SB American News Week Ending 11/2

October 27, 2022 Thursday Edition

Power concedes nothing

COMMENTARY:

Joe Biden’s Great Recovery

By Congressman Jim Clyburn

One definition of recovery is, “a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.” Another is, “the action or process of regaining possession or control of something stolen or lost.” I can’t think of any more appropriate descriptions of the first 20 months of President Joe Biden’s Administration.

History records President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as the creator of the New Deal, President Harry S. Truman as the initiator of the Fair Deal, and President Lyndon Johnson as the mastermind of the Great Society. I believe historians will one day recognize President Joseph R. Biden as the engineer of the Great Recovery.

When President Biden took office on January 20, 2021, the country was in the grip of a global pandemic that was killing more than 3,000 people per day.

Businesses were shuttering, schools were closing, and the nation’s unemployment rate was 6.4 percent. The American people were losing faith in their government and its elected officials.

The bombastic style of the previous Administration was wearing thin on the American public and their lack of substance was visiting hardships on the American people, their families, and their communities. Our nation’s long pursuit of “a more perfect Union” seemed to be coming to an unceremonious end. In short, our Democracy was at peril.

President Biden and Congressional Democrats are engineering a Great Recovery of, for and by the American People. From day one, we have focused on shoring up the shaky

foundation left by the previous Administration. On March 11, 2021, less than two months after he took office, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) putting in place the first pillar of the foundation upon which he would jumpstart a great recovery. The ARP put money in people’s pockets, got children back in school and lifted nearly half of those children living in poverty out of poverty. We reopened businesses, kept workers on their jobs, and stemmed the deadly rampage of COVID-19 by expanding testing and access to vaccines.

The second pillar of Biden’s foundation came on November 15, 2021, when he signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Joe Biden’s historic investment in our crumbling and outdated infrastructure, is putting people to work repairing roads and bridges, expanding high-speed broadband, cleaning our drinking water, and creating a resilient electric grid. It is replacing lead pipes, making a down payment on clean energy transmission, and erecting charging stations for electric vehicles. These infrastructure investments are creating jobs and strengthening

critical links in our supply chain.

The third pillar of President Biden’s “Great Recovery” platform, the CHIPS and Science Act, was signed into law on August 9. It restores America’s standing as a global science and technology leader by providing the resources and tools to make more products like semiconductor chips here at home. It will create better-paying jobs, build a more diverse workforce, and bolster our supply chains.

The fourth pillar of the Biden platform, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed the Congress with every Democrat voting for it, and every Republican voting against it. This new law is making historical investments in climate change and health care. Medicare recipients will see insulin capped at $35 per month, their out-of-pocket prescription drugs capped at $2,000 annually, allows Medicare costs to be negotiated, and extends Affordable Care Act subsidies to 13 million Americans.

To further secure and stabilize his platform, President Biden and Democrats constructed some additional, well-placed pillars, the PACT Act, the Safer Communities Act, and student loan debt relief.

The PACT Act expands healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and Agent Orange. The Safer Communities Act is the first significant gun safety law enacted in 30 years. It invests in community-based violence prevention initiatives, closes the “boyfriend loophole,” creates a new criminal offense for straw purchases and trafficking, and requires enhanced background checks for gun purchasers under the age of 21.

President Biden recently announced up to $10,000 in student loan debt relief for those earning less than $125,000 and reduced future monthly payments for borrowers from 10 percent to 5 percent of their discretionary income. He also announced up to $20,000 in debt relief for PELL grant recipients. In addition, the Biden Administration reworked the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for public servants who are eligible and those who were among the 99 percent of loan applicants who were denied forgiveness under the previous administration. He extended the deadline for applicants to October 31, 2022. In the last 10 months, over 175,000 borrowers have received over $10 billion in debt relief.

President Biden and Democrats are putting people above politics. Throughout my travels, I proudly proclaim that thanks to President Biden, and a Democratic Congress, America is emerging from a very dark time in our history. President Biden is providing the strong, steady leadership needed to build a solid foundation upon which to launch a Great Recovery.

Black Women Leaders: Newsom Is Turning His Back on Karen Bass for Mayor

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Bass leading the way. We showed up and came out while other groups stayed home. We also led the charge to pull together our allies that rallied counterparts throughout California for Women Against the Recall. And yet…we haven’t seen much change in his actions,” the October 16 letter stated.

doesn’t demonstrate that he wants us at his decision-making table. He selectively supports Black women candidates even when they have overwhelming support from the party leaders and our community like in the case of Congressmember Bass,” the coalition stated.

Black Women Leaders: Newsom Is Turning His Back on Karen Bass for Mayor...continued 1 and serves as vice mayor of the City of Sacramento.

“Angelique will be the first woman elected to the State Senate from the Sacramento region in more than two decades; she’ll bring years of experience advocating for women – especially their right to privacy, the ability to make their own healthcare decisions and the fundamental right to an abortion,” Newsom said in a statement released by Ashby. “We need Angelique’s energy, perspective, and results-driven leadership in the State Senate. Please join me in supporting her.”

“Governor Newsom has been on the frontlines of many righteous fights,” said Ashby. “I look forward to fighting alongside him in the Capitol. It is an honor to earn the support of someone who shares the same passion I have for serving our communities,” Ashby said.

Educator and community organizer Lola SmallwoodCuevas (D-Los Angeles) is a Black candidate running for Senate District 28 against fellow Democrat and Black civil rights attorney Cheryl C. Turner.

Smallwood-Cuevas says that “Newsom has made his call on this race.” He is endorsing her.

But Newsom has been quiet on the Democrat versus Democrat Los Angeles mayoral race. Bass, who is running to be the first Black Woman Mayor of the second largest city in the country, was endorsed by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in an August 2 joint statement.

Bass is facing billionaire and Republican-turned-Democrat Rick Caruso in a runoff election in November.

As the mayoral race gets closer to the election, some Bass supporters are baffled by Newsom’s reluctance to announce an endorsement in her favor.

A poll released by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) conducted in

September had Bass ahead of Caruso 34% to 31%. Bass was leading her adversary by 12% during the summer.

The California Black Women’s Collective, Black Women Organized for Political Action, Los Angeles African American Women’s Political Action Committee, and allies inked an “open letter” stating their allegiance to U.S. Congressmember Karen Bass and all Black women.

The Black women’s groups released the letter of support after Bass’ Baldwin Vista home was broken into in mid-September. Two people have been arrested, but the incident raised concerns about Bass’ safety, they say.

“Black women are more likely to be victims of crimes than our female counterparts, according to The Status of Black Women in the United States report by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research,” the open letter stated.

“Protecting ourselves is a matter of survival. Yet, when we are the victim of crimes, our calls for help are often ignored and even questioned by those who are charged with protecting and serving the community.”

Considering their support for Newsom in the past, the Black women’s organizations stated in their letter that choosing Bass “should be an easy choice” for the governor. They also said that it is “unacceptable to ask for our support but then turn your back on us when it matters the most.”

“(Bass) has demonstrated that she is the best one who will focus on bringing the state’s largest city together and move it forward for everyone,” the letter stated. “Which side of history do you want to be on, Governor?”

The post Black Women Leaders: Newsom Is Turning His Back on Karen Bass for Mayor first appeared on Post News Group. This article originally appeared in Post News Group.

Stockton Resident Tied to Serial Killings

Manny Otiko | California Black Media

Wesley Brownlee, a Bay Area native, is being held on murder charges by Stockton police. He is a suspect in a string of murders in Stockton and Oakland.

Black Women Organized for Political Action PAC (BWOPAPAC), California Black Women’s Collective PAC and Black women leaders throughout the state are calling out Gov. Gavin Newsom for not endorsing Congressmember Karen Bass (D-CA-37) for Los Angeles Mayor.

The individuals and

organizations said in a letter that they had “watched Governor Newsom issue his support to local and statewide candidates for this upcoming November general election,” but he has not indicated he would be supporting Bass.

“Black Women went all in to support Governor Newsom during the recall with Congressmember

In August 2021, Bass, members of the group calling itself Women Against the Recall (WAR), and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (DCA-37), held a news conference to openly support Newsom in the recall election held Sept. 14, 2021.

Newsom survived the political action and many Black women in the state are asking him to acknowledge their assistance.

“He stated that he supports Black women, but his administration

Gov. Newsom has not endorsed any candidate running for mayor of Los Angeles in the November election, but he recently lent support to a Democrat running for State Senator.

On October 8, Angelique Ashby announced in a written statement that Newsom endorsed her candidacy for State Senate District 8. Ashby currently represents Sacramento City Council District

According to news reports, local police have long suspected a serial killer was operating in the area. The serial killer is suspected of being responsible for at least six murders. One of the victims was shot but survived.

Brownlee, who lives in Stockton, has a history of drug arrests. According to juvenile court records, Brownlee lost a brother to gun violence. After this incident, he showed signs of mental and emotional distress.

Acting on a tip, local police and other law enforcement agencies

began surveilling Brownlee. He was arrested while scouting for new victims. When he was taken into custody, Brownlee was dressed in black clothing and was carrying a pistol and a mask.

“Our surveillance team followed this person while he was driving. We watched his patterns and determined early this morning he was on a mission to kill,” said Stockton police Chief

Congressman James E. Clyburn, House Majority Whip.

The Office of Traffic Safety and Caltrans Continue to Promote National Pedestrian Safety Month During October

Safety Tips for Drivers and Pedestrians Ahead of Halloween Celebrations

surroundings.

Look before you step: cross streets at marked crosswalks/ intersections, obey traffic signals and watch for turning vehicles.

To prevent stumbling or tripping, make sure that costumes don’t drag on the ground.

Look left-right-left before crossing a street.

Safety tips for drivers:

Don’t speed! Obey the speed limit, never use your phone, and always be cautious of your surroundings.

Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Look out for pedestrians, especially in hard-to-see conditions

such as at night or in bad weather.

Pedestrians have the right of way at any crosswalk or intersection, so yield and be prepared to stop.

Stop at the crosswalk stop line to give drivers in other lanes an opportunity to see and yield to pedestrians too.

Be cautious when backing up – pedestrians, especially young children, can move into your path suddenly.

National Pedestrian Safety Month is an ideal time to shine a light on the importance of prioritizing safer behaviors on the road to protect our children, parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and co-workers.

To learn more about ways to stay safe, visit www.gosafelyca. org.

Earthquake Retrofit Grant Available to Homeowners

ELK GROVE, Calif. —

October is best known for its Halloween festivities, but it is also National Pedestrian Safety Month, which ties in perfectly with the need for pedestrians and drivers to be extra careful and watch for increased foot traffic on the streets. This month, the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans are encouraging people to do their part to help reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

The streets are becoming more deadly for pedestrians, with an alarming increase in the number of people being struck and killed while walking.

During the pandemic in 2020,

6,516 pedestrians were killed throughout the U.S., including 986 in California. The same year, pedestrian deaths accounted for 17 percent of all traffic fatalities and 2 percent of all people injured in traffic crashes.

According to a 2022 report by Smart Growth America, people of color, particularly Black and Native American pedestrians, are more likely to die while walking than any other race or ethnic group. Older adults and people walking in low-income neighborhoods were also killed at much higher rates than other populations in 2020 as with past years. Traditionally, these neighborhoods have fewer

sidewalks and parks, as well as more roads without controlled access that can carry large volumes of local traffic at generally high speeds. These factors support the need for a heightened focus on road safety for residents who rely on walking or public transportation. Safety is a two-way street. Drivers and pedestrians must share the road, share the responsibility and work together to demonstrate safe behaviors on the road, helping to protect themselves and those around them. OTS and Caltrans offer the following tips for pedestrians and drivers to keep each other safe, particularly as Halloween approaches:

Safety tips for pedestrians:

Make yourself visible: wear bright colored clothes and carry a flashlight if you are walking at night.

Avoid dangerous behaviors: always walk on the sidewalk (don’t cross mid-block), stay sober and make eye contact with drivers –don’t assume the driver can see you.

Stay off your phone: talking and especially texting distracts you from paying attention to your

Community/ Education News

Earthquakes, large or small, can occur at any time. In a damaging earthquake, will your house remain on its foundation? Are you prepared? The California Residential Mitigation Program has created a way for you, the homeowner, to help protect your property and your loved ones.

Through the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program, you

may register for a grant of up to $3,000 to seismically retrofit your home. This program aims to help homeowners lessen the potential for damage to their houses during an earthquake by "bracing" the crawl space, when necessary, and "bolting" the house to its foundation. Income-eligible homeowners also may apply for supplemental grants that could provide up to 100 percent of the retrofit costs. Homeowners can apply for grants online during

Study Finds Black Student Enrollment at Community Colleges Has Steadily Declined

By Ariama C. Long | New York Amsterdam News | Word In Black

(WIB) – A recent report on the state of Black students in community colleges highlights a decline in enrollment since the pandemic and the everpresent inequitable policies that create barriers to higher education.

The report was published by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Director of Workforce Policy at the Joint Center Dr. Alex Camardelle said that for many Black Americans community colleges hold the promise of getting a job and access to higher education. Camardelle is concerned that current policies are creating alarming racial disparities at these institutions.

“Black workers are struggling to make ends meet during this health and economic crisis. Community colleges provide a path forward to ensure workforce readiness for all, but there are barriers holding back Black students from reaching their full potential,” said Camardelle.

The report found that Black student enrollment at community colleges has steadily declined over time and has dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic. From fall 2019 to fall 2021, enrollment fell 18% for all Black students who also experienced the lowest graduation rates when compared to their peers.

“In fact, findings from a recent Joint Center report show that Black students at community colleges experience lower graduation rates and earn tens of thousands of dollars less after graduation, while having to take on more debt than their peers to pay for school,” said Camardelle. “But, it doesn’t have to be this way.”

Unfortunately, some of these enrollment trends are reflected in

Jesse F. Kane is the senior vice president for student success and enrollment management at Medgar Evers College. Although Medgar Evers is a prestigious four-year undergraduate college that offers associate degree programs rather than a community college, Kane noted a decline in 2-year degrees.

“Following the national trend, we have seen our largest decline in our enrollment has been in our 2-year degree programs,” said Kane. “This decline has been exacerbated by the pandemic, during which we experienced a more than 15% decline. We are implementing strategies to restore this population of students by continuing to leverage our Accelerated Studies in Associate Program (ASAP), which is designed to eliminate barriers that associate students face.”

According to a City University of New York (CUNY) spokesperson, the percentage of Black students enrolled at CUNY community colleges has not declined since 2019 although enrollment has decreased across the board during the pandemic, which is consistent with national trends.

CUNY’s

“CUNY has taken many steps to help students who paused their education to re-enroll and created more workforce development programs to attract new students, including those who want to upskill in high-demand fields but not seek a formal degree,” said the spokesperson. “The road to recovery in New York City runs through CUNY and we are working with our partners in government and the private sector to get more students the education and skills they need to succeed in the workplace and improve their economic mobility.”

The spokesperson said that CUNY has taken multiple steps to help students during the pandemic, including pardoning over $100 million in debt to over 57,000 students through The CUNY Comeback program, not withholding the transcript of students with debt, and distributing $636 million in federal emergency grants and nearly $10

The Office of Traffic Safety and Caltrans Continue to Promote National Pedestrian Safety Month During

New York City’s institutions as well.

community colleges are Guttman Community, Queensborough, Kingsborough, Bronx Community, Hostos, Manhattan Community, and LaGuardia Community.

Commentary: Los Angeles. On Kevin de León, It’s Time to Put Up or Shut Up

Jasmyne Cannick | Special to California Black Media Partners

The situation with disgraced Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León reached a new low Wednesday when he calmly declared during a news interview that he is not resigning, putting to rest any hope that he would do the right thing and step down.

“No, I will not resign because there is a lot of work ahead,” De León said.

In the two weeks since the leaking of the audio of the October 2021 meeting involving City Council President Nury Martinez, Councilmembers Gil Cedillo and Kevin de León, and Ron Herrera, the leader of the Los Angeles Labor Federation, in which they were overheard conspiring to retain and expand Latino political power to the detriment of Black residents, a lot has been said.

But now, Los Angeles, it’s time to put up or shut up.

Either you stand for and with racists and bigots or you don’t.

There’s no in-between on this.

It is not easy to overlook the fact that far too many “leaders” and organizations hesitated before they could bring themselves to call for the resignation of all four involved.

“There is no place in our city family for attacks on colleagues and their loved ones, and there is no place for racism anywhere in L.A.,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti in his first statement.

Performative activism on the issue of De León’s resignation should not be celebrated or accepted — by anyone.

City leaders cannot claim to stand with us on this issue and then go on as business as usual. That makes them just as complicit as Martinez, Cedillo, De León,

and Herrera.

Labor and Democratic Party organizations cannot denounce the Racist Four and then not put measures in place to make sure that they are ineligible for future endorsements and resources for political campaigns in the future.

De León is a textbook narcissist who believes he has a bright political future ahead of himself, including his running for statewide office in 2026. In order for that run to be successful, he has to have the backing of labor, the Democratic Party, and Democratic clubs. These groups need to deliver a unified message that he can’t come to them for money, endorsements, or support.

But it doesn’t stop there.

Kevin has drawn a line in the sand: he’s not going to leave on his own.

We need to draw our own.

While I know many community, labor, and Democratic organizations were against the recall of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, those same groups should be

WORLD Channel Spotlights Key Election Issues in Local, USA Episodes this October

Local perspectives on extremism, climate change, caretakers and gun violence aim to inform voters ahead of fall elections

using their political savviness and resources to spearhead the recall of De León — that is, if they truly found his comments abhorrent and want him off city council.

If Kevin De León isn’t a perfect example of an elected official who needs to be given his pink slip, I don’t know who is.

Despite public outrage and disillusionment, De León thinks he can sit pretty for the time being as long as he is only facing surfacelevel activism. Remind you of anyone?

That needs to change, and allies need to do more than issue strongly-worded statements. It’s time for some strategic, organized action.

And before I get out of here, it’s not just allies who need to show up.

Black people, we need to show up for ourselves, too, lest we prove De León’s “Wizard of Oz effect” to be true.

If you are not talking about this situation in some way every day, as the elders say, “you ain’t talking about nothin.” If you can’t be out

there with Black Lives Matter and the other groups camping out in front of the homes of Cedillo and De León, then you support the people who are. There’s a role for everyone in fighting for our respect as a people.

How Los Angeles meets this moment will dictate the future of consequences for exposed racism and bigotry in our government. If De León is allowed to stay put, then going forward, no public official will allow themselves to be forced to resign over their antiBlack comments.

Gil Cedillo isn’t off the hook either. He, too, needs to kick rocks.

Everything I said about labor and Democratic organizations withholding support from De León should apply to Martinez, Cedillo, and Herrera. At least with Cedillo, while we want him gone now, we know he will be gone in December. The bigger problem we face is giving De León the boot.

Being a leader means more than being the first with a tersely worded statement or performing before the news cameras. It also means taking action and taking a stand, even when no one is watching and it’s uncomfortable to do so.

We are still waiting for Los Angeles “leaders” to meet the moment.

A political strategist, Jasmyne Cannick is a former Special Assistant to previous Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson, a delegate in the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, and a proud member of The Blacks who stands with the Oaxacan, Armenian, Jewish, and LGBTQ communities.

WORLD Channel Spotlights Key Election Issues in Local, USA Episodes this October...continued

Boston. “With these four locallyproduced films, we hope that viewers and voters will walk away feeling more informed and connected with issues facing Americans in communities near and far.”

Local, USA: Caretakers Monday, October 10

America

Monday, October 24

Business, Bank Groups Sue to Stop CFPB’s Fight Against Financial Discrimination

By Charlene Crowell

A still from Local, USA: In Their Element

Local, USA: In Their Element captures how Indigenous leaders are taking action to combat climate change in their areas, working to protect the earth, air, fire and water that comprises their native land on which they depend. The film airs on Monday, October 31, when it will also be released for streaming. Click here for the trailer.

Boston, MA (October 4, 2022) – WORLD Channel, public media’s home for diverse documentaries and humancentered programming, will air four short films that hone in on key voting topics ahead of the 2022 elections. Caretakers, Extremism in America, In Their Element and Heaven: Can You Hear Me? will air as part of WORLD Channel’s Local, USA series, which selects documentaries from public television stations and independent producers across the country, representing stories of diverse

people and under-represented local stories to be shared with a national audience.

“WORLD Channel’s north star centers on sharing timely stories from diverse communities. With critical topics on ballots across the nation this year, we are especially proud to elevate stories of lived experience and perseverance in the face of gun violence, extremism, the healthcare worker shortage and climate change,” said Chris Hastings, Executive Producer of WORLD Channel at GBH in

Explore the history of Filipinos in care work and profiles of Filipino Americans on the front lines today. The film shows, as filmmaker Geena Rocero says, “Filipinos as we are," while telling the stories of all people providing vital care. Meet caretakers like nurse Belinda Ellis, therapist Aleksa Manila, Chef Channing Centeno and phlebotomist Angel Bonilla. Based on Geena Rocero’s GLAAD- and Emmy-nominated web series. A public media initiative by The WNET Group.

Local, USA: Heaven: Can You Hear Me?

Monday, October 17

In Philadelphia, gun violence is the leading cause of death for young Black men. Explore the impact on families through the eyes of mothers like one woman, whose youngest of four sons was murdered. The film demonstrates the challenges gun violence prevention advocates confront while allowing viewers to understand the often-untold trauma and resilience of survivors.

Local, USA: Extremism in

According to government officials, domestic terrorism by white supremacists is the nation's most urgent threat. Extremism in America, from Retro Report and The WNET Group’s Exploring Hate initiative, shows how the spread of extremist beliefs and violence was downplayed for decades by policymakers and law enforcement even as this dangerous ideology, fueled by racism, grew into a potent force today.

Local, USA: In Their Element Monday, October 31

In Their Element spotlights Indigenous leaders rising up to meet the challenge of the climate crisis. The film features four communities across the United States, each working to protect a different natural resource: earth, air, fire and water. For people whose existence is inseparable from their native land, climate change is not a tale of the future –it is the present.

In addition to these four programs, a variety of documentaries, interviews and podcasts are available to stream on the WORLD Channel website, YouTube channel, PBS Passport and the PBS App.

For more information visit www. WORLDchannel.org/ and follow @worldchannel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

On September 28, two of the nation’s largest and most influential business groups filed a lawsuit against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and its Director Rohit Chopra. The action aims to prevent the CFPB from using its existing authority to protect consumers from racial discrimination when seeking mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, bank accounts, or other financial services

Leading the lawsuit are the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a lobby group for more than three million businesses across the country, and the American Bankers Association’s over 4,000 banks and trust companies. Additional coplaintiffs include: the Consumer Bankers Association, Texas Association of Business, and the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.

The lawsuit argues that when the CFPB conducts its regular exams of non-bank financial institutions, it does not have the authority to look for discrimination – based on race, religion, and other personal characteristics – that is illegal under the prohibition on unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices.

“The CFPB is pursuing an ideological agenda that goes well beyond what is authorized by law and the Chamber will not hesitate to hold them accountable,” U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President

and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley said in a statement.

But federal laws – not ideology –are the framework for the CFPB’s anti-discrimination work.

Discrimination in housing and lending more broadly were outlawed by 1968’s Fair Housing Act and 1974’s Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). Enforcing these laws is essential for financial fairness.

At the same time, illegal financial discrimination is pervasive, and some exists beyond the parameters of these fair lending laws that have traditionally been the focus of regulators. For example, the Student Borrower Protection Center has pointed to debt collection, predatory for-profit colleges, reporting credit information, and financial advice scams as markets where discriminatory acts or practices may not be covered by laws focused on the extension of credit, but that constitute unlawful financial discrimination nonetheless.

“When a person is denied access to a bank account because of their religion or race, this is unambiguously unfair,” CFPB Director Chopra said in a statement announcing the Bureau would start looking for unlawful non-credit financial discrimination.

In a blog post, CFPB officials

Press releases and legals Submission Deadline is MONDAYS by 5pm Email Press Releases to: mary@sb-american Submit legals on website @ sb-american.com

Business, Bank Groups Sue to Stop CFPB’s Fight Against Financial Discrimination...continued

in charge of supervision and enforcement wrote, “[w]hen people of color suffer racist conduct in the financial marketplace, it can cause substantial monetary and non-monetary harms.”

Consumer groups had strong reactions to the business groups’ lawsuit, saying it ignored the impetus for creating a federal financial watchdog: to ensure that financial services firms no longer prey upon unsuspecting consumers – particularly Black and Latino consumers who often were targeted for financial exploitation.

“It is outrageous these trade associations could suggest that discrimination in any financial service is not unfair or abusive or that the CFPB should not be monitoring the financial industry for discrimination wherever it occurs,” said Rich Dubois, executive director of the National Consumer Law Center.

He added that “People of color are more likely to be unbanked, to suffer unexplained disparities in credit scores and reports used for purposes beyond credit, and to experience discrimination in multiple areas throughout their

financial lives.”

Similarly, Elyse Hicks, consumer policy counsel at Americans for Financial Reform, a broad-based advocacy coalition that includes civil rights and racial justice advocates, also spoke out.

“With this lawsuit, the bank lobby has joined the disgraceful campaign of many groups and politicians that exploit racial grievance to stop the United States from facing up to the very real effects of persistent discrimination,” said Hicks in a statement. “The goal of big banks is simply to avoid having to face up to their own role in the historic wrong of structural racism, and the costs of that to their own bottom lines.”

“The CFPB has clear authority, as the top consumer watchdog, to watch out for discrimination of all kinds in consumer finance, penalize offenders, and correct bank practices,” Hicks concluded.

A multi-agency initiative begun nearly a year ago that included CFPB and the Department of Justice took a similar approach

County/Business News

continued below

George Floyd’s Daughter to File $250 Million Lawsuit Against Kanye West

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Chart-topping groups are bringing the SoulCal Experience to the High Desert

Adelanto, California - October 6, 2022 Sapphire Marketing Inc. in partnership with the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce is bringing the SoulCal Experience to the High Desert. The event presented by Desert Community Bank will feature chart-topping greats from the 1970’s and 80’s.

ConFunkShun, Lakeside, and Tierra Legacy will bring their hits to the stage and set the crowd ablaze. Also, featured will be the ever popular cover band, the Bromatics.

and perhaps the best breakup song of all time, “Let’s Just Kiss and Say Goodbye.”

The Bromatics are an old-school R&B singing group based in Southern California. Their tributes feature the Motown sound and groups like The Temptations, the Dramatics and others.

Sapphire Marketing Inc. was founded in 2010 and is a minorityowned boutique agency based in Southern California that has promoted and produced nearly 100 events over the last decade.

Assemblymember Holden Presents the City of Rancho Cucamonga a $1.9 Million Check for an Early Wildfire Detection System

Calling comments by Kanye West repugnant, the family of George Floyd said they plan to file a $250 million lawsuit against the troubled superstar.

Filed by Roxie Washington, the mother of Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, the lawsuit includes West, his business partners, and associates for “harassment,” “misappropriation,” “defamation,” and “infliction of emotional distress.”

The suit comes after West’s controversial “Drink Champs” interview in which he stated that Floyd didn’t die from convicted police officer Derek Chauvin’s knee pressed against his neck for more than 9 minutes.

West falsely asserted that Floyd died from fentanyl use and preexisting medical conditions.

Chauvin, 46, pleaded guilty in federal court earlier this year to charges of depriving Floyd of his constitutional rights.

He’s serving 252 months in prison.

In plea documents, Chauvin agreed that the sentencing for his crime should be based on seconddegree murder because he acted willfully and in callous and wanton disregard for the consequences of Floyd’s life.

Further, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Floyd’s death a homicide due to Chauvin kneeling on his neck.

“Kanye’s comments are a repugnant attempt to discount George Floyd’s life and to profit from his inhumane death,” Attorney Pat D. Dixon III said in a statement.

“We will hold Mr. West accountable for his flagrant remarks against Mr. Floyd’s legacy.”

Lee Merritt, the attorney for Floyd’s other family members,

also issued a cease-and-desist letter to West for his comments.

While the law renders it virtually impossible to defame a dead individual, Merritt cautioned that the family might sue West for his false statements.

“Claiming Floyd died from fentanyl and not the brutality established criminally and civilly undermines and diminishes the Floyd family’s fight,” Merritt said.

Another of Gianna’s attorneys, Kay Harper Williams, also scolded West.

“Free Speech Rights do not include harassment, lies, misrepresentation, and the misappropriation of George Floyd’s legacy,” Williams asserted.

“Some words have consequences, and Mr. West will be made to understand that.”

Meanwhile, West’s episode of Drink Champs was pulled.

“Drink Champs prides itself on its ability to allow a free flow of ideas within the hip-hop community,” a representative for the program told The Hollywood Reporter.

“That being said, unfortunately, the recent interview with Kanye West contained false and hurtful information regarding the circumstances surrounding the murder of George Floyd.”

According to NPR, Drink Champs host N.O.R.E called into Hot 97’s Ebro in the Morning to talk about the episode and issued an apology.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I can sit there and say, ‘That’s only Kanye West. It’s only what he said.’ But I have a responsibility when I have an audience. When I watched myself, I was embarrassed. I was like, ‘Wait a minute? You just let him say that?’ I’m irresponsible for letting it go.”

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The legendary funk band ConFunkShun has a list of hits that include ballads like “Baby I’m Hooked (Right Into Your Love), Straight From The Heart and “Loves Train”. Some of their funky grooves include “Chase Me”, “Ffun,” and “Got To Be Enough.”

Funky soul band Lakeside has been thrilling fans for more than four decades with hits like “Fantastic Voyage,” “It’s All The Way Live”, “We Want You - On the Floor” and “Raid.

“Tierra Legacy is made up of original members of Tierra and their children. Tierra Legacy will be performing many of the greatest hits of Tierra including the ever popular wedding song, “Together”, “Going In Circles”

The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce (SCBCC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) business organization dedicated to improving the economic environment for the minority business community, and fostering business development and prosperity.

Desert Community Bank has been serving the High Desert communities of San Bernardino County for more than 35 years and is part of the award-winning Flagstar Bank.

For more information about the Soul Cal Experience High Desert Music Festival or to get tickets go to the website www. soulcalconcerts.com or call Soul Cal Experience at 1-866-SOUL CAL/1-866-768-5225.

October 24, 2022 Rancho Cucamonga, California – Today, Assemblymember Holden, District 41, presented the City of Rancho Cucamonga with a check for $1.9 Million for the implementation of an Early Wildfire Detection System. The $1.9 Million will cover the installation of a newly available early wildfire detection system along the City’s northern boundary, following the wildlandurban interface to the Alta Loma and Etiwanda neighborhoods along the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains. The system will provide rapid detection, reporting, and response to wildfires.

“The FireBIRD system has the potential to save significant costs and resources. Early detection allows local jurisdictions to effectively respond to wildfires at its earliest stage with a goal to minimize fire spread thereby decreasing overall number of resources committed to the incident.”

– Mike McCliman, City of Rancho Cucamonga Fire Chief

The northern boundary of the City of Rancho Cucamonga consists of a wildland-urban interface between the residential Alta Loma and Etiwanda neighborhoods and the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. This area is particularly vulnerable to the risks of wildfire due to the rugged terrain and high wind events caused by gusting Santa Ana winds which can cause wildfires to spread rapidly. In 2003, the Grand Prix Fire, part of the Grand Prix incident – Padua – Old Wildfire complex which caused an estimated $1.3 billion in damages.

The area also experienced the 2014 Etiwanda Fire, and most recently in 2020, the Thorpe Fire, igniting a small fire near Almond and Mai Streets.

The proposed FIREBird wildfire detection system is produced by Lindsey FireSense LLC, of Azusa, CA. The FIREBird system is designed specifically to detect and report wildfires as small as 5 x 5 feet, up to a detectable distance of 900 feet, typically in less than two minutes. Rapid detection results in faster fire response and smaller fires to contain. The goal of the system is to save significant resources, money, and most importantly, lives.

The funding allows for the installation of the FIREBird camera units along the City’s northern border and provides funds for ongoing training, maintenance, and implementation.

The City of Rancho Cucamonga and the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District would like to thank Assemblymember Holden for championing the $1.9 Million funding for the FIREBird wildfire detection system. The system will aid in the rapid deployment of our local resources resulting in the preservation of the natural resources and the historically significant areas within the wildland-urban interface.

Video from this morning’s check presentation is available for download and use via Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user32124826/ download/763557364/02a167f7a8

For additional information, please contact the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District at 1-909-477-2770 or by emailing RCFire@cityofrc.us.

Study Finds Black Student Enrollment at Community Colleges Has Steadily Declined...continued from page 2

2023.

California State Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the Stockton Police Department and other law officers for removing a dangerous criminal from the streets.

“I am grateful for the work of the Stockton Police Department and law enforcement agencies who lent their support to this investigation, including the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Firearms and Bureau of Forensic Services,” Bonta said in a press release.

However, there seems to be no pattern to the murders. Four of the victims were Latino, and one was a White male. The lone survivor was a Black woman. Several victims were homeless.

According to FBI profilers, most serial killers are White males. But a few of them have been African American and people of color.

For example, Los Angeles-based serial killer Richard Ramirez, known as the “Night Stalker,” was Hispanic, and Lonnie David

Franklin Jr., dubbed “the Grim Sleeper,” was African American.

Franklin was responsible for at least 10 murders. He was called the Grim Sleeper because he appeared to go dormant and then become active again at intervals during his killing spree, which lasted three decades.

Franklin mainly targeted women in the South-Central area of Los Angeles. Most of his victims were sex workers. Several local residents complained that police didn’t take the killing seriously. Franklin died in prison.

According to FBI records, Samuel Little, an African American, is considered the most prolific serial killer. He claimed responsibility for 93 murders, 50 confirmed by the FBI.

According to police records, Little operated in Los Angeles and parts of Los Angeles County at one point. But before dying in prison in 2020 at the age of 80, prosecutors planned to tie him to murders in at least 14 states. He was serving a life sentence.

million through the Chancellor’s Emergency Fund.

The report also finds that the average Black community college graduate earns $20,000 less yearly than their peers, and white households with just high school diploma holders earn $2,000 more than Black community college graduates.

Camardelle said that by addressing basic student needs, such as childcare, tuition costs, and better transfer policies, community colleges can work to produce more equitable outcomes for Black students.

“And the biggest takeaway of all—making community colleges tuition-free will benefit Black students the most,” said Camardelle.

Free college might be a touch ambitious, but at least the BidenHarris administration seems to be making progress on their promise of student debt relief. The plan is projected to help borrowers and families recover from the pandemic and prepare to resume student loan payments in January

By targeting student debt relief, Biden hopes to at least narrow the racial wealth gap since almost 71% of Black undergraduate borrowers are Pell Grant recipients, and 65% of Latino undergraduate borrowers are Pell Grant recipients.

Governor Kathy Hochul also greenlit the Part-Time TAP program in August 2022. The program is an $150 million expansion of New York State’s popular Tuition Assistance Program. It will now include students who are pursuing their degree part-time.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about culture and politics in New York City for The Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting:https:// tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w

This post was originally published on New York Amsterdam News.

Local News

Entertainment/Local News

“Free Speech Rights do not include harassment, lies, misrepresentation, and the misappropriation of George Floyd’s legacy,” asserted attorney for Floyd’s daughter Gianna, Kay Harper Williams. “Some words have consequences, and Mr. West will be made to understand that.” (Photo: Kanye West at the Vanity Fair kickoff party for the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival. / Wikimedia Commons)

Stockton Resident Tied to Serial Killings... continued from page 1 Stanley McFadden during a press conference. “He was out hunting.”

By: Lou Coleman-Yeboah Lou Coleman-Yeboah

Time is running out! The signs are so strong, and the evidence is so clear that any person willing to accept the truth can see that the end of the world, as we know it, is near. EVERY sign that is given in [2 Timothy 3] are specifically pointing to our day today. These are the signs showing that the end of the world is near. I tell you, we ARE living in the last days, there can be no doubt. Do not be foolish! Repent while you still have time.

Jesus said, "Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many I say to you, will seek to enter, and will not be able to." [Luke 13:23,24].

Listen, we are commanded to seek the Kingdom of God first; not our careers, riches, or anything else. If we seek anything else first, Hell will be our portion. Ain’t no if and or butts about it. Jesus made it clear, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. We cannot serve both God and money [Matthew 6:24]. Oh, how I wish you would understand what I’m trying to convey to you.

You cannot continue your life without absolute focus on the Kingdom of God. Enter by the narrow gate [Matthew 7:13]. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness [Matthew 6:33]. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches” [Revelation 2]. Time is running out!

Now learn this lesson from the fig-tree: as soon as its twigs become tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. [Matthew 24:3342].

I want you to know that throughout Scripture, God is constantly taking His people to a point of decision. To a point in which they need to make a commitment one way or the other. A point in which they need to decide to choose life or death. It's been that way from the very beginning. In the garden of Eden, God set a tree, the tree of the knowledge of the good and evil and said, "You shall not eat from that tree. For the day you eat from it, you shall surely die". And so, he set before Adam and Eve a choice.

In the book of [Deuteronomy chapter 30:15-20], He gave us a

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE

Finding Common Ground in an Election Year

Roberto Ochoa

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” Christian Gospel of Luke 6:12 (NRSV)

This past weekend I watched a television report about a movement happening in Oregon where residents in the eastern part of the state are seeking a referendum to secede and merge with Idaho. The advocates for this movement for a “Greater Idaho” reason that Idaho is closer to their “way of life” than the more populous (and “liberal”) west coast of Oregon.

The report featured an individual who moved his family from a Portland suburb to a small town in Idaho and felt relieved that he was surrounded by people who thought like him, after years feeling marginalized in Oregon for his point of views. Yet, I wonder about those who are actually “marginalized” in Idaho; who live their lives struggling each day for who they are and what they believe.

In my ministry working with ethnic identified, rural, and smalltown congregations, I marvel at the courageousness of our UCC churches that strive to bring all voices together in meaningful ways to find common ground. In my experience, unlike the individual who moved from Portland to Idaho, our ethnic identified, rural, and small-town congregations are most often churches that hold members with diverse opinions on societal issues, even passionately opposing views. And yet somehow, they have learned to be in faithful relationship with one another by sustaining themselves as a beloved

community.

The continuous talk of the polarization of our country, especially in an election year, seems to cause people to dig in on party loyalty instead of considering what is the best for the country.

The two major political parties seem bent on vilifying the other on their quest to be the majority party to control the Senate and the House. However, does one or two seats in the Senate or a dozen of the 435 seats of the House of Representative “majorities” really reflect the will of the people?

Policy decisions made by slim margins can create a flip flop of laws that can criminalize people at the expense of their lives. There is no question that a constitutional right to one’s own body, now gone, will brand thousands of otherwise law-abiding citizens as criminals depending on what State she/he/ they live in. I can already hear the “if you don’t like it here, leave” mantra and the demand for forced conformity with no room for compromise and common ground. Is this even a democracy, or is it a nation in need of repentance and healing? I don’t believe separating from one another’s space or place is the answer to solving our societal and theological differences.

The United Church of Christ is a denomination with congregations made up from a wide spectrum of theological, social, ethnic, and cultural traditions and beliefs. We don’t always agree, yet what unites us is our loyalty to Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church and that we covenant with one another to follow Jesus, despite our differences. Our tradition of

choice, “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto Him: for He is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

“This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the Faithful and True Witness, the beginning of God’s new creation: For, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were

relying on prayer and asking for repentance and healing plays a major role in our lives as disciples of Christ.

I believe we are called to respect and love one another, especially when we disagree. Jesus points out that it is easy to love the one that is agreeable with us, but that it is not so with those that hold opposite beliefs to our own. In an election year, where we are so focusing on getting the vote out, we sometimes forget the vote is not the end of it. Rather, it is only a moment in our efforts to come together in our diversity to find

cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’— and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me. And to him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. [Revelation 3:15-22].

Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. [Revelation 3:3].

Oh, how I wish you would understand what I’m trying to convey to you! Time is running out! Repent, before it is too late!

common ground for the common good of ALL people.

It is my prayer, no matter the results of the elections on November 8, that on November 9 we may continue the work of finding common ground to heal our divided and hurting nation. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Rev. Roberto Ochoa M.Div. is the Minister for Ethnic Inclusion and Congregational Support for Rural and Small Churches of the Faith Education, Innovation, and Formation, Justice and Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ.

Bridging the Gap Awards Celebration and Fundraising Gala!

Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center in Fontana. The Inland Empire's most influential business, political, faithbased and community leaders are expected to be in attendance, as the nonprofit draws attention to the disease of epilepsy during its nationally recognized month and celebrates the exceptional work and achievements of its most dedicated supporters, individuals and organizations who have made legacy driven impacts in service to Inland Empire communities.

The Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. has announced it will be honoring City of Fontana's very own Mayor Acquanetta Warren

continued in next 2 columns

Bridging the Gap Awards Celebration and Fundraising Gala!...continued for her Achievements in Civic Leadership. "We are thrilled and looking forward to honoring Mayor Warren, a pillar in the community that leverages collaboration, inclusiveness, innovation and civic engagement to address issues and foster change,” said Executive Director Melanee Stovall.

Additional honorees include; Kimberly Anthony-Morrow, recipient of the Bridging the Gap in Academic Achievement Award, Sheri Bogh, recipient of the Bridging the Gap Community Hero Award, Alton L. Garrett Jr., recipient of the Founders Choice Award, Nykauni Tademy, recipient of the Bridging the Gap Community Empowerment Award and Miles Levin, recipient of the Bridging the Gap in Media Excellence Award.

“We are bursting with excitement to celebrate the tremendous work that each of our honorees contributes to bridging the gap in providing our communities with a better way of life,” added Ms. Stovall. "A special thank you to our sponsors: Chick-fil-A Rialto, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), Black Dyamond Events, Eclectic String by Paul Grether, A. Upland Fire Protection, City of Pomona, CEEM (Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement), and Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Iota Zeta Chapter at California State University San Bernardino, for all of their support," concluded Ms. Stovall.

The Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. is a California 501(c)3 nonprofit public benefit corporation founded to support individuals and families who suffer from epilepsy and other seizure related disorders. Helping those, they call champions, to live a sustainable life through participation of essential supportive programs and services.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, "epilepsy affects 1 out of every 26 individuals; 3.4 million people nationwide, more than

65 million people globally, and 150,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year."

The proceeds of the fundraiser will go toward the purchase of a van equipped to transport the foundation’s disabled champions to and from medical appointments, social outings, and more." said Executive Assistant Denise Loiacano. “We encourage you to participate in this trailblazing opportunity to support an underserved and unrecognized community,” she said.

The Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. has been recognized by San Bernardino County 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., Riverside County 5th District Supervisor Jeff Hewitt, Mayor of Fontana Acquanetta Warren, Mayor of Rialto Deborah Robertson, 64th District Assemblymember Mike Gipson, 47th District Assemblymember and Majority Leader Eloise Reyes Gomez, and 36th District Congressman Raul Ruiz; for the work they are doing to raise awareness of epilepsy and other seizure related disorders and for supporting those suffering. For tickets, sponsorship, and advertising visit www. legacybridgesfoundation.org/ galaregistration or call (951)3740933 for more information.

Unable to attend, make a contribution today at www.givebutter.com/ LegacyBridgesFoundationDonations to support the foundation's efforts to support the epilepsy and seizure disorder community. All contributions are fully tax deductible.

Respectfully, Melanee A. Stovall, MBA Executive Director Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. - Nonprofit of the Year Honoree! 951-374-0933 www.legacybridgesfoundation. org

Business, Bank Groups Sue to Stop CFPB’s Fight Against Financial Discrimination...continued from page 3 in response to discrimination in financial services.

That effort resulted in a nearly $9 million settlement with Trustmark National Bank, headquartered in Jackson, MS, for redlining in majority-Black and Latino neighborhoods in the Memphis-Mississippi-Arkansas Metropolitan Statistical Area. The settlement found that Trustmark violated ECOA, the Consumer Financial Protection Act, and the Fair Housing Act.

The settlement included: a $5.5 million civil penalty payable to CFPB and the OCC; the creation of a $3.85 million loan fund targeted to Black and Latino

communities; and an additional $600,000 earmarked to underwrite community partnership activities and advertising in underserved communities.

“Trustmark purposely excluded and discriminated against Black and Hispanic communities,” CFPB Director Chopra said in a statement. “The federal government will be working to rid the market of racist business practices, including those by discriminatory algorithms.”

After 50 years, it is as unfortunate as it is unjust that leading business groups, with this lawsuit, are standing in opposition to fair lending and civil rights.

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Lifestyle News

“Oh, How I Wish You Would Understand What I’m Trying to Convey to You!”

Finding Common Ground in an Election Year...continued

Fontana, CA, October 25, 2022

The Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. to host its Bridging the Gap Awards Celebration and Fundraising Gala, emceed by Squeaky Clean Comedian Mel Austin, on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 6:30p.m. This historic event will be held at the beautiful

Melanee A. Stovall

NBA Legend Discusses Rare Heart Disease that Mostly Affects African Americans

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Legendary former NBA player and coach Don Chaney has something important on his mind that he wishes to share, particularly with the Black community.

Chaney, who won an NBA title with the Boston Celtics and earned Coach of the Year honors with the Houston Rockets, wants African Americans to know that they are more likely than anyone else to have heart disease, including heart failure.

They are also prone to a rare, life-threatening disease associated with heart failure known as Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy – or ATTR-CM.

Chaney, 76, has teamed with Pfizer Rare Disease to spread the message about ATTR-CM and how it disproportionately affects African Americans.

“We can’t just be silent,” the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native declared in a special interview with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

“We have to get the message out there about this disease that’s rare and mostly unknown. Even some doctors are not familiar with the disease and how it affects African Americans.”

Although ATTR-CM is rare in general, it is believed to be especially underdiagnosed or overlooked in African Americans.

Through his involvement with Pfizer, Chaney encourages

African Americans who have heart failure or experience unresolved symptoms like irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, and carpal tunnel syndrome and have a family history of heart disease to talk to a cardiologist about ATTRCM.

There is a website to help individuals learn more and find tools for talking to a physician about ATTR-CM.

Chaney received his diagnosis in 2019.

His cardiologist told him that he had the hereditary form of ATTR-CM, which meant that it was passed down to him from a relative and could pass it down to his children.

The other form of the disease is Wild-type ATTR – also known as senile amyloidosis – that is not caused by mutation and develops in older adults, usually 65 and over.

“I started seeing a cardiologist for some heart-related symptoms, like fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath,” Chaney recalled.

“I was taking medicine for my palpitations as prescribed, but it was only making me feel worse. And because my mom and grandmother both passed away from heart disease, I was worried that I might be facing the same issues as them.”

Chaney underwent several

tests and procedures, and doctors discovered he had heart failure.

Initially the symptoms, significantly swollen knees, ankles, and feet, all were brushed off.

After all, Chaney had played about a dozen years of pro basketball.

“I didn’t think to mention them as part of my medical history when I started having heart problems, but I wish I had,” Chaney recounted.

“It turns out; some were early signs and symptoms of this rare heart condition called ATTR-CM.”

Chaney said he learned that some symptoms of ATTR-CM are similar to those of more common causes of heart failure, while others are not typically associated with the heart at all.

“In my case, and for many others, this lack of awareness about ATTR-CM can lead to a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. And because ATTR-CM can get worse over time, early diagnosis is key to establishing a timely treatment plan,” Chaney remarked.

He is now pushing the lifesaving message that, if you are African American, over 50 years old, have a family history of heart failure, and are experiencing unresolved symptoms like Chaney’s, you could be at risk for hereditary ATTR-CM.

“We have to talk to our doctors, tell them everything even if we

don’t think it’s important,” Chaney proclaimed.

“There is a history of distrust in medicine as African Americans, but this is so important that we ask questions and be open with our doctors. You want to separate yourself. I am not just a person with heart disease, but rare heart disease.”

He continued:

“This is a rare disease that mimics heart failure and, if it goes unattended or undiagnosed, it can be fatal. It can affect the heart, nerves, and different tissues in the body. You have to get treatment and medication as soon as possible, and I speak with my cardiologist all of the time.”

Chaney also noted the importance of closely following a treatment plan and having a trusted family member or companion assisting.

“I have a great caregiver in my wife Jackie,” Chaney added. “I realize my symptoms change all of the time, so she writes down and tracks them. When we meet with the cardiologist, we have everything. We cannot hold back. We, as African Americans, must start trusting again. It’s the only way to stay on top of this.”

Click here for more information about Chaney’s battle with ATTR-CM and to learn more about the disease:https://www. yourheartsmessage.com/don

Heart-related ATTR-CM symptoms:

Irregular heartbeat Fatigue

Shortness of breath

Swelling in lower legs and feet

Other ATTR-CM signs and symptoms:

Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome

Pain or numbness in lower back or legs

Eye disorders, such as glaucoma

5 Diseases that Stay In Your Body Decades before They Come Out

World/Health News

Diseases come and go, but some stay longer than others. And beyond that, some even lay dormant in your body for years, even decades, before they strike. The following list are some of those diseases you should be aware of:

HPV Human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is a virus that can cause skin or mucous membrane growths (warts). Some warts can occur on the skin, the genitals, or cause some forms of cancer.

Most cases of HPV clear within 1 to 2 years as the immune system fights off and eliminates the virus from the body. After that, the virus disappears and it can’t be transmitted to other people.

In extreme cases, HPV may lay dormant in the body for many years or even decades.

HPV is estimated to infect 75% of all men and women. The virus infects the top layer of skin after direct or indirect contact with the virus and remains present in your system.

There are over 120 varieties of HPV, and they are classified into “low-risk”- those that cause common and genital warts, and ‘high-risk”-those that can cause

certain cervical, anal, and even head and neck cancers.

In most cases, your body does have the ability to fight the virus since most infections are self-limiting, asymptomatic, or unrecognized, and can disappear in as little as two years. However, the infection does not go away on its own in some people, leading to other health problems.

Infection of HPV in the genitals can lead to cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, or penile cancer. If you are a woman above the age of 25, talk to your doctor about getting HPV testing with your pap smear.

Leprosy Leprosy was one of the most feared diseases in the world. People who had it were sequestered from the rest of society in leper colonies.

The disease was so common and the colonies so populous that colonies had their own crafts and even their own internal currency.

Which didn’t mean anyone wanted to live there. The tenants of leper colonies were shunned, and people would take mercury in an attempt to drive the disease out of their bodies. This didn’t work — and to a certain extent, shunning didn’t work, since leprosy can reside in a body for anywhere from a few

weeks to twenty years before any symptoms show up.

According to the National Institutes of Health, this is because, leprosy is caused by a bacterium that, in the case of many people, can be fought off by a healthy immune system. Even when you can’t fight it off, the bacterium is killed off by overly high temperatures. This is why leprosy is common in armadillos, which have a low body temperature — and why it first appears on the extremities and the nose in humans.

As the bacteria spreads and compromises your circulation, it slowly works its way inwards. Essentially, leprosy allows people to have a long, symptomfree existence because it needs an opportunity to work. Today, a combination of drugs can cure it quickly and easily. Although great strides have been made towards ending leprosy, there are still colonies in many countries.

Prion Diseases

Diseases caused by prions, known as a group as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or TSEs, are another set of diseases that can lie dormant for decades before striking. There are examples of this all over the world, in all

different species, from sheep and cows, to humans.

Prion diseases were first observed in humans in the form of kuru, a degenerative disease found among people in Papua New Guinea. It’s possible that the disease started as a heritable genetic trait, but for the most part, it was spread through cannibalism.

Later, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a similar neurological disorder, was found all over the world.

It seemed to run in families, but could also spring up seemingly out of nowhere. When “mad cow disease” made headlines, we saw the same symptoms all over again. And, because diseases of this kind can lurk undetected in a body for decades, we will probably keep seeing it.

Prions are tiny forms of protein that lack nucleic acid. This makes them largely immune to radiation and high temperatures — two ways that we render food safe. They eat away at the brain and the nerves, slowly taking away muscle control and lucidity as the disease progresses towards death.

Prions work by converting certain proteins in the body into more prions. The balance of the

5 Diseases that Stay In Your Body Decades before They Come Out...continued

two, the access of the prions to those proteins, and the ability of the body to resist make for incubation periods of up to thirty years. There’s still no known cure for any of these diseases.

Chagas Disease

This was a terror of the early tropical explorers. It was said that Charles Darwin contracted it during his scientific expeditions, as did many unlucky roving Victorians. The disease was transmitted by so-called “kissing bugs.” These bugs would settle on a person as they slept and bite their lips. The bugs transmitted the parasite Trypanosoma Cruzi.

At first, the parasite would cause chills, fever, and acute pain as it multiplied in the body. After a time, most healthy people would recover and return home. But the parasite hadn’t gone away. Instead, it infected the person’s body, putting a strain on both the heart and the intestines.

At first, the victim wouldn’t notice — but after a decade or so, the strain got to be too much. Most infected people would experience chronic digestive disorders. Both heart and intestines would enlarge until they were taxed to the limit — and eventually, they would burst or tear apart, killing the infected person.

The incubation period depends almost entirely on the health of the person and the aggressiveness of the parasites. Chagas is still around today, and about nine million people are infected. The drugs for it are in short supply, and it has to be treated early, to be effectively treated at all. This is one of the diseases that most health officials think will be a problem in decades to come.

Shingles

If you had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles is already avoiding your immune system. Shingles is an infection caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that is responsible for chickenpox.

After someone recovers from chickenpox, the VZV virus hides out in an inactive form in the body. The virus can then become active several years later and cause shingles.

Shingles affects the nerves with signs and symptoms of the infection including:

Increased skin sensitivity

Painful red rashes

Fluid-filled blisters

Severe Itching and burning sensation

These symptoms may last 3 – 5 weeks, but there are medications that can shorten the duration and severity of the illness. Some complications of shingles include post-herpetic neuralgia, an intense long-term nerve pain in the area where the rash of shingles appeared.

You can not get shingles from someone who has the rash. However, if you have never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine, it is possible for you to get the VZV virus and become sick with chickenpox. Once you are infected with the virus (or had the chickenpox), you are susceptible to shingles at any moment, especially when your defenses are down.

You can get ahead of this virus by making sure to get your shingles shot if you are over the age of 50. Be sure to use RxSaver to save significantly off your shingles vaccine cost.

January 29, 2021 by Dr. Maya Johnston-Stone

CDC Allows Novavax Monovalent COVID-19 Boosters for Adults Ages 18 and Older

World/Health News

Today, CDC’s Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., signed a decision memo allowing Novavax monovalent COVID-19 boosters for adults.

This action gives people ages 18 years and older the option to receive a Novavax monovalent booster instead of an updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna booster if they have completed primary series vaccination but have not previously received a COVID-19 booster—and if they cannot or will not receive mRNA vaccines.

Some may be unable to receive an mRNA vaccine as a result of an allergy to a component of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, or as a result of a history of a

severe allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, or a lack of availability of an mRNA vaccine. People ages 18 and older may also choose to receive a Novavax monovalent booster if they are unwilling to receive mRNA vaccines, and would otherwise not receive a booster dose.

FDA’s authorization of monovalent COVID-19 boosters and CDC’s recommendation for use, are important steps forward in our country’s comprehensive vaccination program—a program that has helped provide increased protection for all Americans COVID-19 disease and death.

Earthquake Retrofit Grant Available to Homeowners... continued from page 2

the registration period, which extends from October 18 through November 29, 2022.

Thanks to additional funding from FEMA that is administered by Cal OES, EBB grants will be available to homeowners in 521 ZIP Codes this year.

A graphic that says 17 thousand plus retrofit minimizing earthquake damage one house at a time.

To date, more than 17,500 Californians have retrofitted their homes with grant funding

from EBB. Learn more, find out if you qualify, and register at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.

Resources are available at EBBTools.com for you to share the program with your neighbors, constituents, colleagues, or others, Please confirm if zip codes in your jurisdiction are eligible here: https://www.earthquakebracebolt. com/Contractors-DesignProfessionals/What-You-Need-toKnow/EBB-Program-ZIP-Codes.

Legendary former NBA player and coach Don Chaney.

Popular Democratic Strategist Implores Black Voters ‘You Make the Difference’

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The 2022 midterm elections are just a few weeks away, and both sides of the aisle have long acknowledged it’s the most consequential in years.

Each of the seats in Congress is up, and 35 U.S. Senate chairs could flip.

Further, 36 governors’ races will occur, as would several downballot battles for posts like attorney general and state legislatures.

Polling suggests that while Democrats have emerged as favorites to at least hold its slim Senate majority, the GOP could sweep the U.S. House, where it takes 218 seats to win control of that chamber.

Also, Republicans need just a net gain of one seat to turn control of the Senate, where polling suggests that at least ten contests are tossups.

“When you think about what’s at stake, it’s very clear in terms of the GOP candidates who

emerged,” longtime Democratic Strategist Karen Finney said during an appearance on the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s live morning news program, Let It Be Known.

“That tells you a lot about their agenda if they win.”

Finney, a CNN political commentator, served as senior advisor to Stacey Abrams during the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race.

She also served as senior advisor for communications and political outreach and senior spokesperson for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2016.

Finney also counts as the first and only African American spokeswoman for the Democratic National Committee, where she helped lead the DNC’s communications and media strategy for Howard Dean’s “50 State Strategy,” re-branding the Democratic

Prop 29 threatens the lives of 80,000 dialysis patients.

Party, and the successful 2006 Congressional elections and DNC communications efforts during 2008 presidential campaign.

“We turned out in record numbers in 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, and not only defeated Trump, but we also took back the House and the Senate,” Finney insisted.

“Democrats have been working hard to keep their promises, the promises made to voters and the things voters said they wanted.”

She also mentioned the progress Democrats have made under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Finney wondered why Biden’s approval ratings have sunk despite keeping his campaign promises and moving the needle forward, particularly for Black America.

“We’ve got the infrastructure bill down. We got COVID Relief done,” Finney stated.

continued in next column

NEW REPORT: California’s Health Care System is Failing Black Californians

Black Californians want providers who listen to them, spend time with them, and speak respectfully with them about their health goals

State/Political News

CALIFORNIA – October 4, 2022 – Black Californians are pursuing good health and health care and want the health system to do its part—that is what the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF)’s recently completed study that listened to Black Californians’ experiences with racism and health care discovered.

The resulting report, Listening to Black Californians: How the Health Care System Undermines Their

Pursuit of Good Health, details recommendations on what decision makers within the health care system can do to hold it accountable for equitable care. Read the full report here.

The Listening to Black Californians study included a survey of 3,325 Black Californian adults, in-depth interviews with 100 Black Californians, and 18 statewide focus groups—it is one of the largest studies focused on the health care experiences of Black Californians to date. Conducted by Black-owned public opinion research firm EVITARUS, the study’s goal was to identify solutions for persistent health inequities Black Californians experience.

Some key findings include: ● Nearly one in three Black Californians has been treated unfairly by a health care provider because of their race or ethnicity.

● Black Californians are highly intentional in their pursuit of physical and mental health: most Black Californians report putting

Popular Democratic Strategist Implores Black Voters ‘You Make the Difference’...continued

“So, we got vaccines. We’re getting kids back in school, getting people back to work. We got our first Black female Supreme Court Justice, so promises are being kept.”

Finney said messaging is paramount and agreed it hadn’t been a strength for Democrats.

“There’s more that needs to get done, and the thing standing in our way is we got to elect more Democrats,” she insisted.

“I think it’s vital that we remind voters, particularly Black voters, that they have the power and the opportunity to help make sure we take control of the Senate.

a great deal or quite a bit of effort into getting appropriate screenings or preventive care (77%) and focusing on their mental health (79%).

● Two-thirds (66%) of Black Californians report researching a health condition or concern before meeting with a health care provider, and over one-third (35%) say they have tailored their speech and/or behavior to make a provider feel at ease.

● Black Californians who identify as women, LGBTQIA+, or who have a physical disability or mental illness are more likely to report experiencing racism and inadequate pain treatment.

“What we found in this study is of no surprise to any Black person who has navigated our health care system,” said Katherine Haynes, Senior Program Officer for CHCF’s People-Centered Care team. “The study demonstrates exactly how much Black Californians are doing in pursuit of good health and the clear vision they have for addressing racism in health care and health systems. However, we need those who hold power within these systems to be partners in this vision.”

Participants in the study made clear recommendations for how to improve health care for Black Californians and address discrimination, including increasing Black representation in health care, expanding education on navigating the system, establishing accountability for

equitable care, and developing more holistic approaches to health care.

The common thread throughout the report is that the solutions presented are Black and community-led, but require buyin, partnership, and action from the decision makers inside and outside of the health care system who can address the root causes.

“Helping patients navigate the current health care system is a short-term solution,” explained Dr. Venise C. Curry, Consultant and Western Director for the Medical Consortium on Climate and Health’s Climate Health and Equity Fellowship. “You can’t just have people advocating for themselves at an individual level, we need a better care system, and for that there has to be accountability. We need to address the root cause to improve quality care.”

While the average Californians lives to be 81, the average Black Californian only lives to age 75. Black Californians have health insurance, get preventive screenings, prepare for visits to the doctor, and monitor their physical health, but the report concludes this is not enough— the health care system must meet Black Californians halfway. Health systems, medical training programs, and policymakers are encouraged to read the full CHCF report and learn more about how they can help be a catalyst for change at chcf.org/LBCA.

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Submission Deadline 5 pm Monday Please email to : mary@sb-american.com

California Poised to Become World’s 4th Biggest Economy

State/Political News

SACRAMENTO – According to Bloomberg, California is poised to overtake Germany as the world’s 4th largest economy, continuing to outperform the nation and other countries in GDP growth, companies’ market value, renewable energy and more.

“California technology hardware, media and software saw sales increase 63%, 95% and 115% the past three years, boosting market valuations by 184%, 54% and 58%”

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

NAACP SAYS

on 29

Ad paid for by No on 29: Stop Yet Another Dangerous Dialysis Proposition, sponsored by patients, doctors, nurses and dialysis providers.

Committee major funding from DaVita Fresenius Medical Care U.S. Renal Care Funding details at www.fppc.ca.gov

“In that way, we can keep getting done the things that voters have told us they want. Things like lowering the cost of prescription drugs and protecting Obamacare, passing criminal justice reform, codifying the protections of Roe v. Wade, and protecting our voting rights once and for all.”

Finney added that part of her mission is to ensure Black voters know they’re different in these allimportant elections.

“We have to help turnout and give Democrats the clear majority in the Senate so that we can continue to do the things that we all came out in record numbers and voted for in 2020,” she stated.

“I think part of the message that’s also important and things we have to talk about is that Democrats and President Biden had been working hard to keep their promises, and there’s more to do, and we need more Democrats in the Senate.”

“While critics often say California’s best days are behind us, reality proves otherwise – our economic growth and job gains continue to fuel the nation’s economy,” said Governor Newsom. “California’s values and entrepreneurial spirit have powered this ascent to becoming the 4th biggest economy in the world, and we’ll continue doubling down on industries of the future, like renewables and clean energy. I feel tremendous pride in California's resilience, leadership, and our formula for success.”

Here are some of the top takeaways from Bloomberg’s data:

“California outperforms the US and the rest of the world across many industries. That's especially relevant with renewable energy, the fastest-growing business in California”

“California's trajectory is most transparent in the growing divergence between its 379 companies with a market value of at least $1 billion”

“Job creation is a particularly strong area, with unemployment falling to 3.9% in July, the lowest since data was compiled in 1976 … California's joblessness dipped below Texas”

Governor Newsom has implemented a $52 billion financial assistance package to help Californians with rising inflation and costs. The most robust and comprehensive stimulus program in the nation, it provides $26 billion in direct payments, $15 billion in tax relief and grants for businesses, and more.

As noted by Bloomberg, renewable energy has become California’s fastest-growing business. Governor Newsom has doubled down on clean energy and zero-emission vehicles, implementing a $10 billion package to make it more affordable for Californians to buy ZEVs while building out the state’s charging infrastructure. California now has six times more clean energy jobs than fossil fuel jobs, and ZEVs have become one of the state’s top exports.

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

Angie Gant Dialysis Patient Orange County

Democratic strategist Karen Finney says that part of her mission is to ensure Black voters know they’re different in these all-important elections.