tests that do not use race should be performed.”

CDFW Warns Dog Owners to Be Mindful of Salmon Poisoning Disease

Dog owners in California are reminded to take precautions to protect their pets from Salmon Poisoning Disease.

Salmon Poisoning Disease is a potentially fatal condition seen only in dogs after they eat certain types of raw or cold smoked fish like trout and salmon that are infected with a bacteria-like organism, Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which is transmitted by the parasitic flatworm (or “fluke”)

Nanophyetes salmincola.

Nanophyetes salmincola occurs naturally in waters of

northern California and most of the north state can be considered the native range for the fluke. But dogs throughout the state are susceptible. Dog owners are advised to be cautious and to keep their dogs away from salmon, steelhead, trout and other freshwater fish carcasses. The parasite cannot survive in cooked fish, is not harmful to humans and does not affect pets other than dogs.

If your dog has eaten or is suspected of eating raw

(Photo: iStockphoto /

Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA By Stacy M. Brown | National Newspaper Publishers Association

How Are We Doing Toward That Goal?

By BlackPress of America

W. Steven Barnett, Ph.D., senior co-director, and founder, National Institute for Early Education Research

Despite strides in preschool enrollment across the country, access to quality early education remains inequitable and heavily skewed by geography, according to our new National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) analysis. State-by-state disparities in preschool access, quality, and funding are widening each year as some states take leaps forward while others still do not have a program. How each state chooses to move forward—and whether the federal government helps—will determine how much real progress is made in helping America’s three- and four-yearolds access quality preschool. NIEER just released its 2023 State of Preschool Yearbook, which annually tracks statefunded preschool enrollment, funding, and quality across states. This year’s report shows that during the 2022-2023 school year states enrolled over 1.63 million children in preschool, marking a 7% surge compared to the preceding year. Preschool enrollment reached 35% of fouryear-olds and 7% of three-yearolds, with state expenditures reaching $11.73 billion, an 11% increase from 2021-2022 when adjusted for inflation.

Despite progress, most states still need to catch up to their pre-pandemic level of preschool enrollment. We believe the research is crystal clear that children who attend high-quality preschools are better prepared when they enter kindergarten, laying a foundation for later success. However, programs must be high quality to deliver those results, and in 2024, states are more uneven than ever in their preschool funding and quality standards. Every family should have the opportunity to enroll their threeand four-year-olds in a quality pre-k program, no matter where they live or their economic situation. We encourage state and federal leaders to help families gain access to high-quality, full day, adequately funded early learning opportunities that will help children develop and parents earn a living. Our new report finds that state-funded preschool programs have bounced back unevenly from the COVID-19 Pandemic. A record number of 16 states plus the District of Columbia are now committed to universal preschool, yet most of those states are far from reaching that goal. A key question for the future is whether states will increase investments enough to keep promises regarding program expansion and quality, including adequate pay for the workforce. Across states, spending ranges from more than $16,000 per child to barely $2,000 per child. Only five states met all ten research-based minimum quality benchmarks recommended by NIEER (Alabama, Hawaii, Michigan, Mississippi, and Rhode Island). More than

Funding to address Fruit Fly Infestation

Celebrated by Assemblymember Reyes

(Sacramento, CA) — Earlier this week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation reflecting an early action budget agreement. In addition to taking a major step forward in addressing the state’s budget short fall, this action provided $22.1 million to address fruit fly infestations across the state. On March 8th, Reyes and a bipartisan group of legislative colleagues submitted a letter highlighting the emergency need for this funding locally.

twice as many children attend preschool programs meeting fewer than half of NIEER’s quality standards benchmarks than programs meeting nine or 10. Legislators in several states are currently considering pre-k funding increases for the next fiscal year, including major proposals in Massachusetts and Michigan and a New Hampshire bill that would create a statefunded preschool program in that state.

Last month, Georgia state lawmakers approved a nearly $100 million package to make critical quality improvements while expanding the state’s lottery-funded pre-k program, including salary parity for pre-k lead and assistant teachers with K-12; capping class size at 20 children; and increasing classroom start-up grants. Our new report calls on the federal government to offer states financial incentives to support high-quality preschool education. Over the last 21 years, NIEER’s State of Preschool publications have found that red and blue states alike are increasingly prioritizing preschool yet struggling to pay for it. Given the long-term return on investment of quality preschool, helping states pay for quality preschool expansion should be an area of bipartisan consensus in Congress.

NIEER estimates an additional $30 billion could allow states to provide a quality full schoolday preschool program to all four-year-olds. If the federal government increased support for preschool education to the states by just $1.5 billion per year over the next ten years, the federal government would cover half that cost in 10 years. “With the pandemic in the rearview, it’s time for state and federal leaders to choose whether and how they are going to support highquality preschool,” said Allison Friedman-Krauss, Ph.D., the report’s lead author. “Will this be the turning point needed for the country to make real progress towards high-quality universal preschool? Will programs serve both three- and four-year-olds? Will investments be enough to ensure that programs are effective? Will states support an equitable mixed-delivery model for preschool incorporating both existing childcare programs and public schools? How will states recruit, support, and retain preschool teachers? These decisions will impact millions of children for years to come.”

W. Steven Barnett, Ph.D., is the senior co-director and founder of the National Institute for Early Education Research (www.nieer. org). His work primarily focuses on public policies regarding early childhood education, childcare, and child development. Barnett earned his Ph.D. in economics at the University of Michigan and has authored or co-authored more than 300 publications.

“I applaud Speaker Rivas, Pro Tem McGuire, and Governor Newsom for taking early action to address our fiscal challenges while still understanding the emergency we are experiencing locally to our agricultural economy. I want to thank my colleagues, the agriculture industry, and other stakeholders for making clear that this funding was a priority. I look forward to working with members of the Inland Empire Caucus to continue to address this critical issue.”

“We are deeply appreciative to Governor Newsom and our legislative leaders for allocating $22.1 million to combat the severe pest outbreak endangering California’s citrus industry. This essential funding is pivotal in

addressing the unprecedented fruit fly infestations that threaten our communities, homeowners, and agricultural livelihoods” said Casey Creamer, President of California Citrus Mutual. “With ongoing collaboration, we are confident in our collective ability to eradicate this pest and to implement the robust prevention strategies outlined in Assembly Majority Leader Emerita's bill, AB 2827. Together, we are committed to preserving the future of our citrus heritage, ensuring the prosperity of our growers, and protecting the health of our communities.”

The California Department of Food and Agriculture will facilitate the $22.1 million appropriated through early budget action for the purpose of responding to infestation of exotic fruit flies across California.

Locally, in San Bernardino and Riverside County alone, over 554 square miles have been quarantined due to impact of the exotic fruit fly. In addition to this effort, Assemblymember Reyes has authored AB 2827, which requires the state to detect and eradicate invasive species that negatively affect agriculture here in California.

CDFW Warns Dog Owners to Be Mindful of Salmon Poisoning Disease...continued from

fish, watch for signs of the disease. Symptoms are similar to distemper and may include some or all of the following: a rise in body temperature, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness and/or rapid weight loss. If signs of the disease appear, promptly take your dog to a veterinarian. Salmon Poisoning Disease is treatable if caught in time. If untreated, death usually occurs within two weeks of eating the infected fish. Without treatment, 90 percent of dogs showing symptoms die.

page 4

While all fish caught or originating from streams in California could potentially be infected, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) cautions that trout stocked in some waters in CDFW’s North Central Region are more likely to be infected with the flukes that cause Salmon Poisoning Disease. Weekly fish stocking information is publicly available at CDFW’s Fish Planting Schedule web page.

NFPA Announces New Resources and Guidelines to Better Educate Consumers about Safe Electrical Vehicle Charging at Home

NFPA News

April 23, 2024 – As electric vehicles (EV) enter our roadways, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has introduced a series of free resources, guidelines, and information to help raise awareness about EV fires and safe EV charging practices at home.

According to the International Energy Agency, global sales of electric vehicles exceeded 10 million in 2022 and are expected to grow in the coming years. At the same time, consumer concerns about the fire safety risk of EVs are increasing. Lithiumion batteries, the most widely used and reliable source of energy for electric vehicles, are central to questions about safety.

“It is widely known that electric vehicles provide environmental and cost-effective benefits,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “However, as fires involving EVs are reported in the news, concerns about the risks they pose persist. Through advocacy efforts that highlight our new online resources and information, NFPA is working to better educate the public about the risks associated with EVs and other devices that use lithium-ion batteries, along with ways to use them safely.”

The new online resources from NFPA feature more detailed information about lithium-ion batteries, EV maintenance, and

what tips consumers can follow to stay safe when charging their electric vehicle at home. Resources for safety educators and consumers, including a safety tip sheet and social media cards, are all free and downloadable. A free training course is also available to the public that helps address some of the common concerns and myths about owning an electrical vehicle, including safety features, charge types, and battery life.

NFPA recommends these tips when charging electric vehicles at home to help prevent fires:

Before charging an electric vehicle at home, have a qualified electrician check your electrical system to see if it can handle charging.

Install charging equipment in safe locations. Keep away from busy areas and things that could catch fire.

Use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Read and follow all manufacturer directions.

Check chargers and cords for damage before using. Never use if damaged. Do not use more than one plug or extension cords with the charger.

Keep charging items out of reach of children and animals when not in use.

Cover charging station outlet to keep water out.

NFPA Announces New Resources and Guidelines to Better Educate Consumers about Safe Electrical Vehicle Charging at Home...continued

Learn more about electric vehicle fire safety, find training information, and download the free safety tip sheet at nfpa.org/ evsafetyinfo. About the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)

Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global, self-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related

hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/ freeaccess.

Multi-talented Emmy® Award-Winning

Host & Actress Tamera MowryHousley Set to Receive Trailblazer Award at A Pink Pump Affair

Special Needs Network (SNN)

SOURCE: Special Needs Network (SNN)

LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Multiaward-winning Civil Rights Attorney and Child Advocate, Areva Martin, in collaboration with the Special Needs Network (SNN), has revealed the distinguished honorees for the 16th Annual A Pink Pump Affair. This noteworthy charity event is scheduled for Sunday, May 19th, 2024, at 11:30 AM, at the esteemed Beverly Wilshire Hotel, A Four Seasons. The event celebrates exceptional individuals who have contributed significantly to their respective fields and communities.

Special Needs Network (SNN) was founded by media personality and civil rights attorney Areva Martin, Esq. in 2005 after she was met with obstacles in accessing necessary services for her son, Marty, who was diagnosed with autism at two years old. SNN is one of the nation’s leading social justice, autism, and disability rights organizations.

Renowned national broadcast news anchor Pat Harvey from CBS 2 & KCAL 9 News is all set to host an inspiring afternoon that will bring out generosity in everyone. The event will include a silent auction, which will be hosted by award-winning comedian and actress Kym Whitley. In addition, Summer Colony Living will present a live fashion show. SNN has added celebrity presenters to the program, and their names will be announced soon. We are delighted to acknowledge these outstanding leaders and advocates who have significantly impacted their respective fields and communities," said Areva Martin, Founder and President of Special Needs Network. "Their unwavering commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and empowerment is genuinely inspiring. We are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to celebrate their achievements at the 16th Annual A Pink Pump

Affair.

Tamera Mowry-Housley, a multi-talented Emmy Awardwinning host, author, actress, producer, and entrepreneur, has been named the recipient of this year's Trailblazer Award for her outstanding contributions to promoting women's health and wellness. In addition to her successful acting career, Tamera has utilized her platform to advocate for inclusivity and empowerment within her community. This prestigious award is given to those who set an example by taking action and inspiring change, particularly in areas that foster inclusivity, equality, and empowerment for underrepresented groups.

"I feel incredibly blessed and honored to have been considered for the 'Trailblazer Award.' It's hard for me to believe I've been pursuing my passion for more than 30 years now! While there have been some challenging times throughout my career, I'm grateful that most of my experiences have been positive. All these experiences have helped shape who I am today, and I couldn't have done it without the amazing support and love I've received. I'm forever grateful for this journey," said Tamera Mowry-Housley.

Alva Adams-Mason, Director of Multicultural Business Alliances at Toyota, will receive the Game Change Award for her outstanding work promoting diversity in the automotive industry.

Diversity isn't just about representation; it's about creating opportunities for everyone," said Alva Adams-Mason. "Embracing different perspectives and voices can drive innovation forward.

Cristy Romero will be presented with the Self-Advocate Award for her courageous leadership in advocacy for disability rights. This award emphasizes the significance of self-advocacy to attain greater independence, equality, and recognition, inspiring others to

speak up and assert their rights and needs.

"Inclusion is not just a goal; it is a necessity," said Cristy Romero. "We all deserve access to the resources that help us thrive independently."

Entrepreneur and autism selfadvocate Michael Jett will be honored with The Areva Martin Everyday Advocate Award for his 15 years of retail innovation expertise within the Consumer Packaged Goods category. His work extends to collaborating with corporate executives and suppliers to implement advertising inventory and commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

"As the Founder of Yack Shack Group, we're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and products in the retail landscape," said Michael Jett. "I proudly identify with the special needs community without shame or reservation."

Past honorees include Vice President Kamala Harris and award-winning actresses Niecy Nash, Angela Bassett, Jenifer Lewis, Loretta Devine, Holly Robinson Peete, and many more.

A Pink Pump Affair is presented by Toyota and sponsored by US Bank, The Lakers Foundation, Walmart, LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, and Bella Vida Magazine as the official magazine sponsor.

All A Pink Pump Affair proceeds will support the recently established Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (C.A.D.D.). The center is situated on the site of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, a significant establishment. SNN is delighted to have a central location where it can bring all of its programs and services under one roof, thereby enhancing the focus of its work in the South Los Angeles community. For more information about the event, visit https://snnla. org/a-pink-pump-affair/.

At My High School the Library Is for Everything but Books

By Jeannine Chiang

school moved the College and Career Center into the library last year. This year, the school is removing books that have not been checked out for over a decade.

No one is reading a book.

According to school records, around 50 books were checked out by students in the fall semester. In response, the administration has decided to take a different approach to the building, rebranding it as a student union, a communal space for students to interact and complete schoolwork.

As part of this transition, the

While school officials say the change is meant to cater to current student needs and interests, it also feels like a capitulation to the fact that students of my generation simply don’t read as much anymore, or at least they’re not reading books. A recent survey found that nearly 50% of American adults read zero books in 2023. Another survey by Gallup in 2022 found a similar decline in reading among young adults though not as severe as older age groups. “I don’t really read any books outside of what’s assigned in

my English class,” says student Dora Yang, adding, “I feel like many high schoolers don’t have that extra free time to read for enjoyment.”

And Yang isn’t alone. Burlingame High School Librarian Rebecca Velasco says she’s only seen “about ten students” check a book out since January 2024.

“The numbers are pretty low. We have gone through our books and gotten rid of the books that kids just weren’t checking out or are severely outdated. I could probably count on both hands the kids that came to check out books just for reading on their own time,” Velasco said.

All of this is happening as, across the country, states are fighting over what books students should or shouldn’t read. According to PEN America, 1,477 individual books were banned, affecting 874 unique titles, in the 2022-2023 school year. Bans were most prevalent in Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, and South Carolina.

And yet, I’m not sure anyone would even notice if a book were banned at my school. Most students seem to spend their time surfing social media instead of diving into a novel. Revamping the library, basically stripping it of its books, would simply

“Oh,

Foolish Virgins!”

By Lou K. Coleman Lou K. Coleman

Why? Why would you delay? You know one of the most tragic phrases in the English language is “too late.” It indicates something that once held promise now is without hope. Listen, I cannot tell you when the door will shut, only that it will shut one day. I cannot tell you who will be allowed into the kingdom of heaven, only that Jesus is the gatekeeper. And according to the gatekeeper’s own testimony, there will be those who will be left outside, the foolish ones, the ones who were invited but rejected the invitation or were so negligent

and casual about the invitation they failed to prepare properly for it. Oh, foolish virgin. Don’t you know that the most important thing a person can do in this life is to get prepared for the next. To get ready to meet God. It’s your responsibility to do because one day you will stand face to face with Christ either by death; [Hebrews 9:27] or by rapture; [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17] and you want to be ready because once the master of the house gets up and closes the door, you’ll stand outside knocking and pleading, Lord, Lord, open the door for us. But “He will answer,” I don’t know you or where you come from.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late! For when the Lord comes again, the time for salvation is gone! Be ready… this is the basic message of the parable. Oh, Foolish Virgins!

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1200

Into the Fray

Sharon R. Fennema

reinforce this trend.

“I think with Google being so prominent now, kids don’t come into the library to do research anymore because your research is essentially at your fingertips,” Velasco explained. But, she continued, “I still think it is crucial and super important to get kids in here, even if it’s just checking out novels and books on their own. The benefit of a physical book is huge, and we need to keep that going.” Velasco is part of a shrinking number of trained school librarians nationally and in California where, according to the data, there is only one trained teacher librarian for every 9,667 students, well below the recommended ratio of 1 per 785 students.

And, according to the California Department of Education’s own findings, schools with a robust library program tend to outperform schools without such resources. Beyond providing access to books, libraries are places where students can learn to find information from a variety of sources, they can learn to evaluate the credibility of those sources, and they can hone their critical thinking skills as they

A few weeks ago, I sat in a Zoom room with about a dozen UCC pastors and lay leaders from across the country who have been actively engaged in the denomination’s efforts to move toward racial justice. We had gathered for an ad hoc conversation about how churches were making connections between their antiracism practices and responding to the genocidal violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over and over again, I heard people talk about their communities feeling both frozen by their fear of doing or saying something that would be hurtful or contentious, and overwhelmed by the complexities of the history and context of conflict in Palestine and Israel. One pastor said, “My people are so afraid of being accused of being antisemitic that they are even finding it hard to lift up prayers for Palestinians.” Another person, citing their community’s dedication to interfaith relationships commented, “I think we are trying to stay above the fray by promoting general calls for peace in the region.” While everyone agreed that our faith, our values, and our commitments as a denomination required a response to the death, destruction, and inhumane treatment being experienced by Palestinians, in practice, people were feeling literally immobilized.

Hearing the phrase, “above the fray” got me thinking about one of my favorite episodes in the gospel of Luke: the story of Zacchaeus. Here, the wealthy tax collector Zacchaeus, a person who has benefitted from the exploitation of his neighbors, is still drawn in by the ministry of Jesus. For some reason, Jesus’ message of good news for the poor and freedom for the oppressed compelled this person of privilege to seek out Jesus. But, because of the crowd and his short stature, Zacchaeus had to climb a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus as he passed by. He literally tried to get “above the fray” in his efforts to encounter the love and justice embodied by Jesus. But Jesus calls him back down, into the fray. It’s as if Jesus was saying to Zacchaeus, “if you’re really going to see me, you’re going to have to come down into the streets, into the midst of all this complexity and conflict, and figure out how you show up in loving and just ways.” I wonder if these six months of bearing witness to such horrific violence in Gaza is calling all of us, like Jesus did for Zacchaeus, to come

down into the fray and discover what it means to set a table for justice in the midst of our complicity in this violence. What would it look like for us to let this conflict, complexity, and fear mobilize us toward solidarity, instead of immobilizing us?

For example, what if we leaned into the fear of appearing antisemitic and let it motivate us to seriously explore the ways in which our Christian stories and practices contribute to antisemitic ideas and actions? Our desire to act justly with regards to our Jewish siblings could call us to understand more deeply the Christian roots of antisemitism and its connections to racism, white supremacy, and Christian nationalism. Instead of operating from hope not to offend, this moment could be an invitation to come down into the fray and work to more actively and effectively counter antisemitism even as we learn to distinguish antisemitism from antizionism and ensure that our critiques of the state of Israel aren’t relying on, reinscribing, or purveying antisemitic themes and ideas.

Or what if our dedication to interfaith relationships led us to ask more questions about Christian Zionism and its role in decades of violence and occupation in Israel and Palestine? This moment could be an invitation to come down into the fray and recognize our own complicity in Israeli apartheid.

Or what if our desire for peace compelled us to delve more deeply into the complex intersections of racism, Zionism, and white nationalism? This moment could be an invitation to come down into the fray and discover visions for collective liberation that center on the full humanity, dignity, and flourishing of our siblings who are targets of racialized violence, from Minneapolis and Ferguson to Gaza and the West Bank.

In the end, Zacchaeus came down and met Jesus in the fray. Not only that, he offered hospitality and made commitments to reparations and living a transformed life. May we, too, hear the voice of Jesus inviting us to come down into the fray of this moment so that we might more deeply and actively engage in creating a world where conflict calls us into meaningful relationship and deeper understanding as we build a world where all can flourish.

With a base of over 1.3 million members, HBCU Connect is the largest network of students, alumni, and supporters of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) in North America. Founded in 2012, the DCHBCUAA, Inc. is a 501c (3) non-profit communitybased organization made up of over 60 HBCUs and auxiliary organizations reaching over 250 thousand alumni and supporters in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. The historic event kicks off on June 28th and runs through June 29th,

event/sponsors

About HBCU Connect