Winter 2020 Issue of THE HUB Magazine

WINTER 2020 | www.sacculturalhub.com

EDDIE MURPHY

RETURNED TO SNL AND COMING TO AMERICA 2 HITS MOVIE THEATRES IN 2020 p. 8

k best blac MOVIES of 2p.01219 NEW CALIFORNIA LAWS 2020 p. 32

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THE H

WHAT TO EXPECT! Live Jazz Band Speed Networking Appetizers No Host Bar Signature Drink Specials • Raffle Prizes • THE HUB Magazine Winter 2020 issue • • • • •

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Friday, February 7th 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm @ AMBIANCE Ambiance Lounge * Old Sacramento 910 2nd St, Sacramento, CA 95814 Admission: in advance $10/person @ thehub-firstfridays.eventbrite.com at the door $15/person

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FOUNDER’S ROOM | LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

GET IT DONE IN 2020!

First and foremost, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I want nothing but blessings to come your way this year, and for you to achieve all of your goals. And just to put you on notice, and to make me accountable, I intend to achieve all of mine!

For us here in California, there are almost 1,200 new laws that we need to be aware of, as many of them will impact our lifestyles, businesses, and communities. https://www.latimes. com/projects/newcalifornia-2020-laws/

One of the ways I will do that will be to create a PLAN for everything that I did not get done in 2019, and I encourage you to consider doing the same. I know there are a few things that I did not get done last year. I also know that the only way to get the things you want is to NAME them and CLAIM them.

Maybe it is starting a new business. I have been there!

The issue of THE HUB magazine you are holding in your hands represents a dream that I just could not let go of! While I am thinking about it, THANK YOU for supporting the Sac Cultural Hub for all of these years.

Maybe it is losing weight, exercising more, and / or changing your diet. I am there RIGHT NOW! These SQUATS and JUMPING JACKS! They are KILLING ME! And this DIET! Man…just water between meals, and no mints, no nuts, no snacks…but all of that DISCIPLINE will eventually mean no more fat ass, and will get me to my goal!

And, of course, 2020 is the year that we will celebrate Donald J. Trump being a one-term president.

FOR YOU, MAYBE IT IS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL, Yes, we will.

TRAVELING THE WORLD, See? I’m practicing WRITING YOUR BOOK, what I’m preaching!

CHANGING CAREERS, GETTING MARRIED, OR DEVELOPING I hope you join me YOUR IDEA INTO A PRODUCT in NAMING it and OR SERVICE. CLAIMING it!

For you, maybe it is going back to school, traveling the world, writing your book, changing careers, getting married, or developing your idea into a product or service.

WHATEVER it is: 1. Make a plan 2. Create small action steps 3. Take time to celebrate when you finish each of those

Peace & Blessings,

Pleshette Robertson CEO and Founder Sac Cultural Hub Media Company and Foundation facebook.com/pleshettemarie

steps 4. Be kind to yourself when you occasionally fall short

of one of them. This is hard to do, since we are sometimes our own worst ENEMY and CRITIC, but remember to practice a little self love as we work to…

5. GET IT DONE!

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CONTENTS 14

26

12 19

20

30

14

8 CENTERSTAGE

WERE YOU THERE?

LACK UNITED FUND MURPHY: DON’T CALL IT 19 | BFAREWELL 8 | EDDIE RECEPTION A COMEBACK

12 | BEST MOVIES 2109 14

| HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL: A SCHOOL FOR SECOND CHANCES

20 | EWOC 2019 26 | #GHANARETURN2019

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Founder’s Room 29 Michael’s Mind’s Eye: Northern California Welcomes Great Christmas Shows This Year

34

34 Advertiser Index

Things To Do, Places To Go

DID YOU KNOW? AM WESTERN REGIONAL 30 | .NCONFERENCE

32 | .NEW CALIFORNIA LAWS 2019

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T H E H UB MAGAZI NE | 5 |

BOOKMARK Sacculturalhub.com Inside every issue of THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine there are things to do, places to go and people to see, with a calendar of events, spotlight and feature articles on major event reviews, career profiles and business services. This magazine celebrates the urban lifestyle of African-Americans living in Northern California.

Northern California’s Most Popular Urban Entertainment Magazine ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 2006 Mailing Address 7902 Gerber Road, #367 • Sacramento, CA 95828 Ph 916.234.3589 | Fax 866.302.6429 E-mail contact@sacculturalhub.com CHIEF EDITOR, CEO & FOUNDER – SACCULTURALHUB.COM Pleshette Robertson | pleshette@sacculturalhub.com ADVERTISING AND MARKETING TEAM Twlia Laster | 916.662.3502 • twlia@sacculturalhub.com Lesley Leatherwood | 916.838.9267 • leatherwoodmarketing@yahoo.com Michael P. Coleman | 916.715.2996 • mcoleman@sacculturalhub.com NEWS REPORTERS Neketia Henry | Keadrian Belcher-Harris Donna Michele Ramos CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael P. Coleman | Lesley Leatherwood | Valarie Scruggs Faye Wilson Kennedy ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Vicki Blakley PHOTOGRAPHY Rayford Johnson | 916.714.5840 Khiry Malik | Magiceyephotos.com 916.730.5405 Creative Touch Media Services (CT Media) Robert Briley – 916.579.1806 GRAPHIC DESIGN­ Heather Niemann | Tingible Design • heather@tingible.com COVER PHOTO: Allamy.com Circulation THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine has an estimated readership of more than 500,000 African American residents in Northern California.

Copies are available at numerous storefront locations and distributed quarterly: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

Advertising THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine offers affordable rates to meet your business needs and marketing budget. Ads are due 45 days prior to the next issue. Call (916) 234-3589 or e-mail contact@ sacculturalhub.com.

Letters to the Editor Letters should include the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for space, clarity or style. Name and address may be withheld upon

| 6 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

Connect with African American professionals and families! Share your services, products and events with Sacculturalhub. com and THE HUB Magazine ... your leading source of EXCITEMENT and Urban Entertainment News in Northern California.

Contact us: contact@sacculturalhub.com or 916-234-3589

request. Mail to: THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine, 7902 Gerber Road, #367, Sacramento, CA 95828.

THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine is printed quarterly in the United States.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine. THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions in regard to content of ads in which events were cancelled or rescheduled, or phones that have changed abruptly.

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facebook.com/Sacculturalhub1 instagram.com/thehublive twitter.com/sachub916

YOUR Dental HEALTH Presented by Terri Speed, D.D.S.

HOW WINTER WEATHER CAN CAUSE TOOTHACHES AND SENSITIVITY Do your teeth ever hurt when you eat something hot or cold?

When tooth enamel wears down or the gums recede, it exposes a layer of your teeth that is very sensitive to temperature changes. If something too hot or too cold touches this part of your mouth, you’ll feel some pain.

Can Cold Weather Make My Teeth Hurt?

Yes, cold weather can make your teeth hurt. In response to extreme heat and cold, your teeth expand and contract. Over time, this can lead to cracks in your teeth, exposing the vulnerable microscopic tubes beneath your enamel. This is the same tooth pain you feel because of cavities, gum disease, and other bad oral habits.

Weather sensitivity can occur regardless of how well you care for your teeth, but you’re at greater risk if you don’t practice good oral hygiene and live in an area that has extreme temperature swings.

To minimize sensitivity, you should learn about the common causes for sensitive teeth and what you should do when you notice pain because of the cold weather.

Common Culprits for Seasonally Sensitive Teeth Your dentin could be exposed for a number of reasons. People often wear down their enamel or suffer from receding gums and tooth sensitivity because of one of the following reasons: Periodontal disease | Brushing too vigorously Clenching and grinding | Tooth decay | Tooth whitening agents Acidic beverages | Other lifestyle habits Try These Fixes for Your Sensitive Teeth A fluoride application | Covering root surfaces Making a mouth guard | Root canal treatment

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION A FREE FAMILY FESTIVAL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 12 – 4 PM MUSEUM OPEN & FREE FOR EVERYONE 10 AM – 5 PM

• The Magic of Forrest • Storytelling with Kirk Walker Kwanzaa Art presented by Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum • Sound Healing• Safe Black Space – Sacramento • Family Portraits by Debra Ledsinger • Bio-pics Film Screenings • Talk by Ise Lyfe, the artist and activist behind Small as a GIANT • African Drum and Dancing with Sankofa Music • Emcees –Straight Out Scribes • Mahagony Urban Poets and so much more!

When to See a Dentist You should see a dentist whenever you experience tooth sensitivity.

This is also necessary if you need a more complex solution, such as a mouth guard. A dentist can also determine exactly which teeth are exposed to sensitivity and recommend an appropriate treatment or prescribe a special toothpaste or similar product. Finally, if your teeth are especially sensitive, a dentist can schedule a root canal, filling, or other advanced procedure.

Meet artist Akinsanya Kambon whose work is on view in: American Expressions/African Roots: Akinsanya Kambon’s Ceramic Sculpture

Source: https://www.123dentist.com/how-winter-weather-can-cause-toothaches-and-sensitivity/

Dr. Terri Speed is a family dentist in practice at 9098 Laguna Main St., Suite 4, in Laguna West.

216 O Street • Downtown Sacramento crockerart.org • @crockerart fli

www.terrispeeddds.com (916) 686-4212 T H E H UB MAGAZI NE | 7 |

CENTERSTAGE

EDDIE

MURPHY

DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK: EDDIE MURPHY HAS BEEN HERE FOR YEARS

By Contributing Writer, Michael P Coleman

2

020 is shaping up to be the year of Eddie Murphy. But please don’t call it a comeback for the 58 year old legend. He’s been here for years.

There are no better words than those of LL Cool J’s to sum up Murphy’s groundbreaking career. He almost singlehandedly revived NBC’s thenfloundering sketch comedy program Saturday Night Live when he was only 19 years old.

You may be surprised to learn that despite Murphy’s hysterical work on SNL — Buckwheat, Gumby, Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood, Velvet Jones, etc.) he “YOUR BELIEF AND has never been awarded an Emmy.

He has also never won an Academy YOUR VOLITION GET Award.

YOU WHATEVER

YOU WANT.”

Hollywood beckoned, and Murphy soon had several box office hits under his belt, including 48 Hours and Trading Places. He has also been the driving force behind several movie franchises, including Beverly Hills Cop, The Nutty Professor, and Shrek. No disrespect to Mike Myers, but Donkey made that movie!

While Myers and several other SNL alumni have been welcomed back to host the show over the years— some of them multiple times — Murphy was invited back just last year for the first time in 35 years. To call his return to the show “triumphant” would be an understatement — the December 2019 broadcast earned the show its best Nielsen ratings in over two years. | 8 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

If you question whether Murphy’s onscreen work has been Oscarworthy, revisit those films’ dining room table scenes and Murphy’s convincing portrayals of several unique characters. Although, to be fair, Murphy’s honest, unscripted, and scathing critique of the Academy’s lack of cultural diversity, delivered during the live 1988 Academy Award broadcast, may have had something to do with that!

The comedian was finally awarded a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in 2007, for his nuanced portrayal in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls.

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CENTERSTAGE And then, who can forget Murphy’s collaboration with Rick James, “Party All The Time” from the funnyman’s 1985 music album How Could It Be? If that vocal performance wasn’t funny, I don’t know what is!

As I said at the outset, 2020 is looking good for Murphy. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Critics Choice Association, and he won a Golden Globe Award for his critically acclaimed Dolemite Is My Name on Netflix.

The icon insists that the streaming giant is the perfect distribution home for his film.

“They were perfect because they are forward thinkers and risk takers, not like the traditional studios,” Murphy has said of Netflix.

“And they are obviously interested in diverse content.”

Looking forward, Murphy has just completed filming a sequel to his 1988 hit Coming To America, due out later this year, and he is teasing a return to stand up. As long as he doesn’t stroll back out on stage in Raw’s iconic red leather get-up, this writer is good with that.

But as I think about it, that would be funny! And it would be classic Eddie Murphy.

When asked about his driving force in making films like Dolemite, Murphy offered advice that can be applied to all of us, independent of vocation: “Your belief and your volition get you whatever you want.” n The HUB thanks our colleagues at cinemablend.com for access to Eddie Murphy for this feature.

Connect with freelance writer Michael P Coleman at michaelpcoleman.com, and follow his blog at michaelpcoleman.Wordpress.com

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T H E H UB MAGAZI NE | 9 |

CENTERSTAGE

WHY ARE BLACKS LEAVING CALIFORNIA? AND, SHOULD THEY BE LEAVING CALIFORNIA?

By Chief Editor, Pleshette Robertson

I

f Delilah Beasley was the first African American woman to write a regular column in a major daily newspaper, along with being a fighter against lynching, and a historian who brought to life the contributions of our Black people in California history, bringing them from obscurity to their rightful place, WHY IS THERE NOW A MASS EXODUS OF BLACKS CHOOSING AND WANTING TO LEAVE CALIFORNIA? With the ten Blackest cities in California, why are African Americans choosing to Homepage of the Reid, Turner, Galt, Parker, Allen, Breaux, Johnson, and Lashbrook Families of Oakland, San Francisco, migrate back south and Berkeley, Richmond, Sacramento, and Angels Camp California, Griffin, Georgia, Norfolk, Virginia, St. James Parish, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas, among other places. http://www.safero.org/family.html other states? Should Blacks be leaving California, one of I would encourage you to retain ownership of any land, home, the wealthiest states, in America? Well, we can say that the or property you have in California. And if you are looking to buy outrageous increase in housing prices within the last 3-5 a home, there are a few pocket areas where decent homes are years is probably the number one reason we have so many still very affordable. You may have to adjust to locations that folks fleeing California. Some who are escaping California include: Victorville, Palmdale, Bakersfield, Stockton, Modesto, are relocating for affordable housing, new jobs, transfers or and Fresno. As we speak, home values in these locations are promotions, and others are merley choosing to retire elsewhere increasing. However, I can tell you this: there will be folks like Las Vegas, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Alabama, and Arizona. who say: “Don’t move there - that location is bad.” Well, do your own research folks and just realize no place is an ultra Be careful though once you make that big jump from California safe location. I own my home and have been living in South to another state as the laws, regulations, policies and so forth Sacramento since 2001, and it was designated as not the will be very different than what you’ve experienced in California. greatest of neighborhoods. But you know what? I raised all I’m totally biased, as I am a California homegrown girl, so YES of my three daughters in this neighborhood, and I grew up in I’m spoiled by all the sunshine. Although some of my kinfolks East Palo Alto where now homes in a place deemed the ghetto (my grandmother, her sisters and cousins) grew up in Arkansas, – high crime area (800 square foot homes with no garage) – but later migrated to California in the 1960s to purchase homes are going for close to $1 million now (as it is the backyard to in East Palo Alto and San Francisco. I visited my cousins and Stanford University and Palo Alto). my Big Mama (who has now passed) in Arkansas when I was 16 years old (in 1983) - bought my own airline ticket and flew It has become extremely difficult to qualify for a home loan in there with my grandmother (who has also passed) for a summer California as a single person. Your income and desired locaiton vacation. I had a great - very fun - time as I can remember, are important factors. If you want to live or remain in California, BUT I would not consider moving there (who knows though consider buying property with close family members allowing when I’m in my 60s or 70s, as my mom says we have land in you to have at least two or more incomes on your home loan Arkansas). application. It is important to work with a reputable lender! | 1 0 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

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DID YOU KNOW: Cities in California with the largest African American population * * * * * * * * * *

Inglewood Compton California City Hawthorne Carson Oakland Gardena Lancaster Vallejo Suisun City

There is a long history of California Pioneers of African Descent: Blacks in Gold Rush California, and the Negro Trail Blazers of California, that stems back to the mid 1800s. I have actually come to know so many NEW Black pioneers and trailblazers of the 21st century who own homes, estates, and are entrepreneurs right here in the Greater Sacramento Valley Region.

BLACK WOMAN OWNED. LOCALLY PRODUCED. NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED. Subscribe Today - 4 Fabulous Issues Collectors Issues to Archive Forever

Our Black history is RICH with blood, sweat and tears of investment, ownership, and invention of over 170 years in California. Do your research folks, because if quiet is kept, some of the land in California is rightfully ours and we should not be making a mass exodus anywhere. n E-mail me, contact@sacculturalhub.com, if you are looking for a personal recommendation for a realtor and/or lender/mortgage loan specialist.

YES! I’D LIKE TO HAVE THE MAGAZINE DELIVERED TO MY MAILBOX

Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/california-population-overview-1435260 https://www.city-journal.org/html/black-residents-matter-14336.html https://californiahistoricalsociety.org/blog/pioneering-black-urbanites-insan-francisco-and-los-angeles/ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/she-found-the-hidden-past_b_11534620

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T H E H UB M A GAZI NE | 1 1 |

CENTERSTAGE

BEST BLACK MOVIES

Queen and Slim -- While on a forgettable first date together in Ohio, a black man (Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya) and a black woman (Jodie Turner-Smith, in her first starring feature-film role), are pulled over for a minor traffic infraction. The situation escalates when the man kills the police officer in self-defense.

Terrified and in fear for their lives, they are forced to run. But the incident is captured on video and goes viral, and the couple unwittingly become a symbol of trauma, terror, grief and pain for people across the country. Universal Pictures November 2019

2019

The Intruder -- is a 2019 American psychological thriller film directed by Deon Taylor and written by David Loughery. The film stars Michael Ealy and Meagan Good as a couple who buy a house in the country, only to realize its previous owner (Dennis Quaid) refuses to let it go. Sony Pictures May 2019

By Chief Editor, Pleshette Robertson

L

ooking for the favorites of Black movies or a series to binge watch while in hibernation mode or on a rainy day?

THE HUB asked our Facebook fans about some of the BEST movies, comedy/drama series that debuted in 2019 and here is what they posted. If you have not seen these, they are certainly worth watching and watching over again.

Harriett -- Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, HARRIET tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes.

Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman and Janelle Monae as Marie Buchanon were stunning in appearance and gave award winning performances Focus Features November 2019 Sticks and Stones -- Dave Chappelle takes on gun culture, the opioid crisis and the tidal wave of celebrity scandals in a defiant stand-up special filmed in Atlanta. Netflix August 2019 Black and Blue is a 2019 American action thriller film directed by Deon Taylor from a screenplay by Peter A. Dowling.

The film stars Naomie Harris, Tyrese Gibson, Frank Grillo, Mike Colter, Reid Scott, and Beau Knapp, and follows a rookie police officer who goes on the run after she witnesses a murder. Sony Pictures October 2019

Godfather of Harlem is an American crime drama television series, (a prequel to 2007’s American Gangster) which premiered in September on Epix. The series was written

by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, and stars Forest Whitaker as 1960s New York City gangster Bumpy Johnson. EPIX September 2019 Watchmen -- Based on the celebrated graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, the exciting and dark “Watchmen” (directed and produced by Regina King) takes place in Tulsa, Okla., 34 years after the original story. After a white supremacist attack on the local police department, which leaves only two surviving cops on the beat, laws are passed that allow the cops to hide their identities behind masks. One of these cops, Angela Abar, adopts the identity of Sister Night and fights racists while dealing with the decades-long legacy of the vigilantes. HBO October 2019 Black Mitzvah -- On her 40th birthday, Tiffany Haddish dropped a bombastic special studded with singing, dancing and raunchy reflections on her long road to womanhood. Netflix December 2019 Dolemite Is My Name -- Eddie Murphy portrays real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and rap pioneer who proved naysayers wrong when his hilarious, obscene, kung-fu fighting alter ego, Dolemite, became a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon. Dolemite received Best Comedy win at the 2020 Critics’ Choice Awards and Eddie Murphy was presented with Lifetime Achievement Award. Netflix October 2019

Black and Privileged: Volume 1-- When low-income families move into a thriving black community in Chicago, they find themselves at odds with politicians to maintain their status.

Starring:Dawnisha Halfkenny, Simeon Henderson, Corey Hendrix. Netflix July 2019 Raising Dion -- A single mother must hide her young son’s superpowers to protect him from exploitation while investigating their origins and her husband’s death. First episode (9) on Netflix in October 2019 | 1 2 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

When They See Us - Five teens from Harlem become trapped in a nightmare when they’re falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. Jharrel Jerome won an Emmy for his portrayal of Korey Wise in this series from Academy Award nominee Ava DuVernay.

Premiered in 4 episodes on Netflix on May 31, 2019.n

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CENSUS DAY April 1, 2020 THE 2020 CENSUS IS SAFE! THE 2020 CENSUS IS EASY!

Join us for

BLACK COUNT WEEKEND March 20-22, 2020

Visit makeblackcountsac.org for the list of Black Count Weekend events at locations throughout Sacramento Region (storefronts, churches, pop-ups).

We must count EVERYONE in the household!

Foster children!

Grandchildren!

Newborns!

$675 Billion is at stake! Black and brown people are undercounted at high rates by the Census--more than twice the rate of white people.

Black and brown people lose if they are missed in the 2020 Census! Undercounted individuals deny our neighborhoods and community.

Being counted in the 2020 Census means change for us, by us.

To learn more about the 2020 census visit: makeblackcountsac.org For more info contact Greater Sacramento Urban League: 916.286.8600 Stand Up and Be Counted => #MakeBlackCountSac #DollasfortheCount #Census2020 W I NT ER 2 0 2 0

T H E  H UB M A GAZI NE | 1 3 |

CENTERSTAGE

A SCHOOL FOR SECOND CHANCES:

HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL

By Contributing Writer, Donna Michele Ramos

H

ighlands Community Charter School is a school for second chances. If you need to graduate high school or need to learn a skill for a new career; the school is here to help you succeed with all your goals.

Initially, Highlands’ efforts were aimed at ex-felons, and those in similar situations, who were being rehabilitated back into society, but in Highlands’ first two years of development, the population has grown and changed exponentially.

Their mission: We are a diverse community for social justice, serving the unserved, providing access to education, technology, communication, and employment for 21st-century achievers.

Through community partnerships, we will build new legacies leading to selfsufficiency and generational change.

THE HUB: When did Highlands Community Charter School open its doors?

SMITH: Highlands Community Charter School opened in 2014.

THE HUB: Are there any expungement success stories?

SMITH: Yes, there are some, at least 20 – 25 students have been helped.

THE HUB: What are the three main things you see as contributions to the success of the school?

WE HAD SMITH: We are big on building COMMUNITY MEMBERS relationships. All the leaders WHO WERE REACHING are big about that; knowing OUT, BUT THERE WAS NO students names and speaking LIFELINE. to them, creating a sense of WHEN PARENTS SUCCEED, belonging. Safety and family.

THEIR CHILDREN Many students found place SUCCEED. to belong without judgement.

They feel it’s a safe place. We Murdock Smith have a full-day session that begins Murdock Smith at 8 a.m. and end at 3:5 p.m. Our Executive Director night session starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. we also have an independent study program where students study at home and meet with their teacher at school once week.

Kevin Taylor Chief Academic Officer

The school was initially founded to serve ex-offenders.

We knew there was a gap for this group. We needed to develop a curriculum that was impactful for people who have historically been lied to...Our job is to find careers that would be enticing to folks: Truck drivers, cosmetologists, aestheticians, - you can have a barrier in your past and still have a great career. Murdock Smith

THE HUB: How many students have completed the program?

SMITH: We have close to 300 graduates and 70 will graduate January 2020; we have two graduations a year.

Synthia Smith Lead High School THE HUB: Did I hear correctly that you have a prom?

Counselor

SMITH: Yes we do.

If you don’t have credibility it is difficult. How do you establish credibility? Your reputation is all you have when [the community] takes someone on, they are taking a risk – we have to make sure we are giving service that is equal to or exceeding what they were previously getting. Murdock Smith

| 1 4 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

THE HUB: How did that come about?

SMITH: The students asked for a prom. We listen to the students’ voice. If their wants and needs re in reason we see that they are done. They have a prom king and queen. We want it to be inclusive so we play world music with 60 languages represented.

THE HUB: Is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to add?

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The biggest key was [our school] had to be at no cost.

We had to find out ways to get rid of historical barriers to participation, like child care and transportation. We purchase bus tickets at a discount and give them away for free ... We found that if you have to travel more than 3 miles it makes it really difficult, especially if you are on public transportation. So, we developed 34 locations throughout the greater Sacramento area.

There’s probably a school near you. Murdock Smith

PLAN AHEAD for what’s coming to the gallo center in modesto!

SMITH: We also have daycare; it was a barrier and we try to remove all barriers. The day care takes kids from 2 ½ years old (toilet trained) to school age. During our summer school program students can bring older kids. Highlands Community Charter School has a higher population of women than men.

Our programs include one to earn high school diplomas and 9 certification programs for careers like truck driving, medical assistant, IT Tech, early childhood education, entrepreneurship, Microsoft Office, medical office administration, manicuring and cosmetology. We provide everything they need i.e. scrubs.

Students are also trained to lead group workout sessions.

Highlands Community Charter School has a well-rounded system of support for our student body. This system includes an English Language Development (ELD) Department, a Career Center, Counseling Services, Peer Support Groups. The school provides 360-degree support to our students, so they can get their questions answered in one place. Also offered is academic classes at multiple locations throughout the greater Sacramento area.

SANKOFA THEATRE CO: AUGUST WILSON’S SEVEN GUITARS Fri.-Sun., February 14-16 Tickets: $15/20/25

TAKE 6, CLINT HOLMES & NNENNA FREELON GEORGIA ON MY MIND: THE RAY CHARLES TRIBUTE! Saturday, February 15 Tickets: $39/49/59/79

New students are accepted every day of the year. The only qualifications each student must meet is to be 22 years of age or older and to not possess a U.S. high school diploma. n

The cool thing is that once our students get over some of the technology learning curves, they thrive.

I believe that any success that we can have, or schools like Highlands may have, is because we realize that cultural awareness is extremely important. Murdock Smith

GALLO CENTER REP: GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER Thu.-Sat., May 21-23 Tickets: $15/20/30

For additional information contact: www.hccts.org

HOW TO BUY TICKETS: IN PERSON: 1000 I STREET, DOWNTOWN MODESTO ONLINE: 24/7/365 AT GALLOARTS.ORG

BY PHONE: (209) 338-2100

Gallo Center f o r

t h e A r t s

A Non-Profit Organization

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T H E H UB M A GAZI NE | 1 5 |

Easy Cucumber Salad INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

2 English cucumbers thinly sliced 1 teaspoon salt 1 red onion thinly sliced 1 cup distilled white vinegar 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons fresh dill minced

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INSTRUCTIONS • • •

Season cucumbers with salt in a large bowl and let sweat 1 hour. Drain liquids and toss cucumbers with onion slices.

In a small saucepan over high heat, pour in white vinegar and water and stir in sugar until dissolved and liquid turns clear, 3 to 5 minutes.

Pour over cucumbers and onions. Stir in dill. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Sodium: 294mg | Potassium: 130mg | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 3.1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.2mg Source: https://thestayathomechef.com/cucumber-salad/

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WERE YOU THERE?

THE BLACK UNITED FUND’S FAREWELL RECEPTION DECEMBER 2019

By Contributing Writer, Faye Wilson Kennedy

A

fter twenty-seven years serving the Sacramento community, the Black United Fund of Sacramento Valley (BUFSV) is closing its doors as a non-profit.

Kakwasi Somadhi shared the following amazing quote at our Farwell Reception on Sunday, December 22, “The mission is eternal, the delivery is evolving.”

As required by the California State Attorney General, the Black United Fund of Sacramento Valley (BUFSV) distributed its remaining funds to the following grassroots non-profit organizations for their outstanding work and service in our community: • • • • • • • • •

Sisters of Nia Yes2Kollege Black Women United Green Tech Education Vision 2000 The Black Group B.E.S.T. Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation Black Parallel School Board (Fiscal Agent: Sacramento Independent Learning Center)

Thank you, Sacramento, for allowing the Black United Fund of Sacramento Valley to engage thousands of community members and organizations through our various community activities such as: non-profit development trainings, Kwanzaa celebrations, MLK Day of Service, fund development through mini grants, BUF’s newsletters and much more.

“The mission is eternal; the delivery is evolving.” Thank you and Happy Holidays. n Kakwasi Somadhi, Founder Faye Wilson Kennedy, Board Member Special thank you for Assemblymember Kevin McCarty for the amazing acknowledgements See more photos at - https://www.facebook.com/… /p.32816176951…/3281617695198256/…

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WERE YOU THERE? EWOC 2019

ONLY THE MOTHER OF BLACK HOLLYWOOD WOULD GIVE US HOMEWORK WE WILL TRY TO DO:

AN EVENING WITH JENIFER LEWIS AT EWOC 2019

By Contributing Writer, Valarie Scruggs

W

hen you get up in the morning and go brush your teeth in the mirror, before you walk away every day, tell the person looking back at you that you love them. That was the powerful homework Jenifer Lewis gave her audience.

Jenifer’s keynote message throughout the evening at the 11th Annual Exceptional Women of Color (EWOC) Expo and Awards (held October 19, 2019) was all about loving and doing the healing work to be ourselves.

Her stories captured the attention of pre-teens to golden agers.

Everyone who attended was given a copy of her book, Mother of Black Hollywood, to learn more about how she has come to thrive. It’s a page by page reminder that healing and hope is available to us.

The audience was also presented with a discussion and Q&A conversation between Leshelle May and Jenifer Lewis on GREAT NIGHT. CONGRATS stage following her keynote TO ALL THE EWOC presentation. LeShelle HONOREES... GREAT JOB May - Senior Technical PLESHETTE ROBERTSON Lead for CNN is a highly AND THE SAC HUB TEAM!!!!! accomplished computer REGINA WILSON engineer recognized for her leadership and innovation in Yet that confidence didn’t stop her from experiencing hard the development of software times such as loss of loved ones, mental illness or relationship and web applications. UC Davis drama. It did make her courageous, authentic and resilient.

Chancellor Gary May had stated: “I’m It led her to become the Mother of Black Hollywood that we admire and enjoy today for her honesty, passion, wit and charm. honored that our university is hosting this wonderful event at out Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Jenifer encouraged women to feel great about themselves and Arts. This venue is not just a platform for world-class music to be unafraid to ask for help. “Tell yourself the truth if no one and theater productions, but it’s a center of inspiration and else, and feel your feelings,” said Jenifer. community gathering on our campus. I appreciate how much the Exceptional Women of Color Expo and Awards aligns with our own ideals at UC Davis. Our campus is committed to diversity and inclusion, with a goal of providing social mobility for students of all backgrounds. In fact, UC Davis launches more women into the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math more than any university in the nation.”

She doesn’t credit her success to a person, a situation or chance. She is and has always been doing the things that she loves. From a young age, she didn’t know she wasn’t supposed to think she was great. She sang at church, performed on stage and in television and movies. When she couldn’t find work she made her own shows to get into the spotlight where she felt she belonged. She brings that love into everything she does and uses her voice to speak up about the things that are important to her.

The evening with Jenifer Lewis at the beautiful Mondavi Center at UC Davis went beyond the expectations of the annual EWOC program starting first with an exciting Red Carpet Arrivals experience. This year once again spotlighted 2019 EWOC Honorees (total of 16) with the presentation of the EWOC Excellence Awards. We also honored Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber with the EWOC Champion Award – Woman to | 2 0 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

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WERE YOU THERE? EWOC 2019 Watch – creating historical paths for us to follow in political leadership as well as the presentation of the EWOC Tech Leadership Award to Leshelle May. The EWOC program also included a skill building youth summit, an artful and unforgettable performance this year by the dynamic dance group-- Hundreds Unit, along with a showcase of entrepreneurs and exhibitors.

The Platinum Keynote Sponsor, Black Child Legacy Campaign through The Center at Sierra Health Foundation who are working with many community partners in Sacramento working to reduce African American child deaths in Sacramento County presented a profound and thought provoking video on the challenges women of color face in becoming moms. A digital storytelling project on maternal health and birth outcomes will be released in Spring 2020.

The CEO & Founder of Sacculturalhub.com and Executive Director of the Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation, Pleshette Robertson, stated: “Words cannot express my appreciation and gratitude to the many corporate sponsors, community partners, donors, patrons, exhibitors who supported EWOC and continue to support Sac Hub making it possible for us to present EWOC at this level! Shout out with BIG HUGS and thanks to the Mondavi Staff, our committed Sac Hub staff and volunteers, all of our presenters at the Young Women’s Summit, DJ Gino, our photographers, and our lovely MC/Host for the event - Neketia Henry. And, let me not forget to say how much I appreciated each and every person who came up to me to say hi and offer help. I just love you all for coming to support EWOC. When I saw my BEAUTIFUL BLACK PEOPLE cascaded all in front outside the Mondavi Center and then all over inside, I knew we had arrived and basically taken over!” n To see more photos from the EWOC 2019 event, go online to see over 500 photos posted at: http://www.sacculturalhub.com/photo-galleries/photo-gallery

EWOC 2019 was “All That! Jenifer Lewis is the “Real Deal”. I laughed so hard I was in tears...she has a powerful message! She talked about self care and told us when we wake up in the morning to look into our eyes in the mirror and say “I LOVE you! I woke up this morning with some pep in my step..went to the mirror, look myself in the eyes and said “I LOVE ME SOME YOU!” Hm hm hm!!???? Congrats to the all EWOC Awardees also!! Zoritha Thompson

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WERE YOU THERE? EWOC 2019 And this lady BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN at the 11th Annual EWOC Expo & Awards at Mondavi Center on Sat-Oct 19th--WERE YOU THERE??‼ I was so grateful to meet and have conversation with Jenifer Lewis about the struggles and triumphs we have as Black women... Ms. Lewis is the REAL DEAL folks. Ms. Lewis CAPTIVATED EVERYONE when she took the stage...Jenifer is a funny ass comedian, a soulful songstress, and a true storyteller. And, Leshelle May did a fantastic job as the Moderator with Jenifer. The most profound statement I heard from Jenifer Lewis was: “LOVE is the most important. I had a wonderful life. The reason it’s been a wonderful life is I’ve made conscious choices to get up, to basically LOVE Life!”

Pleshette Robertson

What an amazing experience yesterday was!!! I am embarrassed that this was my first Exceptional Women of Color conference, but I can assure you it won’t be my last.

My duties kept me from experiencing the entire event, but I was able to meet the most brilliant, accomplished and beautiful women of color. Women that inspire me. The highlight was assisting the iconic Ms. Jenifer Lewis after she got locked out from the dressing area!!! Her energy is contagious.

Danielle Green

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AGAIN, WHAT A WONDERFUL TIME... I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN OF COLOR 11TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE.... THANKS TO PLESHETTE ROBERTSON AND TWLIA LASTER AND STAFF FOR PUTTING ON THIS FABULOUS WOMEN CONFERENCE AGAIN! LINDA TAYLOR

“One of the greatest jazz singers of her generation, but that label sells her short.”

—Rolling Stone

I’m SOOOOO humbled, grateful and thankful for Pleshette Robertson and Sac Cultural Hub Media Group for the EWOC Award on yesterday. Thanks for all the love shown from my family, church family and friends. As I said last night, I do what I do to help encourage others that they too can be successful in life no matter what obstacles may come their way. They can be a successful wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, manager, and entrepreneur. God will give you the grace to do it all!!!

Karlette Porter

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WERE YOU THERE? EWOC 2019

Thank you again Pleshette Robertson and Sac Cultural Hub for an amazing night and award. I’m humbled to be included with all of the amazing women. While my bff Kindra F. Montgomery-Block was talking on stage... Guess who’s picture popped up!? I love it and here Kindra and I are 30 years later sharing a stage together on a night to celebrate women!! And, the icing on the cake was the amazing Jennifer Lewis!!

Tichia Sims Lindsay

Around The Way Girl's Book Club had a great time at the youth summit portion of the 11th Annual EWOC. We are so grateful for our Queen and Co-Organizer Shonna McDaniels and Queen Pleshette Robertson for the opportunity.

The girls loved it.

Dana Maeshia

From the moment me and Kennedy (niece) arrived to the room, Jenifer Lewis For Real was phenomenal, hilarious and regal.

She took pics with everyone, even when they said “this is the last one” multiple times. The 11th Annual EWOC Expo & Awards was an inspirational, spiritual, exceptional experience. Jenifer Lewis For Real is a true gem.

Kimberly Bailey

Really amazing night both celebrating and appreciating Exceptional Black Woman tonight.

Shout out to Elika Bernard who was honored along side of some amazing Sacramento female leaders and to Kindra F. Montgomery-Block and Tina Roberts for continuing to lift up the work of RAACD. Les Simmons

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DID YOU KNOW? #GHANARETURN2019

WE MISSED #GHANARETURN2019 BUT WE WILL NOT MISS #GHANARETURN2020

By Chief Editor, Pleshette Robertson

to walk into Africa, seize our peoples and sell them into slavery, ” President Nana AkufoAddo said in 2018 while announcing the initiative. The year-long campaign is expected to draw about 500,000 visitors from the U.S. and around the world.

One of those returning is Ghanaian-German actor Boris Kodjoe, currently known for his role on the action-drama show “Station 19.”

S

o by now if you don’t know already, several hundreds of Black/African American folks went to Ghana in December 2019...THEY LITERALLY LEFT US BEHIND!!! However, I had been prewarned about missing the upcoming Ghana trips for the past 2 years now where my young colleague, Ta Karra Johnson kept saying: “Ms. Pleshette you should come to Ghana with us-West2West!” And, I would say, “Gurrl I can’t possibly go to Ghana with everything going on in my life and my business”.

And, Ta Karra would just laugh and say okay Ms. Pleshette maybe you will come with us next year. Well Ms. Ta Karra (who is a childhood best friend of my youngest daughter Starr Nalls) I can honestly say now that I and several of my family members will definitely be getting our passports very soon and booking our tickets to go on the infamous Ghana trip come December 2020. When I say Ghana was super poppin’ - IT WAS - our American Black citizen folks in Ghana last year had us swooning Some of the Hollywood with jealousy watching all they photos and videos of everybody celebrities who were in touring Accra, Ghana and celebrating at the festivals and Ghana for the festivities beaches of Ghana. So one might ask why did all these black included: Boris and wife Nicole Ari Parker who have been people from America (including our Sacramento neighbors) go playing a seminal role in helping Ghana’s president attract to Ghana? the diaspora in America back home. The duo spearheads an initiative called Full Circle Festival that brings everyone — from DID YOU KNOW!!!??? chiefs of industry, influencers and celebrities — to the capital, Accra, to experience Ghanaian history, food, music, fashion So 2019 marked the “Year of Return” to remember the 400th and more. Other celebrities included: Beyonce’s mom - Tina anniversary of the first slave ship landing in Virgina. The first enslaved Africans were brought to British colonial North America Knowles, Ludacris, Michael Jai White, Djimon Hounsou, Anthony Anderson, Naomi Campbell, Idris Elba, Bozama Saint 400 years ago, setting in motion the transatlantic slave trade.

John, Erika Alexander and Jidenna.

To commemorate this anniversary, the president of Ghana has been welcoming descendants of those enslaved back to the I personally kept receiving notifications on my timeline from my West African nation to reconnect with their roots and invest in Facebook friends, Christi Ketchum (CoFounder of Sacramento the country. “We will work together to make sure that never again will we allow a handful of people with superior technology Sister Circle) and Ta Karra Johnson (CoFounder of West2West and Rap/Spoken Word Artist) as they posted so many beautiful

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DID YOU KNOW? #GHANARETURN2019

fun photos and videos while attending popular events that included Afrochella, Afro Nation and Detty Rave where artists like Davido and Rick Ross performed.

& Tia’s leadership and look forward to working with them to continue the impact of their (West2West) collective work as needed.” Christi also noted that she was so proud of Ta Karra performing at Afrochella 2019 and how amazing it was to watch her shine as she stated: “You represented yourself, US, and SacTown very well Diaspora Daughter.”

Ta Karra’s group West2West has now completed 3 trips to Ghana (2018-19).

Christi and Ta Karra were gracious enough to allow up to post some of their photos from their December 2019 trip to Accra, Ghana. Christi noted on her Facebook page: “It’s been a SPECTACULAR two weeks with all of the good stuff, full circle vacation for me. I ain’t got a lot to say just enjoy the pictures & next time have yo money ready, mind right & LETS GO PERIODT! #West2West #AfricaIsMyHome” n

Mission of West2West--aims to facilitate the exchange of resources, education, and culture within the Afrikan Black Diaspora. Through exposure and connectedness those in the Diaspora can realize their people power and be moved to establish self-sustained and self-governed communities.

Vision of West2West is to empower a generation of Afrikan Black you who will...

1. Resist the forces that seek to divide those in the Afrikan Black Diaspora 2. Reclaim Afrikan spirituality, unity, and land 3. Rebuild sovereign Afrikan communities, states, and nations

If you are interested in going to Ghana with West2West in December 2020, go to their website for more info: west2westmovement.com To see more photos from the 2019 Ghana – West2West trip, browse through hundreds of photos in Christi’s “Africa is my Home” album on her facebook page posted at: facebook.com/christi.ketchum Sources: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2019/12/16/ghana-year-of-return-boris-kodjoe https://verysmartbrothas.theroot.com/an-open-letter-to-all-the-disrespectfulnegroes-who-wen-1840774374 https://www.forbes.com/sites/meghanmccormick/2019/01/09/ghana-come-for-thecelebrities-stay-to-be-a-part-of-something-bigger/

Ta Karra states: “West2West has been able to incite intergenerational interest in our collective responsbility to African causes. We successfully hosted 3 community health screenings in rural villages in Ghana - to futher an authentic connection and responsibility.”

Christi states: “This is my second time visiting Ghana and my first trip with West2West. I have been to the continent several times to over 8 countries. I’m in complete support of Takarra

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DID YOU KNOW? #GHANARETURN2019

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IN EVERY ISSUE | MICHAEL’S MIND’S EYE

WE FREED THE SLAVES AND GOT OUR DRINK ON VIA CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS. NOW, CAN WE REMOVE ASSAULT WEAPONS FROM OUR STREETS?

By Contributing Writer, Michael P Coleman

It could be a whole lot better, too.

As I write this, only a couple of days into the new year, I’m learning of two teenagers who were shot dead in West Sacramento, allegedly over a marijuana sale. Nationally, minutes later, news broke about a one-year-old boy who was shot and killed in his Dallas home.

“This sh*t has to stop in this city,” Dallas Police Chief Reneé Hall said at a press conference, bemoaning the gun violence that has dogged Dallas. She noted that, across town, another child was grazed by a bullet that had been randomly shot into the air.

“Not only are we brokenhearted,” Hall told reporters, “we’re angry this 1-year-old baby was killed due to senseless gun violence.”

Neighborhoods across the state and country have been ravaged by gun violence. Several reports from mainstream media, upon reporting about relatively low numbers of victims in some cases, have repeated the refrain “It could have been a whole lot worse.”

It could be a whole lot better, too.

At a Chicago house party just before Christmas, 13 people were shot and wounded. The party was a memorial for someone who had been shot and killed in April. The victims ranged in age from 16 to 48.

“People deserve to live their lives without fear of someone pulling out a gun,” Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said. “Especially in a moment of reflection and remembrance during the holiday season.”

Lightfoot was close, but she missed the mark.

“Too many disputes are reconciled by weapons,” Chicago Patrol Chief Fred Waller said. “There are too many weapons on the street.”

There you go. Right between the eyes.

“There are too many weapons on the street.”

My heart aches for all families affected by gun violence, in northern California and around the country. It also aches for our youth, who we have let down.

So here’s my call-to-action for the problem that Waller outlined: Let’s repeal the 2nd Amendment.

Now, I can hear the National Rifle Association wackos now, talking about their Constitutional right to bare arms. To that, I say carry a bayonet or a musket if you want, but we as a society have lost the right to bare arms when our babies are being shot and killed in the street — sometimes by each other, with weapons that we insufficiently stored in our homes. Period. And I’m pretty sure our founding fathers never intended us to carry semiautomatic weapons.

To the hunters: you don’t need a semi-automatic weapon to shoot Bambi in the woods and feed your family, or to protect your family from an intruder who, statistically, will never show up.

So be very, very quiet, Elmer Fudd: we’re hunting children.

The only way to repeal a Constitutional amendment is via the institution of another amendment. These “united” states have been radical with our amendments before. As hard as it is for me to believe, sometimes, this country passed the 13th Amendment which freed enslaved Africans…on paper, anyway. So we’ve got the balls to do some radical things when we’re compelled to do it.

I’ve also learned that we’ve only repealed an amendment once: we reversed the 18th Amendment, which banned alcohol. So let’s be clear: we value getting our drink on, but don’t value removing assault weapons from our streets.

In the wake of years of senseless, completely avoidable shootings in our streets, businesses, schools, and now churches, let’s repeal the 2nd Amendment. I’m writing my congressperson this weekend. n Go to MichaelPColeman.com to connect with the freelance writer — after you go to house.gov to connect with your congressperson! And follow MPC’s blog at MichaelPColeman.Wordpress.com or him on IG and Twitter: @ColemanMichaelP

We have created a world where, during the holidays, someone pulls out a shotgun in a church and shoots two people dead.

We have created a world where we need armed security guards in church.

As I was growing up, and even when my kids were little, we referred to the church “sanctuary.” When parishioners are hiding under pews to avoid gunfire, and armed volunteer security guards are trading exchanging gunfire with assailants, the church is far from a sanctuary. And the best we can do is “it could have been a whole lot worse.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

NAN WESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN SACRAMENTO FEBRUARY 5-7, 2020

By Contributing Writer, Donna Michele Ramos

T

he National Action Network (NAN) is 30 years old. NAN’s platform has a major focus on civil rights, youth leadership and criminal justice reform. NAN was founded by Reverend Al Sharpton, President. Most of the work was done on the east coast and down south. We interviewed Pastor Tecoy Porter, Sr., President of the Sacramento Chapter to learn more about NAN’s upcoming event in Sacramento.

THE HUB: How did you become involved with the National Action Network?

PORTER: The Stephon Clark shooting occurred at his grandma’s house, which is only half a mile away from my church. Genesis Church had several events in regard to the Clark family. The NAACP called me and asked me to be involved in his funeral service where I met Reverend Al Sharpton who he did the eulogy. Pastor Charley Hames is the former head of the Oakland NAACP and BeeBee Memorial Cathedral. I asked if they needed help and he said to hold on and that’s when I got the call to find the Sacramento Chapter of the NAACP and be involved. My Vice President is Pastor Scarborough of BOSS Church.

THE HUB: What’s the purpose of the upcoming National Action Network Western Regional Conference?

PORTER: There are over 105 chapters in the nation. Several are in California: Sacramento, Los Angeles, Watts, Oakland, San Diego and also Arizona and Nevada. This is the first convening of chapters in the western hemisphere. The main location of the conference will be located at Genesis Church. There will be a kick-off rally at the California State Capitol. On the education track is Margaret Fortune, President/CEO of Fortune Schools.

We’re convening the top Black educators in California and they will be part of the conference re: closing the academic achievement gap. We will have the majority of Black school leaders between 16-18, who will bring awareness to that. There will be a tour of the Fortune School on Stockton Blvd. We are making positive moves, in regard to education. This school has come in as a top math school for African Americans. There will be a banquet dinner honoring educational champions. Assembly Member Shirley Weber has done a lot for AB 392 legislation signed this year. She was part of the coalition to help get it signed into law by Governor Newsome. Assemblymember Weber was also instrumental in getting a multi-million dollars block grant for all public charter schools to help African Americans close the achievement gap. She’s a champion for | 3 0 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

Africa Americans and all people. We find lots of our work is for advocacy because we’re in the capital of California.

THE HUB: Why is it urgent for everyone to attend, especially youth and millennials?

PORTER: We’re heading into a voting year so we need to heavily emphasize the urgency to come out to vote for all levels of government, not just the president. Voting is power. We’re doing Rock the Vote Concert at BOSS Church on February 7, 2020 to close out the last session of the conference. Kida the Great from World of Dance will perform. It will be hosted

by Dominique and Ashley Sharpton. It’s important for our millennials to get involved in the political process. It’s one thing to march but you also need to be exposed and shown the process. You have to connect them to the right people so their voices are heard.

THE HUB: What will the conference focus on?

PORTER: This is the first full blown conference for the western chapters. The attendees are from New York headquarters, including Reverend Sharpton, staff and representatives from New York. The ministries luncheon talk about the gala hoping to draw presidential candidates, the primary is in March to Democrats and Republicans. Some of the subjects that will be covered will be the 2020 Census, voting rights, bringing back to our urban communities and bringing wealth back to our community.

The conference will be held at Genesis Church, 2801 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA 95832. It will be held February 5 – February 7, 2020, registration is free. There are tickets on sale for the luncheon and gala banquet. n For more information, visit https://www.nansacramento.org/national-action-network-western-reg

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HOTTEST HAIR IDEAS FOR BLACK WOMEN IN 2020 Looking for the latest and best African American hair styles for black women? The ombré highlight is here to stay and one of the most popular color combos for winter are warm reds, purples or blues – but what colors will you be wearing?

Short hairstyles are not only meant for summer since they can be worn in any season.

Black women have the most beautiful hair on the planet. They can pull off any short hairstyle which makes them unique. Some black women are afraid to try a short hairstyle. But with some experimenting, you can definitely discover the style that suits you the best. Short hair is an excellent way of expressing your personal style and attitude.

There were times when we believed that short hairstyles did not offer us much freedom and variety. Today we are impressed at how versatile short hairstyles can be. To look elegant and feminine, choose the best hair color or highlights with a fabulous cut.

Embrace your natural hair texture.

As time passes, life changes. Try to keep up with the times but never forget to express yourself.

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DID YOU KNOW?

NEW CALIFORNIA LAWS 2019 New state laws are going into effect across California with the start of the new year. From minimum wages to housing restrictions, here are some of the laws going into effect in 2020:

Education SB 419: School suspension SB 328: Later school start times AB 272: Limiting/banning smartphone use in schools SB 354: Graduate program grants for Dreamers

Employment/Workplace SB 3: Minimum wages going up AB 9: Employment discrimination SB 1343: Sexual harassment training SB 83: Extending paid leave AB 5: Gig worker law SB 188: Embracing natural hair SB 142: Protections for nursing mothers

Firearms AB 164: Buying firearms SB 172: Firearm storage AB 1669: Price to purchase firearms

Miscellaneous SB 30: Domestic partnership law SB 104: Healthcare for immigrants

Housing AB 1482: Rent increase cap SB 652: Display of religious items

Source: https://www.kron4.com/news/california/ list-new-california-laws-in-2020/

Criminal Justice AB 12: Gun violence restraining orders AB 218: Statute of limitations for childhood sex assaults SB 273: Statute of limitations for domestic violence SB 439: Juvenile hall age

Animals/Environment SB 1249: Animal testing on cosmetics SB 245: Vet adoption SB 313: Circus Cruelty Prevention Act SB 8: Smoking banned at state beaches SB 167: Public safety power shutoffs SB 209: Wildfire warning center

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H O L LY W O O D WALK–INS WELCOME Relaxer Weave/Bonding Straightening Cut & Colour Braids & Twists Natural Hair Another Look Hair Salon 7826 Alta Valley Drive Sacramento, CA 95823

Specializing in new urban cuts, colors and natural hairstyles BRAND NEW JAMES HAIRSTYLIST & BARBER

AnotherLookHairSalon.com

(916) 688-7704

UNION SALON | 174 S DELACEY AVENUE PASADENA, CA 91105

MOBILE: 352.497.5763 | SALON: 626.793.7745 @BRANDNEWJAMES | 3 2 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

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Building a strong community of leaders

by EDUCATING, PROMOTING, and INSPIRING individuals to pursue their personal, academic, and business goals.

THANK YOU to all those individuals who supported Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation with donations for 2019 Big Day of Giving (BDOG)!

We are so grateful and appreciate all of the BDOG donors. Not only did you raise money for your favorite nonprofit organization, but you were part of the community-wide movement that generated $8.4 million dollars in 24 hours (5/2/19) for nonprofits across the capital area.

www.sacculturalhub.com/media-foundation

SAVE THE DATE!

Big Day of Giving, Thursday, May 7, 2020 What is Big Day of Giving? A program of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s initiative to grow local philanthropy - Big Day of Giving is an annual 24-hour community-wide movement that unites the region’s nonprofit sector to help raise unrestricted funds for the organizations that strengthen the capital area. Since 2013, the giving day has generated nearly $40 million for more than 600 local nonprofits!

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T H E H UB M A GAZI NE | 3 3 |

THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO

For more events in Sacramento and beyond, go to www.sacculturalhub.com and list your event for free online. | FEBRUARY | SWEET POTATO FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 8 10 AM - 4 PM Samuel and Bonnie Pannell Community Center. Presented by the Sacramento Valley Section - National Council of Negro Women, Inc. svsncnw.org DON’T MISS LIVE IN CONCERT KAREN CLARK SHEARD FEBRUARY 8 7 PM Greater Christ Temple, 8800 Thornton Road in Stockton, CA hosted by Bishop T. David Dockery Sr/. Admission is $20/person For tickets go to: /www.greaterct.com BAY AREA BLACK COMEDY COMPETITION & FESTIVAL 2020 FEBRUARY 13-16 Tommy T’s Comedy Club in Pleasanton BlackComedyCompetition.com DON’T MISS THE THEATRE PLAY, “WHEN WE WERE COLORED: A MOTHER’S STORY” FEBRUARY 14-MARCH 4 based on the memoir by Eva Rutland, the play tells the story of a black family that moves to Sacramento in 1952. Show dates run from February 14 through March 14, 2020. tik.com DON’T MISS BLACK THEATRE BROADWAY PERFORMANCES OF “THE EVE OF JACKIE” FEBRUARY 15-16 presented by Images Theatre.

Taking place at Benvenuti Performing Arts Center in Sacramento. imagestheatre.org SOUL OF THE CITY WINE FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 16 3 - 7 PM (formerly, Urban Vines Wine Festival) returns to Oakland for it’s 5th year! eventbrite.com

100 YOUTH CONFERENCE FEBRUARY 22 8 am to 2 pm Sacramento’s premier youth conference is back in it’s 31st year. Join us for a day of panel discussions, workshops, video contest, college fair, and more. Free and open to all youth 12-21 years old. Presented by 100 Black Men of Sacramento.

100bmsac.org

BLACK EXPO 2020 FEBRUARY 29 – MARCH 1 Sacramento State University on Sat-Feb 29th and SunMar 1st. Taking place inside the University Union Ballroom.

To register as an exhibitor and to get more info, call (916) 572-6691.

3RD ANNUAL BLACK JOY PARADE FEBRUARY 22 12:30-9 PM the largest free, family-friendly event of its kind in California. A parade and festival to celebrate the black experience past, present and future. We invite you to come be present, be creative, be open and be free. blackjoyparade.org | MARCH | KEITH SWEAT, BLACKSTREET & NEXT MARCH 21 8 PM Paramount Theatre in Oakland. ticketmaster.com | APRIL | SACRAMENTO GRILLED CHEESE FESTIVAL APRIL 4-5 11 AM - 5 PM Southside Park in Sacramento. sacgrilledcheese.com

| ONGOING | OPEN MIC AT MAHOGANY URBAN POETRY SERIES every Wednesday night inside Queen Sheba Restaurant located at 1704 Broadway in Midtown Sacramento (at 17th and Broadway). (916) 446-1223 BOOK SIGNINGS, LECTURES, ART EXHIBITS, AND POETRY/ SPOKENWORD EVENTS AT UNDERGROUND BOOKS, 2814 35th Street in Oak Park, Sacramento.

(916) 737-3333 or underground-books.com

SACRAMENTO AFRICAN AMERICAN MARKET PLACE on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the Month located at 2251 Florin Road (nearest cross street is 24th) in South Sacramento – open from 10 am to 5 pm.

For more info go to facebook.com/SacramentoAMP or call (916) 730-6386.

ADVERTISER INDEX OF HUB PARTNERS To advertise inTHE HUB Magazine, e-mail contact@sacculturalhub.com or call (916) 234-3589

ANOTHER LOOK HAIR SALON www.anotherlookhairsalon.com

JAMES THE BARBER AND STYLIST (916) 514-2539

CALIFORNIA CENSUS www.californiacensus.org

KDEE 97.FM www.kdeefm.org

CALIFORNIA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY www.calhfa.ca.gov

MAKE BLACK COUNT SACRAMENTO www.makeblackcountsac.org

COLEMAN COMMUNICATIONS www.michaelpcoleman.com CROCKER ART MUSEUM www.crockerartmuseum.org CRYSTAL’S HAIR SALON 916.549.8972 DOUBLE TAKE HAIR GALLERY www.facebook.com/tavia.jenkins DR. EPHRAIM WILLIAMS FAMILY LIFE CENTER www.flcsac.org FORTUNE SCHOOL www.fortuneschooL.us GOT MUSCLE HEALTH CLUB www.got-muscle.com HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY CHARTER SCHOOL www.hccts.org

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ART EXHIBITS, OPEN MIC POETRY, WORKSHOPS at Brick House Gallery, 2837 36th Street in Oak Park Sacramento. (916) 475-1240 or thebrickhousegallery.net

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MIXED INSTITUTE OF COSMETOLOGY www.mix-ed.com MONDAVI CENTER AT UC DAVIS www.mondaviarts.org THE GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS www.galloarts.org TERRY SPEED, D.D.S. www.terrispeeddds.com THE GOSPEL VINE www.thegospelvine.com UC DAVIS ucdavis.edu/admissions/undergraduate UC DAVIS OFFICE OF CAMPUS COMMUNITY RELATIONS http://occr.ucdavis.edu

EARN YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AT NO COST FOR ADULTS 22+

CLASSROOM BASED AND INDEPENDENT STUDY OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Additionally Offered: Truck Driving • Medical Assisting • Early Childhood Education SWEAT • Cosmetology • Esthetics • Manicuring Office Administration • Medical Office Administration Information Technology • Small Business Ownership

916.844.2283 l HCCTS.org

THIS IS WHO WE ARE. Dr. Renetta Garrison Tull Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

I want everyone to experience the kind of welcome that we experienced coming to UC Davis. Davis is warm and friendly, not just in terms of climate but in terms of people. That doesn’t happen everywhere. If you want to do great research, you can do it here and have a good time doing it. If you want to have a great career, you’re able to come here and do it.

You are welcome here.

SEE RENETTA’S VISION FOR A MORE DIVERSE CAMPUS. ucdavis.edu/tull #ThinkBigDiversity