"If
B.
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Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them and these will continue till they have resisted either with words or blows or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance those of whom they suppress.
—Fredrick Douglass
(1849)
OP-ED: It’s Our Time to Shine – Black Men Must Vote to Move America Forward
OP-ED: This election isn’t just another vote—it’s a chance to protect our progress and build a future of justice, opportunity, and equality. Together, we can make history. But that only happens if we use our power to vote.
By State Representative Ron Reynolds
Black men, our country needs us now more than ever. On November 5th, we have the power to shape the future of this nation. It’s a moment for us to rise, to make our voices heard, and to lead. This election isn’t just about politics—it’s about ensuring that opportunity, equality, and justice become realities, not just promises. We’ve been called the backbone of democracy, and for good reason. When we show up, we change the game. Throughout history—from the Civil Rights Movement to today—our votes have driven the victories that bring us closer to justice and equality. Now, it’s time for us to show that same strength, unity, and determination once again. Why We Must Show Up
This election will decide the direction of our nation for years to come. Healthcare, economic
opportunity, voting rights, education, and criminal justice reform are all on the ballot. These issues directly affect our families, our communities, and our future. If we stay home, we risk losing the progress we’ve fought hard to achieve—and we can’t afford to let that happen.
Democratic leadership is building a future where Black men and all Americans can thrive. We’ve seen advances in health coverage, small business investments, job protections, and justice reform. There’s still more to be done, but the progress we’ve made shows that when Democrats are in office, we move forward.
Kamala Harris: Leadership That Represents Us
I am proud to support Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. She’s a leader with the
Media (CBM) spoke with
experience, vision, and resolve to address the challenges we face. Her platform is focused on creating opportunities for working families, supporting small businesses, advancing racial equity, and ensuring that justice and fairness are more than ideals—they are lived realities.
With Kamala Harris in the White House, we will have a President who listens, acts, and delivers. She knows the power of community and is committed to a future where every one of us has the chance to succeed. She supports federal voting rights legislation, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act— because she believes that every American’s voice should be heard and protected.
It’s On Us to Save This Nation
Our time is now. The future of
this nation is in our hands. We can’t sit on the sidelines—we must show up, vote, and lead. When we do, we demonstrate that we are not just participants in democracy—we’re leaders in it.
This election isn’t just another vote—it’s a chance to protect our progress and build a future of justice, opportunity, and equality. Together, we can make history. But that only happens if we use our power to vote.
On November 5th, let’s vote for progress, unity, and leadership that reflects our values. Let’s vote for Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party. This is our moment to shine, and it’s on us to save this great nation.
I am a proud Black man, and I am proud to support Kamala Harris for President. Our vote is our power—let’s use it. This is our chance to lead, and together we will.
Edward Henderson | California Black Media
CBM)- This year’s International ShakeOut Day was October 17, when millions of people worldwide participated in earthquake drills at work, school, or home. October also marks the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which devastated the Bay Area.
That 6.9 magnitude shock was responsible for 63 deaths and nearly 4,000 injuries.
In the aftermath of disastrous storms on the East Coast and with wildfires still raging here in the West, Listos California, the state’s disaster preparedness program, partnered with Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media in partnership to provide vital information to help Californians be prepared in the event of an earthquake.
“Preparing can be about securing your space, having an emergency plan, minimizing your hardship after the fact by having important documents organized and in place,” said Amy Palmer, Deputy Director of Crisis Communications and Public Affairs at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
While earthquakes remain unpredictable, within the next 30 years, scientists predict there is a 60% chance of a 6.7 magnitude quake hitting the Los Angeles region and a 72% chance for the San Francisco Bay region.
The experts say there are seven key safety steps to take to make sure you and your family are prepared for an earthquake:
Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing movable items.
you know the phrase: ‘drop, cover, and hold on’ so that you can take action when you get an alert on your phone, or you feel the very first indications of shaking.”
To further educate and prepare Californians for earthquakes, Cal OES hosted a tour focused on providing life-saving earthquake preparedness tips including a simulator that can demonstrate the power of up to a 7.0 magnitude quake.
“You need to take action upon feeling shaking or receiving an earthquake early warning alert and that means truly drop, cover, hold on,” said Jose Lara, Chief of the Seismic Hazards Branch at Cal OES. “We really encourage you to practice that on your own with your all types of settings. Because without this muscle memory when shaking arrives at your location, you may not take that protective action that you need to stay safe.”
There are also several ‘myths’ about earthquake survival the campaign aims to dismiss. One is that standing in a doorway is a safe measure during an earthquake. This is NOT a safe measure due to modern building codes that have strengthened other areas in homes and commercial buildings. Another myth is that running outside is safer during an earthquake. Due to the danger of falling objects that could strike you on the way out, running outside is not encouraged.
the importance of securing the Black Male vote.
“She has said very clearly that she wants to earn the vote of everyone. And that means earning the vote of Black men,” said Lee of Harris. “She understands the systemic and historic challenges that Black men have. You haven’ t heard of a presidential candidate coming up with a concrete actual plan and policy agenda.”
The plan’s release came after a string of podcast and interview appearances during which Harris shared her plans to tackle several issues that Black Men specifically face if elected President.
The agenda includes five focus areas based on
gleaned from hosting discussions with Black men during her Economic Opportunity Tour: Provide 1 million loans that are fully forgivable to Black entrepreneurs and others disadvantaged groups to start businesses.
Champion education, training, and mentorship programs that help Black men get good-paying jobs in high-demand industries It will also develop more accessible pathways for Black men to become teachers.
Support a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and other digital assets so Black men who invest in and own these assets are protected.
Launch a National Health
Plan to be safe by creating an emergency plan.
Organize emergency supplies in convenient locations.
Minimize financial hardship by considering insurance and organizing important documents.
Drop, Cover and Hold On when shaking begins.
Improve Safety after earthquakes by evacuating if necessary or helping others.
Reconnect and restore daily life by rebuilding community, and reconnecting with others.
“We’ve had a number of quakes this year where our system of statewide sensors is giving people a significant number of seconds before the shaking starts,” said Palmer.
“The key for everyone in California is to make sure that
“I think that is the human instinct to get out from a building that you may think is collapsing. But the scientists would say, don’ t run outside, stay where you are, drop, cover and hold on,” said Palmer.
If you find yourself driving during an earthquake, best practice is to pull over safely if you can and wait out the shaking inside of your vehicle while looking out for debris falling onto roadways in mountainous areas.
The MyShake App is another pivotal tool in the state’s effort to prepare individuals for an earthquake. The app connects users with the Earthquake Early Warning System designed to give residents warnings seconds before shaking starts. Some individuals receive alerts up to 20 seconds before shaking begins.
Texas State Representative Ron Reynolds
CBM Special Interview: Rep. Barbara Lee Discusses Kamala Harris’ Plan for Black Men
CBM) – Last week, the Kamala Harris campaign released its Opportunity Agenda for Black Men. On Oct. 16, California Black
Harris-Walz campaign surrogate, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), who shared more insights on Harris’ agenda and
insights she
(File Photo) U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-13-Oakland) scolds SCOTUS for striking down Affirmative Action on June 29. She is shown here speaking in front of the California Reparations Task Force in Oakland, Calif. on May 6, 2023. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Edward Henderson | California Black Media
Thursday, October 24, 2024
While STEM Jobs Grow, Access Barriers Remain for U.S. Students
By Selen Ozturk
Although the U.S. is a STEM world leader, classroom engagement barriers remain for girls, low-income students and those of color.
Although the U.S. is a STEM world leader, classroom engagement barriers remain for girls, low-income students and those of color.
STEM engagement is closely connected to career and economic mobility, as U.S. workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics earn over $100,000 a year, compared to the overall wage average of $46,000.
“This is not only an economic issue but a civil rights issue for the low-income students, those of color and girls who don’t have access to STEM courses and support programs, and so are underrepresented in STEM careers,” said Dr. Louis Freedberg, interim CEO of EdSource.
Dr. Louis Freedberg, interim CEO of EdSource, discusses the lack of funding and resources for STEM education that disproportionately affects lowincome students and students of color and argues that access to STEM educational opportunities is a matter of equal rights.
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers include physical, life and earth sciences; engineering and architecture; computing and math; and health-related jobs, including health providers and technicians.
While these jobs are projected to grow nearly twice as fast as other U.S. jobs in the next decade, roughly 43% of U.S. STEM workers come from abroad.
The sector’s workforce is closely tied to higher education.
STEM workers are twice as likely as others to have a bachelor’s degree or higher — 67% compared to 34%. Furthermore, about three quarters of U.S. workers with a higher degree hold one in a STEM field.
“Early interest in math and science is a key indicator of whether students pursue STEM,” continued Freedberg. “By high school, there’s disproportionate enrollment in advanced or even basic STEM classes. We have to start addressing these gaps early … We have to show students that what they’re learning in the classroom is relevant to their careers, that it’s not just abstract.”
A success story in Compton Compton Unified School District (CUSD), in southern Los Angeles County, has pioneered a breakthrough model in having students excel in STEM.
The portion of its heavily lowincome, over 98% Black and Latino student body choosing STEM careers has more than doubled from 24% to 52% over the last decade, while the district graduation rate has soared over 90% — above the national average of 87%.
Dr. Darin Brawley, superintendent of Compton Unified School District, shares feedback from a father who is thrilled his child can get an excellent STEM education in the public school system.
Black and Latino or Hispanic workers are particularly underrepresented in STEM careers.
Among employed adults aged 25 and older, Black workers represent 9% of all STEM jobs against 11% of all jobs, while Hispanic workers represent 8% of STEM jobs against 17% of all jobs, according to 2021 Pew data.
In comparison, Asian workers represent 13% of STEM jobs against 6% of all jobs, and White workers represent 67% of STEM jobs against 63% of all jobs.
“A decade ago, we decided there should not be any reason why students coming out of Compton should not have the opportunities that students
Last Chance for High School Students to Apply for Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort
Community /Education News
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Oct. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Time is running out for high school students with big dreams to take the next step toward their future, as the Oct. 31 application deadline for the Disney Dreamers Academy is fast approaching.
Disney Dreamers Academy students march down Main Street
U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park in a celebratory parade to kick off the five-day mentoring event at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Mark Ashman, photographer)
Disney Dreamers Academy, in its 18th year, is an educational mentorship program that is fostering the career dreams of high school students from culturally diverse communities nationwide.
Well-known celebrities, educators, business executives, community leaders and Disney cast members lead various in-depth workshops designed for the 100 students who are selected for the program.
These workshops introduce Disney Dreamers to diverse career
have in wealthier districts,” said Dr. Darin Brawley, CUSD Superintendent since 2012. “So we joined the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools and implemented STEM opportunities that exceed any public school district around.”
These opportunities include preschool and grade school Lego robotics; middle and high school coding, math and video game design projects; courses in 3D printing, drone aviation, e-sports, circuitry design, podcasting, engineering, VR and AI; STEM teacher training; and vocational training and early certification for students through partnerships with companies including IBM, Verizon, Boeing, RTX and Apple.
“We’re laying to rest the old adage from businesses that schools are not preparing their students for the jobs out there, for the global economy,” said Brawley.
Isis Cadena Nuñez, a freshman double majoring in Marine Biology and Environmental Science at UC Santa Cruz, shares her experience with the Compton Unified School District and how it prepared her for STEM in college.
“Can this be replicated? Yes,” he continued. “It’s crucial that students are interested in multiple areas, like coding, drones and e-Sports … Also, 98% of our parents want their students to have STEM access. It’s crucial that the parents love what’s happening.”
“Growing up, everybody in my family would steer me towards another career than STEM … I didn’t really think I would have been able to make it here, but here I am, doing what I want to do, as the first in my generation to go to college,” said Isis
Cadena Nuñez, a graduate of Compton Early College High School (CECHS) and a UC Santa Cruz freshman double majoring in marine biology and environmental science.
She added that CECHS prepared her for her current path in environmental conservation through programs like dualenrollment associate’s degree courses; leadership boot camps like Change Agents and Science Cafe; and networking, career fair and job interview prep events with women STEM workers
and those of color from major universities.
“What surprised me was how many people within free events outside of school were White,” said Nuñez. “I wondered, ‘Why am I the only one like me here?’ I knew 10 other people that would love these programs, but the access is so closed off. A lot of what Compton offered was the support that came from teachers to push the students beyond, regardless of where they came from.”
Overcoming barriers
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” added Daniel Voloch, chief program officer of Girls Who Code. “Early role models and early access works for underserved students. We’re proof.”
Although women represent 50% of STEM workers, slightly higher than their 47% share in the workforce overall, this representation varies dramatically across fields.
While women represent 74% of health practitioners and technicians, for instance, they represent 15% of engineers and architects and 25% of computer workers.
Latina women represent only 5% of computer workers.
Daniel Voloch, chief program officer of Girls Who Code, discusses the erasure of women in STEM fields and how his organization is working to increase the number of women in computer science and related STEM fields.
Since 2012, Girls Who Code has helped over half a million girls — over half being lowincome or of color — through free coding and tech mentorship programs, from third grade beyond high school.
As a result, the international nonprofit’s students have earned computer science and related degrees at seven times the national average — nine times for those low-income or of color — “and we’re on track to achieve gender parity in entrylevel computing jobs by 2030,” said Voloch.
“The future of technology depends on those who are developing it … and we still see so many of our students saying continued on page 4
KI Announces Third Annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway for K-12 Educators
DeVry University Partners with OneTen to Provide Career-Advancing Education and Work-Ready Skills Scholarship program to help learners gain skills and access new career opportunities
(Black PR Wire) LISLE, Ill.-(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DeVry
University announced today a partnership with OneTen, a coalition of leading employers committed to unlocking opportunity for skilled talent without four-year degrees.
This collaboration will provide scholarships to support qualifying DeVry learners in gaining work-ready skills along with access to job opportunities from OneTen coalition members.
“We are proud to join forces with OneTen. This partnership reaffirms our commitment to closing the opportunity gap and supporting diverse talent with access to career opportunities,” said Scarlett Howery, DeVry University’s vice president of workforce solutions. “As workforce demands shift, organizations will continue to struggle to find skilled talent. Together we are poised to create impactful opportunities for learners and help them thrive in a tech-driven, competitive workforce.”
As noted in OneTen’s 2023 Impact Report, Toward a SkillsFirst Future, more than half of U.S. companies have eliminated four-year degree requirements from their job descriptions, underscoring the benefits of skills-first hiring practices, including broadening talent pools, increasing employee retention and boosting productivity. Additionally, organizations across industries faced challenges of navigating inflation and finding qualified talent to sustain business success. In response, more companies turned to skills-first strategies to address these issues.
paths in business, entertainment, STEM and more, including career opportunities at The Walt Disney Company. They also provide students with valuable life tools, leadership skills, effective communication techniques and networking strategies.
Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19. A distinguished panel of leaders will evaluate the applications, and selected participants will be announced in early 2025.
The 100 selected students will receive an all-expense-paid trip along with one parent or guardian to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to experience a combination of inspiration, education and fun at The Most Magical Place On Earth.
Anyone interested can apply or nominate a student at www. DisneyDreamersAcademy.com
Disney Dreamers Academy is one of the many examples of Walt Disney World's commitment to supporting diverse communities by inspiring young people to dream boldly, pursue their passions, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
For more information, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy. com, or follow on social media at Facebook.com/ DisneyDreamersAcademy, X.com/ DreamersAcademy and Instagram. com/disneydreamersacademy/.
KI is excited to announce its third annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway, offering K-12 teachers the opportunity to transform their learning environments. Four winners will each be awarded up to $40,000 worth of KI furniture of their choosing to turn their dream space into a reality. This year, the giveaway is open to all types of learning environments, including classrooms, libraries, makerspaces, esports labs, art or music rooms, and beyond. Three of these prizes will go to individual classrooms, while the fourth prize will fund a library or media center makeover.
"We're thrilled to continue our Classroom Furniture Giveaway, offering educators the opportunity to create diverse and dynamic learning environments," said Bryan Ballegeer, vice president of education markets at KI. "Our goal with this initiative is to empower educators and students by giving them a voice in the design of their learning spaces. We celebrate the pivotal role that teachers play in shaping environments where creativity
and collaboration can thrive."
Submissions will open on October 1 and close on October 25. Eligible educators must be employed at a U.S. educational institution, work with grades pre-K through 12, and be at least 21 years old. The winners will be announced on November 20.
Participants will use KI’s Classroom Planner tool to design their ideal learning space. Submissions should include a detailed rendering of the proposed space and a brief explanation of how the design reflects the educator's teaching philosophy and meets the needs of their students.
In addition to the four grand prizes, eight runners-up will each receive a set of 30 Ruckus whiteboards. All installations are expected to be completed between December 2024 and February 2025.
Read about last year's winners and their students' first impressions of the classrooms on KI's blog. For more information about KI’s third annual giveaway, visit ki.com/ giveaway.
“Our goal is to work with our talent development network to align education with the skills that are in demand,” added Debbie Dyson, CEO of OneTen. “By partnering with DeVry University, we are equipping learners with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, while helping employers access a wider pool of qualified talent without relying on traditional degree requirements. Together, we’re creating pathways for sustainable career growth and unlocking untapped potential in today’s workforce." As part of this unique partnership, scholarships will be awarded to nearly 75 DeVry learners enrolled in qualifying certificate programs for the Nov. 2024 and Jan. 2025 academic sessions. These students will also participate in OneTen’s career advancement program during their final semester. Eligible
students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships for standard certificate programs or $1,500 for essentials certificate programs. To qualify, students must reside in the Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York or Los Angeles metro areas. The scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books study materials and other fees related to completing their certificate program. In addition to financial assistance, students will have access to DeVry’s robust Career Services before and after graduation. Through DeVry’s Career Compact, students and alumni can receive personalized support from experienced career advisors including help with job searches, resume building and interview preparation. Students will also have access to virtual career events hosted by OneTen, as well as opportunities to apply to jobs with OneTen coalition companies. For more information, please visit www. devry.edu About OneTen OneTen is a nonprofit organization committed to unlocking opportunity for talent without four-year degrees. As a coalition, we work with leading CEOs and their companies to transform hiring and advancement practices through skills-first strategies and connect talent without traditional college degrees to in-demand jobs at America’s top employers. Founded in 2020 with the intention to close the racial wealth gap in the U.S. by removing unnecessary degree barriers that limit access to jobs for Black talent, OneTen is dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for all talent without traditional college degrees. By prioritizing skills over degrees, we can create greater economic mobility for talent while building a more equitable and inclusive future workforce. Join us at OneTen.org, where one can be the difference. About DeVry University DeVry University strives to close society’s opportunity gap and address emerging talent needs by preparing learners to thrive in careers shaped by continuous technological change. Founded in 1931, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs onsite and online in Business, Healthcare and Technology. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC, www.hlcommission. org/). The university’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. To learn more, visit devry.edu Source: DeVry University
California Deploys Nation’s Largest Service Force to Connect and Unite Californians
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Volunteers, Office of the Governor celebrates the start of an ambitious new service year for California Service Corps, which includes #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, Youth Service Corps, California Climate Action Corps and AmeriCorps California.
With a force of 10,000 service members, California is leading the way in national service as members are expected to provide over five million service hours in 2025.
“As we launch this new service year with the nation’s largest service corps, we reaffirm that service to others is the highest form of civic duty," said Governor Gavin Newsom.
“These paid opportunities embody the best of California’s values — a commitment to each other, mutual understanding, and the belief that when we lift others, we all rise together.”
Over the last year, more than 38,000 Californians applied for a chance to earn money while serving their communities. In the coming year, California Service Corps programs will be over
As
10,000 members strong and will help communities by:
Taking climate action.
Tutoring and mentoring K-12 students.
Supporting communities experiencing and recovering from disasters.
Combating food insecurity and connecting vulnerable people to vital resources and services.
“Service members have stepped up to bridge divides and help their communities by serving in the California Service Corps,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “These members are the state’s future leaders and we need their energy and enthusiasm to address our greatest challenges.”
The launch of a new service year highlights California Volunteers, Office of the Governor’s commitment and momentum to scale up its programs which are made possible by the leadership and budget investments of Governor Newsom and the state legislature.
California Service Corps members gain skills and
DE&I Programs Face Rollback, Study Highlights Black Women Are Still Facing Barriers in Predominantly
White Workplaces
By Stacy M.
As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) programs face increasing dismantling across corporate America, the challenges Black women face in predominantly White workplaces are more critical than ever. Dr. Elizabeth Linos, Emma Bloomberg Associate Professor of Public Policy and Management at Harvard University, appeared on the Black Press’ Let It Be Known to discuss her groundbreaking study, “Intersectional Peer Effects at Work: The Effects of White Co-Workers on Black Women’s Careers.” The research explores how the racial composition of teams affects the career trajectories of Black women.
Dr. Linos’ findings are seen as especially relevant considering ongoing debates about the effectiveness and future of DE&I initiatives. Her study, which tracked 9,037 new hires in a professional services firm, revealed that Black women are disproportionately impacted by being placed on Whiter teams. Black women were 51% more likely to leave the firm within two years and faced a significant decrease in their chances of promotion when working with predominantly White colleagues.
“One of the main metrics used to define employee success is
California Service Corps members from #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, Youth Service Corps, California Climate Action Corps and AmeriCorps California.
experience while making new friends and effecting positive change in their communities.
Members receive living stipends and many can receive up to $10,000 toward higher education after completing their service.
“Programs like the Youth Service Corps give our young people important job experience, particularly those who otherwise may not have such opportunities,” said Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. “And Riverside benefits from their incredible talents while we grow the next generation of public servants.”
“The California State University is thrilled to kick off another year of service with the California Service Corps,” said California State University Chancellor Mildred García. “Through vital programs like #CaliforniansForAll College Corps and California Climate Action Corps, the CSU’s diverse and talented students will continue to have meaningful opportunities to strengthen their job-ready skills while making a positive impact in their communities that will span
generations.”
“Hundreds of California Climate Action Corps fellows are taking on big challenges by planting trees, composting food waste, feeding hungry Californians and protecting rural communities from wildfires,” said California Climate Action Corps fellow Robbie Cordova. “I’m thrilled to be returning for my final term of service and eager to continue this transformational project of fighting climate change to make a difference in my community.”
“California Volunteers’ AmeriCorps programs like Reading Corps and Math Corps drive positive change in the state’s most underserved communities,” said Audrey Borland, Executive Director of California Reading Corps and Math Corps. “Together, we focus on areas that need it most, with 96% of the students served by these programs coming from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.”
California Volunteers is currently accepting applications and interest forms. Learn more at CAServiceCorps.com.
As DE&I Programs Face Rollback, Study Highlights Black Women Are Still Facing Barriers in Predominantly White Workplaces...continued
Hispanic, Asian, and Black men did not experience the same adverse effects from working with White co-workers. In contrast, Black women were uniquely impacted by these team dynamics, highlighting the intersectional nature of the barriers they face.
Moreover, the study showed that when Black women worked alongside more Black co-workers, their turnover rates decreased, and their overall workplace experience improved.
“This is in line with a common finding in the literature that having more similar peers (in this case, Black co-workers) can have a positive effect on retention,”
billable hours, and so, regardless of your race and gender, employees who report lower billable hours are also likely to receive lower performance scores,” Dr. Linos told Let It Be Known News. She added, “The ‘penalty’—how much your performance evaluation drops based on a reduction in billables—is larger for Black women than other groups.”
The research emphasizes that Black women assigned to whiter teams often logged fewer billable and more training hours, which directly correlated with lower performance evaluations. This created a cycle of disadvantages that reduced their chances for promotion.
“Ultimately, I interpret these findings as confirmation that while, as a society, we may be making progress in diversifying workplaces on some dimensions, Black women may still face additional hurdles for promotion at work,” Linos stated.
Dr. Linos’ findings are alarming, mainly as DE&I initiatives—designed to counter such disparities—are increasingly under scrutiny and at risk of being rolled back. The study also uncovered that these challenges were not universal across all demographic groups.
CBM Special Interview: Rep. Barbara Lee Discusses Kamala Harris’ Plan for Black Men... continued from page 1
Equity Initiative focused on Black men that addresses sickle cell disease, diabetes, mental health, prostate cancer, and other health challenges that disproportionately impact them.
Legalize recreational marijuana and creating opportunities for Black Americans to succeed in this new industry.
“[Vice President Harris] knows that Black men have long felt that too often their voice in our political process has gone unheard and that there is so much untapped ambition and leadership within the Black male community,” the language in the agenda states. “Black men and boys deserve a president who will provide the opportunity to unleash this talent and potential by removing historic barriers to wealth creation, education, employment, earnings, health, and improving the criminal justice system.”
Diving into Harris’ agenda, Lee says, reminded her of her own record of supporting Black men over the years as an elected official. In the 90’s, she established the first California Commission on African American Males through which she pressured the state to address urgent economic, health and social challenges specific to Black men.
Harris’ agenda was released after some Black men criticized a recent campaign speech by former President Barack Obama. They accused him of ‘scolding’ Black men because of their hesitancy to support Harris, suggesting that sexism played a role in their disinterest.
The fallout from the former President’s comment has left some wondering if the Harris campaign is rolling out the agenda as a response.
“No group of people are a
Dr. Linos and her colleagues wrote.
As discussions about equity in the workplace continue, the study offers a sobering reminder of how “neutral” workplace practices— such as team assignments and performance metrics—can disproportionately harm Black women. “Seemingly neutral practices around staffing and promotion that rely on peers and networking can have a negative impact on equity at work,” Linos said.
“We need more research on how white employees can adjust their behavior to ensure they don’t contribute to existing racialized and gendered dynamics at work.”
Students, Educators and Community Leaders Join to Applaud the Signing of AB 2033
Legislation authored by Reyes expands use of food benefit assistance on college campuses
(Sacramento, CA) —
On Friday October 18th, Assemblymember Eloise Reyes (D-Colton) celebrated the signing of AB 2033, the EBT Access for Student Empowerment (EASE) Act, at a joint event hosted by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and San Bernardino Valley College. The event took place at the “Den Coffee Shop” located at San Bernardino Valley College. AB 2033 addresses the student hunger crisis faced on campuses across California by making it possible for students to use Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) across California’s three college systems. This legislation was co-sponsored by the Student Senate for the California Community Colleges, the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges, and uAspire, a nonprofit focused on improving the economic mobility
of underrepresented students.
“I am grateful to Governor Newsom for signing AB 2033 into law and want to thank our robust coalition of supporters, including the Community College Chancellor’s Office for helping get this across the finish line,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “Student hunger is directly linked to academic achievement and we know that food insecure students are more likely to report lower GPAs given the externalities they face. AB 2033 is a step forward in our efforts to end student food insecurity across California.”
“By accepting EBT, college campuses are doing their part to promote food security. If students do not have to worry about where they will get their next meal, they can learn and thrive in school. This should be an ultimate goal for all of us,” said Dr. Sonya Christian,
monolithic group of people,” said Lee when asked about Obama’s speech.
“There were different points of views and different feedback. She stated very clearly that she does not expect anyone to vote for her. She’ s not taking any vote for granted. I’ve known her over three decades and I believe she is being herself. She’ s authentic and she cares about making sure that people, I say not only survive, but thrive,” Lee added.
Each of the 5 key points addressed in the Harris Campaign’s agenda, Lee says, has additional clauses that can potentially help Black men and their families thrive. This includes lowering rent; up to $25,000 in downpayment help for first time homebuyers; and cutting taxes for Black men in lower-wage jobs by increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit maximum to $1,500.
Lee says the goal of the Harris-Walz campaign is for more Black men to become “trusted messengers” for the Vice President, explaining her intentions to the community and leverage their own experiences to hold Harris to task for what they are looking for politically.
“I think the messages is one of empowerment for Black men — regardless of whether they’ re a blue-collar worker, if they’ re not working, if they’ re in business, if they’ re an entrepreneur, whatever background or whatever they’ re doing or experiencing life. I think the authenticity of their experience can only be articulated through them,” said Lee.
“I think it’ s important that they be out there talking about what it means to be a Black man in America and how this can be connected to political empowerment,” Lee added.
Students, Educators and Community Leaders Join to Applaud the Signing of AB 2033...continued
Chancellor of the California Community Colleges. “I applaud Assemblywoman Eloise Gomez Reyes for authoring AB 2033 and I thank the Governor for signing this important legislation.” "AB 2033 ensures that our colleges continue to be the open door of opportunity for students. By addressing food insecurity,
You read the
we are helping students stay in school, graduate, and build better futures,” said Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District. “That investment doesn’t just pay off for them— it strengthens our economy and lifts up our entire community."
of
Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
California Service Corps members take pledge to serve their communities.
Thursday, October 24, 2024
7 Tips for Choosing Your Health Benefits in 2025
By Steve Cain, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of California
As inflation in the U.S. remains high, you may be looking to adjust your lifestyle and spending habits. But when it comes to health care, it’s important to keep your budget and well-being in mind.
This year’s open enrollment season is a good chance to review how you’re using health services and decide whether you’ll stick with the plan you’ve got or switch to another being offered. It’s also an opportunity to assess your overall care costs to help ensure you choose a plan that will work best for next year’s budget.
Enrollment timing: For people with coverage from their employer, open enrollment typically happens during a twoor three-week period between September and December. For those eligible for Medicare, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15- Dec. 7 each year. Coverage selections made during the fall will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
Here are seven tips to consider when choosing a plan that may help lead you to better health and
cost savings:
First, consider all your options. Take time to understand and compare the benefits, services and costs of each plan available to you, so you can figure out which will be the best fit. Pay attention to more than just the monthly premium – like what out-of-pocket costs, including the deductible, copays and coinsurance, you may be responsible for.
Medicare members and caregivers: As you weigh your options, ensure you’re familiar with the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If you need a review, visit MedicareEducation.com — an online resource with answers to questions about eligibility, plan choices, cost basics, prescription coverage and more.
Learn the language. If you’re overwhelmed by or unsure about certain health care terms, there are resources to help. As a start, check out UnitedHealth Group’s Just Plain Clear Glossary (in English, Spanish and Portuguese) to help you make informed decisions.
Medicare members and caregivers: There’s a lot to learn about Medicare and Medicare Made Clear can help you understand the basics, the complexities and everything in between.
Help prevent financial
Buys T.D.s and Buys/Lends on Partial Interests
The SoCal Veterans Expo is back and stronger than ever. Regional leaders, organizations and businesses are partnering up to provide Veterans and the public with jobs and resources.
Ontario, CA – October 22, 2024 - Southern California is home to one of the largest military veteran populations in the country, and on Friday, November 15th, we are proud to host the SoCal Veterans Expo at the Ontario Convention Center to connect veterans with employers & resources that will help them build a stable and prosperous future for them & their families.
It has been more than five (5) years since our last Veterans Expo and we need your help. We are expecting more than 2,000 attendees and the community has shown great interest in our "All Electric" theme. Due to the high demand and interest in this event, we have decided to open the event to multiple counties (LA, OC and the IE (San Bernardino and Riverside). The expo planners have created a real all-electric theme titled: "Tomorrow's Technology... Starting Today." This expo will feature the futuristic Joby Aviation, an all-electric air taxi. Joby is partnering with Uber, Delta Airlines and the Dept. of Defense. Joby Aviation is planning to begin initial operations as early as 2025. Mark Christopher Auto Dealership will be showcasing their fleet of 2025 all-electric vehicles (Cadillac, Hummer and GMC). Southern California
surprises. Visiting doctors that are in-network is one way to help keep your costs lower. So before selecting a plan, check to see if your doctor is in your health plan’s provider network. Also, make sure your medications will be covered by the plan you choose next year – even if you don’t expect to change plans. Look into filling your prescriptions at a participating network pharmacy or with home delivery by mail — two more potentially money-saving options.
Medicare members and caregivers: You may be surprised to learn Original Medicare doesn’t generally cover prescription drugs. Consider adding Part D or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage to help keep your medication costs in check.
Check for mental health coverage. In addition to in-person mental health care, you may have access to a large virtual network of therapists and psychiatrists. Some health insurers also offer advocacy services to help you find the right type of behavioral health care.
Medicare members and caregivers: Look for plans that offer virtual mental health care with a $0 copay.
Don’t forget about specialty benefits. Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing
or critical illness insurance, are often available and may contribute to overall well-being.
Medicare members and caregivers: You may be surprised that Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.
Look into wellness programs. Many health plans offer incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising or avoiding nicotine.
Medicare members and caregivers: Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional cost.
Explore virtual care services. If you’re busy or just prefer connecting with a doctor from the convenience of your home, consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual care. You may have access to virtual wellness visits, urgent care and chronic condition management.
Medicare members and caregivers: Most Medicare Advantage plans provide access to virtual care, which can be an easier, more affordable way to talk with doctors about common health issues on a smartphone, tablet or computer.
For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com
The SoCal Veterans Expo is back and stronger than ever. Regional leaders, organizations and businesses are partnering up to provide Veterans and the public with jobs and resources....continued
Council, Scouting America (IEscouts.org) and US Jobs
Now. More than 60 employers and vendors will gather at the Ontario Convention Center to provide on-site job interviews, information on resources and services. USC and ULV will also be supporting our Veterans with educational opportunities.
Employers include: Fed Ex, ASM Global, United States Postal Service, Loma Linda, U.S. Secret Service, FBI, Pride Industries, San Bernardino and
Edison is also supporting this event as well as staffing agencies, "Volt" and OSI Staffing will be super-charging the Veteran’s job search.
"If you want a job and are qualified, we'll find the employer. If you want a job and are not qualified, we'll get you trained. No matter what, we'll find it together." states Dr. Monica Christianson, Expo Chair and owner of Warrior’s Art Project. “We are looking forward to working with the community in providing the Veterans access to “thousands” of jobs and resources they need and deserve.” For more information, visit: www. SoCalVetExpo.org.
The SoCal Veterans Expo is committed to helping those who have served our country, while gaining valuable visibility and networking opportunities with business and government leaders. This event is focused on a huge audience in four Southern California Counties including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside. The expo is OPEN to the Public & FREE (admission and parking) to all attendees. Attendees must pre-register online. Presenting Sponsors are the California Inland Empire
Riverside County Sheriffs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Crown Trucking, Volunteers of America, and more.
Resources include: mental health, on-site vision, medical and dental resources, online training programs, housing & banking services, employment opportunities, and more.
For more information about the SoCal Veterans Expo, please visit www.SoCalVetExpo.org or email us at: Info@SoCalVetExpo.org.
While STEM Jobs Grow, Access Barriers Remain for U.S. Students...continued from page 2
that they are the only, or one of the only, women of color in their computer science classrooms,” he added.
“Noone is immune from implicit bias, and girls and students of color are constantly receiving messages that certain gender or racial groups possess higher mathematical ability than them,” said Dr. Yasemin Copur-Gencturk, associate professor of teacher education at the University of Southern California (USC).
With a team of USC colleagues, Copur-Gencturk studied whether real differences in student math performance — particularly along racial lines — owes to actual student differences or implicit teacher bias.
Dr. Yasemin Copur-Gencturk, associate professor of teacher education at the University of Southern California, discusses the impact of implicit bias in STEM education, noting that when students are female and not White, teachers are more likely to underestimate their potential and fail to encourage them if they struggle.
“We addressed performance differences by creating experimental situations with no such differences among students, then gathering data from students asked to solve math problems,” she explained.
Saying ‘Yes’ to Reproductive Justice is Living Out the Gospel
Rachael Ward
Marching through the streets of New York City the day Roe V. Wade overturned became my birthplace in a deeper commitment toward reproductive justice. In the sea of 60,000 who marched, my most poignant memory is of the youth expressing their anger at religion. Seeing a clergy colleague and myself, they would share their stories and ask, “Are you going to fight for our bodies tomorrow?”
To advocate for all bodies tomorrow and onward, let’s understand what reproductive justice is and then embrace what the gospel calls for us to do:
Reproductive justice intersects every human right. Reproductive justice seeks the complete physical, mental, spiritual, political, social, and economic wellbeing of all bodies through the full protection of human rights.
Basic human rights and the multiple isms that threaten to strip those rights meet at the intersection of reproductive justice.
As Fannie Lou Hamer, a powerful voice for civil and women’s rights, famously said to the National Political Women’s Caucus in DC in 1971 (two years before Roe V. Wade was passed in 1973 protecting abortion rights): “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.” Reproductive justice intersects and interconnects with race, class, gender, and sex; it is a justice issue that belongs to all of us and impacts every body.
When reproductive care is limited, human lives, families and communities are harmed. When reproductive care is absent, the harm ripples outward
causing loss of life and damage to God’s vast creation.
Mark 5:21-34 is my illumination text for why reproductive justice—including access to reproductive health care—matters and belongs to all of us:
A woman who has been placed on the outskirts of society due to state law learns that Jesus is near. In immense pain, she finds Jesus and touches his cloak seeking healing … and perhaps also, seeking to be seen. Jesus sees and speaks with her, a direct rebuke of state law in that time. Jesus affirms her pain, her bodily autonomy, and her need for care by healing her.
In this text, I see Amber Nicole Thurman who died from abortion complications when denied a lifesaving procedure because it violated a new state law in Georgia. She bled out for 20 hours and died in a hospital bed. She too needed to be seen, affirmed, and cared for—and so will the countless others at risk of similar loss or harm.
Jesus’ response in Mark 5 reminds us that what is ritualized by state law can disguise the oppression and manipulation of human bodies. And our faithful response is to love, care for, and advocate for humanity despite such laws.
Saying ‘yes’ to reproductive justice is living out the gospel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rachael Ward (they/them) is the Team Lead & Minister for Gender & Sexuality Justice Ministries for the United Church of Christ.
“Something is About to Happen in the Skies!”
“We then randomly assigned gender- and race-specific names or images to this identical work,” she added. “Teachers didn’t know that they were evaluating the same responses under different names, so any variation in evaluations could be explained by implicit bias.”
Consistently, no bias was found in teachers’ evaluations of student work; students received similar grades regardless of gender or race.
However, teachers perceived that students with male or whitesounding names as having higher mathematical ability than students with female-, Black- or Latino- sounding names, with the most bias directed towards girls of color.
“This suggests that even when teachers acknowledge no difference in student performance, they still perceive differences in potential,” said Copur-Gencturk. “We also found that math teachers who believed that gender equity had already been achieved tended to contribute more to gender bias.”
“To combat barriers against STEM students of color and girls, we need to address the underlying inequities that uphold these barriers,” she added. “Often, it starts with disbelief that these students face inequity at all.”
In the unseen realms. It will be more powerful than an atomic burst, yet Silent, Invisible! Suddenly! Inexplicable! A moment coming soon that will change everything and everyone forever. Billions of people will be gone in a flash [1 Thessalonians 4:17; Matthew 24:40-42]. Two shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill the one shall be taken, and the other left. Some will look for those who are missing and wonder what has happened. It will be chaos like never before experienced in the earth. I tell you; something is about to happen in the skies, in the unseen realms.
Don’t be left behind. Repent and turn to God right now!
Do not delay another moment.
The matter is urgent! After the Rapture, all Hell is going to break loose and according to the Bible, those left behind after the Rapture will experience a seven-year period of tribulation, suffering on earth. This period will include wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famine, plagues, military invasion, enslavement and other hardships, culminating in a battle involving the Antichrist and Armageddon.
Billions, of people, at least a third of mankind will die. There will be loud voices deceiving many. New laws, old lies. New dilemmas. False religion. Plant life and sea life will be destroyed. There will be no escape. [Revelation 6:8; Rev 9: 15, 18; Revelation 8:7-13; Revelation 9:1-21; Revelation 16:1-21].
Hear the message. Something is about to happen in the Skies, in the unseen realms and if you haven’t trusted Jesus as your Savior, if you don’t have the life of God in your soul, the Rapture will happen and you will be left behind. What a sad and tragic thing that would be. Hopefully, many will read, believe, seek God, repent and be saved. Because what we are witnessing today are but a glimpse of future tribulation [Daniel 12:1] [Matthew 24:2122; Revelation 6:12-17]. God warns the world to repent and change [Ezekiel 33:11; Isaiah 58:1]. He opens the prophetic scroll with seven seals to reveal the events to occur before His return [Revelation chapter 5; Revelation chapter 6].
But –
As it was in the days of Noah, they were eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage. They were going on like the world was never going to end, like life would be fine, everything hunky-dory. Then the flood came and swept them all away.
I tell you, Something is About to Happen in the Skies!
Lou K. Coleman
By Lou K. Coleman
Steve Cain
Against Access Threats, Ensuring Votes Count This November
With the presidential elections just three weeks away, voters and election officials nationwide are facing historically high threats to voting access.
By Selen Ozturk
With the presidential elections just three weeks away, voters and election officials nationwide are facing historically high threats to voting access.
These threats include new state voting restrictions, misinformation, voter roll purges and political violence.
Political violence
“You’d have to go back to the 1960s and ‘70s to see anything like the hotbed of political violence we’re in now,” said Dr. Robert Pape, political science professor at the University of Chicago, at a Friday, October 18 Ethnic Media Services briefing about voting access threats.
As director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats (CPOST), Pape and his colleagues found that since 2001, the average number of Department of Justice-prosecuted threats increased fivefold to 19.5 under President Trump, and even higher to 21.6 under President Biden.
“Most of this violence revolves around support or criticism of Donald Trump, and mass support and publicity is nudging volatile would-be attackers to act out,” he explained. “Much of it is also motivated by the ‘Great Replacement’ theory that the country’s white population is being replaced by other ethnic groups.”
Recent political violence includes assassination plots and attempts against major political figures like Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in May 2022, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in October 2022, President Joe Biden in June 2023, former President Barack Obama in September 2023 and former President Trump in July and September 2024.
Alongside these are politically motivated mass shootings like the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in September 2018; the El Paso, Texas Walmart shooting in August 2019; and the Buffalo, New York supermarket shooting in May 2022.
A September 2024 CPOST survey of over 2,200 demographically representative Americans found 5.8% saying
political violence was justified to restore Trump to the presidency and 8% saying it was justified to prevent him from being president — amounting to 15 million and 21 million Americans on the national scale, respectively.
“If Trump loses, the violence could actually get worse,” said Pape. “A third of respondents already own guns … While Election Day itself is a danger point, it may get worse afterward because of state vote counting and certification schedules, especially in swing states where losing even 3% of ballots could throw the outcome into chaos.”
However, the CPOST survey also found that 84% of Democrats and 76% of Republicans — collectively amounting to 200 million Americans on the national scale — supported a bipartisan Congressional coalition against political violence.
“The political violence prevention strategy we’ve been seeing the most traction with is not to have our political leadership become therapists getting people to talk out their anger, but helping people redirect their anger away from violence and toward voting,” added Pape.
Voter suppression
“Voter suppression doesn’t involve states putting up giant signs that say you can’t vote. It involves less overt ways to make it just a little too hard for some people to get to the ballot box, like a death by 1,000 cuts,” said Andrew Garber, a voting rights and elections counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice.
These measures include laws that shorten deadlines for voter registration, early voting and mail ballot requests; laws that make it harder for organizations to help people register to vote; understaffing or closing polling centers; and limiting the ability of local election administrators to help voters use ballots.
Between 2020 and 2024, at least 30 states have passed an unprecedented 78 restrictive voting laws — nearly double the laws passed in the prior eight years. The years between 2016 to
2020 saw 27 such laws, while 2013 to 2016 saw 17.
The most common type of voting restriction law in recent years involves mail voting.
“2020 saw an explosion of people voting by mail due to the pandemic, and these restrictions have particularly fallen on communities of color,” Garber explained. “In Georgia, for instance, previously, primarily white voters voted by mail. In 2020, that flipped toward voters of color … In January 2021, the Georgia legislature reconvened and, as one of its top priorities, passed a law that made it harder to vote by mail.”
“To justify these restrictions, the claim legislators make over and over is that our elections have widespread fraud — and that’s untrue,” he added.
A 2016 Brennan Center survey of 44 election administrators overseeing 23.5 million votes across 42 states saw 30 incidents of suspected noncitizen voting, or .0001% of all votes.
“The U.S. has some of the most secure elections in the world. It’s not the actual infrastructure apparatus. It’s more about people’s ability to access it,” said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters (LWV).
Ensuring voter access What can voters do?
“First and foremost, register to vote,” continued Stewart. “With voter roll purges, it’s important to update and check your registration, especially if you move or change your name … To get around potential long wait times on Election Day, learn about early and mail in-voting opportunities in your state.”
Local polling locations, voter registration, mail-in and early voting resources, candidate information, campaign finance information and ballot guides are available in English and Spanish through the LWV hub VOTE411.
LWV chapters also hold question-and-answer forums with local candidates in jurisdictions nationwide.
“Nothing is better than being able to hear directly from a
candidate answering your questions about the issues you care about,” said Stewart. “When we vote for our leaders, we’re choosing the people who will make decisions that impact how we engage in the world day-today, whether that’s health care, jobs or climate change — like the impact of the recent hurricane in the South.”
Fighting voter restrictions in Arizona
“Arizona has the most extreme requirements in the country for providing proof of citizenship when registering to vote in state and local elections,” said May Tiwamangkala, advocacy director at Arizona Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander for Equity (AZ AANHPI), the only AAPI civic engagement organization in the state.
“They passed this requirement back in 2004. This year, the fact that registrants who registered before 2004 did not provide citizenship led to 98,000 people being taken off the voter roll,” she continued.
Of these people, one was found to be a non-citizen — 0.00001% of the 98,000 — and they had never voted.
“The ‘non-citizens voting’ rhetoric is a scare tactic that certain elected officials and media outlets use to divide our state … and this election year, the rampant anti-immigrant narrative is making it easier for lawmakers to pass laws that target immigrant communities,” said Tiwamangkala.
AZ AANHPI is currently involved in a lawsuit against the state of Arizona for two voter restriction laws passed in 2022, HB 2492 and HB 2242.
One law “adds more requirements for providing proof of citizenship in order to register to vote,” she explained, and the other “gives county recorders the right to suspect voters of being a non-citizen and purge voter rolls … If additional proof of citizenship is not provided within 35 days after a notice to give documentation, it may also lead to criminal investigations.”
“We’re an extremely polarized culture, especially since we’re a border state, and people are hesitant to get political because they don’t want to break personal relationships. Voter apathy is growing here because people are struggling with inflating living costs, and they feel that the government isn’t helping,” Tiwamangkala said.
“We’re constantly on the defense against harmful bills like these that impact citizens, rather than advancing bills that actually address the issues we face,” she added.
Medicare Drug Plans Are Getting Better Next Year. Some Will Also Cost More
When Pam McClure learned she’d save nearly $4,000 on her prescription drugs next year, she said, “it sounded too good to be true.” She and her husband are both retired and live on a “very strict” budget in central North Dakota.
Susan Jaffe
When Pam McClure learned she’d save nearly $4,000 on her prescription drugs next year, she said, “it sounded too good to be true.” She and her husband are both retired and live on a “very strict” budget in central North Dakota. By the end of this year, she will have spent almost $6,000 for her medications, including a drug to control her diabetes. McClure, 70, is one of about 3.2 million people with Medicare prescription drug insurance whose out-of-pocket medication costs will be capped at $2,000 in 2025 because of the Biden administration’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, according to an Avalere/AARP study.
“It’s wonderful — oh my gosh. We would actually be able to live,” McClure said. “I might be able to afford fresh fruit in the wintertime.”
The IRA, a climate and health care law that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris promote on the campaign trail as one of their administration’s greatest accomplishments, radically redesigned Medicare’s drug benefit, called Part D, which serves about 53 million people 65 and older or with disabilities. The administration estimates that about 18.7 million people will save about $7.4 billion next year alone due to the cap on out-of-pocket spending and less publicized changes.
The annual enrollment period for Medicare beneficiaries to renew or switch drug coverage or to choose a Medicare Advantage plan began Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. Medicare Advantage is the commercial alternative to traditional government-run Medicare and covers medical care and often prescription drugs. Medicare’s stand-alone drug plans, which cover medicines typically taken at home, are also administered by private insurance companies.
“We always encourage beneficiaries to really look at the plans and choose the best option for them,” Chiquita BrooksLaSure, who heads the Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services, told California Healthline. “And this year in particular it’s important to do that because the benefit has changed so much.”
Improvements to Medicare drug coverage required by the IRA are the most sweeping changes since Congress added the benefit in 2003, but most voters don’t know about them, KFF surveys have found. And some beneficiaries may be surprised by a downside: premium increases for some plans.
CMS said Sept. 27 that nationwide the average Medicare drug plan premium fell about $1.63 a month — about 4% —
Medicare Drug Plans Are Getting Better Next Year. Some Will Also Cost More....continued from last year. “People enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan will continue to see stable premiums and will have ample choices of affordable Part D plans,” CMS said in a statement.
However, an analysis by KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News, the publisher of California Healthline, found that “many insurers are increasing premiums” and that large insurers including UnitedHealthcare and Aetna also reduced the number of plans they offer.
Many Part D insurers’ initial 2025 premium proposals were even higher. To cushion the price shock, the Biden administration created what it calls a demonstration program to pay insurers $15 extra a month per beneficiary if they agreed to limit premium increases to no more than $35.
“In the absence of this demonstration, premium increases would certainly have been larger,” Juliette Cubanski, deputy director of the Program on Medicare Policy at KFF, wrote in her Oct. 3 analysis. Nearly every Part D insurer agreed to the arrangement. Republicans have criticized it, questioning CMS’ authority to make the extra payments and calling them a political ploy in an election year. CMS officials say the government has taken similar measures when implementing other Medicare changes, including under President George W. Bush, a Republican.
A page from a “notice of changes” that Wellcare sent to customers of its Value Script Medicare drug plan in New York. The 28-page booklet does not explain why the premium was increased or how it was calculated.
“We hope to keep you as a member next year,” the booklet says, before explaining how to change plans.
(Susan Jaffe for KFF Health News)
In California, for example, Wellcare’s popular Value Script plan went from 40 cents a month to $17.40. The Value Script plan in New York went from $3.70 a month to $38.70, a more than tenfold hike — and precisely a $35 increase.
Cubanski identified eight plans in California that raised their premiums exactly $35 a month. California Healthline found that premiums went up for at least 70% of drug plans offered in California, Texas, and New York and for about half of plans in Florida and Pennsylvania — the five states with the most Medicare beneficiaries.
Spokespeople for Wellcare and its parent company, Centene Corp., did not respond to requests for comment. In a statement this month, Centene’s senior vice president of clinical and specialty services, Sarah Baiocchi, said Wellcare would offer the Value Script plan with no premium in 43 states.
In addition to the $2,000 drug spending limit, the IRA caps Medicare copayments for most insulin products at no more than $35 a month and allows Medicare to negotiate prices of some of the most expensive drugs directly with pharmaceutical companies.
It will also eliminate one of the drug benefit’s most frustrating features, a gap known as the “donut hole,” which suspends coverage just as people face growing drug costs, forcing them to pay the plan’s full price for drugs out-ofpocket until they reach a spending threshold that changes from year to year.
The law also expands eligibility
for “extra help” subsidies for about 17 million low-income people in Medicare drug plans and increases the amount of the subsidy. Drug companies will be required to chip in to help pay for it.
Starting Jan. 1, the redesigned drug benefit will operate more like other private insurance policies. Coverage begins after patients pay a deductible, which will be no more than $590 next year. Some plans offer a smaller or no deductible, or exclude certain drugs, usually inexpensive generics, from the deductible. After beneficiaries spend $2,000 on deductibles and copayments, the rest of their Part D drugs are free.
That’s because the IRA raises the share of the bill picked up by insurers and pharmaceutical companies. The law also attempts to tamp down future drug price hikes by limiting increases to the consumer price inflation rate, which was 3.4% in 2023. If prices rise faster than inflation, drugmakers have to pay Medicare the difference.
“Before the redesign, Part D incentivized drug price increases,” said Gina Upchurch, a pharmacist and the executive director of Senior PharmAssist, a Durham, North Carolina, nonprofit that counsels Medicare beneficiaries. “The way it is designed now places more financial obligations on the plans and manufacturers, pressuring them to help control prices.”
Another provision of the law allows beneficiaries to pay for drugs on an installment plan, instead of having to pay a hefty bill over a short period of time. Insurers are supposed to do the math and send policyholders a monthly bill, which will be adjusted if drugs are added or dropped.
Along with big changes brought by the IRA, Medicare beneficiaries should prepare for the inevitable surprises that come when insurers revise their plans for a new year. In addition to raising premiums, insurers can drop covered drugs and eliminate pharmacies, doctors, or other services from the provider networks beneficiaries must use. Missing the opportunity to switch plans means coverage will renew automatically, even if it costs more or no longer covers needed drugs or preferred pharmacies. Most beneficiaries are locked into Medicare drug and Advantage plans for the year unless CMS gives them a “special enrollment period.”
“We do have a system that is run through private health plans,” CMS chief Brooks-LaSure said. But she noted that beneficiaries “have the ability to change their plans.”
But many don’t take the time to compare dozens of plans that can cover different drugs at different prices from different pharmacies — even when the effort could save them money. In 2021, only 18% of Medicare Advantage drug plan enrollees and 31% of stand-alone drug plan members checked their plan’s benefits and costs against competitors’, KFF researchers found.
For free, unbiased help selecting drug coverage, contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at shiphelp.org or 1-877839-2675.
This article was produced by KFF Health News, a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Hey, Bro… Donald Trump is not your friend.
Trump’s pattern of racism and discrimination goes back to the 1970s, when the US Justice Department sued his real estate business for racial discrimination, alleging that they had systematically refused to rent apartments to Black tenants.
By Brandon Weathersby
I was born in 1989, the same year Donald Trump took out full-page newspaper ads in four different papers calling for five New York Black and Brown teenagers falsely accused of rape and assault to be sentenced to death. In the ads, Trump called the teens “wild criminals” who “should be forced to suffer.”
The teens, then known as the Central Park Five, would be exonerated after DNA evidence confirmed that convicted murderer Matias Reyes was responsible. Even after the truth emerged, Trump continued to assert their guilt publicly and refused to acknowledge their exoneration.
The attacks Trump waged just months after my birth not only fueled public outrage at the time but also helped contribute to the villainization and racial profiling that have haunted Black men in America for decades.
If you think I’m cherry-picking one example from Trump’s past, I’m not, and Trump’s record proves it. Years after his moment with Exonerated Five, Trump promoted a racist birther conspiracy that alleged
President Barack Obama was not born in the United States. Trump was determined to delegitimize the first Black president by questioning his very identity and place in American society.
In Trump’s mind, Black men could become wealthy and powerful as entertainers or athletes, but no Black man could ever legitimately become president of the United States. Trump spent years trying to paint Obama as an untrustworthy outsider with a funny name who had lied to the American people and schemed his way to become the leader of the free world.
Trump’s pattern of racism and discrimination goes back to the 1970s, when the US Justice Department sued his real estate business for racial discrimination, alleging that they had systematically refused to rent apartments to Black tenants. The practice of denying opportunities based on race extended to his casino ventures as well, where reports indicated that Black employees faced barriers to advancement and were often relegated to lower-paying positions.
These examples from Trump’s past are not isolated — they reflect a prejudiced worldview held by him since he was a young man starting in the business world. Trump doesn’t understand, and doesn’t care to understand, the unique experience of being a Black man in America. His actions have fed into a broader societal tendency to view Black men through a lens of suspicion and fear.
Whether it’s employment, health care, or education, Black men face disproportionate challenges at every turn. We need leaders who understand those challenges and are committed to making change. Donald Trump is not one of those leaders. He is an example of the work still needed to combat racism and achieve progress for us all.
The evidence is clear that Donald Trump has not been a friend to Black men during his four decades of public life.
As a Black man seeking an ally in the White House who will fight for equality and justice, I’ll be voting for Kamala Harris in November. I’ll be voting for someone with a proven track record of advocating for civil rights and for marginalized people. I’ll be voting for someone who will uplift our community and not worsen the systemic inequalities that have held back generations of people.
In November, I’ll be voting for a future where Black men and Black communities across the country are seen, protected, heard, and valued.
Blinken Arrives in Israel as US Pushes for Ceasefire Talks
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Tuesday, marking his 11th visit since the outbreak of the IsraelHamas war. Blinken’s mission is focused on renewing efforts for a ceasefire-hostage deal following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a key figure in the conflict. While no new negotiations have been scheduled, hopes have been rekindled that Sinwar’s removal might open a window for renewed talks.
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Medicare Open Enrollment is a crucial time for anyone already enrolled in Medicare or newly eligible. It’s your opportunity to adjust your coverage, explore new options, and ensure your plan meets your healthcare needs for the upcoming year. With so many choices and complex details, this process can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created The Ultimate Survival Guide to Medicare Open Enrollment to help you navigate the process efficiently and confidently.
What is Medicare Open Enrollment?
Medicare Open Enrollment, also known as the Annual Election Period (AEP), runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health and drug coverage for the following year, with these changes taking effect on January 1.
Here’s what you can do during Medicare Open Enrollment:
Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).
Move from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
Change Medicare Advantage plans. Join, drop, or switch a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan.
This window is the primary opportunity for Medicare enrollees to review their existing coverage and ensure it still meets their health needs and financial goals.
Before diving into enrollment options, it’s essential to understand the core components of Medicare. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Medicare Part A: Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, and some home health care.
Medicare Part B: Covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical supplies.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative to Original Medicare that combines Parts A and B, and often includes extra benefits such as vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage. Offered by private insurance companies.
Medicare Part D: Provides prescription drug coverage through private insurers.
Understanding these parts will help you assess whether you need
additional coverage or if your current plan is sufficient.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plan
1. Healthcare Provider Networks
If you’re considering switching to a Medicare Advantage plan, check the provider network. Medicare Advantage plans typically have more restrictive networks, meaning you may have to use specific doctors or hospitals to receive coverage. Ensure that your preferred doctors and healthcare providers are included in the plan.
2. Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) Prescription drug costs can be a significant out-of-pocket expense. If you take any medications regularly, make sure they’re covered by the plan’s formulary. Pay attention to:
Tier levels: Drugs are categorized into tiers, and highertier medications typically cost more.
Preferred pharmacies: Some plans have agreements with specific pharmacies that offer lower prices.
Gap Coverage (Donut Hole): In 2024, the coverage gap for prescription drugs is mostly closed, but you should still check for plans that help minimize drug costs once you reach the threshold.
3. Costs: Premiums, Deductibles, and Co-pays
Balancing premiums, deductibles, and co-pays is essential to managing healthcare costs. Look for plans that offer a balance between affordability and coverage:
Premiums: The monthly cost to keep your plan.
Deductibles: The amount you pay before the plan starts covering expenses.
Co-pays: Fixed amounts you pay for services like doctor visits or prescriptions. Remember that Medicare Advantage plans often include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage, which can help reduce overall out-of-pocket costs.
4. Plan Star Ratings
Medicare assigns star ratings (1 to 5) to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans based on factors such as customer service, plan performance, and member satisfaction. Plans with higher star ratings typically offer better service and fewer hassles. Aim for plans with at least a 4-star rating.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Failing to Review Your Plan
Annually Your health and financial situation may change, and Medicare plans frequently adjust their benefits and costs. Failing to review your plan annually could result in unexpected expenses or reduced coverage.
2. Overlooking Prescription Drug Coverage
Even if you’re healthy and don’t take many medications now, it’s wise to have a plan with adequate prescription drug coverage. Unexpected health conditions can arise, and the cost of medications can add up quickly.
3. Choosing Based Solely on Premiums
A low premium can be tempting, but it’s important to consider the full scope of costs, including deductibles and copays. Sometimes, a higher premium plan with lower outof-pocket costs might save you more in the long run, especially if you anticipate needing regular care or medications.
Maximize Your Medicare Benefits
Take Advantage of Preventive Services: Medicare covers a range of preventive services, such as screenings, vaccines, and annual wellness visits. Utilize these services to catch health issues early.
Explore Extra Benefits: Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional perks like gym memberships, telehealth services, and wellness programs that can enhance your healthcare experience.
Use Telemedicine: If your plan offers telemedicine, this can save you trips to the doctor for routine check-ups or minor ailments. Medicare Open Enrollment is your chance to ensure that your healthcare coverage aligns with your needs and budget for the upcoming year. By reviewing your current plan, understanding your health requirements, and comparing available options, you can confidently make the best decision for your future healthcare.
Take time to explore your choices, ask questions, and use the resources available, like the Medicare Plan Finder tool. With this survival guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Medicare Open Enrollment and make informed decisions about your coverage.