Happily Divorced And After

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

On March 12, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and the Legislative Women’s Caucus partnered to host a screening of the documentary “Respect My Crown: The Rise of African American Women in California Politics.”

The event, held at the Crest Theater in downtown Sacramento, was followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Pamela Bright-Moon, and its producer, Alisa Covington.

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) was one of the organizers of the event co-created with the California Black Women’s Collective Institute.

“It was about celebrating and uplifting women for Women’s History Month,” said McKinnor, a member of CLBC. “(This film) itself is powerful and dynamic. It really takes you across California’s history and It takes you across Black women’s political history in Northern and Southern California.”

Respect My Crown” is a feature-length documentary film that explores the significant contributions of African American women in leadership in the areas of politics, labor, and community activism in the State of California.

McKinnor said the film starts with former California U.S. senator Kamala Harris becoming the first Black woman Vice President and ends with labor activist Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights), who sworn in as a California State Senator in 2022. Between those milestones, the film traces the rich history of Black women in California politics, including the election of Yvonne Braithwaite Burke, the first Black woman elected to the California Legislature in 1966.

A number of state legislators and elected officials attended the event, including California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who is featured in the documentary.

“We now have Black women politicians, district attorneys and state officials. The film also touches on local city council persons and mayors such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and San Francisco Mayor London Breed. It shows Black women’s footprints on the political landscape of California,” said McKinnor.

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

Two California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) members, Assemblymembers Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) and Mike Gipson (D-Carson) were among the speakers during a special ceremony organized by the California Women’s Caucus last week to celebrate Women’s History Month.

During the ceremony, lawmakers from different groups in the Legislature and the 50-member strong Women Caucus paid tribute to several remarkable women from California and across the United States and urged their colleagues to pass House Resolution (HR) 72, legislation that declared March as Women’s History Month.

“I rise on behalf of the members of the California Legislative Black Caucus and the incredible women of that Caucus in support of this resolution and thank our colleagues for bringing this very important piece of legislation before us today,” said Gipson during the event held on the floor of the State Assembly on March 11.

“Your groundbreaking career is unparalleled, and I am proud we represent San Diego County together,” Weber posted on X, the social media platform formally known as Twitter.

Gipson paid tribute to the five women mwmvwea of the CLBC: Sen. Lola Smallwood Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblymembers Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) and Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood).

The Assembly leadership honored Janette Robinson Flint, founder of Black Women for Wellness, at the ceremony. She was escorted to the floor by Mckinnor and Assemblymember Rebacca Bauer-Kahan (D-Walnut Creek).

MEMPHIS, TN — Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a beacon of service and commitment, celebrated its enduring alliance with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® at the Vicennium Partnership Banquet at the Masonic Temple. The event was hosted by the Memphis (TN) Alumni Chapter, the University of Memphis Chapter, the Kappa Beta of Kappa Alpha Psi, and sponsored by the local Memphis Kappa Alpha Psi ®Achievement Foundation.

For more than two decades, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with St. Jude in efforts to create impactful change in the lives of children worldwide with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Since 2003, the fraternity has raised more than $3 million for the renowned

children’s hospital through programs like St. Jude Sunday of Hope and the annual St. Jude Walk/Run, held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month each September. At the event, the fraternity announced a new goal of raising an additional $2 million in the next three years.

“Our friends at Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. have humbled us with their dedication and sense of service over the past 20 years in their support of the kids and families of St. Jude,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude

Children’s Research Hospital. “With this latest commitment, together, they are not only building a legacy – but they are helping save lives and create hope where it is needed most. Thanks to this partnership, St. Jude can impact more of the 400,000 kids around the world with cancer and other life-threatening diseases each year.”

Fundraising by the fraternity and other partner organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live.

“We value our partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and this new fundraising commitment will further help us support research and treatment of catastrophic childhood diseases and illness,” said Jimmy McMikle, Kappa Alpha Psi’s Grand Polemarch [International President]. “I encourage our members, affiliates, and friends across the globe to help the fraternity continue our efforts to assist St. Jude in fulfilling its vision.”

Help Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and St. Jude give every child a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) launched the Take on Alzheimer’s campaign in late February.

The awareness campaign is aimed toward educating all Californians about brain health, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, and ways to improve communication between patients’ loved ones and health care providers.

Over the next 20 years, the impact of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dimensions (AD/ADRDs) on the State of California will increase dramatically, according to the CDPH.  Longer life expectancies and the aging of the baby boomer generation will lead to an increase in the number and percentage of Californians who will be 65 years of age and older. Since the primary risk factor for AD/ADRDs is older age, a significant increase is anticipated in the numbers of people who will be living with the disease.

“It’s critical to build dementia expertise into programs and services supporting our state’s increasingly diverse older adult population, including family caregivers and our workforce,” said Susan DeMarois, Director of the California Department of Aging in a press release.

“Widespread prevention, screening and detection will enable more families to make important social, medical, financial, and personal decisions and we want our aging network to be well equipped to meet their needs.”

In 2019, approximately 660,000 Californians over 65 years of age lived with AD/ADRDs, which accounted for roughly 11% of the disease’s prevalence across the United States (5.8 million people).

Between 2019 and 2040 a doubling in the number of Californians living with AD/ADRDs is expected. This increase will affect all regions of the state across various demographic groups.

Women are especially impacted by the disease, making up nearly two-thirds of diagnosed Americans. Other groups disproportionately impacted include older Black Americans, who are twice as likely to develop the disease. In the next 20 years, the number of people living with AD/ADRDs is projected to triple, growing to 91,071 people.

Latinos are one-and-a-half times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than White older adults.

Additional CDPH estimates indicate that between 2019 and 2040:

California’s population will grow by 16%, while the population of people living with AD/ADRDs will expand by 127%;

• The number of Californians over 75 years of age living with AD/ADRDs will more than double, growing to over 1.3 million.
• The number of Californians between 55 and 74 years of age living with AD/ADRDs will increase 26%, growing to 194,975 people.
• The number of people living with AD/ADRDs in California’s fifteen most populous counties (those with a population of 700,000 or more) will at least double.
• The number of Californians living with AD/ADRDs will increase by 11% for women, growing to 917,482 people; and increase by 8% for men, growing to 609,197 people.
• The number of people living with AD/ADRDs more than double for Californians who identify as Asian American/Pacific Islander, growing to 241,106 people.

The Take on Alzheimer’s Campaign aims to reach these disproportionally impacted communities through multilingual and multicultural advertising, partnerships with community-based organizations and engaging trusted ethnic media journalists. The campaign also plans to educate these communities about brain health, the signs of aging, and ADRD symptoms to make a positive impact on them and their loved ones by promoting brain health and benefiting from early detection and diagnosis.

“This campaign will empower our diverse communities to support brain health, better understand and the difference between signs of aging and symptoms of dementia and encourage individuals to have important conversations with their loved ones and health care providers,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Tomás J. Aragón in a release.

The campaign also believes starting honest and empathetic conversations with friends, loved ones or a healthcare provider can be critical to improving outcomes and combating fear and stigma associated with AD/ADRDs.

Based on population-level evidence, the sex health conditions and behaviors that increase risk for cognitive decline and AD are midlife hypertension (age 45-64), physical inactivity, midlife obesity (age 45-64), diabetes, smoking (age 45 and older) and poor sleep (less than six hours a night).

Visit TakeonALZ.com to learn ways people can help reduce their risk and take charge of their brain health before or after an AD/ADRD diagnosis.

BLOOMINGTON, CA – Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., Dodger Alumni Mickey Hatcher and Derrel

Thomas, and Assembly Member Eloise Gomez Reyes marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony highlighting community spirit and a commitment to recreation and youth development. It was a day of celebration in Bloomington as local families and little league teams gathered for the start of the Bloomington Little League’s new season.

The refurbished Kessler Park features newly installed modern lighting to brighten evening events, a decorative iron fence to enhance safety and security, and a revitalized snack bar. These improvements aim to enhance infrastructure and give the Bloomington community a sense of pride.

Supervisor Baca, Jr. stated, “The upgrades to Kessler Park represent our commitment to our families and our youth. By investing in our parks, we are investing in our future. San Bernardino County is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more vibrant community.”

The Fifth District also announced a generous $10,000 donation to the Bloomington Little League. This contribution will facilitate the league’s efforts in organizing sports programs, purchasing new equipment, and ensuring all children could engage in healthy physical activity.

Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. added “We’re building an open space where our kids can just be kids—run around, play ball, and laugh. We’re making sure every hardworking family has the chance to just have fun.

Kessler Park Revitalization marks a significant moment for the Bloomington community, opening new possibilities for families and children to experience joy and community spirit together.

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

The Ebony Alert, a statewide system that has been implemented to notify the public — and signal the launch of police investigation – when Black children and young Black women go missing in California is working, says Sen. Steve Bradford.

Bradford authored Senate Bill (SB) 627, the bill that created the Ebony Alert. Gov. Newsom signed it into law on Oct. 8, 2023.

 “One Ebony Alert was issued on Jan. 4, and then later they found the young lady who was missing from (the city) of Long Beach,” Bradford told California Black Media (CBM).

Bradford added that a 19-year-old Black Los Angeles woman was found on Feb. 20 after the alert system was used.

The Ebony Alert is activated if a law enforcement agency decides that it would help in the investigation of a missing Black youth or a young Black woman between the ages of 12 and 25 years.

On behalf of the Los Angeles County Police Department, an Ebony Alert was turned on Feb. 16, to locate a missing 14-year-old who was last seen on Jan.5. The 5-foot-4 woman was last seen West 102nd Street and Figueroa Street in Los Angeles and still has not been located at the time of this report.

On March 5, an alert was released regarding a 22-year-old Black woman from San Mateo County. She was last seen Feb. 16 in East Palo Alto, according to a post on X by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The East Palo Alto Police Department is the investigating agency that requested the alert.

“This new emergency alert, focused on missing Black youth and young women, marks a significant step in dedicating resources towards a previously underserved community,” CHP posted on its Facebook page on Jan. 8.

In 2023, Los Angeles had the most missing persons reports at 10,039, according to California Department of Justice data, followed by San Diego (3,993), San Bernardino (2,833), Sacramento (2,788) Nevada (2,490), and Riverside (2,357) counties. Alameda (1,834), San Francisco (1,743), and Santa Clara (1,515) counties were reported to have the highest number of missing persons among the 58 jurisdictions in the state.

Bradford said he is pleased that law enforcement agencies are using the Ebony Alert early on and will continue to implement it going forward.

“It lets us know that law enforcement has educated themselves and made themselves aware that this tool is available,” Bradford told CBM. “All folks want them to do is utilize it. There’s not really a learning curve. It’s simple: there’s a missing child or Black woman missing. Send out the alert.”

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

What has already happened, what continues to unfold, and what is yet to come.

One world government, one world religion, one world economy, [Daniel 2, Daniel 7, Revelation 17, 18, 13:11-18]. Confirming of a 7-year peace agreement with many [Daniel 9:27]. Intoxicating obsession with dividing Jerusalem [Zechariah 12:1-3]. Global cry for peace and security. [1 Thessalonians 5:3]. Increase of lawlessness. [2 Thessalonians 2:1-12]. Increase of wickedness [Genesis 6:6; Luke 17:26-29]. Massive earthquakes increasing in frequency and intensity. [Matthew 24:4-8; Luke 21:10-11]. Allied Invasion of Israel, led by Russia, Iran, and Turkey, [Ezekiel 38-39]. Sudden destruction of Damascus Syria. [Isaiah 17:1, Jeremiah 49: 23-27]. Mocking of Bible prophecy and the Lord’s return. [2 Peter 3]. What has already happened, what continues to unfold.

What is yet to come?

Confirmation of the Covenant. When the Antichrist and his world government system confirm Israel’s right to a homeland in the Middle East from that day, the day that it actually happens, the day that they decide on a plan and implement it and make it stick, where the borders of Israel are drawn and the Temple Mount is shared, and they sign a treaty, there will only be 7 years remaining until the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus Christ! What has already happened, what continues to unfold, and what is yet to come.

Watch for increasing demand for international intervention and control over Jerusalem. Watch for the forming of what the Bible calls “the King of the South” arising in the Middle East and Northeastern Africa. Watch Europe—especially Germany. Watch for animal sacrifices to begin in Jerusalem. Watch for a charismatic miracle-working religious leader to rise up in Europe. End Time Bible Prophecy!

Three angels give a last warning to the inhabitants of the earth. The hour of judgment is come. Babylon makes all nations drink of the wrath of her fornication. Those who take the mark and worship the beast shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God. This isn’t a physical hour of time, it’s a figurative statement that a period of time has come. It’s the time just before the wrath of God.

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

Gov. Gavin Newsom is committed to creating more jobs, faster, and increasing pathways to higher paying careers for Californians from all backgrounds, according to his office.

To achieve these goals, on March 8, Newsom announced the formation of a new state-level committee focused on increasing jobs called the California Jobs First Council. He also awarded $182 million in grants to 13 organizations around the state involved in developing viable economic development projects that will stimulate employment and attract significant government and private sector investments.

Gov. Newsom has appointed Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development to co-chair the council. She will work alongside co-chair Stewart Knox, California Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development.

“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to align strategic investments that further economic growth and job creation in every region of California,” said Myers.

Other members of the council are the Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning & Research; Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency; Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture; Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency; Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency; Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs; and the President of the Public Utilities Commission.

“California has created more opportunities, more jobs, and more businesses than any other state, but we need to ensure that we’re all moving forward together,” Newsom said in a statement. “Through this new council and these investments, we’re aligning all of our economic resources to create more jobs, faster for Californians in every community.”

APRIL 26, 1948 – FEBRUARY 9, 2024

On February 9, 2024, Dumas Martin, Jr., passed away at the age of 75-years-old. The community will gather to say their final farewell on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at The African American Museum of Beginnings located at 1460 E Holt Avenue, Suite 188, Pomona, CA 91767. Everyone will start assembling at 10 a.m. prior to the start of the memorial at 11 a.m.

By Tanu Henry ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

On March 7, President Biden delivered his third State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress.

In the wide-ranging and impassioned speech that covered broad political ground, Biden defended Democracy at home and abroad, drawing policy distinctions with his predecessor and probable opponent in the upcoming November elections, Donald Trump.

From global wars between Russia and Ukraine to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, moving on to wedge issues at home like abortion, the economy and immigration, Biden challenged his Republican opponents on the issues while highlighting his achievements.

“This is a moment to speak the truth and to bury the lies. Here’s the simple truth: You can’t love your country only when you win. As I’ve done ever since being elected to office, I ask all of you, without regard to party, to join together and defend democracy,” Biden said.

“Remember your oath of office and defend against all threats foreign and domestic,” the President added. “Respect free and fair elections. Restore trust in our institutions. And make clear — political violence has absolutely no place, no place in America. Zero place.”

During the speech and after, California officials reacted to the President’s message.

“The President’s State of the Union speech was a powerful reminder that government can be a force for good. Over the last three years, President Biden has been a defender of our freedoms, a champion of our democracy, and an advocate for our progress,” said Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.).

“He has done the hard work, securing victories that have led to historic job creation and record low unemployment. Americans in cities and towns across the country – including those in California – are better off today than the day he took office. I am proud to partner with an Administration that doesn’t shy away from taking on our most pressing challenges, and faces our future with urgency and resolve,” she added.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) praised Biden for seeking a political solution to the conflict in the Middle East and committing to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“I’m pleased President Biden underscored the dire need to secure a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine. However, as I’ve said several times, in order to reach that goal, the U.S. must call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire,” said Lee. “Each day that Palestinians continue to suffer from famine, violence, and displacement is a tragedy. President Biden’s plan to construct a port for large-scale aid flow is a vital step in the right direction to ending this dire humanitarian catastrophe, but we cannot stop here. The release of hostages is imperative. The lasting peace and security of the Israelis and Palestinians depends on a ceasefire and a hostage deal now.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said he celebrates the President’s decision to support students at different stages of their educational attainment.

“The President’s call to ensure that every three- and four-year-old has access to preschool and to ensure that every child learns to read by third grade echo our work to invest in early learning, reading specialists, and proven professional development for teachers of literacy,” said Thurmond.  

He also touted the President’s plan to support opening career pathways for students to career opportunities.

“President Biden also called for more access to internships so that all students can discover their passions and develop career-ready skills,” said Thurmond. “I am proud of our work to invest in paid internships for our young people, which directly connect California youth with opportunities in high-growth, high-wage industries.”

Reacting to the President’s speech, Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement affirming the President’s accomplishments and crediting him for investing in programs that have transformed the lives of people and improved infrastructure in Los Angeles.

“With President Biden’s partnership, more than 3,365 Angelenos moved into permanent housing through emergency housing vouchers delivered through his American Rescue Plan and the administration provided historic waivers to cut through bureaucracy and moved more formerly unhoused Angelenos indoors,” Bass said.

“In the midst of a global pandemic, the Biden-Harris Administration also provided relief for local small businesses and helped the city keep essential workers on the payroll and continue delivering critical services,” Bass added.

Biden urged Americans to stand up for America’s ideals.

“Hate, anger, revenge, retribution are the oldest of ideas. But you can’t lead America with ancient ideas that only take us back. To lead America, the land of possibilities, you need a vision for the future and what can and should be done. Tonight, you’ve heard mine,” said Biden.

“I see a future where in defending democracy, you don’t diminish it. I see a future where we restore the right to choose and protect other freedoms, not take them away,” he said.