Happily Divorced And After

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media

On November 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reported the first known case of clade 1 Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, in the United States.

However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDPH.

“This case was confirmed in an individual who recently traveled from Africa and is related to the ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox in Central and Eastern Africa,” reads a statement the CDPH released.

According to the DDPH, “The affected individual received health care in San Mateo County based on their travel history and symptoms. The individual is isolating at home and recovering.”

Public health workers are also conducting a contact tracing exercise and reaching out to people who have been in close proximity to the affected person.

“The mpox specimens from the traveler are being sent to the CDC for further laboratory testing,” the CDPH press release continues.

Californians can take a number of steps to prevent Mpox. Here’s more information:

Preventing Mpox Infection

It appears clade I mpox spreads in a similar manner as clade II mpox, through close (skin-skin), intimate and sexual contact. The identification of a potentially more severe mpox version in the United States is a good reminder for individuals who have certain risk factors to take preventive action, including:

• Getting vaccinated if you may be at risk for mpox. For the greatest protection, make sure you get both doses of the vaccine. Find mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) near you.
• Taking precautions if you were exposed to mpox. Get the mpox vaccine before symptoms develop and consider avoiding intimate contact with others for 21 days. Watch yourself for symptoms and get tested if they develop.
• Preventing spread if you have been told you have mpox. Avoid contact with others until the rash is healed, clean and disinfect shared areas in the home, and notify people who may have been exposed.
• Talking to your sexual partner(s).
• Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with those who have a rash or sores that look like mpox.
• Not sharing items with someone who has mpox.
• Washing your hands often.
• Protecting yourself when caring for someone with mpox by using masks, gowns and gloves.

Visit the CDPH website to learn more about Mpox with Sexual Health Toolkits and a Campaign Materials Page.

Last week’s encampment cleanup will be followed by a two-week closure for additional cleaning, repairs, and maintenance.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — After weeks of outreach, the City of San Bernardino began a

two-day encampment cleanup of Perris Hill Park on Thursday, November 14. This marks the first encampment cleanup in the San Bernardino since a judge recently lifted an injunction preventing cleanups in the city.

“These past two days have been a big success, and I want to thank everyone involved,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “We have compassionately cleared the Park and will be restoring it for use by our residents and families.”

At approximately 7:30 am on Thursday, San Bernardino staff began systematically reminding unhoused individuals that the 64.4-acre park on Highland Avenue was to be cleaned up for health and safety reasons and they would need to leave.

San Bernardino Housing Department staff, Public Works crews, Police officers, Animal Services staff, City homeless outreach workers, and park rangers, along with City trash hauler, Burrtec, worked with the campers to identify items that could be disposed, items that they would take with them, and items that the city would temporarily store for up to 90 days.

Representatives from the Salvation Army and the San Bernardino City Unified School District were also on hand to assist.

“This is a high priority. We wanted to make sure that our first cleanup went smoothly, and it did,” said Acting City Manager Rochelle Clayton. “The cleanup only took two days, but this operation has been underway for over a month.”

In the weeks leading up to the cleanup, the City, along with its partners from the County of San Bernardino and area non-profits, held multiple outreach events at the park to connect individuals with local service providers. City homeless outreach staff were at the park daily for more than a month.

Due to the advanced outreach, a reduction in the number of tents prior to the cleanup was noticeable. More than thirty individuals were placed in programs including family reunification, drug
rehabilitation, transitional and permanent housing, and room and board assistance.

Shuttles were on site to transport people to local hotels and shelters or to nearby pharmacies to fill prescriptions. Some park residents called friends and family to come and help them move. Additional accommodations were provided to disabled individuals in need of special assistance.

Since the court injunction was ordered in January preventing the City from conducting cleanups, the number of people camping in Perris Hill Park dramatically increased, causing health and safety concerns for both people living in and visiting the park.

As a result, the City has announced that much of Perris Hill Park will be closed for approximately two weeks, between Saturday, November 16 and Monday, December 1
for additional cleanup, landscaping, maintenance, and repairs. The Jerry Lewis Family Swim Center, tennis courts, and Senior Center will remain open.

San Bernardino Public Works crews also posted new signage stating Perris Hill Park operating hours, parking rules, and the City’s camping ordinances. The City will be enforcing these restrictions at the park following the temporary closure.

Perris Hill Park is the largest park in the City of San Bernardino at 64.4 acres. Among its features are the Perris Hill Senior Center, Jerry Lewis Family Swim Center, Fiscalini
Baseball Field, the 1,800 seat Roosevelt Bowl, the San Bernardino YMCA, tennis and pickleball courts, hiking trails, and playgrounds.

“I’d like our residents to know that this is just the first park cleanup we are doing,” added Tran. “More will be coming soon.”

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 Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media

California voters have rejected Proposition 33, which aimed to expand rent control protections by repealing the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. With nearly 95% of precincts reporting, 61.6% of voters opposed the measure, while 38.4% supported it. The proposition would have allowed cities to extend rent control to properties not previously covered, such as newer homes and units with new tenants.

The initiative, backed by labor unions and tenant advocacy groups, sought to ease housing costs for groups like seniors, low-wage workers, and veterans. However, it faced strong opposition from landlords, real estate developers, and property owners, who argued that it would worsen California’s housing crisis by discouraging new construction and lowering property values.

This marks the third failure of a similar measure, following two unsuccessful attempts in 2018 and 2020. Proponents of Prop. 33 raised $50.1 million, while opponents outspent them with $124.6 million.

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 Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media

In the wake of the general election and Donald Trump winning another term as president, State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) Tony Thurmond is on a mission to protect public education in California.

On Nov. 8, Thurmond, members of the California legislature, educators, union leaders, and other elected officials expressed their concerns at a news conference about the possibility of the Trump Administration dismantling the U.S. Department of Education (DOE).

“To tear down and abolish an organization that provides protections for our students is a threat to the well-being of our students and our families and of Americans,” Thurmond said.

Thurmond said losing $8 billion dollars in federal funding is at stake. During his campaign, Trump didn’t hesitate to take barbs at the DOE.

Closing the doors of the DOE could affect a range of scholastic programs such as Special Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), free lunch, federal grants for college students and Title I, a program that provides support to educate disadvantaged families.

Sen. Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward) and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), the chair of the Assembly Education Committee, spoke at the news conference held in the boardroom of the California Department of Education building.

Muratsuchi said, “We need to get ready now for what is going to start on Jan. 20 (2025).”

“It is the job of every teacher, every school board member, every principal, every elected representative in the state of California who believes in public education,” he said. “It is time for us to stand up to protect all of these kids. When we are facing a bully who is targeting our most vulnerable students, we all need to stand up.”

Trump has said that he prefers the Choice School initiative, a policy that provides parents and students the choice to use public funds to attend a school other than their district or local public school.

Thurmond and supporters of the traditional public school system are asking President-elect Trump and the U.S. Congress to continue federal supporting the funding of the programs.

Thurmond said he has started reaching out to lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and in the California legislature to get in front of Trumps policy plans.

“I’m prepared to sponsor legislation that would call on the California State Legislature and the Governor to backfill that funding to preserve and protect that funding for the students of California,” Thurmond said.

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

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jamaal Liddell)

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN — Operation’s Specialist 2nd Class Jazmin Rodriguez, from Ontario, California, participates in a sea-and-anchor evolution as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) returns to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a routine patrol, November 8. Ralph Johnson is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force.