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By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

On May 6, the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans held its 15th meeting and voted on its final report. The report must be submitted to the California legislature by the end of June.

During the meeting held at Mills College of Northeastern University in Oakland, the nine-member task force finalized its recommendations for compensating Black Californians for state laws, policies and practices that disproportionately and negatively affected African Americans. The final report which will be available to the public is expected to be about 1,000 pages long.

Task force chair and Los Angeles attorney Kamilah Moore closed out the one-day meeting by thanking “the community of eligibility for attending” the meeting and reflecting on the activities that occurred for nearly two years since the group first convened.

“I know it might have been tough in some spots but I just want to say:  stay encouraged. History is repeating itself,” Moore said. “When we think about what Callie House and Isaiah Dickerson went through, it was actually federal agencies U.S. Postal Office and U.S. DOJ (Department of Justice), the US Pension Office that worked to hinder the free people movement for pensions. So, just stay encouraged and know that justice will prevail at the end of the day.”

House and Dickerson were leaders in the National Ex-Slave Mutual Relief, Bounty and Pension Association, the first organization to push for reparations for slavery.

Among the recommendations made by the task force is for the state of California to issue a formal apology from the state of California. The implied admission of guilt should mitigate the harm historically inflicted on the Black community, task force members say.

The report will contain “a non-exhaustive list” that includes “barbarities carried out on behalf of the State by its representative officers, governing bodies, and the people.”

“The Legislature must apologize on behalf of the State of California and the People of California for the perpetration of gross human rights violations and genocide of Africans who were enslaved and their descendants through public apology, requests for forgiveness, censure of state perpetrators, and tributes to victims,” the report states. “But the Task Force does not recommend the Legislature issue an apology without taking other required steps recommended by the Task Force to conform to the international standards for satisfaction; such an apology would be hollow and ineffective.”

The draft states that the apology would address the “atrocities committed by California state actors who promoted, facilitated, enforced, and permitted” under the institution of chattel slavery.” The final draft includes evidence provided by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) of African Americans denied their fundamental liberties and humanity throughout the state’s history, from before the Civil War to the present.

“To be effective, a considerable number of survivors and their relatives must participate in the development of the apology. As occurred with the apology to California tribal communities, the Legislature should establish a program or government body, such as the California American Freedman Affairs Agency, to facilitate listening sessions that allow victims and their relatives to narrate personal experiences and recount specific injustices caused by the state of California,” the task force recommends.

It took eight hours for the task force members to approve numerous recommendations addressing issues such as over policing and mass incarceration in Black communities, health and environmental inequities and discrimination in education, housing, voting, housing, and business opportunities, and others. The report also addresses the inability to create wealth due to inequity and lack of quality jobs.

During the task force’s14th meeting held in Sacramento in March, economists advising the task force presented economic formulas estimating that the reparations owed to Black Californians who are descendants of people enslaved in the United States is likely to total more than $800 billion.

U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland-12) addressed the panel during the public comments section of the meeting. She is co-sponsoring the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) bill in Congress.

The first-ever congressional commission examines the effects of slaves, institutional racism, and discrimination against people of color and how history impacts laws and policies today.

“Reparations are not a luxury for our people but a human right long overdue for millions of Americans,” Lee said. “A promise of 40 acres and a mule made to formerly enslaved people over 150 years ago has yet to be fulfilled and it’s critical that the promise that was made to our ancestors is kept. We must repair this damage.”

Oakland City Council member Treva Ried (District 7) and Kevin Jenkins (District 6) were present at the meeting which was attended by more than 150 people at Mills College. This is where the Black Panther Party For for Self Defense (BPP) was born in 1966.

Elaine Brown, a former Black Panther Party leader and Minister of Information, was also in attendance. Last year, she broke ground on an $80 million affordable housing project in West Oakland. The housing project includes 79 units and aims to house formerly incarcerated people, homeless people and unemployed individuals.

“I’m glad to see all these Black people together. I want to see us all get into the streets because you know that you cannot legislate freedom…you are going to have to fight for it,” Brown said to the panel and audience. “You want these people to hear you…you’re going to have to get into the streets (to advocate for reparations).”

The final meeting for the Task Force will be held June 29 in Sacramento. Remarks by task force Members, a Presentation of the Report, closing comments by legislators and other dignitaries will end the two-year charge for the first-of-its-kind reparations commission.

For any questions about the Task Force meeting, contact DOJ at ReparationsTaskforce@doj.ca.govor call (213) 519-0504.

By Tanu Henry and Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On April 27, the Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 held a hearing on the California Film Tax Credit, a $330 million dollar program launched in 2020 to bolster the film industry in the state.

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) want Black workers in the entertainment industry to benefit from the tax break.

CLBC chair Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) and the caucus’ vice chair State Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Inglewood) in a letter to the committee said, “We write to request that the Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 have a robust discussion regarding the diversity requirements for California Film Tax Credit that includes key stakeholders,” CLBC Members wrote in a letter.

“(We) are interested in highlighting the lived experiences of Black workers in the entertainment industry and survey the economic impact the new measure will have on Black and Brown entertainment workers.”

By Tanu Henry and Edward Henderson | California Black Media

California college freshmen and high school seniors have less than a week to apply for the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) scholarship. The deadline is May 15 at midnight.

According to the CLBC, the scholarship, named after Frederick Roberts – California’s first Black lawmaker — was “established to assist deserving students by offering financial assistance to help meet educational expenses.”

Get more details and apply at https://cablackcaucus.org/scholarship.

Sponsored by Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California Riverside African American Historical Society Fair Housing Council of Inland Empire. A huge congratulations to the following women:

Felicia Alexander, Cheylynda Bernard, Gaye Caroline, Lois Carson, Amina Carter, Shirley Coates, Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry, Dr. Debora Deas, Dr. Leita Harris, Dr. Janet Hill, Dr. Margaret Hill, Renee Hill, Sylvia Jackson, Lynne B. Kennedy, Sharron Lewis, Dr. Angelina Martin, Deborah McDuff Williams, Holly Mitchell, Dr. Carolyn Murray, Dr. Regina Patton-Stell, Dr. Gwen Rogers, Janice Rooths, Cherie Russell, Dr. Hazel Russell, Harriette Stuckey, Pastor Karen Sykes, Mildred Tyler, Mary Welch, Dr. Niedha Welch, Dr. Judy White, and Eliza Woolford-Daniely.

ONTARIO, CA— – Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement (CEEM) returns to LA County Fair this year for its 4th annual Black Excellence Weekend May 20 – 21. Grammy-nominated artist MAJOR will headline along with a solid lineup of Hip Hop, R&B, Jazz, and Gospel artists. From the taste of local black-owned food vendors, live performances, CEEM’s second annual Pitch Competitions, and panel discussions with surprise guests to a riveting National Black graduation soirée, CEEM’s Black Excellence Weekend will celebrate and honor the past, present, and future of Black culture.

CEEM’s two-day affair has become an anticipated local tradition, bringing together African American communities. Owned by a collective of members, CEEM is a cooperative economic engine that empowers people to move.  This collective movement creates access to knowledge, wealth, and power, allowing the Black community to prosper, to achieve what CEEM calls prosparity.

CEEM will bring out some of Southern California’s top Black-owned brands and organizations such as That’s A Awful Lot Of Cough Syrup, Snoop Dogg’s Snoop Youth Football League and Special Stars, the National Black Grads (NBG), and more.

Saturday’s lineup includes Nakkia Gold, freestyle artist Ray Wimley, to name a few. 102.3 KJLH Radio personality Aundrae Russell will broadcast live from the fairgrounds creating an unforgettable experience for all fairgoers to enjoy.

“Fairplex is proud to collaborate with CEEM as it champions its mission of prosperity for our Black community. CEEM’s Black Excellence Weekend has created the space to expand both of our horizons to new opportunities,” says Walter Marquez, president and CEO of Fairplex.

“I’m always excited when we get to partner in the community, but I really love the LA County Fair partnership because it truly represents CEEM; creating value, building relationships and showcasing the African-American community in a really fun way,” states interim CEO Kiana Webb. “I enjoy being a steward in a legacy that is looking for new ways to understand parity; it’s an economic movement, an empowering movement, and a cooperative movement.”

Key highlights:

Black-Owned Food Vendor Tasting Experience – May 20 – 21

CEEM will amplify the culinary experience at the fair this year by bringing together Black-owned food vendors and businesses known throughout the county such as such as Billionaire Burgers Boyz, D Lo’s Kitchen, All flavor No Grease, and etc.

Black Graduation Night – Sunday, May, 21

In partnership with National Black Grads (NBG), CEEM will bus over 700+ Black graduate students to the fair for an evening celebration consisting of a fashion show, featuring local high school graduates, live performances, prizes, and other fun activities for Black students and families to enjoy!

CEEM Pitch Competition  – Saturday, May 20

CEEM is excited to announce its annual pitch competition at the LA County Fair! This year, we’re offering $5,000 and a Start-Up Business Service Kit to the winner with the best business idea.

CLICK HERE to see the full schedule! For more information about CEEM, visit www.ceem.coop. 

• To purchase your tickets with CEEM, CLICK HEREand enter the discount code CEEM2023z
• Need media passes and/or interested in covering the event? Please contact our PR rep Cathy J. Hood at cathy@pristineinitiative.com. 

Follow @CEEM on social media:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceemcoop/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CEEMCoop

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors presents a Proclamation to The San Bernardino Salvation Army‘s Major Isais Braga In recognition of National Salvation Army Week.

In 2022 The Salvation Army helped 23,218 people, 22,268 households, served 105,981 meals, gave groceries to 10,318 households, and provided educational and recreational programs for 1,612 children. The Hospitality House provided 31,534 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness.

PERRIS, CA— On Saturday, April 29th Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson invited the next Speaker of the California State Assembly Robert Rivas to tour the 60th Assembly District to learn more about the region’s affordable housing projects, economic development, and community. The visit was an important opportunity to engage with the local community and hear firsthand the challenges they face. The tour encompassed three key locations: The Courtyards at Cottonwood in Moreno Valley, the Elected Officials Brunch, and Downtown Perris. This was a chance for the Speaker-Designate to gain a deeper understanding of the issues affecting the region and work towards creating a better future for all.

“Ensuring that every Californian has access to housing is one of our state’s major challenges, and it will take every level of government to help tackle our housing crisis,” said Assembly Speaker-Designate Robert Rivas. “Moreno Valley and Perris are rising to the occasion to bolster housing opportunities, and I want to thank Assemblymember Jackson for his work on this issue and for organizing this tour.”

The tour began in Downtown Perris, a hub for economic development in the area. They learned about the city’s efforts to make Downtown Perris a destination, and the economic development projects that are underway to create more job opportunities for the local community.

Mayor Michael Vargas of Perris expressed his gratitude for the Speaker-Designate’s visit, saying, “We are thrilled to have Speaker-Designate Robert Rivas join us in Perris to learn about our rich history, affordable housing projects, and economic development. His visit underscores the importance of community engagement in building a better future.”

The second stop on the tour was the Elected Officials Brunch, which provided an opportunity for elected community members to meet with the Speaker-Designate and discuss issues facing the area. This was a great opportunity for the Speaker-Designate to connect with the local community and hear firsthand the challenges they face.

The last stop on the tour was, the Courtyards at Cottonwood, an 81-unit gated community developed by The Rancho Belago Developers, Inc. The community features 60 units set aside for lower-income families, and 20 units reserved for lower-income seniors. This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when developers prioritize affordable housing for underprivileged communities.

“I was honored Speaker Designate Rivas was able to see firsthand the incredible work Moreno Valley is doing in regard to economic development, cultural heritage, and inclusive housing,” said Mayor Cabrera. “His visit highlights the importance of investing in our communities to create a better future for all. I want to thank Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson for organizing and attending this tour.”

Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson expressed his appreciation for the Speaker-Designate’s visit, saying, “As a representative of the 60th Assembly District in the Inland Empire, it’s important to me that we bring leaders from around the state to gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing our community. This tour, which included stops at the Courtyards at Cottonwood, the Elected Officials Brunch, and Downtown Perris, was an excellent opportunity to showcase our region’s community and highlight the progress we’ve made in creating affordable housing and promoting economic development. I’m grateful to Speaker-Designate Robert Rivas for taking the time to visit our district and for his commitment to addressing the challenges we face.”

The tour provided a great opportunity for the Speaker-Designate to learn more about the housing, economic development, and the region. By engaging with the local community and learning from their experiences, the Speaker-Designate can better understand the challenges they face and work towards creating a better future for all.

During the tour Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson was joined by Majority Leader Eloise Reyes and Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes.

LOS ANGELES, CA— On Saturday, May 13, powerful women in communities throughout the WestCoast will be honored at the Queendom Awards. The award show will take place at Cosmos in Victorville. The Queens that will be honored include Mayor Debra Jones, High Desert’s Radio Personality Mia Mocha, the voice of Y102 FM in The Afternoon, Co-Founder Of SINGLE MOMS PLANET Brittany Tinna White, Radio & Television Celebrity Mirna Velasco, and more. The event will kick off with local Business Vendors, Giveaways, and Live performances from local stars, which include Ashanti Major, Lady Lines, and more. Music is provided by our DJ Queens Lady DJ Jamar, DJ Jiji Sweet, and Dj Aycreate.

This Event is sponsored by Red Your Broker, Luxs Bling Trends, Daughters Lives Matters, Sincere Team, and more. Let’s celebrate our Queens this Mother’s Day Weekend. This event is a FREE all-age Event. The WestCoast Queendom Awards event is an intro pre-event to the Summer series City Tour across the West Coast which includes the High Desert, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas where they will be recognizing many Women, in uplifting, encouraging, and celebrating Women in various industries moving like Queens.

To purchase tickets, visit westcoastqueendom.eventbrite.com.

The WestCoast Queendom Awards and Tour is brought to you by Group Economics Promotions and Fathers in Hip Hop who brought you the Desert Jam Music Festival. Fathers in Hip Hop founder Justified Smith is a Hip Hop artist, and songwriter, with 17 independent album releases who created the movement in 2017 shortly after the loss of his mother and wife to shed light on Men and their important roles as fathers as he was left with two daughters. Towards the goal to assist in increasing fatherhood engagement around the world Justified created a series of events from Award shows, Concerts, and programs such as ie: Dinner with Dad, Daddies on Wheels, Bless in the Mess, and more. Within these events, he has recognized Hip Hop pioneers to Community leaders such as DWFLAME, Compton AV, Xzibit, Ray J, Slim 400, Spice One, Black C of RBL Posse, and many more. Now we get ready to kick off our Queendom series launching in the WestCoast on May 13th, 2023.

PASADENA, CA—- This month, Assemblymember Chis Holden announced a brand-new member to his team. Timme Mackie, who previously served as Director of Digital Engagement for a prominent U.S. Senate candidate in Louisiana during the 2022 election cycle, is taking over Communications for Mr. Holden’s office. She will work mostly out of the district, in collaboration with staff in the capitol office.

“Timme brings a great deal of value to our team, with a record of boosting online presence, and forming lasting relationships on the ground,” said Assemblymember Holden. “Timme Mackie is a proven leader, with a heart for the community and helping people, and a great deal of expertise and innovation in her field.”

Ms. Mackie has a diverse background in communications, having led teams in local news and non-profits before stepping full time into politics. She’s produced political ads that have reached millions of people at a time on social media and created messaging that’s gone from cell phone screens to national headlines. She is new to California, but not new to influencing meaningful change.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is extremely proud to present the Joshua White Ensemble in a special tribute to the music of Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane on May 20 at 7:30 p.m. the San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium. This performance is part of the Symphony’s Chamber Series curated – and at this event also performed in – by Music Director and Conductor Anthony Parnther.

Explained Maestro Parnther, “Following the popularity of last year’s focus on Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, we were excited to design a new concert centering on the legendary musical minds of John Coltrane and Thelonius Monk. Bringing the great Joshua White to San Bernardino was a real coup for our organization, and I can’t think of anyone better to feature on such a technically challenging concert.”

Thelonius Sphere Monk (1917-1982) was an American jazz pianist and composer with a quique improvisational style whose work significant informed the standard jazz repertoire. The second most recorded jass composer after Duke Ellington, his compositions and improvisations feature dissonances and angular melodic twists and are consistent to his unorthodox approack to the piano which combined a highly percussive attack with abrupt, dramatic use of switched ket releases, silences, and hesitations.

John William Coltrane (1926–1967) was an American jazz saxophonist, bandleader and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and  20th-century music. Coltrane moved to Philadelphia after graduating high school, where he studied music. Working in the bebop idiom early in his career, he helped pioneer the use of modes and was one of the players at the forefront of free jazz. However, his addiction to heroin stalled his career and it was not until he formed a collaboration with Monk that he was able to turn his life and his music around.

Following, he led at least fifty recording sessions and appeared on many albums by other musicians, including, of course, Thelonius Monk. Arguably, their most important album collaboration is 1961’s Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane. The impetus for the album was the discovery of three usable studio tracks recorded by the Monk Quartet with Coltrane in July 1957 at the beginning of the band’s six-month residency at New York’s legendary Five Spot Club. To round out the release, label Jazzland included two outtakes from the Monk’s Music  album recorded the previous month, and one additional outtake from Thelonius Himself  recorded that April. The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007.

Joshua White’s own style is in many ways a reflection of the Monk-Coltrane partnership. As one of the current music scene’s most creative and technically accomplished pianists, and praised by legendary musicians like Herbie Hancock as having “immense talent” and lauded for his “daring and courageous approach to improvisation… on the cutting edge of innovation,” Joshua White has distinguished himself as a formidable leader among his peers. Born and raised in Southern California, White received early training at the piano and developed rapidly through rigorous study of both Western European Classical literature and the Black American Music traditions. Shortly after placing in the top two as a finalist of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition, he began concertizing as a soloist and musical collaborator all over the world — and continues to maintain an active touring schedule throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The ensemble is comprised of a talented and eclectic group of outstanding musicians including bassist Karl McComas-Reichl, drummer Mark Ferber, vocalist Dwight Trible, alto saxist Josh Johnson, and on tenor sax and clarinet Chris Speed.

Bassist McComas-Reichl is also a cellist, film composer and artist. He earned a BFA from The New School. His arrangement and performance credits include:  Baskets Season 4, The Shrink Next Door, Special, Three Busy Debras, ONI: Thunder Gods Tale, Grace & Frankie, NY State Lottery  Other performance credits include:  Jane Monheit, Ingrid Jensen, Mark Turner, John C. Reilly, Larry Goldings, Ben Monder, Matt Wilson, Joshua White, Joy Crookes, Matt Otto, Tony Tixier, Anthony Wilson, Glenn Zaleski, Josh Nelson, Peter Schlamb, Hermon Mehari, Maelo Ruiz, Liberty Ellman, Logan Richardson, Colin Stranahan, Geoff Keezer, Logan Hone and Tommy Crane.

Drummer Mark Ferber can be heard on nearly 200 recordings.  His ongoing projects include ECM recording artist Ralph Alessi’s ‘This Against That’,  the Marc Copland trio, the Brad Shepik Organ Trio, and his twin brother, Alan Ferber’s Grammy nominated big band.  He currently maintains a busy freelance schedule throughout New York’s jazz clubs, recording studios, and international touring circuit.  Past work includes tours and recordings with Lee Konitz, Gary Peacock, Jonathan Kreisberg, John O’Gallagher, Don Byron, Fred Hersch, Tony Malaby, Anna Webber, Mark Helias, Pete McCann, Matt Pavolka, Michael Attias and Billy Childs, among others.  Mark has taught extensively in the United States and Europe.

Vocalist Dwight Trible combines the best of vocal virtuosity with musicianship and improvisational skills to the delight of audiences and musicians alike. In addition to performing with his own group, the Dwight Trible Ensemble, he is the vocalist with the Pharaoh Sanders Quartet and is also the vocal director for the Horace Tapscott Pan Afrikan Peoples’ Arkestra.  Trible has worked with such notables as Oscar Brown jr., Charles Lloyd, Billy Childs, Kenny Burrell, Kenny Garrett, Steve Turre, Harold Land, Harry Belafonte, Della Reese and Norman Conners, John Beasley, Patrice Rushen, Babatunde Lea, Ernie Watts, Kahlil El Zabar, as well as contemporary soul artist like LA Reid and DJ Rogers.

Josh Johnson is a saxophonist, keyboardist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. He has performed extensively with the likes of Jeff Parker, Kiefer, Makaya McCraven, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Leon Bridges, and Marquis Hill.  Johnson can be heard on records by all of these artists, as well as records from the Chicago Underground Quartet, Jeremy Cunningham, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Dawes, Dexter Story, Louis Cole, and Joshua White.  Since 2018, Johnson has been the musical director, keyboardist, and saxophonist for Leon Bridges, which has taken him to Europe, Asia, and Australia. Highlights of his time with Bridges include sold-out performances at Radio City Music Hall, Greek Theater, and the Hollywood Bowl.  As a composer, Johnson has written music for many of his own projects, including the bands Snaarj and Holophonor, in addition to writing music for commercial use. He recently contributed arrangements to Sara Gazarek’s album “Thirsty Ghost”, which was nominated for two Grammy awards.

Chris Speed is a tenor saxophonist, clarinetist and composer, whose work ranges widely, from a jazz base out through various forms of folk, classical and rock music. Affiliated with a bewildering variety of ensembles, he has been a prominent and influential voice in jazz and improvised music for three decades.  After studies at New England Conservatory followed by a stint with the Artie Shaw Band (led by Dick Johnson), Speed moved to New York City where he started working with Tim Berne and his band Bloodcount. Speed has put an inimitable stamp on the classic sax-bass-drums format.  Most compelling about his music is the incorporation of early jazz styles in a way that is direct and deeply felt.

“Tickets are selling fast to this year’s jazz event. I can’t wait for our patrons to experience this spellbinding concert!” said Maestro Parnther.

Ticket Availability and Performance Location

Single tickets for this and all SBSO concerts are available online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by calling the box office at (909) 381-5388. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Single tickets prices range from $20 – $100 with students and active military always just $15. Money-saving season tickets are also currently available.

The San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Street, San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available directly across from the venue. Doors open for this concert at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are also sold at the venue on concert night; however, their availability cannot be guaranteed.