Free Gas, Free Groceries, Free Socks, Footwear Community Cleanup Projects

INGLEWOOD, CA— Random “Drops of Hope” throughout L.A. County, including free grocery purchases, free gas purchases, free donations of socks and footwear as well as volunteer opportunities for community cleanup and city beautification projects. The day of service will end with a LIVE in person activation including media, Red Carpet, a one-on-one conversation with Founder MAJOR. and a sneak peak of the MAJOR. HOPE Experience at local community shop; Hilltop 4427 W. Slauson Avenue in Los Angeles, CA 90043 on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHO:
HOPE FOUNDATION founder, Grammy nominated musician, actor, artist, and “Hope Dealer” MAJOR. Featuring a live performance from his MAJOR. HOPE band.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjrxiTgdHRQ – https://www.majorhopefoundation.org/major-hope-experience

Mexican American TV personality (I Love Jenni, Rica, Famosa, Latina) author (My Broken Pieces), businesswoman (former CEO Jenni Rivera Enterprises) and Christian minister Rosie Rivera.
https://www.sistersamalia.com/

Tween philanthropist Khloe Thompson founder of Khloe Kares, a nonprofit organization that distributes “Kare Bags” filled with toiletries and necessities to Los Angeles’ homeless community.
https://www.pointsoflight.org/bushawards-2019-khloe-thompson/

WHEN:
December 28, 2023
Times: 10:00am – 2:00pm – Random Drops of Hope throughout LA County.
To commence in East LA.
– Exclusive Media Participation available, ride along with MAJOR. via HOPE  Sprinter
Times: 6:00pm – Red Carpet, LIVE MAJOR. Hope Experience

WHERE:
East LA – Free Groceries – Together with TV Personality Rosie Rivera
Superior Market
3600 E Cesar Chavez Ave, Los
Angeles, CA 90063

DTLA – Free Socks & Footwear – Together with Youth Activist Khloe Thompson

Beverly Hills – Hope Drops –  Together with multiple celebrities
427 N Crescent Dr,
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Hollywood Ca – City Clean Up
(Location TBD)

South LA – Free Gas + Free Groceries
Carson

ABOUT MAJOR. HOPE FOUNDATION & A MAJOR. DAY OF HOPE:
MAJOR.HOPE INC. is a social action initiative founded by GRAMMY nominated artist, actor, and humanitarian – Major. Commonly referred to as the “hope dealer,” MAJOR. has established MAJOR.HOPE INC. (501c3) as a foundational vehicle to creatively amplify hope in a world triggered by perpetual trial and tragedy. MAJOR. endeavors to fulfill this charge through entertainment, civic engagement, community development, youth enrichment, philanthropy, and many more fun, unique, creative means.
https://www.nowthatsmajor.com/
https://www.majorhopefoundation.org

By Lou K. Coleman

Too late! You should have nipped in the bud. Over and over again, God gave you opportunity after opportunity to get it together. But Naw, you thought that you would have time, just like the people whom God invited to the Banquet. He sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, come for everything is now ready! But they all began to make excuses. The first said I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it please excuse me. Another said I just bought five yolk of oxen and I am on my way to try them out, please excuse me. Still another said, I just got married so I can’t come. Then God said, those who were invited will not get a taste of my banquet, it was too late for them to come and partake of the banquet. Stop your crying!

Now if you are reading this and you are putting off salvation, you better think about the consequences of your delay. For in [2 Corinthians 6:2] Jesus says, “In the time of my favor I heard you. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. Don’t waste the moment.  Remember in [John 8:12-21] Jesus responded to a charge and a question from the Pharisees telling them that if they miss the opportunity, it will never be afforded to them again. I tell you wisdom is the principal thing, but in all your getting get an understanding. How shall you escape if you neglect so great salvation? [Hebrews 2:3].

Remember, Jesus told the Pharisees that after He was gone, they would realize what they had missed. They would then try to search for Him but would be unable to find Him. Don’t you wait until it’s too late! Failure to take advantage of the opportunity which God affords you means that you will die in your sin. Take advantage of the opportunities God’s grace provides.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) is a statewide organization comprised of various associations, community groups and individuals united by a commitment to fight for reparations and reparative justice for the descendants of enslaved Black American men and women.

In 2020, CJEC worked alongside California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber, when she was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in San Diego, to author and enact Assembly Bill (AB) 3121. That bill, now state law, created America’s first-in-the-nation Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans.

CJEC was one of seven “anchor organizations” sanctioned by the Reparations Task Force and the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to host a series of “listening sessions” designed to ensure certain communities in the state provided their thoughts and concerns about the work the task force was doing. In addition, CJEC helped the task force evaluate California’s role in slavery and Jim Crow discrimination – and followed that work up with developing resolutions to compensate African Americans for past and ongoing race-based injustices.

During one of CJEC’s signature “listening sessions,” the organization introduced Marian and Michael Johnson, sister and brother, members of a Black family that lost property in Russell City due to eminent domain. Russell City was an unincorporated majority Black community located between the Bay Area cities of Oakland and Hayward. Their story garnered national press coverage.

CJEC is also a community co-sponsor of Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 8 — the Ending Slavery in California Prisons Act of 2023-204. The California Constitution prohibits slavery and prohibits involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. Authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), who is also chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, said ACA 8 called for prohibiting slavery in any form, including forced labor compelled by the use or threat of physical or legal coercion in California prisons.

ACA 8 received the two-thirds vote required during the legislative session and a constitutional amendment was placed on the ballot for the November 2024 general election to allow the voters of California to decide its fate.

California Black Media spoke with Chris Lodgson, a CJEC member, about the organization’s advocacy and the work it is doing to support the fight for reparations in California.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

CJEC works to improve the lives of Black Californians who descend from persons enslaved in the U.S. by organizing, mobilizing, and advocating for strong lineage-based Reparations.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

Over the course of last year our greatest successes include:

First, we helped the California Reparations Task Force successfully complete its work developing Reparations recommendations, which were submitted to the Governor, State Senate and State Assembly.

Second, was the passage and signing by the Governor of legislation we wrote that will require California state agencies to collect data on descendants of U.S. Chattel Slavery. Currently our State does not have a way to measure the living conditions of those of us whose Ancestors were enslaved in this country.

Third, organizing and hosting over a dozen Reparations community meetings, town halls, listening sessions, and panel events.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

The biggest challenge Black Californians face is making ends meet to feed and support our families.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge and opportunity our organization faced over the last year was raising awareness about California’s Reparations efforts.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely. We are California’s first, only and leading state-wide grassroots organization born specifically for lineage-based reparations and reparative Justice.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

Visit our website at www.cjec.org and sign up for volunteer opportunities, our free monthly Reparations news via email and text updates and donate.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

In the complex and ever-evolving tapestry of the American identity, Asian Americans have been compelled to deal with the myth of being the “model minority.” This widespread perception appears to have been hardwired into our collective consciousness.

This seemingly commendable stereotype wrongly asserts that all Asian Americans uniformly excel in academics, employment, and societal roles, contributing to a narrative that inaccurately describes their diverse experiences and potentially serves as a racial wedge, particularly between Asians/Asian Americans and African Americans.

The roots of the “model minority” myth can be traced back to the mid-20th century. The myth emerged highlighting the success of Japanese Americans and other Asian American groups as a counter- narrative to systemic racism allegations that were being raised as the civil rights movement gained momentum.

The “model minority” stereotype obscures the rich diversity within the Asian American community, which comprises over 19.9 million people from more than 40 ethnic groups, speaking over 100 languages, each with their own unique cultures, languages, and histories. Despite 91% of Asian American adults maintaining distinct cultural practices, their values align closely with the broader U.S. population.

This stereotype frequently overlooks the social and economic hardships experienced by groups like Southeast Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian refugees. The impact of issues like socioeconomic instability, unequal educational opportunities, reliance on public health insurance, housing instability, and health disparities are often downplayed due to this stereotype, making it difficult to address the unique challenges these communities face.

The “model minority” stereotype contributes to the “perpetual foreigner” stereotype, implying that Asian Americans regardless of how long their family has been in the United States, are seen as perpetual outsiders. This feeling of always being seen as foreign fosters feelings of exclusion and alienation, hindering a number of Asian Americans’ full participation in American society.

The Supreme Court’s recent decision to end affirmative action has elicited mixed reactions both in and outside of the Asian American community. The case against Harvard University, brought by the Students for Fair Admissions, argued that the university’s admission policies discriminated against Asian American applicants. The verdict, which doesn’t single out any racial or ethnic group, has raised concerns about its effect on diversity in elite educational institutions, particularly for underrepresented students like Black, Latino, and certain Asian American subgroups. Some Asian American groups and leaders have criticized the decision, arguing it exploits Asian Americans to undermine civil rights.

It is essential to acknowledge and confront the strategic use of the “model minority” myth as a racial wedge, particularly between Asians/Asian Americans and Blacks. This myth, which contrasts the success of one minority group with another, can intensify tensions and perpetuate damaging stereotypes. Understanding the interconnected struggles faced by different minority communities is vital to fostering unity and dismantling divisive narratives that deepen racial divisions.

A prime example of this interconnectedness is the successful campaign Japanese Americans conducted to secure an apology and reparations for their unjust internment during World War II. Influenced by the Civil Rights movement and Martin Luther King’s demonstrations against racial injustice, their initiative was supported by Black legislators and activists. This shows how unity and understanding can lead to significant social change.

Beyond its visible impact on their socio-economic conditions, the “model minority” stereotype significantly affects the mental health of Asian Americans. This label makes them feel like they must be perfect in school and conform to high academic expectations, leading to stress and potential mental health problems. Unfortunately, Asian Americans are two to three times less likely than White people to seek help for mental health issues. This is made worse by the fact that talking about mental health is often stigmatized in their communities.

Despite reporting lower discrimination in employment, housing, and criminal justice compared to other racial minorities, Asian Americans face a unique set of stereotypes that render them invisible in discussions about race and prejudice in America. Evidence suggests that Asian Americans, representing about 6% of the U.S. population, are frequently denied leadership opportunities. Additionally, they are often overlooked in research, clinical outreach, and advocacy efforts. Health outcomes vary greatly among different Asian American groups. Recognizing this diversity exists can help in providing culturally appropriate health care and addressing health disparities.

The stereotype of cultural uniformity, which assumes all Asian Americans are identical, has led to damaging misconceptions. This problem is intensified when Asian Americans see violent attacks on their community members in the media, resulting in “vicarious trauma,” an emotional distress caused by witnessing harm done to others.

Despite the “model minority” stereotype, hate crimes against Asian Americans rose by 76% in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. These incidents, as documented by the FBI, range from verbal harassment and discrimination to physical assaults. This wave of violence and discrimination has undeniably contributed to vicarious trauma within the Asian American community.

Breaking free of this stereotype necessitates a collective effort to challenge preconceptions, celebrate and embrace diversity, and create an

inclusive narrative that authentically represents the complexity of being Asian American. This involves dismantling racial divides and promoting understanding between communities that have historically encountered systemic challenges.

Guided by comprehensive studies like Pew Research on Asian Americans, this collective effort can pave the way for a more respectful, and united appreciation of the diverse Asian American tapestry of cultures and histories shaping America’s identity.

About the Author

Joe W. Bowers Jr. is a contributing editor to California Black Media. He is a graduate of Stanford University.

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.

Green Living Plan: Clearly a major clean energy transition is taking place, with jobs being created. But do the most marginalized and climate-hit communities even know how to access all of this?

By Jessika Pollard | a University of Redlands partnership

According to Pew Research during the 2020 elections, 70 percent of registered America voters identified climate change as an important factor influencing their choices in the presidential election. Since then, in a commitment echoing his campaign promises, President Joe Biden has set forth an extremely ambitious vision: A carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050. This transformative agenda includes climate forward legislation including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – or combined spending of $3.5 trillion. It represents what Biden and other observers have called the “largest ever investment in clean energy research and innovation.”

Fast forward a few years later and the IRA specifically, is calculated to decrease the national deficit by $300 billion over the next 10 years through funding initiatives that advance environmental justice, cut emissions, manufacture clean energy products, and more. Also within that time frame, this initiative is expected to create more than 9 million well-paying clean energy jobs – averaging 912,000 annually. Roughly $400 billion will be injected into various sectors and communities across the U.S., including millions of dollars in incentives for private investment, in the form of tax incentives, grants, loans, and more.

As President Biden and the U.S. Congress attempt to fulfill these promises, tangible results are already surfacing. For example, since its passage, the IRA has created over 100,000 clean energy jobs in (notably ‘red’) states such as Georgia, Kansas, Tennessee, and Arizona. Nationally, reports from companies across the country indicate nearly $90 billion in new investments have been established. Additionally, President Biden has recently announced the new Hydrogen Hub in Philadelphia that will create 20,000 new jobs.

Yet, the impact of these initiatives extends beyond the economic figures of for already affluent areas. What does this mean for families and communities in dis-invested areas? President Biden’s climate plan not only set ambitious goals for carbon emissions and clean energy, but also to fortify the national climate resiliency. Still, the realization of this vision hinges on aggressive investments in marginalized and vulnerable communities, often overlooked and underserved. In many low-income communities of color, the absence of critical infrastructure and healthy environments poses significant challenges to healthy, stable, and thriving living spaces.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of “Neighborhoods and Environment” as one of the six domains of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the urgency of reinvestment. These SDOHs are the underlying conditions that are contributing factors of health inequities. The lack of adequate and affordable housing, poor air quality, and lack of infrastructure for safe drinking water and accessible electricity are all results of a disinvested community. American dependency on oil and gas has only exacerbated the challenges these communities regularly face. The monies appropriated from the Biden climate plan are essential to see transformative investments in these underserved, low-income communities of color, steering the nation toward a more equitable and sustainable future. But: Do those communities even know those funds are available and, supposedly, accessible?

How Are Funds Being Planned?

A number of states, such as California, Vermont, and New York, are already working toward environmental justice polices – such as oil and gas drilling regulations or cap and trade – that mitigate air pollution in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and communities of color. These efforts aim to alleviate the poor air pollution in economically disadvantaged communities. The success in those investments from climate policies rely heavily on the collaboration between local, state, and federal policymakers and mission driven organizations actively engaged in the field.

The IRA, coupled with the BIL infrastructure law, represents significant investment in these targeted areas, aiming to enhance the nation’s infrastructure and transportation networks. Initiatives such as modernized home electrification, rebates, and grants/loans for zero emission technology, empower lower income households to invest in public safety and escape unhealthy living conditions.

Consumers also stand to benefit from incentives including tax rebates on energy-efficient appliances, home improvement, and electric vehicles. To ensure effective allocation of funds in line with the U.S. climate goals, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators propose three strategies: green banks, creating agency guidance and requirements, and creating funding streams for state funding matches.

An estimated $30 billion from the IRA is to be allocated to state and local governments and nonprofit entities, or Green Banks, intended to accelerate the transition to clean energy and fight climate change. Moreover, the opportunity to have IRA and IIJA funds matched by state governments creates greater opportunity for the much needed investments for increased infrastructure in communities requiring immediate attention.

Analyzing potential benefits, Rewiring America provides insights into the positive outcomes of Bringing Infrastructure Home. Properly distributing and implementing funds within communities will help lower energy costs and expenses related to upgrades, not to mention. The findings suggest major benefits to indoor and outdoor air quality for low-income households just by updating home electrification. Furthermore, a modernized electrification system will save low-income households close to $500 annually, decreasing their percentage of rent burden; however, these numbers are only realized if community revitalization is prioritized.

How Will We Know It’s Working?

As previously mentioned, since its passage, the IRA has already proved valuable in achieving specific climate goals set by President Biden; however, to what extent has that included disinvested, marginalized communities? And do they know what’s happening?

Here’s what was promised …

• Incentivize clean energy
• Increase nationwide energy efficiency
• Increase access and affordability of electric vehicles
• Create more jobs
• Advance clean air and transportation
• Lower healthcare costs

At this rate, domestic carbon emissions are expected to experience a 40 percent reduction by 2030. Noteworthy is the surge in planned manufacturing sites that will promote and support the development and use of renewable energy sources such as battery and electric vehicle manufacturing sites and wind and solar manufacturing sites. Furthermore, we have also seen an increase in planned green banks across the country to make the transition to clean energy more widespread and as previously mentioned, numerous jobs have been created and wages raised, contributing to the economic mobility of many families across the country.

What we’ll need to know, however, is if there is an increase in jobs and economic growth in the most disadvantaged communities. Do low-income, traditionally low-resources Black and Brown communities even aware that they’re able to participate in this massive transition taking place?

This climate legislation was diligently crafted in the application process in that it allows cities to seek funding independently if the state government refuses. To avoid a blocking of these initiatives where Republican-run states refused funds, as seen with the Affordable Care Act, the IRA extends the offer to the three largest cities in the state. For instance, Florida, South Dakota, Iowa, and Kentucky have all refused funds from the IRA, but cities such as Iowa City, Rapid City, and Louisville are attempting to take full advantage of these funds.

While it is still a bit too early to determine the effectiveness of the place-based incentives a discernible trend is emerging. We can track that many of the deployed IRA investments have been distributed to low-income communities due to place-based bonuses offered in the IRA. These bonuses are targeted for investments in low income high unemployment areas to ensure the most promising regions for growth are invested. As more funds are disbursed and data accrues, the optimistic anticipation of success continues to grow. Still, we need to keep asking and assessing if those populations know about these funds and that they’re circulating on their behalf. It’s not clear that they do. That also poses a problem for policymakers as they’ll need a combination of community input and partnership.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

On November 28, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Tomiquia Moss as Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH).

Moss, a Democrat, replaces Lourdes M. Castro-Ramírez, who started in the position in March 2020.

Moss’s nomination requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $232,858 per year.

“The housing and homelessness crisis is the number one issue facing our state, and Secretary Moss brings decades of deep knowledge and experience working to move the needle on this challenge in the public and nonprofit sectors,” said Newsom. “I look forward to her partnership in continuing to implement California’s transformative solutions on these and other priorities for our state.”

On October 2, Castro-Ramírez announced that she was stepping down as Secretary of BCSH. Her resignation took effect on November 2.

Moss will oversee and supervise 12 entities, including 40 boards and bureaus. She will be responsible for the preservation and expansion of safe, affordable housing, efforts to prevent and end homelessness, protecting consumers, and upholding California’s civil rights laws.

Since 2020, the agency and its subsidiary departments have delivered more than $31 billion in funding to expand rental and homeownership housing opportunities and more than $11 billion to address homelessness.

In addition, the position requires partnering with state agencies to develop statewide action plans that strengthen consumer protections by licensing, regulating, educating, and enforcing rules for over four-million businesses, professionals,  and financial institutions.

“The Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency touches the lives of virtually every Californian,” Moss said in a statement. “I am humbled by Governor Newsom’s appointment to serve as its secretary, especially for the millions of Californians who are struggling to find and keep a roof over their heads, and for those who are the targets of fraud and discrimination. Leading this multifaceted organization is a sacred responsibility. I look forward to supporting all the good work that’s already under way,” Moss stated.

Moss is the founder of All Home, a Bay Area-focused organization that advances regional solutions that address poverty, homelessness and racial disparities, and aims to create more opportunities for people with very low incomes. She has served as CEO of this organization since 2019.

Moss was CEO of Hamilton Families from 2017 to 2019 and served as chief of staff of the Oakland Mayor’s Office from 2015 to 2017. From 2013 to 2015, she was Executive Director of HOPE SF, a San Francisco Mayor’s Office initiative.

Additionally, Moss is Board President of the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California.

She earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Golden Gate University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government from Ohio Wesleyan University.

“While I’m excited to take the Administration’s commitment to housing and homelessness solutions even further, I also see how important the agency’s other mandates are to make California a fairer and more equitable place with greater opportunities for all people to thrive. I’m honored to begin this work in early 2024, and deeply grateful for the Governor’s faith in me to do so,” Moss stated.

According to the BCSH website, the agency has over 8,000 employees and a $4.6 billion operating budget

By Lou K. Coleman

The same choice that was offered to the Israelites, in [Deuteronomy 30:11-20] is the same choice being offered to you today. The choice of life or death. I admonish you to choose life. Don’t be on the fence like the children of Israel who refused to stand for the Lord at Mount Camel until they saw the power of God. Make your stand known today by making the right choice. Choose life!

Listen, we have been told in the Word of God that there would come a time when this world, as we know it, will end. Don’t wait until it’s too late, things are about to come to a screeching halt. God said it and He is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. [Numbers 23:19]. Choose life, so that you and your descendant may live. Don’t presume on God’s goodness in sparing you or conclude that you can keep on ignoring His warnings. Because over the years, God has been speaking to you, and so far, you have turned your back on Him. But don’t keep doing it because, you don’t know when your life will end—and once it does, it will be too late. The Bible warns that there is no second chance after death! It says that “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” [Hebrews 9:27].

Today, you have a very serious choice to make.  Choose wisely!  Because there will come a point when God gets fed up and He will not relent from His judgment. [Amos 7:1-9]. For thus saith the Lord, I will spare them no longer. I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing, and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” [Genesis 6:3-7].

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”

By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) marked Worlds AIDS Day on December 1, with a critical call-to-action.

The Congressmember, who is running for U.S. Senate, urged her colleagues to pass legislation that will reauthorize the PEPFAR program, a U.S. Government-supported global initiative that provides lifesaving HIV medications to people in the United States and around the world who can’t afford to buy them.

“World AIDS Day is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible progress we have made toward becoming an AIDS-free generation. In the past two decades we’ve saved 25 million lives, especially among the Black community globally, through transformative programs like PEPFAR,” said Lee statement.

In 2003, with bipartisan support – and after vocal and extensive advocacy by members of the Congressional Black Caucus — Congress passed the law approving the program. Former President George Bush, who famously championed the program, signed it into law.

On November 30, Dr. Robyn Neblett Fanfair, Acting Division Director in the Division of HIV Prevention at the National Center for HIV and the Centers for Disease Control, said the AIDS crisis is at a crossroads.

“Together with ongoing commitment, we can honor the hundreds of thousands of lives lost to HIV-related illness in the United States and millions worldwide by ensuring that everyone benefits equally from four decades of groundbreaking scientific advances,” Fanfair said in a letter.

The CDC estimates that 1.2 million people in America have HIV, and 1 in 8 carriers don’t know it.”

Since its inception, the U.S. Government has provided over $100 billion to support the PEPFAR program.

“For 20 years, PEPFAR has been one of our nation’s most profound and transformational investments globally. 5.5 million babies have been born HIV-free because of the critical work funded by the program,” Lee continued.

The PEPFAR program is credited with significantly lowering the AIDS death rates in Black communities across the United States, where there are still a disproportionate number of HIV cases and where incidents continue to increase. In Los Angeles County, California’s largest and

populous city, for example, there was a 13 % year-over-year increase in new HIV cases between the last two years, according to data compiled by the LA County Department of Health.

PEPFAR is also lauded for turning around the epidemic in Africa, where it was most severe when the initiative was established.

On World AIDS Day, I call upon my colleagues in Congress to reignite the bipartisanship that has been linked to PEPFAR for so long and act swiftly to keep this lifesaving program alive,” said Lee.

To commemorate the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day, the California State Capitol was illuminated in red light on the evening of December 1.

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

African Diaspora Network (ADN) founder and executive director Almaz Negash has uplifted and championed investment in businesspersons, entrepreneurs, and innovators of African descent in

U.S. communities and across the African continent for 13 years.

Negash, a native of the East African country Eritrea, who resides in the Bay Area, is now set to do similar work for the administration of President Joe Biden.

Negash was appointed to the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE) in late September.

Last month, Negash told California Black Media that PAC-ADE can help Africans in the Diaspora be a bridge between the U.S. and the African countries they hail from.

“The African Diaspora Network has been bringing Africans and friends of Africa together to talk about things we can do on the continent,” she stated. “Whether it’s through entrepreneurship, investment, and other ways. If you really look at it, you can reverse it and do the same thing in the United States.”

ADN is based in the Silicon Valley city of Santa Clara. Most of the organization’s leaders are affiliated with the Bay Area’s tech and business communities, even though the impact of the work they do is felt far beyond that region.

Negash, who has a background in international business, hopes the committee can change policies that will allow Black entrepreneurs in the U.S. and in Africa to thrive.

“The same thing that African Americans face here is also faced by Black entrepreneurs on the continent,” she said. “I want to share knowledge and resources but also shed light on the challenge Blacks face like access to funding.”

Negash was one of 12 people selected for the inaugural advisory group for terms that run until 2025. The appointees represent the diversity of the African Diaspora from Black and African communities. PAC-ADE members have distinguished backgrounds from a variety of industries including academia, business, creative industries, faith-based activities, government, sports, and social work.

Delaware’s Silvester Scott Beaman, the 139th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, is the council’s chair.

Another Californian, Ugandan-born Ham K. Serunjogi, the co-founder and CEO of Chipper Cash, a cross-border money transfer platform, is also a councilmember.

Along with Negash and Serunjogi, the other PAC-ADE board members are:

• C.D. Glin, of Connecticut, who is the President of the PepsiCo Foundation • Osagie Imasogie of Pennsylvania, who is Chairman of the investment bank Quoin Capitol and co-founder of the private equity firm PIPV Capital
• • Chinenye Joy Ogwumike of Texas, who is a two-time WNBA All-Star for the Los Angeles Sparks and a full-time, multi-platform ESPN host and NBA analyst.
• • Patrick Hubert Gaspard of New York, who is President and CEO of the Center for American Progress
• • Viola Davis of Rhode Island, who is actress, artist, activist, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author

• • Mimi E. Alemayehou of Washington, D.C., who is the Founder and Managing Partner of Semai Ventures, LLC
• • Kevin Young of Washington, D.C., who is the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• Helene D. Gayle of Georgia, who President of Atlanta’s Spelman College • Rosalind Brewer of Georgia, who until August served as Chief Executive Officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

The PAC-ADE board will have in-person meetings three times a year and do other committee work in between.

The council was established following the Biden administration making a commitment to enhance dialogue between the U.S. government and the African Diaspora during last year’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit held at the White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris told council members during their October swearing-in ceremony that their work is an extension of what the U.S. does to improve global partnerships.

“This is critical in reinforcing relationships and our democratic principles,” she said. “I am also excited that the council will be a way to reintroduce the U.S. to the continent.”

Africa — a continent over 50 nations — has an abundance of natural resources such as arable land, renewable fresh water, and mineral wealth. Forty-two percent of the planet’s 15-to-35-year-olds will live on the continent by 2030.

Negash said Africa will play have central role in the world’s future because of the youth and talent on the continent and in the diaspora.

“That is an incredible opportunity to bring the world together,” she said noting the investments governments across the globe have made in

African nations. “Resources have been going out of the continent. This is an opportunity to help the community thrive, so many leaders around the world or interested in the continent. The numbers are powerful.”

Negash’s ADN has promoted business and economic development in Africa and throughout the diaspora since 2010. The nonprofit announced last month that it is partnering with Arizona State University to manage $80 million in funding from the Africa Bureau of the U.S. Agency of International Development’s (USAID) to assemble a coalition committed to empowering Africa’s youth with tools, education, and networking opportunities.

In October, ADN held a graduation ceremony for its Accelerating Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship program, a six-week workshop focused on community building, mentorship, and training for 11 Black entrepreneurs. Each participant received a $10,000 grant.

Additionally, by 2028, Negash noted, ADN hopes to have raised $35 million in funding.

“The most important thing we do at ADN is bringing people together,” she said. “Supporting entrepreneurs in Africa and supporting entrepreneurs in the United States, and really showcasing the diaspora and the role we play in the U.S. and on the continent of Africa

By Lou K. Coleman

Because there can be no doubt that we are living in the last days. The signs we are seeing and the things taking place in this world point to the soon coming final events, the mark of the beast, the time of trouble and the return of Jesus Christ. In all your getting, get an understanding! [Proverbs 4:7].

You can know what the signs are that will precede Christ’s coming and watch for them. Why stay in ignorance about the meaning of the events taking place around you? Jesus commands watch and to be ready. [Luke 21:36]. I tell you; your entire life is about to change. Events will unfold soon to destroy the world’s way of life as we have known it. Soon, mankind will suffer through the most devastating, bloody war in human history—called, in biblical terminology, the Great Tribulation. [Matthew 24:21–22]. We are now approaching that time, and these things are now being revealed. [Daniel 12:10]. In all your getting, get an understanding!

We are living in a time like no other before us, and yet just as in the days of Noah and Lot, people continue to ‘eat and drink’ and live as if nothing is going to happen.

What willful ignorance! The truth is that God is shaking all that can be shaken. And what is still to come is too dreadful to think about.

Listen in [Romans 13:11] we are given a warning. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now, is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” The Apostle Paul is telling us that we need to be aware of the times in which we live and act accordingly. Jesus also stressed the importance of this when He asked, “Can you not discern the signs of the times?” [Matthew 16:3]. I tell you; you must understand the spiritual significance of current events. We are not living in ordinary times. We are nearing the end of an age—the end of a civilization. So, in all your getting, get an understanding. A world-shaking crisis is inexorably building and will, in the near future, explode the appearance of normalcy. You need to know that the progression of disturbing news stories is not random and inconsequential. In fact, they foreshadow remarkable key trends and specific events that will change everything you are familiar with in the next few decades!

Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.  [Proverbs 4:5-7].