"If
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will be imposed upon them and these will
Breaking the Silence: Addressing Hate Speech and Discrimination in Rural America
Let’s Talk About What’s Happening
Hate speech and discrimination aren’t just big-city problems. Out in the peaceful, seemingly quiet corners of rural America, these issues are plaguing—and the silence around them only makes it worse. It’s time to break that silence.
The Not-So-Silent Reality of Rural America
Hate speech in rural communities is nothing new, but the rise of social media has made it more visible and, unfortunately, more dangerous. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that hate crimes are increasing across the country, and yes, that includes rural areas. But here’s the kicker: in these tight-knit communities, hate speech often goes unchallenged. It’s as if the very isolation that makes these places feel safe also allows hate to take root and grow unchecked.
How Did We Get Here? A Brief History Lesson
To understand the present, we have to look at the past. Rural America has a history, and not all of it is pretty. Think about the Ku Klux Klan—where did they find a foothold? Often, it was in these same rural areas where economic hardship and social sameness bred fear and intolerance. That fear turned into hate, and hate turned into action. Fast forward to today, and the echoes of that history are still heard in the rise of hate groups documented by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
Social Media: A Blessing and a Curse
There’s no doubt that social media has changed the way we receive information. It’s a powerful tool that has changed the world. This technology has made the world smaller because we can instantly connect with anyone. The downside to this has been how quickly misinformation and hateful ideology can be spread. According to the AntiDefamation League (ADL), social media gives a megaphone to hate groups and allows them to spread their toxic messages quickly across the world. And
in rural areas, where voices can echo in an empty chamber, those messages can quickly become the loudest ones in the room.
Why Is This Hard to Fight?
Addressing hate speech in rural America isn’t easy, and here’s why. In smaller communities, law enforcement often lacks adequate resources to tackle hate crimes effectively. In rural areas, community members may frequently hesitate to speak out for fear of retribution, so they usually remain silent. Unfortunately, with not enough people speaking out in these areas, the hate speech and ideology become normalized and stay a part of the overall culture.
The Power of Community-Led Change
There is some hope, however. We’ve seen the power of community-led initiatives. There’s power in numbers, and change can occur when people come together for a common objective. A growing number of rural communities are taking action and creating coalitions to combat prejudice and hate speech. These organizations are assisting victims, spreading
awareness, and—above all— saying, "Not in our town."
Policymakers can also play a critical role. State and local governments can fund education and awareness programs, train law enforcement, and implement policies to protect those at risk. But let’s not kid ourselves— change starts at home, in our communities, and in our conversations.
Why This Matters—Right Now
So why should we care? Because the words we use matter. They can build up or tear down. And in rural America, where everyone knows everyone, those words carry even more weight. It is time for change. It’s time to reject the status quo and start speaking up.
Wrapping It Up
Hate speech and discrimination aren’t isolated to large cities. They have deep-seated roots in rural America as well. The only way to shift the narrative is to acknowledge that these problems exist, and then we can start working towards change. The time is now. Let’s Stop the Hate program. A partnership with the California Department
of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs supports the program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to cavshate.org.
References and Further Reading U.S. Department of Justice: “Hate Crime Statistics” Southern Poverty Law Center: “Hate Map” Anti-Defamation League: “Hate on Display: A Visual Database of Extremist Symbols” Public Policy Institute of California: “Immigrants in California”
Ethnic Media Services: “With Escalating AntiImmigrant Rhetoric, California Farmworkers Fear the Future”
Rosa I. Evans Bio
Rosa I. Evans is a marketing strategist and founder of Tridyn Creative Media, specializing in branding and digital marketing.
A first-generation American from a Mexican immigrant family, she grew up in West Texas, where challenges of poverty and cultural duality shaped her empathy and resilience. Rosa is dedicated to empowering others with innovative tools for growth and success.
Advocates Express Outrage and Disappointment Over 2 Calif. Reparations Bills the Legislature Failed to Bring to the Floor for a Full Vote
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
Scores of advocates from across California protested at the State Capitol Saturday after the Legislature failed to bring two critical reparations bills to the floor for a full vote on Aug. 31, the final day of the legislative session.
Chanting “What do we want? Reparations! When do we want it? Now!,” the advocates expressed their outrage and disappointment that Senate Bill (SB) 1403 and Senate Bill (SB) 1331 -- both authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) -- had stalled.
Despite advancing smoothly through much of the legislative process this year, the session concluded without a vote on both bills, leaving the future of reparations in California hanging in the balance.
“This is becoming a political disaster. It’s our own people holding this up,” said Chris Lodgson, a reparations advocate from the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), blaming members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). Lodgson said the Legislature’s decision to pass another bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 1840, on Aug. 28, only heightened his frustration.
AB 1840, authored by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), would allow eligible undocumented immigrants to purchase homes with state-backed financing through the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan program.
AB 1840 passed the Assembly on Aug. 28, and is now moving on to the governor for his consideration, prompting some in the Black community to feel overlooked. “This tells me and Black Californians who are ancestors of slavery, who built this country we are not as important,” Lodgson said.
“We’re not a priority or important as those other programs. That’s what is most infuriating and that’s what Black legislators are telling their people. That’s not going to be accepted.”
Tiffany Quarles, a reparations activist and supporter of Bradford’s bills, drove from Los Angeles to Sacramento to watch what she thought would be the passage of a historic vote.
“I am not disdained, and I am not discouraged. I came here
to fight for Black Americans whose families were enslaved in this country. My family was enslaved in this country. So, I am not giving up. If they think that this is over, they are wrong,” said Quarles. “We still demand lineage-based reparations.”
Quarles said she believes Democratic leaders decided against advancing the bills because they are worried their decision would hurt V.P. Kamala Harris’s chances of winning the presidency.
“They will sacrifice Black America just to get her in, and that's not right,” stated Quarles.
According to Bradford, the Governor’s Office expressed some concerns over his reparation’s bills.
“They offered up some amendments that weren't accepted by me. We had no indications of any amendments up until Monday (Aug. 26) of this week,” said Bradford.
“We had legislation that made it out of Assembly Appropriations committee without one single amendment -- not a single amendment was offered up. We moved these bills with the understanding that we had the votes to take it up on the Assembly floor,” Bradford explained. “It was just some simple amendment that pretty much would have gutted SB 1403 and made it an additional study.”
Bradford, who served on the Reparations Task force, said California researched reparations for two years and delivered a 1,100-page report to the legislature. Therefore, there is no need to conduct an additional study.
The CLBC issued a statement on the final day of the legislative session confirming that SB 1403 would not be brought to a vote this session and would be reintroduced next session.
“The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing the CLBC 2024 Reparations Priority Legislative Package,” the statement read. “The CLBC has chosen to concentrate our collective energy on the legislative priorities that the entire caucus has voted on and those that positively impact Black Californians.” The CLBC
By Rosa I Evans
Reparations advocates wait and chant in the hallway of the rotunda at the Capitol on the last night of the legislative session (Aug. 31), hoping for a vote on the reparations bills SB 1403 and SB 1331. (Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media)
4-Year-Old Autistic Black Girl Left on School Bus For 7 Hours in Extreme Heat
Nationwide — An African American family from Dallas, Texas is demanding answers after their 4-year-old daughter, Araiya Pruitt, who has autism and is nonverbal, was left alone on her school bus for nearly seven hours. Her parents, Robert and Keturah, are deeply concerned about the failure of the Dallas Independent School District to protect their child. They entrusted the school system with their daughter’s safety, but on that fateful Tuesday, the system failed them in a way that could have had tragic consequences.
According to Araiya’s parents, they put their daughter on the bus in the morning, expecting her to arrive safely at school. However, they later learned that she never made it to her classroom. The bus driver, after dropping off the other students, assumed the bus was empty and returned it to the bus barn, unaware that Araiya was still inside. This oversight left Araiya alone on the bus, in what her father described as a shocking form of neglect.
According to WLTB, the situation was made even worse by the fact that the bus was parked on a day when temperatures soared to nearly 100 degrees. Araiya, who cannot unbuckle her seatbelt without assistance, was likely strapped in her seat the entire time. Her parents are horrified by the thought of their daughter suffering for hours in the intense heat without supervision, air conditioning, or access to food and water. They believe their daughter could have
died that day due to the extreme conditions.
The distressing discovery was made later in the day when another driver went to retrieve the bus for the afternoon route and found Araiya inside. She had soiled herself and was immediately taken to the hospital for evaluation. Keturah Crockett, Araiya’s mother, is haunted by thoughts of what her daughter must have endured during those long hours, wondering if Araiya cried out for her or cried herself to sleep.
Pruitt and Crockett are not only seeking answers but also accountability from the Dallas Independent School District. They want to ensure that their daughter’s story is heard and that such a grievous error never happens again. The trauma of the incident has also led them to decide that Araiya will no longer ride the school bus, as they can no longer trust the system that failed their daughter so profoundly.
In response to the incident, the Dallas Independent School District issued a statement on Wednesday, expressing their outrage over what happened. They emphasized that student safety is their highest priority and assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway. While they are grateful that Araiya is safe, her parents are left grappling with the emotional aftermath and the reality that their daughter’s life was put at risk due to what they consider a preventable mistake.
California Assembly Passes Sex Trafficking Bill
Bo Tefu and Atonio Ray Harvey | California BlackMedia
Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) are co-authors of the bill.“By increasing penalties for those who solicit or purchase children for sex, we are sending a clear message:California's children are no longer for sale,” Grove stated.“While I am disappointed in the forced amendments that excluded some minors, I am pleased with this step forward. We know there is still work to be done and I will continue to fight to protect all children.”According to SB 1414’s language, if the person solicited for sex was under 16 years of age, or if the person solicited was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense and the person solicited was a victim of human trafficking, the offense would be punishable as a“wobbler,” meaning prosecutors can either charge the suspect with a misdemeanor or a felony. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign the bill into law or veto it.
California Legislature Clears Cyberbullying Bill... continued
Gov. Gavin Newsom desk for his signature or veto.“Cyberbullying is a deadly and growing crisis. Social media companies must do their part to respond to cyberbullying threats, like the fight pages that led up to Shaylee Mejia’s death,” Stern said in a statement to California Black Media. Mejia, 16, died from blunt force trauma to the head,according to a Los Angeles County medical examiner who ruled her death an accident, citing that she fell down a flight of stairs. The family believes her death was caused by a fight at school that was captured on video.
SB 1504 is designed to have social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and others “respond compassionately and predictably” to reports of cyberbullying, Stern said in April. According
to the California Department of Justice (DOJ),Black and Hispanic teens are more likely than their White counterparts to be targets of cyberbullying. In addition,Black teens are about twice as likely as Hispanic or White teens to express that their race or ethnicity made them a target of online mistreatment, according to a 2002 survey by the Pew Research Center. If signed into law, SB 1504 will not require the Attorney General on behalf of all Californians to bring enforcement actions. Instead, it allows any person who reports cyberbullying and does not receive a timely response to enforce their own rights.“Schools, students’ and parents’ complaints about cyberbullying often fall on deaf ears with the social media giants. This bill takes the power back,” Stern stated.
Looking for Heroes and Sheroes in the IE
caption: 2024 Black Rose Award winners. Left to right first row; Fontana Mayor Acquanetta
Tina
Marcus Funchess, San Bernardino City Unified School
Director of Education at American Career College; James C. Baker II, Park Commissioner for the City of Moreno Valley; Bronica Martindale, Black Rose Entertainment Chairperson; Ezekiel Adeleke, outgoing Foundation President; Jack B. Clarke Jr., a community leader and partner at the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud &
Carl Dameron, Foundation President; Aristotle McDaniel, founder of GPL-Grandparents Love; Jim King, Black Rose founder and Foundation Secretary.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. –
California Passes Bill Banning Discrimination Based on HairStyles, Texture
Bo Tefu and Atonio Ray Harvey | California BlackMedia
Hairstylist trimming the customer 39’s hair at a beauty salon (Shutterstock)
On Aug. 27, the State Legislature passed Assembly Bill (AB)1815, a law that bans hair-based discrimination related to race,making its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for a final signature. This bill seeks to expand the state’s civil rights laws to include protections based on hairstyles and hair texture such as locks,braids, and twists, and protective hairstyles that are popular among Black people. California was one of the first states to enact laws that protect people from discrimination in schools and employment under the CROWN Act in 2019. According to the Economic Policy Institute, Black women’s hairstyles are 2.5times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional as compared to those of White women. The
CROWN Workplace Research Study revealed last year that66% of Black women change their hair for a job interviews --most of them from curly to straight to appear more professional. AB 1815 is one of 14 reparations bills introduced by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). The bills were based on recommendations in the final report published by the California Reparations Task Force in 2023. The task force recommended more than 100 policy proposals that promote racial justice and justify reparations.
Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), the newly elected chair of the CLBC, authored AB 1815.“We have changed a harm that has been given to people for generations that stated that beauty only occurs if you look a certain way if your hair is only a certain way,” said Weber.“This particular bill repairs that harm.”Weber acknowledged that AB 1815 was one of the least controversial in the 14-bill package. Although the bill was amended a few times, it faced minimal opposition from lawmakers.
LeBron James Family Foundation inspires a blueprint for community empowerment
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire
(NNPA Newswire) – In a visit to PBS-TV’s The Chavis Chronicles in Washington, D.C., Gloria James and other relatives of NBA superstar LeBron James highlighted the extraordinary impact of the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) and its ongoing mission to uplift and empower communities.
The foundation’s efforts, which began in Akron, Ohio, where LeBron was raised, have become a national model for athletes, entertainers and politicians alike. Gloria, LeBron’s mother, expressed immense pride in her son’s accomplishments both on and off the court.
During a visit to PBS-TV’s “The Chavis Chronicles” in Washington, D.C., Gloria James and other relatives of NBA superstar LeBron James highlighted the extraordinary impact of the LeBron James Family Foundation. (Courtesy photo/ NNPA Newswire)
emphasizing that LeBron’s greatness extends beyond his athletic achievements. “He’s not only the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) on the court, but off the court. He’s a humanitarian, a great father and husband, and a great advocate for his community, people of color, and the underdog.”
The LJFF, through its flagship I PROMISE program, serves over 1,400 students in the Akron area, offering comprehensive support that extends far beyond
California Legislature Clears Cyberbullying Bill
Bo Tefu and Atonio Ray Harvey | California BlackMedia
A bill Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) authored addressing sex trafficking and aiming to increase penalties for those who purchase children for sex made it out of the Assembly with a 73-0 vote one day before the final day of the Legislative session. Senate Bill (SB) 1414, titled “Crimes: Solicitation of a minor,” would apply to defendants who are 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense. Senators Anna Caballero (D-Merced) and policies,The bill passed on the Assembly floor with a 71-0 vote. Titled Cyberbullying Reporting and Accountability,SB 1504,authored by Sen. Henry Stern (D-Calabasas),advanced to
On Aug .29, the California Assembly voted to pass a bill that would require social media platforms to respond to reports of cyberbullying by either removing the content in question or explaining why it is aligned with their platform’s
Some individuals have dedicated their lives to serving others, going above and beyond in their contributions. “We are looking for Black Heroes and Sheroes in the IE,” said Carl M. Dameron, President of the Black Culture Foundation.
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., the Black Culture Foundation will honor and celebrate the remarkable work of these individuals at the 33rd Annual Black Rose Awards in the Santos Manuel Student Union at Cal State San Bernardino.
“If you know of a remarkable Black leader or someone deeply committed to improving the community for everyone in the Inland Empire, the Black Culture Foundation is eager to learn about them. We are actively seeking nominations for The Black Rose, Humanitarian of the Year, and Community Service awards,” said Dameron.
“We are searching for individuals whose volunteer efforts surpass their job-related activities,” said Black Rose Founder Jim King. “These are the unsung heroes—individuals who volunteer with multiple organizations or dedicate their
spare time to one or more. They do not seek recognition but endeavor to improve their community and make it a better place to live.”
To nominate a remarkable person for a Black Rose Award, go online to sbbcfoundation. org. Nominations are due by September 30, 2024, at 5:00 pm.
As Dameron explained, the awards program is dedicated to honoring the Black community in the Inland Empire. However, it's important to note that recipients of the award are not required to be Black. Over the years, numerous community leaders in law enforcement, education, and other public arenas have been celebrated and presented with an award for their impactful contributions to the Inland Empire.
“Join us in celebrating and honoring the significant contributions of the Black community in The Inland Empire. By becoming a committee member, you can play a vital role in shaping the Black Rose Awards program and the Black History Parade. To take the lead as a member or committee chair, sign up online at https:// sbbcfoundation.org,” said King.
“I’m very honored to be LeBron’s mother. He has done so much for our community and for people across the world. He’s so unselfish,” Gloria said,
4-year-old, Araiya Pruitt, who has autism and is nonverbal, was left alone on her school bus for nearly seven hours.
Photo
Warren; Michael Beauregard, Assistant Manager at Sam’s Club; Tomás Morales, President of Cal State San Bernardino; Dr.
District;
Darling,
Romo. Back Row:
The masters of ceremonies for the evening were Cal State University San Bernardino theatre arts professor Kathryn Ervin and former Judicial Council of California legislative advocate Dia S. Poole. Foundation Presdient Carl M. Dameron stands betweens the MCs.
Senior National Correspondent
During a visit to PBS-TV’s “The Chavis Chronicles” in Washington, D.C., Gloria James and other relatives of NBA superstar LeBron James highlighted the extraordinary impact of the LeBron James Family Foundation. (Courtesy photo/ NNPA Newswire)
Opinion: Black Workers Depend on Same-Day Pay. Why is Gov’t
Trying to Restrict It?
Jay King | Special to California Black Media Partners
It’s no secret that too many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. What appears to be a secret is that an industry that is casting lifelines to those in need is being blocked by state and federal regulators.
The industry in question is Earned Wage Access (EWA).
EWA is an innovative fintech solution that empowers workers and helps them pay bills on time by accessing wages they’ve already earned. A 2021 study found that EWA services often prevent consumers from missing bill payments and slipping further into debt.
Despite the many benefits and the fact that businesses all across the country, including Paychex, now offer EWA to employees, the Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau (CFPB) recently issued guidance that could effectively wipe out this tool and, in the process, let struggling families, already in jeopardy, drown even deeper in debt.
The numbers tell the story. According to a recent study, 66% of Americans report living paycheck to paycheck, while 40% report being unable to afford a $400 emergency expense. They face hardship paying bills, covering financial emergencies, and otherwise making ends meet. These aren’t just workers with minimum-wage jobs either; half of those U.S. consumers facing hardship earn more than $100,000 per year. This dynamic is especially pernicious in the Black community. According to recent
Ramos bill requiring notification to guardians, parents when foster children are missing sent to governor
Bill would help stop child trafficking and other dangers to missing kids
County/Government News
SACRAMENTO—A
bill requiring county social workers or probation officers to immediately notify parents or legal guardians, attorneys for parents, court-appointed special advocate, 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.
Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) introduced the bill, AB 2108. Ramos said, “Ensuring that missing children are found as quickly as possible by using the notification of the supportive people in their lives is what we should be doing as a state. That is a best practice not followed by all counties in the state.
Incomplete notification can delay finding a missing child and lead to life-changing, even fatal consequences for children.”
Ramos added, “While missing, these young people are especially vulnerable to substance abuse, trafficking or other dangers. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates that 19% of children and youth who ran away from foster care likely experienced sex trafficking. Missing children also contribute to our high rates of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People cases. We also know that the potential risk is magnified for Native American children in the system who enter at a rate that is 2.7 times their representation in the population, the highest of any racial group.”
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General issued an audit that reported California had the highest number of child deaths while missing.
“AB 2108 will protect children by creating a more familycentered and child-focused
figures, Black Californians currently have the lowest household income of any major racial or ethnic group in the state. Research also indicates that nearly a third of Black families are late paying their debts and 42% use credit cards just for basic living expenses while half do so to send their kids to college.
EWA is ready to support these individuals, yet the CFPB seems to think these services are just loans masquerading as something new. Not only is this wrong, but the agency’s interpretive guidance reverses their previous guidance and contradicts the established language and interpretation of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). It also directly conflicts with multiple states’ regulations on EWA.
Giving people access to their wages is not lending and EWA services do not have the hallmarks of loans -- there are no mandatory fees, no interest, no impact on credit ratings, and no debt collection. Regulators should support responsible innovation to meet needs – not try to maintain the status quo. This change could have a devastating impact on the very people it purports to protect. By categorizing EWA as loans, the CFPB would impose unnecessary regulations that stifle innovation and could drive consumers back
toward high-cost payday lenders. As I mentioned, the numbers tell the story, and EWA has an impressive track record. A recent study from Citizens Bank found that seven in 10 middle-market companies currently offer EWAs to employees, with more planning to do so in years to come. As it happens, few states better illustrate the value, and excellent ROI, of EWAs than California. Californians employed by Walgreens, Home Depot, FedEx Office and other businesses have accessed more than $1.67 billion in wages through EWA. Equally promising, more than half of consumers who tap into EWA can now afford a $400 emergency.
EWA services have always proven to serve the greater good, particularly in supporting underserved communities like the Black community, which is disproportionately affected by financial instability. The CFPB should take advantage of this opportunity to make sure they continue to do so, rather than creating obstacles that could undermine their effectiveness.
I urge the CFPB to rethink this misguided guidance. The agency must prioritize fairness and innovation to protect both consumers and the businesses that employ them.
About the Author Jay King is CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce.
Weakened Patent Protections Threaten American Innovation
By Kristina M. L. Acri, PhD.
If you're an individual who shoplifts a $100 item from a store, you might spend the night in jail -- and you certainly won't be allowed to keep the product.
process to locate, return, and stabilize children and youth who go missing while in the care, custody, and control of the child welfare system. The Alliance for Children’s Rights thanks Assemblymember Ramos for his dedicated leadership to create greater transparency and action when children and youth are missing from foster care and urges Governor Newsom to continue his commitment to protecting California’s children by signing AB 2108,” stated Kristin Power, Vice President, Policy and Advocacy, Alliance for Children’s Rights.
“Missing foster children are at great risk and account for much of the MMIP crisis,” said Joseph L. James, the Yurok Tribe’s Chairperson. “This bill will ensure that more measures are taken to find and support our most vulnerable youth.”
The Yurok Tribe, California Tribal Families Coalition and Alliance for Children’s Rights are sponsors. Other supporters include the Cahuilla Band of Indians, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Tejon Indian Tribe, Tule River Tribe, California Alliance of Caregivers, California Coalition for Youth, California Court Appointed Special Advocate Association, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, California Teachers Association, All for Kids, California Tribal Business Alliance, Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, Inc., Children’s Bureau of Southern California, John Burton Advocates for Youth and Smart Justice California.
September 30 is the last day for the governor to sign or veto bills.
But if you're a company and you steal a rival's $100 million technology, you'll almost certainly be allowed to keep selling it as your own and will only suffer financial consequences if your rival has the time and resources to duke it out with you in court.
That's because of a 2006 Supreme Court ruling, in eBay Inc. v. MercExchange, L.L.C., that has had profound and damaging ripple effects across our innovation ecosystem. The Court ruled that judges should no longer automatically issue "injunctions" -- court orders that force infringers to stop using patented technology that they've stolen. Instead, they instituted a four-factor test that has made injunctions far harder to obtain.
This may sound arcane, but the real-world impacts have been staggering. My recent empirical research found that permanent injunctions for nonpracticing entities (NPEs) -- a category that includes small inventors, startups, universities, and research institutions that don't manufacture products themselves -- dropped by 91.2% after the eBay decision. Even for manufacturers, or "operating" companies, injunctions fell by 66.7%. The impact extends beyond just permanent injunctions. Preliminary injunctions, temporary orders issued early in a case, also saw significant declines: requests dropped by 48.4% for NPEs and 53.2% for operating companies.
Moreover, these figures likely understate the full impact of the eBay decision. Due to the diminished likelihood of obtaining an injunction, many patent holders may now be selfselecting out of seeking this remedy altogether, unwilling to bear the costs of a likely futile effort. This means the true effect on patent enforcement is likely even more significant than the numbers suggest.
Weakened Patent Protections Threaten American Innovation...continued
Opinion: Why Californians Must Reject Proposition 36 This November
Eric Harris | Special to California Black Media Partners
retail crime in California.( Shutterstock)
In November, voters have a crucial opportunity to reject Proposition 36, a misguided effort backed by major law enforcement associations and some players in the corporate retail lobby that will make our communities less safe.
Although the authors of the proposition have euphemistically labeled it “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,” Prop 36 will increase punishments for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders without providing any funding for treatment or housing. Prop 36, like policies similar to it in the past that have harmed Black people, will affect a disproportionate number of Black disabled people.
Over the past decade, Californians have voted to
reduce our prison population. To achieve that goal, in 2014, we passed Proposition 47, which reclassified many low-level nonviolent offenses, such as drug possession and property crimes, from felonies to misdemeanors. This was an important step to reform our criminal legal system, leading to an overall drop in crime statewide and decreased rates of recidivism. In contrast, Prop 36 would impose longer sentences and harsher punishments for theft and drug-related offenses. Rather than investing in meaningful solutions, Prop 36 relies on expensive band-aids such as “treatment-mandated felonies" for repeated drug possession and sends people to prison for shoplifting instead of investing in people who are simply struggling to survive.
Nationwide, people with disabilities are disproportionately represented in our prison system at staggering rates, with over 40% of people in state prisons having a disability, compared to only 15% of people in the general population. In California, 1 in 3 people in prison have a diagnosed mental illness. This overrepresentation reflects decades of policies that prioritize
continued on page 4
This shift has created a de facto "compulsory licensing" regime, fundamentally altering the bargaining dynamics between patent holders and potential licensees. Without the credible threat of an injunction, patent holders lose significant leverage in negotiations, often leading to under-compensation for their innovations. It may even encourage litigation where licensing discussions would once have sufficed, distorting the market for patents and effectively devaluing them as an asset class.
This new dynamic disproportionately harms a wide range of innovators, from small inventors and startups to universities and research institutions. Venture capitalists become hesitant to invest in companies whose innovations can be easily copied by larger competitors. Institutions focused on pure research lose critical bargaining power. In essence, the very entities often driving cutting-edge innovation find themselves at a severe disadvantage in both litigation and licensing negotiations.
The data suggests that this shift is already impacting innovation patterns. A recent study by the AUTM reveals a telling trend: since the eBay decision, non-exclusive licensing has significantly increased, while exclusive licensing has remained flat. This shift indicates that academic institutions are changing how they commercialize their innovations. Without strong injunctive relief, universities may find it harder to offer exclusive rights, potentially dampening companies' incentives to invest in bringing these technologies to market.
The long-term effects on American innovation would be disastrous. While the eBay decision may have been wellintentioned, its unintended consequences demand a thorough reexamination of how we balance innovation protection with fair competition in the 21st century.
Buys T.D.s and Buys/Lends on Partial Interests
Advocates Express Outrage and Disappointment Over 2 Calif. Reparations Bills the Legislature Failed to Bring to the Floor for a Full Vote...continued from page 1
reaffirmed its commitment to its 2024 reparations priority legislative package, despite SB 1403 and SB 1331 not being part of the original package. The CLBC statement emphasized the complexity of the legislative process and its ongoing dedication to advancing reparative justice for Black Californians.
SB 1403 aimed to establish the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency to recommend measures for compensating Black Californians who are descendants of enslaved people.
SB 1331 proposed the creation of the Fund for Reparations and Reparative Justice in the State Treasury to fund policies approved by the Legislature and Governor that address the harm done to descendants of enslaved African American persons who experienced chattel slavery or free Black people living in the U.S. before the end of the 19th century.
Another bill in the CLBC's legislative package, SB 1050, authored by Bradford and introduced for the vote by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), calls for the establishment of a process for California to review and investigate public complaints from individuals who claim their property was taken without just compensation as a result of racially motivated eminent domain. The legislation would also establish a process for providing compensation to the rightful owner. That bill passed with a 56-0 vote on Aug. 29, marking a significant victory for
those advocating for reparative justice. “We understand that the legislative process is complex and does not always unfold as initially envisioned. However, we remain committed to our long-term goals and recognize that this is a multi-year effort,” the CLBC statement continued.
According to the CLBC, the work of advancing reparations and achieving justice for Black Californians is “far from complete.”
“We will not be distracted from our mission. We will stay focused on the work at hand, united in our purpose, and dedicated to the cause of reparations and equity for all. The CLBC will continue to lead with integrity and purpose, ensuring that our legislative efforts are impactful and meaningful for the communities we serve,” the statement concluded.
Los Angeles Attorney, Kamilah Moore, who served as chair of the Reparations Task Force, called the turn of events “unconscionable.”
“The bills sailed through various committees and people expected them to be introduced to the floor for a vote,” Moore said. “What happened was unexpected. It's causing a lot of confusion and different emotions from the community.”
“I think it was unconscionable that no legislator had the courage to get up and introduce the bills, particularly the California Legislative Black Caucus. The CLBC is such an esteemed institution. They had the chance, and still have a chance, to do something historic.”
Kristina M. L. Acri née Lybecker, PhD, is a professor of economics at Colorado College and a Senior Fellow at the Fraser Institute. This piece originally ran in the Denver Post.
San Jose, CA - Aug 16, 2024: Governor Gavin Newsom signing 10 new bills, groundbreaking legislation aimed at combating
Jay King, President and CEO of the California Black Chamber Of Commerce
Bill Would Provide Easier Access to Jobs for State’s Nurses
Bo Tefu | California Black Media
Nurses across California may soon have easier access to more career opportunities, if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a new bill into law. With a 76-0 vote on Aug. 26, the State Assembly voted to approve Senate Bill (SB) 1015, legislation that would provide an annual report to the Legislature on clinical nursing placement management and coordination. The bill authored by Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) aims to address the nursing shortage in the state’s workforce. Under
"Don't
SB1015, the State would ensure clinical placement opportunities for California’s future nurses, including nurses attending community colleges, state universities, and other public institutions. The California Nurses Association (CNA), the largest union of registered nurses in the state, sponsored SB1015 to support nursing students seeking placement in the workforce. Sen. Cortese said that SB 1015 ensures that the state meets the growing demand in
Wait! – Start Planning Medicare Coverage at 64”
By Gregory Wright, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, California.
If you’re retiring soon or know someone who is, you’re not alone. In 2024, a record 4.1 million Americans are expected to retire, with over 11,000 turning 65 every day. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “Peak 65” or the “Silver Tsunami” and will continue for the next several years – meaning a lot of people and their families are looking for answers about Medicare.
Companies advertising Medicare plans and Medicare enrollment opportunities may open their commercials with a person asking – “I just turned 65. What are my coverage options?” With all the coverage options and first-time enrollment deadlines, people should begin planning early – and not wait until their 65th birthday to start thinking about their retirement health insurance needs and options.
Following are some tips to help you, a loved one, or an employee to plan for post-retirement health care and to enroll in Medicare.
Think 3-1-3 – You are eligible to apply for Medicare coverage between the three months before you turn 65 – the month you turn 65 – and the three months after turning 65. This is referred to as your Initial Enrollment Period.
Understand consequences of your choices – While you are not required to get Medicare, if you decide not to enroll at age 65 and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, there may be penalties when you do enroll –and these can be costly.
Celebrate your 64th birthday –Thinking about retiring and what is next can be stressful so take time to enjoy your birthday, relax and then start planning.
Begin planning right after your 64th birthday – Following are some questions to get you started.
Am I required to get Medicare coverage?
Are you planning to work past 65? Do you have coverage through your employer or spouse?
Can I get dental, vision and drug coverage in addition to medical coverage?
What if I cannot afford Medicare?
What if my birthday falls during the Annual Enrollment Period? Or just before? Do I need to enroll twice? How long am I covered under my Initial Enrollment plan?
What if I do not enroll on time?
While beginning to plan early should avoid having to contemplate the consequences of not enrolling on time, choosing the right Medicare plan may still seem confusing. Many preretirees may never have shopped for their own health insurance. They chose between plans offered through their employers – if in fact, they were offered options.
However, there are lots of resources that can help guide one’s decisions. Medicare.gov is one place to start. You may also visit UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Made Clear provides information on plan benefits, details on various enrollment periods, and other resources to answer your questions.
Medicare plays an important role in the lives of people as they age. Making the right decisions right from the start can have long-term financial and health consequences so plan early – and you can fully enjoy a stress-free 65th birthday.
the nursing field.“As California’s population ages and becomes increasingly more diverse, we will need a qualified and experienced nursing workforce to meet the unique demands and varied needs of all patients. That is why we must have appropriate nurse staffing levels which have proven to reduce mortality rates, reduce hospital length of stays, and reduce the number of preventable events such as falls and infections,”
‘Supermarket
said Cortese. According to the Board of Registered Nursing, 92 out of 152publicly funded nursing programs were denied access to clinic placements. The program officials reported that the inability to secure clinical placements is one of the main reasons for not enrolling more students. Cathy Kennedy, a Registered Nurse and president of the CNA,said that SB 1015 helps nursing students receive a clinical education and placement amid the nationwide staffing crisis,despite their socioeconomic background.“Clinical education is an essential part of any nurse’s education,yet aspiring nurses, especially students in public programs, are being denied access to clinical placements,” said Kennedy.“We applaud the California Senate for passing S.B. 1015. It is common sense reform that will increase transparency and increase oversight from the Board of Registered Nursing,” she added. If approved, SB 1015 would mandate new levels of transparency for clinical placements and help develop placement standards that ensure equitable access to opportunities in the workforce.
Redlining’: Why Black families pay more for food
By Jennifer Porter Gore Word in Black
Anyone wondering why it feels like grocery shopping requires taking out a small loan isn’t imagining things. Grocery prices, which soared due to pandemic-era inflation, are still just too blankity-blanking high, and the federal government suspects food producers might be engaged in some lucrative price-gouging.
But for Black consumers, decades of supermarket redlining, disinvestment and racially-driven urban planning have put them in an even tighter financial squeeze in the grocerystore checkout lines.
Experts say Black households, on average, pay disproportionately higher prices than whites at the checkout line, with few options for bargainhunting in food deserts and less access to fresh, nutritious food. Coupled with chronically high, post-pandemic inflation and food producers’ continued price spikes, they say, Black households are at greater risk of food insecurity than whites.
Although whites make up the bulk of the food-insecure population in the U.S. “food insecurity rates among Black individuals and Latino individuals exceed those of White individuals” nationwide, according to a report by Feeding America, a nonprofit. “These disparities are an example of how historical, social, economic and environmental factors have held many communities of color back, creating barriers to food security.”
At the same time, the Federal Trade Commission recently announced it will investigate the high cost of groceries that are straining the budgets of Black households. The investigation comes on the heels of a March FTC report that questions why prices have continued to rise amid what FTC Chair Lina Kahn this month called “enormous profits” for the commercial food industry.
Researchers say that, for decades, Black households have consistently been twice as likely as white households to experience food insecurity, and this trend continued in 2022, the latest year for available data.
More than 1 in 5 Black families grappled with hunger, while around 1 in 10 white households did.
Several factors contribute to
‘Supermarket Redlining’: Why Black families pay more for food...continued
convenience stores for every convenience store in a county with a lower-than-average Black population.”
The federal government, along with several states, and nonprofit organizations, are working to end hunger in America.
Earlier this year, the Biden Administration launched its Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities, with a goal of eradicating food insecurity. In June, Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, both Pennsylvania Democrats, introduced bills that would expand access to free or reducedprice meals for children. And
the city of Minneapolis made food insecurity a part of its development plan for the city’s future.
Meanwhile, the FTC wants to know why grocery prices are still high although the supermarket industry has seen its costs decline and supply chains have improved. “We want to make sure that major businesses are not exploiting their power to inflate prices for American families at the grocery store,” says FTC’s Khan.
Deadline To Submit Press Releases & Legals Is Mondays By 5pm
Opinion: Why Californians Must Reject Proposition 36 This November...continued from page 3
incarceration over housing affordability and communitybased alternatives, especially in Black and Brown communities, and among people experiencing homelessness.
this disparity, including lower household incomes, higher unemployment rates and the seemingly intractable presence of food deserts — neighborhoods where residents have limited access to healthy, affordable food, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables.
Instead of full-service supermarkets or grocery stores, food desert residents must rely on convenience stores, bodegas or discount markets to buy groceries. Rather than fresh produce, those stores are more likely to stock limited supplies of highly processed food, prepackaged meats, sodas and salty snacks — and sell them at inflated prices — than stores in more affluent areas.
The lack of nutritious food in food deserts contributes to higher rates of diet-related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, health challenges that disproportionately affect Black people.
That helps explain why Black consumer spending on food is projected to grow each year between 2021 and 2030, according to a 2022 report from the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility, a nonprofit policy center.
The report describes supermarket redlining as “the disinclination of major grocery chains to open or maintain stores in disproportionately Black, lowincome communities,” which “limits choices while driving up prices for the food options that are available.”
“Counties with higher-thanaverage Black populations tend to have more convenience stores and fewer fresh food options compared to counties with lower-than-average Black populations,” the report states. “Those counties have about 1.2
By increasing the number of people experiencing incarceration, Prop 36 will exacerbate the number of Californians with disabilities in our prison system, while also disabling new people who enter the system. Beyond being overrepresented, people with disabilities experience inhumane treatment in prison and jail where they are often denied proper accommodations, medical care, and services. Further, prison and jail conditions often exacerbate people’s existing conditions, meaning people are at risk for leaving incarceration with disabilities they did not have when they entered the system.
Moreover, while special interests have framed Prop 36 as an attempt to address drug use, its mandated treatment model will lead to more people with disabilities facing incarceration, while their substance use disorders remain untreated.
Experts agree that mandating drug treatment for individuals convicted of a drug-related offense does not effectively reduce drug use. Further, Prop 36 does not offer any funding for substance use treatment of any kind, let alone evidence-based practices. This will perpetuate the
existing system in which people with substance use disorders end up incarcerated, instead of having access to communitybased treatment. Prop 36 will also worsen the socioeconomic conditions at the root of the problems it claims to address. A felony conviction makes it far more difficult to find employment and stable housing post-incarceration, which has a compounding impact for people with disabilities who already are more likely to be facing housing insecurity and unemployment. People experiencing unstable housing and employment are also more likely to develop a disability such as a substance use disorder. Prop 36 therefore would perpetuate the existing vicious cycle that keeps people with disabilities and those who are experiencing homelessness in and out of prisons.
Californians should oppose any measures that double down on punishment and incarceration. Instead of Prop 36, we need policies that invest in community-driven solutions for healthier communities and affordable living, especially for those most affected by the criminal justice system.
About the Author
Eric Harris is the Associate Executive Director of External Affairs at Disability Rights California.
California Passes Reparations Bill to Rectify Racist Land Seizures
Senate Bill (SB) 1050 has moved to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk after it passed the State Legislature, as part of a 14-billreparations package introduced by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).The bill authored by Sen. Steven Bradford requires the state to create a process that will review claims from people who lost property through racially motivated eminent domain. The language in the legislation requires the state to review valid claims and compensate eligible Black residents. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers passed the final version of SB 1050 without opposition .Sen. Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) acknowledged that forcefully taking private property under eminent domain caused harm to families across California.“The only time that
property should be taken is through eminent domain, and it should only be used for a public good -- for schools, roads and those types of situations,” said Dahle.“If it’s been taken in any other way, that’s unjust, and it should be rectified,” he said. The CLBC partnered with the California Reparations Task Force in efforts to reclaim land taken from Black residents under racist laws in the past. Community leaders and Black residents launched campaigns for the return of land or equitable compensation for properties seized by the government such as Bruces’s Beach in Southern California. However, Sen. Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) opposed the bill arguing that local jurisdictions that used eminent domain in racist ways are responsible for providing compensation, not state taxpayers
Bo Tefu and Atonio Ray Harvey | California BlackMedia
Community disinvestment, food deserts and possible food industry price-gouging have a disproportionate number of Black households grappling with food insecurity. Credit: Unsplash/ Jacopo Maiarelli
This story was originally published by Word in Black.
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 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 legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.
o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is (El nombre
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 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 legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Stanley Mosk Courthouse 111 North Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): 23STCV22683
The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Haig B. Kazandjian Lawyers, APC 278622 801 North Brand Blvd, Suite 970 Glendale, CA 91203 818-696-2306 DATE (Fecha): 09/20/2023 David W. Slayton, Executive Officer/ Clerk of Court Clerk (Secretario) by E. Garcia, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served Published in The San Bernardino
E G A L S C L A S S I F I E D S G O H
LeBron James Family Foundation inspires a blueprint for community empowerment... continued from page 2
academics. The foundation’s work, as Gloria described, is about more than just raising graduation rates; it’s about redefining the concepts of family and community.
“What we learned was that you can’t just help one person in the family and expect it to be of great significance,” Gloria explained. “Even when it comes to housing or food, we address those issues as well. We know that a lot of our families can’t provide meals for themselves for a full family throughout the entire month so we have pantries.”
The holistic approach to community support has become the cornerstone of the LJFF’s mission. “Unfortunately, some kids don’t have that in their lives,” Gloria noted, referring to the love, compassion, and support she said true family offers. “They deserve that, and that way it’ll also help them as they grow into adulthood. Family, we take that very seriously.”
Curtis James, LeBron’s uncle and an assistant at the foundation, echoed Gloria’s sentiments, highlighting the foundation’s recent projects, including a documentary.
“We just launched a documentary, and my job is to inspire people through my podcast. We want people to do the right thing. It’s not just through our music. Family keeps me in the community, and Akron will always need inspiration, so I try to be a model for people to do better and be better,” Curtis said.
The LJFF’s influence has extended to the University of Akron, where the LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education operates with selective admission criteria to nurture future educators who will continue the foundation’s legacy of community upliftment.
“What I’ve learned through our foundation is that helping your community is probably one of the most important jobs you can have,” said Gloria James, who works as a third-grade teacher’s aide at the I PROMISE school. “Especially if you’re on a platform that allows you to help, not just talk about it, but be about it. Put your money up. Our city has been so responsive positively that it makes us want to do even more.”
The family’s commitment to Akron and its residents is unwavering. As Gloria noted, they are not just making a difference but setting a precedent for others to follow. “We also have blueprints for other athletes, actors, mayors of other cities, and we’re willing to share the blueprint so others in other cities can build up their communities,” she said. “We’ve been able to change lives.”
Reflecting on LeBron’s
journey to superstardom, Gloria expressed pride not just in his athletic success, but in his dedication to his community.
“I’ve always been very proud of him,” she said. “He’s such a giving and caring and compassionate person. What’s most important to LeBron is the work that he does off the court. That’s the changes that he makes in the lives of the people in our community.”
Gloria also shared her emotions during one of LeBron’s most iconic moments—carrying the Olympic flag. “Every time LeBron exceeds expectations, which is often, I feel he’s given more than he’s received. But seeing him carrying the Olympic flag made me feel even more special; that was almost surreal,” she noted. “Think back years ago when Blacks and people of color had such a hard time being chosen for something so honorable, so to see that made it even more special. To see them with medals around their necks, it just confirms that he’s done all the right things and he’s deserving.”
The excitement continues for the James family, as LeBron’s son Bronny is expected to join him on the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming season. “That will be very special. I know LeBron is extremely excited about playing with his son,” Gloria said, beaming with pride at the prospect of the father-son duo making history together on the court.
Sean Jones, a Cleveland native and Curtis’ music partner, accompanied the family to D.C. and reflected on his journey. “When I released my first record, I was called the LeBron James of rap, but who would ever have thought I’d be sitting here today with LeBron’s mother, Gloria, and Curtis,” he remarked, acknowledging the deep connections that the James family has fostered within their community.
Despite the success, Gloria said the family maintains a close circle. “We’ve been really blessed,” Gloria said. “Our family has been respectful. No one has really felt like they want a place in the center circle that we have, so things have worked out really well.”
In reflecting on the foundation’s broad impact, Gloria James summed up their mission with heartfelt pride: “What’s most important to LeBron is the work that he does off the court, that’s the changes that he makes in the lives of the people in our community. Coming from this same community at a time when we also needed this same help, he’s only done what he promised to do.”
WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1219
"For My Neighbor"
Cheryl Lindsay
Growing up, I had a clear boundary when playing outside on my street. I could go no further than the corner on one end and no further than my friend’s house on the other. She had an older brother who had enough years on us that he could enforce the boundary while parents stayed comfortably inside. As I approached my teen years, I spent less time with her and less time outside. That did not lessen the impact when one day I heard the stunning news that her brother had died … from a drug overdose.
He was the first young person and the first person that I knew personally to die as a result of drug misuse. Like other, more
"For
My Neighbor"...continued
and harm reduction resources.”
The board members represent social service agencies, fire and emergency service departments, law enforcement, high school students, and a pastor. I replaced a pastor who was personally committed to the work but received pushback from the congregation they served—a reminder that the work of destigmatizing continues.
Regrettably, the church which sings boldly of God’s grace too often sets boundaries for it rather than following Jesus’ example of routine compassion.
The word compassion means “to suffer with.” The organization I joined is called LINC (Local Initiative to Network Compassion). That sounds like a description for what the church could be, should be, and thankfully often is.
high profile cases such as Len Bias, his death came suddenly rather than through the slow decline that was associated with addiction at the time. He was a teenager with a kind heart, great sense of humor, and a village of people who loved him. For me, he remains the face of overdose prevention. When I co-established a drug awareness group in high school, it was in his honor.
Last year, I accepted an invitation to serve on the board of a local non-profit dedicated to “serving people with addiction along with offering drug education, drug awareness
Today, as a society, we have made strides in nurturing compassion as a response to drug misuse and overdose prevention. Yet, the impact of “othering” continues to impede those efforts. Compassion that requires the recipient to come from your neighborhood, look like you, worship in your same faith tradition, or love like you love, fails to emulate the way of Jesus who called us to love our neighbor, enemy, and stranger as ourselves. My childhood neighbor would be in his late 50s had he lived. And I still do this work in his honor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay is the Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ
Back in the 1980s, when my friend’s brother overdosed, the collective response was criminalization and shame. “Just Say No” was the name given to a national campaign that clearly telegraphed to individuals and families struggling with addiction that they were essentially on their own. The “War on Drugs” contributed to mass incarceration while pretending that ridding impacted communities of drug dealers was the goal rather than implementing a new iteration of Jim Crow. That war ravaged communities like the one I grew up in. A few years ago, I drove down my old street. That boundary I had, from the corner to my friend’s home, looks much like the wonderful working class neighborhood in which I grew up. But, when I traveled further, I found unkempt lawns, boarded up homes, and evidence of abandonment.
“So, Tell Me, Whatcha Gonna Do?”
By Lou K. Coleman
Lou K. Coleman
Obey Me, the Lord, or cause Me to become your enemy? The Choice is Yours. Time is running out and so is My patience! [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8]. Life and Prosperity or Death and Disaster, that is the choice that I set before you today. [Deuteronomy 30:15-16]. Whatcha Gonna Do? For behold, Now is “The Acceptable Time,” behold, Now is “The Day of Salvation.” [2 Corinthians 6:1-2].
This is a call to action that echoes through the corridors of time, resonating with the same urgency and importance as it did when Joshua first uttered the words to the Israelites. Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth. [Joshua 24:14-18]. Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wildness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, they do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So, I swore in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest. [Hebrew 3:7-13]. There is a clear choice with eternal consequences. Make a Decision! Today! Now! Right this moment even as you are reading this message. Choose Jesus verses Choosing Hell for the Bible makes it clear: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them" [John 3:36].
I tell you; the eternal consequences of this decision cannot be overstated. Choosing Jesus opens the door to an eternity in Heaven, in the presence of God, where joy, peace, and love abound. Ignoring or rejecting this choice leaves one on the path to Hell, a place of eternal separation
from God's love and mercy. The Record Of Choice: It has always been life or death, blessings or cursing. You know, a few years back, George Jones the country singer came out with a song that reflected on his life. The title of the song was [Living and Dying With the Choices that I’ve Made]. I've had choices since the day that I was born. There were voices that told me right from wrong. If I had listened, No, I wouldn't be here today. Living and dying with the choices I've made. I guess I'm paying', for the things that I have done. If I could go back Oh, Lord knows I'd run. But I'm still losing' this game of life I play. Living and dying with the choices I've made. Adam and Eve Chose Death, [Genesis 3]. Annanias and Saphirra Chose Death. [Acts 5]. The Rich Man Chose Death, [Luke 16]. BUT Lazarus Chose Life. Abraham Chose Life. Paul Chose Life, Peter Chose Life, Nathaniel Chose Life! Whatcha Gonna Do? Life Or Death-It's Your Choice. But I admonish you to choose consciously, intentionally and wisely because Life is Short. Death is Certain. Eternity is Forever. [I Peter 1:17-2]. Understanding the realities of this truism is the key to understanding the purpose of your life. Our life on earth is ended by physical Death, and Death is followed by Judgment, and Judgment by Eternal Life. This is not a decision to be made lightly. It's not a decision to be made once and then forgotten. It's a decision that needs to be made daily, hourly, even moment by moment. It's a decision that will shape your life, your relationships, your future. It's a decision that will determine your eternal destiny. Whatcha Gonna Do?
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decisions. [Joel 3:14]. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. [Deuteronomy 30:19].
Lost Black History: "The Negro Leagues"
By Don Valentine
Chicago Cubs player, Ernie Banks said, "It's a beautiful day for a ballgame, let's play two!"
We have been playing organized baseball since the 1800’s. The first HBCU game was in 1887 when Southern University and Straight University faced off in New Orleans. The sport was quickly added to the roster of all HBCU campuses. The teams earned the affectionate moniker “Black College Nines.” By the end of the 1800's Blacks were playing on military teams, college teams, and company teams. HBCU baseball generated a number of stalwart men for the Black community. From the book The College Nines this list included: “NAACP executive directors James Weldon Johnson and Walter White, community leaders, educators and college presidents, as well as Negro
League all-time greats like Buck O’Neil, Dave Malarcher, Hilton Smith and Willie Wells, and Major League Baseball Hall of Farmers like Lou Brock and Andre Dawson.”
We were taught in “HisStory” that Jackie Robinson was the first Black man to play in Major League Baseball. The “Real-Story” as annotated by Sports Illustrated, “In 1884— 63 years before No. 42 stepped into a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform—Moses Fleetwood “Fleet” Walker suited up for 42 games with the Toledo Blue Stockings, a professional club in the American Association (now the American League)...” Bud Fowler should be mentioned, because in 1848 he became the first player to integrate White teams. He played in the all White minor league team of the Toledo
Blue Stockings.
Jim Crow chicanery led to a secret agreement to not sign any more Black players. That void was filled with the nascent Negro League. The Negro League Baseball Museum cited, “Black players formed their own units, ‘barnstorming’ around the country to play anyone who would challenge them.” The movie Bingo Long and the Traveling All Stars was based on those teams. In 1920, an organized league was formed under the helm of Andrew “Rube” Foster—a former player, manager, and owner for the Chicago American Giants.” Rube was a passionate visionary. After the first World War he took advantage of the “Great Migration” to unite an allBlack group of owners to create the Negro National Leaguge.
The league had eight teams: The Chicago American Giants, the Chicago Giants, the Cuban Stars (New York), the Dayton Marcos, the Detroit Stars, the Indianapolis ABC’s, the Kansas City Monarchs, and the St. Louis Giants.
At its peak, game Black Churches would move their Sunday service time back an hour so that fans could attend the game. They would go to the game in their church clothes, hence the idiom “Dressed to the Nines.” The pervasive talent of the Black players and their popularity forced an attrition into the Majors. The Negro league had always been on a slippery financial slope and that was the final straw. To learn more read Kadir Nelson’s We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball.
Covered California Announces Premium Change for 2025 Dental Plans and Increased Choices for Consumers Throughout the State
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Covered California announced that the statewide weighted average rate change for dental plans offered through the marketplace in 2025 will be 1.55 percent.
Covered California also announced that consumers will have more choice among dental plans with the addition of a new dental carrier, Humana, that will offer full statewide coverage in 2025.
“Covered California is proud of the competitive marketplace it has created for Californians seeking health insurance — and that is especially true for those who need dental care,” said Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman. “We’re pleased to offer consumers competitively priced, quality dental options that provide value and choice.”
The rate increase for 2025 is lower than last year’s rate change and continues a multi-year trend of steady costs for consumers. Factoring in the rate decreases for 2022 and 2023, the four-year average rate change is less than 1 percent.
Table 1: California’s Dental Plan Rate Changes Year 2022
throughout the nation.
“Californians renewing their dental plan or those enrolling for the first time this fall will have more choices than ever before to find the dental plan that best fits their needs,” Altman said. “Protect your physical and mental health and get an affordable dental plan in 2025.”
Dental Health Services (DHS) will be exiting Covered California in 2025. DHS has just under 2,100 enrollees in DHMO plans over 16 regions. Those enrollees will be auto-enrolled into the lowest-cost DHMO plan in their region, and they will also have the option to shop and select a new dental plan.
The benefits and rates of Covered California’s family dental plans can be viewed at https://www.coveredca.com/ dental/adult-add-on/hmo/.
Covered California’s SpecialEnrollment Period
While the rate changes and increased choices will not go into effect until coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2025, Californians who experience qualifying life events, such as losing health coverage, getting married, having a baby or permanently moving to California, can sign up for health and dental coverage during Covered California’s ongoing special-enrollment period. A full list of qualifying life events can be found here.
The standard health benefits for Covered California enrollees include dental coverage for members under the age of 19, and adults can purchase family dental coverage as an “add-on” to their health plan. While this insurance is not eligible for financial help, the family dental coverage is available to anyone who wants it, regardless of any pre-existing oral health conditions.
Since 2020, the number of Covered California enrollees purchasing dental coverage has increased by 58 percent. In 2024, over 328,000 Californians are enrolled in dental plans, paying an average of $27 per month.
“Poor oral health is associated with diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease and a reduced quality of life,” said Dr. Monica Soni, chief medical officer for Covered California.
“Dental coverage and care are so important because of the critical connection between oral health and whole-person health. Equitable dental care access is paramount to reducing persistent oral health disparities.”
Covered California offers both dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) and dental preferred provider organization (DPPO) plans, giving consumers a choice in the type of plan that will work best for them. Covered California’s participating dental carriers for 2025 include Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, California Dental Network, Delta Dental of California and the newest entrant, Humana.
Humana will offer insurance statewide through Covered California for the first time in 2025, and currently has more than 2.3 million dental plan members
People who sign up during special enrollment will have their coverage begin on the first of the following month. They can explore their options in a number of different ways, including: Covered California’s online Shop and Compare Tool will show consumers if they are eligible for financial help and which plans are available in their area.
Find the nearest certified enroller in your neighborhood by visiting https://www.coveredca. com/support/contact-us/. Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 to get information or enroll by phone.
Opportunities for Californians to Enroll in Coverage for 2025 Covered California’s openenrollment period, when consumers can sign up for coverage for all of 2025, begins on Nov. 1, 2024 and runs through Jan. 31, 2025.
Also beginning on Nov. 1, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients will be able to enroll in Covered California marketplace plans. Estimates indicate there are about 40,000 DACA recipients in California who will be newly eligible for coverage. Covered California will also have a special-enrollment period that begins on Nov. 1 that will allow DACA recipients to sign up for a plan throughout the remainder of the year. Those who apply in November can have their plan start as early as Dec. 1.
The Medi-Cal to Covered California Enrollment Program will continue to automatically enroll individuals in one of its low-cost health plans when they lose Medi-Cal coverage and gain eligibility for financial help through Covered California. Through early June of 2024, the program has helped over 160,000 Californians remain insured over the past year.