WSSN Stories

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

As the cost of gas continues to soar in California, Black leaders, state lawmakers and frustrated citizens are urging Gov. Newsom to take immediate action to decrease high prices at the pump.

Last week, Shane Harris, president of San Diego-based People’s Association of Justice Advocates (PAJA), wrote a letter to Newsom. Harris urged the governor to declare a “state of emergency,” allowing him to cut the gas tax, which Harris believes helps to drive up the cost of gas.

“We are seeing gas at nearly $5.50 a gallon, which is nearly three dollars more than the national average,” Harris said. “I am writing you as someone who works on a daily basis with communities who are already struggling to pay their rent and essentially living check to check.”

PAJA is a national civil rights organization and policy institute founded to direct action with a balanced standard of justice for all no matter their race, religion, criminal record, sexuality, gender status, or citizenship.

Across social media, African Americans are blasting the sharp increases in gas prices. Ellen Nash, a San Diego resident, and chair of the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) posted a photo on Facebook of a gas station in Beverly Hills, where reports say fuel is above $6 per gallon.

“We are experiencing a gas prices epidemic,” said Nash. “Time to shelter in place again. And work remotely!! With A few exceptions. This is ridiculous.”

Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 as President Vladimir Putin authorized “special military operations” that began with missile and artillery attacks on major Ukrainian cities.

Western allies, including the United States, announced sanctions, including restrictions on Russia’s central bank and global payments system. Since the attacks that have caused over a million people to flee Ukraine, a former Soviet republic located on the southeastern doorsteps of Russia, gas prices in California and the rest of the country have soared.

Economic experts say that the U.S. only gets 5% to 10% of its crude oil and refined products from Russia, but gas prices have passed the $5 mark up and down the state. In certain places, such as Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, gas is hovering around $6 per gallon.

Before the war in Ukraine started, Newsom suggested that state legislators consider suspending the entire 18.4 cents federal gasoline excise tax.

“Well, now we have a war going on in Ukraine and while I know that we get our gas here in California from a variety of countries it is still clear that the war in Ukraine is adding on to an already growing crisis at our pumps here in California,” Harris wrote. “While I understand the foundation of the gas tax provides more funding to our state toward things like infrastructure, I also see real people hurting and that is concerning.”

The gas tax in California is at 51.1 cents per gallon, and it is scheduled for another increase in July. California Assembly Republicans last week said they are backing a bill, AB 1638, that Assemblymember Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) introduced. It would eliminate the current gas tax for six weeks.

At the release of Harris’s letter, San Diego County recorded its steepest hike in the average-price of gasoline since Sept. 28, 2019. Self-serve regular fuel rose 8 cents to $4.975, in 16 days, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) and Oil Price Information Service (OPIS).

Hardworking families are having to cut back from other expenses just to fill up their gas tanks,” said Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) on March 2. “Higher gas prices are eating up their budgets for food and groceries, prescription medications, school supplies, and other necessary expenses. With such an enormous surplus, this is just unacceptable.”

A study conducted by UCLA’s Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy revealed hardships Blacks and Latinos are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study estimates that more than 1.9 million adults in California were unable to pay their rent on time in July 2020.

“Californians pay the highest gas tax in the nation, which is adding to the skyrocketing cost of fuel,” said Assemblymember Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach). “Our communities are struggling to make ends meet while Sacramento leadership works to increase the cost of living even higher.”

By Gigi Crowder

As Black History Month 2022 winds down, I find myself doing a mental assessment regarding how much progress we have truly made regarding addressing health disparities, especially as it relates to mental health, which now has everyone carrying more awareness and possibly less stigma. I naturally think about the impact COVID-19 has had on the emotional wellness of the African American community. I ponder about the additional barriers and challenges my community will need to navigate. For example, how damaging is distance learning for black students? Will our Elders thrive and get back to socializing, going to worship services, and visiting family; or will they feel more comfortable continuing to isolate? Has so much death, economic loss, and social unrest during this pandemic created an increased sense of hopelessness and despair? As an optimist and Activist, who relies heavily on my faith, I don’t allow myself to focus on the negatives very long. I prefer to spend more time considering solutions, potential opportunities and focusing on who I need to join forces with to promote improved outcomes.

My staff and I at NAMI Contra Costa take our roles offering non-clinical supports and resources to African American communities across California to heart. We all are fully committed and strategically built strong networks and collaborate effectively with Statewide Cultural Brokers in each County, Black Faith Leaders and Centers/Churches, Athletes, Entertainers, and Social Influencers across the state and beyond. We closely monitor the community’s needs and respond swiftly to fill gaps and offer resources. Our team has facilitated a minimum of 2 targeted trainings or awareness events each month since we began doing this work. I’ve spoken on panels with Assembly members, Congresspeople, and other elected officials at Town Halls to lift the mental health needs of African Americans due to COVID-19. I have spoken on the radio and had the opportunity to speak at concerts etc. My team members have participated at health fair events across the state, as well as showing up virtually or physically wherever there is an opportunity to spread the word about CalHOPE. The CCP staff is diverse across ages; we can offer all services in a culturally responsive manner with a primary objective to reduce the harm and prevent challenges due to the pandemic.

As California moves toward less restrictive protocols, I recognize It is indeed a great blessing to have NAMI CC participate as a CalHOPE Campaign subcontractor. We greatly appreciate the role we play in delivering ethnic-specific messages that reminds African American because of low vaccination rates and the greater risk they must proceed with more caution. We have not been able to change the minds of all-black community members who carry vaccination hesitation due to misinformation and broken trust based on past hurts.  However, we have been very successful with getting those deciding not to be vaccinated to reduce their risk of getting infected. We target the unsheltered and have partnered with our county Supervisors and Public Health Department and given out thousands of face masks, hand sanitizers, and even COVID-19 rapid tests. We have had CCP staff at Vaccination Clinics around the state with information about our ethnic-specific support groups, resources, warm line, and the CalHOPE Live Chat.

I know that as the months move on and we forget about how we honored our African American Heroes in February; our work will continue and we will stand on the shoulders of those heroes. We already see the negative impact and the statistics continue to highlight glaring disparities, such as more hospitalizations and higher death rates even for black children, but we will adapt and develop new community-defined targeted strategies.

My prayer is that others, especially decision-makers, will join me and take time to look at how much our program has done to reduce risk, and consider where we can be used to address other concerns faced by African Americans and others impacted by mental illness. NAMI CC supports the new 988 services to offer a non-police response for those experiencing a mental health emergency. Our Crisis Counselors are fully trained and can easily support that effort recognizing too often African Americans are statistically at the greatest risk when law enforcement is needed. At NAMI CC we are already the trusted go-to agency for African Americans responding to those that call and understand how to triage as needed. There is no need to build a new responsive prevention system when one already exists through the culturally, ethnically, and linguistically sensitive programs CalHOPE has in place across California.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week, to mark Black History Month, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) held a virtual ceremony honoring people with the group’s Unsung Heroes award.

The 11 CLBC lawmakers nominated an individual from their respective districts – people who exemplify selflessness, courage and service, and whose work to lift others often goes unrecognized.

“From our earliest days in the United States, the course of this country’s history has been influenced by African American heroes and pioneers that go far beyond slavery and fighting for our freedom,” said Bradford.

“We have contributed to science, medicine, business, education, government, industry and social leadership,” he continued.

Bradford said he hopes the CLBC tradition of honoring a wide variety of people doing extraordinary work serves as a reminder that “no matter who you are you can create long-lasting change.”

Here is a list of the CLBC’s 2022 Unsung Heroes:

35^th Senate District (Los Angeles County)

Bradford nominated Dr. Keith Curry, President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District (CCCD). Curry is responsible for overseeing all departments and functions of Compton College and serves as secretary for the CCCD Board of Trustees. He helped raise $11.3 million to help the school transition to an independent college.

30^th Senate District (Los Angeles)

Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), Co-chair of the CLBC, nominated Charles “Bear” Sprately. Sprately founded Brothers Against Banging Youth (BABY) in 2008. The community-based nonprofit provides gang prevention and crisis intervention for young men and women in underserved neighborhoods. BABY has been key to opening up new opportunities to thousands of Los Angeles area youth.

7^th Assembly District (Sacramento and Yolo Counties)

Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) nominated Sharron Chandler, Founder and Executive Director of Yes2Kollege Education Resources, Inc. The Sacramento non-profit provides African American students with “real time” educational tools and resources to live healthy and productive lives, while helping them aim for academic excellence and prepare for high-skill jobs.

9^th Assembly District (Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties)

Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) nominated Dr. Janine Bera, Chief Medical Officer at WellSpace Health. The non-profit community health center system provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services to more than 100,000 people each year at 31 greater Sacramento area locations.

18^th Assembly District (Alameda County)

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) nominated Nancy Harvey, owner of Lil Nancy’s Primary Schoolhouse, a home-based family childcare program in Oakland. The school serves children 4 years old and younger, teaching them language, arts, math, science, and social skills. The program prides itself on its low staff-to-child ratio designed to increase interactions with adults, promote learning, and prevent education gaps — so children enter school “kinder-ready.”

41^st Assembly District (Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties)

Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) nominated Ray Ealy, founder of STEAM:CODERS. Founded in 2014, STEAM:CODERS enhances the education of  K-12 students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM), preparing them for educational or professional opportunities. STEAM:CODERS recruits students who reside in communities served by Title I schools. Through the program, thousands of students have been introduced to skill-building training.

54^th District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) nominated Cassandra Steptoe-Sampson, founder of A Child’s Dream-CA. The non-profit is dedicated to helping children in South Central Los Angeles — and their families — access resources they need for school and to stay healthy. Under her leadership, the organization has distributed backpacks, school supplies, shoes, clothing, hygiene kits and toys to the families in Los Angeles, and beyond, with the help of sponsors and partners.

59^th District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) nominated Dr. John Griffith. Griffith began his career at Los Angeles’ Kedren Community Health Center in 1981, serving as the Chief Operating Officer-Mental Health Services until 2002, when he became the President/CEO. During his tenure at the health facility, he has instituted several changes to help meet the health needs of residents in the surrounding community. Griffith was instrumental in setting up a relationship between Kedren and Charles Drew University, California’s only HBCU. Medical students participate in the project as part of their residency requirements.

64^th Assembly District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) nominated Dr. Ayanna E. Davis, an advocate for education, political empowerment and social justice. She lives in Compton. Over her 27 years of service in education, Davis’s has touched the hearts and helped to shape the minds of thousands of children. Currently, Davis is the Vice President and Political Action Council member of the Association of Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA). In her role as President-elect of the Southern California Chapter of the California Association of Early Young Children, she advocates for disadvantaged children (from birth to 8 years old).

79^th District (San Diego County)

Assemblymember Akilah Webber (D-San Diego) nominated William Jones, President, CEO and Director of CityLink Investment Corporation, a commercial real estate company. A civic leader and advocate for African Americans and other minorities, Jones is also the lead independent director of Sempra Energy. Earlier in his career, Jones served in San Diego city government as a City Councilmember, Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff to City Councilmember Leon Williams.

62^nd Assembly District (Los Angeles County)

Earlier this month, Assemblymember Autumn Burke (D-Inglewood), who was a member of the CLBC, resigned from the Legislature, citing personal reasons.

The CLBC honored a nominee from the Burke’s district: Derek Steele, a Morgan State University graduate who started his professional career as an electrical engineer at Northrop Grumman. Later, he began serving his community as a volunteer with the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI). His work focused on figuring out how to recreate local food access systems to solve health disparities and food insecurity in Inglewood and nearby communities. Finding service to others more fulfilling than corporate pursuits, Steele was recently appointed SJLI’s Executive Director.

You can watch the ceremony here.

By Dr. Keith Magee 

What is it about this 22-year-old music star, whose career has seen a vertiginous rise over the last few years, that has some people so very upset that he has been nominated for an NAACP Image Awards?  It has come to my attention that his inclusion among the nominees at this prestigious celebration of Black excellence has reignited outrage about Lil Nas X’s body of work in a certain portion of our community.

On Saturday February 26, the ceremony is scheduled to grace our screens again. This year the Grammy-award winning rapper Lil Nas X has been nominated in three categories – Entertainer of the Year, Outstanding Male Artist, and Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song.

Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill, who publicly declared his homosexuality in 2019, clearly takes some delight in hitting a nerve. His music videos feature scenes that some have found shocking, often depicting an array of gyrating, naked or semi-naked male dancers. One scene in the video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” shows the singer defiantly pole-dancing his way to hell, where he performs a lap dance for Satan, then kills him and steals his horns before sprouting his own wings. Cue furious backlash, accusations of “devil worshipping,” and demands that Black pastors voice their disapproval to “protect our children.”

Instead of reacting to these award nominations with anger, it might be more helpful for us to wonder why Lil Nas X chooses to use such imagery in his videos. He has described how difficult he found it, as a teenager, to reconcile his queer identity with what he heard in church about homosexuality being a vile sin and all gay people being destined to spend eternity in hell. Same gender loving young Black people like him often find themselves demonized by the very Christian pastors and brothers and sisters who should be embracing them understanding that the primary mission of Jesus was the promise of eternal life through the sacrifice of love.

I cannot speak for Lil Nas X, but I think it’s a fair assumption that the depiction of his descent into hell in the “Montero” video is meant to represent his frustration at being told he would never be allowed to enter heaven. The fact that he is shown seducing the devil in order to murder him surely suggests the singer feels he has had to defeat his own demons – those negative messages planted in his brain by the church – in order to liberate himself from fear and prejudice and be comfortable in his own skin as a gay Black man.

Isn’t the truly shocking thing here is that some of our young people are growing up not only having to deal with racial inequality and hatred but also being made to feel that they don’t even belong in certain Black churches because of their sexuality? That they are supposedly so unlovable in the eyes of God that they can never be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven? That they are destined to burn in hell as a punishment simply for being themselves? Now, as a Black pastor myself, this harmful treatment of children is something I would be happy to protest about.

I’ll be honest, I won’t be letting my 7-year-old son watch Lil Nas X’s “Montero” video, because the sexual imagery it includes is clearly not appropriate for young children. I won’t be letting my little boy watch any of Megan Thee Stallion’s extremely raunchy videos either, and she is also nominated for the 2022 NAACP Image Entertainer of the Year award. (Although, after centuries of the hyper-sexualization of Black bodies by others, part of me cannot help but admire young Black performers who are now seizing control of how their bodies and their sexuality are portrayed.) I certainly don’t allow my son to listen to rap songs that appear to glamorize violence, misogyny, or drugs, indeed I pray for a world in which no Black music stars feel the need to write such lyrics. I wish I didn’t have to work quite so hard to shield my child from what I see as unsuitable material. But I accept that, as a father, protecting him is my job. One day my boy will be old enough to decide for himself, and if, among the messages I don’t much like, he also hears some messages about racial equality, female empowerment, body positivity, and the acceptance of homosexuality and gender difference, then I’ll see that as a bonus.

Let’s be clear here – the NAACP’s role is not to parent our children or to sanitize pop culture in order to avoid shocking a particular demographic. Nor is it to police adherence to a conservative version of Christianity or any other religion. The NAACP operates under the same separation of church and state as the rest of American society. Like us all, they cannot oppose any individual’s right under the First Amendment to free speech – and that extends to song lyrics.

Its historical roots may go deep, but the NAACP is also – happily – adept at moving with the times. It can see the considerable value in nominating high-flyers like Lil Nas X – it’s good PR to embrace the stars that today’s Black youths idolize. What does it matter if the great civil rights organization occasionally hitches a ride on the coattails of young Black stars’ success? The NAACP is perfectly aware, I’m sure, that it can only have a positive impact on America if it continues to mean something to every generation. Our young people are our future. If the NAACP fails to reflect their idea of Black culture, engage with them, and galvanize them to continue the fight for Black people’s advancement, then where will we be?

Goodness knows we have some fights on our hands right now – against attacks on our voting rights, gerrymandering, police brutality, attempts to deny our painful history and prevent our children from learning about how we overcame oppression. Is this really the moment to be bickering amongst ourselves instead of uniting in our collective struggle, along with our allies, against racial injustice?

On Saturday evening, I for one will be enjoying the 53^rd annual NAACP Image Awards’ festival of amazing Black talent without reservation, and I wish all the nominees in every category the very best of luck.

Keith Magee is Senior Fellow and Visiting Professor of Practice in Cultural Justice at UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, a Fellow at UCL Centre on U.S. Politics, and Professor of Practice in Social Justice at Newcastle University. He serves as Commissioner on United States – United Kingdom Fulbright Commission and was appointed to the Mayor of London’s Commission on Diversity in the Public Realm. He is the author of Prophetic Justice: Race, Religion and Politics, January 2021

By Lou Yeboah

The World is Now on the Eve of Destruction, and near the great deception that was foretold in the Bible. The Great Tribulation with the Antichrist is almost upon us. The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. The stage is being set for the Final, the Great, Apostasy. [Revelation 13]. Listen to me like you’ve never listened to me ever in your life!

When the Lord tells you to run don’t hesitate, don’t argue, and don’t look back. As the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished. [Genesis 19:15-26]. Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains; for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon the people. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.  [Luke 21:21-23]. Listen to me like you’ve never listened to me ever in your life!

Jesus warned that just prior to His Second Coming, an all-encompassing World War would threaten the very survival of mankind. We are living in those times today. There are four prophetic developments occurring right now that demonstrate how close we are to the Euphrates River War, otherwise known as World War III. I can’t tell you exactly when this is going to happen, but the Bible tells us where World War III will originate. [Revelation 9:14-15]. According to Bible prophecy, it will be the Battle of Armageddon which destroys all things. It will be when Israel is attacked by Russia and Iran [Gog and Magog]. I tell you, when the Lord tells you to run don’t hesitate, don’t argue, and don’t look back because the setting up of the Abomination of Desolation will mark a time of danger that will come so swiftly that in [Luke 21:34-35] Jesus said it would be like a snare—catching us completely off guard. Isaiah compared it to the collapse of a high, swelling wall “whose breaking comes suddenly at an instant.” [Isaiah 30:13]. Do not be deceived. Take heed, be alert, watch and pray because current events right now, show this day rapidly approaching.

Jesus spoke of these major world events to come before His return in what is called His Olivet Prophecy. [Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21]. His disciples began by asking Him, “What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Christ’s reply included this warning of an unprecedented time of trouble: “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” [Matthew 3; 21-24]. When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled… For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon the people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. [Luke 21:20-24; see Revelation 11:2; emphasis mine]. Listen to me like you have never listened to me ever in your life. The weapons will be used. The world will be destroyed. Cities will disappear. No nation will be spared.

The apocalyptic revelations are a warning to all mankind. The end is coming – sooner than we think!  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch! This is not only a commandment, it is a warning. [Mark 13:37]. The Day is real, and the hour is set … [Zephaniah 1:14-18]. The Antichrist will rise and conquer … [Revelation 6:1-2]. A Great War will ignite the Earth … [Revelation 6:3-4]. Global famine will follow… [Revelation 6:5-6]. One-fourth of Mankind will be destroyed … [Revelation 6:7-8; Revelation 9:13-15; Revelation 9:16-19]. One-third of all trees on Earth will burn [Revelation 8:7] One-third of all life in the sea will die … [Revelation 8:8-9; Revelation 16:3]. One-third of all fresh water on Earth will be poison … [Revelation 8:10-11]. One-third of the light of the Sun, Moon, and Stars will be blocked … [Revelation 8:12-13). Rivers and springs will turn to blood … [Revelation 16:4-7]. A great heat will scorch the Earth … [Revelation 16:8-9]. A thick, darkness will cover the Earth … [Revelation 16:10-11]. Millions who come to the Lord will be executed … [Revelation 14:13; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 6:9-11]. A massive Earthquake unlike any other in the history will convulse and change the face of the Earth … [Revelation 16:18-20; Isaiah 24:19-20].

Listen to me like you’ve never listened to me ever in your life. God leaves us with an ominous warning . . .”Search from the book of the LORD and read: Not one of these prophecies shall fail…”[Isaiah 34:16]. “Indeed, I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it…” [Isaiah 46:11-12]. Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!

“To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Indeed, their ear is uncircumcised, And they cannot give heed. Behold, the word of the Lord is a reproach to them; They have no delight in it.” [Jeremiah 6:10].

“Also, I set watchmen over you saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen. ” [Jeremiah 6:17].

By Lue Dowdy | LUE Productions

It was a great day in the City of Redlands this past Sunday as nonprofit, “Stronger Together Now”, held its 1st SoulFood Fest in celebration of Black History Month. The day was beautiful and filled with a spirit of unity and togetherness.

Several community organizations participated by providing free promotional materials, resource information, along with fun games and activities for the entire family to enjoy. There were live performances from local artists, along with a cook-off featuring ten soul food vendors. I had the opportunity to contribute my tasting skills as a judge, and let’s just say I left on Cloud 9. The food was delicious. I had a blast helping as a judge and networking.

It was nice to see so many African American community members dressed up proudly in African

garments. I am totally looking forward to next year’s celebration.

Congratulations to the SoulFood Fest Cook-off winners. They are: Still Standing BBQ for the Meat entrée (ribs); Ruby’s Ribs for the side dish (pineapple baked beans); and Brooklyn’s Bakery Bites for the dessert (peach and French toast cobbler).

The mission of Stronger Together Now is to help underserved communities in the Inland Empire by providing access to programs, organizations, resources, and events.

“Since 1987, the U.S. Congress has designated March as Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and recognize the key role of women in American history — and to encourage the study, observance, and celebration of that history.

During Women’s History Month and beyond, USC experts highlight the continuing struggle for women’s equal rights and the legacy of the trailblazing women who have transcended gender barriers to contribute to a more perfect — and equal — union.

Women’s history offers a lesson in what progress looks like

“What being a professor of gender and sexuality studies has taught me, and our students, is that progress isn’t measured as a straight line. Things don’t consistently get better. In fact, every time progress is made, reactions to that progress push us steps backward.

“Part of what we learn is how to move through these different cycles of change and transformation and how to keep the momentum going, even when sometimes the task can feel Sisyphean. For example, many gains women made in the 1970s around reproductive health are meeting challenges now.

“We need to celebrate achievements and ‘firsts’ because there’s always going to be more work to do. Women’s History Month shows us the different sacrifices our forbearers have made. They’ve managed to transform worlds and cultures that were often hostile to them. We can use that example to fortify our efforts to change and transform our roles and to make things better; to make what seemed impossible, achievable.”

Karen Tongson is a professor of English, gender and sexuality studies, and American studies and ethnicity, and chair of the Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

Contact: tongson@usc.edu

The next frontier of the women’s movement: Valuing care work

“Reflecting on Women’s History Month, it is clear the women’s movement has been successful in terms of freeing women to move from the domestic sphere into public life. Compared to 50 years ago, there has been a staggering shift in terms of women’s participation in the workforce.

“One unintended consequence is the risk of neglecting what was traditionally the women’s sphere, including the work of caring for others. Our individualistic society has always undervalued care labor. The monumental amount of unpaid care labor that women have done historically has been undercompensated and overlooked.

“We saw that in the pandemic because suddenly, the institutions and structures that help support families — everything from daycares to public schools to nursing homes — closed. Women were the ones who disproportionately left the workforce or scaled back their work hours to care for children and elders.

“The next frontier for the women’s movement is to reconsider how we value traditionally feminine pursuits like care labor. We can focus on better pay for caring professions and on policies like parental leave. In a progressive society where care work and domestic labor are just as valued and just as respected as business careers or STEM careers, we could celebrate when women — and men — contribute to building a more nurturing society.”

Darby Saxbe is an associate professor of psychology who studies how family relationships “get under the skin” by exploring both biological and social processes that take place within the context of the family. She directs the USC Dornsife Center for the Changing Family.

Contact: dsaxbe@usc.edu

Reacting to the historic Supreme Court nomination of a Black woman

“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, if confirmed to the Supreme Court, will help diversify an institution in which Black women have, through law, custom, and practice, been excluded for over two centuries.

“Her credentials are top notch: Double Harvard graduate, former Supreme Court clerk, former district court judge and current circuit court judge.

“She also brings a credential to the court that is lacking among the current personnel: She is a former public defender. It is clear that Judge Jackson is a highly qualified nominee who will bring a diverse set of experiences to the Supreme Court.”

Franita Tolson is a professor of law and vice dean for faculty and academic affairs at the USC Gould School of Law. Her scholarship and teaching focus on the areas of election law, constitutional law, legal history, and employment discrimination.

Contact: ftolson@law.usc.edu

Who sits in the director’s chair?

“Inclusion in the Director’s Chair” is a new report from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative examining directors of the 100 top U.S. films each year from 2007 to 2021. The analysis of 1,500 movies looked at the prevalence of directors by gender, race and ethnicity — as well as the intersection of these two identities.

“Although the results of this study point to increases for women and underrepresented directors, an intersectional examination of the data reveals that not everyone has reason to celebrate,” the authors explained. “White women and men of color have seen increased opportunities, but this did not extend to women of color. Only five women of color directed a top-grossing film between 2020 and 2021, and fewer than 2% of all directors across 15 years were women of color.

“Yet, women of color earned the highest average and median Metacritic scores (scores that assess the critical reception of movies) for their work, suggesting that the quality that women of color bring to filmmaking is not an explanation for their lack of participation in top-grossing films.”

Stacy L. Smith, Katherine Pieper and Al-Baab Khan are with the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. “Inclusion in the Director’s Chair” is their latest report studying diversity and inclusion in entertainment.

Contact: kpieper@usc.edu

Women in the military and as advocates for peace

“Women’s History Month shines a light on how women continue to break barriers in previously male-dominated professions, including in the military. In 1973, when military conscription ended, women constituted 2% of the active-duty military. Women now represent 16% of the active-duty military.

“In my recent research on U.S. military veterans’ peace organizations, I witnessed a younger cohort of women—many of them women of color, some queer-identified—emerging as leaders. These veterans had absorbed trauma from sexual and gender harassment, sexual assault, racist and homophobic abuse during their military service, some of it in combat zones.

“Now, they are using this collective knowledge to transform the veterans’ peace movement, linking anti-militarist work with movements for racial justice, stopping gender and sexual violence, addressing climate change, and building anti-colonial coalitions. Through this work, they bend the arc of history toward peace and social justice.”

Michael Messner is a professor of sociology and gender studies at the USC Dornsife College. His new book is “Unconventional Combat: Intersectional Action in the Veterans’ Peace Movement.”

Contact: messner@usc.edu

 By Kenny Williams Jr. | Blavity

Black excellence got a whole lot more stylish thanks to the many celebrities who showed up and out. The 53rd annual NAACP Image Awards took place in Los Angeles, and it was filled to the brim with a multitude of our favorite public figures who spared no expense as they luxuriously swarmed the Hollywood Roosevelt for the event’s red carpet. From Shoniqua Shandai channeling the iconic Diana Ross to social media personality La’Ron Hines dripped in 50 shades of slay, the fashions were one for the books.

By Nyah Marshall | Howard University News Service

Americans around the country, including legal scholars and Black women, are praising President Joe Biden’s announcement last week nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace Associate Justice Stephen Breyer on the U.S. Supreme Court. If confirmed, Jackson would make history as the first Black woman and the first former federal public defender to serve as a Supreme Court justice.

“For too long, our government, our courts haven’t looked like America,” Biden said at the White House, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and Judge Jackson.

“I believe that we should have a court that reflects the full talents and greatness of our nation with a nominee of extraordinary qualifications and that will inspire all young people to believe that they can one day serve our country at the highest level,” Biden said.

Jackson, 51, currently sits on the District of Columbia (D.C.) Court of Appeals and has broad judicial, academic and practical legal experience.  She was three times confirmed by the Senate, twice unanimously, when picked to serve on the U.S. Sentencing Commission and when appointed by President Barack Obama to be on the D.C. Federal District Court.

In her acceptance speech, Jackson revealed that she shares a birthday with Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman appointed to serve as a federal judge.

“Today, I proudly stand on Judge Motley’s shoulders, sharing not only her birthday, but also her steadfast and courageous commitment to equal justice under law,” Jackson said.

“Judge Motley – her life and career — has been a true inspiration to me, as I have pursued this professional path,” she explained. “And if I’m fortunate enough to be confirmed as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I can only hope that my life and career, my love of this country and the Constitution, and my commitment to upholding the rule of law, and the sacred principles upon which this great nation was founded, will inspire future generations of Americans.”

“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is an outstanding nominee,” said Danielle Holley-Walker, dean and professor at the Howard University School of Law, whose alumni include Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Holley-Walker said a noteworthy aspect of Jackson’s background is that she has devoted most of her career to serving the public. As a federal public defender, Jackson represented defendants on appeal who did not have the means to pay for a lawyer and worked to identify errors that occurred during their trials.

“I think one of the most important things for those of us who are interested in issues of justice and equality is that she served as a public defender, and she would not only be the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. She would also be the first public defender to ever serve on the Supreme Court,” she added.

Jackson was born in Washington, D.C., in 1970 and grew up in Florida with her parents who are both graduates of HBCUs. After graduating from Harvard, Jackson clerked for three federal jurists, including retiring Justice Stephen Breyer.

Later, she began representing clients in criminal and civil appellate matters at Goodwin Procter LLP, appearing before the Supreme Court in the case McGuire v. Reilly. In this case, she represented Massachusetts reproductive rights groups, arguing that the state law prohibiting anti-abortion protesters from harassing people seeking reproductive health care should be upheld.

During her seven years as a district judge, Jackson issued several rulings on topics like federal environmental law, employment discrimination and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The most notable one included Committee on the Judiciary v. McGahn, in which she ruled that Don McGahn, the former White House counsel to President Donald Trump, was required to testify before the House Judiciary Committee as part of its investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election.

Jackson was involved in the case against Trump’s efforts to block the release of documents related to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. A federal district judge in Washington rejected Trump’s request to block the disclosure of the documents, and the D.C. Circuit, in an opinion by Judge Patricia Millett that Jackson joined, upheld that ruling.

Biden’s announcement came nearly a month after Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement and two years to the day Biden pledged to appoint a Black woman as the next Supreme Court justice.

“I’m looking forward to making sure there’s a Black woman on the Supreme Court to make sure we in fact get everyone represented,” Biden said during the South Carolina primary in February 2020.

Biden’s selection of Jackson gives him a chance to deliver on this campaign promise to Black voters, who were crucial to his election win. In fact, 86% of Black women voters supported prioritizing such a nomination, according to a poll by Change Research and Higher Heights for America, an organization that describes itself aa a “political home” for Black women and allies to organize.

Biden met with at least three potential Supreme Court nominees, all of whom are Black women, before choosing Jackson. They included Leondra Kruger who sits on the California Supreme Court, and J. Michelle Childs, who sits on the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.

“There were lots of exceptionally qualified capable women to choose from, but Biden’s selection of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson demonstrates that there’s no need for America’s highest court to be off limits to Black women anymore,” said strategist and political commentator Donna Brazile, who is the Gwendolyn S. and Colbert I. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy at Howard University.

Jotaka Eaddy, founder of #WinWithBlackWomen (WWBW), shared similar sentiments. “With this nomination, President Biden and Vice President Harris will once again elevate a woman, and in this case, a Black woman, to a position that has long been covered by a cement ceiling,” Eaddy said in a statement. “Today that ceiling is shattered into a million pieces.”

Known for making a significant impact on the historic election of the nation’s first Black woman Vice President, #WinWithBlackWomen also stated that it will work to “ensure that Judge Jackson receives a fair and expeditious confirmation process.” WWBW is a collective of Black women leaders from public and private sectors committed to advancing and uplifting Black women, families and communities.

Though Jackson’s appointment would be historic, it will not change the ideological makeup of a Supreme Court that has a majority of conservative justices.

“We’ve only had seven justices in the entire history of the U.S. Supreme Court who have not been White men,” Holley-Walker explained. “So, I think it’s both an incredible day for our country, specifically for Black women, and also to have such a highly qualified nominee. We hope to see her confirmed in the way that is represented in terms of her credentials.”

Howard law professor Alice Martin Thomas also sees Jackson as a highly qualified nominee who will be a fair judge.

“I believe she’s a tenacious personality,” Thomas said. “I believe she will not shrink. And she’s going to have to stand up against a torrent of negativity and ugliness that we’ve all had to deal with. … She is more than capable and able of doing it graciously”

“She will advance her point of view. And she’ll be fair. That’s all we can ask of a judge. I’m also glad she’s young. She has her whole life in front of her,” Thomas concluded.

Nyah Marshall is a reporter and regional bureau chief for HUNewsService.com.