60
th
Anniversary
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ThursdayMay Vol. Vol. 57 60No. No.35 22 | Thursday, August 28,31, 2020 2017
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LOCAL
Cannot be Heard”
Serving Serving San Diego SanCounty’s Diego County’s African & African AfricanAmerican & African Communities American57Communities Years 60 Years
BY POPULAR DEMAND! REPRINT OF
PRES. OBAMA’S
#ShowMeYourWalk COMMENCEMENT SPEECH
COVID-19 UPDATES - SEE PAGE 9
- SEE PAGE 5
County and City Dedicate Testing Site
Joe Biden Clarifies
By Staff Writer Voice & Viewpoint
In spite of a number of people and locations who seek to take the credit, the first Memorial Day was held by former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. During the Civil War, Union Army soldiers who were prisoners of war were held at the Charleston Race Course. It is reported that at least 257 Union prisoners died there and were quickly buried in unmarked graves. The bodies had been buried under the bleachers of the race track. After the war, a group of black workmen dug up the bodies and reburied them to properly honor the fallen.
City Councilmember Montgomery joins County Officials and People’s Alliance for Justice for Site Opening. Photos courtesy of Mike Norris, Image Seed Photography
On May 1, 1865, over 10,000 people -- recently freed slaves, black schoolchildren, colored soldiers and their allies - -held what was the first Memorial Day parade.
By Staff Writer
By Stacy M. Brown
Voice & Viewpoint
NNPA Newswire
UNDAUNTED BY COVID-19,
Senior Correspondent
This pandemic has challenged the very fabric of our ability to be safe and healthy. People have lost their jobs. Small businesses have permanently shuttered doors, and community members express an anxiety about not being able to get tested.
- SEE PAGE 6
to Black
“I shouldn’t have been such a wise guy,” Biden stated after the comments to The Breakfast Club host, Charlamagne Tha God, went viral. (Photo: joebiden.com)
Councilmember Montgomery addressed the gathering, making comments partially presented here:
TO HUNGER RELIEF
Breakfast
America
City Councilmember Monica Montogmery, who represents the Fourth District in which the Center is located and chairs the Committee on Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods, spoke of the impact of the pandemic on health and safety. She spoke of how the pandemic has widened the inequality gap in our community with a disparate impact on our most vulnerable and underserved. Now the challenge is to make use of the facilities.
NEW DIMENSION
MEMORIAL DAY: A Creation of African Americans
Club Comment
The rear parking lot of the Tubman-Chavez Center was the location of the Press Conference at which the opening of the CoVid 19 Southeastern Test site was announced. Rev. Shane Harris was the lead speaker and a voice calling for the site. Dr. Suzanne Affalo, M.D., who has been a strong presence of support in the effort with Dr. Rodney Hood, expressed her support as Ms. Barbara Jimenez, Area Director for County Health and Human Services.
HIP HOP BRINGS
Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee Joe Biden clarified his message to Black America after the GOP, and others, seized on a remark he made in jest while wrapping up an interview with the famous Breakfast Club. “I shouldn’t have been such a wise guy,” Biden stated after the comments to show host, Charlamagne Tha God, went viral. “I shouldn’t have been so cavalier. No one should have to vote for any party based on their race, religion, and background.”
Why should a community member have to drive to Chula Vista or Escondido to be tested? As Rev. Harris mentioned - testing, contract tracing and treatment are crucial. These “3Ts” are the most vital components of the six indicators on the Governor’s road map to recovery.
As the Breakfast Club interview wrapped and a Biden aide said he was running short on time, Charlamagne asked the former vice president to stop by the
See TESTING page 7
See MESSAGE page 2
See MEMORIAL page 2
Faith Based Leaders Focus on Census Outreach By Candice Mays California Census
The historical precedent of faithbased communities carving the path to political power and socioeconomic equity is still very much a part of Black California’s present. Pastors and elders working locally in regions across the state are amplifying their voices and leveraging their platforms. Their goal is simple. To ensure the message of a complete count in Census 2020 is not drowned out by political turmoil and the COVID-19 pandemic. The bottom line is this - they are the trusted messengers in our communities and any information relayed through them is not only met with open ears, hearts, and minds, but most importantly, action.
Federal funds for housing, health care, education, and jobs like this Fire fighter’s are all at state in this year’s 2020 Census. Black Californians Count
Efforts encouraging and mobilizing Black Californians to count a politically and socioeconomically disenfranchised population, both disenchanted and disengaged with civic participation, have been compounded by
the sudden and unexpected ramifications of COVID-19. The health and safety of California’s Census partners and the public is a priority. As the response to COVID-19 has evolved, See CENSUS page 10