Winter 2024 issue of THE HUB Magazine by THE HUB Magazine

WINTER 2024 | www.sacculturalhub.com

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

WELCOME HOME

DR. J. LUKE

WOOD

PRESIDENT OF CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO | 1 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E W I N T E R 2 0 2 4

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FOUNDER’S ROOM | LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

NAVIGATING THE HORIZON: HAPPY NEW YEAR AND PREPARING FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEAR 2024

appy New Year everyone! As we stand on the cusp of a year filled with promise, challenges, and the potential for transformative change, it’s crucial to acknowledge that 2024 is not just any year—it’s a Presidential Election Year. The democratic heartbeat of our nation quickens, inviting us to engage, deliberate, and actively participate in shaping the future of our democracy. The dawn of a new year often brings with it a sense of renewal and a commitment to progress. In the context of 2024 being a Presidential Election Year, this sentiment takes on added significance. It is a year that holds the power to redefine our national trajectory, reaffirm our values, and set the course for the years to come. On a local level, we are also in the year of Sacramento Mayoral Election. The California Primary Election is March 5, 2024. And, the U.S. Presidential Election Day is November 5, 2024. As citizens, we play an integral role in the democratic process. Happy New Year serves not just as a greeting but as a call to action—an invitation to be informed, engaged, and proactive in our civic duties. Preparing for the upcoming election involves more than just marking a ballot; it’s about understanding the issues, evaluating candidates, and actively participating in the conversations that shape our collective future. ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?!!! registertovote.ca.gov Education is the cornerstone of an informed electorate. Take the time to delve into the policies, stances, and visions of the candidates vying for leadership roles. Attend town halls, engage in debates, and seek out diverse sources of information to form a well-rounded perspective. In the digital age, information is at our fingertips, empowering us to be discerning and critical consumers of political discourse. In the spirit of a new beginning, let us foster a political environment characterized by respectful dialogue and constructive engagement. Embrace the diversity of opinions that enrich our democracy and contribute to a vibrant political landscape. Remember that our shared commitment to democratic principles unites us, even in the face of differing perspectives. | 4 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E W I N T E R 2 0 2 4

2024 is an opportunity for us to reflect on the values we hold dear and the direction in which we want our nation to move. It’s a call to unite in our common goals and aspirations, transcending partisan divides for the collective good. As we say Happy New Year, let us also pledge to make it a year of active citizenship, where our voices shape the narrative and our votes determine the future. Democracy is not a spectator sport; it requires our active participation. This New Year, let’s embark on a journey of civic responsibility, with the understanding that our individual actions contribute to the broader tapestry of our nation’s democratic fabric As we navigate the ever-changing currents of the world, we hope this special edition issue of articles serve as beacons of knowledge and catalysts for positive change. Thank you for joining us on this exploration, and may the wisdom gained here propel you towards a year filled with growth, understanding, and meaningful impact. Until our next issue, happy reading and a prosperous year ahead! True Blessings!

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

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CONTENTS

T h e 2 0 2 3 P l a y b a c18 k

8 38 48

49 35

46 CENTERSTAGE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: WELCOME HOME, 8 | PRESIDENT OF CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO DR. J. LUKE WOOD

CAMPUS EQUITY AND INCLUSIVENESS AMONG 38 | BLACK STUDENT UNIONS

DID YOU KNOW? 35 | Foods to Feel Your Best in 2024

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Founder’s Room 51 Things To Do, Places To Go

WERE YOU THERE?

Advertiser Index

OUNDER OF SACCULTURALHUB.COM’S 18 | FPLESHETTE MARIE: THE 2023 PLAYBACK 5TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EXCEPTIONAL 42 | 1WOMEN OF COLOR (EWOC) AWARDS & EXPO

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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 Digital online issue available at: issuu.com/thehubmag 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 | Kelby McIntosh Donna Ramos | Valarie Scruggs ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Lesley Leatherwood PHOTOGRAPHY Rayford Johnson | 916.868.7048 Khiry Malik | Magiceyephotos.com 916.730.5405 Creative Touch Media Services (CT Media) Robert Briley | 916.579.4555 GRAPHIC DESIGN Heather Niemann | Tingible Design • heather@tingible.com COVER PHOTOS: Credit: Photo by Sac State 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, Summer, Fall 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

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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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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

CENTERSTAGE By Michael P Coleman, Freelance Writer

’m privileged to be in this role and help serve as a visible example that people can accomplish whatever it is that they want to accomplish in their lives.” If you Google “The Power of Attraction,” I wouldn’t be surprised if a picture of Dr. J. Luke Wood popped up. Wood was sworn in as California State University, Sacramento’s ninth president last summer, about 20 years after first declaring, as a teenaged undergraduate at the institution, that he would lead the organization one day. The 41 year old visionary is a former fifth grader who had been suspended dozens of times during that single academic year. He went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degree at Sac State, then a Masters of Education and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Arizona State University. Today, Wood is the youngest president in Sac State’s history. “I certainly had people here [at Sac State] who didn’t think I could amount to anything, and [they] communicated that to me,” Wood confided, after I asked about a rumor that suggested the same. “But the worse thing you can do with me is tell me I can’t do something. Someone told me I couldn’t box, so at 38 years old, I picked up boxing and competed. I have a ‘prove them wrong’ kind of ethos.”

WELCOME HOME, PRESIDENT OF CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO

DR. J. LUKE WOOD | 8 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E W I N T E R 2 0 2 4

BECOMING LUKE WOOD If anyone ever had an opportunity to hone that ethos in the school of hard knocks, it’s Wood. After being born in Oakland, California to a mother who struggled with mental health and substance use and was incarcerated, he and his twin brother entered the foster care system. They settled in a home in McCloud, a town of fewer than 1,000 people located at the foot of Mt. Shasta in far northern California. The future Sac State president told me that his high school was home to about 100 students. “Growing up was a very oppositional experience,” Wood recalled. “I was in this home of very diverse children who were all in the IS S UU.C O M/ THEHUBMAG

CENTERSTAGE system — either foster or long term care, guardianship, adoption. Across the street, there was a group home, and the rest of the town was nothing like that. When I was in fifth grade, I had a teacher who saw me as a black foster kid. That teacher suspended me 42 times.” While that experience would have set back other students for the rest of their lives, it led Wood to later focus his research on school suspensions as they relate to foster youth. But more on that in a minute! You’re probably wondering how a foster kid who had been suspended 42 times turned it around and became the president of one of the nation’s leading universities. At the risk of giving you a clichéd answer, it’s in the book…one of the 16 tomes that Wood has published during his distinguished career.

rated high schoolers from across the state to campus for a political camp that lasts a week, during which they live in the residence halls, visit the state capital, learn about policy, and learn about the political process. My original plan when I was young was to work in the political arena. I came to Sac State for that camp, and I fell in love with Sacramento, being close to the capital, and the park-like campus with trees and nature.” “I also fell in love with the diversity. It was something that I wasn’t used to, but I saw as so beautiful,” Wood shared. “I never looked back, and decided when I was a junior in high school that I was coming to Sacramento State. I had the ability to go to pretty much any campus that I wanted to, but I chose Sac State because I felt comfortable and at home.” As Wood walked me right up to those

I WANT TO ... MAKE SURE Sac State facility and administrators (Spoiler alert! The next year, Wood’s THAT THE MESSAGES THAT who had told him that he would sixth grade teacher really saw THEY WOULD SEND TO AN 18 “never amount to anything,” I Wood, and instilled in him a lifetime YEAR OLD KID TODAY ... ARE THE asked him to tell me about those love of learning.) first few semesters on campus. MESSAGES THAT ARE BUILDING “Years later, I wrote a study highlighting high rates of THAT KID UP AND MAKING THEM “For four years I was in student government,” Wood recalled. disproportionality for black students STRONGER, NOT TEARING “During that time, I was really in California, as it related to foster THEM DOWN critical about what I saw the campus youth,” Wood continued. “We did a really big webinar on the topic, and afterward a state legislator asked whether we had recommendations on what needed to be done. I wrote that foster youth should have access to their court appointed attorney or social worker when they’re in the expulsion hearings, so that they have someone in the room who is advocating for them.” “A lot of times, those youth are easy to suspend and pick off because they don’t have the family there advocating for them,” Wood continued. “A lot of the suspensions, like the ones for me, are bogus. They’re just the way for a teacher with poor classroom management skills to manage other children: by using somebody as an example.” The resulting bill, AB-740, was based on Wood’s personal experience in the foster care system. It was signed into state law in 2022. A few other of Wood’s early experiences also inform him as president of Sac State. “When I was a kid in high school, the American Legion put on a program called Boy State. Now it’s called Boys and Girls State,” Wood remembered. “They bring top ISSUU. C OM/ T HE H U B MA G

was doing to support, particularly, black and African American students, and students of color in general. I would tell everyone “I’m going to be president of Sacramento State.’ Since last summer, there have been hundreds of people who’ve walked up to me and said ‘I remember when you used to say that!’ It wasn’t for the title. It was for the impact that I could have, and seeing something different.” “When you walk and try to do something good, a lot of people will say ‘No’ or ‘That can’t be done,’ Wood continued. “Where [some] people see walls, I see bridges. I was put on a path, and I’m trying to walk in that purpose to create the experience that [our] students deserve.” This writer spent the first half of my career working in higher education. I’ve been on a first-name basis with the leaders of some of the country’s top universities. I have never met a university president more passionate about the students he serves, or more impressive, than Dr. Wood. I’m not a Sac State alumnus, and I’m proud of him! So I could only imagine the pride that members of the campus community have felt since last summer when Wood was sworn in as president. T H E H UB M AGAZINE W I N T E R 2 0 2 4 | 9 |

CENTERSTAGE “I’ve noticed two things,” Wood reflected. “Many of the faculty and staff who supported me and taught me over 20 years ago are still doing work here, so it’s a full circle moment for me, but it’s also a full circle moment for them, because I’m what they produced.”

WOOD’S FIRST MONTHS AS PRESIDENT I was curious about what Wood’s first few months as president of Sac State had been like — even as I wished I were a student there! I also wondered what his biggest challenge had been so far.

“From the students’ perspective, I’m a younger president,” “We’ve been doing 100 days of listening,” Wood said. Wood continued. “I’m black. I’m a former foster child. I’m “I think we’ve done 75, 75-minute sessions with the a first generation college student. I have had students community and the campus — students, faculty, and tell me that seeing me in this role makes them think they staff — and community members, and religious can do whatever they want in their lives. The institutions. It’s been really good just getting response from those who are former foster to know and hear about the things that youth, as well as from black and African people are talking about within our American students, gives me chills every community, and some of the things TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST time. I’ve had students walk up to me they want to see for the future.” QUALITY SERVICE TO OUR and ask if they can shake my hand or “I think that one of the challenges STUDENTS, AND TO SUPPORT give me a hug, and they start crying that we’ve had is we have limited THEM AND ENSURE THAT EVERY because of what it means to them.” resources as a state institution, SINGLE ONE OF THEM HAS “I carry that on my shoulders. I’m and the goal to provide the highest AN OPPORTUNITY TO WALK privileged to be in this role and help quality service to our students, serve as a visible example that people ACROSS THE STAGE and to support them and ensure can accomplish whatever it is that they that every single one of them has an want to accomplish in their lives.” opportunity to walk across the stage. Before I asked Wood about his first few Figuring out how to make very important months in the president’s chair, and the future efforts and initiatives work in a resource-strained of Sac State, I had to ask him whether, just as he has environment is one of the challenges.” encountered those who had been in his corner 20 years Wood told me that, already, he had begun to envision big ago, he had bumped into any of the people who told him changes for Sac State’s campus. that he would “never amount to anything” as he strolled “You’re going to see us have more of a residential across campus. campus feel in the future,” Wood promised. “I was “Yes, I have,” Wood said slowly, gathering his thoughts. fortunate that when I was a student here, I lived in the “That was a long time ago. Those conversations were key residence halls. That’s not the most common experience developmental moments in my personal life. What I hope that our students have. Right now, we’ve got 2,100 beds is that, as I have grown in my life, and changed the way on campus, and I want to have 5,000-7,000 students who that I think about the world, and how I approach other are living here, because it will help us with a number of people, my hope is that they have similarly grown, as well. issues all at once.” And so, I hold nothing against them, and only wish the As a former non-traditional student who commuted to and best for them.” from campus, this writer leaned in. “And at the same time,” Wood added, “I want to create “First, it will help us with enrollment. Taking a full course systems of accountability within our organization to make load is important, and we know that residential students sure that the messages that they would send to an 18 take more classes, because of proximity,” Wood year old kid today, who [might be] from the middle of said. “It helps with food insecurity, housing insecurity, nowhere, are the messages that are building that kid up transportation concerns, employment barriers — all of and making them stronger, not tearing them down.” those issues are mitigated when the student knows where That “thump” that you may have just heard was Wood they’re going to be laying their head at night and where dropping the mic. their next meal is going to come from.” “It also helps with graduation rates,” Wood continued. “When a student goes home to live off campus, they go | 1 0 | THE HUB MAGAZINE W I N T E R 2 0 2 4

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CENTERSTAGE home to a place to lay their head. When they go home here, they also go home to academic advising, tutoring, supplemental instruction, [and] resident hall advisors who are working with them. They don’t really leave the institution…so the learning continues. It just creates a well-rounded student who is ready to go out and be able to transform the lives of their families and their communities.”

better text-based system to communicate with students.”

“Another of my goals is to expand the reach of our Guardian Scholars Program, which serves former foster youth,” Wood added. “My goal is to have the largest program in the country serving former foster youth, and to be known for the kind of support that we provide. I’m also focusing on building up mental health support for our students. One of the first things that I did was hire seven more therapists to focus on and provide support for our students. Coming out of the pandemic, we have students who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health pressures at an astounding rate. Of course, that has a disproportionate impact on minority communities, and is even more adversely impacted by cultures within our minority communities that oftentimes don’t seek out mental health support because of stigmas associated with it, and the lack of cultural responsiveness that oftentimes is given to them by providers.”

WOOD’S TAKE ON THIS YEAR’S SACRAMENTO MAYORAL RACE

On the early December morning that I sat down with Wood, the country was reeling after having heard the news of a shooting on a college campus in Las Vegas the day before. Sadly, that type of news story has become all too common over the last two decades. I asked Wood what he was doing to protect students, faculty, and staff at Sac State. “My background is in student affairs, so those are issues that I’m very familiar with,” Wood said. “When I came in, it was on the heels of other issues that had happened at Sac State that had been dealt with under President Nelson, some pretty recurrent issues with anti Semitism and, of course, ongoing issues that we hear about from students who identify as Muslim and students who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. We’re a microcosm of society. Society’s messed up, and so there are going to be things that happen on campus that are concerning.” “I established a presidential task force on campus safety to give me recommendations on what we can do,” Wood continued. “But I also told folks: establishing a task force is not action. That’s a plan for reaction. We’re installing video monitors so that we can communicate in real time when issues come up. We’re working on developing a ISSUU. C OM/ T HE H U B MA G

“So we’re doing a lot around it, because this is a campus just like any other in the country. These are regular experiences. It’s not about if it’s going to happen. It’s really not even about when it’s going to happen: it’s about how often.”

Before I let Wood get back to work — it had already been a particularly busy day for him, as Sac State faculty had started a strike just hours before we sat down to talk — I had to ask him about the upcoming mayoral race in Sacramento, as I wondered whether he had a perspective about the kind of person who should next lead our city. Wood was, after all, originally interested in politics. As I asked the question, I wondered whether Wood, if he had taken that path, would have succeed President Barack Obama in the White House. Wood is that impressive. “I just hope that we have a mayor who understands the importance of a university in serving as an engine for economic development for the local region,” Wood said. “Sacramento State has 278,000 living alumni, and the vast majority of them are living in this region. I want a mayor who understands the importance we play in helping the city accomplish its goals, and creating a better future for Sacramento.” After spending almost an hour with Wood, I couldn’t envision a more engaged or committed leader for Sac State, and pondered what the institution might do if he were to move on. If Wood has anything to do with it, we won’t have to worry about that for quite some time. “This may sound like a political answer, but it’s the truth: this is it,” Wood said, when I asked him about his next professional step. “I plan on being here. Sacramento State has a history of very long serving presidents — 12 years, 19 years, 20 years. I plan to be here for the rest of my career.” Welcome home, Dr. Wood. In this writer’s estimation, Sac State is in excellent hands. n Learn about California State University, Sacramento at csus.edu. Connect with freelance content creator Michael P Coleman at MichaelPColeman.com

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ADVERTORIAL

SACRAMENTO’S COMMITMENT TO A TOBACCO-FREE FUTURE In a resounding call for action, Sacramento recently played host to an inspiring press conference led by Saving Our Legacy, African Americans for Smoke Free Safe Places – the SOL Project, spotlighting critical strides in tobacco prevention. On November 7, at 9:30 AM, advocates convened virtually, passionately discussing progress, challenges, and the crucial shift towards achieving the ‘tobacco endgame.’ Vice Mayor Eric Guerra, Sacramento City Council’s advocate for Tobacco Prevention, lent his voice to the cause, emphasizing the community’s pivotal role in embracing robust practices for safeguarding public health. “Quitting smoking is challenging individually, but together, we can make a difference,” Guerra remarked, echoing the collective spirit driving the pursuit of a tobacco-free future. The City of Sacramento has been advancing steadily toward the ‘tobacco endgame’ by implementing measures such as banning flavored tobacco products and requiring retailers to obtain licenses for selling tobacco. These policy pathways serve as pillars for constructing a healthier environment, shielding residents from the adverse effects of tobacco consumption. Councilmember Katie Valenzuela, an ardent supporter of tobacco prevention, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the community’s power to curtail tobacco use and expressing pride in collaborating with Vice Mayor Guerra and the SOL Project for a healthier Sacramento. Distinguished speakers at the Endgame Educational Press Conference included Twlia Laster, Project Director at SOL Project; Ruth E. Malone, RN, PhD Professor of Nursing and Health Policy at UC San Francisco; Marissa Bashore, Chairperson of the Greater Sacramento Smoke and Tobacco Free Coalition; Carol McGruder, Co-Chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council; Carol Maytum, Project Director at Action on Smoking and Health Advancing Momentum for a Tobacco Free California; Kimberly Bankston-Lee, Senior Program Director at SOL Project; and Journey Rucker, a Youth Spoken Word Artist. | 1 2 | THE HUB MAGAZINE W I N T E R 2 0 2 4

The urgency of the ‘tobacco endgame’ stems from sobering statistics: tobacco, the only legal consumer product claiming half of its users’ lives, leads to over 8 million deaths annually worldwide, with 48,000 African American deaths per year, disproportionately affecting low and middle-income communities. Moreover, emerging tobacco products like e-cigarettes, cigarillos, hookah, and smokeless tobacco pose new threats by addicting a fresh generation to nicotine and tobacco. Ruth Malone, a leading voice in nursing and health policy, emphasized California’s leadership role in combatting the tobacco epidemic, asserting that Sacramento’s strides send a powerful message to the tobacco industry: no more leniency. The endgame isn’t about prohibition but aims to halt the sale and promotion of addictive and lethal commercial tobacco products. Globally, this strategy involves heavy restrictions on product availability and a gradual phase-out, prioritizing community engagement and education before policy alterations. Examples of these policies include eliminating the sale of commercial tobacco, creating buffer zones around schools, raising licensing costs, lowering nicotine content in cigarettes, mandating plain packaging, and eliminating tobacco advertising and sponsorships. The SOL Project remains steadfast in educating Sacramento about this critical mission. For those keen on joining the cause, Kimberly Bankston-Lee and Twlia Laster welcome inquiries, inviting organizations to collaborate in this transformative journey towards a tobacco-free future. The fight against tobacco isn’t just necessary; it’s achievable. Sacramento’s commitment stands as a beacon, illuminating a path towards a healthier, smokefree society. Join the movement, and together, let’s shape a future liberated from the shackles of tobacco.

For more information, visit TheSOLProject.com IS S UU.C O M/ THEHUBMAG

Connect to something inspiring Don’t miss the spectacular season going On At Mondavi Center. Discover why it’s our region’s home for the most electrifying performers, like the legendary multi-ethnic ballet company Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix February 8–10, 2024 | 7:30 pm

Branford Marsalis Quartet February 28, 2024 | 7:30 pm

Cory Wong featuring Monica Martin February 21, 2024 | 7:30 pm

Dance Theatre of Harlem April 17, 2024 | 7:30 pm

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham February 24, 2024 | 7:30 pm

Wanda Sykes May 31, 2024 | 7:30 pm

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Tickets on sale now!

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ADVERTORIAL

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF HATE: MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY FORUM

COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF HATE: AUGUST 25TH, 2023 By Contributing Writer, Jamal Robinson

he Commission on the State of Hate was established to strengthen California’s efforts to stop hate and promote mutual respect among California’s diverse population. This initiative includes forums, like this one, and other resources and information. This forum The Mental Health Impact of Hate was facilitated by Regina Cuellar, Commissioner and chairwoman of the Shingle Springs band of Miwok Indians. It was held at Sacramento State University on August 25th, 2023. The purpose of the event was to discuss the mental health impact of hate crimes with presenters who explore that impact within various communities. The forum begins positively with everyone introducing themselves, their roles or positions, giving compliments, and introducing the presenters. The event began with the land acknowledgment. Since this was also a public forum, they went through the participation process for both in-person, online, and dial-in commenters. Public comments were limited to three minutes per person.

The LGBT community experiences frequent occurrences of bullying as a youth, as well as rejection from friends and family, and has high rates of violence and other forms of abuse. This maltreatment can lead to adverse mental and physical health outcomes, including mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidal behavior. Additionally, negative socialization creates self-hate. There are ways to support and assist in methods of prevention and intervention. • • •

Gender affirmation Mental health services in schools Global social, legal, and policy initiatives to create a more tolerant society. • An example is California with its Fair Education Act, which is a positive movement towards changing learn homo/transphobia.

Agenda Items included: • • • • •

Hate as a risk for health in the LGBT population Hate crimes as a public health matter The impact of hate on the disability community Mental health resources Public Comments and Discussion

Hate as a risk for health in the LGBT population by Ilan H. Meyer Ph.D. There has been a resurgence of antiLGBT rhetoric and violence nationally, including in California. There was a recent shooting of a store owner in California for having a rainbow flag in their window and also a shooting at a club in Colorado last year, along with many other public events. The LGBT community is an extremely small community, of about 1.3 million, so the commonplace anti-trans and homophobic culture has a great physiological impact. | 1 4 | THE HUB MAGAZINE W I N T E R 2 0 2 4

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ADVERTORIAL: MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY FORUM Hate crimes as a public health matter by Dr. Erica Bath. Her approach is to explore intersectionality between forms of hate and violence, spotlight racism and white supremacy, and emphasize anti-Black racism. The basis of the presentation demonstrates how hate crimes and hate-motivated behavior are rooted in bias and discrimination, misinformation, and exist along a continuum. Among the other forms of hate, structural bias and discrimination are rooted in prejudice. This prejudice is the foundation of hate-based violence and is the mistaken belief in “othering” someone with that “othering” based on assumed inferiority due to a certain assumed identity. A lack of comprehensive legislation such as the issues in passing the Anti-Lynching Act contributes to the prevalence of societal and structural violence. Hate-motivated behavior is a public health threat with structural, interpersonal, and individual impacts. To combat this, there needs to be interdisciplinary, multilevel research to better understand the causes of such behavior and to test prevention strategies and interventions. Hate-based violence impacts communities negatively, causing negative mental impacts, including conditions like PTSD and other disorders. The complex impact of this form of hard and abuse crosses populations, and generations, and also has epigenetic effects. Negative health effects are exacerbated by structural racism and will impact those more marginalized – those whose multiple minority identities intersect. Multiple jurisdictions have agreed that racism is a threat to public health and requires proper attention. The American Medical Association and the National Institute of Health both recognize racism as such. She highlights a study into one of the most egregious forms of racialized violence – lynchings. A group of scholars looked at lynching, tied to modern mortality rates, and found a correlation. They found that communities that had higher rates of lynching between 1877 and 1950 had higher mortality rates between 2010 and 2014. She discussed the mental health impact of unjust police killings on Black Americans and how that negatively impacted the families and communities, showing a clear relation to the communal effects of lynching. The negative mental health outcomes include mental, physical, and emotional and extend to housing, employment, and interpersonal relationships. This correlation applies to hate crimes against sexual minorities as well. Racialized mistreatment is different from other forms of discrimination in the way it impacts the surrounding communities and future communities. Along with negative mental health outcomes like PTSD, depression,

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and other behavioral issues, there are impacts on brain development, where the children raised in these environments have a revert development – meaning the focus becomes survival vs cognition. Another negative effect is “weathering” where the continual discrimination deteriorates the health of those impacted, taking years from their lives prematurely. Interventions and solutions should have a public health approach and be multi-sectoral and data-driven. Dr. Bath also highlights the concept of “Revolutionary Love” as coined by Valerie Carr whose uncle was murdered after 9-11, as well as learning from past generations of civil rights figures such as Martin Luther King Jr, Gandhi, Caesar Chavez, Mandela, and writer Maya Angelou.

The impact of hate on the disability community by Eric Harris. For context, Eric Harris was born with a physical disability and has used a wheelchair for most of his life. He works with Disability Rights California, which is a statewide nonprofit protection and advocacy program, advocating for all people with disabilities and providing free legal services for them throughout the state of California. He first discussed the prevalence of disability in California. One in four people in California have some form of a disability, but that could range given the undercounted, misdiagnosed, or those from environments that lack access. The numbers could be closer to one out of three or even higher when you account for people who don’t want to accept or disclose their disabilities due to stigma. The data shows that disabled people are twice as likely to be victims of violent crimes with a quarter of nonviolent crime victims being disabled. These numbers grow higher when you account for the intersectionality of those victims belonging to different marginalized groups. As discussed previously, disabled people are often “othered,” which contributes to the mistreatment and subsequent mental trauma. The treatment and trauma can be so extreme as to cause symptoms similar to PTSD, shame, and anger. Some solutions he listed were to make reporting hate crimes easier, alternate forms of public safety such as mobile crisis and cultural peer responses, and for disability organizations to become safe spaces for disabled people to create a sense of community. This especially helps those who are newly disabled.

NAMI 101 Mental Health Resources by Traute Winters, Executive Direction of NAMI. This was a presentation highlighting NAMI. NAMI is the National Alliance of Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. It is peer-run, and members include family, friends, and people living with any type of mental illness. continued.... T H E H UB M AGAZINE W I N T E R 2 0 2 4 | 1 5 |

ADVERTORIAL: MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY FORUM NAMI connects people and aims to provide HOPE and HELP. They offer confidential, no-cost, support groups. They offer hotlines for those who seek support as well as Speaker Nights with distinguished guests to offer expert assistance. Spanish assistance is available as well. Offered Programs: • • • •

•

Family-to-Family, which is an 8-week class for families, friends, or significant others of people with mental health conditions. Basics, which is a 6-week class for parents and guardians of a youth 22 and younger who lives with a mental health condition. NAMI Peer-to-Peer is an 8-session educational program for adults with mental illnesses. Other programs include Our Voice, Ending the Silence, and NAMI on Campus Clubs which offer different ways to end the stigma and encourage education, community, and support. Additional initiatives are NAMI in the Lobby, Family and Parent Voice, and Law Enforcement Training.

They are expanding and adding programs to reach diverse communities.

Public Comments and Discussion This portion was for topics that weren’t discussed. There were a few comments of praise and personal sharing. There was an acknowledgment by a UCLA PhD student. She discussed the normalization of hate speech, and her question was about how we get to a place where this is understood and acknowledged. Eric responded by saying, the hate language should be called out immediately like any other form of derogatory speech. He also suggested that disabled people in higher positions should speak out as well against negative speech and “othering” as well as advising and further advocating. This forum and discussion were well received, involved multiple presentations, and provided a wealth of information both on the topics and additional resources. n The Stop The Hate campaign is made possible with funding from the California State Library (CSL) in partnership with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA). Learn more about the Stop The Hate campaign at: https://capiaa.ca.gov/stop-the-hate/

NAMI.org for more information.

For more info call (916) 234-3589 or contact@sacculturalhub.com.

#SBMC

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Founder of Sacculturalhub.com's - Pleshette Marie The 2023 Playback

JANUARY 21 ‘Women’s Empowerment: Vision to Success Networking Conference” presented by visionary, Dominique Poydras owner of Sisters Inspiring Sisters

JANUARY 21 The TASTE was exquisite...food was sooo scrumptiously delicious - YUM.YUM. - such a nice spread of so many wonderful tasty foods, and we absolutely loved the music and spoken word entertainment by all especially hearing from our very own Ms. Cleo Cartel.

JANUARY 28-29 DAY 1 of 2: FIRESIDE CHAT with BWOPA President Dezi-Woods Jones at Statewide Meeting for BWOPA-Black Women Organized for Political Action

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JANUARY 28-29 Day 2 of 2: FIRESIDE CHAT with BWOPA President Dezi-Woods Jones at Statewide Meeting for BWOPA-Black Women Organized for Political Action

FEBRUARY 3 First Fridays National Red Wear Red Day Business Mixer

FEBRUARY 9 Day 2 of 4 : Mother/Daughter Winter Reset Vacay to Puerta Vallarta FEBRUARY 9 Day 1 of 4 : Mother/Daughter Winter Reset Vacay to Puerta Vallarta

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FEBRUARY 9 Day 3 of 4 : Mother/Daughter Winter Reset Vacay to Puerta Vallarta

FEBRUARY 9 Day 4 of 4 : Mother/Daughter Winter Reset Vacay to Puerta Vallarta

The 2023 Playback

FEBRUARY 23 Birthday dinner celebration for my nephew Big Boy Cyrus Cinque-Cuffee - turned 15

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FEBRUARY 25 Day 2 of 3 at Black Expo 2023 in Sacramento

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FEBRUARY 25 Day 3 of 3: Gospel Sunday at Black Expo 2023

MARCH 18 #4BestFriends Only >> THANK YOU for a FABULOUS event. Thank you for the Community Ambassador award.

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MARCH 11 Pleshette MARKED SAFE in Tahoe ...what it do FAM!!!! #blackoutweekend2023 #southlaketahoe #pleefitandfab #sachubmedia

MARCH 19 Conscious Vibes, MarkeyTown, Blueprynt Entertainment for recognizing me/Sac Hub with the Soul of Sac Honor Award in Arts & Journalism...THE BUILDING WAS LIT WITH HEARTFELT LOVE IN HARLOW’S TONIGHT

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APRIL 2 Sharing moments with the NALLS Family with the Homegoing Celebration services in Loving Memory of Richard “Doc” Nalls - grandfather to Shaniya, Stephanie and Starr ...a beautiful service of tributes and love for a man who served receiving military honors!

APRIL 19 ‘Women’s Empowerment: Vision to Success Networking Conference” presented by visionary, Dominique Poydras owner of Sisters Inspiring Sisters

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APRIL 7 GOOD FRIDAY everyone! SO GLAD to be in house with great folks for the annual Sac NAACP Prayer Breakfast...HALLELUJAH FOR THE WAKE UP #SacNAACP #theSOLproject #SacHubMedia #goodfriday

APRIL 21 Experience the The Sky Garden in London with US!

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APRIL 22 FULL day - SATURDAY - in LONDON and now we headed home folks.

APRIL 27 Congrats to you Bennie & Theresa Laster on your 55th Wedding Anniversary and to you Bennie also on your 75th Birthday celebration

The 2023 Playback

MAY 4 California Black Health Network-CBHN’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. CONGRATS to all of the 2023 Health Equity Leadership Awardees

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MAY 6 Keynote presentation at the Women’s Expo today presented by Samantha Wall Laidler owner of Unlimited Fashions. I spoke on the “Secret Sauce to Success” with providing Pleshette’s several essential P’s that I’ve poured into my personal secret sauce for succeeding in Sac Cultural Hub Media Company/Foundation

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MAY 8-9 GREAT EXPERIENCE at the Information and Education (I&E) Days at the Capitol May 8-9 - meeting with the legislators on the many concerns and issues

MAY 14 Mothers Day Worship Weekend 2023

MAY 25 Meet ‘n Greet for the project teams and peer groups of the Heluna Health family MAY 27 Beautiful celebration for Marlett’s 50th Birthday Extravaganza

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MAY 27 The Wilson’s Backyard Boogie ‘90s party was POPPIN’

MAY 28 Best NEW line up at Stone Soul 2023 starting with Robin Thicke.

JUNE 8 AMAZING stage play monologue production, “3: Black Girls Blues” is a MUST-SEE ...I absolutely forgot who Danielle Truitt was during her stage performance! JUNE 4 Congrats to my friend Justin Ward on 20 year anniversary celebration as an Attorney ...pool party

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JUNE 11 “Black Girls Who Garden” ...Dig & Sip outdoors with Event Host Candice Wilder

JUNE 13 Congrats to my twin grandsons, Jakeem & Jedediah on being promoted to 1st grade!

The 2023 Playback

JUNE 14 Sacramento’s 20th Annual Juneteenth Festival Reception presented the Juneteenth Community Soldiers Award to Sandy Holman, Founder of The CultureCo-Op.com and Betty Davis, Owner of Culture Collection.

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JUNE 27 Happy Birthday Starzy...my baby girl who is now Ms. 26

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JULY 8 FWG Summer Bonfire in the Bay Area was POPPIN!

JUNE 29 WE ARE RUNNING FOR MAYOR OF SACRAMENTO! Join us in supporting the PEOPLE-POWERED Campaign - Dr. Flojaune Cofer for Mayoral Candidate 2024 of Sacramento

JULY 2 FUN TIMES at the Throwback Fest @ Thunder Valley

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JULY 22 When RON ISLEY comes to town, the entire city of Sactown and beyond comes out! Outstanding show...Ron is HANDSOME, AMAZING, and AGILE at 82 years-old ...THANK U for bringing US this forever feel good soul fire music! The dancers and band were fire @theisleybrothers #RonIsley #mynewboo #catdaddy #statefair #sacramento #california #TravelwithTwlia #pleefitandfab #sachubmedia #thehublive #thehubmagazine

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JULY 23 Celebrating our gurrlfriend, Sharon Nichols Sargeant 26th birthday again

AUGUST 3 DAY 2 in Houston was everything BLACK EXCELLENCE and more with dynamic wealth speakers, Women’s Council in shades of pink affair to the top 100 Realtist awards at the annual NAREB Black Realtist Convention

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AUGUST 2 DAY 1 of NAREB Black Realtist Convention in Houston

AUGUST 4 DAY 3: Another fun filled day of #NAREB activities with learning about how to build a successful online training academy, attending the Past President’s Luncheon and eatin’ at the Turkey Leg Hut

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AUGUST 5 Spending time with FAM - sissy Raisha and her beautiful mom Sharon in Houston

AUGUST 6 Last DAY in #Houston

The 2023 Playback

AUGUST 31 Sac Cultural Hub at the Ethnic Media Awards & Expo! CONGRATS to Genoa Barrow on 1st place award in Investigative Journalism

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SEPTEMBER 2 10th Annual R&B Festival presented by the Sac NAACP

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SEPTEMBER 5 Beyonce Renaissance Tour Birthday Concert in LA

SEPTEMBER 16 50th Anniversary Celebration & Vows Renewal Ceremony of Bobby & Carolyn Adams

SEPTEMBER 22 KARYN WHITE at Harlow’s

OCTOBER 5 Annual “A Women’s Forum: Connecting The Dots” presented by the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce.

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OCTOBER 6 Monthly CBCC Business Mixer @ Seasons 52

OCTOBER 15 Photodump from Birthday Weekend activities celebrating with family my 56th and my mom’s 75th Birthday in LA!

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OCTOBER 8 CONGRATS to my friend Justin Ward on being in business as an Attorney #TheWardFirm for 15 years

OCTOBER 26-28 USHER! We PARTIED and now the “55 is a VIBE” crew is in full recovery mode OMG the USHER EXPERIENCE was beyond what I imagined...it’s multiple shows in one spectacular show production...go watch me and Twlia’s IG story - SO LIT & FUN time! Keep watching our adventures as we continue to take Vegas for a ride for Twlia Birthday today - she is 25 plus Dime2x

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NOVEMBER 3 DAY 1: AATCLC Annual Meeting kicking off with a Year In Review, Where are we and where do we go from here in our Strategic Plan, discussing the new non-menthol flavors and changed landscape, addressing the plague of issues with the heavy tobacco influence and targeting of youth when it comes to vaping, hookah, little cigars.

NOVEMBER 11 I love you Yoland Richards-Perez and your family. I was sad and SO SORRY to hear the sudden death of your precious son, Donnell Matrice Dudley.

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NOVEMBER 10 WHO’S WHO of Black Sacramento was certainly out tonight at The Observer’s 60th Anniversary Celebration! Congrats Larry Lee and all the Observer Staff!

NOVEMBER 18 Happy 5th Birthday to my grandson Noah

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GET FINANCIALLY CONNECTED

reater Sacramento Financial Literacy Group (GSFLG) was created to educate, support and empower each other for the economic wealth and growth of our community and to help shape the future generation of wealth.

NOVEMBER 23 LIVIN’ FOR THE CULTURE!!! Giving THANKS & HIGH PRAISES to the Lord for the WAKE-UP and grateful for all my family and all this good soul food we ‘bout to eat! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Financial literacy is the possession of the set of skills and knowledge that lets a person make informed and efficient choices with their financial resources. All people touch money and the manner in which an individual uses it is up to him or her but not being properly informed on how to make, save and invest can spell disaster. For the Black community, it is necessary to change the habits of being consumers to becoming investors and entrepreneurs. Learning financial skills such as investing, stock trading, saving and what it takes to start a business, you are better preparing for the future and securing a financial legacy for your family.

NOVEMBER 25 I joined friends of Jay King for The Club Nouveau video for their new single, It’s Alright, releasing January 2024

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Learn more about virtual meetings held via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. www.facebook.com/GSFLG18 www.gsflg.org

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DECEMBER 14 Celebration 1 of 2 events tonight in the Capitol City ... Sac Hub on the scene at Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 38th Annual 2023 Installation & Business Awards Gala.

DECEMBER 14 Celebration 2 of 2 events tonight, Dec 14th ...Sac Hub Media Squad on the scene of the Christmas Party hosted by the California Black Chamber of Commerce.

The 2023 Playback

DECEMBER 23 Me and my mom always enjoy The Wilson’s Ranch Christmas Party

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Foods to Feel Your Best in 2024 This year, focus on an array of healthpromoting foods to help boost your energy, repair your gut and rev your metabolism. BY KAYLA BUTTS (reprinted from The Bend) The start of the New Year is prime time to be intentional about what we put into our bodies. We often begin our next trip around the sun with lofty weight loss resolutions or a new gym membership. Instead, make this year your time to feel your best with these healthy recipes. It can be challenging to bring renewed energy and focus to healthy choices after the hectic holiday season. The fear of not bouncing back to healthier, pre-holiday habits can lead to food shame, negative self-talk and even self-sabotage. Learning to balance the holiday season’s celebratory food and drink with a more mindful New Year is key to enjoying the most wonderful time of the year while also starting the next year off on a healthier note. Stocking your food arsenal with an array of health-promoting foods can help boost your energy, repair your gut and rev your metabolism. Adequate hydration is the first key to regulating your body’s temperature in cold winter months, flushing wastes from the body and maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. With this in mind, try a hot tea aimed at holistic wellness. Antioxidant-rich green tea can boost levels of detoxifying enzymes in the body. The citric acid in lemons protects the liver, helps regulate blood pressure and prevents oxidative stress. Turmeric added to tea, frothed milk or savory dishes, can fight bacteria, viruses and inflammation. And finally, by adding in freshly grated ginger, you can aid digestion after a meal and support waste elimination. Thrive this year by enjoying the colorful fruits and vegetables of winter. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage are high in chlorophyll pigment, which boosts toxins’ excretion. The soluble fiber in apples helps lower cholesterol, heavy metals and food additives. Beets are high in betaine antioxidants to help lower blood pressure and fight inflammation. A grapefruitbased dressing for salad contains enzymes that help shed unwanted pounds. Combined, this powerhouse-packed slaw makes for a great side or lunch entrée. After the feasting of yesteryear’s festivities, start this year off by finding joy in honoring your body with nourishing, healthy recipes. source: www.thebendmag.com/foods-to-feel-your-best-in-2024-healthy-recipes

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Turmeric Green Tea Makes one 10-ounce cup Prep time: 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS: • 1 bag organic green tea • 10 ounces hot water • 1 heaping teaspoon ground turmeric Photo by Rachel Benavides • 1 teaspoon grated ginger • 1 tablespoon honey • 1/2 freshly squeezed lemon juice • Optional: 2 ounces coconut milk, hot and/or frothed • Directions Add a tea bag to your favorite tea cup or mug and cover with nearly boiling water. Add remaining ingredients and let steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain the mixture and add coconut milk or enjoy as is.

Chopped Winter Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette Makes 12 ounces or 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS: • 10 ounce bag of shaved Photo by Rachel Benavides • Brussels sprouts • 1 medium crisp apple, chopped • 1/2 sweet potato • 1 large beet • 2 large carrots, chopped • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup almonds, slivered’ • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, salted and roasted • Salt and pepper, to taste Grapefruit Vinaigrette: • 1/2 cup grapefruit juice • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 clove garlic, grated • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Place beets and sweet potato in a medium-sized pot and add enough water to cover the vegetables. Place over high heat and boil for 10-15 minutes, until crisp and tender. Remove from the heat and let sit until cool enough to handle. Chop cooked beet, sweet potato, apple and carrots to a similar size as the pieces of shaved Brussels sprouts. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and season with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the vinaigrette and pour over the salad before serving. T H E H UB M AGAZINE W I N T E R 2 0 2 4 | 3 5 |

ADVERTORIAL

How to Avoid the

Costly Probate Process!

As a Real Estate Broker, I’ve observed a rise in clients seeking assistance with probate matters. With the aging population, a greater number of individuals are passing away, resulting in an increase in estates that necessitate navigating the probate process. Individuals who do not engage in proper estate planning may leave their assets without clear instructions for distribution. In such cases, probate becomes necessary to determine how assets are distributed among heirs. Probate can be a complex and time-consuming legal process that follows the death of an individual. It involves the court-supervised distribution of a deceased person’s assets to their heirs or beneficiaries. While probate serves a crucial purpose in ensuring the orderly transfer of assets, many individuals seek ways to minimize or entirely avoid it due to its associated costs, delays, and lack of privacy.

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ADVERTORIAL

California law sets the maximum fees that attorneys can charge for probate services based on the value of the estate. These fees are calculated on a sliding scale. 4% of the estate’s value for the first $100,000. 3% of the estate’s value for the subsequent $100,000. 2% of the estate’s value for the next $800,000.

Example: $700,000 Estate: ______________________

You could be HERE

$100,000 @ 4%: $4,000 $100,000 @ 3%: $3,000 $500,000 @ 2%: $10,000 ______________________

$700,000

$17,000

While probate is a natural part of the legal process designed to facilitate the transfer of assets for some, it may not be the ideal solution for everyone. Individuals can potentially avoid or minimize the impact of the probate process by seeking professional advice from estate planning attorneys and financial experts to tailor these strategies to your unique situation and ensure a seamless transfer of assets to your heirs. Avoiding probate involves careful estate planning to streamline the transfer of assets after your death. There are other ways to avoid probate, one of the most common that I see is creating a “Living Trust”. I’ve partnered with estate planning Attorney, Theresa Geoffrey to conduct a series of zoom webinars titled “How to Avoid Costly Probate” or “Where There’s a Will…There’s Probate”. PS: Grab a copy of my FREE E-book: “Probate Real Estate and You ... Avoiding the 7 Biggest Mistakes Made in Probate Real Estate!”

ADVERTISE HERE Your Organization Agency Campaign Upcoming Event Job Announcement

Zoritha Thompson CEO/Broker Goree and Thompson Real Estate, Inc. 916-601-7653 ZorithaSellsREO@gmail.com Dre Lic #01077927

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CENTERSTAGE

SJUSD High Schools BSU Clubs at the 1st Annual “Black Renaissance Day” at Mira Loma-2023

Campus Equity and Inclusiveness among Black Student Unions By Contributing Writer Lesley Leatherwood

n recent years, one keyword heard within school districts is “Equity”. School districts have conducted various surveys with different cultural and ethnic groups, gathering data on what changes we’d like, looking to be more inclusive with employees, volunteers, families and our youth. They ask the same questions and get similar answers. While they check off the boxes, meeting the criteria of surveying as well as inviting subjects’ participation in African American projects, very little real change takes place. This lack of efficacy has become a great concern. In contrast, non-black organizations, sports and clubs within school districts are run like welloiled machines, with plentiful monies donated from sponsors, alumni, Boosters, PTSA’s, some school sites and district funds. LBGTQ+ organizations, clubs, and staff have received unprecedented support within the last several years, although that community still have hills to climb. There are many more struggles being African American & part of the LBGTQ+ community. Meanwhile, several multicultural student clubs struggle with underfunding each year. These groups, including Latinos Unidos, Native Americans, Middle Easterners, and African Americans, grapple each year with starting, running and funding clubs. They must compete for funds from their school sites and districts. These funds are necessary for finding advisors, traveling on field trips, purchasing miscellaneous supplies and receiving accessible support. The lack of equity in funding for these groups makes it difficult for them to sustain healthy and vibrant extracurricular organizations. Thankfully, some progressive districts have found a way to tackle these hurdles. For example, the San Juan Unified School District (SJUSD) has made strides in recognizing African American families and youth. The San Juan Youth Voice Advocacy (SJYVA) groups, supported through the districts Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) have allowed multicultural students to flourish, providing them with ample opportunities to share their voices in a safe space. They have created a rare but strong path to proper multicultural support and representation.

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CENTERSTAGE

El Camino BSU club at the 50th year anniversary UBSUC

In the second half of the 2022-23 academic school year, Mira Loma High School achieved a similar win, when it hosted the first “Black Renaissance Day.” This activity was not confined to a small portion of the day, as is often the case. It spanned the entire academic school day and included African American curriculum in the classrooms. The event included multicultural food, Poetry, music and historical vendors, followed by a block party, after school. The next “Black Renaissance Day” is scheduled for February 16, 2024 and will be led by Miss Elroe Kumalo a senior at Mira Loma, she is the BSU President. Elroe was one of the first youths to participate in an interview regarding equity & inclusiveness with the newly appointed superintendent, Melissa Bassanelli. The interview was shared at Sacramento State University in an Urban Education class. Additionally, in the 2023-24 school year, SJUSD had its first BSU Kickoff. Members and officers of each BSU club from middle and high schools were invited, along with district staff, BSU advisors, middle school dancers, and a California BSU organization partner. The BSU Kickoff espoused aspirational qualities such as the importance of honor, integrity, and leadership, as well as the significance of learning history. Furthermore, SJUSD is partnering with California BSU organizations to assist with advisor growth, youth knowledge and additional grants to fund these clubs. Likewise, on December 2, 2023, the United Black Student Unions of California (UBSUC) hosted the 50th anniversary of their Northern California Region Leadership Conference. Four schools from SJUSD were in attendance, including El Camino

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El Camino BSU Club 2023-24/middle row, 4th from the left, Desiraye Boulware-President

Fundamental High School, Encina Preparatory High School, Mira Loma High School and Casa Roble Fundamental High School. One of the goals of the UBSUC is to assist with having a BSU club at “every” high school. Also, students interested in running for a BSU officer position with the UBSUC are encouraged to give a speech in front of all the Northern California Black Student Union attendees, who will then vote them in. Jayden Lamar Jamerson, a freshman at El Camino High School, took that step and was elected as the 2023-24 Parliamentarian. Jayden’s “leadership bug” grew after he attended the SJUSD BSU kickoff. He now plans to run for state Parliamentarian. The El Camino BSU President is Desiraye Boulware. Miss Boulware, a senior, has received scholarships to attend HBCUs at the U-CAN college fair, which is a district event that was hosted at El Camino High School. A senior at Encina High School, Dons Ray Hicks lll, is President of his BSU club, an Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) leader and a part of the district strategic youth planning committee, along with Jayden from EC. Dons plays on the varsity basketball team and enjoys photography. Dons recently spoke with the Superintendent of SJUSD and discussed his views on equity and inclusion. The SJUSD have assisted for over 3 years in purchasing Kente stoles for BSU graduating seniors. Ms. Leatherwood and Mr. Joel Carson are BSU Co-Advisors at El Camino. They share knowledge, news and events with BSU members, other BSU advisors and staff at SJUSD. Ms. Leatherwood says, “As the BSU support is progressing through the district and the individual sites, clubs are growing, the YLC newsletter highlighting advisors and the youth of all clubs and many other supports, you can feel the energy growing within

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First picture of the newly elected 2023-24 No. CA UBSUOC Officers Jayden Jamerson-(center) El Camino Freshman-Parliamentarian

the clubs and with their advisors, students wanting to share their voice and culture with their peers, teachers and coaches, for everyone to take time and listen, to learn and ‘just understand!’ The BSU clubs are growing with enthusiasm each year; the growth and the pride is phenomenal!” Fostering equity and inclusion in campus multicultural organizations is challenging but is not an insurmountable task. These success stories light the way for a brighter future for student organizations that have been historically excluded from adequate funding and support. With this equitable and inclusive vision, we can provide students with the necessary tools to thrive n For more information, contact Parent Family Support Ambassador, Lesley Leatherwood, at (916) 971-7454, and visit www.sanjuan.edu/face.

Dons Ray Hicks III (f ar BSU club at Encina left), President of the High Sch ool & his team

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