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Act Your Age” is now streaming on Netflix, featuring all sixteen episodes. This comedy follows the journey of three accomplished women in their 50s from the DMV area, each at a personal turning point. Together, they discover that the best way to navigate life is by embracing it with humor and heart, starring Kym Whitley (“Next Friday”) and Tisha Campbell (“My Wife and Kids”), with a special appearance by Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community”).

Whitley portrays Bernadette as a driven and accomplished real estate developer. Campbell brings to life Keisha, the unpredictable member of the group who is always embarking on new adventures. Lastly, Brown embodies Angela, the former First Lady of Norfolk, Virginia, seeking to rediscover herself after the loss of her husband, a highly esteemed career politician.

This captivating series was brought to life by Alyson Fouse, the brilliant mind behind “Big Shot,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” and “The Wanda Sykes Show.” Alyson created the series and leads as showrunner and executive producer. Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick, and Bradley Gardner, known for their work on “Hot in Cleveland,” join as producers. Ken Ornstein, co-executive producer of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” rounding out the talented team.

The beloved multi-generational sitcom features the talented Mariah Robinson (“The Wrong Valentine”) and Nathan Anderson (“All About the Washingtons,” “Richie Rich”) as the engaging young adult children of Angela and Bernadette, bringing a fresh and dynamic energy to the show.

Act Your Age comes from Eric C. Rhone’s & Cedric The Entertainer’s production company A Bird & A Bear Entertainment.

Be sure to keep up with the cast on Instagram by following @kymwhitley, @tishacampbellmartin, @yvettenicolebrown, @hotboynato, and @themariahrobinson don’t forget to hashtag #ActYourAgeNetflix.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

California is moving towards officially apologizing for the horrors African Americans endured during chattel slavery after the State Assembly voted unanimously to approve Assembly Bill (AB) 3089 on May 16.

Authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), the “California Apology Act for the Perpetration of Gross Human Rights Violations” sailed through the Assembly with a 64-0 floor vote.

AB 3089 is one of 14 reparations bills supported by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) this legislative session.

“Not only is the apology letter important, but it’s also what we do after it becomes law,” Jones-Sawyer said of AB 3089 after the legislation passed.

“It’s whether or not we go ahead and fulfill the dream of what my ancestors wanted, which is fully to make us part of the American dream. And most importantly, get rid of the river of racism that has been running through our communities for so many decades and centuries.”

Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), and Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) – all members of the CLBC — spoke on the Assembly floor before the historic vote.

Former Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) spoke in support of the legislation.

“This is a statement of our values, this is a statement of who we are and what we think at this moment and that’s why it is so important to all of us,” Rendon said of the legislation.

Current Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas shared his thoughts about the historical bill. Rivas invoked the words of Dr. Martin Luther King from a letter he wrote commending the sacrifice and success of Cesar Chavez after he staged a 300-mile walk from Delano to the State Capitol in 1966.

“As we know that it is undeniable that our systems of government have been complicit in the oppression of African Americans,” Rivas said. “Our courts, our schools (and) even this Legislature, California history is tarnished by the subjugation of Black people.”

AB 3089 mandates California to recognize and accept responsibility for “all of the harms and atrocities committed by the state, its representatives thereof, and entities under its jurisdiction who promoted, facilitated, enforced, and permitted the institution of chattel slavery,” as stated in the bill’s language. It also addresses the enduring legacy of “ongoing badges and incidents from which the systemic structures of discrimination.”

AB 3089 would require a plaque memorializing the apology and “publicly and conspicuously installed and maintained” in the confines of State Capitol.

“AB 3089 recognizes the harm that slavery had and continues to have on Black Californians and takes the important step of acknowledging and formally apologizing for the state’s role in harming the descendants of enslaved people slavery,” McKinnor said.

On the Senate side, three of Sen. Steven Bradford’s reparations bills were approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee last week and are expected to get a full vote on the Senate floor.

SB 1403 (formerly SB 490) passed with a 5-2 vote. It would create a new state agency called the California American Freedman Affairs Agency. The agency would oversee the administration of reparations as determined by the Legislature and Governor.

“This bill was a recommendation of the California Reparations Task Force, which I spent two years of my life being a part of,” Bradford said. “It’s one of the most essential of the (task force) report’s 115 recommendations.”

Another bill, SB 1050 – Reparations: Restitution for Property Taking – was approved with a 5-2 vote. It establishes a process for the state to review and investigate public complaints from individuals who claim their property was taken without just compensation or as an outcome of racially motivated eminent domain procedure. SB 1050 establishes a process for providing compensation to the rightful owner of the property.

SB 1331 received a 5-2 vote as well. Titled “Fund for Reparations,” the bill creates a specific fund for Reparations and Restorative Justice in the state treasury for the purpose of funding compensation to eligible Black Californians. The bill would authorize the fund to receive moneys from any other federal, state, or local grant, or from any private donation or grant.

Two other Bradford bills, SB 1013 and SB 1007, died in committee.

SB 1013 proposed the creation of a program designed to make grants available to individuals who currently live in formerly redlined neighborhoods in the state and are descendants of a person enslaved in the United States. SB 1007 calls for providing grants to descendants of enslaved persons to own a home.

SB 1050 was the only reparations bill Bradford authored that was included as part of the CLBC’s 2024 Reparations Priority Bill Package. According to the CLBC, the bills in the package are the first step of a multi-year effort to implement the legislative recommendations in the California Reparation Task Force report.

“This is sacred work,” CLBC member Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights) said of the Black caucus’s efforts. “I see reparations as a way of repairing the foundation which makes us stronger and lifts all of us in the process. I’m grateful to be in the Legislature at this time when we are positioning our state for a different and brighter future for the next generation.”

Struggling schoolteacher Madison strikes a lucrative book deal to help solve her financial troubles. As she dives into her dark past surrounding the “College Town Slayings,” she realizes it may still be a part of her present after all.

Queen Rising follows a young woman, Madison, who’s on the brink of losing everything. Struggling to make ends meet as a schoolteacher, Madison is approached with a life-changing opportunity: to turn her dark past into a thriller novel. Skeptically, Madison accepts, and dives into her history of a once terrorized community during the “College Town Slayings”.

As her trauma unfolds, Madison discovers unsettling connections and soon realizes her past may not be as dormant as she once believed. With the specter of danger looming over her, she must confront the demons to secure her future, navigating a treacherous journey of redemption and self-discovery where the line between fiction and reality blurs.

QUEEN RISING is directed and produced by Princeton James. Written by Allison Chaney and Henry E. Reaves III. Produced by Emily James, Mitch Martin, and May Todd. Executive produced by Reaves III. Edited by Martin. Cinematograpy by Jordan Danelz. A Nero Studios production. An Enhanced Media production.

Genre: Mystery, Drama

RT: 82 min | Not Yet Rated

Language: English | U.S.

By Edward Henderson ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

As the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) continues to transform Medi-Cal, the state is expanding coverage to include behavioral health needs, like mental health care and substance use disorder services.

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, provides coverage for one in three — or 15 million — Californians. About 40% of California youth is also covered by the program.

Paula Wilhelm, Interim Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services at DHCS recently spoke at a digital press conference hosted by Ethnic Media Services to discuss some of the expanded services.

“As a department, we know that mental health is just as important as physical health, and all of our health outcomes are intertwined. DHCS has been working hard to partner with our medical managed care plans and care providers to transform the way behavioral health services are delivered to Medi-Cal members.”

Some expanded services include prevention and wellness, screening and assessment, outpatient and community-based treatment, and group/family therapy. More intensive services are covered as well: crisis care, residential treatment, inpatient, mental health, and substance use medication.

Individuals dealing with postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress due to school or work, drug or alcohol addiction can also receive services.

“We want to improve the quality of care that we offer in Medi-Cal and create a more person-centered delivery system,” said Wilhelm. “Our overarching goal is to make it easier for Medi-Cal members to access behavioral healthcare and all the services they need to live healthier lives.”

Recent changes to the Behavioral Health Services Act, which voters approved as Proposition 1 in March, will reform behavioral healthcare funding and prioritize care for people with serious conditions. The new law also focuses on adding diversity to the behavioral healthcare workforce to promote equity. Culturally responsive services and a workforce that reflects the diverse communities served under the plan will be prioritized.

Wilhelm also mentioned the state’s “No Wrong Door Approach” to mental health care in her briefing. This initiative focuses on behavioral health payment reform that aligns payment models that reward quality. This allows more providers to get into the Medi-Care system and increases the diversity of providers to make patients feel seen.

Medi-Cal is also expanding services for children and youth in California. Gov. Newsom’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative is a $4 billion investment into strengthening existing mental health services.

Autumn Boylan, Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for DHCS also spoke at the digital conference. She focused on the expansion of services to meet the growing mental health needs of youth.

“Half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illnesses emerge for our young people by the age of 14 and 75% of diagnosable mental illnesses begin by the age of 24. Focusing on children and youth from ages 0-25 is critically important to ensure that we are providing preventative services and intervening early when symptoms of mental health/substance abuse conditions begin to emerge as our young people are developing.”

In California, almost 300,000 youth are coping with major depression and 66% of those young people do not get treatment access in the way they should.

To combat this, the act focuses on strengthening the network of support for youth through county offices of education, and school districts throughout the state to increase care at school settings. Funding will bring more school counselors, psychologists, well-being and mindfulness programs, social and emotional learning, and support.

Community-based services known to benefit and achieve better outcomes for young people of color will also be prioritized.

Two free mental health apps have been created to increase mental health access for youth and their parents in California despite their coverage status.

The BrightLife Kids App (0-12), and Soluna App (13-25) provide free mental health support.

If you or a loved one could benefit from Medi-Cal’s services, you can access the DHS 24-hour access line to get connected to care.

LOS ANGELES, CA— For several decades now, casting director Jacqui Pitman, owner/CEO of Pitman Casting Inc. and PartyPit Productions Inc., has played a crucial role in the success of numerous long-standing TV shows.

With her creative insight, Pitman has contributed to over 500 shows, including iconic staples like “America’s Most Wanted,” “Price is Right,” “Let’s Make a Deal,” “Face Off,” and “Big Brother 2.” Pitman served as the casting director for ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor” and is now casting for the highly anticipated spinoff series, “The Golden Bachelorette.”

Pitman’s contributions to the world of dating shows and reality television are extensive. Her career began in the late ’80s with classic courting shows like “Love Connection,” Fox’s “Studs,” and as the notable casting director of CBS’s “Big Brother 2” which was said to be the season that revitalized the series. In 2004, when she was Senior Vice President of Development at Lighthearted Entertainment, Pitman created, and executive produced the MTV hit dating show “NEXT” which was inspired by her own dating life. She also developed and co-executive produced ABC’s hit show, “Extreme Makeover.” In 2017, in partnership with Asylum Entertainment, Pitman created, executive produced, and cast Bravo’s “To Rome for Love,” a groundbreaking series following five single African American women in Italy, produced under her PartyPit Productions Inc. banner.

“My television career has been AMAZING! From casting to developing, to executive producing and creating my own shows, I have had the opportunity to interact with some of the most fascinating people. Casting itself is like a big puzzle where we find the pieces that we think will fit naturally. But I must admit, dating shows are my thing! From “Love Connection” to MTV’s “NEXT” to the ultimate fantasy of living in one of the world’s most romantic places, Rome, Italy, while filming “To Rome for Love,” playing Cupid over the years has taught me so much about men and women. It’s clear pursuing love is a never-ending quest, no matter how old we are. But who could ask for a better day job than mine? It truly has been an unimaginable experience,” reveals Pitman.

Under PartyPit Productions Inc., Pitman specializes in all facets of reality show production, from casting hosts and experts to overseeing logistical aspects like background checks and casting finals. Her expertise extends across various platforms, including Fox, NBC, Discovery, OWN, Lifetime, WE and streaming services like Amazon, Netflix, Snapchat and Hulu. She continues developing original reality show concepts, with recent options at GSN, ABC, and CBS Studios.

Born in New Jersey and raised in foster care, Pitman’s childhood experiences have shaped her compassionate persona. She has long been involved in philanthropy, organizing annual drives to support children in the foster care system. Currently, she’s launching “Marvin Cares for Kids,” a non-profit named after her late brother, aimed at helping foster children transition into careers in the entertainment industry.

Don’t miss what casting director Jacqui Pitman and her casting team have in store for you next!

For upcoming opportunities with Pitman Casting Inc., visit https://pitmancasting.com.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Daughter of man, speak to your people and say to them:  When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their daughters and make her their watchman, and she sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head.  Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood. Well not on my watch. Sounding the alarm!

How Foolish to Ignore God’s Warnings!

A loving God who loves us so much that he warns us of upcoming impending judgment and doom, and what do you do, you ignore His warnings. Woe unto you! How foolish it is to ignore God’s warning. Ignoring God’s warnings ALWAYS breeds tragedy.  Learn from past history and do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Return now from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.’ But they did not listen or give heed to Me,” declares the Lord. [Zechariah 1:4]. How foolish to ignore God’s warnings. Learn from the Past!

Before God destroyed the world the first time with a flood of water, He raised up Noah, a man of righteousness, and allowed him to prophecy and forewarn the people of his day for 120 years. Did they listen? No. Tragedy!

Before Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with fire and brimstone from heaven, God allowed Abraham to intercede for the people there. Did they listen? No. Tragedy!

God used His prophets to forewarn the children of Israel that, if they did not change their ways, they would be led away captive by the Babylonians for a period of seventy years. Did they listen? No. Tragedy!

Listen, God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? [Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18].

God’s warnings always precede His judgment. But those who want to self-destruct don’t repent. Instead of repenting and sparing themselves the negative repercussions, they continue on their wrong journey and ruin their lives. Come back to your senses as you ought and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. [1 Corinthians 15:34].

A Vision of Chaos-

I looked at the earth, and it was formless and void, at the heavens, and there was no light there. I looked at the mountains; they were quaking, and all the hills moved back and forth. I looked, and no people were there. All the birds of the sky had gone. I looked, and the fruitful land had become a desert. All its towns were broken down because of the Lord, because of his burning anger. For this is what the Lord says: “The entire land will be devastated, but I won’t completely destroy it. Because of this, the land will mourn, and the heavens above will be dark. Because I have spoken and decided, I won’t turn back from doing it. [Jeremiah 4].

Ignoring God’s Warning ALWAYS Breed Tragedy!

U.S. NAVAL BASE GUAM – More than half of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force is based in the Indo-Pacific region due to the area’s strategic importance. At any given time, the undersea forces are conducting worldwide operations across the full spectrum of undersea warfare missions.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Rene Cardenas, a native of Rialto, California, is one of the sailors continuing the 124-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Cardenas graduated from Keiser High School in 2013.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rialto.

“Growing up, I was taught I needed to have patience and tolerance for those around me,” said Cardenas. “Me and my fellow sailors spend a lot of time together. We eat together, work together and bunk in the same room. We need to have patience with each other and work together to get the mission done.”

Cardenas joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Cardenas serves as a sonar technician.

“I joined the Navy to travel and see the world while protecting and defending my country back at home,” said Cardenas. “The Navy had so many opportunities and I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my family.”

Known as America’s “Apex Predators!” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically-advanced vessels. These submarines can conduct rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).

Cardenas serves aboard the fast-attack submarine, USS Jefferson City.

Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.

The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. – replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.

The Pacific Submarine Force maximizes our strengths of knowledge, stealth, agility, firepower, and endurance and works as part of joint and combined forces to maintain the international rules-based order and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

“The men and women of the Pacific Submarine Force are among our best and brightest Americans,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. “The pace of activity across the force is eye-watering, and our ability to remain on-scene, unseen, is only possible due to their hard work and critical thinking. We are lethal, far-reaching, and incredibly capable, and we deter aggression through our demonstrated advantage in the undersea domain.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Cardenas serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Cardenas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of being able to travel to Japan and witness the culture and people,” said Cardenas. “I love the fact that I am earning a paycheck, helping defend my country and loved ones while being able to work on a submarine. I don’t like to brag but I think I am the only one from my hometown who has ever been on a submarine, let alone been able to work and live on one.”

Cardenas can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means always being prepared wherever or whenever you are to help others and protect those who need you,” said Cardenas. “The Navy is seen as a symbol of strength and protection for those around the world who need our assistance.”

Cardenas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my parents back home for always supporting me,” added Cardenas. “I would also like to thank my command for teaching me so many valuable skills I can use for the rest of my life.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— In Feb., the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education presented the Outstanding Community Partner Award to the Assistance League of San Bernardino, a longtime supporter of SBCUSD students.

For decades, the Assistance League of San Bernardino has had a profound impact on the SBCUSD school community through its dedicated efforts to support children in need. From providing clothing to at-risk students to offering a dental program, the Assistance League has consistently demonstrated its commitment to enhancing opportunities for children in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. Many past and present Board of Education members have performed at the Assistance League’s annual fundraiser, the Headdress Ball.

That event is the League’s chief fundraiser, allowing the nonprofit to provide low-cost and, in some cases, free dental services to children ages 5 to 25, ensuring that every child has access to quality dental care. The Assistance League also runs Operation School Bell, which helps provide clothing for needy children from kindergarten to senior year by sending them shopping for brand-new clothing for free.

By addressing basic needs, the organization helps to remove barriers to learning and promotes student success, said Dorie Stratton, the Assistance League’s Vice President of Resource Development and Principal of San Andreas High School.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award from SBCUSD,” Stratton said. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, as well as the impact of our programs on the lives of those we serve.”

Victor Valley’s First District Community Liaison Paul Marsh was pleased to attend the NAACP Black Excellence Graduation Ceremony at Victor Valley College. “The celebrated students were well deserving of the recognition,” he said. Congratulations to all the honorees!

RIVERSIDE, CA—- What an incredible night at the First Annual Spring Art Experience and Fundraiser hosted by Off the Chain Alliance and MHE Productions on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event featured the stunning works of artist Maurice Howard and drew a crowd of remarkable individuals, including the renowned Charles Bibbs and his lovely wife, Elaine Bibbs.

The experience was held at the exquisite Mind & Mill in Downtown Riverside, the evening was truly special. Porscha N. Dillard, founder of Off the Chain Alliance, shared her heartfelt story and the mission behind her nonprofit, supporting disenfranchised minority families in the Inland Empire.

Maurice Howard sold two original pieces, generating funds to advance this important cause. The night was elevated by the mesmerizing vocals of Nkese, leaving the audience spellbound.

The collaboration between Porscha N. Dillard and Maurice Howard proved to be exceptional, making the event an unforgettable success. Cheers to more amazing events like this in the future!