SB American News Week Ending 10/26

Power

Biden Issuing Full Pardons for Federal Marijuana Possession Convictions

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

President Joe Biden has issued a pardon to all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession, fulfilling a campaign promise of getting rid of possession convictions and loosening the drug’s federal classification.

“Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit,” Biden said in a statement.

“Criminal records for marijuana possession have also imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” the president continued.

“And while white and Black and Brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and Brown people have been arrested,

prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates.”

Biden vowed to encourage governors to take similar steps to pardon state simple marijuana possession charges.

According to a Pew Research survey, wide majorities of Black adults support legalizing marijuana at least for medical use (85%).

The survey found that most favor reforms to the criminal justice system, such as releasing people from prison who are being held only for marijuana-related charges and expunging marijuanarelated offenses from the criminal records of individuals convicted of such crimes (74% each).

According to FBI data, Black adults are disproportionately likely to be arrested for marijuana-related

offenses.

Researchers at Pew noted that, although non-Hispanic, singlerace Black and White Americans used marijuana at roughly comparable rates in 2020, Black people accounted for 39% of all marijuana possession arrests in the U.S. despite being only 12% of the U.S. population.

Further, in a separate study, Pew noted that police officers made about 663,000 arrests for marijuana-related offenses in the 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2018, amounting to 40% of the 1.65 million total drug arrests in the U.S. that year (the most recent for which data is available).

The second-largest category of drug arrests involved “other”

drugs (29%), followed by heroin, cocaine, or their derivatives (25%), and synthetic or manufactured drugs (6%).

The District counts among the growing number of places where marijuana use is legal.

Biden’s actions grant full, complete, and unconditional pardons to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have committed or been convicted of simple possession violating the Controlled Substances Act.

The U.S. Justice Department praised Biden’s announcement.

“The Justice Department will expeditiously administer the President’s proclamation, which pardons individuals who engaged in simple possession of marijuana, restoring political, civil, and other rights to those convicted of that offense,” department officials wrote in a statement.

“In the coming days, the Office of the Pardon Attorney will begin implementing a process to provide impacted individuals with certificates of pardon.

“Also, in accordance with the president’s directive, Justice Department officials will work with our colleagues at the Department of Health and Human Services as they launch a scientific review of how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.”

Biden and Bass Tout Local Jobs Created from Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

grid to deliver clean energy; highspeed Internet; electric charging stations all across America; the power to fleet — to take care of the fleets of new electric vehicles,” said President Biden. “It’s the most significant investment America has made in our infrastructure — literally, not figuratively — since the Interstate Highway System built by Dwight D. Eisenhower.”

backyard,” said Bass.

The Purple line extension runs from Koreatown, through Beverly Hills and Century City, to the Westwood VA hospital.

COMMENTARY: Who Said, “Never Say Never?”

NNPA NEWSWIRE — One could argue that President Donald Trump revealed the true nature and depths of ignorance, prejudice, xenophobia, institutionalized racism, and systemic stupidity camouflaged as heritage and American tradition. I would argue, the true danger in Trumpism is that it reveals, promotes, and endorses the true nature and depth of ignorance, prejudice, xenophobia, institutionalized racism, and systemic stupidity camouflaged as heritage and American tradition.

What’s on Miles’ Mind?

By Miles Jaye | Texas Metro News & Garland Journal

Who said never say never? Who claimed it was wise to never say never? Never is a powerful term. Never precludes the opportunity or possibility of a particular thing taking place at present, or more importantly, in the near or distant future. Never, say never? The inability to affirm or to swear never is an indication of an inability to, or prediction of, failure to honor an oath, pledge or promise to others or to oneself. An oath is by definition a promise, commitment, vow, or a pledge. Doesn’t “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands — one Nation, (Under God), indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” assert, I will never betray my country?

Consider the irony of this police officers’ oath. He or she pledges to never betray their integrity. “On my honor, I will never betray my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community, and the agency I serve.” One could argue that Donald Trump betrayed his country and should have never been elected President. The dystopia brought on by the Trump kleptocracy is at best inexcusable and at worst, irreversible. The damage inflicted on this already struggling Democracy by him, his family and his criminal miscreant cronies is immeasurable.

camouflaged as heritage and American tradition. I would argue, the true danger in Trumpism is that it reveals, promotes, and endorses the true nature and depth of ignorance, prejudice, xenophobia, institutionalized racism, and systemic stupidity camouflaged as heritage and American tradition.

Trumpism continues to provide agency and legitimacy to the likes of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Trump’s bigotry supplies encouragement and imparts permission to the passionate, and far too prevalent, violent racists among us. He fuels the engine of fear of a browning America and the frustration brought on by a diminishing white middleclass and the white privilege it engenders. Why continue to write about Donald Trump?

Because it should give rise to a public outcry — never again.

On Thursday, October 13 President Joe Biden and Congresswoman and mayoral candidate Karen Bass visited the site of the future Metro Purple Line stop at the VA Medical Center in Los Angeles and spoke about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Joining Biden and Bass were Sen. Alex Padilla, Mayor Eric Garcetti and Reps. Maxine Waters, Nanette Barragan Ted Lieu, and Brad Sherman.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the largest long-term investment in infrastructure in the nation’s history. It provides $550 billion per year through 2026 for updating transportation including improving public safety and climate resilience. Grants can be awarded to projects across a broad swath of infrastructure including maritime, aviation, highways, and railroads.

“A law that’s going to deliver clean air; safer water systems, eliminating lead pipes; electric

Section 25019(a) of the law allows recipients of grants to “implement a local or other geographical or economic hiring preference relating to the use of labor for construction of a project funded by the grant, including prehire agreements, subject to any applicable State and local laws, policies, and procedures.”

“The local hire provision that we passed and that the President signed into law, allows local transportation agencies like L.A. Metro to prioritize the hiring of local Angelenos for projects that are taking place in their own

“A trip from Koreatown to the VA campus, which now takes over an hour on a bus — sometimes longer than that — it’s going to shrink to 25 minutes on rail,” said Biden. “Plus, this project is a job creator. More than 100,000 workers — union workers — more than 100,000 workers— hard at work on the entire Purple Line extension, all three sections.”

Other projects benefiting from the Infrastructure Law include the electrification of Los Angeles’ bus fleet by 2030, upgrading the electrical grid and internet, increasing lanes at the Port of Los Angeles, upgrades to Los Angeles International Airport, replacing lead pipes and expanding water recycling.

More than 350 projects have

The setbacks to human and civil rights are beyond any analytic diagnostic. It should have never happened. He should have never happened to us. He should never have been given keys to the White House. One could argue that President Donald Trump revealed the true nature and depths of ignorance, prejudice, xenophobia, institutionalized racism, and systemic stupidity

Trump exposed America’s vulnerability to greed, conspiracy and criminal enterprise and he hasn’t gone away. His movement remains alive and well. Unprotected by the Constitution, a common sense of decency, and absent a spirit of equity as outlined by the Declaration of Independence, we were caught with our skirt up with a trail of toilet tissue hanging from our rear — our behind exposed to the world. He was openly mocked; we were openly mocked, so let’s say it loud and say it together… NEVER AGAIN!

That’s what’s on my mind! Website: http://www. milesjaye.net, Podcast: https:// bit.ly/2zkhSRv, Email: milesjaye360@gmail.com

Former President Donald J. Trump / Photo: wikimediacommons.org

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “The Justice Department will expeditiously administer the President’s proclamation, which pardons individuals who engaged in simple possession of marijuana, restoring political, civil, and other rights to those convicted of that offense,” department officials wrote in a statement.

The U.S. Justice Department praised President Biden’s announcement.

Biden and Bass Tout Local Jobs Created from Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

Last Chance for High School Students to Apply for 2023 Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort

By BlackPressUSA

Established by Walt Disney World in 2008, Disney Dreamers Academy’s mission is to inspire Black teens and students from underrepresented communities to dream beyond imagination by providing life-long access to personalized support for the Disney Dreamer, their caregivers and community through insightful content and uplifting experts, mentors and sponsors.

Applications for the once-in-a-lifetime inspirational program targeting Black teens from underrepresented communities accepted through Oct. 31

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. –

October 17, 2022 – Applications for the 2023 Disney Dreamers Academy, a career-inspiring program targeting Black teens and students from underrepresented communities, closes on Oct. 31. It’s the last chance for scores of high school students across America to submit their applications for this annual program at Walt Disney World Resort that has inspired young minds nationwide since 2008 by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities. Students participate in handson, immersive career workshops ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns

communication techniques, leadership qualities and networking strategies, plus they are inspired by Disney cast members and special guests who provide insights into how to achieve success and DREAM BIG.

The four-day experience transforms the Disney theme parks into vibrant classrooms, leading to career discoveries and fun memories that last a lifetime. The program has produced many success stories, inspiring students to become engineers, journalists, influencers, entertainers, filmmakers, conservationists and more.

“After 15 years, we continue to be excited to welcome the next

class of Disney Dreamers,” said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney World Resort vice president and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “This program has provided us with a tremendous opportunity to help inspire high school students from across the nation to follow their dreams. The impact we have seen on the students over the years is inspiring to us and life-changing for the Disney Dreamers. We encourage teens to apply now.”

Program applicants must answer essay questions about their personal journeys and dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams. Selected applicants, along with a parent or guardian, receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, through Oct. 31, 2022. A distinguished panel of leaders will evaluate the applications and selected participants will be announced by early 2023. For more information or to apply, interested applicants can visit DisneyDreamersAcademy. com. To learn more about the program, please follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

About Disney Dreamers

Academy:

Established by Walt Disney World in 2008, Disney Dreamers Academy’s mission is to inspire Black teens and students from underrepresented communities to dream beyond imagination by providing life-long access to personalized support for the Disney Dreamer, their caregivers and community through insightful content and uplifting experts, mentors and sponsors. Each year, 100 high school students and a parent or guardian are awarded an all-expense paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to experience this immersive and transformational four-day program.

About Walt Disney World Resort / The Walt Disney Co.:

Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous 40-square-mile, worldclass entertainment and recreation center located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando. The Walt Disney Co. has a rich legacy of creativity and exceptional storytelling that brings families together in unique and memorable ways. Creative excellence is coupled with a strong commitment to community service and diversity. The Walt Disney Co. is dedicated to making a positive impact in communities around the world, with a primary focus on brightening the lives of children.

Biden and Bass Tout Local Jobs Created from Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill...continued from page 1

already been announced across California. Many of the projects in Los Angeles are targeted to be complete by the time the city hosts the 2028 Olympics.

President Biden pointed out that Republicans “who voted against the Infrastructure Bill, called me and the bill “socialist” and then attacked — all Democrats who passed it — “socialist,” “radical spending,” “rushed,” and “irresponsible.” “Well, now they’re quietly and privately sending letters to my administration asking for money. They’re talking about how important projects are in their districts and for all Americans. Well, guess what? I’m going to give them the money because it’s not about them, it’s about the people they represent.”

Thousands of California Students to Earn Cash for Community Service

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

to earn support for college in a state service program.

Sacramento State University College Corps students swearing in ceremony October 7, 2022 (Photo: Antonio R. Harvey, CBM)

On Oct. 7, Gov. Gavin Newsom, California Chief Service Officer

Josh Fryday, educational leaders, community organizations, and the California Volunteers Commission administered the service oath to the first #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Fellows.

Over 3,200 student fellows during the 2022-2023 academic year will receive up to $10,000 for completing a year of community service. College Corps is a statewide paid service program that provides meaningful work to college students that helps, them graduate on time with less debt while benefiting the local community.

The oath is a solemn promise to perform voluntary work with the intention of helping people and improving communities.

“Part of the California way is giving back to help uplift others, and that is a core principle of the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps,” Newsom stated. “College Corps is about restoring the social contract between the government and its citizens. This public investment builds upon California Volunteers’ army of service members, which is larger than the Peace Corps and exemplifies the spirit and idealism I see in young people across California.”

The oath was taken in front of Newsom at the California Natural Resources Agency Building in downtown Sacramento, a few blocks from the State Capitol.

Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was in attendance.

Over the next four years, College Corps will engage 13,000 California undergraduates to make a positive difference in their communities. This service and career development program will help build a diverse class of leaders set to transform California for the better.

Funding was made possible by the efforts of Newsom and the Legislature. The program is the first opportunity for Assembly Bill (AB) 540 CA Dream Act students

“I decided to apply because I am pursuing a career in education, and #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is a way for me to earn as I learn,” said Tia Rowe, a College Corps Fellow from Sacramento State University. “I’m looking forward to working in my community and playing an active role in bringing people together.”

Rowe, along with other College Corps fellows, will take part in community service projects across the state. Fryday said College Corps is an opportunity to “begin a life of service” to benefit the masses. The program is a collaboration of over 600 community organizations, including 46 partnering colleges and universities across the state.

The objective is to address issues pertaining to climate change, tutoring and mentoring, low-income students, and distributing meals to those facing food insecurity. Once the fellows finish their assignments, they stand to receive $7,000 for 450 hours of community service. An additional $3,000 is provided as an education award.

“You and I are going to be part of a movement toward change,” Rowe said before the oath was administered in the auditorium of the California Natural Resources Agency Building. “We’re going into our own communities and playing an active role in building them up.”

College Corps represents the first and largest state-level investment in a college service program in the country, with $146 million earmarked for up to 6,500 students over the next two years. About 80% of fellows are students of color, 58 % are first-generation college students, 68% are PellGrant eligible, and 500 fellows are AB 540 Dream Act.

A virtual briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media was held on Oct. 11 featuring Fryday, President and CEO of FIND Food Bank Debbie S. Espinosa, and student fellows. The discussion centered around the vision that inspired the program, how it works, who is eligible, how to apply, and where students will do their community service.

“This is a win-win-win: Helping to pay for college, gaining valuable work experience, and having a meaningful impact on your community,” Fryday stated.

San Bernardino Valley College to Rename Campus Center in Memory of Lois Carson

SAN BERNARDINO, California—In honor of her dedication to the Inland Empire and decades of service as a mentor, advocate, and champion of education, San Bernardino Valley College is renaming its Campus Center as a tribute to Lois Carson, an alumna and the first person of color elected to the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees.

"She cared for young people, cared for the community and politics, and formed a community to help poor and low-income earners," daughter Patricia Landaker said in a statement. "And she never lost her passion."

The Lois Carson Campus Center building dedication will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, at San Bernardino Valley College, 701 S.

Mt. Vernon Ave., San Bernardino. This event is free and open to the public.

“It is fitting that such a central facility on our campus, which serves so many of our students’ physical and academic needs, be named after Hall of Fame

Alumna Lois Carson,” said interim president Dr. Scott W. Thayer. “Ms. Carson championed the causes of educational access and equity during her long and distinguished

career and her impact continues to be felt by generations of students and families in our community.”

Carson, a member of the SBVC Class of 1965, died on July 14, 2021, shortly after her 90th birthday. Throughout her lifetime, Carson was devoted to public service, starting when she was a girl growing up in Memphis, Tennessee. The valedictorian of St.

Community News

When they Get to Vote, Native Americans Swing Elections

By Peter White

Indian lawyers have been winning lawsuits against gerrymandering and restrictive voting laws in Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota, and Alaska. Despite more laws making it harder to vote, Native Americans keep on casting ballots.

Native American voters “have the power to swing a host of elections this coming year,” says Jacqueline De Leon, a member of the Isleta Pueblo and staff attorney with the Native American Rights Fund (NARF). Which explains, she adds, “the ongoing hostility towards Native Americans voting and a dramatic rise in laws that are aimed to make it difficult or impossible for Native Americans to vote.”

De Leon was speaking at a news briefing on Indian Country’s fight for fair representation cosponsored by Ethnic Media Services, Indian Country Today (ICT), and First Nations Experience (FNX). ICT Editor-at Large Mark Trahant moderated.

Even though the eligible Native American voting population is

small – less than 1% according to Trahant – Native Americans have already swung elections for Senator Lisa Murkowski and Representative Mary Peltola in Alaska, Senator Jon Tester in Montana, and former Senator Heidi Heitkamp in North Dakota.

Voting age Indians could swing elections in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Nevada in the coming year.

In 2020 De Leon co-authored a 200-page NARF report called “Obstacles at Every Turn” which explains why Native American voter turnout has historically been so low.

“It details the absurd structural barriers that Native Americans face,” De Leon says.

They include far away polling places, few voter registration opportunities, lack of residence mail delivery that makes registering or receiving a ballot difficult or impossible. Reliable transportation over rough roads to vote in November is always a problem.

“The reason these barriers

exist is because of the power and potential of the Native American vote,” De Leon says.

Arizona

Last year Arizona’s Congressional District 2 was redrawn by the legislature, replacing a large number of Hispanic voters near Tucson with voters in Yavapai County which historically has not been friendly to Indian tribes.

“There was no need to do that,” according to Derrick Beetso, director of the Indian Gaming and Self Governance program at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in Phoenix. There had been no huge influx or exodus of people in these communities. “You’ll see the same grandma living in the same house. All the same tribal members live where they’ve lived and all the different individuals that are impacted in Yavapai county and other counties still live in the same area.

“The only conclusion we are led to believe is that it was done for political purposes rather than to make sure that everyone’s vote counts,” Beetso said.

North Dakota

In 2017 Republicans passed a new voter ID law in North Dakota that disenfranchises Native Americans because they can’t put a residential address on their voter registration application.

Native American voters use post office boxes as an address

and there are no post offices on reservations. It’s one of what De Leon calls “absurd structural barriers” that also makes it difficult for Native Americans to vote by mail. The Supreme Court let stand that law and in 2018 Sen. Heidi Heitkamp lost her seat to Republican Kevin Cramer.

“Our biggest challenge is making contact with voters in remote rural communities. Back in 2018 there were a lot of organizations here and we were able to turn out more than 50 percent of the native vote in North Dakota,” says Nicole Donaghy. She is a Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Sioux Nation and Executive Director of North Dakota Native Voice.

But since then voting has become more cumbersome. In 2021, 21 bills were proposed to change voting laws. But only two were passed. “We worked alongside NARF and our tribal leaders to play defense against the ever-growing attempts to create these voting laws.”

In 2021 the North Dakota legislature drew election maps but there were no hearings in Indian Country. Donaghy organized people to testify in Bismark, the state capital.

“We were able to create two split house districts in North Dakota which was a huge win.”

Donaghy says there are a record number of Native Americans (10) running for office in 2022. N.D.

continued on page 4

State Begins Construction on 10,000mile Broadband Network to Bring HighSpeed Internet Service to All Californians

Newsom Administration officials celebrate the beginning of construction on the first leg of the state's 10,000-mile broadband network.

SACRAMENTO – On the heels of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $6.5 billion investment to expand broadband infrastructure and enhance internet access for unserved and underserved communities, today construction began in rural San Diego County on the first leg of the 10,000mile broadband network aimed at bringing high-speed internet services to all Californians, no matter where they live.

“California is now one step closer to making the digital divide a thing of the past,” said Governor Newsom. “We’re starting construction today to get affordable high-speed internet in

every California home because livelihoods depend on equitable access to a reliable and fast internet connection. This is about ensuring that all Californians, no matter the zip code they call home, can be part of the Golden State’s thriving and diverse economy.”

Newsom Administration officials celebrate the beginning of construction on the first leg of the state's 10,000-mile broadband network.

Construction began Thursday on State Route 67 near Poway in San Diego County, where Newsom Administration officials gathered

continued on page 6

Press releases and legals Submission Deadline is MONDAYS by 5pm

Email Press Releases to: mary@sb-american Submit legals on website @ sb-american.com

LA’s Historic Taste of Soul Festival Showcased Native, Drought-Inspired Landscaping with the Save Our Water Campaign

Save Our Water encouraged over 300,000 Angelenos to learn about native plants and water-wise landscaping to help respond to California’s extreme drought

County/Business/Consumer News

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 17, 2022)

– New trends in drought-resistant landscaping and décor reached the Southland this weekend at the return of the historic Taste of Soul family festival where attendees visited the state’s water conservation program’s Zen Garden and took home droughttolerant native California plants. Participation in the revival of LA’s annual Taste of Soul event was the latest effort the staterun Save Our Water campaign has taken to showcase the bold steps Californians are making to conserve water for the long run and tackle extreme drought and the realities of a changing climate.

“We’re excited to showcase California’s water-wise, cando spirit at one of the largest celebrations of Black culture, history and community in Los Angeles county,” said Margaret Mohr, Deputy Director of Communications at the Department of Water Resources. “We are all changing our water habits, and the Taste of Soul Festival was the ideal place to showcase what real water conservation looks like; that’s what we’ve put on display with the Save Our Water campaign.”

“Californians know that we’re facing extreme drought. We know this is bigger than any emergency drought restriction. We’re changing our lifestyles and homes, and it starts with what we pot and plant in our living spaces,” said Mohr. “We’re committed to changing our water habits across the board—not just with shorter showers and capturing

grey water—but with completely reimagined landscaping that features native drought-resistant California plants.”

Set on historic Crenshaw Blvd., the Save Our Water Zen Garden was open all day Saturday near the 94.7 The WAVE music stage. It was created for residents to engage in its high-quality designs and inspire their own use of California native plants back home in their gardens.

Thanks to our partners, ScottsMiracle-Gro and Bonnie Plants, the Save Our Water Zen Garden showed a beautifully designed water wise space.

Visitors learned about water conservation, drought-tolerant

plants and native landscaping, and were encouraged to pledge to cut their water usage by 15%. Visitors won raffle prizes of native plants, water-wise seed packs and new lawn chairs.

Gov. Gavin Newsom last month wrote that without action, state officials believe extreme weather could diminish California’s water supply by up to 10% by 2040.

“Californians have repeatedly answered the call to use less water in past droughts. As the state prepares for the possibility of a fourth dry year and potential weather extremes, it’s more important than ever that all of us adopt water conservation as a way of life,” he wrote.

Augustine Catholic High School, Carson earned a United Negro College Fund scholarship and attended Wilberforce University, the first private historically Black university in the United States.

In 1959, Carson moved to the Inland Empire with her husband of 55 years, Harry Carson, a fellow SBVC graduate. Together, they raised six children, while actively working to make the community a better, more equitable place.

Carson earned her bachelor's degree in English from California State University, San Bernardino, as well as master's degrees in English and education from the University of California Riverside.

While a teacher and director of UCR's Upward Bound program, Carson helped low-income high school students prepare for higher education, something she continued to do as deputy

director of San Bernardino County Community Action Partnership and later executive director of Community Action Partnership of Riverside County.

In 1973, Carson made history by becoming the first person of color elected to the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees, and her 24 years on the board make her the longestserving member to date. She was also on the SBVC Foundation board; created SBVC's Lois J. Carson Scholarship; served on the National Board of Community College Councils, where she pushed to increase minority access to nursing programs; established the San Bernardino County Status on Women Commission; and was named the 2008 Woman of the Year in California's 62nd Assembly District.

Duplicate Ballots Sent Out to Some Riverside County Voters

Approximately 5,000 duplicate ballots were erroneously mailed to some voters in Riverside County. A computer system error mistakenly generated duplicate mailing files for 5,000 voters. The computer system error was identified over the weekend, however, the ballot packets were already delivered to the U.S. Postal Service.

“It is important to note that none of the duplicate ballots will result in a voter being able to cast more than one ballot,” said Registrar of Voters Rebecca Spencer. “I take election integrity seriously and apologize for the inconvenience.”

Each vote-by-mail envelope has a bar code. When the bar code is scanned as accepted at the Registrar of Voters office it automatically locks the voter’s record so that the voter can only vote once. If a voter who received

Spencer Overton Stepping Down as President of the Joint Center

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

that focused on the future of Black communities, including racial diversity in congressional staff and federal appointments, workforce policy, economic policy, and tech policy.

two ballots returned both ballots, only one ballot would count. The first ballot received would be processed and the second ballot would be automatically voided.

The Riverside County Registrar of Voters office recommends that any voters who receive two ballots should vote and return one of the ballots, then destroy the second ballot. It does not matter which ballot the voter returns as both ballots are the same. The affected voters live in the areas of Canyon Lake, Menifee, Murrieta, Wildomar and Winchester.

The computer system error is resolved and procedures have been put in place to prevent the error in the future.. Voters with questions or concerns regarding their ballot are asked to call the Riverside County Registrar of Voters at (951) 486-7200.

Do You Know Who Or What To Vote For?

Save the date, Sat. Oct. 22, 2022 10-12noon, Voter's Education Workshop, Community Baptist Church, 15854 Sierra Lakes Pkwy, Fontana, Ca 92335. Seats are limited and light refreshments will be served, so please call us at (909)235-7996, leave a voice message to let us know you will be joining us.

10-10;30a.m. meet and greet the people who are running for office.

11-12 the Voter's Education Workshop.

Bring your mail in your ballot and a pen!!

IN MEMORIAM: ‘American Idol’ runner-up killed in car crash at 23

By Malik Brown | RollingOut.com

Under Spencer Overton’s leadership, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies regained fiscal health and eventually grew its total net assets to over $11 million, officials said in a news release.

After nearly a decade leading the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, Spencer Overton will step down next spring.

The organization announced that Overton, 54, would leave and rejoin the George Washington University Law School faculty.

“It has been one of the richest experiences of my life to lead the Joint Center during this critical period in its history,” Overton stated in a news release.

“When I started, we faced significant challenges. It is gratifying to have worked together with so many great people to overcome those obstacles and set the Joint Center on a trajectory toward a bright future.”

Overton helped to lead the Joint Center through what officials called an era of incredible transformation and growth.

Known for well-researched reports exposing racial discrimination and inequities, the Joint Center has released such studies as the state of Black students in community colleges, improving training evaluation data to brighten the future of Black workers, and racial diversity among Senate Committee top staff.

The center earned its reputation as “America’s Black think tank.”

Many have leaned upon the Joint Center for its compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the “full freedom of Black people in America.”

Under Overton’s leadership, the Joint Center regained fiscal health and eventually grew its total net assets to over $11 million, officials said in a news release.

Overton restructured the organization and built programs

“The Joint Center and Black communities will forever be indebted to Spencer Overton for his amazing leadership over the ten years he served on the board and then as President,” The Joint Center’s Board of Directors Chairman Paul Thornell stated.

“He kept the doors open when shuttering the organization was definitely one option. Indeed, that was no small feat, and one performed with great humility, creativity, and persistence over the years.”

Thornell said Overton had effectively been the founder of the new organization, one with a rich history and now – primarily because of him – “an amazing future grounded in convening and content.”

“The Board so appreciates his contributions and his vision for the important mission work only the Joint Center can deliver,” Thornell asserted.

“It also is critical to recognize the vital leadership of Barbara Johnson, who was the Board chair for most of Spencer’s time as president. They were fantastic partners in charting a new path for the Joint Center.”

Many people offered their condolences and showed love to the singer on social media.

ROLLING OUT — A family member said that Spence had a flat tire but allegedly got it fixed as he was coming home to Atlanta from Tennessee. Willie crashed into a semi-truck that was parked on the side of the road.

Many people offered their condolences and showed love to the singer on social media.Many people offered their condolences and showed love to the singer on social media.

The singer was traveling back to Atlanta from Tennessee

Singer Willie Spence, who finished in second place on Season 19 of American Idol in 2021, died in a car crash in Tennessee on Oct. 11. He was 23-years-old.

A family member said that Spence had a flat tire but allegedly got it fixed as he was coming home to Atlanta from Tennessee. Willie crashed into a semi-truck that was parked on the side of the road.

Willie posted a video of himself singing on the same day of the crash.

When they Get to Vote, Native Americans Swing Elections...continued from page 3

Native Vote is using a GIS-based digital platform in its Pledge to Vote campaign.

“We can see in real time heat maps of where people are pledging to vote and also help guide us to where we need to focus our canvas.“

There is only one polling place per county and none of the polling places on reservations offer early voting. Donaghy is organizing poll watchers to protect against the kind of voter intimidation that occurred in the 2018 election.

Alaska

The biggest success story in

Indian Country redistricting is Alaska.

For the first time in Alaska, two Native Americans served on the 5-member redistricting board.

Nicole Borromeo, executive vice president and general counsel for the Alaska Federation of Natives, was one of them.

“It has been the fairest, most transparent process we have ever had in the state,” Borromeo says.

Borromeo, who hails from McGrath in the Alaskan interior, learned the software and mapped 4-10 hours a day for about a month. She drafted 40 house district maps that were paired with 20 senate

district maps

Borromeo says it was a very nonpartisan process until one board member tried to gerrymander two senate districts near Anchorage. There was a lawsuit and the case went to the state Supreme Court.

It set a legal precedent, holding that gerrymanders violate the state constitution. Another attempt to gerrymander also failed.

There was some backroom dealing until the Supreme Court ordered the board to adopt the maps it approved. It approved Borromeo’s version of the election maps.

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Local News

San Bernardino Valley College to Rename Campus Center in Memory of Lois Carson...continued from page 2

Meet and Greet Reception Light Refreshments Community Baptist Church

Sponsored by Community Baptist Church, Rialto-Fontana NAACP and Concerned Citizens For The Development of North Fontana.

Miss

awareness scholarship pageant contestants enjoy a afternoon of sisterhood at Fiesta Village as they prepare for the race to the finish

17th, Cypress Neighborhood Community Center, in Fontana, door open

By: Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

In [Luke 16:23], the rich man begged Father Abraham to send Lazarus to his father’s house, to warn his five brothers, so that they would not end up in the place of torment that he was.” [Luke 16:23]. A place “where worms does not die and where the fire is not quenched.” [Mark 9:48; Matthew 13:41-42]. A place of intense loneliness and sorrow. A place of continual weeping and gnashing of teeth. [Matthew 8:12; 22:13]. A place of everlasting punishment [Matthew 25:46].

I tell you, the parable of the rich man should make us tremble, but as God said through Isaiah the Prophet, I know that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your forehead is bronze. [Isaiah 48:4] And because it is so, your portion will be “severe punishment” from everlasting to everlasting, says the Lord. [Matthew 13:49-50; Romans 2:5].

This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace – for eternity.

[Matthew 13:49-50]. “I tell you; NOW is the time of God’s favor; NOW is the day of salvation.”

Tomorrow may be too late – [2 Corinthians 6:2; Isaiah 30:15; Luke 12:20; James 4:14]. Do not procrastinate! Because your life just may be demanded from you.” [Luke 12:20].

Listen, none of us know if we will live to see another day. What is your life? A mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” [James 4:14]. Jesus urges you to repent now! As Paul writes in [2 Corinthians 6:2] NOW is the time of God’s favor, NOW is the day of salvation.”

To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die?” [Ezekiel 33:11]

Behold, their ears are uncircumcised, they cannot listen; behold, the word of the LORD is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it [Jeremiah 6:10]. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed. How sad! How unnecessary! In all your getting get an understanding!

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE #1121

Promises Promises

Katie Adams

Think back with me if you can to right as the pandemic was in full swing, those long dark days before the vaccine. We made a lot of promises to ourselves, trapped in an uncertain reality and faced with all of the choices that led to this moment. The pandemic didn’t create but rather amplified the gross inequities teeming in American society. We needed to create, on the fly, emergency systems to shore up a fragile and ineffective patchwork of social safety nets—the strings of which are broken in far too many places.

Now that you’re back in that headspace, maybe you can remember along with me all of the think pieces, speeches, and policy plans we talked about. We bemoaned our lack of critical public health and social safety net infrastructure and vowed that we had learned from the pandemic.

Messaging then talked about how each action we take impacts other people, such as staying home to be safe and keep others safe. We used technology to widen the world and broaden the scope of who could participate in the public sphere. While we very much weren’t in the same boat, we were all experiencing this storm together. And at the height of the pandemic, we made promises that the bitter lessons we’d learned about inequity weren’t for naught. But now, years later, we have all but forgotten that new world we dreamed of.

Stymied by petty squabbles on patents and who would make money off the lifesaving vaccine, many countries have yet to be able to vaccinate their citizens. Nearly all the emergency COVID-19 protections—both public health–related and economic—have

ended or dried up. Paid leave, what’s that? Sick leave, or paying essential workers at least a $15 minimum wage? Dead on the Senate floor. Free COVID treatment for the uninsured as well as robust tracking and treatment have been left by the wayside. You could pave an interstate with the articles talking about the need for childcare and how the labor of care falls mostly on women and especially women of color, and how women have been more adversely impacted by childcare needs during the pandemic. But meaningful legislation and change haven’t happened. The pivot we all made to online events, offering concerts and conferences online or hybrid are drying up too. And mask wearing in many parts of the country is not just unusual but derided. This means that a huge swath of the population is once again asked to absent themselves from society—and we’re missing their important voices. Millions of people are still deeply at risk of severe impacts from COVID, and those same people are also at risk for other illnesses. Their contributions are invaluable and as a society, we’re saying they’re not welcome. This isn’t new— this is the world as it has been. But remember those promises we made? The half life we’re offering to people is thoughtless and cruel. It strips our society down to the lowest common denominator of acceptable care and compassion for each other. In our globally connected world, we exist in a fragile web of relationships with one another that is deeply dependent on your actions protecting me.

Promises Promises...continued

Like the masks that have been discarded and now litter our sidewalks and trash cans, the remnants of promises of care and compassion and a world reimagined litter the past few years. Like a rubber band stretched tight, the collective muscle memory of society bounced right back. This story doesn’t have to end here. As

people of faith, we are offered a gift of imagination and creativity, to see the world not as it is, but as it could be. It starts with us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

State Begins Construction on 10,000-mile Broadband Network to Bring High-Speed Internet Service to All Californians...continued from page 3 as 500 feet of fiber optic cable was blown through conduit in the first segment of a massive, $3.6 billion statewide project known as the “Middle Mile” broadband network.

The planned network, which will be the nation’s largest, will cover the entire state to help bring reliable, high-speed internet access to the millions of Californians who do not have it now. Roughly one in five Californians do not have access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet. Once complete, funding for “last mile” efforts will support internet connections from “middle mile” lines to homes and businesses, as well as efforts to ensure individuals can afford broadband service where it already exists.

Last year, the Governor signed historic legislation allocating $6 billion for achieving Broadband for All, including $3.25 billion for the middle-mile network and this year’s budget put an additional $550 million toward the project as it moves into construction.

The 2021 legislation included:

$3.25 billion to build, operate and maintain an open access, stateowned middle-mile network. $2 billion to set up lastmile broadband connections that will connect homes and businesses with local networks. The legislation expedites project deployment and enables Tribes and local governments to access this funding.

$750 million for a loan loss reserve fund to bolster the ability of local governments and nonprofits to secure financing for broadband infrastructure.

Creation of a broadband czar position at the California Department of Technology, and a broadband advisory committee with representatives from across state government and members appointed by the Legislature.

Californians interested in seeing if they qualify for discounted highspeed internet services available now may learn more at the state’s Broadband for All website here. https://broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov/ affordable-connectivity-program/

California Charts Course for Wholeof-Government Action on Extreme Heat At First-Ever Symposium

Lifestyle/National News

SACRAMENTO – Following the West Coast’s record-setting heat wave last month, California hosted the first-ever Extreme Heat Symposium in Sacramento today. The symposium, put on by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the California Natural Resources Agency, harnessed the collective power of community leaders, state policymakers, scientists, and members of the public, and set the stage for extreme heat action in California in the coming years.

The whole-of-government event comes after Governor Gavin Newsom signed additional extreme heat funding into law last month totaling $365 million, bringing total state investment in heat resilience to $865 million.

“The extreme heat we’re facing is extraordinary and puts our communities at risk,” said Governor Newsom. “Just last month, the West Coast broke nearly 1,000 temperature records in a 10day heat wave – and experts tell us to expect more heat waves like this one in the coming years and decades. With our Extreme Heat Action Plan, California is taking ambition and turning it into action so we can save lives and adapt to our hotter climate.”

September’s heat wave was the hottest ever recorded in California, with the state’s best climate science projecting higher average temperatures and more frequent and severe heat waves in the decades to come. Extreme heat

is an immediate threat and ranks amongst the deadliest of all climate change hazards, with structural inequities playing a significant role in the capacity of individuals, workers, and communities to protect and adapt to its effect.

Last month, the Governor signed a suite of extreme heat legislation, including AB 2238 by Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) to create the nation’s first extreme heat advance warning and ranking system to better prepare communities ahead of heat waves.

Heat funding included in Governor Newsom’s historic, multi-year $54 billion California Climate Commitment kickstarts the implementation of California’s Extreme Heat Action Plan launched in April. The Plan lays out the state’s broad heat resilience approach, encompassing both rapid response to extreme heat events as well as actions that build resilience in California’s communities, natural systems, and physical infrastructure.

With a forward-looking focus on extreme heat threats and opportunities, panels featured in the California Extreme Heat Symposium align with the Extreme Heat Action Plan ‘Tracks’ and covered topics including climate science, grid reliability, public education campaigns and tracking systems, nature-based solutions, public health, and industry technology and innovation.

Nielsen study shows media industry and marketers often miss the mark in connecting with Black consumers

BlackPressUSA News

Black audiences are 50% more likely than the general population to seek out diverse-owned media.

With authentic representation lacking and increased consumer demand for brands to directly benefit Black communities, 2022 saw a 10-point decline in Black viewers who are more likely to buy from brands that advertise in inclusive content

NEW YORK — Nielsen’s latest Diverse Intelligence Series report, “Amplifying Black voices in media: Creating informed, thoughtful and authentic experiences,” explores why 2022 saw a 10-percentage point decline in Black viewers who are more likely to buy from brands that advertise in inclusive content compared to 2021.

The report delves into the reasons behind this decline, examining the relationship between authenticity and engagement and the impact of inclusion beyond what’s on screen.

Report Findings

Black audiences are seeking more authenticity and nuance in media content and ad campaigns. Nielsen’s Attitudes on Representation on TV study found that 59% of Black viewers are more likely to buy from brands that feature someone from their identity group in advertisements, while Nielsen’s Branded Content Outcomes studies show significantly higher performance for campaigns that feature Black talent.

Brands attempting to reach Black consumers through ad placements in inclusive content are investing heavily with over $1.2 billion spent in Black and African American targeted traditional media in the first half of 2022 alone. However, Black audiences prefer streaming: 63% report streaming content as their most watched platform and 62% indicated streaming as the most relevant platform.

Nielsen’s report underscores that Black audiences also care about

how they are represented in media content and where their images and experiences are presented.

Only 32% of Black audiences feel industry representation of their identity group is accurate, and the growing intersectional identities within the Black community make nuanced representation more important than ever.

The report also highlights the power of partnering with Black talent at every stage of the marketing funnel—from campaign creators and media owners, to on-screen talent and social media influencers.

“The media industry has an opportunity to better serve the needs of Black audiences through inclusive and equitable representation on screen, behind the scenes, in advertising, and on other platforms where they come into contact with brands and content creators” says Charlene Polite Corley, Vice President, Diverse Insights & Partnerships at Nielsen. “Black audiences wield cultural influence and growing buying power and serving the needs of this community is not only good business, but it is also the right thing to do.”

Key findings from the report include:

Supporting Black-owned media can attract new audiences.

All viewers watched more than 140 million hours of content from Black-owned networks in March 2022―double what Black audiences alone watched.

Black audiences are 50% more

continued on page 8

MISSION STATEMENT

Clifton Harris /Editor in Chief Investigative Reporter

sbamericannews@gmail.com

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Legal /Display Advertising (909) 889-7677

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Digital Online Banner Advertising (909) 889-7677

The San Bernardino American News was established May 6, 1969.

A legally adjudicated newspaper of general circulation on September 30, 1971, case number 15313 by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County.

The San Bernardino AMERICAN News subscription rate is $59.00 per year.

The San Bernardino AMERICAN News is committed to serving its readers by presenting news unbiased and objective, trusting in the mature judgment of the readers and, in so doing, strive to achieve a united community.

News releases appearing in the San Bernardino AMERICAN News do not necessarily express the policy nor the opinion of the publishers.

The San Bernardino AMERICAN News reserves the right to edit or rewrite all news releases.

Katie Adams is the Policy Advocate for Domestic Issues for the United Church of Christ.

“In All Your Getting - Get An Understanding!”

A series of lawsuits, verdicts, and settlements, against San Bernardino County Children & Family Services raises alarm –Part 1

According to four lawsuits, it was concealed that numerous foster children were abused while under the care of San Bernardino County Children & Family Services.

Gail Fry/Contributor

In 2016, the Muellers, deciding to become foster parents with the hope of eventually adopting, were excited when they applied for their foster home license with San Bernardino County Children & Family Services (CFS). At the time, Muellers say they expressed to San Bernardino County CFS that they would not foster or adopt children with behavioral/ emotional issues or a child subjected to sexual abuse.

About two years later, on January 23, 2018, adoptive parents William and Michelle Mueller, along with adoptive grandfather Michael Dobie, filed a lawsuit in federal court against San Bernardino County for violations of civil rights, violations of the Federal Adoption and Assistance Act & Child Welfare Act, direct and derivative negligence, and negligent concealment on behalf of a minor child, referred to only as E.M.

Documents obtained by The San Bernardino American News reveal on August 29, San Bernardino County agreed to pay $7.5 million with legal fees to settle a federal lawsuit where evidence and testimony was to be presented to a jury claiming the Department of Children & Family Services and/or its social worker, Deborah Kay, had knowledge of sexual abuse, were negligent, and failed to protect a young boy from sexual abuse by his much older brother while they shared a room

at a foster home.

The now Mueller Brothers, known as E.M. and C.T., were four and ten years old respectively when they entered the foster care system. After a period of time, C.T. started physically and sexually abusing E.M. and it is alleged in court documents that San Bernardino County Department of Children and Family Services knew and concealed the abuse.

Court documents reveal that the two brothers, ten-year-old C.T. (born in 2003), and his four-yearold younger brother E.M. (born in 2009) were removed and placed in foster care on September 13, 2013, as a result of mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence issues in their home.

Prior to being placed with adoptive parents, William and Michelle Mueller and grandparent Michael Dobie, court records show that, on or about 2014 to 2016, the younger brother E.M. suffered from being sexually and physically abused by his older brother C.T. while they were both living together at a foster home.

Attorney Eric Rossman told The San Bernardino American News that before E.M. was assaulted by C.T., CFS had removed C.T. from a foster home after he was inappropriate with a female foster child. (Video: Gail Fry, The San Bernardino American News)

After which, CFS removed C.T. from the foster home, placing him in a male only foster home and in

the same room with his brother E.M. CFS has a policy of keeping siblings together whenever possible.

Based on those circumstances, the Muellers claim San Bernardino County, CFS, Kay and other social workers knew E.M. was being physically and sexually abused, and thereby, were placed on notice.

According to the Muellers, social worker Kay met with C.T. and E.M. on a monthly basis in late 2015 and 2016, and during one of those visits, E.M. told Kay that he was being sexually and physically abused by C.T. In response, Kay warned E.M. not to tell the Muellers “their secrets” otherwise he would be removed from the Mueller’s home.

In an interview, Attorney Eric Rossman confirmed his belief that E.M.’s statements were true, that San Bernardino County CFS Social worker Deborah Kay cautioned E.M. to not tell the Muellers, his new adoptive parents, about how his much older brother C.T. had abused him. CFS and Kay disputed E.M.’s account. (Video: Gail Fry, The San Bernardino American News)

The Muellers alleged the county et. al. and Kay had knowledge, were negligent, and under the color of law, withheld C.T.’s history of sexual and physical abuse from them before the brothers, in 2016, were placed as foster children into their home.

The Mueller’s attorney, Eric

Rossman, verified that when the Muellers concluded the adoptions of E.M. and C.T. on or about March 20, 2017, they had no knowledge that C.T. had been violent and sexually abusing his younger brother E.M. (Video: Gail Fry, The San Bernardino American News)

After moving into the Mueller’s home, by March 26, 2017, E.M. told the Muellers about C.T. threatening to kill him using a knife, pressing it against his neck, and that C.T. had done this before at prior foster homes. When questioned, C.T. confessed his actions to the Muellers.

When the Muellers went to CFS Social Worker Kay to report the incident, Kay referred C.T. for therapy expressing her position to not report the incident. The Muellers then took action to protect E.M. from C.T., having E.M. sleep in Michelle Mueller’s bedroom.

On two occasions, C.T. attempted to enter the bedroom, and when Michelle Mueller admonished C.T., he tried to bully her.

After C.T. was repeatedly hitting E.M. resulting in bruises, and E.M. told the Mueller’s C.T. had sexually abused him again, C.T. was removed from the Mueller’s home or on or about May 11, 2017.

The Muellers claim C.T. was able to continue getting away with physically and sexually abusing his brother E.M. while under the care of San Bernardino County CFS, when social worker Deborah Kay neglected to properly document, create a record, or file these reports.

The Mueller’s claim that because the county, CFS and Kay, failed to document, and create a record of C.T.’s ongoing abuse of E.M., unbeknownst to them, a violent child was placed into their home, placing their family in at risk, and causing them harm.

The San Bernardino American News will continue to follow this story, please look for:

A series of lawsuits, verdicts, and settlements, against San Bernardino County Children & Family Services raises alarm –Part 2

President Biden Announces Fix to Family Glitch in Obamacare Subsidies

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

for family members.

“Health care should be a right, not a privilege. But for many Americans caught in the so-called family glitch, the peace of mind that health insurance brings has remained out of reach,” President Joe Biden offered in a statement.

The White House said about 1 million Americans would either gain coverage or see their insurance become more affordable because of the new rule.

“This marks the most significant administrative action since the law was first put into place,” Biden asserted.

President Biden Announces Fix to Family Glitch in Obamacare Subsidies...continued

for hundreds of thousands of affected families without undermining employer coverage,” researchers at the Urban Institute found.

“There would be a modest increase in health coverage, but the biggest effect would be to improve affordability. There would be a small increase in federal government spending and a tiny increase in state spending that would be at least partially offset by additional tax revenue.”

Protecting and strengthening implementation of the Affordable Care Act remains key to increasing access to quality, affordable health care,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra wrote in a statement.

“Today’s action resolves a flaw in prior ACA regulations to bring more affordable coverage to about one million Americans. Our goal is simple: leave no one behind and give everyone the peace of mind

that comes with health insurance,” Becerra stated.

He continued:

“Under President Biden’s leadership, our nation’s uninsured rate is at an all-time low, and Affordable Care Act enrollment is at an all-time high. This is not by accident. We are meeting people where they are to tell them about their healthcare options through unprecedented outreach efforts. And through landmark legislation like the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, we have offered the lowest ACA premium rates in history. Our work to expand coverage and lower healthcare costs for American families never stops.

“Whether you’re part of a family previously affected by this glitch, or an individual buying insurance on the marketplace, the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring you have access to the healthcare you deserve.”

Healing ARC Framework Applied To NYC Analysis Of Racism In Clinical Algorithms Impacting Patient Care And Treatment

Coalition Targets Clinical Algorithms Based on Debunked Race & Ethnicity Theories

healthier “adjusted” value for Black patients, sometimes delaying necessary care, such as kidney transplants.

The Urban Institute estimated that eliminating the family glitch would decrease employer spending by roughly $2 billion annually

With an estimated 5.1 million people falling into the socalled family glitch – primarily children and women – the Biden administration has issued a rule that makes it easier for those with employer-sponsored health plans to get Affordable Care Act subsidies.

The rule, which comes from the Internal Revenue Service,

fixes the glitch that prevented family members from receiving Obamacare subsidies if a household member had access to employer-sponsored healthcare coverage that meets specific requirements identified in the law.

Obamacare required that employer plans be affordable for employees. Unfortunately, it didn’t offer that same protection

“Because of this glitch, employer-based health insurance has been considered ‘affordable’ if the coverage is affordable for the employee even if it is not for their family members – making those family members ineligible for Affordable Care Act subsidies even though they need them to afford quality coverage.”

In April, the president announced a proposal to fix what the administration called a regulatory flaw.

Beginning in November, families can sign up to take advantage of the change.

“It builds on our progress so far, which has brought the rate of uninsured Americans to a record-low eight percent. My administration will continue working every day to lower costs and expand quality, affordable health coverage to all Americans.”

The Urban Institute estimated that eliminating the family glitch would decrease employer spending by roughly $2 billion annually.

“Changing the family glitch would lower health care premiums

BOSTON, MA – The New York City Health Department is building in the Healing ARC framework to help shape initiatives that confront explicit and implicit racism in medicine and improve equity in patient care. The Healing ARC (Acknowledgment, Redress, and Closure), which encourages race-conscious interventions, was developed to eliminate an inequity in patient care delivery for heart failure at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Boston.

With guidance from The Healing ARC and other reparative paradigms, the NYC Health Department is prioritizing health justice, including leadership of the Coalition to End Racism in Clinical Algorithms (CERCA). Specifically, this coalition of 11 health care providers is examining the use of race and ethnicity in clinical algorithms that can play central roles in patient care decisions. But race modifiers in these algorithms are frequently based on debunked, racist theories, leaving patients with delayed and compromised treatment.

“Racism exists throughout medical research and healthcare systems in the U.S., diminishing the health outcomes of people of color,” said Dr. Bram Wispelwey, Instructor in Medicine at BWH and Instructor at the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “It’s critical that entities, like CERCA, work to eliminate the embedded racism that fuels discriminatory behaviors, protocols and patterns that shape patient care.”

The CERCA report cited several examples of harmful race-based equations:

v Until recent shifts in national guidelines, equations to estimate kidney function ascribed a

v Race modifiers in pregnancyrelated tools have disparately increased the likelihood of receiving a repeat caesarean section for Black and Latino pregnant people, potentially exacerbating birth inequities.

v Race-specific reference equations are used to assess the lung capacity of Asian, Black, and “Caucasian/Other” individuals, insinuating the presence of intrinsic racial differences in lung biology where none exist.

“Research over decades has demonstrated that the human genetic variation cannot be meaningfully categorized within socially and historically derived racial categories, but far too many diagnostic algorithms and practice guidelines continue to biologize race by modifying their outcomes based on race or ethnicity,” said Dr. Wispelwey, a leader of the Healing ARC Campaign, which seeks to expand implementation of the Healing ARC framework and other race-conscious interventions at hospitals and healthcare systems to eliminate racism in patient care. Dr. Wispelwey and Dr. Michelle E. Morse, who is Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Commissioner for New York City’s Health Department and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, and others developed the Healing ARC framework after their study at BWH in Boston found a pattern of inequity in the treatment of heart patients.

Over a 10-year period, on average, fewer Black and Hispanic patients diagnosed with heart failure in the BWH Emergency Department were admitted to the specialty cardiology unit that improves patient outcomes. Under a pilot program at BWH, when the emergency room treats a person of color with heart failure a new, more equitable, process is in place.

World/Health News

Credit: Shutterstock

Dr. Michael Wilson

Amazon Teams with Tuskegee University for Advanced Training Programs

By Jerry Underwood, Made in Alabama | The Birmingham Times

latest example of innovation in rural Alabama, where universities and companies are engaged in developments that are shaping the future in research and industries, said Brenda Tuck, Rural Development manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce.

through classroom and lab instruction. The College of Business and Information Science will lead the supply chain initiative, and the College of Engineering will lead the mechatronics and robotics program.

Healing ARC Framework Applied To NYC Analysis Of Racism In Clinical Algorithms Impacting Patient Care And Treatment...continued from page 7

Today, when an emergency room physician selects general medicine admission for a Black or Hispanic heart patient, the clinician receives an alert through the electronic health record system reminding of the option to admit to cardiology.

Funding from Amazon will allow Tuskegee University to set up advanced training programs in mechatronics, robotics, supply chain management and logistics operations. (Tuskegee University)

Funding from Amazon will allow Tuskegee University to set up advanced training programs in mechatronics, robotics, supply chain management and logistics operations. (Tuskegee University)

Tuskegee University has a new partnership with Amazon that will establish advanced training programs in mechatronics, robotics, supply chain management and logistics operations for students at the Macon County institution.

Amazon donated $1.2 million to fund the programs, which will include scholarships and a pipeline for leadership roles at the tech giant.

Tuskegee Provost Keith Hargrove said the initiative will benefit students across campus.

“Amazon’s contribution allows us to enhance our academic curriculum to provide our students

with a foundation in supply chain and logistics for all majors, and a specialty for engineering majors in robotics and mechatronics,” Hargrove said.

“This creates training opportunities for our students to engage in cutting-edge technology and business practice that Amazon is known for while preparing them for career opportunities with one of the world’s most valuable brands.”

Amazon is donating $1.2 million to fund programs at Tuskegee University that will train students in cutting-edge technology and business practices while preparing them for career opportunities with the company. (Tuskegee University)

Rural Innovation

The partnership between Amazon and Tuskegee is the

Prop 29 threatens the lives

dialysis patients.

“When a company like Amazon, a global online retailer and tech services provider, makes such a significant investment, that speaks volumes about the importance of Tuskegee University and also the community that surrounds it,” she said.

A rendering shows the planned Regional East Alabama Logistics Park under development near Interstate Highway 85 in Tuskegee. (contributed)

“We are excited to see this partnership unfold and see Tuskegee students play a key role in Amazon’s future.”

Another high-profile development in Tuskegee is the launch of the Regional East Alabama Logistics (REAL) Park, which is expected to be a hub of global commerce serving companies in the automotive, aerospace, forest products and other industries along the Interstate Highway 85 corridor.

The Amazon-Tuskegee partnership will provide training in design, distribution, risk assessment and other topics

Two Tuskegee alums who are Amazon employees – Leonard Spencer and Kennedy Oates –were advocates for the donation to their alma mater. The donation was presented at Tuskegee by Amazon executives Mamar Gelaye and Kevin Keck.

Tuskegee President Charlotte Morris said she is proud of former students who are reaching back to help the next generation of Tuskegee alumni.

“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership provides to Tuskegee students,” she said.

This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website and The Birmingham Times.

Prominent health professionals, community leaders, and healthcare equity advocates recently launched The Healing ARC Campaign to educate hospital administrators, lawmakers, social justice advocates and communities about the value of race-conscious interventions. The campaign is urging hospital administrators, lawmakers, social justice advocates and communities to support interventions inspired by The Healing ARC, as NYC is doing.

The CERCA report said the Healing ARC framework “can guide institutional racial equity initiatives to ensure harms resulting from structural racism are remedied and that patients experience equitable improvement in care and outcomes. The Health Department will explore the use of Healing ARC with CERCA members and patient advocacy groups as part of continued work around ending racism in clinical algorithms.”

CERCA is creating a model for holding the scientific community accountable to actual research, not debunked race theories. In doing so, CERCA is examining the “norms” of clinical algorithms that make biological distinctions by race when none exist. It is a public health issue that impacts not just individual patients, but entire communities for generations.

Dr. Michael Wilson, an Associate Physician of Emergency Medicine Associate Physician at BWH and an Instructor Harvard Medical School, said that health equity cannot be achieved without eliminating “racial essentialism,” a belief in innate biological differences between racial groups.

“For centuries, this wrong ideology has shaped science and somehow managed to persist in medical education and clinical practice,” Dr. Wilson said. “Chronic diseases from diabetes to hypertension and lung disease have racial inequities in incidence and impact and clear environmental and structural etiologies. Yet, their racialized outcomes have frequently been misattributed to intrinsic genetic or biological susceptibility or ‘bad choices.’”

Nielsen study shows media industry and marketers often miss the mark in connecting with Black consumers...continued from page 6 likely than the general population to seek out diverse-owned media.

Streaming provides more authentic choices for Black viewers, and they prefer it over broadcast and cable.

In July 2022, time spent streaming accounted for the largest share of Black audience TV time at over 36%.

Black viewers also reported streaming as their most watched platform (63%) and most relevant platform (62%)

Inclusion throughout the marketing funnel increases performance.

Black-focused agencies deliver

higher performance overall, with 83% of the highest brand metric scores in Familiarity Lift, Affinity Lift, Purchase Intent Lift, and Recommendation Intent Lift.

59% of Black viewers are more likely to buy from brands that feature someone from their identity group in advertisements.

Black adults were 71% more likely to buy products endorsed by influencers on social media.

For more details and insights, download the full report here. Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook (Nielsen Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and Twitter (@Nielsen_DEI).

“My Truth”

ABOUT NIELSEN’S DIVERSE INTELLIGENCE SERIES

In 2011, Nielsen launched the Diverse Intelligence Series, a robust portfolio of comprehensive reports that focus on diverse audiences and their media preferences, media trends and representation. The series has become an industry resource to help brands better understand and reach diverse customers. To learn more about Nielsen’s Diverse Intelligence research series, visit http://www.nielsen.com.

Can we get 10 million?

By Cheryl Smith Publisher of I Messenger Media Texas Metro News

on

SAYS

Well, if you were planning on voting and you haven’t checked to make sure all your paperwork is in order, you could find yourself stuck and out of luck, especially if you are among the many who have been stricken from lists across the country. Should you be concerned? Maybe. Should you care? Heck yes! But I understand. We don’t realize how painful a situation can be until we stub our toe or hit our funny bone.

Ain’t a darned thing funny then! Well, millions of dollars are being spent to either get you to vote a certain way or stay at home. Instead of waiting in a line to vote, you can go fishing, to a party or go shopping. You say you don’t want to have to choose between the “lesser of two evils.” Well, some might say that considering what is at stake, those who opt out of voting are the biggest evil.

Which brings me to my truth. Too much is at stake. This year’s midterm election is about more than one issue, one individual or one community. Every election is important and there are consequences and repercussions for every action and inaction. You

go out to the polls and cast a vote because of the way someone looks, talks or because of their party affiliation. And let’s not forget voting for someone because they played a sport. Makes me think about those folks who walk along us today and are confronted by reminders of the racist acts of their ancestors.

What goes through their heads? Are they embarrassed, apologetic or do they try to silence the messengers? As we prepare to view the movie, Till, how do the descendants of Carolyn Bryant feel? How does she feel about the actions that led to the brutal murder of young Emmett. When I visited with Mamie Till Mobley during her three-day visit to Dallas in 1995, we talked extensively about her son and the events 40 years prior.

To her credit, this beautiful, smart, resourceful and focused woman was not filled with hate.

Instead she had a spirit of love and compassion, and so did other family members I talked to then and later. Will the families of vicious racists feel the same, once

confronted with the evil acts of those whose blood flows through their veins?

Let’s come a little closer and think about your descendants. Will you be trying to stop stories from being told in the classrooms of your grands and great grands because you don’t want them to find out that your actions were just as detrimental, if not more than the Ku Klux Klan or others who savagely enacted their own laws or forms of justice to eventually find themselves in a position where the oppressed /downtrodden/ disenfranchised became their biggest allies in the battle?

In other words, you’ll have some explaining to do and just like everyone didn’t march with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., everyone didn’t get up and exercise that basic right because they weren’t using the ballot or anything else. Whatever the case, we have to salute the Transformative Justice Coalition, the National Newspaper Publishers Association and others who are working on Get Out the Vote campaigns. We have come too far to Black down!

“Prop 29 will shut down dialysis clinics, jeopardizing access to care that dialysis patients need to survive.”

Angie Gant Dialysis Patient Orange County

-Rick L Callender, ESQ. CA/HI NAACP President