Happily Divorced And After

By Anthony Thigpenn; Convener, Black Census and Redistricting Hub; President, California Calls

Throughout the history of the United States, the Black community’s consistent fight for recognition has been an unfortunate and inescapable reality.

History is not a precise science, nor an impartial one. Take a glance at a history textbook from past decades, and you will quickly understand that American history was written from the viewpoint of white men.

In so many ways, the history of Black Americans IS the history of America. Slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and, in the modern era, the preeminence of Black popular culture, have all shaped and still define this country.  

This year we have an opportunity to set a positive trajectory for the future of Black communities in the nation’s most economically and socially powerful state. A chance to be counted, to ensure our voices are heard, and to secure the resources we deserve for the next generation – through participating in the 2020 Census.

History hasn’t been kind or accurate when it comes to counting Black neighborhoods. In Census after Census, the supposedly straightforward act of counting everyone in America has dismissed and disregarded millions across the country.

Nationally, the last Census in 2010 undercounted Black people by 2.1 percent — a total of 800,000 people missing from the record, rendered invisible. Black children were twice as likely to be missed as white children, affecting federal funding allocations to programs to provide support to children in schools.

The reasons many in the Black community wind up overlooked by the count are complex and pervasive. Complex housing issues, including renting, instability and living in unique arrangements make them even more likely to be missed in the Census.

There are also strong cultural and political headwinds. Decades of segregation, legal discrimination, and police brutality mean that many Black communities understandably reject the federal government as an agent for positive change. Wary of providing information, many fear it will be used against them.

California is leading a collaborative effort to educate and motivate the hardest-to-count Californians to fill out the Census form. We have the power to change the course of our history.

Across California, which has the fifth largest Black population in the country, Black activists and organizations are once again stepping up. This time to partner with the state to conduct the most comprehensive and diverse outreach campaign in state history. 

As such, California Calls, a growing alliance of 31 grassroots, community-based organizations spanning urban, rural and suburban counties across the state, is reaching out to communities in California to make the case for being counted. As one of California’s outreach partners for the 2020 Census, California Calls has done outreach to Black populations throughout the State using door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and digital communication strategies.

My Black Counts is an education and awareness initiative convened by California Calls as part of The California Black Census and Redistricting Hub Project. This is our chance in California to right historical wrongs and for communities to claim what is rightfully theirs.

We hope –– no, we will make certain – this time around there will be a difference. We are telling communities that the Census is safe and secure. Not only is the U.S. Census Bureau required by law to keep any personal information it collects confidential, but that information also cannot be used for law enforcement purposes or to determine eligibility for government benefits. 

Starting in mid-March, the U.S. Census Bureau will invite all Californians to complete the Census. It’s a short form – 9 questions per person – and households can participate by phone, mail or online. In May, Census enumerators will visit homes in person to count those who don’t respond.

The 2020 Census is an opportunity for Black Californians to correct the record and chart a better way forward. But for that to happen, we must all stand up and be counted.

We have a big task ahead, but we know Black Californians are up to meeting the challenge. It’s our time to show we aren’t invisible.

SACRAMENTO, CA— This week, under the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the Department of Managed Health Care directed all commercial and Medi-Cal health plans regulated by the Department to immediately reduce cost-sharing to zero for all medically necessary screening and testing for the COVID-19. This includes waiving cost-sharing for emergency room, urgent care or provider office visits when the purpose of the visit is to be screened and tested for COVID-19. The need for COVID-19 testing is based on medical necessity, a clinical determination made on a case by case basis by medical professionals.

“Californians shouldn’t have to fear a big medical bill just because they took a test for COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom. “This action means that Californians who fit the testing requirements can receive the test at no cost. We’re all in this together, and I’m grateful to those health providers who have already stepped up and heeded our call.”

“This action will ensure that Californians who need a test will receive one at no cost,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency.

“This doesn’t mean every Californians should be seeking a test. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19 or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care.”

The California Department of Insurance issued similar direction providing cost free medically necessary testing for an additional 2 million Californians. Combined these announcements ensure that 24 million more Californians are eligible to receive testing, should their health care provider deem it medically necessary.

Parent Management Services, Inc., is looking for a Part-time Administrative Assistant. The ideal candidate must be flexible, well-organized and have good people skills. He/she must be a quick learner and able to follow through on multi-task instructions. He/she must be computer-literate with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel programs. The ideal candidate has social media promotions experience (preferred). He/she must have reliable transportation.

Summary of position: Assist geriatric care managers in providing excellent care for senior clientele. Able to work with senior population with understanding and kindness, as well as maintain professional, business relationships with various providers, responsible parties, etc. May include delivering supplies, receiving and sending faxes, emails, scans. Able to maintain files, office organization. Understanding of medical terminology very helpful, but not essential. Must be extremely accurate in data input.  

Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits and growth will be available for 20+ hours a week employees. May be able to accommodate flexible schedule school, family). Please review the website at www.parentcarems.com before applying. Resumes may be sent to C.Michaelis@parentcarems.com. Hiring immediately.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Nicole Ramos was recently selected as Director of Marketing and Communications at Omnitrans, bringing more than 20 years of transit communications and management experience to the position.

Ramos will oversee and guide a team of 16 employees to implement all aspects of marketing and communications for the agency including campaigns, customer service, promotions, partnerships, outreach, customer satisfaction, growth-based initiatives and team development for San Bernardino County’s largest public transit provider.

“With her expertise, enthusiasm and constant desire to excel, I am excited to see Nicole elevate Omnitrans’ presence among our community and those we serve,” said Interim CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers.

“It has been my pleasure to represent Omnitrans’ customer service and marketing efforts for the past 19 years, and I look forward to leading that team to support Omnitrans’ dynamic growth and sustainable future,” said Ramos.

After beginning her transit career at Foothill Transit, Ramos joined Omnitrans as a Marketing Specialist in 2001. She was promoted to Outreach Specialist in 2009, became Marketing Manager in 2014, and has most recently served as Interim Director of Marketing since last October.

Her tenure at the agency includes initiatives including co-founding the Transit Community Outreach Group and implementing Omnitrans’ Travel Training Bus program. In her new role, Ramos also will serve as chief spokesperson for the agency.

Ramos is a graduate of the University of La Verne.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) 18th Annual Awards Gala, “Vision 20/20: Our Future is Crystal Clear!” will honor outstanding individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for our community and serve as the bright lights that help those in need envision the path to a crystal clear future.

“She was a kind spirit, yet a fighter, with a strong desire to serve others; and a tireless advocate for women’s health.” shares Kim Carter, Founder of Time For Change Foundation, in reflecting on their long standing friendship and their shared mission.

The inaugural award is being presented to Nancy Negrette, who serves as both the Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Stater Bros. Markets, the largest private employer in the Inland Empire currently operating 169 supermarkets, as well as Chairman and President for Stater Bros. Charities, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports critical needs in the communities where Stater Bros. employees live and work. Since 2008, Stater Bros. Charities has provided over $30 million to countless local organizations and causes that benefit hunger relief, children’s well-being, education, health, and help for our nation’s veterans, and active service members.

“As an agency that helps disenfranchised women, it is empowering to see strong women pave the way for us to follow,” said Vanessa Perez, Director of Time for Change Foundation, “Nancy Negrette is a change agent and her commitment to our community is worthy of recognition!”

To purchase tickets for the event or to become a sponsor and increase your business’ visibility in the community, please visit their website at www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org, or please contact Vanessa Perez at (909) 886-2994 or by email at vperez@timeforchangefoundation.org.

By California Black Media

Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, has introduced, a new bill, AB 3121. It calls for setting up a task force to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans.

“Existing law,” the language of the legislation reads, “requests the Regents of the University of California to assemble a colloquium of scholars to draft a research proposal to analyze the economic benefits of slavery that accrued to owners and the businesses, including insurance companies and their subsidiaries.”

AB 3121 requires eight members appointed to the task force.

The proposal would empower the group to “identify, compile, and synthesize the relevant corpus of evidentiary documentation of the institution of slavery that existed within the United States and the colonies,” the language goes on. “ The bill would require the Task Force to recommend, among other things, the form of compensation that should be awarded, the instrumentalities through which it should be awarded, and who should be eligible for this compensation.”

Other members of the CLBC are co-authors of AB 3121, including Senators Steven Bradford (D-Los Angeles) and Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles); Assemblymembers include Autumn Burke (D-South Bay, Los Angeles), Jim Cooper (D-Sacramento), Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Chris R. Holden (D-Pasadena), Reginald Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), and Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento).

The Assembly has not yet assigned the bill to a policy committee for review.

LOS ANGELES, CA— The UCLA Black Alumni Association (UBAA) will recognize Black Lives Matter co-founder and Yes on R founder and chair, Patrisse Cullors, at its prestigious Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship Gala honoring prominent UCLA alumni and Los Angeles community members for their career achievements and contributions to the overall African American community.  The awards dinner and ceremony will take at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza located at 251 South Olive Street in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“UCLA has a long history of being at the forefront of social justice issues and Patrice Cullors continues that tradition as an influencer and agent of global change in the unapologetic demand that Black Lives be valued,” said Michelle Johnson, UCLA Black Alumni Association President.  “Patrice embodies Black Bruin Excellence.”

The Ralph Bunche Humanitarian of the Year Award is being presented to artist, activist, educator, public speaker, and Los Angeles-native Patrisse Cullors.  Patrisse has been on the frontlines of criminal justice reform for the past 20 years like the Los Angeles-based grassroots organization she founded, Dignity and Power Now, and through her role as co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network.  She continues her social activism work through ongoing work leading Reform LA Jails and the “Yes on R” campaign, a ballot initiative that passed with 71% of votes during the March 2020 primary election.

Individual tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at www.uclablackalumni.org.

By California Black Media

Sacramento-based attorney, businessman and activist James Sweeney, who was an avuncular and towering African American figure in California political and social circles, has passed. He served as the regional Vice President of the Sacramento Black American Political Action Committee (BAPAC).

Politicians, businesspeople, media leaders, activists and others up and down the state remember him with fondness for his influential and inspirational presence in their lives. Consistently offering sound advice, they say, always giving them his unconditional support, kind words of encouragement and occasionally sharing dry “uncle” jokes.

James W. Sweeney was born in Fresno, California on July 28, 1948 to the union of Lonnie Lee Sweeney and Evelyn Randle. He is the younger of two sons born to this union. Sweeney’s parents, and his brother Sherman Sr., preceded him in death.

“James Sweeney’s leadership and wisdom will be missed,” said Betty Williams, President of the Sacramento Chapter of the NAACP.

James W. Sweeney was the Founder and Managing General Partner of James W. Sweeney and Associates, an advocacy and small business consulting firm located adjacent to the State Capitol. James worked with major companies and clients and was involved in deals exceeding 3.5 billion dollars. James was founding stockholder of Revere Bank. Starting with twenty million in assets, the bank now exceeds one billion in assets. James was co-owner of First Federal Financial Services, a credit card processing firm that has successfully processed over 500 million in transactions.

“He will truly be missed,” said Rory Kaufman, President of BAPAC, the largest African political fundraising organization in the state. “A Black man of vision, courage and insight. He stood for us and he fought with us.”

Throughout his career, Sweeney has been involved in a number of business investments across the state, and has worked in several political capacities, including the Berkeley City Council and the state Council on Mentally Ill Offenders (COMIO). He has served COMIO under four governors: Newsom, Brown, Schwarzenegger and Davis.

Sweeney attended San Bernardino high school in the Inland Empire, east of Los Angeles, where he was a basketball star.

He later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in three majors (Political Science, Black Studies and Sociology) from the University of California Riverside. He earned his law degree at the Humphreys School of Law in Stockton.

“This is sad news for our community,” said Kendra Lewis, vice chair of the California Democratic Party African American Caucus (CDPAAC).

Sweeney was a quiet force in California politics. Often working behind the scenes, he was instrumental in setting up a minimum-security juvenile detention facility for children in California named after him (Camp Sweeney). He also worked on California divesting from the African nation of Sudan because of war crimes the Arab government committed against Black citizens in the country’s Darfur region.

“In true Sweeney fashion,” Lewis said the last time she saw her “mentor,” he told her, “You have our support. Let us know what you need.”

James W. Sweeney was called home on February 27, 2020. His memories will always be cherished by his loving wife, Renee; his devoted adopted siblings, Jerry King and Toni Turner; his children, Wayne Sweeney, Jr. (Angela); Samantha Stonework- Hand (Eric); and Brett Sweeney; his grandchildren, Shayne Sweeney, Ronan Sweeney, Xavier Hand, and Roosevelt Hand; and a host of other family and friends.

No funeral arrangements, as of yet, have been made.

By John Coleman, Community Photographer

Two outstanding Black History Month exhibits were featured at the San Bernardino County Museum on the eve of Wednesday, February 26, but the largely Black population filling the museum reception area were there instead to attend the 2nd Annual Membership Meeting of the recently state registered Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement-IE  (CEEM-IE); or ‘CEEM’, but clearly and seriously intended to grow into a MOVEMENT following  the model of the “Civil Rights Movement” we celebrate, but we lack progress toward  the goal of economic empowerment.

Reggie Webb, Founder of Webb Family Enterprises and former official in the McDonald Franchise system, is leading an organizational effort to improve Black economic health;  work cooperatively with and within our communities; buy and sell within our communities; and earn and share the benefits of and by participating actively within this nation’s trillion dollar economy. The CEEM membership meeting is partially a public report to its membership and a welcome to interested others. Visit www.ceem.coop/membership for more information or to sign up.

FONTANA, CA— The morning before the parade, the phenomenal, honored guest were appropriately invited to the Jessie Turner community center for a breakfast reception, at which time they took part in a sash presentation, awarded by Diane Hall presenter for the Rialto/Fontana branch of the NAACP. Each lady received certificates from California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, City of Fontana and Assemblywoman Reyes office.

San Bernardino County Sheriffs phenomenal female mounted posse color guard, 1926 fire truck engine #1 led the grand procession with our phenomenal California State Treasurer Fiona Ma Grand Marshal riding in one of the original Jeep commissioned in the Korean War, where thousands of African Americans served during a time when President Truman ordered the Armed Forces to be desegregated. 

Other honorable women of the event included: San Bernardino County Honorary Phenomenal Grand Marshals, People’s Choice Dr. Margaret Hill;  PAL center founder Humanitarian Dr. Henry, San Bernardino county’s first Charter School in San Bernardino;  Dr. Yolanda Friday Dean Chaffey college Fontana campus.  Riding in Cruising Brothers car club red mustang, cowgirl, trailblazer, and Bill Pickett rodeo title holder in barrel racing, Miss Sharon Braxton.  Miss Fifi Locke NAACP National life membership representative.  Pacesetter Riverside Superior Court Commissioner Belinda Handy.  Daphne Hawkins representing non-profits that are making a difference in our community.  Pioneers of North Fontana Phenomenal Living Legacy Grand Honorary Marshals, who are both over the age of 90, Mrs. Margie Pullen Fontana unified School district retired teacher; and Mrs. Christine White director of the North Fontana neighborhood employment center. 

The parade would not be a parade without, Dorothy Grant elementary School, all-female equestrian riders from the Bill Pickett rodeo participating, San Bernardino pacesetters drill teams, dance teams, elementary schools, and various car clubs.

At the expo it was exciting to have present Rosa Parks niece who will be releasing a children’s book soon about her aunt. There was also food, unique vendors, a kid zone, and live entertainers.

Ellen Turner, President for the Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, stated, “Each year when planning the parade it has more significance then the year before.  It is important to us that we continue to bring awareness to our CommUNITY of the accomplishments African Americans have made and still contribute to the Americas.”

She continues, “Mayor Warren is living example. Having an African American mayor in a city that was influenced by Ku Klux Klan is a sign of the times. I am so happy that the Mayor makes every effort to participate in this parade. People who have lived Southern California knew North Fontana as Fontucky, the KKK, and our racial struggles North of Baseline.  This parade each year is so important for the County of San Bernardino as a whole, it symbolizes our progress.”