WSSN Stories

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Through all the circumstances and trials of life; Failures, loss, disappointments, health problems, difficulties, God has never once failed us. [Psalm 73:26].  For He has been our dwelling place throughout all generations [Psalms 90:1]. He has given us grace and mercy and walked with us through some of the darkest moments of our lives. [Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 2:10]. He has guarded and protected us from harm and evil. [Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 54:17]. He has given us strength when we were weak and sick. [Psalm 46:1]. He comforted and helped us when we were in trouble and facing challenges. [2 Corinthians 1:4]. He brought us to the banqueting house, and His banner over us was love. [Song of Solomon 2:4].

While the journey may not have been easy, God has been good to us. So today, spend time in prayer, thanking Him for all His goodness, mercy, and grace. None of us deserved the goodness of God that we received, but He loves us, cares for us, and has blessed us all. He is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving, not just today but every day!  So, make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him; Sing Praise to Him in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Praise Him through the Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall. Praise Him through the passing days and encircling months. Tell of all His wonderful acts. [Psalm 105:1-2; Psalms 107:8].

For as Jeremiah declared, “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning… [Lamentations 3:21-23].

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father! There is no shadow of turning with Thee: Thou changes not, Thy compassions, they fail not: As Thou has been, Thou forever will be. All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. [Thomas Chisholm].

Banner Praise. [Exodus 17:15]. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever. With my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations. [Psalm 89:1; Isaiah 63:7-9].

If you are reading this, then I know that grace and mercy has called your name today, so remember God’s faithfulness. Thank Him for His blessings, His mercy, and His love. [Psalm 107:1].

How did I make it all these years? How did I make it this far? Through the valleys and over the hills, I know it had to be God. How did I make it through the storm? How did I make it through the rain? If you want to know, just how I got here, it’s so easy to explain. It was God’s grace, His amazing grace, that I made it this far… Some people said, I wouldn’t make it. Some people said I wouldn’t be here today. But look at me, I made it this far – Yes, by the grace of God. When I sit down and look back, down through the years, I have to shed so many tears. But I made it, I made it this far, by the grace of God. [God’s Grace – Luther Lee Barnes, Derrick L Luther Barnes Lyrics].

Yes, Lord, I recall all You have done, O, Lord; I remember Your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about them [Psalm 77:11-12] For this I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to Your name. [Psalm 18:49].

I am grateful for the things that you have done. Yes, I’m grateful for the victories we’ve won. I could go on and on and on about your works because I’m grateful, so grateful just to praise You Lord. Flowing from my heart are the issues of my heart, it’s gratefulness. [Grateful -Hezekiah Walker].

Looking Back Over the years. To God be all the Glory! Yes, and Amen!

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

The Black Equity Collective (BEC) is a community-focused, public-private partnership with Black equity as its central, driving force.

BEC’s focus is to strengthen the long-term capacity and infrastructure of Black-led social justice organizations in Southern California.

Born out of two organizations – the Social Good Solutions Firm and the Black Equity Initiative — BEC’s mission is centered on the belief that progress on Black equity and racial justice must be part of any credible social justice movement in the United States. Additionally, the collective believes equity is only achieved when philanthropic investments, public policies, and institutional practices converge to boldly confront racial injustice.

Kaci Peterson, the founder and Chief Architect of Social Good Solutions and the Black Equity Collective, has over 18 years of experience in the non-profit and philanthropy sectors, managing several multi-million-dollar grant-making portfolios.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Peterson recently. She discussed the organization’s successes, disappointments, and lessons from 2024 as they continue their initiatives into the new year.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

This year, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary as a firm. Since the firm’ s inception we are proud to announce that cumulatively we’ve been able to raise and leverage over $55.5 million for Black-led organizations in California.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

We launched a survey involving 200 Black-led organizations to study the economic impact of Black-led organizations on California’ s GDP. The results of that survey will be released in early 2025. One of the reasons that survey is important is that it develops a narrative around why there is severe underinvestment in Black-led organizations.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

The decline in philanthropic investment after the height of commitments following the murder of George Floyd, following COVID. There was really this opportunity for philanthropy to permanently shift course and take a different approach when it comes to Black-led organizations.

While some have, for the most part, philanthropy has retreated to a place of familiarity, which is pulling back on their funding.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

I am always inspired by the leaders on the ground who just continue to do monumental work. The fact that here in Los Angeles, we’ve been able to stand up a doula hub in response to the policy advocacy work that so many of our leaders, our Black women in particular, really pushed and got state legislation passed a couple of years ago so that doulas can be an approved and reimbursable expense through Medi-Cal. There has been a real push to make the implementation of that law real.

I’m proud of the collaboration that we’ve been able to do with other Black-led networks across the state.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

I started an 11-week sabbatical on Nov. 1. I think oftentimes as Black leaders, we are burning the candle at both ends. And I don’ t think Black people are even aware of the social, emotional, and physical toll that taken on us — even subconsciously. We must really see, rest, retreat and take respite as part of our journey to justice.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Erasure.

We’ve really leaned into a narrative of Black permanence and what it means to preserve our community, our culture, our contributions, our language, our history, our leaders, our institutions. There is so much effort to erase us through burnout and fatigue, through underfunding of our organizations. To erase our history by banning books and not allowing certain things to be talked about.

We must have a counter battle.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

I really want to start up an endowment for the collective. I think it’s really important to be able to preserve all of the things that the collective has contributed to the ecosystem so far — the philanthropic ecosystem in particular. To be able to create and establish an endowment for the collective that allows that work to happen in perpetuity is really important.

By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media

A distraught mother and her legal team announced a $10 million lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) on Dec. 16, alleging that her son was the target of bullying because of his race.

“CS DOE is a 14-year-old African American student at Verdugo High School. He is a Ninth Grader,” reads a statement the plaintiff’s attorneys shared with California Black Media (CBM).

“Almost from the first day of class (in August 2024), CS DOE was targeted by Latino students who called him racial slurs, physically attacked him and threatened to stab him.”

The family’s identity has not yet been released to the public due to safety concerns, according to their attorneys Bradley C. Gage and Caree Harper. The student’s mother is identified only as A.O. in the complaint.

The first video, filmed in August, showed several non-Black students punching and kicking a Black student in a bathroom on campus while yelling racial slurs. The mother claims that the students who attacked her son were not punished, and the administration asked her to move her son to another school for his safety.

“They wanted him to leave the school without giving any disciplinary action towards those students,” said the student’s mother. “He’s not going anywhere. He’s going to finish. I wanted him to at least stay until the December winter break, and then I was going to transfer schools for him.”

Before she could enroll her son in a different school the attacks escalated.

In December, a second altercation, on a video shared with news media, showed 4 to 6 boys attacking a Black student and using racial slurs. The video also shows a person in a safety vest trying to stop the fight and telling them to “handle it after school.” Then, the video ends.

CS DOE, a14-year-old freshman, left the school but was followed by a car, according to Gage. Several individuals exited the vehicle, one with a “large butcher knife.” A fight ensued and two people were stabbed. The Black student was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon but was later released into his mother’s custody.

Harper, who is handling the criminal charges, expressed frustration with the school and the District Attorney’s office. She criticized newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan J. Hoffman, for charging a 14-year-old for “defending his life” while reconsidering the resentencing of Eric and Lyle Menendez, brothers who were convicted of murdering their parents in the 1980s.

The high school freshmen is scheduled to appear in juvenile court on Feb. 1, but Harper says she will reach out to the District Attorney and make the case against charging the young man.

“His mama had to go find him because he was hiding and fleeing for his very life,” said Harper. “So, we want to have a conversation with the new district attorney, who will hopefully see it as Bradley and I see it: this was a man who was defending his life against certain death.”

According to the boy’s mother, the young student is still traumatized and has not been able to return to the area because it remains unsafe. Racial slurs have also been spray painted on their home.

The victim’s mother says that it has been difficult being separated and that her son has been scarred by the incident.

“I’m sad. I’m devastated, you know,” said the mother. “I still feel like they’re after him. I still feel like they can kill him, possibly.”

The LAUSD and principal of Verdugo High School did not respond to CBM’s requests for comment.

If you are – or someone you know is – has experienced a hate crime or hate incident, please visit CAvsHate.org for more information and to find out what you can do about it.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The California Association of Black School Educators (CABSE) is an organization consisting of elected and appointed school officials, administrators and instructors from across California who are committed to advancing equity for Black students.

CABSE members represent governmental agencies, charter schools and charter school organizations, public school districts, traditional public schools, and community colleges.

The organization’s primary goal is to expand PK-14 educational opportunities for all students in California, with an emphasis on under-represented and under-served Black students.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with CABSE President Satra Zurita and Conference Chair Micah Ali about this year’s successes, disappointments, and plans for the organization coming into the new year.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?

Ali: I would have to say that two highlights have been the ongoing support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Engie, and other sponsors that have enabled us to bring together like-minded education leaders twice a year to collectively advance innovative and meaningful strategies to achieve change on behalf of Black students across our state.

The other is the feedback we have received from presenters, attendees, and vendors alike about how our convenings and our collective work has inspired them to act within their local school districts and community colleges. It is a groundswell of solidarity and action that, yes, we hoped for, but have been overwhelmed with great pride and joy at seeing it manifest.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

Zurita: CABSE’s leadership and investment in improving the education system for Black students in our great state has resulted in a long-standing focus on transforming public education and its response to Black students. By pulling from the very wisdom of those educators and leaders who care deeply about Black students and who are showing great promise through their efforts. CABSE creates a venue where educators can be unapologetic about our mission, even in the face of long-standing implicit bias, low expectations, and unabating under-support of Black students. Something powerful happens when changemakers come together to make change.

What frustrated you the most over the last year? 

Zurita: Continuing to see the deep impact of COVID-19 Pandemic school site closures on students academically and emotionally — especially Black students. This makes our work and our advocacy more vital than ever. We’ve made some gains but have a long way to go. I think folks really don’t understand the sweeping impact of that time. Our schools are still in catch-up and recover mode from the learning loss.

CBM: What inspired you the most over the last year?

Zurita: Seeing our CABSE convenings grow in depth and breadth — our strategies, powerful content and reach. In addition to attendees from virtually every area of the state, CABSE has benefitted from the faithful attendance of districts from the East, Midwest, South and Southwest US. This has brought a wonderful new dimension to CABSE, as it relates to best-practice sharing. We get to learn from the strengths and successes. There is something to say about solidarity that reaches across state lines. It gives me great hope.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Ali: Our Blueprint for Education Equity is a crowd-sourced framework of strategies that have shown great promise for improving the education experiences and opportunities for Black students. In 2024, we developed an equity self-assessment tool for districts to use in evaluating their own efforts on behalf of Black students. What we found is that virtually every district that participated in our survey indicated they have begun implementing most of our Blueprint strategies, whereas when we first launched the Blueprint, a number simply were not. One thing we learned, though, is that most districts are not as intentional as they could be at measuring how well those implemented strategies are helping Black students. For example, a recent report indicated that dual enrollment programs increased greatly across the state, but Black students remain underrepresented in them. This is both a challenge and an opportunity — and we are here for it.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Zurita: Many Black students across our state are dealing with a host of challenges: homelessness, food insecurity, exposure to violence, not to mention bias remains a pervasive problem. To add to the challenge, educators are worn out, tired, and frustrated. We now need to think about how we can simultaneously inspire and empower students and educators alike. The system needs an overhaul.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

Zurita: In 2025, we hope to stand CABSE up as a fully functioning non-profit organization engaged in research and policy design.

Ali: We also aim to deepen the content of our convenings, including adding a Math Track and what we are calling Social Determinants of Education Track to our annual conference and institute, which will address those social contexts that prevent Black students from realizing their potential as students. We will also launch a new Black Board Member Academy to assist relatively new school and community college board members in leveraging their role to effectively impact Black student outcomes through governance strategies and identifying high quality learning curricula.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI), based in Inglewood, is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing communities of color across Los Angeles County and beyond.

With a focus on education, health equity, and youth empowerment, SJLI runs impactful programs that tackle systemic inequalities and help build stronger communities. In addition to its work in Los Angeles, SJLI has expanded its efforts to Houston, Texas.

California Black Media (CBM) recently spoke with Derek Steele, SJLI’s Executive Director. He discussed the organization’s achievements, challenges, and future plans. Steele, a former engineer who transitioned into the field of health equity advocacy, has been at SJLI for more than a decade. His background in system-building and community organizing has shaped SJLI’s approach to solving critical issues like food insecurity and education disparities.

Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

What stands out as SJLI’s most impactful achievement in 2024?

SJLI’s Urban Scholars Program remains a bright spot despite our challenges. The program provided students with the academic support they needed to stay on track for graduation.

We maintained a 96% graduation rate across all sites. This fall, we’ve seen a 97% retention rate for students going into their second year of college This achievement is a testament to SJLI’s focus on bridging the gap between high school and college, ensuring that students have a smooth transition.

How has SJLI’s leadership and investments improved the lives of Black and Brown youth in LA County?

We must invest in both education and health. In addition to academic programs, SJLI has made a significant impact through our health equity initiatives, particularly in food access. Just last year, we distributed 1.2 million pounds of produce throughout LA County. This, along with their retreats and college tours, provided much-needed support for students and their families.

What has been the most challenging aspect of SJLI’s work in 2024?

While there was progress in 2020 and 2021 following the social justice movements, many of the commitments made during that time have since been rolled back. This made 2024 particularly challenging as efforts to push forward key initiatives, such as the Black Student Achievement Plan at Los Angeles Unified School District, slowed down.

The challenge has been the full-throated walk back of a lot of those commitments.

What inspired SJLI to continue its mission despite the challenges of 2024?

SJLI’s dedicated team and the support of the community have kept the organization moving forward. Our staff members have a deep commitment to the mission, and they are true believers in what we’re trying to achieve. The involvement of the broader community has also helped. Community members come by on Fridays for our produce distribution, and some even join us at events like the equity social.

What is one lesson SJLI learned in 2024 that will shape its decisions in 2025?

One of the biggest lessons learned is the importance of building strong, aligned partnerships. SJLI has collaborated with the Brotherhood Crusade and BAM LA forming the Bloom Alliance—an initiative that stands for Building a Lifetime of Options and Opportunity for young Men which was launched by the California Community Foundation.

Partnership matters, but alignment in those partnerships really matters. Having a clear plan in place allows the organization to stay adaptable when challenges arise. You have to plan the work and work the plan.

What is the biggest challenge facing Black and Brown communities in LA County in one word?

The biggest challenge is displacement. With rising housing costs, many families are being forced out of their neighborhoods, some leaving the state entirely or becoming homeless.  More than 50% of people are housing burdened, spending over half of their income on housing. So, SJLI is working on Sankofa at Centinela, a 120-unit, 100% affordable housing development that will also house our new 25,000 square foot headquarters.

What is SJLI’s main goal for 2025?

SJLI’s main goal is to continue empowering youth leaders of color through education, leadership development, and community engagement. We are here to improve the overall health, education, and well-being of youth leaders of color by fostering leadership and providing resources. SJLI aims to help communities become self-sustaining and thriving.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Come on, put your war clothes on. Time to let go, move on, and close doors. Time to end it once and for all!

You know there’s a famous passage in the [7th Chapter of the Book of Romans verses 14-25] where the Apostle Paul is describing a warfare going on within himself:  He says, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.  I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. For I delight in the Law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin. O wretched man that I am! Who will free me from this life dominated by sin and death?

Sounds familiar?

I tell you, anyone who reads [Romans 7:14-25] should immediately identify with Paul’s expression of frustration and agony due to the weakness of his fleshly body: “All the things I don’t want to do I end up doing and all the things I want to do I end up not doing. I want to do what’s right, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what’s bad, but I do. It baffles me. My own behavior baffles me. Why do I keep making the same mistakes? Why am I so resistant to change? Why can’t I figure out why I do what I don’t want to do?” I don’t understand myself.

The human dilemma described as a man. Who is carnal, sold under sin. Desires to do good but finds himself unable. Desires to abstain from evil but finds himself unable. Who agrees that the Law is good but finds that sins dwell in him. [Romans 7:14-20].

Well, I want you to know that due to Adam’s fall into sin, mankind is corrupted by sin in every area of his life: mind, emotions, and will, have all been tainted. We think sinfully, we feel sinful, and we choose sinfully. We naturally love darkness [John 3:19], and we do not understand the things of God [1 Corinthians 2:14]. The human condition is lost; we have all wandered astray [Isaiah 53:6]. We are spiritually blind [2 Corinthians 4:4]. We are sinful, having broken the Law of God [1 John 1:8; 3:4]. We are enslaved by sin [John 8:34]. We are morally ruined [Romans 7:18]. We are dying physically and dead spiritually [1 Peter 1:24; Ephesians 2:1].

We are in an epic battle! A battle of good and evil. A battle that spans from our very first breath until our last. It is a close and intimate war! Hand-to-hand combat with our adversary the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world, the accuser, the ruler of this world and the god of this age whose aim is to use pain and pleasure to make us blind, stupid, and miserable — forever. [Revelation 12:9–10; John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4]. He will use any method necessary to take advantage of us and get us under his control. [1 Peter 5:8]. But we must use what God has given us to overcome. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Stand firm therefore, and gird your loins with the Belt of Truth, which counters deception, and put on the Breastplate of Righteousness which guards the heart, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace which provides stability. In addition to all, take up the Shield of Faith which extinguishes the enemy’s attacks, and take the Helmet of Salvation which protects the mind along with, the Sword of the Spirit [God’s Word], the Offensive weapon, because I tell you, it’s time to rise up and declare war on the devil. [Ephesians 6:10-18]. No longer will we give the devil a foothold. [Ephesians 4:27]. We are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ, and we don’t have to let the devil run all over us. For the Bible boldly declares, “…Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” [1 John 4:4].

Like the disciples, God has authorized us to stand against the enemy. [Luke 10:17-19].  When we are authorized, we are commissioned, certified, licensed, lawful, legitimate, recognized, sanctioned, warranted, and official. Exercise your authority. Be like David; David was full of confidence that he was going to be victorious. He was so certain of victory the Bible says he ran to the enemy to fight him. There was no doubt in his mind. He wasn’t going to do it by using some great armor or weapon, but by the power of God. And he took a smooth stone, thrust it out, and killed the great giant of Gath. [1 Samuel 17:41-52].

I tell you, it’s time to put the devil where he belongs, under your feet. He may think he has you where he wants you. But don’t be afraid, for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah has arrived, for He has become your shield and your exceedingly Great Reward. [Genesis 15:1].

Come on, put your war clothes on. Time to let go, move on, and close doors. Time to tell the Devil to go to Hell! You are not at the mercy of the enemy’s attacks. Don’t put him on a pedestal, as if he has power and dominion over you. He is a defeated foe! Jesus defeated him and gave you power over him [James 4:7] USE IT! For in Christ, you are “far above all principality and power and might and dominion” and every lion and serpent you shall trample underfoot! [Romans16:20]. Time to Declare War!

He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. [Revelation 3:21

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) made history on Dec. 2. For the first time, most of its members are women. Nine out of its 12 current members are Black women, the highest number in the organization’s 57-year-history.

During the last legislative session, five out of 12 CLBC members were women.

For the 2025-26 Legislative session, three CLBC women members are serving in the State Senate and six in the State Assembly.

Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood) and Sen. Akilah Weber (D-LaMesa) were sworn in on the first official day of the 2025-26 Regular Session in the chambers of the State Senate by the Hon. Patricia Guerrero, Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.

“Yesterday, I was sworn in as Senator of the 39th Senate District! I am so honored to do this work and excited to get started, Weber posted on her Facebook page Dec. 3. “I introduced my first bill on my first day, SB 32 to address maternity ward closures in the state. Let’s go Senate District 39.”

Before winning her Senate seat, Weber had served in the State Assembly for three years representing the 79th District in San Diego County.

She was also sworn in as Chair of the CLBC on Dec. 2.

Weber and Richardson are joining CLBC member Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights), who had previously been the only Black woman serving in the State Senate. Smallwood-Cuevas was elected in 2022.

“This has been a long journey,” said Smallwood-Cuevas. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all of you coming together and standing up and supporting this effort to ensure that Black women have a voice here in Sacramento, representing the communities we all care about. We grew our caucus but this is just the beginning of making sure that the California State Legislature is representative of California.”

New CLBC lawmakers in the Assembly — Assemblymembers Sade Elhawary (D-South Los Angeles), Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) and LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego) — were also sworn in on Dec. 2 on the Assembly floor.

Elhawary, Ransom, and Sharp-Collins and are joining Richardson as the newest members of CLBC. However, Richardson previously served in the Assembly before being elected to Congress in 2007.

“There are some incredible people here who turned out the vote,” said Richardson at a CLBC reception held to welcome new members. “Call me landslide Laura.”

Richardson paid tribute to the icons in California politics who paved the way for her and other newly elected Black women.

“When I took my portrait, I wore a white turtleneck and a red jacket like Congresswoman Maxine Waters,” added Richardson. All of us women are here because we stood on the backs and shoulders of women who served here capably and are respected and that has translated into giving us a chance.”

Richardson also acknowledged that there would be challenges ahead.

“In times like these, we don’t need to agonize. We need to organize,” she said.

After her swearing in, Sharp-Collins said she is “honored and humbled to represent the people of the 79th Assembly District.

“I plan to continue the work I have done for many years to advance the district — especially in helping support our most vulnerable residents,” Sharp-Collins continued.

Returning CLBC members in the State Assembly are: immediate past CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), and Assemblymembers Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) and Mike Gipson (D-Carson).

Outgoing CLBC members include Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Inglewood), who was termed out and is running for Lieutenant Governor. Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), and Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) also left. McCarty did not seek reelection to the Assembly to run for mayor of Sacramento, a race he won. Holden and Jones-Sawyer were termed out.

The CLBC was established in 1967 by Black members of the California Legislature to address the concerns of African Americans and other citizens of color. Mervyn Dymally, who represented parts of greater Los Angeles in the Assembly and State Senate, led the founding. Dymally was also the 41st lieutenant governor of California and served in United States Congress before returning to serve in the Assembly.

The California Legislature is also making history this legislative session with an unprecedented 58 women lawmakers, almost half of its 120 total members.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this outstanding group of new Senators who were sworn in today,” said Senate Pro Tem McGuire (D-Healdsburg), who led the convening session that officially began the upcoming two-year legislative session.

“They’re hard-working, innovative, and ready to tackle the tough challenges ahead,” McGuire added.

Later that evening, the CLBC held a reception to welcome its new leadership and members. Weber and Bryan were elected by the CLBC in August to serve as its next Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.

The new members of the CLBC say there are inspired, motivated and ready to start working on behalf of their constituents.

“I’ve spent my career standing up for people, and I’m proud to represent the people of Assembly District 13,” said Ransom, who served on the Tracy City Council and held leadership roles in various community-based organizations

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue my work to provide economic opportunity for all, reduce costs, strengthen accountability and education, and protect our neighborhoods. I’m ready to get to work and deliver results, she added.”

On her first day, Elhawary, who is the daughter of Egyptian and Guatemalan immigrants, introduced her first piece of legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 37, which proposes solutions to improve mental health services for our unhoused neighbors, especially schoolkids and their families.

“My goal with this bill is to organize all interested parties in a discussion with a goal to aggressively research the hurdles we still face and identify policy or regulatory solutions in providing this essential service,” Elhawary stated.

Sharp Collins stated. “I look forward to working with my colleagues and our Assembly leadership to better the 79th District and the State as a whole.”

“There is so much work to be done,” she said.

By Frederick Joseph

“We write because we believe the human spirit cannot be tamed and should not be trained.”– Nikki Giovanni, National Book Award finalist, NAACP Image Award winner, Langston Hughes Medal recipient, Grammy-nominated poet, celebrated professor, literary legend, revolutionary.

Dear Ms. Giovanni,

I never got to meet you, not in the way some people meet, where hands shake and voices hum their recognition. But I met you, didn’t I? Through the pen you wielded like a torch, like a wand, like a blade when the world needed sharpening. You didn’t just write poems—you built rooms for us to walk into, to rest in, to rage in, to love in. I stepped into those rooms again and again, never leaving quite the same as I entered.

I remember the first time I met you, even if you weren’t really there. I was in middle school, and my teacher handed me your poem, “Ego-Tripping.” I didn’t know poetry could feel like that—like it was climbing out of the page, standing proud, daring anyone to look away. That poem felt like a drumbeat in my chest, like the pulse of something bigger than me but still mine.

I enjoyed it so much that I decided I wasn’t going to be afraid to read aloud the next time my teacher asked. That might not sound like much, but you have to understand—I was always afraid to read aloud. My mind runs faster than my mouth can keep up. It still happens, even now. Words pile up in my head like a traffic jam, and my tongue tries to catch up but can’t. But that day, with your poem in my hands, I wasn’t afraid. I wasn’t fumbling. I was invincible.

Some days, I still am.

How do I thank you for that? For letting me sit beside you, poem after poem, as you held the mirror to Blackness and said, “Look. See how beautiful, how complex, how infinite we are.” You took your joy and your pain, your fight and your tenderness, and poured it into the pages, and those pages poured it into us. You made it possible to believe that the word could be a home, even when the world wasn’t.

Did you know you were handing us maps, showing us how to find ourselves when we felt lost? Did you know your words would echo long after you were gone, shaping us, challenging us, calling us to be bolder, softer, freer?

Even though we never met, I feel like I knew you. And maybe that’s the magic of what you gave to the world—you let us know you, the way the moon lets you feel its glow even when it’s distant. You were honest in your brilliance, unyielding in your love for your people, uncompromising in your devotion to truth. Your work has always felt like a hand on my shoulder, guiding me through the fog of this world.

Now you’ve passed on, and the earth feels a little quieter. But your words are loud enough to fill the silence. Your legacy beats like a second heart in those of us who’ve read you, who’ve been changed by you. You showed us how to live unafraid, how to write unafraid, and for that, we will never stop thanking you.

I wrote something for you, please let me know what you think of it when we finally meet:

sleep well, Ms. Giovanni

you sat the stars down and taught them how to wink,
wrapped the moon in your laughter, sent it spinning,
a love supreme floating through the quiet corners
of our kitchen sinks and subway cars.

and hot combs, and durags, and cognac,
and linen suits, and church hats, and thug life,
and all the shit they said was too Black.

you made poetry the blood,
made it the marrow—
the way we hold our babies close
or kiss the air when no one’s looking.
you wrote us whole,
even when we were breaking.

your words, a song—soft and unyielding—
Marvin Gaye on sunday mornings
and on protest lines.
you whispered to the shadows,
told them they were still made of light.

you told the south to sing,
told the north to dance,
held the universe in a mason jar,
and said, “look, this is ours.”

somewhere, beneath a magnolia tree,
your voice is still planting itself,
still pulling love out of the dirt,
still teaching us how to bloom.

With love and thanks,
Frederick

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Frontline Doulas provides African American families in Los Angeles County non-medical professional perinatal services at no cost.

This includes physical, emotional, informational, psychosocial and advocacy support during the pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Women of ages — with all forms of insurance — are accepted and encouraged to apply for services.

Given that community-based doulas focus on marginalized patients and under-served families, they are more likely to support clients challenged by institutionalized racism and cultural incompetence within the medical setting. While serving past birthing clients in extreme situations, Frontline’s team of doulas strive to act with strength and compassion like soldiers on the frontline of battle. For this reason, supervisors and mentors Dr. Sayida Peprah and Khefri Riley affectionately gave them the name “The Frontline Doulas.”

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with co-founder Khefri Riley. She reflected on Frontline’s accomplishments this year and the organization’s goals moving forward.

Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

In 2024, we are humbled to have been awarded the contract for the Los Angeles County Medical Doula Hub, which means that we are charged with creating a hub of connectivity and support for generating training and helping to create the new doula workforce for the medical doula benefit that went live in California on Jan. 1, 2023.

The major accomplishment of this historical benefit — in which we were part of the co-design team and are currently still working with the DHCS (Department of Healthcare Services) – is to bring equitable birthing services to Los Angeles County, especially for Black and Indigenous birthing families.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

We believe that the revolution begins in the womb. What we mean by that is we have the potentiality and the ability to create intentional generational healing from the moment before a child was conceived, when a child was conceived, during this gestational time and when a child is born.

And there’s a traditional saying in indigenous communities where what we do now affects future generations going forward. So, the work that we do with birthing families, in particular Black birthing families, is to create powerful and healthy outcomes for the new generation so that we don’t have to replicate pain, fear, discrimination, or racism. We can replicate joy and happiness and truth and collective liberation, and we can do that in birth. That’s where it starts.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

Working in reproductive justice often creates a heavy burden on the organization and the caregivers that deliver the services most needed to the communities. So, oftentimes, we’re advocating for those whose voices are silenced and erased, and you really have to be a warrior to stand strong and firm. Our dedication to our communities can sometimes be tiring — repeating the same thing over and over. But you know the statistics, the dire outcomes, can take a lot out of you.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

My great-grandmother. My father was his grandmother’s midwife assistant when he was a young boy. I grew up with their medicine stories — the ways that they healed the community and were present to the community, even amidst Jim Crow. Knowing their resilience and their passion and their incredible gifts, who are we not to continue their lineage and uplift their message of loving the babies, loving the mothers and birthing people and loving the earth.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

I find that you have to really reach for your highest vision, and you have to stand firm in your value. The value you have as a sovereign self, the value that you have as a human being. And the value that we have in community and the value that we have in collective liberation. Because oftentimes, when we’re talking about large-scale systems, government, healthcare, politics, they’re not necessarily going to look out for you. You have to raise your voice, speak up and demand, and know your intrinsic value.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Amplification. We cannot allow our voices to be silent.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

I really would like to see a reduction in infant mortality and maternal mortality within our communities and witness this new birth worker force be supported and integrated into systems. So, that way, we fulfill our goal of healthy, unlimited birth in the Black community, and indeed in all birthing communities in Los Angeles and California.

NATIONWIDE — High-achieving women searching for clarity and confidence in their dating lives now have a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Dr. Casandra “Coach Cass” Henriquez, America’s Go-To Love Coach, is hosting the “How to Attract Quality Men Intensive” from January 31 through February 1, 2025, in a luxurious Fort Lauderdale, Florida mansion.

Tailored for professional women over 40, this hands-on, immersive weekend helps participants master dating skills through mock dates with real men—and gain live, constructive feedback. With only 12 spots available, this exclusive event is designed to offer actionable insights that help women attract quality men who align with their values and goals.

Why Women Want Real Feedback

For many single, successful women, the dating process can feel frustrating and unclear:

• Am I sending the right signals?
• Why does the connection fizzle after a great date?
• What am I doing wrong—and how can I fix it?

“Too often, women are left guessing about what went wrong,” says Coach Cass. “This intensive provides immediate answers and helps women feel confident about how they’re coming across.”

A Weekend of Practice, Feedback, and Results

Unlike traditional seminars or online courses, the How to Attract Quality Men Intensive combines expert coaching with real-world application. Participants will:

• Learn body language, communication, and flirting techniques in a workshop setting.
• Practice those skills during mock dates with real men in a judgment-free environment.
• Receive real-time feedback from men and Coach Cass to fine-tune their approach.

Test their skills in a public setting to build confidence in real-life scenarios.

“This isn’t just learning—it’s doing,” says Coach Cass. “Women leave this experience with tools they can immediately apply to their dating lives.”

What Sets This Intensive Apart

Coach Cass created the intensive after hearing from women who felt stuck in their dating lives:

• “I don’t know why I keep attracting men who aren’t ready for commitment.”
• “I’m not sure what makes me stand out or how to meet high-quality men.”
• “I’ve worked so hard on my career and life, but I don’t want to grow old alone.”

Through honest feedback and personalized coaching, the event helps women gain clarity about what works in dating — and the confidence to connect with the men they truly want.

About
Dr. Casandra “Coach Cass” Henriquez is a bestselling author, certified love coach & matchmaker, and creator of the Real Love Network. Known for her relatable and results-oriented approach, Coach Cass has helped thousands of professional women break free from dating frustrations to create meaningful relationships.

Her book, Wanted Woman: The Busy Woman’s Guide to Attracting and Choosing a Love That Lasts, has made her a trusted voice for women who want to approach dating with clarity and ease.

Event Details

When: January 31 to February 1, 2025
Where: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Investment: $3,500
How to register: Register online at WantedWoman.com/intensive

This all-inclusive weekend includes accommodations, gourmet meals, workshops, mock dates, and real-time feedback. Applications are now open for only 12 spots.