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)
By Jennifer Porter Gore Word in Black
Cigarette smoking has plunged more than 70 percent among Americans since a landmark 1965 surgeon general’s report linked tobacco use to cancer.
But recently, the nation’s top doctor issued a report that found that people of color, people with low incomes and members of the LGBT community still have disproportionately high smoking rates.
Despite decades of strict anti-tobacco-related laws and a historic lawsuit intended to punish the tobacco industry, disparate smoking rates in marginalized communities have increased since 2000, the report finds.
Authored by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, the report calls out Big Tobacco as a key driver of the disparities, pointing to decades of aggressive, highly specific marketing aimed at those communities.
Socially and economically marginalized groups “have been subjected to decades of inequitable treatment and
manipulative tactics that impact tobacco-related health consequences,” according to the report. It also noted that smoking is a significant factor in disparate health outcomes between white people and people of color.
Anti-smoking advocates welcomed the report.
Harold Wimmer, president of the American Lung Association, said in a statement that Murthy’s findings show the tobacco industry harmed vulnerable people and communities through “the use of tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke, and the death and disease that disproportionately affects” them.
“Achieving health equity requires knowing where these disparities exist and acting to eliminate them,” he said.
Murthy’s report is the latest in a series of surgeon general’s reports on tobacco use among U.S. racial and ethnic groups.
Besides identifying the problem, it proposes ways to eliminate
these disparities and advance health equity in the U.S.
“Tobacco use imposes a heavy toll on families across generations. Now is the time to accelerate our efforts to create a world in which zero lives are harmed by or lost to tobacco,”
Murthy said in a statement.
“This report offers a vision for a tobacco-free future, focused on those who bear the greatest burden, and serves as a call to action for all people to play a role in realizing that vision.”
To be sure, the tobacco settlement and the antismoking movements triggered a drop in overall smoking rates and substantial reductions in secondhand smoke exposure in the overall U.S. population.
Still, poverty, racism, and the tobacco industry’s marketing strategies are major roadblocks to progress and are responsible for the differing rates of smoking by various demographic groups, according to the report.
As a result, cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure continue to cause roughly 20% of all U.S. deaths each year — a total of half a million victims.
Cigarette smoking is also a major cause of heart disease — the number one killer of U.S. adults —and is directly linked to lung cancer. Black men have the highest incidence and death rate due to lung cancer of any racial and ethnic group of men or women.
To curb those disparities, the report calls for government policies that increase access to health care, education, and safe, smoke-free housing and workplaces. It also calls for restricting flavored tobacco product sales, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to do. Health organizations continue to call for action on this front and suggest state and local governments pick up the slack.
“Among its many findings, the report concludes that menthol flavored tobacco products increase the likelihood of tobacco initiation, addiction, and sustained use; and are target marketed and used disproportionately by certain population groups, including Black people and people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual,” ALA’s Wimmer said.
“Following the Biden administration’s failure in 2023 to finalize the lifesaving rules to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars across the country, the American Lung Association urges cities and states across the U.S. to pass policies to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars and flavored e-cigarettes,” Wimmer said.
Jay-Z Denies Sexual Assault Allegations, Accuses Lawyer Tony Buzbee of Blackmail... continued
the allegations in a statement released via his Roc Nation platform. He specifically called out the accuser’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, to attempt to extort him.
“My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a ‘lawyer’ named Tony Buzbee,” Jay-Z said.
“What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!”
Jay-Z urged Buzbee to pursue a criminal complaint instead of a civil suit if the allegations were genuine. “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree? These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case.”
Combs’ Denial
Diddy’s representatives also denied the accusations.
“This amended complaint and the recent extortion lawsuit against Mr. Buzbee expose his barrage of lawsuits against Mr. Combs for what they are: shameless publicity stunts, designed to extract payments from celebrities who fear having lies spread about them, just as lies have been spread about Mr. Combs.” They added, “As
his legal team has said before, Mr. Combs has full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor.”
Background on Tony Buzbee
Black Virginia News
Publisher and BlackPressUSA. com correspondent Lauren Burke reported that Buzbee has a history of filing highprofile lawsuits against wealthy Black entertainers and athletes, including Deshaun Watson, Travis Scott, and now Jay-Z and Combs. He previously represented over 120 clients who sued Scott following the deadly 2021 Astroworld Festival crowd surge. Burke also drew attention to Buzbee’s political affiliations. Though he ran as a Democrat for the Texas State House in 2002, he supported Republican Rick Perry’s 2012 presidential campaign and hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump in 2016. Jay-Z concluded his statement by hinting at potential legal action. “You have made a terrible error in judgement thinking that all ‘celebrities’ are the same. I’m not from your world. I’m a young man who made it out of the projects of Brooklyn. We don’t play these types of games. We have very strict codes and honor. We protect children, you seem to exploit people for personal gain. “I look forward to showing you just how different I am.”
Poppy Market Announces its Grand Opening in Adelanto, California
Modern convenience store, Poppy, invites visitors to “pop by and say hi” at the opening of their newest location Jay-Z Denies Sexual
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire
Carter, expressed the personal toll the allegation takes on his family, particularly his children: 12-year-old Blue Ivy and 7-yearold twins Rumi and Sir.
“My only heartbreak is for my family,” he said. “My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims and explain the cruelty and greed of people.” He added, “I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age. It is unfair to have to try to understand inexplicable degrees of malice meant to destroy
families and human spirit.” Lawsuit and Response
The lawsuit, originally filed in October and refiled in New York last week, alleges that Jay-Z raped the girl while Combs and another individual referred to as “Celebrity B” watched. The suit claims the girl was taken to the after-party under false pretenses by a limousine driver who said she “fit what Diddy was looking for.” After denying her entry to the awards ceremony, the driver allegedly invited her to the party. Jay-Z vehemently denied
Adelanto, Calif. (December 9, 2024) – We’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of our newest Poppy Market in Adelanto, California! At Poppy, we’re all about making convenience feel fantastic with high-quality products, exceptional service, and a welcoming space for everyone.
"I couldn’t be more excited to bring Poppy Market to the incredible community of Adelanto," said Varish Goyal, our CEO. "This is a huge milestone for us, and we can’t wait to be part of the neighborhood. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick snack, filling up your gas tank, or just looking for a friendly place to connect, we’re here to make every visit memorable. Building strong relationships with our communities is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re looking forward to creating amazing moments with the residents and visitors of Adelanto." At Poppy, we’ve designed our stores to fit into your busy life without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re on the go or taking a moment to relax, we’ve got you covered with delicious food, sleek spaces, and efficient service.
We also want to reward you for making us part of your day. With our loyalty program, you’ll get 800 points just for signing up, plus 4 points for every dollar you spend in-store and 2 points per gallon of gas. Redeeming your points is super easy—just enter your phone number at checkout and choose whether to use them right away or save up for something special. We love treating our loyal customers, so we’ve also got daily deals and “freebie clubs” to keep the rewards coming. Come visit us and see what makes Poppy Market different. Learn more at www. poppymarket.com or follow us on Instagram at @poppymarkets. We can’t
The Outstanding Achievement Awards Recognize District Students, Parents and Staff
SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano and the Board of Education honored Curtis Middle School eighth-grader Jasaun Alonzo Lee Carswell as an Outstanding Student for October 2024. (Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)
SAN BERNARDINO,
CA—On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Fairfax Elementary School, Riley College Prep Academy Elementary School, Curtis Middle School and Virtual Academy.
The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/ Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the District’s dedication to student achievement and wellbeing.
Fairfax Elementary School, Principal Dr. Gregory Alexander:
Alexa Fuentes Vasquez is a second-grader and Outstanding Student. Principal Alexander shared that Fuentes Vasquez demonstrates safe, respectful and responsible behavior. She consistently scores at the top of the class.
Markus Garcia is a fifth-grader and was also recognized as an Outstanding Student. Garcia is a cooperative and well-mannered 5th-grader who completes his work accurately and on time. His passion for learning, his willingness to be a team player, and his determination to succeed in life is beyond compare.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Natalie Rincon has made a difference for all students at Fairfax Elementary by volunteering nearly the entire 2023–24 school year as a recreation aide. She attends field trips and serves on the English
Learner Advisory Council (ELAC). During lunch and recess, Rincon also found special time to connect with students who spoke limited English to make them feel comfortable and important.
Secretary II Desiree Huerta is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Huerta is the heart and soul of Fairfax. She is organized and keeps staff informed. She demonstrates professionalism by giving her best everyday and exemplifies resilience by facing and resolving problems and overcoming adversities on a regular basis.
National Board Certified Teacher Jason Scott is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. As a Multi-tiered System of Support Teacher on Special Assignment, Scott has established a solid tier 2 intervention by organizing and implementing the school’s learning lab. He exemplifies the belief in human potential because he truly believes that every individual can learn and exceed expectations.
Riley College Prep Academy Elementary School, Principal Jaime Arias:
Leo Garcia is a fifth-grader and Outstanding Student. Garcia shines as an exceptional student who perseveres through challenges and always tries his hardest. He is the first to lend a helping hand to a friend and consistently demonstrates classroom expectations. His bright light shines whenever you see him, and he is a natural leader who models great behavior and sets a positive example for his peers.
Evelyn Palacios Garcia is a fourth-grader and Outstanding
Student. Palacios Garcia exceeded expectations in both language arts and math on the CAASPP last year as a thirdgrader. Her laughter and smiles brighten each day, reflecting her happiness to be at school and learning. She upholds all PBIS expectations and has earned a role on Riley's Honor Patrol. Outstanding Parent Award winner Elizabeth Delgado is a shining example of parent empowerment and engagement. Her dedication to Riley is evident through her active involvement in the School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Council and other District committees, as well as her volunteer hours. She is a proud San Bernardino High graduate and a true product of San Bernardino.
Bilingual Health Aide Alejandra Sanchez is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Sanchez models professionalism, pride and kindness daily. She shines when caring for students’ health, helping families support their child's health and working collaboratively with her office team on daily operations.
Program Facilitator Scott Neuscheler is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Neuscheler exemplifies the District's Operational Values by championing the strengths of every Riley student and teacher and helping them reach their fullest potential. He advocates for all students to receive the support they need, creating a safe and welcoming school environment that is fun and joyful.
Curtis Middle School, Principal Guillermo Guerrero: Eighth-grader Jasaun Alonzo
Lee Carswell is an Outstanding Student. Carswell is a member of the Lion Team and has been a driving force behind the motto “The Curtis Way.” He played a pivotal role in Curtis Middle School's achievement of the STEM Pathway Linked Learning Gold Certification, showcasing his dedication to academic excellence.
Oswaldo Moreno Cortes is a seventh-grader and Outstanding Student. Moreno Cortes exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated scholar and to live The Curtis Way. Beginning his SBCUSD journey as a kindergarten English learner, Moreno Cortes has demonstrated remarkable progress. With a 4.0 GPA, perfect attendance and a strong work ethic, he is a shining example of academic excellence and perseverance.
Marina Perez is an Outstanding Parent Award winner. Perez has earned recognition for her active involvement and dedication to her school community. As a key member of Curtis’s English Learner Advisory Council and the District-level committee, she plays a vital role in supporting efforts to improve educational outcomes for English learners.
Bilingual Attendance Technician Gabriela Caracoza is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Caracoza truly exemplifies the District’s Vision 2030: SBCUSD SHINES in all that she does. A pillar of positivity in the school office, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the success of staff and scholars. Her stellar customer service and dedication to supporting the school community make her an essential part of the Curtis family.
Scott Velasquez is an
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Meets with Members of Congress, Leading Effort Across States to Protect the United States Department of Education
WASHINGTON, D.C.— California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond met with members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation today to discuss strategies to block efforts to abolish the U.S. Department of Education. Federal education funds provide $7.9 billion annually to support California’s public schools, including critical programs that
support low-income students, students with disabilities, and other underserved populations. Approximately 20 members of the U.S. Congress attended Wednesday’s meeting with Superintendent Thurmond, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11) and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation. During the meeting, delegation
members reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to protecting public education and ensuring federal funding remains intact for California’s students.
“Eliminating the U.S. Department of Education would have devastating consequences for public education, especially for students with disabilities and families in low-income communities,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “The stakes couldn’t be higher. Every student deserves access to a quality education. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure the protections and resources guaranteed by federal law remain in place. I urge everyone to join this fight and make their voices heard.”
Superintendent Thurmond intends to lead a national outreach to inform constituents across the country—particularly in rural communities—about the potential loss of special education funding and other critical
By Nakia Cooper
The Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling challenges students like Natalie Greene, a Black and deaf high achiever excelling in basketball, advocacy and academics, as she strives for success in higher education.
Bayou Beat News
HOUSTON, TX — For highachieving high school senior
Natalie Greene, the overturning of affirmative action in 2023 has been a deeply personal barrier to her dreams of academic excellence.
Standing tall at 6’1”, Greene commands attention for her accomplishments. Ranked in the top 10% of her class with a 4.1 GPA, the Willowridge High School student juggles leadership roles as homecoming queen, student body president and captain of the Lady Eagles varsity basketball team, proudly donning jersey #24.
Born deaf and hard-of-hearing, she aspires to study American Sign Language (ASL) at a prestigious institution, hoping to create meaningful change within the deaf community.
The June 2023 Supreme Court rulings in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina struck down the consideration of race in college admissions, introducing significant challenges for Black students
SBCUSD Board of Education Presents Awards at Oct. 22 Meeting...continued
Outstanding Certificated Employee and English Language Arts Teacher. Velasquez is an exemplary leader who embodies Vision 2030: SBCUSD SHINES every day. As a dedicated team lead, department chair and sports coach, he consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence. His leadership and dedication to Curtis scholars, along with his embodiment of the Curtis Way, contribute to a thriving and positive school culture.
Virtual Academy, Principal Karma Duffy: Jaylin Soto is a senior and an Outstanding Student. Soto has worked hard during her time at Virtual Academy. She has strived to do her academic best. She not only excels in her high school coursework but also her college coursework. She currently has completed two semesters of college coursework as part of the Dual Enrollment program.
High school junior Malia Woods is an Outstanding Student. Woods has been a great student who is always willing to go above and beyond what's expected of her. Her teacher has witnessed her growth as a virtual student and her strong leadership skills. She submits quality work, participates in Dual Enrollment, attending both high
supports. The outreach effort aims to empower communities to voice their concerns to Congress and advocate the preservation of these vital programs.
The U.S. Department of Education provides essential funding and oversight for programs such as Title I to support low-income students, Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding to provide special education services, and civil rights protections under Title VI and Title IX. According to Superintendent Thurmond, abolishing the U.S. Department of Education would create an irrevocable and unacceptable impact on the nation’s education system.
More information about programs in California’s public schools that are supported by federal funding can be found on the California Department of Education’s Categorical Programs web page under the “Federal Programs” tab.
school and college classes, and attends most Virtual Academy in-person events. Kesha McGee is an Outstanding Parent. McGee is always willing to support and be involved in her child’s education and wider school matters. She has been a driving force in the establishment of Virtual Academy’s African-American Parent Advisory Council and the PTO. School staff appreciate that she is looking out not only for her own child but for all the students of Virtual Academy.
Senior Clerk Sonja Brock is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Brock exemplifies professionalism as she works closely with parents and staff to ensure that everyone feels valued and respected. She is the school’s enrollment specialist and works to ensure families understand the Independent Study process through both Virtual Academy and the Alternative Learning Center.
High School English Language Arts Teacher Lorie Myers is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She exemplifies the importance of human potential. Her warm demeanor provides a feeling of support with high expectations for all of her scholars. She has always been a team player and truly takes an interest in every scholar she works with.
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Neely’s final moments were captured on bystander video, showing Penny restraining him with a chokehold for nearly six minutes. Witnesses testified that Neely, a one-time Michael Jackson impersonator, had been shouting on the train, expressing his desperation, hunger, and desire to return to jail. His erratic behavior allegedly frightened some passengers, and Penny grabbed Neely and placed him in a chokehold.
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Photo of Jordan Neely
Daniel Penny, the former Marine who placed Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold on a New York City subway, was acquitted Monday of criminally negligent homicide. Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man with a documented history of mental illness, died on May 1, 2023, in an incident that drew national attention and ignited weeks of protests over issues of mental health, public safety, and racial justice.
The acquittal came after a jury of seven women and five men deliberated for five days. Their decision followed a deadlock on a more serious manslaughter charge, leading Judge Maxwell Wiley to dismiss it on Friday. Penny, 26, who faced up to four years in prison, walked free after the jury found no unanimous consensus on his criminal liability.
Neely’s final moments were captured on bystander video,
showing Penny restraining him with a chokehold for nearly six minutes. Witnesses testified that Neely, a one-time Michael Jackson impersonator, had been shouting on the train, expressing his desperation, hunger, and desire to return to jail. His erratic behavior allegedly frightened some passengers, and Penny grabbed Neely and placed him in a chokehold.
The case has drawn comparisons to the infamous 1984 incident involving Bernhard Goetz, a white man who shot four Black teenagers on a New York City subway after claiming he believed they were trying to rob him. Goetz’s acquittal on attempted murder charges, despite being convicted of illegal firearm possession, sparked fierce debates on race, vigilantism, and self-defense. Much like the Goetz case, Penny’s acquittal has again highlighted the persistent racial
Inland Empire and Southern California should continue to see steady economic growth in 2025, SCAG economists say
County/Government News
The Inland Empire’s emergence as a global trade hub and the impact of steady population growth on key industries such as health care, retailing, and hospitality will continue to drive economic expansion in the twocounty region over the next year, according to a new economic report.
The report, released Thursday by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) as part of its annual Southern California Economic Update, projects that increases in consumer and business spending, along with foreign trade, will continue to drive gains in one of the world’s biggest supply chain corridors. The Inland Empire’s robust logistics sector currently employs more than 166,000 people, and in San Bernardino County alone, accounts for one of every five jobs.
“The outlook for the near-term future is positive for the Inland Empire,” said Dr. Manfred Keil, Chief Economist for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, who prepared the Inland Empire analysis for SCAG. “First, steady growth in the U.S. economy is expected over the next six to 18 months, driving increases in spending. Second, migration to the region will increase as households move from the coastal areas and elsewhere in search of more favorable housing costs (which) will trigger continued growth in populationserving industries such as health care, retail trade, and leisure and hospitality services.”
Keil is part of an Economic Roundtable convened by the SCAG to provide a snapshot of the region and a preview of economic opportunities and challenges ahead. Their research was presented Thursday to SCAG’s Regional Council, offering a mostly optimistic forecast for the coming year.
“The risk of recession is
disparities in how the justice system perceives and punishes acts of force, particularly when the victims are Black.
Prosecutors argued Penny’s actions were reckless and caused Neely’s death by neck compression. The city’s medical examiner ruled Neely’s death a homicide, attributing it to the chokehold. Penny’s defense team maintained he acted out of fear for other passengers’ safety and did not intend to kill Neely. They further claimed that the amount of pressure Penny applied during the restraint was unclear.
The case has resurfaced deep societal divides over the handling of mental health crises and
vigilantism. Neely, a Black man battling untreated mental illness and homelessness, became a symbol of systemic failures. Penny’s actions—and his subsequent legal defense—drew sharp criticism for perpetuating dangerous stereotypes and justifying lethal force against vulnerable individuals.
Jordan Neely’s father, Andre Zachary, has since filed a civil lawsuit against Penny in New York Supreme Court. The suit alleges negligence, assault, and battery, seeking damages exceeding the jurisdictional limits of lower courts. “We are still seeking justice for Jordan,” Zachary said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. —
Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) released the following statement after U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) was sworn into the Senate:
“Throughout his career, Adam has been a tireless champion for
sharply lower than it was a year ago. Consumers continue to drive the state and regional economies with their spending, and business investment in equipment and software is sharply higher. This should extend into 2025 as interest rates soften,” said Kome Ajise, SCAG Executive Director. Regionwide, the growth in logistics, development of largescale transportation, health care, and energy projects, and increases in tourism will carry into 2025, the economists said. This will increase demand for labor as well as investment in capital equipment, software, and real estate. Also, housing construction and sales should rebound as the cycle of interest rates turns lower.
The Inland Empire, meanwhile, continues to perform somewhat better than the SCAG region as a whole, with steady employment gains in multiple sectors and a growing labor pool. Today, the Inland Empire ranks as the 12th largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the United States and is within 200,000 residents of the Boston-Cambridge MSA for 11th place.
Positive factors moving forward include the strength of the two-county region’s health care industry, development of the Brightline West High-Speed Rail system between Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas, a number of extremely large housing developments (e.g., Silverwood in Hesperia, Ontario Ranch) and continued investment in major logistics centers. Challenges do remain. Comparing wages to gross domestic product, the Inland Empire ranks 300th out of 390 MSAs nationwide. Also, proposed hefty tariffs on imported goods, in particular from China, could reduce imports and negatively impact the region’s logistics industry.
middle-class families, working to lower the cost of housing and health care while protecting our fundamental freedoms. As California and the nation prepare for the challenges ahead, I’m glad to have Adam Schiff as a trusted partner in the Senate.”
NNPA NEWSWIRE — The rollback of diversity efforts comes as data reveals significant racial inequities in corporate leadership. USA Today reported that its investigation found that white men hold seven out of 10 executive officer positions at the nation’s largest companies, with one in seven of those companies having all-white executive teams. The lack of representation underscores the stakes for employees of color and marginalized communities as diversity programs face increasing opposition.
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
In 2020, following the global Black Lives Matter protests, Walmart pledged to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. Its “Belonging” program promised associates they would “feel seen, supported, and connected” and highlighted that diversity would drive engagement and business success. Four years later, Walmart is reversing course, dismantling many of those commitments as the incoming Trump administration advances policies critics argue will deepen racial divisions in America.
Once vocal about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the retailer announced it would no longer consider race or gender when awarding supplier contracts or collecting demographic data for financing eligibility and grants. Walmart
Walmart Ends Diversity Commitments as Trump Policies Stoke Division...continued
Starbuck, who has targeted major corporations for their diversity initiatives. Starbuck said his discussions with Walmart led to these changes and described the retailer’s decision as “the biggest win yet for our movement to end wokeness in corporate America.”
Walmart has also discontinued racial equity training, ended participation in the Human Rights Coalition’s Corporate Equality Index, and removed terms like “Latinx” and “DEI” from its corporate lexicon.
The reversals align with the broader push from the incoming Trump administration to dismantle diversity programs nationwide. Trump has promised to eliminate federal DEI programs, dismantle protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and penalize companies that prioritize diversity in hiring and promotions. His administration plans to enforce stricter oversight of corporate diversity efforts through the Department of Justice, targeting practices that allegedly violate laws barring racial and gender-based discrimination.
A Trump spokesperson, Steven Cheung, said the incoming president has made it clear that ending DEI policies is a top priority and that Americans have voted to favor these changes.
Vice President-elect JD Vance has also supported efforts to abolish federal DEI programs and repeal Biden-era protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Proponents of DEI argue that such initiatives help companies hire and retain diverse talent and foster innovation. Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase and other business leaders have repeatedly emphasized that diversity benefits both the workplace and
the bottom line. Despite this, corporations like Bud Light, Target, and Ford have scaled back or abandoned diversity efforts following boycotts and conservative pressure campaigns. The rollback of diversity efforts comes as data reveals significant racial inequities in corporate leadership. USA Today reported that its investigation found that white men hold seven out of 10 executive officer positions at the nation’s largest companies, with one in seven of those companies having allwhite executive teams. The lack of representation underscores the stakes for employees of color and marginalized communities as diversity programs face increasing opposition.
Experts warn that the rollback of corporate diversity efforts, combined with the Trump administration’s aggressive stance, could deepen racial and social divides in the United States. Franklin Turner, a corporate attorney specializing in federal contracts, said that while companies dependent on federal funding may adjust their policies under pressure, most are unlikely to abandon diversity efforts entirely.
David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NYU School of Law, told reporters that the work would continue. “It may need a rebranding, but there is no universe where even the most hostile presidency is going to be able to completely eliminate an entire field of work because there are too many people out there who care about creating organizations that are respectful, that are inclusive, and where people have equal opportunity,” Glasgow remarked.
Deadline To Submit Press Releases & Legals Is Mondays By 5pm
California invests over $100 million to build safe walking and biking routes in disadvantaged communities
What you need to know: More than $100 million was approved for 13 projects across the state that are building safer walking and biking routes. It’s yet another example of infrastructure projects building California’s future.
SACRAMENTO – More walking and biking routes are coming to California.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced today the California Transportation Commission awarded $101.2 million to projects across California that increase walking and biking. That brings total funding for walking and biking projects to $2.7 billion during the Newsom Administration.
will also review its financial support for “Pride” events and restrict the sale of products such as chest binders for minors, which were previously marketed as part of gender-affirming care.
In a statement, Walmart pointed to its corporate purpose: “Our purpose, to help people save money and live better, has been at our core since our founding 62 years ago and continues to guide us today. We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers, and suppliers and to be a Walmart for everyone.”
The changes follow efforts by conservative activists, including commentator Robby
The 13 projects awarded today contribute to healthier communities, connect neighborhoods, and improve the quality of life for Californians by building comfortable bikeways, improved sidewalks, multi-use paths, safer street crossings, and streetscaping elements. All of the awarded projects are located in or provide a direct benefit to disadvantaged communities, and over half of the projects are parts of designated “Safe Routes to Schools.”
The projects are part of Governor Newsom’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades across the state. Find projects building your community at build.ca.gov.
Governor Gavin Newsom
An additional $67 million will be awarded to projects by the state’s ten largest Metropolitan Planning Organizations in their own regional competitions next year.
“The Active Transportation Program is a key tool in making our communities safer and making it easier for residents to get to jobs and schools,” said Commission Vice Chair Darnell Grisby. “We are pleased to award funding to these projects that expand safe mobility options and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for the working class, while supporting California’s fight against climate change.”
The Active Transportation Program was created in 2013 as the state's only dedicated funding source for walking and biking projects. Funding for the program comes from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, as well as other state and federal funds, including the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“California is making it easier and safer for everyone to bike and walk in their communities. We’re building healthier, more connected neighborhoods and cutting pollution at the same time. This is yet another example of how we’re delivering infrastructure upgrades across the state that are bringing real benefits to the people that need them most.”
‘The Most
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Black and Deaf High School Graduate Faces College After End of Affirmative Action...continued
Important Rapper That Ever Existed’ players recruited to college teams, the odds are slim.
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
LL Cool J, a hip-hop pioneer whose career spans nearly four decades, recently reflected on his profound impact on music, fashion, and entertainment. Speaking on Apple Music’s “Le Code,” the artist expressed confidence that history will recognize his contributions as foundational to the culture.
“I think that one day people are going to wake up and realize LL Cool J is the most important rapper that ever existed,” he said, referring to himself by the stage name that stands for “Ladies Love Cool James.”
Born James Todd Smith on January 14, 1968, in Bay Shore, New York, LL grew up in Queens and adopted his moniker as a teenager. In 1984, he became one of the first artists signed to Def Jam Records, a fledgling label cofounded by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. His debut single, “I Need a Beat,” sold over 100,000 copies, signaling the start of a career defined by groundbreaking achievements. His debut album, “Radio,” released in 1985, went platinum and featured hits like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock the Bells,” cementing LL’s place in hip-hop’s early canon.
LL Cool J recently detailed how he introduced key elements to hip-hop culture. “They’re going to look and say, ‘Wow, this is the guy that introduced all the ice, the jewelry, and the champagne,’” he said. He also credited himself with pioneering hip-hop ballads, pointing to his
1987 hit “I Need Love” and popularizing the now-ubiquitous term G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time). “When it comes to Def Jam, they’re going to say, ‘Wow, this is the first artist that was on the label.’”
His influence extended to fashion, where LL helped launch iconic trends shaping hip-hop aesthetics. On the back cover of “Radio,” he sported black-andred Air Jordan 1s, making him one of the first rappers to wear the now-iconic sneakers. “Michael Jordan was a rookie when I did that,” LL said. “Everyone was wearing Adidas and Puma. I put the Jordans on.” In the 1990s, he also played a pivotal role in popularizing FUBU (For Us, By Us), a clothing line that became a cultural phenomenon. “When they talk about FUBU, they’ll say, ‘Yo, this guy introduced the idea of putting clothing lines into the culture,’” LL said. He also brought Kangol hats into hiphop fashion, further solidifying his influence.
While LL Cool J revolutionized music and style, he also excelled in acting. His film roles include “Any Given Sunday,” “Halloween H2O,” and “In Too Deep.” Since 2009, he has starred on CBS’s NCIS: Los Angeles, one of television’s most enduring dramas. Balancing his acting career with music, he released chart-topping albums such as “Mama Said Knock You Out” (1990), which earned him his
continued on page 7
Black and Deaf High School Graduate Faces College After End of Affirmative Action...continued from page 2
pursuing higher education.
Like so many students, Greene’s path has been shaped by systemic inequities that affirmative action policies sought to address for decades.
These programs helped create pathways for marginalized students to access higher education, with undeniable impact. In 1980, only 19% of Black individuals aged 18-24 were enrolled in college; by 2022, that number had risen to 36%.
Now, with race-conscious admissions dismantled, these gains are at risk — and the effects are already visible.
Harvard University reported a 17% decline in Black enrollment for its incoming class this year, raising concerns about the longterm implications for diversity and equity in higher education.
“The admissions process has always been competitive, but now it feels like my background, which should be seen as an asset, is invisible,” Greene said. “I’ve worked hard to be where I am, but this decision makes it feel like I have to prove myself even more—just to be seen.”
Legacy privilege has long shaped admissions at elite institutions, and the resulting inequities are stark.
Research shows that 43% of white students admitted to Harvard from 2014-2019 fell into the “ALDC” category of athletes and children of legacy alumni, donors and faculty. A
Greene understands these challenges intimately. In 2023, she co-produced a documentary with her brother, “Hoop Dreams Deferred,” exploring the barriers faced by aspiring athletes like herself in the pandemic era.
“I want to be a leader in ASL interpretation, bridging gaps for people like me,” Greene said. “But the options are so limited. Add basketball to that, and the competition gets even tougher.”
In response to the Supreme Court ruling, many Black students have turned to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Applications to these institutions have surged since then, offering culturally affirming environments where students can thrive.
For Greene, however, the lack of specialized ASL programs at most HBCUs complicates this alternative.
“I love what HBCUs represent, and I know they create a space where students like me can succeed,” she explained. “But my dream program doesn’t exist at many, so it’s a hard choice.”
Despite the obstacles, her story is one of resilience.
“Growing up with hearing loss, I faced speech challenges and was teased as a child, but I never let that stop me,” Greene said. “I studied ballet, competed in oratory contests, switched to basketball—despite never having dribbled a ball—and became captain within a year. I also model, draw, play piano, compete in beauty pageants, and dream of becoming Miss America one day.”
She added that she doesn’t share her accomplishments to boast but to show what’s possible, presenting her disability as the driving force behind her relentless determination to prove that no challenge is insurmountable.
“Even without affirmative action, I’ll keep pushing forward,” Greene declared. “This is my future, and no decision — Supreme Court or otherwise — will take it from me.”
This coverage is made possible through the Ethnic Media Services / AAJC reporting project on diversity after affirmative action.
Policy Changes Could Jeopardize Kidney Patients In 2025. Here’s What You Can Do Help
Nationwide -- Lisa Parker never thought she’d be living her life around dialysis treatments. Diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease without warning, she found herself thrust into a whirlwind of medical appointments and treatments with little understanding of what was happening. “I didn’t even know what dialysis was,” Lisa shared. It was a crash course in
survival—and in how systemic inequities affect patients like her every step of the way.
Lisa’s story isn’t unique. Nearly 50% of dialysis patients in the U.S. are African American or Hispanic, even though these groups make up a much smaller portion of the population. The numbers paint a clear picture: kidney disease isn’t just a health crisis; it’s a justice issue. And now, looming policy changes threaten to make things even harder for kidney patients. Here’s what you need to know— and how you can help protect those most vulnerable.
continued on page 7
“The Devil is a LiarYou Will Not End 2024 Defeated!”
By: Lou K Coleman
2023 study revealed that 75% of these students would not have been admitted based on their academic merit alone.
Greene does not have this privilege.
“My mother is a media professional, and my father, a military veteran and registered nurse, passed away during the pandemic,” she said. “They taught me the value in working hard, volunteering and giving back to the community, and that’s something money can’t buy.”
Greene is slated to graduate in May 2025 with both a high school diploma and an associate degree in computer science through The Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) dual enrollment program.
Her college ambitions present unique challenges. She dreams of studying ASL, but only a few Ivy League schools, such as Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania, offer ASL programs.
Nationwide, fewer than 3% of colleges provide specialized ASL interpretation programs, making competition for these spots intense.
On top of that, Greene hopes to play college basketball. As captain of her varsity team, she’s averaging double-doubles and inspiring her teammates.
Yet, with fewer than 4% of U.S. high school basketball
K Coleman
Come on, put your war clothes on. Time to let go, move on, and close doors. Time to end it once and for all!
You know there’s a famous passage in the [7th Chapter of the Book of Romans verses 1425] where the Apostle Paul is describing a warfare going on within himself: He says, “I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. For I delight in the Law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin. O wretched man that I am! Who will free me from this life dominated by sin and death?
Sounds familiar?
I tell you, anyone who reads [Romans 7:14-25] should immediately identify with Paul’s expression of frustration and agony due to the weakness of his fleshly body: “All the things I don't want to do I end up doing and all the things I want
to do I end up not doing. I want to do what's right, but I don't. I don't want to do what's bad, but I do. It baffles me. My own behavior baffles me. Why do I keep making the same mistakes? Why am I so resistant to change? Why can't I figure out why I do what I don't want to do?” I don't understand myself. The human dilemma described as a man. Who is carnal, sold under sin. Desires to do good but finds himself unable. Desires to abstain from evil but finds himself unable. Who agrees that the Law is good but finds that sins dwell in him. [Romans 7:14-20].
Well, I want you to know that due to Adam’s fall into sin, mankind is corrupted by sin in every area of his life: mind, emotions, and will, have all been tainted. We think sinfully, we feel sinful, and we choose sinfully. We naturally love darkness [John 3:19], and we do not understand the things of God [1 Corinthians 2:14]. The human condition is lost; we have all wandered astray [Isaiah 53:6]. We are spiritually blind [2 Corinthians 4:4]. We are sinful, having broken the Law of God [1 John 1:8; 3:4]. We are enslaved by sin [John 8:34]. We are morally ruined [Romans 7:18]. We are dying physically and dead spiritually [1 Peter 1:24; Ephesians 2:1]. We are in an epic battle! A battle of good and evil. A battle that spans from our very first breath until our last. It is a close and intimate war! Hand-to-hand
I tell you, it’s time to put the devil where he belongs, under your feet. He may think he has you where he wants you. But don’t be afraid, for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah has arrived, for He has become your shield and your exceedingly Great Reward. [Genesis 15:1].
Come on, put your war clothes on. Time to let go, move on, and close doors. Time to tell the Devil to go to Hell! You are not at the mercy of the enemy’s attacks. Don’t put him on a pedestal, as if he has power and dominion over you. He is a defeated foe! Jesus defeated him and gave you power over him [James 4:7] USE IT! For in Christ, you are “far above all principality and power and might and dominion” and every lion and serpent you shall trample underfoot! [Romans16:20]. Time to Declare War!
He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. [Revelation
“The Devil is a LiarYou Will Not End 2024 Defeated!”...continued combat with our adversary the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world, the accuser, the ruler of this world and the god of this age whose aim is to use pain and pleasure to make us blind, stupid, and miserable — forever. [Revelation 12:9–10; John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4]. He will use any method necessary to take advantage of us and get us under his control. [1 Peter 5:8]. But we must use what God has given us to overcome. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Stand firm therefore, and gird your loins with the Belt of Truth, which counters deception, and put on the Breastplate of Righteousness which guards the heart, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace which provides stability. In addition to all, take up the Shield of Faith which extinguishes the enemy’s attacks, and take the Helmet of Salvation which protects the mind along with, the Sword of the Spirit [God’s Word], the Offensive weapon, because I tell you, it's time to rise up and declare war on the devil. [Ephesians 6:10-18]. No longer will we give the devil a foothold. [Ephesians 4:27]. We are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ, and we don’t have to let the devil run all over us. For the Bible boldly declares, “…Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” [1 John 4:4]. Like the disciples, God has authorized us to stand against the enemy. [Luke 10:17-19]. When we are authorized, we are commissioned, certified, licensed, lawful, legitimate, recognized, sanctioned, warranted, and official. Exercise your authority. Be like David; David was full of confidence that he was going to be victorious. He was so certain of victory the Bible says he ran to the enemy to fight him. There was no doubt in his mind. He wasn’t going to do it by using some great armor or weapon, but by the power of God. And he took a smooth stone, thrust it out, and killed the great giant of Gath. [1 Samuel 17:41-52].
Amy Johnson
“Consent Education is Suicide Prevention” read the sign the woman held.
This resonates deeply with my work as Minister for Sexuality Education and Justice in the United Church of Christ, where I diligently advocate for sexuality education, its importance, its connection to justice, and its sacredness. This includes education about consent.
Congregants and pastors often ask: Does God love me as a survivor? Was it my fault? Where are resources to teach children empowering messages about their bodies, gender, and relationships? How should we handle bullying at church? How do I heal from my own abuse/ assault? How do we minister to those who are survivors of sexual abuse and assault?
In response, we must remember that people who have been abused and assaulted sexually have had control of their bodies and decisions taken away from them. They face not being believed about the abuse or assault, being blamed for somehow not preventing the abuse or assault, and complicated legal and social service systems that often unintentionally retraumatize people who have already suffered incredible harm.
This all takes a huge toll on the bodies, mental health, and spirits of survivors. Furthermore, when people are not able to access competent, knowledgeable health and mental health care providers to help them heal, they can feel hopeless. Trauma and hopelessness can lead to deep shame. And we know all too well that shame, especially when combined with stigma, can be fatal.
Bombardment with social media such as the recent post on X saying “Your body, my choice” that was viewed more than 90 million times and reposted nearly
4,000 times activates existing trauma, and contributes to people having less emotional availability to come forward about abuse and assault they have experienced. All of this brings us back to: consent education is suicide prevention.
Consent education starts with teaching about bodily autonomy at young ages. Use caution when tickling to avoid inadvertently teaching children they aren’t in control of their bodies. Offer choices about showing affection to elders: a hug? High five? Wave? Blow a kiss?
When we listen to children about and celebrate who they know they are—what gender they are, who they love, how they experience their bodies— we support their bodily autonomy. By honoring them, we build foundations for their understanding of consent, rather than teaching them to discount their own knowing.
Consent education, when done well, not only helps us value our own self-worth as beloved children of God in all our glorious diversity. It also helps us know our value separate from whatever has happened to us. Consent education reminds us to listen to each other, honor our partner’s feelings and limits, see the divine in each other, and treat one another as sacred members of beloved community.
M Jade Kaiser from enfleshed calls to us in a piece titled “On speaking queerly in public,” “I want us to raise a whole generation of kids who never learn to hate themselves.”
Consent education is indeed suicide prevention. Amen and amen. ABOUT THE AUTHOR The Rev. Amy Johnson serves as the Minister for Sexuality Education and Justice in the National Setting of the United Church of Christ.
Bruce C.T. Wright, NewsOne
Nikki Giovani, the legendary and award-winning poet, author and activist whose career spanned nearly 60 years, has died. She was 81. The cause of death was cancer, according to WDBJ, which first reported Giovanni’s passing on Monday night.
Giovanni was working as a professor of English at Virginia Tech University at the time of her death. More from WDBJ:
Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni, born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 7, 1943, served as a University Distinguished Professor in the English Department at Virginia Tech. Giovanni, an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is the recipient of hundreds of awards and honors. She was most recently awarded a 2024 Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking for Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.
As a prominent figure of the Black Arts and Civil Rights Movements, she became friends with Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin, James Baldwin, Nina Simone, and Muhammad Ali, and inspired generations of students, artists, activists, musicians, scholars and human beings both young and old.
The author of nearly two dozen collections of poetry, including children’s books, was hailed during her life for her revolutionary approach to her craft, particularly in the context of Black liberation.
As such, Giovanni’s works were considered a formidable aspect of her activism, replete with themes of both racial and gender equality.
Giovanni’s first book of poetry, Black Feeling, Black Talk, was published in 1968 and firmly established her as a necessary part of what was known as The Black Arts Movement in which artists used their works in part as an arm of their activism. The book has since gone on to be featured in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Perhaps Giovanni’s most well-known piece of work is the 1968 poem “Nikki-Rosa,” which addresses her own upbringing in suburban Cincinnati:
“they never understand / Black love is Black wealth and they’ll / probably talk about my hard childhood / and never understand that / all the while I was quite happy.”
In the biography portion of her website, Giovanni described herself as “a dreamer” whose career path was the consequence of happenstance.
“My dream was not to publish or to even be a writer: my dream was to discover something no one else had thought of,” Giovanni wrote in part. “I guess that’s why I’m a poet. We put things together in ways no one else does.”
One of the central themes in Giovanni’s works was the Black family, something that she drew upon from her own upbringing. Giovanni discussed in a 2013 interview with NPR how much her mother would have enjoyed Acolytes, one of her more recent books of poetry that was published in 2005 — the year her mother died.
“Mommy was a storyteller, and so, yeah, mommy would’ve enjoyed this book,” Giovanni said. “And one of the things about this book – and I realized I’m also working toward some of the darker side of my growing up because when mommy was here, there were things that I didn’t think I had any right to talk about because they were her story not mine. But now that she is not here, I think that some of my story can come out in a different way.”
Giovanni’s most recent Instagram post, from 2017, appropriately enough, is a photo of her family.
Giovanni was a professor at Virginia Tech in 2007 when one of her former students carried out a deadly mass shooting at Virginia Tech. During a subsequent memorial service on campus, Giovanni shared a powerful speech that included a poem she wrote about the horrific event.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0cSuidxE8os%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26enablejsapi%3D1
Fourteen years later, Giovanni offered a similarly spirited response to yet another tragedy — the deadly shooting of Black Lives Matter protesters by vigilante Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Speaking with New York Times journalist David Marchese, Giovanni held no punches when it came to discussing the teen who was acquitted of murder charges in preventable shootings. When Marchese asked Giovanni about “group identification” and whether it’s “a limited way of thinking about what it means to be a person,” she was ready.
“I sincerely—and I mean no disrespect—think it’s a stupid way,” Giovanni responded. “I know it must be difficult to let things go. But I am 78, and I’ve seen a lot. I’ve seen scared white men who shoot unarmed Black men because they say, ‘Oh, I was afraid for my life.’ Or we just let that kid— what’s his name? Kyle?”
“Rittenhouse?” Marchese asked for clarification.
“Yeah. I believe that it frightened him to think that he somehow might lose his life, and yet his life was no more important than anybody else’s,” Giovanni said. “Couldn’t he realize that he was no different from any caterpillar walking on the sidewalk? If you can avoid stepping on it, then it will be a butterfly. But he chose to step on the caterpillar. He chose to stop whatever beauty would be. Now, all he will ever be remembered for is that he killed somebody. So we know what his life is going to be: nothing. And I’m glad. Somebody said to me: ‘Nikki, that’s not right. You’re supposed to be a Christian.’ I am, but I’m not that Christian.”
Giovanni summed up her career and life rather neatly in her biography: I have been awarded an unprecedented 7 NAACP Image Awards which makes me very very proud. I have been nominated for a Grammy; been a finalist for the National Book Award. I am very proud to have authored 3 New York Times and Los Angeles Times Best Sellers, highly unusual for a poet. I am a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech. I don’t have a lot of friends but I have good ones. I have a son and a granddaughter. My father, mother, sister and middle aunt are all deceased literarily making me go from being the baby in the family to being an elder. I like to cook, travel and dream. I’m a writer. I’m happy.
Giovanni’s survivors include her wife, Virginia Fowler, son Thomas Giovanni and granddaughter Kai Giovanni as well as other extended members.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, County of San Bernardino 247 W. 3rd Street San Bernardino 92415 San Bernardino Justice Center Case Number: CIVSB2410317
Plaintiff: Bankers Healthcare Group, LLC
Defendant: Donald A. Underwood D/B/A Donald A. Underwood, D.O. & Donald Underwood
NOTICE OF ENTRY OF JUDGMENT ON SISTER-STATE JUDGMENT
1.TO JUDGMENT DEBTOR (name): Donald A. Underwood D/B/A Donald A. Underwood, D.O. & Donald Underwood
2. YOU ARE NOTIFIED
a. Upon application of the judgment creditor, a judgment against you has been entered in this court as follows:
(1) Judgment creditor (name): Bankers Healthcare Group, LLC
(2) Amount of judgment entered in this court: $ 141,934.42
b. This judgment was entered based upon a sister-state judgment previously entered against you as follows:
(1) Sister state (name): New York
(2) Sister-state court (name and location): Supreme Court of New York, County of Onondaga – 401 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY 13202
(3) Judgment entered in sisterstate on (date): 08/09/2023
(4) Title of case and case number (specify): Bankers Healthcare Group, LLC vs. Donald A. Underwood D/B/A Donald A. Underwood, D.O. & Donald Underwood; Index No. 008299/2022
3. A sister-state judgment has been entered against you in a California court. Unless you file a motion to vacate the judgment in this court within 30 DAYS after service of this notice, this judgment will be final.
This court may order that a writ of execution or other enforcement may issue. Your wages, money, and property could be taken without further warning from the court.
If enforcement procedures have already been issued, the property levied on will not be distributed until 30 days after you are served with this notice.
Date: April 18, 2024 Clerk, by Chelsea Nuss, Deputy
Richard L. Weiner [SBN 123243]
Telephone NO: 661-362-0860
Law Office of Richard L. Weiner 27240 Turnberry Lane, Suite 200, Valenica, CA 91355
Emaii:rweiner@ richardlweinerlaw.com
Attorney For: Bankers Healthcare Group, LLC
Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 28, 2024, December 5, 2024, December 12, 2024, December 19, 2024.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVBA 2400765 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: OLUWATOYOSI AISHAT ADERONMU filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. OLUWATOYOSI AISHAT ADERONMU to Proposed name:
para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar
By Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., California Secretary of State
Californians can confidently claim this: California has made more significant reforms to our election laws and expanded voting rights than any other state.
The relevance of this accomplishment deepens as we prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act next year. This landmark legislation began to undo our country’s long history of voter suppression, intimidation, and disenfranchisement that far too many Americans experienced at the polls for decades.
My own parents, who were sharecroppers, were denied their right to vote in the Jim Crow era South. Before moving to Los Angeles from Hope, Arkansas, my parents, David and Mildred Nash, could not vote. My father was an adult with six children before he registered to vote and was only able to exercise that constitutional right for the first time here in California.
As California Secretary of State, I do not take the progress we have made over the years lightly. My staff and I hold sacred the obligation to ensure that our elections are safe, free, fair, and accessible to all. Therefore, before certifying the results for this year’s election on Dec. 13, we have taken a number of steps to ensure that every vote is counted. We have also made sure that our ballot counting process is credible and free from interference.
To meet that deadline without a hitch, California requires elections officials in all 58 counties to turn in their official results by a certain date. This year, that date was Dec. 6.
By law, every eligible voter in our state receives a vote-by-mail ballot. This ensures all registered voters can exercise their right to vote. Whether you placed your ballot in a designated drop-off box, voted by mail, or cast your ballot at a polling center, votes are safe and secure. And we allow voters to sign up to receive text message, email, or voice call notifications about the status of their own ballots by using the Where’s My Ballot? tool. To learn more or to sign up, paste this URL in your web browser: https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/
The ballots of Californians who voted by mail are also protected. The United States Postal Service partners with the State to make sure ballots are delivered on time. All mailed-in ballots are sent by First Class mail with a postage paid envelope provided to every eligible registered voter.
Election Security is our number one priority. That’s why my office designed and implemented a program to back up that commitment. For more information, visit this URL: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/election-cybersecurity
Additionally, California takes preventive actions to make sure our voting technology keeps our elections safe and protects everyone’s votes. For example, county voting systems are not connected to the internet, which protects them from cyberthreats. The State also performs regular and rigorous testing to make sure the voting systems are working optimally, and only authorized personnel are granted access. Staff members are also given phishing and cybersecurity training.
VoteCal, the state’s centralized voter registration system, is also key. The system is regularly updated, and it is used as a resource for counties to verify voter signatures.
California also provides security at all counting locations and makes sure ballot drop-off boxes are secured and monitored. And all election processes are open to observation during specified hours.
In my role as Secretary of State of California, there is nothing more important to me than defending our democracy. I am committed to safeguarding voting rights, and to leading our state in upholding the highest democratic standards by implementing policies and practices that Californians and all Americans can trust and look to for instruction and hope.
You can contact the California Office of the Secretary of State at 1-800-345-Vote or elections@sos.ca.gov with inquiries or to report suspected incidents or irregularities. Additional information can be found at www.sos.ca.gov and the office’s social media platforms:
Instagram: @californiasos_
Facebook: Facebook.com/CaliforniaSOS
X: @CASOSVote
Policy Changes Could Jeopardize Kidney Patients In 2025. Here’s What You Can Do Help... continued from page 4
The System is Failing Patients
“Imagine you’re driving a car, but someone decides to replace your premium fuel with regular,” said Dr. Gary Puckrein, President of the National Minority Equality Forum. “You might still get to your destination, but the longterm damage is inevitable.” This striking analogy illustrates the challenges facing kidney care, where cost-cutting policies could jeopardize the quality of treatment patients receive.
That’s what patients could face if Medicare adopts a new “bundling” policy for dialysis treatments. Currently, critical medications like phosphorus lowering therapies—used to manage kidney disease—are provided separately. But if these drugs are bundled into one flat payment, dialysis facilities might cut corners, choosing cheaper options or forgoing
these medications altogether. This has happened before with calcium-lowering drugs, and the consequences disproportionately hurt Black patients. For someone like Lisa, who already struggles to navigate her care, these changes could mean the difference between managing her disease and facing life-threatening complications.
Life on Dialysis: More Than a Medical Issue
Dialysis isn’t just a treatment— it’s a lifestyle adjustment that takes a massive toll. Patients spend hours tied to machines multiple times a week, upending their daily lives. On top of that, there are financial burdens, emotional stress, and systemic barriers to getting the care they need.
Lisa experienced these challenges firsthand. After
complications with peritoneal dialysis, she had to return to hemodialysis—a grueling schedule that became even more isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I felt like I was just surviving,” she said. But through education and support groups like the Kidney Connection Group, Lisa found her voice as an advocate. “It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving.”
Her journey highlights why patient advocacy is crucial, especially in the face of policies that could make treatment even harder to access.
What’s at Stake?
Enter the Kidney Patient Act, a proposed law designed to protect access to life-saving medications by keeping them out of Medicare’s bundled payment system. Advocates like Dr. Jesse Roach, Senior VP
Policy Changes Could Jeopardize Kidney Patients In 2025. Here’s What You Can Do Help...continued
Share Lisa’s story, your story, or the story of someone you know. Let lawmakers know why protecting kidney patients matters. Write to your representative today and urge them to support the Kidney PATIENT Act.
Raise Awareness
Talk to friends, family, and community members about kidney disease and the importance of the Kidney Act. The more voices join the conversation, the harder it is to ignore.
Join Support Networks
Groups like the Kidney Connection Group not only empower patients but also amplify their collective voice in the fight for better policies.
A Future of Justice and Equity
The fight against kidney disease is about more than healthcare—it’s about fairness.
As Dr. Puckrein put it, “Patients shouldn’t be stuck in the backseat, unaware of the decisions being made about their care.” Advocacy is about putting patients back in the driver’s seat, ensuring they have the tools and resources to live not just longer but better lives.
Lisa’s transformation from overwhelmed patient to empowered advocate shows what’s possible when patients are given a voice. Now, it’s up to all of us to ensure that voice is heard. Supporting the Kidney Patient Act is just the first step in building a healthcare system that truly works for everyone.
Kidney disease doesn’t have to be a death sentence. With your help, we can protect access to care, push for equitable policies, and give every patient the chance to thrive. Be part of the change today.
Kidney Patients need your help…
Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or simply someone who cares, your voice matters. Contact your representatives, share this message, and help raise awareness about the Kidney Act. Together, we can push for fairer policies, improve access to care, and bring justice to those disproportionately impacted by kidney disease. Every effort makes a difference—be part of the change. Write to your representative today and urge them to support the Kidney PATIENT Act.
for Government Relations at the National Kidney Foundation, are urging policymakers to prioritize this legislation.
“This isn’t just about numbers on a page. It’s about lives,” Dr. Roach said. Without protections like the Kidney Patient Act, thousands of patients could lose access to the medications they depend on. The consequences would be devastating—especially for minority communities already grappling with systemic inequities in healthcare.
How You Can Help
Advocacy doesn’t have to start in Washington, D.C.—it can start with you. Here are three simple ways to make an impact:
Contact Your Representatives
LL Cool J Reflects on His Legacy: ‘The
Important Rapper That Ever
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first Grammy Award, and “Mr. Smith” (1995), featuring hits like “Hey Lover” and “Doin’ It.” His recent album, “The Frequencies of Real Creative Energy” (The FORCE), was inspired by a dream involving A Tribe Called Quest’s Phife Dawg. “He came to me in a dream, and I decided to pivot and collaborate with Q-Tip,” LL explained, emphasizing the spiritual connection that shaped the project. Despite his accomplishments, LL Cool J stopped short of declaring himself the greatest rapper ever. “There are too many rappers who have done too many important things for me to claim that I’m the one,” he said.
“There’s a kid out there who feels Tupac changed their life or that Biggie’s music defined an era. I respect that.”
LL Cool J’s career has earned a host of accolades, including a Kennedy Center Honor—the first awarded to a rapper—and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “I hope you’re inspired by me because I’m absolutely inspired by you,” he stated. As LL Cool J continues to thrive across music, acting, and business, his influence on hip-hop and culture remains undeniable. “Being the first to do so many things in hip-hop has to put me in the G.O.A.T. conversation,” he said. “But ultimately, I’ll let history decide.”
who serves Nevada’s Fourth District as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. (Credit: NNPA Newswire)
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) will enter the 119th session of Congress with a historic 62 members, marking the largest number of Black federal lawmakers in U.S. history. In total, 67 Black lawmakers will serve, with five Republican members declining to join the caucus. However, this historic milestone comes against the backdrop of a new Trump administration that has signaled sharp policy shifts, including an almost entirely White Cabinet and the implementation of the anti-minority Project 2025.
The CBC, established in 1971 to advocate for Black and marginalized communities, now represents 120 million Americans, including 41 percent of Black Americans. Yet its leaders face a steep challenge under a Trump administration openly pursuing policies that could roll back decades of
The plan includes eliminating the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, granting police broad immunity in cases involving unarmed citizens, and reversing diversity and inclusion initiatives across federal agencies.
In addition to these policy threats, Trump’s Cabinet appointments include figures like Dr. Mehmet Oz, tapped to oversee Medicaid and Medicare, and Linda McMahon, his pick for Secretary of Education, raising alarms about the administration’s priorities. The nearly all-White leadership team underscores a stark contrast to the growing diversity in Congress.
progress in civil rights, healthcare access, and economic equity.
“We’ve always been the conscience of Congress, no matter who’s in charge,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., a senior CBC member and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “But now we have a larger choir of leaders ready to call truth to power, ensuring the voices of the voiceless are heard. This administration poses a danger, and we’re here to counter that.”
Project 2025 and the challenge ahead
President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is advancing Project 2025, a policy blueprint critics say is designed to dismantle protections for marginalized communities while consolidating power among White conservatives.
“It will be interesting to see how this administration interacts with a record number of Black lawmakers,” said Niccara Campbell Wallace, executive director of the Rolling Sea Action Fund. “The CBC’s growth means there are more voices to push back, to advocate for policies that reflect the reality of a diverse America.”
Historic firsts in representation
While the Trump administration doubles down on policies many see as antiminority, the new Congress will also usher in a wave of historic firsts. Two Black women will serve simultaneously in the U.S. Senate for the first time. Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester and Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks join a small but growing list of Black women elected to the Senate, doubling the total from two to four.
Blunt Rochester, the first woman and Black person to represent Delaware in the Senate, reflected on her groundbreaking victory. “This is a historic step forward for our state and our nation,” she said.
Alsobrooks, a former Prince George’s County executive, highlighted the broader significance of her win. “In over 2,000 people who have served in the U.S. Senate, only three have looked like me,” she said. “I stand here because of the sacrifices of those who came before me.”
Oregon’s Janelle Bynum also made history, flipping the state’s 5th Congressional District to become its first Black member of Congress. Bynum, who unseated a Republican incumbent, noted, “It’s not lost on me that I’m one generation removed from segregation. We believed in a vision and didn’t stop until we accomplished our goals.”
Delaware voters made further history by electing Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person to serve in Congress. These victories occurred even as the country faced deep divisions over affirmative action, LGBTQ rights, and racial equity.
The role of the CBC
The CBC’s role as the conscience of Congress will be tested as it confronts an administration bent on undoing civil rights gains. Meeks
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Lawmakers prepare to challenge policies of incoming president ...continued emphasized that the caucus would oppose policies that disproportionately harm Black and marginalized communities, from healthcare access to police reform.
“Instead of just a quartet, we now have a full choir,” Meeks said. “And we will be loud, clear, and consistent.”
With Republicans maintaining control of both chambers of Congress, the CBC’s ability to influence legislation will likely depend on its capacity to build coalitions and galvanize public support. Wallace noted that the CBC’s growth, even in a Republican-controlled Congress, is a testament to Black voters and communities’ enduring belief in American ideals.
“Black Americans have always believed in the promise of what America can be,” Wallace said.
“Even when the odds are stacked against us, we continue to fight for a seat at the table.”
Looking ahead
As the CBC prepares for its largest-ever session, its leaders are already looking to the future. Meeks said the caucus is planning to spend the next two years opposing harmful policies and laying the groundwork for the 2026 midterm elections.
“Two years go by fast,” he said. “We’ll be working every day to reverse the tragedies this administration will bring to our communities and the country as a whole.”
Blunt Rochester added, “We’ve come a long way, but our work is far from over. Together, we will continue to fight for the future America deserves.”