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By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

The Ebony Alert, a statewide system that has been implemented to notify the public — and signal the launch of police investigation – when Black children and young Black women go missing in California is working, says Sen. Steve Bradford.

Bradford authored Senate Bill (SB) 627, the bill that created the Ebony Alert. Gov. Newsom signed it into law on Oct. 8, 2023.

 “One Ebony Alert was issued on Jan. 4, and then later they found the young lady who was missing from (the city) of Long Beach,” Bradford told California Black Media (CBM).

Bradford added that a 19-year-old Black Los Angeles woman was found on Feb. 20 after the alert system was used.

The Ebony Alert is activated if a law enforcement agency decides that it would help in the investigation of a missing Black youth or a young Black woman between the ages of 12 and 25 years.

On behalf of the Los Angeles County Police Department, an Ebony Alert was turned on Feb. 16, to locate a missing 14-year-old who was last seen on Jan.5. The 5-foot-4 woman was last seen West 102nd Street and Figueroa Street in Los Angeles and still has not been located at the time of this report.

On March 5, an alert was released regarding a 22-year-old Black woman from San Mateo County. She was last seen Feb. 16 in East Palo Alto, according to a post on X by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The East Palo Alto Police Department is the investigating agency that requested the alert.

“This new emergency alert, focused on missing Black youth and young women, marks a significant step in dedicating resources towards a previously underserved community,” CHP posted on its Facebook page on Jan. 8.

In 2023, Los Angeles had the most missing persons reports at 10,039, according to California Department of Justice data, followed by San Diego (3,993), San Bernardino (2,833), Sacramento (2,788) Nevada (2,490), and Riverside (2,357) counties. Alameda (1,834), San Francisco (1,743), and Santa Clara (1,515) counties were reported to have the highest number of missing persons among the 58 jurisdictions in the state.

Bradford said he is pleased that law enforcement agencies are using the Ebony Alert early on and will continue to implement it going forward.

“It lets us know that law enforcement has educated themselves and made themselves aware that this tool is available,” Bradford told CBM. “All folks want them to do is utilize it. There’s not really a learning curve. It’s simple: there’s a missing child or Black woman missing. Send out the alert.”

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

What has already happened, what continues to unfold, and what is yet to come.

One world government, one world religion, one world economy, [Daniel 2, Daniel 7, Revelation 17, 18, 13:11-18]. Confirming of a 7-year peace agreement with many [Daniel 9:27]. Intoxicating obsession with dividing Jerusalem [Zechariah 12:1-3]. Global cry for peace and security. [1 Thessalonians 5:3]. Increase of lawlessness. [2 Thessalonians 2:1-12]. Increase of wickedness [Genesis 6:6; Luke 17:26-29]. Massive earthquakes increasing in frequency and intensity. [Matthew 24:4-8; Luke 21:10-11]. Allied Invasion of Israel, led by Russia, Iran, and Turkey, [Ezekiel 38-39]. Sudden destruction of Damascus Syria. [Isaiah 17:1, Jeremiah 49: 23-27]. Mocking of Bible prophecy and the Lord’s return. [2 Peter 3]. What has already happened, what continues to unfold.

What is yet to come?

Confirmation of the Covenant. When the Antichrist and his world government system confirm Israel’s right to a homeland in the Middle East from that day, the day that it actually happens, the day that they decide on a plan and implement it and make it stick, where the borders of Israel are drawn and the Temple Mount is shared, and they sign a treaty, there will only be 7 years remaining until the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus Christ! What has already happened, what continues to unfold, and what is yet to come.

Watch for increasing demand for international intervention and control over Jerusalem. Watch for the forming of what the Bible calls “the King of the South” arising in the Middle East and Northeastern Africa. Watch Europe—especially Germany. Watch for animal sacrifices to begin in Jerusalem. Watch for a charismatic miracle-working religious leader to rise up in Europe. End Time Bible Prophecy!

Three angels give a last warning to the inhabitants of the earth. The hour of judgment is come. Babylon makes all nations drink of the wrath of her fornication. Those who take the mark and worship the beast shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God. This isn’t a physical hour of time, it’s a figurative statement that a period of time has come. It’s the time just before the wrath of God.

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

Gov. Gavin Newsom is committed to creating more jobs, faster, and increasing pathways to higher paying careers for Californians from all backgrounds, according to his office.

To achieve these goals, on March 8, Newsom announced the formation of a new state-level committee focused on increasing jobs called the California Jobs First Council. He also awarded $182 million in grants to 13 organizations around the state involved in developing viable economic development projects that will stimulate employment and attract significant government and private sector investments.

Gov. Newsom has appointed Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development to co-chair the council. She will work alongside co-chair Stewart Knox, California Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development.

“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to align strategic investments that further economic growth and job creation in every region of California,” said Myers.

Other members of the council are the Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning & Research; Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency; Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture; Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency; Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency; Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs; and the President of the Public Utilities Commission.

“California has created more opportunities, more jobs, and more businesses than any other state, but we need to ensure that we’re all moving forward together,” Newsom said in a statement. “Through this new council and these investments, we’re aligning all of our economic resources to create more jobs, faster for Californians in every community.”

APRIL 26, 1948 – FEBRUARY 9, 2024

On February 9, 2024, Dumas Martin, Jr., passed away at the age of 75-years-old. The community will gather to say their final farewell on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at The African American Museum of Beginnings located at 1460 E Holt Avenue, Suite 188, Pomona, CA 91767. Everyone will start assembling at 10 a.m. prior to the start of the memorial at 11 a.m.

By Tanu Henry ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

On March 7, President Biden delivered his third State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress.

In the wide-ranging and impassioned speech that covered broad political ground, Biden defended Democracy at home and abroad, drawing policy distinctions with his predecessor and probable opponent in the upcoming November elections, Donald Trump.

From global wars between Russia and Ukraine to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, moving on to wedge issues at home like abortion, the economy and immigration, Biden challenged his Republican opponents on the issues while highlighting his achievements.

“This is a moment to speak the truth and to bury the lies. Here’s the simple truth: You can’t love your country only when you win. As I’ve done ever since being elected to office, I ask all of you, without regard to party, to join together and defend democracy,” Biden said.

“Remember your oath of office and defend against all threats foreign and domestic,” the President added. “Respect free and fair elections. Restore trust in our institutions. And make clear — political violence has absolutely no place, no place in America. Zero place.”

During the speech and after, California officials reacted to the President’s message.

“The President’s State of the Union speech was a powerful reminder that government can be a force for good. Over the last three years, President Biden has been a defender of our freedoms, a champion of our democracy, and an advocate for our progress,” said Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.).

“He has done the hard work, securing victories that have led to historic job creation and record low unemployment. Americans in cities and towns across the country – including those in California – are better off today than the day he took office. I am proud to partner with an Administration that doesn’t shy away from taking on our most pressing challenges, and faces our future with urgency and resolve,” she added.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) praised Biden for seeking a political solution to the conflict in the Middle East and committing to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“I’m pleased President Biden underscored the dire need to secure a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine. However, as I’ve said several times, in order to reach that goal, the U.S. must call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire,” said Lee. “Each day that Palestinians continue to suffer from famine, violence, and displacement is a tragedy. President Biden’s plan to construct a port for large-scale aid flow is a vital step in the right direction to ending this dire humanitarian catastrophe, but we cannot stop here. The release of hostages is imperative. The lasting peace and security of the Israelis and Palestinians depends on a ceasefire and a hostage deal now.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said he celebrates the President’s decision to support students at different stages of their educational attainment.

“The President’s call to ensure that every three- and four-year-old has access to preschool and to ensure that every child learns to read by third grade echo our work to invest in early learning, reading specialists, and proven professional development for teachers of literacy,” said Thurmond.  

He also touted the President’s plan to support opening career pathways for students to career opportunities.

“President Biden also called for more access to internships so that all students can discover their passions and develop career-ready skills,” said Thurmond. “I am proud of our work to invest in paid internships for our young people, which directly connect California youth with opportunities in high-growth, high-wage industries.”

Reacting to the President’s speech, Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement affirming the President’s accomplishments and crediting him for investing in programs that have transformed the lives of people and improved infrastructure in Los Angeles.

“With President Biden’s partnership, more than 3,365 Angelenos moved into permanent housing through emergency housing vouchers delivered through his American Rescue Plan and the administration provided historic waivers to cut through bureaucracy and moved more formerly unhoused Angelenos indoors,” Bass said.

“In the midst of a global pandemic, the Biden-Harris Administration also provided relief for local small businesses and helped the city keep essential workers on the payroll and continue delivering critical services,” Bass added.

Biden urged Americans to stand up for America’s ideals.

“Hate, anger, revenge, retribution are the oldest of ideas. But you can’t lead America with ancient ideas that only take us back. To lead America, the land of possibilities, you need a vision for the future and what can and should be done. Tonight, you’ve heard mine,” said Biden.

“I see a future where in defending democracy, you don’t diminish it. I see a future where we restore the right to choose and protect other freedoms, not take them away,” he said.

APPLE VALLEY, CA— On Saturday, March 23rd, Music Changing Lives (MCL) and the California Health Collaborative – San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Program (CHC – SBCTCP) will hold a powerful community dialogue to address underage tobacco sales taking place in the Town of Apple Valley. This exclusive event is a call to action for parents, students, and residents to join the conversation and discover how they can play a part in standing against tobacco. The event will be held from 12pm – 2:30pm at the United In Christ Baptist Church located at 13580 Nomwaket Rd., Apple Valley, CA 92308.

More than an informative session, this event is an invitation for residents to actively engage in a meaningful and creative dialogue about cultivating a healthier community. Exciting activities include the Apple Valley Against Tobacco poster art contest, the premiere of a compelling music video by MCL youth sharing their perspectives on the impacts of tobacco, and presentations from key speakers representing MCL and CHC.

Josiah Bruny, CEO & Founder of Music Changing Lives, emphasized, “One of the key reasons MCL is part of this campaign is to protect our youth.  Cities and towns across our region need tobacco retail licensing (TRL) policies to prevent retailers from selling tobacco products to underage youth, potentially exposing them to a lifelong nicotine addiction. Local TRL policies can be adapted to meet the unique needs of our communities such as restricting them from selling tobacco products within 1000 feet of youth sensitive areas. As we continue to survey tobacco retailers in different cities, we continue to find stores willing to sell tobacco to our kids. This is unacceptable and detrimental to the health and well-being of future generations.”

To attend the event, community members can RSVP at https://1l.ink/BXB4H7D. A complimentary and delicious lunch will be provided for all guests who join in on the conversation.

The March 23 conversation marks the second event in a 3-part series hosted by Music Changing Lives and the California Health Collaborative -San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Program in the campaign, Apple Valley Against Tobacco. The first event took place in February and served as a significant platform for advancing campaign initiatives by fostering collaboration among stakeholders, disseminating crucial information, and mobilizing community support for tobacco prevention efforts. The recent event featured key speakers, including Bruny, who discussed the impact of music programs on youth development and substance abuse prevention, while CHC highlighted the importance of community collaboration in addressing underage tobacco sales.  The California Health Collaborative – San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Program participated and shared strategies on how to combat sales to youth and enforce regulations.

Ms. Jones, a past event attendee stated, “[I] truly enjoyed the event’s impact on increasing awareness, empowering youth to make healthy choices, and fostering a sense of unity in the community’s commitment to combatting underage tobacco sales.”

For more information about Music Changing Lives and its initiatives, visit www.MusicChangingLives.org or call 951-992-0721.

About MCL and California Health Collaborative:

Music Changing Lives stands as a catalyst for positive change, dedicated to addressing youth advocacy, social injustices, and health disparities within communities. Leveraging the transformative power of music and art, the organization strives to create impactful initiatives that resonate with individuals, fostering positive transformation and community well-being.

The California Health Collaborative is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization committed to enhancing the quality of life and health of the people of California, particularly the underserved and underrepresented. Learn more at www.healthcollaborative.org.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

As time passes, the details of our great African American historical figures begin to feel more like legends than concrete facts. At the beginning of this Women’s History Month in 2024, and as March marks the 201st year since Harriet Tubman was presumably born, California Black Media (CBM) honors this monumental figure by sharing 10 little-known facts about her life.

1. Harriet was not her birth name.

Historical accounts suggest that Tubman was born between 1820 and 1821 into slavery in Eastern Maryland.

The then-named “Araminta Ross” was the daughter of Ben Ross, a skilled woodsman, and Harriet ‘Rit’ Green. Tubman worked from the age of six, as a maidservant and later in the fields, enduring inhumane treatment, and brutal conditions.

Tubman adopted her mother’s name after escaping slavery, and her surname came from her first marriage in 1844, to a free Black man John Tubman. This blended marriage was complicated by her slave status, passed on by her mother, but was not uncommon.

2. She was the first woman to lead an armed assault in the Civil War.

Recognizing the significance of a Union victory for the abolition of slavery, Tubman contributed to the war effort as scout, a nurse, a cook, and a spy to Federal troops.

In June 1863, Tubman worked alongside Colonel James Montgomery to assault plantations along the Combahee River. Using intelligence from escaped slaves, she guided Union riverboats through Confederate torpedo traps. At least 750 slaves were freed in the mission. Unfortunately, despite Tubman’s years of service, she never received a regular salary and was denied veteran’s compensation for 34 years.

3. She helped find a cure for dysentery.

During her time as a nurse during the Civil War, Tubman was credited for providing a treatment for dysentery. Many people in the hospital where she worked were suffering from the disease. Tubman used her knowledge of plant roots to put together a herbal remedy that alleviated the patient’s symptoms and facilitated their recovery from the disease.

4. She refused anesthesia when undergoing brain surgery in 1898

Tubman lived much of her life experiencing severe migraines and seizures due to an injury inflicted on her by her slave owners. By the late 1890s, the pain in her head had affected her ability to sleep. Fortunately, she found a doctor in Boston willing to operate on her brain. Instead of receiving anesthesia while the doctor cut open her skull and performed the surgery, she chose to bite on a bullet — something she had seen soldiers do during the Civil War when they suffered pain on the battlefield.

5. She had a beautiful singing voice

Tubman reportedly had a beautiful singing voice and would sing two songs – “Go Down Moses” and “Bound for the Promised Land” – as signals while leading escape missions. Tubman would change the tempo of the songs to let escaping slaves know if it was safe to come out of hiding.

6. Two years after escaping captivity, Tubman came back for her husband, but he refused to leave. 

When Harriet escaped slavery in 1850, she left her husband behind in Maryland. Two years later, she returned hoping to bring her husband north with her. However, she soon discovered that he had married another woman and had no desire to leave. Instead, she found a group of slaves who wanted to escape and brought them up to Philadelphia.

7. Her second husband was 22 years younger than Tubman when they wed in 1869.

Tubman’s second husband was Nelson Davis, a veteran of the Civil War. At the time of their marriage, Tubman was 59 years old, while Davis was just 37. In 1874, the pair adopted a baby girl named Gertie. They shared a life together for 20 years before Davis passed away.

8. She was an active proponent of women’s suffrage.

Tubman worked alongside women suffragettes such as Susan B Anthony and Emily Howland. She travelled to New York, Boston and Washington speaking about her actions during the Civil War and her role as an Underground Railroad conductor. Her speeches were seen as validations of the struggle for women’s rights.

9. Harriet Tubman has two National Park sites dedicated to her memory.

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Dorchester County, Maryland, interprets Tubman’s early life and features a visitor center with thorough and informative exhibits, the site of the plantation where Tubman was enslaved as a girl, and the general store where she suffered her traumatic head injury. The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn, New York, tells the story of her later life and includes the house she owned. Visitors can also see Tubman’s grave at a nearby cemetery that is unaffiliated with the historical park.

10. She converted the home she owned into an assisted living facility.

Tubman was very passionate about the lives of senior citizens. She founded ‘The Tubman Home for Aged and Indigent Negroes’ in 1908 with help from the A.M.E. Zion Church. The facility was located in Auburn, New York, and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1974.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

ATLANTA, GA— Grammy Award-winning artist Lecrae has once again captivated audiences with his latest release, “I Still Believe,” featuring his good friends and the acclaimed Australian pop-singer duo for KING & COUNTRY. Following Lecrae’s monumental success at the 2024 Grammy Awards, securing two Grammy wins for his latest album “Church Clothes 4” and his single with Tasha Cobbs Leonard “Your Power,” “I Still Believe” is a poignant anthem that resonates with themes of resilience, hope, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.

Stream “I Still Believe” ft. for KING & COUNTRY HERE!

Lecrae, known for his groundbreaking contributions to the hip-hop and Christian music scenes, continues to push artistic boundaries with “I Still Believe.” His ability to seamlessly blend genres and deliver impactful messages has earned him widespread acclaim and a dedicated global fanbase. The track showcases Lecrae’s signature lyrical depth and dynamic delivery. for KING & COUNTRY, comprised of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, bring their distinctive sound and unparalleled vocal prowess to “I Still Believe.” With a string of hits and multiple awards to their name, the duo adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to this collaboration.

Together, they craft a musical masterpiece that speaks directly to the human spirit. This single not only showcases their exceptional talent but also reaffirms their commitment to creating music that inspires, uplifts, and connects with listeners on a profound level.

Nearly a decade after the release of Lecrae’s breakout album, “Anomaly,” in which he received a Grammy for his single “Messengers” also ft. for KING & COUNTRY, Lecrae is now speaking from a place of experience and hope. Over the course of that time, he has engaged and documented the complexities of his belief in God through his music as well as publicly online. Most recently with his GRAMMY-winning album “Church Clothes 4,” Lecrae’s heart wrenching and passionate delivery on his track, “Deconstruction,” summarizes his journey of doubt leading to a deep depression and ultimately being called back to his God given purpose over a beautiful and impactful vocal sample uttering, “you can still find your way back home. you’re never too far gone.”

Ten years, six albums and many trials after the beginning of that journey, Lecrae makes the statement with his latest single that despite all he’s gone through, he still believes God is his Lord & Savior and that he exists to ultimately bring Him glory.

“Purpose is not something that you can conjure up, It is given to you. After everything I’ve been through, I still believe that purpose is found in God. I hope that people can see my story, relate, and find hope. Healing is not something that can happen overnight, but it can happen, and I am an example of that,” says Lecrae.

A journey that would leave most people scared and resistant, has led Lecrae to a further connection and belief in God that he believes is available to everyone. “I Still Believe” is a reminder for people also struggling and dealing with doubt that God is here, He is good, and He is for you.

Follow Lecrae:

Website: http://www.lecrae.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lecrae

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lecrae

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lecrae

For more information on Reach Records, please visit www.reachrecords.com and on social media @ReachRecords.

About Reach Records:

Reach Records is an Atlanta based independent hip-hop label founded in 2004 by Lecrae and Ben Washer. Long before acclaim, awards, plaques, chart positioning, and radio play, the two started the label because they both love hip-hop and Jesus. Reach Records was launched with no strategy, no funds, no big players, but they made big moves! Today Reach Records is a trailblazing label with a roster of nearly 10 artists and a staff of 20 who are unashamed about sharing their faith and passionate about hip-hop. Reach Records is committed to building a movement that combines faith with music and popular culture.

RIVERSIDE, CA— Join the “Dancing with the Leaders of the Inland Empire” project! There will be auditions and an information meeting on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., held at 6377 Riverside Avenue, Suite 120, Riverside, CA 92506.

This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, as part of the Creative Corps Inland SoCal Arts Project. The “Dancing with the Leaders of the Inland Empire” multi-media production will be touring this Summer 2024 with three shows in three locations! Victorville 6/8/24, San Bernardino 6/15/24, and Riverside 6/22/24.  More information is coming soon.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – In a move to bolster safety and security in the unincorporated areas of the Fifth District, Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., celebrates the announcement of additional law enforcement personnel to unincorporated communities within the Fifth Supervisorial District.

These four additional deputies will be strategically placed at Central Station in San Bernardino, focusing on areas identified as priority zones for crime prevention and proactive policing efforts in the unincorporated communities of San Bernardino, and Colton. Two deputies will be assigned to targeted patrol duties, concentrating their efforts in the community of Muscoy.

Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., shared, “In addition to the deputies we’ve already placed in our unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Rosena Ranch, we’re further reinforcing our commitment to safety by adding more deputies in our district.” Supervisor Baca, Jr, further emphasized “Additional deputies in Muscoy means we are really stepping up for our underserved neighborhoods, especially where it’s needed most. It’s about making sure everyone, no matter where they live, feels safe and looked after.”

Implementing additional law enforcement resources in these areas highlights the Supervisor’s responsive and proactive approach to community safety. The decision to enhance law enforcement comes in response to community feedback.

“This is not just about increasing law enforcement numbers; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of our residents,” Supervisor Baca, Jr. added. “We are committed to creating a safe environment where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and communities can flourish. Together, we are making our district a safer place for everyone.”

Residents can expect an increased police presence in the coming weeks, along with continued efforts to engage the community in these safety initiatives.