SB American News Week Ending 8/28

Chicago Becomes a Fortress as Democratic National Convention Begins Amid Heightened Security

NNPA NEWSWIRE — High-profile speakers like Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are set to deliver speeches at the convention, and numerous dignitaries, including President Joe Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, are expected to attend. The rumor mill is abuzz with speculation that celebrities like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift might make surprise appearances.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

CHICAGO – Chicago has transformed into one of the most fortified locations in the world this summer as the Windy City plays host to the Democratic National Convention (DNC). With the influx of thousands of delegates, media personnel, and political dignitaries, the city has seen unprecedented security measures involving the Secret Service and state and local police, turning downtown Chicago into a near-impenetrable fortress.

Security preparations have been visible across the city, particularly in the downtown area. To stop any attempts to vandalize the courthouse, towering security gates with concrete pillars appeared overnight at the Dirksen Federal Building in the Loop. Similarly, residents and visitors along the Magnificent Mile and Gold Coast were met with unexpected road closures and additional security

barriers, even miles away from the primary DNC venues. Roads near Chicago Avenue have been blocked, with police officers stationed on standby and large security gates restricting sidewalk access.

In the South Loop, manhole covers have been sealed with tamper-evident markers, a precautionary measure to detect any unauthorized access. The DNC Public Safety Joint Information Center, which

Commentary: Trump’s Repeated

includes local and federal law enforcement agencies, has warned of additional road closures throughout the convention. Some closures will last the entire duration of the DNC, while others will be more

Mispronunciation of ‘Kamala’ Shows Disrespect and Desperation

Joe W. Bowers Jr | California Black Media

goes beyond simply placing emphasis on the wrong syllable. Leadership is about showing respect, paying attention to detail, and engaging thoughtfully with the diverse communities that make up our country. When leaders fail in these areas, it raises questions about their judgement and ability to lead. Harris, as the first female Vice President of the United States, carries a first name that is rooted in her Indian cultural heritage passed down from her mother, Shyamala Gopalan. Her name means “lotus flower,” and is pronounced “Comma-la.” So,

when so-called leaders can’t be bothered to say her name correctly, it signals a disregard for the significance of that heritage, as well as a lack of commitment to understanding and representing all Americans. This neglect undermines the very essence of leadership, which is to respect and represent the people. This issue of mispronouncing her name is not an isolated one. During the 2024 Republican National Convention, nearly half of the speakers who mentioned Harris’s first name mispronounced it. Former President Donald Trump, tech mogul Elon Musk, and several Republican leaders, including members of Congress and governors, repeatedly mispronounce her name. Bob

Unanue, CEO of Goya Foods, even mocked her name by calling her ‘Que-mala,’ which means ‘so bad’” in Spanish. When influential people set this kind of example, it sends the wrong message—that details and respect for diversity don’t matter.

If Harris’s political opponents can’t take the time or make the effort to learn the correct pronunciation of her first name, it raises doubts about their ability to tackle more intricate and critical issues that demand attention to detail, empathy, and cultural awareness. In a nation as diverse as the United States, repeatedly mispronouncing the name of one of its highestranking officials undermines the core values of inclusivity and

respect that are foundational to effective governance.

Mispronouncing a person’s name is often an attempt to characterize them as an outsider or “other,” a tactic that Trump frequently uses to diminish the individual’s identity and create a sense of alienation. This behavior goes beyond disrespect; it is calculated to deepen divisions and foster an “us versus them” mentality.

By refusing to correctly say a person’s name, Trump and others are showing a lack of respect for cultural differences, reinforcing the perception that they are arrogant, dismissive, and disconnected from the diverse society they aim to lead. Ironically, these actions make them appear to be 'weird' themselves.

Trump’s repeated mispronunciation of Harris’s name reflects a growing sense of desperation. As his poll numbers drop, his reliance on disrespectful tactics like this highlights an inability to focus on substantive issues. Instead of engaging with the real concerns of the American people, Trump’s behavior deviates from meaningful dialogue, revealing poor judgment that is unbefitting of a presidential candidate.

Since becoming a candidate for President, Harris has refrained from responding directly to Trump and others

temporary.

The security measures extend to the city’s hotels, where 15,000 media members, thousands of delegates, and volunteers are staying. These hotels have become largely inaccessible by vehicle due to barriers that include city trucks and steel walls, forcing guests to walk several blocks with their luggage. In response to security concerns, congressional officials have advised House Democrats to exercise extra caution when planning their travel, including booking lodging under different names to avoid detection.

Officials have also cautioned against visiting certain areas where violent encounters may be more likely to occur.

“The protesters aren’t staying in a designated protest site… and there are people who are going to go and really try to cause trouble,” one lawmaker

warned, echoing concerns about potential disruptions.

While demonstrations from Trump supporters are anticipated, the primary concern for law enforcement is the potential for violence from tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators expected to protest U.S. funding for Israel’s war in Gaza. In a welcome packet sent to Democratic attendees, convention officials emphasized that the Secret Service has been working closely with various law enforcement agencies, including the Capitol Police and the Chicago Police Department, to ensure the safety of the event.

High-profile speakers like Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are set to deliver speeches at the convention, and numerous dignitaries, including President

Look Before You Lock the Car; Prevent Risk of Leaving Children in Hot Cars

July marked California's hottest month on record, bringing significant heat risks to sensitive population groups like children and older adults.

The average temperature reached 81.7 degrees, nearly two degrees higher than the previous record set in July 2021, according to Thursday's data from the National Centers for Environmental Information. August is experiencing similarly high temperatures.

With August temperatures predicted to continue to trend hotter than normal, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans are calling attention to the deadly risks of leaving children and pets unattended in hot vehicles and aim to bolster preventative measures within our communities.

The OTS and Caltrans urge parents and caregivers to avoid vehicular heatstroke by adopting simple habits such as:

Never leaving a child alone in a vehicle, even for a minute or two. This includes pets, who are also at more risk for heatstroke.

Incorporating a "Look Before You Lock" routine upon exiting a car.

Securing your vehicle and making sure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices.

Utilizing visual cues with items you don’t tend to forget, such as placing a briefcase or cell phone in the backseat, to remind you to check for the child.

Employing a ‘stuffed animal system’—moving a toy to the front seat as a reminder when a child is in the car seat. Looking out for others. If continued on page 4

Heatstroke remains a leading cause of non-crash-related auto deaths for children 14 and younger, with the interior of a car capable of reaching lethal temperatures rapidly, even on days as low as 60 degrees. The OTS and Caltrans encourage parents and caregivers to remind their children that cars are not playgrounds. The act of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle for any length of time can lead to tragedy and irreversible consequences. Young children don't sweat as effectively as adults, which is crucial for regulating body temperature. Their body temperatures increase much more quickly than adults. Keep an eye out for heat rash or sunburn as early indicators of heat illness and seek immediate help if other symptoms develop. Signs of heatstroke include a body temperature above 103 degrees, a rapid pulse, nausea, confusion, dizziness, headache, hot, red, dry, or damp skin, along with unusual or irritable behavior.

Screenshot Darlene Futrel, Orange County National Action Network president.

Photo: Stacy M. Brown

Early Literacy is an Educational Priority

By BlackPressUSA

In 2023, the Oregon legislature launched the Early Literacy Success Initiative to help all students learn to read, as only 46% of students read proficiently by the end of grade 3. To support the initiative, the Children’s Institute (CI) partnered with the Regional Educational Laboratory Northwest (REL Northwest) to compile accessible, evidencebased resources to support this effort and strengthen literacy practices for young children.

Preschool students at the Preschool Promise program at the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees in Portland, Oregon.

Preschool students at the Preschool Promise program at the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees in Portland, Oregon.

Why early literacy matters

Why focus on birth to grade 3? Early experiences shape the foundation for all future learning, with critical brain development occurring before age five. When young children develop strong language skills early on, they are better equipped to engage in learning and succeed academically. Children who fail

to achieve reading proficiency by grade 3 are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Thus, early literacy is an educational priority and an equity issue, as it can help mitigate the effects of poverty and systemic inequities.

Evidence-based early literacy resources

REL Northwest compiled vetted resources to support early literacy from ages 0–3 and preschool to grade 3. For children ages 0–3, these resources include interactive reading apps, early literacy games, and parentchild reading guides. Educators and parents can integrate these strategies into home visiting programs, early intervention services, and community-based programs. For older children in preschool and elementary school settings, the resources include guided reading materials, phonics-based learning tools, and literacy assessment guides.

For example, How Parents and Families Support Oral Language and Vocabulary provides research-based strategies, example texts, and real-life vignettes that parents and families can use to develop oral language skills in infants,

How to Keep Teachers from Leaving their Jobs

By Emily McGinnis

There's never been a more stressful time to be a teacher. I say that as someone who worked in K-12 schools for more than 20 years, first as a teacher and then as a principal.

Educators enter the profession out of a passion for teaching and helping kids. But today, they're leaving in droves. Between 2020 and 2022, about 300,000 public school teachers and staff quit. K-12 teachers have the highest burnout rate of any profession. Nearly a third are considering leaving the profession.

For the sake of the next generation, school districts and local governments need to figure out how to keep teachers in classrooms. Improved salaries would help -- teachers are underpaid. But even that wouldn't entirely solve the problem. We need to turn schools back into places where teachers want to be. Many of these institutions are no longer havens for learning.

Pressure on teachers has mounted over the years as society has made them scapegoats in cultural and political battles. They face unprecedented criticism from parents and governmental officials.

Stressors are also increasing inside. Schools are growing more violent. Since the pandemic, 38% of K-12 schools have seen an increase in physical violence between students, 45% have seen an increase in threats, and 37% report an increase in bullying.

The teacher shortage, along with staff cuts, force those who remain to take on more responsibilities -- supervising morning drop-off, recess, or

toddlers, and preschoolers, including those from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Another resource, A Kindergarten Teacher’s Guide to Supporting Family Involvement in Foundational Reading Skills, helps teachers support families in practicing foundational reading skills at home as a companion to the recommendations for classroom instruction. These resources address the unique needs and challenges faced by students, including students from low-income families, English learner students, and students with disabilities.

Children’s Institute published these resources on a custom web page designed for families, caregivers, practitioners, and policymakers to access and use practices linked to improving student outcomes. The resources are presented in a user-friendly format with clear instructions and explanations.

Policy context and future directions

The shift toward identifying literacy skills on the zero-tograde-3 continuum reflects a growing recognition of the importance of early childhood education. This approach aligns with national trends and funding opportunities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive early literacy strategies. By thinking beyond the traditional PreK–3 continuum, Oregon is positioning itself as a leader in early childhood education reform.

The infusion of state funding into early literacy initiatives, particularly the Early Literacy Success Initiative, opens new possibilities. By leveraging this funding, educators and policymakers can adopt and integrate these tools and strategies into their existing frameworks, ensuring that every

child in Oregon can develop strong literacy skills from the earliest age.

By creating a more equitable education system that empowers all children to reach their full potential, this initiative aims to improve early literacy and foster a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to the future of our children and our communities. Lessons learned can or should inform efforts throughout the country and inspire action on early literacy.

The role of REL Northwest and Children’s Institute

REL Northwest plays a crucial role in building the capacity of education stakeholders across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington and helping state and district leaders use data and evidence for informed decision-making. REL Northwest conducts applied research and provides training and technical support to state and local education agencies and community organization partners in the region.

Children’s Institute, a nonprofit organization, focuses on improving the lives of children from prenatal to fifth grade in Oregon, especially those facing systemic barriers like poverty, racial inequities, disabilities, or rural areas. CI’s work focuses on shaping state early childhood policy related to early learning and healthy development and working with schools and districts to strengthen teaching practices in preschool through fifth grade with its Early School Success initiative. They collaborate with various stakeholders, including families, educators, regional leaders, policymakers, and health organizations, to ensure a comprehensive approach to early childhood education.

Ramos youth, education and public safety bills move forward after key fiscal committee hearing

SACRAMENTO—

Assemblymember James C. Ramos’s (D-San Bernardino) legislation ranging from children and youth to public safety and tribes cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee Suspense file today. The approved measures will be voted on by the full Senate by the close of session on Aug. 31.

Senate Appropriations approved the following bills:

Children, Youth and Education

AB 2108, the Luke Madrigal Act, requires a county social worker or probation officer to immediately notify parents or legal guardians, attorneys for parents, court-appointed special advocates, the court of jurisdiction and others when they receive information that children receiving child welfare services, including non-minor dependents, are missing from foster care.

The Yurok Tribe, California Tribal Families Coalition and Alliance for Children’s Rights are sponsors.

AB 2711 would ensure that students who voluntarily disclose their substance use to school officials for purposes of seeking assistance will not be suspended. Sponsors are the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, California Alliance of Child and Family Services and California Youth Empowerment Network and Children Now.

Public Safety

federally recognized tribes to enter into co-governance and co-management agreements with the California Natural Resources Agency. Sponsors are the Resighini Rancheria and the Tolwa Dee-ni' Nation.

Ramos bills currently on the Senate floor are:

AB 81 that seeks to safeguard existing state statutes protecting Indian children, families and the rights of tribes in child welfare cases by making changes throughout various code sections regarding placement of children in Indian child welfare cases. Official sponsors are the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the California Tribal Families Coalition.

AB 1821 would require California schools, when teaching about the Spanish Colonization and Gold Rush Eras, to teach the true history of the treatment and perspectives of California Native Americans during those periods. It would also require that the Instructional Quality Commission consider including the content in the curriculum framework and evaluation criteria for instructional materials. Sponsors are the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. AB 3276 would ratify the tribal-state gaming compact between the State of California and the Tule River Indian Tribe of California executed on June 25, 2024. Sponsor is the Tule River Indian Tribe of California.

afterschool programs. Most teachers can't afford to spend more time on the job. Already, more than 80% of teachers have worked a second job to help make ends meet.

Burnout is a downward spiral. It drives teachers away, which increases the workload -- and burnout -- of those who stay.

Of course, the elephant in the classroom is money. Local and state governments must allocate more funding to their public schools.

Instead, states like Connecticut and Utah are slashing education budgets. Tennessee, South Carolina, and Oklahoma are considering rejecting billions in federal education funding.

Nearly $200 billion in Covidera federal aid is set to expire soon. In Texas, lawmakers failed to approve teacher pay increases despite a $38.7 billion surplus. We need to increase school funding to retain and attract more teachers. But how we go about using funds is just as important. Schools should prioritize hiring assistant teachers and tutoring services.

Even schools dealing with budget cuts can make changes to support their teachers. For instance, administrators can show teachers they value their expertise by standing behind their decisions when dealing with quarrelsome parents. It also makes a difference to respect their time. When I was a teacher, I'd often be up by 5 a.m., at school by 6:30 a.m.,

How to Keep Teachers from Leaving their Jobs...continued and home at 6 p.m., all while juggling family responsibilities -- and preparing the next day's lesson on my own time.

It doesn't cost any money to have administrative staff take turns covering morning dropoff or lunch supervision. As a principal, I provided teachers with meals donated by local restaurants, freeing up time after work so they could enjoy dinner at home with their families.

If we care about children, we have to nurture their teachers. Too many have lost the joy

of educating. By respecting their time and improving their workplaces, we can bring that joy back.

Emily McGinnis is the K-12 education market manager at KI, a global furniture manufacturer in Green Bay, Wis. She previously spent 21 years as a teacher and principal in the Charlotte, N.C. area and holds masters degrees in teaching and school administration from Wingate University. This piece originally ran in the Dallas Morning News.

SPONSORS NEEDED FOR MR. AND MISS CARDINAL CITY

One date in September, leading to one year of service for one Mr. Cardinal City winner and one Miss Cardinal City winner to represent San Bernardino High School (SBHS).

It may seem like Mr. and Miss Cardinal City are just about pageant night, but that is far from the truth. The September 21, 2024, pageant will be preceded by many days of preparation. The Mr. Cardinal and Miss Cardinal contestants will spend days practicing their opening number and hundreds if not thousands of hours performing community service before the big night. And although only one Mr. Cardinal City and one Miss Cardinal City will be crowned, they will each have a court to help them fulfill their duties.

The Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageant is the brainchild of Jaime Rios, who wanted to bring positive attention to both SBHS, where he has worked for more than 21 years, and the entire San Bernardino community. He also wanted to empower the young men and women of Cardinal City,

named for the school’s mascot. That is why the focus of the entire process is on academics, social skills, and community service.

“I am looking forward to attending the pageant to see the impact it makes on our student participants,” said SBHS Principal Anna Sosa. “When I was a teacher, it was wonderful to see some of my students find their voice, build their confidence, and experience the value of giving back to the community.”

The school is asking local businesses and individuals to help make the pageant and the reign of both Mr. and Miss Cardinal City a success by donating time and resources. Any donations are welcome, from cash to bottles of water.

To become a sponsor, contact pageant director and bilingual school outreach worker Jaime Rios at (909) 881-8217.

The pageant is set for Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Indian Spring High School 650 N Del Rosa Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92410. (Doors open at 5:00 pm)

AB 2138 creates a three-year pilot program allowing tribal governments under specified conditions to grant their law enforcement officers peace officer status. Sponsors are the Yurok Tribe and California Indian Legal Services.

AB 2695 requires the Department of Justice to collect and disaggregate data on crimes occurring on Indian lands and report that information to the California Department of Justice as part of its efforts to address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis.

Sponsor is California Attorney General Rob Bonta. It is also supported by the Cahuilla Band of Indians and California Tribal Business Alliance.

Also moving out of the Senate Appropriations Committee is AB 1284 would allow California’s

Measures already heading to the governor’s desk are:

· AB 1863 that would make changes to the Feather Alert, a public notification system operated by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) when Native Americans are missing. The changes would streamline the process and require the CHP to state why a notification request is not enacted. Sponsors are the Bear River of the Rohnerville Rancheria, Pechanga Band of Mission Indians and the Yurok Tribe.

· AB 2948 that would include a final order of adoption issued by a tribal court as a qualifying circumstance for a child to receive Adoption Assistance Program benefits.

Dr. Herb Turner Founder, President and Principal Scientist Analytica Inc

Dr. Marina Merrill Director of Research & Strategy Children’s Institute

Public Confidence in Supreme Court Hits Record Lows

More than 78% of voters support term limits for justices

By Sunita Sohrabji

The public’s view of the US Supreme Court’s credibility has plummeted to the lowest levels ever recorded, as voters perceive recent major decisions to be fueled by partisanship.

Of particular concern is the 2022 Dobbs decision, in which the justices ruled 6-3 that abortions were not guaranteed by the Constitution. In another ruling earlier this summer, the court ruled there was vast immunity from criminal prosecution for presidents, effectively expunging several criminal cases against Donald Trump. The former president was able to “stack” the highest court in the nation with three appointees: Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.

“This is a public institution that is ripe for reform,” said Brennan Center President Michael Waldman, at a news briefing Aug. 13. Waldman also served on President Joe Biden’s Commission on the Supreme Court. “It is an institution by its very nature, with lifetime terms unelected, that is often immune from accountability.”

“But that accountability moment is now,” said Waldman, noting that justices have faced a large number of ethics controversies and other scandals.

“This rattles public confidence,” he added.

Term Limits

Two weeks ago, President Joe Biden proposed sweeping changes for the Supreme Court, among them term limits of 18 years. Biden also called on Congress to pass legislation requiring justices to disclose gifts, refrain from public political activity, and recuse themselves from cases in which they or their spouses have financial or other conflicts of interest.

Judge Diane Wood, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, echoed Waldman’s remarks, noting that there was a tradition of Supreme Court justices being “neutral arbiters,” using the Constitution to guide their decisions. That no longer seems to be the case, said Wood, currently the director of the American Law Institute, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.

“This court is one more committee of the Senate, or something like a political committee. We don’t really need one more political committee, we’ve got plenty of them.”

Public Losing Confidence

Rialto City Council Candidate Ana Gonzalez to Speak at the Democratic Luncheon Club

“Ana has served local citizens and Democrats for over a decade.

We’re looking forward to hearing about Ana’s plans for serving as a member of the Rialto City Council,” said Attorney Timothy Prince, Esq, President of the San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club.

RIALTO, CALIF.-- Ana Gonzalez will speak to the San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club’s August 23rd Noon meeting. She is running for a seat on the Rialto City Council.

Gonzalez is a mother, educator, nonprofit executive director, volunteer, and community advocate. She attended public schools in Rialto.

“My first priority is to promote equal access and services to all residents. With a 76% Latino population, it’s important to provide bilingual agendas, minutes, and everything else so the Spanish population can get

involved,” said Gonzalez. “My priorities are infrastructure, housing, health & safety, and small business advocacy.”

She also shared that one of the biggest challenges is Rialto’s unfunded pension plan liabilities—currently a $130 million deficit. “We need a plan to start paying those down, or our city can go bankrupt,” Gonzalez says. “That debt is expected to increase dramatically within the next five years. City council needs to prioritize making these payments instead of taking on new projects.”

Gonzalez has lived in the city of Rialto for over 27 years. “I see the needs of our residents,” says Gonzalez. “Working for an environmental justice organization, I see the needs of our communities every day and have served to bring people together and find solutions.”

California Assemblywoman Eloise Gomez Reyes and Councilman Joe Baca Sr. have endorsed Gonzalez in her run for city council. For more information, please visit voteanagonzalez.com. For more information or to speak at the San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club, contact them at sbdems. com/?page_id=14.

norms in the nominations process over the last several years, refusing to meet Merrick Garland, President Barack Obama’s nominee for the seat vacated by the late Justice Antonin Scalia, and rushing through Amy Coney Barrett, Trump’s replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, said Rodriguez.

“It was so striking at the Commission how, across ideological lines, there was a sense of something needing to be done, that something was out of whack. In one sense, the country was moving in one direction and the Court was moving rapidly in another direction, which creates a real crisis of legitimacy,” she said.

Trajectory of the Court

“But we need something to assure people that it is actually legal principles that are driving these decisions,” said Wood.

“When the Supreme Court decides a case, the losing party needs to feel that it got a fair hearing, that there was some objectivity to the way the decision was made. And I do think people are losing that confidence,” she said, adding that the Court needs to regain its “public legitimacy.”

Cristina M. Rodríguez, Leighton Homer Surbeck Professor of Law at Yale Law School, and former co-chair of the Commission on the Supreme Court, noted that while she served on the Commission, she heard a lot of varying views about how the Court could be mended.

Republican Party Violating Norms “Fundamentally, the calls for court reform stem from alarm at what the conservative supermajority on the Court has been doing to the law, and the sense that their power is way out of proportion to the outcomes of the political process over the last several decades,” she said.

There is a sense that the Republican Party has violated

Alicia Bannon, director of the Judiciary Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, explained how Supreme Court term limits would work. Justices would be divided into two phases. In the first 18year phase, they would serve as they do now. In the second phase of service, the justices’ duties would change. “They would still be judges, they would still get paid, they would still hold their offices, but the duties of that senior Supreme Court justice would be different,” said Bannon, noting, for example, they could serve on lower courts or hear a limited number of cases, but not the full court docket.

Term limits would offer a regularized appointment process. Every two years a new vacancy would open on the Court, so presidents would get an opportunity in each term to put two new justices on the bench.

“It restores us much closer to historical norms in terms of how long justices were sitting on the bench,” said Bannon, noting that justices today serve about a decade longer than they have since the 1960s.

“It also creates a dynamic where the Court is more closely linked to the public because presidents would have equal opportunities in a four-year term to influence the trajectory of the Court,” she said.

Assemblymember Holden’s Bill Addressing Lead Levels In School Water Is Held In Senate Appropriations

Sacramento, CA – Last week, Assemblymember Chris Holden’s landmark legislation, AB 1851, School-site Lead Testing and Mitigated Pilot Program, which would have required the Superintendent of Public Instruction to contract with a nonprofit technical assistance organization to sample all potable water system outlets, was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee. AB 1851 is a follow up bill to AB 249, addressing the Governor’s concerns and taking a more fiscal approach to the issue of water safety in California schools.

“I would be lying if I said this was not a great disappointment, especially given the tremendous efforts at a federal and state level to ensure safe drinking water for all of our children and the excess federal funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I struggle to find good reason for the Senate Appropriation Committee’s decision not to see this one through,” said

Caltrans Halts Excavation Work At Regent’s Slide On Highway 1 Due To Slide Activity

Much of Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast remains accessible and open

MONTEREY COUNTY –

Caltrans today announced that it has temporarily halted excavation work on Highway 1 at Regent’s Slide due to continuing slide activity in and around the repair site. While much of Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast remains accessible and open, Caltrans engineers are now assessing the slide area and gathering data to keep the public informed of the new timeline for reopening.

While excavating the slope with bulldozers earlier this month, crews noticed surface cracking at several points around the area being excavated, indicating additional slide activity. Caltrans mapped this cracking and determined that this new slide would likely continue to move and impact the ongoing work to reopen the roadway.

For the safety of work crews, Caltrans halted excavation work.

Highway 1 at Regent’s Slide has been closed since February 9, 2024, due to a slide that originated 450 feet above the roadway. The slide displaced material that engulfed the roadway and continued down to the beach and ocean below. While Caltrans has made progress toward reopening the roadway, repair efforts have been challenged by the height and steepness of the slope, which have required flexibility and frequent adjustments to repair strategies to ensure the safety of workers on site.

Although through travel on Highway 1 from Carmel to Cambria is not possible at this time, travel to the communities of Cambria, San Simeon, and all the amenities of the south

coast continue to be within reach from Southern California, as do businesses and attractions on the coast south of the Monterey/ Carmel area coming from Northern California.

Earlier this week, Caltrans installed three sensors where surface cracking was observed. Caltrans will collect data from these sensors over the next several weeks to determine the magnitude, rate, direction, depth, and type of movement involved. Engineers will evaluate data to determine if additional stabilization work is needed. Excavation work will resume once Caltrans confirms it is safe to do so.

A 6.8-mile segment of Highway 1 will remain closed while repairs continue. Regent’s Slide is located 45 miles south of Carmel at Post Mile (PM) 27.8. The southern turnaround point on Highway 1 is at PM 25.3, two miles north of Lucia. The northern turnaround point is located at Lime Creek at PM 32.1, just south of the Esalen Institute. Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5. Our crews deserve to get home safely too.

Drive slowly and carefully in work zones.

CHP Traffic Incident Information Page: http://cad. chp.ca.gov Traveler information at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

Assemblymember Holden.

The federal government and state of California have enhanced lead testing standards and processes, but the misalignment of lead testing standards for childcare centers and TK12 schools leaves room for important improvements for long-term results and safety. A United States Environmental Protection Agency analysis found that minority and low income populations experience disproportionate risk of lead exposure in drinking water. Since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed, California is set to receive approximately $14.5 billion for transportation to invest in roads, bridges, public transit, ports and airports and roughly $1 billion for clean water.

“Since money was not the issue, I suspect Californians will want to know why the Legislature failed to secure this legislation. In my humble opinion, this was a no brainer,” said Holden.

Commentary: Trump’s Repeated Mispronunciation of ‘Kamala’ Shows Disrespect and Desperation...continued from page 1

who mispronounce her name. However, during a 2020 interview with Trevor Noah on The Daily Show, she addressed the issue with grace and insight.

Harris explained that a name is a precious gift from one’s family, rooted in tradition, love, and hope. She emphasized that respecting the significance of names honors those values, while mocking or mispronouncing them is childish and reflects a lack of maturity and respect.

“That the highest elected leaders should conduct themselves like they did when they were children on the playground, it speaks poorly of their appreciation for the responsibility of the role that they have,” Harris said to Noah. “And I think it’s a reflection of their values and their maturity.” Harris added, “I don’t pay attention to the name-calling,

Trevor. There’s some of us who have lived a lifetime of being called names. It is predictable, it is childish, and it will not distract me.”

Her response underscores the importance of respecting the cultural significance behind names, especially for those in leadership positions. By addressing the topic this way, Harris highlighted her commitment to dignity and respect, even in the face of those who choose to behave otherwise. In the end, it's not just about a name -- it's about what that name stands for and the respect it deserves. A true leader understands the importance of every detail, every nuance, and every person they serve. Anything less falls short of the standard of leadership that the American people deserve.

Aerial view of Regent’s Slide on Highway 1, August 7, 2024.

Formal group photograph of the Supreme Court as it was been comprised on June 30, 2022 after Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson joined the Court. The Justices are posed in front of red velvet drapes and arranged by seniority, with five seated and four standing. Seated from left are Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and Justices Samuel A. Alito and Elena Kagan. Standing from left are Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Ketanji Brown Jackson. (Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States)

Study explores racial bias in language used by physicians in medical records

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent

An analysis of electronic health records revealed that physicians’ notes for Black and Hispanic patients contained significantly more negative adjectives, which may have impacted the quality of care, experts

(NNPA Newswire) – A groundbreaking study found glaring disparities in the language that health care professionals use when recording patient interactions, which could have an impact on the caliber of care that minority groups receive.

Titled “Examining Linguistic Differences in Electronic Health Records for Diverse Patients with Diabetes: Natural Language Processing Analysis,” the study analyzed electronic health records (EHRs) of Black, White, and Hispanic or Latino patients treated by 281 physicians in a major metropolitan area. The findings highlight how racial and ethnic biases may permeate even the most intimate and routine aspects of health care. An analysis of electronic health records revealed that physicians’ notes for Black and Hispanic patients contained significantly more negative adjectives, which may have impacted the quality of care, experts said. (Courtesy photo)

The research, led by Eden King, the Lynette S. Autrey professor of psychological sciences at Rice University,

‘I’m Not Going to

sought to ascertain whether doctors use biased language when describing patients in postvisit reports.

“Language and communication are central to social interactions across cultures, including the critical exchanges that occur between clinicians and patients,” King stated. “Our study sought to uncover whether the words physicians use in health records reflect biases, and the results are concerning.”

The study employed a sophisticated natural language processing tool, the Sentiment Analysis and Social Cognition Engine (SEANCE), to examine various linguistic markers in the EHR text. The analysis revealed that physicians’ notes for Black and Hispanic patients contained significantly more negative adjectives, such as “unkind,” “negative,” and “stupid;” and words associated with fear and disgust, including “intimidate,” “attack,” and “cringe.” In contrast, notes for White, nonHispanic patients featured more positive language, including adjectives like “supportive” and “kind,” as well as verbs

indicating trust, such as “affirm” and “advise.”

“These findings align with a growing body of research demonstrating that racial and ethnic minorities often receive inferior care, marked by less empathy, reduced rapport, and diminished patient trust,” King explained in a news release.

The study’s results are consistent with previous reports, such as the 2018 National Healthcare Disparities Report, which found that Black and Hispanic patients frequently experience worse care on numerous quality measures compared to their White counterparts. This includes receiving less respect and attention from physicians, further contributing to health disparities.

Researchers assert that the implications of these linguistic biases are far-reaching. Language in EHRs not merely reflects a physician’s observations but also influences future medical decisions, as these records are reviewed and referenced in subsequent patient encounters. Bias in these records can

perpetuate negative stereotypes and lead to ongoing disparities in care. The study’s authors emphasize that understanding and addressing these biases is crucial for improving health outcomes for minority populations.

King and her team hope their research will be a wake-up call to the medical community.

“If we can develop and refine algorithms to detect such biases, we can raise awareness among clinicians during patient interactions,” King said in the release. “This heightened awareness could be a critical step toward more equitable healthcare.”

The study also points to the need for systemic changes in how medical professionals are trained and how EHRs are utilized.

While EHRs are essential for documenting patient care, officials noted that the language used in these records can reflect unconscious biases that may influence patient outcomes. They said the research underscores the importance of ongoing education and training for health care providers to recognize and mitigate these biases.

The study’s findings open the door for further research into the relationship between biased language in medical records and patient outcomes. The research team, which includes experts from institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University of Houston, and Duke University, plans to explore whether biased language correlates with poorer health outcomes for minority patients and whether interventions can reduce these disparities.

The study, supported in part by a grant from the Rice Race and Anti-Racism Research Fund, was published in JMIR Medical Informatics and is available online.

Live With Dementia; Dementia Is Going to Live With Me’

Los Angeles program helps patients navigate the complexity of early Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

Published on August 13, 2024By

George B. Sánchez-Tello

In September, the Rev. Carolyn Habersham began to notice things misplaced or missing around her home. Her debit and credit cards ended up in her make up box. Then her make up kit disappeared. One day she was cooking and went to get her phone. She forgot why she needed her phone. And she forgot about the food on the stove.

“It traumatized me when I walked into the kitchen and there’s a pot I completely forgot about,” said Habersham. “It shook me to my core.”

As a cancer survivor, Habersham, 72, learned the importance of self-advocacy, especially as a Black woman who has lived without health insurance for much of her life. Now receiving Medicare, she met with her primary care physician and a neurologist in November. The neurologist told her she has mild cognitive impairment, a warning sign for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Habersham is a model of the kind of self-advocacy that is important in the early stages of memory loss. Our health system often lacks a clear path to diagnosis and treatment.

Habersham at her computer station in her bedroom. She uses paper notes, which have grown into piles, to safeguard against memory loss.

Alzheimer’s experts say dementia care is a maze that encompasses primary care providers, specialists, the scheduling of tests, medicine management and support for caregivers.

“You cannot deal with something if you don’t know what you’re dealing with,” Habersham said. “It feels like I’m being trapped in a place I should be able to get out of but I can’t because you won’t give me the key.”

Improving dementia care may be as challenging as finding a cure, warned a Rand Corporation study seven years ago. Dementia care improvements will require “solving a complex puzzle” including more disease testing and screening; more doctors, nurses and specialists; and more home-based treatments.

In the meantime, patients like Habersham and their caregivers are often left to navigate Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia largely on their own.

“Advocates are probably the most crucial thing for seniors, particularly in navigating the

health care system,” Habersham said. Alzheimer’s and dementia will dramatically increase in the coming years. But Alzheimer’s and dementia disproportionately affects communities of color — particularly Blacks and Latinos — in the United States and California. The rate at which Blacks in the state succumb to the degenerative brain disease is greater than that of their peers. Los Angeles County is one of the nation’s epicenters of dementia among Blacks.

Look Before You Lock the Car; Prevent Risk of Leaving Children in Hot Cars...continued from page 1

you spot a child or pet alone in a vehicle, assess their health and call 911 if they appear in distress. Attempt to locate the guardians or pet owner and request establishments to utilize their public announcement systems. Let’s pledge to keep our children and pets safe. Remember, the tragedy of vehicular heatstroke is entirely avoidable. Take action, spread the word, and always "Look Before You Lock." For more tips and information on preventing heatstroke, please visit https://www.nhtsa. gov/campaign/heatstroke. For materials and information, visit https://gosafelyca.org/mediatoolkits/.

Balancing School, Fall Sports Season & Your Child’s Mental Health

Tips to help parents support their student’s success

By Dr. Archana Dubey, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of California

The fall season is upon us and as teens go back to school, many are also gearing up for the sports season. Participating in sports, whether casual play or organized athletics, can be highly beneficial. Regular physical activity can help defend against common health issues such as obesity and type 2 diabetes in children. Sports can also strengthen social relationships with friends and family.

That’s why, the federal government has set a goal of increasing participation in after-school or extracurricular sports to 63% of young people from ages 6 to 17 by 2030. The current participation rate here in California is less than 50%.

Create or re-establish a routine: What time does the family sit down for dinner? When is homework time? What is the limit for screen time? When is “lights out” at night? What time do alarm clocks ring? Having a consistent, daily routine can help children feel less overwhelmed and more confident, secure and stable entering their school and sports season.

Schedule a Well-Child Visit: Think of a well-child visit as an opportunity to understand your child’s health needs better. Your child’s pediatrician or PCP can assess their physical & emotional health at the start of the school year and prior to sports season. It’s also a great time to complete their school’s physical forms and to get current on immunizations. Ask your child’s doctor about what’s driving their physical development, such as diet, exercise, and sleeping habits. Not sure what to ask? UnitedHealthcare offers a printable preventive care checklist.

who died of Alzheimer’s disease in 2013.

In California, researchers, doctors and public health workers have developed models to better serve people with dementia, or PWD. Habersham has largely relied on Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, an organization that provides education and direction to people living with Alzheimer’s. After meeting with her doctors in November, she attended Alzheimer’s Los Angeles’ Early Memory Loss conference in January. The conference led her to a support group for people with dementia. Through all this she has worked with Cassandra Rivera, a social worker who oversees Alzheimer’s Los Angeles’ care counseling program, which offers personalized guidance. Rivera

It’s important, however, to balance extra-curricular sports with teen mental health. For some young people, participation can become overwhelming and even lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Expectations that some young athletes can be very high. Kids are eager to win, and many give it their all. Others are not as athletically inclined and may feel stress over the possibility of underperforming. Whatever the case, it’s easy to get caught up in the expectation of having to meet academic expectations, pushing harder during sports practices, and making time for social activities. The result: kids can feel like they must stretch themselves to accomplish what they feel is “expected” of them.

To help kids thrive this fall academically, athletically and socially, here are some strategies to consider: Develop a game plan: For parents, it’s important to create a “game plan” to help prepare for both the new school year and the challenges that come with competitive sports. Just as you would prep for an individual sporting event, it’s important to develop a comprehensive plan for the full academic and athletic year ahead.

Listen often and discuss mental health: Starting the discussion around mental health can be scary for some teens, and parents, so providing an open and safe environment to discuss difficult topics can set the precedent for your child of asking for help when it’s needed. Be sure to validate your teen’s feelings and avoid asking too many questions to show that you’re truly listening. If your kids do talk about being scared or nervous, validate those feelings. Help them feel secure and let them know it’s possible to feel better. These can be sensitive topics for your child, so empathy, openness, and patience can go a long way in helping them feel heard and optimistic that things will get better. Focus on your child’s overall disposition — not just what they’re saying — and watch for warning signs of issues, such as persistent sadness, sudden mood changes, sleep problems or loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, such as sports.

Back to school and fall sports season are a fantastic way for your children to stay active and healthy. Sports, indeed, can improve the physical and mental well-being of young people, but it’s also important to make sure your child has the resources they need to get help along the way.

Dr. Archana Dubey

said. (Courtesy photo)

The Rev. Carolyn Habersham in the living room of her South Los Angeles home. All photos by Isabel Avila.

A portrait of Habersham’s father, the Rev. Ezekiel Habersham,

Leading Democratic Women Excoriate Trump During Fiery DNC Speeches

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas highlighted the divergent paths of Harris and Trump. “One candidate worked at McDonald’s while she was in college at HBCU. The other was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and helped his daddy in the family business: Housing discrimination,”

By Stacy M.

CHICAGO — At the Democratic National Convention, a cadre of leading Democratic women took the stage, unleashing a barrage of critiques against Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, framed by the Republicans’ notorious record on women’s issues. The stark differences in vision and values of the twice-impeached and 34-times convicted former president, his vice-presidential nominee, and Vice President Kamala Harris and her surrogates were on full display in Chicago.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opened with a

searing take on Trump’s legal woes. “Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial,” Clinton recounted to an amused crowd.

“When he woke up, he’d made his own kind of history — the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.”

The statement sparked a wave of laughter and wild applause, leading to chants of “Lock him up!” echoing the irony of Trump’s previous attacks on her.

“We have him on the run now,” Clinton declared. “But no matter what the polls say, we can’t give up.”

Rep. Jasmine Crockett of

Texas highlighted the divergent paths of Harris and Trump. “One candidate worked at McDonald’s while she was in college at HBCU. The other was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and helped his daddy in the family business: Housing discrimination,” Crockett said, sparking boisterous applause from the audience. She continued, “She became a career prosecutor, while he became a career criminal, with 34 felonies, two impeachments, and one porn star to prove it.”

Reflecting on her early days in Congress, Crockett shared a

personal testimony about Harris’ influence. “When I first got to Congress, I wasn’t sure I made the right decision,” she admitted. “That chaos caucus couldn’t elect a speaker, and the Oversight Committee was unhinged.”

Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez of New York also critically panned Trump’s priorities. “We know Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing the palms of his Wall Street friends,” Ocasio-Cortez asserted. Her speech vividly championed Harris as a beacon for working Americans. “To love this country is to fight for its people — all people, working people, everyday Americans like bartenders and factory workers and fast-food cashiers who punch a clock and are on their feet all day in some of the toughest jobs out there.”

Ocasio-Cortez then stirred the thousands of delegates with a forward-looking promise: “America, when we knock on our neighbor’s door, organize our communities, and elect Kamala Harris to the presidency on November 5, we will send a loud message that the people of this nation will not go back. We choose a new path and open the door to a new day: one that is for the people and by the people.”

Last Chance for CA Caregivers to Get Paid Training

Caregivers statewide have through the end of August to earn up to $6,000 to learn and use caregiving skills through CalGrows.

By Selen Ozturk

As California grows older than ever, the demand for caregivers is growing too.

Caregivers statewide have through the end of August to earn up to $6,000 to learn and use caregiving skills through CalGrows. The program, run by the California Department of Aging, offers free online and in-person classes through September 30, but unlicensed caregivers, home health aides and certified nursing assistants have until August 31 to enroll to get paid for the training.

CalGrows

By 2030, over 10.8 million Californians — a quarter of the state’s population — will be over the age of 60.

California is already facing a shortage of up to 3.2 million caregivers, with serious consequences like long wait times and social isolation for older adults who are most in need of care.

Despite this great demand for care, “The program is tied to state funding that is expiring, so jump on this opportunity now,” said Connie Nakano, assistant director of the CDA Office of Communications. “Time is of the essence … You’re not only advancing your career, but also positively impact the lives of countless people in your community.”

The program has over 600 courses in nine languages, varying in lengths from five minute units to five hour series; varying in formats from inperson, online, live and selfpaced; and varying in topics including CPR, dementia care, older adult nutrition and older adult mental health.

About 14,000 caregivers statewide have already taken a collective 89,000 courses, and been paid about $7 million.

The program is uniquely lucrative for an often undercompensated part of the health care sector. Direct care workers in California earn an average annual salary of $20,000, with one in four workers falling below the federal poverty line.

California’s nearly five million caregivers spend about four billion collective hours helping their family and friends each year. This time is valued at $63 billion annually.

“Caregiving isn’t onedimensional, it isn’t just in a nursing facility or in-home. There’s care for all aspects of how people choose to age,” said Nakano. “That’s the purpose of CalGrows, to have a trained support system for everyone to choose how they’d like to age in place.”

Caregiver experiences

“CalGrows taught me, medically, what’s happening

inside the seniors that cross my path, and how it affects their needs in daily life,” said Lidia Mawalu, a Fijiian CalGrows graduate working as a live-in caregiver for Corrina Rucka, an older adult in Monterey County.

“It helped me with practical, physical preventive care at home — for example, nutrition, not falling, preparing blood pressure medication and cleaning catheters,” she continued. “I understood what I need to do to help the person’s life enjoyable, which is different with each person, even each day.”

“Back in Fiji, we grow up in extended families, so we fit caregiving into our school days and weekends. It’s an inbuilt thing in us, that as our population ages, we bring home to them, because the time given to them is so precious until the end of life,” Mawalu explained.

“My previous client used to tell me, ‘Do not grow old.’ and I’d say ‘Is there any other way out of old age?’ It was her funny way of telling me, ‘Let’s keep going in a positive way.’ And these courses have made me love the work of doing that for our elderly people,” she added. “’Bula’ in our language means ‘life’, and in the mornings Corrina and I call to each other, ‘bula,’ ‘bula’ — ‘life,’ ‘life.’”

“’If I didn’t have Lydia there in the mornings, It would be very difficult, because as soon as I wake up, she’s there, and she’s asking me if I need anything, and she’s excellent. She’s very aware of my needs,” said Rucka. “She’ll ask and gauge how I’m feeling, and suggest things to do that day depending on that.”

“I put myself in her shoes,” added Mawalu. “We remind each other, ‘Have you drunk your water?’ Care is a mutual relationship, helping each other through life. We do it together.”

“Often, patients — especially those new to the illnesses

‘I’m Not Going to Live With Dementia; Dementia Is Going to Live With Me’...continued from page 4 possession of her late father’s — a signed photograph from President Barack Obama.

was able to cut through the reams of research on Alzheimer’s and dementia to provide Habersham with tailored information on early memory loss signs and symptoms. Rivera affirmed Habersham’s experience of visuospatial difficulties — the inability to recognize objects in front of her.

When Habersham saw a neurologist who was dismissive of her memory loss, telling her that in time her brain might fix itself, Rivera and staff at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles helped her to find another neurologist.

Alzheimer’s Los Angeles classes have helped Habersham plan for the changes in her life.

A pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles, Habersham now runs her Bible study and prayer groups by Zoom from home. Her food is delivered; she doesn’t allow herself to cook. She gave away her car and won’t drive to ensure she doesn’t accidentally harm anyone.

shares a treasured

Many of the people that have helped Habersham have noted that she is an example of the positive result of effective public education and outreach: a patient who is informed and able to self-advocate. Yet education and self-advocacy can go only so far if health care systems have not adjusted to better serve the needs of their patients.

“I made a conscious decision yesterday that I’m not going to live with dementia; dementia is going to live with me,” Habersham said the first time we met.

According to her paperwork, she isn’t living with dementia yet. The second neurologist could formally diagnose Habersham. Meanwhile, doctors and social workers recognize the early signs of dementia in her. Habersham doesn’t have time to wait. Her father, the Rev. Ezekiel Habersham, died of the same disease in 2013 at the age of 87. The health care system needs to learn from patients like Habersham and move with the same urgency to serve people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Last Chance for CA Caregivers to Get Paid Training... continued

the past few weeks at ACC have seen “a huge influx of people signing up for classes, whereas before I was the one registering everybody. We’ve been doing outreach to boost numbers, mainly with in-person presentations at other community centers and distributing flyers throughout the city in different languages.”

“What stands out to me

they experience, or who don’t understand the doctors’ language — just need someone to be there and explain, step by step, everything they need to have the best quality of life that they can,” said Carmen Contreras, a CalGrows Home Health Aide (HHA) graduate caring for her father in Ventura County.

“My father recently suffered a stroke, and with all the care and joy our family has given him, he’s about 90% recovered,” she continued. “Going through it together, our relationship of care changed. Now he depends on me a little more versus me always depending on him to move forward … With graduating, I feel more prepared to help him now.”

CalGrows graduates can receive a HHA or Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate to renew with continuing education.

This professional advancement is crucial given that caregiver retention in California remains low. Over 21% of caregivers leave the field each year, with 40% transitioning out of the workforce and around 22% being unemployed when they leave.

As a certificate graduate, Contreras explained, “Now you can work in a hospital, maybe as a radiologist or phlebotomist, or as the requirement for Licensed Vocational Nurse or Registered Nurse programs. It opens up so many life-changing career paths to touch so many lives.”

“Working in a community setting, one class that really stuck with me was about symptoms in the process of aging, because not everyone ages the same or has the same needs in their life stages,” said Sean Hidalgo, classes manager at ACC Senior Services, a CalGrows course host grantee in Sacramento.

He said that as the CalGrows program approaches its end,

the most is how flexible and accessible classes are, given the amount of skills you can learn for free and the money you can earn for it, and the fact that you’re able to better serve your loved ones as a result,” he added. Caregivers can sign up for the program online at CalGROWS. org, by phone at (888) 991-7234 or by email at help@calgrows. org.

Submission Deadline MONDAYS by 5pm & 12 noon TUESDAYS

(when Monday is holiday )

Email Press Releases to: mary@sb-american.com

Submit legals to website: sb-american.com

Chicago Becomes a Fortress as Democratic National Convention Begins Amid Heightened Security...continued from page1

Joe Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, are expected to attend. The rumor mill is abuzz with speculation that celebrities like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift might make surprise appearances. Monday marked the first of a week-long briefing at the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, where the Secret Service coordinates the efforts of federal, state, and local agencies. The office is also responsible for disseminating information if any unplanned situations arise.

As the first wave of protests swept through downtown,

Chicago Police responded with a robust presence, including shoulder-to-shoulder patrol officers and bike units along the protest routes. Federal dog teams screened vehicles at the United Center, and U.S. Coast Guard teams patrolled the lakefront. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling assured the public that the city is prepared to handle any situation.

“We want people to exercise their First Amendment rights,” Snelling stated. “We will protect them while they’re doing it, but we will not guarantee that we’re not going to make arrests if they start to act violently or commit crimes.”

Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Habersham

Jasmine Crockett

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Digital Underground Co-Founder Chopmaster J Survives Health Scare, Heart Surgery, and Near-Death Experience Announces New Album and Podcast with Son S.O.T.U

Los Angeles, CA - As hip-hop celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, Jimi “Chopmaster J” Dright, co-founder of the iconic group Digital Underground (DU), faced significant health challenges, causing him to miss much of the celebration. Now, as DU marks its 35th anniversary and the August 25th birthday of his late bandmate Gregory Edward Jacobs, known as Shock G or Humpty Hump, Chopmaster J is ready to make the most of these milestones. After surviving a debilitating fall, triple bypass heart surgery, and a near-death experience (NDE), Chopmaster J has a renewed appreciation for life. Together with his son, S.O.T.U., they are preparing to release “Sex Packets 2 – The ReUp” and launch a new podcast, “The Chop Shop.” Digital Underground, one of the first hip-hop bands, included members Money B, DJ Fuze, and an 18-year-old Tupac Amaru Shakur, who Jimi is credited with discovering. The group's rise to fame in the early '90s featured hits like “Doowutchyalike,” “Freaks of the Industry,” “Same Song,” and “Kiss You Back.” Their debut

As hip-hop celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, Jimi “Chopmaster J” Dright, co-founder of the iconic group Digital Underground (DU), faced significant health challenges, causing him to miss much of the celebration. Now, as DU marks its 35th anniversary and the August 25th birthday of his late bandmate Gregory Edward Jacobs, known as Shock G or Humpty Hump, Chopmaster J is ready to make the most of these milestones. Together with his son, S.O.T.U., they are preparing to release “Sex Packets 2 – The ReUp” and launch a new podcast, “The Chop Shop.”

album, “Sex Packets,” released in 1990, was later named one of The Source Magazine’s “100 Best Rap Albums Ever.” “Sex Packets 2- The ReUp,” from SOTU’s new band, D.U.Nx.G. (Digital Underground Next Generation), will honor the classic album with whimsical renditions and new, funk-filled, cosmically tinged offerings.

“The Chop Shop,” a musically infused talk show, will debut on the Pantheon Podcast Network on August 20 and be available

Faith-based reparations fund helps kids pay for college

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word in Black

on all major podcast platforms.

Hosted by Chopmaster J and S.O.T.U., along with seasoned music professional Judy Klein, the debut episode will review the legacy of Digital Underground and spotlight D.U.Nx.G. as they modernize Digital Underground’s original funk with a futuristic twist.

Chopmaster J’s health issues began last May with a severe fall at the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Woodland Hills, CA, partially immobilizing him for the rest of

the year. Eight months later, he suffered a heart attack, leading to triple bypass surgery and a NDE.

“When people close to you pass away, it is extremely distressing, humbling, and reflective. But when you experience your own near death experience, something inside you is impacted on another level. Having almost entered the realm of the other side; I am deeply committed to my life’s music ministry. I’ve lost so many people close to me, including Tupac, Shock G, and my longtime collaborator and friend Will Waller. I am forever grateful to still be on the planet and able to spread love and joy through the power and peace of music," expresses Chopmaster J. "Our new podcast and D.U.Nx.G.’s new album, which I executive produced, are just the beginning of a rollout of projects I’ve envisioned for years. One of my favorite Tupac quotes is, ‘You either evolve or become irrelevant.’ Well, irrelevance has never been an option for me. I am going to continue to do what I like to do, which is to create meaningful, memorable music that positively moves and inspires people," cites Chopmaster J.

Faith-based reparations fund helps kids pay for college... continued

transracial adoptee who was exposed first-hand to the racial wealth gap. She wrote about the relative wealth in her White parents’ household compared to her Black biological family’s household.

“Both my adoptive parents went to college paid for by their

In a Beginning ... A Just Creator...continued

people groups and their origins on various continents. The Spirit urged me to go deeper and do the challenging yet necessary work to develop language and imagery that reshaped and enlarged narratives not taught or preached about in academia—higher ed, seminaries, and churches.

My spiritual practices and spirituality are more closely aligned with my ancestors whose DNA was deeply rooted in movement across continents. As they moved across the earth, they left their DNA with people groups as they migrated, settled, and procreated for thousands of years, circumnavigating oceans and lands. These are indeed lessons we can learn from—coexisting with other humans across the globe, thriving, circumnavigating and journeying alongside our siblings, and learning from those who stewarded and nurtured their land of origin for thousands of years.

I remain curious about God’s desire for human flourishing and will continue inviting others on a journey of reframing, reshaping, and correcting historical narratives meant to enlarge and encourage us to reimagine and envision what a just world really looks and feels like.

A blessing for letting go and stretching beyond by M. Barclay of enfleshed

My prayer is that we see and experience a very good creation that has nurtured and cared for us for thousands of years. May we embrace Building up a Just World for All; protect the earth’s resources, food sources, environment, and creatures. May we protect human and civil rights, global democracy, and human thriving as a global priority. May we go beyond taglines and slogans for a just world and do the hard work of changing policies that care for our siblings experiencing climate changes. May we open borders, so our siblings are not harmed as they bring themselves and their children into new lands, countries, and cities seeking places to live and thrive. May we take seriously the impact of gun violence, particularly against communities of color. May we protect voting rights, registering young adults and vulnerable citizens. May we advocate for policies and legislation and provide our children with books—whatever they desire to learn about themselves and the world in which they will one day lead. Resource our children with learning materials about their family of origin, histories, and legacies as fully human and divine. God of Creation Hear Our Prayers for a Just World for All!

“Buckle Up! It’s About to Get Rough!”

ng their relationships with the Black community and making amends for racial harms. Because of that, the “reparations will be committed mainly from predominantly white Houses of Worship as part of their efforts to repair the breach caused by centuries of slavery, inequality of wealth accumulation, and the failure to live into God’s Plan,” according to the Justice League’s website.

Indeed, the Justice League’s commitment to making things right resulted in them raising a reparations fund of more $400,000, built by payments from area churches and individuals who’ve taken a proactive approach to social justice. And so in early August, the Justice League handed out $5,000 scholarships to 10 college-bound high school grads.

Recipients were selected based on their 500-word essays that examined the racial wealth gap or generational wealth in America and how that gap has affected their families. Academic grades counted for 25 percent of the

total score and finalists were also interviewed.

“A common thread in their essays is that discrimination today has resulted from years of social injustices, and it continues to limit AfricanAmerican families’ access to basic wealth builders–education, higher paying jobs and home ownership,” says Willye Bryan, founder and vice president of the Justice League. “This doesn’t allow for generational wealth building, nor does it allow for closing the racial wealth gap.” When he thinks of generational wealth, scholarship winner Zachary Barker, who’s headed to Michigan State University, wrote that, “I think of families like the Rockefellers, Gateses, and Buffets. Recently, some famous Black people have achieved billionaire status like Michael Jordan, Jay Z, Lebron James and Oprah. But the rest of us are still struggling to get by.”

Olivia Burns, who will attend Michigan State University’s

College,

parents and received bachelor’s degrees,” Burns wrote. “Neither of my biological parents nor siblings have had the opportunity to attend college, and most were barely able to finish high school because they had other

continued on page 8

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1217

In a Beginning ... A Just Creator

Velda Love

In [a] beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light was good… (Genesis 1:1-4A Revised verse by Velda Love)

This text is a poetic narrative that was likely used for liturgical purposes. It is commonly assigned to the Priestly tradition, which means that it is addressed to a community of exiles. This account of creation is orderly, with humans created last, a sign of God’s climatic work. This is Israel’s story held in tension and variation from the creation story in Genesis 2:4b, which comes out of the Yahwist’s tradition.

The earth is approximated to be about 4.5 billion years old. Prior to the existence of the first known humans, the planet was undergoing changes that eventually sustained animal, vegetable, and human life. The earth has much to teach us about the relationship between some of its precious elements—minerals, oxygen, nitrogen, water, and deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule found inside every cell in almost every living thing. A molecule compound of two chains coil around each other to form double helixes carrying the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms. In turn, the mitochondria produce energy through respiration, regulating cellular metabolism. I became interested in learning more about the interconnectedness of the earth, its natural elements and resources, human migration across the globe, and my African ancestors. When humans first ventured out of Africa some

60,000 years ago, they left genetic footprints still visible today. By mapping the appearance and frequency of genetic markers in modern peoples, we create a picture of when and where ancient humans moved around the world. My curiosity grew as my intellect and spirit longed for more than traditional views based on colonial perspectives of Christianity.

I rejected the church’s teachings based on hierarchical, racist, and sexist teachings and language. My education as a child was formed and strengthened growing up in Black churches. All my formative experiences were shaped by movements for Black lives, the ongoing struggle for liberation and justice within Black/African American communities, and learning about my siblings representing the African diaspora. My preference for interpreting scripture resulted in reading, writing, and preaching with culturally inclusive and gender equity language.

Studying creation’s complex history requires patience, persistence, humility, and being open to having more questions than human tendencies that want to have all the answers. Earth’s beginnings are just as complex as those of human existence, as I learned in my studies during seminary about The Human Genome Project. The Human Genome Project was a large, well-organized, and highly collaborative international effort that generated the first sequence of the human genome and that of several additional well-studied organisms. Carried out from 1990 to 2003, it was one of the most ambitious and important scientific endeavors in human history. With this research, I also began a journey into understanding creation narratives from diverse

“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. [Luke 21:20]. When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that this will not take place in winter, because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. I have told you everything ahead of time. [Mark 13:14-23]. Buckle Up! It’s About to Get Rough! As Paul in [2 Timothy 3:1] told Timothy, sit up and pay attention. Dangerous times, very difficult times are coming. John calls it the ―last hour. [1 John 2:18].

If this is what we have to look forward to [and it is], how then should you live? How will you survive the “savage days” that are coming our way? Get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God. That is the ONLY WAY! Period! No If’s, and Buts about it. God is our ONLY REFUGE! Understand all that Christ and the Apostles meant and the wideranging implications, because your survival and salvation depend on that understanding and your action.

In his vision, the Apostle John declared, “The great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” [Revelation 6:17].

What caused him to say this?

He saw the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, who represent the coming judgment of the tribulation period.

Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to

him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Now in Biblical symbolism, a white horse speaks of victory. At Jesus’ return, He will come upon a white horse, with all the saints following Him. [Revelation 19:11-16]. But this white horse in [Revelation 6: 1-2] is a picture of the Antichrist. He is mimicking the Second Coming of Christ. This Antichrist, whom the Bible also calls the Beast, will come as a worldwide leader. Then I saw another horse, Fiery Red, The Horse of War, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. [Revelation 6:4]. Behold, a Black Horse, the Horse of Famine, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” After dominion comes destruction and then deprivation. [Revelation 6:5b-6] Then behold, a Pale Horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. [Revelation 6:8]. I tell you, “Buckle Up! It’s About to Get Rough!” The Great Tribulation will be so horrible that men will want to die, calling death a welcome release—but it will not be, because after death comes judgment and Hell. They despised the longsuffering of God. Because they have failed to listen, I will surely bring calamity on them which they will not be able to escape; and though they cry out to Me, I will not listen to them. [Jeremiah 11:11]. I will pursue them with sword, famine, and plague. I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth—a curse, a desolation, and an object of scorn and reproach among all the nations. I will do this because they have not listened to My words, which I sent to them again and again through My servants. [Jeremiah 29:19].

The Lord rebukes his people for their disbelief. [Isaiah 48:111].

By Lou K. Coleman

Lou K. Coleman

Honors

is a Black

Each scholarship recipient was congratulated by Justice League leaders Willye Bryan, center, and Prince Solace, right. Reparations scholarship recipient Marvin Deh is at left. (Photo by Susan Land / WordinBlack)

The 2024 Reparations Scholarship recipients are, from left, front row, J’Kyla Hobbs, Olivia Burns, Lydia-Anne Ding-Mejok, Nala Noel, Hailey Perkins and Braelyn Jackson-Pointer; back row, second from left: Joseph Pizzo, Zachary Barker, Marvin Deh, Ahja Crawford. Representing the Justice League of Greater Lansing Michigan are Prince Solace, back left, and Willye Bryan, back right. (Photo by Susan Land/ WordinBlack)

Apply Now: Sept. 3 Is Financial Aid Deadline for California Community Colleges

McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

Diablo Valley College student

Ivan Hernandez realized his family didn’t have enough money to support his dream to go to college. However, he has been able to successfully apply for financial aid and is currently enrolled in community college.

“I have been very lucky that financial aid has been such a big factor in my education,” said Hernandez, a double major in Business Administration and Computer Science.

“Without financial aid, I don’t think I could be in the education system like I am now.”

The California Community Colleges education system (CCS) enrolls 2.1 million students. Fifty-five percent of those students at the system’s 116 colleges receive financial aid.

According to CCS, 5%, or about 10,500 of its students are Black. Asians account for 11%,

Whites, 23%, and Hispanics make up 48% of the student body.

Hernandez was among the speakers during an Aug. 15 press conference hosted by Ethic Media Services, California Black Media, and the California Student Aid Commission, geared at highlighting the Sept. 3 deadline for community college students to apply for financial aid for the 2024-25 school year through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application.

CSAC Executive Director Dr. Daisy Gonzales said financial aid makes education beyond high school financial possible for all students.

“Financial aid is the most important ingredient in student success in higher education,” said

Flu Vaccine Appointments Now Available at Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions Pharmacies to Help Protect Local Communities Against the Upcoming Respiratory Virus Season

WHAT: As the flu season approaches, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions pharmacy teams are available now to administer flu vaccines. Appointments can be made online today via the Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions app or website. During these appointments, pharmacists can also administer additional vaccines, including those for shingles, pneumonia, tetanus, HPV and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is approved for eligible adults ages 60 and up.

WHY: Vaccines are essential in helping prevent the transmission of viruses to help protect family members, friends and neighbors from severe illness, particularly those who are most vulnerable to respiratory disease.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months of age and older, with few exceptions, receive an updated flu vaccine to minimize the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications this fall and winter. According to the CDC, September and October are the optimal months for most people to get vaccinated but earlier flu vaccination in August is recommended for the following groups: Pregnant people who are in their third trimester can get a flu vaccine in August to protect their babies from flu after birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated.

Children requiring two doses of the flu vaccine should receive

Gonzales, who noted she was a foster youth who used financial aid to attend community college and went on to earn her master’s degree and Ph.D. “I have walked the path of many students in California. Stories like mine do not happen by accident or luck.”

FAFSA is federal aid for students.

The application process for this school year requires students and parents to report their income from 2022.

Funds from FAFSA and the Dream Act help the state’s community colleges serve a substantial percentage of students who qualify as lowincome students — with annual income $40,000 — and those who are undocumented or from immigrant families.

“Students regardless of their documentation status or the status of their family members can quality to have their tuition coved as well as aid to help cover costs like rent, food, transportation, and books,” she said. “There is even additional aid to help cover childcare for student parents.”

The amounts in aid packages vary, but for example the Chafee Grant for Foster Youth provides students with up to $5,000 an academic year for up to five years, while the Dreamer Service Incentive Grant awards

up to $4,5000 per school year to undocumented students who do volunteer services with an approved organization. The Cal Grant Students with Dependents Grant gives up to $6,000 a year to student-parents to help cover costs associated with being a parent and student.

Applying for financial aid has been a challenge this year for many students due to delays and technical issues complicating the online form caused by the rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act, which seeks to make federal student aid more gainable by widening Pell Grant eligibility and simplifying the form.

Six of the state’s community colleges — Irvine Valley College, College of San Mateo, Moreno Valley College, De Anza College, Saddleback College, and Santa Rosa Junior College — were listed among the top 20 community colleges in the U.S in a study conducted by WalletHub, a personal finance company, which was released last week.

The study looked at data from 650 schools nationwide that belong to the American Association of Community Colleges. Seventy-seven California community colleges were on the last For more information or to apply, visit Better FAFSA, Better CADAA or call 1-888-224-7368.

Flu Vaccine Appointments Now Available at Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions Pharmacies to Help Protect Local Communities Against the Upcoming Respiratory Virus Season...continued

WHEN: Flu vaccinations are available now at all Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions pharmacies by appointment or walk-in. All locations offer convenient evening and weekend hours.

HOW: Customers can

schedule appointments for up to five immunizations at once using Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions online scheduler, available on the grocer’s app or website. The scheduler can also sort and recommend age-appropriate vaccines.

The unheralded agency protecting America's innovation edge

By Frank Cullen

their first dose as soon as it becomes available. The second dose should be administered at least four weeks after the first.

Vaccination can be considered for children who have health care visits this month if there might not be another opportunity to vaccinate them.

Adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, as well as pregnant individuals in their first and second trimesters who may not be able to be vaccinated in September or October.

WHO: The Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions pharmacy team is experienced in administering flu vaccinations and committed to making the process as seamless as possible. Pharmacists are also available to support individuals and families who may not have immediate access to a physician by addressing clinicalrelated questions, assisting customers in making informed healthcare decisions, offering consultations on vaccination history and recommending additional vaccinations that can be administered at the same time to ensure immunizations are up to date.

For every immunization administered at a Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions pharmacy, recipients will receive a coupon eligible for 10 percent off their next grocery purchase up to $200, and access to a free digital vaccine record. (Terms apply.)

A little-known federal agency might be our most powerful asset in the race for global tech leadership. The International Trade Commission has the power to deter patent infringement abroad and at home by blocking infringers' access to the huge American market.

It's up to policymakers to make sure this asset gets deployed to the full extent of the law.

Here's the problem: In today's knowledge economy, ideas are the coin of the realm. But America's intellectual property is under constant attack.

That's because a 2006 Supreme Court decision, eBay v. MercExchange, severely curtailed the rights of IP owners. Previously, patent holders could easily stop infringers with court orders, called injunctions, preventing the sale of knock-off products that illegally incorporated patented technology.

But the eBay case changed the procedure for obtaining a court injunction. Patent holders now must prove that money alone can't make them whole for the damage the infringement caused. Though intended to curb certain types of abuse of injunctive authority, the decision unintentionally made it nearly impossible for legitimate innovators to stop infringement, often leaving them with the sole option of pursuing lengthy legal battles for financial compensation. Enter the ITC. This body wields the power to swiftly bar infringing foreign-manufactured products from the U.S. market entirely. For a government body, the ITC moves fast, typically resolving cases in 12

The Not So Sweet Side of Sugar Sweetened Beverages

By Clifton Harris-(The SBAN) The San Bernardino American News

We are all familiar with carbohydrates and how almost everything we consume contains it. We also know carbohydrates turn into glucose (sugar) once consumed into our bodies, so we are consuming derivatives of sugar on a day to day basis. How much sugar is added on top of that with soda’s or fruit juices we consume with our meals? Well to put it into perspective, if a average 12 oz. coke can is around 40 grams of sugar, 4 grams is equivalent to a teaspoon, so a coke is equivalent to having 10 teaspoons of sugar with one can.

Most common effects from consuming too much sugar are:

Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, high blood pressure and hypertension. According to the California Department of Public Health African Americans consume sugary drinks at a much higher level than other nationalities. African American’s are also at higher risk of developing adverse health effects from the high amount of sugar consumption. For children

from ages 6-18 sugary beverages are the leading source of added sugar in their diets. A recent Los Angeles county wide survey uncovered that African American children drink twice the rate of sugary drinks compared to white and asian children. Now the question is, how do we address this issue and what are our options? Here are a few steps we can take to make better choices and also alternatives to drink healthier drinks and reduce the amount of sugar we consume.

• Read labels on drinks you want to purchase. Check sugar content on labels and search for 100% juice on labels.

• Add sweeteners to your water or fresh fruit to give it taste.

• Choose water or milk and pack healthy lunches with fruit, often times fruit can replace the need for a drink at all.

•Explore other alternatives and options at: www. Uncoverhealthyhabits.com

The unheralded agency protecting America's innovation edge...continued

be used to stifle competition or harm consumers. But while there's always a delicate balance between protecting innovation and protectionism, the ITC has built-in safeguards, starting with a public-interest requirement to weigh factors like health, safety, and competitive conditions into its decisions. It's not a blunt instrument, but a precision tool designed to protect innovation while preserving fair competition.

to 18 months, compared to the years-long slog of district court litigation.

Its administrative law judges are experts in complex patent issues and can grant exclusion orders now mostly unavailable in federal courts. This combination of speed, expertise, and decisive action makes the ITC an increasingly important venue for companies seeking to protect their innovations from copycats.

Established in 1916 as the U.S. Tariff Commission, the ITC has evolved alongside the American economy as we transitioned from a manufacturing powerhouse to an innovation-driven economy.

This evolved role was on full display in a recent high-profile case. When medical device maker Masimo accused the Apple Watch of infringing its blood oxygen monitoring patents, it turned to the ITC. The result? An import ban on infringing Apple Watch models that held Apple to account promptly. The ban demonstrates the ITC's ability to check the power of even one of the world's most dominant companies.

The ITC's role is crucial to preserving America's innovative edge. When a biotech startup pours its resources into a potentially life-saving drug, or when a telecom company invests billions in 5G technology, they need to know their intellectual property will be protected. The ITC's ability to swiftly block infringing products creates a powerful deterrent against IP theft.

Critics of the ITC argue that its powers could potentially

As we look to the future, strengthening and modernizing the ITC should be a priority. This could involve increasing

its resources to handle a growing caseload, streamlining its procedures, and potentially expanding its authority. We also need to educate our innovators more fully about the ITC as a forum for IP protection.

The future of American technological leadership depends on the choices we are making now -- in policy, investment, and legal strategy.

Frank Cullen is executive director of the Council for Innovation Promotion. This originally ran in The Hill.

Faith-based reparations fund helps kids pay for college...continued from page 7

responsibilities like working or providing childcare for my younger siblings. Today my adoptive family owns their homes and no one in my biological family owns their homes.”

Marvin Deh, another scholarship winner who’s also off to Michigan State, reminded us that legal racial segregation was only two generations ago ‚ and so the racial wealth is still very much ongoing.

“Most of our grandparents can describe what it was like to be African-American back then and the struggles they had to face,” Deh wrote. “They couldn’t build generational wealth when the world was actively pulling the rug from underneath them. There’s only been two generations to be given a ‘fair’ chance and enough time to build upon …. On paper the odds are ‘fair’ but in reality we still have

to face racism, police brutality, injustice, systematic oppression, lack of influence, stereotypes, and societal pressure.”

“This is not charity and it’s not designed to make you feel better about giving a check,” Bryan said in an interview last year. Along with raising funds for the scholarships, the Justice League hopes to address other systemic barriers to wealth creation by supporting Black home ownership and entrepreneurship.

As J’Kyla Hobbs, who will be attending the University of Michigan, put it: “Investing in affordable housing, improving access to quality education and healthcare, and reforming the criminal justice system are critical steps toward building a more equitable society.”

This article was originally published on WordinBlack.com.