WSSN Stories

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) was elected in a special election in April 2022 to represent California’s 11th Assembly District, which includes all of Solano County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties.

Prior to her election to the Assembly, Wilson was the first Black female Mayor to serve in the entire history of Solano County.

In August of 2022, Wilson was elected Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). Her tenure ended this month.

In the Assembly — and as CLBC Chair — Wilson says she has prioritized bringing state services directly to individuals, local businesses, veterans, non-profits, and local governments. Wilson said her efforts focus on people and organizations that have needed help interacting with government agencies and accessing resources.A native Californian, raised on the west side of Fresno, Wilson is married to her high school sweetheart, Chavares Wilson, a retired Air Force Reserve Technical Sergeant. They have been blessed with two sons, Tyler and Kiren, a daughter-in-law, Brittney, and a grandson, Weston.

California Black Media (CBM)spoke with Wilson about her accomplishments, challenges and lessons she learned over the last year.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

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

The End of Slavery Act — getting that across the finish line and to voters as Prop 6.  It was a central piece of our reparations legislative package.  It failed last year at the very end. I was so disappointed. But it was good for me to experience that as a brand-new legislator. Just because something is moral and has values associated with it that are consistent with California’s values, that doesn’t mean people will vote for it.

The other involves the bonds. It’s rare for a legislator to be a negotiator on two bonds – Prop 2  and Prop 4 — that made it unto the ballot for voters to decide during the November elections.

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

Well, I think, for sure, there are so many of us; we’re disproportionately impacted by the carceral system, and so if we can get this language changed, I think it will make an impact to ensuring that Black Californians in the system have dignity as well as truly get an opportunity to rehabilitate.

On the education bond, I was instrumental in getting the add-on language for resources like school kitchen facilities to have more access to produce and farmers markets and things like that. As well as urban greening.

On the climate bond, I was instrumental in getting the agriculture section in there with a substantial number of investments. One particular area was to ensure our farmers of color are included.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

My greatest frustration is centered around the weaponization of people. Stakeholders in the community who are lobbying directly for bills, when they’re not getting their way, or something happens, they go to the community with soundbites and try to weaponize the community against something that might be beneficial. There were a number of bills this year that were like solid bills, and it took forever to undo someone putting it in a negative light.

I think it’s frustrating in this political environment how much misinformation is out there.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

Always people. When people come in and share their stories. When they come in and share their hopes and dreams. Then, you know that the work that you’re doing is so impactful. Now, you have a person in mind that you’ve talked to, that you know, that has been helped. You know that the moment a bill is signed into law, someone’s life is instantly better.

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

Behind my nameplate, there is a card that has been there since 2015. Somebody wrote down a quote from Jerry Brown. Ever since I found this card on my desk, I’ve been ruminating. It says, “the challenge is to build for the future, not steal from it.” That is such a profound statement.

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

Familiarity. People are so familiar with our struggle that they minimize it. Other people struggle, but ours is so just so familiar that you have to remind people how terrible it is. You have to remind people what racism looks like. You have to remind people what discrimination looks like.

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

Increasing the quality of life of people in California. It’s always my goal.

By Ethnic Media Services Staff

SANTA BARBARA, CA – During Black History Month in 2022, two 12-year-old Black boys were the victims of racist bullying. The alarming incidents happened at two different Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) junior high schools.

SBUSD is being sued by the victims’ mothers, who accuse school officials of not doing more to protect their kids in a city where African Americans have long been an extreme minority.

Over the last 50 years, Santa Barbara’s Black population has decreased nearly two percentage points from a peak of 3.27% in 1970 to about 1.37% in 2024, according to data from World Population Review. That decline in Santa Barbara reflects a broader trend across the state, which experienced a total loss of more than one million Black residents from 2000 to 2020, according to a study conducted by the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies at UCLA.

In June 2020, in response to the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, SBUSD issued a “Resolution in Support of Black Santa Barbara Youth,” stating, “We do not tolerate hate or racism and must respond swiftly and decisively when we encounter intolerance, inequity, and bias on our campuses.”

Less than two years later, a Black Santa Barbara Junior High student was assaulted by Latino classmates mimicking the lethal police attack on George Floyd, their knees pressed against the victim’s neck. Within days, a Black La Colina Junior High student was bullied by a White student who made a TikTok video comparing photos of him and other Black students to monkeys and apes. The video, accompanied by an offensive song, was festooned with the N-word.

In their initial court filing, mothers Leeandra Shalhoob and Katherine McCullough argued the attacks were the culmination of a pattern of racist bullying throughout their sons’ years in Santa Barbara public schools. Shalhoob said that despite the district’s proclamations, school officials allegedly acknowledged, “We don’t know how to deal with this.”

Blacks make up less than 1% of SBUSD’s student body, which is majority Latino (61%) followed by White students (31%). Asian American and Pacific Islander, Native American and students of two or more races account for the remainder.

Shalhoob and McCullough initially filed suit against the district in August 2022 seeking reform of SBUSD’s practices and compensation for the toll on their sons. Mediation efforts collapsed in December 2022. In February of this year, they filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against SBUSD. The filing requested unspecified damages and a jury trial. The case is still pending.

The mothers allege that despite the schools’ awareness of racist bullying, teachers and administrators failed to intervene, protect their children, adequately inform the parents or provide prompt and effective support for their sons.

“It’s difficult to put a dollar amount on wanting someone to do something right,” said Shalhoob. “I had to learn that often change comes from someone feeling like they had to pay for what they did wrong.”

She continued, “But more than anything, I just don’t want anyone at Santa Barbara Unified School District ever again to be able to say, ‘I didn’t know what to do.’”

Not long after the attacks, McCullough said that Gateway Educational Services, a Black women-led nonprofit learning center, and Healing Justice Santa Barbara, a Black women-led nonprofit, organized parents and children that spring to speak out at school board meetings about unchecked anti-Black racism in the SBUSD.

McCullough said, “There was a common outrage at the lack of transparency.”

In addition to complaints from other parents at the school board meetings, students talked about how regularly they were called racist names by their classmates, how they felt seeing racist slurs written on surfaces in the locker rooms, how they were mocked for their appearances and compared to animals.

In response to the public outcry, school board president Wendy Sims-Moten, pushed the district to independently audit the schools’ racial climate.

The district hired an independent auditor to conduct the assessment using surveys and 24 focus groups. The study participants included 585 district and school staff, 888 families and caregivers and 4,694 students. At the time of the audit, from October 2022 to February 2023, there were about 12,500 children enrolled in the district.

Among the April 2023 report’s key findings: students said school staff ignored and therefore normalized racist bullying. “It’s kind of normal to come to school and feel like it’s going to be a racist day today,” a student remarked in a focus group. “Students get in trouble for cursing, but not for using the N-word,” another said.

Staff said they had no clear guidance for how to handle racist incidents. “Santa Barbara staff stated their immediate reaction in response to directly or indirectly encountering racism was to report the event to an acting administrator or supervisor rather than hold space to serve as the first line of defense against racism and anti-Blackness,” the report noted.

Shevon Hoover, who says anti-Black racist incidents have been an “annual occurrence” for her son the past six years, helped organize the push for the climate survey. “The only people that were really surprised [by the findings], I think, was the school district and the administrators, and quite frankly, the White teachers who are completely disconnected,” Hoover said.

About 67% of SBUSD’s teachers are White. According to a focus group summary of school professionals, many “expressed an uncertainty for whether or not their race or whiteness disqualifies them as individuals able to lead anti-racist and pro-Black efforts in the district.”

Since the report’s release, the district has been working on several reforms, including an app where students can file reports as soon as something happens and staff training on how to effectively “recognize, respond and report” racist offenses when they happen.

“We now have a policy,” said Sims-Moten. “We have an oversight committee that is helping us guide many of the policies and the responses. And for the first time, we now have a procedure that talks about here’s how you respond. And here’s also how you follow up with families so that they don’t feel left in the dark when these incidents occur.”

Still, for Shalhoob and McCullough, these efforts are too little, too late.

McCullough’s son, who has dyslexia and anxiety, has struggled with serious depression since the racist TikTok video. She said his condition has changed the family dynamic with everyone on edge “because we know that [he’s] not a hundred percent stabilized mentally and emotionally because of the effects of this.”

Two years later, the kid behind that devastating video, and McCullough’s son are both at Santa Barbara High School. So are Shalhoob’s son and the kids who bullied him.

“There’s one main hall at Santa Barbara High School and for a couple of weeks he was dodging the main hall because kids would say, ‘I can’t breathe’ when he walked by,” Shalhoob said. “And still nobody’s doing anything.”

Worst of all, Shalhoob feels she’s failed her child.

“I feel like it’s just taught him like, yeah, that adult might love you to death and might want to make things better for you, but it’s just shown him how, excuse my language, but how f-up the system is.”

The idea that teachers would need special training in protecting Black kids from obviously damaging situations, like getting called the n-word, or dismissing kneeling on someone’s neck as “horsing around,” enrages Shalhoob.

“That’s what brought me the most anger. I don’t think you need training to deal with it,” she said. “You just need to be a human.”

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.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

You will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from His glorious power. The most severe consequence of delaying salvation. Eternal Separation from God. [2 Thessalonians 1:5-10].

You will be thrown into the Lake of Fire. Eternal Torment Forever and Ever [Revelation 14:9-11].

You will forever regret your decision to reject God’s offer of salvation. Eternal Lament Forever and ever. [Luke 16:19-31].

Knowing that truth, tell me, if you ignore God’s provision for your soul’s salvation, how will you escape the consequences of such neglect? How will you escape His wrath? [John 3:36]; His condemnation? [John 3:18]; His word of banishment? [Matthew 26:41]. You will not!

Listen, do not confuse God’s patience with His tolerance. Yes, God is loving, He is kind, He is patient, but there comes a time when God will say, “Enough.” The story of Sodom and Gomorrah reminds us of such. God said “Enough.” Afterwards, He passed judgment, issued a verdict and carried out the sentence. [Genesis 19:23-25]. Don’t take God’s grace for granted. His patience is not a license to delay salvation, but an opportunity for you to repent and be saved [2 Peter 3:9].

Understand we are living in a time of judgment just as the people of Jesus time were. For us though, the grace of God is being extended as never before. Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means [Romans 6]. Understand the urgency of salvation because of the reality of life’s brevity. Our life on earth is limited. Our days are numbered, and we do not know when our time will come. The offer of Salvation is NOW! Don’t wait until it’s too late! [2 Corinthians 6:2; Isaiah 55:6; 2 Peter 3:9; Isaiah 55:6; James 4:14]. God has given us a limited amount of time on Earth, and we must use it wisely [Luke 12:20] Delaying decisions or actions can lead to missed opportunities. [Proverbs 27; Hebrews 3:15]. Don’t wait until its too late because one day God Mercy is going to expire and when it does, His judgment and wrath will be unleashed. [Romans 2: 1-6]. For He says in [Isaiah 48:9] know that for My own name sake, I will delay My wrath; for the sake of My praise, I will restrain it, so as not to kill you.

You know there is an old imaginary/fictitious story of a convocation of demons who met in Hell to discuss how best to damn and destroy the lives of men. One demon stood and said, “I know how to damn the lives of men. Let us tell them there is “No God.” Satan replied, “A fine suggestion.” We’ll tell them there is no God and some of them will believe it. But the fool has said in his heart there is no God and not all men are fools. We need another suggestion.

Another demon stood and said, “I know what we can do. Let us tell them that the Bible is not inspired, that it isn’t the Word of God.” And Satan smiled and said, very good. We’ll tell them that the Bible isn’t the infallible, inerrant Word of God. But the Bible remains the best seller of all books on earth. We need another suggestion.

Another demon stood and said, “I know what we can do. Let us tell them that Jesus is not the Son of God. He didn’t rise from the grave. That Jesus was merely a mortal man.” Satan said, that’s a good suggestion. We’ll tell them that Jesus was not the Son of God, and many will believe us. But the more we talk about Jesus, the more He draw men to Himself. We need something else.

Finally, another demon stood and said, “I know – Let’s admit it all. Let’s admit that there is a God. Let’s admit that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Let’s admit that Jesus is all that He said He was. Then let’s whisper in their hearts, “But do nothing about it. Some other day. Some other time. At a more convenient season.” And Satan says, “That’s it. There was Hellish applause. The demons said, “That is the best plan of all.” That will work.” And it does.

Almost persuaded” now to believe; Almost persuaded” Christ to receive; Seems now some soul to say, “Go, Spirit, go thy way, some more convenient day on thee I’ll call.”

“Almost persuaded,” come, come today; Almost persuaded,” turn not away; Jesus invites you here, angels are lingering near, prayers rise from hearts so dear; O wanderer, come!

“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past! Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last; “Almost” cannot avail; “Almost” is but to fail! Sad, sad that bitter wail— “Almost—but lost!”  [Author: Philip Bliss]

Jesus Weep! [John 11:35]. You neglected the Rock who begot you and forgot the God who gave you birth. [Deuteronomy 32:18]. They would not, and now they cannot.” [Isaiah 6].

The Eternal Consequence of a Delayed Decision!

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Only 3% of doctors in California are Black, compared to about 5% nationwide.

The California Black Health Network (CBHN), Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) in Los Angeles and other health advocates are working to increase that percentage.

On November 14, CBHN hosted its Health Equity Forum titled “Improving Workforce Development for Better Health Outcomes.” The organization — now 40-plus years in existence – refers to itself as “a trusted resource” for Black health equity in California. CBHN utilizes outreach, education, advocacy and policy work to complete its mission.

The forum is the fourth installment in a series of webinars called the “The Health 4 Life: Healthy Black People Campaign.” The effort aims to empower Black Californians with the information and resources they need to navigate the healthcare system; advocate for friends, family, and themselves; and take action when faced with discrimination

“Where there are Black doctors, we tend to see better health outcomes for Black communities,” said Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of CBHN.

“According to the California Healthcare Foundation, here in California, the state’s medical student education pipeline is not producing enough Black physicians,” Smith continued. “And, unfortunately, half of California’s black medical students leave the state for residency programs and often don’t return. So, what can we do to ensure that there is a strong pipeline of healthcare professionals that look like the communities they will serve, and that there’s a greater representation of black physicians and healthcare professionals?”

The forum featured Dr. David M. Carlisle, MD, President of CDU.

CDU is one of four Historically Black Medical Schools in the country, and the only one in the West. The session centered on how CDU’s commitment to social justice and health equity prepares more Black and other minority doctors to serve across California while engaging and building trust with underserved and historically excluded communities.

“Our vision is excellent health and wellness for all in a world without health disparities,” said Carlisle. “Our point and why we’re here is to train young people from the communities around our university, which are significantly under-resourced and underserved, and turn them into practicing healthcare professionals. Many of whom will say, ‘I’ll return to the communities I grew up in to make it a better peace.”

CDU is ranked #3 in the country as a value-added university by the Brookings Institute for its efforts to take young people from challenging socioeconomic beginnings and turn them into highly effective members of their communities and standouts in their professions by the midpoint in their careers. The medical school says its goal in the short term is to increase enrollment to 1,000 undergraduates and 1,000 graduate students.

“Our medical students are very unusual. About two-thirds of them were Pell Grant recipients when they were in college,” said Carlisle. “

That is more than twice the national average among medical students. At least a third of them are first-generation students. That is more than twice the national average among medical students. If you stop one of our students on campus and ask them why they came to CDU, instead of going to a UCLA, USC, Stanford, or some other school,” he continued. “They will typically say, ‘I came to CDU because the mission at CDU aligns with my personal mission in trying to become a health professional. I can’t get that at any other school.’”

In 2022, there was a total of 260 African American, Latino, Indigenous and other underrepresented students combined in first-year medical school classes across the State of California. About 100 of those students were African American at that time.

Among all CDU’s medical students, about 31 were African American. That number contributed to an increase in the number of first-year African American medical students in the entire state, by well over 20% in that first-year.

Carlisle, who also sits on the board of the California Healthcare Foundation, noted in a recently published survey of Black Californians that trust is still a major issue when it comes to healthcare providers.

“Increasing diversity is one step that we make in the right direction. Sounds like there’s a lot more human kindness that happens with the individuals that go through our medical school program because they are able to better connect and relate to the individuals that they take care of,” he concluded.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

For they listened not to My prophets nor My servants. It was all in vain. They despised the message, persecuted those who delivered it, and in the sequel put many of them to evil deaths.  Their stubbornness is so great that they refuse to listen, no matter how often I warn them. They are bound to their idols. They cling and cleave to them with a morbid infatuation. Their heart is callous, their purpose stubborn, they will never give them up. Looks Like Another T.K.O. – Think I’d Better Let Them Go! For they have set at nought all My counsel and would none of My reproof. Leave them alone! [Proverbs 1:24-28].

Woe to those who sit at ease in Zion, who think that nothing is going to happen to them [Amos 6:1].

I will laugh at your calamity; I will mock you when fear come upon you; you shall call upon Me, but I will not answer; you will seek Me early, but you shall not find Me, for you hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord. You shall eat the fruit of your own way and be filled with you own devices [Proverbs 1:25-31].

I tell you, when that day comes, when the Holy Spirit takes His flight from convicting your soul of sin, and no longer beats at your breast and tries to get you saved, then you will be like the people of Israel, the ten tribes, who had been warned again, and again, and again— but refused the message of God, and continued in their sin. At this rebellion, God was going to strike the entire nation down and start a new nation through Moses. It was only through Moses’ pleading with the LORD for mercy that the Israelites were not destroyed [Numbers 14:5–20].

Understand, God’s warnings are proof of God’s love. If He did not care, He would not warn. God gives grace, He gives mercy, He gives space to repent, but when man is living in rebellion to God, God will not continue forever to give him space. Those who are unrepentant before God will ultimately be identified, weighed, and judged [2 Corinthians 5:10].

Mene, Tekel, and Upharsin. [Daniel 5:24-28].

I tell you; the time is NOW for you to be like Daniel! The time is NOW, to read the Handwriting on the Wall! The Time is NOW to seek the God of heaven and live!

Truly the Lord is slow to anger and abound in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression [Numbers 14:18]. Were it not for the Lord’s patience and mercy, judgment would have occurred earlier [2 Peter 3:9].

The Final Plea! [Matthew 24]

And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And whoever sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects Me and does not receive My words has a judge. The words that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent Me has himself given Me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that His commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” [John 12:44-50] Repent for the Kingdom of God is at Hand! [Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15].

They hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord – [Proverbs 1:29-31].

Leave them alone. Looks like another T.K.O. – Think I’d Better Let Them Go!

By Bo Tefu ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The Southern California city of Palm Springs approved a $27 million reparations compensation package for Black and Latino families who were displaced from their homes in the 1960s.

The city council voted on the deal Thursday, following an announcement last week. The move, which has garnered support from Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), comes as part of a broader push for reparations in California.

Areva Martin acted as lead counsel for the Palm Springs group and represented the impacted families.

“We are making history in Palm Springs,” said Martin. “This agreement demonstrates that it’s never too late to acknowledge past wrongs and take meaningful steps toward justice.”

The reparations agreement targets families from Section 14, a predominantly Black and Latino neighborhood demolished in the 1960s to make way for commercial development. Hundreds of families lost their homes in the process, and descendants have been advocating for reparations since the city issued an official apology in 2021. Despite the city’s apology, many were concerned that no payments had been made, prompting action from Butler earlier this year.

The deal includes $5.9 million in direct compensation for around 300 survivors and their descendants, well below the $2 billion initially requested. In addition to cash payments, the agreement includes $10 million for a first-time homebuyer assistance program and $10 million for a community land trust aimed at affordable housing. Other provisions include $1 million for diversity and inclusion initiatives, a renamed park, and a monument to honor the displaced families.

Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein called the settlement a fair and just resolution, expressing hope that the agreement would set a national precedent for reparations. While this follows a similar reparations program in Evanston, Illinois, California’s statewide efforts have faced resistance, especially following Newsom’s rejection of a state-level reparations proposal earlier this year.

The Palm Springs settlement is seen as a historic step toward addressing racial injustice, though challenges to similar programs continue elsewhere in the U.S.

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with 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.

PALM SPRINGS, CA— On Thursday, November 14, the Palm Springs City Council voted unanimously (5-0), for a comprehensive settlement package with the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors that includes $5.9 million in direct cash payments to Survivors of Section 14, as well as renaming a park in Palm Springs to honor the Section 14 Survivors, and creating a monument to commemorate the history of Section 14.

This unanimous vote marks the end of a decades-long journey for justice and healing for hundreds of families displaced during the 1950s and 1960s.

Additionally, outside of the legal settlement, the City Council voted 5-0 in favor of community initiatives for housing and economic development programs, including: $20 million in affordable housing initiatives over ten years ($10 million as part of a first-time homebuyer assistance program; and, a community land trust of $10 million); and, $1 million spanning five years toward small business development, to promote diversity and inclusion in Palm Springs’ small businesses. The City Council also agreed to establish a day of remembrance for Section 14 and is supportive of a racial and cultural healing center.

Photos and video of the meeting are available (please attribute to Diamond Dust Photography):

• Photos: https://diamonddustphotography.smugmug.com/Section-14-Surviver-s-Settlement
• Video clips: https://diamonddustphotography.smugmug.com/Section-14-Surviver-s-Settlement/Video-Clips

The agreement acknowledges the City’s role in the destruction of Section 14, a once vibrant one-square-mile community of predominantly African American and Latino residents that was demolished without warning as the City sought commercial development. The destruction of this community resulted in the loss of homes and personal property for hundreds of survivors and their descendants.

“This unanimous vote represents more than just monetary compensation – it is a long-overdue acknowledgment of a deep historical wrong that tore apart a thriving community,” said Areva Martin, lead counsel for the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors. “While no settlement can fully heal the wounds inflicted by the horrors of displacement, this agreement is a monumental step in restorative justice. This vote tells the Section 14 Survivors: your pain was real, your stories matter, and you deserve justice. Finally, justice prevailed. I’d like to acknowledge and thank my partners and fellow attorneys at Martin & Martin, LLP, Michael Swartz and Sara Solfanelli of Schulte Roth & Zabel, Daniel Suvor and David Lash of O’Melveny, and Professor Eric Miller of Loyola Law School. Above all else, I am deeply grateful to the Survivors of Section 14 for placing your trust in me and my team throughout this process. It has been an honor and privilege to work with them to finally achieve justice after so many decades.”

“The eyes of the nation were on Palm Springs, and I am so thankful to this City Council for voting with their hearts and for doing the right thing,” said Pearl Devers, President of the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors. “I am elated to see that this City Council did the right thing across the board. After years of lifting our voices, we can finally say justice has been achieved. In partnership with Areva Martin and her team, we have made it to this historic moment, so we can finally close this chapter of Palm Springs’ history and move forward, in unity and in healing.”

This agreement follows sustained advocacy efforts of not only the survivors and their supporters, but from elected officials, civil rights organizations, and social justice organizations from Palm Springs and across California and the entire nation, including: Senator Laphonza Butler, the National Urban League, the California League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Human Rights Campaign, Equality California, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and others.

“The minute I heard about this grave and painful injustice, I knew that we needed to get this done,” said Senator Barbara Boxer, Co-Chair at Actum. “At a time when it seems like we are so divided and angry, coming together to achieve this historic agreement is re-energizing and is a shining light of hope at the end of the tunnel. Whatever may happen at a national level, this unanimous vote is a reminder that in California, we still believe in justice, equity, and dignity for all. That means more than just words – it means action and accountability.”

“I am elated that we have reached a historic agreement in a case that has long cried out for justice. Actum, in collaboration with Attorney Areva Martin and the Section 14 Survivors, has worked tirelessly on a matter that has cast a shadow over Palm Springs for many decades,” said Rachel Noerdlinger, Equity Partner at Actum. “While we cannot erase the deeply rooted pain of the past century, nor can we overlook the inequities that have persisted through generations, this agreement serves as a model for any community that has suffered due to discrimination by governments at all levels.”

The agreement marks a new chapter in Palm Springs’ commitment to addressing historical injustices, allowing all Palm Springs residents, along with the Section 14 Survivors, to move forward in healing and reconciliation.

About Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors:

Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors is a non-profit group deeply rooted in the history and legacy of Palm Springs, composed of more than 1,000 survivors and descendants of Palm Springs Section 14.

Section 14, a one-square-mile area just east of downtown Palm Springs, was a vibrant community of predominantly African American and Latino residents. From the late 1950s through the 1960s, the City of Palm Springs, seeking commercial development, demolished this thriving community, destroying homes, personal property, and belongings without warning.

This destruction led to significant economic, physical, and emotional trauma for the residents of Section 14 and their descendants, who have not been able to recover the generational wealth that was taken from them. The survivors and descendants, with the support and counsel of leading civil rights attorney Areva Martin, continue to seek justice and restitution. Their mission transcends monetary compensation, it is a quest for acknowledgement of the past, communal healing, and the establishment of restorative measures that ensure such injustices are never repeated.

Learn more at Section14Survivors.com or KnowBeforeYouGoPalmSprings.com

By Joe W. Bowers Jr, | California Black Media

With Donald Trump recently elected as the 47th President, many Black Californians are feeling a mix of concern and uncertainty, especially with Project 2025 — a conservative plan poised to impact social services, voting rights, education reform, and environmental protections — areas that support the well-being of Black communities across the state.

At the November meeting of the Inglewood Area Ministers Association (IAMA) held two days after the General Election at the Center of Hope Church, IAMA charter member retired Rev. William Thurmond shared how he had comforted family members troubled by the election’s outcome.

Thurmond turned to the Book of Samuel, recounting how Samuel, a prophet and leader, anointed Israel’s kings and guided the people through turbulent political transitions. He suggested that Samuel’s story offers insight into how to view leadership that may seem flawed or contrary to one’s personal values.

Drawing from 1 Samuel 8, Thurmond explained how the people of Israel demanded a king to lead them despite Samuel’s warnings of the hardships that the decision would bring.

Quoting directly, Thurmond shared Samuel’s warning: “This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: he will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen… he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your olive yards… he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.” (1 Samuel 8:11, 14–15).

“Much like that moment in history,” Thurmond said, “we, too, may need to brace ourselves for difficult times. But just as the Israelites were called to press on, we are called to stay resilient, support one another, and keep our focus on a future beyond this administration.”

His reflections inspired a broader discussion among the IAMA members present, who agreed that when leaders change, the community’s responsibility to each other and to their faith stays unwavering and strong.

“Samuel’s journey teaches us that when leaders change, our calling to stand together in faith and purpose does not,” Thurmond continued. “This isn’t the time to sink into worry or feel defeated.” Instead, he encouraged everyone to find strength in the story, viewing it as a call to rise, support one another, and act with purpose.

Facing Project 2025 and Trump’s Leadership

In response to Thurmond’s reflections, the ministers shared concerns that Trump’s authoritarian leadership style, marked by divisive rhetoric, along with Project 2025’s proposed policy changes, could pose significant challenges for Black Californians.

They agreed that Trump and Project 2025 could undo hard-won progress and limit access to essential resources. Given these challenges, the ministers emphasized the need for vigilance, unity, and civic engagement.

“We have every reason to be watchful,” said one minister. “Project 2025 aims to undo progress that we fought so hard for over decades. We must stay informed and resilient.” 

Principles for Resilience and Unity

From the ministers’ discussion inspired by the Book of Samuel, a set of guiding principles naturally took shape that could help Black Californians face the challenges ahead. Rather than prescribing specific actions, they focused on values rooted in faith and community — awareness, support, civic engagement, and resilience — that can serve as anchors in these times. 

1. Building Resilience Through Awareness
   The ministers underscored that staying informed is fundamental to resilience. They encouraged attending forums, joining discussions, and actively engaging with local representatives to stay connected and aware of any policy changes stemming from Project 2025. 

2. Strength in Community Support

Through their discussions, the ministers concluded that coming together as a community is crucial. During uncertain times, shared support becomes a vital resource. Organizing community events, supporting Black-owned businesses, and participating in local groups can foster resilience and provide resources for those impacted by policy shifts. 

3. Engaging in Civic Life
   Active participation in civic life is more essential now than ever, the ministers stressed. Trump’s presidency and Project 2025 present serious challenges for Black communities. The ministers expressed that everyone should get involved in local government, vote, and participate in advocacy efforts. Every voice counts and Black Californians can help influence policies that support their communities by staying engaged.

4. Fostering Unity and Resilience
   Nurturing resilience through spiritual and cultural practices offers additional strength. The ministers suggested regular gatherings, community circles, and cultural events to build hope, foster unity, and create a foundation of resilience during uncertain times.

Moving Forward with Purpose

As the meeting concluded, one minister shared, “Just as Samuel guided the people through turbulent times, we have the chance to guide each other. This is not a time for fear but a call to face the future with confidence, grounded in faith, community, and purpose.”

In facing the changes ahead, Black Californians can draw upon a legacy of resilience, transforming uncertainty into strength. With faith as a guiding light, the community can move forward — not just to survive but to shape a future grounded in unity, action, and hope.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

With as much going on in our society and in the world today, tomorrow is not promised. I want you to understand that there are two pressing deadlines and that both of them are urgent. Christ has a deadline for His return of which no man knows the day nor the hour [Matthew 25:13] and at the very same time, we are reminded in [James 4:14] that we do not know what our life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? A vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. So, consider today with some urgency your eternal life and repent before it is too late! Because once the Master of the house gets up and closes the door, you’ll stand outside knocking and pleading, sir open the door for us. But “He will answer,” I don’t know you or where you come from [Luke 13: 25-27].

Listen, you don’t have to go to Hell. God has provided a way of escape for you. But even God’s way of escape will do you no good unless you reach out and take it. Why should you die in your sins? Why go to Hell when Jesus has opened the door to Heaven? Consider today with some urgency your eternal life. For you are not the master of your fate. You are not the captain of your soul. Consider the words of Jesus in [Mark 1:15]: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe the gospel.

And please, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can wait until the last minute to prepare for it. Just as we don’t know the “day nor the hour” that Christ will return, the same goes for our own demise. Death can come at any time, whether we are ready or not! Take advantage of the fact that you are alive and well to seek God’s mercy and grace today [Proverbs 27:1]. The Bible says that God is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance [2 Peter 3:9]. Don’t gamble with your soul because one day an angel will place one foot on the sea and the other on the dry land and lifting his hand to heaven, swear by Him that liveth forever and ever, that “Time shall be no more.” [Revelation 10:5-6].

Now I know some will say, well the thief on the cross was spared at the last minute. Yes, he was. But although the story of the criminal on the cross demonstrates that last-minute conversions are possible, the Bible warns us to repent now, without waiting another moment [Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17]. We are not instructed to consider converting someday, but to believe today! For none of us knows how much time we have left in this life or what the circumstances of our death will be. We may die in a sudden, unexpected manner that will preclude a deathbed conversion. The only reasonable option is to repent and believe in Jesus Christ today [Hebrews 3:7-8, 14; 4:7]. For in [2 Corinthians 6:2; Luke 16:26] Jesus declares, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.

Now this day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God [Deuteronomy 30:19-20].

For a small reward, a man will hurry away on a long journey; while for eternal life, many will hardly take a single step – [Thomas a Kempis].
They know the truth and even believe the truth, in the sense that they acknowledge its truthfulness, its rightness. They are well aware of the good news of salvation provided in Jesus Christ but are not willing to commit their lives to Him. So, they drift past the call of God into eternal damnation [2 Timothy 4:4 –
2 Thessalonians 2:11:12].

The Tragedy Of Delay and Rejecting Salvation!

By Jynona Norwood

In the 1970’s, Jim Jones, cult leader and deceiver was able to draw thousands of African Americans to his church from far and near. He used numerous tools to lure them: The Bible, Black gospel music, and activism among false promises.

Our grandmother, Mrs. Julia Gales, was Jones’s first Black member to join Peoples Temple in San Francisco. She recruited many families and friends from across the country. Later, it was our grandmother, who identified – with unbearable screams – the names of our relatives when they scrolled down on the news. From that day to now, the Jones family and church members have caused our memorial services and efforts constant problems to give the innocent victims a dignified memorial.

I do not have the money, staff, nor time to fight a cult, but they do. Jim Jones is listed in honor at the gravesite of the babies that he ordered to be murdered. Jones does not deserve to be honored on top of their sacred final resting place. It is like reliving a second Jonestown.

We were the first to hold a Memorial Service in San Francisco in May 1979 on Fillmore St, at the Queen Adah Hall. We are appreciative that last year in 2023 Madame Vice President Kamala Harris honored our 45th Jonestown Memorial with a recognition. It was healing for those who are still hurting.

We will continue the Memorial Service this year on Monday, Nov. 18 at 11 am with keynote speaker, Dr. Amos Brown. It will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery 6450 Camden, Ave. in Oakland, California.

Jones’s family tried to get our grandmother to recruit new people after killing her only daughter, my mom, her daughter-in-law, 7 grandchildren, and a host of family and friends, with the youngest being our 2-month-old cousin, Charles Gary Henderson. How did Jones, a Euro-American, who posed as a Native American Indian get almost 1,000 people mostly African American to trust him into a snake and mosquito-filled hot Jungle?

He lied with a fully laid out plan just like Hitler. His plan succeeded because Blacks were tired of having their blood drench this land with little or nothing being done about it. America was built off the backs of their ancestors, yet, they were experiencing inequality, injustice, murders, racial profiling, and more.

He seized the Black community – both wealthy and struggling families – because he copied our greatest hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speeches and dreams. The world was reeling from the assassination of Dr. King, President John F. Kennedy, and Senator Robert Kennedy which devastated our community. Here you have the perfect atmosphere: “JONESTOWN” with political leaders gracing his pulpit and news media praising him day and night. Jones lured everyone with pictures of happy children and letters in which parents were forced to lie by saying, “Everything is great over here. Come over. We have the land that flows with milk and honey.”

U.S. Rep. Leo Ryan of California traveled to Guyana in November 1978 with a media crew and a few concerned relatives to investigate rumors that people were being held there against their will. I missed the trip with Ryan and the concerned relatives only to live out my days honoring the wonderful people held at gunpoint in America and Jonestown. Many of those who got away were Jones’s family and personal henchmen who were in power to hurt and maim, according to Rev. Richard Clark who died mysteriously from food poisoning.

Jones’s favorite statement was, “You will never forget me.” Help us forget and remove him and remember the innocent victims in which 300 were Children. Forty infant caskets lay buried under Jim Jones’s name in Evergreen Cemetery.

They did not die willingly. They were murdered and surrounded by guards with crossbows and gunmen. First news reports stated with pictures that Jones had enough guns for a military coup and enough poison to kill multiplied thousands. No one drank the Kool-aid as the slogan goes. They were held at gunpoint and ordered to drink or be shot and that included their children, their future, the jewel of their lives, with whom they trusted Jones who is now honored alongside them. This should not be.

Pastor Jynona Norwood is founder of the official Jonestown Memorial Services. She can be reached at Innocent300Jonestown@gmail.com and JonestownOfficialMemorial.com