WSSN Stories

By Rick Callender 

On September 14 a special election will be held to determine whether Governor Gavin Newsom should be recalled. This is only the fourth time in American history – that a state has held a gubernatorial recall election. The last gubernatorial recall election in California took place nearly 20 years ago.

This recall election was triggered after the Secretary of State certified that 1.7 million Californians signed a petition demanding a vote to remove Newsom from the office he assumed in January 2019. Under state law, to initiate a recall, proponents need to collect the signatures of enough registered voters to equal 12% of the turnout in the prior governor’s race.

The recall ballots will ask two questions. The first is a simple yes-or-no question: should Newsom be recalled.  If 50% or more of voters mark ‘NO’then the effort to recall Newsom is defeated. However, if more than 50% mark ‘YES’ then the second question comes into play: who should replace him? There are 46 names on the ballot and the candidate with the most votes, as dictated by state law, will become governor for the remainder of Newsom’s term – which is through January 2023. 

Whether or not you support Newsom your vote in this election matters. 

When we cast a vote, we win. We are represented. That’s the power that lies at the heart of the democratic process. It is the beauty of having free and fair elections. 

Blacks Americans have a long history of struggling to exercise their right as citizens to vote. Those who came of age before 1965, less than 60 years ago, felt it all too keenly, particularly in the South, where they were systematically turned away from polling places.  Once they secured the vote, the idea of not even attempting to participate in an election would have been an abdication of their rights as Americans. 

The people we entrust with our vote to lead us — whether it is at the federal, state, or local level – are responsible for developing policies and legislation that affect how safe we are in our homes and communities, our access to quality health care and education, the financial opportunities available to us, and more. 

An outcome of the 2020 Presidential election cycle has been an extension of the unprecedented assault on voting rights beginning with the Supreme Court decision, Shelby v. Holder (2013), weakening the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and has led to more laws restricting our ability to vote. 

California has taken extraordinary steps to remove barriers and increase access to the polls, setting the national standard for what free and fair elections should look like.  We cannot afford to be complacent and watch like spectators as our rights are rolled back, our interests are ignored, and our power is discounted. This recall election will be a crucial test of our will as voters.

Sometimes it might feel like democracy happens election by election, step by step, once every two or even four years. But democracy doesn’t work like that. It doesn’t take a day off. It’s a constant process, happening all the time, whether we choose to engage or not. It’s messy, ugly, hard work. Not voting is just as much an act of democracy as is voting – refusing to participate is a choice. 

Every registered voter will automatically receive a ballot. Vote by mail started Aug 16. The last day to register to vote is August 30. However, you can “conditionally” register and vote at your county elections office or polling location after the voter registration deadline, up to and including Election Day. It’s a chance we must seize, regardless of party affiliation – our democracy, our community, our lives depend on it. 

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Rick L. Callender, Esq. is the President of the California/Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP and serves as a member of the National NAACP board of directors.

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

“It isn’t every day that you find an honest auto mechanic willing to give you truth and a reasonable price [or even an amazing deal!], but when you find “The One,” let them know you appreciate their integrity and goodwill.”

Being a great mechanic involves more than identifying problems, repairing or replacing worn parts and knowing the difference between the camshaft and crankshaft. They have the experience that results in the confidence to take on any challenge. They’ve gotten their hands dirty, experimented, and seen a lot of problems. So, when you find “The One,” let them know that you appreciate them.

With that being said, Brother’s Keeper Mission Project would like to thank Mr. Angel Pulido, Mr. Alfonso Velazquez, and Mr. Luis Rios, of Angel’s Tire & Car Care, located at 455 North Waterman Avenue, San Bernardino, California for their impeccable service. Thank you! You are appreciated.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September provides an opportunity to remind the public about the urgent need to support research to fight blood cancer — a disease that is diagnosed every three minutes in the U.S. and has no current means of prevention. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, myeloma survivor, and feather of three, Oya of Philadelphia, PA won’t let anything stand in his way as he prepares his kids for another challenging school year.

“Myeloma is the most prevalent blood cancer among people of African descent and it is also one of the hematologic malignancies with the greatest racial disparities,” said Oya. “This population is not only twice as likely to develop this rare and incurable cancer when compared to white Americans and other racial groups, but they are also more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age.”

Oya takes a pill every morning and hasn’t let his blood cancer stand in the way of moving the needle forward for other patients through his advocacy work and making sure his children don’t miss a beat while staying informed. “The global COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified the issues patients face beyond health concerns to include added distress, new financial worries, loneliness, and uncertainty,” said Oya. “LLS continues to help blood cancer patients through a wide range of free services, ranging from clinical trial navigation to support programs like Myeloma Link, which aims to break down barriers and address the needs of underserved populations.”

The global leader in the fight against blood cancer, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), where Oya is a passionate advocate and volunteer, is working tirelessly to find cures and provide more support for blood cancer patients and their families than any organization in the world. “I hope to get that message out to more people in the black community and especially parents who need support along with the need for more African American stem cell donors,” said Oya.

By Lou Yeboah

My heart breaks as I see many turn a deaf ear to the warnings – a blind eye to the obvious signs; but as My Word which goes forth from My mouth; know that it shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” [Isaiah 55:11]. Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand-a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army is coming, such as never was of old nor ever will be in ages to come. Cry out to Me! Blow the Shofar! Another army is approaching… this one not of locust but men… who attack, very much like the locusts, scaling walls and entering houses… and this too will be a “Day of the Lord.”  Even now,” declares the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. [Joel 2:1-12]. Time is running out! Don’t be left behind due to your unbelieving and lukewarm attitude! Accept the eternal salvation before it is too late! Because I tell you, events will come rapidly now. They will come in quick succession. There will hardly be any time between one event and the next and you will not be able to catch your breath in between what is coming. The Earth will tremble and shake, and darkness will descend. The time is now upon you. Don’t look to the right or the left for I AM COMING!  “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” [2 Corinthians 6:2].

“There is a time, I know not when, a place, I know not where, that marks the destiny of men, to glory or despair. There is a line, by us unseen, that crosses every path the hidden boundary between God’s mercy and God’s wrath. How long may men go on in sin? How long will God forbear? Where does hope end? and where does the confine of despair begin? Our answer from the skies is sent- ‘Ye who from God depart, While it is called today, Repent! And harden not your heart.

Now, Jesus Himself made it crystal clear that we cannot know the date of His return. He stated in [Matthew 24:36], “of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” but, the Bible makes it equally clear that those who have the Holy Spirit living in them — that is, those who believe in Jesus as Savior — can understand the nature of the times that mark His return [1 Thessalonians 5:2-6]. I tell you the season of the Lord’s return is now! We are coming to the end of one age and the beginning of the age of Jesus’ glorious reign right here on earth. There is no way to escape the conclusion that we are living on borrowed time. The signs of the times are upon us, and they are shouting for our attention.

Are you ready? If Jesus were to return today, would He be your “Blessed Hope” [Titus 2:11-14] or would He be your “Holy Terror” [Revelation 6:12-17]? If you have never received Him as your Lord and Savior, now is the time to act. Repent of your sins and call upon the name of the Lord that you might be saved [Acts 2:14-39]. For the Bible clearly teaches that God never pours out His wrath without warning for He is a just and loving God who does not wish that any should perish [2 Peter 3:9]. That is why He has provided so many signs to alert us to the fact that we are living on the threshold of the Tribulation and the soon return of Jesus Christ.

I ask you, where do you stand? Are you under God’s wrath because you haven’t accepted His free gift of salvation, or are you under God’s grace because you have? Will you be one of those raptured before God’s wrath, or will you suffer in it?

You have a decision to make. If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Savior, then heed [Mark 1:25]. “The time has come…the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Believe in Jesus, God’s Son, and have everlasting life. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” [Mark 13:35-37].

We are given a powerful glimpse into the Heart of God. God’s heart was broken over Noah’s generation. [Genesis 6:5-6].

Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets”. [Amos 3:7].

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. [Jeremiah 5:24].

WASHINGTON, D.C.— In support of communities where they have stores, ACE Cash Express (ACE), a Populus Financial Group brand, recently donated $10,000 to MenzFit, an organization which provides career development, professional clothing and financial literacy education to individuals seeking to enter the nation’s workforce. MenzFit’s primary mission is to ensure long-term gainful employment and financial fitness to low-income men in the Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC areas. The $10,000 donation was designated to assist MenzFit as the organization gears up for a series of post-pandemic financial literacy sessions to educate clients on budgeting, understanding credit, home ownership and investments in a post-COVID environment.

“For more than a decade, ACE has supported the programs and services of MenzFit. Their support over the years has made a difference for us to keep a stable footprint in the community. I am proud to acknowledge their unconditional commitment to the good work that we do,” says MenzFit Founder Rhonda Willingham.

Founded in 2001, MenzFit changes lives, families and communities. They service disadvantaged men that are veterans, terminated or laid-off workers, recent immigrants, recovering addicts, the disabled, homeless, returning citizens and public assistance recipients.

“ACE is proud to support MenzFit in their mission to provide resources for those entering or re-entering the job market,” said Eric Norrington, Senior Vice President for Populus Financial Group. “This is another outstanding program supported by the ACE Community Fund to improve the cities where we have stores and the neighborhoods where our employees and customers live and work.”

MenzFit has been a partner of ACE Cash Express for 13 years as part of ACE’s corporate giving program, the ACE Community Fund. The ACE Community Fund is committed to empowering organizations that help children, provide education and promote financial literacy in the communities it serves. For more information regarding ACE Cash Express and the Populus Financial Group, go to https://www.populusfinancial.com. For more information on MenzFit visit their website at https://www.menzfit.org/.

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About Menzfit

MenzFit provides services to all eligible persons, regardless of a potential participant’s race, gender, age, disability or religion. MenzFit does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, disability or religion, nor treat one person differently from another in determining eligibility, benefits or services provided, or applicable rules. The projects and activities assisted under these awards must be available to fathers and expectant fathers who are able to benefit from the activities on the same basis as mothers and expectant mothers. Visit Menzfit.org for more information.

About Populus Financial Group

Populus Financial Group™ provides financial services through its family of brands including ACE Cash Express®, ACE Elite® Visa® Prepaid Debit Card, ACE Flare® Account by MetaBank® and Porte™. Populus Financial Group delivers a broad range of financial products and services including short-term consumer loans, card services, check cashing, money transfers, bill payments and money orders. Visit PopulusFinancial.com for more information.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau held a press conference to announce its first local level findings from the 2020 data collection cycle.

The new numbers — which drill down to provide demographic information at the county, city and block levels — reveal that California is more multiracial, more urban and facing population shifts that will likely lead to redrawing the boundaries of the state’s congressional and legislative districts.

Based on estimates the Census Bureau released in April, California is already losing a seat in the United States House of Representatives for the first time in the state’s 171-year history, bringing the state’s congressional delegation down to 52 members. That loss of one seat will also equate to a decline in the amount of federal funding California receives every year. Since August of 2020, the 14 members of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission have been working on the once-in-a-decade project of redrawing the lines of the congressional, state Senate and Assembly and State Board of Equalization districts. There are five Democrats, five Republicans and four people who are not members of either party serving on the commission.

“The redistricting data provides population counts as well as well as demographic characteristics of ethnicity, race and voting age at all levels of geography,” said James Whitehorne, chief, Redistricting and Voting Rights Data Office, U.S. Census Bureau. “While the primary purpose of these data is for states to redraw their districts, these statistics will also tell us how many people live in each city, each county and each block.”

Those numbers also determine how – and how much — state and federal funding will be allocated to counties and cities in the state.

Based on the numbers, most of the changes coming to the state’s legislative districts are expected to happen where there has been population increases, slow growth or a loss of residents – areas in the rural northernmost regions of the state and in Southern California counties around or below Los Angeles. Growth across the Los Angeles area, for example, over the last 10 year has been slow, but some cities like Irvine in Orange County are now among the fastest-growing in the country.

Over the last 10 years, the complexion of California has changed significantly. Driven mostly by population growth among Hispanics, the state joined Hawaii, the District of Columbia and New Mexico as places in the United States where Whites are no longer the majority. The state’s Hispanic population grew from 37.6% in 2010 to 39.4 % in 2020 while the White population dropped from 40.1% to 34.7%.

The state’s Black population has also seen a decrease of 2.7% from a little over 6 % to 5.7%. The current total Black population is now 2,237,044.

California is also the second most diverse state after Hawaii, according to the Census Bureau.

“As the country has grown, we have continued to evolve in how we measure the race and ethnicity of the people who live here,” said Nicholas Jones, director and senior advisor of Race and Ethnic Research and Outreach, Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau.

The Census Bureau implemented a significant change to the 2020 census data collection. It used two separate questions to gather an additional layer of ethnic information besides the usual inquiries on race and Hispanic origin. For example, if a participant identified as Black or African American, there was also an option to specify nationalities like Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian, Ethiopian Somali, etc.

“The improvements we made to the 2020 census yield a more accurate portrait of how people self-identify in response to two separate questions on Hispanic origin and race. Our analysis of the 2020 census results show that the US population is much more multiracial and more racially and ethnically diverse than what we measured in the past.”

Across the United States, the results showed that the White population remained the largest in the country at 204.3 million with an additional 31.1 million identifying as mixed in combination with White. The multiracial population comprised the second highest population for the first time at 49.9 million alone or combined, surpassing the Black or African American population at 46.9 million.

The U.S. population is now 57.8% White, 18.7% Hispanic, 12.4% Black and 6% Asian.

There were several other notable findings shared by the bureau during the presentation. The US Population is currently 331.4 million people, an increase of 22.7 million over the past 10 years. The 7.4% increase is the second lowest growth rate in history.

Overall, national population growth was centered around urban areas over the last 10 years. California is home to 3 of the top 10 largest cities in the country. San Jose stands at number 10 with a population of 1.01 million (a 7.1% increase), San Diego is at number 8 with 1.4 million people (a 6.1 % increase), and number 2 on the list is Los Angeles with 3.8 million residents (a 2.8 % increase).

For the first time ever, all cities in the top 10 (with the highest populations) have over 1 million people.

According to the Census Bureau this first release of local redistricting data is in a legacy format that will be easier for experience data analysts to navigate.

In September, we will release the exact same data in a far more user-friendly format that people are familiar with and will allow for easier searching,” said Jones.

Visit census.gov for more detailed information, charts, and analysis.

Why do you make me do this? I’ve told you many times, to repent, but you haven’t listened, so because of your hard and impenitent heart, know that you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day when My righteous judgment will be revealed. [Romans 2:5]. In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know Me and on those who do not obey the gospel. I tell you, you will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from My presence and from the glory of My might. [2 Thessalonians 1:7-9]. Why? Why do you make me do this?

Adam disobeyed Me and suffered the consequences. Saul, disobedience in not following My instructions had severe consequences. Many fell dead, all the Israelites were forced to flee, and Saul’s army along with his sons were killed. [1 Samuel 31]. At the flood – [Genesis 6-8]. Wrath built up and was restrained until the day came when it burst forth in fury. Sodom and Gomorrah – [Genesis 19] – My wrath slowly built against those people until it burst forth in divine judgment. At the Red Sea – [Exodus 14] – Pharaoh and his people had been dealt with by Me through plagues, however, because of their continued rebelliousness, the dam burst, and the entire Egyptian army drowned in the sea. Even then I restrained My anger. Why? Why do you make me do this? Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? No! declares the Sovereign Lord. REPENT! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. [Ezekiel 18:21,30]. If you don’t, rest assure ‘I will punish you as your deeds deserve.” [Jeremiah 21:14]. I the Lord has spoken, and My words shall not return void.

I want you to know that the greatest peril facing each person is the righteous wrath of God against guilty sinners, leading to everlasting suffering. For the Bible is clear that without repentance the ultimate consequence of sin is separation from God! This concept may be mocked today, but it doesn’t negate its truth! God’s desire is for people to learn the lessons of the past to avoid the judgment of the future. My prayer for you is that having learned something about the end of the world that you would then order your life accordingly.

“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, ‘Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.’ So, the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea. The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, ‘Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!’ And I heard the altar saying, ‘Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!’ The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds. The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the entire world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. [‘Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!’] And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nation’s fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.” [Revelation 16].

I tell you, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” [2 Chronicles 7:13-14].

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom held a press conference to announce new COVID-19 guidelines for California’s K-12 public schools. Two days later, President Joe Biden praised the new mandate in a tweet.

“Gov. @GavinNewsom is leading California through unprecedented crises — he’s a key partner in fighting the pandemic and helping build our economy back better,” the POTUS said about Newsom, who is facing a recall election Sept. 14.

“To keep him on the job, registered voters should vote no on the recall election by 9/14 and keep California moving forward,” Biden continued.

Newsom’s new mandate requires all school employees to either provide proof of vaccination or submit to weekly testing.

“This is a state that very proudly was among the first states in the country to mandate mask wearing in the public education system, before this school year and before the CDC aligned with that standard; before the Academy of Pediatrics aligned with that strategy. And before the controversies that have subsequently ensued,” Newsom said when he made the announcement.

In July, COVID-19 cases among children under17 nearly tripled.

Conservative talk show host Larry Elder, who is African American and the frontrunner among candidates vying to replace Newsom in the upcoming recall election said, if he wins, he would not mandate state workers to wear masks or get vaccinated.

“When I become governor, assuming there are mandates for masks and statewide mandates for vaccines, they will be suspended right away,” Elder said. “This is America. We have freedom in America.”

Elder said he does believe people in high-risk categories should be vaccinated.

“But there are many Americans who disagree with me, feel that the vaccine was done too quickly,” he continued, explaining that COVID vaccines have been approved for “emergency use.”

As of Aug. 15, the 7-day average of new COVID cases in California was 12,031. So far, there have been 4.02 million cases in the state since the beginning of the pandemic and 64,183 deaths, according to the California Department of Public Health.

About 51% of all Californians have received both vaccines.

The same day, Newsom tweeted a graph comparing California’s new COVID-19 hospitalizations to those of Texas and California, two states vaccine skeptics and “pro-freedom” activists have held up as counterpoints to the California governor’s strict coronavirus policies. The data the graph visualized showed that California hospitalization rates are currently much lower than both states.

Texas and Florida both have outspoken Republican governors who have enacted looser policies in their fights against COVID.

“CA is reporting 141.1 new COVID cases for every 100,000 residents over the last 7 days — a rate HALF of Texas (297.8); and less than ONE-FOURTH of Florida’s rate (653.8), according to data from the CDC,” Newsom tweeted.

Many businesses have either loosened their COVID-19 restrictions or done away with them altogether while many public schools returned to in-person instruction at the beginning of the month.

Despite to growing number of COVID cases among children, some California parents still have reservations about vaccines and masks, even going so far as to sue the state to drop mask mandates in schools.

Newsom’s strategy for addressing these kinds of criticisms, as well as others that have arisen in the midst of his recall election, has been to associate them with the far-right political movement empowered by Former President Donald Trump.

Newsom employed this strategy in his response to Biden’s praise.

“Grateful for your support, Mr. President. There’s simply too much at stake — vote NO on September 14th to reject this Republican led recall,” Newsom tweeted.

California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.

Heirs Of Afrika Founder Koshie Mills Unites Black Women From Around The Globe To Celebrate Sisterhood And Excellence At The 4th Annual International Women Of Power Awards

Heirs Of Afrika 4th Annual International Women Of Power Awards was a star-studded event held on August 8th, where illustrious black women of power and inspiration came from around the world to attend. Mills, a Hollywood powerbroker and Executive Producer of the show, manifested her passion to reconnect Africans on the continent with its global descendants in the diaspora. 

The elegant, afternoon affair was created to honor black women who are change agents, thought leaders and dynamic representations in their communities. The royal platform allowed beauty, talent and service to shine. The diversity and kaleidoscope of black women in the room created a magical environment of inclusion. The power of excellence was displayed in the entertainment quality and program, hosted by Disney’s High School Musical Alum, philanthropist and first UN Youth Champion, Actress Monique Coleman. 

Heirs Of Afrika featured its Signature Throne Room where the queens were photographed in their royal element. The show commenced with a powerful ancestral welcome and affirmation. Attendees were invited to declare, “I AM A DAUGHTER OF THE SOIL and I AM A SON OF THE SOIL. The moment permeated the air with its culturally fragrant atmosphere and set the tone for the palpable love, camaraderie and positive energy in the ballroom. 

Live entertainment electrified the crowd with the sound of African drums, while Grammy winning gospel artist Mali Music crooned to the audience with his songs “Blessed” and “Beautiful.” The intimate crowd of women laughed, cried, danced, and experienced a soulful reawakening, which is a testament to the need and reason why Founder Koshie Mills curated this safe space to fuel black women with love. The event ignited the movement and cemented the connection between Afrika and it’s Heirs in the diaspora.

Eight women of power from across various industries were honored:

• Congresswoman Maxine Waters – Warrior “Adinkrahene” Award (Congresswoman 43rd District/U.S. House of Representatives)
• Ilwad Elman – Heirs of Afrika “Sankofa” Award (Nobel Peace Prize nominee 2019 philanthropist),
• Ivy Mcgregor – Heirs of Afrika “Sankofa” Award (CEO of Ivy Inc./Director of Social Responsibility for BeyGOOD),
• Opal Tometi – Social Justice “Nyansapo” Award (Human Rights Activist/Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter)
• Nandi Madida – Goddess Beauty “Duafe” Award (South African Singer/Actress),
• Halima Aden – Fashion Queen “Nsaa” Award (Sports Illustrated & Vogue Somali American Fashion Top Model)
• Alexis Kerr – Lionheart Business “Akofena” Award (VP Hallmark Mahogany)
• Ledisi – Entertainment Roar “Nya Gyidi” Award (Grammy Winning American R&B and Jazz Artist)

Celebrity presenters included Karimah Westbrook of the critically acclaimed “All American” series on The CW, Aisha Hinds of FOX “9-1-1”, Antonique Smith, best known for her role on National Geographic’s “Genius: Aretha,” and Youtube beauty influencer, Shalom Blac.

Special guests in attendance Kofi Siriboe (Own “Queen Sugar”), Kwame Boateng (“The Plug”), Kwesi Boakye (TNT “Claws), Malinda Williams (Paramount Pictures “Soul Food”), Nyakim Gatwech (American Model), and Chris Attoh (Ghanaian Actor) and many more.

Field Deputy Jennifer LaMarque presented CEO and Founder, Koshie Mills with the County of Los Angeles Commendation in recognition of dedicated service to the affairs of the community, and for the civic pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all the residents of Los Angeles County. The commendation was signed by Janice Hahn Supervisor, 4th district.

The awards ceremony was sponsored by brand partners Black Radiance, Dove, The Africa Channel, Macy’s, Lowe’s, GirlTrek and presenting sponsor, Hallmark Mahogany.

Says Koshie Mills “Black women are strong, beautiful, intelligent and the spiritual conscious of their households, yet they are rarely celebrated. My goal with Heirs of Afrika’s International Women of Power Awards is to change the narrative by demonstrating the magnificence and resilience of Black women around the world.”

“This is a very dangerous event. When you inspire me like this, I go to Washington and I take on everybody.” says Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

“Women are the Backbone and the Future, That is why we need THIS!” – Actress Ryan Michelle Bathe

“The Event was Phenomenal, I left feeling Euphoric and Empowered.” – Guest, Victory Jones

“Today I claimed my inheritance…” – Honoree, Ivy McGregor

“I’ve always felt like an African living in America. I believe we are sisters by bloodline and that makes us family”. – Actress Yvette Nicole Brown.

“The Cross Pollination is long overdue.” Actress Nomzamo Mbatha

“We are standing in our purpose as black women of power, in all the divineness that we are…” – Honoree Alexis Kerr (VP Hallmark Mahogany)

“I have always loved Koshie and her mission. We are all a part of the diaspora and her inspiration to make the connection.” – Actress Melinda Williams

“This was such a glorious life affirming event! So much love, grace and POWER in the room. Momentous!” – Guest Kiki McKnight

To find out more about Heirs of Afrika, follow us on social media.

Follow Heirs Of Afrika:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heirsofafrika
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heirsofafrika
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeirsOfAfrika/

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Malinda Williams, Aisha Hinds, Antonique Smith, and Karimah Westbrook arrives at Koshie Mills presents Heirs Of Afrika 4th Annual International Women Of Power Awards held at the Marina del Rey Marriott Hotel on August 8, 2021 in Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sheri Determan)