SB American News Week Ending 7/12

Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them and these will continue till they have resisted either with words or blows or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance those of whom they suppress.

—Fredrick Douglass (1849)

Civil Rights Leaders Express Disappointment and Anger as Supreme Court Strikes Down Affirmative Action

By Sunita Sohrabji

In writing his opinion for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts left some wiggle room, noting that students could write in their college application essays how racial bias has impacted their lives.

16th Annual Rich States Poor States Report Offers Hope from Policies that Create Opportunity for All

By Dr. Alveda King and Jonathan Williams

In an expected decision, the Supreme Court June 29 struck down affirmative action for college admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, saying the practice violated the Constitution’s 14th Amendment by discriminating against white and Asian American students.

But several Asian American organizations, as well as Black and Latino civil rights groups, condemned the decision, immediately mobilizing protests on the steps of the Supreme Court and holding press conferences throughout the day.

And the two Black justices on the Supreme Court, Clarence Thomas and Ketanji Brown Jackson, went head to head with opposing decisions. Jackson recused herself from the Harvard case citing a conflict of interest, but did weigh in on the UNC case. Colorblind?

Thomas argued that the Constitution aims to be colorblind. “Even in the segregated South where I grew up, individuals were not the sum of their skin color. Then as now, not all disparities are based on race,” he said.

“It is no small irony that the judgment the majority hands down today will forestall the end of race-based disparities in this country, making the colorblind world the majority wistfully touts much more difficult to accomplish,” Jackson countered.

“(This decision) will delay the day that every American has an equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of race,” she said, noting that it will only widen socio-economic gaps between white and Black people.

Chief Justice John Roberts, who wrote the majority opinion, left a bit of wiggle room. “Nothing in this opinion should

be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise,” he wrote. Some legal analysts have interpreted Roberts’ statement as saying applicants could write in their college essays about how racial bias has impacted their lives, but conceded that this part of the ruling is murky, and will require interpretation.

Students for Fair Admissions

The case was brought about by Students for Fair Admissions, which cheered the Supreme Court decision. Edward Blum, founder and president of Students for Fair Admissions, said in a statement:

“The opinion issued today by the United States Supreme Court marks the beginning of the restoration of the colorblind legal covenant that binds together our multi-racial, multi-ethnic nation.”

“The polarizing, stigmatizing and unfair jurisprudence that allowed colleges and universities to use a student’s race and ethnicity as a factor to admit or reject them has been overruled. Ending racial preferences in college admissions is an outcome that the vast majority of all races and ethnicities will celebrate,” said Blum.

Equal Opportunity

Asian Americans Advancing Justice — Advancing Justice — denounced the decision as an attack on civil rights. “We are outraged that the Supreme Court has chosen to ignore longstanding legal precedent in favor of supporting racial inequity that harms all people of color, including Asian Americans,” said John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Advancing Justice – AAJC.

“But we are more committed

than ever to ensuring equal opportunity for our children – and for all children in this country. We will not let this court decision keep us from pushing colleges and universities, Congress, and others to keep today’s ruling from undermining the progress made toward educating future multiracial, talented leaders who deserve every opportunity to reach their highest potential on campuses that reflect the diversity of America,” he said.

‘Extremist Minority’

The NAACP also condemned the ruling. “Today the Supreme Court has bowed to the personally held beliefs of an extremist minority. We will not allow hate-inspired people in power to turn back the clock and undermine our hard-won victories. The tricks of America’s dark past will not be tolerated,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.

“Affirmative action exists because we cannot rely on colleges, universities, and employers to enact admissions and hiring practices that embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. Race plays an undeniable role in shaping the identities of and quality of life for Black Americans. In a society still scarred by the wounds of racial disparities, the Supreme Court has displayed a willful ignorance of our reality,” said Johnson.

Barriers to Higher Education Aarti Kohli, Executive Director of Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus, agreed that the Supreme Court had overlooked the long history and present-day reality of denying Black students equal access to education.

“Racism and anti-Blackness are inescapable in our country, and race-conscious admissions

are a crucial tool in expanding opportunities for students of color that reckons with those realities,” said Kohli, noting that the decision will also particularly harm Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and Southeast Asian communities who “continue to face significant barriers to higher education.”

“At a moment when our country is increasingly segregated and there are significant gaps in resources for majority minority schools, we call on Congress, our local elected leaders, and universities to do everything in their power to implement solutions we really need for economic equity and racial justice in our nation,” said Kohli.

MALDEF The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund said it has long supported raceconscious policies, including affirmative action, “as necessary to address a legacy of racial discrimination and exclusion in higher education.”

“Unfortunately, as expected, a backward- thinking conservative Supreme Court majority today reversed nearly half a century of precedent because of their limited consideration of race,” said MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas Saenz.

The civil rights leader called for communities and policy makers to “root out systemic and ongoing inequities in the K-12 pipeline, as well as deep research to identify and modify or eliminate all admissions criteria with a demonstrated and unjustified bias and discriminatory effect on students of color, including Latinos, the nation’s largest minority community in the student population.”

While discussing his motivation for lowering state income taxes, Mississippi Speaker of the House Philip Gunn explained, "There is just no downside to putting money back into the pockets of people."

It’s hard to argue with that.

Despite the gridlock in our Nation’s Capital, there is hope across the 50 states for policies that create opportunity for all. The annual report, Rich States, Poor States, includes many examples of states that are getting it right.

For 16 years, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has partnered with famed economists Dr. Arthur Laffer and Stephen Moore to produce Rich States, Poor States, an in-depth analysis of each state's economic outlook and performance. The study is a compelling resource for elected leaders deciding whether to embrace policies that increase the size of government or policies that encourage job creation and allow people to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks.

As the nation's largest nonpartisan organization of state legislators dedicated to limited government, free markets, and federalism, ALEC understands and celebrates the role state legislators play when it comes to improving the economic outcomes in their states.

But policymakers are not alone in understanding the value of the report. Entrepreneurs and job creators, for example, regularly use the analysis to identify which states offer the best foundation when starting or moving a business.

Thanks to a pro-taxpayer approach to policymaking, Utah takes the number one ranking in economic outlook for the 16th straight year, with North Carolina and Arizona rounding out the leaderboard for second and third, respectively. All three states boast flat personal income taxes, with rates lower than most states and a recent track record of aggressively reducing tax burdens. As a result, their economies and populations are growing.

Three of the most improved states in the latest rankings were Kentucky, Virginia and Mississippi. Kentucky improved seven spots to 27th overall thanks to its switch to a flat personal income tax in 2019 and commitment to cutting rates in recent years. Virginia is in the midst of an economic comeback, cutting taxes in the 2022 legislative session and climbing an impressive six spots

to 18th overall for economic outlook. Under the leadership of Speaker Philip Gunn, Mississippi improved five spots, after passing a flat tax and enacting the largest tax cuts in state history last year.

It comes as no surprise that New York, with its crippling tax rates, overspending, and burdensome regulations, once again claims the dubious distinction of ranking dead last.

Rich States, Poor States notes that the Empire State lost more than 1.7 million residents in the past decade – and more than 300,000 in the past year alone.

New York is joined near the bottom of the rankings by states like California, Illinois and New Jersey that have also experienced a population exodus in recent years. It’s no coincidence that those states impose some of the highest income and property taxes on their residents and regularly rank at the bottom of Rich States, Poor States. Bad policy decisions have consequences.

As report co-author Stephen Moore said, "The action in America is the state capitols. A freedom movement has been unleashed because of Rich States, Poor States. And states are seeing the migration of people, jobs and capital when they get it right."

Let’s hope this movement continues to spread across the states – our 50 laboratories of democracy. While the tax-andspend crowd in Washington, DC pushes bigger government, states that promote economic growth through lower taxes, responsible budgeting, and pro-worker policies will continue to thrive.

Through Alveda King Ministries, Dr. Alveda King shares a message of truth and unity: We are one blood and one human race. Economic freedom, religious freedom and educational freedom will flourish when we accept this truth. Dr. King’s hope for America is rooted in the King family legacy. She smiles at the future of America and believes when peripherals collide, convergence is imminent.

Jonathan Williams is the Chief Economist and Executive Vice President of Policy at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), where he works with state policymakers, congressional leaders and members of the private sector to develop fiscal policy solutions for the states. Williams founded the ALEC Center for State Fiscal Reform in 2011 and coauthors Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer Economic State Competitiveness Index with Reagan economist Dr. Arthur Laffer and Stephen Moore.

Dr. Alveda King Jonathan Williams

Baby, It’s Hot Outside!

California braces for

a hot

At a June 29 press briefing hosted by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services, Cal OES and Listos California unveiled a package of safety guidelines prepared in expectation of climate extremes.

Alf LaMont, of LaMont Digital, presented a package of “Summer of Safety” graphics providing tips on keeping people ready for and safe during potential summer emergencies: wildfires, flooding, power outages and high temperatures. They’re printed in English, Spanish and more than a dozen other languages, and available at listoscalifornia.org.

No Sky July

“In California, we don’t actually see a lot of our record all-time temperatures until late in the season,” National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock said, citing “June gloom, no-sky July and ‘Fog-ust’ for a good portion of August.”

“Usually our strongest heat impacts wind up being more toward late August going into September,” he said. But high temperatures lead to low winds, he said, “so we don’t get that sea breeze that helps us cool down.”

“Think of it more as a marathon than an individual sprint.”

Hot, Dry Summer Ahead

And the end of 2023’s relatively cool temperatures so far, he said, will now bring increased snow melt in the Sierra. Already, the state has closed off some river stretches.

“Summers are becoming hotter and drier, and families are going to want to cool down in the water,” said Cal OES Assistant Director of Crisis

Communications and Public Affairs, Diana Crofts-Pelayo. “But it is very dangerous right now. We have already seen too many people that have lost their lives. So do what you can to stay indoors to stay cool!”

Cal OES is making mutual-aid arrangements between state and local fire agencies “on a huge push to train swift water rescue teams,” she said.

“So if you do head out on the water, many local teams will be out there, but we don’t want them to do those rescues! It’s very dangerous for them and for you.”

Tips for Summer Safety

Crofts-Pelayo cited five keys for people to focus on for summer safety:

Get alerts: calalerts.org.

Make a plan: “Have that conversation with your family to ensure that your little ones, your older ones, all know what they would do during an emergency. What emergency routes they would take, where to meet if separated.”

Pack a “go bag” in case you need to leave your home very quickly: important documents, medication, food, water, for instance.

Similarly, make a “stay box” in case you need to stay home.

“It doesn’t have to be costprohibitive,” she said. “Think about it ahead of time and put everything together that would

University of California statement on Supreme Court’s decision regarding Biden administration’s student loan relief program

UC Office of the President

The University of California is disappointed with today’s Supreme Court ruling rejecting the Biden administration’s plan to discharge billions of dollars of student loan debt. This historic relief program would have made a significant impact on the lives of college graduates, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds who are more likely to take on debt to complete their education. It also harms society as a whole: Those with student loans are less likely to earn advanced degrees, purchase a home, start their own business or make other investments that benefit their communities.

In light of the ruling, the University of California strongly encourages its students and alumni to consider all the loan repayment options that the Department of Education has developed for borrowers who are struggling to pay back their loans. Those include plans with lower interest rates, plans that set payments based on a borrower’s income, and some plans that forgive loans for those who work in public service.

College affordability is among the University’s highest priorities. As such, the University offers a robust financial aid program designed to ensure that a UC education remains accessible to all academically eligible California students, regardless of their financial resources. Sixty-one percent of UC’s resident undergraduates complete their degrees without any student loan debt, and 54

Black Voice News Juneteenth Panel: A More Inclusive Water Industry

by Aryana Noroozi

be necessary.”

And finally, Crofts-Pelayo said, “help others. This is a community movement.” She suggested sharing only official resources, but doing so via familiar networking channels: phone calls, social media posts and emails.

Joining Crofts-Pelayo, Murdock and LaMont at the briefing were three Listos California community partners who shared experiences from previous encounters with extreme weather conditions.

Children Are Resilient

Jacqueline Nushi, of Project Camp’s emergency preparedness center, manages pop-up camps for kids during disasters, providing support and a safe environment for families.

She said a key lesson she and other emergency managers learned was the value of empowering children with knowledge and coping skills — “a great way to build mindfulness and preparedness.”

“Children are the best when it comes to learning preparedness and taking it home to their families. They’re very resilient. It’s amazing to see them make it through what they have to make it through.”

Disaster Guides Easy to Read

Nushi also wanted to endorse the printed materials Listos provides, via listoscalifornia.org.

She told of how, years ago

prior to the Slater Fire in Happy Camp (Siskyou County) in 2020, she’d distributed some of their material.

“After that fire, I was at a local assistance center,” she said, when a survivor she’d counseled before the fire approached. “This information saved us!” she said. Other survivors there then chimed in with similar stories.

“The Listos materials, the disaster guides, are very easy to read, very, very to the point and cover the information in very simple language” she said. “This material is super easy, it’s not hard to read, it’s not hard to understand.”

Facing Down Natural Disasters CORE – Community Organized Relief Effort – has worked globally from Ukraine, Turkey and all around the U.S. George Hernandez Mejia, CORE Director of Emergency Operations, said that in doing wildfire preparation in Siskyou County last year, it turned out that some of the greatest needs were simply for clear information on evacuation zones or where wildfires were burning.

He also seconded Nushi’s testimony on the value of informing children.

“100% of our clients have experienced natural disasters,” said Peter Thao, of the Fresno Asian Business Institute and Resource Center, which provides disaster relief training and preparedness for farmers and small businesses.

“It’s not if, but when, a natural disaster will happen. “Always be prepared; have a plan.” Take pictures, he said, and keep your insurance agent informed of your concerns.

In addition to its work preparing Californians to prepare for extreme weather conditions, the state has also dedicated $200 million to communities to build “resilience centers.”

The Weingart Foundation Endorses The Groundbreaking Work And Report By The California Task To Study Reparation Proposals For African Americans

Community/ Education News

percent have their tuition fully covered by financial aid. At the University of California, we are committed to helping students make payments more economical and less burdensome. That is why we are arranging webinars with the Department of Education for UC alumni and students later this year to inform them of their obligations and options when paying off their debt. By doing so, we hope that all our borrowers will understand how to scale their monthly payments to their current income, rehabilitate any loans they may have defaulted on, and qualify for discharge under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. While today’s court decision is disheartening, it also underscores the importance of UC’s efforts to make college financially accessible to all students.

Background:

As cost is typically the primary concern for families considering college, UC’s goal is to provide a path to a debt-free education by 2030 to any California undergraduate student. And we’ve made major strides in that direction. For example, tuition is predictable. UC Regents adopted a tuition model that sets the cost of tuition for each incoming class. Our Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan covers the overall cost of tuition and fees for families with incomes of $80,000 or less. And we’ve expanded aid for middle-class families.

June 29, 2023 (Los Angeles, CA) — Miguel A. Santana, President and C.E.O. of the Weingart Foundation, a private grantmaking foundation that partners with communities across Southern California to advance racial justice, released the following statement related to the release of the report by the California Task Force to Study Reparation Proposals for African Americans (Task Force).

"On the day the Supreme Court rules against affirmative action in higher education, the Weingart Foundation strongly affirms its support for the California Task Force to Study Reparation Proposals for African Americans (Task Force). As Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor stated today, we live in an "endemically segregated society where race has always mattered and continues to matter.” The data in the Task Force’s report clearly demonstrates this point.

“The Weingart Foundation’s commitment to racial and socioeconomic equity is grounded in our understanding of this country’s history of Indigenous genocide, theft of land, enslavement, and the subsequent decades of government practices that not only excluded Black Americans from equal and meaningful participation but also inflicted generational harm that continues to this day. Today we also recognize that the source of the wealth that we steward benefited

"Utilities represent one of actually the least diverse industries in the U.S. today, being 85% white and 80% male,” shared Amber Bolden, Strategic Communications and Development Coordinator for Voice Media Ventures as she opened the Juneteenth panel discussion on the the role an Credit: wvwd.org

In celebration of Juneteenth, Black Voice News held a virtual panel conversation, Water and the Black Community: Jobs, Justice and Equity. The panel focused on the ongoing need for inclusion and diversity within the water and conservation industries. Water access policymakers and community leaders joined the dialogue and examined particular barriers of entry into the water and conservation industry.

Moderator Amber Bolden, Strategic Communications and Development Coordinator with Voice Media Ventures, set the stage for the conversation by sharing that the water industry remains one of the least diverse industries nationwide.

Noting further how the utilities industry is not known for diversity, she advised, “Utilities represent one of actually the least diverse industries in the U.S. today, being 85% white and 80% male,” she said. “Our panelists are blazing the trail.”

significant history.

“People don’t know that starting water operator jobs make $27 to $28 with full pensions and benefits,” Hawkings said. He added that some workers receive a raise between 4% to 7% per year.

“A lot of it starts with awareness,” Hawkings said.

West Valley Water District Board Director Kelvin Moore agreed.

“I think I knew one person of color who was in water at that time,” he said, reflecting on when he entered the workforce. “I just never even thought about it.”

Moore and other panelists echoed an issue of not only awareness, but lack of opportunity to enter the workforce even if one wanted to. He said that partnerships are a viable solution to bridge these gaps and get the word out to the community.

Moore said that it is critical that programs are sustainable, funded and successful in approaching students and supporting them to foster hope, encouragement and desire for a respectable profession.

from racist policies and practices.

“As a Foundation committed to addressing structural racism and the legacy of anti-Blackness, long-term investment in Black leadership and organizing in Black communities is a core part of our grantmaking to individual nonprofits and through collaborations like our $5 million commitment to the California Black Freedom Fund. However, this does not and cannot replace the transformational power of government sponsored reparations for the generations of state sponsored harm to Black Californians.

“We applaud the Task Force’s research and report that outlines in great detail the compounding and ongoing harms specifically experienced by Black Americans in California including enslavement, exclusion from political participation, racist housing policies, prohibiting education, racial terror, disproportionate justice system involvement, exclusion from employment, and the racial wealth gap. This history, including the specific role of California’s state and local government, is not fully taught and not well known - such as its support of enslavement, even as a free state. We simply cannot achieve true racial justice if we are not honest about the legacy of racial injustice that led to the harmful conditions so many Black and other Americans face today.”

Director of West Valley Water District, Channing Hawkings, stated Blacks have reached a significant capacity working within city and county departments, but when it comes to utilities there is not a significant history. (image source: votersedge.org)

Bolden asked panelists what they see as the major barriers to Black people gaining and maintaining jobs in utility fields. West Valley Water District Director Channing Hawkings said that “Black folks” have reached a significant capacity working within city and county departments, but when it comes to utilities there is not a

Inland Empire Utilities Agency Board Member Jasmin Hall said she is a self-proclaimed “volunteer by heart and nature,” who makes it her mission to help families utilize their tax dollars. When discussing the idea of forging partnerships that help establish and foster opportunities, she encouraged her community to pick her brain and “take advantage” of her leadership role, welcoming them to lean on her for the support that Moore previously mentioned.

“We always want to hear what goes on at the street level,” said Dr. Nosakhere Thomas, Executive Director at the Inland Empire Black Worker Center. He has done so by implementing listening sessions to hear from and engage with the community by “inviting people in to see what’s happening; what’s good and what’s not good.”

County Waste Resources Department to offer Master Composter Certificate Training

The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources has offered Backyard Composting classes and workshops for 30 years to provide residents with the basic knowledge on how to compost organic waste from home, safely and efficiently. In addition to these basic composting classes, the department will be offering a Master Composter Certificate Training program with a more advanced look at home composting and a variety of methods that can be used, more study of the composting process, and learning more about the waste stream in Riverside County.

There are two methods of training available, virtual online or in-person. Virtual online course will begin July 1 and will allow 6 months for participants to study and complete the course from home through online study materials and quizzes to earn the Master Composter Training Certificate. The In-person training class will

be on Saturdays from 7:00 am to 1:00 p.m. in Moreno Valley, beginning July 8 through July 29. Books and study materials will be provided by the department. Instructor will guide students through the course and students will build a compost pile and build their own vermicompost bin. Limited seats are available for the in-person training course. Registration is required for either training course: https://rcwaste.org/freeclasses#2392643287-388834543

The Department of Waste Resources offers a variety of FREE environmental education classes related to waste reduction and sustainability. Class instructors provide attendees with professional learning and resources for instructional materials.

For more information about the Master Composter Training course, please contact Riverside County Department of Waste Resources (951) 486-3200 or by email to: waste-volunteer@ rivco.org

Supreme Court rules independent state legislative theory is unconstitutional

by Reginald Williams Special to the AFRO

Bad Affirmative Action Decision Won’t Sop Equal Rights Progress...continued

has quantified the consequences. Relative to Whites, Blacks earn 24% less, live five fewer years, and are six times more likely to be incarcerated on a given day.

Hispanics make 25% less than Whites and are three times more likely to be incarcerated. At the end of the 1990s, there were onethird more Black men under the corrections system's jurisdiction than those enrolled in colleges or universities.

Idris Elba launches content agency aimed at ‘fun,’ diverse marketing

society where Blacks, Native Americans, and other people of color are forced to confront bias daily in their everyday life, at school, at work, at play, and in their communities.

by AFRO Staff

On June 27 the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a North Carolina Supreme Court ruling against North Carolina’s Republican lawmakers with a 6-3 decision.

The dispute pertained to an attempt to redraw a congressional state map.

The Democratic Party raised concerns that the new map would have likely given Republicans 10 out of 14 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. However, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled the actions by the GOP were biased against Democratic voters.

The Republican Party responded to the state’s Supreme Court decision by attempting to use the independent state legislative theory presented in Moore v. Harper. The idea proposes that the state legislature should be given broad power to practice partisan politics. If upheld, would have given unencumbered power to state legislatures nationwide when dealing with federal elections.

“Adopting the theory would have granted unchecked authority over voting laws and elections, creating a worrisome landscape where state politicians could dictate election results and ignore the state constitution,” National Coalition on Black

Civic Participation (NCBCP) released in a statement.

While elections for congress and the presidency are held at the federal level, the state legislatures design the nuances for cases on constitutional rights on a state level. It isn’t uncommon for delegates to attempt to steer policies that keep them in power by participating in polarizing practices like gerrymandering or voter suppression.

“Today, our nation’s highest court affirmed our democratic system’s checks and balances and rejected this dangerous effort to sow chaos and doubt in our federal elections,” explained Melanie L. Campbell, president, and CEO of the NCBCP.

“This decision prevents state legislatures from granting themselves exclusive power to establish the rules for voting and elections, without having to deal with state constitutional limits and state court intervention.”

State legislatures are officially subject to congressional override through a system of checks and balances. The decision by the SCOTUS on June 27 upheld the constitutional stronghold that, “one branch of government would not garner excessive power.”

Statement by Dr. Gail C. Christopher, Executive Director, National Collaborative for Health Equity

Bad Affirmative Action Decision Won’t Sop Equal Rights Progress

Despite improvement by Blacks and Hispanics, there remain stark differences in access to quality education and opportunity that education affords. In a recent NCHE recent paper, Susan Eaton, Director of the Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy at the Heller School for Social Policy at Brandeis University, cited the racial disparity in poverty nationwide. About 24% of Native Americans, 20% of Blacks, and 17% of Latinos live in high-poverty neighborhoods compared to just 4 % of Whites. Disparities in schools are even more extreme, with 74% of Black and Latinos, 70% of Native Americans, and just 32 % of Whites attending schools where at least half of the students qualify for free and reduced lunches.

Clearly, American society remains far from a colorblind state where equity and equality are spread across all communities, rich and poor, Black, White, and Brown. It’s astounding that the Supreme Court chose to ignore centuries of racism that has created a

But there is hope for America. This Supreme Court is not a reflection of the people. This Court represents the opinions of a minority of our population. That has been demonstrated by the political uprising after the Court’s rejection of a woman’s right to her own reproductive decisions. We may see a similar reaction to this Court decision limiting access to the nation’s top educational institutions to people qualified to attend but have faced discrimination because of their skin color every day since birth. NCHE has conducted research, which will soon be released, demonstrating that the American people want to put racism and political divisiveness behind us and move forward to create equitable communities.

America made tremendous progress after the murder of George Floyd. A watershed of honesty and sincerity opened up to address the realities of police brutality and the legacy of denial of humanity. Anytime there is a moment creating a seismic wave in society, one representing a transformation from the norm, there will be resistance. In this case, the opposition has a high level of authority and power, but it contradicts the minds and hearts of the majority of America. The march towards an equitable society will continue.

Padilla, Durbin Ask Sec. Becerra for Answers Regarding Reports That Warnings of Threats to the Safety and Well-Being of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Were Dismissed

Senators seek information related to alleged “whistleblower chilling” by HHS against staff who reported concerns about the risk of labor exploitation and trafficking of unaccompanied children

CALIFORNIA — U.S.

Actor Idris Elba and Miroma founder Marc Boyan have partnered to launch a new marketing company SillyFace, which promises to put the fun back into content creation and branding. (Image courtesy Twitter. com/WeAreSillyFace)

Hollywood megastar Idris

Elba has teamed up with Miroma Group founder Marc Boyan to launch a content creation and marketing company that aims to re-inject fun and creativity into brand-building and also “deliver authentic campaigns with cultural value.”

Named SillyFace, the business aims to shake up the industry by amassing a team of creatives from different cultural backgrounds and experiences to inject a more diverse range of perspectives into long- and shortform content for brands, which they will also distribute.

The agency’s first three offices will be based in London, New York and Los Angeles.

“On a daily basis, I work alongside global brands who are struggling to understand the intersection between modern cultural trends, brand identity and its consumer base. It is creating apprehension and hindering creative storytelling,” Boyan said, according to Adweek.

“SillyFace has been created to lean into culture and new global trends, offering a fun environment

to get creative rather than be afraid,” he added. “Idris and I are both from underrepresented backgrounds, and we see the world a little differently. We’re aiming to bring our thinking to brands to give people a voice and share stories that resonate with the consumer, whilst keeping the brand safe from criticism.”

Elba also is well acquainted with the advertising landscape, serving as the face of Sky’s advertising campaigns for 12 years and appearing in ads for Booking.com and Stella Artois. He has also worked with such international brands as Gucci, Christian Louboutin and Tanqueray, and recently launched skin care brand S’Able Labs with his wife, Sabrina Elba.

“I’m at my creative best when I am relaxed, not anxious or considering all the whatifs. However, this isn’t always the atmosphere that creatives are faced with when brand building. SillyFace is here to bring back that feeling of creative excellence,” the Golden Globe winner said.

“We want more voices, more views and open, mutually respected ideation,” he added. “This new venture will give me the ability to create powerful marketing campaigns. Campaigns that will truly resonate and engage with the people I want to connect with.” Elba is among the latest celebrities to spearhead a marketing agency. Ryan Reynolds, of “Deadpool” fame, pioneered the wave with Maximum Effort. And actor, “America’s Got Talent” host and former NFL player Terry Crews also recently launched his outfit, Super Serious.

Dr. Gail Christopher

The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to end affirmative action in higher education is much more than just a bad ruling; this is an embarrassment on a global scale.

It’s based on the misguided notion that the Constitution, and even our society today, is colorblind. That’s so far from the truth. In reality, what we have is a judicial authority that is in denial, denial of racism, denial of facts, denial of the consequences of this decision, denial of the harm to the people affected, and denial of the hierarchy of human value that this nation was built upon and still reigns supreme in too many minds and institutions today. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts concluded that the approach used by Harvard University and the University of North Carolina violated the 14 Amendment and “cannot be reconciled with the guarantees of the Equal Protection Clause.”

That is duplicitous - that clause was designed to remedy the harm caused by denying rights and protection to people of color over centuries. For this court to use it to deny educational opportunities to people of color in the 21st century is hypocrisy at best and cruel at worst. Their decision lacks empathy and compassion for millions.

Our Constitution was conceived in an environment of racial hierarchy. It was dedicated to the proposition that some people were not human. Blacks could be enslaved and had no human rights. During the 1787 United States Constitutional Convention, the infamous Threefifths Compromise relegated enslaved people to be counted as 3-5ths of Whites in a state’s population.

That created an inequitable and unfair American society. Harvard Professor Roland G.

Fryer, Jr.

Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra requesting information related to reports that HHS received warnings that unaccompanied children were being released from HHS custody into situations that presented a risk of labor exploitation and trafficking. Rather than heeding these warnings, HHS allegedly engaged in retaliation against staff who reported concerns and created an environment that the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) described as “whistleblower chilling.”

In the letter, the Senators outline their oversight responsibilities to protect these children’s safety: “As Chairs of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, it is our responsibility to conduct oversight over implementation of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) and ensure that HHS is meeting its legal obligations under that Act with respect to the care and protection of unaccompanied children.”

The Senators close their letter by outlining the vulnerability of our most recent arrivals, before outlining the information sought: “We also appreciate the challenges your agencies have faced at the border with the

influx of unaccompanied minors crossing the border in recent years, as well as ORR [Office of Refugee Resettlement]’s ongoing efforts to provide care and timely release for children in their custody. The Committee is tasked with ensuring that HHS is meeting its legal obligations to protect the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable recent arrivals. Oversight of the placement and care of unaccompanied children is particularly necessary today, as some states are loosening child labor laws and others are refusing to ensure that unaccompanied children have any mechanisms to report exploitation, abuse, or trafficking.”

The Senators’ letter concludes by asking for a series of documents and communications by July 20, 2023.

Earlier this month, Padilla co-chaired a committee hearing where he condemned the labor exploitation of migrant children in the United States and called on the federal government to enforce the law and hold employers unlawfully exploiting migrant children accountable. Padilla also led a letter with Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) to the CEOs of the major companies accused of child labor exploitation, calling on them to take full responsibility for the actions of their companies.

In March, Senator Padilla questioned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Oversight of the Department of Justice (DOJ) following a New York Times report in February detailing abuse and exploitation of migrant children.

NAMAD Expresses Concern Over Supreme Court Affirmative Action Decision, Urges Reevaluation for Fairness and Equity

The Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court of the United States

1 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20543

Dear Chief Justice:

On behalf of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), we write to express our strong disagreement with the recent Supreme Court decision to disallow affirmative action in college applications. We firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion have always been vital elements in building an America that is fair, equal, and representative of its rich multicultural fabric.

NAMAD, as an organization that supports minority entrepreneurs in the automobile industry, recognizes the value of affirmative action not only in higher education but also in business. The decision to eliminate this policy in college admissions threatens to hinder the progress we have made in creating diverse academic environments. By considering race as a factor among many others, affirmative action has provided opportunities for historically marginalized communities and leveled the playing field for qualified

students who may have faced systemic disadvantages.

Diversity in educational institutions fosters critical thinking, cultural understanding, and prepares students for the realities of a globalized society. It ensures that all voices are heard, perspectives are respected, and innovative solutions are generated. Moreover, affirmative action has proven effective in dismantling deeply rooted structural inequities, leading to greater social cohesion and a more harmonious nation.

As representatives of minority entrepreneurs across the automobile industry, we respectfully urge the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision on affirmative action in college applications. Let us continue to build an America where equal opportunities are available to all, irrespective of their background.

Together we can strive for a society that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusivity in all aspects of life. We are hopeful this esteemed court will reexamine and re-consider the benefits of affirmative action as it deliberates on issues of national importance.

Regards,

Damian Mills Chairman Damon Lester Vice Chairman

The Supreme Court of the United States recently struck down ideology proposed by Republican lawmakers in North Carolina, regarding election law and congressional maps. (AP Photo Gerry Bloome)

President Biden Amplifies Importance of the Black Press of America

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Public outrage sparks in France after Black teen killed by law enforcement..continued

old officer has been detained and is under investigation for voluntary manslaughter.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on June 28 the shooting was “inexplicable” and “unforgivable.”

On the third day of a visit to Marseille, Macron said the incident had “moved the entire nation” and “nothing can justify the death of a young person.”

Nahel M.’s lawyer, Yassine Bouzrou, said he plans to file a legal complaint against the officer for voluntary manslaughter and against his colleague for complicity in the shooting.

The Underdog Presidential Candidate, RFK Jr. and His Pledge to Black America...continued

This week, during the NNPA’s Annual Convention, which celebrated 196 years of the Black Press of America, Biden appeared via video to salute the NNPA and its member publishers on the occasion.

“Congratulations to the Black Press of America for celebrating 196 years of serving communities across our nation,” Biden stated in the address which aired on July 1.

“Ida B. Wells once said, the way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon the wrong. That’s the sacred charge of a free press. That’s the charge African American publishers have pursued for nearly two centuries,” Biden continued.

“With every story you publish, you make our democracy stronger. Thank you for what you do to turn the light of truth wherever your work leads you. Thank you.”

President Joe Biden has always maintained that the Black vote pushed him over the top in his 2020 election victory over Donald Trump.

And it’s never been lost on the president that the pivotal day in his campaign occurred in Charleston, South Carolina, on Feb. 26, when he sat down for a live roundtable interview with Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of the more than 200 African Americanowned newspapers and media companies.

Joining Chavis at that campaign-turning event were dozens of Black Press publishers and media company owners, and the livestream of that event, followed later in the day by an endorsement from Democratic South Carolina Rep. James

Clyburn, catapulted the once slumbering candidacy all the way to the White House.

Dr. Chavis and outgoing NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards, praised the President for recognizing the importance of the Black Press of America.

“The NNPA is especially honored to hear directly from President Joe Biden for his continued support and advocacy of the importance of the Black Press of America,” Chavis stated.

“As we celebrate 196 years of the Black Press, it’s always gratifying and encouraging to have the support of the President of the United States. In the wake of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions on civil rights, the Black Press rededicates our journalism to be a clarion voice for freedom, justice, equality, and equity.”

Richards who is the publisher of the Houston Forward Times, also thanked the President.

“To have the President of the United States take the time out to be a part of our convention is of course special,” Richards said. “But, it’s also a testament to just how vital the Black Press remains. Collectively, as Black publishers and Black business owners, we are stronger than ever and the President’s message reinforces that.”

Newly elected board chair Bobby Henry, publisher of the Westside Gazette in Florida, added, “That message from President Biden to the association was one that signifies that he remains true to his pledge to value the role African Americans play and have played in this country. Further, acknowledging the role that the Black press plays in reaching our people and those sympathetic to our plight remains a critical component of the 2024 electoral strategy.”

Public outrage sparks in France after Black teen killed by law enforcement

By: DaQuan Lawrence

AFRO International Writer DLawrence@afro.com

Bouzrou also mentioned he plans to file a complaint against the policemen for providing false testimony and claiming that Nahel M. had tried to run them over.

Many people around France and the international community are standing in solidarity within Nahel M.’s family and protestors who are bringing attention to an unjust and unchecked pattern of police force used against Black and immigrant communities.

Kylian Mbappé, captain of the French men’s national football team and star player at Paris Saint-Germain, tweeted, “an unacceptable situation. All my thoughts go to the friends and family of Naël, that little angel who left us far too soon”. “I am hurting for my France,” Mbappé said.

Actor Omar Sy, said on Twitter: “I hope that justice worthy of the name will honor the memory of this child.”

There were public riots in several French cities after the shooting occurred in the suburb west of Paris on June 27, with protestors setting buildings ablaze, damaging cars, and igniting fireworks outside of police stations. Up to 180 people have been arrested and

170 officers have allegedly been injured since protests began.

June 28 night saw approximately 9,000 officers deployed with another 40,000 officers set to be deployed across France on June 29 evening to contain the public’s response, according to Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin.

Despte anger and public scrutiny at racially motivated police violence within the nation, France used a militarized response to the public’s reaction to the teen’s death, which was caused by an agent of the state.

The overtly militarized state response to the public can be viewed as draconian, considering the growing list of beatings by officers and consequent deaths in custody, which have led to widespread scrutiny of police maneuvers and have provoked protests in the past.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a far-left politician called for “a complete redesign of the police force” and reprimanded the transgressions of police by saying that France “no longer has the death penalty.”

Previous riots due to police brutality have lasted for weeks, with protestors demanding changes for longstanding discrimination, lack of opportunities and police harassment in French suburbs with large immigrant populations.

A French citizen of Algerian and Moroccan descent, Nahel is the most recent victim of senseless and persistent persecution by French authorities, a negative trend that has continued through the early 21st century and drawn accusations of police violence and brutality.

In Jan. 2020, Cédric Chouviat, a 42-year-old deliveryman died

The Underdog Presidential Candidate, RFK Jr. and His Pledge to Black America

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

We need to remove qualified immunity, which would make it necessary for an individual to consider his liability with every interaction. Every good economic system [should] incentivize good behavior and punish bad behavior. We need to have that.”

Kennedy added that there’s a need for a reorganization of police to understand the mission of protecting and serving “instead of being in combat mode when they come into the Black community.”

Even with his controversial views surrounding vaccinations, some surveys reflect Kennedy garnering as much as 20% support among Democrats. His challenge to the incumbent, President Joe Biden, continues to gain steam.

A poll by The Economist and YouGov showed that Kennedy was viewed favorably by 49% of respondents and unfavorably by just 30%, leaving him with a net rating of 19 points—higher than any other candidate in the poll, which surveyed 1,500 adult respondents from June 10 to 13.

Further, Biden had a negative 9-point net favorability rating, with 52% of respondents viewing him somewhat or very unfavorably and 45% reporting a very or somewhat favorable impression.

In comparison, former President Donald Trump had a negative 10-point net rating, with 53% viewing him unfavorably and 43% favorably.

“Could Bobby Kennedy catch a spark? Maybe,”

Michael Novogratz, a billionaire Democratic donor who supported Biden in 2020 but has pledged not to back any candidate older than 72, told the New York Times.

“He’s alienated himself because of some of the anti-vax positions, but he is a bright man, articulate, eloquent, connected, has the Kennedy name, and

would pull a lot of the Trump voters.”

Meanwhile, Kennedy said he’d also work to end medical racism “entrenched in our medical system in this country.”

He noted a recent video he created about medical racism, where health experts have concluded that Black Americans are less likely to receive quality medical care than whites.

During the pandemic, Kennedy noted that African Americans were dying at 3.6 times the rate of whites.

Regardless of their income or social status, Black mothers suffered maternal mortality at alarmingly higher rates than any other group.

“If you’re Black in this country, you’re getting third-world style medical care,” Kennedy insisted.

“The medical system is not attuned to taking care of Black patients. Being a Black patient in this country is almost as dangerous as being a Black prisoner. You won’t get good medical care, which will be one of my priorities.”

Kennedy also noted food deserts are plentiful and the quality of meals is “horrible” in most Black communities.

“Environmental issues plague Black America,” Kennedy stated. “Four out of every five toxic waste structures are in Black communities.

“The highest concentration of toxic waste is on the south side of Chicago and look at all the food deserts. And the food made available in many Black communities is highly processed and loaded with chemicals and hormones.

“It’s making African Americans sicker. We need children who have good health and healthy brains, and they need to be able to access the best medical care, but the system is predatory toward Black Americans.”

French officials have responded to public outrage over the killing of Black teen with military force. Credit: Shutterstock

Several nights of protest and public outrage have followed the police-involved shooting of teen driver Nahel M. in France. Antiriot officers dispersed tear gas to break up protests being held in Nanterre, France, in the slain 17-year old’s honor.

Marchers rushed from the Nelson Mandela square, where a group of riot police officers shot canisters toward the crowd. Running with tear-filled eyes and impaired vision, they were met by another body of officers who had blocked the end of a long

pedestrian path.

Police initially reported that one officer shot at the teenager because he was driving his car at him, but this account has been proven false by a video on social media and authenticated by AFP.

The footage reveals the two police officers standing by the side of the motionless car, with one aiming a weapon at the driver. A voice is heard saying: “You are going to get a bullet in the head.”

An unidentified 38-year-

Robert Kennedy Jr. in Urbana, IL, Photo: Daniel Schwen / Wikimedia Commons

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of the illustrious Kennedy dynasty, is making a run for the Democratic presidential nomination and has declared that he is steadfastly committed to continuing his family’s enduring legacy.

One of the children of the late Sen. Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his bid to obtain the Democratic Party’s candidacy in 1968, Kennedy announced his presidential candidacy earlier this year.

Both his father and uncle, John F. Kennedy, demonstrated a desire for a united and strong America, which he says inspires him.

In a one-on-one interview with the Black Press of America, Kennedy spoke about his relentless focus on combating environmental racism, ending qualified immunity for law enforcement officers, and addressing the alarming racial disparities within the American medical system.

The 69-year-old District of Columbia-born candidate said he’s championing causes that have plagued marginalized communities for far too long. His mission, he insisted,

extends beyond rhetoric, seeking to dismantle systemic barriers and usher in a brighter, more equitable future, particularly for African Americans who have borne the brunt of injustice, including the problematic issue of maternal mortality.

As he steps onto the political stage where his uncle, John F. Kennedy, is regarded as one of the most popular presidents in American history and where his father had all but sewn up the Democratic Party’s prior to his assassination, Kennedy’s candidacy could challenge the status quo and spark a transformative movement that reverberates throughout the nation.

“Black Americans are going to be a principal priority for me, particularly in ending that fear of dangerous interaction with law enforcement,” Kennedy asserted.

He also pledged a move to end qualified immunity, which protects police officers from personal liability in the event of a lawsuit.

“There is no incentive for individuals to change bad behavior,” Kennedy remarked.

“We need systemic changes.

Public

after officers pinned him to the ground and put him in a chokehold near the Eiffel Tower, while police officers beat Michel Zecler, a 41-year old French music producer, for six minutes in the entrance area of his Paris studio in Nov. of the same year.

In 2017, then 22-year old, Théodore Luhaka was hospitalized after he was beaten and had a baton shoved into his buttocks. Next year the officers are scheduled to appear in court.

In 2016, Adama Traoré, died of asphyxiation after fleeing an identification check and being arrested by three officers who placed “the weight of all bodies” on Mr. Traoré on his 24th birthday. It is still unknown whether the officers will face trial.

His sister, human rights activist Assa Traoré, leads The Truth for Adama, an advocacy group that demands justice for Mr. Traoré, and has organized some of the biggest antiracism protests in Europe.

In 2005, teenagers Zyed Benna, 17, and Bouna Traoré, 15,

died in an electricity substation hiding from the police in an impoverished suburb north of Paris. Their deaths led to massive riots in Paris suburbs that spread across France.

Green Party officials spoke out against police violence in France, denouncing the “Americanization” of French police tactics.

“What I see in this video is a 17-year-old kid being executed, in France in 2023, by a police officer on a public highway,” said the Greens’ Marine Tondelier.

“It seems like we are heading towards an Americanization of the police,” she warned, adding refusal to comply with police orders is normally “three years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros, not a bullet in the head.”

Darmanin, who has previously supported the French police force in similar situations, called the video footage “extremely shocking” in parliament. He said June 28 that the policeman would be suspended “if the charges against him are upheld.”

President Joe Biden (Photo: @whitehouse on Instagram)

outrage sparks in France after Black teen killed by law enforcement..continued

Back in Birmingham, Stallions Celebrate Back-to-Back USFL Championships

By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. For The Birmingham Times

The Inflation Reduction Act Has Harmful Side-Effects for Cancer Patients...continued

and GSK have also cancelled or suspended cancer-drug projects.

Cancer isn't the only research area that will suffer. For example, for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, small-molecule medicines offer some of our best prospects for breakthroughs.

Meanwhile, the drug company Alnylam recently ended plans to test its drug Amvuttra to treat the rare Stargardt eye disease, citing the potential impact of the IRA.

This unfortunate trend is likely to get worse as long as IRA price controls remain in place. To address it, Congress should entirely reevaluate the price control mechanism of this

law, and at a minimum, apply the same 13-year window to both small-molecule drugs and biologics.

Lawmakers need to act soon, before researchers have no choice but to divert more resources away from smallmolecule cancer medicines. Drug-pricing reform shouldn't come at the expense of patients who are fighting for their lives.

John Murphy is the Chief Policy Officer and Healthcare Counsel at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. This piece originally ran in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“Awake From Your Slumber!”...continued in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.

With championship trophy in hand, Stallions' head coach Skip Holtz addresses fans during victory parade in downtown Birmingham. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

A summer shower on Sunday did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the hundreds of fans who showed up downtown as the Birmingham Stallions rolled onto 20th Street to celebrate their second consecutive USFL championship.

Quarterback Alex McGough addresses fans during Stallions’ victory parade in downtown Birmingham. (Amarr Croskey, For The Birmingham Times)

The squad downed the Pittsburgh Maulers 28-12 Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Less than 24 hours later, coaches and players paraded from their home field of Protective Stadium to City Hall to the delight of fans who braved repeated rain showers.

The victory parade included players, music, cheerleaders, fans and even some riding stallion horses.

As the motorcade reached its end, fans broke into a chant – “back-to-back!” “back-toback!” and interrupted by an occasional “MVP!” “MVP!” for quarterback Alex McGough, the league’s most valuable player who posed for selfies with fans and the championship trophy.

Three Tips to Help Men Make Health a Priority This Summer

Just like the Maulers couldn’t stop the Stallions on Saturday night neither could the rain on Saturday. Mayor

Randall Woodfin expressed the sentiments of the fans. “Rain don’t stop the show, right?” he said. “Rain don’t stop the show.”

Quarterback Alex McGough, who threw four touchdown passes in the title game, said he and his teammates have long cherished the support they’ve received from Birmingham fans.

“We appreciate you guys from the support you’ve shown on the road but most importantly at home,” he said. “We feel you guys have got our backs. We play for y’all because you guys show us the support. We love you so much. 205 Baby!”

There was no celebratory parade last year because players and coaches scattered quickly after the 2022 title game. This year, a chartered flight brought the Stallions back to receive their due, and Coach Skip Holtz acknowledged the work it took to make it happen.

“The people wanted it,” the coach said. “The city made it happen and I’m very grateful for them and for our players to see the appreciation from the fans.”

The Inflation Reduction Act Has Harmful Side-Effects for Cancer Patients

By John Murphy

Between 2000 and 2016, new therapies helped prevent more than 1.3 million cancer deaths. Since then, scientific progress has only accelerated.

Yet despite the groundbreaking achievements of scientists around the country, the future of cancer research looks less promising. That's because provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which became law in August of last year, have added uncertainty to the already risky process of developing new medicines.

In response, biopharmaceutical firms are being forced to scale back work on new cancer drugs. Until lawmakers modify the rules, the new provisions will continue to derail the fight against a disease.

Of course, the architects of the IRA didn't set out to discourage life-saving research. But the law is causing unintended consequences. The IRA authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to "negotiate" the price Medicare pays for certain medicines. With stiff penalties for companies that don't comply, these aren't so much negotiations as price controls.

The goal was to save the federal government money on medications. The problem is that new medicines are extremely costly to develop, requiring enormous amounts of private investment.

By squeezing opportunities for investors to earn returns, price controls will drive money away from pharmaceutical innovation -- as is already starting to happen.

Certain areas of research will feel the impact more than others,

By Dr. Amit Arwindekar, Medical Director, UnitedHealthcare Global

“Thus, he said: ‘The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it, and break it in pieces. The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones and shall subdue three kings. He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, as well as persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time. [Daniel 7:2-8, 11-12, 16-17; 23-25].

because IRA price controls apply differently to different kinds of medicine. So-called "small molecule" drugs are subject to price controls just nine years after earning FDA approval. By contrast, biologics -- complex medicines derived from natural sources -- aren't subject to price controls for 13 years.

Most pharmaceuticals on the market today, including at least 89 anti-tumor drugs for treating cancer, are small-molecule.

But the IRA disincentivizes and penalizes this critical research -- and robs patients of life-changing new treatments. Given the choice between a nine-year and a 13-year window until price controls kick in, many companies will choose to focus on biologics.

Much research on oncology medicines also happens after FDA approval. That's when scientists perform additional tests to determine whether a medicine developed to treat one cancer is effective at treating another. But the threat of near-term price controls makes companies much less likely to invest in additional post-approval research.

We're already seeing companies move away from small-molecule research. For instance, Eli Lilly said it would stop work on a small-molecule treatment for blood cancer that was already in clinical trials. "In light of the Inflation Reduction Act, this program no longer met our threshold for continued investment," a company spokesperson told Endpoints News. In recent weeks, Novartis

Summer is a great time to focus on fitness, especially for men. While for some men their health may be a secondary concern, the summer months offer an opportune time to help raise awareness of the health challenges men face and encourage them to take action to improve their well-being.

For instance, compared to women, men may experience some health conditions at higher rates, including heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. By highlighting this fact and encouraging men to take an active role in their well-being, it may be possible to help address these health issues earlier and avoid complications that may diminish quality of life.

Here are three tips men can consider that may help improve their well-being this summer and throughout the year.

Stay active and enjoy the summer weather. Getting active

may be a great way to prioritize your physical health and mental well-being, and you may have fun while doing it. Federal guidelines recommend men ages 18 to 64 get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity or a combination of both per week, along with strength training. For men 65 and over, it’s good to add in balance activities that may help reduce the risk of falls. To help make physical activity as fun as possible this summer, consider golfing, kayaking, tennis, swimming or hiking to get moving and spend time with family and friends. Along with the physical benefits, an active lifestyle may have positive impacts on your mental wellbeing too.

Know when to take it easy. Taking time to destress may be a beneficial part of any healthy lifestyle, whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a staycation or working on a hobby. Taking time to rest and recover may support physical and mental well-being. Importantly, research shows that men may be less likely to get care for mental health concerns, so it’s important to look for signs that you or someone you love may need support. Potential indicators of depression may include irritable or angry moods,

continued on page 8

“Awake From Your Slumber!”

By Lou K. Coleman Lou K. Coleman

For I Daniel saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. The first was like a lion and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.”

“And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’

“After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.

“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling

the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words… “I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time… I came near to one of those who stood by and asked him the truth of all this. So, he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: Those great beasts, which are four, are four kingdoms which arise out of the earth.

“Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke

I say, and I say again; Wakeup and Pay Attention! End-time events are unfolding right before our eyes. The King of the West who is identify as the Antichrist and who will lead the ‘revised’ Roman Empire [the seventh kingdom/European Union and its western allies] in transition and

the King of the South, Egypt and its southern Islamic allies with the King of the North, Russia described as Gog in Ezekiel who will lead the nations of the Black Sea region and Caucasus Central Asis [Ancient Scythia], and Iran [Ancient Parthia] and the King of the East, China and its Asiatic allies HAS ALREADY formed an alliance. Wake up! It is no coincidence that the Middle East is a powder keg awaiting only the proper spark to explode; it is no coincidence that radical Islam has become a global terror threat; it is no coincidence that Iran is threatening to wipe the nation of Israel off the map; and it is no coincidence that Israel exists as a nation, once again back on some of the very same Biblical land that God deeded to Abraham thousands of years ago. It is all part of a pattern. None of this is coincidence; it is the fulfilling and unfolding of God's Word. It is setting the stage for the fulfillment of coming events written about in the Book of Revelation. Awake from your slumber!

Note: The identities of the King of the North, South, East, and West are described in the Book of Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation.

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE #1158

Drag Performance as Worship and Praise

Roberto Ochoa

When I was pastoring a smallmembership, open and affirming UCC church in Worcester, MA, I approached the congregation with the idea of having a drag performance in our sanctuary during Pride week as a form of outreach, as a fundraiser, and as a safe space for the local LGBTQAI+ communities, especially for the youth. The reaction was mixed, as some of the members had never heard of “drag” (crossdressing with exaggerated gender features for the purpose of entertainment). Nevertheless, the congregation felt moved to approve and sponsor the event.

The days leading up to the drag event were tense, as the local media took note of it and reported on it. Fortunately, the church only received a few phone calls condemning the show and it went on without incident. The impact, however, on both the entertainers and the audience proved to be emotionally powerful.

As pastor, I was called on to perform an opening and closing prayer. What I didn’t expect was that many of the drag performers chose faith-based songs and hymns to perform that evening. Some offered heartfelt testimony and gratitude of being seen fully and never dreamt that they would be welcomed, much less allowed to perform in a church setting. The reverence these performers had for our church sanctuary and the congregation moved us to tears. I felt the holy presence of the Divine that evening. I believed we all did.

Drag shows have been a beloved tradition of the LGBTQAI+ communities since the beginning at every Pride event worldwide. Recently, there have been attempts to frame drag queens/kings and drag performances as obscene “adult” entertainment, with some state and municipal legislatures passing laws to keep minors from attending such events. Some Pride event planners had to cancel drag shows in order to obtain a permit to use public space.

Judges in both Tennessee[1] and Florida[2] have found these laws may be unconstitutional and have temporarily blocked them.

Determining age-appropriate entertainment and activities

is an important factor when considering a movie, comedy, or physical event for our youth. However, just because a man decides to wear a dress or a woman to wear a tux as part of their entertainment is no reason to consider it indecent. The content is what matters.

Recently, I attended a drag queen book story time reading hour for children at one of our rural/small town churches not far from Cleveland, Ohio. This church was threatened and firebombed for it. Yet the congregation persevered with the event, and the children were treated to books that offered positive affirmation of the love of God and neighbor. The drag queens looked marvelous, and the children loved them. The church should be a place of sanctuary for all and enable all to express their loving relationship with the Divine and humanity through storytelling that is most authentic to the storyteller. Worship uses all forms to communicate the scripture via pageants, puppets, poetry slams, songs, and updated retelling of Bible stories. Why can’t drag performers do the same in our churches?

In the United Church of Christ, we aspire to extravagant welcoming, to expand our inclusivity for a just world for all. Having the courage to stand up and invite our drag performers into our churches, to share their holy stories with us, would truly have the power to change the world, and we, especially our youth, could only benefit from it.

[1] “Judge Finds Tennessee Law Aimed at Restricting Drag Shows Unconstitutional,” New York Times, June 3, 2023.

[2] “Judge Rules Against Florida Law Restricting Drag Shows,” New York Times, June 23, 2023.

Rev. Roberto Ochoa M.Div. is the Minister for Ethnic Inclusion and Congregational Support for Rural and Small Churches of the Faith Education, Innovation, and Formation, Justice and Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ.

Dr. Amit Arwindekar

Most states have seen an increase in nursing licenses. So why

are there still shortages?

by Lauren Liebhaber

Black

hearing from a constituent. “We need to take the extra steps that mean saving women’s lives.”

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A population’s health depends on and reflects the capacity of its health care system. The U.S. health care system is facing a shortage of doctors and nurses.

As a result, almost 100 million Americans live in primary health care shortage areas where staffing doesn’t meet demand.

A rapidly aging and ailing population, an exodus of experienced nurses from the workforce, and bottlenecks along the path to becoming a nurse, from classrooms to licensure, are just a few of the reasons why the U.S. cannot meet its health care demands.

About 1 million registered nurses in the U.S. are age 50 or older. In 10-15 years, this cohort, which also includes nurse faculty, will reach retirement age. In recent years, the U.S. has experienced an uptick in the number of new nursing licenses—some of which is driven by young professionals joining the field, and some of which reflects the expansion

of interstate nursing practices during the pandemic—but not yet enough to close the gap between supply and demand.

Enrollment in entry-level bachelor’s degree programs in nursing increased by 3% in 2021, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. However, enrollment in Ph.D. and master’s nursing programs both declined. These trends raise concerns about whether the demand for nurses with the clinical autonomy to serve as primary care providers can be met. The U.S. also faces a shortage of nursing educators at these advanced levels, creating a bottleneck for nurses who do wish to pursue advanced degrees. For nurses who earn their degrees and pass their examinations, more hurdles often await. An NPR analysis found that approximately 10% of nurses waited six months or longer to receive their licenses, without which they could not treat patients. More than one-

third of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses waited three months or longer. Many more sit in limbo due to clerical errors like misplaced files or missed emails.

For those considering a career in nursing, wage stagnation, stressful or dangerous working conditions, and burnout continue to be deterrents to entering the field.

Incredible Health investigated why there are still nursing shortages when most states have seen an increase in nursing licenses using data from NCSBN.A map of the U.S. showing that most states saw an increase in nursing licenses from 2020 to 2022. There is a portion of the middle of the U.S. that primarily saw small decreases.

some Midwestern states saw decreases

In recent years, some states have fast-tracked nursing licensure to meet the demand caused by unexpected waves of illness. For example, in 2022, Nevada fast-tracked some nursing licenses to treat pediatric patients suffering from RSV. This nationwide trend of a growing number of nursing licenses can also be partially attributed to the adoption of travel nursing and the issuance of temporary interstate nursing licenses during COVID-19. Many nurses who received temporary emergency licenses, which are now expired, have applied for permanent licenses in various states. States like Oregon, for example, are now working through a backlog

Several current grant winners said the federal agency does provide extensive technical assistance and is responsive to questions and concerns — but they also described how difficult it was to win the grants, which amounted to $1 million or less for last year’s winners.

“It’s an intimidating grant to apply for,” said Johnna Nynas, an obstetrician and gynecologist who wrote the maternal grant application for Sanford Bemidji Medical Center in Minnesota.

“I don’t want to admit how much of my own personal time I dedicated to this grant, writing it,” she said. Sanford won the grant in 2021.

Unlike applicants from smaller, cash-strapped health organizations, Nynas was able to solicit help from the internal grant team at Sanford Health, which operates a regional system including a health plan as well as hospitals, clinics, and other facilities in the Dakotas, Iowa, and Minnesota.

Nynas said four hospitals in the remote region of northern Minnesota, where Bemidji is located, have closed their labor and delivery units in recent years, leaving residents — including a significant number of Indigenous women — to drive 60 miles or more one way for care.

summer. Avera’s South Dakota program will use grant money to reach more than 10,000 pregnant patients in the eastern part of the state and the region’s tribal communities.

Among the previous grant winners, only the Texas winner is from a non-Medicaid expansion state. HRSA spokesperson Elana Ross said 10 of 38 applications won grants since 2019. She declined to release a list of unsuccessful applicants, citing privacy concerns.

Ross said the requirement to partner with Medicaid “increases the likelihood that the pool of applicants, if selected, will be able to sustain services at the end of federal funding.” Medicaid, she noted, pays for nearly half of all births nationally and a greater share of births in rural areas.

The goal for the grants is that applicants can keep the program operating even after several years of federal funding runs out, HRSA officials said.

Stoking change

Incredible Health

Since 2019, the number of licensed nurses has trended upward. But from 2020 to 2022,

of new permanent nursing applications.A nurse helping an elderly patient with a walker.

continued in last 2 columns

Black women in the south at gravest risk from pregnancy

By Sarah Jane Tribble

Research Center. Hung is also a member of the health equity advisory group for the maternal grant program.

“RMOMS really means to invest in the most underserved and the most disadvantaged communities,” she said, but because the program demands applicants have a network of hospitals and other care providers, she said, “the odds are not there for them to even try.”

Hung said she favors basing the awards on need and not solely on the quality of an application.

Black women in the rural south seem to be the only group not receiving federal grant money meant to slow pregnancy related death. (Photo Courtesy of Alyssa Sieb from nappy.co)

As maternal mortality skyrockets in the United States, a federal program created to improve rural maternity care has bypassed Black mothers, who are at the highest risk of complications and death related to pregnancy.

The grant-funded initiative, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, began rolling out four years ago and, so far, has budgeted nearly $32 million to provide access and care for thousands of mothers and babies nationwide — for instance, Hispanic women along the Rio Grande or Indigenous mothers in Minnesota.

KFF Health News found that none of the sites funded by the agency serves mothers in the Southeast, where the U.S. Census Bureau shows the largest concentration of predominantly Black rural communities. That omission exists despite a White House declaration to make Black maternal health a priority and statistics showing America’s maternal mortality rate has risen sharply in recent years. Non-Hispanic Black women — regardless of income or education level — die at nearly three times the rate of non-Hispanic white women.

“There’s a responsibility to respond to the crisis in a way

that is more intentional,” said Jamila Taylor, chief executive of the National WIC Association, a nonprofit advocacy group for the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

“Why isn’t HRSA stepping up to the plate, especially with this rural moms’ program?”

Taylor said. According to a 2021 analysis of federal data, Black women living in rural areas also are more likely to die or experience more severe health complications during delivery than white women living in rural areas.

Experts say the failure of HRSA’s Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program, or RMOMS, to reach predominantly Black communities in the rural South reveals structural inequities and underinvestment in a region where health care resources are scarce and have deteriorated.

The steady closure of hospitals in the region and widespread medical staffing shortages have hindered the ability of cashstrapped agencies and care providers to provide more than essential services. Many “don’t have sufficient resources” to apply for the grants, said Peiyin Hung, deputy director of the University of South Carolina’s Rural and Minority Health

Where the help is going

The rural program launched in 2019 and has awarded 10 maternal health grants nationwide to bolster telehealth and create networks between hospitals and clinics. Despite the disruption of care due to the covid-19 pandemic, the program’s earliest grant winners helped more than 5,000 women get medical treatment and recorded a decrease in preterm births during the second year of implementation, the agency reported.

When KFF Health News first asked Tom Morris, associate administrator for rural health policy at HRSA, about the lack of grants in the rural South, he said the agency has an “objective review process” and regularly reviews the program to ensure it reaches the people who need it most.

“The rural rates of maternal mortality for African Americans is a real concern,” Morris said, adding, “I think you raised a good point there, and something we can focus on moving forward.”

So far, the maternal grants have gone to health care providers in Arkansas, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia, as well as two awards in Missouri.

Among the initial 2019 awardees, Texas reports

that 91 percent of people it served were Hispanic; New Mexico reported 59 percent of recipients were Hispanic; and the Missouri project, which was in the southeastern part of the state known as the Bootheel, said 22 percent of beneficiaries were Black patients. In all cases, the majority were Medicaid enrollees. No data was available for other grant awardees. (Hispanic people can be of any race or combination of races.) States across the rural Southeast have not expanded Medicaid coverage to larger numbers of lower-income residents, which often means lower shares of patients have health coverage.

Where help is most needed

The lack of Medicaid expansion in the region is “all the more reason funding should be going to these areas,” said the WIC association’s Taylor. She said the program’s failure to reach into the southeastern U.S. seems “incredibly odd.”

“The South is a hotbed — to be quite honest — of a whole host of chronic diseases and health challenges, particularly for people of color,” Taylor said.

Taylor, who previously worked on similar programs with community-based organizations while at the Century Foundation, said grant applications are often long and tedious and require intense data collection, adding to the “real challenges and barriers in the process of applying for the grants in the first place.”

Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), whose district spans rural and urban areas, said it is her experience that “some of the neediest places don’t apply for the grants because they don’t have the personnel.”

“There needs to be special outreach,” said Kelly, who created legislation in 2018 to extend postpartum care after

Meeting an application requirement to create a network that includes specific health clinics as partners in the grant was “the biggest challenge,” Nynas said, adding “when you look at the map, those can be very difficult to find.”

Try, try again

In South Dakota, Avera Health’s application stalled for two years because of grant criteria requiring state Medicaid agencies to sign on as network partners, said Kimberlee McKay, an OB-GYN and the program director for the South Dakota grant. Avera Health spans Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

It wasn’t until the third round, McKay said, and after “the climate around maternal health had changed,” when the state Medicaid agency committed to fully partnering on the maternity care grant.

South Dakota voters adopted Medicaid expansion in late 2022 and will implement it this

In May, after KFF Health News began reporting this article, the agency released a new call for applicants and relaxed requirements. Only two awards will be given, and the applications, which demand detailed network plans, are due July 7. In an emailed statement released after announcing the more flexible expectations, Morris said the federal agency’s mission was to provide care for “the highest-need communities, and that means dedicating significant funds towards addressing the Black maternal health crisis.” The agency will no longer require state Medicaid programs to be partners on initial applications. It also loosened language about which clinics needed to be in the network.

And in perhaps the most significant shift, the agency said it will use newly created criteria to determine “areas of greatest need.” Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi all qualify as areas with shortages of maternity health care providers, according to the funding notice.

Kelly, who works on Congress’ bipartisan maternity care caucus, said of the lack of grants in the rural South: “Money matters, resources matter.”

Despite the government-wide focus on maternal care, it wasn’t clear whether the rural program

continued on page 8

Most states have seen an increase in nursing licenses. So why are there still shortages?...continued

are also aging, causing many to retire and exacerbating shortages

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Despite this trend, America’s aging population requires more nurses than ever, causing shortages

Roughly one out of every six Americans—many born during the post-World War II baby boom—is 65 or older. Seniors are expected to grow to nearly a quarter of the total U.S. population over the next several decades. In addition to an aging population, chronic illness is also rising, driving up the need for patient care capacity. Eighty percent of adults 65 and older— about 45 million people—have at least one chronic condition, while 68% have two or more. Arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are among the most prevalent chronic conditions that will continue to strain the understaffed health care system.A nurse walking an elderly patient down a hallway. The nurses working in the field

The stressors of being a health care worker were exacerbated by the pandemic, not created by it. For many, the pandemic drove burnout due to increased workloads, longer hours, and emotional drainage to unsustainable levels, prompting many to retire or leave the field for a new industry. A 2022 National Nursing Workforce study found that roughly 100,000 registered nurses and 34,000 licensed practical and vocational nurses left the workforce between 2020 and 2022 because of the pandemic.

The median age of nurses has decreased over the last two years, from 52 in 2020 to 46 in 2022, due primarily to an exodus of experienced workers. Roughly 800,000 RNs and 185,000 LPNs who responded to the 2022 survey—equivalent to 20% of the licensed RN workforce in the U.S.—indicated they were likely to leave the nursing field by 2027.

This story originally appeared on Incredible Health and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

women in the south at gravest risk from pregnancy...continued

“Reparation Is Due”: California Task Force Delivers 115 Recommendations in Final Report

Antonio Ray Harvey| California Black Media

The California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans delivered its final report to the California Legislature two days before the July 1 deadline.

The nine-member committee submitted a 1075-page, brownand-gold hardcover book with a comprehensive reparations plan that includes more than 115 recommendations and a survey. Published by the California Department of Justice, the report documents the harms enslaved ancestors of Black Californians experienced during chattel slavery and due to the Jim Crow laws that followed. It also details the history of discriminatory state policies in California.

Attorney Kamilah V. Moore, the task force chairperson, provided a summary of the group’s activities over the last two years leading up to the

compilation of the first-in-the nation report addressing the effects of slavery.

“As you all know, this illustrious nine-member California reparations task Force has been working diligently over a course of two years, not only to study the enumerable atrocities against the African American community with special considerations for those who are descendants of persons in slavery in the United States,” Moore said.

“Obviously, we’ve been working diligently to develop on numerous policy prescriptions to end what we consider to be lingering badges of slavery in California as well,” Moore added.

Ironically, the Task Force’s last meeting happened the day the U.S. Supreme Court prohibited the use of race-based affirmative

“My Truth”

I am listening to you. Keep talking

By Cheryl Smith Publisher of I Messenger Media Texas Metro News

Last week I wrote about dishonest politicians and the need for everyone, wherever you are, to be held accountable. Well, I have heard from so many of you and the comments range from “bout time” to “you’re going to make some people angry.” There were those who were concerned that my bottom line would be impacted and I wouldn’t be able to keep the newspaper alive. Still others said, “keep doing what you’re doing and you will not only be on the right side of history, you’ll be blessed." Wow!

Which brings me to my truth!

All I really want to say to everyone is, keep on commenting

and sharing your thoughts. Too often the media send you what they want you to know, never once asking what’s on your mind. You want the truth. You want to hear from people you can trust, not people who are ruled by the dollar and will lie to suit their agendas or needs.

When you consider the millions of newscasts, podcasts, vlogs, columnists, bloggers and just folks calling into talk shows or posting to social media; well, you have a proliferation of information to decipher and determine what serves your

action in college admissions. A couple of task force members addressed the decision before the meeting but stayed focused on the release of the report.

Each page of the report offers an explanation of reparations, evidence of past aggressions and systemic racism, and recommendations for restitution and atonement.

The report is 40 chapters, beginning with an Introduction; followed by evidence of Enslavement; Racial Terror; Political Disenfranchisement; Housing Segregation; Separate and Unequal Education; Racism in the Environment and Infrastructure; Pathologizing the African American Family; Control Over Creative, Cultural, and Intellectual Life;

Stolen Labor; and Hindered Opportunity.

“I would like to commend Governor Gavin Newsom for making this Task Force a reality, Secretary of State Shirley Weber for authoring the legislation creating this Task Force, and each and every Member of the Reparations Task Force who have worked tirelessly over the past two years,” said Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus in a statement.

“The findings are clear. Lawmakers must take direct and determinative action to address the vast racial inequality which exists in California today. The

needs.

“My Truth”

I am listening to you. Keep talking...continued

Unfortunately there is more hype than truth. While there are reputable journalists and others who you can rely on, sometimes coming to that realization can be time consuming and overwhelming. And then too, people want to believe good news. For example, weeks later people are still commenting about the sale of BET to Tyler Perry. What are they responding to? A fake report. Actually, in plain words, a LIE! Sadly, reputable folks grabbed that lie and it spread like a wildfire!

Now people are giving Mr. Perry suggestions about how he should run this new business venture. And what is a person to think when along with the so-called reputable sources most of the commentary is coming from people who have a degree from the Facebook

or TikTok University School of Business? Pray tell me!

This week, I am in Nashville, TN at the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s Annual convention.

For many of these publishers, their publications are more than businesses. It takes a special person to take on the task of pleading the cause of a people who sometimes don’t see the value or fail to realize that all ice is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. We are trying to take you back to a time when you valued the Black Press. Stay with us for the journey.

Cheryl Smith is the owner, Publisher and Editor of I Messenger Media LLC the umbrella for Texas Metro News, Garland Journal, and I Messenger digital magazine. Email her at www.penonfire2@ gmail.com

“Reparation Is

California Task Force Delivers 115 Recommendations in Final Report... continued

California Legislative Black Caucus looks forward to partnering with the Newsom administration and our colleagues in the Legislature as we look towards the coming Legislative Session.”

Additionally, recommendations made by the task force include a request for a formal apology from the state and acknowledgment of discrimination against the descendants of enslaved Blacks.

“This work has been relentless, has been meticulous (and) it is unsaleable,” Oakland-based civil rights attorney and task force member Lisa Holder said. “It has been a work of a collective. We partnered with the Department of Justice, we partnered with hundreds of scholars, and we partnered with the community. Public commenters and participants in listening sessions who poured out their hearts and souls told us some of the most devastating stories of racial discrimination. They shared their pain and made themselves vulnerable during this process.”

The task force decided on March 30, 2022, that lineage will determine who will be eligible for compensation, specifically, individuals who are Black descendants of enslaved people in the United States. If reparations become law, a proposed California American Freedmen Affairs Agency would be responsible for identifying past harms and preventing future occurrences.

The specialized office, with additional branches across the state, would facilitate claims for restitution, process claims with the state, and assist claimants in proving eligibility through a “genealogy” department.

Marcus Champion, a board member of the National Assembly of American Slavery Descendants Los Angeles (NAASDLA) and the Coalition

for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), is a longtime reparations supporter and one of the activists who worked with Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber when she was an Assemblymember to make Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, the law that established the task force, a reality.

Speaking at a CJEC gathering in North Sacramento after the final task force meeting, Champion said now is the time to persuade the legislature to make reparations law.

“For us, on the ground as grassroots (organizations), we are about to start putting the pressure on the legislators to make sure that the words are right,” Champion told California Black Media. “We’re about to make sure the community’s eligibility is right, make sure that there are cash payments, and make sure that this is not watered down and that this is real reparations.”

The 16th and final Task Force meeting was held in the First Floor Auditorium of the March Fong Eu Secretary of State Building in Sacramento on June 29. The facility was filled with an overflow of people waiting in the lobby and outside of the building.

All nine members of the task force were present as well as some of the speakers who testified before the panel over the last two years. California

Attorney General Rob Bonta, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, and Weber also spoke during the three-hour event.

“The policies and laws of this nation have affected every state and many instances beyond the state. It's important to let people know that reparation is due whether you’re in Mississippi or you’re in California,” Weber said. “Reparation is due because the harm has been done. And we need to begin to repair the harm and stop patching it up as we’ve done for many years.”

Black women in the south at gravest risk from pregnancy...continued from page 7 would award new grants in 2023. In April, Morris told KFF Health News the agency was “trying to figure out if we have enough funding to support our existing grantees and do a new competition.”

The rural maternity program’s initial fiscal year 2023 budget was $8 million — down from $10.4 million the year before, according to the agency’s operating plan. The release of grants in May came after the federal agency found an additional $2.4 million in its internal budget.

Even so, Kelly said, she “would love to see more money being put toward it” as well as evaluations of “where the money is being spent and where the holes are.”

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF— an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

This article was originally published by Word in Black.

Three Tips to Help Men Make Health a Priority

This Summer...continued from page 6 issues that tend to increase in frequency as they age, including kidney stones, gout and certain cancers. If getting to the doctor is a challenge due to a packed schedule or other issues, consider a virtual visit, which may be a good option for both primary and urgent care. Virtual visits can help manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes as well as common acute issues such as fever or rash, making it possible to get medical support from the comfort of home or on the go.

unexplained aches and pains, selfcriticism and bad or dangerous behavior. Additionally, some men may be more inclined to push themselves during physical activities. Whether you’re engaging in a friendly pickleball match or training for an upcoming endurance race, like a 10K, listen to your body and take it slow if you need to.

Don’t forget about preventive care. In a recent survey, 50% of men said annual wellness visits are part of their regular care routine. In fact, men across all ages may be less likely to engage with a primary care physician compared to women, with this gap most pronounced among men in their 20s and 30s. Preventive care is an important addition to any wellness routine, even if you feel healthy, and may help detect potential health issues earlier. Men should be on the lookout for a variety of health

As we celebrate summer and the important role men play in our families and our communities, considering these tips may be a good way for men of all ages to make health a priority this year.

[1] UnitedHealthcare National Accounts book of business Oct. 2021 to Sept. 30, 2022.

Atty. Lisa Holder: Lisa Holder, Oakland-based attorney and member of the California Reparations Task Force, holds up the 1075-page final report. The nine-member panel submitted 115 recommendations to the California legislature two days before the June 30 deadline. June 29, 2023. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Sec. of State Shirley N. Weber: Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber makes a statement about the California Reparations Task Force final report. Weber authored AB 3121, the legislation that created the nine-member panel when she was a member of the state Assembly. June 29, 2023. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Sen. Steven Bradford and Dr. Cheryl Grills: Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) and Loyola-Marymount psychology professor Dr. Cheryl Grills, both members of the California Reparations Task Force, sign copies of the 1075-page final report for members of the California Legislative Black Caucus. June 29, 2023. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

California Reparations Task Force: The California reparations task force final meeting was held in the First Floor Auditorium of the March Fong Eu Secretary of State Building in Sacramento. From right to left: Asm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), Dr. Cheryl Grills, Attorney Lisa Holder, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), the Rev. Amos Brown, Attorney Kamilah Moore, Attorney Don Tamaki, San Diego City Councilwoman Monica Montgomery-Steppe, and Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis. June 29, 2023. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Due”: