THE BLACK PRESS, BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY

By Dr. John E. Warren Publisher, The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

The Black Press has existed for 196 years because it understands service to our communities, and the business of how we pay for it is a part of our survival.

A perfect example of how business and public policy come together can be found in the recent notices concerning the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank and its impact on the public’s perception on the safety of small banks around the country.

The President’s statement on the commitment of the Federal Government to all depositors is newsworthy and should be published by all media as a service affecting national confidence. However, the statement by Trade Associations to their membership is done as a matter of business. Trade Associations benefit from the President’s reaffirmation of the government’s policy concerning the nation’s financial system. Because of the importance of Minority Deposit Insurance, which is not necessarily covered to the same extent as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), there exists a greater need to assure pub - lic confidence beyond the President’s statement and actions.

Hence, a general letter from an association holding the membership not only of small banks, but also minority banking institutions and their clients, should be a “paid” statement, just as other organizations have done in such papers as USA Today and the New York Times. These are large dailies that have made the distinction between a policy statement by the President and/or an organization’s effort to get a business message to the public and its membership.

The statement from the National Banker Association, which can afford to pay for the distribution of such notices should be doing so as a matter of demonstrating its fiduciary responsibility to the Comptroller of the Currency as the watchdog over all banking.

The NNPA leadership must also come to understand this point so that even as we provide coverage of news items, we still remind people that we are businesses engaged in serving our population, in particular, and the broader public in general. We in the Black media industry must come to understand the difference between a guest commentary and a message that is an advertisement. We live and serve in changing times, we must also change even as we serve.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Citizen Harassment

The afternoon of March 7th began like an ordinary afternoon for my daughter. She picked up her son and daughter, ages 6 and 8, from Alice Birney elementary school in University Heights. They then stopped at a local eatery for a snack.

My grandson was a micro-preemie, born at only 25 weeks gestation. He’s doing well, but has occasional behavioral issues likely due to his very early birth. On that day he unfortunately began “acting out” when he didn’t get to play a video game. When they arrived at

Statement From The National Bankers Association on Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank

Today, National Bankers Association (NBA) President & CEO Nicole Elam Esq. and Chairman Robert James II released the following statement regarding Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank. “In light of recent industry events, the National Bankers Association wants to assure consumers that your money is safe with minority banks. Minority depository institutions are very different from both SVB and Signature Bank which had high concentrations in crypto deposits and volatile venture capital. Minority banks are not exposed to riskier asset classes and have the capital and strong liquidity to best serve consumers and small businesses. If you’re looking for a place to bring your deposits and have greater impact, bring your deposits to minority banks” said Nicole Elam, President and CEO of the National Bankers Association. “The Biden-Harris Administration, FDIC, and Federal Reserve worked hard this weekend to make sure that these bank failures are the exception, not the rule, and that all Americans can continue to have confidence in our banking system. I also applaud bipartisan leaders in Congress for keeping stakeholders informed about how hard earned deposits are being kept safe.” said Robert James, II, Chairman of the National Bankers Association, President & CEO, Carver Financial Corporation

The National Bankers Association is the nation’s leading trade association for the country’s minority depository institutions (MDIs). MDIs have always focused on safety and soundness as a part of our conservative, relationship based business model. We continue to monitor SVB’s impact on large corporate deposit concentrations, fintech, tech companies, and larger financial institutions that have partnerships with MDIs or who have made investments in MDIs.

MDIs are in the strongest position ever to support their customers and here’s why:

• Traditional Banking Model with Diverse & Secure Assets: MDIs are diversified in terms of their assets, predominantly focused on well-collateralized loans, and are not exposed to riskier asset classes. Unlike both SVB and Signature Bank, MDIs have very limited exposure to the venture capital industry and crypto.

• Well-Capitalized and Strong Liquidity: MDIs are in the strongest position ever. The sector is exceptionally well capitalized, enjoys substantial liquidity overall, and has grown by 33% over the last three years in total assets. Nearly $4 billion in new, permanent capital has flowed to MDIs and currently, the median MDI common equity ratio is 16.4% versus 14.8% for non-MDIs.

• Positioned for Impact: 77% of MDI branches are in areas with a higher average share of minorities compared to 31% for all FDICinsured depository institutions. According to a Dallas Fed Study in 2022, MDIs originate almost 40% of their mortgages to minority borrowers, versus only 10% by other banks. Additionally, MDIs originate 30% of small business loans to low- to moderate-income communities in comparison to 20% at community banks and 24% at large banks. Customer deposits are not only extremely safe in an MDI but are far more likely to have a positive impact in the community.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The NBA released this statement on Monday, their car, his mother insisted he calm down before getting in. She and her daughter got in and waited while he stood on the sidewalk directly next to the car, continuing to protest.

Two local residents saw this scene and, without asking questions, decided to take matters into their own hands. They began pounding on the car windows; one tried to force the door open, terrifying the children and their mother. They never inquired what was going on; they assumed this was a case of a woman abusing a child. They took videos of my family and questioned who they were, though they never identified themselves. They then called the police, who quickly determined that this was a not-uncommon parent-child interaction. (A bystander saw the incident from across the street and vouched for my daughter and said the two had been very aggressive). The “concerned” residents never apologized for the trauma they caused my family.

I will give these people the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps they thought a child was indeed being abused and wanted to help. I will try to imagine that this was not racially motivated (they were white; my daughter is black). But their behavior is inexcusable and cannot be justified in any way. A civilized and respectful conversation could have avoided this unfortunate incident. (My daughter happens to be an expert in com -

Correction

munication and mediation, but that’s besides the point). And, as we have seen all too often (with no disrespect to individual officers) , bringing the police prematurely into a situation can have tragic results. Please, please, concerned citizens, if you see a domestic situation that troubles you and feel you need to intervene, please respect the family and get more information. We in the community do need to look out for each other. But use common sense; would you want to be treated this way? I truly hope those three (who remain unidentified) will read this and learn something. Yes, if you see something, you may want to say something. But think before you speak and act.

The writer of this Letter to the Editor is not identified, due to safety concerns.

An article in our 3/9/23 issue, page 4, entitled “Local Youth “Herstorians” Capture Julian’s BIPOC History” misstated the information regarding Nathan Harrison’s enslavement. He was never enslaved on Mt. Palomar. He had been enslaved when he came to California during the Gold Rush but gained his freedom when he arrived in Southern California, and homesteaded on Palomar Mountain.

Ebenezer Missionary

Pearlie Mae

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held 02/23/2023 at Memory Chapel of Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary, with a burial following at Cypress View Mausoleum. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Pearlie Mae Stevens was born April 1, 1931, as Pearlie Mae Underwood, Jr. in Brent, Alabama, to Solimon T. Underwood and Pearlie Mae Clark. She was the youngest born to her parent’s union, along with siblings Alma Lucille and Arthur Underwood.

She left her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, in 1952, relocating to San Diego, CA, to marry William Stevens. Their union was blessed with three daughters, Wanda, Patricia, and Deborah.

Pearlie was employed with the County of San Diego for twenty years, retiring at age fifty-five. After William transitioned to heaven, she took time out for travel, fishing, pampering her great-grandchildren, and volunteering with a nursing home and jail ministries.

She served at Church of the Living God, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the adult church choir for many years.

After the church name change (Church of the Loving God), she continued working in the monthly food distribution and being active with the senior church group. In later years, when her health declined, she sought solace in her daily devotionals. God was intimately involved in each detail of Pearlie’s life. It was a lovely Sunday evening, slightly before sunset, February 5, 2023, at 5:16 pm; Pearlie breathed her final breaths, released her daughter’s hold, then grasped God’s.

Pearlie’s passing leaves a family void, yet cherished with memories. Her husband, parents, brothers, and sisters preceded her death. She is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Wanda, Patricia, and Deborah Stevens of San Diego, California.

Grandson Calvin Hicks, Jr. of Las Vegas, NV, granddaughters Anastasia Smith of Austin, TX, and Tyresha Hicks of San Diego, CA. Great-grandsons, O’Neal Hart and Cecil Green of Austin, TX. Zion Hicks-Nelson and Sarim Williams of San Diego, CA.

Sister Sarah Hill and brother James Holman of Brent, Alabama; Devoted nieces Gwen Worthy, Kathryn Bridges-Freeland, Linda Bartlett, and Margarita Eldridge. Her bonus children, Calvin Hicks, Sr., Ynez Hicks, Octavia Freeman, James Wiley, Michael Wimpie, and Chantelle Corrington. She leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to mourn her passing and celebrate her life.

Robert Lee Dorothy

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held on 02/23/2023 at Memory Chapel of Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary, with a burial following at Miramar National Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Robert Lee Mason’s earthly journey began on November 4, 1925, in Brent, Alabama. Robert was the beloved son of Adam J. Mason Sr. and Gertrude Mason. He was the second child and first son of seven children.

Robert received his formal education within the Brent School System. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 12 and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in Brent, AL.

In 1944, at the age of 18, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy. His military journey took him to dangerous waters. In addition to serving in World War II, he also served in the Korean War.

After 29 years of military service, he retired with honors in 1964. Robert decided to relocate to the beautiful city of San Diego. The climate was ideal since Robert enjoyed walking, exercising, reading, and photography. However, something was missing, so he returned to Japan to marry the love of his life, Meiko. Robert and Mieko lived happily together until she passed on October 4, 2015.

Robert was an honorable, loving, and giving man. His memory will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

Robert Lee Mason departed this life on January 28, 2023. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Meiko Mason; parents, Adam J. Mason Sr. and Gertrude Mason; two sisters, Velma Stewart and Mildred Crawford; and one brother, Adam J. Mason Jr.

He leaves to mourn his passing with cherished memories; two sisters, Annie McClain and Barbara Dandridge, both of Milwaukee, WI; one brother, Roy Mason of Milwaukee, WI; special cousin, Pearlie Mae; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Vernon

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held on 02/27/2023 at Memory Chapel of Anderson Ragsdale

Mortuary, with a burial following at Miramar National Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Dorothy Lynn Robinson-Stonewall was born August 18, 1958, to the late Ella Ruth Cartwright-Robinson and George Robinson, in San Diego, California.

Dorothy was born into a close, loving family and she was the youngest of her thirteen siblings.

She attended school in the San Diego Unified School District and graduated in 1976 from Herbert Hoover High School. Not to boast, but she also graduated “Best Dressed”.

Dorothy was a hard worker and she was gifted in many areas of employment. She was employed at UCSD Medical Center for many years; a school bus driver for the San Diego Unified Schools; San Diego County Records Department; a private caregiver and worked as an eighteen-wheeler truck driver for Secured Land Transport for six years.

Dorothy passed on February 4, 2023. She leaves to mourn her passing: husband, Dale K. Stonewall; daughter, Malia Michelle Portlock; son, Lascelles Anthony “Tony” Tai, all of San Diego, CA; two bonus daughters, Jennifer (Joseph) Kimani of Maryland and Ozella (Bradley) Lubinsky of California; grandchildren, D’Angelo Kennedy, Jaheim Crowley, Jamarcus Portlock, Simaya Tai, Christian and Jeniya Kimani, and Zoey Lubinsky; great-grandchildren, Kamia, Alaiyah, and D’Angelo, Jr. Kennedy.

She was preceded in death by daughter, Myesha Marie Kennedy; siblings, LaVern Cartwright-Swain, Henry Eugene Cartwright, Donald Ray Cartwright, Thomas “TC” Cartwright, Charles “Chuckie” Robinson, Lola Maurine RobinsonIngram, and Harvey Raymond Robinson.

Dorothy’s memory, humor, love of life and family will be missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. East San Diego 38th Street won’t be the same!

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held on 03/01/2023 at New Life Baptist Church, with a burial following at Miramar National Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Luther Vernon Courtney, Jr. was the eldest child born in Dallas, Texas, on November 30th, 1942, to parents Luther Vernon Courtney, Sr. and Doris Lott.

Luther received his formal education from Catholic elementary/middle school, and he graduated from James Madison High School in Dallas, Texas. Luther enjoyed playing football as a youth. He also excelled in track and field. He was a phenomenal athlete and received a scholarship to University of Southern California in the sport of track and field. Luther joined the Marines and moved to San Diego when he was 19 years old.

A few years after arriving in San Diego, Luther met and became engaged to Betty Lewis in 1964. The two married in a private ceremony. Then they welcomed a beautiful baby girl in 1965. LaCherlye Courtney was the apple of Luther’s eyes.

After serving his country, Luther became the first African American to operate cranes as an Equipment Operation Specialist with the City of San Diego. Luther retired from working for the City of San Diego after 33 years of service.

Luther was known as “Papa Lou” or “Coach Lou” to family, friends, and neighbors. Luther began his journey as a Pop Warner football coach, molding the mind and souls of young athletes. Luther also coached Little League Baseball.

Luther enjoyed playing, watching, and teaching the craft of sports. Eventually, Luther began coaching football at Abraham Lincoln High School, San Diego High School, and Samuel Morse High School. Knowing Papa Lou meant knowing that he expected the best from everyone. Luther prepared his student-athletes for the field and for the world.

Luther Courtney is preceded in death by his parents, Luther Vernon Courtney Sr. and Doris Lott; wife, Betty Courtney; brother, Clarence Courtney; and his sister, Judy Mason.

Papa Lou leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter, LaCherlye Courtney; two grandsons, Nathaniel Dancy, III and Jordan Dancy; one granddaughter, Chanelle Dancy; one great-grandson, Nathaniel Dancy, IV; one great-granddaughter, Nasaia Dancy; two brothers, Sammie Mason and Raymond Mason; one sister, Dorthy Dane; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.