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California for Kamala: At DNC, State Leaders Rally Around One
(CBM) – Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the Democratic party’s nomination for President of the United States on Aug. 22, the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. Harris, a former California U.S. Senator and Attorney General, needed the votes of 1,976 Democratic delegates to secure the nomination but exceeded that mark with 4,567 nods.
If elected, Harris, an Oakland native, would become the first Black, first Asian, and first woman President.
“On behalf of the people, on behalf of every American regardless of party, race gender, or the language your grandmother speaks, on behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey, on behalf of Americans like the people I grew with, people who work hard, chase their dreams and look out for one another, on behalf of everyone whose stories can only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nominations to be President of the United States,” Harris told the DNC delegates, officials and guests gathered at the United Center in Chicago.
Among Democratic leaders on hand to witness Harris’s historic nomination were a number of California state officials, the Golden State’s DNC delegates, members of the California
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Photo by Max Elramsisy.
Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Gov. Gavin Newsom, who officially delivered California’s 482 delegate votes for Harris on the floor of the convention.
“Kamala Harris has always done the right thing — a champion for voting rights, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, the rights for women and girls,” said Newsom, who was flanked by House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) and Congressmember Maxine Waters (D-CA-43).
Pelosi, whose district includes San Francisco where Harris served as District Attorney, endorsed the Vice President and thanked President Biden for his
Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
OPINION (CBM) – With the Democratic National Convention in Chicago now concluded and Vice President Kamala Harris officially nominated as the party’s candidate for President, former President Donald Trump has wasted no time reverting to his usual playbook, peddling division and negativity. Rather than campaigning on the critical issues facing the country, Trump is trolling anyone he perceives is making fun of him or questioning his competence. In front of his supporters, he openly mocked his advisers who urged him to focus on policy. Gaslighting, a tactic designed to make people question their reality, has been a constant feature of Trump’s political career. Whether downplaying the severity of COVID-19, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the
2020 election, or distorting his administration’s achievements, Trump has skillfully used this approach to manipulate public perception in his favor.
While Democrats celebrated Harris’s historic nomination and urged the nation to turn the page on Trump, he was in swing states launching personal attacks and spreading misinformation, reinforcing his image as an “unserious”, “weird”, and backward-looking candidate out of touch with American values. His appearances were filled with off-the-cuff remarks, unhinged tirades, and humiliating blunders. He ridiculed President Joe Biden’s appearance, labeled former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “crazy,” called Harris “lazy” and “stupid,” and described former President Obama as “nasty.”
leadership and “vision for a fairer America.”
During her address on the first night of the convention, Waters mentioned Fannie Lou Hamer, the revered civil rights, voting rights and women’s right’s activist who spoke at the DNC in 1964.
“When the dust settles in November, Americans of all stripes have elected her President of the United States, I know (Harris) will be thinking about Fannie Lou Hamer who I happen to know is one of Kamala’s heroes,” Waters said.
Congressmember Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), who served as official timekeeper of the convention, said she was humbled to have a front row seat to history “as we
nominate my friend and a child of the East Bay.”
Other California state leaders at the convention were state constitutional officers Malia Cohen, Controller; Shirley Weber, Secretary of State; and Tony Thurmond, Secretary of Public Instruction.
Thurmond spoke to California Black Media on the floor of the convention after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a former teacher and high school football coach, accepted the Democratic Party’s vice-presidential nomination on Aug. 21.
“If you want to get something done, you want a teacher, you want an educator,” Thurmond told CBM, referring to Walz.
“Teachers have to do
Trump’s gaslighting of Harris goes even deeper, questioning her background and identity, implying that Democrats might not fully understand “where she came from” or her “ideology.”
This tactic which he’s used against other prominent Black
leaders, including Obama and women of color in Congress, is designed to paint Harris as an outsider, despite her Oakland roots, her experience being bused to public school, and graduating from Howard University, a historically Black college. His
everything, they have to pull things together, they have to find resources and he talked about running for congress being the underdog and finding ways to overcome those odds,” he added.
California U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler also spoke to CBM.
“This is the leader built for this moment,” said Butler. “This is a leader who knows how to do hard things. She knows that if we build the kind of coalitions required, we can do hard things when we choose to do them together.”
Attorney General Rob Bonta contrasted Harris’s speech with Trump’s at the Republican National Convention last month in Milwaukee.
“You could really see the authenticity, the decency, goodness, the fairness, and we need a big dose of that, given the alternative,” said the Attorney General.
According to several polls, the economy and good-paying jobs are among the most important issues for voters this election year.
“In this election, one thing is clear: Workers are going to stand with candidates who have stood with us and will continue to stand with us,” said SIEU Local 221 President Crystal Irving, who is a Los Angeles native.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen
Bass, who spoke the first night of the convention, praised Harris for creating the California Bureau of Children’s Justice when she was Attorney General.
Lateefah Simon, who is currently running to succeed Lee in a U.S. Congressional district that includes Oakland, spoke on the third night of the convention.
“I saw Kamala Harris holding the hands of sexual assault survivors,” said Simon, who worked for Harris for four years when she was District Attorney. “I saw scores of mothers who lost their babies to gun violence lining up day after day at the courthouse waiting to talk to Kamala because they knew that she would hear them.”
After Harris’s acceptance speech, Congressmember Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) said, “Tonight, my friend and mentor Kamala Harris made history. She will make history yet again when she wins in November.”
Two days after returning home to California, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) said she was “inspired” by her experience serving as a delegate.
Praising Harris’s record, Mckinnor posted on X, “Her work on transformative justice, particularly ensuring people have the resources they need after being released from prison, is crucial in our fight against recidivism in California.”
deliberate mispronunciation of her name, a blatant sign of his racism and disrespect, aims to marginalize her as “other.”
On Trump’s list of jabs at Harris is making fun of her laugh, calling it a “cackle.” He ridiculously claimed that he’s “better looking” than her —not realizing he was implying he’s also better looking than his wife, Melania, since he had remarked that Harris’s Time Magazine cover resembled her.
Trump has tried to label Harris as “Lyin’ Kamala” and brand her a “communist,” calling her “Comrade Kamala”, even suggesting that “Kamala” sounds like “communist” — a childish play on words that he finds clever.
Ironically, when Trump calls Harris “stupid,” he’s absurdly trying to demean someone
whose parents both earned PhDs, who holds an advanced degree, and is a member of the California State Bar, having passed one of the most challenging exams in the country. Meanwhile, Trump, who lacks an advanced degree, has gone to great lengths to keep his academic records secret, even threatening legal action to prevent their release. By throwing this derogatory label at Harris, Trump is once again projecting his own insecurities onto others, conveniently forgetting that his Secretary of State reportedly called him a “moron.” As Trump campaigns, it’s clear he thinks focusing on division and negativity and not offering constructive solutions is the way to win the election. There’s no message of unity or
Maxim Elramsisy and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
Senator Laphonza Butler (D-California). Photo by Max Elramsisy.
From left to right: Labor leader Delores Huerta, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Senator Toni Atkins (D- San Diego) and Assembly member Mia Bonta (D-Oakland). Photo by Max Elramsisy.
Mayor Karen Bass city of Los Angeles
In the Middle: Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood).
Photo by Max Elramsisy
Vice President Kamala Harris and First Gentlemen Doug Emhoff at the DNC in Chicago. Photo by Max Elramsisy.
Supporting Early Childhood Educators Helps the Entire Community
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Educators with credentials produce better outcomes for children, according to the many studies that Usma cites. And she provides recommendations that can help lower the roadblocks early childhood teachers face to earning credentials.
By BlackPressUSA
Council for Professional Recognition
The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit organization that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, is proud to highlight new insights. Usma Mohamed, the Council’s vice president of brand experience and marketing, recently gave these educators a chance to share their views in her doctoral dissertation: Uncertified Early
"Unity
Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher Perceptions of ECE Certifications: A Qualitative Narrative Inquiry Study. Usma’s study makes a strong contribution as our country continues to face a shortage of qualified early childhood teachers. And it’s an issue that has a major impact on children, as Usma points out. Teachers with specialized ECE training are better equipped to help children learn at the most formative stage in life, and the learning scaffolding these teachers provide makes a longterm impact.
But it’s another story in lowincome communities like the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where Usma conducted her research in the field. The region has lower-quality early learning programs than wealthier parts of the state. And it isn’t unique. Texas has met only four out of ten quality benchmarks for early childhood education, as defined by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). And the shortfall is especially acute when it comes to assistant teachers. In Texas, as in other states, the qualifications for assistant teachers do not meet NIEER recommended criteria like holding a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ or similar certification.
The lack of qualified assistant educators or teachers is a cause for concern, as Usma points out, since assistant teachers play a vital role in early learning settings, often sharing classroom responsibilities with lead teachers. Unqualified assistant teachers are especially common in areas, like the Lower Rio Grande Valley, which have
large minority populations, high poverty rates, and lower per-capita incomes. Areas like the Lower Rio Grande Valley also have lower-quality early learning programs than wealthier parts of the state, and that’s a roadblock as the region strives to improve early learning programs, prepare children for success, and ultimately cut poverty levels down. Granted, the region is expanding access to early learning programs, but it struggles to raise their quality due to the shortage of certified teachers.
Usma explored the reasons for this roadblock through in-depth interviews with seven uncertified teachers at a preschool in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. They conveyed their thoughts by sharing their lived experiences to uncover insights to support the following questions: What perceptions do uncertified ECE teachers have toward certification training? What are uncertified teachers’ perceptions regarding the degree to which ECE certification would or would
in CommUNITY Day" Chill N Grillin BBQ ComPITition
**SAVE THE DATE!**
Join us for **Unity in CommUNITY Day**, our annual community family reunion, on **Saturday, September 14th**, from **11:00 AM to 3:00 PM**. This year’s event promises to be a day filled with fun, food, and festivities!
**Event Highlights:**
- **Chill N Grillin BBQ ComPITition:** Delicious barbecue sampling included with admission.
- **Car Show:** Check out a variety of cool rides.
- **Live Entertainment:** Enjoy performances by the route 66 dance studio Folklorico Dancers and live music by The Summit High School Band, and Kids zone.
- **Vendors:** Arts and crafts, jewelry, food vendors and more.
- **Resource Booths:** Information on all cancer-related illnesses, with a special focus on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
- **Mexican Independence Day Celebration:** Embrace the culture and enjoy the festivities! Why go out of town for Labor Day? Stay local, relax, and let us handle the cooking and cleaning. This is a family event you won’t want to miss!
Supporting Early Childhood Educators Helps the Entire Community...continued
not add to their knowledge and skills? And how do uncertified teachers perceive their current ability to teach children effectively?
The stories that teachers shared revealed both personal and professional factors that deterred the teachers from pursuing credentials such as the CDA.
The roadblocks to certification, as Usma learned, include time constraints, the perceived difficulty of certification, lack of awareness of credentials, and such high confidence in their teaching skills that teachers didn’t feel they needed training.
In addition, strong support from colleagues and the importance of their family duties made teachers question the merits of pursuing ECE credentials. Yet they did not question the value of their profession. The stories they shared revealed the passion, pride, and sense of commitment they brought to serving young children well.
Some teachers even acknowledged that earning an ECE credential or certification would assist them in their work.
And it is important for education leaders to also acknowledge the factors that can prevent many early childhood teachers from pursuing this goal. Understanding the context of their daily life and perceptions of specialized training is crucial for boosting the number of credentialed early childhood teachers. And it’s especially urgent for underserved communities both in Texas and beyond.
That will be a challenge for educators and for those who support them. Still, the effort is worthwhile. Educators with credentials produce better outcomes for children, according to the many studies that Usma cites. And she provides recommendations that can help lower the roadblocks early childhood teachers face to earning credentials. For example, states and localities can build a more qualified workforce by using block grants and funding to help educators earn an ECE certification or credential. Center directors can urge teachers to make credentials a priority and show them how it would enhance their teaching skills. Accreditation organizations can provide detailed rationales for the importance of teacher certification. Credentialing organizations can tailor their outreach to highlight specific benefits for centers, teachers, and students.
Future studies should explore incentives for uncertified teachers to pursue certification nationwide. These efforts should take account of teachers’ reallife challenges and stories, like the ones that Usma heard. Her insights contribute to an understanding of why more teachers don’t earn credentials, ways to help them succeed in doing so, and why it matters so much. Granted, early childhood teachers contend with other commitments and face constraints on their time. But Usma urges policymakers and education leaders to find ways to help more teachers earn credentials for the sake of those they serve. Qualified early childhood teachers, as she points out, have the skills to help young children someday tell success stories of their own.
Get Your Costumes Ready & RSVP for the Fall Advocacy & Inclusion Fair!
San Bernardino, CA (August 23, 2024) The Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. is excited to announce its FALL Advocacy & Inclusion Fair on Saturday, October 12th, 2024 from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at San Bernardino Valley College located at 701 S. Mount Vernon Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92410 with access to the event from parking lots 9, 10 and 11. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this very exciting, inspiring and FREE event.
The FALL Advocacy & Inclusion Fair is designed to promote awareness, celebrate diversity and empower marginalized communities in a fun, inclusive and interactive environment. Event participants will have the opportunity to access valuable health education
and resources, empowering them to advocate for their health and well-being within the community. "This is a FREE FUN event open to the public: any age with any special need or disability and will include costumes, games, food, and so much more!" said Executive Director Melanee Stovall. "Families and caregivers of those living with epilepsy or special needs are especially invited to come together to ignite action in efforts to promote advocacy and inclusion in their personal lives, communities, workplaces, and healthcare systems," she added.
“This is a unique opportunity to participate in an inclusive event full of fun and empowerment,” said Board Member Denise Loiacano. "There will be music, face painting, balloon artists,
Early Childhood Educator
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Democrats Call for Fierce Defense of Democracy and Working-Class Values
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Democrats from all political backgrounds came together to honor President Biden’s legacy, which includes unwavering efforts to reduce costs for middle-class Americans, repair a deteriorating infrastructure, and defend democracy from unprecedented threats.
By Stacy M.
In an electrifying moment at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) that likely set the tone for the party’s campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on the opening night, seizing the stage to the triumphant anthem of Beyoncé’s “Freedom.” The crowd erupted with fire in her voice as Harris declared, “I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden. Thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation, and for all you will continue to do. We are forever grateful to you.” The first night of the DNC was more than a celebration; it was a battle cry. Democrats from all political backgrounds came together to honor President Biden’s legacy, which includes unwavering efforts to reduce costs for middle-class Americans, repair a deteriorating infrastructure, and defend democracy from unprecedented threats. The message was clear: Biden’s work is not done, and Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz are ready to continue that fight.
Speakers who are most familiar with Biden, such as Senators Raphael Warnock and Chris Coons, as well as Dr. Jill Biden and Ashley Biden, shared stories that painted a picture of a president who is unwaveringly dedicated to the American people. “In public and in private, President Biden never backed down from his vision for an America where everyone has a fair shot,” Warnock emphasized. Dr. Biden and Ashley Biden gave heartfelt tributes to the man who led the nation and his family with steadfast devotion. The emotional high point of the evening came when Biden, introduced by his daughter Ashley, took the stage to a thunderous ovation as “Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher” filled the arena. The crowd’s response was deafening, with chants of “We love Joe” and “Thank You, Joe” reverberating throughout the hall, a powerful testament to Biden’s connection with the American people. In a speech that was as much a rallying cry as it was a reflection on his presidency, Biden delivered a stark reminder of what’s at stake. “Let me ask you… Are you ready to vote
for freedom? Are you ready to vote for democracy and America? Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?”
Biden’s words resonated as he recalled the perilous moment of his inauguration, just weeks after supporters of the twiceimpeached former president stormed the U.S. Capitol. “You cannot say I love my country only when you win,” Biden asserted. “The winter of peril and possibility has passed, and with a grateful heart, I stand before you to report that democracy has prevailed. But now, democracy must be preserved.”
Biden highlighted the progress made under his administration, pointing to economic recovery, healthcare expansion, and the battle against corporate greed.
He singled out Harris’s critical role in these achievements.
“We’ve gone from economic crisis to the strongest economy in the world… More Americans have health insurance than at any time in American history. And we finally beat big pharma. Guess who cast the tie-breaking vote?
Vice President and soon-to-be
President Kamala Harris. Now it’s the law of the land—$35 a month for insulin.”
The evening was charged with passionate speeches that struck the heart of the nation’s issues.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a searing indictment of Donald Trump, contrasting Harris’s steadfast dedication to American values with Trump’s chaotic legacy.
“Kamala won’t disrespect our military and our veterans,” Clinton declared to thunderous
applause. “She will defend democracy and our Constitution and will protect America from enemies foreign and domestic. Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial, and when he woke up, he made history as the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.”
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered a fiery endorsement of Harris, framing her as the champion of the middle-class needs. “In Kamala Harris, we have a chance to elect a president who is for the middle class because she is from the middle class,” Ocasio-Cortez proclaimed. “She understands the urgency of rent checks, groceries, and prescriptions. She is as committed to our reproductive and civil rights as she is to taking on corporate greed. She is working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bring hostages home.”
Ocasio-Cortez didn’t hold back in her critique of Trump, accusing him of being a selfserving demagogue. “Donald Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing the palms of his Wall Street friends,” she said. “I, for one, am tired of hearing about how a two-bit union buster thinks of himself as more of a patriot than the woman who fights every single day to lift working people out from under the boots of greed trampling on our way of life.” The night was filled with moments that galvanized the crowd. Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr, invoking the words of Steph Curry, declared, “After the
results are tallied that night, we can tell Donald Trump, ‘Night, night.’“UAW President Shawn Fain tore off his jacket to reveal a shirt emblazoned with the words “TRUMP IS A SCAB,” igniting the crowd into a fervent chant of “Trump’s a scab! Trump’s a scab!”
In one of the night’s most pointed moments, Rep. Jasmine Crockett drew a stark contrast between Harris and Trump: “She became a career prosecutor while he became a career criminal. Who would you hire? Donald Trump or Kamala Harris? Kamala Harris has a resume, and Donald Trump has a rap sheet with 34 felonies, 2 impeachments, and 1 porn star to prove it.” The NAACP President Derrick Johnson and Melanie Campbell, the President and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, led a standing ovation for civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson during the celebration.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also delivered a powerful message that resonated deeply with the audience. “I know that my daughter will see not only a reflection of herself in the White House, but she will experience the deepest part of American values… Kamala Harris—she’s got us.” Harris’s words from earlier in the night echoed as the event ended: “We are at a pivotal moment. The choices we make now will determine the future of our nation. Together, we will fight for the soul of America and build a future where everyone has a fair shot. Our best days are still ahead, and we are ready to lead.”
On 61st Anniversary of Her Uncles March on Washington, Dr. Alveda King Releases Song, With a Dream for
By Dr. Alveda King
As we remember the 61st anniversary of the iconic I Have a Dream speech, I am grateful for the powerful legacy left by my uncle, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If he were here with us today, he would undoubtedly remind us that we are one blood, one human race. He would call upon us to learn to live together as brothers and sisters, rather than perish together as fools. His message of unity, justice, and love is as relevant now as it was when he stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963.
Uncle M.L. was a patriot, deeply committed to the ideals of the American dream—a dream that is alive today, despite the challenges we face.
Atlanta
He envisioned a world where people are judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. My uncle also understood that the unique nature of our very skin tone was a testament to God's creativity and the rich tapestry of humanity.
On this 61st anniversary, as we honor King’s dream and the dreamer, it is crucial that we remind every generation, in every decade, on every platform, of the resilience of faith, hope, and love. This message is the heartbeat of my new song, In Atlanta.
A few years ago, we recorded the anthem Let Freedom Ring, working with award winning producer Rahni Song, featuring the powerful vocals of Vernessa Mitchell. Written originally in 1974, my lyrics and melody reflect my gratitude for the dream that my uncle held so dearly.
This year, with In Atlanta also produced by the incredible Rahni Song, a legacy resonates, reminding us all that the dream is still very much alive.
In Atlanta is my original poem set to music, and produced with Rahni’s celebrated talent and genius. In some ways, it's part two of Let Freedom Ring. In Atlanta serves as a love letter to the city of my birth. The Dreamer of The Dream was born in Atlanta and the song is a testament of trials and triumphs of generations of accomplishments.
The inspiration came to me late one night, as I lay awake reflecting on the many songs dedicated to famous cities—New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and more. I realized that Atlanta deserved a tribute that captures its unique spirit and resilience.
The question posed in the song, “Can anything good come out of Atlanta?” is inspired by the biblical passage where Nathanael asks, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Just as the life of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, began in Nazareth, so too does the story of many great leaders and movements begin in cities like Atlanta.
As we release this song, I invite
Commentary: As Harris Makes History, Trump Campaigns to Be Gaslighter-in-Chief ...continued from page 1
progress—just a constant barrage of grievances and complaints about the state of the country and how he’s being treated.
The barrage of personal attacks Trump’s been launching is part of a broader pattern in his strategy, which hinges on the “Big Lie” — the baseless claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Trump’s repeated falsehoods have deeply influenced many Republicans, damaging their trust in democratic institutions.
As Harris steps into her role as the Democratic nominee, her campaign offers a hopeful vision for the future and bold solutions to national challenges, standing in stark contrast to Trump’s backward approach. For Black Californians, and all voters, the challenge is to assess each candidates’ rhetoric, evaluate the information, and make a choice based on the facts.
At their convention, Democrats highlighted Project 2025, the controversial plan from the conservative Heritage Foundation detailing policies Trump is expected to adopt if elected. They exposed its extreme agenda, threatening civil rights, environmental protections, and social programs such as access to reproductive rights. In response,
Trump is denying any connection to the MAGA manifesto mostly written by people from his administration, telling Fox News, “I have nothing to do with Project 2025,” and Newsmax, “I have no idea what it is.”
As the 2024 election approaches, it’s important to critically evaluate the information presented, recognizing Trump’s tactics for what they are: an attempt to distort reality and undermine Harris’s candidacy, which embodies progress, diversity, and inclusion.
Trump’s gaslighting underscores his persistent disregard for the truth and his readiness to exploit fear and prejudice to stay relevant, raising questions about what national leadership role he’s really after. While “Gaslighter-in-Chief” may aptly describe the position Trump is campaigning for, and although he is seeking another higher office, it’s essential for the future of the America that he doesn’t succeed in achieving this title as well.
About the Author
Joe W. Bowers Jr. is a contributing editor to California Black Media. He is a graduate of Stanford University.
California scores big clean transportation boost from Biden-Harris Administration
County/Government News
SACRAMENTO – The BidenHarris Administration is sending hundreds of millions of dollars to California to help upgrade its transportation infrastructure. California, along with Oregon and Washington, have secured $102 million to install charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations for zero-emissions trucks along Interstate 5 and other key freight corridors. An additional $47 million is going to other entities across the state for electric vehicle infrastructure. This is on top of more than $250 million recently announced for upgrading airports across California and supporting sustainable aviation fuel.
Governor Gavin Newsom
The federal funding is key to Governor Newsom’s build more, faster agenda, which is channeling historic investments to remake California’s infrastructure and creating thousands of jobs. Find projects supporting your community at build.ca.gov.
Building a zero-emissions
freight network
you to reflect on the legacy of Atlanta, the dream of my uncle, and the ongoing journey toward a more just and loving world. Let us remember that the check for insufficient funds, as my uncle described it, can be redeemed, and our “promissory note” claimed, by the grace of God. Today, let us continue to work together to ensure that King’s dream is not just remembered but realized in our time.
Dr. Alveda King founded The Alveda King Ministries to inform and transform the culture by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr. King serves as chair of the America First Policy Institute's Center for the American Dream. She is the daughter of the late slain civil rights activist, Rev. A. D. King, the niece of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She is a Christian evangelist, film and music industry veteran, a graduate of Aidan University 2021 recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
The West Coast Truck Charging and Fueling Corridor Project is an innovative and collaborative multi-state effort to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the trucking and logistics industries. The funding comes from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Trucks total 6% of vehicles on California’s roads, but they account for over 35% of the state’s transportation-generated emissions of smog-causing nitrogen oxides and a quarter of the state’s on-road greenhouse gas emissions.
The award will result in new, publicly accessible charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations. These stations will support the emissions-free movement of goods locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Construction of the new charging stations is expected to begin in 2026.
The new charging and fueling stations will support California’s implementation of a world-leading policy that requires an increasing percentage of truck sales to be ZEVs. In 2021, Oregon and Washington became the second and third states after California to adopt this policy. In 2023, one out of six new medium- and heavy-
duty trucks sold in California were zero-emission vehicles, exceeding the state’s ZEV sales goals two years ahead of schedule. This funding will also support implementation of the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) standard adopted by California in 2023. Under the ACF, fleets across the state will start a phased transition to ZEVs and all new mediumand heavy-duty truck sales will be ZEVs by 2036. Development of infrastructure under the West Coast Truck Charging and Fueling Corridor Project will build on the significant progress for light-duty ZEV infrastructure in the three states. With over 14,000 direct current (DC) fast chargers, California, Oregon, and Washington account for one-third of the nation’s publicly accessible fast chargers for light-duty vehicles. Funding for the West Coast Truck Charging and Fueling Corridor Project complements other state-funded programs for zero-emission trucks. California has distributed more than $780 million to help fleet operators purchase zero-emission trucks and the state’s Climate Commitment includes over $10 billion to accelerate the ZEV transition and build ZEV charging and fueling infrastructure.
Improving California’s airports and cutting aviation emissions In recent weeks, the U.S. Department of Transportation also announced more than $250 million in funding for California airports and sustainable aviation fuels. California airports are receiving $51.6 million from the Airport Improvement Program, in addition to $78.2 million from the Airport Infrastructure Grants program. Collectively, the funds can be used for airport planning, development, sustainability, terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, safety enhancements and noise compatibility projects at eligible airports. Additionally, California companies are receiving more than $120 million from the federal Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) grants program. These funds will support California’s transition to more sustainable aviation fuels and cutting aviation emissions –something the Governor called for in 2022.
DNC 2024
Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Opinion: California’s Historic Partnership to Save Journalism Creates a Critical Way Forward for
Regina Wilson | California Black Media
OPINION (CBM) – Last week, California arrived at a turning point in the decades-long quest to find a solution to the news crisis in our state.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) brokered a deal that promises to change the future of news in our state.
This isn’t just another plan — it’s a unique collaboration that brings together the State of California, news publishers and tech companies, to give our newsrooms the financial support they desperately need.
It also includes the launching of a new National AI Accelerator to explore how artificial intelligence can help journalism thrive in today’s digital world.
This partnership couldn’t come at a more critical time.
Local journalism is on life support across our state. Across the country, news outlets are shrinking or shutting down at an alarming rate, leaving communities without vital information. A recent study from
News Publishers
Northwestern University found that two and a half newspapers in the U.S. close every week. Since 2005, we’ve lost two-thirds of our newspaper journalists. In California alone, over 100 newspapers have disappeared in the last decade.
Assemblymember Wicks, along with the state and other key players, have come up with a pragmatic way to address this crisis. They’ve created an agreement to revive local journalism in California by using tech industry and public resources — without raising taxes on Californians.
Over the next five years, more than $250 million in public and private funding will go to California’s newsrooms, especially small, local, and community-focused outlets. The plan is to invest $100 million in the first year to get things started. This money will help hire hundreds of new journalists, strengthen existing newsrooms, and rebuild a strong press corps across our state. This isn’t just about saving what’s left. It’s about creating a future where journalism can be strengthened enough to resume its critical roles as interpreter of current events; watchdog of developments in business and public policy; and reliable source of news and information.
At the center of this initiative is the News Transformation Fund that will be managed by the UC Berkeley School of Journalism. This fund will provide financial support to California-based
Nationwide — TLC had to pause their performances this weekend due to a health scare involving Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, who was hospitalized after experiencing alarming symptoms.
The iconic duo, known for hits like “Waterfalls” and “No Scrubs,” consisting of T-Boz and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, was scheduled to perform at the Great New York State Fair on Friday evening. However, they had to cancel their show just before it was set to begin. The fair announced on Instagram that T-Boz was experiencing symptoms that were initially believed to be related to food poisoning, leading to the sudden cancellation.
The fair extended its wishes for a speedy recovery, but the situation was more serious than initially thought. On Saturday, TLC clarified that food poisoning was not the cause of T-Boz’s symptoms. In an Instagram story later shared by the fair, TLC explained that T-Boz, 54, had suffered from severe nausea, vomiting, and intense abdominal pain, which prompted immediate medical attention.
journalism, with help from both the tech sector and the state. The focus is on helping news organizations fill the gaps in local news deserts, serve underrepresented communities, and prioritize California coverage. Small, independent publishers — the ones closest to their communities and most in need.
As the Executive Director of California Black Media, I can’t stress enough how important this initiative is for ethnic and community media outlets. We’ve always been the trusted voices for historically underrepresented communities, providing news and information that larger outlets often overlook or underexplore. But many of our outlets are struggling to survive, often relying on just a few dedicated people to keep going.
This new partnership recognizes the crucial role of ethnic media in California’s diverse landscape. It offers immediate and much-needed help, allowing our newsrooms to adapt to a changing media world, embrace new technologies, and continue our important work. For many of us, this funding could mean the difference between staying open and closing down.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s support for this initiative, along with his backing of AB 1511, authored by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), demonstrates the administration’s strong commitment to local and underrepresented media. AB 1511 seeks to increase the
state’s investment in marketing, advertising, and outreach dollars directed specifically to our local community news providers.
It’s important to note that this partnership is just the beginning.
As Assemblymember Wicks said, this effort is about laying the foundation for a free and vibrant press in California. The National AI Accelerator will provide even more resources to explore how AI can help solve some of the toughest challenges facing journalism and society.
This isn’t just about money. It’s about reaffirming the essential role that journalism plays in our democracy. It’s about making sure all Californians have access to reliable and trustworthy news, no matter where they live or what language they speak. It’s about empowering local news outlets to keep telling the stories that matter most to their communities.
As we move forward, I encourage all stakeholders — publishers, journalists, community leaders, and policymakers — to come together and make the most of this opportunity. The future of California’s media landscape is at a crossroads, and with the right support, we can ensure it is incrementally funded to become more diverse, dynamic, and democratic.
About the Author
Regina Wilson is the Executive Director of California Black Media.
Americans Face Historic Medicaid Coverage Gaps, Disenrollments
Of the 83 million Americans enrolled in Medicaid, nearly half being children, about 23 million have lost coverage since the pandemic, or stand to lose it.
By Selen Ozturk
Of the 83 million Americans enrolled in Medicaid, nearly half being children, about 23 million have lost coverage since the pandemic, or stand to lose it.
Americans Face Historic Medicaid Coverage Gaps, Disenrollments...continued
About 30% of U.S. young adults aged 18 to 34 are uninsured, higher than any other age group and comprising over one in five of all uninsured Americans.
Joan Alker, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Center for Children and Families and Research Professor at Georgetown University, explains the challenges that uninsured families face as they manage healthcare for their children.
Meanwhile, a 2019 CDC study shows that at least half of young adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, cancer or mental health issues.
Since the pandemic these conditions have only been rising, with one third of all young adults — and half of those aged 18 to 24 — reporting symptoms of mental illness.
The American Cancer Society also reports increasing rates of cancer among young adults; particularly types associated with older adults, like colon cancer.
“We’re in a crisis where our health care systems are not meeting the needs of our young people, who are often in a stage of transition out of Medicaid … because there’s no expansion, they’re sold student health plans or they don’t know how to enroll in other plans,” said Sanchez. “I grew up on Medicaid, and I never understood all of the benefits I had until I transitioned out as a college student,” she explained. “I had annual checkups, vaccinations and dental care, but I had no idea about the mental health benefits. And we’ve heard this from other young adults who shared that they would have taken advantage of mental health resources, but had no idea it was covered … We need not only Medicaid expansion but health literacy, so people can actually use their coverage.”
Since redetermination, 5.5 fewer children below 18 are enrolled in Medicaid as of July 2024.
The largest drops by percentage are Utah, with 34.5% fewer children on Medicaid; Colorado, with 30.9% fewer children; and Texas, with 29.1% fewer children.
“We’ve heard that parents are putting off care because they’re not insured, and just hoping their child doesn’t get sick. That children are having to skip their medications, not getting their inhalers and missing treatments for behavioral health conditions,” said Alker.
“Children are not expensive to our health care system, but they need regular care, so even a short gap exposes the family to large medical bills … and without that routine care, children are less able to learn,” she added. “Many of these children are still eligible for Medicaid. Any gap in coverage is not acceptable.”
What’s next?
“The price America pays for giving states enormous authority over their Medicaid programs is extremely high,” said Stan Dorn, director of the Health Policy Project at UnidosUS. “A family has a very different likelihood of getting health care based simply on the state in which they happen to live.”
To bridge these dramatic coverage gaps across states, Dorn suggested making “administrative burdens completely irrelevant for as many people as possible” through paperless eligibility; linguistically and culturally accessible enrollment help; automatic renewal of qualified people using tax and wage information that the government already has; and providing continuous coverage in the case of missing paperwork.
According to The Los Angeles Times, after being evaluated by a doctor, T-Boz was taken to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a significant abdominal blockage. This condition forced TLC to cancel not only the Syracuse show but also a planned performance at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, where they were set to appear with Shaggy.
As T-Boz remained under medical care, with a planned release on Sunday, TLC expressed their regret over the cancellations. Despite the disappointment of some fans who criticized the last-minute notice, many others offered support and understanding for T-Boz’s health situation.
In response to the outcry and in appreciation of their fans’ understanding, TLC apologized for the inconvenience and assured everyone that they are committed to rescheduling the missed performances. The group emphasized that T-Boz’s health was their top priority, and they followed her doctor’s advice to keep her under observation to fully assess her condition.
The federal COVID-19 emergency froze the process of annual Medicaid eligibility checks known as redetermination. Since the emergency was lifted in May 2023, redetermination has begun again for the nearly one in four Americans and nearly half of all children in the country who are on Medicaid — worsening historic coverage gaps in many states.
Redetermination and coverage gaps
“Because of the bureaucratic hoops that people need to jump through, the past year has been like a disenrollment churn on steroids, even for many who are still eligible,” said Katherine Hampstead, senior policy advisor at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, at a Friday, August 9 Ethnic Media Services briefing on Medicaid coverage gaps.
69% of these disenrollments owe to paperwork issues rather than ineligibility, and nearly a quarter of the 20 million people dropped from Medicaid since the redetermination began are still uninsured as of April 2024.
Martha Sanchez, Health Policy and Advocacy Director at Young Invincibles, discusses statistics on health insurance and healthcare needs for young adults 18-34 years old.
“Medicaid is the largest single source of health insurance in the country, but there’s both federal and state money going into it …
so it’s like 50 different programs state to state,” explained Hampstead, adding that redetermination is particularly worsening coverage gaps for the populations Medicaid was originally designed for, like lowincome groups, seniors, people with disabilities, children and pregnant women.
Coverage gaps also disproportionately affect communities of color — especially in the 10 states, mostly in the South, which have not expanded Medicaid income limits from 100% to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for adults aged 19 to 64.
This FPL expansion is permitted by the Affordable Care Act, and was ruled by the Supreme Court in 2012 to be optional for each state.
As of 2024, the FPL is $14,580 for an individual, 138% percent of that being $20,783; or $24,860 for a family of three, 138% of that being $35,632.
In states which haven’t expanded FPL limits — like Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi —
“there’s a coverage gap where two to three million people, predominantly populations of color, are in a very unfortunate situation where they’re ‘too poor’ to get marketplace subsidized coverage, yet they don’t qualify for Medicaid because their state’s eligibility limit is so low,” said Hampstead.
Youth coverage
“Despite our name, young people are not invincible,” said Martha Sanchez, health policy and advocacy director at youth advocacy nonprofit Young Invincibles. “We’re the future of our U.S. workforce and economy, and we cannot afford to continue to regress in our health.”
“Many of these children remain eligible, and we need to get them back enrolled, particularly in back to school right now,” said Joan Alker, executive director and co-founder of the Center for Children and Families and research professor at Georgetown University.
Net Medicaid enrollment changes vary drastically between states, with the largest drops by number being 1.3 million fewer children in Texas, approximately 542,600 fewer children in Florida and 373,000 fewer children in California.
Stan Dorn, Director of the Health Policy Project at UnidosUS, discusses the bureaucratic issues and lack of investment that keep healthcare out of reach for so many Americans.
As states pay a percentage of the cost of each Medicaid enrollee, Dorn also suggested creating federal standards for state redetermination performance to incentivize states that don’t want to pay. States that exceed standards would get a bonus, as was done with the Children’s Health Insurance Program in 2009. For states that don’t meet standards, he suggested deferring federal payments until the state improved, while stopping families from being terminated.
“We found that the states with the worst problems in terms of people losing coverage had invested the least amount of money in their eligibility infrastructure. So ultimately, it’s a question of values,” said Dorn. “Are the states’ officials willing to invest enough money in running a Medicaid program that they would trust with their own family’s health care? Some are willing to invest in systems that work for families and providers, and others are not.”
Get Your Costumes Ready & RSVP for the Fall Advocacy & Inclusion Fair!...continued from page 2
sensory play and much more.
This is an event you do not want to miss," she added.
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Health News
Regina Wilson, Executive Director, CBM
TLC Concerts Canceled After T-Boz Hospitalized For Alarming Health Scare
SUMMONS
Vetting State-Elected Officials for Congressional Decorum
“Take another look, tell me baby” from “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” Aretha Franklin
by Larry Buford
On a recent Pennsylvania bus tour leading up to the Democratic National Convention, Vice-President Kamala Harris lauded both Congressman Chris DeLuzio and Senator Bob Casey stating, “Pennsylvania, you’ve sent some fighters [for the people] to D.C.”
On the heels of that came the report that disgraced former Congressman George Santos, who was expelled from Congress in December 2023, pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and identification theft. He now faces restitution of $373k, $205k in forfeiture payments, and up to 12 years in jail.
Ordinarily, when we elect candidates for the Senate and House seats, there is an expectation that those elected officials will represent the people of their states and districts with a binding code of conduct including honor, dignity, respect, civility, and congressional decorum as they grace the halls of Congress. Sadly, such is not the case with a host of Trump-Republican representatives whose behavior is beyond the pale; they should not be qualified to walk those hallowed halls. For instance, let’s look at two other representatives who continue to display tasteless acts – representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Lauren Boebert.
Remember the resurfaced 2019 video of QAnon conspiracy theorist Greene stalking Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg? Then on March 24, 2022, some Georgia voters filed a legal challenge to Greene’s candidacy for re-election in 2022. The challenge, filed with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, alleged that Greene was constitutionally disqualified from public office under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, on the grounds that she helped facilitate the January 6, 2021 insurrection. The judge dismissed the charge due to “insufficient factual evidence.”
While both Greene and Boebert have been criticized for making “shocking statements” during their short terms in office, by both the Democrats and members of their own party, Boebert “generated international headlines in September [2023] when she was escorted out of a performance of the touring Broadway musical ‘Beetlejuice’ at Denver’s Buell Theatre for inappropriate behavior” with her male friend, as first reported by The Denver Post.
So now, the question is, who’s vetting elected candidates for Congress? Does it fall on the voters of the state, or does it fall on the designated keepers of Capitol Hill? Government jobs usually require a thorough Department of Justice background check. Article 1, Section 2, Clause 2 of the Constitution simply states: “No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty-five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.”
There is no mention of personal integrity and other behavioral characteristics that would have saved the New York, Nassau County citizens the embarrassment of electing a fake candidate like George Santos. Even after the discrepancies in his resume were discovered, his party refused to unseat him because it would change their narrow power advantage in the House.
Once elected, who on Capitol Hill is vetting and zooming in on candidates before they are seated in Congress? As the late great Aretha Franklin sang on her hit recording of “Who’s Zoomin’ Who” – “take another look and tell me baby (who’s zoomin’ who?).” Larry Buford is a contributing writer. Author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand” and “Book To The Future” (Amazon). Email: LBuford8101@hotmail.com
"DEI = DONALD ENGINEERED INSURRECTION!"
https://yournews.com/2024/08/27/2838925/vetting-state-elected-officials-for-congressional-decorum/
Tens of Thousands of Black Californians Retain Health Coverage After Post-Covid Redetermination
McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media
(CBM) – Over 36,000
Black Californians maintained coverage with a health insurance provider through the 14-month Medi-Cal to Covered California redetermination process led by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Covered California
This number does not include Californians who have employer or private insurance or those who have been enrolled in Medi-Cal or Covered California and have met all the eligibility requirements for both programs.
In total, more than 158,000 Californians retained their health coverage through the statewide redetermination initiative, which began in April 2023 and ran until June of this year, according to DHCS.
Covered California Chief Medical Officer and Chief Deputy Executive Director Dr. S. Monica Soni said the availability of affordable health coverage can help prevent negative medical outcomes in the Golden State’s Black communities. That coverage includes Medi-Cal, California’s version of the Medicaid program — which
offers free or low-cost health care access to low-income people across the nation — or one of the affordable health plans offered through Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange
“We know primary care is one of the ways to have good health and wellness — from behavioral health to physical health to instances where someone has a substance abuse disorder,” said Soni, also a primary care doctor and the first Black Chief Medical Officer at Covered California.
“Our communities are some of the most incredible communityoriented, health-seeking ambitious folks,” Soni continued.
“We have a lot of assets in our communities, but it is true we have higher rates of death for many cancers. We have more obesity. We have really higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure as well.”
The redetermination project kicked off when Medi-Cal resumed its renewal process to establish eligibility for over 15 million of its members following the end of the federal continuous coverage requirement put in place during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Covered California automatically enrolled individuals in one of its low-cost health plans with insurers such as Aetna Health, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Health Net, Molina Health Plan, or Valley Health Plan if they lost MediCal coverage and qualified for Covered California.
Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman said people who received health insurance through Covered California didn’t experience a gap in coverage.
“We are proud of these results so far, and the Medi-Cal to Covered California program is now a mainstay in our effort to keep Californians covered with comprehensive, affordable health insurance,” she said in a statement.
Soni said continuing the automatic enrollment beyond the redetermination process helped to keep health insurance accessible for state residents.
According to a survey conducted last fall on behalf of Covered California by NORC and Slosar Research, 82% of people in the Medi-Cal renewal processes were covered through employer- insurance; were already enrolled with Covered California, or returned to MediCal.
Soni stated that the main obstacle that prevents people without health insurance from selecting a plan through Covered California is a belief the price will be out of their budget.
“Sometimes people are worried about the cost,” she explained.
que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios
escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte
Tens of Thousands of Black Californians Retain Health Coverage After Post-Covid Redetermination...continued
“We have zero-dollar and $10-a-month plans, depending on household income. Regardless of what health plan you choose all of your primary care costs are the same. We believe you should be able to shop for the health plan you want.”
Covered California’s open enrollment period runs from November of this year to January 2025. Soni said Covered California will have record levels of support and affordability during the upcoming year.
“Incredible support we are getting from the state and federal government makes us able to do that,” she said.
Everyone should use their health coverage to see a doctor as required, based on their individual or family medical history, Soni said, recalling her experience working at a Los Angeles area hospital.
“I’ve had many circumstances where someone wasn’t going to see a primary care provider and showed up in the emergency room with an advanced cancer that could have been caught early and treated, but now it is too far advanced to really get treatment,” she recalled. “That is a 40-year-old, that is a young person, who again with earlier care, all of that could have been prevented.”
National
Media Takes Notice Of Unintended Consequences Of New Real Estate Commission Rules
African American Real Estate Professionals May Be Significantly Harmed
WASHINGTON—The national media is raising awareness of the threat to African American real estate professionals posed by changes to the structuring of commissions paid to agents working on behalf of buyers in home sale transactions. The changes, negotiated in a proposed settlement of a Missouri lawsuit, are upsetting the industry and creating an unsettling environment for Black agents and minority home buyers.
USA Today published a comprehensive story this weekend entitled, “Residential real estate was confronting a racist past. Then came the commission lawsuits.” The article, written by reporter Andrea Riquier, outlines the unintended consequences of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) proposed settlement of a case that challenged a decadesold system requiring the agents of home sellers to split the commission on sales with the agents of home buyers. Starting last Saturday, August 17, home sellers and their agents can no longer outline compensation for agents representing buyers within their MLS listings. They can, however, negotiate outside of the official listing.
The new arrangement significantly impacts Black agents, who overwhelmingly represent home buyers in sales transactions. In fact, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), whose members include Black real estate professionals, said Black agents represent buyers in more
than 70% of their sales. The fear is that many minority home buyers who don’t have generational wealth due to systemic racism over the decades won’t be able to pay the commissions for agents representing them. In the past, the seller picked up that fee, and this change could further financially disadvantage the buyers.
“By decoupling the commission paid to buyer brokers from seller proceeds, the landmark class-action lawsuits brought against NAR and other large national brokerages on behalf of consumers have unintended consequences, advocates say,” the USA Today reports.
Further, the article adds:
“The concern: Black buyers, who often come to the house hunt with the deck stacked against them, will be further disadvantaged by having to pay more money out of pocket for an agent to represent them – or will choose to go without representation in a transaction that’s expensive, confusing and laden with unfamiliar pain points…
“One of the biggest challenges for Black and other minority buyers is that many are not just first-time buyers, but the first among their generation in their families to purchase property.
Just 45.3% of Black Americans are homeowners, compared to 74.4% of whites, Census data shows. Thanks largely to higher homeownership rates, white Americans have $1.4 million in household wealth, on average, nearly six times that of Black families, at $227,554, according to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances.”
Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose, president of NAREB, said there is reason for concern for Black real estate professionals and Black home buyers.
“We have what may become
AJSOCAL And Rand Launch Report And Evidence-Informed Anti-Asian Hate Toolkit
Findings Say Young Adult Asian Americans Are More Likely to Experience Hatred and Less Likely to Report Incidents
AUG 27, 2024, LOS ANGELES Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) and RAND are proud to release Enhancing Support for Asian American Communities Facing Hate Incidents: Community Survey Results from Los Angeles and New York City and the Community Learn and Outreach Toolkit for Countering Anti-Asian Hate, a collaborative research report and resource developed for community-based organizations (CBOs) to address racism-related challenges faced by Asian American community members. Access is available to both at ajsocal.org/our-reportsand-research/.
Due to the alarming rise in antiAsian hate and discrimination since the COVID-19 pandemic, both RAND and AJSOCAL were moved to examine how Asian American community members can access help when they need it and how to equip community organizations to address community members’ needs when they experience an act of hate or discrimination. AJSOCAL, RAND, and community partners in Los Angeles and New York collaborated to better understand the scope of hate incidents across different Asian American demographic groups, to assess the resources necessary to
AJSOCAL And Rand Launch Report And EvidenceInformed Anti-Asian Hate Toolkit...continued
tailored strategies to effectively reach Asian Americans across various immigrant generations and age groups with information about anti-hate resources at CBOs. It offers actionable recommendations for CBO staff, policymakers, and researchers focused on Asian and Asian American communities.
Key Survey Findings:
English-speaking Asian American young adults, particularly those from 1.5, second, or later immigrant generations, reported higher instances of experiencing antiAsian hate but were less likely to seek help compared to first generation or take any action.
Despite most Asian Americans valuing community-based counter-hate services, usage rate remains low. The majority of respondents (67%) lacked knowledge about community resources that were available or faced barriers like language difficulties, time constraints, or lack of transportation to receiving services.
The in-language dominant populations are as likely to call CBOs as the police (or more likely) to ask for their help if an Anti-Asian Hate incident were experienced. Only 37% would use 211 or 311.
Word of mouth from family or friends was the top information source for English,
Chinese, and Thai speakers, and the second most preferred by Korean respondents, who favored television as their most popular source. Top sources for receiving Anti-Asian Haterelated information are WeChat for Chinese, TV for Korean, family or friends for English and Thai speakers.
The Community Learn and Outreach Toolkit for Countering Anti-Asian Hate contains the following:
Key Terminology: Definitions of anti-Asian hate-related terms and their distinctions, such as hate crime versus hate incident
Response Options: Strategies for responding to hate incidents and crimes, such as how to respond to verbal attacks
Barriers and Solutions: Common challenges that community members face when seeking services and their potential solutions, such as actions CBOs can take to encourage community members to report hate incidents and crimes
Outreach Strategies: Insights into outreach strategies for Chinese, Korean, and Thai communities, including specific strategies on social media and for in-person outreach events
Infographic Summaries: Infographics and appendices that summarize the toolkit for staff training.
Dr. Elizabeth Dowdy, a distinguished newspaper reporter and editor has passed away
Dr. Elizabeth Dowdy, a distinguished newspaper reporter and editor who attended ElbonSolutions College of Ministry and received her doctorate in divinity, passed away on August 18, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on September 4, 1939, as Elsie Faye Coleman, Dr. Dowdy’s remarkable life was marked by her unwavering dedication to God and her profound impact on countless people.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Dowdy was known for beginning the Lion of Judah Worship Center, Eliz’ Elegant Apparel, and 100,000 African American Praying Women. She was active in the Victorville Women’s Club, the NAACP, and the California Black Chamber of Commerce.
counteract these incidents, and to identify primary methods of outreach and engagement to reach community members.
Connie Chung Joe, CEO, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California said, “We are proud of our collaboration with RAND and their renowned research expertise. Applying it to the ongoing fight against anti-Asian hate is empowering especially for AAPI organizations. We know that the report and the toolkit will be used heavily by our community partner organizations, corporate social responsibility groups, legislators, universities, and allies worldwide. Collectively we can and will combat discrimination.”
The toolkit is an evidenceinformed resource derived from discussions with Asian American organizations in Los Angeles and New York City, including AJSOCAL, and a 2023-2024 survey completed by more than 800 community members in both cities. The community survey aimed to provide CBOs with important insights to enhance outreach and support strategies.
The research report provides an in-depth analysis of the LA and NYC community survey findings, highlighting the urgent need for culturally and linguistically
Dr. Dowdy is survived by siblings Bettye Cornelius, Howard Malone, Beverly Harris, Clementine Sue Smiley, Anthony Drake Malone, her children and their spouses, Walt, Vince (and Linda), Alondra, Christopher (and Cedrick), Agyna (and Alfredo), ten grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren who will remember her not only for her
Reclaiming Religious Freedom...continued
queer family to adopt a child, or simply using someone’s correct pronouns. Our current Supreme Court makeup has a record of favoring religious freedom claims, meaning we are likely to continue to see similar cases make their way to Washington, D.C. For many queer—and especially Trans—communities, it is a frightening time. And there is no denying that religious freedom protections are one of the weapons being used to harm these vulnerable communities.
But is this interpretation of religious freedom the only one?
Can we not reimagine religious freedom as a legal protection that prioritizes diversity, love, and liberation? Are we, as people of faith committed to a just world for all, comfortable in allowing ignorant voices to monopolize the conversation about religious freedom?
Religious freedom does not solely belong to the communities that have dominated the narrative for so long. It belongs to people of all faiths and none.
Religious freedom is also Indigenous communities defending sacred land from industrial development. Religious freedom is Jewish and Christian leaders guarding the God-given right of pregnant people to make choices about their own bodies.
Religious freedom is individuals on death row having access to pray with clergy before the unthinkable. Religious freedom is Christian communities taking a stand against white Christian Nationalism, a movement that seeks to legislate a single
By Lou K. Coleman
academic brilliance and faith focus but also for her generous spirit and loving presence.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday August 22, 2024, at 11:30am at Emmanuel Temple CME, 17288 Stoddard Wells Rd., Victorville, CA 92394 where family, friends, and colleagues gathered to celebrate her life and legacy.
The interment was held at Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049 at 12:00pm where she was buried with military funeral honors along with her husband, Walter Hucks, who was killed in action in 1968 in the Vietnam War.
Dr. Elizabeth Dowdy's life was a testament to the power of knowledge, the value of mentorship, and the enduring impact one person can have on the world. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Reverend Doctor Elizabeth Coleman Dowdy
Sunrise September 4, 1939 –Sunset August 18, 2024
Reclaiming Religious Freedom
Hannah Santos
“Which do you support more: religious freedom or LGBTQ+ rights?”
This question has been posed to me more times than I can count by well-intentioned but deeply misinformed friends and family.
I am a staunch advocate for religious freedom. I believe religious liberty and freedom of conscience are essential to a diverse democracy and have dedicated a considerable part of my career to studying and upholding the First Amendment. I am also a queer woman. For some folks reading this piece, these statements may appear to live in tension. And I understand that initial reaction.
The Religious Right has been profoundly successful— in both our legal system and cultural rhetoric—in equating “religious freedom” with policies of exclusion and harm. Particularly in the last decade, the First Amendment has been repeatedly utilized to justify discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals within the workplace, classroom, and public sphere. Plaintiffs repeatedly argue that their right to religious freedom protects them from actions such as making a website for a same-sex wedding, allowing a
interpretation of Christianity into public policy in order to dictate the lives of millions.
And yes, religious freedom is a queer person—raised in a tradition grounded in radical love and embrace of the LGTBQ+ community—practicing her faith by openly living her life and loving out loud. I believe there is a missed opportunity when we cede ground in the conversation about religious freedom. Amidst our silence, the definition of religious freedom pushed by the Religious Right only grows more powerful. We must reclaim this rhetoric as our own. Supporting religious freedom and supporting policies of love and inclusion does not need to be an “either/ or” question.
And reconsidering the narrative between religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights is only the beginning. Brilliant scholars, lawyers, and religious leaders are doing the hard work to reconsider narratives of religious freedom in relation to communities of color, religious minorities, and nonreligious people. I urge us all to join in this work, through conversations at both our dinner tables and congregations. It’s time for people of faith to reclaim religious freedom as a tool for love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Hannah Santos is the Communications and Campaigns Specialist for the United Church of Christ Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington, D.C.
“God Grieves!”
Every one of you follows your stubborn, evil will, refusing to listen to Me. [Jeremiah 16:12].
You have turned to Me your back and not your face. And though I have taught you persistently, you have not listened to receive instruction [Jeremiah 32:33]. My Word is an object of scorn to you, which you take no pleasure in it. [Jeremiah 6:10].
You have stiffened your neck that you might not hear and receive instructions. [Jeremiah 17:23].
This has been your way from your youth, that you have not obeyed My voice. [Jeremiah 22:21]. Although I persistently sent to you all My servants the prophets. [Jeremiah 25:4]. For years My Word has come to you, but you have not listened. [Jeremiah 25:37]. Circumcise yourselves to Me, remove the foreskin of your hearts. [Jeremiah 4:4; Jeremiah 9:25-26] If you do not, I am going to bring disaster upon you that you cannot escape. For you have provoked me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm because you have not listened. [Jeremiah 25:7].
Though they will cry to Me in their troubles, I will not listen to them. [Jeremiah 11:11] So do not pray for them or lift up a cry on their behalf. [Jeremiah 11:14]. I have spoken to them persistently, but they have not listened. [Jeremiah 35:14].
I want you to understand, there comes a day when God’s patience runs out, and when it does, the results are disastrous. [Jeremiah 35:17]. God has good plans for us, but if we refuse to listen, He will not reward our disobedience. What is true for the nations is true for us: “If at any time God declares concerning a
nation or a kingdom that He will build and plant it, and if it does evil in His sight, not listening to His voice, He will relent of the good that He had intended to do to it” [Jeremiah 18:9-10]. I tell you, refusing to listen to God is the Ultimate Foolishness! If we hear God’s Word, but only obediently listen when it is convenient, we will be undone. This is a key in [Jeremiah Chapter 42] which tells the story of Johanan and the remnant of Judah after most were taken away in the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah was asked to pray to God on behalf of the people and pledges, [Jeremiah 42:6]. But when Jeremiah prays, God tells him the opposite of what Johanan was hoping to hear. God said, “Don’t go to Egypt; don’t be afraid of the Babylonians; I’ll protect you. But since God’s word was not what Johanan wanted to hear, he insisted, “You are telling a lie. The Lord our God did not send you to say, ‘Do not go to Egypt to live there” [Jeremiah 43:2]. God’s word could not have been clearer. But Johanan refused to listen. God destroyed him and his insolent companions. This is how many people “listen” to God’s word. They are willing to hear, but they are not willing to obey when it is inconvenient. Instead, they look for every possible excuse to obscure and dilute the plain voice of God in Scripture. I tell you, Samuel’s response should be ours: “Speak, for you servant hears.” [1 Samuel 3:9-10] because refusing to listen to God is the worst kind of stubbornness and the ultimate foolishness, since it ends in our own harm: certain judgment by the hand of the Almighty. How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert! [Psalm 78:40]. Therefore, He turned Himself to become their enemy, He fought against them. [Isaiah 63:10].
I tell you; Refusing to obey the Lord is the Ultimate Foolishness! Repent!
Lou K. Coleman
Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose President of NAREB
August 29, 2024
Inland Empire Residents: Breathe Easier with Medi-Cal Asthma Remediation – Your Path to a Healthier Home
Asthma is a significant public health issue, particularly among Medi-Cal members.
Black Californians are five times more likely to visit the emergency department and four times more likely to be hospitalized for asthma than White Californians, and more than 2 million Latinos in the state live with asthma.
Medi-Cal offers new services to help members manage and reduce asthma triggers where they often experience them most, in their own home.
Asthma Remediation as Part of Community Supports
Asthma Remediation is one of the 14 optional Community Supports Medi-Cal managed care plans can offer. Community Supports are new and improved services to help Medi-Cal members get well-rounded, whole person care that goes beyond the doctor's office or hospital.
This program provides home modifications and interventions to manage asthma symptoms, reduce emergency room visits, and improve the quality of life for eligible members.
Transform Your Home to Manage Asthma
*Medi-Cal’s Asthma Remediation service covers essential modifications to ensure your home is a safe haven, including:
*Allergen-impermeable mattress and pillow covers to block dust mites.
*High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuums to effectively remove allergens.
*Integrated Pest Management services to eliminate pests that can trigger asthma.
*De-humidifiers to control moisture levels and prevent mold growth.
*Mechanical air filters to keep indoor air clean.
*Asthma-friendly cleaning products and supplies that contain minimal chemical irritants.
*Minor mold removal and remediation services to ensure mold-free living spaces.
*Other moisture-controlling interventions to maintain a dry and healthy environment.
*Ventilation improvements to enhance air circulation.
*Other medically appropriate and cost-effective interventions identified by your health care provider.
How to Access Asthma Remediation Services
To qualify for these services, members must meet certain criteria:
Eligibility Criteria: The member must have poorly controlled asthma, indicated by recent emergency department visits, hospitalizations, frequent urgent care visits, or a score of 19 or lower on the Asthma Control Test.
Home Evaluation: An assessment of the member’s home must be conducted through the Asthma Preventive Services benefit to determine needs and the suitability of any requested remediation(s).
Health Provider’s Order: A licensed health care provider must request the necessary remediations based on member needs.
Members can reach out to their managed care health plan or speak with their doctor to find out more information about available Asthma Remediation services.
Comprehensive Support and Education
Asthma Remediation goes beyond home modifications. The program also empowers members with knowledge, providing information about how to identify and mitigate environmental triggers commonly found in and around homes, including allergens and irritants. Members will learn how to:
*Use dust-proof mattresses and pillow covers.
*Properly use HEPA vacuums and asthma-friendly cleaning products.
*Implement moisture control measures and improve ventilation.
*Conduct minor home repairs, such as sealing cracks to prevent pest entry.
Financial and Coverage Details
Medi-Cal covers the costs of asthma remediations up to a lifetime maximum of $7,500 per member. This amount can be increased if significant changes in condition require additional modifications to ensure the member's health, well-being, and safety, or to help the member achieve greater independence at home and avoid institutionalization or hospitalization. All interventions must adhere to state and local building codes and must be performed by licensed contractors to ensure quality and safety.
Enhancing the Member’s Quality of Life
Medi-Cal’s Asthma Remediation services are designed to supplement and enhance the care members already receive, providing comprehensive support to address the root causes of asthma triggers in the home. With robust support, education, and financial coverage, Medi-Cal helps ensure that members receive the necessary modifications to live healthier lives.
Get Started Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with poorly controlled asthma, don't wait to act. Contact your health care provider to discuss your eligibility for Medi-Cal Asthma Remediation services and start your journey toward a safer, healthier home.
For more information, call the state’s Medi-Cal Managed Care Office of the Ombudsman at (888) 452-8609 or email MMCDOmbudsmanOffice@ dhcs.ca.gov.
In Riverside County and San Bernardino County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Inland Empire Health Plan: 800-440-4347
* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
* Molina HealthCare of California Partner Plan, Inc.: 888-665-4621
Take the first step today to transform your home into a healthier, safer environment.
Telemarketer Fees to Access the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry to Increase in 2025
The Federal Trade Commission announced today an update to the fees telemarketers must pay to access phone numbers on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry in FY 2025, which starts on October 1, 2024.
All telemarketers calling consumers in the United States are required to download the numbers on the National DNC Registry to ensure they do not call consumers who have registered their phone numbers.
The first five area codes are free to download, and organizations that are exempt, such as some charities and political callers, may obtain the entire list for free. Telemarketers must subscribe each year for access to the Registry numbers.
The cost of accessing a single area code in the Registry will be $80 in FY 2025, which is an increase of $2 from FY 2024. The
maximum charge to any single entity for accessing all area codes nationwide is now $22,038 (up from 21,402 in FY 2024). The fee for accessing an additional area code for a half year will increase $1 from FY 2024, to $40. The Commission vote authorizing publication of the Federal Register notice announcing the new fees was 5-0. The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at consumer. ftc.gov, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts.
Famous TV Judge Mathis’ Wife Files For Divorce After 39 Years of Marriage
Nationwide — Linda Mathis, the wife of TV judge Greg Mathis, has filed for divorce after 39 years of marriage. The couple, who separated on July 17, cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for ending their marriage. Their four children — Jade, Camara Mathis Webb, Greg Mathis Jr., and Amir Mathis — are all adults, so child support and custody aren’t concerns, according to TMZ. However, Linda is seeking spousal support and has asked the court to deny Greg any spousal support in return. It was unclear
if a prenuptial agreement was involved.
Greg and Linda Mathis married in June 1985, shortly after Greg completed college. Both of them graduated from Eastern Michigan University. Greg later gained fame with his TV court show, which launched 14 years into their marriage. Most recently, their family starred in the reality series “Mathis Family Matters,” which debuted two years ago. It has sparked speculation that reality TV might have influenced their decision to part ways.
National Media Takes Notice Of Unintended Consequences Of New Real Estate Commission Rules...continued from page 7
an untenable situation,” Dr. Rose said. “Black agents represent many families who simply can’t afford to have the commission for their agent added to the down payment they have already worked to save. And we will have families who are first-time home buyers who need the counsel that agents provide on everything from where to move to how to find a mortgage loan.”
Furthermore, there is the possibility that more “pocket listings” could arise—situations where houses are sold with limited public listing, which can easily be used to eliminate minority home buyers from purchasing in certain areas.
USA Today writes: “While changes to the commission structure have grabbed most of the attention, many observers
are also concerned about the erosion of the centralized databases that previously housed all information about real estate listings. A confirmation that the seller would pay the buyer’s broker was generally included on most listings. Now that piece of information may not be included, which will force buyers and their brokers to reach out to each seller or their agent individually.” Dr. Rose confirmed this is an area that NAREB is concerned about. “Public policies and private practices frequently discriminated against Blacks seeking to buy homes right up to and past the civil rights movement,” she said. “It would be terrible for Black families and our nation if this change sends us spiraling backward.”